bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The luxury effect beyond cities: bats respond to socioeconomic variation across landscapes
Authors: Li Han , Parker Kevin A. , Kalcounis-Rueppell Matina C.
Published: November 2019

Background

The luxury effect describes the positive relationship between affluence and organism diversity or activity in urban ecosystems. Driven by human activities, the luxury effect can potentially be found at a broader scale across different landscapes. Previously, the luxury effect relationship has been established within a city for two bat species, the red bat (Lasiurus borealis) and the evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis). We examined landscape-scale patterns of bat activity distribution—using empirical data for seven bat species for the luxury effect. We also identified bat-land cover associations for each species. Across North Carolina, USA, we used the mobile transect survey protocol of the North American Monitoring Program to record bat activity at 43 sites from 2015 to 2018. We collected land cover and income data at our transect locations to construct generalized linear mixed models to identify bat-land cover and bat-income relationships.

Results

We found that across landscapes, activity of the red bat and the evening bat was positively correlated to income independent of land cover, consistent with previous single-city results. We found a negative relationship between hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) activity and income. All seven species had specific land cover associations. Additionally, we found a positive interaction term between income and evergreen forest for the red bat and a positive interaction term between income and woody wetland for hoary bat.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that the luxury effect is an ecological pattern that can be found at a broad spatial scale across different landscapes. We highlight the need for multi-scale ecology studies to identify the mechanism(s) underlying the luxury effect and that the luxury effect could cause inequity in how people receive the ecosystem services provided by bats.
Enhancement of hypothalamic-pituitary activity in male athletes: evidence of a novel hormonal mechanism of physical conditioning
Authors: Cadegiani Flavio A. , Kater Claudio E.
Published: November 2019

Background

Exercise is known to induce multiple beneficial conditioning processes. Conversely, although exercise may generate several hormonal effects, an intrinsic hormonal conditioning process has not been reported. In the Endocrine and Metabolic Responses on Overtraining Syndrome (EROS) study, we observed inherent and independent conditioning processes of the hypothalamic-pituitary axes in athletes. Our objective is to describe the theory of the novel hormonal conditioning mechanism using the findings from the EROS study.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we selected 25 healthy athletes (ATL) and 12 non-physically active healthy controls (NPAC), 18–50 years old, males, with BMI 20–30 kg/m2, with similar baseline characteristics, who underwent gold-standard exercise-independent tests: cosyntropin stimulation test (CST) and insulin tolerance test (ITT), to evaluate cortisol response to CST, and ACTH, cortisol, GH, and prolactin responses to an ITT.

Results

Responses to ITT were significantly earlier and higher in ATL than NPAC for cortisol [Mean ± SD: 21.7 ± 3.1 vs 16.9 ± 4.1 μg/dL;p < 0.001], GH [Median (95% CI): 12.73 (1.1–38.1) vs 4.80 (0.33–27.36) μg/L;p = 0.015], and prolactin [24.3 (10.5–67.45) vs 10.50 (6.21–43.44) ng/mL;p = 0.002]. Cortisol response to CST was similar between ATL and NPAC. During ITT, cortisol, GH, and ACTH mean increase in ATL were 52.2, 265.2, and 18.6% higher than NPAC, respectively. Prolactin response was absent in NPAC, while present in ATL.

Conclusions

We found sufficient evidence to propose the existence of a diffuse enhancement of the hypothalamic-pituitary activity in athletes, not restricted to any axis, showing an intrinsic and independent process of “hormonal conditioning” in athletes, similar to those observed in the cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems. This novel conditioning process may be the missing link for understanding the improved responses observed in athletes to harmful situations, traumas, infections, inflammations, and psychiatric conditions.
Research productivity across different ophthalmic subspecialties in the United States
Authors: Gershoni Assaf , Vainer Igor , Reitblat Olga , Mimouni Francis B. , Livny Eitan , Blumenthal Eytan Z. , Ehrlich Rita , Mimouni Michael
Published: November 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the h-index, and subsequently the research productivity, among different ophthalmic subspecialties in the United States.

Methods

A cohort of over 15,000 academic ophthalmologists residing in the United States (US) was identified out of the physician list of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Of them, 1000 ophthalmologists with at least one publication were randomly retrieved, 100 in each of the following 10 subspecialties: cataract, cornea/external disease, glaucoma, medical retina, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, plastic/reconstructive ophthalmology, refractive surgery, retina/vitreous surgery and uveitis. Data collected included: number of published papers, h-index score, annual increase in h-index and the mean number of authors on each paper.

Results

The mean h-index amongst all subspecialties was 9.87 ± 13.90, and the mean average annual increase in h-index was 0.22 ± 0.21. The mean number of papers published was 37.20 ± 80.08 and the mean number of authors on each paper was 3.39 ± 0.84. Uveitis was the most prolific subspecialty in mean number of papers (74.78 ± 131.37), in mean h-index (16.69 ± 20.00) and in mean annual increase in h-index (0.35 ± 0.28). The least fertile subspecialty with regards to research was cataract with 11.06 ± 27.65 mean number of papers, a mean h-index of 3.89 ± 5.84, and a mean annual increase in h-index of 0.11 ± 0.11.

Conclusions

This study describes the research productivity in each ophthalmic subspecialty in the US, thus providing information on the research performance of each field and on the expected academic accomplishments within it.
The effectiveness of prescription drug monitoring programs at reducing opioid-related harms and consequences: a systematic review
Authors: Rhodes Emily , Wilson Maria , Robinson Alysia , Hayden Jill A. , Asbridge Mark
Published: November 2019

Background

In order to address the opioid crisis in North America, many regions have adopted preventative strategies, such as prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). PDMPs aim to increase patient safety by certifying that opioids are prescribed in appropriate quantities. We aimed to synthesize the literature on changes in opioid-related harms and consequences, an important measure of PDMP effectiveness.

Methods

We completed a systematic review. We conducted a narrative synthesis of opioid-related harms and consequences from PDMP implementation. Outcomes were grouped into categories by theme: opioid dependence, opioid-related care outcomes, opioid-related adverse events, and opioid-related legal and crime outcomes.

Results

We included a total of 22 studies (49 PDMPs) in our review. Two studies reported on illicit and problematic use but found no significant associations with PDMP status. Eight studies examined the association between PDMP status and opioid-related care outcomes, of which two found that treatment admissions for prescriptions opioids were lower in states with PDMP programs (p < 0.05). Of the thirteen studies that reported on opioid-related adverse events, two found significant (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05) but conflicting results with one finding a decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths after PDMP implementation and the other an increase. Lastly, two studies found no statistically significant association between PDMP status and opioid-related legal and crime outcomes (crime rates, identification of potential dealers, and diversion).

Conclusion

Our study found limited evidence to support overall associations between PDMPs and reductions in opioid-related consequences. However, this should not detract from the value of PDMPs’ larger role of improving opioid prescribing.
Implementation of an older person’s nurse practitioner in rural aged care in Victoria, Australia: a qualitative study
Authors: Ervin Kaye , Reid Carol , Moran Anna , Opie Cynthia , Haines Helen
Published: November 2019

Background

There are staff shortages nation-wide in residential aged care, which is only predicted to grow as the population ages in Australia. The aged care staff shortage is compounded in rural and remote areas where the health service workforce overall experiences difficulties in recruitment and retention. There is evidence that nurse practitioners fill important service gaps in aged care and rural health care but also evidence that barriers exist in introducing this extended practice role.

Methods

In 2018, 58 medical and direct care staff participated in interviews and focus groups about the implementation of an older person’s nurse practitioner (OPNP) in aged care. All 58 interviewees had previously or currently worked in an aged care setting where the OPNP delivered services.

The interviews were analysed using May’s implementation theory framework to better understand staff perceptions of barriers and enablers when an OPNP was introduced to the workplace.

Results

The major perceived barrier to capacity of implementing the OPNP was a lack of material resources, namely funding of the role given the OPNP’s limited ability to self-fund through access to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Staff perceived that benefits included timely access to care for residents, hospital avoidance and improved resident health outcomes.

Conclusion

Despite staff perceptions of more timely access to care for residents and improved outcomes, widespread implementation of the OPNP role may be hampered by a poor understanding of the role of an OPNP and the legislative requirement for a collaborative arrangement with a medical practitioner as well as limited access to the MBS.

This study was not a registered trial.
Migrant health in Italy: a better health status difficult to maintain—country of origin and assimilation effects studied from the Italian risk factor surveillance data
Authors:   WHO Migration Health Programme, Office of the Regional Director, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Campostrini Stefano ,   the PASSI National Coordinating group, Carrozzi Giuliano , Severoni Santino , Masocco Maria , Salmaso Stefania
Published: November 2019

Background

Many studies on migrant health have focused on aspects of morbidity and mortality, but very few approach the relevant issues of migrants’ health considering behavioral risk factors. Previous studies have often been limited methodologically because of sample size or lack of information on migrant country of origin. Information about risk factors is fundamental to direct any intervention, particularly with regard to non-communicable diseases that are leading causes of death and disease. Thus, the main focus of our analysis is the influence of country of origin and the assimilation process.

Method

Utilizing a surveillance system that has been collecting over 30,000 interviews a year in Italy since 2008, we have studied migrants’ attitudes and behaviors by country of origin and by length of stay. Given 6 years of observation, we have obtained and analyzed 228,201 interviews of which over 9000 were migrants.

Results

While migrants overall present similar conditions to native-born Italians, major differences appear when country of origin or length of stay is considered. Subgroups of migrants present substantially different behaviors, some much better than native-born Italians, some worse. However, integration processes generally produce a convergence towards the behavioral prevalence observed for native-born Italians.

Conclusions

Health programs should consider the diversity of the growing migrant population: data and analyses are needed to support appropriate policies. Many migrants’ subgroups arrive with healthier behaviors than those of their adopted country. However, they are likely to have a less favorable social position in their destination countries that could lead to a change towards less healthy behaviors. Interventions capable of identifying this tendency could produce significant better health for this important part of the future (multicultural) populations.
Gut microbiome composition in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos is shaped by geographic relocation, environmental factors, and obesity
Authors: Kaplan Robert C. , Wang Zheng , Usyk Mykhaylo , Sotres-Alvarez Daniela , Daviglus Martha L. , Schneiderman Neil , Talavera Gregory A. , Gellman Marc D. , Thyagarajan Bharat , Moon Jee-Young , Vázquez-Baeza Yoshiki , McDonald Daniel , Williams-Nguyen Jessica S. , Wu Michael C. , North Kari E. , Shaffer Justin , Sollecito Christopher C. , Qi Qibin , Isasi Carmen R. , Wang Tao , Knight Rob , Burk Robert D.
Published: November 2019

Background

Hispanics living in the USA may have unrecognized potential birthplace and lifestyle influences on the gut microbiome. We report a cross-sectional analysis of 1674 participants from four centers of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), aged 18 to 74 years old at recruitment.

Results

Amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene V4 and fungal ITS1 fragments from self-collected stool samples indicate that the host microbiome is determined by sociodemographic and migration-related variables. Those who relocate from Latin America to the USA at an early age have reductions in Prevotella to Bacteroides ratios that persist across the life course. Shannon index of alpha diversity in fungi and bacteria is low in those who relocate to the USA in early life. In contrast, those who relocate to the USA during adulthood, over 45 years old, have high bacterial and fungal diversity and high Prevotella to Bacteroides ratios, compared to USA-born and childhood arrivals. Low bacterial diversity is associated in turn with obesity. Contrasting with prior studies, our study of the Latino population shows increasing Prevotella to Bacteroides ratio with greater obesity. Taxa within Acidaminococcus, Megasphaera, Ruminococcaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, Clostridiales, Christensenellaceae, YS2 (Cyanobacteria), and Victivallaceae are significantly associated with both obesity and earlier exposure to the USA, while Oscillospira and Anaerotruncus show paradoxical associations with both obesity and late-life introduction to the USA.

Conclusions

Our analysis of the gut microbiome of Latinos demonstrates unique features that might be responsible for health disparities affecting Hispanics living in the USA.
RstA, a two-component response regulator, plays important roles in multiple virulence-associated processes in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Liu Yutao , Li Shujie , Li Wendi , Wang Peisheng , Ding Peng , Li Lingyu , Wang Junyue , Yang Pan , Wang Qian , Xu Tingting , Xiong Yingying , Yang Bin
Published: November 2019

Background

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC O157) causes bloody diarrhea and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. EHEC O157 encounters varied microenvironments during infection, and can efficiently adapt to these using the two-component system (TCS). Recently, a functional TCS, RstAB, has been implicated in the regulation of virulence of several bacterial pathogens. However, the regulatory function of RstAB in EHEC O157 is poorly understood. This study aimed at providing insights into the global effects of RstA on gene expression in EHEC O157.

Results

In the present study, we analyzed gene expression differences between the EHEC O157 wild-type strain and a ΔrstA mutant using RNA-seq technology. Genes with differential expression in the ΔrstA mutant compared to that in the wild-type strain were identified and grouped into clusters of orthologous categories. RstA promoted EHEC O157 LEE gene expression, adhesion in vitro, and colonization in vivo by indirect regulation. We also found that RstA could bind directly to the promoter region of hdeA and yeaI to enhance acid tolerance and decrease biofilm formation by modulating the concentration of c-di-GMP.

Conclusions

In summary, the RstAB TCS in EHEC O157 plays a major role in the regulation of virulence, acid tolerance, and biofilm formation. We clarified the regulatory function of RstA, providing an insight into mechanisms that may be potential drug targets for treatment of EHEC O157-related infections.
Can imaging be the new yardstick for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy?—a comparison between high resolution ultrasound and MR neurography with an approach to diagnosis
Authors: Agarwal Aakanksha , Chandra Abhishek , Jaipal Usha , Bagarhatta Meenu , Mendiratta Kuldeep , Goyal Alka , Kumar Raghav , Mangalhara Naresh
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Peripheral neuropathies are a group of disorders which affect the peripheral nervous system which have been conventionally diagnosed using electrodiagnostic studies. This study was carried out to assess the role of imaging in diagnosing peripheral mononeuropathy as exact anatomical localisation of the pathology is possible using high-resolution ultrasound and MR neurography, the modalities assessed in this study.

Method

A hospital-based prospective analytical study was carried out in a resource-limited setting on 180 peripheral nerves in 131 patients with symptoms of peripheral mononeuropathy after taking IRB approval. Each patient underwent high-resolution ultrasound examination and MR neurography, findings of which were then compared and statistically analysed assuming electrodiagnostic findings as the gold standard.

Results

Overall, the diagnostic accuracy was highest for the proton density fat-saturated MR sequence (93.89%) followed by high-resolution ultrasound (80%). The sensitivity was highest for proton density fat-saturated sequence while the T1 MR sequence had the highest specificity. Combined diagnostic accuracy of both modalities was calculated to be 93.33% with a negative predictive value of 80%. High-resolution ultrasound and MRI equally detected the cases with nerve discontinuity, while neuromas were better identified on MRI.

Conclusion

With the advent of higher frequency probes and improved MR field strength, imaging of peripheral nerves is possible with better accuracy. Imaging assessment of nerves allows anatomical delineation with identification of exact site of involvement. This comparative study demonstrates the role of imaging in diagnosing peripheral nerve pathologies with the accuracy of MRI as high as 93.89% which may serve as an imaging gold standard. High-resolution ultrasound, being quicker, cost effective and a comparable accuracy of 80% can serve as a reliable screening tool. This study incorporates a larger study group and compares HRUS with MRI, taking NCV as gold standard, which has not been done in the preceding studies. With this study, we conclude that these two imaging modalities are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they complement each other and can be used in conjunction as an imaging yardstick for diagnosing peripheral neuropathies.
Pathobiology and innate immune responses of gallinaceous poultry to clade 2.3.4.4A H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection
Authors: Bertran Kateri , Pantin-Jackwood Mary J. , Criado Miria F. , Lee Dong-Hun , Balzli Charles L. , Spackman Erica , Suarez David L. , Swayne David E.
Published: November 2019

In the 2014–2015 Eurasian lineage clade 2.3.4.4A H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the U.S., backyard flocks with minor gallinaceous poultry and large commercial poultry (chickens and turkeys) operations were affected. The pathogenesis of the first H5N8 and reassortant H5N2 clade 2.3.4.4A HPAI U.S. isolates was investigated in six gallinaceous species: chickens, Japanese quail, Bobwhite quail, Pearl guinea fowl, Chukar partridges, and Ring-necked pheasants. Both viruses caused 80–100% mortality in all species, except for H5N2 virus that caused 60% mortality in chickens. The surviving challenged birds remained uninfected based on lack of clinical disease and lack of seroconversion. Among the infected birds, chickens and Japanese quail in early clinical stages (asymptomatic and listless) lacked histopathologic findings. In contrast, birds of all species in later clinical stages (moribund and dead) had histopathologic lesions and systemic virus replication consistent with HPAI virus infection in gallinaceous poultry. These birds had widespread multifocal areas of necrosis, sometimes with heterophilic or lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltrate, and viral antigen in parenchymal cells of most tissues. In general, lesions and antigen distribution were similar regardless of virus and species. However, endotheliotropism was the most striking difference among species, with only Pearl guinea fowl showing widespread replication of both viruses in endothelial cells of most tissues. The expression of IFN-γ and IL-10 in Japanese quail, and IL-6 in chickens, were up-regulated in later clinical stages compared to asymptomatic birds.
PyWPS: overview, new features in version 4 and existing implementations
Authors: de Sousa Luís Moreira , de Jesus Jorge Mendes , Čepicky Jachym , Kralidis Athanasios Tom , Huard David , Ehbrecht Carsten , Barreto Suzana , Eberle Jonas
Published: November 2019

PyWPS 4 is a re–make of the Python implementation of the WPS standard. It is the result of the work of over a dozen individual contributors, during a period of almost three years. One of the goals driving this re–implementation was to embrace modern Python technologies and the possibilities they open.This technical note reviews some of the more advanced possibilities this new PyWPS implementation opens. Request activity is now logged into a structured database, relying on a generic Object–Relational Mapping engine. The adoption of WSGI (Web Server Gateway Interface) opens new ways for load balancing request execution and application encapsulation, that are exemplified with modern Python technologies. Furthermore, PyWPS 4 is designed with containerisation in mind, expediting both development and deployment and improving security.
Correction to: A smartphone app intervention for adult cannabis users wanting to quit or reduce their use: a pilot evaluation
Authors: Albertella Lucy , Gibson Lisa , Rooke Sally , Norberg Melissa M. , Copeland Jan
Published: November 2019

Following publication of the original article (Albertella et al. 2019), the authors have flagged an error concerning the reference to the ‘follow-up Mann-Whitney U test’ in the Results section of the article.
Engineering microbial chemical factories using metabolic models
Authors: Sarkar Debolina , Maranas Costas D.
Published: November 2019

Living organisms in analogy with chemical factories use simple molecules such as sugars to produce a variety of compounds which are necessary for sustaining life and some of which are also commercially valuable. The metabolisms of simple (such as bacteria) and higher organisms (such as plants) alike can be exploited to convert low value inputs into high value outputs. Unlike conventional chemical factories, microbial production chassis are not necessarily tuned for a single product overproduction. Despite the same end goal, metabolic and industrial engineers rely on different techniques for achieving productivity goals. Metabolic engineers cannot affect reaction rates by manipulating pressure and temperature, instead they have at their disposal a range of enzymes and transcriptional and translational processes to optimize accordingly. In this review, we first highlight how various analytical approaches used in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology are related to concepts developed in systems and control engineering. Specifically, how algorithmic concepts derived in operations research can help explain the structure and organization of metabolic networks. Finally, we consider the future directions and challenges faced by the field of metabolic network modeling and the possible contributions of concepts drawn from the classical fields of chemical and control engineering. The aim of the review is to offer a current perspective of metabolic engineering and all that it entails without requiring specialized knowledge of bioinformatics or systems biology.
Role of Anthocleista vogelii in serum antioxidant defence system in cadmium-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats
Authors: Apiamu Augustine , Asagba Samuel Ogheneovo , Tonukari Nyerhovwo J.
Published: November 2019

Background

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity, which runs across the food chain, is chiefly regulated by in vivo antioxidant defence system or through antioxidant supplementation of biological systems predisposed to this environmental stressor. The present study was designed to examine the role ofAnthocleista vogeliileaves in Cd-induced oxidative stress in the serum of Wistar rats through the application of response surface methodology (RSM) and biomonitoring of selective responses: malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and peroxidase (POD) activities, respectively. The cold macerated plant leaves were subjected to fractionation process using methanol-hexane-chloroform (3:2:1 v/v) solvent system such that n-hexane fraction with ample antioxidant levels in terms of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) among others atp <  0.05 was selected for the study. The study employed central composite design (CCD) with twenty experimental “runs” of male Wistar rats for twenty-eight days, following a week of acclimatization, where n-hexane fraction ofA. vogelii(NFAV), cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and body weights of rats were considered input factors in the study.

Results

The study generated five quadratic models, which differed significantly atp <  0.05 for MDA levels as well as CAT, SOD, GST and POD activities in the sera of Wistar rats. The study revealed that exposure to Cd toxicity caused a marked increase (p <  0.05) in serum MDA levels, but a significant inhibition (p <  0.05) of serum SOD, CAT, GST and POD activities. However, Cd interaction with NFAV showed marked amelioration of Cd-induced oxidative stress, which was confirmed by significant decrease in serum MDA levels, but significant increase in serum SOD, CAT, GST and POD activities atp <  0.05 via the response surface plots. The study also confirmed the reliability and adequacy of the models for accurate prediction of the responses since R-squared (R2) values obtained were greater than 90%.

Conclusion

It was inferred from the present study that the adequacy of the models validated the potency ofA. vogeliileaves graphically in the amelioration of Cd-induced oxidative stress in the serum of Wistar rats. Hence, the plant was considered a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant properties.
Introduction to this special section: Borehole geophysics
Authors: Coyle Sarah , Salazar Jesús M. , Spikes Kyle T.
Published: November 2019

When borehole geophysics technologies and applications come to mind, often we think of vertical seismic profiles (VSPs), checkshots, or wireline logging measurements. Problems that have been addressed include resolution enhancement, coverage, illumination, and time-to-depth conversion, among others. The papers in this special section, however, extend these relatively well-known techniques to include salt proximity work, use of high-pressure and ultrahigh-pressure geophones in VSPs, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), acoustic wellbore ranging, refinement of velocity models and image enhancement, and impacts on business value. Although all the papers could have been about, for example, DAS or vertical resolution improvements, this special section turned out to be broader in terms of the application of borehole geophysics. What drives the need for borehole geophysics in these applications? Is it the significance of business value? Is it scientific and engineering knowledge? Is it some combination thereof? The answers to those questions are not addressed directly, but each paper is unique and offers useful results and techniques across many disciplines. This special section is not extensive in terms of the number of papers, but those included are well worth reading.
Salt/sediment proximity to delineate salt boundaries using seismic while drilling in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Bayer Jacob , Jensen Bryce , Li Yingping , Chen Tianrun , Matson Ken
Published: November 2019

Between July 2018 and January 2019, Shell acquired two vertical seismic profiling (VSP) surveys in two deepwater wells in the Gulf of Mexico by using a seismic while drilling (SWD) tool. Each survey included a rig source zero-offset VSP and a boat source offset VSP. The main objective of the surveys is to delineate the salt-sediment boundary at the salt base and flank. We design and execute the complex VSP surveys with emphasis on optimization, efficiency, and integration. We develop a comprehensive analysis and processing method to integrate P-wave sediment and salt proximities with converted PS salt proximity. We use SWD-VSP surveys to demonstrate how we define the salt boundary with the integrated results. Our results show that we can delineate the salt boundary with better accuracy and with a high degree of confidence. These successful VSP surveys provide significant business and technical value.
Reviews
Authors: Krebes Edward S. , Wood Ray , Taylor Patrick
Published: November 2019

Fundamentals of Spherical Array Processing, second edition, by Boaz Rafaely, ISBN 978-3-319-99560-1, 2019, Springer, 193 p. Scientific Integrity and Ethics in the Geosciences, by Linda C. Gundersen, ISBN 978-1-119-06778-8, 2017, American Geophysical Union, 344 p. Hydrocarbon Potential in Southeastern United States, by Robert J. Brewer, ISBN 978-3-030-00216-9, 2019, Springer, 89 p.
Memorial
Authors: Strack Kurt , Treitel Sven
Published: November 2019

Keeva Vozoff (1928–2019)
The Voices of Keti Chukhrov: Radical Poetics after the Soviet Union
Authors: Bozovic Marijeta
Published: November 2019

The newest Russian poetic avant-garde wields highly aware appropriations and remediations in stark opposition to mainstream cultural phenomena, including nostalgia for the imperial and militant aestheticized politics of the Soviet Union. Efforts to think leftward beyond the state socialist past to a global egalitarian future challenge both Russian and “Western” narratives in our increasingly interconnected world. The Georgian-born Russian-language poet Keti Chukhrov, in particular, theorizes powerlessness in deeply local yet globally familiar ways. Despite the many voices rumbling through her work, Chukhrov’s theses are consistent: art must be communist; all desire, even faked, is political eros; and the post-Soviet subject is not even dead. Chukhrov embeds her politics in institutional critique, lends her labor to collectives and collaborations, and refracts her poetic voice into multitudes.
Reading the Fine Print: State Considerations for Medicaid Buy-In Plans
Authors: Sandoe Emma , Golberstein Ezra
Published: November 2019

States that are pursuing Medicaid buy-in plans have considerable options in designing a plan to meet their goals. Buy-in plans will reflect key decisions on four major issues: 1) whether plans are sold on or off exchange, 2) whether plans are run by the state or a Medicaid Managed Care Organization, 3) who is eligible to purchase plans, and 4) which benefits and providers will be covered and at what payment rates. Our goal is to clarify the implications of these choices with respect to the goals and with respect to the tradeoffs each choice would involve.
Theoretical Studies of Structures and Conformational Analysis of Anthracene-2,7-diyl Cyclic Oligomers
Authors: Toyota Shinji , Wakamatsu Kan
Published: November 2019

The structures and conformation of anthracene-2,7-diyl cyclic oligomers were investigated by DFT calculations. The energy minimum and transition state structures of the oligomers ranging from pentamer to nonamer were optimized at the M05-2X/6-31G(d) level. The mechanisms of conformational interconversion were analyzed on the basis of the calculated structures and the thermodynamic energies. The number of structures and the conformational flexibility rapidly increased with increasing ring size. In the stable structures, the dihedral angles between the anthracene units were ca. ±40° or ±140°, and the obtuse angles appeared only in large oligomers. We estimated the cavity size of the cyclic oligomers from the calculated structures and their strain energies by thermochemical calculations of the homodesmotic reactions.
The Impact of College Diversity on Behavior toward Minorities
Authors: Carrell Scott E. , Hoekstra Mark , West James E.
Published: November 2019

This paper estimates the impact of racially diverse peers on white males’ subsequent behavior toward minorities. To overcome selection bias, we exploit data from the US Air Force Academy where students are randomly assigned to autonomous peer groups. A randomly assigned increase in freshman black peer ability causes white men to more frequently choose a black roommate in their sophomore year, after reassignment to a new peer group with a different set of black peers. We also find increased exposure to black students from the middle and top of the high school performance distribution, but not the bottom, increases future interactions. (JEL I23, J15)
Public Spillovers from Private Insurance Contracting: Physician Responses to Managed Care
Authors: Richards Michael R. , Tello-Trillo D. Sebastian
Published: November 2019

Managed care is rebounding as more emphasis is placed on cost containment. These efforts may benefit consumers but challenge providers; however, empirical evidence on how supply-side managed care influences physicians is incomplete. We leverage a quasi-experiment3 in which a commercial insurer imposed a new contract regime on behavioral health providers in response to recent policy shifts. We demonstrate spillovers in the form of negative effects on local physician supply and positive effects on Medicare and Medicaid participation in areas where the insurer has market power. Commercially insured patients are also not obviously harmed but receive less intense services in some settings. (JEL G22, I11, I13, I18, I38, J22, J44)
The Rise of NGO Activism
Authors: Daubanes Julien , Rochet Jean-Charles
Published: November 2019

Activist nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) increasingly oppose firms’ practices. We suggest this might be related to the vulnerability of public regulation to corporate influence. We examine a potentially harmful industrial project subject to regulatory approval. Under industry influence, the regulator may approve the project even though it is harmful. However, an NGO may oppose it. We characterize the circumstances under which NGO opposition occurs and under which it is socially beneficial. Our theory explains the role that NGOs have assumed in the last decades, and has implications for the social legitimacy of activism and the appropriate degree of transparency of industrial activities. (JEL D21, D74, D82, L31, L51)
Cancer incidence after childhood irradiation for tinea capitis in a Portuguese cohort
Authors: Antunes Luís , Bento Maria José , Sobrinho-Simões Manuel , Soares Paula , Boaventura Paula
Published: November 2019

Objectives:

Our aim was to compare cancer incidence in a cohort exposed in childhood (1950–63) to a therapeutic dose of radiation in the North of Portugal and followed-up until the end of 2012, with the incidence rates for the same age and sex in the general population.

Methods:

A population-based North Region cancer registry (RORENO) was used to assess which members of the cohort developed cancer. The association between radiation exposure and overall and specific cancer sites was evaluated using standardised incidence ratios (SIR).

Results:

Over the full follow-up period, 3357 individuals of the 5356 original tinea capitis (TC) cohort (63%) were retrieved in the RORENO, and 399 new cancer cases were identified, representing an increased risk of 49% when compared with the general population (SIR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.35–1.64). The risk was slightly higher in males than in females (SIR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.43–1.89 vs SIR = 1.35; CI = 1.17–1.55). The risk was slightly higher in the individuals exposed to a higher radiation dose (SIR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.22–2.51 for ≥630 R vs SIR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.31–1.62 for 325–475 R). In females, there was an excess cancer risk in all cancers with the higher radiation dose (SIR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.21–3.13 for ≥630 R vs SIR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.11–1.51 for 325–475 R) which was not observed in males, and for combined dose categories significantly raised SIRs for thyroid and head and neck cancer, suggesting a possible higher radiosensitivity of females. An increased risk was also observed for some cancers located far from the irradiated area.

Conclusions:

The results suggest an association between radiation exposure and later increased cancer risk for cancers located near the radiation exposed area, mainly thyroid, and head and neck cancers. Further studies are necessary to disentangle possible non-radiation causes for distant cancers increased risk.

Advances in knowledge:

This paper shows a possible association between childhood X-ray epilation and increased risk of cancer which was not previously investigated in the Portuguese TC cohort.
MiR-146a down-regulates inflammatory response by targeting TLR3 and TRAF6 in Coxsackievirus B infection
Authors: Fei Yanru , Chaulagain Anita , Wang Tianying , Chen Yang , Liu Jinchang , Yi Ming , Wang Ying , Huang Yike , Lin Lexun , Chen Sijia , Xu Weizhen , Tong Lei , Wu Xiaoyu , Zhao Dechao , Zhang Fengmin , Zhao Wenran , Zhong Zhaohua
Published: November 2019

Coxsackievirus B (CVB) is the major cause of human myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is an intracellular sensor to detect pathogen's dsRNA. TLR3, along with TRAF6, triggers an inflammatory response through NF-κB signaling pathway. In the cells infected with CVB type 3 (CVB3), the abundance of miR-146a was significantly increased. The role of miR-146a in CVB infection is unclear. In this study, TLR3 and TRAF6 were identified as the targets of miR-146a. The elevated miR-146a inhibited NF-κB translocation and subsequently down-regulated proinflammatory cytokine expression in the CVB3-infected cells. Therefore, the NF-κB pathway can be doubly blocked by miR-146a through targeting of TLR3 and TRAF6. MiR-146a may be a negative regulator on inflammatory response and an intrinsic protective factor in CVB infection.
Adverse events with ayurvedic medicines- possible adulteration and some inherent toxicities
Authors: Paudyal Buddhi , Thapa Astha , Sigdel Keshav Raj , Adhikari Sudeep , Basnyat Buddha
Published: November 2019

Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional system of medicine practiced in the Indian subcontinent is considered to be devoid of adverse events. We report three cases which highlight the possibility of adverse events related with the use of ayurvedic products. A 35 year old woman with hepatitis took ayurvedic powder medicine and swarnabhasma (gold salt) and had her liver injury worsened, possibly due to alkaloids, and developed nephrotic syndrome, possibly due to gold salt. A 57 year old hypertensive man was taking ayurvedic medicine containing reserpine which had long been withdrawn from the allopathic system of medicine due to wide range of side effects. A 47 year old woman with rheumatoid arthritis was taking an unknown tablet containing steroid as an adulterant for 2 years and developed side effects typical of steroid excess. We would like to highlight the fact that ayurvedic medicines do have propensity to cause adverse events due to adulteration or inherent constituents like alkaloids, and hence may not always be completely safe.
Didactics of practice-oriented education (2-izd)
Authors: Беликов Владимир , Belikov V. , Романов Петр , Romanov Petr , Валеев Азат , Valeev Azat , Филиппов Александр , Filippov Aleksandr
Published: November 2019

The monograph presents the author's material corresponding to the idea that the implementation of the requirements of activity, competence and acmeological approaches significantly contributes to the provision of practice-oriented orientation of education. The paper reveals the potential of educational-cognitive and educational-professional activity in the formation of personal competencies of students in modern higher school.
The didactic concept of practice-oriented education as a system of students ' activity, the integrity of which is provided by the personal significance of the purpose of education, its value orientation, subordination to reflective processes, personal aspirations to achieve the "peaks" of education, is presented.
It is recommended to scientific and pedagogical workers of higher education, undergraduates, postgraduates, doctoral students and applicants, teachers of universities and institutions of secondary vocational education.
Faecal incontinence in palliative and end-of-life care
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: November 2019

Faecal incontinence can be a distressing and undignified experience, and is particularly a care delivery need for those at the end of life. There are various publications by national bodies including NHS England, the Department of Health, NHS Scotland and others, discussed in this article, to inform readers of the best way to care for someone experiencing faecal incontinence who is being looked after through palliative care in the community. The article will also discuss the application of recommended faecal collection devices and some of the associated risks. The devices discussed are: anal pouches, rectal tubes and catheters, and rectal trumpets. The article aims to inform the practice of community and district nurses providing palliative care.
Evaluation of a structured preceptorship programme
Authors: Tucker Guy , Atkinson Joanne , Kelly Janet , Parkin Lynette , McKenzie Alison , Scott Sue , Joyce Suzanne , Davidson Doreen
Published: November 2019

Preceptorship is a period in which newly qualified staff nurses receive support from an experienced nurse to smooth their transition into the service. District nurses (DNs) from the authors’ trust informally expressed the need for a better transition between the completion of district nursing education and entry into the workforce. Hence, a structured preceptorship programme was developed and delivered. This article describes this service initiative and its evaluation by preceptors (n=14) and preceptees (newly qualified DNs; n=13). Both groups valued having a structured preceptorship programme. Preceptees agreed that having a named preceptor was very important, and preceptors felt that the role which they played was rewarding. Both groups felt that the role of the DN was a specialist role and that the preceptorship programme helped to support newly qualified staff make the transition into qualified DNs, clinical team leaders and, ultimately, caseload holders. A large-scale study of DN practice is required to develop a national consensus on the structure and content of preceptorship programmes for district nursing.
Non-contraceptive benefits of hormonal contraception
Authors: Cooper Michelle , Boog Katie
Published: November 2019

Hormonal contraception can provide reliable protection against unintended pregnancy, as well as a broad range of non-contraceptive benefits. Dr Michelle Cooper and Dr Katie Boog give an overview of these benefits

Beyond their primary role of preventing pregnancy, hormonal contraceptives provide a number of non-contraceptive benefits including a reduction in menstrual pain and bleeding, improvement in acne and a decrease in the lifetime risk of cancer of the ovaries and endometrium. They are also widely used in the management of a number of gynaecological conditions including endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome. Although the risks may outweigh the benefits when a method is used solely for contraception, the risk-benefit profile may change when it is also used for a medical indication. Potential non-contraceptive benefits should be discussed with all women when considering the most appropriate form of contraception to suit their needs.
Midterm results of radiocapitellar arthroplasty of the elbow
Authors: Giannicola Giuseppe , Calella Piergiorgio , Bigazzi Prospero , Mantovani Alberto , Spinello Paolo , Cinotti Gianluca
Published: November 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to analyze the results of two radiocapitellar prostheses in a large case series followed prospectively, with medium-term follow-up.

Patients and Methods

A total of 31 patients with a mean age of 54 years (27 to 73) were analyzed; nine had primary osteoarthritis (OA) and 17 had post-traumatic OA, three had capitellar osteonecrosis, and two had a fracture. Overall, 17 Lateral Resurfacing Elbow (LRE) and 14 Uni-Elbow Radio-Capitellum Implant (UNI-E) arthroplasties were performed. Pre- and postoperative assessment involved the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) score, and the modified American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons (m-ASES) score.

Results

The mean follow-up was 6.8 years (3.8 to 11.5). The mean MEPS, m-ASES, and Q-DASH scores improved significantly by 50 (p < 0.001), 55 (p < 0.001), and 54 points (p < 0.001), respectively, with no differences being detected between the implants. Preoperative pronation and supination were worse in patients in whom the UNI-E was used. Two patients with the UNI-E implant had asymptomatic evidence of gross loosening.

Conclusion

Radiocapitellar arthroplasty yielded a significant improvement in elbow function at a mean follow-up of 6.8 years, with a high implant survival rate when the LRE was used in patients with primary or post-traumatic OA, without radial head deformity, and when the UNI-E was used in patients in whom radial head excision was indicated. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1362–1369
Prospective randomized comparison of quality of regenerate in distraction osteogenesis of ringversusmonolateral fixator in patients with infected nonunion of the tibia using digital radiographs and CT
Authors: Rohilla Rajesh , Sharma Pankaj K. , Wadhwani Jitendra , Rohilla Seema , Beniwal Rajeev , Singh Roop , Devgan Ashish
Published: November 2019

Aims

In this randomized study, we aimed to compare quality of regenerate in monolateral versus circular frame fixation in 30 patients with infected nonunion of tibia.

Patients and Methods

Both groups were comparable in demographic and injury characteristics. A phantom (aluminium step wedge of increasing thickness) was designed to compare the density of regenerate on radiographs. A CT scan was performed at three and six months postoperatively to assess regenerate density. A total of 30 patients (29 male, one female; mean age 32.54 years (18 to 60)) with an infected nonunion of a tibial fracture presenting to our tertiary institute between June 2011 and April 2016 were included in the study.

Results

The regenerate mineralization on radiographs was comparable in both groups at two, four, six, and ten months’ follow-up but the rail fixator group had statistically significant higher grades of mineralization when compared with the circular frame group at eight and 12 months’ follow-up. The regenerate mineralization was also higher in the rail fixator group than in the circular frame group on CT at three and six months, although this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Overall, the regenerate mineralization was higher in the monolateral than the circular frame group. A monolateral fixator may be preferred in patients with infected nonunion of the tibia with bone defects up to 7 cm. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1416–1422.