bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering the User Into the Design of the Missile Defense Systems
Authors: Steinberg Richard K. , Thornton Mark
Published: October 2012

A key element of a successful Battle Management System is the architecture of the Command and Control User Interface. A system can possess the best track processing, data communications, sensor management, and weapon engagement coordination algorithms, and still be operationally ineffective if the warfighter is not properly engineered into the design. Catastrophes such as the Patriot fratricide incidents during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and the engagement of an Iranian passenger airliner by the USS Vincennes in 1988 are dramatic reminders of the need for controls and displays that effectively present system behavior in a timely manner that ensures proper operator interaction with the system. The actions taken by an operator may be erroneous if the automated algorithms and display decision aids are not compatible with the cognitive functions of the operator. Effective controls and displays are needed to help operators perform their mission in a manner that will minimize operator error rates and save lives.
The Effect of Realistic and Fantastical Narrative Context on Perceived Relevance and Self-Efficacy in Serious Games
Authors: Lakhmani Shan , Sanchez Alicia , Raybourn Elaine M.
Published: October 2012

This study examined the differences between a game with a realistic narrative context and one with a more fantastical narrative context, in terms of perceived game relevance and game-specific self-efficacy. Users who played the game with the more realistic narrative exhibited greater perceived relevance and greater game-specific self-efficacy, in comparison with their counterparts. The more realistic narrative may allow for the material being learned to be better incorporated into the underlying narrative, thus increasing the perceived relevance of the game overall. The more realistic context may have yielded an increased game-specific self-efficacy due to the increased feasibility of the actions users undertake in the game. Using Yi & Hwang’s (2003) Technology Acceptance Model, we suggest that the increased game relevance and self-efficacy that result from a more realistic context can be used to increase the amount of time users spend using the learning game.
From lab to real life: A case study in the deployment of advanced driving simulator-based training systems
Authors: Romoser Matthew R. E. , Hirsch Pierro
Published: October 2012

Simulator-based training platforms have the potential for facilitating learning in a safe and controlled environment. Trainers can provide students with simulated scenarios representing a large number of challenging situations to help the student gauge their own performance, learn from their mistakes, and gain experience with complex skills through repeated practice. Often, novel ideas for new simulator-based training systems are initially developed and tested in a laboratory setting. However, understanding how best to implement simulators for use in practice is not a trivial undertaking. A concurrent engineering process that involves the researchers, practitioners, engineers, trainers and other end users is required. Designers must understand the requirements and the barriers to implementation, and the only way to accomplish this is to understand the end users and include them in design process. The current paper discusses a novel model describing the implementation cycle for the development and deployment of advanced driving simulator-based training systems and provides a real-world case example of one such successful deployment.
Discontinuity Detection Algorithm for Three-Dimensional Trajectory Data Analysis in Telerobotics
Authors: Yeom Kiwon , Ellis Stephen R. , Adelstein Bernard D.
Published: October 2012

Discontinuities in human movement can provide information about the control law that an operator is using. Such discontinuities are revealed by change points in one or more of the trajectory’s spatial derivatives. They are indicative of abrupt variations in the movement and provide information about spatial sampling and error detection. These discontinuities can arise in telerobotic applications, for example, when human operators pause while waiting for time-delayed teleoperation data to arrive or while adapting to account for misalignments between a remote camera and the operator’s local manual input reference frame. This paper presents a method for detecting discontinuities from trajectory records during three-dimensional target acquisition movements made by a simulated telerobot operator when display and control coordinates are misaligned. We develop the geometric detection algorithm and illustrate its use on actual data.
Evaluation of COTS Simulations for Future HRI Teams
Authors: Goetz Adam , Keebler Joseph R. , Phillips Elizabeth , Jentsch Florian , Hudson Irwin
Published: October 2012

As robotic technologies become more autonomous, the way human-robot interaction is studied in the laboratory is going to need to change. Currently, the use of robots in the present day is almost entirely via tele-operation. As robots become more intelligent, they will need less human supervisory control. One approach is to liken near future human-robot teams to working human-animal teams However, in order to fully understand how humans will interact with near future robotic technologies that may not yet exist, we must use today’s simulation technologies as research tools. Some of these include Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) games. To overcome some of the problems inherent in trying to simulate technologies that may not yet exist, these games can represent a means by which near future human-robot interactions can be simulated This paper serves as a review the development of a framework for analyzing the utility of COTS games for HRI research, and will apply the framework to a few current COTS games.
A Framework for Developing Synthetic Agents as Pedagogical Teammates: Applying What We Already Know
Authors: Priest Heather A. , Stader Sally
Published: October 2012

Research efforts are currently underway to use what we know about teams to ensure synthetic team members act like a human teammate. The research proposed here builds on this by leveraging what we already know about team training to develop synthetic teammates who can coach, provide feedback, and implement interventions during virtual exercises. This is potentially much more efficient and effective than the traditional use of avatars or even naïve, live teammates, allowing for personalized training and immediate feedback and coaching organic to the context. To facilitate this, we present a framework to integrate the research base of team training and pedagogical agents so we can begin to identify what leads to effective team training using synthetic teammates given training goals, team characteristics, and training environment.
Robots, Emotions and Appearances: Look at Me Now
Authors: Burgos Marvick , Yagoda Rosemarie E.
Published: October 2012

Understanding emotional reactions to robots is becoming increasingly more important as technological capabilities expand. Just as computers have evolved, so have robots. This evolution has lead to significant applications across a wide variety of social contexts. This study examines the affective judgment of multiple robotic platforms across various contexts. Significant differences were found in both positive and negative affect ratings. To further explain the results, future research is proposed to investigate the specific physical robotic characteristics that elicit both positive and negative emotional response.
Using Augmented Reality to Help Maintain Persistent Stare of a Moving Target inn an Urban Environment
Authors: Venero Peter , Rowe Allen , Boyer James
Published: October 2012

Maintaining persistent stare of a target with a remotely piloted aircraft (RPAA) sensor is a challenging task, made more difficult in an urban environment where buildings obstruct the moving aircraft’s view. This study used augmented reality (AR) to help operators make fast, accurate decisions regarding which sensor views were not obstructed when following a moving target through an urban environment. In addition, the study investigated the impact of dedicated sensor screens. The use of the AR produced increased objective performance and increased subjective preference; however, the addition of dedicated sensor views did not significantly increase objective performance but did reduce workload and were more desirable.
Dynamic Automated Graphics and Dynamic Interactive Graphics: Tools for Training on Tablet Devices
Authors: Marraffino Matthew D. , Killilea John P. , Singer Michael J.
Published: October 2012

Tablet computers are becoming ubiquitous and enable new ways to provide information. Specifically, the tablet’s touchscreen offers a novel way for an individual to interact with 3D graphics. Current learning directives such as the US Army ALC 2015 push for the use of mobile devices, to be used for training. The current paper proposes a conceptual framework for media-based instruction of psychomotor tasks to be conducted on tablets. The framework is based on Cognitive Load Theory and associated interaction principles. The framework can be used to investigate different types of graphic interaction, which we label dynamic interactive graphics and dynamic automated graphics. Dynamic interactive graphics provide the highest level of interaction while dynamic automated graphics provide less interaction by including automated functions.
How is Prospective Memory Used to Complete Instrumental Activities of Daily Living? Examining the Topic Through Focus Groups with Older Adults: Pilot Results
Authors: Fink Nicole , Goodwin Meghan , Kohn Spencer , Wideman Reginald , Price Margaux , Pak Richard
Published: October 2012

A key goal of many older adults is to maintain an independent lifestyle, but in order to live independently in the community, it is necessary that older adults are able to perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Many IADLs require the use of prospective memory (PM), however the research documenting the specific PM tasks people encounter when performing IADLs is scant. The current paper describes a proposed study and lessons learned from a pilot study aimed at narrowing the gap in the literature, by identifying common PM tasks older adults encounter when performing IADLs. Specifically, we aim to 1) identify PM tasks older adults must remember and those they forget when performing IADLs, 2) describe the nature of the PM tasks, 3) pinpoint memory aids that are used to help remember the PM tasks, and 4) offer human factors design recommendations based on our findings to help improve memory aids and decrease forgetting.
Talking via the Child
Authors: Ringnér Anders , Öster Inger , Björk Maria , Graneheim Ulla H.
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to describe discursively constructed interactions between parents and health care professionals (HCPs) in a pediatric oncology ward. Field notes from 70 focused participant observations and 16 informal interviews with 25 HCPs interacting with 25 parents of children with cancer were analyzed using discursive psychology. Six dominant interpretative repertoires (flexible parts of discourses used in everyday interaction) were found. Repertoires used by the HCPs were child, parent, or family oriented, mirroring the primary focus of the interaction. Parents used a spokesperson repertoire to use their own expertise to talk on behalf of the child; an observer repertoire, in which they kept in the background and interfered only when needed; or a family member repertoire to position themselves on a level equal to the ill child. The results are discussed in relation to philosophies influencing pediatric nursing, such as family-centered nursing and child-centered nursing.
“Laciana Is Black. Greens Go Away!” Environmentalists as Scapegoats in a Mountaintop Removal Conflict in Laciana Valley, Spain
Authors: Cabrejas Amaranta Herrero
Published: October 2012

This article presents findings from a case study of a socioenvironmental conflict concerning mountaintop removal coal mining (MTR) in Spain. For 15 years, illegal and subsidised MTR has been providing a number of jobs along with significant negative environmental and social impacts in an area protected by European environmental legislation. In 2018, the European Union (EU) will prohibit state coal subsidies and the local population is already deeply divided, and the atmosphere confrontational. Drawing on ethnography, interviews, and document analysis, this article explores the narrative variations—“disease,” “traitor,” “lazy foreigner,” and “salon environmentalist”—characterising environmentalists as scapegoats, and the importance of these social processes for building an ecological resistance movement in a historical coal mining area. The article concludes that, as in related conflicts elsewhere, violence against those criticising MTR practices, as well as a “culture of silence,” have strongly limited the success of the anti-MTR movement.
The Role of Attitudes About Vaccine Safety, Efficacy, and Value in Explaining Parents’ Reported Vaccination Behavior
Authors: LaVail Katherine Hart , Kennedy Allison Michelle
Published: October 2012

Objectives. To explain vaccine confidence as it related to parents’ decisions to vaccinate their children with recommended vaccines, and to develop a confidence measure to efficiently and effectively predict parents’ self-reported vaccine behaviors. Method. A sample of parents with at least one child younger than 6 years ( n = 376) was analyzed using data from the HealthStyles 2010 survey. Questions were grouped into block variables to create three confidence constructs: value, safety, and efficacy. Regression equations controlling for demographic characteristics were used to identify the confidence construct(s) that best predicted parents’ self-reported vaccination decisions (accept all, some, or none of the recommended childhood vaccines). Results. Among the three constructs evaluated, confidence in the value of vaccines, that is the belief that vaccines are important and vaccinating one’s children is the right thing to do, was the best predictor of parents’ vaccine decisions, F(2, 351) = 119.199, p < .001. When combined into a block variable for analysis, two survey items measuring confidence in the value of vaccines accounted for 40% of the variance in parents’ self-reported vaccine decisions. Confidence in the safety or efficacy of vaccines failed to account for additional significant variance in parent-reported vaccination behavior. Conclusions. Confidence in the value of vaccines is a helpful predictor of parent-reported vaccination behavior. Attitudinal constructs of confidence in the safety and efficacy of vaccines failed to account for additional significant variance in parents’ vaccination behaviors. Future research should assess the role of vaccine knowledge and tangible barriers, such as access and cost, to further explain parents’ vaccination behaviors.
Using SWPBS Expectations as a Screening Tool to Predict Behavioral Risk in Middle School
Authors: Burke Mack D. , Davis John L. , Hagan-Burke Shanna , Lee Yuan-Hsuan , Fogarty Melissa Shea
Published: October 2012

School-wide positive behavior support (SWPBS) focuses on promoting social competence through the establishment of behavior expectations that are explicitly taught and reinforced by all teachers across all settings. This study investigated the validity of using adherence to SWPBS behavior expectations as a screening tool for predicting behavior risk status. A total of 961 students at a middle school serving Grades 6 through 8 were screened using the school’s SWPBS expectations and a standardized norm-referenced emotional and behavioral screener. Results revealed strong associations between the extent of students’ adherence to SWPBS expectations and the adaptive, externalizing, and school problem constructs derived from the norm-referenced screener items; associations with the norm-referenced screener’s internalizing construct were weaker. Classification analyses yielded mixed results despite the comparability between the results of the SWPBS expectations procedure and the standardized norm-referenced screener.
Validation of cognitive image dimensions for rural tourist destinations
Authors: Peña Ana Isabel Polo , Jamilena Dolores María Frías , Molina Miguel Ángel Rodríguez
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study is to identify and validate the dimensions involved in the formation of the cognitive image of a rural tourist destination. The development of a positive tourist destination image has a significant motivating effect on consumer behaviours, such as satisfaction and loyalty, and represents a valuable instrument for the advancement of rural tourism. Given that effectively creating and managing a rural tourist destination image require knowledge of the factors that rural tourists value, this study sets out to identify and validate the dimensions of a cognitive rural tourist destination image. These are found to be the characteristics of the rural tourist destination, the characteristics of the service offer, the cultural offer, the nature-based activities offer and the offer of local products and gastronomy. This application has implications for entrepreneurial activities and decision making, and for public bodies working in rural tourism.
A crisis recovery model for adolescents with severe mental health problems
Authors: Kaplan Tony , Racussen Lisa
Published: October 2012

A model of intervention at the interface and for the in-patient phase for adolescents with severe mental health crises was developed to reduce length of stay while maintaining quality of service consonant with the ‘recovery model’. The model is described, and discussed in the context of the limited literature on both crisis intervention with adolescents and families, and ‘recovery’ in this age-group. The model may be suitable also for use by community teams dealing with adolescents in crisis.
Experience of violation during the past 3 months, social capital, and self-rated health: A population-based study
Authors: Lindström Martin , Axelsson Jakob , Rosvall Maria
Published: October 2012

Objective: The objective was to investigate the association between experience of violation during the past 3 months and self-rated health, taking trust (social capital), economic stress, and country of birth and parents’ country of birth into account. Design/setting/participants/measurements: The 2008 public health survey in Skåne is a cross-sectional study with 55% response rate. A random sample was approached using a postal questionnaire, and 28,198 persons aged 18–80 responded. Logistic regression models investigated associations between experience of violation during the past 3 months and self-rated health. Results: A 27.4% proportion of the men and 30.0% of the women reported less than good health. Less than good health was significantly higher in older age groups, among persons born outside Sweden, with low education, economic stress, low trust in other people, and experience of violation during the past 3 months. The group with experience of violation at one occasion during the past 3 months had odds ratio 1.76 (95% CI 1.57–1.97) of less than good health among men and odds ratio 1.78 (95% CI 1.62–1.96) among women, while the group with experience of violation two or more times during the past 3 months had odds ratio 4.28 (95% CI 3.36–5.44) among men and 3.54 (95% CI 2.89–4.35) among women in the final multiple analyses. Conclusions: Experience of violation during the past 3 months is significantly associated with less than good health, which is a finding with important policy implications.
The Traveling Indian Gallery, Part One
Authors: Denzin Norman K.
Published: October 2012

A critical reading of George Catlin’s 19th century portraits of Native Americans is offered. Catlin’s Traveling Indian Gallery distorted the culture voices and customs of his subjects. My reading is a form of memory-making, but in a sense it is no more authentic than Catlin’s. I attempt a form of self-critique which acknowledges and disturbs this fact.
Conducting the ACTIVE randomized trial in hospice care: Keys to success
Authors: Kruse Robin L , Parker Oliver Debra , Wittenberg-Lyles Elaine , Demiris George
Published: October 2012

Background

Untreated pain is common for patients at the end of life. Informal caregivers, often family or friends of patients, are responsible for working with hospice staff to provide pain management. Interdisciplinary team meetings conducted in hospices every 2 weeks provide an opportunity for hospice staff to communicate about pain management with informal caregivers of hospice patients.

Purpose

We present challenges, solutions, and keys strategies for carrying out a randomized trial in the hospice setting.

Methods

We are conducting the Assessing Caregivers for Team Intervention through Video Encounters (ACTIVE) study to determine whether regular videoconferencing between hospice patients’ informal caregivers and the hospice care team alters caregivers’ perceptions of pain management and patients’ pain. Participants must be primary caregivers for a hospice patient, at least 18 years of age, capable of providing informed consent, and have access to a computer with a high-speed Internet connection or a telephone. We randomized caregivers to participate in biweekly team meetings through video or phone conferencing (intervention) or to receive usual care from the hospice. All patients receive standard hospice care regardless of the group assignment of their informal caregiver.

Results

As of 1 July 2012, there have been 1038 new admissions to the participating hospices. Of 391 cases in which no contact was made, 233 patients had died or had life expectancy less than 14 days. Home visits were made to 271 interested and eligible caregivers; 249 caregivers of 233 patients were randomly assigned to the usual care or intervention arm. Enrollment is on pace to meet recruitment goals.

Lessons Learned

Thorough pilot testing of instruments and procedures helped us overcome barriers to conducting research in this vulnerable population. Keys to success included obtaining support from hospice medical directors, including hospice staff in study preparation, minimizing the burden on hospice staff, housing research staff in each participating hospice, using newsletters to enhance communication, developing and maintaining a detailed procedural manual, producing regular data quality reports, developing a secure site to facilitate coding videos for qualitative studies, and holding regular teleconferences with key staff.

Limitations

Late enrollment of many patients in hospice left little to no time for their caregivers to take part in the intervention. Assisting caregivers of patients with very short life expectancy may require different methods.

Conclusions

The challenges of conducting randomized trials with hospice patients and caregivers can be addressed with appropriate study design, well-tested research methods, and proactive monitoring of any issues or problems.
Evaluation of a LPS-based glycoconjugate vaccine against bovine Escherichia coli mastitis: Formation of LPS Abs in cows after immunization with E. coli core oligosaccharides conjugated to hemocyanine
Authors: Brade Lore , Hensen Selma , Brade Helmut
Published: October 2012

The immune response of cows against the core oligosaccharide of Escherichia coli rough mutants (core types R1-R4, K-12 and J-5) was investigated after immunization with a synthetic glycoconjugate composed of deacylated LPS conjugated to hemocyanine (22 animals). Ab formation was measured by ELISA using LPS or deacylated LPS conjugated to BSA as an Ag. The glycoconjugate immunogens were used to vaccinate cows (36 animals), which were then challenged intramammarily with E. coli O 157 (K1 negative, R1 core type). Compared with control groups no protection was observed, although high titers against the R1 core type were detected in vaccinated animals. Western blots using the immune sera showed that the Ab response was directed against the core region and not against the O-antigen, which may explain the failure of the vaccine.
Do bay closures prevent the spread of C. difficile?
Authors: Galletly Tracey , Johnstone Clare , Wilson Jennie
Published: October 2012

A 48-hour bay closure policy designed to limit onward transmission of gastrointestinal pathogens was in place at a London NHS Trust between March 2007 and April 2010. This policy required the closure of beds to admissions and transfers for 48 hours in a bay where a patient with a potential gastrointestinal infection was identified.

The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy and operational impact of this policy, and implications for infection prevention and control team resources. It involved a retrospective review of patients involved in bay closures between January and March 2010, excluding those associated with norovirus.

During the three month period 252 bay closures were identified, a rate of 2.07 of per 1000 bed days. In 191 cases, data was available on affected patients and in 30 (16%) a gastrointestinal pathogen was identified in the index patient, 28 of which were C.difficile. In two (1%) of the bay closures for which data were available, a “contact” patient was identified with the same organism as the index case, but only after the 48-hour closure period.

This policy was unlikely to reduce the transmission of C.difficile, and administering the policy required considerable infection and prevention and control team resources, and had a major impact on bed capacity.
Promoting HPV Prevention in the School Setting
Authors: Bellia-Weiss Tania , Parsons Mary , Sebach Aaron M. , Rockelli Laurie A.
Published: October 2012

In pediatrics especially, it is important to incorporate the latest immunization and Healthy People 2020 guidelines while working to promote health and prevent disease in children. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States with at least 20 million people infected. Consequently, approximately 18,000 women and 7,000 men are diagnosed with HPV associated cancers yearly. Gardasil is a quadrivalent vaccine that protects against HPV strains 6, 11, 16, and 18. It is currently recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for both males and females between 11 and 26 years of age. HPV immunization rates are lower than the intended 80% goal of Healthy People 2020, with only 26.7% of the population having completed the vaccination series. Focused, timely, and persistent education and prevention efforts are needed in school settings to increase vaccination rates and decrease HPV morbidity.
Perioperative Management of the Fontan Operation in an Adolescent With a Single Lung
Authors: Kim Paul , Bettesworth Jacob , Corridore Marco , Galantowicz Mark , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: October 2012

The Fontan operation is performed to correct complex cardiac malformations characterized by single ventricle physiology. Following the procedure, the systemic venous blood flows directly into the lungs without passing through the single ventricle. Consequently, the Fontan circulation requires passive venous flow to the lungs, making it imperative for the pulmonary vascular resistance to be kept low in order to maintain adequate pulmonary blood flow and cardiac output. Given that the pulmonary circulation is important for a successful Fontan physiology, it would be intuitive that a single lung Fontan operation would do poorly because of the major loss in pulmonary vascular bed and the subsequent increase in pulmonary vascular resistance. The authors present a 14-year-old adolescent who was born with tricuspid atresia, pulmonary atresia, and right ventricular hypoplasia who underwent a successful Fontan operation into a single right lung, the left pulmonary artery being hypoplastic and disconnected from the right pulmonary artery. The authors describe the perioperative anesthetic management of the single lung Fontan operation and further discuss the perioperative treatment of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance.
Abstract Mind-Sets and Social Comparison
Authors: Bruchmann Kathryn , Evans Abigail T.
Published: October 2012

When evaluating personal performance, there is a propensity for people to rely more heavily on social comparison information from individuals than from aggregates, which is often more diagnostic—referred to as the Local Dominance Effect. The present research explored the possibility that under certain conditions, a global dominance effect may emerge; that is, in some circumstances people might rely more on average comparison information. Two studies investigated the influence of abstract mind-sets  on the use of social comparison information. In Study 1, self-evaluations of participants who were given comparison information from both individual and aggregate sources while in an abstract mind-set were affected more by aggregate than individual comparison information—demonstrating a global dominance effect. Study 2 investigated how construal level influences the use of social comparison information and results indicated that when thinking abstractly, people shifted their attention to average comparison information.
Azacitidine in the management of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Khan Cyrus , Pathe Neeta , Fazal Salman , Lister John , Rossetti James M.
Published: October 2012

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of clonal hematopoeitic disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and potential transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). For decades, the mainstay of treatment for MDS was supportive care, including transfusion of blood products and growth factors. Further understanding of disease biology led to the discovery of a high prevalence of hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes in high-risk MDS and secondary leukemias. Hence, the role of irreversible DNA methlytransferase inhibitors such as azacitidine was investigated with promising outcomes in the treatment of MDS. Azacitidine was initially approved in the USA by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004 for the treatment of all subtypes of MDS and was granted expanded approval in 2009 to reflect new overall survival data demonstrated in the AZA-001 study of patients with higher-risk MDS. Azacitidine has demonstrated significant and clinically meaningful prolongation of survival in higher-risk patients with MDS and has changed the natural history of these disorders. The agent maintains a relatively safe toxicity profile, even in older patients. The role of azacitidine has been explored in the treatment of AML and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and has also been studied in the peritransplant setting. Azacitidine has been combined with other novel agents such as lenalidomide, histone deacetylase inhibitors and growth factors in the hope of achieving improved outcomes. Currently, both intravenous and subcutaneous forms of azacitidine are approved for use in the USA with the oral form being granted fast track status by the FDA.
Patients’ and clinicians’ attitude towards long-acting depot antipsychotics in subjects with a first episode of psychosis
Authors: Kirschner Matthias , Theodoridou Anastasia , Fusar-Poli Paolo , Kaiser Stefan , Jäger Matthias
Published: October 2012

Objectives:

The acceptance and use of long-acting depot antipsychotics has been shown to be influenced by the attitudes of patients and clinicians. Depot treatment rates are low across countries and especially patients with first-episode psychosis are rarely treated with depot medication. The aim of this article was to review the literature on patients’ and clinicians’ attitudes towards long-acting depot antipsychotics in subjects with first-episode psychosis.

Methods:

A systematic search of Medline, Embase, PsycINF and Google Scholar was conducted. Studies were included if they reported original data describing patients’ and clinicians’ attitudes towards long-acting depot antipsychotic in subjects with first-episode psychosis.

Results:

Six studies out of a total of 503 articles met the inclusion criteria. Four studies conveyed a negative and two a positive opinion of clinicians toward depot medication. No systematic study directly addressed the attitude of patients with first-episode psychosis. Psychiatrists frequently presume that patients with first-episode psychosis would not accept depot medication and that depots are mostly eligible for chronic patients.

Conclusions:

Full information of all patients especially those with first episode psychosis in a therapeutic relationship that includes shared decision-making processes could reduce the negative image and stigmatization attached to depots.
PA28γ is a novel corepressor of HTLV-1 replication and controls viral latency
Authors: Ko Nga Ling , Taylor John M. , Bellon Marcia , Bai Xue Tao , Shevtsov Sergey P. , Dundr Miroslav , Nicot Christophe
Published: October 2012

Key Points

PA28g acts as a co-repressor of HTLV-1 p30 to suppress virus replication and is required for the maintenance of viral latency. HTLV-1 has evolved a unique function mediated by its posttranscriptional repressor p30, which is not found in HTLV-2.
Impact of cellular autophagy on viruses: Insights from hepatitis B virus and human retroviruses
Authors: Tang Sai-Wen , Ducroux Aurelie , Jeang Kuan-Teh , Neuveut Christine
Published: October 2012

Autophagy is a protein degradative process important for normal cellular metabolism. It is apparently used also by cells to eliminate invading pathogens. Interestingly, many pathogens have learned to subvert the cell’s autophagic process. Here, we review the interactions between viruses and cells in regards to cellular autophagy. Using findings from hepatitis B virus and human retroviruses, HIV-1 and HTLV-1, we discuss mechanisms used by viruses to usurp cellular autophagy in ways that benefit viral replication.
An integrative computational systems biology approach identifies differentially regulated dynamic transcriptome signatures which drive the initiation of human T helper cell differentiation
Authors: Äijö Tarmo , Edelman Sanna M , Lönnberg Tapio , Larjo Antti , Kallionpää Henna , Tuomela Soile , Engström Emilia , Lahesmaa Riitta , Lähdesmäki Harri
Published: October 2012

Background

A proper balance between different T helper (Th) cell subsets is necessary for normal functioning of the adaptive immune system. Revealing key genes and pathways driving the differentiation to distinct Th cell lineages provides important insight into underlying molecular mechanisms and new opportunities for modulating the immune response. Previous computational methods to quantify and visualize kinetic differential expression data of three or more lineages to identify reciprocally regulated genes have relied on clustering approaches and regression methods which have time as a factor, but have lacked methods which explicitly model temporal behavior.

Results

We studied transcriptional dynamics of human umbilical cord blood T helper cells cultured in absence and presence of cytokines promoting Th1 or Th2 differentiation. To identify genes that exhibit distinct lineage commitment dynamics and are specific for initiating differentiation to different Th cell subsets, we developed a novel computational methodology (LIGAP) allowing integrative analysis and visualization of multiple lineages over whole time-course profiles. Applying LIGAP to time-course data from multiple Th cell lineages, we identified and experimentally validated several differentially regulated Th cell subset specific genes as well as reciprocally regulated genes. Combining differentially regulated transcriptional profiles with transcription factor binding site and pathway information, we identified previously known and new putative transcriptional mechanisms involved in Th cell subset differentiation. All differentially regulated genes among the lineages together with an implementation of LIGAP are provided as an open-source resource.

Conclusions

The LIGAP method is widely applicable to quantify differential time-course dynamics of many types of datasets and generalizes to any number of conditions. It summarizes all the time-course measurements together with the associated uncertainty for visualization and manual assessment purposes. Here we identified novel human Th subset specific transcripts as well as regulatory mechanisms important for the initiation of the Th cell subset differentiation.
Comparison of total and cytoplasmic mRNA reveals global regulation by nuclear retention and miRNAs
Authors: Solnestam Beata Werne , Stranneheim Henrik , Hällman Jimmie , Käller Max , Lundberg Emma , Lundeberg Joakim , Akan Pelin
Published: October 2012

Background

The majority of published gene-expression studies have used RNA isolated from whole cells, overlooking the potential impact of including nuclear transcriptome in the analyses. In this study, mRNA fractions from the cytoplasm and from whole cells (total RNA) were prepared from three human cell lines and sequenced using massive parallel sequencing.

Results

For all three cell lines, of about 15000 detected genes approximately 400 to 1400 genes were detected in different amounts in the cytoplasmic and total RNA fractions. Transcripts detected at higher levels in the total RNA fraction had longer coding sequences and higher number of miRNA target sites. Transcripts detected at higher levels in the cytoplasmic fraction were shorter or contained shorter untranslated regions. Nuclear retention of transcripts and mRNA degradation via miRNA pathway might contribute to this differential detection of genes. The consequence of the differential detection was further investigated by comparison to proteomics data. Interestingly, the expression profiles of cytoplasmic and total RNA correlated equally well with protein abundance levels indicating regulation at a higher level.

Conclusions

We conclude that expression levels derived from the total RNA fraction be regarded as an appropriate estimate of the amount of mRNAs present in a given cell population, independent of the coding sequence length or UTRs.
Upregulated expression of brain enzymatic markers of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid metabolism in a rat model of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Taha Ameer Y , Gao Fei , Ramadan Epolia , Cheon Yewon , Rapoport Stanley I , Kim Hyung-Wook
Published: October 2012

Background

In animal models, the metabolic syndrome elicits a cerebral response characterized by altered phospholipid and unesterified fatty acid concentrations and increases in pro-apoptotic inflammatory mediators that may cause synaptic loss and cognitive impairment. We hypothesized that these changes are associated with phospholipase (PLA2) enzymes that regulate arachidonic (AA, 20:4n-6) and docosahexaenoic (DHA, 22:6n-6) acid metabolism, major polyunsaturated fatty acids in brain. Male Wistar rats were fed a control or high-sucrose diet for 8 weeks. Brains were assayed for markers of AA metabolism (calcium-dependent cytosolic cPLA2 IVA and cyclooxygenases), DHA metabolism (calcium-independent iPLA2 VIA and lipoxygenases), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and synaptic integrity (drebrin and synaptophysin). Lipid concentrations were measured in brains subjected to high-energy microwave fixation.

Results

The high-sucrose compared with control diet induced insulin resistance, and increased phosphorylated-cPLA2 protein, cPLA2 and iPLA2 activity and 12-lipoxygenase mRNA, but decreased BDNF mRNA and protein, and drebrin mRNA. The concentration of several n-6 fatty acids in ethanolamine glycerophospholipids and lysophosphatidylcholine was increased, as was unesterified AA concentration. Eicosanoid concentrations (prostaglandin E2, thromboxane B2 and leukotriene B4) did not change.

Conclusion

These findings show upregulated brain AA and DHA metabolism and reduced BDNF and drebrin, but no changes in eicosanoids, in an animal model of the metabolic syndrome. These changes might contribute to altered synaptic plasticity and cognitive impairment in rats and humans with the metabolic syndrome.
Theta burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation attenuates somatosensory evoked potentials from the lower limb
Authors: Zapallow Christopher M , Asmussen Michael J , Bolton David A E , Lee Kevin G H , Jacobs Mark F , Nelson Aimee J
Published: October 2012

Background

Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) is a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation which has been shown to alter cortical excitability in the upper limb representation of primary somatosensory cortex (SI). However, it is unknown whether cTBS modulates cortical excitability within the lower limb representation in SI. The present study investigates the effects of cTBS over the SI lower limb representation on cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) following tibial nerve stimulation at the knee. SEPs and H-reflex were recorded before and in four time blocks up to 30 minutes following cTBS targeting the lower limb representation within SI.

Results

Following cTBS, the P1-N1 first cortical potential was significantly decreased at 12–16 minutes. CTBS also suppressed the P2-N2 second cortical potential for up to 30 minutes following stimulation. The H-reflex remained statistically unchanged following cTBS although there was a modest suppression observed.

Conclusion

We conclude that cTBS decreases cortical excitability of the lower limb representation of SI as evidenced by suppressed SEP amplitude. The duration and magnitude of the cTBS after effects are similar to those observed in upper limb studies.
Non-coding RNA ANRIL and the number of plexiform neurofibromas in patients with NF1microdeletions
Authors: Mußotter Tanja , Kluwe Lan , Högel Josef , Nguyen Rosa , Cooper David N , Mautner Victor-Felix , Kehrer-Sawatzki Hildegard
Published: October 2012

Background

Neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF1) is caused by mutations of the NF1 gene at 17q11.2. In 95% of non-founder NF1 patients, NF1 mutations are identifiable by means of a comprehensive mutation analysis. 5-10% of these patients harbour microdeletions encompassing the NF1 gene and its flanking regions. NF1 is characterised by tumours of the peripheral nerve sheaths, the pathognomonic neurofibromas. Considerable inter- and intra-familial variation in expressivity of the disease has been observed which is influenced by genetic modifiers unrelated to the constitutional NF1 mutation. The number of plexiform neurofibromas (PNF) in NF1 patients is a highly heritable genetic trait. Recently, SNP rs2151280 located within the non-coding RNA gene ANRIL at 9p21.3, was identified as being strongly associated with PNF number in a family-based association study. The T-allele of rs2151280, which correlates with reduced ANRIL expression, appears to be associated with higher PNF number. ANRIL directly binds to the SUZ12 protein, an essential component of polycomb repressive complex 2, and is required for SUZ12 occupancy of the CDKN2A/CDKN2B tumour suppressor genes as well as for their epigenetic silencing.

Methods

Here, we explored a potential association of PNF number and PNF volume with SNP rs2151280 in 29 patients with constitutional NF1 microdeletions using the exact Cochran-Armitage test for trends and the exact Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon test. Both the PNF number and total tumour volume in these 29 NF1 patients were assessed by whole-body MRI. The NF1 microdeletions observed in these 29 patients encompassed the NF1 gene as well as its flanking regions, including the SUZ12 gene.

Results

In the 29 microdeletion patients investigated, neither the PNF number nor PNF volume was found to be associated with the T-allele of rs2151280.

Conclusion

Our findings imply that, at least in patients with NF1 microdeletions, PNF susceptibility is not associated with rs2151280. Although somatic inactivation of the NF1 wild-type allele is considered to be the PNF-initiating event in NF1 patients with intragenic mutations and patients with NF1 microdeletions, both patient groups may differ with regard to tumour progression because of the heterozygous constitutional deletion of SUZ12 present only in patients with NF1 microdeletions.
The association between cognitive function and white matter lesion location in older adults: a systematic review
Authors: Bolandzadeh Niousha , Davis Jennifer C , Tam Roger , Handy Todd C , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: October 2012

Background

Maintaining cognitive function is essential for healthy aging and to function autonomously within society. White matter lesions (WMLs) are associated with reduced cognitive function in older adults. However, whether their anatomical location moderates these associations is not well-established. This review systematically evaluates peer-reviewed evidence on the role of anatomical location in the association between WMLs and cognitive function.

Methods

In accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement, databases of EMBASE, PUBMED, MEDLINE, and CINAHL, and reference lists of selected papers were searched. We limited our search results to adults aged 60 years and older, and studies published in the English language from 2000 to 2011. Studies that investigated the association between cognitive function and WML location were included. Two independent reviewers extracted: 1) study characteristics including sample size, sample characteristic, and study design; 2) WML outcomes including WML location, WML quantification method (scoring or volume measurement), strength of the MRI magnet in Tesla, and MRI sequence used for WML detection; and 3) cognitive function outcomes including cognitive tests for two cognitive domains of memory and executive function/processing speed.

Results

Of the 14 studies included, seven compared the association of subcortical versus periventricular WMLs with cognitive function. Seven other studies investigated the association between WMLs in specific brain regions (e.g., frontal, parietal lobes) and cognitive function. Overall, the results show that a greater number of studies have found an association between periventricular WMLs and executive function/processing speed, than subcortical WMLs. However, whether WMLs in different brain regions have a differential effect on cognitive function remains unclear.

Conclusions

Evidence suggests that periventricular WMLs may have a significant negative impact on cognitive abilities of older adults. This finding may be influenced by study heterogeneity in: 1) MRI sequences, WML quantification methods, and neuropsychological batteries; 2) modifying effect of cardiovascular risk factors; and 3) quality of studies and lack of sample size calculation.
Birth weight differences between preterm stillbirths and live births: analysis of population-based studies from the U.S. and Sweden
Authors: Zhang Xun , Joseph KS , Cnattingius Sven , Kramer Michael S
Published: October 2012

Background

Many stillbirths show evidence of fetal growth restriction, and most occur at preterm gestational age. The objective of this study is to compare birth weights at preterm gestational ages between live births and stillbirths, and between those occurring before or during labour.

Methods

Based on singleton births from the United States (U.S.) 2003–2005 (n=902,491) and Sweden 1992–2001 (n=946,343), we compared birth weights between singleton live births and stillbirths at 24–36 completed weeks of gestation from the U.S. and at 28–42 completed weeks from Sweden.

Results

In both the U.S. and Sweden, stillbirth weight-for-gestational-age z-scores were at least one standard deviation lower than live birth z-scores at all preterm gestational ages (GA). In Sweden, no birth weight difference was observed between antepartum and intrapartum stillbirths at preterm GAs, whereas birth weights among intrapartum stillbirths were similar to those among live births at 37–42 weeks.

Conclusions

Birth weights observed at preterm gestation are abnormal, but preterm stillbirths appear to be more growth-restricted than preterm live birth. Similar birth weights among ante- and intrapartum preterm stillbirths suggest serious fetal compromise before the onset of labor.