bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hari Sadhan Dasgupta: Short Film Maker
Authors: Biswas Moinak , Vasudevan Ravi , Roy Arun Kumar , Chakraborty Maharghya
Published: September 2017

Hari Sadhan Dasgupta (1923–1996) was arguably the most significant documentary filmmaker to emerge from the circle of film aficionados, intellectuals, and writers who gathered at the Calcutta Film Society (and at the Indian Coffee House on Central Avenue in Calcutta) in the late 1940s and 1950s. He received institutional training in filmmaking at the film school of the University of Southern California and served Irving Pichel as observer apprentice on three films after completing his university program. He was the first among the Calcutta Film Society group to make films and went on to make 50 odd documentaries and commercials between 1948 and 1984, of which Panchthupi: A Village in West Bengal (1955), The Story of Tata Steel (1958), and Konarak (1949) have earned iconic status. He also made two feature-length fiction films Eki Ange Eto Rup (1965) and Kamallata (1969).
Dynamic Capabilities and Where to Find Them
Authors: Kurtmollaiev Seidali
Published: September 2017

Despite its immense popularity, the dynamic capabilities framework faces fierce criticism because of the ambiguous and contradictory interpretations of dynamic capabilities. Especially challenging are the aspects related to the nature of dynamic capabilities and the issue of agency. In an attempt to avoid circular and overlapping definitions, I explicate dynamic capabilities as the regular actions of creating, extending, and modifying an organizational resource base. This implies that the individual’s intention to change the status quo in the organization and the individual’s high level of influence in the organization are necessary and sufficient conditions for dynamic capabilities. This approach overcomes challenges associated with current interpretations of dynamic capabilities, necessarily focusing on the actions and interactions of individuals in organizations. Following the micro-foundations movement, I present a multilevel approach for studying the individual-level causes and the firm-level effects of dynamic capabilities.
Evaluation of Normative Data of a Widely Used Computerized Neuropsychological Battery: Applicability and Effects of Sociodemographic Variables in a Dutch Sample
Authors: Rijnen Sophie J. M. , Meskal Ikram , Emons Wilco H. M. , Campman Carlijn A. M. , van der Linden Sophie D. , Gehring Karin , Sitskoorn Margriet M.
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNS VS) is a computerized neuropsychological battery that is translated into many languages. However, published CNS VS’ normative data were established over a decade ago, are solely age-corrected, and collected in an American population only. Method: Mean performance of healthy Dutch participants on CNS VS was compared with the original CNS VS norms ( N = 1,069), and effects of sociodemographic variables were examined. Results: z tests demonstrated no significant differences in performance on four out of seven cognitive domains; however, Dutch participants ( N = 158) showed higher scores on processing and psychomotor speed, as well as on cognitive flexibility. Although the original CNS VS norms are solely age-corrected, effects of education and sex on CNS VS performance were also identified in the Dutch sample. Discussion: Users should be cautious when interpreting CNS VS performance based on the original American norms, and sociodemographic factors must also be considered.
Material rotating frame, rate-independent plasticity with regularization of Schmid law and study of channel-die compression
Authors: Fathallah Karim , Chenaoui Ahmed , Darrieulat Michel , Dogui Abdelwaheb
Published: September 2017

Metals often exhibit several crystallographic components that rotate when subjected to large plastic deformation. Studying their evolution constitutes a prospect to apply the finite plastic strain theory. In this respect, this research paper formulates a three-dimensional extension of Dogui’s plane kinematics to choose a material rotating frame in which deformation and velocity tensor gradients are represented by upper triangular matrices. This technique facilitates numerical calculation and renders it faster. This can prove to be useful if used for crystalline calculation. We study the kinematics of a channel-die loading to implement the material rotating frame model. The rate-independent formulation, which uses the multi-surface theory to represent the plastic flow of crystals, often leads to slip indeterminacy. Hence, we have developed a phenomenological method to solve such a difficulty using the regularization of Schmid’s yield law. As a significant application of this proposed phenomenological approach, aluminium crystal flow in channel-die compression is numerically simulated for three cases of loadings: (i) classical rolling components Cube, Goss, Brass, Copper and Dillamore orientations; (ii) {110} compression; and (iii) Strange orientation, which has no common element of symmetry with the channel-die. A good correlation between the simulation results and the available experimental ones is observed.
Evaluation of analgesic effect and absorption of buprenorphine after buccal administration in cats with oral disease
Authors: Stathopoulou Thaleia-Rengina , Kouki Maria , Pypendop Bruno H , Johnston Atholl , Papadimitriou Serafeim , Pelligand Ludovic
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect and absorption of buprenorphine after buccal administration in cats with oral disease.

Methods

Six adult client-owned cats with chronic gingivostomatitis (weighing 5.1 ± 1.1 kg) were recruited for a randomised, prospective, blinded, saline-controlled, crossover study. Pain scores, dental examination, stomatitis score and buccal pH measurement were conducted on day 1 under sedation in all cats. On day 2, animals were randomised into two groups and administered one of the two treatments buccally (group A received buprenorphine 0.02 mg/kg and group B received 0.9% saline) and vice versa on day 3. Pain scores and food consumption were measured at 30, 90 and 360 mins after the administration of buprenorphine. Blood samples were taken at the same time and plasma buprenorphine concentration was measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Data were statistically analysed as non-parametric and the level of significance was set as P <0.05.

Results

There were no major side effects after buprenorphine administration. Buccal pH values ranged between 8.5 and 9.1 and the stomatitis disease activity index between 10 and 22 (17.8 ± 4.5), with the scale ranging from 0–30. The maximum buprenorphine plasma concentration (14.8 ng/ml) was observed 30 mins after administration and there was low inter-individual variability. There was a significant difference between baseline pain scores compared with pain scores after buprenorphine ( P <0.05), and between the saline and buprenorphine group at 30 mins ( P = 0.04) and 90 mins ( P = 0.04). There was also a significant effect of the stomatitis index on the pain score. Regarding the pharmacokinetic parameters, cats with stomatitis showed lower bioavailability and shorter absorption half-life after buccal administration of buprenorphine compared with normal cats in previous studies.

Conclusions and relevance

Buccal administration of buprenorphine in cats with gingivostomatitis produces an analgesic effect and low inter-individual variability in plasma concentration, and it can be incorporated in their multimodal analgesia plan.
Māori men, relationships, and everyday practices: towards broadening domestic violence research
Authors: King Pita , Robertson Neville
Published: September 2017

Relationships are central to the health and wellbeing of Māori (indigenous people of New Zealand). Through processes of colonisation, cultural ways of relatedness embedded within Māori social structures experienced disruption and were reshaped over decades of assimilation. Māori knowledge and everyday practices that assisted in protecting Māori from societal problems, such as domestic violence, began to dwindle. In contemporary New Zealand, Māori are over-represented in domestic violence statistics. Utilising an auto-ethnographic approach and case studies, our research focuses on five Māori men’s experiences within intimate relationships and whānau (extended family) life. A significant feature of this research is that it provides insights into the ways Māori men draw on their cultural ways-of-being to enhance intimate relationships and maintain bonds within whānau and community life to forge new ways-of-being. Such insights have the potential to inform preventative measures against domestic violence within Māori communities.
Walking Borders: Explorations of Aesthetics in Ephemeral Arts Activism for Asylum Seeker Rights
Authors: Phillips Louise Gwenneth , Montes Catherine
Published: September 2017

Australia’s Operation Sovereign Borders vehemently enforces closed borders to asylum seekers arriving by boat to Australia. Policed urban borders were enforced in Brisbane, Australia, during the G20 Summit in 2014, to protect visiting dignitaries from potential violent protest. The ephemeral arts intervention Walking Borders: Arts activism for refugee and asylum seeker rights symbolically confronted border politics by peacefully protesting against Australian immigration policy. Rather than focusing on the direct effects of the ephemeral arts intervention, this article attends to the affective workings of the aesthetic elements of the project through sensory ethnography and storying. Informed by Ranciere’s aesthetics of politics, this article explores the affective experience and potential educative gains of the ethical turn attended to in participatory arts such as ephemeral arts interventions.
Does ostracism affect party support? Comparative lessons and experimental evidence
Authors: van Spanje Joost , Weber Till
Published: September 2017

The success of anti-immigration parties (AIPs) in many European democracies poses a strategic problem for established actors: Immediate policy impact of AIPs can be averted by ostracizing them (i.e. refusing any cooperation), but this strategy may sway public opinion further in their favour. A comparative review shows large variation in the electoral trajectories of ostracized parties. We therefore propose a model of the context conditions that shape the repercussions of ostracism in public opinion. Under conditions that suggest substantial policy impact of an AIP were it to join a coalition government, ostracism should decrease the party’s electoral support. Vice versa, if context suggests strong “signaling” potential of an AIP if in opposition, ostracism should increase its support. To avoid apparent endogeneity of political context and party competition, the model is tested with a survey-embedded experiment on a representative sample from the Netherlands. Results confirm that ostracism is a double-edged strategy.
Early Experience With Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing in Combination With Parallel Grafts for the Treatment of Complex Abdominal Aneurysms: The ASCEND Registry
Authors: Thompson Matt , Youssef Marwan , Jacob Rudolf , Zerwes Sebastian , Reijnen Michel , Szopinski Piotr , Berg Patrick , Oszkinis Grzegorz , Holden Andrew
Published: September 2017

Purpose: To report the results of the ASCEND Registry of cases involving endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS) in combination with chimney grafts (chEVAS) for the treatment of para- and juxtarenal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Methods: A retrospective, multicenter registry established in 8 vascular centers between 2013 and 2016 recorded the treatment results and follow-up of chEVAS procedures for nonruptured AAAs; data were analyzed using standardized outcome measures. In the observation period, 154 patients (mean age 72.3±7.7 years; 124 men) underwent elective treatment for de novo juxtarenal and pararenal aneurysms and formed the study group. Results: Sixty-two (40.3%) of the cohort were treated using a single parallel graft, 54 (35.1%) with double chimneys, 27 (17.5%) with triple chimneys, and 11 (7.1%) with 4 chimneys. The 30-day mortality was 2.8%, and there were 4 perioperative strokes (1 fatal). At 1 year, the freedom from all-cause mortality was 89.8% and the freedom from aneurysm-related mortality was 94.3%. There were 3 endoleaks within 90 days of the procedure, one type Ia and 2 type Ib. The freedom from type Ia endoleaks was 95.7% at 1 year. There were no types II or III endoleaks in this series; the freedom from all endoleaks was 94.2% at 1 year. Freedom from reintervention at 1 year was 89.2%. Target vessel patency rates at 1 year were 97.7%, 99.3%, 100%, and 100% for the left renal, right renal, superior mesenteric artery, and celiac axis stents, respectively. Conclusion: The ASCEND Registry supports a proof of concept for the use of polymer technology and EVAS with parallel grafts in managing patients with complex aortic disease. The future role of chEVAS will be defined by studies that assess mid- to long-term durability.
Is Reality TV Neoliberal?
Authors: Redden Guy
Published: September 2017

Reality TV is a distinctive mode of television programming that has developed exclusively in the last twenty years, raising the question of how it is of its times. Reality shows have often been described as “neoliberal” in their logic. They typically present participants as self-responsible enterprising authors of their own lives in ways consistent with the valorization of market relations by neoliberal theorists. I argue for and expand on this interpretation, arguing the role of the “ordinary people” they feature largely is to perform competitive entrepreneurial subjectivity without expectation of fair recompense, but in the hope of attaining extraordinary rewards. Hereby media industries construct narrative worlds consistent with the economic basis on which they employ, but also with recent neoliberal political economy that has been marked by the decline of collective social support and rising inequality among citizens.
The Essential Math of Love
Authors: Randall Robert L.
Published: September 2017

The essential math of love is subtraction; to stop doing those things that are harmful to ourselves and to others.
A case with coil embolization for ruptured aneurysm associated with fenestration of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery
Authors: Maeda Kazushi , Motoie Ryota , Karashima Satoshi , Otsuji Ryosuke , Ren Nice , Nagaoka Shintaro , Ikai Yoshiaki , Uno Junji , Gi Hidefuku
Published: September 2017

An 87-year-old man hospitalized for subarachnoid hemorrhage showed a ruptured aneurysm arising from fenestration of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Endovascular treatment was selected and the aneurysm and superior limb were embolized completely using three coils. Fenestration of the posterior cerebellar artery is exceedingly rare. In addition, we present a first case of aneurysm as fenestration of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery that was definitively identified as a cause of bleeding.
A new percutaneous technique: N-butyl cyanoacrylate adhesive for the treatment of giant saphenous vein insufficiency
Authors: Bademci Mehmet Senel , Tayfur Kaptanıderya , Ocakoglu Gökhan , Yazman Serkan , Akyüz Muhammet , Yasa Haydar
Published: September 2017

Background

We have made a retrospective evaluation of the results of the cyanoacrylate ablation technique which has recently started to be used in the treatment of giant saphenous vein insufficiency today and in which tumescent anesthesia is not required.

Methods

Giant saphenous vein was treated in 50 patients between September 2015 and September 2016 by using endovenous cyanoacrylate ablation. In the procedure, tumescent anesthesia and varsity socks were not used. Control duplex ultrasound evaluation was performed in the post-procedural 1st, 6th and 12th months. Venous Clinical Severity Score and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire scores were evaluated.

Results

In the 50 patients who were treated, full closure was observed in giant saphenous vein in 47 (94%) patients in the 12th month control duplex ultrasound. The mean age of the patients was 46.4 (20–70) and 30 (60%) of them were female. The median Venous Clinical Severity Score scores in the 1st, 6th and 12th months were 3, 2 and 1, respectively ( p < 0.001); the median Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire scores in the 1st, 6th and 12th months were 7, 5 and 4, respectively ( p < 0.001). In the access site, two (4%) patients developed phlebitis and one (2%) developed ecchymosis. However, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and paresthesia were not observed.

Conclusion

Considering the early period results in the treatment of giant saphenous vein insufficiency, cyanoacrylate ablation makes a more reliable alternative than endovenous thermal ablation methods in that it does not require tumescent anesthesia and it has a low incidence of adverse effects.
Polar Curcuma longa extract inhibits leptin release by adipose tissue derived from overweight and obese people
Authors: Al-Lahham Sa’ad , Sawafta Ashraf , Jaradat Nidal , Nafaa Fouad , Barqawi Abdelkarem , Nasir Maha , Al-Qub Malek
Published: September 2017

Obesity escalates at an alarming rate worldwide. It is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Adipose tissue is a primary site of obesity-induced pro-inflammatory factors such as leptin. Curcuminoids are potent anti-inflammatory agents; however, evidence on the polar fraction of Curcuma longa is scarce and the effect on leptin release has never been investigated. Therefore, we will investigate the influence of aqueous C. longa extract on leptin release from human subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). To achieve this, SAT explants were obtained from patients who underwent abdominal surgery. Patients were both males (67%) and females (33%). Their average body mass index (BMI) and age were 33.4 kg/m2 and 43 years, respectively. Tissue explants were treated in triplicate with or without 0.1 and 1 mg/mL aqueous C. longa extracts and incubated for 24 and 48 h. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the concentration of leptin secreted by SAT. We have shown that 24 h treatment of SAT with 0.1 and 1 mg/mL of C. longa polar extract inhibited the release of leptin, while 48 h treatment of SAT with only 1 mg/mL of C. longa polar extract inhibited leptin release. Concentration of basal leptin released from SAT derived from females was higher than from males. However, this could be because females were morbidly obese. Our data demonstrate for the first time the inhibitory effect of aqueous C. longa extract on leptin release, shedding light on the role of leptin and adipose tissue in the mechanism of C. longa in reducing low-grade inflammation. This avoids the poor solubility and consequently the low bioavailability disadvantages of curcuminoids.
Extending first-passage method to reliability sensitivity analysis of motion mechanisms
Authors: Wang Wenxuan , Gao Hangshan , Wei Pengfei , Zhou Changcong
Published: September 2017

Identifying the parameters that substantially affect the time-dependent reliability is critical for reliability-based design of motion mechanism. The time-dependent local reliability sensitivity and global reliability sensitivity are the two effective techniques for this type of analysis. This work extends the first-passage method and PHI2 method, which are commonly used for estimating the time-dependent reliability, for efficiently estimating the time-dependent local reliability sensitivity and global reliability sensitivity indices of the motion mechanism. Both the local reliability sensitivity and global reliability sensitivity indices are analytically derived based on the Poisson assumption–based first-passage method and the first-order Taylor’s expansion of the motion error function. Compared with the current envelope function method for estimating the time-dependent local reliability sensitivity and global reliability sensitivity indices, the developed method does not need to estimate the second-order derivatives of motion error function, thus is more applicable. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method are demonstrated by a numerical example and a satellite antenna, the direction of which is controlled by a four-bar function generator mechanism.
Practical lifetime estimation strategy based on partially step-stress-accelerated degradation tests
Authors: Kim Yong Soo , Sung Si-Il
Published: September 2017

The number of samples available for testing of a newly developed item is quite small, and only limited reliability information is available in many real cases. Therefore, a multi-purpose test plan is essential for reliability estimation. To reflect real product development scenarios, this study presents a practical lifetime estimation strategy based on a partially step-stress-accelerated degradation test (PSSADT) with three stress levels. The PSSADT plan assumes that the degradation path follows a Wiener process and that the cumulative exposure model holds. The proposed test plan determines the stress level in the final loaded step that minimizes the asymptotic variance of the maximum likelihood estimator of the qth quantile of the lifetime distribution under the use condition. Finally, the test scenario, which includes the necessary validity check of the acceleration model, is illustrated with an example.
Contraindications and complications of the Latarjet procedure
Authors: Domos Peter , Lunini Enricomaria , Walch Gilles
Published: September 2017

The Latarjet procedure is a well-known, safe and reliable technique to treat primary or recurrent anterior dislocations or subluxations, with or without hyperlaxity, with or without glenoid bone loss. Both the open and the arthroscopic methods produce excellent clinical results, with a low rate of recurrent instability. There have been concerns of a higher surgical complication rate associated with this procedure, however, large reviews reported an overall complication rate in the open Latarjet procedure of 15%. Meticulous surgical technique and a good understanding of the local anatomy can help to avoid the complications but postoperative shoulder arthritis and frequent bone block osteolysis remain unsolved additional challenges, which require further research. There are 2 main factors to further improve the clinical outcome and patient satisfaction: careful patient selection with good surgical indication, and reducing complications with adequate surgical techniques. The aim of this study is to provide the current overview of the contraindications and complications of the Latarjet procedure.
Choosing Wisely Together: Physical and Occupational Therapy Consultation for Acute Neurology Inpatients
Authors: Probasco John C. , Lavezza Annette , Cassell Andre , Shakes Tenise , Feurer Angie , Russell Holly , Sporney Hilary , Burnett Margie , Maritim Chepkorir , Urrutia Victor , Puttgen H. Adrian , Friedman Michael , Hoyer Erik H.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Although many hospitalized neuroscience patients have physical and occupational therapy (rehabilitation) needs, patients with none or minimal physical impairments frequently receive rehabilitation consultation, diverting from patients with greatest need.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary team on the general and cerebrovascular neurology acute inpatient services mapped the rehabilitation consultation process, resulting in multiple implemented interventions including physician education on appropriate acute rehabilitation consultations, modification of multidisciplinary rounds, and discussion of patient rehabilitation needs throughout hospitalization. Nurses used the same functional impairment measurement tool used by physical and occupational therapists, the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care Inpatient Short Forms (Basic Mobility and Activity domains).

Results:

The rate for initial rehabilitation consults for patients with no limitations in mobility or activity during the 6-month baseline period was 12%, which was decreased to 7% and 10% during the 6-month intervention and sustain periods, respectively ( P < .001). The baseline rate for patients with no limitations receiving both physical therapy and occupational therapy consultations was 62% and was decreased to 21% and 39% in the intervention and sustain periods, respectively ( P < .001). Rehabilitation sessions per hospital day increased for patients with high functional impairments, from 0.52 at baseline to 0.64 in the intervention and 0.66 in the sustain periods ( P = .02), which equated to 1 more rehabilitation visit per patient hospitalization.

Conclusions:

A multifaceted intervention led to improved utilization of acute inpatient rehabilitation consultation while increasing the frequency of rehabilitation treatment for patients with highest functional impairment.
Local rhBMP-12 on an Absorbable Collagen Sponge as an Adjuvant Therapy for Rotator Cuff Repair—A Phase 1, Randomized, Standard of Care Control, Multicenter Study: Part 2—A Pilot Study of Functional Recovery and Structural Outcomes
Authors: Ide Junji , Mochizuki Yu , van Noort Arthur , Ochi Hiroshi , Sridharan Sudhakar , Itoi Eiji , Greiner Stefan
Published: September 2017

Background:

The high failure rate of rotator cuff repairs requires the development of methods to enhance healing at the tendon-bone junction of the repair site.

Purpose:

To assess functional recovery and structural outcomes in detail after implanting recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein–12 (rhBMP-12)/absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) as adjuvant treatment during open rotator cuff repair in patients over a 1-year postoperative follow-up.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 20 patients were randomized into 2 groups, rhBMP-12/ACS and standard-of-care (SOC) control, with 16 and 4 patients, respectively. The patients underwent open repair of a rotator cuff tear at least 2 to 4 cm wide; in the rhBMP-12/ACS group, this was augmented with a bioscaffold containing rhBMP-12. Follow-up assessments were conducted with a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and active and passive ranges of motion (ROMs) including forward flexion, elevation in the scapular plane, abduction, and external rotation at 12, 16, 26, 39, and 52 weeks after surgery; isometric strength in scapular abduction and external rotation at 16, 26, 39, and 52 weeks; and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 12 and 52 weeks.

Results:

The mean VAS score decreased from 37.9 mm preoperatively to 13.8 mm at week 52, and ROM and isometric strength recovered at week 52 in the rhBMP-12/ACS group. The mean VAS score decreased from 48.3 mm preoperatively to 1.5 mm at week 52, and ROM (excluding external rotation) and isometric strength recovered by week 52 in the SOC control group. Of the 16 patients in the rhBMP-12/ACS group, 14 showed an intact repair at week 12; the MRI scans of the other 2 patients could not be evaluated because of artifacts. In the SOC control group, 1 patient showed repair failure. At week 52, 14 repairs in the rhBMP-12/ACS group and 2 repairs with available MRI scans in the SOC control group remained intact.

Conclusion:

Functional recovery and structural outcomes in patients in whom rhBMP-12/ACS was used as adjuvant therapy in rotator cuff repair justify conducting future, larger, multicenter, prospective studies.

Registration:

NCT00936559, NCT01122498 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Completing the Educational Career: High School Graduation, Four-year College Enrollment, and Bachelor’s Degree Completion among Black, Hispanic, and White Students
Authors: Merolla David M.
Published: September 2017

Using data from the Education Longitudinal Study, the author investigates racial disparities in high school graduation, four-year college enrollment, and bachelor’s degree completion. In addition, the author considers how conditionally relevant college and early adult variables shape bachelor’s degree completion. The results indicate that although comparable numbers of black and Hispanic students obtain bachelor’s degrees, their educational career trajectories differ substantially. Compared with white students, black students are more likely to end their educational careers after starting college without completing a bachelor’s degree, whereas Hispanic students are more likely to end their educational careers without entering a four-year college. Moreover, early adult and college-specific variables have a substantial impact on bachelor’s degree completion and explain black-white disparities in bachelor’s degree attainment. This research shows the continuing significance of race in shaping the educational outcomes of young adults at all stages of their educational careers.
A3Mark: Seismic attribute benchmarking
Authors: Xing Liyuan , Aarre Victor , Salman Nader , Theoharis Theoharis , Tjåland Egil
Published: September 2017

Seismic attribute computation is one of the most active research and engineering topics in the computational geophysics world. Although numerous algorithms for seismic attribute computation have been developed, relatively little work has been done on scientifically characterizing their quality and accuracy. Seismic attribute characterization effort is largely qualitative and subjective. We have developed a robust and reliable scientific process for functionally comparing similar attributes. Structural seismic attributes are addressed, including discontinuity, dip angle, dip azimuth, and curvature. To establish a common software platform, and collection of data sets for efficient fully automatic evaluation, a stand-alone flexible online web service is designed. It is based on a C#-MATLAB implementation, and it is called A3Mark. The publicly available web service enables the automatic evaluation of individual categories of seismic attributes using customized quality metrics. It can be easily extended to include new algorithms. Several new synthetic data sets covering various structural measurements are also created, including noise, with ground truth, and they are made publicly available through the web service. Finally, a comparative evaluation of some current seismic attribute algorithms is given with quantitative and qualitative results.
The TAF10-containing TFIID and SAGA transcriptional complexes are dispensable for early somitogenesis in the mouse embryo
Authors: Bardot Paul , Vincent Stéphane D. , Fournier Marjorie , Hubaud Alexis , Joint Mathilde , Tora László , Pourquié Olivier
Published: September 2017

During development, tightly regulated gene expression programs control cell fate and patterning. A key regulatory step in eukaryotic transcription is the assembly of the pre-initiation complex (PIC) at promoters. PIC assembly has mainly been studied in vitro, and little is known about its composition during development. In vitro data suggest that TFIID is the general transcription factor that nucleates PIC formation at promoters. Here we show that TAF10, a subunit of TFIID and of the transcriptional co-activator SAGA, is required for the assembly of these complexes in the mouse embryo. We performed Taf10 conditional deletions during mesoderm development and show that Taf10 loss in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM) does not prevent cyclic gene transcription or PSM segmental patterning, whereas lateral plate differentiation is profoundly altered. During this period, global mRNA levels are unchanged in the PSM, with only a minor subset of genes dysregulated. Together, our data strongly suggest that the TAF10-containing canonical TFIID and SAGA complexes are dispensable for early paraxial mesoderm development, arguing against the generic role in transcription proposed for these fully assembled holo-complexes.
A radial axis defined by semaphorin-to-neuropilin signaling controls pancreatic islet morphogenesis
Authors: Pauerstein Philip T. , Tellez Krissie , Willmarth Kirk B. , Park Keon Min , Hsueh Brian , Efsun Arda H. , Gu Xueying , Aghajanian Haig , Deisseroth Karl , Epstein Jonathan A. , Kim Seung K.
Published: September 2017

The islets of Langerhans are endocrine organs characteristically dispersed throughout the pancreas. During development, endocrine progenitors delaminate, migrate radially and cluster to form islets. Despite the distinctive distribution of islets, spatially localized signals that control islet morphogenesis have not been discovered. Here, we identify a radial signaling axis that instructs developing islet cells to disperse throughout the pancreas. A screen of pancreatic extracellular signals identified factors that stimulated islet cell development. These included semaphorin 3a, a guidance cue in neural development without known functions in the pancreas. In the fetal pancreas, peripheral mesenchymal cells expressed Sema3a, while central nascent islet cells produced the semaphorin receptor neuropilin 2 (Nrp2). Nrp2 mutant islet cells developed in proper numbers, but had defects in migration and were unresponsive to purified Sema3a. Mutant Nrp2 islets aggregated centrally and failed to disperse radially. Thus, Sema3a-Nrp2 signaling along an unrecognized pancreatic developmental axis constitutes a chemoattractant system essential for generating the hallmark morphogenetic properties of pancreatic islets. Unexpectedly, Sema3a- and Nrp2-mediated control of islet morphogenesis is strikingly homologous to mechanisms that regulate radial neuronal migration and cortical lamination in the developing mammalian brain.
Zfp423/ZNF423 regulates cell cycle progression, the mode of cell division and the DNA-damage response in Purkinje neuron progenitors
Authors: Casoni Filippo , Croci Laura , Bosone Camilla , D'Ambrosio Roberta , Badaloni Aurora , Gaudesi Davide , Barili Valeria , Sarna Justyna R. , Tessarollo Lino , Cremona Ottavio , Hawkes Richard , Warming Søren , Consalez G. Giacomo
Published: September 2017

The Zfp423/ZNF423 gene encodes a 30-zinc-finger transcription factor involved in key developmental pathways. Although null Zfp423 mutants develop cerebellar malformations, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. ZNF423 mutations are associated with Joubert Syndrome, a ciliopathy causing cerebellar vermis hypoplasia and ataxia. ZNF423 participates in the DNA-damage response (DDR), raising questions regarding its role as a regulator of neural progenitor cell cycle progression in cerebellar development. To characterize in vivo the function of ZFP423 in neurogenesis, we analyzed allelic murine mutants in which distinct functional domains are deleted. One deletion impairs mitotic spindle orientation, leading to premature cell cycle exit and Purkinje cell (PC) progenitor pool deletion. The other deletion impairs PC differentiation. In both mutants, cell cycle progression is remarkably delayed and DDR markers are upregulated in cerebellar ventricular zone progenitors. Our in vivo evidence sheds light on the domain-specific roles played by ZFP423 in different aspects of PC progenitor development, and at the same time strengthens the emerging notion that an impaired DDR may be a key factor in the pathogenesis of JS and other ciliopathies.
Endogenous signalling pathways and caged IP3 evoke Ca2+ puffs at the same abundant immobile intracellular sites
Authors: Keebler Michael V. , Taylor Colin W.
Published: September 2017

The building blocks of intracellular Ca2+ signals evoked by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) are Ca2+ puffs, transient focal increases in Ca2+ concentration that reflect the opening of small clusters of IP3Rs. We use total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and automated analyses to detect Ca2+ puffs evoked by photolysis of caged IP3 or activation of endogenous muscarinic receptors with carbachol in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Ca2+ puffs evoked by carbachol initiated at an estimated 65±7 sites/cell, and the sites remained immobile for many minutes. Photolysis of caged IP3 evoked Ca2+ puffs at a similar number of sites (100±35). Increasing the carbachol concentration increased the frequency of Ca2+ puffs without unmasking additional Ca2+ release sites. By measuring responses to sequential stimulation with carbachol or photolysed caged IP3, we established that the two stimuli evoked Ca2+ puffs at the same sites. We conclude that IP3-evoked Ca2+ puffs initiate at numerous immobile sites and the sites become more likely to fire as the IP3 concentration increases; there is no evidence that endogenous signalling pathways selectively deliver IP3 to specific sites.
The cancer-associated U2AF35 470A>G (Q157R) mutation creates an in-frame alternative 5′ splice site that impacts splicing regulation in Q157R patients
Authors: Herdt Olga , Neumann Alexander , Timmermann Bernd , Heyd Florian
Published: September 2017

Recent work has identified cancer-associated U2AF35 missense mutations in two zinc-finger (ZnF) domains, but little is known about Q157R/P substitutions within the second ZnF. Surprisingly, we find that the c.470A>G mutation not only leads to the Q157R substitution, but also creates an alternative 5′ splice site (ss) resulting in the deletion of four amino acids (Q157Rdel). Q157P, Q157R, and Q157Rdel control alternative splicing of distinct groups of exons in cell culture and in human patients, suggesting that missplicing of different targets may contribute to cellular aberrations. Our data emphasize the importance to explore missense mutations beyond altered protein sequence.
Transcriptomic analysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae x Saccharomyces kudriavzevii hybrids during low temperature winemaking
Authors: Tronchoni Jordi , García-Ríos Estéfani , Guillamón Jose Manuel , Querol Amparo , Pérez-Torrado Roberto
Published: September 2017

Background: AlthoughSaccharomyces cerevisiaeis the most frequently isolated species in wine fermentation, and the most studied species, other species and interspecific hybrids have greatly attracted the interest of researchers in this field in the last few years, given their potential to solve new winemaking industry challenges.S. cerevisiaexS. kudriavzeviihybrids exhibit good fermentative capabilities at low temperatures, and produce wines with smaller alcohol quantities and larger glycerol quantities, which can be very useful to solve challenges in the winemaking industry such as the necessity to enhance the aroma profile.

Methods: In this study, we performed a transcriptomic study ofS. cerevisiaexS. kudriavzeviihybrids in low temperature winemaking conditions.

Results: The results revealed that the hybrids have acquired both fermentative abilities and cold adaptation abilities, attributed toS. cerevisiaeandS. kudriavzeviiparental species, respectively, showcasing their industrially relevant characteristics. For several key genes, we also studied the contribution to gene expression of each of the alleles ofS. cerevisiaeandS. kudriavzeviiin theS. cerevisiaexS. kudriavzeviihybrids. From the results, it is not clear how important the differential expression of the specific parental alleles is to the phenotype of the hybrids.

Conclusions: This study shows that the fermentative abilities ofS. cerevisiaexS. kudriavzeviihybrids at low temperatures do not seem to result from differential expression of specific parental alleles of the key genes involved in this phenotype.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae show low levels of traversal across human endothelial barrier in vitro
Authors: Pérez-Torrado Roberto , Querol Amparo
Published: September 2017

Background:  Saccharomyces cerevisiaeis generally considered safe, and is involved in the production of many types of foods and dietary supplements. However, some isolates, which are genetically related to strains used in brewing and baking, have shown virulent traits, being able to produce infections in humans, mainly in immunodeficient patients. This can lead to systemic infections in humans.

Methods: In this work, we studiedS. cerevisiaeisolates in an in vitro human endothelial barrier model, comparing their behaviour with that of several strains of the related pathogensCandida glabrataandCandida albicans.

Results: The results showed that this food related yeast is able to cross the endothelial barrierin vitro. However, in contrast toC. glabrataandC. albicans,S. cerevisiaeshowed very low levels of traversal.

Conclusions: We conclude that using anin vitrohuman endothelial barrier model withS. cerevisiaecan be useful to evaluate the safety ofS. cerevisiaestrains isolated from foods.
Factors determining access to oral health services among children aged less than 12 years in Peru
Authors: Azañedo Diego , Hernández-Vásquez Akram , Casas-Bendezú Mixsi , Gutiérrez César , Agudelo-Suárez Andrés A. , Cortés Sandra
Published: September 2017

Background:Understanding problems of access to oral health services requires knowledge of factors that determine access. This study aimed to evaluate factors that determine access to oral health services among children aged <12 years in Peru between 2014 and 2015.

Methods:We performed a secondary data analysis of 71,614 Peruvian children aged <12 years and their caregivers. Data were obtained from the Survey on Demography and Family Health 2014-2015 (Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar - ENDES). Children’s access to oral health services within the previous 6 months was used as the dependent variable (i.e. Yes/No), and the Andersen and col model was used to select independent variables. Predisposing (e.g., language spoken by  tutor or guardian, wealth level, caregivers’ educational level, area of residence, natural region of residence, age, and sex) and enabling factors (e.g. type of health insurance) were considered. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and multivariate analysis was performed using generalized linear models (Poisson family).

Results:Of all the children, 51% were males, 56% were aged <5 years, and 62.6% lived in urban areas. The most common type of health insurance was Integral Health Insurance (57.8%), and most respondents were in the first quintile of wealth (31.6%). Regarding caregivers, the most common educational level was high school (43.02%) and the most frequently spoken language was Spanish (88.4%). Univariate analysis revealed that all variables, except sex and primary educational level, were statistically significant. After adjustment, sex, area of residence, and language were insignificant, whereas the remaining variables were statistically significant.

Conclusions:Wealth index, caregivers’ education level, natural region of residence, age, and type of health insurance are factors that determine access to oral health services among children aged <12 years in Peru. These factors should be considered when devising strategies to mitigate against inequities in access to oral health services.
Did austerity cause the rise in deaths seen in England and Wales in 2015?
Authors: Jones Rodney
Published: September 2017

Several recent studies have suggested that austerity led to higher deaths in England and Wales in 2015. There are several key observations that argue against this conclusion. A rise in deaths also occurred in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where health and social care is integrated, and did not suffer the degree of austerity imposed on adult social care in England. In addition, there is no apparent relationship between local authority deprivation score and the increase in deaths in 2015. Furthermore, austerity cannot explain those local authorities which showed a reduction in deaths in 2015. Deaths across Europe likewise displayed a significant increase in 2015, which appears linked to events leading up to a spike in deaths in January 2015. This initiated ongoing effects on mortality and morbidity. Deaths also show on/off switching in all countries so far studied, and show additional diversity at sub-local government geographies. The single-year-of-age patterns in mortality observed in one of the studies contradicts a general effect due to austerity, and has been reported elsewhere. These patterns may arise from ‘original antigenic sin’ and if so this would suggest an infectious aetiology. Increased hospital bed occupancy for certain conditions also appears to characterise this and previous events.
Male child preference: Is it a risk factor for antenatal depression among Iranian women?
Authors: Rouhi Maryam , Rouhi Narges , Vizheh Mayam , Salehi Kamal
Published: September 2017

Background

Male child preference is a phenomenon in decline in Asian women. However, it continues to exert hidden pressure on childbearing women in developing countries to dispose them to depression during pregnancy.

Aims

This study assessed the prevalence of antenatal depression and hypothesised that maternal perception of a family's male child preference was an independent risk factor for depression.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 780 pregnant women who attended routine antenatal appointments and were assessed using the Iranian version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The questionnaire investigated sociodemographic characteristics and some possible risk factors, including maternal perception of male child preference in the family. Analysis was done using c2 tests to assess the relationship between variables.

Findings

The prevalence of antenatal depression was 20.1%. Maternal perception of male child preference was common and was associated with antenatal depression. Husbands and their families were found to prefer to have a male child.

Conclusions

Consideration of the male child preference as an independent risk factor is important for health care providers to prevent depression.
Paramedic management of out-of-hospital postpartum haemorrhage with TXA
Authors: Wren James
Published: September 2017

Background:

As a result of some of the factors discussed within this systematic review, UK Paramedics are more likely to manage postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) within the out-of-hospital setting. This systematic review attempts to address the question: ‘Is it suitable for TXA to be implemented within the UK paramedic management of out-of-hospital PPH?’

Methods:

Randomised control trials (RCTs) focusing on the effect of TXA upon blood loss during PPH were included within this review. A search strategy was created and applied to databases. Critical analysis of the included studies was carried out, and data were presented within tabular format and discussed through the use of narrative synthesis.

Results:

Eight RCTs were included within this systematic review. All studies found a significant reduction in the volume of blood loss during PPH when TXA was administered.

Discussion:

Although TXA was found to significantly reduce the volume of blood loss during PPH, existing evidence is insufficient to support its use within the UK paramedic out-of-hospital management of PPH. Without the presence of studies which are solely focused on the target population, it is difficult to generalise the findings directly to the UK out-of-hospital paramedic management of PPH. This systematic review does however support and supplement the findings of past and current research based upon the relationship between TXA and PPH.
Éticas de autogobierno biomédico: horizontalidad y verticalidad en la Argentina post-2001
Authors: Buttigliero Diego Santiago
Published: September 2017

Este artículo presenta una experiencia de alteración de las configuraciones de gobierno de un hospital en el marco de la crisis político-social argentina del año 2001. A partir de una metodología de investigación basada en “producciones narrativas” de un grupo de médicos residentes del Hospital Provincial de la República, el texto muestra el trabajo de los agentes de salud en contextos de extrema precariedad y da cuenta de la emergencia de nuevas éticas, prácticas y formas de organización a partir de la conexión con formas de poder que proliferaron desde la base social en el contexto de esa crisis. Estas formas de organización y prácticas permiten la articulación de nuevas éticas como un mecanismo económico clave sobre el cual emerge el marco para pensar nuevas formas de organización y de gobierno del hospital. Se utiliza el concepto de eticopolítica con el fin de enfocar la cualidad activa de los sujetos, el grado de reflexión en torno a su acción y la conexión de estos dos factores con la política y las relaciones de poder.