bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction and Identification of Covariates of Intra-cerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Siddiqui Afaq Ahmed , Cicchetti Domenic V. , Wasay M. , Khan Rafeeq Alam , Yousuf Zai M. Ayub Khan , Ahmed Mansoor , Tabassum Shagufta
Published: January 2015

The authors investigate the effects of clinical covariates upon the outcome of Intra-cerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) patients by applying a discriminate model of logistic regression.
About 985 patients’s data with ICH have been collected using the International classification of diseases; ninth revision codes are also included. Diagnostic codes (434 for stroke and 431 for ICH) were used to identify patients and confirmed by neuro-imaging of the patients using CT scan and MRI.
A univariate analysis of 88 covariates was undertaken and 46 of them reached statistical significance at an acceptable level of p < 0.05. The multivariable analysis exhibited a significant negative relationship between ICH and hypertension. The improvement among ICH patients having hypertension was found to be 0.5 with the p=0.001, ARR=0.5, 95% C.I. 0.3 – 0.8. The development among ICH patients using antihypertensive medicine was 1.3 with p = 0.021, ARR=1.3, 95% C.I. 1.0 – 1.6. Thus present study manifested that ICH has strong relationship with use of antihypertensive medicine. The rate of perfection in the patients physiological conditions using antihypertensive medicine at the time of discharge was 2.9 times acquiring p < 0.001, ARR=2.9, 95% C.I. 2.7 – 3.2 as compared to those who could not use antihypertensive medicine. The change in ARR from 1.3 to 2.9 times depict that the exercise of antihypertensive medicine and ICH outcome are positively associated. The fluctuations in ARR of hypertensive range of systolic blood pressure (SBP) also indicate that the blood pressure range and ICH outcome are negatively correlated. The neurological symptomoatology, indistinct speech and double vision are important factors of proposed models. Moreover, a clear decrease was found in mental status from normal to coma in most suitable model.
Surgery is an important part of recovery, and estimated that the improvement among the ICH patients, who were treated under surgical aspects, was 1.4 times with significant p-value in the best models. The complication of pneumonia during treatment of ICH subjects has highly significant showing negative correlation with the given outcome variable.
The current model has 89.3% area under the curve with sensitivity (82.6%), specificity (81.3%) and p-value (0.308). This indicates that the constructed model bestows the well performance of the ICH outcome and the model is considered as excellent.
Time Profile of Time-Dependent Area Under the ROC Curve for Survival Data
Authors: Lambert J. , Porcher R. , Chevret S.
Published: January 2015

In the setting of survival analysis, the time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) has been proposed as a discrimination measure of interest. In contrast with the diagnostic setting, the definitions of time-dependent sensitivity and specificity are required. This paper evaluates the time-dependent profile of the resulting AUC(t), which has not been previously assessed. We show that, even when the effect of a binary biomarker on the hazard rate is constant, the value of AUC(t) varies over time according to the prevalence of the marker. The Time-profile of the continuous biomarker is illustrated with numerical integration, and data on several prognostic factors in AML are examined.
Bayesian Inference Supports the Use of Bypass Surgery Over Percutaneous Coronary Intervention To Reduce Mortality in Diabetic Patients with Multivessel Coronary Disease
Authors: Lang Christopher D. , He Yulei , Bittl John A.
Published: January 2015

Background: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery may confer a survival advantage over percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in diabetic patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD), but results of individual studies have been mixed. The primary aim of the current study was to compare mortality rates in diabetic patients with multivessel CAD randomized to either or CABG or PCI at 5 years or longest follow-up. Methods: Using a Bayesian approach, we updated a prior probability distribution elicited from 8 clinical trials (N=2024) with the likelihood obtained from the Future Revascularization Evaluation in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Optimal Management of Multivessel Disease (FREEDOM) (N=1460) to determine whether clinical trial evidence supports the underlying hypothesis that CABG is superior to PCI for diabetics with multivessel CAD. Results: A conjugate normal model comparing mortality rates favored the use of CABG (posterior mean odds ratio [OR] = 0.58, 95% Bayesian credible interval [BCI] = 0.48–0.71). Models weighted by the use of drug-eluting stents also favored the use of CABG over PCI (OR = 0.61, 95% BCI 0.48–0.78), as did models weighted by study age (OR=0.64, 95% BCI 0.52–0.80) or use of arterial conduits (OR=0.64, 95% BCI 0.51–0.81). The results were supported by a Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis using a non-informative prior distribution (OR=0.55, 95% BCI 0.37–0.76). Conclusions: By integrating evidence from various studies, Bayesian methods directly support the underlying hypothesis that revascularization with CABG improves survival compared with PCI in diabetic patients with multivessel CAD.
An Exponential Melanoma Trend Model
Authors: Hallberg Örjan
Published: January 2015

The present study investigated whether whole population exposure to radiation introduced by radio broadcasting and cell phone systems might explain recent increases in melanoma trends in Nordic countries or not. Trends were modeled using a single exponential function of the time each age group has been living in the new environment since an environmental change took place. The results clearly show that melanoma incidences started to increase exponentially by the time lived as an adult since 1955 and that a second trend break occurred in 1997. We searched best fit between calculated and reported age-standardized rates by parameter variation, and compared calculated with reported age-specific rates without further parameter adjustments. Local variations of breast cancer, lung cancer and all cancers together significantly correlated with corresponding local melanoma rates in Sweden. Increasing cancer trends since around 1997 seem related to a population covering environmental change effective from early 90’s. We conclude that this exponential trend model can be a useful tool in understanding responses to sudden environmental changes.
On the Translation of a Treatment's Effect on Disease Progression Into an Effect on Overall Survival
Authors: Snapinn Steven M. , Jiang Qi
Published: January 2015

There are many examples of treatments for cancer that show a large and statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) but fail to show a benefit in overall survival (OS). One recent example that has received considerable attention involves bevacizumab (Avastin) for the treatment of breast cancer. While it seems logical that slowing the rate of progression of a fatal disease would translate into an increase in survival, it is not clear what relative magnitudes of these two effects one should expect. One potential model for the translation of a benefit on disease progression into an OS benefit assumes that patients transition from a low-risk state (pre-progression) into a high-risk state (post-progression), and that the only impact of the treatment is to alter the rate of this transition. In this paper we describe this model and present quantitative results, using an assumption of constant hazards both pre-progression and post-progression. We find that an effect on progression translates into an effect on survival of a smaller magnitude, and that two key factors influence that relationship: the magnitude of the difference between the hazard rate for death in the pre- and post-progression states, and the duration of follow-up.
L’influence mitigée des migrations masculines sur les activités économiques des femmes « qui restent » : étude de cas dans la vallée du fleuve Sénégal
Authors: Toma Sorana
Published: January 2015

L’objectif de cette contribution est d’analyser l’impact des migrations masculines de travail sur les activités économiques génératrices de revenus des femmes qui restent dans les communautés d’origine. Les recherches antérieures arrivent à des conclusions contrastées. Certaines montrent que la migration des hommes décourage les activités économiques de leurs épouses, augmentant la dépendance des femmes à leur égard. Selon d’autres, les ressources générées dans la migration soutiennent de nouvelles activités féminines. Nos conclusions, fondées sur une recherche qualitative menée dans un village situé dans la vallée du fleuve Sénégal, n’appuient pas la thèse d’une dépendance économique accrue des épouses de migrants. Les femmes cherchent, avec plus ou moins de succès, à s’attirer une partie des ressources issues de l’émigration de leurs époux, ou parfois de leurs frères, pour développer et renforcer leurs activités économiques. Cependant, plusieurs facteurs limitent leurs efforts et entravent leur autonomie économique.
CDPDJ c Bombardier inc : réflexion sur le lien requis entre la différence de traitement et le motif illicite de discrimination
Authors: Aubry Alexis
Published: January 2015

Le dossier Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse c Bombardier inc (Bombardier Aerospace Training Center) offre l’occasion de se pencher sur le lien requis entre la différence de traitement et le motif illicite de discrimination selon la Charte québécoise. Dans ce texte, l’auteur soutient, tout d’abord, que le lien doit être établi entre le motif prohibé et l’exclusion subie, et cela tant en matière de discrimination directe qu’indirecte. Ensuite, il se questionne sur la nature de ce lien. À cet effet, il précise que le motif illicite ne doit pas nécessairement constituer l’unique ou le principal fondement de l’exclusion, mais plutôt être l’un de ceux-ci. Compte tenu de ces éléments, l’auteur propose ensuite une méthode unifiée devant servir de guide aux tribunaux lors de l’analyse de la preuve prima facie de discrimination. Ainsi, lors de la seconde étape du test de l’article 10, le demandeur aura le fardeau d’établir, tant en matière de discrimination directe qu’indirecte, que le motif prohibé a été l’un des fondements de l’exclusion subie.
Non-catalytic motor domains enable processive movement and functional diversification of the kinesin-14 Kar3
Authors: Mieck Christine , Molodtsov Maxim I , Drzewicka Katarzyna , van der Vaart Babet , Litos Gabriele , Schmauss Gerald , Vaziri Alipasha , Westermann Stefan
Published: January 2015

Motor proteins of the conserved kinesin-14 family have important roles in mitotic spindle organization and chromosome segregation. Previous studies have indicated that kinesin-14 motors are non-processive enzymes, working in the context of multi-motor ensembles that collectively organize microtubule networks. In this study, we show that the yeast kinesin-14 Kar3 generates processive movement as a heterodimer with the non-motor proteins Cik1 or Vik1. By analyzing the single-molecule properties of engineered motors, we demonstrate that the non-catalytic domain has a key role in the motility mechanism by acting as a ‘foothold’ that allows Kar3 to bias translocation towards the minus end. This mechanism rivals the speed and run length of conventional motors, can support transport of the Ndc80 complex in vitro and is critical for Kar3 function in vivo. Our findings provide an example for a non-conventional translocation mechanism and can explain how Kar3 substitutes for key functions of Dynein in the yeast nucleus.
Naloxone prescribing by psychiatric clinical pharmacists for patients receiving opioid agonist treatment
Authors: Geier Michelle , Gasper James J.
Published: January 2015

Take-home naloxone is an important intervention for addressing opioid overdoses. Patients with a history of a substance use disorder are at an elevated risk of experiencing an overdose, and even in substance-abuse treatment, they may continue to witness peer overdoses. The purpose of this innovative practice was for psychiatric clinical pharmacists to improve access to intranasal naloxone and provide opioid overdose prevention training for patients receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT). This program took place at a San Francisco Department of Public Health pharmacy that provides OAT (buprenorphine and methadone) to approximately 200 patients with opioid use disorders as part of an integrated treatment program. During the 17-month study period, 47 intranasal naloxone kits were prescribed. Patients reported 3 successful opioid overdose reversals using intranasal naloxone. Based on these findings, psychiatric clinical pharmacists can improve patient safety by increasing access to intranasal naloxone and opioid overdose prevention training for patients receiving OAT.
Trapping and acceleration of upflowing ionospheric electrons in the magnetosphere by electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic waves
Authors: Horne Richard B.
Published: January 2015

During geomagnetically active conditions upflowing field‐aligned electrons which form part of the Birkland current system have been observed at energies of up to 100 eV. If the first adiabatic invariant is conserved, these electrons would reach the conjugate ionosphere without trapping in the magnetosphere. Here we show, by using quasi‐linear diffusion theory, that electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves can diffuse these low‐energy electrons in pitch angle via Doppler‐shifted cyclotron resonance and trap them in the magnetosphere. We show that energy diffusion is comparable to pitch angle diffusion up to energies of a few keV. We suggest that ECH waves trap ionospheric electrons in the magnetosphere and accelerate them to produce butterfly pitch angle distributions at energies of up to a few keV. We suggest that ECH waves play a role in magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling and help provide the source electron population for the radiation belts.
Peru‐Chile upwelling dynamics under climate change
Authors: Oerder Véra , Colas Francois , Echevin Vincent , Codron Francis , Tam Jorge , Belmadani Ali
Published: January 2015

The consequences of global warming on the Peru‐Chile Current System (PCCS) ocean circulation are examined with a high‐resolution, eddy‐resolving regional oceanic model. We performed a dynamical downscaling of climate scenarios from the IPSL‐CM4 Coupled General Circulation Model (CGCM), corresponding to various levels of CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. High‐resolution atmospheric forcing for the regional ocean model are obtained from the IPSL atmospheric model run on a stretched grid with increased horizontal resolution in the PCCS region. When comparing future scenarios to preindustrial (PI) conditions, the circulation along the Peru and Chile coasts is strongly modified by changes in surface winds and increased stratification caused by the regional warming. While the coastal poleward undercurrent is intensified, the surface equatorial coastal jet shoals and the nearshore mesoscale activity are reinforced. Reduction in alongshore wind stress and nearshore wind stress curl drive a year‐round reduction in upwelling intensity off Peru. Modifications in geostrophic circulation mitigate this upwelling decrease in late austral summer. The depth of the upwelling source waters becomes shallower in warmer conditions, which may have a major impact on the system's biological productivity.
Seasonality of the transitional region of the California Current System off Baja California
Authors: Durazo Reginaldo
Published: January 2015

Hydrographic data collected over the period 1997–2013 are analyzed to investigate the seasonality of hydrographic features and associated geostrophic flows off the Baja California peninsula. The upper ocean in the region was found to be homogeneous in winter and spring but subdivided into two regions in the summer and autumn. In the first case, the system typically shows relatively low‐temperature and salinity waters, which give it a subarctic character. In the second, only the region north of Punta Eugenia (28°N) maintains subarctic characteristics, while the southern region receives an inflow of tropical and subtropical waters that results from the weakening of northwesterly winds, which allows the poleward advection of surface waters. Also during this period, a positive wind stress curl promotes the zonal advection of North Pacific's eastern edge waters into the coast and to the north as a surface coastal flow. Average seasonal patterns of geostrophic flow at 200 dbar revealed that the differentiation into provinces is also evident at that depth, with two clearly defined cyclonic structures in summer and autumn, both separated at the latitude of Punta Eugenia. The analyses conducted also showed a clear continuity of the California undercurrent along the shelf break, with more diffuse currents in the winter. Poleward flows were observed throughout the water column, especially in summer and autumn, although the origin of the surface flow does not necessarily involve a surfacing of the California Undercurrent.
Variability in diatom contributions to biomass, organic matter production and export across a frontal gradient in the California Current Ecosystem
Authors: Krause Jeffrey W. , Brzezinski Mark A. , Goericke Ralf , Landry Michael R. , Ohman Mark D. , Stukel Michael R. , Taylor Andrew G.
Published: January 2015

In the offshore waters of Southern California, submesoscale processes associated with fronts may stimulate phytoplankton blooms and lead to biomass shifts at multiple trophic levels. Here we report the results of a study on the cycling of biogenic silica (bSiO2) with estimates of the contributions of diatoms to primary and new production in water masses adjacent to (i.e., coastal or oceanic) and within an offshore front in the Southern California Current Ecosystem (CCE). The coastal and oceanic water were sampled in cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies, respectively, with the frontal water being an interaction region between the eddy types. Concentrations of bSiO2 varied by 25‐fold across the front, with concentrations in frontal waters 20–25% of those in coastal waters. Rates of biogenic silica production spanned an equally large range, with rates within the frontal region that were half those in the coastal regions. Contributions of diatoms to primary and new production were disproportionately higher than their contribution to autotrophic biomass in all areas, ranging from 5–8%, 19–30%, and 32–43% for both processes in the oceanic, frontal and coastal waters, respectively. Across the frontal area, diatoms could account for <1.0%, 6–8%, and 44–72% of organic matter export in the oceanic, frontal and coastal waters, respectively. The results suggest that the regions of frontal interactions between eddies in the southern CCE can account for variability in diatom biomass, productivity and export over very short spatial scales that is comparable to the variability observed across the Pacific basin.
Impact of improved light calculations on predicted phytoplankton growth and heating in an idealized upwelling‐downwelling channel geometry
Authors: Mobley Curtis D. , Chai Fei , Xiu Peng , Sundman Lydia K.
Published: January 2015

Ocean ecosystem models require accurate calculations of both hydrodynamics and biology; those calculations in turn require accurate calculation of in‐water irradiance. Ecosystem models now achieve great accuracy in their hydrodynamical predictions, and the biological modules are becoming correspondingly sophisticated. The optical calculations are however often oversimplified, to the possible detriment of the physical and biological predictions. We used a recently developed, extremely fast radiative transfer code, EcoLight‐S, to study differences in ecosystem and thermal development in an idealized upwelling‐downwelling system when simple versus accurate irradiance calculations are used. The use of accurate irradiances gave up to 57% differences in chlorophyll concentrations after two weeks of simulated time, compared to predictions based on irradiances obtained using a simple exponential attenuation formula. Accurate irradiance calculations increased sea surface temperatures and decreased temperatures at depth, leading to increased stratification. Use of EcoLight‐S couples the physical and biological calculations so that biology feeds back to physics, and vice versa. EcoLight‐S outputs ancillary quantities such as remote sensing reflectance and in‐water spectral irradiance, which can be used to validate ecosystem predictions using remotely sensed ocean color imagery or optical measurements from buoys or gliders, without the need to convert such measurements to chlorophyll values. After optimization, the ecosystem model total run times with EcoLight‐S were less than 20% more than for the analytical irradiance models. We also found that the use of 24 h average irradiances gave factor‐of‐two differences in chlorophyll concentrations compared to the use of a diel irradiance pattern with the same 24 h average value.
A model for partitioning the light absorption coefficient of natural waters into phytoplankton, nonalgal particulate, and colored dissolved organic components: A case study for the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Zheng Guangming , Stramski Dariusz , DiGiacomo Paul M.
Published: January 2015

We present a model, referred to as Generalized Stacked‐Constraints Model (GSCM), for partitioning the total light absorption coefficient of natural water (with pure‐water contribution subtracted), anw(λ), into phytoplankton, aph(λ), nonalgal particulate, ad(λ), and CDOM, ag(λ), components. The formulation of the model is based on the so‐called stacked‐constraints approach, which utilizes a number of inequality constraints that must be satisfied simultaneously by the model outputs of component absorption coefficients. A major advancement is that GSCM provides a capability to separate the ad(λ) and ag(λ) coefficients from each other using only weakly restrictive assumptions about the component absorption coefficients. In contrast to the common assumption of exponential spectral shape of ad(λ) and ag(λ) in previous models, in our model these two coefficients are parameterized in terms of several distinct spectral shapes. These shapes are determined from field data collected in the Chesapeake Bay with an ultimate goal to adequately account for the actual variability in spectral shapes of ad(λ) and ag(λ) in the study area. Another advancement of this model lies in its capability to account for potentially nonnegligible magnitude of ad(λ) in the near‐infrared spectral region. Evaluation of model performance demonstrates good agreement with measurements in the Chesapeake Bay. For example, the median ratio of the model‐derived to measured ad(λ), ag(λ), and aph(λ) at 443 nm is 0.913, 1.064, and 1.056, respectively. Whereas our model in its present form can be a powerful tool for regional studies in the Chesapeake Bay, the overall approach is readily adaptable to other regions or bio‐optical water types.
Forsterite dissolution rates in Mg‐sulfate‐rich Mars‐analog brines and implications of the aqueous history of Mars
Authors: Olsen Amanda Albright , Hausrath Elisabeth M. , Rimstidt J. Donald
Published: January 2015

High salinity brines, although rare on Earth's surface, may have been important in the geologic history of Mars. Increasing evidence suggests the importance of liquid brines in multiple locations on Mars. In order to interpret the effect of high ionic strength brines on olivine dissolution, which is widely present on Mars, 47 new batch reactor experiments combined with 35 results from a previous study conducted at 25°C from 1 < pH < 4 in magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, magnesium nitrate, and potassium nitrate solutions with ionic strengths as high as 12 m show that very high ionic strength brines have an inhibitory effect of forsterite dissolution rates. Multiple linear regression analysis of the data suggests that the inhibition in dissolution rates is due to decreased water activity at high ionic strengths. Regression models also show that mMg up to 4 m and mSO4 up to 3 m have no effect on forsterite dissolution rates. The effect of decreasing dissolution rates with decreasing aH2O is consistent with the idea that water acts as a ligand that participates in the dissolution process. Less available water to participate in the dissolution reaction results in a slower dissolution rate. Multiple linear regression analysis of the data produces the rate equation . Forsterite in dilute solutions with a water activity of one dissolves twice as fast as those in brines with a water activity of 0.8.
Spiral trough diversity on the north pole of Mars, as seen by Shallow Radar (SHARAD)
Authors: Smith Isaac B. , Holt John W.
Published: January 2015

We combine observations from ground penetrating radar and optical instruments to conduct a comprehensive survey of spiral troughs on the north polar layered deposits of Mars. Our survey reveals that all north polar troughs have common characteristics, but there is strong regional diversity. We divide the north polar layered deposits (NPLD) into eight regions based on observations of morphology and stratigraphy in order to classify the spiral troughs. Morphologic features that separate the regions include central promontories, topographic undulations, bedrock floors, and trough asymmetry among others. We demonstrate here that the troughs formed during two periods. The first generation of troughs formed on the main lobe and in part of Gemina Lingula during accumulation of ~600 m of ice and dust. The second generation of troughs formed stratigraphically higher and immediately after large‐scale erosion in Gemini Scopuli, which we conclude created the slopes necessary for troughs to form. We test scenarios of trough evolution and find that only three concurrent processes are required for their formation: wind transport, insolation‐induced sublimation, and atmospheric deposition. Our observations are inconsistent with other hypothesized processes to produce spiral troughs, including incision after the formation of the NPLD, fracturing due to flowing ice, and sublimation‐driven patterns from insolation.
Rising atmospheric CO2 leads to large impact of biology on Southern Ocean CO2 uptake via changes of the Revelle factor
Authors: Hauck J. , Völker C.
Published: January 2015

The Southern Ocean is a key region for global carbon uptake and is characterized by a strong seasonality with the annual CO2 uptake being mediated by biological carbon drawdown in summer. Here we show that the contribution of biology to CO2 uptake will become even more important until 2100. This is the case even if biological production remains unaltered and can be explained by the decreasing buffer capacity of the ocean as its carbon content increases. The same amount of biological carbon drawdown leads to a more than twice as large reduction in CO2(aq) concentration and hence to a larger CO2 gradient between ocean and atmosphere that drives the gas exchange. While the winter uptake south of 44°S changes little, the summer uptake increases largely and is responsible for the annual mean response. The combination of decreasing buffer capacity and strong seasonality of biological carbon drawdown introduces a strong and increasing seasonality in the anthropogenic carbon uptake.
Online Chat
Authors: Freiermuth Mark R.
Published: January 2015

Online chat has become a prevalent form of communication in an electronically connected society. Chat is a popular application on social networking sites, as a complement for Internet phones, for distance education programs, in language‐learning labs, and as a theme‐based leisure activity in online chat rooms. Besides discussing some of online chat's uses, this article also examines some of its characteristics: How does the speed affect output by chatters and how does online chat compare to spoken and written language? In addition, this article points to probable reasons as to why chatters choose to behave as they do.
Hate Speech
Authors: Boromisza‐Habashi David
Published: January 2015

Although hate speech is a universally condemned form of public expression, the meaning and use of the term are often contested in some cultural contexts. As a result of such contestation, and the ideology of prejudice in the western world, speakers accused of hate speech are able to escape accountability by denying being speakers of hate speech and by formulating counteraccusations. In some speech communities, a primary function of publicly interpreting the meaning of hate speech and accusing others of hate speech is the accomplishment of political identification. Since direct accusations of hate speech do not possess much rhetorical power antiracist advocates should reevaluate their accusatory use of the term and other related terms for prejudice.
Migration Discourse
Authors: Guillem Susana Martínez
Published: January 2015

The concept of migration can be broadly defined as the movement of people from one place to another. Those involved in this kind of movement are generally referred to as migrants. This entry traces different ways in which LSI scholars engage with the topic of “migration discourse,” or the study of the specific and distinct communicative practices that accompany the phenomenon of migration. The different sections identify the main foci and contexts of this kind of research, highlighting the interdependence of the specific everyday contexts in which migrants develop their identities, as well as the more macro, institutional dimensions where the concept of “migrant” is framed in particular ways and for different kinds of purposes.
Memory in Narrative
Authors: Linde Charlotte
Published: January 2015

“Memory” and “narrative” are terms describing how individuals and groups represent past events in the present. Children must learn what events are narratable; this is also training in what kinds of events should be remembered. Adults also must learn what stories are appropriate when they join new institutions, or convert to a new religion or ideology. Individuals' narratives change through the life course, altered by new events and new understandings of past events. Groups also represent their past in narrative. Collective memory is studied in anthropology, business, cognitive science, computer science, folklore, oral history, linguistics, literary studies, management studies, and sociology. The study of collective memory must distinguish between resources for memory, such as files, databases, archives, and so forth, and acts of remembering. New developments include uses of the Internet: archives, as well as social networking sites, blogs, computer games, personal and shared websites, and many other forms whose social conventions are still developing.
Advertising Discourse
Authors: Danesi Marcel
Published: January 2015

Product advertising is more than a simple announcement of a product's availability, price, and features. It has evolved into a form of social discourse that taps into styles and ideologies that people unconsciously recognize as part of normal discourse. Each brand product has developed its own discourse style to match the social image it intends to create and disseminate as part of its marketing strategy. Thus, there are discourse styles for cosmetics, beers, automobiles, and the like that tap into discourse levels or registers of the targeted audience. This article will look at this aspect of advertising, which makes it a powerful form of everyday discourse that people no longer recognize as part of marketing strategy.
Discursive Psychology
Authors: te Molder Hedwig
Published: January 2015

Discursive psychology was established in the United Kingdom by the end of the 1980s, mainly in response to the dominant cognitivist approach in social psychology. While it borrowed notions from poststructuralism and sociology of science, it is most akin to conversation analysis. Discursive psychologists are interested in how participants do psychology in their talk rather than use the psychological thesaurus themselves as a start point for the analysis. This article discusses three current emphases in research: managing mind/world relationships, institutional talk, and analysis of online interaction. Discursive psychology is further developing its relationship with conversation analysis through the emerging areas of epistemics‐in‐action research and participants' practical psychology in institutional interaction.
Dialects
Authors: Sandel Todd L.
Published: January 2015

Dialect is commonly understood to be a spoken variety of a standard or national language; it is linked to a local place or to people with a shared group identity that is based on class, occupation, ethnicity, or nationality. The association of place and/or class with dialect means that dialect is often a marker of identity—which in some contexts may be elevated, in others stigmatized. This has implications for how speakers may knowingly use dialect in social interaction. Dialect‐speaking can be used as a pragmatic resource, to create similarity with or distance from others. Furthermore, what counts as a dialect, especially when contrasted with a “standard” language, is not easily definable; such designations are often impacted by macrosociological factors and by contested ideologies, which have more to do with issues of history, capital, government, and power than with linguistic considerations.
Editor's Introduction
Authors: Tracy Karen
Published: January 2015

Language and social interaction (LSI) is an area of communication that studies how text and talk accomplish a variety of functions in social life. After narrating the history of LSI, the article describes its seven main approaches: cultural, critical, ethnomethodological–conversation analysis (CA), practice, pragmatics, multimodal, and social psychological. The next sections illustrate a set of influential concepts and discourse devices and overview the kinds of interaction and texts that have been analyzed, providing examples that evidence LSI's range. The article concludes with reflections on future LSI research.
Evidence of hydrogen sulfide involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Davoli Alessandro , Greco Viviana , Spalloni Alida , Guatteo Ezia , Neri Cristina , Rizzo Giada Ricciardo , Cordella Alberto , Romigi Andrea , Cortese Claudio , Bernardini Sergio , Sarchielli Paola , Cardaioli Gabriela , Calabresi Paolo , Mercuri Nicola B. , Urbani Andrea , Longone Patrizia
Published: January 2015

Objective

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease whose pathophysiological deficits, causing impairment in motor function, are largely unknown. Here we propose that hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as a glial‐released inflammatory factor, contributes to ALS‐mediated motor neuron death.

Methods

H2S concentrations were analyzed in the cerebrospinal fluid of 37 sporadic ALS patients and 14 age‐ and gender‐matched controls, in tissues of a familial ALS (fALS) mouse model, and in spinal cord culture media by means of a specific and innovative high‐performance liquid chromatography method. The effects of H2S on motor neurons cultures was analyzed immunohistochemically and by patch clamp recordings and microfluorometry.

Results

We found a significantly high level of H2S in the spinal fluid of the ALS patients. Consistently, we found increased levels of H2S in the tissues and in the media from mice spinal cord cultures bearing the fALS mutation SOD1G93A. In addition, NaHS, an H2S donor, added to spinal culture, obtained from control C57BL/6J mice, is toxic for motor neurons, and induces an intracellular Ca2+ increase, attenuated by the intracytoplasmatic application of adenosine triphosphate. We further show that H2S is mainly released by astrocytes and microglia.

Interpretation

This study unravels H2S as an astroglial mediator of motor neuron damage possibly involved in the cellular death characterizing ALS. Ann Neurol 2015;77:697–709
Thalamotemporal alteration and postoperative seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Keller Simon S. , Richardson Mark P. , Schoene‐Bake Jan‐Christoph , O'Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Elkommos Samia , Kreilkamp Barbara , Goh Yee Yen , Marson Anthony G. , Elger Christian , Weber Bernd
Published: January 2015

Objective

There are competing explanations for persistent postoperative seizures after temporal lobe surgery. One is that 1 or more particular subtypes of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) exist that are particularly resistant to surgery. We sought to identify a common brain structural and connectivity alteration in patients with persistent postoperative seizures using preoperative quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Methods

We performed a series of studies in 87 patients with mTLE (47 subsequently rendered seizure free, 40 who continued to experience postoperative seizures) and 80 healthy controls. We investigated the relationship between imaging variables and postoperative seizure outcome. All patients had unilateral temporal lobe seizure onset, had ipsilateral hippocampal sclerosis as the only brain lesion, and underwent amygdalohippocampectomy.

Results

Quantitative imaging factors found not to be significantly associated with persistent seizures were volumes of ipsilateral and contralateral mesial temporal lobe structures, generalized brain atrophy, and extent of resection. There were nonsignificant trends for larger amygdala and entorhinal resections to be associated with improved outcome. However, patients with persistent seizures had significant atrophy of bilateral dorsomedial and pulvinar thalamic regions, and significant alterations of DTI‐derived thalamotemporal probabilistic paths bilaterally relative to those patients rendered seizure free and controls, even when corrected for extent of mesial temporal lobe resection.

Interpretation

Patients with bihemispheric alterations of thalamotemporal structural networks may represent a subtype of mTLE that is resistant to temporal lobe surgery. Increasingly sensitive multimodal imaging techniques should endeavor to transform these group‐based findings to individualize prediction of patient outcomes. Ann Neurol 2015;77:760–774
Norepinephrine deficiency with normal blood pressure control in congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis
Authors: Norcliffe‐Kaufmann Lucy , Katz Stuart D. , Axelrod Felicia , Kaufmann Horacio
Published: January 2015

Objective

Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) is caused by mutations in the NKTR1 gene. This affects the development of nerve growth factor (NGF)‐dependent neurons including sympathetic cholinergic neurons in the skin, causing anhidrosis. Cardiovascular and blood pressure regulation appears normal, but the integrity of sympathetic adrenergic neurons has not been tested.

Methods

We examined the effect of posture on blood pressure, heart rate, plasma concentration of catecholamines, vasopressin, endothelin, and renin activity in 14 patients with CIPA, 10 patients with chronically deficient sympathetic activity (pure autonomic failure), and 15 normal age‐matched controls.

Results

In all 14 patients with CIPA, plasma norepinephrine levels were very low or undetectable and failed to increase when the patient was upright, yet upright blood pressure was well maintained. Plasma epinephrine levels were normal and increased when the patient was upright. Plasma renin activity also increased appropriately when the patient was upright and after furosemide‐induced volume depletion. Nitric oxide–mediated endothelial function was intact. Patients with pure autonomic failure also had very low levels of plasma norepinephrine both supine and upright, but in contrast to patients with CIPA failed to maintain blood pressure upright.

Interpretation

The results indicate that postganglionic sympathetic neurons are severely depleted in CIPA, but chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla are spared. This confirms the differential effect of NGF signaling for sympathetic neural and chromaffin cell development. The finding that patients with CIPA maintain blood pressure well on standing challenges current concepts of the role of norepinephrine in the regulation of arterial pressure. Ann Neurol 2015;77:743–752
New alkaline lipase from Rhizomucor variabilis: Biochemical properties and stability in the presence of microbial EPS
Authors: Bancerz Renata , Osińska‐Jaroszuk Monika , Jaszek Magdalena , Janusz Grzegorz , Stefaniuk Dawid , Sulej Justyna , Janczarek Monika , Jarosz‐Wilkołazka Anna , Rogalski Jerzy
Published: January 2015

A new strain of Rhizomucor variabilis producing an active extracellular lipase was identified and characterized in the present studies. The culture conditions were optimized and the highest lipase production amounting to 136 U/mL was achieved after 4 days of cultivation. The optimum pH (5.5) and temperature (28 °C) were determined as the best conditions for R. variabilis lipase production. The isolated enzyme preparation exhibited maximum activity at 40 °C and pH 8.0. Lipase from R. variabilis was stable up to 50 °C during 2 H retaining 80% of its initial activity. The enzyme was highly stable in the pH range of 7.0–9.0. Moreover, the addition of naturally obtained exopolysaccharides (EPS) significantly enhanced lipase activity. The presence of EPS derived from Ganoderma applanatum and Rhizobium leguminosarum enhanced the lipase activity, which was 22% and 31%, respectively, higher than that in the control experiments. Simultaneously, the pH activity profiles remained unchanged. The Michaelis–Menten constant and the turnover number of the enzyme for p‐nitrophenyl palmitate in the standard assay conditions were estimated at a level of 0.631 mM and 0.674 Sec−1. In conclusion, the results obtained in this work present a newly isolated lipase preparation stabilized with EPS or without modification as a very effective tool for industrial application.
Optical innovations in surgery
Authors: de Boer E , Harlaar N J , Taruttis A , Nagengast W B , Rosenthal E L , Ntziachristos V , van Dam G M
Published: January 2015

Background

In the past decade, there has been a major drive towards clinical translation of optical and, in particular, fluorescence imaging in surgery. In surgical oncology, radical surgery is characterized by the absence of positive resection margins, a critical factor in improving prognosis. Fluorescence imaging provides the surgeon with reliable and real-time intraoperative feedback to identify surgical targets, including positive tumour margins. It also may enable decisions on the possibility of intraoperative adjuvant treatment, such as brachytherapy, chemotherapy or emerging targeted photodynamic therapy (photoimmunotherapy).

Methods

This article reviews the use of optical imaging for intraoperative guidance and decision-making.

Results

Image-guided cancer surgery has the potential to be a powerful tool in guiding future surgical care. Photoimmunotherapy is a theranostic concept (simultaneous diagnosis and treatment) on the verge of clinical translation, and is highlighted as an effective combination of image-guided surgery and intraoperative treatment of residual disease. Multispectral optoacoustic tomography, a technique complementary to optical image-guided surgery, is currently being tested in humans and is anticipated to have great potential for perioperative and postoperative application in surgery.

Conclusion

Significant advances have been achieved in real-time optical imaging strategies for intraoperative tumour detection and margin assessment. Optical imaging holds promise in achieving the highest percentage of negative surgical margins and in early detection of micrometastastic disease over the next decade.
Surgery in the era of the 'omics revolution
Authors: Beggs A D , Dilworth M P
Published: January 2015

Background

Surgery is entering a new phase with the revolution in genomic technology. Cheap, mass access to next-generation sequencing is now allowing the analysis of entire human genomes at the DNA and RNA level. These data sets are being used increasingly to identify the molecular differences that underlie common surgical diseases, and enable them to be stratified for patient benefit.

Methods

This article reviews the recent developments in the molecular biology of colorectal, oesophagogastric and breast cancer.

Results

The review specifically covers developments in genetic predisposition, next-generation sequencing studies, biomarkers for stratification, prognosis and treatment, and other 'omics technologies such as metabolomics and proteomics.

Conclusion

There are unique opportunities over the next decade to change the management of surgical disease radically, using these technologies. The directions that this may take are highlighted, including future advances such as the 100 000 Genomes Project.
Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD): the TRIPOD Statement
Authors: Collins G S , Reitsma J B , Altman D G , Moons K G M
Published: January 2015

Background

Prediction models are developed to aid healthcare providers in estimating the probability or risk that a specific disease or condition is present (diagnostic models) or that a specific event will occur in the future (prognostic models), to inform their decision-making. However, the overwhelming evidence shows that the quality of reporting of prediction model studies is poor. Only with full and clear reporting of information on all aspects of a prediction model can risk of bias and potential usefulness of prediction models be adequately assessed. The Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) Initiative developed a set of recommendations for the reporting of studies developing, validating or updating a prediction model, whether for diagnostic or prognostic purposes. This article describes how the TRIPOD Statement was developed.

Methods

An extensive list of items based on a review of the literature was created, which was reduced after a web-based survey and revised during a 3-day meeting in June 2011 with methodologists, healthcare professionals and journal editors. The list was refined during several meetings of the steering group and in e-mail discussions with the wider group of TRIPOD contributors.

Results

The resulting TRIPOD Statement is a checklist of 22 items, deemed essential for transparent reporting of a prediction model study.

Conclusion

The TRIPOD Statement aims to improve the transparency of the reporting of a prediction model study regardless of the study methods used. The TRIPOD Statement is best used in conjunction with the TRIPOD explanation and elaboration document. A complete checklist is available at http://www.tripod-statement.org.