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Nightmares are intensely negative dreams that awaken the dreamer. Frequent nightmares are thought to reflect an executive deficit in regulating arousal. Within a diathesis-stress framework, this arousal is specific to negative contexts, though a differential susceptibility framework predicts elevated arousal in response to both negative and positive contexts. The current study tested these predictions by assessing subjective arousal and changes in frontal oxyhemoglobin (oxyHB) concentrations during negative and positive picture-viewing in nightmare sufferers (NM) and control subjects (CTL). 27 NM and 27 CTL subjects aged 18-35 rated subjective arousal on a 1-9 scale following sequences of negative, neutral and positive images; changes in oxyHB were measured by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) using a 2 × 4 template on the frontal pole. Participants also completed the Highly Sensitive Person Scale, a trait marker for differential susceptibility; and completed a dream diary reporting negative and positive dream emotionality. The NM group had higher trait sensitivity, yet higher ratings of negative but not positive emotion in diary dreams. NM compared to CTL subjects reported higher subjective arousal in response to picture-viewing regardless of valence. Dysphoric dream distress, measured prospectively, was negatively associated with frontal activation when viewing negative pictures. Results suggest NM sufferers are highly sensitive to images regardless of valence according to subjective measures, and that there is a neural basis to level of trait and prospective nightmare distress. Future longitudinal or intervention studies should further explore positive emotion sensitivity and imagery in NM sufferers.

ST2L is a transmembrane receptor that belongs to the IL-1 receptor family. The receptor is expressed on various cell types including Th2 cells, mast cells, basophils, growth-activated fibroblasts, and vascular endothelial cells. ST2L activation by its ligand IL-33 has been implicated in Th2-mediated immunity, inflammation, and allergic responses in vivo. Inhibition of ST2L activity can attenuate Th2-dominated immune responses such as lung eosinophilia, airway hyper-responsiveness, and arthritis in animal models. Here we report the generation and in vitro characterization of a panel of rat anti-mouse ST2L monoclonal antibodies. We demonstrate that the antibodies specifically bind to recombinant receptor protein and that a subset of the binders inhibits mouse ST2L activity in multiple in vitro assays. Four of the identified anti-mouse ST2L antibodies were shown to prevent IL-33 from binding to ST2L, down-regulate IL-33-induced NF-κB signaling, and neutralize the ability of IL-33 to stimulate mouse Th2 cell proliferation. The characterized monoclonal antibodies are important tools that will be used to study mouse ST2L receptor functionality in vivo.

In the original version of the article, Alandeon W. Oliveira’s first name was misspelled. It is correct as shown here. The original article has been updated.

Forest ecosystems across the Northwoods will face direct and indirect impacts from a changing climate over the 21st century. This assessment evaluates the vulnerability of forest ecosystems in the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province of northern Wisconsin and western Upper Michigan under a range of future climates. Information on current forest conditions, observed climate trends, projected climate changes, and impacts to forest ecosystems was considered in order to assess vulnerability to climate change. Upland spruce-fir, lowland conifers, aspen-birch, lowland-riparian hardwoods, and red pine forests were determined to be the most vulnerable ecosystems. White pine and oak forests were perceived as less vulnerable to projected changes in climate. These projected changes in climate and the associated impacts and vulnerabilities will have important implications for economically valuable timber species, forest-dependent wildlife and plants, recreation, and long-term natural resource planning.

The Escherichia coli F1 ATPase, ECF1, has been examined by cryoelectron microscopy after reaction with Fab' fragments generated from monoclonal antibodies to the alpha and epsilon subunits. The enzyme-antibody complexes appeared triangular due to the superposition of three anti-alpha Fab' fragments on alternating densities of the hexagonally arranged alpha and beta subunits. The Fab' to the epsilon subunit superimposed on a beta subunit. A density was observed near the center of the structure in the internal cavity. The position of this central density with respect to peripheral sites was not fixed. Sorting of images of ECF1 labeled with the combination of three anti-alpha Fab' fragments plus an Fab' directed to the epsilon subunit gave three classes in each of which the central density was closest to a different beta subunit. The distribution of the central density among the three classes was measured for different ligand-binding conditions. When ATP was present in catalytic sites under conditions where there was no enzyme turnover (i.e., without Mg2+ present), there were approximately equal numbers of images in each of three classes. When ATP and Mg2+ were added and ATP hydrolysis was allowed to proceed, almost two-thirds of the images were in the class in which the central density was closest to the beta subunit superimposed by the epsilon subunit. We conclude that domains within the ECF1 structure, either the central mass or a domain including the epsilon subunit, move in the enzyme in response to ligand binding. We suggest that this movement is involved in coupling catalytic sites to the proton channel in the F0 part of the ATP synthase.

© 2017, INRA and Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature. Key message: Mature exotic Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis; Bong. Carriere)-dominated stands, particularly trees of greater circumference, result in greater numbers ofGeomalacus maculosus(Allman) captures than adjacent clear-felled stands and adjacent peatland with Before-After-Control-Impact-Paired analysis indicating lower catches ofG. maculosuspost-felling. Context: The discovery of EU-protected Geomalacus maculosus in commercial plantations requires an understanding of the implications of forestry practices for the species within the context of sustainable forest management. Aims: 1.Compare Geomalacus maculosus captures across mature exotic Sitka spruce-dominated stands, previously clear-felled stands and adjacent peatland habitats.2.Assess the suitability, for forest managers, of population estimate models for G. maculosus.3.Assess the implications of felling by comparing relative abundances of G. maculosus directly before and after clear-felling at a mature exotic Sitka spruce-dominated stand. Methods: Geomalacus maculosus catches were compared at four sites across two to three mature (43–45 years old) conifer stands per site, one clear-felled stand per site, and one adjacent peatland per site using refuge traps and hand searching. Capture-mark-recapture studies were undertaken to estimate population sizes. A BACIP (Before-After-Control-Impact-Paired) analysis was undertaken in one forest stand at one forest site to determine impacts of a clear-felling event. Results: Mean catches of Geomalacus maculosus adults in the mature forest stands were over 10 and 11 times greater than mean catches on peatland and clear-fell stands, respectively. The Schnabel model for estimating population size was most suited for mature forest stands but could not be utilised for the other habitats. BACIP analysis showed a significant impact of clear-felling with a 95% reduction in mean G. maculosus catches after a clear-felling event where none of the individuals marked prior to felling were recaptured compared to 21% recapture rates at the control site. Greater tree circumference in mature conifer stands correlated with greater catches. Conclusion: Guidelines are needed to ensure the protection of Geomalacus maculosus in commercial forestry. Interventions could include patch/tall stump retention at final felling and/or translocation of the protected species.

Geomalacus maculosus is a slug species protected under EU law with a distribution limited to the west of Ireland and north-west Iberia. The species, originally thought to be limited within Ireland to deciduous woodland and peatland, has been found in a number of commercial conifer plantations since 2010. While forest managers are now required to incorporate the protection of the species where it is present, no clear species monitoring protocols are currently available. This study examines the efficacy of De Sangosse refuge traps across three habitats frequently associated with commercial forest plantations in Ireland and compares them with hand searching, a commonly used method for slug monitoring. Catch data during different seasons and under different weather conditions are also presented. Results indicate that autumn is the optimal time for sampling G. maculosus but avoiding extremes of hot or cold weather. While refuge traps placed at 1.5 m on trees in mature conifer plantations and directly on exposed rock in blanket peatlands result in significantly greater catches, hand searching is the most successful approach for clear-fell areas. Hand searches in clear-fell preceded by rain are likely to result in greater numbers caught. The results of this study form, for the first time, the basis for G. maculosus monitoring guidelines for forestry managers. © 2016, The Ecological Society of Japan

The impact of selected entomopathogenic nematodes and Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita on the European-Union-protected slug Geomalacus maculosus and the sympatric Lehmannia marginata was investigated. There was no significant difference in mortality between slugs treated with nematodes and their controls. The presence of P. hermaphrodita in two G. maculosus cadavers may be the result of necromenic behaviour. This study constitutes the first record of P. californica in Europe.