bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large‐Screen Interactive Imaging System with Switching Federated Filter Method Based on 3D Sensor
Authors: Yu Lei , Hou Junyi
Published: December 2018

Large‐screen human‐computer interaction technology is reflected in all aspects of daily life. The dynamic gesture tracking algorithm commonly used in recent large‐screen interactive technologies demonstrates compelling results but suffers from accuracy and real‐time problems. This paper systematically addresses these issues by a switching federated filter method that combines particle filtering and Mean Shifting algorithms based on a 3D sensor. Compared with several algorithms, the results show that the one‐hand and two‐hand large‐screen gesture tracking based on the switched federated filtering algorithm work well, and there is no tracking failure and loss of target. Therefore, the switching federated tracking positioning algorithm can be well applied to the design of human‐computer interaction system and provide new ideas for future human‐computer interaction.
Single-Stage Orbital Socket Reconstruction Using the Oversized Dermis Fat Graft and the 22 mm Silicone Orbital Implant after an Extended Enucleation
Authors: Kuzmanović Elabjer Biljana , Bušić Mladen , Miletić Daliborka , Bjeloš Mirjana , Šarić Borna , Bosnar Damir
Published: December 2018

We would like to present a surgical technique of orbital socket reconstruction using oversized dermis fat graft and 22 mm silicone orbital implant in a single-stage after extended enucleation in two patients with massive local recurrence of anteriorly located choroidal melanoma previously treated with endoresection. Orbital tissues en bloc were removed leaving conjunctival lining only at the fornices. Simultaneously, the 22 mm silicone sphere was implanted deeply into the orbit and covered with the oversized dermis fat graft of 30 mm in height and 35 mm in length with 20 mm of the fat thickness. The graft was sutured to the residual forniceal conjunctiva with interrupted 6/0 absorbable sutures overlapping conjunctiva with the graft edge for 2 mm to facilitate the epithelization. Epithelization was completed in two months, leaving well-formed fornices with good fitting of the prosthesis. The key point of orbital socket reconstruction after extended enucleation is to restore conjunctival lining prior to volume. Thus, whenever facing a massive volume and conjunctival lining loss, simultaneous insertion of the 22 mm silicone sphere deep into the orbit combined with oversized dermis fat graft is, in our opinion, the method of choice. It proved to be safe and effective with favourable long-term results.
Steady-State Performance Analysis of Tracking Filter Using LFM Waveforms and Range-Rate Measurement
Authors: Saho Kenshi
Published: December 2018

The steady-state performance of a moving-object tracking filter is theoretically analyzed, assuming the simultaneous measurement of the range and range-rate (RRM system), and the use of linear frequency modulated (LFM) waveforms (RRM-LFM filter). An efficient analytical steady-state performance index, called an RMS index, is derived for the RRM-LFM filter to clarify the steady-state range prediction errors, theoretically. Using the derived RMS index, the optimal performance of the RRM-LFM filter is analyzed. The performance variation due to the use of LFM waveforms is clarified for the RRM tracking system. The theoretical performance analysis verifies that the measured range-rate significantly improves the tracking accuracy, compared to the conventional range-only measuring LFM tracking filter. Furthermore, the quantitative relationships among the measurement accuracy, degree of target maneuvering, and steady-state range prediction errors are clarified to validate the effectiveness of the RRM-LFM filter.
Intermittent Myokymia as a Pointer to Hemangioblastoma of the Cervical Spine: A Case Report
Authors: Saleh Christian , Akhalbedashvili Nino , Garcia Peraza Maria  , Boviatsis Konstantinos Athanasios , Hund-Georgiadis Margret 
Published: December 2018

Hemangioblastomas represent 3% of all central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The majority of CNS hemangioblastomas are infratentorial, with the cerebellum being the most frequent location, while 13% are found in the brainstem. Symptoms of brainstem hemangioblastomas can be very subtle and might therefore be overlooked or misinterpreted. We report the case of a patient with a hemangioblastoma at the junction of the medulla oblongata and the cervical spine and provide a brief review of the literature.
IGF2BP2 Overexpression Indicates Poor Survival in Patients with Acute Myelocytic Leukemia
Authors: He Xin , Li Wenlu , Liang Xiaogong , Zhu Xuan , Zhang Lei , Huang Yu , Yu Teng , Li Shu , Chen Zhigang
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: IGF2BP2 has been reported to serve as an oncogene in various solid cancers. However, the role of IGF2BP2 in acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) is still unknown. Methods: Public databases Gene Omnibus was used to evaluate the expression of IGF2BP2 in AML patients and healthy controls. In addition, primary cells from these two populations were prepared by Ficoll density centrifugation. Rt-qPCR and western blot were used to detect IGF2BP2 expression in the primary cells from these two populations. Meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association of IGF2BP2 and prognosis. Lentivirus-based shRNAs were used to knock down IGF2BP2 in AML cell lines KG-1a and Kasumi. Results: We searched the public database Gene Omnibus and analyzed IGF2BP2 expression in both AML and healthy populations. The results showed that IGF2BP2 was overexpressed in AML patients. To verify this phenomenon in fresh human samples, we compared the expression of IGF2BP2 in primary cells from 10 AML patients and 10 healthy controls and found that the expression of IGF2BP2 was upregulated in AML primary cells. More importantly, we observed that IGF2BP2 expression was negatively correlated with the CEBPA mutation status, which is an indicator of good prognosis (RR=0.648, p=0.0001). In addition, IGF2BP2 expression was positively associated with poor prognostic factors, such as the FLT3-ITD mutation (RR=1.198, p=0.0009) and IDH1 mutation (RR=1.354, p=0.0003), as well as intermediate and poor cytogenetic risk (RR=1.214, p=0.0026). To evaluate the prognostic value of IGF2BP2 in AML, we further performed a meta-analysis of 8 studies consisting of 1731 patients and found that IGF2BP2 overexpression was correlated with worse overall survival in AML patients [HR=1.31(1.16-1.49); p = 0.00]. Furthermore, we performed Gene Omnibus and Gene Set Enrichment analyses and found that the genes regulated by IGF2BP2 were mainly enriched in cell proliferation. IGF2BP2 knockdown by 4 different shRNA vectors significantly inhibited the growth of two AML cell lines, KG-1a and Kasumi. Conclusion: Thus, IGF2BP2 may serve as a biomarker to predict the prognosis of AML and as a potential target in AML.
Impact of Donor Obesity on Outcomes After Orthotopic Heart Transplantation
Authors: Shudo Yasuhiro , Cohen Jeffrey E. , Lingala Bharathi , He Hao , Woo Y. Joseph
Published: December 2018

Background

The impact of donor obesity on the outcome of orthotopic heart transplantation has not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of donor obesity on the outcomes of adult orthotopic heart transplantation recipients.

Methods and Results

Data were obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing database. All adult (age ≥18 years) patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation from 2000 through 2016 were included (n=31 920). We stratified the cohort by donor body mass index (
BMI
); 13 015 patients (40.8%) received a heart from a normal‐weight donor (
BMI
18.5–24.9), 11 271 patients (35.3%) received a heart from an overweight donor (
BMI
25.0–29.9), 4910 patients (15.4%) received a heart from an obese donor (
BMI
30.0–34.9), and 2724 patients (8.5%) received a heart from an extremely obese donor (
BMI
≥35). The cohort of obese donors was older, included a higher incidence of diabetes mellitus, and had a higher creatinine. Our data also showed that the recipients of obese donor grafts were older, had a higher
BMI
, creatinine, percentage of diabetes mellitus, and longer total waiting period. There was no significant difference detected in the survival likelihood (
P
=0.08) of patients based on a donor's BMI‐based categorized cohort. There were no significant differences found in the overall survival probability among 4 groups in the adjusted survival analyses (
P
=0.25).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that patients receiving higher
BMI
donor hearts might not be subjected to an increased risk of death, at least during the short term after transplant, compared with those using the normal‐weight donors.
Supporting open information literacy via hybridised design experiments
Authors: Radsliff Rebmann Kristen
Published: December 2018

This report discusses a project that forms connections between design experiment and informed learning approaches to designing learning activities supportive of open information literacy and scholarly communication among library and information science graduate students. Open information literacy is defined as information literacy relating specifically toward leveraging open access and open educational resources. Focus is placed on implications for research and practice by exploring one example of a hybridised, informed learning design experiment that fused subject content and open information practice. This project report represents an early step in thinking about the possibilities of infusing informed learning research structures and strategies with design experiments.
Tendency Bias Correction in Coupled and Uncoupled Global Climate Models with a Focus on Impacts over North America
Authors: Chang Y. , Schubert S. D. , Koster R. D. , Molod A. M. , Wang H.
Published: December 2018

We revisit the bias correction problem in current climate models, taking advantage of state-of-the-art atmospheric reanalysis data and new data assimilation tools that simplify the estimation of short-term (6 hourly) atmospheric tendency errors. The focus is on the extent to which correcting biases in atmospheric tendencies improves the model’s climatology, variability, and ultimately forecast skill at subseasonal and seasonal time scales. Results are presented for the NASA GMAO GEOS model in both uncoupled (atmosphere only) and coupled (atmosphere–ocean) modes. For the uncoupled model, the focus is on correcting a stunted North Pacific jet and a dry bias over the central United States during boreal summer—long-standing errors that are indeed common to many current AGCMs. The results show that the tendency bias correction (TBC) eliminates the jet bias and substantially increases the precipitation over the Great Plains. These changes are accompanied by much improved (increased) storm-track activity throughout the northern midlatitudes. For the coupled model, the atmospheric TBCs produce substantial improvements in the simulated mean climate and its variability, including a much reduced SST warm bias, more realistic ENSO-related SST variability and teleconnections, and much improved subtropical jets and related submonthly transient wave activity. Despite these improvements, the improvement in subseasonal and seasonal forecast skill over North America is only modest at best. The reasons for this, which are presumably relevant to any forecast system, involve the competing influences of predictability loss with time and the time it takes for climate drift to first have a significant impact on forecast skill.
The Role of Dynamic Tropopause Rossby Wave Breaking for Synoptic-Scale Buildups in Northern Hemisphere Zonal Available Potential Energy
Authors: Bowley Kevin A. , Gyakum John R. , Atallah Eyad H.
Published: December 2018

Zonal available potential energy AZ measures the magnitude of meridional temperature gradients and static stability of a domain. Here, the role of Northern Hemisphere dynamic tropopause (2.0-PVU surface) Rossby wave breaking (RWB) in supporting an environment facilitating buildups of AZ on synoptic time scales (3–10 days) is examined. RWB occurs when the phase speed of a Rossby wave slows to the advective speed of the atmosphere, resulting in a cyclonic or anticyclonic RWB event (CWB and AWB, respectively). These events have robust dynamic and thermodynamic feedbacks through the depth of the troposphere that can modulate AZ. Significant synoptic-scale buildups in AZ and RWB events are identified from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Reanalysis-2 dataset from 1979 to 2011 for 20°–85°N. Anomalies in AWB and CWB are assessed seasonally for buildup periods of AZ. Positive anomalies in AWB and negative anomalies in CWB are found for most AZ buildup periods in the North Pacific and North Atlantic basins and attributed to localized poleward shifts in the jet stream. Less frequent west–east dipoles in wave breaking anomalies for each basin are attributed to elongated and contracted regional jet exit regions. Finally, an analysis of long-duration AWB events for winter AZ buildup periods to an anomalously high AZ state is performed using a quasi-Lagrangian grid-shifting technique. North Pacific AWB events are shown to diabatically intensify the North Pacific jet exit region (increasing Northern Hemisphere AZ) through latent heating equatorward of the jet exit and radiative and evaporative cooling poleward of the jet exit.
Associations between personal social capital and depressive symptoms: Evidence from a probability sample of urban residents in China
Authors: Chen Xinguang , Gao Mengting , Xu Yayun , Wang Yan , Li Shiyue
Published: December 2018

Background:

Rapid socioeconomic changes in China present a mental health challenge but also an opportunity to investigate the relationship between social capital and depression.

Materials and methods:

Participants (18–45 years old, N = 1,250) were selected using a probability sampling method. The relationship between social capital (measured using the Personal Social Capital Scale) and depression (measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory depression subscale) was examined using bivariate analysis, followed by multiple regression to control for covariates.

Results:

Of the total sample, 54.64% were female with mean age = 35.1 ( SD = 7.5) years old. Depression score was10.40 ( SD = 3.62) for males and 10.36 ( SD = 3.30) for females. The social capital measures (including the total, bonding and bridging) were all negatively associated with depression scores while the negative social capital was positively associated, after controlling for covariates. Subgroup analysis revealed some differences in the social capital–depression associations.

Conclusion:

The protective effect of social capital for mental health reported in other countries is also evident in this study. In addition, we found a positive association between negative social capital and depression. In addition to adding new knowledge, findings of this study, if verified with longitudinal design, can be used to support social and behavioral interventions in China to promote mental health by social capital enhancement.
Temporal Control of WNT Activity Regulates Tooth Number in Fish
Authors: Shim J.S. , Kim B. , Park H.C. , Ryu J.J.
Published: December 2018

Wnts determine cell polarity, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation during embryogenesis and play an essential role during tooth development initiation and morphogenesis. Wnt/β-catenin signaling has a time-dependent role in development because various signaling molecules that mutually interact are involved in the pathway, and tight regulation of the pathway is essential for normal development. Studies investigating how the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway controls the different stages of tooth development are rare. Specifically, the effects of Wnt/β-catenin signaling loss of function on different stages of tooth development are currently unknown. Here, we report the stage-dependent role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in tooth development. In vivo loss and gain of function of Wnt/β-catenin signaling were implemented through the genetic overexpression of DKK1 with heat shock–inducible transgenic models and the pharmacologic inhibition of β-catenin destruction complex formation in zebrafish, respectively. We demonstrated that transient inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling interrupted tooth development in a stage-dependent manner and conditional activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling during 4V morphogenesis inhibited the development of 3V. These findings suggest that Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays an important role in the morphogenesis of teeth and the initiation of sequential tooth development in a stage-dependent manner.
Effects of Salivary Mg on Head and Neck Carcinoma via TRPM7
Authors: Qiao W. , Lan X.M. , Ma H.X. , Chan J.Y.K. , Lui V.W.Y. , Yeung K.W.K. , Kwong D.L.W. , Hu Z. , Tsoi J.K.H. , Matinlinna J.P. , Su Y.X.
Published: December 2018

Magnesium (Mg) has been known to play vital roles in regulating growth and various metabolic processes. In recent years, the association between Mg and tumorigenesis has raised more and more attention. However, the effects of Mg on the progression of head and neck carcinoma (HNC), as well as the mechanism behind it, remain undefined. In this study, the roles of Mg in tumorigenic activities were tested in CAL27 and FaDu cells as well as in a xenograft tumor model in nude mice. We demonstrated that a moderate increase in extracellular Mg contributed to the proliferation, migration, and invasion of 2 HNC cell lines, while the addition of Mg in drinking water promoted the growth of xenograft tumors in mice without altering their serum Mg levels. Moreover, TRPM7, a major Mg transporter, was shown to be essential for the tumorigenic activities of HNC and the Mg-induced promotive effects on HNC cells and was further shown to be associated with the activation of AKT/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling. In a preliminary clinical study, we determined the Mg ion concentrations in the stimulated saliva from 72 patients with nasopharynx carcinoma and 12 healthy individuals. Our data revealed that the salivary Mg levels of subjects with nasopharynx carcinoma were significantly higher than those of the healthy controls. This is correlated with our finding showing TRPM7 to be overexpressed in tumor tissues harvested from 9 patients with HNC. Therefore, we can conclude that salivary Mg level, within a certain range, could act as a risk factor for the progression of HNC, which involves the activation of AKT/mTOR signaling pathways through the TRPM7 channel. The control of salivary Mg level and the intervention of TRPM7 should not be ignored during the study of HNC.
Universal Coping Power for pre-schoolers: Effects on children's behavioral difficulties and pre-academic skills
Authors: Muratori Pietro , Lochman John E. , Bertacchi Iacopo , Giuli Consuelo , Guarguagli Elena , Pisano Simone , Gallani Anna , Mammarella Irene C.
Published: December 2018

The Coping Power Program has been adapted as a universal prevention model (Coping Power Universal) aimed to reduce children's behavioral difficulties in Italian primary and nursery classes. The current study aimed to determine whether the version of the Universal Coping Power for pre-schoolers could reduce behavioral problems in school and home contexts, and could produce transfer effects on children's pre-academic skills. The sample included 102 five-year-old children who attended six pre-school classes located in Rovigo (Italy). Classes were randomly assigned to the intervention or to the control condition. Both parents and teachers indicated a significant reduction in behavioral problems for Coping Power classes, and teachers rated improvement in children's pre-mathematics, and language abilities. The results of this study are promising, suggesting pre-schoolers' social-emotional and pre-academic skills may benefit from the Universal Coping Power program.
Q-Matrix Refinement Based on Item Fit Statistic RMSEA
Authors: Kang Chunhua , Yang Yakun , Zeng Pingfei
Published: December 2018

A Q-matrix, which reflects how attributes are measured for each item, is necessary when applying a cognitive diagnosis model to an assessment. In most cases, the Q-matrix is constructed by experts in the field and may be subjective and incorrect. One efficient method to refine the Q-matrix is to employ a suitable statistic that is calculated using response data. However, this approach is limited by its need to estimate all items in the Q-matrix even if only some are incorrect. To address this challenge, this study proposes an item fit statistic root mean square error approximation (RMSEA) for validating a Q-matrix with the deterministic inputs, noisy, “and” (DINA) model. Using a search algorithm, two simulation studies were performed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method at recovering Q-matrices. Results showed that using RMSEA can help define attributes in a Q-matrix. A comparison with the existing Delta method and residual sum of squares (RSS) method revealed that the proposed method had higher mean recovery rates and can be used to identify and correct Q-matrix misspecifications. When no error exists in the Q-matrix, the proposed method does not modify the correct Q-matrix.
Keratinizing squamous metaplasia of the bladder: Our experience and current approaches
Authors: Benelli Andrea , Varca Virginia , Vaccaro Chiara , Guzzo Sonia , Nicola Marta , Onorati Monica , Gregori Andrea , Di Nuovo Franca
Published: December 2018

Introduction:

Bladder mucosa is anatomically covered by urothelial epithelium. The replacement of the urothelium with stratified squamous cells is defined as squamous metaplasia which can be keratinizing or non-keratinizing. Clinically, it is also known as leukoplakia or keratinizing cystitis of the bladder. Although several etiologic factors have been proposed such as chronic inflammation, irritative stimuli and infection, its pathogenesis is not clearly understood. The natural history of squamous metaplasia and clinical treatment are controversial. Many authors consider squamous metaplasia as a premalignant lesion, so it is fundamental to find an effective treatment to reduce the risk of developing bladder squamous carcinoma.

Case description:

We report our management of a 58-year-old man with histological evidence of keratinizing squamous metaplasia and severe lower urinary tract symptoms. After repeated transurethral resections, the patient was treated with intravesical instillation of hyaluronic acid showing the regression of the lesion with an improvement of macroscopic appearance followed by the resolution of clinical symptoms.

Conclusion:

The therapeutic management of keratinizing squamous metaplasia is controversial, and currently no effective medical therapy is available for its treatment. Actually, patients undergo transurethral resections and a multidisciplinary approach is required to avoid cystectomy. Annual cystoscopy with multiple biopsies should be performed to determine the presence of dysplasia. Moreover, the therapeutic treatment with hyaluronic acid instillations could be the starting point and the gold standard in the follow-up of our patient. However, at present, further studies are required to formulate an adequate policy for therapeutic management of this unusual lesion of the bladder mucosa.
Pursuing reflective equilibrium when hospital patients smoke
Authors: Goldsand Gary
Published: December 2018

Questions about smoking policies in hospitals, and how exactly to implement them, have been difficult to answer for many years. Policy-makers must consider a tangled web of personal versus public goods. Administrators often have to creatively decide how policies can best be adopted at their particular site. Clinicians and hospital staff must then implement those policies, often compelling them to consider whether a slight violation might be in a particular patient’s interest, and then whether to assist in the violation or not, and whether to share their decisions with colleagues. Getting such questions right can have important consequences for the wellbeing of patients, administrators, and clinicians alike, so a careful balancing of the issues is warranted.
The Economic Influence of Breastfeeding on the Health Cost of Newborns
Authors: Santacruz-Salas Esmeralda , Aranda-Reneo Isaac , Hidalgo-Vega Álvaro , Blanco-Rodriguez José M. , Segura-Fragoso Antonio
Published: December 2018

Background:

Breastfeeding provides health benefits for women and newborns. However, few studies have explored how these health benefits translate into economic savings.

Research aim:

This study aimed to estimate the healthcare costs savings generated by exclusive breastfeeding for healthy newborns.

Methods:

We designed a longitudinal two-group observational study that included healthy women and newborns ( N = 236) in Toledo, Spain. Over the first 6-months of the infants’ lives, we reviewed their clinical histories to determine their consumption of healthcare resources and the type of nutrition provided. The sample was categorized into two groups: exclusive breastfeeding ( n = 46) and non-exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months ( n = 190). Two-part regression models were applied to determine whether there were differences in healthcare costs between the groups.

Results:

The average age of the women was 32 ( SD: 5.3). The average birth weight of the newborns was 3.3 kg. ( SD: 0.38). At 6 months, 19.5% ( n = 46) of the women breastfed exclusively, 28.4% ( n = 67) combined breastfeeding with formula, and 45.8% ( n = 108) used formula only. Healthcare costs during follow-up reached €785.58 (44% for specialized care, 42% for primary care, 9.8% for medical emergencies, 3% for medications and approximately 1% for medical tests). The statistical analysis estimated a lower healthcare cost of between €454.40 and €503.50 for exclusively breastfed newborns.

Conclusion:

Breastfeeding generated savings in healthcare costs; therefore, it could be a cost-efficient option compared with alternatives. Researchers who evaluate the efficiency of strategies that promote breastfeeding can contribute to the sustainability of health services.
Characterization of deformation processing maps of 304L stainless steel based on compressive and tensile flow curves
Authors: Yeong Park Ji , Yeong Oh Il , Van Tyne Chester J , Hoon Moon Young
Published: December 2018

The efficiency factor (η) and the instability factor ([Formula: see text] in deformation processing maps are regarded as the reliable indices of formability during high-temperature deformation. Deformation processing maps are primarily based on strain rate sensitivity ( m) and are usually created by high-temperature compression tests. To analyze the effect of the mode of flow on the deformation processing map, deformation processing maps based on both compressive and tensile flow curves for 304L stainless steel were determined and compared in the current study. As the instantaneous strain rate varies during both the tensile and compression tests when a constant crosshead speed is used, strain rate compensated deformation processing maps have been determined and compared. In addition, the frictional effect of barreling during compression testing on the deformation processing map has been analyzed. Both deformation processing maps based on either compressive or tensile flow curves are estimated to be complementary.
Complete urological evaluation including sperm DNA fragmentation in male systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Tiseo BC , Bonfá E. , Borba EF. , Munhoz GA. , Wood GJA. , Srougi M. , Silva CA. , Cocuzza M.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation analysis in non-azoospermic male systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods

Twenty-eight consecutive male SLE patients (American College of Rheumatology criteria) and 34 healthy controls were evaluated for demographic/exposures data, urological evaluation, hormone profile and sperm analysis (including sperm DNA fragmentation). Clinical features, disease activity/damage scores and treatment were also evaluated.

Results

The median age (33 (20–52) vs. 36.5 (25–54) years, P = 0.329) and frequency of varicocele (25% vs. 32%, P = 0.183) were similar in SLE patients and healthy controls. Sperm DNA fragmentation showed significantly higher levels of cells class III (44 (9–88) vs. 16.5 (0–80)%, P = 0.001) and cell class IV (10.5 (3–86) vs. 7 (0–36)%, P = 0.039) in SLE. The sperm DNA fragmentation index was also significantly higher in SLE patients (62 (31–97) vs. 25.5 (0–100)%, P < 0.001). Conventional sperm parameters (including sperm count, motility and morphology) were similar in both groups. In SLE patients no correlations were observed between sperm DNA fragmentation index and age, disease duration, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index scores, and cumulative dose of prednisone, hydroxychloroquine, intravenous cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil ( P > 0.05). Further analysis of SLE patients treated with and without intravenous cyclophosphamide showed that total sperm motility was significantly lower in the former group (64% (15–83) vs. 72% (57–86), P = 0.024). The sperm DNA fragmentation index was alike in both groups (52.5 (31–95) vs. 67.5 (34–97)%, P = 0.185).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that male non-azoospermic SLE patients have increased sperm DNA fragmentation without evident gonadal dysfunction. Intravenous cyclophosphamide does not seem to be a major determinant for this abnormality. Future prospective study is necessary to determine the impact of this alteration in these patients' fertility.
“Everyone Has a Role”: Perspectives of Service Users With First-Episode Psychosis, Family Caregivers, Treatment Providers, and Policymakers on Responsibility for Supporting Individuals With Mental Health Problems
Authors: Pope Megan A. , Jordan Gerald , Venkataraman Shruthi , Malla Ashok K. , Iyer Srividya N.
Published: December 2018

Varying perceptions of who should be responsible for supporting individuals with mental health problems may contribute to their needs remaining unmet. A qualitative descriptive design was used to explore these perceptions among key stakeholders. Focus groups were conducted with 13 service users, 12 family members, and 18 treatment providers from an early psychosis intervention program in Montreal, Canada. Individual interviews were conducted with six mental health policy-/decision-makers. Participants across stakeholder groups assigned a range of responsibilities to individuals with mental health problems, stakeholders in these individuals’ immediate and extended social networks (e.g., families), macro-level stakeholders with influence (e.g., government), and society as a whole. Perceived failings of the health care system and the need for greater sharing of roles and responsibilities also emerged as important themes. Our findings suggest that different stakeholders should collectively assume certain responsibilities and that systems-level failings may contribute to unmet needs for mental health support.
Production of wheat bread with spray-dried potato juice: Influence on dough and bread characteristics
Authors: Kowalczewski Przemysław , Różańska Maria , Makowska Agnieszka , Jeżowski Paweł , Kubiak Piotr
Published: December 2018

Spray-dried potato juice, a raw material with pro-health properties that have already been described in recent literature, was used to substitute a part of wheat flour in bread. Bread was chosen based on its popularity. This paper is a report on the results of this substitution. Three levels of flour replacement were chosen – 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% (with respect to the mass of flour). The influence of potato juice addition on some of the most important characteristics of wheat bread was determined. Mixes of wheat flour and spray-dried potato juice were analyzed for fermentative and pasting properties. Baked bread samples were analyzed for their texture, color, consumer acceptance and antioxidant activity. The substitution influenced the volume of the loaf as gasses were not retained by the underdeveloped gluten network. Spray-dried potato juice was also found to influence the pasting properties. The viscosity values (peak viscosity, trough and final viscosity) determined with the RVA device were increased in pastes obtained from raw material mixtures with spray-dried potato juice. These crumb also showed increased firmness and chewiness as well as decreased springiness in the performed texture profile analyses. Spray-dried potato juice was also found to impact the color of bread crumb to an extent noticeable to the human eye. The bread that contained spray-dried potato juice was darker than bread produced with sole wheat bread. The color components (CIE L*a*b*) were shifted toward red and yellow. The bread containing spray-dried potato juice was also significantly richer in antioxidant compounds than the control wheat bread. From the perspective of consumer acceptance, the introduction of larger amounts of spray-dried potato juice resulted in deterioration of the sensory quality. Nonetheless, the acceptance of bread with 2.5% of flour substituted with spray-dried potato juice did not differ significantly from the control.
Nonlinear dynamic analysis and control of a hydraulic press electro-hydraulic servo system
Authors: Hsieh Chin-Tsung , Lai Chien-Pang
Published: December 2018

The internal electro-hydraulic servo system of a hydraulic press is affected by the non-linear friction, and it becomes non-linear, unstable under vibration. In this study, the dynamic behavior and control of such a system were investigated. A mathematical model was first built and then proportional-integral-derivative control and sliding mode control were applied. Particle swarm optimization was used to find the optimal gain values and proportional-integral-derivative control parameters to control and stabilize the system. Sliding mode control was used for interactive comparison to demonstrate that the controller could avert chaos and restore stable periodic motion. A circuit was designed and assembled for the experimental confirmation of the results. The results showed that control of nonlinear behavior was better with sliding mode control than proportional-integral-derivative. This study can serve as a reference for the further investigation of hydraulic press electro-hydraulic servo systems.
Do Millennials differ in terms of survey participation?
Authors: Bosch Oriol J , Revilla Melanie , Paura Ezequiel
Published: December 2018

Millennials have been the focus of quite some research because of their differences with older cohorts. Besides, young respondents have been considered as a hard target population for surveys. However, to our knowledge, no research has compared the levels and types of survey participation of the Millennials versus the older generations. Using a dataset of 1,570,301 panelists of an opt-in online panel in eight countries from Europe, Latin America, and North America, we show that Millennials differ from older cohorts in terms of survey participation. Millennials show lower participation rates than older cohorts. Moreover, they present significantly higher proportions of surveys answered using smartphones. However, differences across cohorts in terms of break-offs and survey evaluation are mainly nonsignificant and/or nonmeaningful.
Viewing Adaptive Social Choice Through the Lens of Associative Learning
Authors: FeldmanHall Oriel , Dunsmoor Joseph E.
Published: December 2018

Because humans live in a dynamic and evolving social world, modeling the factors that guide social behavior has remained a challenge for psychology. In contrast, much progress has been made on understanding some of the more basic elements of human behavior, such as associative learning and memory, which has been successfully modeled in other species. Here we argue that applying an associative learning approach to social behavior can offer valuable insights into the human moral experience. We propose that the basic principles of associative learning—conserved across a range of species—can, in many situations, help to explain seemingly complex human behaviors, including altruistic, cooperative, and selfish acts. We describe examples from the social decision-making literature using Pavlovian learning phenomena (e.g., extinction, cue competition, stimulus generalization) to detail how a history of positive or negative social outcomes influences cognitive and affective mechanisms that shape moral choice. Examining how we might understand social behaviors and their likely reliance on domain-general mechanisms can help to generate testable hypotheses to further understand how social value is learned, represented, and expressed behaviorally.
What reading aloud reveals about speaking: Regressive saccades implicate a failure to monitor, not inattention, in the prevalence of intrusion errors on function words
Authors: Schotter Elizabeth R , Li Chuchu , Gollan Tamar H
Published: December 2018

Bilinguals occasionally produce language intrusion errors (inadvertent translations of the intended word), especially when attempting to produce function word targets, and often when reading aloud mixed-language paragraphs. We investigate whether these errors are due to a failure of attention during speech planning, or failure of monitoring speech output by classifying errors based on whether and when they were corrected, and investigating eye movement behaviour surrounding them. Prior research on this topic has primarily tested alphabetic languages (e.g., Spanish–English bilinguals) in which part of speech is confounded with word length, which is related to word skipping (i.e., decreased attention). Therefore, we tested 29 Chinese–English bilinguals whose languages differ in orthography, visually cueing language membership, and for whom part of speech (in Chinese) is less confounded with word length. Despite the strong orthographic cue, Chinese–English bilinguals produced intrusion errors with similar effects as previously reported (e.g., especially with function word targets written in the dominant language). Gaze durations did differ by whether errors were made and corrected or not, but these patterns were similar for function and content words and therefore cannot explain part of speech effects. However, bilinguals regressed to words produced as errors more often than to correctly produced words, but regressions facilitated correction of errors only for content, not for function words. These data suggest that the vulnerability of function words to language intrusion errors primarily reflects automatic retrieval and failures of speech monitoring mechanisms from stopping function versus content word errors after they are planned for production.
Isolated spontaneous posterior interosseous nerve palsy: a review of aetiology and management
Authors: McGraw Iain
Published: December 2018

Isolated posterior interosseous nerve palsy is an uncommon condition and its management is controversial. Existing literature is sparse and a treatment algorithm based on existing best evidence is absent. A comprehensive review was undertaken to elucidate the causes of spontaneous posterior interosseous nerve palsy and suggest a management strategy based on the current evidence. Posterior interosseous nerve palsy can be broadly categorized as compressive and non-compressive, and the existing evidence supports surgical intervention for compressive palsy. For posterior interosseous nerve pathology with no compressive lesion on imaging, conservative management should be tried first. Surgery is therefore reserved for compressive lesions and for failure of conservative management. The commonly performed operative procedures include decompression and neurolysis, neurorrhaphy and nerve grafting, and tendon transfers with or without nerve grafting performed as a salvage procedure. The prognosis is poorer in patients aged > 50 years, those with a delay to surgery, and those who have had long-standing compression with severe fascicular thinning.
Dissemination Strategies for Higher Educational Institutions for Geo-Social Necessities: A Synergic Model
Authors: Ram Manulal P.
Published: December 2018

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are expected to be established in conjunction with the specificities of the regions to which they are supposed to belong. But over the years, the regional necessities based on its resourcefulness and demographic potential are seldom accounted for in their justifiable dissemination across the state. This article analyze (a) whether our HEIs are established by satisfying the needs of its geographical area and (b) whether the programmes offered by them have any mutual benefits to the regional populace and academic community. Various resource diversities are attached with every institution, in the context of contesting components of science and other academic disciplines. This study proposes a synergic model to facilitate the allocation of academic programmes and dissemination of institutions with 10 broad synergic bands, each incorporating various resource potentials available with every geographical niche. A total of 54 government arts and science colleges of the state have been geocoded and tagged with these bands, to find the institutional synergies with their surrounding resources. Although colleges capture synergy points ranging from two to nine, but only a few of the institutions are enriched with higher numbers of bands. The more synergy points the institution captures, the more will be its academic potential in terms of feasibility of programmes in consideration of sustainable development of the locality in which they are situated. This model is therefore an instrument for every institution and to self-evaluate its performance for the societal prosperity of their immediate neighbourhood.
Subscapularis Peel in Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Clyde Corey T , Throckmorton Thomas W , Duquin Thomas R
Published: December 2018

Background

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is a viable treatment option for patients with glenohumeral arthritis and an intact rotator cuff with successful outcomes. However, one complication is rupture of the subscapularis tendon postoperatively. Controversy exists regarding the optimal technique of subscapularis tendon management. The purpose of the present article is to review subscapularis peel repair method.

Methods

The current literature on anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty and subscapularis peel was reviewed to determine the viability of the repair technique.

Results

Both biomechanical and clinical studies have demonstrated advantages and disadvantages of the subscapularis peel technique, most often by way of direct comparison with lesser tuberosity osteotomy, without consensus as to a superior repair method.

Discussion

The subscapularis peel repair in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty when performed correctly may yield successful biomechanical and clinical outcomes for patients.
President's Page
Authors: Popovici Alexander Mihai
Published: December 2018

On the walls of our Houston Z-Terra office, we have a lot of movie posters. It's a tradition that started at 3DGeo when our office was across the road from Silicon Graphics, which made computers used for computer generated imagery and which had a lot of movie posters on its walls. We visited Silicon Graphics often for support. We kept the tradition at Z-Terra, and each poster comes from somebody's favorite movies list. One of the posters is from Batman Begins and includes a quote from the movie: “Why do we fall, sir? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.”
Foundation News
Authors: Burk Katie
Published: December 2018

Each year, the SEG Foundation raises funds to support many of SEG's excellent programs. From the long-standing scholarship program, to an instructive lecture series, to infusing geophysical methods and humanitarian efforts, SEG Foundation-funded programs are influential to the education of geophysical students — both undergraduates and graduates — and to the growth and development of thousands of practicing professionals around the world. In 2018, the SEG Foundation once again supported SEG programs with more than US$2 million in funding.
Machine learning and learning from machines
Authors: Naeini Ehsan Zabihi , Prindle Kenton
Published: December 2018

Machine learning has been around for decades or, depending on your view, centuries. To consider the tools and underpinnings of machine learning, one would need to go back to the work of Bayes and Laplace, the derivation of least squares, and Markov chains, all of which form the basis and the probability construct used pervasively in machine learning. There has been a flood of progress between 1950 (with Alan Turing's proposal of a learning machine) and early 2000 (with practical applications of deep learning in place and more recent advances such as AlexNet in 2012). Deep learning has demonstrated tremendous success in a variety of application domains in the past few years, and with some new modalities of applications, it continues to open new opportunities. The recent popularity and emergence of machine learning in the oil and gas industry is likely due to the abundance of unused or overlooked data and the economic need to extract additional information from the data currently used. Additionally, there is an unprecedented availability of computing power, easy-to-use coding libraries, and application programming interfaces, as well as recent and significant advances in various flavors of neural networks. In this paper, we will attempt to show how machine learning can assist geoscientists in performing routine tasks in a much shorter time frame. We assert that there is a great opportunity for geoscientists to learn from machines, use these techniques to quality check their work, and gain nuanced insights from their data. Another advantage is that these approaches lead to the optimization of machine learning workflows by providing more accurate training data sets thus driving continuous learning and enhancement of the model.
Bayesian framework for elastic full-waveform inversion with facies information
Authors: Singh Sagar , Tsvankin Ilya , Naeini Ehsan Zabihi
Published: December 2018

Conventional reservoir-characterization techniques utilize amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) analysis to invert for the elastic parameters or directly for the physical properties of reservoirs. However, the quality of AVO inversion is degraded by errors in the velocity model, inaccurate amplitudes, and structural complexity. Whereas full-waveform inversion (FWI) potentially represents a much more powerful tool for reservoir characterization. FWI strongly relies on the accuracy of the initial model and suffers from parameters trade-offs. Here, we use a probabilistic Bayesian framework to supplement data fitting with rock-physics constraints based on geologic facies obtained from borehole information (well logs). The advantages of the facies-based FWI are demonstrated on a structurally complex isotropic elastic model and on a 3D layered VTI (transversely isotropic with a vertical symmetry axis) medium. In particular, the tests show that our algorithm can operate without ultra-low-frequency data required by conventional FWI and can reduce crosstalk between the medium parameters.
IPTC 2019 to focus on partnership and innovation
Authors: Reilly Joseph , Badri Mohammed
Published: December 2018

Founded in 2005, the International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) focuses on the dissemination of new and current technology, best practices, and multidisciplinary activities designed to emphasize the importance of the value chain and maximizing asset value. The synergy of the four leading individual member-driven societies (AAPG, EAGE, SEG, and SPE) combined with technical and financial support from strong host, cohost, and national oil company support ensure that a robust, current, and multidisciplinary technical program is delivered.