bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental separation/divorce in childhood and tobacco smoking in adulthood: A population-based study
Authors: Lindström Martin , Rosvall Maria
Published: May 2019

Aims: The aim was to investigate associations between the experience of parental separation/divorce in childhood and tobacco smoking in adulthood, adjusting for economic stress in childhood and adulthood and psychological health (General Health Questionnaire GHQ12). Methods: The 2012 public-health survey in Skåne, southern Sweden, is a cross-sectional postal questionnaire population-based study with 28,029 participants aged 18–80 (51.7% response rate). Associations between parental separation/divorce in childhood and tobacco smoking were investigated in multiple logistic regression models, with adjustments for economic stress in childhood and adulthood and psychological health. Results: A 17.6% weighted prevalence of men and 17.1% of women reported tobacco smoking. Significantly higher odds ratios of tobacco smoking were observed for men who had experienced parental separation/divorce in childhood at ages 0–4, 5–9 and 15–18 years and for women with this experience in childhood at ages 0–4, 5–9, 10–14 and 15–18 years, even after inclusion of economic stress in childhood in the final multiple models. No effect modification was observed for parental separation and psychological health and for parental separation and economic stress in childhood with regard to smoking. Conclusions: Experience of parental separation/divorce in childhood was significantly associated with tobacco smoking in adulthood for both sexes. There seems to be no specific critical period.
The present in retrospect: Press reporting of UK General Elections, 1918–2015
Authors: Deacon David , Harmer Emily
Published: May 2019

This article provides a unique content analysis of 100 years of national press coverage of UK General Elections and tests four claims about historical trends in election news reporting in democratic systems: (1) that coverage is becoming more focussed on political leaders at the expense of other political sources; (2) that reporting of the personalities and personal lives of politicians has expanded; (3) that editorial treatment of politicians has become increasingly negative and (4) that news coverage is increasingly obsessed with the conduct of politics rather than its substantive content. Through the detail of this analysis, we identify areas of historical continuity as well as change and challenge overly neat periodisations and simple histories of election news reporting.
Who was Polynesian? Who was Melanesian? Hybridity and ethnogenesis in the South Vanuatu Outliers
Authors: Flexner James L , Bedford Stuart , Valentin Frederique
Published: May 2019

Archaeological constructions of past identities often rely more or less explicitly on contemporary notions of culture and community in ways that can sometimes oversimplify the past and present. The archaeology of European colonialism has shown the proliferation of ‘hybrid’ identities that emerged from relatively recent cross-cultural encounters (though this concept is not without its critics). We argue that this perspective can also inform interpretations of the deeper past, with specific reference to ongoing research in the Polynesian Outliers of Futuna and Aniwa, south Vanuatu. Polynesian Outliers represent precisely the kinds of cross-cultural spaces where hybrid identities likely emerged during the pre-European era. A theoretical approach drawing on archaeological approaches to hybridity and ethnogenetic theories applied to the south Vanuatu Outliers allows for a clearer understanding of the roles difference and familiarity played in identity formation in the past.
Temperament, Bullying, and Dating Aggression: Longitudinal Associations for Adolescents in a Romantic Relationship
Authors: Farrell Ann H. , Vaillancourt Tracy
Published: May 2019

Adolescent bullying perpetration has previously been associated with dating benefits and costs in the short- and long-term, yet it is unclear how early temperament traits facilitate these associations. Therefore, the developmental pathways from temperament in early adolescence to bullying perpetration in middle adolescence and to dating outcomes in late adolescence were examined. Participants included 463 individuals who completed self-report measures on temperament traits at age 12, bullying perpetration at age 14, dating outcomes at age 19, and were in a romantic relationship at age 19. Findings from a path analysis revealed that an early adolescent temperament trait reflecting difficulty with self-regulation (i.e., lower inhibitory control) was associated with middle adolescent bullying perpetration and bullying perpetration was associated with late adolescent dating benefits (i.e., more dating partners) and costs (i.e., higher dating aggression perpetration). Lower inhibitory control also had significant indirect associations to the late adolescent dating outcomes through middle adolescent bullying perpetration. Findings suggest that although a temperament trait can facilitate adaptive dating outcomes through bullying, it can also come at a cost for romantic relationships. Results highlight the importance of early tailoring of bullying interventions to the self-regulatory difficulties of youth to prevent adverse long-term outcomes and to also recognize the challenges of developing interventions for behavior that can result in benefits.
Worry about crime in Europe: A model-based small area estimation from the European Social Survey
Authors: Buil-Gil David , Moretti Angelo , Shlomo Natalie , Medina Juanjo
Published: May 2019

Worry about crime is known to be higher in some European regions than others. However, cross-national surveys, which are the main source of information to map worry about crime across Europe, are designed to be representative of large areas (countries), and regions often suffer from small and unrepresentative sample sizes. This research produces reliable model-based small area estimates of worry about crime at regional level from European Social Survey data, in order to map the phenomenon and examine its macro-level predictors. Model-based small area estimation techniques borrow strength across areas to produce reliable estimates of parameters of interest. Estimates of worry about crime are higher in most South and East European regions, in contrast to Northern and Central Europe.
Prevalence and Correlates of the Co-Occurrence of Family Violence: A Meta-Analysis on Family Polyvictimization
Authors: Chan Ko Ling , Chen Qiqi , Chen Mengtong
Published: May 2019

Objective:

The aims of this study are to (a) provide reliable estimates of prevalence rates of family polyvictimization by synthesizing the findings from the existing literature, (b) examine the effect sizes of the impact of one type of family victimization on other types of family victimization, and (c) investigate the correlates of family polyvictimization.

Method:

Databases of literature published on or before April 2018 were searched. A total of 59 publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis for the combined odds ratios ( ORs) to estimate the associations among different types of family victimization; 38 of them (99,956 participants) were used for the calculation of the combined prevalence rates of family polyvictimization.

Findings:

The overall co-occurrence rates of family victimization were 9.7% among the general population and 36.0% among the clinical population. The combined OR of other type(s) of victimization when one was present was 6.01 ( p < .001). Longitudinal studies show that, when a family reported intimate partner violence, the odds of child abuse and neglect within the same family at a later stage was 3.64 ( p < .001). Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder were two significant correlates associated with family polyvictimization.

Conclusion:

Family polyvictimization is prevalent across the world. The high co-occurrence rates and strong associations between different types of victimization on different family members warrant the need for the early detection of victims and effective preventions and interventions using a family approach, instead of treating victims from the same family individually.
Oncotype DX for Comprehensive Treatment in Male Breast Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zheng Ang , Zhang Lin , Ji Ziyao , Fan Lijuan , Jin Feng
Published: May 2019

Male breast cancer (MBC) is uncommon in clinical practice. Using the 21-gene assay to facilitate decision-making on comprehensive treatment of MBC is rarely reported. This study reports the case of a 53-year-old man with left breast cancer. Modified radical mastectomy was performed. Endocrine treatment was chosen for the patient according to the result of the 21-gene assay, a recommended genomic test of breast cancer. The patient remained in good health without evidence of recurrence at 18-month follow-up. This case provides a reference mode for the comprehensive management of early-stage, estrogen receptor–expressing and lymph node–negative MBC patients.
The tracking control study of distributed electric-driven agricultural vehicles based on real-time online estimation
Authors: Zhou Xuesheng , Zhou Jun
Published: May 2019

For tracking control issues of distributed electric-driven agricultural vehicles in the complex road conditions driving state, a 6-degree-of-freedom model of agriculture vehicle was established. On this basis, a mathematical model for control system design was derived using the significant advantages of real-time online estimation of vehicle yaw angular velocity of nonlinear third-order extended state observer. Based on the nonlinear third-order extended state observer, a fast and smooth terminal sliding mode control algorithm was designed using the mathematical model. Afterward, the stability of system was analyzed based on Lyapunov theory. The control algorithm used the fast and smooth terminal sliding mode control instead of the normal terminal sliding mode control required control coefficient matrix inverse calculation, which improved the real-time of the control algorithm. Meanwhile, the smooth sliding mode approach law could converge to the sliding surface in finite time and effectively eliminate chattering, and it had strong adaptability to perturbation and perturbation of system parameters. Simulation and experimental results showed that compared with the traditional nonlinear feedback control algorithm based on nonlinear third-order extended state observer, the proposed control algorithm had short adjustment time, small overshoot and good tracking control accuracy.
Traffic impacts analysis of bus stops near signalized intersections based on an optimal velocity model
Authors: Liu Zhenyu , Jian Meiying
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the bus stop near the signalized intersection on the traffic flow from two aspects, traffic volume and delay. A modified Optimal Velocity model is established to analyze the dynamic traffic flow near a signalized intersection with curbside bus stops, and two cases including bus stops placed upstream and downstream the intersection are simulated to compare the impacts. The influencing factors, including the entering probability and the distance between a bus stop and its neighboring signalized intersection, are considered in this study. The simulation results indicate that the impact of the bus stop on the traffic flow is significant when entering probability is above the critical value, and gradually disappears as the distance increases. With respect to the volume, the downstream bus stop is greatly superior to the upstream one when the distance is less than 70 m, and slightly inferior to the upstream one when the distance ranges from 70 m to 200 m. With regard to the vehicle delay, the upstream bus stop is better than the downstream one. We hope these findings will be helpful to offer scientific guidance for the public transport planning and management.
Preclinical and clinical studies of smoke-inhalation-induced acute lung injury: update on both pathogenesis and innovative therapy
Authors: Guo Bingxin , Bai Yichun , Ma Yana , Liu Cong , Wang Song , Zhao Runzhen , Dong Jiaxing , Ji Hong-Long
Published: May 2019

Smoke-inhalation-induced acute lung injury (SI-ALI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in victims of fire tragedies. SI-ALI contributes to an estimated 30% of burn-caused patient deaths, and recently, more attention has been paid to the specific interventions for this devastating respiratory illness. In the last decade, much progress has been made in the understanding of SI-ALI patho-mechanisms and in the development of new therapeutic strategies in both preclinical and clinical studies. This article reviews the recent progress in the treatment of SI-ALI, based on pathophysiology, thermal damage, airway obstruction, the nuclear-factor kappa-B signaling pathway, and oxidative stress. Preclinical therapeutic strategies include use of mesenchymal stem cells, hydrogen sulfide, peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts, and proton-pump inhibitors. Clinical interventions include high-frequency percussive ventilation, perfluorohexane, inhaled anticoagulants, and nebulized epinephrine. The animal model, dose, clinical application, and pharmacology of these medications are summarized. Future directions and further needs for developing innovative therapies are discussed.

The reviews of this paper are available via the supplementary material section.
Knowledge of physical activity guidelines and mental health benefits among Emirati university students
Authors: Doyle CB , Khan A , Burton NW
Published: May 2019

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to assess Emirati university students’ knowledge of physical activity guidelines and perceptions of the benefits of physical activity for mental health.

Methods:

A random sample ( n = 628) completed an online questionnaire assessing the recommended amount of physical activity for good health (min/week) and to what extent exercise can help improve wellbeing, and manage depression and anxiety/stress (5-point Likert-type scale).

Results:

Only 3% of respondents identified 150 min/week and less than half (39%) of the respondents reported an amount within the range of 150–300 min/week. Most respondents believed that physical activity could improve wellbeing (69%), and manage depression (71%) and anxiety/stress (74%). Females were more likely than males to view physical activity as a way to manage depression ( p = .003), and anxiety/stress ( p = .002).

Conclusions:

More work may be required to promote awareness of physical activity guidelines in this population, and males’ awareness of mental health benefits of physical activity.
Survival of Lymphoma-Bearing Mice by Pachycereus marginatus Cactus Extracts and Elucidation of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Gomez-Flores Ricardo , Quintanilla-Licea Ramiro , Hernández-Martínez Humberto Carlos , Samaniego-Escamilla Mario , Tamez-Guerra Patricia , Monreal-Cuevas Enriqueta , Tamez-Guerra Reyes , Rodriguez-Padilla Cristina
Published: May 2019

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and commonly becomes resistant to chemotherapy, therefore, it is important to search for and evaluate novel sources of nontoxic antitumor agents. The cactus Pachycereus marginatus is native to Mexico and is traditionally recommended to treat gastrointestinal infections. Tumor-bearing mice survival, liver function, and histopathology by P. marginatus extracts and the in vitro effects of isolated compounds lophenol, β-sitosterol, and palmitic acid were investigated, using the L5178Y-R lymphoma murine model. In vivo oral administration of the aqueous partition at 0.5 mg/kg caused 60% survival at 60 days, without altering liver parenchyma and enzymes, as compared with 40% survival induced by vincristine (0.05 mg/kg), and no survival of tumor-bearing mice without treatment. Furthermore, P. marginatus n-hexane extract, lophenol, β-sitosterol, and palmitic acid compounds caused up to 89%, 73%, and 83% in vitro cytotoxicity to L5178Y-R cells, respectively. These results may support the evaluation of P. marginatus extracts and bioactive compounds in clinical studies.
Jatrophane Diterpenoids With Protective Effect on Human Lymphocytes DNA
Authors: Krstić Gordana , Jadranin Milka , Stanković Miroslava , Aljančić Ivana , Vujisić Ljubodrag , Mandić Boris , Tešević Vele
Published: May 2019

Two sets of structurally different jatrophanes (1-11 and 13-16), jatrophane 12, and latex extract of 2 Euphorbia species (17 and 18) were tested for in vitro protective effect against chromosome aberrations in peripheral human lymphocytes using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. Jatrophanes 1-6 in minimal doses of 1 µg/mL prominently decreased micronuclei (MN) frequency in the range 44.86% to 34.29% and manifested considerable protective effect. From the other set of jatrophanes, 13 in the same minimal dose notably decreased MN frequency by 31.05%, while extracts 17 and 18 at a concentration of 4 µg/mL remarkably decreased the frequency of MN by 37.94% and 36.12%, respectively. Jatrophanes 12, 14, and 16 showed moderate protection, while 7-11 and 15 were less active than positive control. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of the tested jatrophanes (1-16) indicated the favorable position of benzoate at C-8 or C-9 (3, 4, and 13) and a preference of isobutanoyloxy group at C-3 (1-3) rather than propanoyloxy at the same position (4-6) for pronounced protective effect on human lymphocytes DNA. In a previous SAR study on 11 jatrophanes (1, 3-8, and 13-16), the same structural features in 3, 4, and 13 influenced powerful inhibition of P-gp, while growth inhibition of cancer cells was more than doubled in 1 (isobutanoyloxy group at C-3) compared to 6 (propanoyloxy at C-3).
Boosting Quality Education with Inclusive Human Development: Empirical Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: May 2019

This study examines the importance of inclusive human development in promoting education quality in a panel of 49 sub-Saharan African countries for the period 2000–2012. The empirical evidence is based on ordinary least squares (OLS), fixed effects (FE), and quantile regression (QR) estimations. It is apparent from the OLS and FE findings that inclusive human development has a negative effect on the outcome variable. This negative effect implies that inclusive human development improves education quality. This result should be understood in the light of the fact that the adopted education variable is a negative economic signal given that it is computed as the ratio of pupils to teachers. Therefore, a higher ratio reflects diminishing education quality. From QR, with the exception of the highest quantile, the tendency of inclusive human development in reducing poor quality education is consistent throughout the conditional distribution of poor education quality. Policy implications are discussed.
Measuring Abstract Mind-Sets Through Syntax: Automating the Linguistic Category Model
Authors: Johnson-Grey Kate M. , Boghrati Reihane , Wakslak Cheryl J. , Dehghani Morteza
Published: May 2019

Abstraction in language has critical implications for memory, judgment, and learning and can provide an important window into a person’s cognitive abstraction level. The linguistic category model (LCM) provides one well-validated, human-coded approach to quantifying linguistic abstraction. In this article, we leverage the LCM to construct the Syntax-LCM, a computer-automated method which quantifies syntax use that indicates abstraction levels. We test the Syntax-LCM’s accuracy for approximating hand-coded LCM scores and validate that it differentiates between text intended for a distal or proximal message recipient (previously linked with shifts in abstraction). We also consider existing automated methods for quantifying linguistic abstraction and find that the Syntax-LCM most consistently approximates LCM scores across contexts. We discuss practical and theoretical implications of these findings.
Switching thrombopoietin receptor agonist treatments in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: González-Porras José R. , Godeau Bertrand , Carpenedo Monica
Published: May 2019

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a bleeding disorder that conventionally has been treated with steroids or other immunosuppressive treatments. The introduction of thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), which increase platelet production, dramatically changed the treatment landscape for ITP by providing patients with well-tolerated, long-term treatment options. Two TPO-RAs, eltrombopag and romiplostim, have been approved in the United States and European Union for the treatment of ITP. Some patients do not benefit from the first TPO-RA they receive, so it is assumed that the alternate TPO-RA would have the same outcome. However, eltrombopag and romiplostim have distinct pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and may have different tolerability and efficacy in individual patients with ITP. Published retrospective studies showed that >75% of patients who switched to the alternate TPO-RA maintained or achieved a response with the new treatment. Notably, most patients who switched due to lack of efficacy with the first TPO-RA responded to the alternate TPO-RA, which demonstrates an absence of cross-resistance between the two drugs. Therefore, switching to the alternate TPO-RA if the first TPO-RA fails to demonstrate a response should be considered before the use of a less-preferable option.
Understanding Visual Impairment and Its Impact on Patients: A Simulation-Based Training in Undergraduate Medical Education
Authors: Juniat Valerie , Bourkiza Rabia , Das Aditi , Das-Bhaumik Raja , Founti Panagiota , Yeo Christopher , Mathew Rashmi , Okhravi Narciss
Published: May 2019

Introduction:

Simulation activities are valuable teaching aids for understanding about living with visual impairment (VI). Our medical students used low-vision simulation spectacles (Sim-specs) to enable learning about VI.

Methods:

Students made tea and filled dosette boxes using Sim-specs simulating central visual loss (age-related macular degeneration) and navigated using Sim-specs simulating peripheral visual loss (glaucoma). Facilitators recorded errors made for each task. Students completed questionnaires to grade the tasks’ difficulty on a 4-point Likert-type scale. The students also participated in focus groups to discuss how their approach to working with patients may change following this training.

Results:

In total, 252 out of 254 students participated. Central visual loss provided the greatest challenge when undertaking fine motor skilled activity (dosette box). Highest average number of errors made was for dosette box task (0.70 error), followed by navigation (0.59), then making tea task (0.34). Students scored the most difficult task on average as the dosette box task (3.23 Likert-type points), followed by navigation (2.97), then making tea task (2.63). Our students have shown learning in recognising the challenges of VI and have adapted their approach to patients.

Conclusions:

Simulation activities are valuable additions to the undergraduate curriculum. Such activities can potentially enable greater empathy for our visually impaired patients.
Mapping participation: A systematic analysis of diverse public participation in the UK energy system
Authors: Pallett Helen , Chilvers Jason , Hargreaves Tom
Published: May 2019

This paper develops a novel approach to mapping diverse forms of participation and public engagement, using the example of the UK energy system. It builds on emerging systemic accounts of participation, which go beyond a focus on individual instances of participation, to gain an understanding of broader patterns and connections. Our approach, which forms part of an emerging family of methods that seek to map across multiple forms of public involvement in issues and systems, draws on systematic review methodology and a relational co-productionist conception of participation. The findings of a systematic mapping of public participation related to the UK energy system 2010–2015 are presented, comprising 258 cases in total. The mapping analysis reveals patterns as to the what (energy objects and issues), how (procedural formats) and who (publics) of energy participation in the UK, which go far beyond the conventionally assumed forms and sites of public participation around energy. Implications for how the dynamics of ‘whole system’ energy participation are represented and the role of approaches to mapping participation in governing energy transitions are considered.
Prescribing of Pressor Agents in Septic Shock: A Survey of Critical Care Pharmacists
Authors: Smith Susan E. , Newsome Andrea Sikora , Tackett Randall L.
Published: May 2019

Background: Pressor agents are recognized as high-alert medications by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, but little evidence is available to guide their use in septic shock. Objective: Characterize the use of pressor agents for septic shock in clinical practice. Methods: A cross-sectional electronic survey assessing demographics, institutional practices, and respondent perceptions related to pressor agents was distributed to the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Critical Care Practice and Research Network. The primary outcome was the use of a weight-based dosing (WBD) strategy versus non-WBD strategy for norepinephrine. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize survey results. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine variables associated with dosing strategies. Results: The survey was completed by 223 respondents. The typical respondent worked in a medical or mixed intensive care unit at a teaching hospital and had training and/or board certification beyond the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Nearly all respondents (n = 221, 99%) reported norepinephrine as the first-line vasopressor for septic shock; however, 38% used WBD and 60% used non-WBD. In logistic regression, respondents located in the South and practicing at institutions with larger numbers of intensive care unit beds were more likely to use WBD for norepinephrine infusions. Similar findings were observed with epinephrine and phenylephrine. Conclusion: Wide variability exists in prescribing patterns of pressor agents and in pharmacist perceptions regarding best practices. The use of WBD varied based on institutional characteristics and resulted in higher maximum allowable infusion rates of pressor agents. Future research should compare dosing strategies to identify associations with patient outcomes.
Height-corrected low bone density associates with severe outcomes in sickle cell disease: SCCRIP cohort study results
Authors: Adesina Oyebimpe O. , Gurney James G. , Kang Guolian , Villavicencio Martha , Hodges Jason R. , Chemaitilly Wassim , Kaste Sue C. , Zemel Babette S. , Hankins Jane S.
Published: May 2019

Low bone mineral density (BMD) disproportionately affects people with sickle cell disease (SCD). Growth faltering is common in SCD, but most BMD studies in pediatric SCD cohorts fail to adjust for short stature. We examined low BMD prevalence in 6- to 18-year-olds enrolled in the Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program (SCCRIP), an ongoing multicenter life span SCD cohort study initiated in 2014. We calculated areal BMD for chronological age and height-adjusted areal BMD (Ht-aBMD) z scores for the SCCRIP cohort, using reference data from healthy African American children and adolescents enrolled in the Bone Mineral Density in Childhood Study. We defined low BMD as Ht-aBMD z scores less than or equal to –2 and evaluated its associations with demographic and clinical characteristics by using logistic regression analyses. Of the 306 children and adolescents in our study cohort (mean age, 12.5 years; 50% female; 64% HbSS/Sβ0-thalassemia genotype; 99% African American), 31% had low areal BMD for chronological age z scores and 18% had low Ht-aBMD z scores. In multivariate analyses, low Ht-aBMD z scores associated with adolescence (odds ratio [OR], 7.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.94-30.20), hip osteonecrosis (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.02-15.63), chronic pain (OR, 10.4; 95% CI, 1.51-71.24), and hemoglobin (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.96). Despite adjusting for height, nearly 20% of this pediatric SCD cohort still had very low BMD. As the SCCRIP cohort matures, we plan to prospectively evaluate the longitudinal relationship between Ht-aBMD z scores and markers of SCD severity and morbidity.
Visualizing and measuring gold leaf in fourteenth- and fifteenth-century Italian gold ground paintings using scanning macro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy: a new tool for advancing art historical research
Authors: MacLennan Douglas , Llewellyn Laura , Delaney John K. , Dooley Kathryn A. , Patterson Catherine Schmidt , Szafran Yvonne , Trentelman Karen
Published: May 2019

The size, shape, and application techniques of gold leaf in fourteenth- and fifteenth-century gold ground panel paintings attributed to artists working in Florence, Siena, and Fabriano was directly visualized using in situ scanning macro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (MA-XRF). The resulting gold (Au) Lα (9.712 keV) element distribution maps are of sufficient spatial resolution to enable an accurate and reproducible measurement of the shape and size of individual gold leaves. The resulting leaf measurements are discussed in the context of historical guild regulations, in particular, the 1403 reforms to the statutes of the Florentine Guild of Doctors and Apothecaries (Arte dei medici e speziale), which standardized the dimensions of gold leaf produced in Florence. The dimensions of the gold leaf from Florentine paintings created before and after the 1403 reforms were compared to each other as well as to gold ground paintings created in Siena and Fabriano. The results revealed the gold leaf squares in fourteenth-century Florentine and Sienese panels had side lengths averaging about 8 cm. In contrast, the gold leaf squares used in the fifteenth-century Florentine and Sienese paintings were smaller, with side lengths measuring about 7 cm. In addition, the degree of overlap between adjacent gold leaves was also measured. The amount of overlap was found to vary between artists, and the degree of overlap was consistent within the oeuvre of a specific artist. Taken together, these results suggest that the dimensions of the gold leaves found in panel paintings relate to the place of production on the Italian peninsula and the period in which they were created, while the degree of overlap relates to the individual hand of a gilder or artist/workshop.
Least-squares migration with a blockwise Hessian matrix: A prestack time-migration approach
Authors: Jiang Bowu , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: May 2019

We have developed an explicit inverse approach with a Hessian matrix for the least-squares (LS) implementation of prestack time migration (PSTM). A full Hessian matrix is divided into a series of computationally tractable small-sized matrices using a localized approach, thus significantly reducing the size of the inversion. The scheme is implemented by dividing the imaging volume into a series of subvolumes related to the blockwise Hessian matrices that govern the mapping relationship between the migrated result and corresponding reflectivity. The proposed blockwise LS-PSTM can be implemented in a target-oriented fashion. The localized approach that we use to modify the Hessian matrix can eliminate the boundary effects originating from the blockwise implementation. We derive the explicit formula of the offset-dependent Hessian matrix using the deconvolution imaging condition with an analytical Green’s function of PSTM. This avoids the challenging task of estimating the source wavelet. Moreover, migrated gathers can be generated with the proposed scheme. The smaller size of the blockwise Hessian matrix makes it possible to incorporate the total-variation regularization into the inversion, thus attenuating noises significantly. We revealed the proposed blockwise LS-PSTM with synthetic and field data sets. Higher quality common-reflection-point gathers of the field data are obtained.
Seismic characterization of submarine gas-hydrate deposits in the Western Black Sea by acoustic full-waveform inversion of ocean-bottom seismic data
Authors: Gassner Laura , Gerach Tobias , Hertweck Thomas , Bohlen Thomas
Published: May 2019

Evidence for gas-hydrate occurrence in the Western Black Sea is found from seismic measurements revealing bottom-simulating reflectors (BSRs) of varying distinctness. From an ocean-bottom seismic data set, low-resolution traveltime-tomography models of P-wave velocity [Formula: see text] are constructed. They serve as input for acoustic full-waveform inversion (FWI), which we apply to derive high-resolution parameter models aiding the interpretation of the seismic data for potential hydrate and gas deposits. Synthetic tests indicate the applicability of the FWI approach to robustly reconstruct [Formula: see text] models with a typical hydrate and gas signature. Models of S-wave velocity [Formula: see text] containing a hydrate signature can only be reconstructed when the parameter distribution of [Formula: see text] is already well-known. When we add noise to the modeled data to simulate field-data conditions, it prevents the reconstruction of [Formula: see text] completely, justifying the application of an acoustic approach. We invert for [Formula: see text] models from field data of two parallel profiles of 14 km length with a distance of 1 km. Results indicate a characteristic velocity trend for hydrate and gas occurrence at BSR depth in the first of the analyzed profiles. We find no indications for gas accumulations below the BSR on the second profile and only weak indications for hydrate. These differences in the [Formula: see text] signature are consistent with the reflectivity behavior of the migrated seismic streamer data of both profiles in which a zone of high-reflectivity amplitudes is coincident with the potential gas zone derived from the FWI result. Calculating saturation estimates for the potential hydrate and gas zones yields values of up to 30% and 1.2%, respectively.
Machine-learning algorithm for estimating oil-recovery factor using a combination of engineering and stratigraphic dependent parameters
Authors: Aliyuda Kachalla , Howell John
Published: May 2019

The methods used to estimate recovery factor change through the life cycle of a field. During appraisal, prior to development when there are no production data, we typically rely on analog fields and empirical methods. Given the absence of a perfect analog, these methods are typically associated with a wide range of uncertainty. During plateau, recovery factors are typically associated with simulation and dynamic modeling, whereas in later field life, once the field drops off the plateau, a decline curve analysis is also used. The use of different methods during different stages of the field life leads to uncertainty and potential inconsistencies in recovery estimates. A wide range of interacting, partially related, reservoir and production variables controls the production and recovery factor. Machine learning allows more complex multivariate analysis that can be used to investigate the roles of these variables using a training data set and then to ultimately predict future performance in fields. To investigate this approach, we used a data set consisting of producing reservoirs all of which are at plateau or in decline to train a series of machine-learning algorithms that can potentially predict the recovery factor with minimal percentage error. The database for this study consists of categorical and numerical properties for 93 reservoirs from the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Of these, 75 are from the Norwegian Sea, the Norwegian North Sea, and the Barents Sea, whereas the remaining 18 reservoirs are from the Viking Graben in the UK sector of the North Sea. The data set was divided into training and testing sets: The training set comprised approximately 80% of the total data, and the remaining 20% was the testing set. Linear regression models and a support vector machine (SVM) models were trained with all parameters in the data set (30 parameters); then with the 16 most influential parameters in the data set, the performance of these models was compared from results of fivefold crossvalidation. SVM training using a combination of 16 geologic/engineering parameters models with Gaussian kernel function has a root-mean-square error of 0.12, mean square error of 0.01, and [Formula: see text]-squared of 0.76. This model was tested on 18 reservoirs from the testing set; the test results are very similar to crossvalidation results during models training phase, suggesting that this method can potentially be used to predict the future recovery factor.
Evaluation of the Scaling Factor Bias Influence on the Probability of Collapse Using Sa(T1) as the Intensity Measure
Authors: Dávalos Héctor , Miranda Eduardo
Published: May 2019

Amplitude scaling is a common approach to modify recorded ground motions to achieve a desired intensity level. The possible bias introduced by scaling the amplitude of ground motions when using the first-mode spectral ordinate as the intensity measure is evaluated using intensity-based analyses. This study evaluates whether upward scaling introduces bias in lateral displacement demands, but more importantly, in the probability of collapse. The latter, which is of utmost importance, has received little attention in previous studies. Analyses were conducted using degrading single-degree-of-freedom and multiple-degree-offreedom systems with different fundamental periods of vibration and normalized strengths subjected to different sets of recorded accelerograms requiring different scale factors to reach a target intensity. The results demonstrate that this type of amplitude scaling introduces a bias in which lateral displacement demands and collapse estimates are increasingly overestimated with an increasing scale factor and that the bias is strongly dependent on the period and lateral strength of the system. Furthermore, the bias is considerably larger in collapse risk estimates.
Classifying Stage IV Lung Cancer From Health Care Claims: A Comparison of Multiple Analytic Approaches
Authors: Brooks Gabriel A. , Bergquist Savannah L. , Landrum Mary Beth , Rose Sherri , Keating Nancy L.
Published: May 2019

PURPOSE

Cancer stage is a key determinant of outcomes; however, stage is not available in claims-based data sources used for real-world evaluations. We compare multiple methods for classifying lung cancer stage from claims data.

METHODS

Our study used the linked SEER-Medicare data. The patient samples included fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with lung cancer from 2010 to 2011 (development cohort) and 2012 to 2013 (validation cohort) who received chemotherapy. Classification algorithms considered Medicare Part A and B claims for care in the 3 months before and after chemotherapy initiation. We developed a clinical algorithm to predict stage IV ( v I to III) cancer on the basis of treatment patterns (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy). We also considered an ensemble of claims-based machine learning algorithms. Classification methods were trained in the development cohort, and performance was measured in both cohorts. The SEER data were the gold standard for cancer stage.

RESULTS

Development and validation cohorts included 14,760 and 14,620 patients with lung cancer, respectively. Validation analyses assessed clinical, random forest, and simple logistic regression algorithms. The best performing classifier within the development cohort was the random forests, but this performance was not replicated in validation analysis. Logistic regression had stable performance across cohorts. Compared with the clinical algorithm, the 14-variable logistic regression algorithm demonstrated higher accuracy in both the development (77% v 71%) and validation cohorts (77% v 73%), with improved specificity for stage IV disease.

CONCLUSION

Machine learning algorithms have potential to improve lung cancer stage classification but may be prone to overfitting. Use of ensembles, cross-validation, and external validation can aid generalizability. Degradation of accuracy between development and validation cohorts suggests the need for caution in implementing machine learning in research or care delivery.
Protocol for a comparison study of 1-day (single dose) versus 2-day prophylactic antibiotic administration in Holmium Laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shigemura Katsumi , Yamamichi Fukashi , Nishimoto Kento , Kitagawa Koichi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: May 2019

Background: The best method of antimicrobial prophylaxis administration for surgical site infection (SSI) in transurethral holmium laser resection and enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)/bipolar transurethral enucleation (TUEB) remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare one-day and two-day cefazolin in a randomized 2nd-phase study to help establish a protocol with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for SSI prevention.

Methods: Patients undergoing HoLEP/TUEB for benign prostate hyperplasia without preoperative pyuria will be enrolled and randomized to receive prophylactic antibiotic administration for HoLEP/TUEB in two groups, 1-day (single dose) cefazolin and 2-day cefazolin. The primary endpoint is the occurrence rate of postoperative urinary tract infection or urogenital infection within 30 days after HoLEP/TUEB with a statistical 95% CI in comparison between those groups. Secondary outcomes include the kind of infectious disease and evidence of diagnosis, day of diagnosis of infectious disease, performance of urine or blood culture, detection of bacteria, treatments, duration of treatments, AEs other than surgical site infection, and drug-induced AEs.

Discussion: The results of this study will provide evidence for defining the optimal duration of cefazolin prophylactic antibiotic administration for SSI.

Trial registration: This study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network-Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000027955) based on recommendations from the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) on July 1st 2017.
An Overview of Atmospheric Reactive Nitrogen Research: South Asian Perspective
Authors: Naseem Moh , Chandra Kulshrestha Umesh
Published: May 2019

The unprecedented increase in Nr is causing several environmental problems such as eutrophication, ozone depletion and climate change etc. Excessive Nr creation is also responsible for poor plant and human health, soil acidification, groundwater contamination etc. Inhabiting ~ one-fourth population of the world and sharing only 4.9% of land of the total global landmass, the South Asian region consumes 60% of the total global fertilizer nutrient. India is the largest consumer of synthetically produced fertilizer in South Asia. According to estimates, India consumes ~ 17 million tonnes Nr/yr, making South Asia and India a hot spot for the deposition of N species. In India, the fertilizer N consumption is increased 314 folds from 1950-51 to 2013-14. In 1951-52 per hectare fertilizer N consumption was 0.44 kgha-1 while it was 86.2 kgha-1 in 2013-14. Since rains are limited to a few months, most of the time the weather is hot and dry. And hence, the dry deposition is the key mechanism of pollutant removal in the region. Wet deposition predominantly occurs during the monsoon period. The wet deposition of NH3-N observed to be the highest in the Indo-Gangetic plains. The annual NO3-N deposition at the urban, suburban, rural and industrial site found to be 4.48, 2.10, 4.06 and 3.92 kgha-1 respectively, and the annual deposition of NH4-N at the urban, suburban, rural and industrial site found to be 2.38, 2.10, 2.38 and 5.05 kgha-1 respectively. The average total wet deposition of NO3-N and NH4-N in India is estimated to be 6.01kgha-1 which is equivalent to 1.97 Tg N/yr. The average total dry deposition of NH4-N and NO3-N through dust fall found to be 0.37 kg ha-1 and 0.84 kg ha-1 respectively. The average total dry deposition of NH4-N and NO3-N in the form of aerosols found to be 0.28 and 1.65 kg ha-1 while through gaseous dry deposition it was 4.72 kg ha-1 and 0.28 kg ha-1 for NH4-N and NO3-N respectively. This study highlights the need for integrated nitrogen monitoring and assessment in South Asia.
An Assessment of Vulnerability of Fishers’ Livelihood to Climate Change in Coastal Odisha
Authors: Priyadarshi Sambit , Ojha S. N. , Sharma Arpita
Published: May 2019

A study was conducted in Odisha, a state on the east coast of India, with the objective of assessing the vulnerability of fishers’ livelihood to climate change. The state was chosen for study since it is considered as one of the most vulnerable states due to climate change. A total of 120 fishers were interviewed from two districts, Balasore and Ganjam, to assess their livelihood vulnerability by considering their exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity to climate change. A composite livelihood vulnerability index by suggesting that fishers are vulnerable to climate change. For fishers of + 0.03 and for Ganjam it was 0.5 minima 0, and maxima 1 was used for the purpose. Baleswar the score was 0.56 0.04, s. The aggregated vulnerability score was found to be 0.54+The composite livelihood vulnerability index approach calculates vulnerability by aggregating data for a set of indicators for the components of vulnerability which include exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity + 0.04. Vulnerability score was relatively higher in Baleswar due to higher scores on the exposure and sensitivity parameters overshadowing the higher adaptive capacity. The study shows evidence that marine fishers of Odisha are vulnerable to climate change. Also, it throws light on the location and context specificity of livelihood vulnerability.
Time perspective and associated factors in Brazilians living with HIV
Authors: de Oliveira Denize Cristina , Oliveira Daniela Sousa , Cecilio Hellen Pollyanna Mantelo , Apostolidis Thémistoklis , da Silva Coqueiro Raildo
Published: May 2019

Background:

a person's time perspective can be an important variable for the understanding of behaviours that interfere with the quality of life of people living with HIV.

Aims:

to analyse the relationships between socio-demographic, clinical, and behavioural variables and the time perspective in Brazilians living with HIV.

Methods:

a cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 281 people living with HIV in Brazil. The time perspective was evaluated using the Zimbardo Temporal Perspective Inventory (ZTPI-25).

Results:

the main findings indicate that people living with HIV are more oriented towards a future and positive past perspective, and that socio-demographic, clinical, and behavioural factors may influence the different temporal perspective constructs in people living with HIV.

Conclusion:

health professionals can use the results of the present study to support strategies that encourage individuals living with HIV to self-care and lead healthier lives.
Advance decisions to refuse treatment
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: May 2019

Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, considers the case of NHS Cumbria CCG v Rushton [2018] , and the importance of recording and giving effect to advance decisions to refuse treatment
Flexible working could improve retention
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: May 2019

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, suggests that redesigning job roles and fostering a flexible work culture would offer staff a better work-life balance and reduce NHS staff turnover