bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemispherically asymmetric volcanic forcing of tropical hydroclimate during
the last millennium
Authors: Colose Christopher M. , LeGrande Allegra N. , Vuille Mathias
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Volcanic aerosols exert the most important natural radiative forcing of the last millennium. State-of-the-art paleoclimate simulations of this interval are typically forced with diverse spatial patterns of volcanic forcing, leading to different responses in tropical hydroclimate. Recently, theoretical considerations relating the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) position to the demands of global energy balance have emerged in the literature, allowing for a connection to be made between the paleoclimate simulations and recent developments in the understanding of ITCZ dynamics. These energetic considerations aid in explaining the well-known historical, paleoclimatic, and modeling evidence that the ITCZ migrates away from the hemisphere that is energetically deficient in response to asymmetric forcing.Here we use two separate general circulation model (GCM) suites of experiments for the last millennium to relate the ITCZ position to asymmetries in prescribed volcanic sulfate aerosols in the stratosphere and related asymmetric radiative forcing. We discuss the ITCZ shift in the context of atmospheric energetics and discuss the ramifications of transient ITCZ migrations for other sensitive indicators of changes in the tropical hydrologic cycle, including global streamflow. For the first time, we also offer insight into the large-scale fingerprint of water isotopologues in precipitation (δ18Op) in response to asymmetries in radiative forcing. The ITCZ shifts away from the hemisphere with greater volcanic forcing. Since the isotopic composition of precipitation in the ITCZ is relatively depleted compared to areas outside this zone, this meridional precipitation migration results in a large-scale enrichment (depletion) in the isotopic composition of tropical precipitation in regions the ITCZ moves away from (toward). Our results highlight the need for careful consideration of the spatial structure of volcanic forcing for interpreting volcanic signals in proxy records and therefore in evaluating the skill of Common Era climate model output.
Recent changes and drivers of the atmospheric evaporative demand in the
Canary Islands
Authors: Vicente-Serrano Sergio M. , Azorin-Molina Cesar , Sanchez-Lorenzo Arturo , El Kenawy Ahmed , Martín-Hernández Natalia , Peña-Gallardo Marina , Beguería Santiago , Tomas-Burguera Miquel
Published: August 2016

Abstract. We analysed recent evolution and meteorological drivers of the atmospheric evaporative demand (AED) in the Canary Islands for the period 1961–2013. We employed long and high-quality time series of meteorological variables to analyse current AED changes in this region and found that AED has increased during the investigated period. Overall, the annual ETo, which was estimated by means of the FAO-56 Penman–Monteith equation, increased significantly by 18.2 mm decade−1 on average, with a stronger trend in summer (6.7 mm decade−1). In this study we analysed the contribution of (i) the aerodynamic (related to the water vapour that a parcel of air can store) and (ii) radiative (related to the available energy to evaporate a quantity of water) components to the decadal variability and trends of ETo. More than 90 % of the observed ETo variability at the seasonal and annual scales can be associated with the variability in the aerodynamic component. The variable that recorded more significant changes in the Canary Islands was relative humidity, and among the different meteorological factors used to calculate ETo, relative humidity was the main driver of the observed ETo trends. The observed trend could have negative consequences in a number of water-depending sectors if it continues in the future.
Geochemical mass-balance, weathering and evolution of soils formed on a Quaternaryage basaltic toposequences
Authors: Şenol Hüseyin , Tunçay Tülay , Dengiz Orhan
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The purpose of this research is to assess the geochemical mass-balance and weathering intensity of Typic Haplustert and Lithic Ustorthent soils represented by four profiles that developed in a Quaternary-age basaltic toposequence under semi-humid conditions in the central Black Sea region of Turkey. The researchers employed mass-balance analysis with a view to measuring elemental gains and losses along with alterations concerning the soils formed on the basaltic parent material. For this end, geochemical properties, elemental mass-balance changes and certain physicochemical features were identified to benchmark the weathering levels of the profiles. Lithic Ustorthents are distinguished by having a rough texture along with a low organic substance ingredient, whereas Typic Haplusterts have a high clay texture with low bulk density and slickenside features. X-ray diffraction showed that smectites were the prevailing minerals inside the Typic Haplusterts, while a significant amount of kaolinite and illite was observed in the Lithic Ustorthents. Mass-balance computations indicated that massive mineral weathering resulted in substantial Si losses through leaching as well as an exchange of cations, such as Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+, particularly from the upper horizons. The study also took into account other features such as the pedogenic evolution of soils using weathering indices such as CIA, CIW, bases/R2O3, WIP, P and PIA. According to the results, CIA, CIW, PIA, P, WIP and bases/R2O3 index values of all soils varied between 42.33 to 73.83, 44.46 to 80.43, 37.53 to 65.63, 75.39 to 84.31 and 0.45 to 1.27 respectively, to solum depth. This result indicated that soils classified as Entisol and Vertisol have similar pedochemical properties. In spite of similar weathering rates, the soils were classified under different groups as a result of erosion. This showed that the conditions for soil development in the studied area had a far more impact on weathering and elemental loss than the parent material on the site.
The Tribunals and the Renaissance of International Criminal Law: Three Themes
Authors: Robinson Darryl , MacNeil Gillian
Published: August 2016

We are delighted to participate in this symposium on the legacy of the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda (Tribunals; respectively, ICTY and ICTR). We have been asked to offer reflections on the Tribunals’ impact on substantive international criminal law (ICL)—in particular, the definitions of crimes and the modes of liability. Given the enormity of the topic, we can offer only a cursory and impressionist sketch of the terrain, and draw attention to a few intriguing features along the way. We will not attempt to survey the Tribunals’ jurisprudence or the related academic literature. Instead, our aim is simply to highlight three themes underlying the Tribunals’ elaboration of substantive legal standards. For the nonspecialist, this sketch may provide a helpful overview of the evolution of ICL. For the specialist, this sketch may bring into slightly sharper relief some underlying patterns in the Tribunals’ work. We will also offer some broader thoughts about the Tribunals in the overall arc of ICL, and how their structure and priorities have left a lasting, distinctive imprimatur on ICL.
The Impact of the ICTY on the Former Yugoslavia: An Anticipatory Postmortem
Authors: Milanović Marko
Published: August 2016

A strange thing about the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) is that for most of its life, it has thought about its death. The Tribunal, of course, kept getting a reprieve. But today it seems more likely than not that the ICTY will indeed close down sometime in 2017, after the conclusion of the two cases it currently has at trial. Yet even after its closure, the ICTY will continue in a sort of un-death, through the unfortunately named Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals, which will complete retrial and appellate proceedings in the cases currently tried before the ICTY.
Empowering Chicana/o and Latina/o High School Students: A Guide for School Counselors
Authors: Alejandro Padilla , Hipolito-Delgado Carlos P
Published: August 2016

A qualitative research study was conducted with 15 school counselors to identify the strategies they used to empower Chicana/o and Latina/o high school students. The findings of this study revealed that participants facilitated student empowerment by developing personal relationships with students, involving alumni, building sociocultural awareness, and encouraging social action. Based on these findings, school counselors who seek to empower students are called to develop positive relationships, identify role models, and encourage community engagement.
Mince from Tilapia-Backbone: Effects of Washing and Cryoprotectant Addition during Frozen Storage
Authors: Lizárraga-Mata Wendy L. , García-Sifuentes Celia Olivia , Scheuren-Acevedo Susana M. , Lugo-Sánchez María E. , Zamorano-García Libertad , Ramirez-Suárez Juan C. , Martinez-Porchas Marcel
Published: August 2016

Mince obtained from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (backbone) was evaluated; the effect of washing and the addition of a commercial cryoprotectant on the quality of the mince obtained were also assessed. Physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial analyses were carried out at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 and 180 days of frozen storage (-20 ºC). During washing treatment 91% of lipids was removed from the mince (p<0.05). The proximal composition was stable during the storage time (p>0.05). Parameters such as L* and “θ” increased while a*, b*, chroma and TBARS decreased due to the washing treatment (p<0.05). The cryoprotectant effect resulted in a decrease of L*, “θ” (Hue) and TBARS (p<0.05). The addition of the cryoprotectant caused a significant decrease of L*, “θ” and TBARS. During the storage period, the proximate composition was stable and the microbial load remained below the official limits. The panelists detected changes on the odor, color and texture in the mince evaluated. Results suggest that the washing treatment improved the stability of the mince compared to the addition of cryoprotectant.
Êtes-vous dans une meilleure situation économique qu’il y a quatre ans? Examen de la perception du revenu des médecins de famille en Ontario
Authors: Gray David , Hogg William , Green Michael E. , Zhang Yan
Published: August 2016

La perception subjective du revenu joue un rôle important dans les relations de travail et la satisfaction au travail. Lorsque les travailleurs estiment qu’ils ont déjà fait des sacrifices antérieurs en matière de salaires et d’avantages sociaux, ils risquent d’avoir des aspirations plus élevées aux prochaines rondes de négociations collectives que ce n’aurait été le cas autrement. Malgré le rôle important des perceptions subjectives du revenu actuel, il est difficile d’en tenir compte dans la recherche appliquée car on ne les observe pas très souvent dans la pratique. À notre connaissance, il y a peu ou pas d’études scientifiques qui portent sur l’exactitude des perceptions rétrospectives ou actuelles du revenu par opposition aux attentes prospectives.

Cette étude porte sur les médecins de soins primaires indépendants et non salariés dans la province canadienne de l’Ontario. Nous nous intéressons à leurs perceptions rétrospectives du revenu touché au cours d’une période récente, et ce pour deux raisons. Premièrement, ce facteur pourrait influencer leurs attentes futures de revenu. Deuxièmement, l’augmentation ou la baisse perçue du revenu réel aura probablement une incidence importante sur la négociation des salaires et des honoraires sans compter sur la satisfaction au travail et le moral.

Notre analyse empirique évalue l’exactitude de l’évaluation rétrospective du revenu réel par les médecins de famille en comparant l’évolution réelle et l’évolution perçue du revenu au cours d’une période de référence. Nous avons bénéficié d’une source de données unique pour déterminer l’écart entre l’évolution réelle et l’évolution perçue du revenu, soit les données des déclarations de revenus. Notre méthodologie comprend des statistiques descriptives ainsi qu’une analyse de régression multivariée.

Notre étude révèle que les médecins de famille ont une tendance un peu surprenante à sous-estimer l’évolution véritable de leur revenu. En effet, plusieurs des sujets de l’échantillon ont réalisé une croissance de revenu plus importante qu’ils le croyaient au cours de la période de référence. Cette perception fausse de l’évolution du revenu était plus marquée chez les médecins dont le revenu réel avait baissé ou peu augmenté. Néanmoins, plus l’augmentation réelle du revenu était importante, plus le sujet était susceptible de signaler une augmentation de revenu.
Bootstrap Tests of Mean-Variance Efficiency with Multiple Portfolio Groupings
Authors: Gungor Sermin , Luger Richard
Published: August 2016

We propose double bootstrap methods to test the mean-variance efficiency hypothesis when multiple portfolio groupings of the test assets are considered jointly rather than individually. A direct test of the joint null hypothesis may not be possible with standard methods when the total number of test assets grows large relative to the number of available time-series observations, since the estimate of the disturbance covariance matrix eventually becomes singular. The suggested residual bootstrap procedures based on combining the individual group p-values avoid this problem while controlling the overall significance level. Simulation and empirical results illustrate the usefulness of the joint mean-variance efficiency tests.
Identification-Robust Factor Pricing: Canadian Evidence
Authors: Beaulieu Marie-Claude , Dufour Jean-Marie , Khalaf Lynda
Published: August 2016

We analyze factor models based on the Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT). using identification-robust inference methods. Such models involve nonlinear reduced-rank restrictions whose identification may raise serious non-regularities and lead to a failure of standard asymptotic theory. We build confidence sets for structural parameters based on inverting Hotelling-type pivotal statistics. These confidence sets provide much more information than the corresponding tests. Our approach may be interpreted as a multivariate extension of the Fieller method for inference on mean ratios. We also introduce a formal definition for a redundant factor linking the presence of such factors to unbounded confidence sets, and we document their perverse effects on minimum-root-based model tests.

Results are applied to multifactor asset-pricing models with Canadian data, the Fama-French-Carhart benchmarks and monthly returns of 25 portfolios from 1991 to 2010. Despite evidence of weak identification, several findings deserve notice when data are analyzed over ten-year subperiods. With equally weighted portfolios, the three-factor model is rejected before 2000, but weakly supported thereafter. In contrast, the three-factor model is not rejected with value-weighted portfolios. Interestingly in this case, the market factor is priced before 2000 along with size, while both Fama-French factors are priced thereafter. The momentum factor severely compromises identification, which calls for caution in interpreting existing work documenting momentum effects on the Canadian market. This empirical analysis underscores the practical usefulness of our analytical confidence sets.
La capacité d’assertion garantie ou la fin (provisoire) de l’incertitude
Authors: Rochard Michel
Published: August 2016

L’incertitude fait partie intégrante du quotidien du traducteur professionnel. Elle découle de multiples imperfections du message original et de la capacité de compréhension immédiate de ce message par le traducteur. S’appuyant sur un exemple tiré d’un texte pragmatique, l’analyse portera sur la levée d’une incertitude par l’application de la théorie interprétative de la traduction (TIT) élaborée et développée par Danica Seleskovitch (1921-2001) et Marianne Lederer. Cette approche doit normalement permettre à un traducteur compétent de réunir les éléments propres à aboutir à une équivalence fonctionnelle entre l’original et la traduction. L’analyse mettra néanmoins en lumière certaines zones d’incertitudes inhérentes à la théorie interprétative. Il s’agit donc de proposer un enrichissement de cette école interprétative par les concepts et méthodes de la théorie de l’enquête de John Dewey, afin de lever ces incertitudes. En ce sens, loin de remettre en cause cette théorie et son caractère tout à fait opérationnel pour les professionnels de la traduction et de l’interprétation, cet article s’inscrit pleinement dans la réflexion intellectuelle autour des approches pragmatiques de la traduction voulue par les fondatrices de la TIT.
Quelques certitudes sur la préservation de l’incertitude dans le texte traduit
Authors: Constantinescu Muguraş
Published: August 2016

Nous proposons dans notre article une réflexion sur les stratégies de préservation de l’ambiguïté – globale, ponctuelle ou totale – dans un texte littéraire, notamment dans un texte poétique traduit, accueilli par une autre culture. Comme on le sait, le texte poétique en particulier et le texte littéraire en général exploitent parfois l’ambiguïté, l’obscurité et la plurivalence des sens ; le défi pour le traducteur sera alors de les garder, leur préservation étant garante de toutes les lectures possibles. En partant de plusieurs traductions de poèmes de Mallarmé, Valéry et Tzara du français vers le roumain et des auto-traductions du roumain vers le français de Luca, nous identifierons les difficultés récurrentes que le traducteur doit vaincre et nous analyserons les divers procédés et stratégies utilisés dans ce but. Face aux pièges de l’ambiguïté, il reste au traducteur comme attitude et stratégie adéquates l’exploration à fond des potentialités de la langue traduisante, conduisant à l’éveil des termes rares ou anciens ou même à la trouvaille ; à cela s’ajoute une créativité au second degré, bien maîtrisée par les contraintes de l’original.
Est-il possible de représenter le rapport sexuel au cinéma1 ?
Authors: Flisfeder Matthew
Published: August 2016

Cet article propose une réflexion sur la théorie lacanienne de la représentation filmique du rapport sexuel. L’auteur se fonde sur la logique lacanienne de la sexuation et sur l’interprétation qu’en ont faite Joan Copjec et Slavoj Žižek pour analyser ce qu’il appelle le « cinéma masculin », en prenant notamment comme exemple le filmY tu mamá también(Et… ta mère aussi, 2011), d’Alfonso Cuarón. L’auteur considère que les conclusions de Laura Mulvey, qui a été la première à utiliser la psychanalyse comme arme politique pour contester la représentation phallocentrique des femmes dans le cinéma hollywoodien, étaient justes, non pas en ce qui concerne la production d’un « regard masculin », mais en ce qui a trait à la construction cinématographique de la jouissance masculine, qui est constitutive de la société. Il avance donc que ce n’est pas en créant un cinéma « alternatif » qu’on peut remettre en question l’idéologie dominante, mais plutôt en utilisant la théorie comme arme politique. C’est la pratique de la théorie qui politise le cinéma et le spectateur.
Christian Metz, le montage et les formes de l’alternance1
Authors: Gaudreault André , Gauthier Philippe
Published: August 2016

Cet article est la dernière partie d’un texte dont l’objectif est de comprendre le rôle des travaux de Christian Metz dans l’histoire de la théorie sur le montage, plus précisément en ce qui concerne les figures de l’alternance. Dans la première partie, publiée dans le numéro précédent, les auteurs mettaient en lumière la manière dont Metz (notamment grâce à son tableau de la grande syntagmatique) a levé une part importante de l’ambiguïté qui prévalait dans les définitions de ces figures de montage. Dans cette seconde partie, les auteurs examinent trois problèmes concernant les figures de « type alternant » rencontrés par Metz dans le cadre de son analyse syntagmatique de la bande-images du film Adieu Philippine (Jacques Rozier, 1962). Ces trois problèmes représentent en définitive autant de chantiers auxquels il faudra s’attaquer si l’on désire un jour jeter une lumière nouvelle sur les modalités d’émergence du montage alterné.
Égalité entre les sexes et libéralisme : le cas des congés de paternité1
Authors: Gauthier-Chung Maud
Published: August 2016

« On ne naît pas femme : on le devient », écrivait Simone de Beauvoir dans Le deuxième sexe, énonçant, pour la première fois dans l’histoire, l’idée que la féminité devait être comprise comme un produit social plutôt que comme un donné naturel. En vue des inégalités sociales et économiques auxquelles mène l’intégration des modèles genrés féminins, serait-il légitime de tenter de bouleverser ou même d’interrompre, sur le plan politique, le processus social du « devenir femme » ? Cet article se veut une tentative de réponse partielle à cette question, à partir de la perspective du libéralisme politique. Abordant le cas des inégalités économiques entre les hommes et les femmes au Canada, la première partie explore les tensions entre la promotion de l’égalité entre les sexes et l’impératif libéral de respect des choix individuels. Plusieurs féministes ont, en effet, soutenu qu’il est impossible, à partir d’un cadre libéral, de rendre compte des inégalités relatives au genre et d’y remédier, puisque celles-ci découlent de choix et de préférences liés aux conceptions de la « vie bonne » individuelles. La deuxième partie porte, quant à elle, sur la politique qui semble expliquer le succès des pays présentant la plus grande parité entre les sexes, soit les quotas de congés parentaux pour les pères. La troisième partie examine cette politique dans une perspective critique afin de dégager les principaux arguments qui militent contre l’implantation de tels quotas dans une société libérale. Contre ces arguments, la dernière partie fait la démonstration qu’il serait non seulement cohérent d’implanter une telle politique dans une société libérale, mais que celle-ci constitue un impératif en regard de la raison d’être du libéralisme comme forme d’organisation sociale.
Justice, genre et entreprise
Authors: Hamrouni Naïma , Néron Pierre-Yves
Published: August 2016

Jusqu’ici, ni les égalitaristes ni les philosophes politiques féministes ne se sont sérieusement attardés à l’entreprise à titre d’institution où se produisent et se reproduisent les injustices de genre. Dans la mesure où les inégalités entre les sexes dans la famille, sur le marché et sur le plan de la participation démocratique se renforcent les unes les autres, faire l’examen critique d’institutions comme l’entreprise du point de vue de la justice représente pourtant une des étapes importantes de la marche vers la réalisation de la justice de genre. C’est l’objectif que nous nous donnons dans cet article. Dans la première partie, nous nous intéressons à la place prépondérante qu’occupe l’éthique ducaredans la littérature féministe sur l’entreprise. Parce qu’elle s’attache essentiellement à la promotion de dirigeants d’entreprise vertueux, nous concluons que cette éthique ducarese trouve en partie démunie lorsque vient le temps de penser la transformation organisationnelle de l’entreprise et des rapports en son sein dans la visée d’atteindre une plus grande justice de genre. Dans une deuxième partie, nous nous attardons à justifier, suivant une perspective normative, l’analyse de l’entreprise du point de vue de la justice de genre. Enfin, ayant déterminé que les approches distributives de la justice de genre sont insuffisantes pour penser la justice dans l’entreprise, nous terminons en esquissant une approche multidimensionnelle de la justice de genredansetdel’entreprise, alliant justice distributive, participative et égalité relationnelle.
L’historiographie québécoise et le terrorisme : une historicité à définir pour un objet encore fuyant
Authors: Côté-Martine Philippe
Published: August 2016

L’absence de réflexion de nature théorique autour de la notion de terrorisme en histoire au Québec, autrement que dans son acception générale, tranche avec la multiplication exponentielle des travaux sur le terrorisme. La notion est abordée comme un épiphénomène ou une manifestation sous-jacente des bouleversements sociaux, politiques et culturels qui ont secoué le Québec contemporain. L’épisode felquiste, quand il est mis en récit, semble être étudié sous un angle plus événementiel et biographique qu’« analytique ». Il ne s’est pas accompagné à ce jour d’une démarche systématique d’appropriation théorique. Mon objectif est d’inviter les historiens du politique à réfléchir au potentiel explicatif qui réside dans l’opérationnalisation de la notion de terrorisme dans le contexte des recherches portant sur les violences sociales et politiques des années 1960-1970.
Translators Talk about Themselves, Their Work and Their Profession: The Habitus of Translators of Russian Literature into Hebrew1
Authors: Voinova Tanya , Shlesinger Miriam
Published: August 2016

In his discussion of the habitus of translators throughout history, Simeoni highlights the submissiveness and invisibility associated with their inferior position and with their tendency to assimilate and internalize these views of their professional activities. In keeping with recent reappraisals of this position, the present paper examines the ways in which translators of Russian literature into Hebrew, from the 1970s to now, present themselves, their work and their profession—and reflect on their habitus, their conduct in the system of Russian literature translation, and their practice. From the theories of Bourdieu and of Even-Zohar, we explore these self-representations, and find that rather than presenting themselves as invisible, passive and professionally indistinct, these translators make a point of announcing their presence as well as of emphasizing their work. While they adopt different models, they nevertheless share a repertoire and both a social and a professional habitus—one that is a prerequisite for entering the field of literary translation, and particularly the subfield of literary translation of Russian literature, and for operating successfully in these arenas. It is in this way that they achieve status in the culture, accumulate capital and construct their (distinctive) group identity. In addition, the discourse of Russian literary translators points to the dynamic nature of their system and helps push it towards the center of the polysystem of Hebrew translated literature.
La sociologie, l’interdisciplinarité et les recherches sur la traduction
Authors: Lambert José
Published: August 2016

En se taillant une place de plus en plus visible dans les structures du monde universitaire globalisant grâce entre autres à la reconnaissance de doctorats en traductologie, les chercheurs qui représentent la traduction (traductologie ou Translation Studies) auraient tort d’imaginer qu’ils n’ont plus de problèmes d’identité. En effet, leur homogénéité comme communauté de chercheurs n’est pas évidente, quoique l’usage de l’anglais dans la désignation de la discipline – Translation Studies ou TS – risque de nous faire croire le contraire. L’hétérogénéité n’est pas forcément un handicap, mais l’absence de cohésion entre les différentes ailes des TS (formation des traducteurs et des interprètes; traduction dite automatique; recherches dites descriptives ou théoriques, tantôt appliquées, tantôt fondamentales) n’est pas de nature à nous rassurer. L’absence d’harmonie, camouflée non sans diplomatie dans le terme TS, ne manque pas de gêner l’intégration avec et dans les autres disciplines. Il y aurait lieu de distinguer entre homogénéité interne et externe, l’une renforçant sans doute l’autre. S’il est vrai que les spécialistes de la traduction n’ont pas toujours brillé dans les initiatives interdisciplinaires, la cécité réciproque n’est pas rare dans le monde universitaire. Il est plus grave encore de constater que certaines grandes tendances en matière de langue, linguistique, société et communication, susceptibles d’inspirer des formes de coopération nouvelles, ont été ignorées. C’est le cas, entre autres, des mouvements novateurs qui se concentrent sur l’internationalisation et la mondialisation. En somme, une conception statique du monde universitaire n’est guère compatible avec la recherche sur la traduction.
Revealing the neural fingerprints of a missing hand
Authors: Kikkert Sanne , Kolasinski James , Jbabdi Saad , Tracey Irene , Beckmann Christian F , Johansen-Berg Heidi , Makin Tamar R
Published: August 2016

The hand area of the primary somatosensory cortex contains detailed finger topography, thought to be shaped and maintained by daily life experience. Here we utilise phantom sensations and ultra high-field neuroimaging to uncover preserved, though latent, representation of amputees’ missing hand. We show that representation of the missing hand’s individual fingers persists in the primary somatosensory cortex even decades after arm amputation. By demonstrating stable topography despite amputation, our finding questions the extent to which continued sensory input is necessary to maintain organisation in sensory cortex, thereby reopening the question what happens to a cortical territory once its main input is lost. The discovery of persistent digit topography of amputees’ missing hand could be exploited for the development of intuitive and fine-grained control of neuroprosthetics, requiring neural signals of individual digits.
Subthalamic, not striatal, activity correlates with basal ganglia downstream activity in normal and parkinsonian monkeys
Authors: Deffains Marc , Iskhakova Liliya , Katabi Shiran , Haber Suzanne N , Israel Zvi , Bergman Hagai
Published: August 2016

The striatum and the subthalamic nucleus (STN) constitute the input stage of the basal ganglia (BG) network and together innervate BG downstream structures using GABA and glutamate, respectively. Comparison of the neuronal activity in BG input and downstream structures reveals that subthalamic, not striatal, activity fluctuations correlate with modulations in the increase/decrease discharge balance of BG downstream neurons during temporal discounting classical condition task. After induction of parkinsonism with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), abnormal low beta (8-15 Hz) spiking and local field potential (LFP) oscillations resonate across the BG network. Nevertheless, LFP beta oscillations entrain spiking activity of STN, striatal cholinergic interneurons and BG downstream structures, but do not entrain spiking activity of striatal projection neurons. Our results highlight the pivotal role of STN divergent projections in BG physiology and pathophysiology and may explain why STN is such an effective site for invasive treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease and other BG-related disorders.
Patched1 and Patched2 inhibit Smoothened non-cell autonomously
Authors: Roberts Brock , Casillas Catalina , Alfaro Astrid C , Jägers Carina , Roelink Henk
Published: August 2016

Smoothened (Smo) inhibition by Patched (Ptch) is central to Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. Ptch, a proton driven antiporter, is required for Smo inhibition via an unknown mechanism. Hh ligand binding to Ptch reverses this inhibition and activated Smo initiates the Hh response. To determine whether Ptch inhibits Smo strictly in the same cell or also mediates non-cell-autonomous Smo inhibition, we generated genetically mosaic neuralized embryoid bodies (nEBs) from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). These experiments utilized novel mESC lines in which Ptch1, Ptch2, Smo, Shh and 7dhcr were inactivated via gene editing in multiple combinations, allowing us to measure non-cell autonomous interactions between cells with differing Ptch1/2 status. In several independent assays, the Hh response was repressed by Ptch1/2 in nearby cells. When 7dhcr was targeted, cells displayed elevated non-cell autonomous inhibition. These findings support a model in which Ptch1/2 mediate secretion of a Smo-inhibitory cholesterol precursor.
In vitroevaluation of osteoprotegerin in chitosan for potential bone defect applications
Authors: Jayash Soher Nagi , Hashim Najihah M. , Misran Misni , Baharuddin NA
Published: August 2016

Background

The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK)/RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin (OPG) system plays a critical role in bone remodelling by regulating osteoclast formation and activity. OPG has been used systemically in the treatment of bone diseases. In searching for more effective and safer treatment for bone diseases, we investigated newly formulated OPG-chitosan complexes, which is prepared as a local application for its osteogenic potential to remediate bone defects.

Methods

We examined high, medium and low molecular weights of chitosan combined with OPG. The cytotoxicity of OPG in chitosan and its proliferationin vitrowas evaluated using normal, human periodontal ligament (NHPL) fibroblasts in 2D and 3D cell culture. The cytotoxicity of these combinations was compared by measuring cell survival with a tetrazolium salt reduction (MTT) assay and AlamarBlue assay. The cellular morphological changes were observed under an inverted microscope. A propidium iodide and acridine orange double-staining assay was used to evaluate the morphology and quantify the viable and nonviable cells. The expression level of osteopontin and osteocalcin protein in treated normal human osteoblast cells was evaluated by using Western blot.

Results

The results demonstrated that OPG in combination with chitosan was non-toxic, and OPG combined with low molecular weight chitosan has the most significant effect on NHPL fibroblasts and stimulates proliferation of cells over the period of treatment.
Sedimentology and ichnology of the Mafube dinosaur track site (Lower Jurassic, eastern Free State, South Africa): a report on footprint preservation and palaeoenvironment
Authors: Sciscio Lara , Bordy Emese M. , Reid Mhairi , Abrahams Miengah
Published: August 2016

Footprint morphology (e.g., outline shape, depth of impression) is one of the key diagnostic features used in the interpretation of ancient vertebrate tracks. Over 80 tridactyl tracks, confined to the same bedding surface in the Lower Jurassic Elliot Formation at Mafube (eastern Free State, South Africa), show large shape variability over the length of the study site. These morphological differences are considered here to be mainly due to variations in the substrate rheology as opposed to differences in the trackmaker’s foot anatomy, foot kinematics or recent weathering of the bedding surface. The sedimentary structures (e.g., desiccation cracks, ripple marks) preserved in association with and within some of the Mafube tracks suggest that the imprints were produced essentially contemporaneous and are true dinosaur tracks rather than undertracks or erosional remnants. They are therefore valuable not only for the interpretation of the ancient environment (i.e., seasonally dry river channels) but also for taxonomic assessments as some of them closely resemble the original anatomy of the trackmaker’s foot. The tracks are grouped, based on size, into two morphotypes that can be identified asEubrontes-like andGrallator-like ichnogenera. The Mafube morphotypes are tentatively attributable to large and small tridactyl theropod trackmakers, possibly toDracovenatorandCoelophysisbased on the following criteria: (a) lack of manus impressions indicative of obligate bipeds; (b) long, slender-digits that are asymmetrical and taper; (c) often end in a claw impression or point; and (d) the tracks that are longer than broad. To enable high-resolution preservation, curation and subsequent remote studying of the morphological variations of and the secondary features in the tracks, low viscosity silicone rubber was used to generate casts of the Mafube tracks.
Characteristics and Trends of Prehospital Encounters for Opioid Overdoses Among US Youth, 2018-2022
Authors: Lim Jamie K. , Ramgopal Sriram , Hoffmann Jennifer A. , Lorenz Doug , Toce Michael S.
Published: September 2024

This cross-sectional study analyzes characteristics of prehospital encounters for youth opioid overdoses and trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Treatment of Pembrolizumab-Induced Mucocutaneous Lichen Planus With Metronidazole
Authors: Parkinson Sierra , Osmani Sabah , Googe Paul B. , Culton Donna A.
Published: September 2024

This case report describes a man in his 50s with a diffuse pruritic rash after initiating treatment with pembrolizumab and enfortumab vedotin for metastatic urothelial carcinoma.
Year-Long Cannabis Use for Medical Symptoms and Brain Activation During Cognitive Processes
Authors: Burdinski Debbie C. L. , Kodibagkar Alisha , Potter Kevin , Schuster Randi M. , Evins A. Eden , Ghosh Satrajit S. , Gilman Jodi M.
Published: September 2024

Importance

Cannabis is increasingly being used to treat medical symptoms, but the effects on brain function in those using cannabis for these symptoms are not known.

Objective

To test whether 1 year of cannabis use for medical symptoms after obtaining a medical cannabis card was associated with increased brain activation during working memory, reward, and inhibitory control tasks, areas of cognition affected by cannabis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was conducted from July 2017 to July 2020 among participants from the greater Boston area who were recruited as part of a clinical trial of individuals seeking medical cannabis cards for anxiety, depression, pain, or insomnia symptoms. Participants were aged between 18 and 65 years. Exclusion criteria were daily cannabis use and cannabis use disorder at baseline. Data analysis was conducted from August 2021 to April 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes were whole brain functional activation during tasks involving working memory, reward, and inhibitory control at baseline and after 1 year of medical cannabis card ownership.

Results

Imaging was collected from participants before and 1 year after obtaining medical cannabis cards, with 57 participants at baseline (38 female [66.7%]; 6 [10.5%] Black and 45 [78.9%] White participants; 1 [1.8%] Hispanic participant; median [IQR] age, 34.0 [24.0-51.0] years) and 54 participants at 1 year (37 female [68.5%]; 4 [7.4%] Black and 48 [88.9%] White participants; 1 [1.9%] Hispanic participant, median [IQR] age, 36.5 [25.0-51.0] years). Imaging was also collected in 32 healthy control participants at baseline (22 female [68.8%]; 2 [6.2%] Black and 27 [84.4%] White participants; 3 [9.4%] Hispanic participants; median [IQR] age, 33.0 [24.8-38.2] years). In all groups and at both time points, functional imaging revealed canonical activations of the probed cognitive processes. No statistically significant difference in brain activation between the 2 time points (baseline and 1 year) in those with medical cannabis cards and no associations between changes in cannabis use frequency and brain activation after 1 year were found.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of adults obtaining medical cannabis cards for medical symptoms, no significant association between brain activation in the areas of cognition of working memory, reward, and inhibitory control and 1 year of cannabis use was observed. The results warrant further studies that probe the association of cannabis at higher doses, with greater frequency, in younger age groups, and with larger, more diverse cohorts.
Clinical Outcomes of Continuation and Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Jørgensen Anders , Gronemann Frederikke Hoerdam , Rozing Maarten P. , Jørgensen Martin B. , Osler Merete
Published: September 2024

Importance

Large-scale evidence for the efficacy of continuation and maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (c/mECT) is lacking.

Objective

To provide an exhaustive and naturalistic insight into the real-world outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of c/mECT in a large dataset.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included all patients in the Danish National Patient Registry who initiated treatment with ECT from 2003 through 2022. The data were analyzed from October 2023 to February 2024.

Exposures

ECT. An algorithm to identify c/mECTs in the dataset was developed: (>3 treatments with ≥7 and <90 days between adjacent treatments, occurring within a time frame of 180 days [cECT] or more [mECT] after an acute [aECT] series).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The association of c/mECT with subsequent 6- to 12-month risk of hospitalization or suicidal behavior using Cox proportional hazard regression with multiple adjustments and aECT only as a reference, propensity score matching, and self-controlled case series analysis using a Poisson regression model. A cost-effectiveness analysis based on hospitalization and ECT expenses was made.

Results

A total of 19 944 individuals were treated with ECT (12 157 women [61%], 7787 men [39%]; median [IQR] age, 55 [41-70] years). Of these, 1533 individuals (7.7%) received c/mECT at any time point (1017 [5.1%] cECT only and 516 [2.6%] mECT). Compared with patients receiving aECT only, c/mECT patients more frequently experienced schizophrenia (odds ratio [OR], 2.14; 95% CI, 1.86-2.46) and schizoaffective disorder (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.90-3.09) and less frequently unipolar depression (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.51-0.62). In all models, c/mECT was associated with a lower rate of hospitalization after finishing aECT (eg, 6-month adjusted hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.60-0.78 [Cox regression]; 6-month incidence rate ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.41-0.62 [Poisson regression]). There was no significant difference in the risk of suicidal behavior. Compared with the periods before the end of aECT, c/mECT was associated with a substantial reduction in total treatment costs.

Conclusions and Relevance

In a nationwide and naturalistic setting, c/mECT after aECT was infrequently used but associated with a lower risk of readmission than aECT alone. The totality of the evidence indicates that c/mECT should be considered more often to prevent relapse after successful aECT in patients whose condition does not respond sufficiently to other interventions.
Teletrauma Use in US Emergency Departments
Authors: Hashmi Zain G. , Rokayak Omar , Boggs Krislyn M. , Zachrison Kori S. , Espinola Janice A. , Jarman Molly P. , Jansen Jan O. , Locke Jayme E. , Kerby Jeffrey D. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: September 2024

Importance

Nearly 30 million predominantly rural US residents lack timely access to trauma care expertise available at level I or II trauma centers. Telehealth is an established approach to improve access to health care expertise using remote consultation; however, the prevalence of use of telehealth in trauma (teletrauma) across the US is not known.

Objective

To examine the prevalence of, trends in, and factors associated with teletrauma use and adoption among US emergency departments (EDs).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This survey study included data from the National Emergency Department Inventory (NEDI)–USA survey from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020. Each year, a 1-page survey was sent to the directors of nonfederal, nonspecialty EDs by mail and email up to 3 times; nonresponders were further contacted via telephone to complete the survey. Data were analyzed from January to March 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was self-reported ED use of teletrauma for each year studied. Additional measures included data regarding self-reported use of any other telehealth service and ED characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess ED characteristics associated with teletrauma use in 2020 and teletrauma adoption between 2017 and 2020.

Results

Of 5586 EDs in the US in 2020, 4512 had available teletrauma survey data (80.8% response rate); 379 (8.4%) of these EDs reported teletrauma use. In contrast, 2726 (60.4%) reported use of any other telehealth service. Teletrauma use (among EDs with any telehealth use) ranged between 0% in Alabama; Connecticut; Washington, DC; Indiana; New Jersey; Nevada; Oklahoma; Oregon; Rhode Island; and South Carolina to more than 60% in Arkansas (39 of 64 [60.9%]), South Dakota (31 of 41 [75.6%]), and North Dakota (30 of 35 [85.7%]). Factors associated with teletrauma use included rural location (odds ratio [OR], 2.44; 95% CI, 1.77-3.36), critical access hospital (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.83-3.88), and basic stroke hospital vs nonstroke hospital (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.32-2.30) designations. Factors associated with adoption of teletrauma by 2020 included critical access hospital (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.35-2.90) and basic stroke hospital vs nonstroke hospital (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.04-1.94) designation.

Conclusion and Relevance

This survey study found that teletrauma use lagged significantly behind use of other telehealth services in US EDs in 2020. While most EDs using teletrauma were located in rural areas, there was significant state-level variation in teletrauma use. Future research is needed on how teletrauma is being used and to identify barriers to its wider implementation.
Cryogenic Technology
Authors: Weisend J. G.
Published: September 2024

This chapter surveys aspects of cryogenic technology used in industry and research. Topics covered include properties of cryogenic fluids, cryogenic properties of materials, refrigeration techniques, equipment for cryogenics, cryostats and insulation systems, helium cryogenics, safety, and superconducting radio‐frequency (r‐f) systems. A significant amount of material is presented on the application of cryogenics to the air separation and chemical engineering fields. A bibliography and an extensive reference list are provided to allow for further reading on this topic.
Role of Producer Services in the Greening of the Economy
Authors: Ström Patrik
Published: September 2024

As the world economy has become more dependent on services, the potential role of services for the facilitation of the transition towards the green economy has become vital. As intermediaries between different sectors, producer services are important parts of value chains and production networks. Producer services can drive the green transition in regional economies, and in parallel increase the possibility for the global economy to become more sustainable and green.
Conjunctural Analysis
Authors: Sheppard Eric , Leitner Helga , Peck Jamie
Published: September 2024

Conjunctural analysis, a social science epistemology rooted in deeply contextualized and situated modes of explanation, was initially developed by the philosophers Antonio Gramsci and Louis Althusser to understand how particular spatiotemporal conjunctures diverge from the general structural tendencies driving society, and to identify emancipatory political interventions for social transformations. Drawing on these philosophers, Stuart Hall and colleagues in British cultural studies undertook a pioneering conjunctural analysis of the crisis of Fordism and the rise of Thatcherism in Britain, which stretches back historically and teases out the complex relations between the general and the particular. Geographers have implicitly (without naming it as such) or explicitly extended this approach by also attending to the multiple spatialities shaping what happens in place, stretching explanations to account for influences from elsewhere and across different scales, and examining how societal relations and processes are bound up with biophysical processes. They are also applying conjunctural analysis to extend relational approaches to inter‐place comparison.
Urban Visual Intelligence
Authors: Zhang Fan
Published: September 2024

Understanding the visual dimensions of cities is crucial for shaping urban spaces and influencing human behavior. With the advent of big data and artificial intelligence (AI), urban studies are experiencing unprecedented opportunities for real‐time data collection and analysis. Urban visual intelligence (UVI) leverages large‐scale street‐level imagery and AI techniques to systematically observe, interpret, measure, and understand urban environments. This approach enhances our understanding of urban life, supports sustainable development goals by uncovering hidden patterns, and provides actionable insights for urban resilience and quality of life.