bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of pollution on the inequality in health care expenditure: Evidence from China
Authors: Sheng Pengfei , Zhang Yuechi
Published: May 2019

This study is designed to investigate the impact of pollution on the inequality in health care expenditure. We use the method of stochastic frontier function to model residents’ demand of health care services, and then measure the inequality by the relative distance between the optimal demand and the actual demand. With the annual data over 2002–2015 for China’s 30 provinces, the estimates suggest that the average value of the inequality is 0.161 for China’s 30 provinces in 2015, which is fairly large and cannot be ignored. Meanwhile, our results reveal that a 1% decrease in pollution would result in a 0.386% decrease in the inequality in health care expenditure. Finally, it is concluded that pollution plays an important role in driving the inequality in health care expenditure, which also confirms the potential benefits of pollution reductions.
Challenges in Primary Care Regarding Children and Adolescents With Chronic Conditions in Brazil
Authors: Vaz Elenice Maria Cecchetti , Collet Neusa , Cursino Emília Gallindo , Forte Franklin Dellano Soares , Santos Nathanielly Cristina Carvalho de Brito , Reichert Gabriel Pereira , da Nóbrega Vanessa Medeiros , Reichert Altamira Pereira da Silva
Published: May 2019

The coordination of primary care is pivotal to the management of chronic conditions. However, current systems may not be as efficient or effective as one would hope. This article addresses to the managers and health teams in the primary care setting and their challenges regarding children and adolescents with chronic conditions in Brazil. A qualitative study was conducted with 26 primary care professionals and managers using thematic content analysis. The results showed a scarcity of specialists for referrals and a lack of professional training for dealing with this specific group of patients. It is necessary to improve health information systems to ensure the continuity of care. Current health care of children and adolescents with chronic conditions is neither efficient nor effective. For this type of care to be comprehensive, the health needs of this population must be addressed and the operational structure of the health care network must be strengthened.
Resisting Via Hybrid Spaces: The Cascade Effect of a Workplace Struggle Against Neoliberal Hegemony
Authors: Palpacuer Florence , Seignour Amélie
Published: May 2019

This article adopts a neo-Gramscian perspective to analyze an impactful case of workers’ resistance escalating into civil society and the state, over the course of a social crisis triggered by employee suicides at the main French telecom firm in 2009 to 2010. On the basis of press data and interviews with key actors of the resistance, we produce a narrative of hegemonic transformation in three phases: (a) the rise of a new “hegemonic despotism” steering workers’ resistance within the firm, (b) the emergence of a counter-hegemony reaching out to the broader civil society, and (c) hegemonic transformation via state intervention. We contribute to the theoretical understanding of resistance by highlighting the role of a “hybrid space” spanning the firm, civil society, and the state in this “cascade effect” of resistance. Hybrid spaces enable the sharing, development, and leverage of discursive and material resources across the three main spheres of neoliberal hegemony.
On the track of visual style: a diachronic study of page composition in comics and its functional motivation
Authors: Bateman John A , Veloso Francisco OD , Lau Yan Ling
Published: May 2019

Page layout is one of the most salient features of graphic novels and comics that readers encounter: even before engaging with specific content, an overall impression of the page composition will have already been communicated. In the critical literature on comics and graphic novels, it is also commonly claimed that page composition plays a significant role for narrative construction, pacing, and other aspects of reception. However, in contrast to this prominence, methods for engaging systematically with the analysis of page design in comics and graphic novels are still in their infancy. Empirical studies of the workings of visual page composition are rarer still. In this article, the authors report results, drawing on a diachronic, corpus-based investigation of page composition that illustrates how it is beneficial to approach page composition employing methods from corpus linguistics and multimodality. They show not only that it is possible to isolate trajectories of change in composition over time but also that such studies can be used to provide evidence of functionally-motivated variation in compositional choices.
Liquid-type non-thermal atmospheric plasma ameliorates vocal fold scarring by modulating vocal fold fibroblast
Authors: Won Ho-Ryun , Song Eun Hye , Won Jong Eun , Lee Hye Young , Kang Sung Un , Shin Yoo Seob , Kim Chul-Ho
Published: May 2019

Injection laryngoplasty is a widely used therapeutic option for drug delivery into vocal folds (VFs). Efficient injectable materials are urgently needed for treating intractable VF disease. Liquid-type non-thermal atmospheric plasma (LTP) has been found to be useful for various biological applications, including in regenerative medicine. We evaluated the effects of LTP on VF regeneration. Migration and matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated human vocal fold-derived mesenchymal stem cells (VF-MSCs) were enhanced by LTP treatment. LTP treatment not only ameliorated nuclear factor-κB and interleukin-6 activation, induced by LPS treatment, but also the increased manifestation of α-smooth muscle actin and fibronectin, induced by transforming growth factor-ß. In a rabbit VF scarring animal model, histological analyses showed increased hyaluronic acid deposition and decreased collagen accumulation after LTP injection. Videokymographic analysis showed more improved vibrations in LTP-treated VF mucosa compared to those in non-treated group. In conclusion, LTP treatment enhanced the recruitment and activation of VF-MSCs. Regulated extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and eventual functional improvement of scarred VFs were observed upon LTP treatment. The results of this study suggest that LTP injection can enhance wound healing and improve functional remodeling following VF injury.

Impact statement

Voice disorder has a significant impact on life quality, and one of the major causes of this voice disorder is vocal fold scarring. Therefore, various approaches have been tried to treat for voice disorder. However, no method has satisfied all requirements until now. Plasma medicine, which involves the medical application of plasma, is a rapidly developing field. We have confirmed that liquid-type plasma improved vocal fold scarring by mobilizing and activating vocal fold fibroblast. In conclusion, liquid-type plasma is a potential therapeutic agent for promoting vocal fold scarring through simple injection and it may be an alternative therapeutic agent for the current situation to treat voice disorder.
Renal impairment induced by prenatal exposure to angiotensin II in male rat offspring
Authors: Svitok Pavel , Okuliarova Monika , Varga Ivan , Zeman Michal
Published: May 2019

Suboptimal conditions during prenatal ontogeny can impair development of several physiological systems and result in cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. The kidney has been identified as one of the most sensitive organs for developmental programming, but underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, in our study we explored the consequences of prenatally increased angiotensin II (Ang II) on the structural development of the kidney and its damage by infiltrated immune cells under normal diet and after an increased salt intake, as a second insult representing a lifestyle factor in humans. Female rats were implanted with osmotic mini-pumps continuously releasing Ang II of dose 2 µg/kg/h during last two weeks of pregnancy, whereas control females were sham operated. Immunohistological and ultrastructural evaluations of the kidneys and their infiltration with immune cells were performed in mature male progeny kept either on a standard or increased salt (2% NaCl) diet. Glomerular volume decreased and the cortical tubulointerstitial injury increased in the offspring prenatally exposed to Ang II with no additional effect of increased salt. Ultrastructural examination demonstrated degenerative changes in proximal tubules, mainly fewer and shorter microvilli in the brush border, enlarged mitochondria, and an increased number of lysosomes in the epithelial cells in the progeny prenatally exposed to Ang II. Moreover, the treatment resulted in increased infiltration of T-cells and macrophages in the renal cortex compared to controls. These changes paralleled with reduced numbers of cytotoxic T-cells in circulation and higher oxidative burst of neutrophils in the progeny of Ang II-treated mothers compared to controls. Altogether, results suggest that prenatally increased Ang II promoted infiltration of immune cells in the kidney and subsequent oxidative stress, which induced a damage of renal glomerular and tubular system entailing negative consequences on the cardiovascular system.

Impact statement

Suboptimal prenatal conditions can contribute to development of cardiovascular diseases and an altered renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) can be involved in the process. In our study, increased angiotensin II in pregnant female rats resulted in renal cortical interstitial damage, and renal ultrastructural changes in the glomeruli, the brush border of proximal tubules and mitochondria in mature male offspring. The treatment promoted infiltration of T cells and macrophages in the kidneys and primed an oxidative burst of circulating neutrophils, indicating a pro-inflammatory state in the progeny of angiotensin II-treated mothers. Deregulated RAAS of mothers is involved in developmental programming of hypertension in adult male offspring via damaging kidney morphology and function. These findings suggest that preventing the activation of RAAS and oxidative stress during perinatal development might protect against hypertension development in adult male progeny.
Endovascular reconstructive treatment using a fill-and-tunnel technique for a fusiform vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm with ipsilateral dominance
Authors: Kyeung Ko Jun , Weon Lee Sang , Hwa Choi Chang , Lee Tae Hong
Published: May 2019

Background

Fusiform dissecting aneurysms involving the dominant vertebral artery with poor collaterals are challenging to treat. The purpose of this study was to present an initial experience with a fill and tunnel technique for reconstructive endovascular treatment of these conditions.

Methods

A total of 13 patients, 11 men and 2 women, each with a fusiform vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm not amenable to internal trapping of the parent artery, underwent reconstructive endovascular treatment using a fill and tunnel technique between January 2012 and December 2015. The safety, feasibility, and clinical and angiographic outcomes of these procedures were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

The average maximum diameter of the fusiform aneurysms was 12.1 mm. Five were ruptured. Three aneurysms were treated with a single stent and the remaining 10 aneurysms required double-stent placement. Treatment was technically successful in all 13 patients, achieving complete occlusion ( n = 10, 76.9%) and near-complete occlusion ( n = 3, 23.1%). No procedure-related complications occurred in any patient. There were no delayed thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications during the follow-up period (mean, 19.0 months). Angiographic follow-ups (mean, 9.1 months) showed stable occlusion in 90.9% (10/11) and asymptomatic in-stent occlusion in one patient (9.1%, 1/11). At the end of the observation period (mean, 19.0 months), all patients had excellent clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0, 92.3%, 12/13), except one (mRS 4), resulting from poor preoperative status.

Conclusions

This retrospective study demonstrated that endovascular reconstruction using a fill-and-tunnel technique was a technically safe, feasible, and clinically effective treatment method for fusiform vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms with ipsilateral dominance.
Symptom Chronicity and Tobacco Use: Differences in Athletic and Nonathletic Candidates for Cartilage Surgery
Authors: Everhart Joshua S. , Vajapey Sravya , Kirven James C. , Abouljoud Moneer M. , DiBartola Alex C. , Wright Brennan , Flanigan David C.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To determine whether there are differences in symptomatic knee cartilage defects and rates of tobacco use among age-matched athletes versus nonathletes undergoing initial arthroscopic knee surgery who meet demographic and radiographic criteria for cartilage restoration surgery.

Design

Age-matched athletes ( n = 186) and nonathletes ( n = 159) age 40 or less with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 kg/m2 or less (mean 26.8 SD 4.1) and <50% joint space narrowing on weight-bearing radiographs were included. All patients had a symptomatic Outerbridge grade 2 or higher cartilage defect visualized during knee arthroscopy. Relationship between athletic status and chronicity of knee symptoms prior to surgery and tobacco use status, cartilage defect Outerbridge grade, size, and location at time of surgery were characterized.

Results

Nonathletes were more likely to smoke ( P < 0.001) and had higher BMI ( P = 0.005). Duration of symptoms prior to surgery was shorter among athletes ( P < 0.001). Grade 4 defects were equally prevalent ( P = 0.96) as were multicompartment grade 3-4 lesions ( P = 0.12). Mean grade 3-4 defect size was similar in lateral ( P = 0.96) and medial compartments ( P = 0.82). There was a trend toward larger anterior compartment defects in nonathletes ( P = 0.07).

Conclusions

Among age-matched athletes and nonathletes with symptomatic cartilage defects who meet demographic criteria for cartilage restoration, nonathletes were more likely to smoke and have a longer duration of symptoms prior to treatment. Athletes tended to present earlier but with similar size defects compared to nonathletes, supporting accelerated treatment of defects in athletes and caution toward allowing continued athletic participation in patients with known cartilage defects.
PsA-Disk, a novel visual instrument to evaluate psoriatic arthritis in psoriatic patients: an Italian derma-rheuma multicentre study
Authors: Chimenti Maria Sole , Esposito Maria , Graceffa Dario , Teoli Miriam , Peluso Giusy , Birra Domenico , Moretta Gaia , Galossi Alessandra , Carboni Valentina , Sensi Felice , Mazzotta Annamaria , Caccavale Rosalba , Bernardini Nicoletta , Sessa Paola , Richetta Antonio , Del Duca Ester , Urbani Sara , Persechino Severino , De Simone Clara , Bonifati Claudio , Gremese Elisa , Peris Ketty , Perricone Roberto
Published: May 2019

Background:

Consensus among dermatologists and rheumatologists in the diagnosis and assessment of musculoskeletal diseases in psoriasis (PsO) patients is needed. This study assesses characteristics of musculoskeletal pain in patients with PsO for the presence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and evaluation of a novel 16-item visual instrument (PsA-Disk).

Methods:

Data were collected from eight dermatological/rheumatological centres across Italy. Patients with PsO completed PEST (Psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool) and PsA-Disk questionnaires during the first visit. A rheumatological visit was performed to confirm the presence of PsA. Both validity and reliability of PsA-Disk were assessed.

Results:

A total of 573 patients with PsO were examined at the first visit, and 120 (21%) were diagnosed with PsA. Patients with PsA compared with patients with PsO ( n = 119) presented statistically significant differences for: nail involvement, PEST score ⩾3, higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI)-feet, NAPSI-(hands + feet) and PsA-Disk scores (73.9 ± 32.1 versus 58.1 ± 39.8, p < 0.001). Patients with PsA with knee arthritis had higher PsA-Disk scores (98.4 ± 26 versus 71.5 ± 31.9, p = 0.006) that were also correlated with number of swollen ( r = 0.2, p < 0.05) and tender joints ( r = 0.24, p = 0.021), patient ( r = 0.4, p < 0.001) and physician-pain-visual analogue scale (VAS; r = 0.33, p < 0.001), patient global assessment (PGA)-VAS ( r = 0.23, p = 0.025), physician-health assessment questionnaire (HAQ; r = 0.38, p = 0.011), Disease Activity Score (DAS)-44 ( r = 0.25, p = 0.023) and Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA; r = 0.31, p = 0.005). The instrument had excellent reliability in terms of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90) and stability (intraclass correlation = 0.98). Moderate agreement between PsA-Disk and PEST (Cohen’s kappa = 0.46) was observed, while construct validity appeared appropriate [PsA + patients: PsA-Disk score (interquartile range; IQR) =71 (50–96); PsA-patients: PsA-Disk score (IQR)=50 (20–90); p < 0.001].

Conclusion:

PsA-Disk may be considered a valid novel instrument aiding both dermatologists and rheumatologists in the rapid detection and assessment of musculoskeletal disease characteristics.
Safety and effectiveness of cannabinoids for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia: a systematic review
Authors: Hillen Jodie Belinda , Soulsby Natalie , Alderman Chris , Caughey Gillian E.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia impact profoundly on the quality of life of people living with dementia and their care givers. Evidence for the effectiveness and safety of current therapeutic options is varied. Cannabinoids have been proposed as an alternative therapy, mainly due to their activity on CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. However, little is known regarding the safety and effectiveness of cannabinoid therapy in people with dementia. A literature review was undertaken to identify, describe and critically appraise studies investigating cannabinoid use in treating NPS in dementia.

Methods:

We undertook a systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-seven online resources were searched, including Medline, PsycINFO and Embase. Studies assessing the safety and or effectiveness of cannabinoids in treating NPS in dementia in people aged ⩾ 65 years were included. Study quality was assessed using the Johanna Briggs Institute and Cochrane Collaboration critical appraisal tools.

Results:

Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. There was considerable variability across the studies with respect to study design (50% randomized controlled trials), intervention [dronabinol (33%), nabilone (25%) or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; 42%)] and outcome measures. Dronabinol (three studies) and THC (one study) were associated with significant improvements in a range of neuropsychiatric scores. The most common adverse drug event (ADE) reported was sedation. A high risk of bias was found in eight studies. The highest-quality trial found no significant improvement in symptoms or difference in ADE rate between treatment arms. Included studies used low doses of oral cannabinoids and this may have contributed to the lack of demonstrated efficacy.

Conclusion:

While the efficacy of cannabinoids was not proven in a robust randomized control trial, observational studies showed promising results, especially for patients whose symptoms were refractory. In addition, the safety profile is favourable as most of the ADEs reported were mild. Future trials may want to consider dose escalation and formulations with improved bioavailability.
Semantic Crosstalk in Timbre Perception
Authors: Wallmark Zachary
Published: May 2019

Many adjectives for musical timbre reflect cross-modal correspondence, particularly with vision and touch (e.g., “dark–bright,” “smooth–rough”). Although multisensory integration between visual/tactile processing and hearing has been demonstrated for pitch and loudness, timbre is not well understood as a locus of cross-modal mappings. Are people consistent in these semantic associations? Do cross-modal terms reflect dimensional interactions in timbre processing? Here I designed two experiments to investigate crosstalk between timbre semantics and perception through the use of Stroop-type speeded classification. Experiment 1 found that incongruent pairings of instrument timbres and written names caused significant Stroop-type interference relative to congruent pairs, indicating bidirectional crosstalk between semantic and auditory modalities. Pre-Experiment 2 asked participants to rate natural and synthesized timbres on semantic differential scales capturing luminance (brightness) and texture (roughness) associations, finding substantial consistency for a number of timbres. Acoustic correlates of these associations were also assessed, indicating an important role for high-frequency energy in the intensity of cross-modal ratings. Experiment 2 used timbre adjectives and sound stimuli validated in the previous experiment in two variants of a semantic-auditory Stroop-type task. Results of linear mixed-effects modeling of reaction time and accuracy showed slight interference in semantic processing when adjectives were paired with cross-modally incongruent instrument timbres (e.g., the word “smooth” with a “rough” timbre). Taken together, I conclude by suggesting that semantic crosstalk in timbre processing may be partially automatic and could reflect weak synesthetic congruency between interconnected sensory domains.
Home-Based Primary Care’s Role in Supporting the Older Old During Wildfires
Authors: Wyte-Lake Tamar , Claver Maria , Johnson-Koenke Rachel , Dobalian Aram
Published: May 2019

Objectives: There is limited understanding of how Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) programs support their medically complex patients in event of a disaster. This study aimed to identify emergency preparedness protocols and procedures undertaken in advance of and due to the 2017 Northern California wildfires by staff of the Veterans Health Administration (VA) HBPC programs. Methods: This study examines the experiences and responses of two VA HBPC programs to the 2017 Northern California wildfires. Six phone interviews were conducted from July to August 2018. The interview protocol addressed agency preparedness policies and procedures, continuity of care after the wildfires, as well as facilitators and barriers to disaster response. Results: The total patient census of participating HBPC programs was 300. Neither HBPC program reported a loss of life due to the wildfires. Early patient preparedness, effective leadership support, and strength of program operating procedures emerged as key factors to effective response. Conclusions: Demand for home health care, like VA’s HBPC program, is projected to grow as the number of older adults and longevity increases. Emergency management efforts must likewise evolve to address the unique needs of these vulnerable patients in disasters. Understanding the program activities conducted by the VA HBPC programs in response to the 2017 Northern California wildfires can help improve the understanding of how VA and non-VA home-based care programs can be best integrated into resilience planning of local communities.
European Stroke Organisation Guideline on Reversal of Oral Anticoagulants in Acute Intracerebral Haemorrhage
Authors: Christensen Hanne , Cordonnier Charlotte , Kõrv Janika , Lal Avtar , Ovesen Christian , Purrucker Jan C , Toni Danilo , Steiner Thorsten
Published: May 2019

The aim of the present European Stroke Organisation guideline document is to provide clinically useful evidence-based recommendation on reversal of anticoagulant activity VKA (warfarin, phenprocoumon and acenocoumarol), direct factor II (thrombin) inhibitors (dabigatran etexilat) and factor-Xa-inhibitors (apixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban) in patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage. The guideline was prepared following the Standard Operational Procedure for a European Stroke Organisation guideline document and according to GRADE methodology. As a basic principle, we defined use of oral anticoagulation pragmatically: oral anticoagulation use is assumed by positive medical history unless relevant anticoagulant activity is regarded unlikely by medical history or has been ruled out by laboratory testing. Overall, we strongly recommend using prothrombin complex over no treatment and fresh-frozen plasma in patients on VKA plus vitamin K. We further strongly recommend using idarucizumab in patients on dabigatran and make a recommendation for andexanet alfa in patients on rivaroxaban and apixaban over no treatment. We make a weak recommendation on using high-dose prothrombin complex concentrate (50 IU/kg) for all patients taking edoxaban and for patients on rivaroxaban or apixaban in case andexanet alfa is not available. We recommend against using tranexamic acid and rFVIIa, outside of trials. The presented treatment recommendations aim to normalise coagulation, there is no or only indirect data on effects on functional outcome or mortality, and only little data from randomised controlled trials.
Humeral Head Shape in Native and Prosthetic Joint Replacement
Authors: Iannotti Joseph P , Jun Bong Jae , Teplensky Jason , Ricchetti Eric
Published: May 2019

Background

Nonspherical prosthetic humeral head designs have become increasingly popular as they better approximate the native shoulder anatomy and biomechanical properties and is supported by the existing literature. It remains to be seen how this will impact postoperative outcomes for total shoulder arthroplasty providing a justification for this review.

Methods

A review and synthesis of the literature on the subject of joint replacement in the native and prosthetic humeral head was performed.

Results

Our review encompasses the anatomical, biomechanical, and finite element data present in the literature for native and prosthetic joint replacement. They describe the native humeral head as more elliptical (nonspherical) than circular (spherical) and that nonspherical prosthetics more closely approximate glenohumeral kinematic properties.

Conclusion

A nonspherical prosthetic may influence long-term clinical outcomes in hemiarthroplasty and anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty though further research in this area is necessary.
Can Analytical Mindset Save HR from Voodoo Practices?
Authors: Ramesh S.
Published: May 2019

Be it employee recognition or goal setting, human resources function is based on proven research. However, of late it has been overrun by fads and best practices. Voodoo HR is looking at companies from a totally different milieu and copying practices that worked for them. ‘Great place to work’ and ‘leadership development’ are but two of the trends that have swept organisations. Every organisation is unique in terms of culture, values and the business challenges they face. A ‘catch all’ approach based on industry practices may not be a panacea for all such challenges. To be meaningful, human resources should return to their own evidences and analytics to solve the unique problems of their companies. It is not an easy path and it may be the ‘in’ thing to go with the fad of the moment, but ultimately solving the unique challenges gives HR a leverage that fads don’t.
Robust full-waveform inversion with Radon-domain matching filter
Authors: Sun Bingbing , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: May 2019

Cycle skipping is a severe issue in full-waveform inversion. One option to overcome it is to extend the search space to allow for data comparisons beyond the “point-to-point” subtraction. A matching filter can be computed by deconvolving the measured data from the predicted ones. If the model is correct, the resulting matching filter would be a Dirac delta function in which the energy is focused at zero lag. An optimization problem can be formulated by penalizing this matching filter departure from a Dirac delta function. Because the matching filter replaces the local sample-by-sample comparison with a global one using deconvolution, it can reduce the cycle-skipping problem. Because the matching filter is computed using the whole trace of the measured and predicted data, it is prone to unwanted crosstalk of different events. We perform the deconvolution in the Radon domain to reduce crosstalk and improve the inversion. We first transform the measured and the predicted data into the [Formula: see text] domain using the local Radon transform. We then perform deconvolution for the trace indexed by the same slope value. The main objective of the proposal is to use the slope information embedded in the Radon-transform representation to separate the events and reduce the crosstalk in the deconvolution step. As a result, the objective function tends to be more convex and stabilizes the inversion process. The result obtained for the modified Marmousi model demonstrates the proposed Radon-domain matching-filter approach can converge to a meaningful model given data without the low frequencies of less than 3 Hz and a [Formula: see text] initial model. Compared to the conventional time-space matching-filter approach, the Radon-domain approach indicates fewer artifacts in the model and better fitting of the measured data. The result corresponding to the Chevron 2014 benchmark data set also indicates the good performance of the proposed approach.
Spectral structure-oriented filtering of seismic data with self-adaptive paths
Authors: Gómez Julián L. , Velis Danilo R.
Published: May 2019

We have developed an algorithm to perform structure-oriented filtering (SOF) in 3D seismic data by learning the data structure in the frequency domain. The method, called spectral SOF (SSOF), allows us to enhance the signal structures in the [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] domain by running a 1D edge-preserving filter along curvilinear self-adaptive trajectories that connect points of similar characteristics. These self-adaptive paths are given by the eigenvectors of the smoothed structure tensor, which are easily computed using closed-form expressions. SSOF relies on a few parameters that are easily tuned and on simple 1D convolutions for tensor calculation and smoothing. It is able to process a 3D data volume with a 2D strategy using basic 1D edge-preserving filters. In contrast to other SOF techniques, such as anisotropic diffusion, anisotropic smoothing, and plane-wave prediction, SSOF does not require any iterative process to reach the denoised result. We determine the performance of SSOF using three public domain field data sets, which are subsets of the well-known Waipuku, Penobscot, and Teapot surveys. We use the Waipuku subset to indicate the signal preservation of the method in good-quality data when mostly background random noise is present. Then, we use the Penobscot subset to illustrate random noise and footprint signature attenuation, as well as to show how faults and fractures are improved. Finally, we analyze the Teapot stacked and depth-migrated subsets to show random and coherent noise removal, leading to an improvement of the volume structural details and overall lateral continuity. The results indicate that random noise, footprints, and other artifacts can be successfully suppressed, enhancing the delineation of geologic structures and seismic horizons and preserving the original signal bandwidth.
Glucocorticoid Activity of Adrenal Steroid Precursors in Untreated Patients With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Engels Manon , Pijnenburg-Kleizen Karijn J , Utari Agustini , Faradz Sultana M H , Oude-Alink Sandra , van Herwaarden Antonius E , Span Paul N , Sweep Fred C , Claahsen-van der Grinten Hedi L
Published: May 2019

Context and Objective

We describe the clinical features and biochemical characteristics of a unique population of severely affected untreated patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) from an Indonesian population with proven cortisol deficiency but without clinical signs of cortisol deficiency. We evaluated the in vitro glucocorticoid activity of all relevant adrenal steroid precursors occurring in patients with CAH.

Design

Cross-sectional cohort study and translational research.

Intervention/Main Outcome Measures

Adrenal steroid precursor concentrations before and 60 minutes after ACTH administration to 24 untreated patients with CAH (3 to 46 years) with proven cortisol deficiency (<500 nmol/L post-ACTH) measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry were compared with six control patients (Mann-Whitney U test). Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activation was determined by dual-luciferase assays in human embryonic kidney cells transfected with the GR and exposed to increasing amounts of adrenal steroid precursors for 24 hours.

Results

Blood concentrations of the steroid precursors 11-deoxycortisol (457 nmol/L, P = 0.003), 11-deoxycorticosterone (55 nmol/L, P = 0.003), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (610 nmol/L, P < 0.001), progesterone (29 nmol/L, P < 0.001), and 21-deoxycortisol (73 nmol/L) were strongly elevated compared with control subjects. The GR was activated with comparable potency to cortisol by corticosterone and 21-deoxycortisol or with 4 to 100 times lower potency by 11-hydroxyprogesterone, 11-deoxycortisol, aldosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, progesterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone.

Conclusions

We identified strongly elevated adrenal steroid precursor concentrations in blood from untreated patients with CAH and demonstrated glucocorticoid activity of these adrenal precursors in vitro, suggesting a possible role of these precursors in the clinical phenotype of these patients. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the role of these precursors in more detail.
Hybrid Harmony: The Poetics of Discord and the Language of Song from the Troubadours to Dante
Authors: Davis Christopher
Published: May 2019

This article examines three multilingual lyrics from the Middle Ages in which linguistic difference is employed as a strategy for defining the relationship between language and poetic form. Two poems by twelfth-century troubadours, “Eras quan vey,” a descort in five languages by Raimbaut de Vaqueiras, and “Lo ferm voler,” a sestina by Arnaut Daniel, are read as experimental compositions that promote the function of lyric forms to provide stability to the vernacular in a fluid oral context by communicating meaning in nondiscursive ways. The influence of these works—and also thirteenth-century Occitan grammars by Raimon Vidal and Uc Faidit—may be detected in a later multilingual poem by Dante Alighieri, “Aï faus ris,” which alternates among French, Latin, and Italian according to an intricate formal structure. While previous studies have argued that this fascinating poem strives to synthesize different languages to produce a perfect poetic idiom, this article contends that “Aï faus ris” in fact performs the limitations of human language and the inevitability of linguistic difference, advocating instead for the conceptual harmony of lyric form as an aesthetic vehicle.
Biochemical mechanisms of vertebrate hedgehog signaling
Authors: Kong Jennifer H. , Siebold Christian , Rohatgi Rajat
Published: May 2019

Signaling pathways that mediate cell-cell communication are essential for collective cell behaviors in multicellular systems. The hedgehog (HH) pathway, first discovered and elucidated in Drosophila, is one of these iconic signaling systems that plays many roles during embryogenesis and in adults; abnormal HH signaling can lead to birth defects and cancer. We review recent structural and biochemical studies that have advanced our understanding of the vertebrate HH pathway, focusing on the mechanisms by which the HH signal is received by patched on target cells, transduced across the cell membrane by smoothened, and transmitted to the nucleus by GLI proteins to influence gene-expression programs.
Over the counter: The potential for easing pharmacy provision of family planning in urban Senegal
Authors: Peterson Jill , Brunie Aurelie , Diop Ibrahima , Diop Seynabou , Stanback John , Chin-Quee Dawn S.
Published: May 2019

Background:This research assessed the potential for expanding access to family planning through private sector pharmacies in Senegal, by examining the quality of the services provided through private sector pharmacies, and pharmacy staff and client interest in private sector pharmacy-based family planning services.

Methods:This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted in eight urban districts in and around Dakar and two urban districts outside of Dakar employing an audit of 225 pharmacies, a survey with 486 private sector pharmacy staff and a survey with 3,567 women exiting private sector pharmacies.

Results:Most (54%) pharmacies reported offering method-specific counseling to clients. Family planning  commodities were available in all pharmacies, and 72% had a private space available to offer counseling. Three quarters (76%) did not have any counseling materials available.

49% of pharmacists and 47% of assistant pharmacists reported receiving training on family planning during their professional studies. Half had received counseling training. Few pharmacists met pre-determined criteria to be considered highly knowledgeable of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) and injectable contraceptive provision (0.6% and 1.1%).

Overall, 60% of women surveyed were current family planning users and 11% procured their method through a private sector pharmacy. Among non-users of family planning, and current users who did not obtain their method through a pharmacy, 47% said they would be interested in procuring a method through a private sector pharmacy.

Conclusions:There is both actual and latent demand for accessing family planning through Senegal’s urban, private sector pharmacies. With proper training, pharmacy staff could better provide effective counseling and provision of OCPs and injectables, and lifting the requirement for a prescription could help support gains in contraceptive prevalence.
Knowledge, perception and experience of sexual entrapment among undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Sule Aisha I. , Titiloye Musibau A. , Arulogun Oyedunni S.
Published: May 2019

Background: Deceit into sexual activities without the victim being aware of the intended action is common in tertiary institutions as the environment promote activities that make students vulnerable, especially females, young and new students. The resulting physical, psychological and social consequences, including harassment, sexual assault, non-consensual sex, injury, psychological trauma and suicide attempts, have affected many young people. This study was aimed at exploring the knowledge, perception, experience of sexual entrapment among undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods: This multi-stage cross-sectional survey involved 422 participants using semi-structured questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide. Quantitative data were analyzed statistically, while Qualitative data was analyzed thematically.

Results: Mean age of respondents was 20.5±3.0 years, 52.6% were males, 58.8% and 81% had a good knowledge and perception of sexual entrapment, respectively. Prevalence of sexual entrapment was 18%, affecting more males (55.3%) and first year students (39.5%), 59.2% of the perpetrators are friends of the victim. Students were entrapped on campus through; emotional support (42.1%), money (34.2%), accommodation assistance (7.9%), material things/gifts (21.1%), assignment assistance (10.5%), help with registration (4.0%), religious activities (6.6%), debt repayment (11.8%) and counseling (9.2%). It resulted to; unwanted sex (34%), rape (4%), pregnancy (1.3%), STDs (4%), Injury (13%), psychological trauma (27.6%), loss of trust (52.6%) and attempted suicide (23.7%) among victims. Effective coping mechanisms were adopted by 55.3% of respondents. There was a significant association between knowledge and perception; knowledge and experience; perception and experience (p<0.05). Findings from the in-depth interview revealed care, tutoring, political positions, and pretense to need help as other tactics.

Conclusions: Sexual entrapment is common on campus, affecting males and females, knowledge and perception influence experience of sexual entrapment, requiring the need for a holistic approach to reduce its prevalence.
Ifit1 regulates norovirus infection and enhances the interferon response in murine macrophage-like cells
Authors: Mears Harriet V. , Emmott Edward , Chaudhry Yasmin , Hosmillo Myra , Goodfellow Ian G. , Sweeney Trevor R.
Published: May 2019

Background: Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is the predominant cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Disease control is predicated on a robust innate immune response during the early stages of infection. Double-stranded RNA intermediates generated during viral genome replication are recognised by host innate immune sensors in the cytoplasm, activating the strongly antiviral interferon gene programme. Ifit proteins (interferon induced proteins with tetratricopeptide repeats), which are highly expressed during the interferon response, have been shown to directly inhibit viral protein synthesis as well as regulate innate immune signalling pathways. Ifit1 is well-characterised to inhibit viral translation by sequestration of eukaryotic initiation factors or by directly binding to the 5' terminus of foreign RNA, particularly those with non-self cap structures. However, noroviruses have a viral protein, VPg, covalently linked to the 5' end of the genomic RNA, which acts as a cap substitute to recruit the translation initiation machinery.

Methods: Ifit1 knockout RAW264.7 murine macrophage-like cells were generated using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. These cells were analysed for their ability to support murine norovirus infection, determined by virus yield, and respond to different immune stimuli, assayed by quantitative PCR. The effect of Ifit proteins on norovirus translation was also tested in vitro.

Results: Here, we show that VPg-dependent translation is completely refractory to Ifit1-mediated translation inhibition in vitro and Ifit1 cannot bind the 5' end of VPg-linked RNA. Nevertheless, knockout of Ifit1 promoted viral replication in murine norovirus infected cells. We then demonstrate that Ifit1 promoted interferon-beta expression following transfection of synthetic double-stranded RNA but had little effect on toll-like receptor 3 and 4 signalling.

Conclusions: Ifit1 is an antiviral factor during norovirus infection but cannot directly inhibit viral translation. Instead, Ifit1 stimulates the antiviral state following cytoplasmic RNA sensing, contributing to restriction of norovirus replication.
Velum ormiańskie ze zbiorów Muzeum Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego
Authors: Sławińska Joanna , Osiecki Jakub
Published: May 2019

The Armenian Veil of the Jagiellonian University Museum RepertoryThe Jagiellonian University Museum stores an Armenian liturgical veil made of thin cotton fabric decorated with silk and metal thread embroidery. Before the veil came into the possession of the Museum in 1945, it had been stored in Schlesisches Museum für Kunstgewerbe und Altertümer in Wrocław which had previously purchased it from dr Dorothea Willers in 1936. The analysis of the inscription on the fabric gave the following results: the veil was a gift from townsfolk, probably from Chars (Moush province), for St John the Baptiser Monastery in Moush (in Taron, an ancient Armenian province). For Armenians the Monastery used to be one of the most frequently visited pilgrimage sites before it was destroyed during genocide in 1915. Some of its possessions were moved to Ejmiatsin and later to Moscow. There they got dissipated after the October Revolution and have never returned to their rightful owners. The veil shows the following iconography: an image of light ray-crowned Agnus Dei typical for Armenian chalice veils, Salvor Mundi image of enthroned Christ, images of St Stephen and St John the Baptiser widely worshipped in the Armenian Church, and St Hripsime. The form is typical for Eucharist-themed Christ images (the chalice and Arma Christi symbols). Stylistically, the embroidery reflects the Eastern Armenian art characteristic in its decorative and ornamentation qualities. There are formal parallels between the veil and Armenian chalice veils from the 19th century, which allows to date the Jagiellonian Museum veil at that century.
Wystąpienia na rozpoczęciu konferencji „Ormianie polscy: siedem wieków istnienia”
Authors: Ghazaryan Edgar , Mier-Jędrzejowicz Edward , Karampetian Kaspar , Gortzounian Nadia
Published: May 2019

The article consists of the texts of speeches given by: Edgar Ghazaryan, Edward Mier-Jędrzejowicz, Kaspar Karampetian and Nadia Gortzounian.
"Pomniki Dziejowe Ormian Polskich" – nowa seria źródłowa dotycząca społeczności ormiańskiej w Polsce
Authors: Agopsowicz Monika
Published: May 2019

„Historical Memorials of Polish Armenians” – a New Source Edition Series about Armenian Community in PolandA five-year-long research and editing project “Historical Memorials of Polish Armenians”, funded from “The National Programme for Development of Research in Humanities” of the Ministry of Education in Poland has been led by the Foundation of Culture and Heritage of Polish Armenians and headed by Krzysztof Stopka. Other people involved in the project are: Monika Agopsowicz, Armen Artwich, Andrzej Gliński, Tomasz Krzyżowski, Marcin Łukasz Majewski, Hripsime Mamikonyan, Tatevik Sargsyan, Edward Tryjarski, Franciszek Wasyl and Andrzej A. Zięba. The aim of the project is to edit and publish the sources contributive to the history of Armenians in Poland between the 14th and 18th centuries. The historical sources are to be translated from Kipchak, Armenian and Latin into Polish. Volumes 1 and 2 comprise of: Zapisy sądu duchownego Ormian miasta Lwowa za lata 1564-1608 (Records from the Spiritual Court of Lwów’s Armenians between 1564-1608), Metryka katedry ormiańskiej we Lwowie za lata 1635-1732 (Lwów Cathedral Baptism Records from 1635-1732) and Zbiórki pieniężne gminy Ormian lwowskich za lata 1598-1637 (Tax Collections of the Armenian Community in Lwów from 1598-1637); volume 3 is to include Travel Notes by Simeon Lehatsi (in Armenian), volume 4 is to include Chronology, or church yearbooks by Stepanos Roshka; volume 5 is to include a translation of A Journey to Poland and other countries where exiles from Ani live by Minas Bzhyshkyan. Volume 6 Nowy Aliszan (New Alishan) references the historical sources collection published in 1896 by Ghewond Alishan, however, volume 6 is a new critical edition with many documents of which Alishan was unaware.
Dynamic Demand for New and Used Durable Goods Without Physical Depreciation: The Case of Japanese Video Games
Authors: Ishihara Masakazu , Ching Andrew T.
Published: May 2019

We develop a new dynamic demand model for new and used durable goods and quantify the impact of used goods markets on producers’ profits and consumer welfare.