bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosing and Interpolating Loop Detector Data Errors with Probe Vehicle Data
Authors: Li Jie , Van Zuylen Henk J. , Wei Guorong
Published: October 2014

Traffic volume and queue length are two important variables to identify traffic states in urban areas. Loop detectors are often used for monitoring traffic. A prominent weakness of loop detector data is the limited reliability caused by equipment malfunctions and communication faults. This paper presents a method to identify the validity of loop detector measurements by analyzing the ratio of counts on adjacent lanes. GPS data from probe vehicles are an alternative for monitoring traffic states. These data include instantaneous speed, acceleration, and position; individual vehicle trajectories can be grossly estimated in real time. Consequently, the queue length can be measured approximately. This information can be used to estimate traffic volumes and the percentage of probe vehicles. Combining loop detector and GPS data allows more information regarding traffic status to be extracted from both data sources. This paper discusses two methods to check the volume counts and to fill in missing or invalid data. One method uses the ratio of loop detector counts on parallel links. The other method uses data from probe vehicles to estimate the traffic volumes from the dynamics of the queue length at signalized intersections. Real data from Changsha, China, are used to validate these two methods. The developed methods provide data for the online monitoring of detectors’ performance and level of service at signalized intersections.
Human Amniotic Membrane-Derived Mesenchymal and Epithelial Cells Exert Different Effects on Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cell Differentiation and Function
Authors: Magatti Marta , Caruso Maddalena , De Munari Silvia , Vertua Elsa , De Debashree , Manuelpillai Ursula , Parolini Ornella
Published: October 2014

We previously demonstrated that mesenchymal cells from human amniotic membrane (hAMTCs) inhibit the generation and maturation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. Considering the crucial role of DCs in the immune response and that epithelial cells of the human amniotic membrane (hAECs) share some of the immunoregulatory properties of hAMTCs, we investigated whether hAECs also modulate monocyte-derived DCs. We compared hAECs with hAMTCs in a cell-to-cell contact setting and their secreted factors in modulating DC differentiation and function. First, we demonstrated that primary and expanded hAMTCs strongly inhibited the differentiation of DCs and induced a shift toward M2-like macrophages. This was observed when hAMTCs were cultured in contact (hAMTC-DCcont) or in Transwells (hAMTC-DCtw) with monocytes and even when medium conditioned by hAMTCs was used instead of hAMTCs. hAECs also prevented DC development, but to a lesser extent than hAMTCs. hAECs were more effective when cultured in contact with monocytes (hAEC-DCcont) rather than in Transwells (hAEC-DCtw). The modulatory capacity of hAECs changed during passaging unlike the hAMSCs. The ability to stimulate CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell proliferation was almost completely abolished by hAMTC-DCcont, whereas hAMTC-DCtw and hAEC-DCcont displayed only a reduced ability to stimulate CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, monocytes cocultured with hAMTCs and hAECs showed some similarities, but also differences in cytokine/chemokine secretion. Similarities were observed in the inhibition of IL-12p70 and TNF-α and the increase in IL-10 in supernatants taken from monocyte-DCs cocultured with hAMTCs and hAECs in contact and Transwell settings. The inflammatory factors IL-8, CXCL9, and MIP-1α were significantly lower in hAMTC-DCcont, hAMTC-DCtw, and hAEC-DCcont conditions. In contrast, only hAMTCs (in both contact and Transwell conditions) were able to significantly increase IL-1β and CCL2. Altogether, we demonstrated that hAMTCs and hAECs affect DC differentiation, but that hAMTCs exerted a stronger inhibitory effect, abolished T-cell proliferation, and also induced more changes in cytokine/ chemokine production.
Genetic diversity in Malus ×domestica (Rosaceae) through time in response to domestication
Authors: Gross Briana L. , Henk Adam D. , Richards Christopher M. , Fazio Gennaro , Volk Gayle M.
Published: October 2014

• Premise of the study: Patterns of genetic diversity in domesticated plants are affected by geographic region of origin and cultivation, intentional artificial selection, and unintentional genetic bottlenecks. While bottlenecks are mainly associated with the initial domestication process, they can also affect diversity during crop improvement. Here, we investigate the impact of the improvement process on the genetic diversity of domesticated apple in comparison with other perennial and annual fruit crops.

• Methods: Apple cultivars that were developed at various times (ranging from the 13th through the 20th century) and 11 of the 15 apple cultivars that are used for 90% of the apple production in the United States were surveyed for genetic diversity based on either 9 or 19 simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Diversity was compared using standard metrics and model‐based approaches based on expected heterozygosity (He) at equilibrium. Improvement bottleneck data for fruit crops were also collected from the literature.

• Key results: Domesticated apples showed no significant reduction in genetic diversity through time across the last eight centuries. Diversity was generally high, with an average He > 0.7 for apples from all centuries. However, diversity of the apples currently used for the bulk of commercial production was lower.

• Conclusions: The improvement bottleneck in domesticated apples appears to be mild or nonexistent, in contrast to improvement bottlenecks in many annual and perennial fruit crops, as documented from the literature survey. The low diversity of the subset of cultivars used for commercial production, however, indicates that an improvement bottleneck may be in progress for this perennial crop.
The administration of probiotics and synbiotics in immune compromised adults: is it safe?
Authors: Van den Nieuwboer M. , Brummer R.J. , Guarner F. , Morelli L. , Cabana M. , Claassen E.
Published: October 2014

This study aimed to systematically evaluate safety of probiotics and synbiotics in immune compromised adults (≥18 years). Safety was analysed using the Common Terminology Clinical Adverse Events (CTCAE version 4.0) classification, thereby providing an update on previous reports using the most recent available clinical data (2008-2013). Safety aspects are represented and related to number of participants per probiotic strain/culture, study duration, dosage, clinical condition and selected afflictions. Analysis of 57 clinical studies indicates that probiotic and/or synbiotic administration in immune compromised adults is safe with regard to the current evaluated probiotic strains, dosages and duration. Individuals were considered immune compromised if HIV-infected, critically ill, underwent surgery or had an organ- or an autoimmune disease. There were no major safety concerns in the study, as none of the serious adverse events (AE)s were related, or suspected to be related, to the probiotic or synbiotic product and the study products were well tolerated. Overall, AEs occurred less frequent in immune compromised subjects receiving probiotics and/or synbiotics compared to the control group. In addition, the results demonstrated a flaw in precise reporting and classification of AE in most studies. Furthermore, generalisability of conclusions are greatly limited by the inconsistent, imprecise and potentially incomplete reporting as well as the variation in probiotic strains, dosages, administration regimes, study populations and reported outcomes. We argue that standardised reporting on adverse events (CTCAE) in ‘food’ studies should be obligatory, thereby improving reliability of data and re-enforcing the safety profile of probiotics.
Cross-Boundary Traders in the Era of High Imperialism: Changing Structures and Strategies in the Sierra Leone-Guinea Region
Authors: Howard Allen M.
Published: October 2014

This article examines exchange across the Sierra Leone-Guinea boundary line in three different periods during the era of high imperialism. My main arguments can be summarized as follows. First, boundary crossings are best understood through a spatial analysis that combines action and structure and that emphasizes network building, power, and struggle, all shaping dynamic functional regions. Second, a multi-level analysis is needed, one that moves back and forth between the local, regional, and global, looking at how the larger forces are expressed locally in ways that influence traders’ cross-boundary strategies and at how traders helped shape structures. Third, comparing traders’ boundary crossing strategies in different time periods helps to locate the structural forces that have enhanced or reduced their adaptability - giving rise to new opportunities, or curtailing businesses. These arguments, in sum, raise questions about the relationships of traders’ actions to boundaries and to functional regions. I conclude by looking at the value of historical studies for interpreting contemporary cross-boundary trade.
El Fondo Documental Enrique Palavecino. Archivo del Museo Etnográfico “Juan B. Ambrosetti” (FFyL-UBA)
Authors: Spoliansky Vivian , Roca Ignacio , Scarafoni María Isabel
Published: October 2014

Nos proponemos difundir la puesta en valor del Fondo Documental Enrique Palavecino salvaguardado en el Archivo Fotográfico y Documental del Museo Etnográfico “Juan B. Ambrosetti” de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. Enrique Palavecino fue un destacado investigador, docente y gestor institucional en el ámbito de la antropología argentina. Dedicado etnógrafo y trabajador de campo, Palavecino concentró sus investigaciones en los Pueblos Originarios del Chaco Salteño, labor que dio como resultado una extensa producción documental y fotográfica así como importantes publicaciones. En el año 1995, y a raíz del pedido explícito de Palavecino y su esposa Delia Millán antes de morir, las hermanas de esta última donaron la documentación de ambos investigadores al Museo Etnográfico de la UBA. Desde 2004 al presente fueron realizadas diversas actividades de inventariado, investigación, descripción y medidas de guarda bajo pautas de conservación. En esta oportunidad se ofrece una caracterización general del contenido del fondo y de las acciones archivísticas llevadas a cabo con el fin de difundir y poner a disposición de la comunidad académica esta valiosa colección.
El fin de las guerras calchaquíes. La desnaturalización de la nación yocavil a La Rioja (1667)
Authors: Boixadós Roxana
Published: October 2014

El trabajo contextualiza una fuente inédita de 1667 que se conserva en el Archivo Histórico de la Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina. Se trata de un registro y reconocimiento de las familias de nación yocavil desnaturalizadas del valle Calchaquí en 1665 que casi dos años después se encontraban instaladas en las chacras, cuadras y sitios de sus respectivos encomenderos, ubicadas en la ciudad de La Rioja. El texto recorre de manera sumaria los antecedentes de las guerras calchaquíes y los proyectos políticos elaborados por el gobernador Alonso de Mercado y Villacorta para obtener recursos para llevar adelante la campaña final de pacificación al valle y dotar, a la vez, a los hispanocriollos de mano de obra para su servicio. La política de la desnaturalización y el reparto por familias fue el resultado de esta estrategia implementada por los agentes del Estado colonial para poner punto final a décadas de rebelión y resistencia de las sociedades nativas.
Bajo tuición. Infancia y extinción en la historia de la colonización fueguina. (Sentidos coloniales II)**
Authors: Bascopé Julio Joaquín
Published: October 2014

La figura de la “extinción” —o ausencia de sobrevivientes— se adoptó temprano en la escritura de la historia fueguina. Durante un mismo período, en que arriesgaron extinguirse ciertas especies animales —como el lobo marino o la ballena por la pesca, el coruro o el guanaco por las estancias—, se expandió el “Indio” como una amenaza para el ganado y, por tanto, amenazado de extinción. A fines de 1895, se inició un Sumario por vejámenes inferidos a indíjenas de Tierra del Fuego, por la captura y deportación de 165 personas. A partir del Sumario, discutiremos la figura de la extinción mostrando cómo la colonización no acabó al Indio, sino más bien lo originó como objeto —de caza, de civilización, de misión y más tarde de antropología. Aportaremos pruebas sobre el secuestro y adopción forzada de niños fueguinos como una práctica masiva, motivada por la falta de servidumbre, que involucró no sólo a misioneros, sino a funcionarios y empresarios, entre otros agentes. Sostendremos que la presencia del Indio sirviendo el espacio doméstico colonial fundó su inscripción primitiva a la vez como prehistoria con-viviente y como infancia de la historia. En fin, veremos cómo el reducto de pureza —de “cultura”— heredado por la Misión a la Antropología, no fue una astucia retórica sino una práctica concreta de infantilización. Amenazada de muerte, la Misión preparó el texto de la extinción, excluyendo la vida nativa que servía —domésticamente— fuera de ella y que, por impura, también olvidó el texto etnológico.
Déchets ménagers : question d’intégration
Authors: Hurand Bérengère
Published: October 2014

Le modèle de l’économie circulaire qui prévaut aujourd’hui dans les pays occidentaux promet de remplacer l’élimination systématique des déchets ménagers par leur récupération et leur valorisation énergétique ou matérielle. Leur prise en charge par une industrie spécialisée est censée réduire leur masse, et par le même mouvement approvisionner la chaîne de production en une ressource disponible, abondante et renouvelable. Ainsi le déchet, d’inutile, devient utile; jusqu’ici synonyme de chose abandonnée, il semble amorcer sa réintégration dans l’économie. Mais qu’en est-il de son intégration politique? On peut soupçonner le traitement industriel des déchets, en favorisant la première, d’avoir empêché la seconde. La situation de monopole de ce système technique efficace à grande échelle semble avoir plutôt encouragé que réduit la production de déchets, et plutôt dépossédé les usagers de leur responsabilité. Une vraie politique des déchets devrait s’affranchir des aspects purement technico-économiques du problème pour penser la qualification de « déchet » à l’aide d’autres définitions que celles que fournit l’industrie. C’est aux usagers de décider quand l’objet devient déchet; et plutôt que de se comporter en simples relais dans la chaîne de production/consommation, il faut qu’ils aient la possibilité technique et la volonté politique de retenir les objets dans la sphère de l’usage, avant de les transmettre à l’industrie qui en fera des matériaux.
Roles of the Cleaved N-Terminal TLR3 Fragment and Cell Surface TLR3 in Double-Stranded RNA Sensing
Authors: Murakami Yusuke , Fukui Ryutaro , Motoi Yuji , Kanno Atsuo , Shibata Takuma , Tanimura Natsuko , Saitoh Shin-ichiroh , Miyake Kensuke
Published: October 2014

TLR3 senses viral dsRNA in endolysosomes. The TLR3 ectodomain is cleaved by proteases such as cathepsins in endolysosomes. It remains controversial whether the N-terminal fragment of TLR3 ectodomain (TLR3N) is cleaved off or remains associated with the C-terminal TLR3 fragment (TLR3C). In addition to endosomes, TLR3 is reported to be expressed on the surface of human fibroblasts, but not of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Less is known about roles of TLR3N and cell surface TLR3 in dsRNA sensing. In this study, we show the cleavage site of the TLR3 ectodomain and cell surface expression of TLR3 on mouse primary immune cells. TLR3C, which started at 343S, was associated with TLR3N. Both TLR3N and TLR3C were required for activation of IFN-β and NF-κB promoters by dsRNA, demonstrating that dsRNA is sensed by the TLR3N+C complex. Newly established mAbs to mouse TLR3 revealed that cell surface TLR3 was highly expressed on splenic CD8+ dendritic cells and marginal zone B cells. Cell surface expression of TLR3 on these cells was dependent on the TLR-specific transporter Unc93B1. Although cell surface TLR3 was only weakly expressed on macrophages, TLR3 mAb specifically enhanced TLR3 responses to dsRNA. These results demonstrate that dsRNA is sensed by the TLR3N+C complex and that cell surface TLR3 is a promising target for modulating TLR3 responses.
Conversion of Th17 into IL-17Aneg Regulatory T Cells: A Novel Mechanism in Prolonged Allograft Survival Promoted by Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Supported Minimized Immunosuppressive Therapy
Authors: Obermajer Nataša , Popp Felix C. , Soeder Yorick , Haarer Jan , Geissler Edward K. , Schlitt Hans J. , Dahlke Marc H.
Published: October 2014

The ultimate goal in transplantation medicine is the promotion of operational tolerance. Although Th cells of the Th17 type have been predominantly associated with rejection of allogeneic solid organ grafts, regulatory T (Treg) cells appear to foster operational tolerance. Induced Treg and Th17 cells have a higher lineage plasticity than has been recognized thus far. We found that when mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were used to induce long-term acceptance of allogeneic heart grafts in mice, the induction of Treg cells was preceded by development of a CD11bhiGr1int myeloid–derived immunosuppressive cell–mediated Th17 response. Substantial suppression of Foxp3+ Treg cell generation from retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptor γ−/− T cells by MSCs revealed that retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptor γ is a common factor in the differentiation of Treg and Th17 cells. Immunosuppressant mycophenolate mofetil treatment of enriched IL-17A+ cells from MSC-primed allograft mouse recipients resulted in a reduction of IL-17A production and an increase in the Foxp3+ Treg cell fraction. Furthermore, identification of IL-17A+ Foxp3+ double-positive and ex–IL-17–producing IL-17AnegFoxp3+ T cells strongly argues for direct conversion of Th17 cells into Treg cells as the underlying mechanism of immune regulation in MSC-mediated allograft survival. The Th17 into Treg conversion identified in this study constitutes an important immunological mechanism by which MSC-induced myeloid-derived immunosuppressive cells mediate operational transplant tolerance. The possibility to create Treg cell–regulated operational tolerance in the absence of complete immune suppression provides strong clinical implications for cell therapy–assisted minimization protocols.
Polymorphism in the Innate Immune Receptor SIRPα Controls CD47 Binding and Autoimmunity in the Nonobese Diabetic Mouse
Authors: Wong Andrea Sut Ling , Mortin-Toth Steven , Sung Michael , Canty Angelo J. , Gulban Omid , Greaves David R. , Danska Jayne S.
Published: October 2014

The signal regulatory protein (SIRP) locus encodes a family of paired receptors that mediate both activating and inhibitory signals and is associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) risk. The NOD mouse model recapitulates multiple features of human T1D and enables mechanistic analysis of the impact of genetic variations on disease. In this study, we identify Sirpa encoding an inhibitory receptor on myeloid cells as a gene in the insulin-dependent diabetes locus 13.2 (Idd13.2) that drives islet inflammation and T1D. Compared to T1D-resistant strains, the NOD variant of SIRPα displayed greater binding to its ligand CD47, as well as enhanced T cell proliferation and diabetogenic potency. Myeloid cell–restricted expression of a Sirpa transgene accelerated disease in a dose-dependent manner and displayed genetic and functional interaction with the Idd5 locus to potentiate insulitis progression. Our study demonstrates that variations in both SIRPα sequence and expression level modulate T1D immunopathogenesis. Thus, we identify Sirpa as a T1D risk gene and provide insight into the complex mechanisms by which disease-associated variants act in concert to drive defined stages in disease progression.
Honeybee immunity and colony losses
Authors: Nazzi F. , Annoscia D. , Caprio E. , Di Prisco G. , Pennacchio F.
Published: October 2014

The decline of honeybee colonies and their eventual collapse is a widespread phenomenon in the Northern hemisphere of the globe, which severely limits the beekeeping industry. This dramatic event is associated with an enhanced impact of parasites and pathogens on honeybees, which is indicative of reduced immunocompetence. The parasitic mite Varroa destructor and the vectored viral pathogens appear to play a key-role in the induction of this complex syndrome. In particular, the Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) is widespread and is now considered, along with Varroa, one of the major causes of bee colony losses. Several lines of evidence indicate that this mite/DWV association severely affects the immune system of honeybees and makes them more sensitive to the action of other stress factors. The molecular mechanisms underpinning these complex interactions are currently being investigated and the emerging information has allowed the development of a new functional model, describing how different stress factors may synergistically concur in the induction of bee immune alteration and health decline. This provides a new logical framework in which to interpret the proposed multifactorial origin of bee colony losses and sets the stage for a more comprehensive and integrated analysis of the effect that multiple stress agents may have on honeybees.
Better Glasgow outcome score, cerebral perfusion pressure and focal brain oxygenation in severely traumatized brain following direct regional brain hypothermia therapy: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Idris Zamzuri , Zenian Mohd Sofan , Muzaimi Mustapha , Hamid Wan Zuraida
Published: October 2014

Background: Induced hypothermia for treatment of traumatic brain injury is controversial. Since many pathways involved in the pathophysiology of secondary brain injury are temperature dependent, regional brain hypothermia is thought capable to mitigate those processes. The objectives of this study are to assess the therapeutic effects and complications of regional brain cooling in severe head injury with Glasgow coma scale (GCS) 6-7. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled pilot study involving patients with severe traumatic brain injury with GCS 6 and 7 who required decompressive craniectomy. Patients were randomized into two groups: Cooling and no cooling. For the cooling group, analysis was made by dividing the group into mild and deep cooling. Brain was cooled by irrigating the brain continuously with cold Hartmann solution for 24-48 h. Main outcome assessments were a dichotomized Glasgow outcome score (GOS) at 6 months posttrauma. Results: A total of 32 patients were recruited. The cooling-treated patients did better than no cooling. There were 63.2% of patients in cooling group attained good GOS at 6 months compared to only 15.4% in noncooling group (P = 0.007). Interestingly, the analysis at 6 months post-trauma disclosed mild-cooling-treated patients did better than no cooling (70% vs. 15.4% attained good GOS, P = 0.013) and apparently, the deep-cooling-treated patients failed to be better than either no cooling (P = 0.074) or mild cooling group (P = 0.650). Conclusion: Data from this pilot study imply direct regional brain hypothermia appears safe, feasible and maybe beneficial in treating severely head-injured patients.
Early experience in endoscopic management of massive intraventricular hemorrhage with literature review
Authors: Idris Zamzuri , Raj Jason , Abdullah Jafri
Published: October 2014

Massive intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is nearly always associated with hydrocephalus and is often treated with prolonged external ventricular drainage (EVD); however this procedure can lead to bacterial ventriculitis and meningitis, which can worsen the clinical outcomes. Endoscopic burr hole surgery to remove the hematomas in lateral and third ventricles is an alternative treatment option. We describe the surgical techniques and benefits of endoscopic surgery for acute massive IVH in four patients and discuss the current published literature-related to this condition. Four patients were treated endoscopically for massive IVH. Three patients presented with secondary IVH due to vascular malformation, tumoral bleed and chronic hypertension, while one case presented as massive primary IVH. Endoscopic wash out and removal of hematomas was normally performed together with an endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Recombinant factor VIIa was only administered prior to surgery for IVH secondary to vascular malformation and for cases with postoperative rebleeding which required second endoscopic surgery. Weaning from ventilator and EVD commenced on day 4 postoperatively. All treated patients recovered and did not require further shunt surgery. Good outcomes obtained may be related to early removal of hematomas, creation of new cerebrospinal fluid diversion pathway after thorough wash-out, early weaning from ventilator and EVD. Endoscopic surgery is beneficial in treating poor grade IVH with Graeb score of more than 6.
A decade after International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial: Coiling as a first choice treatment in the management of intracranial aneurysms - Technical feasibility and early management outcomes
Authors: Goel Gaurav , Gupta Vipul , Chinchure Swati , Gupta Aditya , Kaur Gurmeen , Jha Ajaya
Published: October 2014

Purpose: The technique of coiling has evolved in the last decade with evolution in both equipment and material. The preferable treatment of intracranial aneurysms at our center is endovascular coiling. We discuss the technical and management outcomes of consecutive patients treated with this approach and compare our results with a decade old International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial. Materials and Methods: Between January 2006 and November 2011, a total of 324 aneurysms in 304 consecutive patients were treated. Endovascular treatment was done in 308 aneurysms (95.0%) in 288 patients while 16 patients (5%) underwent surgical clipping. Of the 308 aneurysms treated endovascularly, 269 (87.3%) were ruptured, and 39 (12.7%) were unruptured aneurysms. Results: The endovascular coiling was feasible in all (99.6%) but 1 case. The immediate postoperative occlusion status was complete occlusion in 240 aneurysms (77.9%), neck remnant in 57 aneurysms (18.5%), and aneurysm remnant in 11 aneurysms (3.6%). Technical issues - with or without clinical effect-were encountered in 20 patients (6.9%). They included 18 thromboembolic events (6.2%) and intraprocedural aneurysmal rupture in 2 cases (0.7%). In "good grade" patients, H and H grade 1-3, a good outcome (modified Rankin score [mRS] 0-2) was in 87.6% patients while the bad outcome (mRS 3-5) was in 10.2% patients and mortality of 2.2%. In "bad grade" patients, H and H grade 3-5, a good outcome was in 29.2%, and bad outcome was in 41.7% patients with mortality was 29.1%. In the unruptured aneurysm group, the good outcome was seen in 97.7% and bad outcome in 2.3% with no mortality. Conclusions: In the current era, the favorable results of coiling demonstrated in previous studies may be applicable to the larger proportion of patients. In our series of consecutively treated patients using latest advances, such as three-dimensional imaging and the interventional material, endovascular management as first choice was feasible in 95% of patients with good technical and management outcomes.
Neural oscillation, network, eloquent cortex and epileptogenic zone revealed by magnetoencephalography and awake craniotomy
Authors: Idris Zamzuri , Kandasamy Regunath , Reza Faruque , Abdullah Jafri
Published: October 2014

Background: Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a method of functional neuroimaging. The concomitant use of MEG and electrocorticography has been found to be useful in elucidating neural oscillation and network, and to localize epileptogenic zone and functional cortex. We describe our early experience using MEG in neurosurgical patients, emphasizing on its impact on patient management as well as the enrichment of our knowledge in neurosciences. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 subjects were included; five patients had intraaxial tumors, one with an extraaxial tumor and brain compression, two with arteriovenous malformations, one with cerebral peduncle hemorrhage and one with sensorimotor cortical dysplasia. All patients underwent evoked and spontaneous MEG recordings. MEG data was processed at band-pass filtering frequency of between 0.1 and 300 Hz with a sampling rate of 1 kHz. MEG source localization was performed using either overdetermined equivalent current dipoles or underdetermined inversed solution. Neuromag collection of events software was used to study brain network and epileptogenic zone. The studied data were analyzed for neural oscillation in three patients; brain network and clinical manifestation in five patients; and for the location of epileptogenic zone and eloquent cortex in two patients. Results: We elucidated neural oscillation in three patients. One demonstrated oscillatory phenomenon on stimulation of the motor-cortex during awake surgery, and two had improvement in neural oscillatory parameters after surgery. Brain networks corresponding to clinico-anatomical relationships were depicted in five patients, and two networks were illustrated here. Finally, we demonstrated epilepsy cases in which MEG data was found to be useful in localizing the epileptogenic zones and functional cortices. Conclusion: The application of MEG while enhancing our knowledge in neurosciences also has a useful role in epilepsy and awake surgery.
Chronic subdural hematoma associated with moyamoya disease
Authors: Takeuchi Satoru , Nawashiro Hiroshi , Uozumi Yoichi , Otani Naoki , Osada Hideo , Wada Kojiro , Shima Katsuji
Published: October 2014

Chronic subdural hematomas (SDHs) associated with non-operated moyamoya disease are extremely rare. A 68-year-old woman underwent burr-hole surgery for a right SDH, which resolved completely. On day 3, however, the patient suffered cerebral infarction in the right parietal lobe. Cerebral angiography demonstrated total occlusion of the bilateral internal carotid arteries with transdural anastomoses via branches of the right occipital artery and middle meningeal artery, feeding the left parietal cortex. A branch of the right middle meningeal artery passed near the burr hole, but was preserved. The patient was diagnosed of moyamoya disease. We thought that the main cause of chronic SDH might be the disruption of transdural anastomoses. Furthermore, we also hypothesized that we might have coagulated the small vessels of the transdural anastomoses which were undetectable by postoperative angiography, and that cerebral infarction might occur.
Spontaneous chronic subdural hematoma associated with arachnoid cyst in children and young adults
Authors: Shrestha Rajendra , You Chao
Published: October 2014

Arachnoid cysts are clear, colorless fluid-filled cysts that arise during brain and skull development from the splitting of the arachnoid membrane. Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is an encapsulated collection of old blood, mostly or totally liquefied and located between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater. Trauma is an important factor in the development of CSDH. Here, we report four patients, previously asymptomatic, revealing CSDH with AC on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. All patients underwent craniotomy with evacuation of hematoma and resection of the cystic membrane that was then connected to the basal cistern under the operating microscope. Postoperatively, all patients were symptom-free. Presentation of an AC with chronic subdural hematoma in the absence of preceding head trauma is considered to be rare in children and young adults.
A extremely rare case of cervical intramedullary granuloma due to Brucella accompanied by Chiari Type-1 malformation
Authors: Tufan Kadir , Aydemir Fatih , Sarica Feyzi , Kursun Ebru , Kardes Özgür , Cekinmez Melih , Caner Hakan
Published: October 2014

Chiari Type-1 malformation is displacement of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum into the cervical spine and usually does not exceed the level of C2. It is 50-70% associated with syringomyelia. Nervous system involvement due to brucellosis is called neurobrucellosis, and neurological involvement rate has been reported an average of 3-5%, ranging between 3% and 25% at different series. Intramedullary abscess or granuloma due to Brucella is extremely rare. Hence far, six cases have been reported in the literature and only two of these cases were reported as intramedullary granuloma. This case is presented in order to remind the importance of the cervical cord granuloma which was presented once before in the literature and to emphasize the importance of evaluation of patient history, clinical and radiological findings together in the evaluation of a patient.
Uncertainty in PSHA related to the parametrization of historical intensity data
Authors: Mucciarelli M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. In recent times a great deal of research aimed to reduce of uncertainties in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA). Most attention was paid to the role of ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs; see, e.g., Strasser et al., 2009), while no studies were devoted to a possible larger source of uncertainties: the historical catalogues of earthquakes. In areas where historical catalogues provide a record many centuries long and surface geology does not permit us to obtain complete catalogues of seismogenic faults at the moment, their use is unavoidable for estimating seismicity rates required for PSHA. Their use is also gaining popularity as an independent tool for the estimation of PSHA (D'Amico and Albarello, 2008) and for validation purposes (Stirling and Petersen, 2006; Mucciarelli et al., 2008). After proposing an alternative parametrization of historical macroseismic intensity, this paper is devoted to discussing what the real impact of starting uncertainties in intensities on the final uncertainties in PSHA is.
Geophysical mapping of palsa peatland permafrost
Authors: Sjöberg Y. , Marklund P. , Pettersson R. , Lyon S. W.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Permafrost peatlands are hydrological and biogeochemical hotspots in the discontinuous permafrost zone. Non-intrusive geophysical methods offer possibility to map current permafrost spatial distributions in these environments. In this study, we estimate the depths to the permafrost table surface and base across a peatland in northern Sweden, using ground penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography. Seasonal thaw frost tables (at ~0.5 m depth), taliks (2.1–6.7 m deep), and the permafrost base (at ~16 m depth) could be detected. Higher occurrences of taliks were discovered at locations with a lower relative height of permafrost landforms indicative of lower ground ice content at these locations. These results highlight the added value of combining geophysical techniques for assessing spatial distribution of permafrost within the rapidly changing sporadic permafrost zone. For example, based on a simple thought experiment for the site considered here, we estimated that the thickest permafrost could thaw out completely within the next two centuries. There is a clear need, thus, to benchmark current permafrost distributions and characteristics particularly in under studied regions of the pan-arctic.
Copyright and the architecture of digital delivery
Authors: Burk Dan L.
Published: October 2014

Copyright law is largely a response to new media: from the printing press through radio, photocopiers, and digital computers, changes in copyright reflect the increased public availability of information reproduction technologies. But while the exclusive rights conferred by copyright are shaped by the technologies they respond to, the opposite is also true: technology is shaped in response to the requirements of copyright, altering or innovating designs to either avoid or accommodate the demands of the law. Nowhere has this dynamic interaction been more apparent than in the 2001 copyright decision against Napster and in the succeeding impact of that case. The Napster case and its progeny reveal a pattern of creative “inventing around” previous definitions of formal copyright boundaries. Such interactive re–imagining of technical and legal standards continues in current legal controversies regarding digital delivery systems such as streaming media, digital lockers, and “cloud” services, extending the pattern present in Napster and its progeny into current copyright policy.
Challenging opportunities: When Indian regional music gets online
Authors: Nowak Florence
Published: October 2014

Along with better connectivity, massive free music downloading and streaming have reached the Himalayan ranges of the Garhwal region (North India) in the 2000s. It has been a game changer for the creation, circulation and consumption practices of Garhwali music, a repertoire sung in the local dialect. MP3s and MP4s are gradually replacing DVDs and CDs on the market, and the economic scenario is comparable to that of national creative industries: a more scattered distribution of content and profits, a tougher competition for visibility. Yet Garhwali music also faces specific challenges due to its topography, high percentage of emigrants and labeling as “regional music”; these challenges can be analyzed ethnographically from the point of view of artists and audiences. Indeed, Garhwali music’s diffusion lies increasingly in the hands of the listeners on one hand, who upload content, circulate it off-line, act as trend setters and make it a matter of collective cultural heritage; and in the hands of bigger third-party players on the other hand, who, like label T-Series, are engaged in a battle against piracy. In such online distribution channels, visibility is the key value and the law is not always the reference for authority or authorship. The situation is dire for most local artists and producers, but strategies are being experimented to take advantage of this new environment.
Improvisation in the digital age: New narratives in jazz promotion and dissemination
Authors: Medbøe Haftor , Dias José
Published: October 2014

Those that create, promote and disseminate jazz are experiencing a period of radical change. The dwindling interest from the major labels in releasing jazz has led to a mushrooming of both traditionally imagined and virtual independent jazz labels, often musician-led by individuals or collectives. Despite the ‘democratised’ potentials of digital dissemination made possible through third party vendors and streaming services such as iTunes and Spotify, modest or non-existent advertising budgets and lack of coherent marketing strategies often result in independent releases being drowned in the noise of an overcrowded marketplace. Financial returns from limited sales are also modest. The commercial underpinning that in previous times afforded the jazz musician both potential apprenticeship and métier has become fractured through increasing scarcity of record company and private/public funding. Against this black backdrop, musicians have engaged in new ways of disseminating their work. DIY strategies, such as free download netlabels or interactive app-albums, have become increasingly commonplace. Fresh approaches — the need for which are highlighted in this article with reference to the European jazz scene — indicate how musicians are networking informally, often with little or no institutional support. This paper highlights to what extent market realignments have prompted individual and collective creative responses to current difficulties associated with the promotion of jazz music.
Carbon Content of Electricity Futures in Phase II of the EU ETS
Authors: Fell Harrison , Hintermann Beat , Vollebergh Herman
Published: October 2014

We estimate the relationship between electricity, fuel and carbon prices in Germany, France, the Netherlands, the Nord Pool market and Spain, using one-year futures for base and peakload prices for the years 2008-2011, corresponding to physical settlement during the second market phase of the EU ETS. We employ a series of estimation methods that allow for an increasing interaction between electricity and input prices on the one hand, and between electricity markets on the other. The results vary by country due to different generation portfolios. Overall, we find that (a) carbon costs are passed through fully in most countries; (b) under some model specifications, cost pass-through is higher during peakload than during baseload for France, Germany and the Netherlands; and (c) the results are sensitive to the degree of cross-commodity and cross-market interaction allowed.
Wetgevingsbeleid springlevend!
Authors: van Melis S.A.P.J.
Published: October 2014

Wetgevingsbeleid springlevend!

De nota ‘Vertrouwen in wetgeving’ heeft gezorgd voor een koerswijziging in het wetgevingskwaliteitsbeleid. In de afgelopen tien jaren heeft dit veel concrete resultaten opgeleverd om de kwaliteit van wetgeving te verbeteren. Dit is in tegenspraak met de eerste stelling bij het proefschrift van M. Bokhorst, Bronnen van legitimiteit. Over de zoektocht van de wetgever naar zeggenschap en gezag, die stelt dat het wetgevingsbeleid anno 2014 op sterven na dood lijkt. Een terecht gebruik van het woord ‘lijkt’, want het wetgevingsbeleid is springlevend. Dit artikel beschrijft de koerswijziging in het wetgevingskwaliteitsbeleid en de bereikte resultaten. Met het oog op de toekomst worden enkele perspectieven voor het wetgevingsbeleid geschetst.
15 vraagpuntjes over wijzigingstechniek: wat niet in de Aanwijzingen staat
Authors: Borman T.C.
Published: October 2014

15 vraagpuntjes over wijzigingstechniek: wat niet in de Aanwijzingen staat

Het merendeel van de regelingen die jaarlijks in het Staatsblad en de Staatscourant verschijnen, draagt het karakter van een wijzigingsregeling. Regelmatig doen zich vraagpuntjes voor over de formulering van wijzigingsinstructies. In deze bijdrage worden enkele van deze vraagpuntjes behandeld. Het gaat met name om kwesties waarover de Aanwijzingen voor de regelgeving weinig of geen uitsluitsel geven. Vaak blijkt dat wijzigingsteksten beknopter kunnen worden geformuleerd dan in de praktijk gebeurt.
Hoger beroep van deelgeschillen beperkt mogelijk via doorbrekingsjurisprudentie
Authors: Pans E.
Published: October 2014

Hoger beroep van deelgeschillen beperkt mogelijk via doorbrekingsjurisprudentie

Al tijdens de parlementaire behandeling van de Wet deelgeschilprocedure werd duidelijk dat elke vraag die zich in een bodemprocedure kan voordoen in beginsel aan de deelgeschilrechter kan worden voorgelegd (mits de beslissing een vaststellingsovereenkomst over de gehele vordering naderbij kan brengen). Het is een gegeven dat ook complexe zaken of vorderingen met een groot belang aan de deelgeschilrechter kunnen worden voorgelegd en dat de deelgeschilrechter hierover ingrijpende uitspraken kan doen, zoals over de vestiging van aansprakelijkheid. Dit is in de rechtspraktijk ook al wel gebleken. Welke appèlmogelijkheden staan de in het ongelijk gestelde partij in dat geval tot haar beschikking, en zijn de in de rechtspraak ontwikkelde ‘doorbrekingsgronden’ van een wettelijk appèlverbod ook van toepassing op de deelgeschilprocedure? De Hoge Raad spreekt zich hierover uit in het hier besproken arrest van 18 april 2014 (ECLI:NL:HR:2014:943).
Synaptic organization of the Drosophila antennal lobe and its regulation by the Teneurins
Authors: Mosca Timothy J , Luo Liqun
Published: October 2014

Understanding information flow through neuronal circuits requires knowledge of their synaptic organization. In this study, we utilized fluorescent pre- and postsynaptic markers to map synaptic organization in the Drosophila antennal lobe, the first olfactory processing center. Olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) produce a constant synaptic density across different glomeruli. Each ORN within a class contributes nearly identical active zone number. Active zones from ORNs, projection neurons (PNs), and local interneurons have distinct subglomerular and subcellular distributions. The correct number of ORN active zones and PN acetylcholine receptor clusters requires the Teneurins, conserved transmembrane proteins involved in neuromuscular synapse organization and synaptic partner matching. Ten-a acts in ORNs to organize presynaptic active zones via the spectrin cytoskeleton. Ten-m acts in PNs autonomously to regulate acetylcholine receptor cluster number and transsynaptically to regulate ORN active zone number. These studies advanced our ability to assess synaptic architecture in complex CNS circuits and their underlying molecular mechanisms.
Ancestral resurrection reveals evolutionary mechanisms of kinase plasticity
Authors: Howard Conor J , Hanson-Smith Victor , Kennedy Kristopher J , Miller Chad J , Lou Hua Jane , Johnson Alexander D , Turk Benjamin E , Holt Liam J
Published: October 2014

Protein kinases have evolved diverse specificities to enable cellular information processing. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying kinase diversification, we studied the CMGC protein kinases using ancestral reconstruction. Within this group, the cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) require proline at the +1 position of their substrates, while Ime2 prefers arginine. The resurrected common ancestor of CDKs, MAPKs, and Ime2 could phosphorylate substrates with +1 proline or arginine, with preference for proline. This specificity changed to a strong preference for +1 arginine in the lineage leading to Ime2 via an intermediate with equal specificity for proline and arginine. Mutant analysis revealed that a variable residue within the kinase catalytic cleft, DFGx, modulates +1 specificity. Expansion of Ime2 kinase specificity by mutation of this residue did not cause dominant deleterious effects in vivo. Tolerance of cells to new specificities likely enabled the evolutionary divergence of kinases.
Dominance of goethite over hematite in iron oxides of mineral dust from Western Africa: Quantitative partitioning by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Formenti P. , Caquineau S. , Chevaillier S. , Klaver A. , Desboeufs K. , Rajot J. L. , Belin S. , Briois V.
Published: October 2014

This paper reports on the X‐ray absorption analysis of samples of mineral dust emitted from or transported to Western Africa. We found that iron oxides account, by mass, for 38% to 72% of the total elemental iron. They are composed of minerals in the Fe(III) oxidation state: goethite (FeO·OH) and hematite (Fe2O3). The apparent fraction of iron oxide attributed to goethite is higher than hematite regardless of the source region from which the dust originated. The goethite percent content of iron oxides is in the range 52–78% (by mass), the highest values being measured for dust originating in the Sahel. The limited number of samples analyzed and the sample‐to‐sample variability prevent us from concluding firmly on the regional variability of the goethite‐to‐hematite ratio. Based on the experimental data on mineralogical composition and on concurrent measurements of the number size distribution, the optical properties of mineral dust have been calculated in a Mie approximation for homogeneous spherical particles. At 550 nm, the single‐scattering albedo ω0 ranges between 0.89 and 0.93, the asymmetry factor g ranges between 0.76 and 0.8 and the mass extinction efficiency kext varies between 0.5 and 1.1 m2 g−1; these values are all in the range of those from independent direct measurements. Neglecting the partitioning between hematite and goethite and the assimilation of iron oxides by hematite, as it is often done with models, lowers the single‐scattering albedo and increases the asymmetry factor in the UV‐visible spectral region below 550 nm. The mass extinction efficiency is insensitive to the nature of the iron oxides but rather responds to variations in the number size distribution. The mineralogy of iron oxides should therefore be taken into account when assessing the effect of mineral dust on climate and atmospheric chemistry, in particular via interactions involving photolysis.