bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species of the genus Takydromus (Squamata: Lacertidae) from Tianjingshan Forestry Station, northern Guangdong, China
Authors: WANG YING-YONG , GONG SHI-PING , LIU PENG , WANG XIN
Published: October 2017

Many early descriptions of species of the genus Takydromus were based on limited diagnostic characteristics. This has caused considerable challenges in accurate species identification, meaning that a number of cryptic species have been erroneously identified as known species, resulting in substantially underestimated species diversity. We have integrated evidence from morphology and DNA sequence data to describe a new species of the Asian Grass Lizard, Takydromus albomaculosus sp. nov., based on two specimens from Tianjingshan Forestry Station, Ruyuan County, Guangdong Province, China. The new species can be distinguished from other known Takydromus species by distinctive morphological differences and significant genetic divergence in the mitochondrial COI gene. Morphologically, the new species differs from the known 22 congeners in the following combination of characters: relatively large body size, SVL 70.9 mm in female, 65.5 mm in male; presence of three or four pairs of femoral pores and four pairs of chin-shields; supraoculars three, rarely four, the posterior loreal either in contact with the anteriormost supraocular or not; the presence of supraciliary granules; the presence of six rows of ventral scales, strongly keeled in the male, and smooth but with the outermost row keeled in the female; the presence of enlarged and keeled lateral scales in a row above the ventrals, but shorter than the ventrals; subdigital lamellae 23–24 under the fourth finger and 29–30 under the fourth toe; dorsal surface brown, ventral surface green, flank dark brown or brown black with several prominent white round spots; the presence of a pair of white longitudinal dorsolateral stripes and a pair of white longitudinal ventrolateral stripes. Takydromus albomaculosus sp. nov. represents the twenty-third species of this genus, of which six species occur in northern Guangdong, where the biodiversity level of Takydromus is the second highest in the world, just below that of Taiwan.
Predictability and Non-Gaussian Characteristics of the North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Önskog Thomas , Franzke Christian L. E. , Hannachi Abdel
Published: October 2017

The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is the dominant mode of climate variability over the North Atlantic basin and has a significant impact on seasonal climate and surface weather conditions. It is the result of complex and nonlinear interactions between many spatiotemporal scales. Here, the authors study the statistical properties of two time series of the daily NAO index. Previous NAO modeling attempts only considered Gaussian noise, which can be inconsistent with the system complexity. Here, it is found that an autoregressive model with non-Gaussian noise provides a better fit to the time series. This result holds also when considering time series for the four seasons separately. The usefulness of the proposed model is evaluated by means of an investigation of its forecast skill.
A Regime-Based Evaluation of TRMM Oceanic Precipitation Biases
Authors: Henderson David S. , Kummerow Christian D. , Marks David A. , Berg Wesley
Published: October 2017

Over the tropical oceans, large discrepancies in TRMM passive and active microwave rainfall retrievals become apparent during El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. This manuscript describes the application of defined precipitation regimes to aid the validation of instantaneous rain rates from TRMM using the S-band radar located on the Kwajalein Atoll. Through the evaluation of multiple case studies, biases in rain-rate estimates from the TRMM radar (PR) and radiometer (TMI) are best explained when derived as a function of precipitation organization (e.g., isolated vs organized) and precipitation type (convective vs stratiform). When examining biases at a 1° × 1° scale, large underestimates in both TMI and PR rain rates are associated with predominately convective events in deep isolated regimes, where TMI and PR retrievals are underestimated by 37.8% and 23.4%, respectively. Further, a positive bias of 33.4% is observed in TMI rain rates within organized convective systems containing large stratiform regions. These findings were found to be consistent using additional analysis from the DYNAMO field campaign. When validating at the TMI footprint scale, TMI–PR differences are driven by stratiform rainfall variability in organized regimes; TMI overestimates this stratiform precipitation by 92.3%. Discrepancies between TMI and PR during El Niño events are related to a shift toward more organized convective systems and derived TRMM rain-rate bias estimates are able to explain 70% of TMI–PR differences during El Niño periods. An extension of the results to passive microwave retrievals reveals issues in discriminating convective and stratiform rainfall within the TMI field of view (FOV), and significant reductions in bias are found when convective fraction is constrained within the Bayesian retrieval.
Two-Year Stability and Change in Access to and Reasons for Lacking a Usual Source of Care Among Working-Age US Adults
Authors: Stransky Michelle L.
Published: October 2017

Objective:

The objective of this study was to investigate usual source of care (USC) over time.

Methods:

A nationally representative sample of working-age adults in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (Panels 16 [2011-2012] and 17 [2012-2013]) was divided into 3 groups based on USC questions asked during 2 waves: (1) those having a USC during both waves (always USC), (2) those not having a USC during either wave (never USC), and (3) those who gained or lost a USC between the 2 waves (changed USC). The study examined the sociodemographic and health characteristics associated with these groups and the main reasons for not having a USC among those who never had a USC and those who changed their USC.

Results:

Of the 10 792 adults in the analysis, a longitudinally weighted 18.8% reported that their USC changed during the period. Among adults in the changed USC group, those with private (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, P = .001) or public (OR = 2.2, P = .001) health insurance and 1 (OR = 1.7, P = .04) or ≥2 (OR = 3.1, P = .02) chronic health conditions were more likely to transition to having a USC from not having a USC, compared with those who had no insurance and no chronic conditions. Compared with those in the changed USC group, those in the never USC group were more likely to report preferring not to have a USC (57.9% vs 80.1%, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Insurance and public health policies and programs are needed to reduce short-term changes in USC and increase the number of adults with ongoing, consistent USC.
Reducing Smoking in the US Federal Workforce: 5-Year Health and Economic Impacts From Improved Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes
Authors: Asay Garrett R. Beeler , Homa David M. , Abramsohn Erin M. , Xu Xin , O’Connor Erin L. , Wang Guijing
Published: October 2017

Objective:

We estimated the reduction in number of hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction and stroke as well as the associated health care costs resulting from reducing the number of smokers in the US federal workforce during a 5-year period.

Methods:

We developed a 5-year spreadsheet-based cohort model with parameter values from past literature and analysis of national survey data. We obtained 2015 data on the federal workforce population from the US Office of Personnel Management and data on smoking prevalence among federal workers from the 2013-2015 National Health Interview Survey. We adjusted medical costs and productivity losses for inflation to 2015 US dollars, and we updated future productivity losses for growth. Because of uncertainty about the achievable reduction in smoking prevalence and input values (eg, relative risk for acute myocardial infarction and stroke, medical costs, and absenteeism), we performed a Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analysis.

Results:

We estimated smoking prevalence in the federal workforce to be 13%. A 5 percentage-point reduction in smoking prevalence could result in 1106 fewer hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction (range, 925-1293), 799 fewer hospitalizations for stroke (range, 530-1091), and 493 fewer deaths (range, 494-598) during a 5-year period. Similarly, estimated costs averted would be $59 million (range, $49-$63 million) for medical costs, $332 million (range, $173-$490 million) for absenteeism, and $117 million (range, $93-$142 million) for productivity.

Conclusion:

Reductions in the prevalence of smoking in the federal workforce could substantially reduce the number of hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction and stroke, lower medical costs, and improve productivity.
Interactions between metabolic, reward and cognitive processes in appetite control: Implications for novel weight management therapies
Authors: Higgs Suzanne , Spetter Maartje S , Thomas Jason M , Rotshtein Pia , Lee Michelle , Hallschmid Manfred , Dourish Colin T
Published: October 2017

Traditional models of appetite control have emphasised the role of parallel homeostatic and hedonic systems, but more recently the distinction between independent homeostatic and hedonic systems has been abandoned in favour of a framework that emphasises the cross talk between the neurochemical substrates of the two systems. In addition, evidence has emerged more recently, that higher level cognitive functions such as learning, memory and attention play an important role in everyday appetite control and that homeostatic signals also play a role in cognition. Here, we review this evidence and present a comprehensive model of the control of appetite that integrates cognitive, homeostatic and reward mechanisms. We discuss the implications of this model for understanding the factors that may contribute to disordered patterns of eating and suggest opportunities for developing more effective treatment approaches for eating disorders and weight management.
Recombinant human erythropoietin prevents etoposide- and methotrexate-induced toxicity in kidney and liver tissues via the regulation of oxidative damage and genotoxicity in Wistar rats
Authors: Rjiba-Touati K , Amara I , Bousabbeh M , Salem I Ben , Azzebi A , Guedri Y , Achour A , Bacha H , Abid S
Published: October 2017

Etoposide (ETO) and methotrexate (MTX) are two effective chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the clinical use of these drugs is limited by its toxicity in normal tissues, especially in kidney and in liver tissues. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), erythropoietin hormone, has also been shown to exert tissue protective effects. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of rhEPO against oxidative stress and genotoxicity induced by ETO and MTX in vivo. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 10 groups (6 animals each): control group, rhEPO alone group, ETO alone group, MTX alone group and rhEPO + ETO/MTX groups. In rhEPO + ETO/MTX groups, three doses of pretreatment with rhEPO were performed: 1000, 3000 and 6000 IU/kg. Our results showed that rhEPO pretreatment protects liver and kidney tissues against oxidative stress induced by the anticancer drugs. The glycoprotein decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, reduced catalase activity and ameliorated glutathione depletion. Furthermore, we showed that rhEPO administration prevented drug-induced DNA damage accessed by comet test. Altogether, our results suggested a protective role of rhEPO, especially at 3000 IU/kg, against ETO- and MTX-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in vivo.
Matthew Flinders Senior (1751–1802): Surgeon and ‘man midwife’
Authors: Shields Linda , Jomeen Julie , Smyth Wendy , Stanley David
Published: October 2017

Until the eighteenth century, midwifery was the sole domain of women, but changes in medical science saw it appropriated by medical men and the ‘man-midwife’ emerged. This paper demonstrates the work of a man-midwife in a small English village in one year, 1775, using his accounts and correspondence. The man was Matthew Flinders Senior, ‘surgeon and man-midwife’ at Donington, Lincolnshire. He was the father of Captain Matthew Flinders, the famous navigator who mapped the coast line of Australia and who coined that name. Primary sources, published as a collection by the Lincoln Record Society, were used.

Flinders Senior made a good living from his midwifery, charging rates commensurate with those charged by obstetricians today (with reduced costs for the poor). His descriptions of his practice show how midwifery was conducted in rural England during the development of medicine as a high-status profession.

The paper uses data from one year to provide a snap shot of the work of a rural surgeon and man-midwife, but much more is available in the published collection, providing ready access for researchers who may like to pursue such work further.
The Poetic Workspace
Authors: Van Buskirk William , London Michael , Plump Carolyn
Published: October 2017

Traditional management education has been widely criticized for an overemphasis on rational, analytic, arms-length approaches to the detriment of softer, more intuitive capacities. Most critics agree that today’s management students are overdrilled in the routines of calculation and analysis, but underprepared for the dynamic and turbulent settings in which managers often find themselves. The arts-based movement has emerged as a corrective to these tendencies. The core of this work involves the transformation of the classroom into an “aesthetic workspace” in which student learning is enhanced through dynamic encounters with art-objects. This article extends the notion of aesthetic workspace to the realm of language itself. It describes a “poetic workspace” in which metaphor is leveraged to create holistic connections between personal insights, appreciation of others, and the content of the course.
Knowledge-based engineering for multidisciplinary systems: Integrated design based on interface model
Authors: Zheng Chen , Bricogne Matthieu , Le Duigou Julien , Hehenberger Peter , Eynard Benoit
Published: October 2017

Due to the growing number of requirements and the introduction of new technologies, current trends indicate that more disciplines have been involved into the system design. The design of such multidisciplinary systems, especially during the detailed design phase, requires designers and expertise from different disciplines. Therefore, the research question about how to achieve an integrated design for multidisciplinary systems has attracted the attention from both academia and industry. In order to achieve such integrated design for multidisciplinary systems, more and more researchers focus on the interface of multidisciplinary systems because the interface plays a quite significant role to guarantee the components defined by the designers of different disciplines integrate correctly and to eventually help them to achieve the integrated design. This article presents an interface knowledge base to manage the design data and rules related to the interfaces. A knowledge-based engineering approach is then proposed. By applying the knowledge-based engineering approach, a synergistic integration of the discipline-specific components can be realised; however, the unnecessary iterations can be avoided so that a concurrent design process during the detailed design phase can be achieved. This knowledge-based engineering approach is demonstrated by the case studies based on a partial discharge detection system and a belt conveyor system.
Lead Optimization in Discovery Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics/Case study: The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Protease Inhibitor SCH 503034
Authors: Cheng K.-C. , Korfmacher Walter A. , White Ronald E. , Njoroge F. George
Published: October 2017

Lead optimization using drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) parameters has become one of the primary focuses of research organizations involved in drug discovery in the last decade. Using a combination of rapid in vivo and in vitro DMPK screening procedures on a large array of compounds during the lead optimization process has resulted in development of compounds that have acceptable DMPK properties. In this review, we present a general screening paradigm that is currently being used as part of drug discovery at Schering-Plough and we describe a case study using the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) protease inhibitor program as an example. By using the DMPK optimization tools, a potent HCV protease inhibitor, SCH 503034, was selected for development as a candidate drug.
Drug Targeting of α-Synuclein Oligomerization in Synucleinopathies
Authors: Outeiro Tiago Fleming , Kazantsev Aleksey
Published: October 2017

The heterogeneity of symptoms and disease progression observed in synucleinopathies, of which Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common representative, poses large problems for the discovery of novel therapeutics. The molecular basis for pathology is currently unclear, both in familial and in sporadic cases. While the therapeutic effects of L-DOPA and dopamine receptor agonists constitute good options for symptomatic treatment in PD, the development of neuroprotective and/or neurorestorative treatments for PD and other synucleinopathies faces significant challenges due to the poor knowledge of the putative targets. Recent experimental evidence strongly suggests a central role for neurotoxic α-synuclein oligomeric species in neurodegeneration. The events leading to protein oligomerization, as well as the oligomeric species themselves, are likely amenable to modulation by small molecules, which are beginning to emerge in high throughput compound screens in a variety of model organisms. The therapeutic potential of small molecule modulators of oligomer formation demands further exploration and validation in cellular and animal disease models in order to accelerate human drug development.
Towards a criminology of structurally conditioned emotions: Combining Bourdieu’s field theory and cultural criminology
Authors: Prieur Annick
Published: October 2017

When trying to explain why some people commit crimes while most do not, criminological theory has had a problem with linking agency and structure. A promising solution came in Jock Young’s version of cultural criminology, which integrated Merton’s strain theory with Katz’s account of the emotional rewards from criminal acts. Young claimed the core emotion behind different crimes would be a structurally caused experience of humiliation. Linking individual agency and structural conditions through emotions certainly advances understanding, but Young did not show how this linking was effectuated. Pierre Bourdieu’s field theory may contribute with a better grasp on how structural conditions influence the social agent’s perception of the world and emotional orientation towards it. After exploring how this argument may be supported with regard to empirical cases – studies of graffiti, thefts and violence – the concluding discussion deals with the limits of an approach that combines fields and emotions.
Endoscopic Evaluation and Treatment of Postoperative Bariatric Surgery Complications
Authors: Docimo Salvatore , Svestka Michael
Published: October 2017

The number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery continues to increase. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) estimates the number of bariatric surgical procedures performed increased from 158 000 in 2011 to 190 000 in 2015. Concurrently, the incidence of postoperative complications specific to bariatric patients will inevitably increase as well. Endoscopic evaluation of postoperative bariatric patients and endoscopic interventions are rapidly evolving. We present a review of the postoperative anatomy of bariatric patients, what complications to expect, and treatment options.
Efficacy of Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Men With Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Refractory to 3-As Therapy
Authors: Guu Shiao-Jin , Geng Jiun-Hung , Chao I-Ting , Lin Hui-Tzu , Lee Yung-Chin , Juan Yung-Shun , Liu Chia-Chu , Wang Chii-Jye , Tsai Chia-Chun
Published: October 2017

Managing patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) refractory to the traditional 3-As therapy (antibiotics, alpha-blockers, and anti-inflammatories) is a challenging task. Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) was recently reported to be able to improve pain, urinary symptoms, and even sexual function by inducing neovascularization and anti-inflammation, reducing muscle tone, and influencing nerve impulses. This study evaluates whether combined treatment with LI-ESWT can restore clinical ability and quality of life (QoL) in patients refractory to 3-As therapy. This was an open-label, single-arm prospective study. Patients with CPPS without more than a 6-point decrease in the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) total score under the maximal dosage of 3-As therapy were enrolled. LI-ESWT treatment consisted of 3,000 shock waves administered once weekly for 4 weeks. The NIH-CPSI, visual analog scale (VAS) score, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) were used to evaluate efficacy at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after LI-ESWT. Thirty-three patients were enrolled in this study. After LI-ESWT treatment, 27 of the 33 patients (81.82%) had a successful response to LI-ESWT, with a decrease of 3.29 and 5.97 in the VAS score and total IPSS at the 3-month follow-up. Waist circumference was the only significant predictor of a successful response to LI-ESWT. LI-ESWT can serve as a salvage therapy for patients with CPPS refractory to traditional 3-As therapy. Further studies are needed to determine an adequate therapeutic protocol and important predictors in patients with different CPPS etiologies.
Design of a cable-driven hyper-redundant robot with experimental validation
Authors: Tang Lei , Wang Jungang , Zheng Yang , Gu Guoying , Zhu Limin , Zhu Xiangyang
Published: October 2017

This article presents a test bed for comprehensive study of a cable-driven hyper-redundant robot in terms of mechanical design, kinematics analysis, and experimental verification. To design the hyper-redundant robot, the multiple section structure is used. Each section consists of two rotational joints, a link mechanism, and three cables. In this sense, two degrees of freedom are achieved. For kinematics analysis between the actuator space and joint space, each section of the development is treated as three spherical–prismatic–spherical chains and a universal joint chain (3-SPS-U), which results in a four-chain parallel mechanism model. In order to obtain the forward kinematics from the joint space to task space directly and easily, the coordinate frames are established by the geometrical rules rather than the traditional Denavit–Hartenburg (D-H) rules. To solve the problem of inverse kinematics analysis, we utilize the product of exponentials approach. Finally, a prototype of 24-degrees of freedom hyper-redundant robot with 12 sections and 36 cables is fabricated and an experiment platform is built for real-time control of the robot. Different experiments in terms of trajectories tracking test, positioning accuracy test, and payload test are conducted for the validation of both mechanical design and model development. Experiment results demonstrate that the presented hyper-redundant robot has fine position accuracy, flexibility with mean position error less than 2%, and good load capacity.
Consideration of underlying causes of pneumothoraces in patients presenting with their first pneumothorax
Authors: Jackson Emma , Nichani Raj
Published: October 2017

We report a case of cardiac arrest secondary to pneumothorax. The patient failed to improve, and further investigation showed an underlying condition predisposing the patient to the development of pneumothoraces – lymphangioleiomyomatosis. This highlights the importance of follow-up and investigation in patients presenting with their first pneumothorax.
Neurological effects of fat embolism syndrome: A case report
Authors: Shacklock Emma , Gemmell Andrew , Hollister Nigel
Published: October 2017

Fat embolism syndrome is a serious multi-system pathology which classically affects the respiratory system, neurological system and causes a petechial rash. We present the case of a 20-year-old farmer who developed fat embolism syndrome following a traumatic femoral fracture. Features developed within 24 h of injury and necessitated a prolonged stay in Intensive Care. He exhibited significant signs of cerebral fat embolism syndrome including coma and seizures but went on to make full functional recovery. Magnetic resonance imaging is the recommended imaging modality for patients with suspected cerebral fat embolism. In this case, computerised tomography was inconclusive, but magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the “starfield pattern” of multiple high signal foci on a dark background. Supportive treatment of fat embolism syndrome is required in an appropriate setting, such as High Dependency or Intensive Care, for patients at risk of hypoxia or neurological deterioration. Despite major neurological involvement of fat embolism syndrome, full recovery is described by several cases including ours.
Ferritin is secreted via 2 distinct nonclassical vesicular pathways
Authors: Truman-Rosentsvit Marianna , Berenbaum Dina , Spektor Lior , Cohen Lyora A. , Belizowsky-Moshe Shirly , Lifshitz Lena , Ma Jing , Li Wei , Kesselman Ellina , Abutbul-Ionita Inbal , Danino Dganit , Gutierrez Lucia , Li Huihui , Li Kuanyu , Lou Huifang , Regoni Maria , Poli Maura , Glaser Fabian , Rouault Tracey A. , Meyron-Holtz Esther G.
Published: October 2017

Key Points

Iron-loaded ferritin is secreted via both the nonclassical secretory autophagy and multivesicular body–exosome pathways. A motif on both ferritin subunits is involved in the regulation of ferritin secretion.
Prevalence, impact and care of foot problems in people with rheumatoid arthritis: results from a United Kingdom based cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Wilson Oonagh , Hewlett Sarah , Woodburn James , Pollock Jon , Kirwan John
Published: October 2017

Background

Foot symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) derive from a combination of inflammation, altered foot mechanics, deformity and secondary skin lesions. Guidelines recommend regular review of patients' feet, but the extent to which the general population of RA patients report foot symptoms and access foot care has not been established. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence, impact and care of foot problems in all patients with RA in one geographical area and identify factors associated with accessing foot care.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey of a random sample of patients with RA, who resided within a single community‐based National Health Service (NHS) podiatry service. The questionnaire collected demographic data (age, gender, local deprivation score), clinical data (disease duration, arthritis medications, disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)), current foot problems, foot care accessed (podiatry, orthotics and/or orthopaedics) and care received, measures of impact (Foot Impact Scale) and ability to work.

Results

Of 1003 total eligible patients in the target population, 739 were posted survey packs. Of these 413 (56%) replied. Responders and non‐responders had similar age (63.5 yr. vs.61.5 yr), gender (74.1%F vs. 75.2%F), and highest deprivation category (13.3% vs.15.9%). Of the responders 92.1% reported current foot problems: articular 73.8%, cutaneous lesions 65.4%, structural 57.6%, extra‐articular 42.6%. Responders' median (IQR) disease duration 10 (5–20) years, HAQ 1.5 (0.75–2.0), FISIF 10 (6–14) and FISAP 16 (7–23) and 37.8% reported impacts on work. While 69.5% had accessed foot care there were differences in the route of access (by gender and whether independent or NHS provision) and were older (64.9 yr. vs 60.4 yr. p = 0.001), had longer disease duration (12 yr. vs 7 yr. p < 0.001) and had a greater proportion of females (72.2% vs 61.7% p = 0.04) than those who had not accessed care.

Conclusions

Current foot problems were reported by 92.1% of the study sample and substantially impacted on life and work. While overall access to foot care was higher than anticipated, routes of access differed and extent of current problems suggests the provision of effective, timely and targeted care is a pressing need.
Achieving community-based postpartum follow up in eastern Uganda: the field experience from the MamaMiso Study on antenatal distribution of misoprostol
Authors: Ditai James , Frye Laura J. , Durocher Jill , Byrne Meagan E. , Ononge Sam , Winikoff Beverly , Weeks Andrew D.
Published: October 2017

Background

Advance provision of misoprostol to women during antenatal care aims to achieve broader access to uterotonics for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. Studies of this community-based approach usually involve antenatal education as well as timely postpartum follow-up visits to confirm maternal and neonatal outcomes. The MamaMiso study in Mbale, Uganda sought to assess the feasibility of conducting follow-up visits in the postpartum period following advance provision of misoprostol for postpartum hemorrhage prevention. MamaMiso recruited women during antenatal care visits. Participants were asked to contact the research team within 48 h of giving birth so that postpartum follow-up visits could be carried out at their homes. Women’s baseline and delivery characteristics were collected and analyzed with respect to follow-up time (‘on time’ ≤ 7 days, ‘late’ > 7 days, and ‘lost to follow up’). Every woman who was followed up late due to a failure to report the delivery was asked for the underlying reasons for the delay. When attempts at following up participants were unsuccessful, a file note was generated explaining the details of the failure. We abstracted data and identified themes from these notes.

Results

Of 748 recruited women, 700 (94%) were successfully followed up during the study period, 465 (62%) within the first week postpartum. The median time to follow up was 4 days and was similar for women who delivered at home or in facilities and for women who had attended or unattended births. Women recruited at the urban hospital site (as opposed to rural health clinics) were more likely to be lost to follow up or followed up late. Of the women followed up late, 202 provided a reason. File notes explaining failed attempts at follow up were generated for 164 participants. Several themes emerged from qualitative analysis of these notes including phone difficulties, inaccurate baseline information, misperceptions, postpartum travel, and the condition of the mother and neonate.

Conclusions

Keeping women connected to the health system in the postpartum period is feasible, though reaching them within the first week of their delivery is challenging. Understanding characteristics of women who are harder to reach can help tailor follow-up efforts and elucidate possible biases in postpartum study data.

Trial Registration Number ISRCTN70408620 December 28, 2011
Barium, zinc and strontium yellows in late 19th–early 20th century oil paintings
Authors: Otero Vanessa , Campos Marta F. , Pinto Joana V. , Vilarigues Márcia , Carlyle Leslie , Melo Maria João
Published: October 2017

This work focuses on the study of the 19th century yellow chromate pigments based on barium (BaCrO4), zinc (4ZnCrO4·K2O·3H2O) and strontium (SrCrO4). These pigments, which are reported to shift in hue and darken, have been found in 19th century artworks. A better understanding of their historic manufacture will contribute to the visual/chemical interpretation of change in these colours. Research was carried out on the Winsor & Newton (W&N) 19th century archive database providing a unique insight into their manufacturing processes. One hundred and three production records were found, 69% for barium, 25% for zinc and 6% for strontium chromates, mainly under the names Lemon, Citron and Strontian Yellow, respectively. Analysis of the records shows that each pigment is characterised by only one synthetic pathway. The low number of records found for the production of strontium chromate suggests W&N was not selling this pigment formulation on a large scale. Furthermore, contrary to what the authors have discovered for W&N chrome yellow pigments, extenders were not added to these pigment formulations, most probably due to their lower tinting strength (TS). The latter was calculated in comparison to pure chrome yellow (PbCrO4, 100% TS) resulting in 92% for barium, 65% for zinc potassium and 78% for strontium chromate pigments. This indicates that W&N was probably using extenders primarily to adjust pigment properties and not necessarily as a means to reduce their costs. Pigment reconstructions following the main methods of synthesis were characterised by complementary analytical techniques: Fibre optic reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. These pigments can be clearly distinguished on the basis of their infrared CrO4
2− asymmetric stretching fingerprint profile (between 1000 and 700 cm−1) and of their Raman CrO4
2− stretching bands (850–950 cm−1). This enabled their identification in historic paint samples: a tube of late 19th century W&N Lemon Yellow oil paint and micro-samples from paintings by three Portuguese painters, António Silva Porto (1850–1893), João Marques de Oliveira (1853–1927) and Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso (1887–1918). The good correlation found between the reconstructions and historic samples validates their use as reference materials for future photochemical studies.
Joint probabilistic petrophysics-seismic inversion based on Gaussian mixture and Markov chain prior models
Authors: Fjeldstad Torstein , Grana Dario
Published: October 2017

Seismic reservoir characterization focuses on the prediction of reservoir properties based on the available geophysical and petrophysical data. The inverse problem generally includes continuous properties, such as petrophysical and elastic attributes, and discrete properties, such as lithology/fluid classes. We have developed a joint probabilistic inversion methodology for the prediction of petrophysical and elastic properties and lithology/fluid classes that combined statistical rock physics and Bayesian seismic inversion. The elastic attributes depend on continuous petrophysical variables, such as porosity and clay content, and discrete lithology/fluid classes, through a nonlinear rock-physics relationship together. The seismic model relates the elastic attributes, such as velocities and density, to their seismic response (reflectivity, traveltime, and amplitudes). The advantage of our integrated approach is that the inversion method accounts for the uncertainty associated to each step of the modeling workflow. The lithology/fluid classes are assigned by a Markov random field prior model to capture vertical continuity and vertical sorting of the lithology/fluid classes. Because rock and fluid properties are in general not Gaussian, a spatially coupled Gaussian mixture prior model based on the lithology/fluid classes is constructed. The forward geophysical operator includes a lithology-/fluid-dependent rock physics model and a linearized seismic model based on the convolution of the seismic wavelet with the reflectivity coefficient series. The solution of the inverse problem consists of the posterior distributions of petrophysical and elastic properties and lithology/fluid classes. We proposed an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to sample from the posterior models and assess the uncertainty. Our methodology is demonstrated on a seismic cross section from a survey in the Norwegian Sea, and it shows promising results consistent with well-log data measured at the well location as well as reliable prediction uncertainties.
Extraction and use of noise models from transient electromagnetic data
Authors: Rasmussen Søren , Nyboe Nicklas Skovgaard , Mai Sune , Juul Larsen Jakob
Published: October 2017

Measurements using the transient electromagnetic (TEM) method are unavoidably contaminated by noise from various sources. Knowledge of the local noise conditions during data acquisition can be useful for tuning the acquisition parameters in the field and for quantification of uncertainties in the interpretation phase. Normally, assessment of the noise conditions requires dedicated noise measurements with the TEM transmitter off. We have developed a frequency-domain method for estimating noise models, in the form of noise power spectra, from data acquired with the TEM system in normal operation with the transmitter on. The method is based on a well-known method for power spectral density estimation, combined with a windowing approach specifically tailored for the characteristics of TEM signals and interpolation in the frequency domain. Because this method does not require the survey to be interrupted, the noise model can be updated continuously, with no added survey cost or inconvenience, to reveal temporal and spatial variations in the noise conditions. The noise models can be used to compute reliable estimates of the noise levels of data after common linear processing steps such as averaging, e.g., for use as input to an inversion code. We exemplified the use of the method through semisynthetic examples, using field-measured noise combined with synthetic TEM signals. From the examples, we concluded that the method produces accurate and stable noise models, which in turn can be used to accurately predict the noise levels of processed data. In practical field applications of the method, several modeling parameters must be selected. We recommend using field noise measurements combined with synthetic TEM signals to obtain suitable parameters by tuning the modeling parameters to yield accurate noise models. Once calibrated for a given TEM system, the set of parameters should be reusable in future surveys.
Jequitinhonha Basin: Structural aspects, relationship with igneous activity, and hydrocarbon exudations
Authors: Adriano Leandro B. , Menezes Paulo T. L. , Adriano Manuela S. , Cunha Alan S. , Cabrera Marlon H. , Silva Daniel S. , Moura Luiz P.
Published: October 2017

The Jequitinhonha Basin (JB) is one of the sedimentary basins in the Brazilian Eastern Margin. Although several regional studies have been conducted to define its tectonic framework and petroleum system, neither one is very well-understood. For instance, the extent and influence of the volcanic rocks in the petroleum system of the JB are still matters of debate among geoscientists. We found a new integrated interpretation for the structural framework of JB in which we discover the major faults, the mapped volcanics, and a new basement map. Finally, we evaluate the correlation of known exudation occurrences with our findings. Several exudation occurrences are observed in the evaporite province (to the north), although only one exudation occurrence is seen in the Royal Charlotte domain (to the south) thus corroborating the negative impact of the Abrolhos magmatic event for the petroleum systems in the JB. At least seven exudation occurrences are observed in the oceanic crustal domain. This fact strengthens the possibility of the existence of an Urucutuca-Urucutuca postrift petroleum system.
A Case Report of Recurrent Severe Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Complicated by Factor V Leiden and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1: A Management Conundrum
Authors: Kleiman Amanda M. , Sheeran Jessica L. , Tiouririne Mohamed
Published: October 2017

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of peripartum death in the United States during pregnancy. The presence of concomitant diagnoses may complicate or conflict with the management of the primary cardiovascular diagnosis and further complicate pregnancy and delivery. We describe the management of a 29-year-old, gravida 5, para 1 woman with severe peripartum cardiomyopathy during this and a previous pregnancy complicated by multiple endocrine neoplasia type and factor V Leiden thrombophilia, limiting therapeutic options and contributing to considerable perioperative management challenges.
Successful Resuscitation of Maternal Cardiac Arrest With Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Guided by Rotational Thromboelastometry and Transesophageal Echocardiography: A Case Report
Authors: Brown Hannah , Barrett Helen L. , Lee Julie , Pincus Jason M. , Kimble Rebecca M. , Eley Victoria A.
Published: October 2017

We present a case of maternal cardiac arrest during an elective cesarean delivery. Transesophageal echocardiography identified a large pulmonary artery mass, and guided resuscitation efforts. After return of spontaneous circulation, the patient developed disseminated intravascular coagulation with massive hemorrhage. Blood product selection and volume replacement were guided by rotational thromboelastometry and transesophageal echocardiography, respectively. Correction of coagulopathy was observed clinically and confirmed by rotational thromboelastometry. The patient fully recovered without neurological deficit.
Gross Worker Flows over the Business Cycle
Authors: Krusell Per , Mukoyama Toshihiko , Rogerson Richard , Şahin Ayşegül
Published: October 2017

We build a hybrid model of the aggregate labor market that features both standard labor supply forces and frictions in order to study the cyclical properties of gross worker flows across the three labor market states: employment, unemployment, and nonparticipation. Our parsimonious model is able to capture the key features of the cyclical movements in gross worker flows. Despite the fact that the wage per efficiency unit is constant over time, intertemporal substitution plays an important role in shaping fluctuations in the participation rate. (JEL E24, E32, J22, J31, J64, J65)
Do Expiring Budgets Lead to Wasteful Year-End Spending? Evidence from Federal Procurement
Authors: Liebman Jeffrey B. , Mahoney Neale
Published: October 2017

Many organizations have budgets that expire at the end of the fiscal year and may face incentives to rush to spend resources on low-quality projects at year's end. We test these predictions using data on procurement spending by the US federal government. Spending in the last week of the year is 4.9 times higher than the rest-of-the-year weekly average, and year-end information technology projects have substantially lower quality ratings. We also analyze the gains from allowing agencies to roll over unused funds into the next fiscal year. (JEL H57, H61)
The Distributional Consequences of Large Devaluations
Authors: Cravino Javier , Levchenko Andrei A.
Published: October 2017

We study the impact of large exchange rate devaluations on the cost of living at different points on the income distribution. Poor households spend relatively more on tradeable product categories and consume lower-priced varieties within categories. Changes in the relative price of tradeables and of lower-priced varieties affect the cost of living of low-income relative to high-income households. We quantify these effects following the 1994 Mexican devaluation and show that they can have large distributional consequences. Two years post-devaluation, the cost of living for the bottom income decile rose 1.48 to 1.62 times more than for the top income decile. (JEL D12, D31, E31, F31, O12, O19, O24)
UK quantitative WB-DWI technical workgroup: consensus meeting recommendations on optimisation, quality control, processing and analysis of quantitative whole-body diffusion-weighted imaging for cancer
Authors: Barnes Anna , Alonzi Roberto , Blackledge Matthew , Charles-Edwards Geoff , Collins David J , Cook Gary , Coutts Glynn , Goh Vicky , Graves Martin , Kelly Charles , Koh Dow-mu , McCallum Hazel , Miquel Marc E , O’Connor James , Padhani Anwar , Pearson Rachel , Priest Andrew , Rockall Andrea , Stirling James , Taylor Stuart , Tunariu Nina , van der Meulen Jan , Walls Darren , Winfield Jessica , Punwani Shonit
Published: October 2017

Objective:

Application of whole body diffusion-weighted MRI (WB-DWI) for oncology are rapidly increasing within both research and routine clinical domains. However, WB-DWI as a quantitative imaging biomarker (QIB) has significantly slower adoption. To date, challenges relating to accuracy and reproducibility, essential criteria for a good QIB, have limited widespread clinical translation. In recognition, a UK workgroup was established in 2016 to provide technical consensus guidelines (to maximise accuracy and reproducibility of WB-MRI QIBs) and accelerate the clinical translation of quantitative WB-DWI applications for oncology.

Methods:

A panel of experts convened from cancer centres around the UK with subspecialty expertise in quantitative imaging and/or the use of WB-MRI with DWI. A formal consensus method was used to obtain consensus agreement regarding best practice. Questions were asked about the appropriateness or otherwise on scanner hardware and software, sequence optimisation, acquisition protocols, reporting, and ongoing quality control programs to monitor precision and accuracy and agreement on quality control.

Results:

The consensus panel was able to reach consensus on 73% (255/351) items and based on consensus areas made recommendations to maximise accuracy and reproducibly of quantitative WB-DWI studies performed at 1.5T. The panel were unable to reach consensus on the majority of items related to quantitative WB-DWI performed at 3T.

Conclusion:

This UK Quantitative WB-DWI Technical Workgroup consensus provides guidance on maximising accuracy and reproducibly of quantitative WB-DWI for oncology. The consensus guidance can be used by researchers and clinicians to harmonise WB-DWI protocols which will accelerate clinical translation of WB-DWI-derived QIBs.
T3 subclassification using the EMD/mesorectum ratio predicts neoadjuvant chemoradiation outcome in T3 rectal cancer patients
Authors: Shen Lijun , Sun Yiqun , Zhang Hui , Zhang Jing , Deng Weijuan , Wang Yaqi , Yao Ye , Yang Lifeng , Zhu Ji , Tong Tong , Liang Liping , Zhang Zhen
Published: October 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the feasibility of the EMD (extramural depth)/mesorectum ratio as a marker for T3 rectal cancer and its ability to predict tumour response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation and survival.

Methods:

From 2010 to 2016, 284 T3 rectal cancer patients who underwent high resolution MRI before neoadjuvant chemoradiation were enrolled. The EMD was defined as the distance from the outer edge of the muscularis propria to the outermost edge of the tumour. The measurement of the tumour EMD and mesorectum was in the same layer and their ratio was calculated. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and relative area under the curve statistics were used to choose the cut-off value. The association of the EMD/mesorectum ratio and other MRI or clinical factors with the tumour regression grade (TRG) was analysed. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate independent risk factors for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results:

The mean EMD/mesorectum ratio was 0.47 ± 0.3. We chose an EMD/mesorectum ratio of 0.5 in further analyses after receiver operating characteristic analysis. Of 284 patients, 177 (62.3%) had an EMD/mesorectum ratio ≤ 0.5. Patients with an EMD/mesorectum ratio ≤ 0.5 had a higher TRG 0–1 rate than patients with a ratio >0.5 (53.1% vs 36.4%, p = 0.006). A multivariate analysis identified that an EMD/mesorectum ratio >0.5 [hazard ratio (HR) 2.020; p = 0.028] and ypTNM II-III (HR 3.550; p = 0.017) were independent prognostic factors to indicate decreased DFS. For OS, only patients with TRG 2–3 had decreased OS compared with patients with TRG 0–1 (HR 2.959; p = 0.035).

Conclusion:

When the EMD/mesorectum ratio was applied to categorize T3 rectal cancer patients, the ratio of 0.5 can be used as a cut-off value for T3 rectal cancer. Patients with a ratio ≤ 0.5 had a higher response rate and better DFS. However, further validation is needed in a larger sample of patients.

Advances in knowledge:

The EMD/mesorectum ratio may serve to predict tumour response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation and survival in T3 rectal cancer patients.