bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PPARs and Mitochondrial Metabolism: From NAFLD to HCC
Authors: Mello Tommaso , Materozzi Maria , Galli Andrea
Published: December 2016

Metabolic related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are widespread threats which bring about a significant burden of deaths worldwide, mainly due to cardiovascular events and cancer. The pathogenesis of these diseases is extremely complex, multifactorial, and only partially understood. As the main metabolic organ, the liver is central to maintain whole body energetic homeostasis. At the cellular level, mitochondria are the metabolic hub connecting and integrating all the main biochemical, hormonal, and inflammatory signaling pathways to fulfill the energetic and biosynthetic demand of the cell. In the liver, mitochondria metabolism needs to cope with the energetic regulation of the whole body. The nuclear receptors PPARs orchestrate lipid and glucose metabolism and are involved in a variety of diseases, from metabolic disorders to cancer. In this review, focus is placed on the roles of PPARs in the regulation of liver mitochondrial metabolism in physiology and pathology, from NAFLD to HCC.
HDR Pathological Image Enhancement Based on Improved Bias Field Correction and Guided Image Filter
Authors: Sun Qingjiao , Jiang Huiyan , Zhu Ganzheng , Li Siqi , Gong Shang , Yang Benqiang , Zhang Libo
Published: December 2016

Pathological image enhancement is a significant topic in the field of pathological image processing. This paper proposes a high dynamic range (HDR) pathological image enhancement method based on improved bias field correction and guided image filter (GIF). Firstly, a preprocessing including stain normalization and wavelet denoising is performed for Haematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) stained pathological image. Then, an improved bias field correction model is developed to enhance the influence of light for high-frequency part in image and correct the intensity inhomogeneity and detail discontinuity of image. Next, HDR pathological image is generated based on least square method using low dynamic range (LDR) image, H and E channel images. Finally, the fine enhanced image is acquired after the detail enhancement process. Experiments with 140 pathological images demonstrate the performance advantages of our proposed method as compared with related work.
A Successful Treatment of Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy with Choroid Plexus Cauterization for Hydrocephalus in Walker-Warburg Syndrome
Authors: Tanaka Tomoko , Harris Catharine J. , Barnett Sarah S. , Litofsky N. Scott
Published: December 2016

Walker-Warburg syndrome (WWS) is a rare autosomal recessive congenital muscular dystrophy with brain malformations and ocular abnormalities that falls under the wider phenotypic spectrum of the dystroglycanopathies. Mutations in a number of genes including POMT1, POMT2, POMGNT1, POMGNT2, FKTN, FKRP, LARGE, and ISPD are known to cause alpha dystroglycan-related muscular dystrophy. Mutations in these genes result in a broad phenotypic spectrum ranging from the severe WWS to a mild congenital muscular dystrophy with no brain involvement. WWS is fatal to most patients early in life with mean survival of 9 months. The most common brain finding is cobblestone lissencephaly with the vast majority of patients (97%) also having ventricular dilation with or without hydrocephalus. Surgical treatment has not been frequently detailed. This report describes our successful treatment of a patient with WWS and hydrocephalus with Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) with choroid plexus cauterization (CPC). Fourteen months following treatment, a follow-up MRI CSF flow study demonstrated robust CSF flow through floor of third ventricle from interpeduncular cistern to lateral ventricle.
Health Care Waste Segregation Behavior among Health Workers in Uganda: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Akulume Martha , Kiwanuka Suzanne N.
Published: December 2016

Objective. The goal of this study was to assess the appropriateness of the theory of planned behavior in predicting health care waste segregation behaviors and to examine the factors that influence waste segregation behaviors. Methodology. One hundred and sixty-three health workers completed a self-administered questionnaire in a cross-sectional survey that examined the theory of planned behavior constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention) and external variables (sociodemographic factors, personal characteristics, organizational characteristics, professional characteristics, and moral obligation). Results. For their most recent client 21.5% of the health workers reported that they most definitely segregated health care waste while 5.5% did not segregate. All the theory of planned behavior constructs were significant predictors of health workers’ segregation behavior, but intention emerged as the strongest and most significant (r=0.524, P<0.001). The theory of planned behavior model explained 52.5% of the variance in health workers’ segregation behavior. When external variables were added, the new model explained 66.7% of the variance in behavior. Conclusion. Generally, health workers’ health care waste segregation behavior was high. The theory of planned behavior significantly predicted health workers’ health care waste segregation behaviors.
OreganoExtract Added into the Diet of Dairy Heifers Changes Feeding Behavior and Concentrate Intake
Authors: Kolling Giovani Jacob , Panazzolo Dejani Maíra , Gabbi Alexandre Mossate , Stumpf Marcelo Tempel , Passos Marcel Batista dos , Cruz Eduardo Augusto da , Fischer Vivian
Published: December 2016

This experiment aimed to describe the effects ofOreganoextract (OE) inclusion into the concentrate fed to dairy heifers on physiological parameters, feeding behavior, intake, and performance. Thirty-two Holstein heifers were randomly distributed into four treatments: C = control, without addition of OE; OE2.5 = 2.5 g; OE5.0 = 5.0 g and OE7.5 = 7.5 g ofOreganoextract per heifer/day. Feeding behavior and concentrate intake were assessed individually every day and total dry matter intake (DMI) was determined on the last week of the trial. Compared to control group, OE7.5 reduced by 32% the latency time to approach the feed bunk but increased by 6% the time spent eating the concentrate. Each inclusion of 2.5 grams of OE into the concentrate increased the occurrence of postingestive licking the feed bunk with abundant saliva production 1.2 times (P<0.01) and tended to increase the occurrence of sneeze events 1.2 times (P<0.10). No statistical difference was detected between treatments for total DMI, but concentrate DMI was 9% lower for OE7.5 when compared to control and OE2.5. The inclusion of 7.5 grams/day of OE causes small but negative effects in feeding behavior and concentrate intake, without change on total dry matter intake.
Nonlinear Trimodal Regression Analysis of Radiodensitometric Distributions to Quantify Sarcopenic and Sequelae Muscle Degeneration
Authors: Edmunds K. J. , Árnadóttir Í. , Gíslason M. K. , Carraro U. , Gargiulo P.
Published: December 2016

Muscle degeneration has been consistently identified as an independent risk factor for high mortality in both aging populations and individuals suffering from neuromuscular pathology or injury. While there is much extant literature on its quantification and correlation to comorbidities, a quantitative gold standard for analyses in this regard remains undefined. Herein, we hypothesize that rigorously quantifying entire radiodensitometric distributions elicits more muscle quality information than average values reported in extant methods. This study reports the development and utility of a nonlinear trimodal regression analysis method utilized on radiodensitometric distributions of upper leg muscles from CT scans of a healthy young adult, a healthy elderly subject, and a spinal cord injury patient. The method was then employed with a THA cohort to assess pre- and postsurgical differences in their healthy and operative legs. Results from the initial representative models elicited high degrees of correlation to HU distributions, and regression parameters highlighted physiologically evident differences between subjects. Furthermore, results from the THA cohort echoed physiological justification and indicated significant improvements in muscle quality in both legs following surgery. Altogether, these results highlight the utility of novel parameters from entire HU distributions that could provide insight into the optimal quantification of muscle degeneration.
Lncident: A Tool for Rapid Identification of Long Noncoding RNAs Utilizing Sequence Intrinsic Composition and Open Reading Frame Information
Authors: Han Siyu , Liang Yanchun , Li Ying , Du Wei
Published: December 2016

More and more studies have demonstrated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in diversity of biological process and are also associated with various types of disease. How to rapidly identify lncRNAs and messenger RNA is the fundamental step to uncover the function of lncRNAs identification. Here, we present a novel method for rapid identification of lncRNAs utilizing sequence intrinsic composition features and open reading frame information based on support vector machine model, named as Lncident (LncRNAs identification). The 10-fold cross-validation and ROC curve are used to evaluate the performance of Lncident. The main advantage of Lncident is high speed without the loss of accuracy. Compared with the exiting popular tools, Lncident outperforms Coding-Potential Calculator, Coding-Potential Assessment Tool, Coding-Noncoding Index, and PLEK. Lncident is also much faster than Coding-Potential Calculator and Coding-Noncoding Index. Lncident presents an outstanding performance on microorganism, which offers a great application prospect to the analysis of microorganism. In addition, Lncident can be trained by users’ own collected data. Furthermore, R package and web server are simultaneously developed in order to maximize the convenience for the users. The R package “Lncident” can be easily installed on multiple operating system platforms, as long as R is supported.
A Rare Case of Disseminated Pyogenic Gonococcal Infection in an Immunocompetent Woman
Authors: Romiopoulos Iordanis , Pyrpasopoulou Athina , Varouktsi Anna , Simoulidou Elisavet , Kontopoulou Konstantina , Karantani Ekaterini , Georgopoulou Vivian , Kitsios Konstantinos , Mamopoulos Apostolos , Antachopoulos Charalampos , Karagiannis Asterios , Roilides Emmanuel
Published: December 2016

We present a case of previously healthy, immunocompetent, 41-year-old woman who developed systemic inflammatory response syndrome secondary toNeisseria gonorrhoeaebacteremia. Clinical course was complicated by the simultaneous formation of multiple muscular abscesses, epidural abscess, and septic spondylodiscitis. The patient responded well to prolonged ceftriaxone treatment and was released 10 weeks after initial admission. Spinal lesions and/or pyomyositis individually constitute rare complications of disseminated gonococcal infection. This case, combining both manifestations, is to our knowledge unique. Apropos, diversity of the clinical presentation, and therapeutic challenges for this historical disease are discussed for the practicing physician.
Evaluation of Monocular Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction with an Automated Thermodynamic System in Elderly Chinese Patients: A Contralateral Eye Study
Authors: Zhao Yinying , Xie Jialu , Li Junhua , Fu Yana , Lin Xiaolei , Wang Shangrong , Ma Jiling , Zhao Yune
Published: December 2016

Purpose.To investigate the safety and efficacy of monocular treatment for elderly Chinese patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) with an automated thermodynamic system.Methods.This study was a prospective, examiner-masked, contralateral eye clinical trial. The eye perceived by the patient to be worse (test eye) received a 12-minute LipiFlow treatment, while the other eye served as control. All patients were examined before treatment and one week, one month, and three months after treatment. Clinical parameters included dry eye symptoms, lipid layer thickness (LLT), partial blink (PB) ratio, invasive tear breakup time (ITBUT) and cornea staining, Schirmer I test, meibomian glands yielding liquid secretion (MGYLS), and meibomian gland dropout.Results.A total of 29 patients were examined during the three-month follow-up. At each posttreatment visit, they had a significant reduction in dry eye symptoms accompanied by an increase of ITBUT and MGYLS and a reduction in corneal staining compared with the baseline parameters. There was a significant improvement in MGYLS and ITBUT in the test eye compared with the control eye. Other clinical parameters were not statistically significant.Conclusion.LipiFlow is an effective treatment for patients with MGD. Monocular treatment with LipiFlow may be a cost-effective treatment option to those afflicted with MGD in the developing world.
Feasibility of Topical Applications of Natural High-Concentration Capsaicinoid Solutions in Patients with Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Bauchy Fanny , Mouraux Andre , Deumens Ronald , Leerink Marjolein , Ulpiano Trillig Antonio , le Polain de Waroux Bernard , Steyaert Arnaud , Joëlle Quetin-Leclercq , Forget Patrice
Published: December 2016

Background.Capsaicin, one of several capsaicinoid compounds, is a potent TRPV1 agonist. Topical application at high concentration (high concentration, >1%) induces a reversible disappearance of epidermal free nerve endings and is used to treat peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP). While the benefit of low-concentration capsaicin remains controversial, the 8%-capsaicin patch (Qutenza®, 2010, Astellas, Netherlands) has shown its effectiveness. This patch is, however, costly and natural high-concentration capsaicinoid solutions may represent a cheaper alternative to pure capsaicin.Methods.In this retrospective study, 149 patients were screened, 132 were included with a diagnosis of neuropathic pain, and eighty-four were retained in the final analyses (median age: 57.5 years [IQR25–75: 44.7–67.1], male/female: 30/54) with PNP who were treated with topical applications of natural high-concentration capsaicinoid solutions (total number of applications: 137). Indications were postsurgical PNP (85.7%) and nonsurgical PNP (14.3%) (posttraumatic, HIV-related, postherpetic, and radicular PNP).Objectives.To assess the feasibility of topical applications of natural high-concentration capsaicinoid solutions for the treatment of PNP.Results.The median treated area was 250 cm2[IQR25–75: 144–531]. The median amount of capsaicinoids was 55.1 mg [IQR25–75: 28.7–76.5] per plaster and the median concentration was 172.3 μg/cm2[IQR25–75: 127.6–255.2]. Most patients had local adverse effects on the day of treatment, such as mild to moderate burning pain and erythema. 13.6–19.4% of the patients experienced severe pain or erythema. Following treatment, 62.5% of patients reported a lower pain intensity or a smaller pain surface, and 35% reported a sustained pain relief lasting for at least 4 weeks.Conclusion.Analgesic topical treatment with natural high-concentration capsaicinoid is feasible and may represent a low cost alternative to alleviate PNP in clinical practice.
Linguística aplicada e Informática: a interseção das duas áreas na construção de um aplicativo para a formação de um banco de dados de suporte didático no ensino de Italiano
Authors: Perini Carlos Antônio de Souza , Fulgêncio Lúcia , Cordeiro Maryelle Joelma
Published: December 2016

Neste trabalho, propomos uma interseção entre a informática e a linguística aplicada ao ensino e à aprendizagem de italiano para construir um aplicativo online que permita a descrição linguística e a classificação de exercícios que podem ser utilizados no ensino e na aprendizagem da língua italiana. Inseridos no banco de dados e linguisticamente classificados, exercícios e textos didáticos podem ser recuperados pelo aplicativo na forma de listas de exercícios. O material didático inserido pode ser catalogado pelo professor em duas categorias: i) agrupamentos de exercícios definidos pelo professor por nível de ensino, por etapa de aprendizagem ou por categoria linguística; e ii) agrupamentos definidos pelo Quadro Comum Europeu de Referência (QCER), seguindo a classificação de habilidades linguísticas esperadas para estrangeiros, em cada nível de competência linguística. Ao permitir a seleção temática de exercícios para cada habilidade a ser desenvolvida, o aplicativo auxilia o professor na seleção e montagem de material didático adicional, evitando que, no desenvolvimento do curso de língua italiana, o professor fique preso somente ao livro didático. Além disso, o aplicativo auxilia na classificação e na sequência do material didático de acordo com os critérios do QCER.
Summer Enhancement of Arctic Sea Ice Volume Anomalies in the September-Ice Zone
Authors: Bushuk Mitchell , Msadek Rym , Winton Michael , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Gudgel Rich , Rosati Anthony , Yang Xiaosong
Published: December 2016

Because of its persistence on seasonal time scales, Arctic sea ice thickness (SIT) is a potential source of predictability for summer sea ice extent (SIE). New satellite observations of SIT represent an opportunity to harness this potential predictability via improved thickness initialization in seasonal forecast systems. In this work, the evolution of Arctic sea ice volume anomalies is studied using a 700-yr control integration and a suite of initialized ensemble forecasts from a fully coupled global climate model. This analysis is focused on the September sea ice zone, as this is the region where thickness anomalies have the potential to impact the SIE minimum. The primary finding of this paper is that, in addition to a general decay with time, sea ice volume anomalies display a summer enhancement, in which anomalies tend to grow between the months of May and July. This summer enhancement is relatively symmetric for positive and negative volume anomalies and peaks in July regardless of the initial month. Analysis of the surface energy budget reveals that the summer volume anomaly enhancement is driven by a positive feedback between the SIT state and the surface albedo. The SIT state affects surface albedo through changes in the sea ice concentration field, melt-onset date, snow coverage, and ice thickness distribution, yielding an anomaly in the total absorbed shortwave radiation between May and August, which enhances the existing SIT anomaly. This phenomenon highlights the crucial importance of accurate SIT initialization and representation of ice–albedo feedback processes in seasonal forecast systems.
Impact of Lateral Boundary Conditions on Regional Analyses
Authors: Chikhar Kamel , Gauthier Pierre
Published: December 2016

Regional and global climate models are usually validated by comparison to derived observations or reanalyses. Using a model in data assimilation results in a direct comparison to observations to produce its own analyses that may reveal systematic errors. In this study, regional analyses over North America are produced based on the fifth-generation Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM5) combined with the variational data assimilation system of the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC). CRCM5 is driven at its boundaries by global analyses from ERA-Interim or produced with the global configuration of the CRCM5. Assimilation cycles for the months of January and July 2011 revealed systematic errors in winter through large values in the mean analysis increments. This bias is attributed to the coupling of the lateral boundary conditions of the regional model with the driving data particularly over the northern boundary where a rapidly changing large-scale circulation created significant cross-boundary flows. Increasing the time frequency of the lateral driving and applying a large-scale spectral nudging significantly improved the circulation through the lateral boundaries, which translated in a much better agreement with observations.
Evaluating Smartphone Pressure Observations for Mesoscale Analyses and Forecasts
Authors: Madaus Luke E. , Mass Clifford F.
Published: December 2016

Smartphone pressure observations have the potential to greatly increase surface observation density on convection-resolving scales. Currently available smartphone pressure observations are tested through assimilation in a mesoscale ensemble for a 3-day, convectively active period in the eastern United States. Both raw pressure (altimeter) observations and 1-h pressure (altimeter) tendency observations are considered. The available observation density closely follows population density, but observations are also available in rural areas. The smartphone observations are found to contain significant noise, which can limit their effectiveness. The assimilated smartphone observations contribute to small improvements in 1-h forecasts of surface pressure and 10-m wind, but produce larger errors in 2-m temperature forecasts. Short-term (0–4 h) precipitation forecasts are improved when smartphone pressure and pressure tendency observations are assimilated as compared with an ensemble that assimilates no observations. However, these improvements are limited to broad, mesoscale features with minimal skill provided at convective scales using the current smartphone observation density. A specific mesoscale convective system (MCS) is examined in detail, and smartphone pressure observations captured the expected dynamic structures associated with this feature. Possibilities for further development of smartphone observations are discussed.
Genetic basis and molecular pathophysiology of classical myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Vainchenker William , Kralovics Robert
Published: December 2016

The genetic landscape of classical myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) is in large part elucidated. The MPN-restricted driver mutations, including those in JAK2, calreticulin (CALR), and myeloproliferative leukemia virus (MPL), abnormally activate the cytokine receptor/JAK2 pathway and their downstream effectors, more particularly the STATs. The most frequent mutation, JAK2V617F, activates the 3 main myeloid cytokine receptors (erythropoietin receptor, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor, and MPL) whereas CALR or MPL mutants are restricted to MPL activation. This explains why JAK2V617F is associated with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) whereas CALR and MPL mutants are found in ET and PMF. Other mutations in genes involved in epigenetic regulation, splicing, and signaling cooperate with the 3 MPN drivers and play a key role in the PMF pathogenesis. Mutations in epigenetic regulators TET2 and DNMT3A are involved in disease initiation and may precede the acquisition of JAK2V617F. Other mutations in epigenetic regulators such as EZH2 and ASXL1 also play a role in disease initiation and disease progression. Mutations in the splicing machinery are predominantly found in PMF and are implicated in the development of anemia or pancytopenia. Both heterogeneity of classical MPNs and prognosis are determined by a specific genomic landscape, that is, type of MPN driver mutations, association with other mutations, and their order of acquisition. However, factors other than somatic mutations play an important role in disease initiation as well as disease progression such as germ line predisposition, inflammation, and aging. Delineation of these environmental factors will be important to better understand the precise pathogenesis of MPN.
Diagnosis, risk stratification, and response evaluation in classical myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Rumi Elisa , Cazzola Mario
Published: December 2016

Philadelphia-negative classical myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). The 2016 revision of the WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues includes new criteria for the diagnosis of these disorders. Somatic mutations in the 3 driver genes, that is, JAK2, CALR, and MPL, represent major diagnostic criteria in combination with hematologic and morphological abnormalities. PV is characterized by erythrocytosis with suppressed endogenous erythropoietin production, bone marrow panmyelosis, and JAK2 mutation. Thrombocytosis, bone marrow megakaryocytic proliferation, and presence of JAK2, CALR, or MPL mutation are the main diagnostic criteria for ET. PMF is characterized by bone marrow megakaryocytic proliferation, reticulin and/or collagen fibrosis, and presence of JAK2, CALR, or MPL mutation. Prefibrotic myelofibrosis represents an early phase of myelofibrosis, and is characterized by granulocytic/megakaryocytic proliferation and lack of reticulin fibrosis in the bone marrow. The genomic landscape of MPNs is more complex than initially thought and involves several mutant genes beyond the 3 drivers. Comutated, myeloid tumor-suppressor genes contribute to phenotypic variability, phenotypic shifts, and progression to more aggressive disorders. Patients with myeloid neoplasms are at variable risk of vascular complications, including arterial or venous thrombosis and bleeding. Current prognostic models are mainly based on clinical and hematologic parameters, but innovative models that include genetic data are being developed for both clinical and trial settings. In perspective, molecular profiling of MPNs might also allow for accurate evaluation and monitoring of response to innovative drugs that target the mutant clone.
President's Page
Authors: Lee Madeline Dana
Published: December 2016

As we welcome in a new year, we reflect on the past year's successes and hardships. The exploration market is dynamic, and, as geoscientists, we need to adapt. Periods of economic downturn can be especially overwhelming to recent graduates looking for their first jobs, or those who have never navigated an economic downturn and therefore are uncertain about job stability. As a professional society, we need to clearly identify how to effectively help these members — through the good times and the bad. The discussion of inspiring and supporting tomorrow's geoscientists has long been a focus of SEG. As stated in the “President's Page” in the May 2012 issue of TLE, it was the goal of the Board of Directors to “promote geophysics as a career to sustain constant growth of the profession and SEG.” This is still critical more than four years later and will always be a goal of the Board of Directors. If a society is unable to retain new members, membership inevitably will decline.
Introduction to this special section: Remote sensing
Authors: Beasley Craig W. , Barnhart William D.
Published: December 2016

The broad field of remote sensing has long played a seminal role in the study of the earth, the environment, and our solar system. Through the advent and proliferation of air- and space-borne imaging systems, researchers have the capability to measure the physical and chemical characteristics of the surface geology of the earth and planetary bodies, monitor changes in vegetative biomass of entire continents, track global migration of water, measure surface heat flux, image the deformation of the earth's surface induced by human and natural processes, and many other applications. Importantly, many of these image products are made freely available to scientists, educators, and the general public by national space agencies, stimulating the flow of information and ideas while helping to grow the next generation of scientists.
Remote sensing techniques for onshore oil and gas exploration
Authors: Lord Ben
Published: December 2016

Remote-sensing data are highly useful for the oil and gas industry. Remote sensing has proven to be an integral tool for downstream and upstream oil and gas operations through evaluation of infrastructure for well-site planning and for exploration through large-scale regional reconnaissance. Spectral analysis is a key form of processing to evaluate for surface outcrops and surface hydrocarbon seepage. We will show methodologies using remote-sensing data and how they assist in the overall understanding of the hydrocarbon system. A number of studies are shown in which hyperspectral and multispectral data sets have proven useful in understanding the geology and inferring information about the subsurface. Case studies are presented from Pennsylvania, USA; Neuquén province, Argentina; and Lebanon. Advantages and disadvantages of the use of these methodologies and the future of remote sensing in the oil and gas industry are discussed.
Introduction to this special section: Full-waveform inversion Part II
Authors: Tanis Mehmet , Behura Jyoti
Published: December 2016

The primary use of seismic data traditionally has been to delineate structures and interpret subsurface stratigraphy, and later include its use as an amplitude interpretation tool to predict and characterize rock and pore fluid. In either case, seismic velocities make up the heart of the matter.
Impact of high-resolution FWI in the Western Black Sea: Revealing overburden and reservoir complexity
Authors: Routh Partha , Neelamani Ramesh , Lu Rongrong , Lazaratos Spyros , Braaksma Hendrik , Hughes Steve , Saltzer Rebecca , Stewart Jonathan , Naidu Kiran , Averill Heather , Gottumukkula Vijay , Homonko Peter , Reilly Joseph , Leslie Damian
Published: December 2016

The Western Black Sea (WBS) is now an area of active petroleum exploration, and several seismic surveys have been acquired to support the ongoing activity. Seismic imaging in the WBS is challenging due to the presence of complex overburden, such as canyons, shallow gas channels, and complex shallow stratigraphy. Such overburden complexities create amplitude dimming and wipeouts in the images and cause structural distortions of the reservoir units. Conventional velocity model building and seismic migration methods are not optimal for addressing such challenges. Full-wavefield inversion (FWI) technology was applied to overcome the complex seismic-imaging challenges in the WBS and to support the exploration and development program. To date, a suite of FWI products has been used to identify shallow hazards, derisk prospects, optimize well placement, perform accurate resource estimation, and support development planning. Unlike traditional seismic migration, generated FWI products are not simply depictions of the seismic reflectivity but rather are high-resolution volumes of subsurface properties, such as velocity and impedance that are directly interpretable. In contrast, FWI in most published examples is applied only on low-frequency data (typically less than 10 Hz) to enhance the velocity models needed for migration. Brute-force generation of high-resolution subsurface property volumes using FWI can be computationally prohibitive because of the high cost of the required finite-difference simulations. Many of these practical obstacles have been overcome through the use of advanced wave propagation and optimization algorithms and faster computer architectures. In the WBS, detailed subsurface property models generated with FWI have provided an accurate description of the overburden complexity and helped mitigate imaging distortions. The resulting imaging uplift has enabled improved structural definition, stratigraphic characterization of the reservoir, and quantitative interpretation. Predrill predictions using FWI volumes have shown excellent agreement with well results.
Orthorhombic full-waveform inversion for imaging the Luda field using wide-azimuth ocean-bottom-cable data
Authors: Xie Yi , Zhou Bin , Zhou Joe , Hu Jiangtao , Xu Lei , Wu Xiaodong , Lin Nina , Loh Fong Cheen , Liu Lubo , Wang Zhiliang
Published: December 2016

Ocean-bottom-cable (OBC) acquisition has become the new trend in the Bohai Bay area as a result of the operational flexibility, better illumination, better multiple elimination, and better signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio it brings for targets at middle-to-deep depths. However, the presence of azimuthal anisotropy poses severe challenges to imaging with wide-azimuth (WAZ) OBC data, in particular when imaging fault planes, which are very sensitive to velocity errors. The fault images can be smeared and fault shadows observed within complex strike-slip fault systems if the azimuthal dependency of wave propagation is not properly modeled and velocity variations across faults are not properly resolved. To address these kinds of imaging challenges in the Luda field WAZ OBC data, we have developed a practical orthorhombic full-waveform inversion (FWI) approach to reconstruct high-resolution models in the presence of azimuthal anisotropy. We demonstrate that our orthorhombic FWI approach can produce a high-resolution velocity model that reconciles the structural discrepancies between seismic images from different azimuths and significantly improves the focusing of the fault planes and the quality of the image beneath the faulting system. The combined effect of these improvements gives a clear uplift in the final seismic image.
Challenges and solutions for performing 3D time-domain elastic full-waveform inversion
Authors: Raknes Espen Birger , Arntsen B⊘rge
Published: December 2016

The full-waveform inversion (FWI) method relies on an effective numerical solution of the wave equation. The wave equation must be solved numerous times during an inversion run. In the past, to be able to use FWI in practice, it was necessary to assume that the earth's subsurface was a 2D acoustic medium. Recent increases in computational power have made it possible to include more real-world physics in the FWI method, such that the computational subsurface can mimic the real-world subsurface as closely as possible. Going from 2D to 3D is challenging, primarily due to the numerical methods involved in solving the wave equation. Including elastic effects is not straightforward due to the increase in possible models that can explain the data, more complicated wave phenomena involved in the wave propagation, as well as trade-off between the subsurface elastic parameters during the inversion. We discuss some of the challenges and solution strategies for using the FWI method in the time domain using a 3D elastic computational domain.
Recovery on the horizon: 3D Seismic Symposium set for 22 February
Authors: Purcell Mary Sue
Published: December 2016

The 23rd Annual 3D Seismic Symposium, jointly sponsored by the Denver Geophysical Society (DGS) and the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, will take place Wednesday, 22 February 2017, at the Studio Loft in downtown Denver, Colorado's Performing Arts Complex. The theme of this year's symposium is “Recovery On The Horizon.” The program will include 15 presentations focusing on case histories from the Rockies and other U.S. shale plays, along with several discussions on the latest 3D technologies.
The Leading Edge
Authors: Anderson P. , Vesnaver A.
Published: December 2016

Signals are letters to the editor submitted by readers of The Leading Edge.
Price Setting in Online Markets: Basic Facts, International Comparisons, and Cross-Border Integration
Authors: Gorodnichenko Yuriy , Talavera Oleksandr
Published: December 2016

We document basic facts about prices in online markets in the United States and Canada, which is a rapidly growing segment of the retail sector. Relative to prices in regular stores, prices in online markets are more flexible and exhibit stronger pass-through (60–75 percent) and faster convergence (half-life less than two months) in response to movements of the nominal exchange rate. Multiple margins of adjustment are active in the process of responding to nominal exchange rate shocks. Properties of goods, sellers, and markets are systematically related to pass-through and the speed of price adjustment for international price differentials. (JEL F31, F41, L11, L81)
Beeps
Authors: Ely Jeffrey C.
Published: December 2016

I introduce and study dynamic persuasion mechanisms. A principal privately observes the evolution of a stochastic process and sends messages over time to an agent. The agent takes actions in each period based on her beliefs about the state of the process and the principal wishes to influence the agent’s action. I characterize the optimal persuasion mechanism and show how to derive it in applications. I then consider the extension to multiple agents where higher-order beliefs matter. (JEL D82, D83)
Clicking on Heaven’s Door: The Effect of Immigrant Legalization on Crime
Authors: Pinotti Paolo
Published: December 2016

We estimate the effect of immigrant legalization on the crime rate of immigrants in Italy by exploiting an ideal regression discontinuity design: fixed quotas of residence permits are available each year, applications must be submitted electronically on specific “click days,” and are processed on a first come, first served basis until the available quotas are exhausted. Matching data on applications with individual-level criminal records, we show that legalization reduces the crime rate of legalized immigrants by 0.6 percentage points on average, on a baseline crime rate of 1.1 percent. (JEL J15, J61, K37, K42)
Networks, Markets, and Inequality
Authors: Gagnon Julien , Goyal Sanjeev
Published: December 2016

The interaction between community and markets remains a central theme in the social sciences. The empirical evidence is rich: in some instances, markets strengthen social ties, while in others they undermine them. The impact of markets on inequality and welfare also varies widely. This paper develops a model where individuals in a social network choose whether to participate in their network and whether to participate in the market. We show that individual behavior is defined by the q-core of the network and the key to understanding the conflicting evidence is whether the market and the network are complements or substitutes. (JEL D63, D85, J15, L82, O15, Z13, Z31)
Are Online and Offline Prices Similar? Evidence from Large Multi-Channel Retailers
Authors: Cavallo Alberto
Published: December 2016

Online prices are increasingly used for measurement and research applications, yet little is known about their relation to prices collected offline, where most retail transactions take place. I conduct the first large-scale comparison of prices simultaneously collected from the websites and physical stores of 56 large multi-channel retailers in 10 countries. I find that price levels are identical about 72 percent of the time. Price changes are not synchronized but have similar frequencies and average sizes. These results have implications for national statistical offices, researchers using online data, and anyone interested in the effect of the Internet on retail prices. (JEL D22, L11, L81, O14)
Bradycardia associated with the development of iatrogenic tension pneumothorax in a cat
Authors: Zoff Aurora , Murtagh Kevin , Garcia Eva Rioja
Published: December 2016

This case report describes two clinical consequences, bradycardia and hypotension, associated with the rapid development of iatrogenic tension pneumothorax while placing a chest drain in an anaesthetised cat. Tension pneumothorax should be suspected in cases of bradycardia and hypotension occurring during procedures that can cause pneumothorax, in order to allow prompt treatment.
A practical guide to management of dystocia in the whelping bitch
Authors: Griffiths Verity
Published: December 2016

Managing a whelping in practice can be daunting to even the most experienced of clinicians. This article aims to give practical advice regarding interventions in a potentially stressful situation, particularly regarding the management of the bitch with dystocia. Preparation is the key, be it practically in the surgery or in the knowledge of what to expect when. If you are confident in what you are doing then client/breeder will have confidence in you.
WVI and the Pine Marten Recovery Project
Authors: Walter Olivia , Lewis John , Tomlinson Alexandra
Published: December 2016

Wildlife Vets International has been involved with a project in the UK, helping with disease risk analysis and health checks for the Pine Marten Recovery Project, which is restoring pine marten populations in Wales.
Intermittent positive pressure breathing in the cardiac surgery setting: A review
Authors: Polastri Massimiliano , Martin-Suarez Sofia , Alfonsi Jacopo , Savini Carlo
Published: December 2016

Purpose:

To review the role of intermittent positive pressure breathing in the cardiac surgery setting.

Methods:

This review was conducted by searching seven major databases. A search string was built using the key words ‘intermittent positive pressure breathing’, and ‘cardiac surgery’ matched with the Boolean operator AND. Filters were selected for the publication dates January 2006 to January 2016. In each database, the search was conducted in the fields of the article title, abstract and keywords.

Results:

In total, seven citations that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the final review. There was consensus among the authors regarding the inspiratory pressure values at which intermittent positive pressure breathing should be administered (15–30 cm H2O). The duration of treatment ranged between 15–30 minutes divided into one to three daily sessions, or was carried out considering the number of respirations. With regard to the treatment of pulmonary atelectasis, intermittent positive pressure breathing was shown to be effective after coronary artery bypass grafting, and it was the most cited postoperative intervention used to treat either pulmonary atelectasis and oxygen impairment, in cardiac surgery patients.

Conclusions:

The findings of this review seem to confirm that intermittent positive pressure breathing is still currently being used postoperatively in the cardiac surgery setting to treat surgery-related pulmonary complications.
An evaluation of whether discharge plans meet patients' requirements: A survey
Authors: Roberts Kate , Dempsey Rachel , Wurfel Amanda , Andrews Justin , Stiller Kathy
Published: December 2016

Background:

The provision of discharge plans that meet the requirements of individual patients' needs is an essential component of rehabilitation. The purpose of this quality improvement activity was to survey patients to: investigate whether discharge plans met their requirements; identify factors that might predict the success of discharge planning; and investigate whether the perceptions of patients and a family member/carer regarding the success of discharge planning were in agreement.

Methods:

Forty patients discharged home from units within two rehabilitation hospitals were recruited. Patient surveys, undertaken via interviews, were conducted to determine participants' satisfaction with their discharge planning: one pre-discharge and the other 1–2 months' post-discharge.

Findings:

Overall, discharge plans were successfully developed and implemented. Most items that were listed on participants' discharge plans were provided, required, and met participants' requirements. The success of discharge planning did not appear to be influenced by factors including age, gender, length of stay, primary diagnosis, functional scores, or home address. Participants and a family member/carer had a high level of agreement regarding the success of discharge planning.

Conclusions:

The discharge plans of participants involved in this quality improvement activity accurately identified patients' needs, and the plans identified were provided and met the requirements of participants.
Qualitative research. Part 1: Philosophies
Authors: Nicholls David
Published: December 2016

Background:

Qualitative research has made great strides in recent years and it now makes an important contribution to our understanding of health and illness. But there are still many practitioners, academics and researchers who are totally bemused by its principles and practices.

Content:

In the first of a series of three articles exploring qualitative research philosophies, methodologies and methods, I attempt to unravel some of its complexities and peculiarities, in the hope that those readers new to qualitative research will study it further and consider using it in the future. This article deals with broad questions of philosophy—specifically, the fundamental difference between a quantitative and qualitative world view.

Conclusions:

This article explores the difference between a belief in a single objective reality and multiple realities, and relates these to quantitative and qualitative research methods. It also considers the role of theory, focusing on the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning. These concepts are the basis for the second article in the series on qualitative methodologies, to appear in the next issue.
Effect of school principals’ favouritism behaviors and attitudes on teachers’ organizational commitment, based on the perceptions of primary and secondary school teachers
Authors: Okçu Veysel , Uçar Adem
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is relation between the favouritism attitudes and behaviours of the school administrators and the organizational commitment of the teachers, based on the perceptions of the teachers. This is a correlational study using survey model.  The study is in relational screening model. Research population contains 1219 teachers working in schools (27 of which are primary schools and 25 are secondary schools) in Siirt city centre in the 2014 and 2015 school year. In this research, favouritism scale developed by Aydoğan (2009) and consisting of 15 items and a sub-dimension, as well as the organisational commitment scale developed by Balay (2000) and consisting of three sub-dimensions as compliance, internalization and identification were applied. As a result of the research carried out, it was determined that the primary and secondary school teachers’ perceptions regarding the favouritism attitudes and behaviours of the school administrators are at low level. Moreover, teachers stated that they rarely agree with the items in the compliance sub-dimension of the organizational commitment, while they moderately agree with the items in the identification and internalization sub-dimensions. It was determined that based on the perceptions of the primary and secondary school teachers, there is a negative and medium level relation between the favouritism attitudes and behaviours of the school administrators, and the internalization and identification sub-dimensions of the organizational commitment. Moreover, a positive and low level relation was determined between the favouritism attitudes and behaviours of the school administrators, and the compliance sub-dimensions of the organizational commitment. Furthermore, it was concluded that the favouritism attitudes and behaviours of the school administrators significantly predict all sub-dimensions of the organizational commitment.