bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production, Purification, and Characterization of Thermostable α‐Amylase Produced by Bacillus licheniformis Isolate AI20
Authors: Abdel-Fattah Yasser R. , Soliman Nadia A. , El-Toukhy Nabil M. , El-Gendi Hamada , Ahmed Rania S.
Published: September 2012

An optimization strategy, based on statistical experimental design, is employed to enhance the production of thermostable α‐amylase by a thermotolerant B. licheniformis AI20 isolate. Using one variant at time (OVAT) method, starch, yeast extract, and CaCl2 were observed to influence the enzyme production significantly. Thereafter, the response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to acquire the best process conditions among the selected variables, where a three‐level Box‐Behnken design was employed to create a polynomial quadratic model correlating the relationship between the three variables and α‐amylase activity. The optimal combination of the major constituents of media for α‐amylase production was 1.0% starch, 0.75% yeast extract, and 0.02% CaCl2. The predicted optimum α‐amylase activity was 384 U/mL/min, which is two folds more than the basal medium conditions. The produced α‐amylase was purified through various chromatographic techniques. The estimated enzyme molecular mass was 55 kDa and the α‐amylase had an optimal temperature and pH of 60–80°C and 6–7.5, respectively. Values of Vmax and Km for the purified enzyme were 454 mU/mg and 0.709 mg/mL. The α‐amylase enzyme showed great stability against different solvents. Additionally, the enzyme activity was slightly inhibited by detergents, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), or chelating agents such as EDTA and EGTA. On the other hand, great enzyme stability against different divalent metal ions was observed at 0.1 mM concentration, but 10 mM of Cu2+ or Zn2+ reduced the enzyme activity by 25 and 55%, respectively.
Crush Cytologic Findings of a Cerebral Granular Cell Astrocytoma
Authors: Kang Myunghee , Kim Na Rae , Chung Dong Hae , Yoo Chan Jong
Published: September 2012

Background: Granular cell astrocytoma (GCA) is a rare variant of astrocytoma, characterized by an aggressive prognosis compared to conventional astrocytomas of the same World Health Organization grade. Intraoperative smears provide useful clues in diagnosing neuropathology, especially in rarely encountered central nervous system tumors. Case: The patient was a 53-year-old man who presented with a huge mass at the left temporal lobe with peritumoral edema on MRI. The crush smears revealed singly-scattered, large eosinophilic cells with eccentrically located nuclei as well as plump, finely-granular cytoplasm with distinct borders. Mild cellular atypia and absence of mitotic activity were noted. These cells were admixed with small mature lymphoid cells. Histology showed scattered large granular cells which were positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein. Conclusion: The most helpful imprint cytologic findings of GCA were as follows: (1) large cells containing eosinophilic granular cytoplasm rather than the foamy or bubbly cytoplasm associated with macrophages or renal cell carcinomas; (2) distinct granular cell borders in contrast to the ruffled membrane of macrophages, and (3) markedly large-sized granular cells, ranging from 60 to 100 µm in diameter.
Candida albicans and Bacterial Vaginosis Can Coexist on Pap Smears
Authors: Wei Qingzhu , Fu Bo , Liu Jianghuan , Zhang Zhixiong , Zhao Tong
Published: September 2012

Objective: The aim of our study was to study the relationship of blastospores and pseudohyphae in Papanicolaou (Pap) smears and Nugent scores for bacterial vaginosis (BV). Study Design: A total of 471 Pap smears with Candida albicans were reviewed. The presence of blastospores and pseudohyphae was established. The Pap smears were restained with the Gram stain method to evaluate the bacterial flora according to the Nugent scoring system. Results: Of the 471 Pap smears, blastospores and pseudohyphae were observed in 62.8% (296/471) and 37.2% (175/471) of the smears, and displayed symptoms in 4.4% (13/296) and 43.4% (76/175), respectively. A significant difference was found between these 2 groups (p < 0.0001). A positive BV Nugent score (≥ 7) was found in 22.1% (104/471) of the C. albicans cases. Blastospores and pseudohyphae with BV were 14.2% (42/296) and 35.4% (62/175), respectively. These high Nugent scores indicate statistically significant differences (p < 0.0001). Conclusion:C. albicans and BV can coexist. The presence of blastospores in these C. albicans cases was negatively related to symptoms.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology with c-kit Immunocytochemical Staining in the Diagnosis of Warthin’s Tumor
Authors: Kim Jung Yeon , Yoo Young Sam , Kwon Ji Eun , Kim Hyun-Jung , Park Kyeongmee
Published: September 2012

Objective: Although Warthin’s tumor (WT) is one of a few salivary gland tumors that have distinct cytologic findings, it can be confused with malignant tumors at times. We assessed the overall accuracy, unusual features, and diagnostic points of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of WT. Study Design: We retrospectively collected histologically confirmed WT from 21 patients and reviewed preoperative FNA slides. Smears were subject to immunocytochemical staining for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and c-kit and compared to metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. Results: All of the cases were in the parotid gland; the mean size was 3.6 ± 1.2 cm. Of 21 patients, 19 were male (age 59.7 ± 9.4 years) and had a history of smoking. The initial FNA diagnoses were WT (11 patients, 52.4%), benign lesion (7 patients, 33.3%), and malignant neoplasm (3 patients, 14.3%). Only 6 patients (28.6%) showed typical FNA features of WT. The dominant cell types in the smears were macrophages (76.2%), squamous-like cells (66.7%), oncocytes (61.9%), and lymphoid cells (57.1%). Some showed atypical degenerated features, a necrotic background, and inflammatory cells, leading to misdiagnosis. CEA positivity and c-kit positivity in WT were noted in 0 and 75.0% of cases, respectively, whereas metastatic squamous cell carcinoma showed positive rates of 16.7 and 0%, respectively. Conclusion: Awareness of potential sources of misdiagnosis together with combination of c-kit/CEA immunostaining may result in an increased diagnostic rate of WT in FNA.
Implementation of Telecytology for Immediate Assessment of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspirations Compared to Conventional On-Site Evaluation: Analysis of 240 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Marotti Jonathan D. , Johncox Vickie , Ng David , Gonzalez Jorge L. , Padmanabhan Vijayalakshmi
Published: September 2012

Objective: To evaluate the implementation of telecytology in an academic cytology service for immediate assessment of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endobronchoscopic ultrasound (EBUS) fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Study Design: Telecytology was evaluated over a 10-month period. Using an Olympus BX41® microscope and an Olympus DP72® camera with Olympus cellSens® software, real-time dynamic images of air-dried Diff-Quik®-stained smears were transmitted by a cytopathology fellow or cytotechnologist using a secure internet connection. The cytopathologists remotely accessed the real-time images on a computer in their office and rendered immediate assessments. Mean procedure times, and preliminary and final diagnoses were compared between telecytology and conventional on-site evaluation. Results: Two hundred and forty consecutive EUS-FNA and EBUS-FNA procedures with immediate assessments were performed during the evaluation period, of which 158 (66%) utilized telecytology and 82 (34%) did not utilize telecytology. The mean procedure time required for cytotechnologists and cytology fellows was 1.1 h for both conventional on-site and telecytology evaluations. The mean procedure time for cytopathologists was 0.74 h for conventional on-site evaluations and 0.2 h for telecytology. Conclusions: Incorporation of telecytology for immediate assessment of EUS-FNA increased cytopathologist efficiency.
Assessment of the Fournier® Cervical Specimen Self-Sampling Device Using the Papanicolaou Method
Authors: da Silva Rocha Alexandre , Schaeffer Pedro Guilherme , Meurer Luise , Hartmann Carolina Rigatti , Edelweiss Maria Isabel Albano
Published: September 2012

Introduction: Communities of socially excluded immigrant women, especially Muslim, Asian, Aboriginal and Maroon, are among the groups of women with low rates of cervical screening. Exclusion of the pelvic examination could result in a higher acceptance of the cervical screening among these communities and an increase in screening coverage. Aim: To assess the performance of the Fournier® cervical specimen self-sampling device for the cytological diagnosis of precursor or neoplastic lesions in the uterine cervix using the Papanicolaou method. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at the Cervical Pathology Outpatient Clinic. Liquid-based cytology slides were obtained by the Fournier device and stained using the Papanicolaou method. The slides were analyzed by two pathologists, blinded for the colposcopic and histological results and compared to Papanicolaou smears that were obtained using the traditional method of speculum examination. Results: There were 68 patients who were considered free from precursor or neoplastic cervical lesions. There were 35 cases of low-grade lesions, 13 cases of high-grade lesions and 3 cases of squamous-cell carcinoma. According to the first and second pathologists, the sensitivities of the device for identifying precursor or neoplastic cervical lesions were 50.0 and 60.0%, and the specificities of the method were 81.8 and 73.8%. According to the first and second pathologists, the positive predictive values of the diagnostic test were 0.67 and 0.63, and the negative predictive values were 0.68 and 0.71, respectively. Conclusion: Sensitivity and specificity of the Fournier device test was comparable to Papanicolaou smears tests obtained using the traditional method with speculum examination.
Frequency and Mechanism of Ischemic Stroke Associated with Malignancy: A Retrospective Series
Authors: Álvarez-Pérez F.J. , Verde I. , Usón-Martín M. , Figuerola-Roig A. , Ballabriga-Planas J. , Espino-Ibañez A.
Published: September 2012

Background: Cerebrovascular disease is the second most common non-metastatic neurological disorder in oncological patients. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of cancer in stroke patients and to compare mechanisms of stroke between patients with and without malignancy. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study involved patients with ischemic stroke admitted over 1 year to a Neurology Department. Demographic and clinical data, cardiovascular risk factors, and laboratory findings were recorded. The etiology was classified following the TOAST criteria. Participants were classified as stroke and cancer patients (diagnosis of malignancy before stroke or cancer diagnosed after admission) or as control stroke patients. Results: Over 1 year, 291 stroke patients (268 ischemic) were admitted. Sixteen ischemic patients had a malignancy (5.9%), and in 12 patients, malignancy was the only cause found for the stroke; in 4 patients, malignancy was a coexisting condition. Coexistent stroke and cancer was significantly related to higher median levels of fibrinogen, D-dimers, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Logistic regression analysis showed that D-dimer and ESR levels were independently related to cancer, with odds ratios of 1.004 (95% CI 1.001–1.007, p = 0.02) and 1.075 (95% CI 1.031–1.121, p = 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Almost 6% of ischemic stroke patients had a concomitant malignancy. In most of them, cancer was the only cause of stroke found. Patients with stroke and malignancy exhibited raised D-dimer, fibrinogen, and ESR levels, suggesting the prothrombotic state was a principal mechanism underlying stroke. D-dimer and ESR assessments may be useful in identifying underlying disorders in ischemic stroke.
Brain Natriuretic Peptide Is Associated with Worsening and Mortality in Acute Stroke Patients but Adds No Prognostic Value to Clinical Predictors of Outcome
Authors: Montaner J. , García-Berrocoso T. , Mendioroz M. , Palacios M. , Perea-Gainza M. , Delgado P. , Rosell A. , Slevin M. , Ribó M. , Molina C.A. , Alvarez-Sabín J.
Published: September 2012

Background: At the present time, the determination of the outcome of stroke patients is based on the analysis of clinical and neuroimaging data. The use of prognostic blood biomarkers could aid in decision-making processes, e.g. admitting patients to specialized stroke units. Although the prognostic role of natriuretic peptides has been studied in heart failure and coronary diseases, the value of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is less known within the field of strokes. Objective: We aimed to study the relationship between plasma levels of BNP and acute neurological worsening or mortality after stroke in a large cohort of patients (investigating both ischemic and hemorrhagic disease). Methods: Consecutive stroke patients (ischemic and hemorrhagic) admitted to the Stroke Unit of our University Hospital within 24 h of the onset of symptoms were included. Stroke severity was assessed according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission and at discharge. Neurological worsening was defined as an increase of 4 or more points in the NIHSS score or death during the patient’s stay at the Stroke Unit. Blood samples were drawn upon admission to measure plasma levels of BNP (Biosite Inc., San Diego, Calif., USA). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0 and R software. Results: Altogether, 896 patients were included in the study. BNP plasma levels were higher among patients who deteriorated the most over time (n = 112; 90.5 vs. 61.2 ng/l; p = 0.006) or died (n = 83; 118.2 vs. 60.9 ng/l; p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that plasma BNP level was an independent predictor of neurological worsening [BNP >56.7 ng/l; odds ratio (OR) = 1.64; p = 0.04] and death after stroke (BNP >65.3 ng/l; OR = 1.97; p = 0.034). Adding BNP level to other well-known clinical predictors of bad outcome did not significantly increase the predictive value. Conclusions: Plasma levels of BNP measured during the acute phase of stroke are associated both with early neurological worsening and mortality. However, this biological information does not supply prognostic information which would add to clinical variables, which limits its use as a biomarker. Further investigation and systematic reviews are needed to clarify the role of natriuretic peptides in stroke outcome.
Inverse Association of Coronary Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (sTRAIL) Levels to In-Stent Neointimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Deftereos Spyridon , Giannopoulos Georgios , Panagopoulou Vasiliki , Raisakis Konstantinos , Kossyvakis Charalambos , Kaoukis Andreas , Tzalamouras Vasileios , Mavri Maria , Pyrgakis Vlasios , Cleman Michael W. , Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: September 2012

Objectives: Soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (sTRAIL) has been shown to exert protective action against atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate potential associations of coronary sTRAIL levels with indices of in-stent neointimal hyperplasia. Methods: 67 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent were followed up at approximately 12 months with determination of coronary sTRAIL concentration, angiography and intravascular ultrasound evaluation of the stent sites. Results: Mean sTRAIL concentration was 72.2 ± 2.8 pg/ml. sTRAIL was negatively correlated to indices of neointimal hyperplasia and positively correlated to in-stent minimum lumen area (p < 0.001). Neointimal obstruction and maximal in-stent cross-sectional neointima burden in patients in the upper sTRAIL quartile were 3.8 ± 1.2 and 12.6 ± 3.3%, respectively, versus 14.0 ± 0.7 and 49.8 ± 2.7% in the lower quartile (p < 0.001 for both). sTRAIL levels were significantly lower in patients with binary restenosis (48.7 ± 3.0 vs. 75.2 ± 2.9 pg/ml; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, sTRAIL was an independent predictor of neointimal hyperplasia. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a negative association of sTRAIL to in-stent neointima formation. The potential pathophysiologic substrate of this effect implicates modulation of apoptosis in various cell types. These observations should prompt further evaluation of the link between sTRAIL and in-stent restenosis.
Increased Allergic Sensitization to Mugwort in Chronic Urticaria
Authors: de Vos Gabriele , Kravvariti Evrydiki , Collins Jennifer , Tavdy Anna , Nazari Ramin , Hudes Golda , Rosenstreich David
Published: September 2012

Background: Mugwort pollen is known to cross-react with a variety of spices and vegetables that are typically part of elimination diets used in the treatment of chronic urticaria (CU). Objective: We sought to investigate the association between CU and allergic sensitization to mugwort pollen. Methods: We conducted 2 case-control studies comparing aeroallergen skin prick test results between patients with and without CU and with or without allergic rhinitis (total n = 202). Results: CU patients with coexisting allergic rhinitis were more than twice as likely to be sensitized to mugwort as subjects not suffering from CU (67 vs. 30%; p = 0.004). Ragweed, cat, rat and mite sensitization were also significantly associated with CU. Overall, patients with CU had more positive aeroallergen skin tests than patients without CU (p < 0.005). Conclusion: Mugwort sensitization was associated with CU, possibly contributing to beneficial effect of elimination diets.
Evaluation of Serological Prenatal Screening to Detect Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Austria
Authors: Prusa Andrea-Romana , Kasper David C. , Olischar Monika , Husslein Peter , Pollak Arnold , Hayde Michael
Published: September 2012

Background: In Austria, a nationally mandated prenatal serological congenital toxoplasmosis screening program was introduced in 1974 in response to a high incidence of 7.8 per 1,000 infected infants. Maternal prenatal recognition of acute gestational infection and early treatment of infants with congenital infection are important because prenatal and accurate postnatal antibiotic therapy improves the outcomes of infected infants. Objective: To determine the impact of additional maternal and/or fetal cord blood serology at birth on improving current prenatal maternal screening in detecting congenital toxoplasmosis. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 5,545 consecutive women were included over a 19-month period. Routine prenatal maternal toxoplasmosis serology screening was performed along with additional cord blood serology screening at delivery. Fetal cord blood serology included Sabin-Feldman dye and IgM immunosorbent agglutination assay testing. Results: Based on the initial prenatal maternal screening serology results, there was evidence of a prior chronic infection manifest in 1,830 (33.0%) women and 3,708 (66.9%) were not infected. Seven (0.13%) were diagnosed with acute toxoplasma infection based on seroconversion. Of these, 4 manifested transmission, and 3 did not. Of the seven infected women, routine prenatal maternal screening identified acute infection in only 2 of the women, 1 of whom had an infected fetus with abnormal prenatal ultrasound. Fetal cord blood serology screening identified an additional 5 women, 3 with infected fetuses. Conclusions: Identification of Toxoplasma gondii infection by prenatal maternal serological testing is significantly improved by the addition of maternal and/or fetal serological testing at birth.
Outcomes of Medicare Beneficiaries Undergoing Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Piccini Jonathan P. , Sinner Moritz F. , Greiner Melissa A. , Hammill Bradley G. , Fontes João D. , Daubert James P. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Walkey Allan J. , Heckbert Susan R. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Curtis Lesley H.
Published: September 2012

Background—

Atrial fibrillation is common among older persons. Catheter ablation is increasingly used in patients for whom medical therapy has failed.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years of age who underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation between July 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009. The main outcome measures were major complications within 30 days and mortality, heart failure, stroke, hospitalization, and repeat ablation within 1 year. A total of 15 423 patients underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Mean age was 72 years; 41% were women; and >95% were white. For every 1000 procedures, there were 17 cases of hemopericardium requiring intervention, 8 cases of stroke, and 8 deaths within 30 days. More than 40% of patients required hospitalization within 1 year; however, atrial fibrillation or flutter was the primary discharge diagnosis in only 38.4% of cases. Eleven percent of patients underwent repeat ablation within 1 year. Renal impairment (hazard ratio, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.66–2.58), age ≥80 years (hazard ratio, 3.09; 95% confidence interval, 2.32–4.11), and heart failure (hazard ratio, 2.54; 95% confidence interval, 2.07–3.13) were major risk factors for 1-year mortality. Advanced age was a major risk factor for all adverse outcomes.

Conclusions—

Major complications after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation were associated with advanced age but were fairly infrequent. Few patients underwent repeat ablation. Randomized trials are needed to inform risk-benefit calculations for older persons with drug-refractory, symptomatic atrial fibrillation.
The Power of a Handshake: Neural Correlates of Evaluative Judgments in Observed Social Interactions
Authors: Dolcos Sanda , Sung Keen , Argo Jennifer J. , Flor-Henry Sophie , Dolcos Florin
Published: September 2012

Effective social interactions require the ability to evaluate other people's actions and intentions, sometimes only on the basis of such subtle factors as body language, and these evaluative judgments may lead to powerful impressions. However, little is known about the impact of affective body language on evaluative responses in social settings and the associated neural correlates. This study investigated the neural correlates of observing social interactions in a business setting, in which whole-body dynamic stimuli displayed approach and avoidance behaviors that were preceded or not by a handshake and were followed by participants' ratings of these behaviors. First, approach was associated with more positive evaluations than avoidance behaviors, and a handshake preceding social interaction enhanced the positive impact of approach and diminished the negative impact of avoidance behavior on the evaluation of social interaction. Second, increased sensitivity to approach than to avoidance behavior in the amygdala and STS was linked to a positive evaluation of approach behavior and a positive impact of handshake. Third, linked to the positive effect of handshake on social evaluation, nucleus accumbens showed greater activity for Handshake than for No-handshake conditions. These findings shed light on the neural correlates of observing and evaluating nonverbal social interactions and on the role of handshake as a way of formal greeting.
Cumulative morbidity and prognostic staging of illness in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD)
Authors: Magalhães Pedro Vieira , Dodd Seetal , Nierenberg Andrew A , Berk Michael
Published: September 2012

Objective:

Staging models may provide heuristic utility for intervention selection in psychiatry. Although a few proposals have been put forth, there is a need for empirical validation if they are to be adopted. Using data from the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD), we tested a previously elaborated hypothesis on the utility of using the number of previous episodes as a relevant prognostic variable for staging in bipolar disorder.

Methods:

This report utilizes data from the multisite, prospective, open-label study ‘Standard Care Pathways’ and the subset of patients with acute depressive episodes who participated in the randomized trial of adjunctive antidepressant treatment. Outpatients meeting DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder ( n = 3345) were included. For the randomized pathway, patients met criteria for an acute depressive episode ( n = 376). The number of previous episodes was categorized as less than 5, 5–10 and more than 10. We used disability at baseline, number of days well in the first year and longitudinal scores of depressive and manic symptoms, quality of life and functioning as validators of models constructed a priori.

Results:

Patients with multiple previous episodes had consistently poorer cross-sectional and prospective outcomes. Functioning and quality of life were worse, disability more common, and symptoms more chronic and severe. There was no significant effect for staging with regard to antidepressant response in the randomized trial.

Conclusions:

These findings confirm that bipolar disorder can be staged with prognostic validity. Stages can be used to stratify subjects in clinical trials and develop specific treatments.
Emerging Approaches to Counseling Intervention
Authors: Murdock Nancy L. , Duan Changming , Nilsson Johanna E.
Published: September 2012

This article provides an overview of the major contribution that presents three emerging approaches to counseling: narrative therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. The three theoretical systems were chosen because they are current, for the most part not addressed in the mainstream counseling psychology literature; have well-defined theoretical structures and associated research support; are of significant interest in the wider practice community; and are consistent with the values and philosophy of counseling psychology. This overview includes a brief description of the theoretical approaches, the reasons for choosing them, and the structure used by the authors to present them. In addition, training implications are briefly addressed.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Unified Model of Behavior Change
Authors: Hayes Steven C. , Pistorello Jacqueline , Levin Michael E.
Published: September 2012

The present article summarizes the assumptions, model, techniques, evidence, and diversity/social justice commitments of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT focused on six processes (acceptance, defusion, self, now, values, and action) that bear on a single overall target (psychological flexibility). The ACT model of behavior change has been shown to have positive outcomes across a broad range of applied problems and areas of growth. Process and outcome evidence suggest that the psychological flexibility model underlying ACT provides a unified model of behavior change and personal development that fits well with the core assumptions of counseling psychology.
Emulating time varying nonlinear uncertainties and disturbances in linear time invariant systems
Authors: Horen Y , Kuperman A , Vainer Z , Tapuchi S , Averbukh M
Published: September 2012

An approach allowing the creation of parameter uncertainties and external disturbances without any hardware parts supplementary to the nominal system is proposed in this manuscript. The emulating signal, reflecting the plant variations, essential for testing of controllers, is created in software and added to the plant input, forcing the nominal system output to resemble the output of a system with actual uncertainties and disturbances, thus allowing us to test the controller’s robustness prior to an actual field test. In addition, the full state vector of the emulated system may be reconstructed and fed back to the controller, if necessary. The proposed methods allow simultaneous emulation of any combination of time-varying parameter variations and external disturbances. The method can be related to a class of enhanced hardware-in-the-loop simulations, since the nominal hardware is present in the setup in addition to the controller under test. The proposed techniques can be used to test the performance of advanced control algorithms before their mass production. Extended simulation results are reported to confirm the feasibility of the proposed approaches.
Consequences of Evolution
Authors: Bluestone Charles D. , Pagano Anthony S. , Swarts J. Douglas , Laitman Jeffrey T.
Published: September 2012

We hypothesize that if otitis media is most likely primarily a human disease due to consequences of evolution, rhinosinusitis may also be limited to humans for similar reasons. If otitis media, with its associated hearing loss, occurred in animals in the wild, they probably would have been culled out by predation. Similarly, if rhinosinusitis occurred regularly in animals, they likely would have suffered from severely decreased olfactory abilities, crucial for predator avoidance, and presumably would likewise have been selected against evolutionarily. Thus, both otitis media and rhinosinusitis—common conditions particularly in infants and young children—appear to be essentially human conditions. Their manifestation in our species is likely due to our unique evolutionary trajectory and may be a consequence of adaptations, including adaptations to bipedalism and speech, loss of prognathism, and immunologic and environmental factors.
Incensole acetate reduces depressive-like behavior and modulates hippocampal BDNF and CRF expression of submissive animals
Authors: Moussaieff Arieh , Gross Moshe , Nesher Elimelech , Tikhonov Tatiana , Yadid Gal , Pinhasov Albert
Published: September 2012

Incensole acetate (IA), a constituent of Boswellia resin (‘frankincense’), was previously demonstrated to exhibit an antidepressive-like effect in the Forced Swim Test (FST) in mice following single dose administration (50 mg/kg). Here, we show that acute administration of considerably lower dose (10 mg/kg) IA to selectively bred mice, showing prominent submissive behavior, exerted significant antidepressant-like effects in the FST. Furthermore, chronic administration of 1 or 5 mg/kg per day of IA for three consecutive weeks dose- and time-dependently reduced the submissiveness of the mice in the Dominant–Submissive Relationship test, developed to screen the chronic effect of antidepressants. This behavioral effect was concomitant to reduced serum corticosterone levels, dose-dependent down-regulation of corticotropin releasing factor and up-regulation of brain derived neurotrophic factor transcripts IV and VI expression in the hippocampus. These data suggest that IA modulates the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and influences hippocampal gene expression, leading to beneficial behavioral effects supporting its potential as a novel treatment of depressive-like disorders.
Caffeine, extraversion and working memory
Authors: Smith Andrew P
Published: September 2012

Research has shown that extraverts performing a working memory task benefit more from caffeine than do introverts. The present study aimed to replicate this and extend our knowledge by using a lower dose of caffeine (65 mg) and a range of tasks related to different components of working memory. In addition, tasks assessing psychomotor speed and the encoding of new information were included to determine whether caffeine-extraversion interactions were restricted to working memory tasks. A double-blind design was used, with 128 participants being randomly assigned to caffeinated or de-caffeinated coffee conditions. The results showed that caffeine interacted with extraversion in the predicted direction for serial recall and running memory tasks. Caffeine improved simple reaction time and the speed of encoding of new information, effects which were not modified by extraversion. These results suggest possible biological mechanisms underlying effects of caffeine on cognitive performance.
Late-Onset Offending
Authors: Wiecko Filip M.
Published: September 2012

This research focuses on a detailed exploration of late-onset offending. Using the National Youth Survey, this work seeks to answer three questions. First, is late-onset offending a real phenomenon? Second, if late onset does exist, is the evidence for it conditioned by how we define crime and delinquency? Finally, is late-onset offending an artifact of measurement methodology? Most literature evidencing late onset relies on official police contact and arrest data. Propensity or control theories in general posit that late onset should not exist. Propensity, namely self-control, should be instilled early in life and if absent, results in early initiation into crime and delinquency. Research in developmental psychology seems to support this notion. The findings from this study indicate that late-onset offending is almost nonexistent when self-reported measures are used leading one to conclude that contemporary evidence for late-onset is heavily conditioned by how we measure crime and delinquency. A comprehensive discussion includes future directions for research, and implications for theory development and methodology.
Glaciology
Authors: Mair Douglas
Published: September 2012

This progress report is the first of three overviews of important fields of study within contemporary glaciology, illustrated with reference to exemplar research contributions and highlighting key developments in each field since 2005, the date of the last review of ‘Glaciology’ in this journal. The topics covered in this paper are: (1) the mass balance of glaciers and ice sheets and their contributions to global sea level change; and (2) atmospheric melt-induced influences on the dynamics of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The paper aims to provide an overview of key developments over the last six years from each topic, with discussion of the continuing debates and unresolved issues which constitute the foci for ongoing and future research.
The calculation of train slipstreams using large-eddy simulation
Authors: Hemida Hassan , Baker Chris , Gao Guangjun
Published: September 2012

High-speed trains push air to the front, sides and over the top to form a train slipstream. The extension of the slipstream to the side, top and wake flow depends on train speed, train shape, ambient conditions and the environment in which the train operates. In this paper, the slipstream and wake flow of a 1/20th scale model of a simplified five-coach ICE2-shape train running in two different environments; in open air and when passing a platform, were obtained using large-eddy simulation (LES). The flow Reynolds number was taken to be 300,000; based on the speed and height of the train. The effect of the platform height on the train slipstream was investigated by performing simulations on a platform of different heights: 20, 60, 90 cm. To investigate the effect of mesh resolution on the results, two different computations were performed for the case of the flow around the train running in the open air using a different number of mesh nodes; a fine mesh consisting of 18,000,000 nodes and a coarse mesh consisting of 12,000,000 nodes. The results of the coarse mesh simulation were deemed to be comparable to those from the fine mesh simulation. The LES results were also compared with full-scale data and a good agreement obtained. A number of different flow regions were observed in the train slipstream: upstream region, nose region, boundary layer region, inter-carriage gap region, tail region and wake region. Localized velocity peaks were obtained near the nose of the train and in the near wake region. Coherent structures were formed at the nose, roof and inter-carriage gaps of the train. These structures spread in the slipstream and extend a long distance behind the train in the far wake flow. The maximum slipstream turbulent intensity was found in the near wake flow. The results showed that there is a significant effect of the platform height on the slipstream velocity and nose and tail pressure pulses. However, there is only a minor effect of the platform height on the static pressure along the body of the train compared with that on the nose and tail pressure pulses. In general, the slipstream velocity in the lower region of a train running in the open air was found to be larger than that around a train passing a platform. This has been related to the effect of the underbody complexities of the train.
Mechanisms involved in the p62-73 idiopeptide-modulated delay of lupus nephritis in SNF1 mice
Authors: Nyland JF , Stoll ML , Jiang F , Feng F , Gavalchin J
Published: September 2012

The F1 progeny of the (SWR × NZB) cross develop a lupus-like disease with high serum titers of autoantibodies, and increased frequency and severity of immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis in females. In previous work, we found that an idiotypic peptide corresponding to aa62-73 (p62-73) of the heavy chain variable region of autoantibody 540 (IdLNF1) induced the proliferation of p62-73 idiotype-reactive T cell clones. Further, monthly immunization of pre-nephritic SNF1 female mice with p62-73 resulted in decreased nephritis and prolonged life spans. Here we show that this treatment modulated proliferative responses to IdLNF1 antigen, including a reduction in the population of idiopeptide-presenting antigen-presenting cells (APCs), as early as two weeks after immunization (10 weeks of age). Th1-type cytokine production was increased at 12 weeks of age. The incidence and severity of nephritis was reduced by 14 weeks compared to controls. Clinical indicators of nephritis, specifically histological evidence of glomerulonephritis and urine protein levels, were reduced by 20 weeks. Together these data suggest that events involved in the mechanism(s) whereby p62-73 immunization delayed nephritis occurred early after immunization, and involved modulation of APCs, B and T cell populations.
Psychiatry versus general physicians: who is better at differentiating epileptic from psychogenic non-epileptic seizures?
Authors: MacDonald Tim , Hill Aron , Phan Thanh , Fitzgerald Paul , Seneviratne Udaya
Published: September 2012

Objective:

To determine how accurately psychiatry and general medical doctors can differentiate epileptic and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures based on videotaped events (closest proxy to witnessed events). This study aims to establish how confidently this distinction can be made, the reasons why a particular diagnosis is reached, and inter-rater agreement.

Methods:

18 videos of patients demonstrating a heterogeneous mixture of epileptic and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures were collected and ordered in a random mix. These videos were shown to groups of general physicians, medical registrars and residents ( n=19) as well as to psychiatrists and psychiatry registrars ( n=8) who were provided with a questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 27 doctors participated in the study. The overall percentage of correct diagnoses was 55.4%. There were no significant differences in correct diagnosis rates between psychiatry and general medical doctors. There was poor inter-rater agreement (Kappa = 0.159). Neither group was particularly confident in reaching a diagnosis, and diverse reasons underpinned the diagnoses given.

Conclusion:

Among the participants, merely observing an epileptic or non-epileptic event is insufficient to establish a definitive diagnosis. The results indicate poor diagnostic accuracy and agreement among psychiatry and general medical doctors. This may have important implications for both education and clinical practice.
Dialectical behavioral therapy informed treatment with Deaf mental health consumers: an Australian pilot program
Authors: Davidson Fiona , Cave Mark , Reedman Rebecca , Briffa Dianne , Dark Frances
Published: September 2012

Objective:

This paper outlines the process of implementation of a dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) informed treatment for Australian Deaf mental health consumers.

Method:

The pilot project team members adapted DBT materials for the Australian Deaf population. Feedback was obtained from the pilot participants and modifications made during the pilot. Participant progress and therapeutic alliance were monitored using culturally valid tools.

Results:

The DBT informed therapy approach was well received by this target group, with the observation and self report of improved interpersonal skills and emotional regulation.

Conclusions:

While labor intensive, the process of developing a DBT informed treatment program for Australian Deaf mental health consumers appears to be beneficial for this group. Culturally valid, objective measures of skill attainment need to be developed and further studies comparing different adapted therapeutic approaches would be useful.
Behavioural treatment of chronic, severe self-loathing in people with borderline personality disorder. Part 1: interrupting the self-loathing cycle
Authors: Krawitz Roy
Published: September 2012

Objective:

The purpose of this article is to briefly outline difficulties in the standard behavioural treatment of severe chronic self-loathing in people with borderline personality disorder, and to follow with a fuller discussion on interrupting the self-loathing cycle. This is the first of a series of two articles on this topic. The second article focuses on the specific intervention of self-compassion and briefly mentions a range of other behavioural interventions.

Conclusions:

Treating severe chronic self-loathing in people with borderline personality disorder can be challenging for client and clinician alike, with standard approaches often being ineffective. Assessment of reinforcers of the locked-in downward spiral of self-loathing will guide interventions for clients to interrupt this vicious cycle.
The use of practice guidelines by the American Society of Anesthesiologists for the identification of surgical patients at high risk of sleep apnea
Authors: Munish Munish , Sharma Vandana , Yarussi Kaitlyn M , Sifain Andrew , Porhomayon Jahan , Nader Nader
Published: September 2012

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has introduced a simple tool to assess the perioperative risk of surgery/anesthesia in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We compared the surgical outcomes in patients at high risk of OSA with the matched controls. This was a case–control study conducted on 3593 surgical patients receiving a general anesthesia at a single institution. On the basis of a preoperative OSA scoring system using the ASA checklist, patients were classified as high-risk OSA (HR-OSA) or low-risk OSA (LR-OSA) groups. Apnea/hypopnea index of >5 h−1 during a formal preoperative sleep study was used to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of OSA. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to determine the predictive values as well as sensitivity and specificity of the ASA tool in predicting HR-OSA. The HR-OSA group was matched with the patients in LR-OSA using the propensity scoring and logistic regression. Patients were analyzed for premorbid conditions, intraoperative course and postoperative events using cross tabulation, logistic regression model and paired t test. The development of a composite respiratory complication in the postoperative period was considered as the primary end point. The ASA risk tool was found to have 95.1% sensitivity and 52.2% specificity. At a prevalence of 10%, the negative predictive value was 98.5%. Of the 3593 patients, 306 were identified as HR-OSA. The HR-OSA group was found to have a higher incidence of hypertension and diabetes preoperatively when compared with LR-OSA. Postoperatively, the HR-OSA group had higher incidence of hypoxia, reintubation, postoperative use of continuous positive airway pressure and a longer stay in the recovery room. The ASA checklist offers a highly sensitive tool to identify the patients at a higher risk of OSA during the perioperative period. Patients at HR-OSA have a higher incidence of adverse events in the postoperative period when compared with those with LR-OSA.
Use of the Exercise Treadmill Test for the Assessment of Cardiac Risk Markers in Adults Infected with HIV
Authors: Lorenzo Andrea De , Meirelles Vanderson , Vilela Felippe , Souza Fernando Cesar C.
Published: September 2012

Background:

Despite the association between HIV and coronary artery disease (CAD), there are no specific recommendations for the cardiovascular evaluation of the HIV-infected population. Besides being a tool for the evaluation of CAD, the exercise treadmill test (ETT) provides insights into functional capacity and autonomic function, which have been frequently affected in HIV infection, and thus may be useful in this setting.

Methods:

Forty-nine HIV-infected individuals without known CAD underwent ETT. Peak oxygen consumption during exercise (VO2 peak), functional capacity (in metabolic equivalents [METs]), exercise-induced ischemia, chronotropic incompetence (CI) and abnormal heart rate recovery (HRR) after exercise were studied.

Results:

VO2 peak was 31.4±4.8 mL/kg/min and functional capacity was 9.2±1.6 MET. CI was observed in 30.6%, and 10.2% had abnormal HRR. VO2 peak was lower in women and inversely correlated with age and body mass index. None of the patients displayed ischemic changes.

Conclusion:

Although functional capacity was good, risk markers such as CI and abnormal HRR were not infrequent. This study identifies a subgroup of HIV-infected patients–the older, overweight, or obese–who may have higher risk and deserve cardiovascular screening with the ETT.
Log-linear process modeling for repairable systems with time trends and its applications in reliability assessment of numerically controlled machine tools
Authors: Wang Zhi-Ming , Yu Xia
Published: September 2012

Two non-homogeneous Poisson processes including the power law process and the log-linear process with reliability improvement or deterioration are analyzed. Based on Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion, the best model of failure data is presented. The point maximum likelihood and interval estimators of the parameters, as well as seven reliability indices of the log-linear process model, such as cumulative mean time between failures, cumulative number of failures, reliability at a given time, and warranty time given reliability are given. In tests for failure time trends, both the graphical methods, including the cumulative failures versus time plot and the total-time-on-test plot, and the analytical methods including the Laplace, the Military Handbook, and the Lewis–Robinson tests are used. Three real cases for failure data with failure truncation and time truncation of multiple numerically controlled machine tools are given to illustrate the use of the proposed models.
Casting the First Stone of Validity Standards: A Less Critical Perspective of the MSCEIT
Authors: MacCann Carolyn , Matthews Gerald , Roberts Richard D.
Published: September 2012

This comment responds to Maul’s (2012) article evaluating the validity evidence and argument for the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) as a measure of emotional intelligence (EI). We suggest that Maul’s standards for establishing validity evidence are unrealistically high, and may not be met by other established psychometric tests. As an example, we show that evidence for the validity of Raven’s Progressive Matrices (RPM) is of a similar standard to the MSCEIT.
Emotion, Cognition, and the Classical Elements of Mind
Authors: Cunningham William A. , Kirkland Tabitha
Published: September 2012

The scientific study of emotion faces a potentially serious problem: after over a hundred years of psychological study, we lack consensus regarding the very definition of emotion. We propose that part of the problem may be the tendency to define emotion in contrast to cognition, rather than viewing both “emotion” and “cognition” as being comprised of more elemental processes. We argue that considering emotion as a type of cognition (viewed broadly as information processing) may provide an understanding of the mechanisms underlying domains that are traditionally thought to be qualitatively distinct.