bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Hybrid Brain-Computer Interface Systems
Authors: Amiri Setare , Fazel-Rezai Reza , Asadpour Vahid
Published: February 2013

Increasing number of research activities and different types of studies in brain-computer interface (BCI) systems show potential in this young research area. Research teams have studied features of different data acquisition techniques, brain activity patterns, feature extraction techniques, methods of classifications, and many other aspects of a BCI system. However, conventional BCIs have not become totally applicable, due to the lack of high accuracy, reliability, low information transfer rate, and user acceptability. A new approach to create a more reliable BCI that takes advantage of each system is to combine two or more BCI systems with different brain activity patterns or different input signal sources. This type of BCI, called hybrid BCI, may reduce disadvantages of each conventional BCI system. In addition, hybrid BCIs may create more applications and possibly increase the accuracy and the information transfer rate. However, the type of BCIs and their combinations should be considered carefully. In this paper, after introducing several types of BCIs and their combinations, we review and discuss hybrid BCIs, different possibilities to combine them, and their advantages and disadvantages.
Baseline-Dependent Responses of Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics to Climate and Land Disturbances
Authors: Tan Zhengxi , Liu Shuguang
Published: February 2013

Terrestrial carbon (C) sequestration through optimizing land use and management is widely considered a realistic option to mitigate the global greenhouse effect. But how the responses of individual ecosystems to changes in land use and management are related to baseline soil organic C (SOC) levels still needs to be evaluated at various scales. In this study, we modeled SOC dynamics within both natural and managed ecosystems in North Dakota of the United States and found that the average SOC stock in the top 20 cm depth of soil lost at a rate of 450 kg C ha−1 yr−1in cropland and 110 kg C ha−1 yr−1in grassland between 1971 and 1998. Since 1998, the study area had become a SOC sink at a rate of 44 kg C ha−1 yr−1. The annual rate of SOC change in all types of lands substantially depends on the magnitude of initial SOC contents, but such dependency varies more with climatic variables within natural ecosystems and with management practices within managed ecosystems. Additionally, soils with high baseline SOC stocks tend to be C sources following any land surface disturbances, whereas soils having low baseline C contents likely become C sinks following conservation management.
Monocyte Migration Driven by Galectin-3 Occurs through Distinct Mechanisms Involving Selective Interactions with the Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Danella Polli Cláudia , Alves Toledo Karina , Franco Luís Henrique , Sammartino Mariano Vânia , de Oliveira Leandro Licursi , Soares Bernardes Emerson , Roque-Barreira Maria Cristina , Pereira-da-Silva Gabriela
Published: February 2013

Monocyte migration into tissues, an important event in inflammation, requires an intricate interplay between determinants on cell surfaces and extracellular matrix (ECM). Galectin-3 is able to modulate cell-ECM interactions and is an important mediator of inflammation. In this study, we sought to investigate whether interactions established between galectin-3 and ECM glycoproteins are involved in monocyte migration, given that the mechanisms by which monocytes move across the endothelium and through the extravascular tissue are poorly understood. Using thein vitrotranswell system, we demonstrated that monocyte migration was potentiated in the presence of galectin-3 plus laminin or fibronectin, but not vitronectin, and was dependent on the carbohydrate recognition domain of the lectin. Only galectin-3-fibronectin combinations potentiated the migration of monocyte-derived macrophages. In binding assays, galectin-3 did not bind to fibronectin, whereas both the full-length and the truncated forms of the lectin, which retains carbohydrate binding ability, were able to bind to laminin. Our results show that monocytes migrate through distinct mechanisms and selective interactions with the extracellular matrix driven by galectin-3. We suggest that the lectin may bridge monocytes to laminin and may also activate these cells, resulting in the positive regulation of other adhesion molecules and cell adhesion to fibronectin.
Giant Accessory Right-Sided Suprarenal Spleen in Thalassaemia
Authors: Arra A. , Ramdass Michael J. , Mohammed A. , Okoye O. , Thomas D. , Barrow S.
Published: February 2013

An accessory spleen is defined as ectopic splenic tissue that develops due to failure of fusion of cells during embryonic development as they migrate from the midline to the left upper quadrant. While benign, complications may arise which include trauma, torsion, or infarction of the ectopic tissue. Additionally, patients who have had a splenectomy secondary to treatment for previous pathology such as a haematological malignancy or idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura may experience persistent symptoms due to the accessory splenic tissue. The presence of an accessory spleen is therefore of significant diagnostic and therapeutic importance. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this case is the second and largest reported case of a giant right suprarenal accessory spleen and highlights the difficulty in differentiation of these masses from malignant adrenal tumours.
Point Mutations in thefolPGene Partly Explain Sulfonamide Resistance ofStreptococcus mutans
Authors: Buwembo W. , Aery S. , Rwenyonyi C. M. , Swedberg G. , Kironde F.
Published: February 2013

Cotrimoxazole inhibits dhfr and dhps and reportedly selects for drug resistance in pathogens. Here,Streptococcus mutansisolates were obtained from saliva of HIV/AIDS patients taking cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in Uganda. The isolates were tested for resistance to cotrimoxazole and theirfolPDNA (which encodes sulfonamide-targeted enzyme dhps) cloned in pUC19. A set of recombinant plasmids carrying different point mutations in cloned folP were separately transformed intofolP-deficientEscherichia coli. Using sulfonamide-containing media, we assessed the growth offolP-deficient bacteria harbouring plasmids with differingfolPpoint mutations. Interestingly, clonedfolPwith three mutations (A37V, N172D, R193Q) derived fromStreptococcus mutans8 conferred substantial resistance against sulfonamide tofolP-deficient bacteria. Indeed, change of any of the three residues (A37V, N172D, and R193Q) in plasmid-encodedfolPdiminished the bacterial resistance to sulfonamide while removal of all three mutations abolished the resistance. In contrast, plasmids carrying four other mutations (A46V, E80K, Q122H, and S146G) infolPdid not similarly confer any sulfonamide resistance tofolP-knockout bacteria. Nevertheless, sulfonamide resistance (MIC = 50 μM) offolP-knockout bacteria transformed with plasmid-encodedfolPwas much less than the resistance (MIC = 4 mM) expressed by chromosomally-encodedfolP. Therefore,folPpoint mutations only partially explain bacterial resistance to sulfonamide.
Turbulence Modulation by Small Bubbles in the Vertical Upward Channel Flow
Authors: Pang Mingjun , Wei Jinjia , Yu Bo
Published: February 2013

The liquid turbulence modulation by small bubbles was investigated detailedly in a vertical upward channel flow with a finite number of small bubbles with the developed Eulerian-Lagrangian method. Small bubbles are treated as pointwise spheres subject to gravity, drag, added mass, pressure gradient, lift, and wall lift forces. The momentum transfer between phases was realized through interphase forces. The present investigation shows that the liquid turbulence is intensified near the wall and is slightly weakened in the channel central region due to the bubble addition. The turbulence modulation mechanisms by bubbles were also analyzed in the paper.
Redox Regulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Parakh Sonam , Spencer Damian M. , Halloran Mark A. , Soo Kai Y. , Atkin Julie D.
Published: February 2013

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that results from the death of upper and lower motor neurons. Due to a lack of effective treatment, it is imperative to understand the underlying mechanisms and processes involved in disease progression. Regulations in cellular reduction/oxidation (redox) processes are being increasingly implicated in disease. Here we discuss the possible involvement of redox dysregulation in the pathophysiology of ALS, either as a cause of cellular abnormalities or a consequence. We focus on its possible role in oxidative stress, protein misfolding, glutamate excitotoxicity, lipid peroxidation and cholesterol esterification, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired axonal transport and neurofilament aggregation, autophagic stress, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We also speculate that an ER chaperone protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) could play a key role in this dysregulation. PDI is essential for normal protein folding by oxidation and reduction of disulphide bonds, and hence any disruption to this process may have consequences for motor neurons. Addressing the mechanism underlying redox regulation and dysregulation may therefore help to unravel the molecular mechanism involved in ALS.
Dual Effect of Serum Amyloid A on the Invasiveness of Glioma Cells
Authors: Knebel Franciele Hinterholz , Albuquerque Renata Chaves , Massaro Renato Ramos , Maria-Engler Silvya Stuchi , Campa Ana
Published: February 2013

Evidence sustains a role for the acute-phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) in carcinogenesis and metastasis, and the protein has been suggested as a marker for tumor progression. Nevertheless, the demonstration of a direct activity of SAA on tumor cells is still incipient. We have investigated the effect of human recombinant SAA (rSAA) on two human glioma cell lines, A172 and T98G. rSAA stimulated the [3H]-thymidine incorporation of both lines, but had dual effects on migration and invasiveness which varied according to the cell line. In T98G, the rSAA increased migration and invasion behaviors whereas in A172 it decreased these behaviors. These findings agree with the effect triggered by rSAA on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activities measured in a gelatinolytic assay. rSAA inhibited activity of both MMPs in A172 cells while increasing them in T98G cells. rSAA also affected the production of compounds present in the tumor microenvironment that orchestrate tumor progression, such as IL-8, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). We also observed that both lines expressed all three of the isoforms of SAA: SAA1, SAA2, and SAA4. These data suggest that some tumor cells are responsive to SAA and, in these cases, SAA may have a role in cancer progression that varies according to the cell type.
Clinical Features of Inflammatory Myopathies and Their Association with Malignancy: A Systematic Review in Asian Population
Authors: Ungprasert Patompong , Leeaphorn Napat , Hosiriluck Nattamol , Chaiwatcharayut Wikrom , Ammannagari Nischala , Raddatz Donald A.
Published: February 2013

Introduction. Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a group of chronic systemic autoimmune diseases that mainly affect the skeletal muscle. The common subtypes include adult dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), and inclusion body myositis (IBM). Most of the earlier studies that described the clinical characteristics of IIM as well as their association with cancer were conducted in Western population. Our study is the first systematic review that summarizes the clinical data of DM/PM in Asian population. Methods. We identified 14 case series of DM/PM that met our eligibility criteria. We then compared this data with that from previous reports from Europe and North America. Results. Our systematic review included 2518 patients. Dermatomyositis is more common, with the ratio of dermatomyositis to polymyositis being 1.36 : 1. 69% of them were females with mean age of 45.5 years. Extramuscular manifestations, including arthritis/arthralgia, dysphagia, and interstitial lung disease, are found in one-third of the patients. Malignancy was found in 10% of patients, with lung and nasopharyngeal carcinomas being the most common malignancies associated with these myopathies. Conclusion. Clinical presentation of PM/DM appears to be similar in both Western and Asian populations. However, the type of associated malignancies in Asians differs from that in Caucasians. Ethnic background should be one of the factors that clinicians should consider while screening for malignancy.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Acid Yellow 36 Using Zinc Oxide Photocatalyst in Aqueous Media
Authors: Khezrianjoo Sajjad , Revanasiddappa Hosakere Doddarevanna
Published: February 2013

A detailed investigation of photocatalytic degradation of Acid Yellow 36 (AY36) has been carried out in aqueous heterogeneous medium containing ZnO as photocatalyst in a batch reactor. The effects of some parameters such as pH, catalyst loading, and ethanol concentration were examined. Solutions with initial concentration of 50 mg L−1 of dye, within the range of typical concentration in textile wastewaters, were treated at natural pH of 6.93 and catalyst concentration of 1 g L−1 after 180 min irradiation. Investigations on the active species indicated that hydroxyl radicals play the major role in the process. Experiments showed that the most efficient pH on the removal of the dye with photocatalytic degradation process was 8; however, acidic pH was favored for the dark surface adsorption. Electrical energy consumption per order of magnitude for photocatalytic degradation of AY36 has been also determined.
The Discrete-Time Bulk-ServiceGeo/Geo/1Queue with Multiple Working Vacations
Authors: Cheng Jiang , Tang Yinghui , Yu Miaomiao
Published: February 2013

This paper deals with a discrete-time bulk-serviceGeo/Geo/1queueing system with infinite buffer space and multiple working vacations. Considering an early arrival system, as soon as the server empties the system in a regular busy period, he leaves the system and takes a working vacation for a random duration at timen. The service times both in a working vacation and in a busy period and the vacation times are assumed to be geometrically distributed. By using embedded Markov chain approach and difference operator method, queue length of the whole system at random slots and the waiting time for an arriving customer are obtained. The queue length distributions of the outside observer’s observation epoch are investigated. Numerical experiment is performed to validate the analytical results.
Simultaneous Topology, Shape, and Sizing Optimisation of Plane Trusses with Adaptive Ground Finite Elements Using MOEAs
Authors: Noilublao Norapat , Bureerat Sujin
Published: February 2013

This paper proposes a novel integrated design strategy to accomplish simultaneous topology shape and sizing optimisation of a two-dimensional (2D) truss. An optimisation problem is posed to find a structural topology, shape, and element sizes of the truss such that two objective functions, mass and compliance, are minimised. Design constraints include stress, buckling, and compliance. The procedure for an adaptive ground elements approach is proposed and its encoding/decoding process is detailed. Two sets of design variables defining truss layout, shape, and element sizes at the same time are applied. A number of multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) are implemented to solve the design problem. Comparative performance based on a hypervolume indicator shows that multiobjective population-based incremental learning (PBIL) is the best performer. Optimising three design variable types simultaneously is more efficient and effective.
Minimum Fuel Low-Thrust Transfers for Satellites Using a Permanent Magnet Hall Thruster
Authors: Oliveira Thais Carneiro , Rocco Evandro Marconi , Ferreira José Leonardo , Prado Antonio F. B. A.
Published: February 2013

Most of the satellite missions require orbital maneuvers to accomplish its goals. An orbital maneuver is an operation where the orbit of a satellite is changed, usually applying a type of propulsion. The maneuvers may have several purposes, such as the transfer of a satellite to its final orbit, the interception of another spacecraft, or the adjustment of the orbit to compensate the shifts caused by external forces. In this situation it is essential to minimize the fuel consumption to allow a greater number of maneuvers to be performed, and thus the lifetime of the satellite can be extended. There are several papers and studies which aim at the fuel minimization in maneuvers performed by space vehicles. In this context, this paper has two goals: (i) to develop an algorithm capable of finding optimal trajectories with continuous thrust that can fit different types of missions and constraints at the same time and (ii) to study the performance of two propulsion devices for orbital maneuvers under development at the Universidade de Brasilia, including a study of the effects of the errors in magnitude of these new devices.
Adiposity and Cognitive Decline in the Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Luchsinger José A. , Biggs Mary L. , Kizer Jorge R. , Barzilay Joshua , Fitzpatrick Annette , Newman Anne , Longstreth William T. , Lopez Oscar , Siscovick David , Kuller Lewis
Published: February 2013

Background: Studies relating adiposity to cognition in the elderly show conflicting results, which may be explained by the choice of adiposity measures. Thus, we studied the longitudinal associations of different adiposity measures, fat mass by bioelectrical impedance analysis, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), with cognitive performance in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Methods: Cognitive performance was assessed with the modified Mini-Mental State Examination, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, and a composite of both. We used linear mixed models to estimate rates of change in cognitive function scores associated with adiposity measured at baseline. Results: The final sample was comprised of 2,681 women (57.9%) and 1,949 men (42.1%) aged 73 ± 5.2 and 73.9 ± 5.6 years, respectively. Adiposity was associated with slower cognitive decline in most analyses. Results were similar for fat mass, BMI and WC. Higher fat-free mass was also related to slower cognitive decline. Results were similar in analyses excluding persons with cancer, smokers, and persons with short follow-up, poor self-reported health, or persons with cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: Higher adiposity and higher fat-free mass in the elderly was related to better cognitive performance. This finding was not explained by confounding by preexisting conditions.
Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Moyamoya Disease in the USA
Authors: Kainth Daraspreet , Chaudhry Saqib A. , Kainth Hunar , Suri Fareed K. , Qureshi Adnan I.
Published: February 2013

Background: An increasing number of cases of Moyamoya disease have been reported in the Japanese and US literature. We performed this study to quantify the rise in the prevalence of Moyamoya disease and to study the unique epidemiological and clinical features in the USA that may explain a change in incidence. Methods: We analyzed data derived from patients entered in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2005 and 2008, using ICD-9 codes for Moyamoya disease. Data including patient age, gender, ethnicity, secondary diagnosis, medical complications, and hospital costs were obtained. Results: From 2005 to 2008 in the USA, there were an estimated 7,473 patients admitted with a primary or secondary diagnosis of Moyamoya disease. Patients admitted with Moyamoya disease were most frequently women and Caucasian. Overall, ischemic stroke was the most common reason for admission. Hemorrhagic stroke was more frequent in adults compared with children, 18.1 versus 1.5% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The number of patients identified and admitted with Moyamoya disease has risen dramatically in the last decade. This study can lead to a better understanding of the disease pattern and healthcare consequences in the USA and suggests that pathophysiologic differences in Moyamoya disease may exist.
Clinical Benefits of Predilution On-Line Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Tsuchida Kenji , Minakuchi Jun
Published: February 2013

There are two types of hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatments, predilution and postdilution. In Japan, clinical doctors have been using the on-line HDF treatment for renal replacement therapy for 20 years. However, this treatment is not popular in Japan because it has not been recognized by the government. Generally, the advantage of postdilution HDF over predilution HDF resides in the fact that it removes low-weight molecular proteins (LWMPs) and protein-binding uremic toxin. Thus, postdilution on-line HDF has been widely used in the world, but in Japan predilution on line-HDF has been the preferred treatment. There are several reasons why predilution on-line HDF has been the preferred treatment in Japan. Predilution on-line HDF is superior to postdilution on-line HDF in removing LWMPs and protein-binding uremic toxin, for example p-cresol and homocysteine. In addition, there are several reports on the biocompatibilities in predilution on-line HDF. Predilution on-line HDF is associated with reduced shear stress, and the synthesis of cytokine and cellular adhesion molecules. Moreover, with predilution on-line HDF/hemofiltration, blood pressure remains stable during treatment. In Japan, over 90% of dialysis patients have been receiving hemodialysis (HD) therapy with the ultra-high flux dialysis membrane. These ultra-high flux dialysis membranes achieve β2-microglobulin clearance rates of >50 ml/min. In addition, these membranes have the same power as postdilution HDF because they allow automatic internal filtration. Thus, in spite of HD treatment, as a result, the effect is the same as with postdilution HDF treatment. There have been small and retrospective studies on predilution on-line HDF, and we must use a hemodiafilter during the on-line HDF treatment. However, the hemodiafilter has been unsuccessful in reaching the LWMP removal rates which we demand. And the most important point is to carry out a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial of predilution on-line HDF in the near future.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of On-Line Hemodiafiltration in Japan
Authors: Takura Tomoyuki , Kawanishi Hideki , Minakuchi Jun , Nagake Yoshio , Takahashi Susumu
Published: February 2013

Background/Aims: Evaluation of the socioeconomic value of medical intervention and establishment of the resources necessary for clinical practice are important for new developments in medical technology. The aim of this study was to determine the socioeconomic value of on-line hemodiafiltration (HDF). Methods: The subjects were 24 patients who underwent hemodialysis (HD) (9 HDF, 15 HD) for chronic renal failure. A total of 288 dialysis interventions were observed for 4 weeks in three clinics. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated based on quality-adjusted life years (Qaly) and a visual analog scale. Results: EuroQOL-5D (0.776 ± 0.015) and visual analog scale (67.9 ± 1.2) in the HDF group were higher than those in the HD group at baseline. The incremental cost utility ratio for HDF was 641.7 (JPY 10,000/Qaly) based on Qaly (0.776 ± 0.015) and reimbursement for medical fees (JPY 4,982,736 ± 7,852), and was lower than the incremental cost utility ratio for HD. Conclusion: These results suggest that on-line HDF could be cost-effective.
Achieving High Convective Volumes in On-Line Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Bowry Sudhir K. , Canaud Bernard
Published: February 2013

On-line hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) has established itself as a highly efficient and safe form of renal replacement therapy, providing clinical benefits for several conditions that afflict end-stage chronic kidney disease patients. Additionally, evidence now ascribes a survival benefit to OL-HDF. The first indication that mortality rates decline with high-efficiency OL-HDF was provided by the European results from the DOPPS. Since then, the RISCAVID, CONTRAST and the Turkish HDF trials have all substantiated the original findings that higher convection volumes are favorable in terms of improved survival. With the emerging concept of convection volume impacting patient survival, we examine the factors and practical approaches by which maximal convection volumes can actually be achieved and individualized for each patient treated with OL-HDF. We believe that with these factors in mind, all attempts should be made to maximize convective volume, and hence the convective dose, to enable the patient to derive the full benefits of OL-HDF over extended periods.
Choroidal Paraganglioma with Metastases to the Fellow Eye
Authors: Van Ginderdeuren Rita , Missotten Guy S. , van den Oord Joost
Published: February 2013

Purpose: To report a case of a paraganglioma in the right eye with metastatic disease in the fellow eye 3 years later. Methods: A 70-year-old man presented with a painful amblyopic right eye; rubeosis iridis and a large choroidal tumor were found. The tumor was treated by enucleation. Pathology diagnosed the tumor as a paraganglioma. Screening for other tumors or metastatic disease was negative at that moment. After 3 years, a paraganglioma skin metastasis was detected, and screening revealed metastatic disease in the liver. Another 6 months later he was referred for tumors in the left eye, which were treated by radiotherapy. He succumbed 6 months later. Results: Histopathology of the right eye revealed the typical image of a paraganglioma, with expression of synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase and chromogranin. S-100 staining was positive in the sustentacular cells; staining for HMB-45, SME, EMA and pan-keratin was negative. Microscopy of the tumors in the skin and liver 3 years later showed a dedifferentiated tumor with the same immunological characteristics, but with higher Ki67 expression and more mitoses. Conclusions: This report documents a very rare choroidal paraganglioma which presented clinically as a melanoma. The patient succumbed 4 years later to generalized metastatic disease. No other primary paraganglioma was found; however, paraganglion cells in the eye have never been described.
An Unusual Presentationof Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1Infection in a Child
Authors: Sakallı Hale , Erinanc Hilal , Dursun Recep , Baskin Esra
Published: February 2013

We describe an 11-year-old girl presenting with lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) and acute bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) following herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection as evidenced by serological data and by detection of HSV-1 DNA in the blood with the use of PCR. Based on the literature search, this case represents the first childhood case of LSC and acute bilateral CTS following HSV-1 infection. The experience with this patient emphasizes the importance of serological tests and PCR as well as the other laboratory techniques for the accurate diagnosis and management of the disease.
Hypertensive Microbleed as a Transient Ischemic Attack Mimic
Authors: Simonsen Claus Z. , Nielsen Edith
Published: February 2013

Cerebral microbleeds have acquired increased attention as a silent marker of small vessel disease that carries an increased risk of hemorrhage. The etiology is believed to be either hypertension or amyloid deposition. Here, we present a case with a patient whose transient focal symptom most likely was due to the occurrence of an acute microbleed, indicating that not all microbleeds are silent and that the cause of a transient ischemic attack is not always ischemic.
Evaluation of Basophil Infiltration into the Skin Lesions of Tick Bites
Authors: Nakahigashi Kyoko , Otsuka Atsushi , Tomari Kaori , Miyachi Yoshiki , Kabashima Kenji
Published: February 2013

Recently, it has been described that basophils play an essential role in antibody-mediated acquired immunity against ticks in mice. However, it is still unknown whether basophil infiltration has any significance in the infestation with ticks in humans. In this report, we have evaluated the infiltration of basophils into human skin lesions of tick bites.
The Evolution of American Civil Defense Film Rhetoric
Authors: Ringstad Arnold
Published: February 2013

In the 1950s and 1960s, the U.S. government oversaw the production of civil defense films designed to educate the population about what to do in the event of nuclear war. This article uses films from two distinct periods—the early 1950s and the early 1960s—as a point of departure for discussing U.S. civil defense policies during the Cold War. The article traces four key shifts in the film program's rhetorical strategies. First, an early focus on ideological matters was replaced with an emphasis on practical steps citizens could take. Second, the early conventionalizing of nuclear dangers was replaced by a more subtle integration of those dangers into everyday life. Third, the early films' narrative structures were replaced by a straightforward, documentary-style approach. Finally, the early flippancy with which nuclear war was treated was replaced by a deadly seriousness. These rhetorical shifts indicate that the civil defense establishment was capable of reacting to scientific, political, and popular pressures.
Death to Spies! Austrian Informants for Western Intelligence Services and Soviet Capital Punishment during the Occupation of Austria
Authors: Stelzl-Marx Barbara
Published: February 2013

Using recently declassified sources from Russian archives, this article discusses the status of the Soviet-controlled eastern zone of Austria during the postwar occupation (1945–1955) as a principal spying ground in Central Europe. The Western occupation powers hired many Austrians to gather information on the deployments of the Soviet Army and the Soviet authorities' exploitation of the “German assets” they had seized at war's end. The Austrians' principal incentive to spy was financial; they were well paid by their Western handlers. Austrian women had love affairs with Soviet soldiers and officers and then served as double agents for the West until the Soviet counterintelligence services caught up with them. From 1947 onward, some 500 Austrians disappeared after being detained by Soviet state security personnel and accused of spying. More than 100 of these Austrians were sentenced to death by Soviet Military Tribunal No. 28990 in Baden from 1950 until Iosif Stalin's death in March 1953, and they were then executed in Moscow. In retrospect the mismatch between the actions of these Austrian “spies” and the penalties meted out to them is striking. The Soviet penal system was exported to occupied areas during the Cold War in intelligence “games” against the West, with tragic consequences for “Stalin's last victims.”
Creating an online tutorial to develop academic and research skills
Authors: Thornes Sara
Published: February 2013

This paper explores an approach to creating an online tutorial to support postgraduate distance learners in the School of Geography at the University of Leeds. The process used by the author, the subject librarian for geography, is described through the planning and design stages, to development and application, and finally evaluation and future uses of the tutorial. The aim of the tutorial was to provide a resource students could use to improve and develop their information literacy (IL) and academic skills, addressing the process of producing a written assignment, from planning, to search tools and techniques, to reading and critical thinking, through to writing up and referencing. In planning and designing the tutorial, the content covered in the face-to-face workshop for postgraduate students on finding, managing and evaluating information was reviewed, and information on Library support for distance learners added. To accommodate differing learning styles, and encourage learning by doing, activities such as drag-and-drop exercises, quizzes and videos were used. A learning technologist was consulted for advice on look and feel, navigation and techniques to improve interactivity. The tutorial was made available via the VLE and students were encouraged by their tutor to look at the tutorial and fill in a short feedback survey. Obtaining qualitative feedback from students in an online environment proved challenging, and ultimately was a major limitation in providing a thorough evaluation of the tutorial. There were also difficulties in obtaining quantitative data on use of the tutorial. With little evidence of whether the tutorial had been helpful to students, or had enabled them to improve their information literacy skills, decisions as to its continuation had to be made based on feedback from academic staff and the perceived benefits, identified by library staff, of reusing the tutorial as a resource to support face-to-face workshops. While not every IL practitioner will have access to the software used (Articulate), or have the assistance of a learning technologist, the principles of developing online tutorial learning materials, the advice from the learning technologist, and the explanation of limitations and lessons learned will be of interest to any library professional or IL practitioner wishing to create online learning resources.
The Australian Great Flood of 1954: Estimating the Cost of a Similar Event in 2011
Authors: Roche Kevin M. , McAneney K. John , Chen Keping , Crompton Ryan P.
Published: February 2013

As in many other parts of the globe, migration to the coast and rapid regional development in Australia is resulting in large concentrations of population and insured assets. One of the most rapidly growing regions is southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales, an area prone to flooding. This study reexamines the Great Flood of 1954 and develops a deterministic methodology to estimate the likely cost if a similar event had occurred in 2011. This cost is estimated using council flood maps, census information, historical observations, and Risk Frontiers' proprietary flood vulnerability functions. The 1954 flood arose from heavy rainfall caused by the passage of a tropical cyclone that made landfall on 20 February near the Queensland–New South Wales border, before heading south. Responsible for some of the largest floods on record for many northern New South Wales' river catchments, it occurred prior to the availability of reliable insurance statistics and the recent escalation in property values. The lower-bound estimate of the insurance loss using current exposure and assuming 100% insurance penetration for residential buildings and contents is AU$3.5 billion, a cost that would make it the third-highest ranked insured loss due to an extreme weather event since 1967. The corresponding normalized economic loss is AU$7.6 billion but the uncertainty about this figure is high. The magnitude of these losses reflects the accumulation of exposure on the floodplains. Risk-informed land-use planning practices and improved building regulations hold the key to reducing future losses.
Coincidence of granulomatosis and polyangiitis with atypical clinical manifestation and antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Shovman O , Langevitz P , Gilburd B , Shoenfeld Y
Published: February 2013

Granulomatosis and angiitis (GPA) is a multisystemic disease characterized by a granulomatous inflammation, tissue necrosis, and vasculitis of small and medium-sized blood vessels. Although the disease has a predilection for the upper respiratory tract, lungs, and kidneys, any organ system may be affected. Here, we present a case of generalized GPA manifested initially by necrotizing isolated parotitis and later by pulmonary–renal syndrome. Simultaneously with pulmonary hemorrhage, our patient developed an antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) presenting with deep vein thrombosis and strongly positive lupus anticoagulant. To the best of our knowledge the coincidence of parotitis and pulmonary–renal syndrome due to GPA and APS has never been reported previously.

Concomitant venous thromboembolism may be life-threatening in a patient with GPA. Early diagnosis and institution of the proper therapy are critical in order to prevent organ damage.
Systemic lupus erythematosus with cytophagic histiocytic panniculitis successfully treated with high-dose glucocorticoids and cyclosporine A
Authors: Hasegawa H , Mizoguchi F , Kohsaka H , Miyasaka N
Published: February 2013

A 37-year-old male with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented with high fever, subcutaneous indurations, anemia, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes and hyperferritinemia. Skin biopsy revealed hemophagocytic histiocytes in the adipose tissues. The patient was diagnosed with SLE with cytophagic histiocytic panniculitis (CHP). Treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids and cyclosporine A induced remission of SLE and CHP.

CHP is generally a systemic disorder affecting subcutaneous adipose tissues with a high mortality rate. However, based on the present and previously reported cases, we believe that intensive immunosuppression can ameliorate CHP that occurs as a skin manifestation of SLE.
Gender-related variation in the clinical presentation and outcomes of critical limb ischemia
Authors: McCoach Caroline E , Armstrong Ehrin J , Singh Satinder , Javed Usman , Anderson David , Yeo Khung Keong , Westin Gregory G , Hedayati Nasim , Amsterdam Ezra A , Laird John R
Published: February 2013

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a major cause of limb loss and mortality among patients with advanced peripheral artery disease. Our objective was to evaluate the gender-specific differences in patient characteristics and clinical outcomes among patients with CLI. We performed a retrospective analysis of 97 women and 122 men presenting with CLI who underwent angiography from 2006 to 2010. Baseline demographics, procedural details, and lesion characteristics were assessed for each patient. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to assess long-term patient and lesion-level outcomes. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to evaluate the relationship between gender and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Compared to men, women were less likely to have a history of coronary artery disease (39% vs 54%, p = 0.02) or diabetes (57% vs 70%, p = 0.05) but had similar baseline medical therapy. At angiography, women were more likely to have significant femoropopliteal (77% vs 67%, p = 0.02) and multi-level infrainguinal disease (63% vs 51%, p = 0.02). Women were also more likely to undergo multi-vessel percutaneous intervention (69% vs 55%, p = 0.05), but had similar rates of limb salvage after percutaneous intervention or surgical bypass (HR 0.94 [95% CI 0.45–1.94], p = 0.9). During follow-up, women had higher rates of subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events (HR 1.63 [95% CI 1.01–2.63], p = 0.04). In conclusion, women with CLI are more likely to present with femoropopliteal and multi-level infrainguinal disease. Despite similar rates of limb salvage, women with CLI have an increased rate of subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events.
FAVR (Filtering and Annotation of Variants that are Rare): methods to facilitate the analysis of rare germline genetic variants from massively parallel sequencing datasets
Authors: Pope Bernard J , Nguyen-Dumont Tú , Odefrey Fabrice , Hammet Fleur , Bell Russell , Tao Kayoko , Tavtigian Sean V , Goldgar David E , Lonie Andrew , Southey Melissa C , Park Daniel J
Published: February 2013

Background

Characterising genetic diversity through the analysis of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) data offers enormous potential to significantly improve our understanding of the genetic basis for observed phenotypes, including predisposition to and progression of complex human disease. Great challenges remain in resolving genetic variants that are genuine from the millions of artefactual signals.

Results

FAVR is a suite of new methods designed to work with commonly used MPS analysis pipelines to assist in the resolution of some of the issues related to the analysis of the vast amount of resulting data, with a focus on relatively rare genetic variants. To the best of our knowledge, no equivalent method has previously been described. The most important and novel aspect of FAVR is the use of signatures in comparator sequence alignment files during variant filtering, and annotation of variants potentially shared between individuals. The FAVR methods use these signatures to facilitate filtering of (i) platform and/or mapping-specific artefacts, (ii) common genetic variants, and, where relevant, (iii) artefacts derived from imbalanced paired-end sequencing, as well as annotation of genetic variants based on evidence of co-occurrence in individuals. We applied conventional variant calling applied to whole-exome sequencing datasets, produced using both SOLiD and TruSeq chemistries, with or without downstream processing by FAVR methods. We demonstrate a 3-fold smaller rare single nucleotide variant shortlist with no detected reduction in sensitivity. This analysis included Sanger sequencing of rare variant signals not evident in dbSNP131, assessment of known variant signal preservation, and comparison of observed and expected rare variant numbers across a range of first cousin pairs. The principles described herein were applied in our recent publication identifying XRCC2 as a new breast cancer risk gene and have been made publically available as a suite of software tools.

Conclusions

FAVR is a platform-agnostic suite of methods that significantly enhances the analysis of large volumes of sequencing data for the study of rare genetic variants and their influence on phenotypes.
Phage display of functional αβ single-chain T-cell receptor molecules specific for CD1b:Ac2SGL complexes from Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected cells
Authors: Camacho Frank , Huggett Jim , Kim Louise , Infante Juan F , Lepore Marco , Perez Viviana , Sarmiento María E , Rook Graham , Acosta Armando
Published: February 2013

The development of molecules specific for M. tuberculosis-infected cells has important implications, as these tools may facilitate understanding of the mechanisms regulating host pathogen interactions in vivo. In addition, development of new tools capable to targeting M. tuberculosis-infected cells may have potential applications to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis (TB). Due to the lack of CD1b polymorphism, M. tuberculosis lipid-CD1b complexes could be considered as universal tuberculosis infection markers. The aim of the present study was to display on the PIII surface protein of m13 phage, a human αβ single-chain T-cell receptor molecule specific for CD1b:2-stearoyl-3-hydroxyphthioceranoyl-2´-sulfate-α-α´-D-trehalose (Ac2SGL) which is a complex presented by human cells infected with M. tuberculosis. The results showed the pIII fusion particle was successfully displayed on the phage surface. The study of the recognition of the recombinant phage in ELISA and immunohistochemistry showed the recognition of CD1b:Ac2SGL complexes and cells in human lung tissue from a tuberculosis patient respectively, suggesting the specific recognition of the lipid-CD1b complex.
Immunogenicity of recombinant Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette–Guèrin clones expressing T and B cell epitopes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens
Authors: Mohamud Rohimah , Azlan Maryam , Yero Daniel , Alvarez Nadine , Sarmiento Maria E , Acosta Armando , Norazmi Mohd-Nor
Published: February 2013

Recombinant Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette–Guèrin (rBCG) expressing three T cell epitopes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Ag85B antigen (P1, P2, P3) fused to the Mtb8.4 protein (rBCG018) or a combination of these antigens fused to B cell epitopes from ESAT-6, CFP-10 and MTP40 proteins (rBCG032) were used to immunize Balb/c mice. Total IgG responses were determined against Mtb8.4 antigen and ESAT-6 and CFP-10 B cell epitopes after immunization with rBCG032. Mice immunized with rBCG032 showed a significant increase in IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies against ESAT-6 and MTP40 (P1) B cell epitopes and IgG3 against both P1 and P2 B cell epitopes of MPT40. Splenocytes from mice immunized with rBCG018 proliferated against Ag85B P2 and P3 T cell epitopes and Mtb8.4 protein whereas those from mice-immunized with rBCG032 responded against all Ag85B epitopes and the ESAT-6 B cell epitope. CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes from mice immunized with rBCG018 produced primarily Th1 type cytokines in response to the T cell epitopes. Similar pattern of recognition against the T cell epitopes were obtained with rBCG032 with the additional recognition of ESAT-6, CFP-10 and one of the MTP40 B cell epitopes with the same pattern of cytokines. This study demonstrates that rBCG constructs expressing either T or T and B cell epitopes of MTB induced appropriate immunogenicity against MTB.
A re-evaluation of the scratch test for locating the liver edge
Authors: Gupta Krishan , Dhawan Akash , Abel Christian , Talley Nicholas , Attia John
Published: February 2013

Background

A reliable and accurate estimation of liver size by physical examination is an important aspect of the clinical assessment of a patient. The scratch test uses auscultation to detect the lower liver edge by using the difference in sound transmission through the abdominal cavity over solid and hollow organs. The test is thought to be particularly useful if the abdomen is tense, distended, obese, or very tender. Although the sign is often taught to medical students and residents, the value of the technique for detecting the liver edge has become controversial.

Methods

The study was performed in two parts. In the first part, 18 patients undergoing upper abdominal ultrasound as outpatients were randomly selected and the scratch test was performed by two raters independently, followed by ultrasound (USG) as the reference standard. In the second part of the study, the two raters independently performed the scratch test on separate randomly selected patients (15 patients by rater 1, and 16 patients by rater 2), followed by USG.

Results

Agreement between raters on the scratch test was very high, with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.97. The agreement between the raters and the USG was 0.37 using Spearman’s rho. A Bland –Altman plot indicated that, on average, raters underestimated the distance from the right costal margin to the liver edge by only about 2.4 centimeters compared to USG. This translates into 37% and 54% of raters’ estimates falling within 2 and 3 cm of USG estimates. Each unit increase in BMI increased the discrepancy between raters and USG by 0.26 cm (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

The scratch test has very high reproducibility and overall agreement between the scratch test and USG was moderate, with a spearman’s rho of 0.37. The accuracy may potentially be improved by using the point of initial sound transmission rather than the point of maximal transmission. We conclude that the scratch test deserves further investigation.