Perception of affect in biological motion cues in anorexia nervosa

Nonverbal motion cues (a clenched fist) convey essential information about the intentions of the actor. Individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) have demonstrated impairment in deciphering intention from facial affective cues but it is unknown whether such deficits extend to deciphering affect from body motion cues

Rationale and design of The Delphi Trial – I(RCT)(2): international randomized clinical trial of rheumatoid craniocervical treatment, an intervention-prognostic trial comparing 'early' surgery with conservative treatment [ISRCTN65076841]

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which affects 1% of the population. Hands and feet are most commonly involved followed by the cervical spine. The spinal column consists of vertebrae stabilized by an intricate network of ligaments. Especially in the upper cervical spine, rheumatoid arthritis can cause degeneration of these ligaments, causing laxity, instability and subluxation of the vertebral bodies. Subsequent compression of the spinal cord and medulla oblongata can cause severe neurological deficits and even sudden death. Once neurological deficits occur, progression is inevitable although the rapidity of progression is highly variable. The first signs and symptoms are pain at the back of the head caused by compression of the major occipital nerve, followed by loss of strength of arms and legs. The severity of the subluxation can be observed with radiological investigations (MRI, CT) with a high sensitivity. The authors have sent a Delphi Questionnaire about the current treatment strategies of craniocervical involvement by rheumatoid arthritis to an international forum of expert rheumatologists and surgeons. The timing of surgery in patients with radiographic instability without evidence of neurological deficit is an area of considerable controversy. If signs and symptoms of myelopathy are present there is little chance of recovery to normal levels after surgery. DESIGN: In this international multicenter randomized clinical trial, early surgical atlantoaxial fixation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and radiological abnormalities without neurological deficits will be compared with prolonged conservative treatment. The main research question is whether early surgery can prevent radiological and neurological progression. A cost-effectivity analysis will be performed. 250 patients are needed to answer the research question. DISCUSSION: Early surgery could prevent serious neurological deficits, but may have peri-operative morbidity and loss of rotation of the head and neck. The objective of this study is to identify the best timing of surgery for patients at risk for the development of neurological signs and symptoms

Photonic quantum information processing: a review

Photonic quantum technologies represent a promising platform for several applications, ranging from long-distance communications to the simulation of complex phenomena. Indeed, the advantages offered by single photons do make them the candidate of choice for carrying quantum information in a broad variety of areas with a versatile approach. Furthermore, recent technological advances are now enabling first concrete applications of photonic quantum information processing. The goal of this manuscript is to provide the reader with a comprehensive review of the state of the art in this active field, with a due balance between theoretical, experimental and technological results. When more convenient, we will present significant achievements in tables or in schematic figures, in order to convey a global perspective of the several horizons that fall under the name of photonic quantum information.Comment: 36 pages, 6 figures, 634 references. Updated version with minor changes and extended bibliograph

CryoEM reveals how the complement membrane attack complex ruptures lipid bilayers

The membrane attack complex (MAC) is one of the immune system’s first responders. Complement proteins assemble on target membranes to form pores that lyse pathogens and impact tissue homeostasis of self-cells. How MAC disrupts the membrane barrier remains unclear. Here we use electron cryo-microscopy and flicker spectroscopy to show that MAC interacts with lipid bilayers in two distinct ways. Whereas C6 and C7 associate with the outer leaflet and reduce the energy for membrane bending, C8 and C9 traverse the bilayer increasing membrane rigidity. CryoEM reconstructions reveal plasticity of the MAC pore and demonstrate how C5b6 acts as a platform, directing assembly of a giant β-barrel whose structure is supported by a glycan scaffold. Our work provides a structural basis for understanding how β-pore forming proteins breach the membrane and reveals a mechanism for how MAC kills pathogens and regulates cell functions

DETECTION OF A SHORT BLOCK OF SIGNALS IN ADAPTIVE INTERPERIOD PROCESSING

A comparative analysis of characteristics of detection of coherent and incoherent signal on the background of correlated noise with the use of post-detection algorithms in adaptive interperiod processing has been performed

Deep peroneal nerve injury following external fixation of the ankle: Case report and anatomic study

Background: We present a case of deep peroneal nerve injury after application of external fixator and conducted a cadaveric study of the relationship of the deep peroneal nerve to the lateral tibial cortex. Materials and Methods: A case of toe drop after application of the external fixator is reported. Twelve cadaveric lower legs were dissected to identify the course of the deep peroneal nerve. The tibia were divided into four Zones with equal length. The course of the nerve through each Zone of the tibia was studied Result: In Zone 1, the deep peroneal nerve went around the fibular neck and was found on the interosseous membrane at the distal portion of Zone 1. In Zone 2, the nerve still lay on the interosseous membrane in all specimens at the posterior edge of the lateral tibia. In Zone 3, the nerve moved away from the interosseous membrane and had direct contact with the tibia in nine specimens. In Zone 4, the nerve was on the anterior surface of the distal tibia. Conclusion: The deep peroneal nerve can be injured during the application of a unilateral frame ankle external fixator. The nerve is particularly at risk in Zone 2 and 3. Clinical Relevance: The study provided an anatomic basis for the safe application of a unilateral external fixator of the tibia. Copyright © 2011 by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.link_to_subscribed_fulltex