FC Patterns Research Articles

The Positive Brain - Resting State Functional Connectivity in Highly Vital and Flourishing Individuals.

The World Health Organization has defined health as “complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (World Health Organization, 1948). An increasing number of studies have therefore started to investigate “the good life.” However, the underlying variation in brain activity has rarely been examined. The goal of this study was to assess differences in resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) between regular healthy individuals and healthy individuals with a high occurrence of flourishing and subjective vitality. Together, flourishing, a broad measure of psycho-social functioning and subjective vitality, an organismic marker of subjective well-being comprise the phenomenological opposite of a major depressive disorder. Out of a group of 43 participants, 20 high-flourishing (highFl) and 18 high-vital (highSV) individuals underwent a 7-min resting state period, where cortical activity in posterior brain areas was assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Network-based statistics (NBS) of FC yielded significantly different FC patterns for the highFl and highSV individuals compared to their healthy comparison group. The networks converged at areas of the posterior default mode network and differed in hub nodes in the left middle temporal/fusiform gyrus (flourishing) and the left primary/secondary somatosensory cortex (subjective vitality). The attained networks are discussed with regard to recent neuroscientific findings for other well-being measures and potential mechanisms of action based on social information processing and body-related self-perception.

Eddy Covariance measurements and source partitioning of CO2 emissions in an urban environment: Application for Heraklion, Greece

Cities are now becoming the focus for CO2 emission reduction efforts worldwide and there is a growing need for establishing emission inventories, developing methodologies for improved CO2 monitoring and understanding of the multiple source, sink and storage processes inside the complex urban environment. This study combines Eddy Covariance (EC) measurements of CO2 flux (FC) during one year period over the city centre of Heraklion with analytical morphological and land cover data to achieve a thorough investigation of the spatiotemporal variability and the controlling factors of FC in the urban setting. The detailed characterization of the urban land cover and 3D structure was performed using high resolution Earth Observation data. The urban morphological data was used to parameterize a turbulent flux source area model and the land cover data used to analyse the contribution of the source area components to the measured FC. Heraklion FC does not present any specific seasonal trend according to the meteorological or vegetation changes throughout the year. Heraklion centre behaves as a net emitter diurnally and throughout the year. The diurnal variability presents a standard pattern in weekdays with a major peak in midday and a secondary in afternoon, clearly following the traffic rush-hour peaks. Space heating emissions during winter remain low, hardly affecting the seasonal and diurnal FC patterns. The main CO2 sources are the major roads and the intersections, where the heavy traffic is located. The source area analysis revealed that traffic contributes 69% to the estimated annual CO2 emissions. Space heating contributes only 11.6%, while human metabolism is estimated to contribute 19.4%. Vegetation cover of the source area is very low and was assumed to have minor effect to the annual FC budget. The estimated total annual emissions of Heraklion case study reach 19.4 kg CO2 m−2 y−1.

Abnormal Global Functional Connectivity Patterns in Medication-Free Major Depressive Disorder.

Mounting studies have applied resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to study major depressive disorder (MDD) and have identified abnormal functional activities. However, how the global functional connectivity patterns change in MDD is still unknown. Using rs-fMRI, we investigated the alterations of global resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) patterns in MDD using weighted global brain connectivity (wGBC) method. First, a whole brain voxel-wise wGBC map was calculated for 23 MDD patients and 34 healthy controls. Two-sample t-tests were applied to compare the wGBC and RSFC maps and the significant level was set at p < 0.05, cluster-level correction with voxel-level p < 0.001. MDD patients showed significantly decreased wGBC in left temporal pole (TP) and increased wGBC in right parahippocampus (PHC). Subsequent RSFC analyses showed decreased functional interaction between TP and right posterior superior temporal cortex and increased functional interaction between PHC and right inferior frontal gyrus in MDD patients. These results revealed the abnormal global FC patterns and its corresponding disrupted functional connectivity in MDD. Our findings present new evidence for the functional interruption in MDD.

PTRAPs: Transmembrane adaptors in innate immune signaling.

Transmembrane adaptor proteins (TRAPs) are protein scaffolds and signaling regulators with established roles in signal-induced activation of lymphocytes. A subset of the TRAP family, the palmitoylated TRAPs (pTRAPs), are increasingly emerging with additional roles in innate immune cells. Targeted to lipid rafts, tetraspannin-enriched microdomains, and protein microclusters in membranes, pTRAP scaffolds exert spatiotemporal regulation by recruiting signaling kinases, particularly Src and Syk family members, as well as Csk, and other effectors. In this way, pTRAPs modulate signaling and influence resulting cell responses, including the selective output of inflammatory cytokines and other mediators. Here, we review studies revealing that different pTRAPs work together, often with overlapping or redundant roles, for positive and negative regulation of key innate immune pathways, including Fc receptor and pattern recognition receptor signaling. Recent findings show that pTRAPs can bind directly to innate immune receptors, in addition to other transmembrane binding partners. Thus, pTRAPs are important, multifunctional scaffolds in pathways that are fundamental to diverse innate immune responses.

Clinically silent Alzheimer's and vascular pathologies influence brain networks supporting executive function in healthy older adults

Aging is associated with declines in executive function. We examined how executive functional brain systems are influenced by clinically silent Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and cerebral white-matter hyperintensities (WMHs). Twenty-nine younger adults and 34 cognitively normal older adults completed a working memory paradigm while functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Older adults further underwent lumbar cerebrospinal fluid draw for the assessment of AD pathology and FLAIR imaging for the assessment of WMHs. Accurate working memory performance in both age groups was associated with high fronto-visual functional connectivity (fC). However, in older adults, higher expression of fronto-visual fC was linked with lower levels of clinically silent AD pathology. In addition, AD pathology and WMHs were each independently related to increased functional magnetic resonance imaging response in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a pattern associated with slower task performance. Our results suggest that clinically silent AD pathology is related to lower expression of a fronto-visual fC pattern supporting executive task performance. Further, our findings suggest that AD pathology and WMHs appear to be linked with ineffective increases in frontal response in CN older adults.

Non-growing season soil CO2 efflux patterns in five land-use types in northern China

Heavy grazing and unsuitable farming practices have led to grassland degradation in northern China. This study examined soil CO2 efflux (Fc) from five land-use types during the non-growing season on the southeastern edge of the Mongolian Plateau in China. The land-use types included three native vegetation steppes subjected to differing stocking rates [ungrazed (UG), moderately grazed (MG) and heavily grazed (HG)], a fertilized annual cropland (CL) and a perennial pasture (PP) used for haying and winter grazing. Values of Fc were measured at 3-day to 2-week intervals during the non-growing season in two contrasting hydrological years (2012-13 and 2013-14) using closed chambers. The Fc during 1 Oct. 2013 to 30 April 2014 averaged 475 mg C m−2 for all sites compared to a significantly (P < 0.05) lower Fc (102 mg C m−2) during 1 Oct. 2012 to 30 April 2013. The seasonal Fc patterns followed the same trend during the two non-growing seasons with greater Fc observed in the autumn and spring freeze-thaw periods compared to the winter permanently frozen period, which accounted for 4.8% of accumulated total non-growing season Fc. The heavily grazed site showed less soil CO2 efflux compared to UG, MG, PP and CL land-use types due to a larger reduction in gross primary productivity (GPP) compared to ecosystem respiration. Grazing reduced Fc by 23% for MG and 32% for HG compared to UG. Soil CO2 efflux from the PP land-use type, which was grazed during the non-growing season, was 23% greater than that from the UG and CL land-use types. Air temperature during the non-growing season was the main factor controlling soil CO2 efflux (R2 = 0.40, P < 0.001), although soil water content also played a role. Precipitation received during the growing season had a large legacy effect on Fc. Annual weather variation overshadowed the influence of land-use types on Fc.

Evidence for reduced efficiency and successful compensation in older adults during task switching

Older adults often show different functional activation patterns than younger adults in prefrontal cortex (PFC) when performing cognitive control tasks. These differences include age-related increases in PFC activation magnitude and reorganized PFC functional connectivity (fC) patterns. However, it remains unclear whether age-related alterations in brain activation patterns reflect a positive mechanism (e.g., compensatory response) or a sign of brain dysfunction (e.g., reduced efficiency). Here we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare PFC activation magnitudes and PFC connectivity patterns between younger and older adult groups during performance of a task switching paradigm. Results indicated age-related increases both in PFC activation magnitudes and in PFC fC with inferotemporal (IT) regions. However, these age-related fMRI increases were differentially associated with task performance. Whereas increased PFC activation magnitudes tended to be either unrelated to task RT or associated with poorer task performance, increased PFC-IT connectivity was associated with better task performance in older adults. Our results suggest that age-related reductions in efficiency and successful compensation can co-exist in older adults in the context of the same task.

Resting-state functional connectivity of the nucleus accumbens in auditory and visual hallucinations in schizophrenia.

Both auditory hallucinations (AH) and visual hallucinations may occur in schizophrenia. One of the main hypotheses underlying their occurrence involves the increased activity of the mesolimbic pathway, which links the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). However, the precise contribution of the mesolimbic pathway in hallucinations across various sensory modalities has not yet been explored. We compared the resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) of the NAcc among 16 schizophrenia patients with pure AH, 15 with both visuoauditory hallucinations (VAH), and 14 without hallucinations (NoH). A between-group comparison was performed using random-effects ANCOVA (rs-FC of the bilateral NAcc as the dependent variable, groups as the between-subjects factor, age and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores as covariates; q(false discovery rate [FDR]) < .05). Compared to the NoH group, the AH group exhibited significantly enhanced NAcc rs-FC with the left temporal superior gyrus, the cingulate gyri, and the VTA, whereas the VAH group, compared to the AH group, exhibited significantly enhanced NAcc rs-FC with the bilateral insula, putamen, parahippocampal gyri, and VTA. The strength in rs-FC between the NAcc and the VTA appeared to be positively associated with the presence of hallucinations, but the NAcc FC patterns changed with the complexity of these experiences (ie, 0, 1, or 2 sensory modalities), rather than with severity. This might support the aberrant salience hypothesis of schizophrenia. Moreover, these findings suggest that future clinical and neurobiological studies of hallucinations should evaluate not only the global severity of symptoms but also their sensorial features.

Micropatterned ferrocenyl monolayers covalently bound to hydrogen-terminated silicon surfaces: effects of pattern size on the cyclic voltammetry and capacitance characteristics.

The effect of the size of patterns of micropatterned ferrocene (Fc)-functionalized, oxide-free n-type Si(111) surfaces was systematically investigated by electrochemical methods. Microcontact printing with amine-functionalized Fc derivatives was performed on a homogeneous acid fluoride-terminated alkenyl monolayer covalently bound to n-type H-terminated Si surfaces to give Fc patterns of different sizes (5 × 5, 10 × 10, and 20 × 20 μm(2)), followed by backfilling with n-butylamine. These Fc-micropatterned surfaces were characterized by static water contact angle measurements, ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The charge-transfer process between the Fc-micropatterned and underlying Si interface was subsequently studied by cyclic voltammetry and capacitance. By electrochemical studies, it is evident that the smallest electroactive ferrocenyl patterns (i.e., 5 × 5 μm(2) squares) show ideal surface electrochemistry, which is characterized by narrow, perfectly symmetric, and intense cyclic voltammetry and capacitance peaks. In this respect, strategies are briefly discussed to further improve the development of photoswitchable charge storage microcells using the produced redox-active monolayers.

Contrasting patterns of species and functional composition of coral reef sponge assemblages

There is mounting interest in studying the relationship between functional (FD) and species diversity (SD) in order to understand ecosystem functioning and develop effective measures to protect communities. Several studies have found strong positive correlations between SD and FD and in this study I used sponges to investigate this relationship and compare it with that of functional and species composition (FC and SC respectively). This study was conducted at 2 coral reef eco- systems in SE Sulawesi, Indonesia, which experience different sedimentation levels. Sponges fulfil a number of key functional roles on coral reefs, and, as many can be associated with specific morpho- logies, the measurement of morphological diversity (MD) should provide an approximation of FD. Previous sponge research has shown a strong correlation between MD and SD, and I hypothesise that spatial variation in MD, FD, SD and assemblage composition (FC and SC) will be determined by the same environmental gradients. Univariate measures of SD, MD and FD showed strong correlations, but not for multivariate data. Although different morphological assemblages (MC) were found at the 2 sites and between depth intervals, which correlated with SC data, no significant correlation was reported with FC data. FC was strongly influenced by depth, but not site, demonstrating that factors attributable to depth (e.g. light and wave action reduction) were more important in controlling FC, which contrasts with SC and MC patterns that were determined by sedimentation levels (i.e. be- tween site differences). Although sponges fulfilled several functional roles, most were performed by a large number of morphologies/species, indicating a high level of intra-phyletic functional redun- dancy. The data from this study asserts that the factors responsible for spatial variation in SC may not always reflect those responsible for FC patterns, which has widespread implications for marine con- servation, environmental management and Marine Protected Area (MPA) ecology. Environmental managers need to be aware of the factors controlling both SC and FC to ensure the protection of both biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.

Microbiological aspects of an urban river used for unrestricted irrigation in the semi-arid region of north-east Brazil

This study compared the behaviour of pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella and Listeria), faecal indicators (faecal coliforms FC and faecal streptococci FS), somatic coliphages and F-specific bacteriophages in an urban river contaminated with domestic sewage and surface run-off from agricultural and cattle grazing lands. The influence of physical and chemical parameters was also investigated as well as Salmonella and Listeria serotype diversity and drug resistance patterns. Faecal contamination was high (FC = 5 x 10(6) - 4 x 10(3) CFU/100 mL; FS = 4 x 10(5) - 2 x 10(2) CFU/100 mL) but decreased along the river by up to 99.5% following 47% reduction of BOD5 and 91% increase of DO, both associated with the self purification process. Somatic coliphages (6.9 x 10(5) - 1 x 10(3) PFU/100 mL) and F-specific bacteriophages (5.8 x 10(4) - 65 PFU/100 mL) behaved similarly with reductions of 99.85%. Salmonella and Listeria were isolated at all sampling points with highestfrequencies (91-100%) at those with sewage discharge and rural water run-off. The lowest value (35%) occurred at the end of the river where it was (a) wider and shallower, (b) it ran slower and was warmer (29-33 degrees C), (c) the pH was alkaline (8.2-9.9), (d) electrical conductivity (2,200-5,800 microS/cm) and DO (6-13 mg/L) were highest. Pathogen decline did not follow exactly FC and FS reduction patterns, while physical and chemical parameters apparently did not interfere with Salmonella and Listeria survival to the same extent as they did with FC and FS. Somatic coliphages and F-specific bacteriophages did not show more resistance than bacterial indicators. Catchment area contribution seemed to be more significant for pathogens than for indicators and rainy periods increased pathogenic isolation frequency. Five Salmonella serotypes and five serogroups were identified. S. hadar and serogroup E were predominant (50%); both are increasing in Brazil apparently from animal sources. Nearly 25% of Salmonella strains were resistant to at least one of twelve antimicrobials tested. Resistance to tetracycline was common (17%) followed by cefalotine (3%). Five Listeria serogroups were isolated and L. grayi (43%) and L. monocytogenes (9%) were present at all points. Listeria drug resistance rates were 100% for oxaciline followed by clindamicine (97%), tetracycline (34%) and vancomycin (32%). Both pathogenic bacterial strains presented resistance to the same drugs observed in humans and warm blood animals but the high number of sensitive strains and the low numbers of strains resistant to more than one drug was not expected because of the heavy anthropogenic impact in this basin.

The spatial distribution of ERG losses across the posterior pole of glaucomatous eyes in multifocal recordings.

Australian and New Zealand Journal of OphthalmologyVolume 24, Issue S2 p. 28-31 Free Access The spatial distribution of ERG losses across the posterior pole of glaucomatous eyes in multifocal recordings , Corresponding Author *The Eye and Vision Research Institute, Electrophysiology Department.Visiontest Australia, Suite 5, Level 5, 187 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000, New South Wales.Search for more papers by this authorL. Buckland BSc, Corresponding Author L. Buckland BSc †Eye Clinic, Prince of Wales Hospital.Visiontest Australia, Suite 5, Level 5, 187 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000, New South Wales.Search for more papers by this author , Corresponding Author *The Eye and Vision Research Institute, Electrophysiology Department.Visiontest Australia, Suite 5, Level 5, 187 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000, New South Wales.Search for more papers by this authorL. Buckland BSc, Corresponding Author L. Buckland BSc †Eye Clinic, Prince of Wales Hospital.Visiontest Australia, Suite 5, Level 5, 187 Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000, New South Wales.Search for more papers by this author First published: May 1996 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1442-9071.1996.tb00987.xCitations: 7AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat References 1 Vaegan, Graham SL, Goldberg I., Millar TJ. Selective reduction of oscillatory potentials and patterr electroretinograms after retinal ganglion cell damage 05 disease in humans or by kainic acid toxicity in cat. Doc Ophthalmologica 1991; 77: 237– 53. 2 Vaegan, Graham SL, Goldberg I., Buckland L., Hollows FC Flash and pattern electroretinogram changes with optk atrophy and glaucoma. Exp Eye Res 1995; 60: 697– 706. 3 Yin ZQ, Vaegan, Millar TJ, Sarks J., Sarks SH. Choroida atrophy in chronic primary open angle glaucoma. [Abstrac 2714] Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1994; 35(Suppl.): 1842. 4 Yin ZQ, Vaegan, Millar TJ, Sarks J., Sarks SH. The locui of choroidal blood vessel loss in chronic primary oper angle glaucoma. [Abstract 4446] Invest Ophthalmol Vi: Sci 1995; 36(Suppl.): S964. 5 Vaegan, Yin ZQ, Beaumont P. Delayed choroidal filling across the posterior pole of glaucomatous eyes shown by fluorescein angiography. [Abstract 4452] Inves Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1995; 36(Suppl.): S965. 6 Nork TM, Poulsen GL, Vaegan, Sarks SH. Photoreceptoi damage and loss in human eyes with primary open angl> glaucoma. [Abstract 1546] Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sc 1995; 36(Suppl.): S331. 7 Yin ZQ, Vaegan, Millar TJ, Beaumont P., Sarks J., Sarks SH. The locus of choroidal blood vessel loss in chronic primary open angle glaucoma. [Abstract 4446] Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1995; 36(Suppl.): S964. 8 Sutter EE, Tran D. The field topography of ERG components in man | I. The photopic luminance response. Vision Res 1992; 32: 433– 46. 9 Sutter EE, Vaegan. Lateral interaction component and local luminance nonlinearities in the human pattern reversal ERG. Vision Res 1990; 30: 659– 71. 10 Vaegan, Sutter EE. Fundamental differences between the nonlinearities of pattern and focal electroretinograms. Doc Ophthalmologica 1990; 76: 13– 25. 11 Sutter EE, Bearse MA. Extraction of a ganglion cell component from the corneal response. Vision Science and its Applications. 1995 OSATechnical Digest Series, Vol 1. Optical Society of America, Washington DC. 1995; 310– 13. 12 Vaegan, Buckland L. Outer retinal changes in early glaucoma detected with the Sutter local luminance ERG field test. Proceedings of the 33rd ISCEV Symposium, Athens, Greece. 16–20 June 1995. 13 Hennessy MP, Vaegan. Amplitude scaling relationships of Burian-Allen, gold foil, and Dawson Trick and Iitzkow electrodes. Doc Ophthalmologica 1995; 89: 235– 48. 14 Vaegan, Buckland L. Relationship between means and variances of ERGs obtained with gold foil and DTL electrodes across the full range of recordable amplitudes. Proceedings of the 33rd ISCEV Symposium, Athens, Greece. 16–20 June 1995. 15 Holder GL. Pattern electroretinography in the evaluation of glaucoma and in optic nerve function. In JR Heckenlively, GB. Arden Principles and Practice Of Clinical Electrophysiology Of Vision. St Louis : Mosby Year Book, 1991; 549– 56. 16 James AC, Maddess T., Wine S., Goldberg I. A novel multiple region PERG for glaucoma. [Abstract 4317] Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1994; 35(Suppl.): 2187. Citing Literature Volume24, IssueS2May 1996Pages 28-31 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Fc and C3 receptor patterns on two EBV-negative burkitt lymphoma lines during acute exposure to EBV (P3HR-1 substrain)

Exposure of the two EBV-negative Burkitt lymphoma lines, BJAB and Ramos, to the abortively cytopathic P3HR-1 substrain of EBV led to an increased expression of C3 receptors within the first twelve weeks. At the twelfth week, 100% of cells carried a high concentration of C3 receptors in both lines. Compared with the receptor pattern of BJAB and Ramos after chronic virus exposure it was seen that after the twelfth week some of the C3 receptors vanished while a certain number of Fc receptors reappeared. These changes in the surface markers are regarded as part of the multiple changes found during exposure to P3HR-1 virus. Apparently, the superinfection initiates a progressive maturation of the cells and the increase of C3 receptors is regarded as an expression of a ‘switch to the right’ in the B-cell differentiation pathway.

Changed Fc and C3 receptor pattern on human EBV-negative lymphoma cells, following in vitro conversion by EB-virus

EBV-conversion of the originally EBV-negative Ramos and BJAB lymphoma lines has led to an increased frequency of C3 receptor positive and a decreased incidence of Fc receptor positive cells in the population. The concentration of C3 receptors per cell has increased as well. This finding supports the view that EBV-conversion leads to a modification of surface architecture which, in turn, may explain the changes in nutritional and other biological properties.