bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Emergency Demand Response Mechanism for Cloud Computing
Authors: Zhou Ruiting , Li Zongpeng , Wu Chuan
Published: October 2016

We study emergency demand response (EDR) mechanisms from data centers' perspective, where a cloud data center participates in a mandatory EDR program while receiving online computing job bids. We target a realistic EDR mechanism where: i) The cloud provider dynamically packs different types of resources on servers into requested VMs and computes job schedules to meet users' requirements; ii) The power consumption of servers in the cloud is limited by the grid through the EDR program; iii) The operating cost of the cloud is considered in the calculation of social welfare, measured by electricity cost. We propose an online auction for dynamic cloud resource provisioning under the EDR program, which runs in polynomial time, achieves truthfulness and close-to-optimal social welfare for the cloud ecosystem.
Slightly Regular Measures and Measureable Sets
Authors: Camacho James
Published: October 2016

Outer and inner measures of a measureμare defined and used to prove results involving them on a latticeland its complementl′. The results concern slightly regular measures and sets such asSμwhich is the collection ofμ-measureable sets.
Motor Imagery Classification Using Mu and Beta Rhythms of EEG with Strong Uncorrelating Transform Based Complex Common Spatial Patterns
Authors: Kim Youngjoo , Ryu Jiwoo , Kim Ko Keun , Took Clive C. , Mandic Danilo P. , Park Cheolsoo
Published: October 2016

Recent studies have demonstrated the disassociation between the mu and beta rhythms of electroencephalogram (EEG) during motor imagery tasks. The proposed algorithm in this paper uses a fully data-driven multivariate empirical mode decomposition (MEMD) in order to obtain the mu and beta rhythms from the nonlinear EEG signals. Then, the strong uncorrelating transform complex common spatial patterns (SUTCCSP) algorithm is applied to the rhythms so that the complex data, constructed with the mu and beta rhythms, becomes uncorrelated and its pseudocovariance provides supplementary power difference information between the two rhythms. The extracted features using SUTCCSP that maximize the interclass variances are classified using various classification algorithms for the separation of the left- and right-hand motor imagery EEG acquired from the Physionet database. This paper shows that the supplementary information of the power difference between mu and beta rhythms obtained using SUTCCSP provides an important feature for the classification of the left- and right-hand motor imagery tasks. In addition, MEMD is proved to be a preferred preprocessing method for the nonlinear and nonstationary EEG signals compared to the conventional IIR filtering. Finally, the random forest classifier yielded a high performance for the classification of the motor imagery tasks.
Expression Profiling of Genes Related to Endothelial Cells Biology in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Patients with Prediabetes
Authors: Moradipoor Sara , Ismail Patimah , Etemad Ali , Wan Sulaiman Wan Aliaa , Ahmadloo Salma
Published: October 2016

Endothelial dysfunction appears to be an early sign indicating vascular damage and predicts the progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders. Extensive clinical and experimental evidence suggests that endothelial dysfunction occurs in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes patients. This study was carried out with an aim to appraise the expression levels in the peripheral blood of 84 genes related to endothelial cells biology in patients with diagnosed T2DM or prediabetes, trying to identify new genes whose expression might be changed under these pathological conditions. The study covered a total of 45 participants. The participants were divided into three groups: group 1, patients with T2DM; group 2, patients with prediabetes; group 3, control group. The gene expression analysis was performed using the Endothelial Cell Biology RT2Profiler PCR Array. In the case of T2DM, 59 genes were found to be upregulated, and four genes were observed to be downregulated. In prediabetes patients, increased expression was observed for 49 genes, with two downregulated genes observed. Our results indicate that diabetic and prediabetic conditions change the expression levels of genes related to endothelial cells biology and, consequently, may increase the risk for occurrence of endothelial dysfunction.
Target Matching Recognition for Satellite Images Based on the Improved FREAK Algorithm
Authors: Chen Yantong , Xu Wei , Piao Yongjie
Published: October 2016

Satellite remote sensing image target matching recognition exhibits poor robustness and accuracy because of the unfit feature extractor and large data quantity. To address this problem, we propose a new feature extraction algorithm for fast target matching recognition that comprises an improved feature from accelerated segment test (FAST) feature detector and a binary fast retina key point (FREAK) feature descriptor. To improve robustness, we extend the FAST feature detector by applying scale space theory and then transform the feature vector acquired by the FREAK descriptor from decimal into binary. We reduce the quantity of data in the computer and improve matching accuracy by using the binary space. Simulation test results show that our algorithm outperforms other relevant methods in terms of robustness and accuracy.
Giant Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp of the Hepatic Flexure of Colon Presenting with an Acute Abdomen
Authors: Shrestha Ashish Lal , Shrestha Pradita
Published: October 2016

Background.Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp (IFP) of the colon is an exceedingly rare condition. Since 1952 till now only 32 cases have been reported worldwide of which only 5 were giant (>4 cm) polyps mostly found in the caecum (15 cases) with only 3 in the descending colon.Case Presentation.A 36-year-old female with no previous illness presented to the emergency unit with an acute onset pain over the right hypochondrium for 3 days associated with intermittent fever and anorexia. As she had evidence of localized peritonitis she underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy and subsequently an exploratory laparotomy. A mass measuring 8 × 7 × 5 cm arising from the hepatic flexure of colon was noted. Right hemicolectomy with ileotransverse anastomosis was performed. The mass was subsequently reported to be IFP.Conclusion.IFP is a very rare condition with clinical presentation depending upon its size and location. Definitive diagnosis is possible with histopathological examination of tissue aided by immunohistochemical studies. Surgical resection has been the most common method of treatment especially for large and giant colonic IFPs owing to challenges in terms of diagnosis and technical difficulties associated with endoscopic methods.
Sinus Augmentation by Platelet-Rich Fibrin Alone: A Report of Two Cases with Histological Examinations
Authors: Aoki Naofumi , Kanayama Takeo , Maeda Michinori , Horii Koichiro , Miyamoto Hironori , Wada Keinoshin , Ojima Yasutaka , Tsuchimochi Tsukasa , Shibuya Yasuyuki
Published: October 2016

In sinus floor augmentation of an atrophic posterior maxilla, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been used as a graft material. We herein report two cases with histological evaluations of PRF after the surgery. The first case was a 28-year-old female with an atrophic right posterior maxilla who was treated with sinus floor augmentation and simultaneous implant placement using PRF as the sole graft material in our hospital. Twenty-four months after surgery, the implant was unfortunately removed because of occlusal overloading by parafunctional habits. During implant replacement, a tissue sample was obtained from the site of augmentation with PRF and was evaluated histologically. The second case was a 58-year-old man with severe alveolar atrophy of the right maxilla who underwent lateral sinus augmentation using only PRF in a two-stage procedure in our hospital. Samples were obtained at the second-stage surgery and histological examinations were performed. As a result, new bone formation was confirmed histologically in both cases. Our findings show that the use of PRF as a graft material during sinus floor augmentation induces natural bone regeneration.
Histiocytic Sarcoma in a Kidney Transplant Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Pollen Maressa , El Jamal Siraj , Lewin Jack , Manucha Varsha
Published: October 2016

Objective. Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an aggressive neoplasm with only limited number of reported series of cases and rare case reports of occurrence as a posttransplant neoplastic disorder. The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease is unknown and the optimal treatment is still under investigation. We describe an unusual case of HS in a patient with a remote history of kidney transplant.Method and Results. A 54-year-old male with a remote history of renal transplantation under maintenance immunosuppression presented with features of sepsis. CT abdomen revealed multiple heterogeneous masses in bilateral native kidneys and liver and enlarged abdominal and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Viral serology work-up was negative. Needle core biopsy revealed a highly undifferentiated neoplasm comprised of highly atypical large cells with eosinophilic to vacuolated cytoplasm and hemophagocytosis. Extended panel of immunohistochemistry proved histiocytic lineage for the tumor cells. The patient expired 2 weeks following the diagnosis.Conclusion. Our case along with three previously published case reports raised the possibility of HS as a treatment-related neoplasm or a posttransplantation neoplastic disorder in solid organ transplant recipients.
Discovery of Potential Inhibitors of Aldosterone Synthase from Chinese Herbs Using Pharmacophore Modeling, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies
Authors: Luo Ganggang , Lu Fang , Qiao Liansheng , Chen Xi , Li Gongyu , Zhang Yanling
Published: October 2016

Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) is a key enzyme for the biosynthesis of aldosterone, which plays a significant role for the regulation of blood pressure. Excess aldosterone can cause the dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and lead to hypertension. Therefore, research and development of CYP11B2 inhibitor are regarded as a novel approach for the treatment of hypertension. In this study, the pharmacophore models of CYP11B2 inhibitors were generated and the optimal model was used to identify potential CYP11B2 inhibitors from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database (TCMD, Version 2009). The hits were further refined by molecular docking and the interactions between compounds and CYP11B2 were analyzed. Compounds with high Fitvalue, high docking score, and expected interactions with key residues were selected as potential CYP11B2 inhibitors. Two most promising compounds, ethyl caffeate and labiatenic acid, with high Fitvalue and docking score were reserved for molecular dynamics (MD) study. All of them have stability of ligand binding which suggested that they might perform the inhibitory effect on CYP11B2. This study provided candidates for novel drug-like CYP11B2 inhibitors by molecular simulation methods for the hypertension treatment.
Assessment of Anterior Segment Measurements with Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography before and after Ab Interno Trabeculotomy (Trabectome) Surgery
Authors: Akil Handan , Huang Ping , Chopra Vikas , Francis Brian
Published: October 2016

Purpose. To compare the changes of anterior segment parameters, assessed by swept source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) after combined Trabectome-cataract surgery and Trabectome-only surgery in open angle glaucoma patients.Methods. Thirty-eight eyes of 24 patients with open angle glaucoma were scanned with swept source AS-OCT before and 4 weeks after combined Trabectome-cataract or Trabectome-only surgery. Intraocular pressure, number of medications, and AS-OCT parameters, such as angle opening distance at 500 and 750 μm from the scleral spur (AOD500 and AOD750), trabecular-iris space area at 500 and 750 mm2(TISA500, TISA750), angle recess area at 500 and 750 mm2(ARA500, ARA750), trabecular iris angle (TIA), anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber width (ACW), and anterior chamber volume (ACV), were obtained before the surgery. These parameters were compared to evaluate whether the outcome of the surgery differed among the patients after the surgery. The width of the trabecular cleft was also measured for both groups.Results. The reduction of IOP and number of medications was found to be statistically significant in both groups (p<0.001). ACD, ACV, and angle parameters such as AOD 500/750, TISA 500/750, ARA 500/750, and TIA500 showed significantly greater changes from the preoperative values to postoperative 1st month values in combined Trabectome-cataract surgery group (p<0.05), whereas Trabectome-only group did not show statistically significant difference (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between two groups for the width of the trabecular cleft (p=0.7).Conclusion. Anterior chamber angle parameters measured with swept source AS-OCT may be useful for evaluating glaucoma patients before and after Trabectome surgery with or without cataract surgery.
Grinding Parameter Optimization of Ultrasound-Aided Electrolytic in Process Dressing for Finishing Nanocomposite Ceramics
Authors: Chen Fan , Zhao Bo , Jia Xiao-feng , Zhao Chong-yang , Tong Jing-lin
Published: October 2016

In order to achieve the precision and efficient processing of nanocomposite ceramics, the ultrasound-aided electrolytic in process dressing method was proposed. But how to realize grinding parameter optimization, that is, the maximum processing efficiency, on the premise of the assurance of best workpiece quality is a problem that needs to be solved urgently. Firstly, this research investigated the influence of grinding parameters on material removal rate and critical ductile depth, and their mathematic models based on the existing models were developed to simulate the material removal process. Then, on the basis of parameter sensitivity analysis based on partial derivative, the sensitivity models of material removal rates on grinding parameter were established and computed quantitatively by MATLAB, and the key grinding parameter for optimal grinding process was found. Finally, the theoretical analyses were verified by experiments: the material removal rate increases with the increase of grinding parameters, including grinding depth (ap), axial feeding speed (fa), workpiece speed (Vw), and wheel speed (Vs); the parameter sensitivity of material removal rate was in a descending order asap>fa>Vw>Vs; the most sensitive parameter (ap) was optimized and it was found that the better machining result has been obtained whenapwas about 3.73 μm.
Prognostic Importance of Cell Cycle Regulators Cyclin D1 (CCND1) and Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B/p27) in Sporadic Gastric Cancers
Authors: Minarikova Petra , Benesova Lucie , Halkova Tereza , Belsanova Barbora , Tuckova Inna , Belina Frantisek , Dusek Ladislav , Zavoral Miroslav , Minarik Marek
Published: October 2016

Background. Gastric cancer is known for a notable variety in the course of the disease. Clinical factors, such as tumor stage, grade, and localization, are key in patient survival. It is expected that molecular factors such as somatic mutations and gene amplifications are also underlying tumor biological behavior and may serve as factors for prognosis estimation.Aim. The purpose of this study was to examine gene amplifications from a panel of genes to uncover potential prognostic marker candidates.Methods. A panel of gene amplifications including 71 genes was tested by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technique in 76 gastric cancer samples from a Caucasian population. The correlation of gene amplification status with patient survival was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method.Results. The amplification of two cell cycle regulators,CCND1andCDKN1B, was identified to have a negative prognostic role. The medial survival of patients with gastric cancer displaying amplification compared to patients without amplification was 192 versus 725 days forCCND1(P=0.0012) and 165 versus 611 days forCDKN1B(P=0.0098).Conclusion. Gene amplifications ofCCND1andCDKN1Bare potential candidates to serve as prognostic markers for the stratification of patients based on the estimate of survival in the management of gastric cancer patients.
Cracking the Code of Resistance across Multiple Lines of ALK Inhibitor Therapy in Lung Cancer
Authors: Qiao Huan , Lovly Christine M.
Published: October 2016

Summary: In the setting of recent exciting clinical results and numerous ongoing trials, Gainor and colleagues explored mechanisms of acquired resistance to first- and second-generation ALK inhibitors in ALK-rearranged non–small cell lung cancer and found that an increased frequency and distinct spectrums of resistance mutations emerged with the more potent second-generation inhibitors. Their findings have important and immediate clinical implications as the resistance mutations detected impart differential sensitivities to available ALK inhibitors, thereby highlighting the need for sequential biopsies with molecular testing to determine the most effective treatment strategy upon disease progression. Cancer Discov; 6(10); 1084–6. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Gainor et al., p. 1118.
Accurate Medicine: Indirect Targeting of NPM1-Mutated AML
Authors: Hourigan Christopher S. , Aplan Peter D.
Published: October 2016

Summary: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is now recognized to be an imprecise term that refers to a range of myeloid malignancies that have different genetical etiologies, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic sensitivities. Targeting the MLL1 and DOT1L histone modification complexes, both alone and in combination, showed activity against AML driven by a mutant NPM1 protein in several preclinical models and may represent a new treatment direction for this devastating disease. Cancer Discov; 6(10); 1087–9. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Kühn and colleagues p. 1166.
Hemiplegic Migraine Presenting with Prolonged Somnolence: A Case Report
Authors: Saleh Christian , Pierquin Geneviève , Beyenburg Stefan
Published: October 2016

Hemiplegic migraine is a rare and complex disease, characterized by migraine with a reversible motor aura. Hemiplegic migraine can be easily misdiagnosed at its first presentation with an atypical severe form of migraine, a stroke, multiple sclerosis, metabolic disorders, conversion disorder or an epilepsy. We present the case of a young 24-year-old male patient, who since the age of 4 years had been having multiple episodes of migraine associated with hemiparesis, paraesthesia, prolonged somnolence, aphasia and confusion. We review the literature and discuss important diagnostic findings in hemiplegic migraine to help establishing a prompt diagnosis.
Instituição e engajamento: Vilanova Artigas no Instituto de Arquitetos do Brasil
Authors: Dedecca Paula Gorenstein
Published: October 2016

O exercício de traçar o percurso biográfico de João Batista Vilanova Artigas entremeado às Instituições em que atua ao longo de sua história profissional foi realizado apenas parcialmente pela historiografia dedicada ao arquiteto, que se focou majoritariamente na compreensão das esferas projetual e crítica de sua prática. Este artigo se concentra na atuação do arquiteto no departamento paulista do Instituto de Arquitetos do Brasil, buscando entender a relevância de tal inserção institucional para a compreensão de sua trajetória profissional.
Eduardo “Obras Vilanova Artigas”
Authors: Kohn Nelson , Zanardi José Eduardo
Published: October 2016

Fotografia: Nelson Kohn, Foto-animação: José Eduardo Zanardi
Apresentação do Núcleo Temático
Authors: Buzzar Miguel Antônio
Published: October 2016

Apresentação do Núcleo Temático
A residência do arquiteto: uma análise gráfica das casas de Vilanova Artigas
Authors: Pereira Ana Karla Olimpio , Fujioka Paulo Yassuhide
Published: October 2016

Este artigo apresenta uma abordagem sobre a questão particular na já largamente estudada arquitetura de Vilanova Artigas: as casas foram projetadas para si. A pequena escala desses projetos nos permite compreender o universo projetual do arquiteto no momento histórico de sua concepção. Estas casas foram estudados por meio de um método específico para análise gráfica de arquitetura, baseado na obra de Geoffrey Baker, Simon Unwin, Roger Clark, Michael Pause, etc.; explorando não só diagramas em 2 dimensões, mas a modelagem 3D também, a fim de entender melhor os conceitos de design do arquiteto.
As cidades como as casas
Authors: Ramos Fernando Guillermo Vazquez
Published: October 2016

Alguns pensadores, notadamente Platão, Leon Battista Alberti, Aldo van Eyck, Martin Heidegger e João B. Vilanova Artigas, têm apoiado algumas de suas reflexões sobre a arquitetura – a construção, a habitação e a cidade – num antigo dictum que afirma que “cidade é casa/casa é cidade”. Este artigo analisa e reflete sobre o posicionamento de cada um deles frente à mensagem que subjaz ao contundente provérbio, indicando as relações de semelhança ou de contradição entre seus textos.
On Blaps Fabricius, 1775 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) from Western Kazakhstan with description of a new species from Tyuleniy Archipelago (Caspian Sea)
Authors: CHIGRAY IVAN A. , ABDURAKHMANOV GAYIRBEG M. , NABOZHENKO MAXIM , SHAPOVALOV ANDREY M.
Published: October 2016

A new species of darkling beetles Blaps caspica sp. n. from Western Kazakhstan Kulaly Island (Tyuleniy Archipelago, Caspian Sea) is described. This new taxon belongs to the 6th group of the 2nd section according to Seidlitz’s classification and is most similar to Blaps kadyrbekovi G. Medvedev, 2004, B. lethifera Marsham, 1802 and B. parvicollis Zoubkoff, 1829. Blaps caspica sp. n. differs from B. kadyrbekovi by the presence of a hair tuft between male abdominal ventrites 1 and 2, from B. parvicollis by having narrow acute short spurs on the mesotibiae, the structure of the gastral spicula, ovipositor and female genital tubes, from B. lethifera by the slender elliptic body, punctated (not granulated) epipleura and the structure of the female genital tubes. Images, an identification key and local distribution are given for ten Western Kazakhstan species of the genus Blaps Fabricius, 1775.
Regional Variability of Rain Clouds in the Amazon Basin as Seen by a Network of Weather Radars
Authors: Saraiva I. , Silva Dias M. A. F. , Morales C. A. R. , Saraiva J. M. B.
Published: October 2016

A new dataset based on 5 yr of operational meteorological weather radars from the Amazon Protection System has enabled new knowledge in relation to rainfall in the Amazon basin. The rainy features are analyzed for 10 different regions in terms of the annual and diurnal cycles of radar reflectivity, as well as the vertical distribution, in addition to lightning data. Similarities between the annual and diurnal cycles are found in the northwestern and western, southwestern and southern, and northeastern and northern Amazon. Nocturnal peaks are found in stratiform fraction in the southern, southwestern, western, northwestern, northern, central western, and coastal regions. The convective fractions in the western, northwestern, northern, and central eastern regions also show nocturnal peaks. The radar reflectivity vertical distributions analysis indicates that in the northern coast close to Belém, heavy rainfall with deep convective systems is observed throughout the year, while heavy rainfall in the central Amazon close to Manaus, Tefé, and Santarém occurs in the dry season. More oceanic-like clouds are also observed there and in other locations on the northern coast like Macapá, where the frequency of lightning is quite low. São Gabriel da Cachoeira, located in the northwest portion of the Amazon basin, has a regime with rainfall in all seasons with a slight decrease from August to October when the systems become more convective and have more lightning.
Configurations of corruption: A cross-national qualitative comparative analysis of levels of perceived corruption
Authors: Stevens Alex
Published: October 2016

This article advances our understanding of the potential causes of national levels of corruption. It develops a new institutionalist criminological theoretical framework. It then applies fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to a sample of 77 countries. The outcome is perceived corruption. Potentially causal conditions are levels of democracy, human development, income inequality, and two value orientations: traditional/rational-secular and survival/self-expression. The analysis supports the new institutionalist expectation that the effects of each of these conditions are configurational and dependent upon the presence or absence of other conditions, including value orientations. This can help to explain why previous findings on the independent effect of democracy on corruption have been mixed. It may also help to explain why corruption is such an intractable phenomenon in many countries.
Handling missing rows in multi-omics data integration: multiple imputation in multiple factor analysis framework
Authors: Voillet Valentin , Besse Philippe , Liaubet Laurence , San Cristobal Magali , González Ignacio
Published: October 2016

Background

In omics data integration studies, it is common, for a variety of reasons, for some individuals to not be present in all data tables. Missing row values are challenging to deal with because most statistical methods cannot be directly applied to incomplete datasets. To overcome this issue, we propose a multiple imputation (MI) approach in a multivariate framework. In this study, we focus on multiple factor analysis (MFA) as a tool to compare and integrate multiple layers of information. MI involves filling the missing rows with plausible values, resulting inMcompleted datasets. MFA is then applied to each completed dataset to produceMdifferent configurations (the matrices of coordinates of individuals). Finally, theMconfigurations are combined to yield a single consensus solution.

Results

We assessed the performance of our method, named MI-MFA, on two real omics datasets. Incomplete artificial datasets with different patterns of missingness were created from these data. The MI-MFA results were compared with two other approaches i.e., regularized iterative MFA (RI-MFA) and mean variable imputation (MVI-MFA). For each configuration resulting from these three strategies, the suitability of the solution was determined against the true MFA configuration obtained from the original data and a comprehensive graphical comparison showing how the MI-, RI- or MVI-MFA configurations diverge from the true configuration was produced. Two approaches i.e., confidence ellipses and convex hulls, to visualize and assess the uncertainty due to missing values were also described. We showed how the areas of ellipses and convex hulls increased with the number of missing individuals. A free and easy-to-use code was proposed to implement the MI-MFA method in the R statistical environment.

Conclusions

We believe that MI-MFA provides a useful and attractive method for estimating the coordinates of individuals on the first MFA components despite missing rows. MI-MFA configurations were close to the true configuration even when many individuals were missing in several data tables. This method takes into account the uncertainty of MI-MFA configurations induced by the missing rows, thereby allowing the reliability of the results to be evaluated.
Editorial: Feel the burn: blocking galectin-12 helps leukemic cells differentiate while staying lean
Authors: Kamili Nourine A , Stowell Sean R
Published: October 2016

Discussion of the unique role of galectin-12 in regulating the response of APL to all ATRA.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Authors: Aynard C.
Published: October 2016

Note: This letter is published with the permission of Dr. Faust.
Time-lapse full-waveform inversion as a reservoir-monitoring tool — A North Sea case study
Authors: Hicks Erik , Hoeber Henning , Houbiers Marianne , Lescoffit Séverine Pannetier , Ratcliffe Andrew , Vinje Vetle
Published: October 2016

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) has become an enabling tool for 3D velocity-model building, especially in the shallow part of the seismic image that is well probed by diving waves. Given that FWI provides direct access to P-wave velocities, its application to time-lapse (4D) studies is of obvious interest. Can 4D FWI give fast access to small reservoir production-related velocity changes and compete with traditional 4D time-shift results based on fully processed and imaged reflection data? Also, what algorithmic developments may be needed to achieve robust 4D FWI results? Time-lapse data sets acquired with highly repeatable permanent-reservoir-monitoring (PRM) acquisition systems, such as the one deployed over the Grane Field in the Norwegian North Sea, are well suited to help address these questions. We demonstrate the success of the 4D FWI technique using a synthetic study involving 3D elastic modeling through a highly realistic earth model akin to the actual Grane PRM data. This study indicates there is minimal sensitivity of the method to various residual uncertainties in the data and in the modeling for this acquisition configuration. The 4D FWI results using real time-lapse Grane PRM data acquired in the field with a six-month acquisition interval between vintages show changes at the reservoir level that correlate with both injecting and producing wells. We also find good agreement when comparing the velocity differences from 4D FWI to 4D time shifts and time strains from the fully processed and imaged seismic reflection data. Given that the FWI updates are driven mainly by diving waves, whereas the time-strain analysis uses reflection data, this gives increased confidence in both sets of results. Overall, this case study demonstrates the potential of FWI as a reservoir-monitoring tool.
SEAM Update
Authors: Oristaglio Michael
Published: October 2016

Can modern numerical methods simulate changes in the geometry and physical properties of a reservoir over time — the changes in the rocks, pore fluids, and pressures that accompany reservoir flow and production — well enough to explain and predict the subtle effects that are seen in time-lapse geophysical surveys of real oil fields? Since April, a team of reservoir engineers, geologists, geophysicists, and modelers organized by the SEG Advanced Modeling Corporation (SEAM), with the help of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), has been studying this question as a starting point for a new project called SEAM Life of Field. The initial effort is a self-contained six-month project called SEAM Time Lapse, which is being supported by a grant from the U.S. National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) under the auspices of the Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America (RPSEA). This SEAM Update provides an overview of the goals and early results of the time-lapse project, along with an invitation to prospective participants to join SEG in launching SEAM Life of Field before the end of 2016.
Reviews
Authors: Green William R. , Neves Fernando
Published: October 2016

The Metallogeny of Lode Gold Deposits: A Syngenetic Perspective, by Ulrich Kretschmar and Derek McBride, ISBN 978-0-12-803222-0, 2016, Elsevier, 350 p., US$153 (print), US$153 (eBook), US$216 (print and eBook). Seismic Amplitude: An Interpreter's Handbook, by Rob Simm and Mike Bacon, ISBN 978-1107011502, 2014, Cambridge University Press, 279 p., US$89.99 (print), US$72 (eBook).
The Foundation Programme in psychiatry: a qualitative study into the effects of a foundation placement
Authors: Boyle Ann , Davies Sophie , Dogra Nisha , Perry Jennifer , Fosker Hannah
Published: October 2016

Aims and method

There is a drive to increase the number of psychiatry foundation placements to ensure that training keeps up with the changing health and social care landscape. This qualitative study aimed to explore, by interview, the experiences of 17 doctors who have completed a foundation placement in psychiatry.

Results

The study highlights the benefits of foundation psychiatry placements and some of their positive and negative aspects.

Clinical implications

Those developing foundation placements will need to ensure they are of high quality.
Digitally enabled patients, professionals and providers: making the case for an electronic health record in mental health services
Authors: Richardson Jonathan , McDonald Joe
Published: October 2016

The move to a digital health service may improve some components of health systems: information, communication and documentation of care. This article gives a brief definition and history of what is meant by an electronic health record (EHR). There is some evidence of benefits in a number of areas, including legibility, accuracy and the secondary use of information, but there is a need for further research, which may need to use different methodologies to analyse the impact an EHR has on patients, professionals and providers.
The application of Rasch measurement theory to psychiatric clinical outcomes research
Authors: Barbic Skye P. , Cano Stefan J.
Published: October 2016

This commentary argues the importance of robust, meaningful assessment of clinical and functional outcomes in psychiatry. Outcome assessments should be fit for the purpose of measuring relevant concepts of interest in specific clinical settings. As well, the measurement model selected to develop and test assessments can be critical for guiding care. Three types of measurement models are presented: classical test theory, item response theory, and Rasch measurement theory. To optimise current diagnostic and treatment practices in psychiatry, careful consideration of these models is warranted.
Evolutionary psychiatry: a new College special interest group
Authors: Abed Riadh , John-Smith Paul St
Published: October 2016

Evolutionary science remains an overlooked area in psychiatry and medicine. The newly established Royal College of Psychiatrists' Evolutionary Psychiatry Special Interest Group aims to reverse this trend by raising the profile of evolutionary thinking among College members and others further afield. Here we provide a brief outline of the importance of the evolutionary approach to both the theory and practice of psychiatry and for future research.
Induction of Amnion Epithelial Apoptosis by Cortisol via tPA/Plasmin System
Authors: Wang Wangsheng , Liu Chao , Sun Kang
Published: October 2016

Rupture of fetal membranes (ROM) can initiate parturition at both term and preterm birth. Apoptosis of the amnion epithelium plays a key role in structural remodeling of the membranes preceding ROM. However, the causative factors for apoptosis remain unidentified. Toward the end of gestation, a feed-forward regeneration of cortisol via 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 exists in the fetal membranes. Here, we have examined whether cortisol accumulation is a causative factor for amnion cells apoptosis. By using primary human amnion epithelial and fibroblast cells, we demonstrated cortisol induced apoptosis specifically in epithelial cells but not in fibroblasts via reciprocal regulation of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA)/plasmin system. Cortisol increased PLAT expression, the gene encoding tPA, via glucocorticoid receptor binding to a glucocorticoid response element in PLAT promoter, thereby increasing plasmin activity in epithelial cells. Further study revealed that a Fas-mediated extrinsic apoptotic pathway was involved in the induction of epithelial cells apoptosis by cortisol, which was blocked by inhibiting either tPA or plasmin. Consistently, cortisol increased cleaved-caspase-3 and tPA abundance in amnion tissue explants. Moreover, the abundance of cortisol, cleaved-caspase-3, and tPA was significantly increased in amnion tissue after labor-initiated spontaneous rupture of membranes. In conclusion, local accumulation of cortisol is a causative factor for amnion epithelial apoptosis via activation of tPA/plasmin system toward the end of gestation. This may contribute to the ROM at both term and preterm birth.
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: New Perspectives on Genetic Cause and Phenotypic Spectrum
Authors: Tucker Elena J. , Grover Sonia R. , Bachelot Anne , Touraine Philippe , Sinclair Andrew H.
Published: October 2016

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one form of female infertility, defined by loss of ovarian activity before the age of 40 and characterized by amenorrhea (primary or secondary) with raised gonadotropins and low estradiol. POI affects up to one in 100 females, including one in 1000 before the age of 30. Substantial evidence suggests a genetic basis for POI; however, the majority of cases remain unexplained, indicating that genes likely to be associated with this condition are yet to be discovered. This review discusses the current knowledge of the genetic basis of POI. We highlight genes typically known to cause syndromic POI that can be responsible for isolated POI. The role of mouse models in understanding POI pathogenesis is discussed, and a thorough list of candidate POI genes is provided. Identifying a genetic basis for POI has multiple advantages, such as enabling the identification of presymptomatic family members who can be offered counseling and cryopreservation of eggs before depletion, enabling personalized treatment based on the cause of an individual's condition, and providing better understanding of disease mechanisms that ultimately aid the development of improved treatments.
Career Advancement: Meeting the Challenges Confronting the Next Generation of Endocrinologists and Endocrine Researchers
Authors: Santen Richard J. , Joham Anju , Fishbein Lauren , Vella Kristen R. , Ebeling Peter R. , Gibson-Helm Melanie , Teede Helena
Published: October 2016

Context:

Challenges and opportunities face the next generation (Next-Gen) of endocrine researchers and clinicians, the lifeblood of the field of endocrinology for the future. A symposium jointly sponsored by The Endocrine Society and the Endocrine Society of Australia was convened to discuss approaches to addressing the present and future Next-Gen needs.

Evidence Acquisition:

Data collection by literature review, assessment of previously completed questionnaires, commissioning of a new questionnaire, and summarization of symposium discussions were studied.

Evidence Synthesis:

Next-Gen endocrine researchers face diminishing grant funding in inflation-adjusted terms. The average age of individuals being awarded their first independent investigator funding has increased to age 45 years. For clinicians, a workforce gap exists between endocrinologists needed and those currently trained. Clinicians in practice are increasingly becoming employees of integrated hospital systems, resulting in greater time spent on nonclinical issues. Workforce data and published reviews identify challenges specifically related to early career women in endocrinology.

Strategies to Address Issues:

Recommendations encompassed the areas of grant support for research, mentoring, education, templates for career development, specific programs for Next-Gen members by senior colleagues as outlined in the text, networking, team science, and life/work integration. Endocrine societies focusing on Next-Gen members provide a powerful mechanism to support these critical areas.

Conclusions:

A concerted effort to empower, train, and support the next generation of clinical endocrinologists and endocrine researchers is necessary to ensure the viability and vibrancy of our discipline and to optimize our contributions to improving health outcomes. Collaborative engagement of endocrine societies globally will be necessary to support our next generation moving forward.
“We Then Went to England”: Shawnee Storytelling and the Atlantic World
Authors: Lakomäki Sami
Published: October 2016

Between 1795 and 1808 several Shawnee orators recounted to British and US officials a story about a Shawnee voyage to England. These narratives push scholars to reconsider the Atlantic world paradigm from an Indigenous perspective. They reveal Native constructions of space and historicity that cannot be easily integrated into the standard frameworks of Atlantic history. Instead of an ocean that united four continents into a single “Atlantic world,” the Shawnee storytellers imagined a kčikami, a dangerous borderland separating radically different cultural, spiritual, and racial realms. Such Native understandings of the sea are critical for indigenizing past landscapes often framed in Eurocentric terms. Moreover, the Shawnee narratives highlight the complex roles of storytelling in Native-newcomer relations and Shawnee intranational debates during a critical period when growing colonial power rapidly eroded the “middle ground” across the lower Great Lakes and political disputes factionalized the Shawnees, putting new pressures on how people constructed and forgot the past.
Wabanaki Homeland and Mobility: Concepts of Home in Nineteenth-Century Maine
Authors: Pawling Micah
Published: October 2016

In the nineteenth century the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy Indian nations preserved considerable mobility across their traditional homeland. This case study uses petitions and other primary sources to show that many Native families maintained connections to places that their ancestors once inhabited. While the Penobscot reservation consisted of the river islands above the head of tide, families continued to return to Penobscot Bay to harvest marine resources. Other kin groups revisited old sites on the Kennebec River. Non-Native town officials wanted to send the Indians home but were blind to the fact that the Wabanaki peoples already understood themselves to be home. For the Passamaquoddy at Pleasant Point (Sipayik), resources such as birch bark and firewood were scarce, prompting them to harvest wood on private property for survival. Tension between private property and traditional homeland remained unresolved as Wabanaki peoples persevered in their partially colonized homeland.
Debt Portfolios and Homestead Exemptions
Authors: Hintermaier Thomas , Koeniger Winfried
Published: October 2016

This paper investigates the economic relevance of the large differences in homestead exemptions across US states. We build a structural model for an equilibrium analysis of debt-portfolio choices over the life cycle. Our analysis captures key patterns from the observed cross-sectional distributions of secured debt, unsecured debt, and of home equity. The model predicts that harmonizing the amount of home equity exempt in bankruptcy procedures has quantitatively negligible effects on the interest rate of unsecured debt and on welfare, unless the exemption is eliminated. The small welfare effect may rationalize why the differences in homestead exemptions are so persistent. (JEL D14, D91, E21, G11, H71, R31)
Public Debt and Changing Inflation Targets
Authors: Krause Michael U. , Moyen Stéphane
Published: October 2016

What are the effects of a higher central bank inflation target on the burden of real public debt? Several recent proposals have suggested that even a moderate increase in the inflation target can have a pronounced effect on real public debt. We consider this question in a New Keynesian model with a maturity structure of public debt and an imperfectly observed inflation target. We find that moderate changes in the inflation target only have significant effects on real public debt if they are essentially permanent. Moreover, the additional benefits of not communicating a change in the inflation target are minor. (JEL E12, E31, E52, H63)
Collecting clinical data in primary ciliary dyskinesia- challenges and opportunities
Authors: Amirav Israel , Roduta Roberts Mary , Mussaffi Huda , Mandelberg Avigdor , Roth Yehudah , Abitbul Revital , Luder Anthony , Blau Hannah , Alkrinawi Soliman , Aviram Micha , Ben-Ami Marta , Rotschild Moshe , Bentur Lea , Shoseyov David , Cohen-Cymberknoh Malena , Kerem Eitan , Avital Avraham , Springer Chaim , Hevroni Avigdor , Dabbah Husein , Elizur Arnon , Picard Elie , Goldberg Shmuel , Rivlin Joseph , Livnat Galit , Lavie Moran , Alias Nael , Soferman Ruth , Olbrich Heike , Raidt Johanna , Wallmeier Julia , Werner Claudius , Loges Niki T. , Omran Heymut
Published: October 2016

Rationale: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is under diagnosed and underestimated. Most clinical research has used some form of questionnaires to capture data but none has been critically evaluated particularly with respect to its end-user feasibility and utility.

Objective: To critically appraise a clinical data collection questionnaire for PCD used in a large national PCD consortium in order to apply conclusions in future PCD research.

Methods: We describe the development, validation and revision process of a clinical questionnaire for PCD and its evaluation during a national clinical PCD study with respect to data collection and analysis, initial completion rates and user feedback.

Results: 14 centers participating in the consortium successfully completed the revised version of the questionnaire for 173 patients with various completion rates for various items. While content and internal consistency analysis demonstrated validity, there were methodological deficiencies impacting completion rates and end-user utility. These deficiencies were addressed resulting in a more valid questionnaire.

Conclusions: Our experience may be useful for future clinical research in PCD. Based on the feedback collected on the questionnaire through analysis of completion rates, judgmental analysis of the content, and feedback from experts and end users, we suggest a practicable framework for development of similar tools for various future PCD research.
Quercetin feeding protects plants against oxidative stress
Authors: Kurepa Jasmina , Shull Timothy E. , Smalle Jan A.
Published: October 2016

Background: Flavonoids are a complex group of plant-made phenolic compounds that are considered of high nutraceutical value. Their beneficial impacts on human health relate predominantly to their capacity to serve as antioxidants, thus protecting cells against the damaging impact of reactive oxygen species. Recent studies have also pointed at an essential role for flavonoids as antioxidants in plants.

Results: Here we show that the flavonoid quercetin, which is known to protect human cells from oxidative stress, has the same effect on plant cells. Under oxidative stress conditions, Arabidopsis plants grown on quercetin-supplemented media grew better than controls and contained less oxidized proteins. This protection was also observed in the dicot Nicotiana tabacum and the aquatic monocot Lemna gibba.

Conclusion: Quercetin can be used as a general antioxidant stress protectant for plants.