bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overuse of Diagnostic Imaging for Work-Related Injuries
Authors: Clendenin Brianna Rebecca , Conlon Helen Acree , Burns Candace
Published: January 2017

Overuse of health care in the United States is a growing concern. This article addresses the use of diagnostic imaging for work-related injuries. Diagnostic imaging drives substantial cost for increases in workers’ compensation. Despite guidelines published by the American College of Radiology and the American College of Occupational Medicine and the Official Disability Guidelines, practitioners are prematurely ordering imaging sooner than recommended. Workers are exposed to unnecessary radiation and are incurring increasing costs without evidence of better outcomes. Practitioners caring for workers and submitting workers’ compensation claims should adhere to official guidelines, using their professional judgment to consider financial impact and health outcomes of diagnostic imaging including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine imaging, radiography, and ultrasound.
China–Africa cooperation: Struggling commodities and the silver-lining in the innovation economy
Authors: Ibonye Vincent
Published: January 2017

Recently, African economies that withstood the global economic crisis out of increased cooperation with China are reeling from the country’s declining demand for primary commodities, as it shifts to a domestic-driven growth model. Consequently, Sino-scepticism has rebounded on the premise that the downturn in major African markets is an aftermath of the indentured capitalism fuelling ‘China in Africa’. However, China and Africa can instrumentalise (inter)dependency in their economic engagement, particularly as they undergo unique economic transformations. These changes reveal more diverse avenues for productive investment and beneficial economic cooperation, and demand that both sides place a great deal on appropriate responses to internal and externalist adjustments of their economies. In light of China’s strategic pivot to innovation, it is useful to recommend the exploration of the digital innovation economy where Africa is fast gaining global recognition. With the promise of cross-cultural cooperation in business and technology, the adoption, building and implementation of strategies placing innovation as an integral part of China–Africa cooperation, will ensure China’s investments support Africa’s diversification from commodities trading more constructively, and in a manner that neatly keys into the former’s multipolar vision for technological governance.
Risk factors associated with complications following total hip arthroplasty using the two-incision technique
Authors: Nishiyama Daisuke , Matsuzaki Kosaku , Yamazaki Satoru , Takiguchi Noboru , Harada Teiji , Sando Shigeki
Published: January 2017

Background:

The frequency of the complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the two-incision technique is well documented. However, few reports have analyzed the preoperative patient–related factors associated with the complications. The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of early complications following primary two-incision THA and to define the risk factors associated with perioperative complications.

Materials and Methods:

The subjects of this retrospective study were 1218 consecutive patients who underwent primary two-incision THA. The incidence of hip dislocation, stem subsidence, intraoperative femoral fracture, and nontraumatic postoperative femoral fracture was evaluated. The association between complications and preoperative patient–related factors, including gender, obesity, Crowe classification, age, body mass index (BMI), and morphological parameters of the proximal femoral medullary cavity, were investigated.

Results:

The incidences of complications were dislocation (1.1%), stem subsidence (0.9%), intraoperative femoral fracture (1.2%), and postoperative femoral fracture (0.7%). Obesity (BMI > 30) influenced the occurrences of stem subsidence and postoperative femoral fractures ( p = 0.0001, p = 0.019). Crowe classification significantly correlated with intraoperative femoral fractures (Grade II: odds ratio (OR) 4.63, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.32–15.6; Grade III and IV: OR 8.96, 95% CI, 2.2–34.94). Additionally, the outer diameter of the femur 10 cm below the lesser trochanter tended to be small in patients who developed a femoral fracture.

Conclusions:

The early complication rate was comparable to other methods used in uncemented THA. It is necessary for patients with risk factors revealed in this study to pay careful attention or consider other surgical approaches to avoid complications. Further studies considering femur morphology are required.
Clinical outcomes of computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty using pinless navigation
Authors: Jiang Lei , Chen Jerry Yongqiang , Chong Hwei-Chi , Chia Shi-Lu , Lo Ngai-Nung , Yeo Seng Jin
Published: January 2017

This study aims to evaluate the 2-year post-operative clinical outcomes of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with computer-assisted surgery (CAS) using the pinless BrainLAB® VectorVision® Knee 2.5 Navigation System versus standard CAS. A retrospective case–control study of 200 patients who underwent TKA with CAS from 2008 to 2012 was conducted. Patients in the pinless arm underwent a shorter duration of surgery compared to the standard CAS arm with 72 ± 13 min and 83 ± 11 min, respectively ( p < 0.001), with improvement in Oxford Knee Score from 34 ± 8 to 18 ± 5 and 34 ± 9 to 18 ± 5, respectively, without statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes at 2 years.
Surgical anatomy of the pelvic vasculature, with particular reference to acetabular screw fixation in cementless total hip arthroplasty in Asian population
Authors: Ohashi Hironori , Kikuchi Shinichi , Aota Shigeo , Hakozaki Michiyuki , Konno Shinichi
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

Pelvic vascular injury is a serious complication associated with acetabular component setting with screw fixation in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA). In this study, we investigated the safety zone for acetabular component setting with screw fixation in cementless THA as a means to prevent pelvic vascular injury.

Methods:

Thirty left hip joints of Japanese cadavers (11 males and 19 females) were analyzed. We used a hemispherical measuring cup with 52 guide holes designed to allow vertical insertion of a Kirschner wire. After the measuring cup was placed on the acetabulum, the Kirschner wire was inserted from each guide hole to examine the anatomical relationship between the acetabulum and the pelvic vessels. We calculated the frequency of pelvic vessel punctures and measured the distance from the acetabular surface to the pelvic vessels at each guide hole.

Results:

Our findings revealed that pelvic vessels do not exist in certain parts of the posterior area of the acetabulum. Furthermore, in this area, intrapelvic vessels are either lacking or located at a distance ≥31 mm from the surface of the acetabulum.

Conclusion:

The posterior area of the acetabulum, excluding its central portion, appeared to be the safety zone for acetabular screw fixation in Japanese cadavers.
Pain Assessment After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Okoroha Kelechi R. , Keller Robert A. , Jung Edward K. , Khalil Lafi , Marshall Nathan , Kolowich Patricia A. , Moutzouros Vasilios
Published: January 2017

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a common outpatient procedure that is accompanied by significant postoperative pain.

Purpose:

To determine differences in acute pain levels between patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) versus hamstring tendon (HS) autograft.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 70 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction using either BTB or HS autografts consented to participate. The primary outcome of the study was postoperative pain levels (visual analog scale), which were collected immediately after surgery and for 3 days postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures included opioid consumption (intravenous morphine equivalents), hours slept, patient satisfaction, reported breakthrough pain, and calls to the physician.

Results:

Patients treated with BTB had increased pain when compared with those treated with HS in the acute postoperative period (mean ± SD: day 0, 6.0 ± 1.7 vs 5.2 ± 2.0 [ P = .066]; day 1, 5.9 ± 1.7 vs 4.9 ±1.7 [ P = .024]; day 2, 5.2 ± 1.9 vs 4.1 ± 2.0 [ P = .032]; day 3, 4.8 ± 2.1 vs 3.9 ± 2.3 [ P = .151]). There were also significant increases in reported breakthrough pain (day 0, 76% vs 43% [ P = .009]; day 1, 64% vs 35% [ P = .003]) and calls to the physician due to pain (day 1, 19% vs 0% [ P = .041]) in the BTB group. There were no significant differences in narcotic requirements or sleep disturbances. Overall, the BTB group reported significantly less satisfaction with pain management on days 0 and 1 ( P = .024 and .027, respectively).

Conclusion:

A significant increase in acute postoperative pain was found when performing ACL reconstruction with BTB compared with HS. Patients treated with BTB were more likely to have breakthrough pain, decreased satisfaction with their pain management, and to contact their physician due to pain. These findings suggest a difference in early postoperative pain between the 2 most common graft options for ACL reconstruction. Patients should be informed of the differences in acute postoperative pain when deciding on graft choice with their physician.
Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Professional Hockey Players
Authors: Mehran Nima , Schulz Brian M. , Neri Brian R. , Robertson William J. , Limpisvasti Orr
Published: January 2017

Background:

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble hormone that plays a role in bone health, muscle function, and athletic performance. Studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D can lead to slower muscle recovery and function, increased rates of stress fractures, and even poorer athletic performance. Insufficient vitamin D levels have been demonstrated in professional basketball and football players, however, there have been no studies to date reviewing vitamin D insufficiency in professional hockey players.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to perform a cross-sectional review to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in professional hockey players. The hypothesis was that there would be a high percentage of players with vitamin D insufficiency.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The preseason serum 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D laboratory test results of 105 professional hockey players were retrospectively reviewed. All players on 3 National Hockey League (NHL) teams were included. Player parameters evaluated included age, height, weight, body mass index, and 25(OH) vitamin D level. Players were divided into 4 groups based on serum vitamin D levels: deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20-31.9 ng/mL), sufficient (≥32 ng/mL), and ideal (≥40 ng/mL). Descriptive statistics were performed, in addition to 2-group and 3-group comparisons.

Results:

The average 25(OH) vitamin D level of 105 players was 45.8 ± 13.7 ng/mL (range, 24-108 ng/mL). No players in the study were considered deficient. A total of 14 players (13.3%) were considered insufficient, while 91 players (86.7%) were considered sufficient. However, only 68 players (64.8%) were considered ideal. When comparing groups, athletes with sufficient vitamin D levels were older than athletes with insufficient vitamin D levels (25.9 vs 23.1 years; P = .018). All other player parameters demonstrated no significant difference between groups.

Conclusion:

Despite playing a winter sport and spending a great deal of time training indoors, professional hockey players have low levels of vitamin D insufficiency.
Intra-articular Implantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Part 2
Authors: Kraeutler Matthew J. , Mitchell Justin J. , Chahla Jorge , McCarty Eric C. , Pascual-Garrido Cecilia
Published: January 2017

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) after partial or total meniscectomy is a prevalent issue that patients must face. Various methods of replacing meniscal tissue have been studied to avoid this progression, including meniscal allograft transplantation, meniscal scaffolds, and synthetic meniscus replacement. Studies have shown that meniscal scaffolds may improve symptoms but have not been shown to prevent progression of OA. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proposed as a possible biological therapy for meniscal regeneration. Several animal studies and 1 human study have evaluated the effect of transplanting MSCs into the knee joint after partial meniscectomy. The purpose of this review was to assess the outcomes of intra-articular transplantation of MSCs on meniscal regeneration in animals and humans after partial meniscectomy. Limited results from animal studies suggest that there is some potential for intra-articular injection of MSCs for the regeneration of meniscal tissue. However, further studies are necessary to determine the quality of regenerated meniscal tissue through histological and biomechanical testing.
Mandated Health Insurance and Provider Reimbursement via Private Insurance
Authors: Friedson Andrew , Marier Allison
Published: January 2017

In 2006, Massachusetts passed a reform that required individuals to purchase health insurance and provided subsidized health insurance to low-income individuals. The US Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was modeled after this reform, making Massachusetts an ideal place to look at potential outcomes from the ACA. Postreform, the proportion of the health-insured population in Massachusetts greatly increased, which potentially changed physician reimbursement for procedures as usage of care, particularly preventative care for children increased. We find that reimbursement for well-infant visits rose temporarily by approximately 4% the year after the reform but that the effective price increase did not persist. It is likely that this lack of persistence is due to an increase in the supply of physicians. This has important implications for the ACA, as expanding physician capacity is more difficult on a national level.
Neuroimaging Complication of Neonatal Meningitis in Full-Term and Near-Term Newborns
Authors: Chatue Kamga Herve Berenger
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to determine complication of neonatal meningitis due to streptococcus group B in full-term and near–full-term newborns in a tertiary-level neonate intensive care unit.
Explaining the Trinity to Muslims and Jews in Medieval Christian Mission: Lessons from the “Life of Cyril”
Authors: Smither Edward L.
Published: January 2017

Cyril (ca. 826–69) is remembered in Christian and mission history for the celebrated Slavic mission. What is less emphasized, however, and the focus of this article, is Cyril’s prior mission work among Arab Muslims in Samarra (modern Iraq) and among the Khazars (in present-day southern Russia), which included both Jews and Muslims. In this article, I analyze how Cyril the philosopher presented the Gospel, Christ, and the Trinity and responded to the queries of these medieval Muslim and Jewish thinkers. What characterized Cyril’s approach to mission? Finally, what principles might be recovered for presenting historic Christian doctrine in mission today, particularly in Muslim contexts?
NSQIP as a Predictor of Length of Stay in Patients Undergoing Free Flap Reconstruction
Authors: Riley Charles A. , Barton Blair M. , Lawlor Claire M. , Cai David Z. , Riley Phoebe E. , McCoul Edward D. , Hasney Christian P. , Moore Brian A.
Published: January 2017

Objective

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) calculator was created to improve outcomes and guide cost‐effective care in surgery. Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergo ablative and free flap reconstructive surgery with prolonged postoperative courses.

Methods

A case series with chart review was performed on 50 consecutive patients with HNC undergoing ablative and reconstructive free flap surgery from October 2014 to March 2016 at a tertiary care center. Comorbidities and intraoperative and postoperative variables were collected. Predicted length of stay was tabulated with the NSQIP calculator.

Results

Thirty‐five patients (70%) were male. The mean (SD) age was 67.2 (13.4) years. The mean (SD) length of stay (LOS) was 13.5 (10.3) days. The mean (SD) NSQIP‐predicted LOS was 10.3 (2.2) days (P =. 027).

Discussion

The NSQIP calculator may be an inadequate predictor for LOS in patients with HNC undergoing free flap surgery. Additional study is necessary to determine the accuracy of this tool in this patient population.

Implications for Practice:

Head and neck surgeons performing free flap reconstructive surgery following tumor ablation may find that the NSQIP risk calculator underestimates the LOS in this population.
Does attitude toward money moderate the relationship between intrinsic job satisfaction and voluntary turnover?
Authors: Li-Ping Tang Thomas , Kim Jwa K. , Shin-Hsiung Tang David
Published: January 2017

The present study expanded Judge's (1993) study and tested the hypotheses that people's Money Ethic endorsement (Tang, 1992, 1995) would moderate the intrinsic job satisfaction-withdrawal cognitions relationship and the intrinsic job satisfaction-voluntary turnover relationship in a sample of mental health and mental retardation professionals. Results suggested that Money Ethic endorsement was a moderator for both relationships. For employees with high Money Ethic endorsement, their voluntary turnover was high regardless of their intrinsic job satisfaction. Employees with low Money Ethic endorsement and low intrinsic job satisfaction had the lowest voluntary turnover. Thus, in this sample, just a pull (high Money Ethic) is needed to experience turnover. Money Ethic endorsement predicted actual turnover behavior, but withdrawal cognitions did not. Money Ethic endorsement was not a mediator of the intrinsic job satisfaction and turnover relationship. Results are discussed in terms of the small, but growing literature on the psychology of money (Furnham & Argyle, 1998). Future research needs to re-focus on employees' actual turnover behavior, rather than the substitutes or proxies of turnover behavior, such as withdrawal cognitions.
Morals, money, ethical investing and economic psychology
Authors: Lewis Alan , Mackenzie Craig
Published: January 2017

This paper reports on a questionnaire survey of 1146 ethical investors in the UK. Ethical investing usually means that certain companies are excluded from one's portfolio on non-economic grounds, e.g. because they manufacture armaments, test chemicals on live animals, or have poor pollution records. Is this an example where moral commitment rather than economics is driving economic decision making? Ethical investors were found to be neither cranks nor saints holding both ethical and not so ethical investments at the same time. A case is made that people are prepared to put their money where their morals are although there is no straightforward trade-off between principles and money. A broader analysis than that based on rational economic man is recommended: an economic psychology.
The fantasy of inevitability in organizations
Authors: Levine David P.
Published: January 2017

This article explores the fantasy that an organization must exist, that the world outside cannot go on in its absence, and that the organization is somehow woven into the fabric of society so as to make it inevitable. Inevitability is part of a grandiose fantasy expressed in the idea that, however many competitors the organization may face, it remains the one true organization, while the others must be judged false claimants. Operation of the fantasy suggests, therefore, the presence of a narcissistic disturbance in the organization. Inevitability is contrasted with indeterminacy, which expresses the organization's capacity to suspend assumptions and preformed knowledge about itself and its world. The article considers indeterminacy an emotional capacity and inevitability the result of the inability of the organization to have access to that capacity. The distinction between inevitability and indeterminacy is seen to have important implications for the possibility and nature of organizational change.
The Genesis and Tensions of the English Regional Development Agencies: Class Relations and Scale
Authors: Gough Jamie
Published: January 2017

This paper argues that the origin of the recently founded Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in England should be theorized in terms of the class relations and tensions of economic regulation in Britain and the use of scale and rescaling to manage those tensions. The paper considers the class logic of neo-liberalism, which has been particularly strongly developed in Britain due to its long-standing liberal settlement, and the problems of socialization of production which neo-liberalism has produced. The class tensions and problems of socialization which first created, and then led to the decline of, centrally-redistributive regional policy are discussed. Analogous processes at the EU level are examined. A key precursor of the RDAs, local economic initiatives, is examined, and the spatial-class relations underlying them discussed. These arguments are then the basis for understanding the partial rescaling of regulation in England downwards from the national state and upwards from the local level, and also the shift from centrally to locally controlled regional policy. This analysis of origins of the RDAs then suggests a number of tensions in the project which will shape its future trajectory; due to these tensions the class relations of the new regional economic governance remain open.
Local Politics Research in Germany: Developments and Characteristics in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Heinelt Hubert , Mayer Margit
Published: January 2017

This article summarizes the development and peculiarities of research in urban politics in Germany. It is focused on the working group on Local Politics Research (Arbeitskreis Lokale Politikforschung/LoPoFo) within the German Political Science Association as the core of the scholarly debate in this country for nearly 30 years. The article consists of three parts. Part one highlights the paradigms of local politics research in Germany and its main distinctions from other disciplinary approaches in analysing urban topics - not at least sociology. The second part gives an overview of the different thematic orientations of the discussion since the 1970s. This leads to the third part in which strengths and weaknesses of local politics research in Germany are compared with the situation in other countries (especially the Anglo-Saxon world). It can be perceived as a strength that local politics research has been in many respects a front-runner in the disciplinary debate of political science in Germany. This is the result of the fact that most scholars engaged in local politics research do not act as 'urbanists' but as 'generalists', looking for urban topics as tokens of more general phenomena. However, this aspect reflects also a crucial weakness. There is not continuity in the debate, and a common understanding of theories and methodologies of research in local politics is missing. Last but not least, weaknesses and strengths are expressed in the structures of German universities where local politics is not institutionalized through curricula or job descriptions, as in the Anglo-Saxon world.
A randomised, active- and placebo-controlled, three-period crossover trial to investigate short-term effects of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor linagliptin on macro- and microvascular endothelial function in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jax Thomas , Stirban Alin , Terjung Arne , Esmaeili Habib , Berk Andreas , Thiemann Sandra , Chilton Robert , von Eynatten Maximilian , Marx Nikolaus
Published: January 2017

Background

Studies of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors report heterogeneous effects on endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study assessed the effects of the DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin versus the sulphonylurea glimepiride and placebo on measures of macro- and microvascular endothelial function in patients with T2D who represented a primary cardiovascular disease prevention population.

Methods

This crossover study randomised T2D patients (n = 42) with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≤7.5%, no diagnosed macro- or microvascular disease and on stable metformin background to linagliptin 5 mg qd, glimepiride 1–4 mg qd or placebo for 28 days. Fasting and postprandial macrovascular endothelial function, measured using brachial flow-mediated vasodilation, and microvascular function, measured using laser-Doppler on the dorsal thenar site of the right hand, were analysed after 28 days.

Results

Baseline mean (standard deviation) age, body mass index and HbA1c were 60.3 (6.0) years, 30.3 (3.0) kg/m2 and 7.41 (0.61)%, respectively. After 28 days, changes in fasting flow-mediated vasodilation were similar between the three study arms (treatment ratio, gMean [90% confidence interval]: linagliptin vs glimepiride, 0.884 [0.633–1.235]; linagliptin vs placebo, 0.884 [0.632–1.235]; glimepiride vs placebo, 1.000 [0.715–1.397]; P = not significant for all comparisons). Similarly, no differences were seen in postprandial flow-mediated vasodilation. However, under fasting conditions, linagliptin significantly improved microvascular function as shown by a 34% increase in hyperaemia area (P = 0.045 vs glimepiride), a 34% increase in resting blow flow (P = 0.011 vs glimepiride, P = 0.003 vs placebo), and a 25% increase in peak blood flow (P = 0.009 vs glimepiride, P = 0.003 vs placebo). There were no significant differences between treatments in postprandial changes. Linagliptin had no effect on heart rate or blood pressure. Rates of overall adverse events with linagliptin, glimepiride and placebo were 27.5, 61.0 and 35.0%, respectively. Fewer hypoglycaemic events were seen with linagliptin (5.0%) and placebo (2.5%) than with glimepiride (39.0%).

Conclusions

Linagliptin had no effect on macrovascular function in T2D, but significantly improved microvascular function in the fasting state.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier—NCT01703286; registered October 1, 2012
Accelerating Hessian-free Gauss-Newton full-waveform inversion via l-BFGS preconditioned conjugate-gradient algorithm
Authors: Pan Wenyong , Innanen Kristopher A. , Liao Wenyuan
Published: January 2017

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) has emerged as a powerful strategy for estimating subsurface model parameters by iteratively minimizing the difference between synthetic data and observed data. The Hessian-free (HF) optimization method represents an attractive alternative to Newton-type and gradient-based optimization methods. At each iteration, the HF approach obtains the search direction by approximately solving the Newton linear system using a matrix-free conjugate-gradient (CG) algorithm. The main drawback with HF optimization is that the CG algorithm requires many iterations. In our research, we develop and compare different preconditioning schemes for the CG algorithm to accelerate the HF Gauss-Newton (GN) method. Traditionally, preconditioners are designed as diagonal Hessian approximations. We additionally use a new pseudo diagonal GN Hessian as a preconditioner, making use of the reciprocal property of Green’s function. Furthermore, we have developed an [Formula: see text]-BFGS inverse Hessian preconditioning strategy with the diagonal Hessian approximations as an initial guess. Several numerical examples are carried out. We determine that the quasi-Newton [Formula: see text]-BFGS preconditioning scheme with the pseudo diagonal GN Hessian as the initial guess is most effective in speeding up the HF GN FWI. We examine the sensitivity of this preconditioning strategy to random noise with numerical examples. Finally, in the case of multiparameter acoustic FWI, we find that the [Formula: see text]-BFGS preconditioned HF GN method can reconstruct velocity and density models better and more efficiently compared with the nonpreconditioned method.
Seismic response and prediction of Ordovician fractured vuggy carbonate reservoirs in the Tazhong Shunnan well A block
Authors: Zhou Li , Gu Hanming , Ma Lingwei , Xue Jiao , Li Zongjie
Published: January 2017

Ordovician fractured vuggy carbonate reservoirs, which are deeply buried in the Tazhong Shunnan area in China, are characterized by high heterogeneity. Meanwhile, there is no significant difference between the geophysical characteristics of the reservoirs and that of the surrounding rocks. We have introduced the multiscale stack random medium theory and built some theoretical seismic-geologic models for the fractured vuggy carbonate reservoirs. Furthermore, we obtained the seismic reflection characteristics corresponding to these models using finite-difference forward modeling. The small random vugs are characterized by weak and chaotic reflections with high frequency, and the large vugs are characterized by strong and chaotic reflections with low frequency. The amplitude of the seismic reflections increases with the increasing vug density, and it decreases with the increasing roughness factor. Combining the synthetic reflection characteristics corresponding to the fractured vuggy carbonate reservoirs and the actual seismic reflections from the drilled reservoirs, we summarized the recognition patterns of the carbonate reservoirs. The predicted results found that the potential fractured vuggy reservoirs at the top of Yijianfang Formation are located in the southwest and northeast, in the vicinity of fault zones. The reservoirs in Peng-Laiba Formation are distributed in the northwest of the block.
Extensional reactivation of a deep transpressional architecture: Insights from sandbox analogue modeling applied to the Val d’Agri basin (Southern Apennines, Italy)
Authors: D’Adda Paolo , Longoni Roberto , Magistroni Corrado , Meda Marco , Righetti Fabrizio , Cavozzi Cristian , Nestola Yago , Storti Fabrizio
Published: January 2017

The structural framework of the Val d’Agri region results from the superposition of different deformation events over time. In this area, the largest European onshore oil field was discovered in the 1980s, and since then, much geologic and geophysical data have been collected. However, the structural complexity and the poor quality of subsurface data have prevented a full understanding of fault evolution and kinematics so far. In this study, scaled sandbox analogue models have been used to better understand the role of syn-rift inheritance in the present-day structural architecture and to test different possible mechanisms of interaction between inherited transpressional structures at depth and newly formed extensional fault systems at shallow levels during regional quaternary extensional tectonics. Analogue models included two consecutive sinistral transpressional phases deforming the basement and the overlying Apulian Platform carbonates, affected by preexisting northeast–southwest-oriented extensional fault zones. The third phase of the experiments consisted of extensional reactivation of the previously formed transpressional structures. Different kinematic solutions were used to investigate the causal relationships between deep and shallow deformation structures. The very good similarity between the experimental results and the natural prototype strongly supports the presence at depth of a main northeast–southwest-oriented syn-rift extensional fault zone, which was affected by positive inversion during the transpressional deformation of the Apulian Platform below the Val d’Agri area. Comparison of experimental results with fault patterns interpreted on available seismic lines indicates that, despite that no direct connection from deep to shallow faults has been recognized, some structural control of the fault pattern at depth on the evolution of the Val d’Agri quaternary extensional fault systems at shallow depth is possible. Extensional deformations at depth can be accommodated by newly formed faults or by the extensional reactivation of inherited high-angle transpressional fault zones.
What is the role of tortuosity in the Kozeny-Carman equation?
Authors: Srisutthiyakorn Nattavadee , Mavko Gerald M.
Published: January 2017

Hydraulic tortuosity is an important parameter in characterizing fluid-flow heterogeneity in porous media. The most basic definition of tortuosity is the ratio of the average flow path length to the sample length. Although this definition seems straightforward, the lack of understanding and the lack of proper ways to measure tortuosity make it one of the most abused parameters in rock physics. Hydraulic tortuosity is often treated merely as a fitting factor, or worse, it is neglected by being combined with a geometric factor in the Kozeny-Carman (KC) equation. Often, the tortuosity is obtained from laboratory measurements of porosity, permeability, and specific surface area by inverting the KC equation. This approach has a major pitfall because it treats tortuosity as a fitting factor, and the inverted tortuosity is often unphysically high. In contrast, we obtained the tortuosity from 3D segmented binary images of porous media using streamlines extracted from a local flux, the output from the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) flow simulation. After obtaining streamlines from each sample, we calculated the distribution of tortuosities and flux-weighted average tortuosity. With the tortuosity measurement from streamlines, every parameter in the KC equation can be measured accurately from 3D segmented binary images. We found, however, that the KC equation is still missing some important geometric information needed to predict permeability. With known parameters and without a fitting factor, the KC equation predicts permeability higher by one to two orders of magnitude than that predicted by the LBM. We searched for a missing parameter by exploring various concepts such as connected pore space and pore throat distribution. We found that the connected pore space does not contribute to the difference between the KC permeability and LBM permeability, whereas, as we learn with sinusoidal pipe examples, the pore throat distribution captures what is missing from the KC equation.
Analog modeling of fault asperity kinematics using a modified squeeze-box design and wax media
Authors: Mookerjee Matty , Kucker Kyle , Swain Taylor , Martin Daniel , Paquette Paige
Published: January 2017

Fault movement is strongly influenced by the physical characteristics of the fault surfaces. Fault surfaces are generally nonplanar and have a certain amount of roughness to them, which manifests as fault asperities. In order for a fault to continue moving along its preexisting surface, the asperities must either move past each other, which involves moving a large volume of rock around these obstacles, or create new fractures that “decapitate” and pulverize these asperities, ultimately leading to a smoother fault surface. We explore a new way to investigate fault asperity kinematics using a squeeze-box analog deformation rig. The more typical and classic squeeze-box model uses sand and/or clay to demonstrate fault and fold deformations. We have designed and built a new analog modeling rig that uses a dual-wax analog material. One constituent is white spherical wax particles that have been embedded in a lower-melting-temperature black matrix wax. Deformation of the analog material is facilitated by the addition of heating elements lining the underside and exterior walls of the squeeze-box reservoir. An aluminum asperity is secured to the floor of the reservoir. Additional overburden is simulated with lead shot that rests on the top surface of the wax block during deformation. Once the experiment is completed, the wax block can be finely sectioned, polished, and scanned in preparation for analysis. Here, we present the first results from this new deformation rig where we were able to generate realistic looking deformation features at different strain rate conditions. The results of this type of modeling provide unique information about fault localization, the role of fluids, and fault asperity kinematics in a polyphase system for a variety of physical conditions within the earth’s crust. These conditions are difficult to model with other analog or numerical techniques or to derive from field or seismic investigations.
Blood RNA biomarkers in prodromal PARK4 and REM sleep behavior disorder show role of complexin-1 loss for risk of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lahut Suna , Gispert Suzana , Ömür Özgür , Depboylu Candan , Seidel Kay , Domínguez-Bautista Jorge Antolio , Brehm Nadine , Tireli Hülya , Hackmann Karl , Pirkevi Caroline , Leube Barbara , Ries Vincent , Reim Kerstin , Brose Nils , den Dunnen Wilfred F. , Johnson Madrid , Wolf Zsuzsanna , Schindewolf Marc , Schrempf Wiebke , Reetz Kathrin , Young Peter , Vadasz David , Frangakis Achilleas S. , Schröck Evelin , Steinmetz Helmuth , Jendrach Marina , Rüb Udo , Başak Ayşe Nazlı , Oertel Wolfgang , Auburger Georg
Published: January 2017

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a frequent neurodegenerative process at old age. Accumulation and aggregation of the lipid-binding SNARE complex component alpha-synuclein (SNCA) underlies this vulnerability and defines stages of disease progression. Determinants of SNCA levels and mechanisms of SNCA neurotoxicity are intensely investigated. In view of physiological SNCA roles in blood to modulate vesicle release, we studied blood samples from a new large pedigree with SNCA gene duplication (PARK4 mutation), to identify effects of SNCA gain-of-function as potential disease biomarkers. The expression of other Parkinson's disease gene was not, but complexin-1 (CPLX1) mRNA downregulation was correlated with genotype. In global RNAseq profiling of blood from presymptomatic PARK4, bioinformatics detected significant upregulations for platelet activation, hemostasis, lipoproteins, endocytosis, lysosome, cytokine, toll like receptor signalling and extracellular pathways. In PARK4 platelets, stimulus-triggered degranulation was impaired. Strong SPP1, GZMH, and PLTP mRNA upregulations were validated in PARK4. When analysing cases with REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD), the most specific known prodromal stage of general PD, only blood CPLX1 levels were altered. Validation experiments confirmed an inverse mutual regulation of SNCA and CPLX1 mRNA levels. In the 3′-UTR of the CPLX1 gene we identified a SNP that is significantly associated with PD risk. In summary, our data define CPLX1 as PD risk factor and provide functional insights into the role and regulation of blood alpha-synuclein levels. The novel blood biomarkers of PARK4 in this Turkish family may become useful for PD prediction.
Tenacious D: Symbiodinium in clade D remain in reef corals at both high and low temperature extremes despite impairment
Authors: Silverstein Rachel N. , Cunning Ross , Baker Andrew C.
Published: January 2017

Reef corals are sensitive to thermal stress, which induces coral bleaching (the loss of algal symbionts), often leading to coral mortality. However, corals hosting certain symbionts (notably Symbiodinium in clade D) resist bleaching when exposed to high temperatures. To determine if these symbionts are also cold tolerant, we exposed corals hosting either Symbiodinium C3 or D1a to incremental warming (+1°C week−1 to 35°C) and cooling (−1°C week−1 to 15°C), and measured photodamage and symbiont loss. During warming to 33°C, C3-corals were photodamaged and lost >99% of symbionts, while D1a-corals experienced photodamage but did not bleach. During cooling, D1a-corals suffered more photodamage than C3-corals but still did not bleach, while C3-corals lost 94% of symbionts. These results indicate that photodamage does not always lead to bleaching, suggesting alternate mechanisms exist by which symbionts resist bleaching, and helping explain the persistence of D1a symbionts on recently-bleached reefs, with implications for the future of these ecosystems.
Molecular dynamic simulations of glycine amino acid association with potassium and sodium ions in explicit solvent
Authors: Terterov Ivan , Koniakhin Sergei , Vyazmin Sergey , Boitsov Vitali , Dubina Michael
Published: January 2017

Salt solutions are the natural environment in which biological molecules act, and dissolved ions are actively involved in biochemical processes. With metal ions, the membrane potentials are maintained. Ions are crucial for the activity of many enzymes, and their ability to coordinate with chemical groups modulates protein-protein interactions. Here we present a comparative study of sodium and potassium coordination with zwitterionic glycine, by means of explicit solvent molecular dynamics. We demonstrated that contact ion pair of cations and carboxylate group splits into two distinct coordination states. Sodium binding is significantly stronger than for potassium. These results can shed light on the different roles of sodium and potassium ions in abiogenic peptide synthesis.
Clinically insignificant trunnionosis in large-diameter metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Hothi H. S. , Kendoff D. , Lausmann C. , Henckel J. , Gehrke T. , Skinner J. , Hart A.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Mechanical wear and corrosion at the head-stem junction of total hip arthroplasties (THAs) (trunnionosis) have been implicated in their early revision, most commonly in metal-on-metal (MOM) hips. We can isolate the role of the head-stem junction as the predominant source of metal release by investigating non-MOM hips; this can help to identify clinically significant volumes of material loss and corrosion from these surfaces.

Methods

In this study we examined a series of 94 retrieved metal-on-polyethylene (MOP) hips for evidence of corrosion and material loss at the taper junction using a well published visual grading method and an established roundness-measuring machine protocol. Hips were retrieved from 74 male and 20 female patients with a median age of 57 years (30 to 76) and a median time to revision of 215 months (2 to 324). The reasons for revision were loosening of both the acetabular component and the stem (n = 29), loosening of the acetabular component (n = 58) and infection (n = 7). No adverse tissue reactions were reported by the revision surgeons.

Results

Evidence of corrosion was observed in 55% of hips. The median Goldberg taper corrosion score was 2 (1 to 4) and the annual rate of material loss at the taper was 0.084 mm3/year (0 to 0.239). The median trunnion corrosion score was 1 (1 to 3).

Conclusions

We have reported a level of trunnionosis for MOP hips with large-diameter heads that were revised for reasons other than trunnionosis, and therefore may be clinically insignificant. Cite this article: H. S. Hothi, D. Kendoff, C. Lausmann, J. Henckel, T. Gehrke, J. Skinner, A. Hart. Clinically insignificant trunnionosis in large-diameter metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:52–56. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.61.BJR-2016-0150.R2.
Inhibition of prolyl 4-hydroxylase decreases muscle fibrosis following chronic rotator cuff tear
Authors: Gumucio J. P. , Flood M. D. , Bedi A. , Kramer H. F. , Russell A. J. , Mendias C. L.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Rotator cuff tears are among the most frequent upper extremity injuries. Current treatment strategies do not address the poor quality of the muscle and tendon following chronic rotator cuff tears. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that activates many genes that are important in skeletal muscle regeneration. HIF-1α is inhibited under normal physiological conditions by the HIF prolyl 4-hydroxylases (PHDs). In this study, we used a pharmacological PHD inhibitor, GSK1120360A, to enhance the activity of HIF-1α following the repair of a chronic cuff tear, and measured muscle fibre contractility, fibrosis, gene expression, and enthesis mechanics.

Methods

Chronic supraspinatus tears were induced in adult rats, and repaired 28 days later. Rats received 0 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, or 10 mg/kg GSK1120360A daily. Collagen content, contractility, fibre type distribution and size, the expression of genes involved in fibrosis, lipid accumulation, atrophy and inflammation, and the mechanical properties of the enthesis were then assessed two weeks following surgical repair.

Results

At two weeks following repair, treatment groups showed increased muscle mass but there was a 15% decrease in force production in the 10 mg/kg group from controls, and no difference between the 0 mg/kg and the 3 mg/kg groups. There was a decrease in the expression of several gene transcripts related to matrix accumulation and fibrosis, and a 50% decrease in collagen content in both treated groups compared with controls. Additionally, the expression of inflammatory genes was reduced in the treated groups compared with controls. Finally, PHD inhibition improved the maximum stress and displacement to failure in repaired tendons.

Conclusions

GSK1120360A resulted in improved enthesis mechanics with variable effects on muscle function. PHD inhibition may be beneficial for connective tissue injuries in which muscle atrophy has not occurred. Cite this article: J. P. Gumucio, M. D. Flood, A. Bedi, H. F. Kramer, A. J. Russell, C. L. Mendias. Inhibition of prolyl 4-hydroxylase decreases muscle fibrosis following chronic rotator cuff tear. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:57–65. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.61.BJR-2016-0232.R1.
Secluding few lines on physiological interactions triggered by reducers
Authors: Islam Muhammad Torequl
Published: January 2017

Nowadays, we are very much concerned about the physiological contributions of oxidative species (e.g. - free radicals, reactive species). These include reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), vastly under continuous study in the medical concerns, emphasized on normal physiological as well as pathophysiological conditions. Being oxidizer, they have enforced us to search substances or conditions capability to counteract them, called the reducers. Doubtless, redox reaction has numerous roles in a biological system; despite we badly count the effects of ROS. This paper depicts some important interactions related to the reduction effects on the biological systems.
NG-DBSCAN
Authors: Lulli Alessandro , Dell'Amico Matteo , Michiardi Pietro , Ricci Laura
Published: January 2017

We present NG-DBSCAN, an approximate density-based clustering algorithm that operates on arbitrary data and any symmetric distance measure. The distributed design of our algorithm makes it scalable to very large datasets; its approximate nature makes it fast, yet capable of producing high quality clustering results. We provide a detailed overview of the steps of NG-DBSCAN, together with their analysis. Our results, obtained through an extensive experimental campaign with real and synthetic data, substantiate our claims about NG-DBSCAN's performance and scalability.
History is a mirror to the future
Authors: Li Zheng , Ge Tingjian
Published: January 2017

Complex event processing (CEP) has proven to be a highly relevant topic in practice. As it is sensitive to both errors in the stream and uncertainty in the pattern, approximate complex event processing (ACEP) is an important direction but has not been adequately studied before. ACEP is costly, and is often performed under insufficient computing resources. We propose an algorithm that learns from the past behavior of ACEP runs, and makes decisions on what to process first in an online manner, so as to maximize the number of full matches found. In addition, we devise effective optimization techniques. Finally, we propose a mechanism that uses reinforcement learning to dynamically update the history structure without incurring much overhead. Put together, these techniques drastically improve the fraction of full matches found in resource constrained environments.