bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting Project Re‐Engineered Discharge (RED): The Impact of a Pharmacist Telephone Intervention on Hospital Readmission Rates
Authors: Sanchez Gail M. , Douglass Mark A. , Mancuso Michelle A.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

Project Re‐Engineered Discharge is a discharge nurse education (DNE) and pharmacist follow‐up telephone intervention protocol that was shown to decrease rehospitalization significantly. The specific value of the pharmacist intervention was not originally evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a pharmacist telephone intervention during the transition of care process on the rate of unplanned hospitalization within 30 days of patient discharge.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was completed for patients who received DNE counseling and were discharged to home from the family medicine service at Boston Medical Center from July 2012 to May 2013. Patients were stratified into two groups: contacted/intervention and unable to contact/no intervention. The primary outcome was the rate of unplanned hospital utilization including emergency department visits and readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Secondary end points included number of pharmacist interventions and time spent on phone calls.

Results

A total of 401 patients were identified; 277 patients received a pharmacist telephone intervention, and 124 patients were unable to be contacted. Baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups, with the exception of a higher prevalence of substance abuse in the nonintervention group (41.9% vs 21.3%, p<0.001). The rate of unplanned hospitalization (visits/patient) was significantly reduced in the intervention group, compared with the unable‐to‐contact group (0.227 vs 0.519, p<0.001). Pharmacists made a total of 128 interventions and spent an average of 22 minutes on each telephone intervention.

Conclusion

Patients unable to be contacted by a pharmacist after hospital discharge were more likely to be readmitted or visit the emergency department in the 30 days following discharge. A pharmacist telephone intervention as part of a comprehensive discharge protocol can have a positive impact on patients during the transition of care process by reducing incidence of unplanned hospital utilization.
Estimating the Impact of Adherence to and Persistence with Atypical Antipsychotic Therapy on Health Care Costs and Risk of Hospitalization
Authors: Jiang Yawen , Ni Weiyi
Published: September 2015

Study Objective

To estimate the impact of adherence to and persistence with atypical antipsychotics on health care costs and risk of hospitalization by controlling potential sources of endogeneity.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using medical and pharmacy claims data.

Data Source

Humana health care insurance database.

Patients

A total of 32,374 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and who had a prescription for noninjectable atypical antipsychotics (aripiprazole, asenapine, clozapine, iloperidone, lurasidone, olanzapine, paliperidone, quetiapine, risperidone, or ziprasidone), after a washout period of at least 180 days during which there was no use of any atypical antipsychotics, between January 2007 and June 2013.

Measurements and Main Results

The effects of adherence (proportion of days covered by all atypical antipsychotic prescription fills) to and persistence (time from initiation to discontinuation of therapy) with atypical antipsychotics on outcomes (all‐cause total health care costs, medication costs, medical services costs, and inpatient admissions) were examined. To exclude potential bias due to mutual causality between drug use patterns and health care utilization, the effects of adherence and persistence measured in the first year on outcomes measured in the second year were investigated. Instrumental variable regressions using reimbursement rate and mail order as instrumental variables were conducted to correct potential endogeneity due to omitted variable bias. Being adherent decreased total costs by $19,497 (p<0.05), increased medication costs by $8194 (p<0.001), decreased medical services costs by $27,664 (p<0.001), and reduced hospitalization risk by 27% (p<0.001). Being persistent decreased individual total costs by $23,927 (p<0.05), increased medication costs by $10,278 (p<0.001), and decreased medical services costs by $34,178 (p<0.001). We could not identify a significant association between persistence and the risk of hospitalization.

Conclusion

Good adherence to and persistence with atypical antipsychotics led to lower total costs than poor adherence and persistence. Thus efforts should be made to improve adherence and persistence in patients taking atypical antipsychotics.
Drafting the proteome landscape of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells
Authors: Gato María , Blanco‐Luquin Idoia , Zudaire Maribel , de Morentin Xabier Martínez , Perez‐Valderrama Estela , Zabaleta Aintzane , Kochan Grazyna , Escors David , Fernandez‐Irigoyen Joaquín , Santamaría Enrique
Published: September 2015

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of cells that are defined by their myeloid origin, immature state, and ability to potently suppress T‐cell responses. They regulate immune responses and the population significantly increases in the tumor microenvironment of patients with glioma and other malignant tumors. For their study, MDSCs are usually isolated from the spleen or directly of tumors from a large number of tumor‐bearing mice although promising ex vivo differentiated MDSC production systems have been recently developed. During the last years, proteomics has emerged as a powerful approach to analyze MDSCs proteomes using shotgun‐based mass spectrometry (MS), providing functional information about cellular homeostasis and metabolic state at a global level. Here, we will revise recent proteome profiling studies performed in MDSCs from different origins. Moreover, we will perform an integrative functional analysis of the protein compilation derived from these large‐scale proteomic studies in order to obtain a comprehensive view of MDSCs biology. Finally, we will also discuss the potential application of high‐throughput proteomic approaches to study global proteome dynamics and post‐translational modifications (PTMs) during the differentiation process of MDSCs that will greatly boost the identification of novel MDSC‐specific therapeutic targets to apply in cancer immunotherapy.
Significance of miscibility in multidonor bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Hartmeier Benjamin F. , Brady Michael A. , Treat Neil D. , Robb Maxwell J. , Mates Thomas E. , Hexemer Alexander , Wang Cheng , Hawker Craig J. , Kramer Edward J. , Chabinyc Michael L.
Published: September 2015

Ternary organic blends have potential in realizing efficient bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells by harvesting a larger portion of the solar spectrum than binary blends. Several challenging requirements, based on the electronic structure of the components of the ternary blend and their nanoscale morphology, need to be met in order to achieve high power conversion efficiency in ternary BHJs. The properties of a model ternary system comprising two donor polymers, poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and a furan‐containing, diketopyrrolopyrrole‐thiophene low‐bandgap polymer (PDPP2FT), with a fullerene acceptor, PC61BM, were examined. The relative miscibility of PC61BM with P3HT and PDPP2FT was examined using diffusion with dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry (dynamic SIMS) measurements. Grazing incidence small and wide angle X‐ray scattering analysis (GISAXS and GIWAXS) were used to study the morphology of the ternary blends. These measurements, along with optoelectronic characterization of ternary blend solar cells, indicate that the miscibility of the fullerene acceptor and donor polymers is a critical factor in the performance in a ternary cell. A guideline that the miscibility of the fullerene in the two polymers should be matched is proposed and further substantiated by examination of known well‐performing ternary blends. The ternary blending of semiconducting components can improve the power conversion efficiency of bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics. The blending of P3HT and PDPP2FT with PC61BM leads to good absorptive coverage of the incident solar spectrum and cascading transport energy levels. The performance of this ternary blend reveals the impact of the miscibility of PC61BM in each polymer as a function of composition, highlighting an important factor for optimization of ternary BHJs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 237–246
Implementing evidence‐based psychological treatments for cancer patients
Authors: Williams Kristen C. , Brothers Brittany M. , Ryba Marlena M. , Andersen Barbara L.
Published: September 2015

Objective

New regulations and guidelines require implementation of screening and evidence based psychological treatment (EBT) for cancer patients, but little research exists to assist psychosocial care providers with implementation. This study aimed to develop a conceptual framework for community providers to consider as they embark on implementation of EBTs.

Methods

Full‐time psychosocial care providers received dissemination training in delivery of a cancer‐specific EBT and then received implementation support. Qualitative data were collected in two phases. In Phase I, after training, trainees (N = 52) participated in six monthly group conference calls with six to eight trainees and EBT trainers. Qualitative data from the calls were analyzed using a grounded theory paradigm. In Phase II, the resultant framework was piloted with additional trainees (N = 73) during EBT training to prompt early planning for implementation at their home institutions.

Results

In Phase I, themes of ‘person’ (i.e. attitudes, vocalizations, and behaviors of others) and ‘environment’ factors (i.e. material, monetary, and time resources of organizations) affecting implementation emerged. It appeared that both factors influenced how easily barriers could be addressed, although positive person factors also appeared to positively influence environment factors. In Phase II, trainees found the framework acceptable and considered it when generating solutions for implementation challenges.

Conclusions

The framework suggests tailoring implementation efforts to consider person and environment factors. As person support is developed, resource limitations of the environment may be more easily addressed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Platelet proteomics in thalassemia: Factors responsible for hypercoagulation
Authors: Karmakar Shilpita , Banerjee Debasis , Chakrabarti Abhijit
Published: September 2015

Purpose

Thalassemias can be defined as a group with inherited hemolytic anemia due to differential expressions of α and β globin genes. Hemoglobin E combined with β thalassemia (HbEβ) creates high oxidative stress in platelets producing different degrees of pathophysiological severity. Numerous cases of thalassemia have been reported with thromboembolic complications due to the hypercoagulable state, the mechanism underlying that is not yet well understood.

Experimental design

We have used 2DE and DIGE coupled with MALDI TOF/TOF‐based MS identification and characterization of altered proteins in both splenectomized and nonsplenectomized HbEβ and β thalassemia to investigate the factors responsible for hypercoagulation.

Results

The study revealed elevated levels of chaperones like HSP70, protein disulfide isomerase; oxidative stress proteins like peroxiredoxin2 and superoxide dismutase1 along with high ROS levels. Upregulation of translation initiation factor 5a observed in thalassemia is a novel finding and plays a protective role toward cell survival under oxidative stress.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The altered levels of chaperones and oxidative stress proteins indicate toward regulation of integrin binding and platelet activation under oxidative stress. Altogether, this comparative proteomics study of platelets in thalassemia could provide an insight into better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease.
Insert engineering and solubility screening improves recovery of virus‐like particle subunits displaying hydrophobic epitopes
Authors: Abidin R. S. , Lua L. H. L. , Middelberg A. P. J. , Sainsbury F.
Published: September 2015

The Polyomavirus coat protein, VP1 has been developed as an epitope presentation system able to provoke humoral immunity against a variety of pathogens, such as Influenza and Group A Streptococcus. The ability of the system to carry cytotoxic T cell epitopes on a surface‐exposed loop and the impact on protein solubility has not been examined. Four variations of three selected epitopes were cloned into surface‐exposed loops of VP1, and expressed in Escherichia coli. VP1 pentamers, also known as capsomeres, were purified via a glutathione‐S‐transferase tag. Size exclusion chromatography indicated severe aggregation of the recombinant VP1 during enzymatic tag removal resulting from the introduction the hydrophobic epitopes. Inserts were modified to possess double aspartic acid residues at each end of the hydrophobic epitopes and a high‐throughput buffer condition screen was implemented with protein aggregation monitored during tag removal by spectrophotometry and dynamic light scattering. These analyses showed that the insertion of charged residues at the extremities of epitopes could improve solubility of capsomeres and revealed multiple windows of opportunity for further condition optimization. A combination of epitope design, pH optimization, and the additive l‐arginine permitted the recovery of soluble VP1 pentamers presenting hydrophobic epitopes and their subsequent assembly into virus‐like particles.
Implications of aromatic–aromatic interactions: From protein structures to peptide models
Authors: Makwana Kamlesh Madhusudan , Mahalakshmi Radhakrishnan
Published: September 2015

With increasing structural information on proteins, the opportunity to understand physical forces governing protein folding is also expanding. One of the significant non‐covalent forces between the protein side chains is aromatic–aromatic interactions. Aromatic interactions have been widely exploited and thoroughly investigated in the context of folding, stability, molecular recognition, and self‐assembly processes. Through this review, we discuss the contribution of aromatic interactions to the activity and stability of thermophilic, mesophilic, and psychrophilic proteins. Being hydrophobic, aromatic amino acids tend to reside in the protein hydrophobic interior or transmembrane segments of proteins. In such positions, it can play a diverse role in soluble and membrane proteins, and in α‐helix and β‐sheet stabilization. We also highlight here some excellent investigations made using peptide models and several approaches involving aryl–aryl interactions, as an increasingly popular strategy in protein and peptide engineering. A recent survey described the existence of aromatic clusters (trimer, tetramer, pentamer, and higher order assemblies), revealing the self‐associating property of aryl groups, even in folded protein structures. The application of this self‐assembly of aromatics in the generation of modern bionanomaterials is also discussed.
Extension of a protein docking algorithm to membranes and applications to amyloid precursor protein dimerization
Authors: Viswanath Shruthi , Dominguez Laura , Foster Leigh S. , Straub John E. , Elber Ron
Published: September 2015

Novel adjustments are introduced to the docking algorithm, DOCK/PIERR, for the purpose of predicting structures of transmembrane protein complexes. Incorporating knowledge about the membrane environment is shown to significantly improve docking accuracy. The extended version of DOCK/PIERR is shown to perform comparably to other leading docking packages. This membrane version of DOCK/PIERR is applied to the prediction of coiled‐coil homodimer structures of the transmembrane region of the C‐terminal peptide of amyloid precursor protein (C99). Results from MD simulation of the C99 homodimer in POPC bilayer and docking are compared. Docking results are found to capture key aspects of the homodimer ensemble, including the existence of three topologically distinct conformers. Furthermore, the extended version of DOCK/PIERR is successful in capturing the effects of solvation in membrane and micelle. Specifically, DOCK/PIERR reproduces essential differences in the homodimer ensembles simulated in POPC bilayer and DPC micelle, where configurational entropy and surface curvature effects bias the handedness and topology of the homodimer ensemble. Proteins 2015; 83:2170–2185. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stably stratified air‐flow over a waved water surface. Part 2: Wave‐induced pre‐turbulent motions
Authors: Druzhinin O. A. , Troitskaya Y. I. , Zilitinkevich S. S.
Published: September 2015

Recent experimental and direct numerical simulation (DNS) studies have discovered that stably stratified boundary‐layer turbulence over a flat surface is characterized by the critical Reynolds number, ReL, based on the Obukhov turbulent length‐scale and the friction velocity, such that the transition from turbulent to laminar regime occurs at ReL ≈ 102. We have performed DNS of stably stratified flows over both flat and waved surfaces for a wide range of bulk Reynolds numbers and Richardson numbers and revealed that the same threshold, ReL = 102, holds true over waved surfaces. However, when the surface wave slope is sufficiently steep, the supercritically stratified flow involves wave‐induced, ‘pre‐turbulent’ flow patterns, most pronounced in the vicinity of the waved water surface. In the present article, we study basic properties of these motions through DNS and propose a theoretical model of their generation via secondary parametric resonance instability of two‐dimensional disturbances induced in the air‐flow by the surface waves.
The sharing economy
Authors: Bowman Jo
Published: September 2015

Data analytics can help businesses help consumers‒but there must be an honest discussion about the sharing of information, IBM’s Marie Wallace tells Jo Bowman
Steady as she grows
Authors: Bowman Jo
Published: September 2015

An industry in flux makes small but solid gains
Smart Data
Authors: Knowles Roddy , Courtright Melanie
Published: September 2015

Capturing Shopper Insights at the Point of Experience
2014 Growth Spurt for the World's Top‐25 Largest Companies
Authors: Bowers Diane
Published: September 2015

The growth rate for the top‐25 companies in 2014 showed a marked improvement over the previous two years.
Effect of silicon dioxide/nanoclay on the properties of jute fiber/polyethylene biocomposites
Authors: Rahman Md. Mizanur , Rahman Md. Rezaur , Hamdan Sinin , Hossen Md. Faruk , Lai Josephine Chang Hui , Liew Fui Kiew
Published: September 2015

In this study, (jute fiber)/polyethylene biocomposites were prepared by using a hot press machine. Jute fiber was investigated as a reinforcing filler material for producing structural composites with better environmental performance. The effects of clay and silica addition on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of (jute fiber)‐reinforced polyethylene biocomposites with different fiber loadings (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were investigated. The biocomposites were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The composite surface area and pore volume were determined by using the Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller equation. The mechanical properties were investigated by using a Universal Testing Machine. Because of Si‐O‐Si stretching vibration, the O‐H group from 3,200 to 3,400 cm−1 disappeared. The scanning electron microscopy results proved that a significant difference among the composites was present due to the interfacial bonding between the fiber and the matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 23:E107–E112, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dissolution of Soap Scum by Surfactants. Part III. Effect of Chelant Type on Equilibrium Solubility and Dissolution Rate of Calcium and Magnesium Soap Scums in Various Surfactant Systems
Authors: Itsadanont Sawwalak , Theptat Prariyada , Scamehorn John F. , Soontravanich Sukhwan , Sabatini David A. , Chavadej Sumaeth
Published: September 2015

Soap scum can be effectively removed by using an appropriate surfactant with a chelating agent at a high solution pH. The equilibrium solubilities and dissolution rates of two model soap scums [calcium stearate and magnesium stearate: Ca(C18)2 and Mg(C18)2] were investigated in aqueous solutions containing three different types of surfactants [methyl ester sulfonate (MES) as an anionic surfactant; alcohol ethoxylate (EO9) as a nonionic surfactant; and dimethyldodecylamine oxide (DDAO) as an amphoteric surfactant] in the presence of different biodegradable chelants: trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (Na3EDDS) and tetrasodium glutamate diacetic acid (Na4GLDA) compared with disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetate (Na2EDTA), a chelant with poor biodegradability. The highest equilibrium solubility and dissolution rate of either soap scum were observed at high pH in the DDAO system with Na4GLDA. In addition, the calcium soap scum had a similar to higher equilibrium solubility and a higher dissolution rate constant as compared with the magnesium soap scum.
A Comparison of the ISO and AACC Methods for Determining the Activity of Trypsin Inhibitors in Soybean Meal
Authors: Sueiro S. , Hermida M. , González M. , Lois A. , Rodríguez‐Otero J. L.
Published: September 2015

The international standard method for the determination of trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) in soya products, ISO 14902, was compared with the American Association of Cereal Chemists’ standard AACC 22‐40.01 as modified by Hamerstrand in 1981 (AACC‐based method), using soybean meals as matrices. TIA, expressed as milligram of inhibited trypsin per gram of sample, was determined by both methods in each of 30 samples of soybean meal. TIA values according to ISO 14902 were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than those afforded by the AACC‐based method. This difference, which means that AACC‐based method and ISO 14902 TIA values are not directly comparable, is attributable to between methods differences, in decreasing order of influence: particle size (P < 0.01), trypsin inhibitor extraction method (P < 0.05), and trypsin substrate (P < 0.01). N‐benzoyl‐l‐arginine‐4‐nitroanilide hydrochloride, the ISO 14902 trypsin substrate, affords TIA values 6.4 % higher than the racemic mixture used by the AACC method, but it seems unlikely that in most contexts this advantage would outweigh the disadvantage of its greater cost.
Psychobiology of threat appraisal in the context of psychotic experiences: A selective review
Authors: Underwood R. , Peters E. , Kumari V.
Published: September 2015

A key factor in the transition to psychosis is the appraisal of anomalous experiences as threatening. Cognitive models of psychosis have identified attentional and interpretative biases underlying threat-based appraisals. While much research has been conducted into these biases within the clinical and cognitive literature, little examination has occurred at the neural level. However, neurobiological research in social cognition employing threatening stimuli mirror cognitive accounts of maladaptive appraisal in psychosis. This review attempted to integrate neuroimaging data regarding social cognition in psychosis with the concepts of attentional and interpretative threat biases. Systematic review methodology was used to identify relevant articles from Medline, PsycINFO and EMBASE, and PubMed databases. The selective review showed that attentional and interpretative threat biases relate to abnormal activation of a range of subcortical and prefrontal structures, including the amygdala, insula, hippocampus, anterior cingulate, and prefrontal cortex, as well as disrupted connectivity between these regions, when processing threatening and neutral or ambiguous stimuli. Notably, neural findings regarding the misattribution of threat to neutral or ambiguous stimuli presented a more consistent picture. Overall, however, the findings for any specific emotion were mixed, both in terms of the specific brain areas involved and the direction of effects (increased/decreased activity), possibly owing to confounds including small sample sizes, varying experimental paradigms, medication, and heterogeneous, in some cases poorly characterised, patient groups. Further neuroimaging research examining these biases by employing experimentally induced anomalous perceptual experiences and well-characterised large samples is needed for greater aetiological specificity.
Suicidality in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: The Relationship to Hallucinations and Persecutory Delusions
Authors: Kjelby E. , Sinkeviciute I. , Gjestad R. , Kroken R.A. , Løberg E.-M. , Jørgensen H.A. , Hugdahl K. , Johnsen E.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Assessment of suicide risk is crucial in schizophrenia and results concerning risk contributed by hallucinations and persecutory delusions are inconsistent. We aimed to determine factors associated with suicidal ideation and plans at the time of acute admission in patients suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Methods:

One hundred and twenty-four patients older than 18 years admitted to an acute psychiatric ward due to psychosis were consecutively included. Predictors of suicidal ideation and suicide plans at the time of admission were examined with multinominal logistic regression and structural equation modelling (SEM). The study design was pragmatic, thus entailing a clinically relevant representation.

Results:

Depression Odds Ratio (OR) 12.9, Drug use OR 4.07, Hallucinations OR 2.55 and Negative symptoms OR 0.88 significantly predicted Suicidal ideation. Suspiciousness/ Persecution did not. Only Depression and Hallucinations significantly predicted Suicide plans. In the SEM-model Anxiety, Depression and Hopelessness connected Suspiciousness/Persecution, Hallucinations and Lack of insight with Suicidal ideation and Suicide plans.

Conclusions:

The study contributes to an increasing evidence base supporting an association between hallucinations and suicide risk. We want to emphasise the importance of treating depression and hallucinations in psychotic disorders, reducing hopelessness while working with insight and reducing drug abuse in order to lower suicide risk.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov ID; URL:http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT00932529.
The Measurement Invariance of Schizotypy in Europe
Authors: Fonseca-Pedrero E. , Ortuño-Sierra J. , Sierro G. , Daniel C. , Cella M. , Preti A. , Mohr C. , Mason O.J.
Published: September 2015

The short version of the Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (sO-LIFE) is a widely used measure assessing schizotypy. There is limited information, however, on how sO-LIFE scores compare across different countries. The main goal of the present study is to test the measurement invariance of the sO-LIFE scores in a large sample of non-clinical adolescents and young adults from four European countries (UK, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain). The scores were obtained from validated versions of the sO-LIFE in their respective languages. The sample comprised 4190 participants (M = 20.87 years; SD = 3.71 years). The study of the internal structure, using confirmatory factor analysis, revealed that both three (i.e., positive schizotypy, cognitive disorganisation, and introvertive anhedonia) and four-factor (i.e., positive schizotypy, cognitive disorganisation, introvertive anhedonia, and impulsive nonconformity) models fitted the data moderately well. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis showed that the three-factor model had partial strong measurement invariance across countries. Eight items were non-invariant across samples. Significant statistical differences in the mean scores of the s-OLIFE were found by country. Reliability scores, estimated with Ordinal alpha ranged from 0.75 to 0.87. Using the Item Response Theory framework, the sO-LIFE provides more accuracy information at the medium and high end of the latent trait. The current results show further evidence in support of the psychometric proprieties of the sO-LIFE, provide new information about the cross-cultural equivalence of schizotypy and support the use of this measure to screen for psychotic-like features and liability to psychosis in general population samples from different European countries.
Increased Affective Reactivity to Neutral Stimuli and Decreased Maintenance of Affective Responses in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Lemaire M. , El-Hage W. , Frangou S.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Affective dysregulation is a core feature of bipolar disorder (BD) and a significant predictor of clinical and functional outcome. Affective dysregulation can arise from abnormalities in multiple processes. This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding the precise nature of the processes that may be dysregulated in BD and their relationship to the clinical expression of the disorder.

Methods:

Patients with BD (n= 45) who were either in remission or in a depressive or manic state and healthy individuals (n= 101) were compared in terms of the intensity, duration and physiological response (measured using inter-beat intervals and skin conductance) to affective and neutral pictures during passive viewing and during experiential suppression.

Results:

Compared to healthy individuals, patients with BD evidenced increased affective reactivity to neutral pictures and reduced maintenance of subjective affective responses to all pictures. This pattern was present irrespective of clinical state but was more pronounced in symptomatic patients, regardless of polarity. Patients, regardless of symptomatic status, were comparable to healthy individuals in terms of physiological arousal and voluntary control of affective responses.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrates that increased affective reactivity to neutral stimuli and decreased maintenance of affective responses are key dimensions of affective dysregulation in BD.
No Correlation Between Rates of Suicidal Ideation and Completed Suicides in Europe: Analysis of 49,008 Participants (55+ Years) Based on the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)
Authors: Lukaschek K. , Engelhardt H. , Baumert J. , Ladwig K.-H.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Little is known about country-specific variations in suicidal ideation (SID) by sex and how they correspond with completed suicide rate. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess variations in SID prevalence rates by sex and its correlation to completed suicide rates across European countries.

Method:

SHARE is a cross-national European survey of individuals over the age of 50 and their spouse of any age. The present study relied on wave 4 conducted in 2010–2012 including 49,008 participants aged 55 to 104 years from 16 countries. SID was evaluated using a single item from the Euro-D. Data on completed suicide rates were taken from the WHO mortality database.

Results:

Of the study population (n= 49,008, 44.3% men, mean age 68.2 ± 9.1 years), a total of 4139 (8.5%, 95% CI 8.2–8.7) reported suicidal ideation within the last month. The women:men ratio in SID prevalence ranged from 1.30 in Estonia to 2.25 in Spain and Portugal. Regarding country-specific variation, the SID prevalence patterns of both men and women did not correspond to the completed suicide rates for males and females aged 55+ reported by the WHO (2013). Correlations were rather moderate in men (r= 0.45) and especially weak in women (r= 0.16).

Conclusion:

The study showed remarkable differences in SID prevalence by sex. The most exciting finding was that SID rates did not correspond with completed suicide rates in each country under investigation. However, the strength of these patterns substantially differs across countries. This unexpected finding need to be further evaluated.
Systematics and biodiversity of deep-sea sponges of the Atlanto-Mediterranean region
Authors: Xavier Joana R. , Cárdenas Paco , Cristobo Javier , Van Soest Rob , Rapp Hans Tore
Published: September 2015

Sponges are a key component of the deep-sea benthos, where they form structurally complex habitats and provide numerous ecosystem goods and services. However, there is still an enormous knowledge gap regarding the diversity, distribution and systematics of this group. This special volume presents the results of the 1st International Workshop on Taxonomy of Atlanto-Mediterranean Deep-Sea Sponges, whereby world experts worked together to start filling in this gap. Herein, new species are described, new sponge-dominated communities are reported, and diversity and distribution patterns are enlightened for this area.
Aurora Painting Pays Tribute to Civil War's End
Authors: Love Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2015

Frederic Edwin Church's 1865 arctic landscape, Aurora Borealis, is a beautiful depiction of nature. It might also be a memorial reflection on the end of the war.
Garrick-Bethell Receives 2015 Ronald Greeley Early Career Award in Planetary Science
Authors:   AGU
Published: September 2015

Ian Garrick-Bethell will receive the 2015 Ronald Greeley Early Career Award in Planetary Science at the 2015 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes significant early-career contributions to planetary science.
National Academies Report Urges Fewer Regulations on Federally Funded Research
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: September 2015

Time spent on lengthy proposals and frequent reporting on progress takes away from valuable research and education.
Chiral surface waves supported by biaxial hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Gao Wen-Long , Fang Feng-Zhou , Liu Yong-Min , Zhang Shuang
Published: September 2015

We discover a new kind of surface wave on biaxial hyperbolic metamaterial, which, in the k-space, connects the two diabolical points (or conical singularities) of the equifrequency surface. Interestingly, the propagation of such surface wave is found to be sensitive to the refractive index of the surrounding dielectric medium, showing a convex, concave or flat phase front when the refractive index is varied. Furthermore, the surface wave shows an elliptically polarized state, in which helicity is dependent on the propagation direction. This feature can be utilized for the spin-controllable excitation of surface waves, opening a gateway towards integrated photonic circuits with reconfigurable functionalities.
Herbivory increases diversification across insect clades
Authors: Wiens John J. , Lapoint Richard T. , Whiteman Noah K.
Published: September 2015

Insects contain more than half of all living species, but the causes of their remarkable diversity remain poorly understood. Many authors have suggested that herbivory has accelerated diversification in many insect clades. However, others have questioned the role of herbivory in insect diversification. Here, we test the relationships between herbivory and insect diversification across multiple scales. We find a strong, positive relationship between herbivory and diversification among insect orders. However, herbivory explains less variation in diversification within some orders (Diptera, Hemiptera) or shows no significant relationship with diversification in others (Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera). Thus, we support the overall importance of herbivory for insect diversification, but also show that its impacts can vary across scales and clades. In summary, our results illuminate the causes of species richness patterns in a group containing most living species, and show the importance of ecological impacts on diversification in explaining the diversity of life.
Markers of T-cell senescence and physical frailty: insights from Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Studies
Authors: Ng Tze Pin , Camous Xavier , Nyunt Ma Shwe Zin , Vasudev Anusha , Tan Crystal Tze Ying , Feng Liang , Fulop Tamas , Yap Keng Bee , Larbi Anis
Published: September 2015

Background:

Elderly individuals have an eroded immune system but whether immune senescence is implicated with the development of frailty is unknown. The underlying immune mechanisms and the link between markers of senescence and physical frailty is not well established.

Methods:

We explored the association of specific T-cell subset markers of immune differentiation and senescence on CD4+ and CD8+ cells (CD28−, CD27− and CD57+) and the immune risk profile (inverted CD4/CD8 ratio <1) with physical frailty among 421 participants who were frail (N=32), prefrail (N=187) and robust (N=202) in the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study cohort.

Results:

In ordinal logistic regression models relating tertile category rank scores of immune biomarker with frailty status (robust, prefrail and frail), CD8+CD28−CD27+ (odds ratio (OR)=1.35, P=0.013), CD4+CD28−CD27+ (OR=1.29, P=0.025), CD8+CD28− (OR=1.31, P=0.022), and CD4/CD8 ratio (OR=1.27, P=0.026) were positively associated with frailty, controlling for age, sex and multimorbidity. CD4/CD8 ratio less than one was not associated with frailty (OR=0.84, P=0.64). In stepwise multinomial logistic regression controlling for age, sex and comorbidity, only CD8+CD28−CD27+ was the independent predictor of prefrailty: highest tertile of the immune marker significantly predicted prefrailty (versus low tertile, OR=1.72, P=0.037) and frailty (OR=2.56, P=0.06).

Conclusion:

The study supports the hypothetical role of immune senescence in physical frailty, particularly in regard to the observed loss of CD28 expression from both CD8+ cells and CD4+ cells, but not for CD27 or CD4/CD8 ratio as a marker of senescence. The potential of CD8+CD28−CD27+ as a biological marker of frailty should be further investigated in prospective studies.
Effects of viruses on bacterial functions under contrasting nutritional conditions for four species of bacteria isolated from Hong Kong waters
Authors: Liu Hao , Yuan Xiangcheng , Xu Jie , Harrison Paul J. , He Lei , Yin Kedong
Published: September 2015

Free living viruses are ubiquitous in marine waters and concentrations are usually several times higher than the bacterial abundance. These viruses are capable of lysing host bacteria and therefore, play an important role in the microbial loop in oligotrophic waters. However, few studies have been conducted to compare the role of viruses in regulating bacterial abundance and heterotrophic activities between natural oligotrophic waters and anthropogenic influenced eutrophic waters. In this study, we examined viral effects on bacterial functions of four single bacterial species incubated with natural viral assemblages in seawater samples from eutrophic and oligotrophic waters. The viral-lysis of bacteria was significantly higher in eutrophic than oligotrophic waters. This suggests that viruses were capable of controlling bacterial abundance, respiration and production in the eutrophic waters. Cellular bacterial respiration and production was higher with viruses than without viruses, which was more evident in the oligotrophic waters. These results indicate that viruses can slow down bacterial consumption of oxygen and reduce bacteria-induced eutrophication effects in anthropogenic eutrophic waters, but switch to the role of sustaining the bacterial population when nutrients are limiting. There were bacterial species differences in resisting viral attack, which can influence the dominance and biodiversity of bacterial species in coastal waters.
Isoform dependent regulation of human HCN channels by cholesterol
Authors: Fürst Oliver , D’Avanzo Nazzareno
Published: September 2015

Cholesterol has been shown to regulate numerous ion channels. HCN channels represent the molecular correlate of If or Ih in sinoatrial node (SAN) and neuronal cells. Previous studies have implicated a role for cholesterol in the regulation of rabbit HCN4 channels with effects on pacing in the rabbit SAN. Using electrophysiological and biochemical approaches, we examined the effect of cholesterol modulation on human HCN1, HCN2 and HCN4 isoforms. Patch-clamp experiments uncovered isoform specific differences in the effect of cholesterol on gating kinetics upon depletion by MβCD or mevastatin or enrichment using MβCD/cholesterol. Most dramatically cholesterol had isoform specific effects on mode-shifting, which has been suggested to play a key role in stabilizing firing rate and preventing arrhythmic firing in SAN cells and neurons. Mode-shifting in HCN1 channels was insensitive to cholesterol manipulation, while HCN2 and HCN4 were strongly affected. Trafficking of each isoform to the plasma membrane was also affected by cholesterol modulation differentially between isoforms, however, each isoform remained localized in lipid raft domains after cholesterol depletion. These effects may contribute to the side effects of cholesterol reducing therapies including disrupted heart rhythm and neuropathic pain, as well as the susceptibility of sinus dysfunction in patients with elevated cholesterol.
In-plane tunnelling field-effect transistor integrated on Silicon
Authors: Fina Ignasi , Apachitei Geanina , Preziosi Daniele , Deniz Hakan , Kriegner Dominik , Marti Xavier , Alexe Marin
Published: September 2015

Silicon has persevered as the primary substrate of microelectronics during last decades. During last years, it has been gradually embracing the integration of ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism. The successful incorporation of these two functionalities to silicon has delivered the desired non-volatility via charge-effects and giant magneto-resistance. On the other hand, there has been a numerous demonstrations of the so-called magnetoelectric effect (coupling between ferroelectric and ferromagnetic order) using nearly-perfect heterostructures. However, the scrutiny of the ingredients that lead to magnetoelectric coupling, namely magnetic moment and a conducting channel, does not necessarily require structural perfection. In this work, we circumvent the stringent requirements for epilayers while preserving the magnetoelectric functionality in a silicon-integrated device. Additionally, we have identified an in-plane tunnelling mechanism which responds to a vertical electric field. This genuine electroresistance effect is distinct from known resistive-switching or tunnel electro resistance.
Quantum key distribution over 120 km using ultrahigh purity single-photon source and superconducting single-photon detectors
Authors: Takemoto Kazuya , Nambu Yoshihiro , Miyazawa Toshiyuki , Sakuma Yoshiki , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi , Yorozu Shinichi , Arakawa Yasuhiko
Published: September 2015

Advances in single-photon sources (SPSs) and single-photon detectors (SPDs) promise unique applications in the field of quantum information technology. In this paper, we report long-distance quantum key distribution (QKD) by using state-of-the-art devices: a quantum-dot SPS (QD SPS) emitting a photon in the telecom band of 1.5 μm and a superconducting nanowire SPD (SNSPD). At the distance of 100 km, we obtained the maximal secure key rate of 27.6 bps without using decoy states, which is at least threefold larger than the rate obtained in the previously reported 50-km-long QKD experiment. We also succeeded in transmitting secure keys at the rate of 0.307 bps over 120 km. This is the longest QKD distance yet reported by using known true SPSs. The ultralow multiphoton emissions of our SPS and ultralow dark count of the SNSPD contributed to this result. The experimental results demonstrate the potential applicability of QD SPSs to practical telecom QKD networks.
Social Networks of Educated Nematodes
Authors: Willett Denis S. , Alborn Hans T. , Duncan Larry W. , Stelinski Lukasz L.
Published: September 2015

Entomopathogenic nematodes are obligate lethal parasitoids of insect larvae that navigate a chemically complex belowground environment while interacting with their insect hosts, plants and each other. In this environment, prior exposure to volatile compounds appears to prime nematodes in a compound specific manner, increasing preference for volatiles they previously were exposed to and decreasing attraction to other volatiles. In addition, persistence of volatile exposure influences this response. Longer exposure not only increases preference, but also results in longer retention of that preference. These entomopathogenic nematodes display interspecific social behavioral plasticity; experienced nematodes influence the behavior of different species. This interspecific social behavioral plasticity suggests a mechanism for rapid adaptation of belowground communities to dynamic environments.
Millisecond newly born pulsars as efficient accelerators of electrons
Authors: Osmanov Zaza , Mahajan Swadesh , Machabeli George , Chkheidze Nino
Published: September 2015

The newly born millisecond pulsars are investigated as possible energy sources for creating ultra-high energy electrons. The transfer of energy from the star rotation to high energy electrons takes place through the Landau damping of centrifugally driven (via a two stream instability) electrostatic Langmuir waves. Generated in the bulk magnetosphere plasma, such waves grow to high amplitudes and then damp, very effectively, on relativistic electrons driving them to even higher energies. We show that the rate of transfer of energy is so efficient that no energy losses might affect the mechanism of particle acceleration; the electrons might achieve energies of the order of 1018 eV for parameters characteristic of a young star.
Transcriptome and gene expression analysis of DHA producer Aurantiochytrium under low temperature conditions
Authors: Ma Zengxin , Tan Yanzhen , Cui Guzhen , Feng Yingang , Cui Qiu , Song Xiaojin
Published: September 2015

Aurantiochytrium is a promising docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production candidate due to its fast growth rate and high proportions of lipid and DHA content. In this study, high-throughput RNA sequencing technology was employed to explore the acclimatization of this DHA producer under cold stress at the transcriptional level. The overall de novo assembly of the cDNA sequence data generated 29,783 unigenes, with an average length of 1,200 bp. In total, 13,245 unigenes were annotated in at least one database. A comparative genomic analysis between normal conditions and cold stress revealed that 2,013 genes were differentially expressed during the growth stage, while 2,071 genes were differentially expressed during the lipid accumulation stage. Further functional categorization and analyses showed some differentially expressed genes were involved in processes crucial to cold acclimation, such as signal transduction, cellular component biogenesis and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. A brief survey of the transcripts obtained in response to cold stress underlines the survival strategy of Aurantiochytrium; of these transcripts, many directly or indirectly influence the lipid composition. This is the first study to perform a transcriptomic analysis of the Aurantiochytrium under low temperature conditions. Our results will help to enhance DHA production by Aurantiochytrium in the future.
Phase diagram and spin mixing dynamics in spinor condensates with a microwave dressing field
Authors: Huang Yixiao , Zhong Wei , Sun Zhe , Hu Zheng-Da
Published: September 2015

Spinor condensates immersed in a microwave dressing field, which access both negative and positive values of the net quadratic Zeeman effect, have been realized in a recent experiment. In this report, we study the ground state properties of a spinor condensate with a microwave dressing field which enables us to access both negative and positive values of quadratic Zeeman energy. The ground state exhibits three different phases by varying the magnetization and the net quadratic Zeeman energy for both cases of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions. We investigate the atomic-number fluctuations of the ground state and show that the hyperfine state displays super-Poissonian and sub-Poissonian distributions in the different phases. We also discuss the dynamical properties and show that the separatrix has a remarkable relation to the magnetization.