bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional survey of attitudes and beliefs about back pain in New Zealand
Authors: Darlow Ben , Perry Meredith , Stanley James , Mathieson Fiona , Melloh Markus , Baxter G David , Dowell Anthony 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesTo explore the prevalence of attitudes and beliefs about back pain in New Zealand and compare certain beliefs based on back pain history or health professional exposure.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional survey.SettingPostal survey.ParticipantsNew Zealand residents and citizens aged 18 years and above. 1000 participants were randomly selected from the New Zealand Electoral Roll. Participants listed on the Electoral Roll with an overseas postal address were excluded. 602 valid responses were received.MeasuresAttitudes and beliefs about back pain were measured with the Back Pain Attitudes Questionnaire (Back-PAQ). The interaction between attitudes and beliefs and (1) back pain experience and (2) health professional exposure was investigated.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of back pain was reported as 87% (95% CI 84% to 90%), and the point prevalence as 27% (95% CI 24% to 31%). Negative views about the back and back pain were prevalent, in particular the need to protect the back to prevent injury. People with current back pain had more negative overall scores, particularly related to back pain prognosis. There was uncertainty about links between pain and injury and appropriate physical activity levels during an episode of back pain. Respondents had more positive views about activity if they had consulted a health professional about back pain. The beliefs of New Zealanders appeared to be broadly similar to those of other Western populations.ConclusionsA large proportion of respondents believed that they needed to protect their back to prevent injury; we theorise that this belief may result in reduced confidence to use the back and contribute to fear avoidance. Uncertainty regarding what is a safe level of activity during an episode of back pain may limit participation. People experiencing back pain may benefit from more targeted information about the positive prognosis. The provision of clear guidance about levels of activity may enable confident participation in an active recovery.
Lactate clearance as a useful biomarker for the prediction of all-cause mortality in critically ill patients: a systematic review study protocol
Authors: Zhang Zhongheng , Xu Xiao , Chen Kun 
Published: May 2014

IntroductionArterial lactate is a reflection of balance between lactate production and clearance. Accumulating lactate may be a marker of global hypoxia or hypoperfusion. Lactate clearance is the reduction of lactate concentrations with interventional strategies, and it has been associated with increased risk of death in critically ill patients. However, conflicting results exist, which mandates a systematic review to clarify the association between lactate clearance and clinical outcome.Methods and analysisCritically ill adult patients will be included in our analysis. This population will include heterogeneous study participants, including patients with sepsis or severe sepsis, trauma, surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and so on. We will search four databases including EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus and ISI Web of knowledge from inception to February 2014. There will be no language restrictions in the electronic search for studies. Newcastle Ottawa Scale for cohort study will be employed to assess the reporting quality of included original studies. We will report pooled relative risk of death for those with lactate clearance and those without. The diagnostic performance of lactate clearance in predicting mortality will be explored by using the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol for the systematic review has been registered in PROSPERO. The study will be disseminated electronically and in print. It will also be presented to conferences related to critical care medicine.Trial registration number:CRD42013006511.
36
Cl terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide dating suggests Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene mass movements on the south face of Aconcagua mountain and in the Las Cuevas–Horcones valleys, Central Andes, Argentina
Authors: Hermanns Reginald L. , Fauqué Luis , Wilson Carlos G. J. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

The morphology, sedimentology and mineralogy of deposits that previously had been associated with glacial advances (the Penitentes, Horcones and Almacenes drifts) were reinvestigated and dated using the terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (TCN)
36
Cl. These results indicate that the deposits previously associated with the Horcones and Almacenes drifts are actually deposits of a rock slope failure from the southern face of Aconcagua mountain forming a debris–ice avalanche that were deposited 10 490±1120 years ago, while the deposits previously associated with the Penitentes drift is a rock avalanche from the Mario Ardito valley that deposited in the Las Cuevas valley 11 220±2020 years ago. Earlier in the Late Pleistocene a further rock–ice avalanche sourced from Aconcagua mountain and deposited in the Las Cuevas valley, predating related lake sediments with a calibrated
14
C age of 14 798–13 886 years and travertine deposits with a U-series age of 24 200±2000 years. In addition, three further rock-avalanche deposits were dated that sourced from Tolosa mountain, having
36
Cl mean ages of 14 740±1950 years, 12 090±1550 years and 9030±1410 years. No deposits of massive rock slope failures were found in those parts of the valleys that date younger, suggesting that climatic conditions at the transition from the Late Pleistocene to the Holocene, that were different from today's, caused the slopes to fail. Alternatively, the rock slope failures could have been seismically triggered. We suggest that the slope failures at the southern face of Aconcagua mountain have caused or contributed to a reorganization of glacial ice flow from Aconcagua mountain that might ultimately be the cause of the surging behaviour of the Horcones Inferior glacier today. Our results indicate that the glacial stratigraphy of this part of the Central Andes is still poorly understood and requires detailed mapping and dating.

Supplementary material:

Sample coordinates, sample porosity and density, Cl nuclide composition and geochemical composition are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18753
.
Bayesian social learning with consumer reviews
Authors: Ifrach Bar , Maglaras Costis , Scarsini Marco 
Published: May 2014

We study a market of heterogeneous customers who rationally learn the mean quality of an offered product by observing the reviews of customers who purchased the product earlier in time. The seller, who is equally uniformed about the quality, prices dynamically to maximize her revenue. We find that social learning is successful|agents eventually learning the mean quality of the product. This result holds for an information structure when the sequence of past re- views and prices is observed, and, under some assumptions, even when only aggregate reviews are observed. The latter result hinges on the observation that earlier reviews are more inuential than later one.
In addition, we find that under general conditions the seller benefits from social learning ex ante|before knowing the quality of her product. Finally, we draw conclusions on the sellers pricing problem when accounting for social learning. Under some assumptions, we find that lowering the price speeds social learning, in contrast with earlier results on social learning from privately observed signals.
Predictors of Poor Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Arnold Suzanne V. , Reynolds Matthew R. , Lei Yang , Magnuson Elizabeth A. , Kirtane Ajay J. , Kodali Susheel K. , Zajarias Alan , Thourani Vinod H. , Green Philip , Rodés-Cabau Josep , Beohar Nirat , Mack Michael J. , Leon Martin B. , Cohen David J. 
Published: May 2014

Background—
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a less invasive option for treatment of high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. We sought to identify patients at high risk for poor outcome after TAVR using a novel definition of outcome that integrates quality of life with mortality.

Methods and Results—

Among 2137 patients who underwent TAVR in the PARTNER (Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valve) trial or its associated continued access registry, quality of life was assessed with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire–Overall Summary Scale (KCCQ-OS; range 0–100, where a higher score equates to a better quality of life) at baseline and at 1, 6, and 12 months after TAVR. A poor 6-month outcome (defined as death, KCCQ-OS score <45, or ≥10-point decrease in KCCQ-OS score compared with baseline) occurred in 704 patients (33%). Using a split-sample design, we developed a multivariable model to identify a parsimonious set of covariates to identify patients at high risk for poor outcome. The model demonstrated moderate discrimination (
c
-index=0.66) and good calibration with the observed data, performed similarly in the separate validation cohort (
c
-index=0.64), and identified 211 patients (10% of the population) with a ≥50% likelihood of a poor outcome after TAVR. A second model that explored predictors of poor outcome at 1 year identified 1102 patients (52%) with ≥50% likelihood and 178 (8%) with ≥70% likelihood of a poor 1-year outcome after TAVR.

Conclusions—
Using a large, multicenter cohort, we have developed and validated predictive models that can identify patients at high risk for a poor outcome after TAVR. Although model discrimination was moderate, these models may help guide treatment choices and offer patients realistic expectations of outcomes based on their presenting characteristics.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00530894.
Indigenous Knowledge for Environmental Prediction in the Pacific Island Countries
Authors: Chand Savin S. , Chambers Lynda E. , Waiwai Mike , Malsale Philip , Thompson Elisabeth 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Indigenous people in Pacific Island countries (PICs) often use their knowledge of the environment, acquired through generations of holistic observational practices and experimental learning, to make meteorological forecasts. Such knowledge systems are now recognized by several institutions, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, as an important participatory forecast approach for decision making, particularly at a farm level. In this article, the authors show that indigenous knowledge of weather and seasonal climate forecasting is a crucial component of a potential strategy for making farming-related decisions and reducing vulnerability to environmental hazards.
Concurrent programming in web applications
Authors: Erb Benjamin , Kargl Frank , Domaschka Jörg 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Modern web applications are concurrently used by many users and
provide increasingly interactive features. Multi-core processors, highly
distributed backend architectures, and new web technologies force
a reconsideration of approaches for concurrent programming in order to fulfil
scalability demands and to implement modern web application features. We
provide a survey on different concepts and techniques of concurrency inside
web architectures and guide through viable concurrency alternatives for
architects and developers.
Chromatin regulates DNA torsional energy via topoisomerase II‐mediated relaxation of positive supercoils
Authors: Fernández Xavier , Díaz‐Ingelmo Ofelia , Martínez‐García Belén , Roca Joaquim 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEukaryotic topoisomerases I (topo I) and II (topo II) relax the positive (+) and negative (−) DNA torsional stress (TS) generated ahead and behind the transcription machinery. It is unknown how this DNA relaxation activity is regulated and whether (+) and (−)TS are reduced at similar rates. Here, we used yeast circular minichromosomes to conduct the first comparative analysis of topo I and topo II activities in relaxing chromatin under (+) and (−)TS. We observed that, while topo I relaxed (+) and (−)TS with similar efficiency, topo II was more proficient and relaxed (+)TS more quickly than (−)TS. Accordingly, we found that the relaxation rate of (+)TS by endogenous topoisomerases largely surpassed that of (−)TS. We propose a model of how distinct conformations of chromatin under (+) and (−)TS may produce this unbalanced relaxation of DNA. We postulate that, while quick relaxation of (+)TS may facilitate the progression of RNA and DNA polymerases, slow relaxation of (−)TS may serve to favor DNA unwinding and other structural transitions at specific regions often required for genomic transactions.
Treatment of Mycoplasma Pneumonia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Biondi Eric , McCulloh Russell , Alverson Brian , Klein Andrew , Dixon Angela , Ralston Shawn 
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Children with community-acquired lower respiratory tract infection (CA-LRTI) commonly receive antibiotics for Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The objective was to evaluate the effect of treating M. pneumoniae in children with CA-LRTI.

METHODS:
PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and bibliography review. A search was conducted by using Medical Subject Headings terms related to CA-LRTI and M. pneumoniae and was not restricted by language. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of children ≤17 years old with confirmed M. pneumoniae and a diagnosis of CA-LRTI; each must have also compared treatment regimens with and without spectrum of activity against M. pneumoniae. Data extraction and quality assessment were completed independently by multiple reviewers before arriving at a consensus. Data were pooled using a random effects model.

RESULTS:
Sixteen articles detailing 17 studies were included. The most commonly selected primary outcome was symptomatic improvement. Nine studies examined M. pneumoniae treatment in CA-LRTI secondary to M. pneumoniae, and 5 RCTs met criteria for meta-analysis. The suggested pooled risk difference of 0.12 (95% confidence interval, −0.04 to 0.20) favoring treatment was not significantly different and demonstrated significant heterogeneity. Limitations included substantial bias and subjective outcomes within the individual studies, difficulty interpreting testing modalities, and the inability to correct for mixed infections or timing of intervention.

CONCLUSIONS:
We identified insufficient evidence to support or refute treatment of M. pneumoniae in CA-LRTI. These data highlight the need for well-designed, prospective RCTs assessing the effect of treating M. pneumoniae in CA-LRTI.
Editorial: Technologies and Forms of Agency
Authors: Gourlay Lesley 
Published: May 2014

This issue of Research in Learning Technology showcases a set of papers reporting on various digital interventions in further and higher education, drawing on a range of methodologies. In each, we find investigations of both the potentials and also the limitations of digital interventions in formal education, in a range of contexts. Although diverse and superficially unrelated, this set of papers could be loosely linked by a broad concept of agency, which I will discuss while providing an overview.(Published: 27 May 2014)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2014, 22: 24720 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v22.24720
Répartition de la biodiversité en France métropolitaine : une synthèse des Atlas faunistiques
Authors: Witté Isabelle , Touroult Julien 
Published: May 2014

Les atlas de répartition constituent une source de bonne qualité concernant la présence d’espèces selon un maillage géographique régulier. Utilisée généralement pour décrire la répartition des espèces, cette information a rarement été rassemblée dans une étude intergroupe pour tenter de représenter la biodiversité française dans son ensemble. Cet article amorce un travail de valorisation des données issues d’atlas faunistiques consacrés au territoire français. Sept atlas publiés, couvrant au total 507 espèces de vertébrés continentaux et 425 insectes, ont été analysés. Différents indicateurs sont calculés pour chaque maille géographique pour mettre en avant les « hotspots » de biodiversité : la richesse spécifique, la richesse en espèces rares, la rareté relative et un indice de contribution à la biodiversité calculé par optimisation spatiale (logiciel Marxan). De grands ensembles zoogéographiques sont définis par des méthodes d’ordination et de classification. Dix-sept cartes synthétiques illustrent les grands patrons de répartition de la biodiversité française. L’étude est essentiellement descriptive et ne propose qu’une interprétation écologique limitée. La pertinence des différents indices, la représentativité taxonomique et les utilisations de ces cartes dans une perspective appliquée à la conservation et à l’information du public sont discutées.
L’enrôlement de Madagascar dans la REDD+ : domestiquer une opportunité internationale
Authors: Demaze Moïse Tsayem 
Published: May 2014

L’étude de la mise en œuvre de la REDD+ (Réduction des Émissions de gaz à effet de serre résultant de la déforestation et de la dégradation des forêts, y compris les activités de gestion durable des forêts et d’accroissement des stocks de carbone) à Madagascar révèle le caractère Nord-Sud des relations internationales que génère ce mécanisme. Ces relations associent l’État malgache et plusieurs autres acteurs : Banque Mondiale, organisations non gouvernementales, organismes de coopération et d’aide au développement, etc. Les entretiens semi-dirigés et les observations de terrain montrent que ces acteurs enrôlent l’État malgache pour le préparer à mettre en œuvre la REDD+. Fragilisé par une instabilité institutionnelle, Madagascar accepte d’autant plus l’aide étrangère ou internationale que le pays est pauvre et qu’il a recours, depuis plusieurs décennies, aux financements étrangers ou internationaux, pour faire face aux problèmes environnementaux. La dimension marchande (crédits carbone générés) ne semble pas étrangère à l’engouement pour le financement de la REDD+ à Madagascar, ce qui permet à ce pays de bénéficier de cette nouvelle opportunité internationale. Dans ce contexte, la marge de manœuvre de l’État apparaît faible et la REDD+, telle qu’elle est conçue et déployée au sein du territoire national à travers des projets pilotes, ne correspond pas nécessairement à une politique endogène de réduction de la déforestation. Il se pose alors la question de la pérennité et de l’efficacité de ce mécanisme, puisque l’État et les acteurs nationaux ou locaux sont secondaires dans la gouvernance mise en place.
Astrocytic TGF-β Signaling Limits Inflammation and Reduces Neuronal Damage during Central Nervous System Toxoplasma Infection
Authors: Cekanaviciute Egle , Dietrich Hans K. , Axtell Robert C. , Williams Aaron M. , Egusquiza Riann , Wai Karen M. , Koshy Anita A. , Buckwalter Marion S. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The balance between controlling infection and limiting inflammation is particularly precarious in the brain because of its unique vulnerability to the toxic effects of inflammation. Astrocytes have been implicated as key regulators of neuroinflammation in CNS infections, including infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite that naturally establishes a chronic CNS infection in mice and humans. In CNS toxoplasmosis, astrocytes are critical to controlling parasite growth. They secrete proinflammatory cytokines and physically encircle parasites. However, the molecular mechanisms used by astrocytes to limit neuroinflammation during toxoplasmic encephalitis have not yet been identified. TGF-β signaling in astrocytes is of particular interest because TGF-β is universally upregulated during CNS infection and serves master regulatory and primarily anti-inflammatory functions. We report in this study that TGF-β signaling is activated in astrocytes during toxoplasmic encephalitis and that inhibition of astrocytic TGF-β signaling increases immune cell infiltration, uncouples proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine production from CNS parasite burden, and increases neuronal injury. Remarkably, we show that the effects of inhibiting astrocytic TGF-β signaling are independent of parasite burden and the ability of GFAP+ astrocytes to physically encircle parasites.
TCR Microclusters Pre-Exist and Contain Molecules Necessary for TCR Signal Transduction
Authors: Crites Travis J. , Padhan Kartika , Muller James , Krogsgaard Michelle , Gudla Prabhakar R. , Lockett Stephen J. , Varma Rajat 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
TCR-dependent signaling events have been observed to occur in TCR microclusters. We found that some TCR microclusters are present in unstimulated murine T cells, indicating that the mechanisms leading to microcluster formation do not require ligand binding. These pre-existing microclusters increase in absolute number following engagement by low-potency ligands. This increase is accompanied by an increase in cell spreading, with the result that the density of TCR microclusters on the surface of the T cell is not a strong function of ligand potency. In characterizing their composition, we observed a constant number of TCRs in a microcluster, constitutive exclusion of the phosphatase CD45, and preassociation with the signaling adapters linker for activation of T cells and growth factor receptor-bound protein 2. The existence of TCR microclusters prior to ligand binding in a state that is conducive for the initiation of downstream signaling could explain, in part, the rapid kinetics with which TCR signal transduction occurs.
Pediatric Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A not so Rare and Benign Condition
Authors: Modi Manish , Gupta Karan 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivePediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension is an underdiagnosed entity with catastrophic presentations. High index of suspicion with early diagnosis and prompt treatment is the key to successful management. Trans-nasal trans-sphenoid Endoscopic Optic Nerve Fenestration is an effective surgical modality for the reversal of vision loss in pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).Materials and methodsThis is a single center observational prospective case series. Five diagnosed pediatric patients of IIH satisfying the modified Dandy criteria and reported to the out-patient services of otolaryngology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India in the year 2012 were included in this study. All children underwent thorough clinical examination, complete Neuro-ophthalmological work-up including Visual acuity (V/A), Visual field charting (V/F), Fundus venogram and Radiological work-up with MRI for special optic nerve sections in sagittal reconstruction. Cerebro-Spinal Fluid pressure (CSF) measured preoperatively for all children. Standard endoscopic optic nerve Sheath Fenestration was performed on all children. visual improvement was assessed by comparing preoperative ophthalmological findings.ResultsImprovement in vision was taken as a positive outcome. Vision improved in all except one child, who had pre-existing optic nerve atrophy.ConclusionEndoscopic optic nerve fenestration is an effective minimally invasive procedure to revert visual loss in pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension.How to cite this articleGupta AK, Gupta K, Modi M, Gupta A. Pediatric Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A not so Rare and Benign Condition. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2014;7(1):5-9.