bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Human Experience Approach to Optimizing Simulator Fidelity
Authors: Champney Roberto K. , Carroll Meredith , Surpris Glenn
Published: October 2014

A key element of designing simulation based training systems is the need to identify what elements of the operational task experience need to be replicated in the simulation environment (i.e., simulator fidelity). Too much fidelity may result in overly expensive systems that do not necessarily provide better training. Too little or the wrong kind of fidelity may result in systems that do not support the required training. Thus, a careful balance is needed to achieve the best return on training investment (ROTI). A challenge is that this process is far from straight forward and often involves subjective assessments by subject matter experts or human factors professionals. A more objective process for identifying the value of the right level of fidelity is needed. The human experience-based approach to fidelity optimization presented herein seeks to address this challenge by supplementing a traditional task analysis with a tool to objectively identify the necessary experiential cues required to support a task.
Instruction Use Depends on the Level of Details
Authors: Eiriksdottir Elsa , Catrambone Richard
Published: October 2014

Instruction use was studied for participants learning to troubleshoot a simulated electrical circuit. Two types of instructions were provided for training tasks: Principles describing rules and generalities of the domain, and procedural instructions describing how to complete the task in a stepwise manner. Two groups of participants received either detailed ( n = 23) or general ( n = 24) procedural instructions and it was hypothesized that the participants who received detailed procedural instructions would ignore the principles and rely exclusively on the procedural instructions, while the participants who received general procedural instructions would find the incentive to consult the principles while completing the tasks. These predictions were supported and the pattern of instruction use indicated that when completing tasks learners tend to be goal-oriented and rely on the information that provides them with enough information to complete the task.
Gaming Technology for Critical Thinking
Authors: Clegg Benjamin A. , Hoffman Robert R. , Quinn Mary M. , Veinott Elizabeth S. , Hale Christopher R. , Bush Rita
Published: October 2014

Serious video games have the potential to change the way people learn and train (Gee, 2003; McGonigal, 2011). Experiments quantifying the effectiveness of video games have produced mixed results in terms of learning and performance (Engel et al., 2009; O’Neil, Wainess, & Baker, 2009; Steinkuelhler, Squire, & Barab, 2012). The question is, why? In this panel, three different groups of researchers who have taken different approaches to designing and developing serious games for training will briefly discuss their efforts, including commentary on what has worked and what has not. Each of these projects has focused specifically on training critical thinking skills in the sense of avoiding or mitigating three cognitive biases. Research questions and goals have included: What game variables improve learning? How can user testing approaches improve game development and implementation? What are reliable measures of learning? How does one enhance or improve the transfer of training? What are effective measures of engagement? The objective of this panel is to generate dialog and share ideas among researchers.
Comparison of Caffeine and Music as Fatigue Countermeasures in Simulated Driving Tasks
Authors: Liu ShiXu , Yao Shengji , Spence Allan
Published: October 2014

Driver fatigue is a leading cause of traffic accidents. Appropriate fatigue countermeasures can help drivers prevent operational errors and improve road safety. A review of the literature has suggested that consuming caffeine and listening to music are two commonly adopted fatigue countermeasures. This paper examines effects of the two fatigue countermeasures on subjective fatigue levels and driving performance. Differences between the two methods are also investigated. Twenty participants completed three 120-minute control, caffeine, and music sessions at the same time on three days. Subjective fatigue levels were quantified using a subjective driver fatigue score, and driving performance was measured using 16 parameters related to vehicle control ability. Initially, there were no significant differences in subjective fatigue and driving performance among three sessions. The final subjective driver fatigue score for caffeine and music sessions was significantly lower than control sessions, suggesting both inhibited subjective fatigue increase. The increment in driving performance parameters for caffeine sessions was significantly less than control and music sessions, but not significantly different between control and music sessions. Caffeine is more effective than music in inhibiting driving performance deterioration; because caffeine stimulates the central nervous system; on the other hand, music only reduces boredom and may introduce additional distraction to the driver.
Me and My VE, Part 3
Authors: Strater Laura , Kennedy Rebecca A. , Scerbo Mark W. , Papelis Yiannis , Croll Menion , Garcia Hector , Griffith Tami , Flynn Jeremy R. , Proaps Alexandra B. , Shah Smruti J. , Procci Katelyn , Bowers Clint
Published: October 2014

With the constant push to do more for less, the use of virtual environments (VE), simulations and serious games has exploded. Human Factors (HF) personnel often use these tools to support a range of activities, including modeling process or the effects of humans in the system; designing, testing and validating new systems and processes; training skills, procedures and techniques; and even for therapeutic activities. This session will describe and demonstrate some of the diverse uses for virtual environments (VEs) in an alternate demonstration format. The session will begin with demonstrators providing a brief description of their VE, and how they’ve used it to answer a critical research question or address a unique need, including a video demonstration of the VE in action. After these introductions, all demonstrations will be set up around the room, and session attendees can move around the room for direct interaction with the demonstrations. This session should provoke ideas among attendees for how VEs, simulations and serious games can help address their research, training, education, evaluation or therapeutic needs.
Cortical Mechanisms of Mirror Therapy After Stroke
Authors: Rossiter Holly E. , Borrelli Mimi R. , Borchert Robin J. , Bradbury David , Ward Nick S.
Published: October 2014

Background and Objective. Mirror therapy is a new form of stroke rehabilitation that uses the mirror reflection of the unaffected hand in place of the affected hand to augment movement training. The mechanism of mirror therapy is not known but is thought to involve changes in cerebral organization. We used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to measure changes in cortical activity during mirror training after stroke. In particular, we examined movement-related changes in the power of cortical oscillations in the beta (15-30 Hz) frequency range, known to be involved in movement. Methods. Ten stroke patients with upper limb paresis and 13 healthy controls were recorded using MEG while performing bimanual hand movements in 2 different conditions. In one, subjects looked directly at their affected hand (or dominant hand in controls), and in the other, they looked at a mirror reflection of their unaffected hand in place of their affected hand. The movement-related beta desynchronization was calculated in both primary motor cortices. Results. Movement-related beta desynchronization was symmetrical during bilateral movement and unaltered by the mirror condition in controls. In the patients, movement-related beta desynchronization was generally smaller than in controls, but greater in contralesional compared to ipsilesional motor cortex. This initial asymmetry in movement-related beta desynchronization between hemispheres was made more symmetrical by the presence of the mirror. Conclusions. Mirror therapy could potentially aid stroke rehabilitation by normalizing an asymmetrical pattern of movement-related beta desynchronization in primary motor cortices during bilateral movement.
Fully three-dimensional simulation and modeling of a dense plasma focus
Authors: Meehan B T , Niederhaus J H J
Published: October 2014

A dense plasma focus (DPF) is a pulsed-power machine that electromagnetically accelerates and cylindrically compresses a shocked plasma in a Z-pinch. The pinch results in a brief (~ 100 ns) pulse of X-rays, and, for some working gases, also a pulse of neutrons. A great deal of experimental research has been done into the physics of DPF reactions, and there exist mathematical models describing its behavior during the different time phases of the reaction. Two of the phases, known as the inverse pinch and the rundown, are approximately governed by magnetohydrodynamics, and there are a number of well-established codes for simulating these phases in two dimensions or in three dimensions under the assumption of axial symmetry. There has been little success, however, in developing fully three-dimensional simulations. In this work we present three-dimensional simulations of DPF reactions and demonstrate that three-dimensional simulations predict qualitatively and quantitatively different behavior than their two-dimensional counterparts. One of the most important quantities to predict is the time duration between the formation of the gas shock and Z-pinch, and the three-dimensional simulations more faithfully represent experimental results for this time duration and are essential for accurate prediction of future experiments.
Periodic Lateralized Epileptiform Discharges (PLEDs) in Patients With Neurosyphilis and HIV Infection
Authors: Takagaki Kentaroh , Morales Megan K. , Vitantonio Daniel , Berkowitz Frank , Bell William L. , Kumar Princy N. , Motamedi Gholam K.
Published: October 2014

Periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) are an electroencephalographic pattern recorded in the setting of a variety of brain abnormalities. It is best recognized for its association with acute viral encephalitis, stroke, tumor, or latestatus epilepticus. However, there are other conditions that have been recognized as the underlying pathology for PLEDs such as alcohol withdrawal, Creutzfeldt–Jacob disease, anoxic brain injury, and hemiplegic migraine. However, there are only rare case reports of PLEDs in patients with neurosyphilis. Here, we report 2 patients presenting with encephalopathy and seizures with PLEDs, ipsilateral or contralateral to their main brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities. Further workup revealed neurosyphilis in both patients, one in association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Given the increasing incidence of neurosyphilis with or without HIV infection, these cases suggest neurosyphilis as a consideration in the differential for patients presenting with PLEDs.
Electroencephalographic Activity Before and After Cognitive Effort in Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Buyck Inez , Wiersema Jan R.
Published: October 2014

Numerous studies have detected elevated electroencephalographic (EEG) theta/beta ratio (TBR) or theta power in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and therefore TBR has been suggested to be a promising biomarker of ADHD. At the same time, recent theoretical models have emphasized the heterogeneity of ADHD and the notion that cognitive deficits in ADHD are not fixed but fluctuate according to contextual and state factors. Surprisingly, so far the context- or state-dependency of EEG abnormalities in ADHD has hardly been addressed. Therefore, in the current study, 3 minutes eyes closed resting EEG before and after execution of 3 n-back tasks were compared between 21 children with ADHD and 22 typically developing children. No difference between groups was found for TBR or theta power (or other frequency bands), neither before nor after task execution, indicating that enhanced TBR or theta power is not to be considered universal for the disorder. Hence, cautiousness is warranted in using these indices for diagnostic purposes in ADHD. Across groups, posterior theta power, as well as central and posterior beta power was attenuated after task execution, which was interpreted as the children experiencing a more alert state after cognitive effort. Yet, this EEG modulation was similar in both groups, providing no support for a context-or state-dependency of EEG abnormalities in ADHD. However, in light of the absence of any group differences in EEG parameters, further research is warranted.
Estimation of air infiltration for Australian housing energy analysis
Authors: Ren Zhengen , Chen Dong
Published: October 2014

This study presents an integrated air flow model for AccuRate, a benchmark housing energy star-rating tool widely used in Australia. The model was developed by implementing a network multi-zonal infiltration model into an existing large opening model. Case studies using 10 houses in Melbourne, Australia, showed that on average the predicted infiltration rates are within 12.6% of the blower-door test results with a standard deviation of 1.6%. The model study also showed that on average the infiltration rates of the 10 houses could be reduced around 52% by sealing major air leakage pathways, which can result in an average of 7% reduction in the annual space heating and cooling loads for the 10 houses. It was also found that an annual hourly energy performance simulation using the new air flow model requires around 15 min in comparison with around 1 min using the existing simple infiltration model in the AccuRate engine.
Status Is a Four-Letter Word
Authors: Kim Hee Young , Pettit Nathan C.
Published: October 2014

The notion that striving for status is a fundamental human motivation is a largely taken-for-granted assumption across a number of literatures (e.g., anthropology, economics, evolutionary and social psychology, management, marketing, and sociology). In six studies, we show that—despite the ubiquity of status-striving in everyday life—people are reluctant to admit to such behavior. Specifically, participants consistently reported that they strive for status less than others, and this discrepancy was partially reduced only among participants who were less concerned about impression management or whose ability to engage in impression management was compromised. Although high status is clearly valuable and pursuing greater status is a basic human drive, we interpret these findings to mean that status-striving is a stigmatized behavior that people actively conceal. The theoretical implications and potential functional basis for our results are discussed.
Do (Even) Depressed Individuals Believe That Life Gets Better and Better? The Link Between Depression and Subjective Trajectories for Life Satisfaction
Authors: Busseri Michael A. , Peck Emily
Published: October 2014

We investigated the widespread belief that life gets better and better over time—as revealed in individuals’ “subjective trajectories” for life satisfaction (LS) derived from their ratings of recollected past, current, and anticipated future LS—among depressed (i.e., current major depressive disorder, fully remitted, partially remitted) and nondepressed groups using a two-wave longitudinal sample of American adults. Linear and inclining subjective trajectories (past LS < current LS < future LS) were normative among nondepressed individuals, as were nonlinear but inclining subjective trajectories (past LS ~ current LS < future LS) among depressed individuals. Furthermore, Wave 1 temporal-perspective LS ratings uniquely predicted risk of depression 10 years later (Wave 2), even after we controlled for baseline depression status. Thus, the use of a novel temporally expanded perspective revealed that even depressed individuals view their lives as improving over time and that such beliefs predict heightened (rather than less) risk of future depression.
Changing for Better or Worse? Posttraumatic Growth Reported by Soldiers Deployed to Iraq
Authors: Engelhard Iris M. , Lommen Miriam J. J. , Sijbrandij Marit
Published: October 2014

There has been increased interest in self-perceived posttraumatic growth, but few longitudinal studies have focused on its relationship with posttraumatic stress. Self-perceived growth is generally thought to facilitate adjustment, but some researchers have proposed that it reflects a dysfunctional coping strategy that impedes adjustment and leads to posttraumatic stress. In this prospective longitudinal study, we examined the relationship between self-perceived posttraumatic growth and stress. Participants were soldiers deployed to Iraq. They were tested before their deployment ( N = 479) and again 5 months ( n = 382; 80%) and 15 months ( n = 331; 69%) after returning home. Cross-lagged panel analysis indicated that more perceived growth 5 months postdeployment was associated with more posttraumatic stress 15 months postdeployment, even after we controlled for stressor severity, posttraumatic stress at 5 months, and potential predeployment confounders (extraversion, neuroticism, and cognitive ability). Findings suggest that it may be counterproductive to promote perceived growth to enhance adjustment after traumatic events.
The Promise of Neurotechnology in Clinical Translational Science
Authors: White Susan W. , Richey J. Anthony , Gracanin Denis , Bell Martha Ann , LaConte Stephen , Coffman Marika , Trubanova Andrea , Kim Inyoung
Published: October 2014

Neurotechnology is broadly defined as a set of devices used to understand neural processes and applications that can potentially facilitate the brain’s ability to repair itself. In the past decade, an increasingly explicit understanding of basic biological mechanisms of brain-related illnesses has produced applications that allow a direct yet noninvasive method to index and manipulate the functioning of the human nervous system. Clinical scientists are poised to apply this technology to assess, treat, and better understand complex socioemotional processes that underlie many forms of psychopathology. In this review, we describe the potential benefits and hurdles, both technical and methodological, of neurotechnology in the context of clinical dysfunction. We also offer a framework for developing and evaluating neurotechnologies that is intended to expedite progress at the nexus of clinical science and neural-interface designs by providing a comprehensive vocabulary to describe the necessary features of neurotechnology in the clinic.
Psychological Health and Aims of Aesthetic Surgery Seekers
Authors: Margraf Jürgen , Meyer Andrea H. , Lavallee Kristen L.
Published: October 2014

The psychological health of people who elect to surgically alter the embodied self is often questioned. This study examines characteristics and goals of 546 people who elect aesthetic surgery compared with 264 people who are interested in it and 1,135 population comparisons. Assessments included demographics, attractiveness, body image importance, depression, social phobia, joy, general health, life satisfaction, and open-ended and standard goals. Surgery and interested groups were more likely than the population to be female and younger, have lower income and lower body mass index, and have higher body image importance. The surgery group reported lower general attractiveness, life satisfaction, and joy, but also lower depression and higher overall health than the general population. There were no differences in social phobia. Overall, people obtaining and interested in cosmetic surgery appeared generally psychologically healthy. The most frequent goal was to “feel better about/in one’s own body.” Overtly social or unrealistic goals were uncommon.
Describing Preservice Instrumental Music Educators’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge
Authors: Millican J. Si
Published: October 2014

In this descriptive study, I investigated the pedagogical content knowledge of 206 undergraduate music education students by presenting video recordings of beginning band students playing excerpts from their class method books. I asked these preservice educators to identify performance problems and offer potential solutions to the causes of those problems. Participants had difficulty articulating the differences between performance problems and the underlying causes of the problems. The most common solutions for performance problems were generalized recommendations to “address” or “work on” the problems. Several participants made assumptions about the student performers’ background, teachers, and attitudes without supporting data. Music education students need assistance in developing specific techniques to address common performance problems. Additional implications for music teacher education are offered based on the study results.
Crafting Bone Tools in Mesolithic Norway: A Regional Eastern-Related Know-How
Authors: Bergsvik Knut Andreas , David Éva
Published: October 2014

This article focuses on the production of bone tools during the seventh millennium cal BC. A large number of fishhooks and waste from fishhook production have been found at the sites of Sævarhelleren and Viste cave, in western Norway. The data have been studied by means of thechaîne opératoireconcept, meaning that the artefacts are described and analysed in order to identify the different steps in the production process and to characterize the technology in a comparative northern European perspective. The result shows that bone tools and fishhooks were crafted in a similar way at these two sites, with techniques that were mastered by all makers, and in close relation to stone tool production. When compared to other contemporaneous sites, the technology resembles the Mesolithic bone technology of north-eastern Europe. It thus contradicts the hypothesis of a strong connection between western Norway and the Maglemose cultural group in southern Scandinavia and northern Germany.
Carbon nanodots interference with lactate dehydrogenase assay in human monocyte THP-1 cells
Authors: Wright Petra C , Qin Hu , Choi Martin MF , Chiu Norman HL , Jia Zhenquan
Published: October 2014

Background

Carbon nanodots (CD), a new class of carbon nanomaterials with sizes below 10 nm, have recently attracted wide attention due to their superiority in water solubility, chemical inertness, and resistance to photobleaching. As a result, CD has found important and wide applications in energy, catalysis, biological labeling, bioimaging and drug delivery. On the other hand, due to the lack of available toxicity data, there is a growing concern regarding the potential risks of CD. Hence, accurate assessment of the cytotoxicity of CD has become more important than ever before. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay is widely used to detect cytotoxicity of various nanoparticles including CD. Many recent studies used LDH assay to study the CD toxicity in various cells. However, these studies failed to further examine whether the CD were interfering with the LDH assay which would alter their findings.

Findings

This study investigated the possible interference of carbon nanodots on the LDH assay in human monocyte THP-1 cells. Monocytes are known to be involved in inflammable vascular diseases, and have been suggested to be the targets for CD exposure. In this study, the cytotoxicity of CD in concentrations ranging from 0.075 to 0.60 mg/mL, was determined by using the LDH assay. To validate the results of LDH assay, the cell counting method with trypan blue staining was used. With 24 hours incubation time, the cell viability of THP-1 was significantly decreased according to the trypan blue staining method. Whereas, in the LDH assay, the CD was found to interfere in a dose-dependent manner with the NADH absorbance measurements at 340 nm.

Conclusions

This study represents the first report on the negative interference of CD on LDH assay, and caution should be observed when evaluating the cytotoxicity of CD.
Adenomyoma of the small intestine a rare pathological lead point for intussusception in an infant
Authors: Bak You-Jung , Rolle Udo , Gfroerer Stefan , Fiegel Henning C
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Intussusception is a typical abdominal emergency in early childhood.

Case description

We report a case of an infant in the typically affected age group with an intussusception triggered by a rare benign intramural intestinal adenomyoma as a pathological lead point. The infant had the typical symptoms of a recurrent idiopathic ileocolic intussusception.

Discussion and evaluation

Idiopathic intussusception is frequent in the infant age group. Contrary to that, reports on pathological lead points for intussusceptions are sparse in the toddler age.

Conclusions

That case illustrates that even in intussusceptions in the typically affected age group, it is important to be aware of pathological lead points, especially if the intussusceptions are recurrent.
Excepting Myotis capaccinii, the wings' contribution to take-off performance does not correlate with foraging ecology in six species of insectivorous bat
Authors: Gardiner James D. , Altringham John D. , Papadatou Elena , Nudds Robert L.
Published: October 2014

Take-off in bats is separated into two distinct phases: an initial jump and a subsequent wing powered acceleration. Here, using footage from a high-speed camera, the first comparative study of the performance during the wing induced phase of take-off in six insectivorous bat species is described. Despite distinct differences in foraging strategy, the mass specific power generated by the bats during wing induced take-off did not differ between species, with the exception of Myotis capaccinii. This suggests that differences in take-off performance may only be evident in bats that exhibit particularly unusual foraging strategies, such as the trawling behaviour of M. capaccinii – with differences in the remaining species only manifesting in subtler aspects of flight performance such as agility or manoeuvrability. The poorer take-off performance of M. capaccinii could be related to either a reduction in wing-stroke amplitude to stop the wings hitting the water's surface during foraging or perhaps an effect of having very large feet. No scaling relationship between body mass and mass-specific take-off power was found, which supports earlier research on birds and insects, suggesting that the mass-specific muscle power available for flight is broadly similar across a large range of body sizes and species.
Insights into the skeletal muscle characteristics of three southern African antelope species
Authors: Kohn Tertius Abraham
Published: October 2014

Skeletal muscle fibre type, cross-sectional area (CSA), maximum enzyme capacities and fibre oxidative capacities were investigated in three southern African antelope species. Muscle samples from blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi), mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula) and greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) were collected post mortem from the Vastus lateralis and analysed for myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform content, citrate synthase (CS), 3-hydroxyacyl Co A dehydrogenase (3-HAD), phosphofructokinase (PFK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) activities. Histochemistry and immunohistochemistry were performed to determine relative fibre oxidative capacity, fibre type and cross-sectional area (CSA). Type IIX fibres were the most abundant fibre type in all three species, ranging from 43 to 57%. Kudu had less type IIX fibres than mountain reedbuck and blesbok (P<0.05), values confirmed by their respective MHC isoform content. Blesbok had the smallest fibres, followed by mountain reedbuck and finally kudu (P<0.001). Overall, all three species had high oxidative and glycolytic capacities, but species differences were found. Kudu had the lowest CS activity, followed by blesbok and mountain reedbuck, but the highest PFK, LDH and CK activities. This study confirmed large variation in oxidative capacities within a single fibre type, as well as overlap between the fibre types with no distinct differences between the three species. The fibre type profile of each species is discussed and confirms some of their physical attributes and capabilities.
Conference Review
Authors: Harper Dr Paul
Published: October 2014

Making Futures iii – Interfaces between Craft Knowledge and Design: New Opportunities for Social Innovation and Sustainable Practice Mount Edgcumbe, Plymouth, Devon, UK, 26–27 September 2013
Epic texturing in the first-person shooter: The aesthetics of video game music
Authors: Summers Tim
Published: October 2014

This article investigates game music aesthetics through considering how music encourages player immersion. In a first-person shooter (FPS), the issue of immersion is highlighted because of the restricted perspective. The article develops the concept of musical ‘texturing’ to explore the ways game music deploys strategically chosen musical signifiers, importing associations that can support signification on the visual level, or fill in gaps left on the other textual levels (dialogue, visual, etc.). The result creates the sense of depth, implied detail and rounded context within the surface level of gameplay activity. Texturing is particularly valuable for the FPS in order to encourage player engagement. The term ‘epic’ describes the narrative vertigo between an intimate personal level of storytelling and a broad backdrop, which acts as a motivation or plot device for the manipulation of the personal story. This is similar to the experience of the FPS: from the avatar’s personal viewpoint, the backdrops/settings are not of immediate importance, other than for the contexts they provide the player – the sense of being part of a larger story or world. Through using musical texturing to create an epic construct, the FPS encourages immersion. Epic texturing is a recurring aesthetic trope, explored here with reference to Wolfenstein 3D (1992), Doom (1993), GoldenEye 007 (1997), Halo: Combat Evolved (2001), Half-Life 2 (2004) and Bioshock (2007).
Associations of obesity with socioeconomic and lifestyle factors in middle-aged and elderly men: European Male Aging Study (EMAS)
Authors: Han T S , Lee D M , Lean M E J , Finn J D , O'Neill T W , Bartfai G , Forti G , Giwercman A , Kula K , Pendleton N , Punab M , Rutter M K , Vanderschueren D , Huhtaniemi I T , Wu F C W , Casanueva F F , _ _
Published: October 2014

Background

Social and lifestyle influences on age-related changes in body morphology are complex because lifestyle and physiological response to social stress can affect body fat differently.

Objective

In this study, we examined the associations of socioeconomic status (SES) and lifestyle factors with BMI and waist circumference (WC) in middle-aged and elderly European men.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional study of 3319 men aged 40–79 years recruited from eight European centres.

Outcomes

We estimated relative risk ratios (RRRs) of overweight/obesity associated with unfavourable SES and lifestyles.

Results

The prevalence of BMI ≥30 kg/m2or WC ≥102 cm rose linearly with age, except in the eighth decade when high BMI, but not high WC, declined. Among men aged 40–59 years, compared with non-smokers or most active men, centre and BMI-adjusted RRRs for having a WC between 94 and 101.9 cm increased by 1.6-fold in current smokers, 2.7-fold in least active men and maximal at 2.8-fold in least active men who smoked. Similar patterns but greater RRRs were observed for men with WC ≥102 cm, notably 8.4-fold greater in least active men who smoked. Compared with men in employment, those who were not in employment had increased risk of having a high WC by 1.4-fold in the 40–65 years group and by 1.3-fold in the 40–75 years group. These relationships were weaker among elderly men.

Conclusion

Unfavourable SES and lifestyles associate with increased risk of obesity, especially in middle-aged men. The combination of inactivity and smoking was the strongest predictor of high WC, providing a focus for health promotion and prevention at an early age.
Reciprocal changes in leptin and NPY during nutritional acceleration of puberty in heifers
Authors: Cardoso Rodolfo C , Alves Bruna R C , Prezotto Ligia D , Thorson Jennifer F , Tedeschi Luis O , Keisler Duane H , Amstalden Marcel , Williams Gary L
Published: October 2014

Feeding a high-concentrate diet to heifers during the juvenile period, resulting in increased body weight (BW) gain and adiposity, leads to early-onset puberty. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the increase in GnRH/LH release during nutritional acceleration of puberty is accompanied by reciprocal changes in circulating leptin and central release of neuropeptide Y (NPY). The heifers were weaned at 3.5 months of age and fed to gain either 0.5 (Low-gain; LG) or 1.0 kg/day (High-gain; HG) for 30 weeks. A subgroup of heifers was fitted surgically with third ventricle guide cannulas and was subjected to intensive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood sampling at 8 and 9 months of age. Mean BW was greater in HG than in LG heifers at week 6 of the experiment and remained greater thereafter. Starting at 9 months of age, the percentage of pubertal HG heifers was greater than that of LG heifers, although a replicate effect was observed. During the 6-h period in which CSF and blood were collected simultaneously, all LH pulses coincided with or shortly followed a GnRH pulse. At 8 months of age, the frequency of LH pulses was greater in the HG than in the LG group. Beginning at 6 months of age, concentrations of leptin were greater in HG than in LG heifers. At 9 months of age, concentrations of NPY in the CSF were lesser in HG heifers. These observations indicate that increased BW gain during juvenile development accelerates puberty in heifers, coincident with reciprocal changes in circulating concentrations of leptin and hypothalamic NPY release.
Gene expression of porcine blastocysts from gilts fed organic or inorganic selenium and pyridoxine
Authors: Dalto B D , Tsoi S , Audet I , Dyck M K , Foxcroft G R , Matte J J
Published: October 2014

In this study, we determined how maternal dietary supplementation with pyridoxine combined with different sources of selenium (Se) affected global gene expression of porcine expanded blastocysts (PEB) during pregnancy. Eighteen gilts were randomly assigned to one of the three experimental diets (n=6 per treatment): i) basal diet without supplemental Se or pyridoxine (CONT); ii) CONT+0.3 mg/kg of Na-selenite and 10 mg/kg of HCl-pyridoxine (MSeB610); and iii) CONT+0.3 mg/kg of Se-enriched yeast and 10 mg/kg of HCl-pyridoxine (OSeB610). All gilts were inseminated at their fifth post-pubertal estrus and killed 5 days later for embryo harvesting. A porcine embryo-specific microarray was used to detect differentially gene expression between MSeB610 vs CONT, OSeB610 vs CONT, and OSeB610 vs MSeB610. CONT gilts had lower whole blood Se and erythrocyte pyridoxal-5-P concentrations than supplemented gilts (P<0.05). No treatment effect was observed on blood plasma Se-glutathione peroxidase activity (P=0.57). There were 10, 247, and 96 differentially expressed genes for MSeB610 vs CONT, OSeB610 vs CONT, and OSeB610 vs MSeB610 respectively. No specific biological process was associated with MSeB610 vs CONT. However, for OSeB610 vs CONT, upregulated genes were related with global protein synthesis but not to selenoproteins. The stimulation of some genes related with monooxygenase and thioredoxin families was confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. In conclusion, OSeB610 affects PEB metabolism more markedly than MSeB610. Neither Se sources with pyridoxine influenced the Se-glutathione peroxidase metabolic pathway in the PEB, but OSeB610 selectively stimulated genes involved with antioxidant defense.
Transcriptome Analysis Indicates Considerable Divergence in Alternative Splicing Between Duplicated Genes inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tack David C , Pitchers William R , Adams Keith L
Published: October 2014

Gene and genome duplication events have created a large number of new genes in plants that can diverge by evolving new expression profiles and functions (neofunctionalization) or dividing extant ones (subfunctionalization). Alternative splicing (AS) generates multiple types of mRNA from a single type of pre-mRNA by differential intron splicing. It can result in new protein isoforms or downregulation of gene expression by transcript decay. Using RNA-seq, we investigated the degree to which alternative splicing patterns are conserved between duplicated genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our results revealed that 30% of AS events in α-whole-genome duplicates and 33% of AS events in tandem duplicates are qualitatively conserved within leaf tissue. Loss of ancestral splice forms, as well as asymmetric gain of new splice forms, may account for this divergence. Conserved events had different frequencies, as only 31% of shared AS events in α-whole-genome duplicates and 41% of shared AS events in tandem duplicates had similar frequencies in both paralogs, indicating considerable quantitative divergence. Analysis of published RNA-seq data from nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) mutants indicated that 85% of α-whole-genome duplicates and 89% of tandem duplicates have diverged in their AS-induced NMD. Our results indicate that alternative splicing shows a high degree of divergence between paralogs such that qualitatively conserved alternative splicing events tend to have quantitative divergence. Divergence in AS patterns between duplicates may be a mechanism of regulating expression level divergence.
A Novel and Fast Approach for Population Structure Inference Using Kernel-PCA and Optimization
Authors: Popescu Andrei-Alin , Harper Andrea L , Trick Martin , Bancroft Ian , Huber Katharina T
Published: October 2014

Population structure is a confounding factor in genome-wide association studies, increasing the rate of false positive associations. To correct for it, several model-based algorithms such as ADMIXTURE and STRUCTURE have been proposed. These tend to suffer from the fact that they have a considerable computational burden, limiting their applicability when used with large datasets, such as those produced by next generation sequencing techniques. To address this, nonmodel based approaches such as sparse nonnegative matrix factorization (sNMF) and EIGENSTRAT have been proposed, which scale better with larger data. Here we present a novel nonmodel-based approach, population structure inference using kernel-PCA and optimization (PSIKO), which is based on a unique combination of linear kernel-PCA and least-squares optimization and allows for the inference of admixture coefficients, principal components, and number of founder populations of a dataset. PSIKO has been compared against existing leading methods on a variety of simulation scenarios, as well as on real biological data. We found that in addition to producing results of the same quality as other tested methods, PSIKO scales extremely well with dataset size, being considerably (up to 30 times) faster for longer sequences than even state-of-the-art methods such as sNMF. PSIKO and accompanying manual are freely available at https://www.uea.ac.uk/computing/psiko.
Epigenetic Control of Learning and Memory inDrosophilaby Tip60 HAT Action
Authors: Xu Songjun , Wilf Rona , Menon Trisha , Panikker Priyalakshmi , Sarthi Jessica , Elefant Felice
Published: October 2014

Disruption of epigenetic gene control mechanisms in the brain causes significant cognitive impairment that is a debilitating hallmark of most neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Histone acetylation is one of the best characterized of these epigenetic mechanisms that is critical for regulating learning- and memory- associated gene expression profiles, yet the specific histone acetyltransferases (HATs) that mediate these effects have yet to be fully characterized. Here, we investigate an epigenetic role for the HAT Tip60 in learning and memory formation using the Drosophila CNS mushroom body (MB) as a well-characterized cognition model. We show that Tip60 is endogenously expressed in the Kenyon cells, the intrinsic neurons of the MB, and in the MB axonal lobes. Targeted loss of Tip60 HAT activity in the MB causes thinner and shorter axonal lobes while increasing Tip60 HAT levels cause no morphological defects. Functional consequences of both loss and gain of Tip60 HAT levels in the MB are evidenced by defects in immediate-recall memory. Our ChIP-Seq analysis reveals that Tip60 target genes are enriched for functions in cognitive processes, and, accordingly, key genes representing these pathways are misregulated in the Tip60 HAT mutant fly brain. Remarkably, we find that both learning and immediate-recall memory deficits that occur under AD-associated, amyloid precursor protein (APP)-induced neurodegenerative conditions can be effectively rescued by increasing Tip60 HAT levels specifically in the MB. Together, our findings uncover an epigenetic transcriptional regulatory role for Tip60 in cognitive function and highlight the potential of HAT activators as a therapeutic option for neurodegenerative disorders.
Pequi leaves incorporated into the soil reduce the initial growth of cultivated, invasive and native species
Authors: ALLEM LAÍSA N. , GOMES ANABELE S. , BORGHETTI FABIAN
Published: October 2014

Studies have identified the phytotoxicity of many native species of the Cerrado; however, most of them were conducted either in inert substrates, or using exaggerate proportions of plant material. We investigated the phytotoxicity of pequi leaves added to substrate soil in quantities compatible with the litter produced by this species. Pequi leaves were triturated and added to red latosol in concentrations of 0.75%, 1.5% and 3%; the control was constituted of leafless soil. These mixtures were added to pots and irrigated daily to keep them moist. Germinated seeds of the cultivated sorghum and sesame, of the invasive brachiaria and of the native purple ipê, were disposed in the pots to grow for five to seven days at 30°C within a photoperiod of 12 h. Seedlings of all the species presented a reduction in their initial growth in a dose-dependent way. In general, the root growth was more affected by the treatments than the shoot growth; moreover, signs of necrosis were observed in the roots of the sorghum, sesame and brachiaria. The phytotoxic effects generated by relatively small quantities of leaves, in a reasonable range of species within a soil substrate, suggest potential allelopathy of pequi leaves under natural conditions.
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and psychogenic movement disorders: two sides of the same coin?
Authors: Paola Luciano De , Marchetti Renato L. , Teive Hélio Afonso Ghizoni , LaFrance-Jr. W. Curt
Published: October 2014

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) and psychogenic movement disorders (PMD) are commonly seen in Neurology practice and are categorized in the DSM-5 as functional neurological disorders/conversion disorders. This review encompasses historical and epidemiological data, clinical aspects, diagnostic criteria, treatment and prognosis of these rather challenging and often neglected patients. As a group they have puzzled generations of neurologists and psychiatrists and in some ways continue to do so, perhaps embodying and justifying the ultimate and necessary link between these specialties.
Genetic evaluation for TOR1-A (DYT1) in Brazilian patients with dystonia
Authors: Camargo Carlos Henrique F. , Camargos Sarah Teixeira , Raskin Salmo , Cardoso Francisco Eduardo C. , Teive Hélio Afonso G.
Published: October 2014

Several genes have been mapped in families or in sporadic cases of dystonia. TOR1-A (DYT1) gene was linked to isolated dystonia. Objective To associate clinical information of patients with dystonia with the TOR1-A gene mutations. Method Eighty-eight patients with dystonia in cervical area (focal, segmental, multifocal and generalized) were recruited at Movement Disorders Clinic of Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Paraná between June of 2008 and June of 2009. They were submitted to the clinical evaluation. DNA was extract from blood and submitted at analysis to TOR1-A mutations by PCR according standard protocols. Results Two patients had c.907GAGdel mutation on TOR1-A gene. These patients, with familial history of dystonia, started his symptoms by legs and had secondary generalization. Conclusion We can suggest that analysis for TOR1-A mutations should be performed only in patients with early onset, generalized and familial dystonia.
Cardiovascular variability in Mexican patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Delgado Guillermo , Estañol Bruno , Rodríguez-Violante Mayela , Martínez-Memije Raúl , Infante-Vázquez Óscar , Bertado-Ramírez Nancy
Published: October 2014

Cardiovascular variability (CVV) has been evaluated in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) in other countries and exhibit ethnic differences. Objective We investigated heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV) in Mexican patients with PD. Method We further compared HRV and BPV between this group and young healthy controls (YHC) in order to estimate, for the first time in our country, the magnitude of the difference. Twenty patients were examined. Time- and frequency-domain CVV parameters were studied during supine rest (SR), active standing (AS) and controlled breathing. These measurements were compared to those of 20 YHC. Results In the three conditions tested, our study showed a decrease in almost all HRV parameters in PD patients; on the contrary, decreased BPV parameters were found less frequently and only during SR and AS. Conclusion Our results indicate that HRV is impaired in PD. Some BPV parameters are also diminished.
Cognition in a multiple system atrophy series of cases from Argentina
Authors: Gatto Emilia , Demey Ignacio , Sanguinetti Ana , Parisi Virginia , Etcheverry José Luis , Rojas Galeno , Wenning Gregor K.
Published: October 2014

Cognitive dysfunction may occur in 17-40% of patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). It has been suggested a milder cognitive impairment in cerebellar (MSA-C) than in parkinsonian variant (MSA-P). However, differences in cognitive profiles remain under discussion. Objective To evaluate cognitive features in a series of patients with “probable MSA” from Argentina. Method After informed consent was obtained, an extensive cognitive tests battery was administered. Nine patients (6 MSA-P and 3 MSA-C) composed the sample. Results Depression was detected in 43% of patients. Seven patients showed at least one cognitive domain impairment. Temporospatial orientation, visuospatial abilities, executive and attentional functions, episodic memory and language were compromised in MSA-P, while MSA-C dysfunction was restricted to attentional and executive domains. Conclusion Despite the small sample size, our findings could suggest a more widespread cognitive impairment in MSA-P than MSA-C.
Cauda equina redundant nerve roots are associated to the degree of spinal stenosis and to spondylolisthesis
Authors: Savarese Leonor Garbin , Ferreira-Neto Geraldo Dias , Herrero Carlos Fernando Pereira da Silva , Defino Helton Luiz Aparecido , Nogueira-Barbosa Marcello H.
Published: October 2014

To evaluate the association of redundant nerve roots of cauda equina (RNRCE) with the degree of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and with spondylolisthesis. Method After Institutional Board approval, 171 consecutive patients were retrospectively enrolled, 105 LSS patients and 66 patients without stenosis. The dural sac cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured on T2w axial MRI at the level of L2-3, L3-4 and L4-5 intervertebral discs. Two blinded radiologists classified cases as exhibiting or not RNRCE in MRI. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was assessed. Results RNRCE were associated with LSS. RRNCE was more frequent when maximum stenosis<55 mm2. Substantial intra- observer agreement and moderate inter-observer agreement were obtained in the classification of RNRCE. Spondylolisthesis was identified in 27 patients and represented increased risk for RRNCE. Conclusion LSS is a risk factor for RNRCE, especially for dural sac CSA<55 mm2. LSS and spondylolisthesis are independent risk factors for RNRCE.