bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Audio Displays for Speech Communications: A Comparison of Free Field and Virtual Acoustic Environments
Authors: Nelson W. Todd , Bolia Robert S. , Ericson Mark A. , McKinley Richard L.
Published: January 2012

The ability of listeners to detect, identify, and monitor multiple simultaneous speech signals was measured in free field and virtual acoustic environments. Factorial combinations of four variables, including audio condition, spatial condition, the number of speech signals, and the sex of the talker were employed using a within-subjects design. Participants were required to detect the presentation of a critical speech signal among a background of non-signal speech events. Results indicated that spatial separation increased the percentage of correctly identified critical speech signals as the number of competing messages increased. These outcomes are discussed in the context of designing binaural speech displays to enhance speech communication in aviation environments.
Target Cueing in Augmented Reality: A Comparison of Head Mounted with Hand-Held Displays
Authors: Yeh Michelle , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: January 2012

We conducted a study to examine the effects of target cueing and conformality with a hand-held or head-mounted display to determine their effects on visual search tasks requiring focused and divided attention. Eleven military subjects were asked to detect, identify, and give azimuth information for targets hidden in terrain presented in a simulated far domain environment while performing a monitoring task in the near domain using either a helmet-mounted display or hand-held display. The results showed that the presence of cueing aided the target detection task for expected targets but drew attention away from the presence of unexpected targets in the environment. This effect was mediated by the display used, such that attentional tunneling was reduced when subjects were using the hand-held display.
Visual Search and the Detection of Collision Events during Driving
Authors: Saidpour Asad , Andersen George J. , Kim Robert D.
Published: January 2012

In the present study we examined the accuracy of observers in detecting collision events. Observers were presented with displays simulating a 3D environment with multiple moving objects. We used a signal detection paradigm to determine the ability of observers to detect a collision event when multiple moving objects were present. We also examined whether the task can be performed in parallel or requires attention. The results showed that observers' sensitivity decreased with an increase in the number of distracter objects moving in the scene, suggesting that observers were performing a visual search to determine whether a collision target was present in the display. This finding indicates that collision detection when multiple-moving objects are present is not processed in parallel. In addition, the results indicated that sensitivity increased with an increase in display duration. This suggests that as the collision event became more imminent detection performance increased.
Perception of Egospeed from Absolute and Relative Motion
Authors: Eggleston Jennifer , McDevitt Jamie R. , Dyre Brian P.
Published: January 2012

Perceiving the speed of self-motion or egospeed directly from the view out a window is important in some vehicular control tasks. Recent research found that visual perception of egospeed is primarily based on global optical flow rate, which is directly related to the magnitude of both absolute and relative motion. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the magnitude of relative motion affects egospeed estimates independently of the magnitude of absolute motion. Observers estimated their perceived egospeed during simulations of flight over three parallel planes. We manipulated the degree of relative motion by varying the interplane distance, the spacing between the two outer planes and the center plane. The results indicate that relative motion affects perception of egospeed independently of absolute motion. Hence, it is important to consider the magnitude of relative motion when designing head-up displays that present optical flow to augment speed information available through the windscreen.
Comparing 2D and 3D Displays for Trend Estimation: The Effects of Display Augmentation
Authors: Meserth Timothy A. , Hollands J. G.
Published: January 2012

The proximity compatibility principle (PCP) predicts that integrated displays will show superior performance to separated displays for integrated tasks. Hollands, Pierce, and Magee (1998) compared 2D and 3D displays for a trend estimation task and found that 2D displays were better than 3D displays for integrated tasks. These results were inconsistent with the predictions of the PCP. The present study added line and mesh connections to the integrated display format to make existing emergent features more salient. Four display formats were tested: 2D, 3D Control, 3D Lines, and 3D Mesh. Twenty-four participants completed 256 trials evaluating the effect of display format, vergence rate, vergence direction, and starting distance on trend estimation. Results showed advantages for the 3D Mesh and 3D Line displays. A general advantage was found for faster vergence rates, and converging trends when the lines start closer together.
An Evaluation of a Sensor Fusion System to Improve Drivers' Nighttime Detection of Road Hazards
Authors: Krebs WK , McCarley JS , Kozek T , Miller GM , Sinai MJ , Werblin FS
Published: January 2012

Objective: To determine whether combination of two spectral bands within a single sensor-fused image can improve drivers' detection of road hazards. Methods: Images were collected with visible and short wave infrared sensors, and were combined by an image fusion algorithm derived from a computational model of human retinal processing (Werblin et al., 1997). Test stimuli were single-band and fused images of a nighttime scene, collected with sensors mounted atop a vehicle and facing down a stretch of road into an opposing vehicle's headlights. The intensity of the opposing headlights was varied to produce images of low and of high glare. The subjects' task was to detect the presence of a pedestrian within each image. Results: Sensor-fused imagery reliably produced performance better than or equivalent to that produced by either format of single-band imagery. Conclusions: Sensor fusion may provide an effective method of facilitating the detection of road hazards under low visibility conditions.
Old Theories, New Technologies: Comprehension and Retention Issues in Augmented Reality Systems
Authors: Stedmon A. W. , Hill K. , Kalawsky R. S. , Cook C. A.
Published: January 2012

The DERA Centre for Human Sciences is evaluating the potential of Augmented Reality (AR) for providing operator feedback in an advanced embedded training system. This paper reports the initial findings of an experimental programme carried out in association with the Advanced VR Research Centre (AVRRC) at Loughborough University. The programme is investigating human cognitive performance when processing information presented via AR overlaid upon a primary display. Results show that simple comprehension and retention performance is the same using an AR headset or primary display. There is no difference between the two displays in the assimilation and subsequent recall of text or graphics or any interaction effects between display type and stimuli. The findings from these experiments provide a valuable insight into the fundamental cognitive ergonomics of using AR technology and form a basis for further experiments in the programme. This research will also be used to support recommendations to the Royal Navy on the future use of AR in advanced embedded training systems.
Assessing Mental Workload with Subjective Measures: An Analytical Review of the NASA-TLX Index Since its Inception
Authors: Hitt James M. , Kring Jason P. , Daskarolis Eleni , Morris Christina , Mouloua Mustapha
Published: January 2012

The use of subjective ratings to measure mental workload is a commonly used technique. Several measures have been designed to test such workload metrics specifically in the aviation community. One such measure is the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). The NASA-TLX is a multidimensional measure of workload based on the weighted averages of six sub-scales. These include mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort and frustration. The current study sought to examine the aviation human factors literature for the various methods and reporting techniques used to report the results from the administration of the NASA-TLX. Results indicated the workload measure is used in numerous contexts and there exists great variability in reporting techniques. The authors discuss these issues as well as make declarations as to the advantages of standardizing the reporting methods when the NASA-TLX measure is employed.
Managerial Self-Concept in a Global Context
Authors: Harvey Michael , Mcintyre Nancy , Moeller Miriam , Sloan Hugh
Published: January 2012

The level of sociocultural adaptation a global manager undergoes when relocating from his or her home country affects the rate and severity of adjustment for that individual. To reduce the potentially negative impact of the lack of cross-cultural competencies, it is critical for individuals to have a concise understanding of their self-concept, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses. Self-concept is critical to learn how to effectively gain cross-cultural competencies. It is suggested that in their home country a manager has three points of reference to determine one’s self-concept—individual, group, and organization. The culture of the international posting country provides a fourth reference point. This article draws on a competency-based view to form the basis for self-evaluation and the development of a composite self-concept. Moreover, it proposes an implementation “roadmap” for developing cross-cultural competencies of global managers.
The Fundamental Role of Workplace Fun in Applicant Attraction
Authors: Tews Michael J. , Michel John W. , Bartlett Albert
Published: January 2012

The present study extended previous research on fun in the workplace by examining the influence of workplace fun in the context of applicant attraction. Specifically, this research examined the impact of workplace fun relative to other key predictors of applicant attraction. Furthermore, this research examined the impact of different sources of workplace fun—fun coworker interactions, fun job responsibilities, and formal fun activities. With a sample of collegiate job seekers, the results demonstrated that workplace fun was a stronger predictor of applicant attraction than compensation and opportunities for advancement. Moreover, the results demonstrated that fun coworker interactions and fun job responsibilities were stronger predictors of applicant attraction than formal fun activities.
Multilayer test method for water vapor transmission testing of construction materials
Authors: Pazera Marcin , Salonvaara Mikael
Published: January 2012

Water vapor transmission (WVT) measurements conducted with highly permeable materials are complicated by the instability of boundary conditions, more specifically by changes in vapor pressure and air velocity on either or both sides of the specimen. Such effects pose a greater challenge in determining the water vapor transport characteristics of thin, flexible, and highly permeable construction materials. This article presents a novel approach to WVT testing that improves some of these issues. The approach denoted as ‘multilayer test’ involves testing simultaneously several vertically stacked material layers each separated by air gap with equal thickness. Wireless relative humidity and temperature sensors mounted on the opposing surfaces of each layer provide continuous temperatures and relative humidity monitoring near the specimen surfaces. The test is conducted in a controlled environment with the set-up kept on an analytical balance. Change in the weight of the system is determined automatically at predetermined time intervals, and fluxes are calculated. Two approaches are used in determining the permeance of each material layer. The results of both approaches are compared. The multilayer WVT tests provide several benefits over traditional ‘Dry’ or ‘Wet’ cup WVT test method in that; the boundary layer effects due to moving air above the specimen surface can be accounted for, and simultaneous testing of multiple specimens provides greater statistical confidence. The method is particularly advantageous in cases when the transport coefficient has a strong dependence on moisture content. Using data from a single multilayer test, a continuous transport function can be derived. This article highlights that the multilayer test approach leads to significant reduction in experimental effort, resources required for testing, and test durations, and improves the precision of the material property data.
Deriving causal Bayesian networks from human reliability analysis data: A methodology and example model
Authors: Groth Katrina M , Mosleh Ali
Published: January 2012

Within the probabilistic risk assessment community, there is a widely acknowledged need to improve the scientific basis of human reliability analysis (HRA). This has resulted in a number of independent research efforts to gather empirical data to validate HRA methods and a number of independent research efforts to improve theoretical models of human performance used in HRA. This paper introduces a methodology for carefully combining multiple sources of empirical data with validated theoretical models to enhance both qualitative and quantitative HRA applications. The methodology uses a comprehensive set of performance influencing factors to combine data from different sources. Further, the paper describes how to use data to gather insights into the relationships among performance influencing factors and to build a quantitative HRA causal model.

 To illustrate how the methodology is applied, we introduce the Bayesian network model that resulted from applying the methodology to two sources of human performance data from nuclear power plant operations. The proposed model is introduced to demonstrate how to develop causal insights from HRA data and how to incorporate these insights into a quantitative HRA model. The methodology in this paper provides a path forward for carefully incorporating emerging sources of human performance data into an improved HRA method. The proposed model is a starting point for the next generation of data-informed, theoretically-validated HRA methods.
A clinically relevant population of leukemic CD34+CD38− cells in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Gerber Jonathan M. , Smith B. Douglas , Ngwang Brownhilda , Zhang Hao , Vala Milada S. , Morsberger Laura , Galkin Steven , Collector Michael I. , Perkins Brandy , Levis Mark J. , Griffin Constance A. , Sharkis Saul J. , Borowitz Michael J. , Karp Judith E. , Jones Richard J.
Published: January 2012

Relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is thought to reflect the failure of current therapies to adequately target leukemia stem cells (LSCs), the rare, resistant cells presumed responsible for maintenance of the leukemia and typically enriched in the CD34+CD38− cell population. Despite the considerable research on LSCs over the past 2 decades, the clinical significance of these cells remains uncertain. However, if clinically relevant, it is expected that LSCs would be enriched in minimal residual disease and predictive of relapse. CD34+ subpopulations from AML patients were analyzed by flow cytometry throughout treatment. Sorted cell populations were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization for leukemia-specific cytogenetic abnormalities (when present) and by transplantation into immunodeficient mice to determine self-renewal capacity. Intermediate (int) levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity reliably distinguished leukemic CD34+CD38− cells capable of engrafting immunodeficient mice from residual normal hematopoietic stem cells that exhibited relatively higher ALDH activity. Minimal residual disease detected during complete remission was enriched for the CD34+CD38−ALDHint leukemic cells, and the presence of these cells after therapy highly correlated with subsequent clinical relapse. ALDH activity appears to distinguish normal from leukemic CD34+CD38− cells and identifies those AML cells associated with relapse.
Serotonin-mediated modulation of Na+/K+ pump current in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Zhang Li Nan , Su Su Wen , Guo Fang , Guo Hui Cai , Shi Xiao Lu , Li Wen Ya , Liu Xu , Wang Yong Li
Published: January 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate whether serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) can modulate Na+/K+ pump in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons.

Results

5-HT (0.1, 1 mM) showed Na+/K+ pump current (Ip) densities of 0.40 ± 0.04, 0.34 ± 0.03 pA/pF contrast to 0.63 ± 0.04 pA/pF of the control of 0.5 mM strophanthidin (Str), demonstrating 5-HT-induced inhibition of Ip in a dose-dependent manner in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. The effect was partly attenuated by ondasetron, a 5-HT3 receptor (5-HT3R) antagonist, not by WAY100635, a 5-HT1AR antagonist, while 1-(3-Chlorophenyl) biguanide hydrochloride (m-CPBG), a 5-HT3R specific agonist, mimicked the effect of 5-HT on Ip.

Conclusion

5-HT inhibits neuronal Na+/K+ pump activity via 5-HT3R in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. This discloses novel mechanisms for the function of 5-HT in learning and memory, which may be a useful target to benefit these patients with cognitive disorder.
An improved method for isolation of RNA from bone
Authors: Carter Lauren E , Kilroy Gail , Gimble Jeffrey M , Floyd Z Elizabeth
Published: January 2012

Background

Bone physiology is increasingly appreciated as an important contributor to metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. However, progress in understanding the role of bone in determining metabolic health is hampered by the well-described difficulty of obtaining high quality RNA from bone for gene expression analysis using the currently available approaches.

Results

We developed a simple approach to isolate bone RNA that combines pulverizing the bone and the phenol-guanidinium based RNA extraction in a single step while maintaining near-freezing temperatures. This single step method increases the yield of high quality RNA by eight-fold, with RNA integrity numbers ranging from 6.7 to 9.2.

Conclusions

Our streamlined approach substantially increases the yield of high-quality RNA from bone tissue while facilitating safe and efficient processing of multiple samples using readily available platforms. The RNA obtained from this method is suitable for use in gene expression analysis in real-time quantitative PCR, microarray, and next generation sequencing applications.
Mixed modality treatment planning of accelerated partial breast irradiation: to improve complex dosimetry cases
Authors: El Nemr Mohamed , Heymann Steve , Verstraet Rodolfe , Biron Bruno , Azoury Fares , Marsiglia Hugo , Bourgier Céline
Published: January 2012

Background

Background

Although 3D-conformal accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is widely used, several questions still remain such as what are the optimal treatment planning modalities. Indeed, some patients may have an unfavorable anatomy and/or inadequate dosimetric constraints could be fulfilled ("complex cases"). In such cases, we wondered which treatment planning modality could be applied to achieve 3D-conformal APBI (2 mini-tangents and an "en face" electron field or non-coplanar photon multiple fields; or a mixed technique combining non-coplanar photon multiple fields with an "en face" electron beam).

Methods

From October 2007 to March 2010, 55 patients with pT1N0 breast cancer were enrolled in a phase II APBI trial. Among them, 7 patients were excluded as they were considered as "complex cases". A dosimetric comparison was performed according to the 3 APBI modalities mentioned above and assessed: planning treatment volume (PTV) coverage, PTV/whole breast ratio, lung and heart distance within irradiated field and exposure of organs at risk (OAR).

Results

Adequate PTV coverage was obtained with the 3 different treatment planning. Regarding OAR exposure, the "mixed technique" seemed to reduce the volume of non-target breast tissue in 4 cases compared to the other techniques (in only 1 case), with the mean V50% at 44.9% (range, 13.4 - 56.9%) for the mixed modality compared to 51.1% (range, 22.4 - 63.4%) and 51.8% (range, 23.1 - 59.5%) for the reference and non-coplanar techniques, respectively. The same trend was observed for heart exposure.

Conclusions

The mixed technique showed a promising trend of reducing the volume of non-target breast tissue and heart exposure doses in APBI "complex cases".
Oxidative and pre-inflammatory stress in wedge resection of pulmonary parenchyma using the radiofrequency ablation technique in a swine model
Authors: Karaiskos Theodoros , Tomos Periklis , Asouhidou Irene , Nikiteas Nikolaos , Kontakiotis Theodoros , Papalois Apostolos
Published: January 2012

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a thermal energy delivery system used for coagulative cellular destruction of small tumors through percutaneous or intraoperative application of its needle electrode to the target area, and for assisting partial resection of liver and kidney. We tried to evaluate the regional oxidative and pre-inflammatory stress of RFA-assisted wedge lung resection, by measuring the MDA and tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) concentration in the resected lung tissue of a swine model.

Method

Fourteen white male swines, divided in two groups, the RFA-group and the control group (C-group) underwent a small left thoracotomy and wedge lung resection of the lingula. The wedge resection in the RFA-group was performed using the RFA technique whereas in C-group the simple "cut and sew" method was performed. We measured the malondialdehyde (MDA) and TNF-α concentration in the resected lung tissue of both groups.

Results

In C-group the MDA mean deviation rate was 113 ± 42.6 whereas in RFA-group the MDA mean deviation rate was significantly higher 353 ± 184 (p = 0.006). A statistically significant increase in TNF-α levels was also observed in the RFA-group (5.25 ± 1.36) compared to C-group (mean ± SD = 8.48 ± 2.82) (p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that RFA-assisted wedge lung resection in a swine model increases regional MDA and TNF-a factors affecting by this oxidative and pre-inflammatory stress of the procedure. Although RFA-assisted liver resection can be well tolerated in humans, the possible use of this method to the lung has to be further investigated in terms of regional and systemic reactions and the feasibility of performing larger lung resections.
Effect of organic acids on the growth and lipid accumulation of oleaginous yeast Trichosporon fermentans
Authors: Huang Chao , Wu Hong , Liu Zong-jun , Cai Jun , Lou Wen-yong , Zong Min-hua
Published: January 2012

Background

Microbial lipids have drawn increasing attention in recent years as promising raw materials for biodiesel production, and the use of lignocellulosic hydrolysates as carbon sources seems to be a feasible strategy for cost-effective lipid fermentation with oleaginous microorganisms on a large scale. During the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials with dilute acid, however, various kinds of inhibitors, especially large amounts of organic acids, will be produced, which substantially decrease the fermentability of lignocellulosic hydrolysates. To overcome the inhibitory effects of organic acids, it is critical to understand their impact on the growth and lipid accumulation of oleaginous microorganisms.

Results

In our present work, we investigated for the first time the effect of ten representative organic acids in lignocellulosic hydrolysates on the growth and lipid accumulation of oleaginous yeast Trichosporon fermentans cells. In contrast to previous reports, we found that the toxicity of the organic acids to the cells was not directly related to their hydrophobicity. It is worth noting that most organic acids tested were less toxic than aldehydes to the cells, and some could even stimulate the growth and lipid accumulation at a low concentration. Unlike aldehydes, most binary combinations of organic acids exerted no synergistic inhibitory effects on lipid production. The presence of organic acids decelerated the consumption of glucose, whereas it influenced the utilization of xylose in a different and complicated way. In addition, all the organic acids tested, except furoic acid, inhibited the malic activity of T. fermentans. Furthermore, the inhibition of organic acids on cell growth was dependent more on inoculum size, temperature and initial pH than on lipid content.

Conclusions

This work provides some meaningful information about the effect of organic acid in lignocellulosic hydrolysates on the lipid production of oleaginous yeast, which is helpful for optimization of biomass hydrolysis processes, detoxified pretreatment of hydrolysates and lipid production using lignocellulosic materials.
Evaluation of Capilia TB assay for rapid identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in BACTEC MGIT 960 and BACTEC 9120 blood cultures
Authors: Muchwa Christopher , Akol Joseph , Etwom Alfred , Morgan Karen , Orikiriza Patrick , Mumbowa Francis , Odong Paul R , Kateete David P , Eisenach Kathleen D , Joloba Moses L
Published: January 2012

Background

Capilia TB is a simple immunochromatographic assay based on the detection of MPB64 antigen specifically secreted by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). Capilia TB was evaluated for rapid identification of MTC from BACTEC MGIT 960 and BACTEC 9120 systems in Kampala, Uganda. Since most studies have mainly dealt with respiratory samples, the performance of Capilia TB on blood culture samples was also evaluated.

Methods

One thousand samples from pulmonary and disseminated tuberculosis (TB) suspects admitted to the JCRC clinic and the TB wards at Old Mulago hospital in Kampala, Uganda, were cultured in automated BACTEC MGIT 960 and BACTEC 9120 blood culture systems. BACTEC-positive samples were screened for purity by sub-culturing on blood agar plates. Two hundred and fifty three (253) samples with Acid fast bacilli (AFB, 174 BACTEC MGIT 960 and 79 BACTEC 9120 blood cultures) were analyzed for presence of MTC using Capilia TB and in-house PCR assays.

Results

The overall Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive and Negative Predictive values, and Kappa statistic for Capilia TB assay for identification of MTC were 98.4%, 97.6%, 97.7%, 98.4% and 0.96, respectively. Initially, the performance of in-house PCR on BACTEC 9120 blood cultures was poor (Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV, NPV and Kappa statistic of 100%, 29.3%,7%, 100% and 0.04, respectively) but improved upon sub-culturing on solid medium (Middlebrook 7H10) to 100%, 95.6%, 98.2%, 100% and 0.98, respectively. In contrast, the Sensitivity and Specificity of Capilia TB assay was 98.4% and 97.9%, respectively, both with BACTEC blood cultures and Middlebrook 7H10 cultured samples, revealing that Capilia was better than in-house PCR for identification of MTC in blood cultures. Additionally, Capilia TB was cheaper than in-house PCR for individual samples ($2.03 vs. $12.59, respectively), and was easier to perform with a shorter turnaround time (20 min vs. 480 min, respectively).

Conclusion

Capilia TB assay is faster and cheaper than in-house PCR for rapid identification of MTC from BACTEC MGIT 960 and BACTEC 9120 culture systems in real-time testing of AFB positive cultures.
Relationship between thyroid function and ICU mortality: a prospective observation study
Authors: Wang Feilong , Pan Wenzhi , Wang Hairong , Wang Shuyun , Pan Shuming , Ge Junbo
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Although nonthyroidal illness syndrome is considered to be associated with adverse outcome in ICU patients, the performance of thyroid hormone levels in predicting clinical outcome in ICU patients is unimpressive. This study was conducted to assess the prognostic value of the complete thyroid indicators (free triiodothyronine (FT3), total triiodothyronine; free thyroxine, total thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone and reverse triiodothyronine) in unselected ICU patients.

Methods

A total of 480 consecutive patients without known thyroid diseases were screened for eligibility and followed up during their ICU stay. We collected each patient's baseline characteristics, including the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and thyroid hormone, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. Potential predictors were analyzed for possible association with outcomes. We also evaluated the ability of thyroid hormones together with APACHE II score to predict ICU mortality by calculation of net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) indices.

Results

Among the thyroid hormone indicators, FT3 had the greatest power to predict ICU mortality, as suggested by the largest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.762 ± 0.028. The AUC for FT3 level was less than that for APACHE II score (0.829 ± 0.022) but greater than that for NT-proBNP level (0.724 ± 0.030) or CRP level (0.689 ± 0.030). Multiple regression analysis revealed that FT3 level (standardized β = -0.600, P = 0.001), APACHE II score (standardized β = 0.912, P < 0.001), NT-proBNP level (standardized β = 0.459, P = 0.017) and CRP level (standardized β = 0.367, P = 0.030) could independently predict primary outcome. The addition of FT3 level to APACHE II score gave an NRI of 54.29% (P < 0.001) and an IDI of 36.54% (P < 0.001). The level of FT3 was significantly correlated with NT-proBNP levels (r = -0.344, P < 0.001) and CRP levels (r = -0.408, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In unselected ICU patients, FT3 was the most powerful and only independent predictor of ICU mortality among the complete indicators. The addition of FT3 level to the APACHE II score could significantly improve the ability to predict ICU mortality.
Clinical Utility of Functional Imaging with 18F-FDOPA in Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome
Authors: Weisbrod Allison B. , Kitano Mio , Gesuwan Krisana , Millo Corina , Herscovitch Peter , Nilubol Naris , Linehan W. Marston , Kebebew Electron
Published: January 2012

Context:

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome is an inherited cancer syndrome in which patients are at risk of developing multiple tumors in different organs. 6-L-18F-fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine (18F-FDOPA) positron emission tomography (PET) is a relatively new metabolic imaging tracer proposed for the use of localizing sites of neuroendocrine tumors. There are limited data on the clinical utility of using 18F-FDOPA PET for identifying neuroendocrine tumors in a high-risk population such as VHL.

Objective:

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical utility of 18F-FDOPA PET in patients with VHL-related tumors.

Design:

Radiological findings were prospectively collected from four imaging modalities: computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET, and 18F-FDOPA PET. 18F-FDOPA PET findings were compared with those from other imaging modalities, as well as with clinical and laboratory data, and pathology findings if patients underwent an operation.

Results:

In 52 patients with VHL, 390 lesions were identified by computed tomography (n = 139), MRI (n = 117), 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET (n = 94), and 18F-FDOPA PET (n = 40). 18F-FDOPA PET identified 20 pancreatic and 20 extrapancreatic tumors, including lesions in the adrenal gland (n = 11), kidney (n = 3), liver (n = 4), lung (n = 1), and cervical paraganglioma (n = 1). These tumor sites were not seen by conventional imaging studies in 9.6% of patients and 4.4% of lesions. Seven of eight patients who had an 18F-FDOPA PET-positive lesion underwent resection, and pathology showed a neuroendocrine tumor. Four of 10 patients with positive adrenal uptake had elevated catecholamine levels, and six of 10 patients had a discrete mass on axial imaging.

Conclusions:

18F-FDOPA PET is a useful complementary imaging study to detect neuroendocrine tumors in patients with VHL undergoing surveillance, especially in those suspected to have adrenal pheochromocytoma or unusual ectopic locations.
Deiodinase 2 Expression Is Increased in Dorsocervical Fat of Patients with HIV-Associated Lipohypertrophy Syndrome
Authors: Torriani Martin , Fitch Kathleen , Stavrou Eleni , Bredella Miriam A. , Lim Ruth , Sass Christina A. , Cypess Aaron M. , Grinspoon Steven
Published: January 2012

Context:

The pathogenesis and function of dorsocervical sc adipose tissue (DSAT) accumulation in HIV-infected patients is not known. Previous investigations using either UCP-1 expression or positron emission tomography have been inconclusive as to whether this depot represents brown adipose tissue (BAT). We investigated DSAT gene expression, including DIO2, a deiodinase that contributes to increased thermogenesis in brown fat, and simultaneously determined [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) uptake in lipodystrophic HIV and healthy control subjects.

Design:

Thirteen HIV-infected and three non-HIV-infected men were recruited. HIV-infected subjects had evidence of significant lipodystrophy, including fat atrophy of the face, arms, and legs, and/or fat accumulation of the neck and abdomen. Subjects were cooled, followed by [18F]FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography, fat biopsy of DSAT, and measurement of resting energy expenditure (REE). HIV-infected subjects were characterized as lipohypertrophic and lipoatrophic and compared.

Results:

Mean standardized uptake value of [18F]FDG and UCP-1 expression were not significantly different in DSAT among the groups. However, lipohypertrophic subjects demonstrated increased expression of DIO2 in DSAT compared with lipoatrophic subjects (P = 0.03). Among HIV-infected patients, DIO2 expression was strongly related to REE (r = 0.78, P = 0.002) and was a predictor of REE in multivariate modeling controlling for age, TSH, and lean body mass (r2 = 0.79, P = 0.008). One control subject demonstrated typical BAT in the supraclavicular area.

Conclusions:

Adipose tissue accumulating in the dorsocervical area in HIV lipodystrophy does not appear to be classical BAT. However, DIO2 expression is increased in DSAT among patients with HIV lipodystrophy, particularly those with increased visceral adiposity, and is positively associated with energy expenditure.
“This Alarming Generosity”: White Elephants and the Logic of the Gift
Authors: Bullen Ross
Published: January 2012

In this essay, Bullen examines the literary and cultural history of the term white elephant—a phrase that refers to a burdensome object that is impossible to sell or give away—by tracing its origin in the American lexicon to the United States' diplomatic relations with Siam in the 1850s. Although a certain kind of albino elephant (chang pheuak) was regarded as auspicious in Siam, these animals were not white, nor were they given as gifts by the king of Siam in order to ruin his rivals. Bullen traces the emergence of the white elephant as a figure for value in European and American travel writing. By the 1850s this animal's association with wasteful expenditure had begun to surface even in prominent American literature, including Herman Melville's Moby-Dick (1851). He argues that the white whale operates in a manner that calls to mind the white elephant, and that this novel as a whole functions as an allegorical critique of precisely the oriental despotism decried as the corrupt source of stagnant expenditure of which the white elephant serves as a prominent symbol. Finally, he examines the relationship between Siam and America in George Bacon's Siam,the Land of the White Elephant, as It Was and Is (1873), a text that subtly yet unmistakably aligns the white elephant with the figure of the Siamese twin, suggesting that despite their apparent differences, America and Siam might share a fundamental—and, for Bacon, repulsive—intimacy.
Revolutions in the Revolutions: A Post-counterhegemonic Moment for Latin America?
Authors: Reyes Alvaro
Published: January 2012

Over the past quarter century, Latin America has witnessed an intense cycle of struggle signaled most prominently by events such as the Caracazo in Venezuela, the Zapatista uprising in Mexico, the Argentine rebellion, and the wave of indigenous uprisings and protests in Bolivia and Ecuador. Today, from “Lulismo” in Brazil to “socialism for the twenty-first century” in Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela, “progressive” governments are increasingly facing a renewed round of discontent—ranging from criticism to open revolt—from the very movements that brought them to power. These new expressions of discontent cannot be understood without the recognition that this past cycle of struggles not only reconfigured the domestic relations of force in each country and the geopolitical map of the region as a whole, but also represented an enormous shift in the reconceptualization of the means, ends, and scope of what it means to do politics. This essay emphasizes that understanding these moments of rupture and the evolution of political struggle in Latin American will prove invaluable in assessing the potentials and pitfalls of this moment of worldwide uprisings against localized expressions of the global neoliberal dispositif.
Reflections on the Madison Uprising
Authors: Aronowitz Stanley
Published: January 2012

This essay is an assessment of the current fiscal and crisis in the public sector and the role of unions within it. The main claim is that for more than a half century, both public sector and private sector unions have relied, in the main, on legal and electoral strategies for advancing workers' interests. However effective these may have been in the past, they are no longer adequate. The essay concludes that we may be witnessing a new labor movement, both within and without the existing unions.
Metaplastic Thymoma of the Mediastinum
Authors: Liu Biao , Rao Qiu , Zhu Yun , Yu Bo , Zhu Hai-yan , Zhou Xiao-jun
Published: January 2012

Metaplastic thymoma is a rare primary thymic epithelial tumor, and its biologic behavior is uncertain. We report 7 cases of metaplastic thymoma. The spindle components of the tumor seemed to be undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which is characterized by the loss of E-cadherin expression. Epstein-Barr virus seemed not to have an etiologic role in metaplastic thymoma. No gross genetic alterations were found by using comparative genomic hybridization. The patients were alive and well in follow-up ranging from 11 to 172 months (mean, 81.7 months). The findings suggest that metaplastic thymoma has a benign clinical course. Unless the histomorphologic findings show malignant features, surgical excision alone is recommended.
Histologic Tumor Necrosis Is an Independent Prognostic Indicator for Clear Cell and Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pichler Martin , Hutterer Georg C. , Chromecki Thomas F. , Jesche Johanna , Kampel-Kettner Karin , Rehak Peter , Pummer Karl , Zigeuner Richard
Published: January 2012

Histologic tumor necrosis (TN) has been reported to indicate a poor prognosis for different human cancers. In papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC), data regarding the prognostic impact of TN are conflicting. We retrospectively studied the pathology records of 2,333 consecutive patients who underwent nephrectomy from 1984 to 2006 at a single tertiary academic center. In multivariate analyses regarding clear cell RCC, the presence of histologic TN was an independent negative prognostic factor for metastasis-free (hazard ratio [HR], 2.32; confidence interval [CI], 1.86–2.9; P < .001) and overall (HR, 1.52; CI, 1.31–1.76; P < .001) survival. Regarding papillary RCC, the presence of histologic TN represented an independent predictor of metastasis-free (HR, 5.22; CI, 2.2–12.5; P < .001) and overall (HR, 1.69; CI, 1.11–2.58; P = .015) survival. Our findings suggest that the presence of TN is an independent predictor of clinical outcome in clear cell and papillary RCC. Thus, histologic TN might be a reliable prognostic indicator and should, therefore, routinely be examined during pathologic analysis of RCC specimens.
Spreading ripples: SNCC and social capital in the civil rights era South
Authors: STREET JOE
Published: January 2012

This article applies Robert Putnam's conception of social capital to the history of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in Mississippi during the 1960s. It challenges Putnam's privileging of bridging social capital at the expense of bonding social capital, arguing that
such a binary interpretation fails to appreciate the extent to which bonding and bridging forms of social capital can work to reinforce each other. Putnam's inattention to the value of bonding social capital (particularly in the rigidly segregated South) means that he overestimates the importance
of integration to grass-roots activism in the civil rights movement. The article emphasizes the fostering of intergenerational and inter-class links between activists and local people in the Mississippian African American community. It argues that SNCC's 1964 Mississippi Summer Project bequeathed
a framework for African American political action in the state, even though the Project contributed to the demise of SNCC itself. Through this approach, it reveals the vast differences in the organizing style of the movement at a local and a national level, suggesting that the concept of social
capital needs to be wielded with greater subtlety if it is to be used to analyse the civil rights movement.
Theatre for a Change in Malawi: Participatory approaches to Development
Authors: HAHN MATTHEW
Published: January 2012

Theatre for a Change (TfaC) uses innovative strategies to empower vulnerable and marginalized groups through positive behaviour change and advocacy of gender and sexual equality. Adapting their practice from Augusto Boal's Forum Theatre, TfaC's aims to change attitudes towards gender
and sexuality in specific communities within Malawi. When TfaC recognized that the Protagonist in their Forum Plays was predominantly female, re-enforcing the stereotype of women within these communities, they adapted Forum Theatre's concept of 'win/loss' to explore the issues of 'equality'
where any character can be replaced in order to achieve an equality in the relationship represented on stage. They call this adaptation, Touch Tag Theatre. Touch Tag Theatre is currently used to positively change the behaviour of vulnerable and marginalized groups as well as to advocate for
changes in educational and legislative policy decisions to those who hold power and influence in society on a wider level.
Modellierung und Regelung eines aktiven Wellenkompensationssystems für Tiefseekräne
Authors: Michel Alexander , Kemmetmüller Wolfgang , Kugi Andreas
Published: January 2012

Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit einem aktiven Wellenkompensationssystem für Tiefseekräne, wofür ein detailliertes, verteilt-parametrisches Modell hergeleitet wird. Basierend auf einem vereinfachten Entwurfsmodell wird eine Regelungsstrategie für die aktive Wellengangskompensation und für die Seilspannungsregelung entwickelt. Die Qualität der Regelungsstrategie wird anhand von Simulationsstudien nachgewiesen.
Investigation of low-hydrated metal(II) nitrates. Syntheses and crystal structures of Zn(NO3)2· H2O and M(II)(NO3)2· 2 H2O (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni)
Authors: Wildner Manfred , Giester Gerald , Lengauer Christian L. , Zemann Josef
Published: January 2012

Crystals of Zn(NO3)2· H2O and Mn(NO3)2· 2 H2O were synthesized by heating melts of the respective penta- or hexahydrates. Single crystal X-ray diffraction of the two highly hygroscopic phases reveals new sheet-structure types: Zn(NO3)2· H2O [Pbca,a= 9.722(1),b= 5.865(1),c= 17.799(3) Å (120 K),Z= 8,R1= 0.025]; Mn(NO3)2· 2 H2O [P212121,a= 5.921(1),b= 8.835(1),c= 22.882(3) Å (120 K),Z= 8,R1= 0.020]. Zn(NO3)2· H2O is built of only one kind of complicated, corrugated sheets held together by hydrogen bonds, while Mn(NO3)2· 2 H2O is built of alternating sheets with Mn in 6- and 7-fold coordination, respectively, again interconnected by hydrogen bonds. While in Zn(NO3)2· H2O the hydrogen bond system is quite clear-cut, this is not the case in Mn(NO3)2· 2 H2O. Contrary to expectation, the thermal expansion is not clearly largest perpendicular to the sheets in both compounds.

In the well known structures of the nitrate dihydrates of Mg, Co and Ni new refinements allowed to locate the hydrogen atoms.

Together with Mn(II) nitrate monohydrate and the dihydrates of Mg, Co, Ni, Zn and Cd the two new nitrates form an interesting group of sheet structures.
Triplex est Copia: Philip Melanchthon's Invention of the Rhetorical Figures
Authors: Weaver William P.
Published: January 2012

Philip Melanchthon's importance for the history of Renaissance rhetoric has been reclaimed in a number of recent studies. One of his most innovative and durable legacies was in the doctrine of the figures (schemata), examined and evaluated in this essay. A comparison with classical theory shows that in his second rhetoric (1521) Melanchthon radically reconceived the definition and classification of the figures. The new doctrine has major implications for the theory of style (elocutio) and its place in the liberal arts.
Comorbidity and cardiovascular risk factors in adult GH deficiency following treatment for Cushing's disease or non-functioning pituitary adenomas during childhood
Authors: Ragnarsson Oskar , Höybye Charlotte , Jönsson Peter J , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Johannsson Gudmundur , Biller Beverly M K , Kołtowska-Häggström Maria
Published: January 2012

Objective

Cushing's disease (CD) and non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) are rare in paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to describe long-term consequences in adults with GH deficiency (GHD) treated for CD or NFPA during childhood.

Design, patients and methods

This was a retrospective analysis of data from KIMS (Pfizer International Metabolic Database). Background characteristics, anthropometry and comorbidity were studied in 47 patients diagnosed with childhood-onset (CO)-CD and 62 patients with CO-NFPA. Data from 100 ACTH-sufficient patients with CO-idiopathic hypopituitarism (CO-Idio) were used for comparison. Cardiovascular risk profile was analysed at baseline and at 1 year on GH treatment in a subgroup of patients (17 CO-CD, 24 CO-NFPA and 55 CO-Idio) not receiving GH treatment at study entry.

Results

The median age at diagnosis of pituitary tumour was 14.0 years (range 10–17) in patients with CO-CD and 13.7 years (range 8–17) in CO-NFPA. In addition to GHD, 41% of patients with CO-CD had three or four other pituitary hormone deficiencies compared with 78% of patients with CO-NFPA (P<0.001). Eighty-nine per cent of patients with CO-CD had height SDS lower than 0 compared with 61% of patients with CO-NFPA (P=0.002). Hypertension was more common in CO-CD compared with CO-Idio (23 vs 9%,P=0.018). At 1 year on GH treatment, total- and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol decreased significantly in CO-CD but not in CO-NFPA.

Conclusion

Adult patients with GHD following treatment for paediatric CD and NFPA have long-term adverse consequences. Despite more severe hypopituitarism in CO-NFPA, patients with CO-CD have more frequently compromised final stature.