bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The data thugs
Authors: Marcus Adam , Oransky Ivan
Published: February 2018

Nick Brown and James Heathers have had striking success in catalyzing retractions by publicly calling out questionable data.
Dentate gyrus mossy cells control spontaneous convulsive seizures and spatial memory
Authors: Bui Anh D. , Nguyen Theresa M. , Limouse Charles , Kim Hannah K. , Szabo Gergely G. , Felong Sylwia , Maroso Mattia , Soltesz Ivan
Published: February 2018

A way to prevent generalized seizures?

Temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common form of epilepsy in adults. Patients have spontaneous seizures and risk developing serious cognitive impairment. Bui
et al.
studied an animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy (see the Perspective by Scharfman). Selective optogenetic inhibition of dentate gyrus mossy cells increased the likelihood of electrographic seizures generalizing to full behavioral convulsive seizures. Activation of mossy cells reduced the likelihood. Thus, the activity of mossy cells might serve to inhibit seizure propagation.

Science
, this issue p.
787
; see also p.
740
Enantioselective C(sp
3
)‒H bond activation by chiral transition metal catalysts
Authors: Saint-Denis Tyler G. , Zhu Ru-Yi , Chen Gang , Wu Qing-Feng , Yu Jin-Quan
Published: February 2018

Left- or right-handed C–H bond activation

Although organic compounds consist mostly of carbon and hydrogen atoms, strategies for chemical synthesis have traditionally targeted the handful of more reactive interspersed oxygens, nitrogens, and halogens. Modifying C–H bonds directly is a more appealing approach, but selectivity remains a challenge. Saint-Denis
et al.
review recent progress in using transition metal catalysis to break just one of two mirror-image C–H bonds and then append a more complex substituent in its place. Ligand design has proven crucial to differentiate these otherwise similar bonds in a variety of molecular settings.

Science
, this issue p.
eaao4798
Natural selection and the predictability of evolution in
Timema
stick insects
Authors: Nosil Patrik , Villoutreix Romain , de Carvalho Clarissa F. , Farkas Timothy E. , Soria-Carrasco Víctor , Feder Jeffrey L. , Crespi Bernard J. , Gompert Zach
Published: February 2018

Estimating the predictability of evolution

Evolution results from expected effects, such as selection driving alleles toward fixation, and stochastic effects, such as unusual environmental variation and genetic drift. To determine the potential to predict evolutionary change, Nosil
et al.
examined three naturally occurring morphs of stick insects (see the Perspective by Reznick and Travis). They wanted to determine which selective parameters could be used to foresee changes, despite varying environmental conditions. One morph fit a model of negative frequency-dependent selection, likely owing to predation, but changes in other morph frequencies remained unpredictable. Thus, for specific cases, we can forecast short-term changes within populations, but evolution is more difficult to predict when it involves a balance between multiple selective factors and uncertainty in environmental conditions.

Science
, this issue p.
765
; see also p.
738
Volatile chemical products emerging as largest petrochemical source of urban organic emissions
Authors: McDonald Brian C. , de Gouw Joost A. , Gilman Jessica B. , Jathar Shantanu H. , Akherati Ali , Cappa Christopher D. , Jimenez Jose L. , Lee-Taylor Julia , Hayes Patrick L. , McKeen Stuart A. , Cui Yu Yan , Kim Si-Wan , Gentner Drew R. , Isaacman-VanWertz Gabriel , Goldstein Allen H. , Harley Robert A. , Frost Gregory J. , Roberts James M. , Ryerson Thomas B. , Trainer Michael
Published: February 2018

Air pollution evolution

Transport-derived emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have decreased owing to stricter controls on air pollution. This means that the relative importance of chemicals in pesticides, coatings, printing inks, adhesives, cleaning agents, and personal care products has increased. McDonald
et al.
show that these volatile chemical products now contribute fully one-half of emitted VOCs in 33 industrialized cities (see the Perspective by Lewis). Thus, the focus of efforts to mitigate ozone formation and toxic chemical burdens need to be adjusted.

Science
, this issue p.
760
; see also p.
744
The value of pollinator species diversity
Authors: Kremen Claire
Published: February 2018

Most crop-visiting species are needed to ensure high levels of crop pollination
Chromatin regulation and immune escape
Authors: Ghorani Ehsan , Quezada Sergio A.
Published: February 2018

Deficiency in a chromatin remodeling complex enhances tumor immunotherapy
Exploration before exploitation
Authors: Cordes Erik E. , Levin Lisa A.
Published: February 2018

The current U.S. administration has proposed to open up 90% of the U.S. continental shelf to oil and gas drilling as part of a new Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Draft Proposed Program. Although there is a clear need to move beyond fossil fuels for America's energy needs and energy security, there are also a number of immediate existential threats posed by an increase in offshore drilling.
The intracellular pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase NT5C3A is a negative epigenetic factor in interferon and cytokine signaling
Authors: Al-Haj Latifa , Khabar Khalid S. A.
Published: February 2018

An enzyme involved in nucleotide catabolism reduces inflammation through chromatin-mediated suppression of the expression of NF-κB target genes.
Abl and Arg mediate cysteine cathepsin secretion to facilitate melanoma invasion and metastasis
Authors: Tripathi Rakshamani , Fiore Leann S. , Richards Dana L. , Yang Yuchen , Liu Jinpeng , Wang Chi , Plattner Rina
Published: February 2018

The kinases Abl and Arg induce the expression and secretion of prometastatic cathepsins in melanoma.
Psychological interventions used to reduce sports injuries: a systematic review of real-world effectiveness
Authors: Gledhill Adam , Forsdyke Dale , Murray Eliot
Published: February 2018

Objective

To systematically review studies examining the role of psychological interventions in injury prevention. The primary research question was: What is the real-world effectiveness of psychological intervention in preventing sports injuries?

Design

Mixed methods systematic review with best evidence synthesis.

Data sources

CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Science Direct and PubMed.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Randomised controlled trials (RCT), non-RCTs that included a comparison group, before and after study designs and qualitative methods. Studies were required to outline specific unimodal or multimodal psychological interventions used in relation to injury prevention in the real-world setting.

Outcome measure

Studies were independently appraised with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

Thirteen papers (incorporating 14 studies) met the eligibility criteria, of which 93% (13/14) reported a decrease in injury rates (effect size range=0.2–1.21). There was an overall moderate risk of bias in reporting (52%). There is a dominance of stress management-based interventions in literature due to the prominence of the model of stress and athletic injury within the area.

Summary/conclusions

Psychological interventions demonstrate small (0.2) to large (1.21) effects on sports injury rates. The research area demonstrates a cumulative moderate risk in reporting bias (52%).

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016035879.
Regional disparities in the intimate partner sexual violence rate against women in Paraná State, Brazil, 2009-2014: an ecological study
Authors: Fontes Kátia Biagio , Jacinto Alarcão Ana Carolina , Nihei Oscar Kenji , Pelloso Sandra Marisa , Andrade Luciano , Barros Carvalho Maria Dalva de
Published: February 2018

Objective

Evaluate disparities in a Brazilian state by conducting an analysis to determine whether socioeconomic status was associated with the reported intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) rates against women.

Design

A retrospective, ecological study.

Settings

Data retrieved from the Notifiable Diseases Information System database of the Ministry of Health of Brazil.

Participants

All cases of IPSV (n=516) against women aged 15–49 years reported in the Notifiable Diseases Information System between 2009 and 2014.

Outcome measures

The data were evaluated through an exploratory analysis of spatial data.

Results

We identified a positive spatial self-correlation in the IPSV rate (0.7105, P≤0.001). Five high–high-type clusters were identified, predominantly in the Metropolitan, West, South Central, Southwest, Southeast and North Central mesoregions, with only one cluster identified in the North Pioneer mesoregion. Our findings also indicated that the associations between the IPSV rate and socioeconomic predictors (women with higher education, civil registry of legal separations, economically active women, demographic density and average female income) were significantly spatially non-stationary; thus, the regression coefficients verified that certain variables in the model were associated with the IPSV rate in some regions of the state. In addition, the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model improved the understanding of the associations between socioeconomic indicators and the IPSV notification rate, showing a better adjustment than the ordinary least square (OLS) model (OLS vs GWR model: R2: 0.95 vs 0.99; Akaike information criterion: 4117.90 vs 3550.61; Moran’s I: 0.0905 vs −0.0273, respectively).

Conclusions

IPSV against women was heterogeneous in the state of Paraná. The GWR model showed a better fit and enabled the analysis of the distribution of each indicator in the state, which demonstrated the utility of this model for the study of IPSV dynamics and the indication of local determinants of IPSV notification rates.
Efficacy and safety of ginkgo preparations for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review protocol
Authors: He Sufei , Wang Miao , Si Jinhua , Zhang Tianyi , Cui Hong , Gao Xiumei
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed and treated childhood psychiatric disorders. The analogous diagnosis adopted in Europe is hyperkinetic disorder, which is defined in the WHO’s International Classification of Diseases 10th edition (ICD-10). Hyperkinetic disorder includes more severe conditions. Ginkgo preparations are used in the treatment of ADHD. The present study will assess the efficacy and safety of ginkgo preparations in the treatment of ADHD in the currently published literature.

Materials and methods

All prospective randomised controlled trials (RCTs) will be included in this systematic review. Patients diagnosed with ADHD according to American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM-IV), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), ICD-10 or Chinese Classification and Diagnosis of Mental Diseases third edition (CMDD) will be included. A comprehensive search for RCTs to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerance of ginkgo preparations will be performed. The primary outcomes are the ADHD Rating Scale-IV and Revised Conners’ Parent Rating Scale. The secondary outcomes are quality of life evaluated by the KINDL scale, adverse effects/events, Conners’ Teacher Rating Scale, Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behaviour Scale and Fremdbeurteilungsbogen für Hyperkinetische Störungen. Exclusion criteria are the following: (1) case reports, not randomised trial, non-comparative studies and (2) patients who were not diagnosed based on DSM-IV, DSM-5, ICD-10 or CMDD. The following databases will be searched from their inception until January 2018: Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, China Biology Medicine Disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang Database and Chinese Scientific Journals Database. Two authors will independently perform the study selection, extract the data and assess the study quality and risk of bias.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review does not require ethics approval. It will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017077190.
Relationship between electronically measured medication adherence and vision-related quality of life in a cohort of patients with open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Thompson Atalie C , Woolson Sandra , Olsen Maren K , Danus Susanne , Bosworth Hayden B , Muir Kelly W
Published: February 2018

Objective

To investigate whether electronically measured medication adherence is associated with vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Methods and analysis

This is a 3-year prospective cohort study of 79 subjects with open-angle glaucoma at a Veterans Affairs medical centre. Participants returned a medication event monitoring system (MEMS) for their glaucoma eye-drops and had at least two visits with glaucoma during the study period. Those taking less than 80% of prescribed glaucoma medication doses were considered to be non-adherent. Subjects were interviewed using the National Eye Institute’s Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) at baseline and after 3 years.

Results

Thirty per cent (n=24/79) of participants took less than 80% of prescribed doses of their glaucoma medications at baseline. Patients who did not adhere to their medications at baseline had lower mean composite VFQ-25 scores at baseline (70.66±20.50 vs 75.91±19.12, standardised mean difference=0.27) and after 3 years (71.68±21.93 vs 76.25±21.67, standardised mean difference=0.21). Visual acuity (P=0.03), but not visual field severity (P=0.13) or medication adherence (P=0.30), was significantly associated with composite VFQ-25 score in an adjusted model.

Conclusions

Subjects who were non-adherent to their glaucoma medications at baseline as assessed by a MEMS device reported lower VRQoL than adherent subjects at baseline and after 3 years. However, visual acuity was significantly associated with VRQoL. Future studies should assess whether improved adherence to eye-drops impacts VRQoL in patients with glaucoma.
Consensus guidelines on the optimal management in interventional EUS procedures: results from the Asian EUS group RAND/UCLA expert panel
Authors: Teoh Anthony Y B , Dhir Vinay , Kida Mitsuhiro , Yasuda Ichiro , Jin Zhen Dong , Seo Dong Wan , Almadi Majid , Ang Tiing Leong , Hara Kazuo , Hilmi Ida , Itoi Takao , Lakhtakia Sundeep , Matsuda Koji , Pausawasdi Nonthalee , Puri Rajesh , Tang Raymond S , Wang Hsiu-Po , Yang Ai Ming , Hawes Robert , Varadarajulu Shyam , Yasuda Kenjiro , Ho Lawrence Khek Yu
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Interventional endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) procedures are gaining popularity and the most commonly performed procedures include EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst, EUS-guided biliary drainage, EUS-guided pancreatic duct drainage and EUS-guided celiac plexus ablation. The aim of this paper is to formulate a set of practice guidelines addressing various aspects of the above procedures.

Methods

Formulation of the guidelines was based on the best scientific evidence available. The RAND/UCLA appropriateness methodology (RAM) was used. Panellists recruited comprised experts in surgery, interventional EUS, interventional radiology and oncology from 11 countries. Between June 2014 and October 2016, the panellists met in meetings to discuss and vote on the clinical scenarios for each of the interventional EUS procedures in question.

Results

A total of 15 statements on EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst, 15 statements on EUS-guided biliary drainage, 12 statements on EUS-guided pancreatic duct drainage and 14 statements on EUS-guided celiac plexus ablation were formulated. The statements addressed the indications for the procedures, technical aspects, pre- and post-procedural management, management of complications, and competency and training in the procedures. All statements except one were found to be appropriate. Randomised studies to address clinical questions in a number of aspects of the procedures are urgently required.

Conclusions

The current guidelines on interventional EUS procedures are the first published by an endoscopic society. These guidelines provide an in-depth review of the current evidence and standardise the management of the procedures.
Engorged medullary vein on CT angiography in patients with dural arteriovenous fistula: prevalence, types, and comparison between regional and extensive types
Authors: Lin Yen-Heng , Lee Chung-Wei , Wang Yu-Fen , Lu Chi-Ju , Chen Ya-Fang , Liu Hon-Man
Published: February 2018

Background and purpose

Engorged medullary vein (EMV) in patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) suggests venous congestion. The aim of this study is to investigate its prevalence, pattern, and correlation with clinical findings.

Materials and methods

CT angiography (CTA) raw data of DAVF were used for multiplanar reconstruction and then analyzed for the presence and pattern of EMV, which is defined as a dilated vein in the cerebral white matter. Patients with EMV were divided into two groups: regional and extensive. Regional type is defined as EMV limited to one cerebral hemisphere or cerebellum without evidence of subcortical calcification. Extensive type is defined as EMV involvement of more than one cerebral hemisphere or both the cerebrum and cerebellum. Descriptive analysis of clinical information, DAVF characteristics, and other imaging findings was conducted. Clinical information, including demographic data, clinical presentation, and hemorrhage, were correlated with both types of EMV.

Results

Among 192 eligible patients with DAVF, 71 (37%) had EMV. Patients with EMV were older (63 years vs 56 years, P=0.02), with DAVF more often at the transverse and sigmoid sinus (P<0.001), and more often presented with aggressive symptoms (59% vs 34%, P=0.02) than non-EMV patients, but there was no difference in the presentation of hemorrhage (15% vs 16%, P=0.99). Patients with regional EMV had a higher proportion of hemorrhage than those with the extensive type (24% vs 0%, P=0.006).

Conclusions

EMV in patients with DAVF is associated with an aggressive manifestation. Regional type EMV is associated with a higher risk of a hemorrhagic presentation.
Strategy to reduceE. colibacteraemia based on cohort data from a London teaching hospital
Authors: Hsu Desmond , Melzer Mark
Published: February 2018

Background and aim

In 2017, National Health Service Improvement set a 10% reduction target for Escherichia coli bacteraemia by 2018, followed by a 50% reduction in healthcare-associated Gram-negative bacteraemias by 2022. We analysed consecutive cases of E. coli bacteraemia and devised a strategy to achieve these targets.

Methods

From December 2012 to November 2013, demographic, clinical and microbiological data were prospectively collected on all patients with bacteraemia at the Royal London Hospital in East London, UK.

Results

There were 594 significant bacteraemic episodes and 207 (34.8%) were E. coli. Twenty-four (11.6%) of the E. coli isolates were extended spectrum beta-lactamase producers, 22 (10.6%) gentamicin resistant and 2 (1.0%) amikacin resistant. The three most common sites of infection were pyelonephritis 105 (56.7%), catheter-associated urinary tract infection 22 (10.6%), and other medical devices and procedures that cause bacteraemia 32 (15.5%). In the pyelonephritis group, trimethoprim resistance in urinary isolates was 16/47 (34.0%) compared with 3/47 (6.4%) for nitrofurantoin. Twelve months postbacteraemia, recurrent bacteraemia rates were 10/105 (9.5%). There were 44 medical device-associated E. coli bacteraemias, and 22 (50%) were urinary catheter associated. There were 10 patients with E. coli bacteraemia caused by procedures, seven genitourinary or biliary tract instrumentation and three postgastrointestinal surgery.

Conclusion

E. coli bacteraemias related to urosepsis could have been prevented by better empirical treatment and targeted prophylaxis. Urinary catheter quality improvement programmes should contribute to a further reduction. For patients undergoing high-risk urinary or biliary tract procedures or device manipulation, we advocate single-dose amikacin prophylaxis.
Ventilatory support or respiratory muscle training as adjuncts to exercise in obese CPAP-treated patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Vivodtzev Isabelle , Tamisier Renaud , Croteau Marilie , Borel Jean-Christian , Grangier Angélique , Wuyam Bernard , Lévy Patrick , Minville Caroline , Sériès Frédéric , Maltais François , Pépin Jean-Louis
Published: February 2018

Background

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and obesity are interdependent chronic diseases sharing reduced exercise tolerance and high cardiovascular risk.

Intervention

A 3-month intervention with innovative training modalities would further improve functional capacity and cardiovascular health than usual cycle exercise training in already continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)-treated obese patients with OSA.

Methods

Fifty three patients (35<body mass index (BMI) <45 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to exercise training on a cycle ergometer, either alone (ERGO) or with respiratory muscle training (ERGO+RMT) or non-invasive ventilation (ERGO+NIV). Changes in 6 min walking distance (primary outcome), aerobic capacity (VO2peak), cardiovascular parameters, body composition and sleep quality were evaluated.

Measurements and main results

All training modalities increased 6 min walking distance without differences between groups (P=0.97). ERGO+NIV and ERGO+RMT led to significantly higher improvement in VO2peak compared with ERGO (3.1 (95% CI 1.6 to 4.6) vs 2.3 (0.8 to 3.7) vs 0.5(−1.0 to 1.9) mL/min/kg, respectively, P=0.04) and ERGO+NIV significantly reduced self-measured blood pressure compared with ERGO+RMT and ERGO (systolic: −9.5 (95% CI −14.1 to −4.9) vs −13 (−5.8 to 3.1) vs −0.7 (−5.1 to 3.8) mm Hg, respectively, P=0.01). Waist and neck circumferences were reduced after ERGO+NIV compared with ERGO+RMT and ERGO (P=0.01).

Conclusions

Combining RMT or NIV with cycling exercise training failed to provide further improvement in functional capacity as compared with cycling exercise training alone. However, the combination of NIV and exercise training demonstrated superiority for improving cardiometabolic risk factors in obese CPAP-treated patients with OAS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Results, NCT01155271.
4-Colored Triangulation of 3-Maps
Authors: Bueno Lucas Moutinho , Stolfi Jorge
Published: February 2018

We describe an algorithm to triangulate a general 3-dimensional-map on an arbitrary space in such way that the resulting 3-dimensional triangulation is vertex-colorable with four colors. (Four-colorable triangulations can be efficiently represented and manipulated by the GEM data structure of Montagner and Stolfi.) The standard solution to this problem is the barycentric subdivision (BCS) of the map. Our algorithm yields a 4-colored triangulation that is provably smaller than the BCS, and in practice is often a small fraction of its size. When the input map is a shellable triangulation of a 3-ball, in particular, we can prove that the output size is less than [Formula: see text] times the size of the BCS.
Review of shear-wave velocity prediction equations based on piezocone penetration test data: example from Yangtze River floodplain deposits at Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Tong Liyuan , Che Hongbo , Zhang Mingfei , Li Hongjiang
Published: February 2018

Small-strain parameters of soils play an important role in modern engineering geology. A research database of seismic piezocone test (SCPTu) results has been collected to develop empirical correlations for shear-wave velocity (
V
s
) prediction of recent floodplain deposits at Nanjing in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. First, several existing cone penetration test (CPT)–
V
s
or CPTu–
V
s
correlations for general soils have been investigated. Four indices were used in the assessment, including the ratio of the estimated to measured
V
s
values, the root mean square error, the ranking index and the ranking distance. It is observed that all the selected correlations are biased towards overestimation or underestimation of
V
s
values for such floodplain deposits, demonstrating the need for a site-specific
V
s
prediction model. Then, new correlations for Yangtze floodplain deposits were developed through multiple linear regression, the performance of which has been assessed through comparisons of predicted and observed
V
s
values. The recommended correlation is entirely based directly on CPT data (
q
c
,
f
s
and
z
). The verification and calibration of this newly developed correlation for floodplain deposits constitute a useful contribution to the practice of geologists and engineers not only in the Yangtze delta region, but also in other similar depositional environments worldwide.
Utilization of X-ray computed micro-tomography to evaluate iron sulphide distribution in roofing slates
Authors: Vavro M. , Souček K. , Daněk T. , Matýsek D. , Georgiovská L. , Zajícová V.
Published: February 2018

Slate is a traditional stone product that has long been used for roofing widely around the world. The presence of iron sulphides is one of the most significant factors affecting roofing slate resistance to weathering and, therefore, the quality of slates and their use in construction. Iron sulphide oxidation is the main process of roofing slate degradation. Qualitative and quantitative analyses to determine iron sulphides in roofing slates are usually conducted using transmitted and reflected light microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. However, this paper presents X-ray computed micro-tomography as a new laboratory method in this field, which also allows for 3D visualization and analysis of iron sulphide distribution in roofing slates. It also discusses some technical limits of this technique and tomographic scan interpretation pitfalls. The results obtained by tomographic observations were subsequently verified by optical microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, as well as energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. Spanish slate from the Ordovician Luarca Formation and Culm slate from the Moravice Formation in the Czech Republic are both characterized by low to extremely low iron sulphide content, and for this reason were selected for this study.
Estimation of spatially distributed groundwater potential recharge for the United Kingdom
Authors: Mansour M. M. , Wang L. , Whiteman M. , Hughes A. G.
Published: February 2018

The calculation of distributed recharge is necessary to drive numerical groundwater models used to manage and protect groundwater resources, to assess the impact of anthropogenic stresses and climate change, and to study the viability of technologies, such as exploiting the heat stored in the ground. A national-scale model allows policymakers and governmental decision-makers to set policy within the correct geographical context. However, many challenges are associated with building large-scale models, for example, the representation of processes on coarse grid resolution. This study presents distributed potential recharge values, calculated using the modified Environment Agency (EA)/Food and Agriculture Organization recharge algorithm. The model calibration is presented and the simulated potential recharge values and soil moisture deficit values are compared with estimates provided by the EA and the Meteorological Office (Met Office). Long-term average potential recharge values are very small in the east of the UK but they increase significantly towards the west and north, reaching values as high as 8 mm day
−1
over the hills of Wales and Scotland. While this study highlights the need for further model refinement, the presented results are useful for assessing the potential recharge values at a national scale and for undertaking water resource studies, especially in catchments with unconfined/near-surface aquifers.
The engineering geology of playas, salt playas and salinas
Authors: Fookes P. G. , Lee E. M.
Published: February 2018

The terminology used by engineering geologists to describe the various inland saline basin environments has evolved separately from that of other disciplines. This reflects their different interests, but it has meant that, in the published literature, the same terms (e.g. sabkha, playa, salina and numerous local terms) are used to describe different landforms. This note focuses on the characteristic hazards (aggressive saline ground, salt weathering, low bearing capacity and flooding) and their environmental controls. In doing so, the note describes how the severity of the geotechnical risks varies between the different basin types, largely controlled by the position of the groundwater table and, to a lesser extent, the presence of evaporite bedrock within the catchment or region (i.e. the source of salts for surface water and aerosols).
Geochemical applications in petroleum systems analysis: new constraints and the power of integration
Authors: Lawson M. , Formolo M. J. , Summa L. , Eiler J. M.
Published: February 2018

This paper provides an overview of the role that geochemistry plays in petroleum systems analysis, and how this can be used to derive constraints on the key elements and processes that give rise to a successful petroleum system. We discuss the history of petroleum geochemistry before reflecting on the next frontier in geochemical applications in hydrocarbon systems. We then review the individual contributions to this Special Publication. These papers present new geochemical techniques that allow us to develop a more systematic understanding of critical petroleum system elements; including the temperature and timing of source-rock deposition and maturation, the mechanisms and timescales associated with hydrocarbon migration, trapping, storage and alteration, and the impact of fluid flow on reservoir properties. Finally, we provide a practical example of how these different geochemical techniques can be integrated to constrain and generate a robust understanding of the prolific Paleozoic petroleum system of the Bighorn Basin.
F17-Chalk: new insights in the tectonic history of the Dutch Central Graben
Authors: van Lochem Henk
Published: February 2018

Wintershall Noordzee BV recently discovered and appraised two Chalk oil fields (Rembrandt and Vermeer) in the Dutch North Sea with wells F17-10, F17-11, F17-12 and F17-13x. Extensive core material is available, and biostratigraphical analysis plus sedimentological evaluation results are presented here. Integration of these data with detailed 3D seismic interpretation results in interesting conclusions on the tectonic inversion of the Dutch Central Graben. It can be determined that the main inversion event is the Sub-Hercynian Phase, after which an island was formed in the Chalk sea during the Campanian and Maastrichtian. Around this island, erosion products can be found in the Chalk intervals. These sediments are time and facies comparable to the Vaals Formation in the south of The Netherlands, adjacent to the inverted Roer Valley Graben. Maastrichtian sediments are seen to onlap onto the island, decreasing it in size and influence as a sediment source. It is proposed that the Laramide inversion phase in the Dutch Central Graben is a period of non-deposition and, possibly, this is also the case for most of the other Dutch inverted basins.
The pre-Silurian Riachão basin: a new perspective on the basement of the Parnaíba basin, NE Brazil
Authors: Porto Amanda , Daly Michael C. , La Terra Emanuele , Fontes Sergio
Published: February 2018

We present a new interpretation of the basement immediately below the pre-Silurian unconformity in the mid-western part of the Parnaíba cratonic basin. Regional seismic reflection data, constrained by well and gravity data, have revealed the remnants of a pre-Silurian basin named the Riachão basin. It has a north–south trend and is about 120 km wide with a minimum area of
c.
35 000 km
2
and a maximum thickness of 4 km. Seismic interpretation shows the Riachão basin is defined by erosional unconformities at its top (the pre-Silurian unconformity) and base (the top of the pre-Riachão basement). The basin fill is formed of three stratigraphic sequences – Riachão I, II and III – separated by seismic discontinuities and laterally bounded by monoclinal folds and basement uplifts related to thrust faults. Exploration wells show that the Riachão sediments are Ediacaran to Lower Cambrian, clastic and a minimum of 1 km thick, unconformably overlying a heterogeneous metamorphic basement. The mechanism of formation of the basin is unclear. However, our seismic stratigraphic interpretation suggests that Riachão II and III are remnants of marine, clastic, foreland basin sequences of opposed polarity, related to late Neoproterozoic tectonics. The banded, high-amplitude, Riachão I sequence is interpreted as a carbonate platform preceding the main subsidence and clastic input of the Riachão basin.
VisForum
Authors: Fu Siwei , Wang Yong , Yang Yi , Bi Qingqing , Guo Fangzhou , Qu Huamin
Published: February 2018

User grouping in asynchronous online forums is a common phenomenon nowadays. People with similar backgrounds or shared interests like to get together in group discussions. As tens of thousands of archived conversational posts accumulate, challenges emerge for forum administrators and analysts to effectively explore user groups in large-volume threads and gain meaningful insights into the hierarchical discussions. Identifying and comparing groups in discussion threads are nontrivial, since the number of users and posts increases with time and noises may hamper the detection of user groups. Researchers in data mining fields have proposed a large body of algorithms to explore user grouping. However, the mining result is not intuitive to understand and difficult for users to explore the details. To address these issues, we present VisForum, a visual analytic system allowing people to interactively explore user groups in a forum. We work closely with two educators who have released courses in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) platforms to compile a list of design goals to guide our design. Then, we design and implement a multi-coordinated interface as well as several novel glyphs, i.e., group glyph, user glyph, and set glyph, with different granularities. Accordingly, we propose the group Detecting 8 Sorting Algorithm to reduce noises in a collection of posts, and employ the concept of “forum-index” for users to identify high-impact forum members. Two case studies using real-world datasets demonstrate the usefulness of the system and the effectiveness of novel glyph designs. Furthermore, we conduct an in-lab user study to present the usability of VisForum.
A Visual Analytics Framework for Exploring Theme Park Dynamics
Authors: Steptoe Michael , Krüger Robert , Garcia Rolando , Liang Xing , Maciejewski Ross
Published: February 2018

In 2015, the top 10 largest amusement park corporations saw a combined annual attendance of over 400 million visitors. Daily average attendance in some of the most popular theme parks in the world can average 44,000 visitors per day. These visitors ride attractions, shop for souvenirs, and dine at local establishments; however, a critical component of their visit is the overall park experience. This experience depends on the wait time for rides, the crowd flow in the park, and various other factors linked to the crowd dynamics and human behavior. As such, better insight into visitor behavior can help theme parks devise competitive strategies for improved customer experience. Research into the use of attractions, facilities, and exhibits can be studied, and as behavior profiles emerge, park operators can also identify anomalous behaviors of visitors which can improve safety and operations. In this article, we present a visual analytics framework for analyzing crowd dynamics in theme parks. Our proposed framework is designed to support behavioral analysis by summarizing patterns and detecting anomalies. We provide methodologies to link visitor movement data, communication data, and park infrastructure data. This combination of data sources enables a semantic analysis of
who
,
what
,
when
, and
where
, enabling analysts to explore visitor-visitor interactions and visitor-infrastructure interactions. Analysts can identify behaviors at the macro level through semantic trajectory clustering views for group behavior dynamics, as well as at the micro level using trajectory traces and a novel visitor network analysis view. We demonstrate the efficacy of our framework through two case studies of simulated theme park visitors.
Toward Veracity Assessment in RDF Knowledge Bases
Authors: Esteves Diego , Rula Anisa , Reddy Aniketh Janardhan , Lehmann Jens
Published: February 2018

Among different characteristics of knowledge bases, data quality is one of the most relevant to maximize the benefits of the provided information. Knowledge base quality assessment poses a number of big data challenges such as high volume, variety, velocity, and veracity. In this article, we focus on answering questions related to the assessment of the veracity of facts through Deep Fact Validation (DeFacto), a
triple validation
framework designed to assess facts in RDF knowledge bases. Despite current developments in the research area, the underlying framework faces many challenges. This article pinpoints and discusses these issues and conducts a thorough analysis of its pipeline, aiming at reducing the error propagation through its components. Furthermore, we discuss recent developments related to this fact validation as well as describing advantages and drawbacks of state-of-the-art models. As a result of this exploratory analysis, we give insights and directions toward a better architecture to tackle the complex task of fact-checking in knowledge bases.
A Lower Bound Technique for Communication in BSP
Authors: Bilardi Gianfranco , Scquizzato Michele , Silvestri Francesco
Published: February 2018

Communication is a major factor determining the performance of algorithms on current computing systems; it is therefore valuable to provide tight lower bounds on the communication complexity of computations. This article presents a lower bound technique for the communication complexity in the bulk-synchronous parallel (BSP) model of a given class of DAG computations. The derived bound is expressed in terms of the switching potential of a DAG, that is, the number of permutations that the DAG can realize when viewed as a switching network. The proposed technique yields tight lower bounds for the fast Fourier transform (FFT), and for any sorting and permutation network. A stronger bound is also derived for the periodic balanced sorting network, by applying this technique to suitable subnetworks. Finally, we demonstrate that the switching potential captures communication requirements even in computational models different from BSP, such as the I/O model and the LPRAM.
Editor's introduction: Reflecting on and re-thinking usability and user experience design
Authors: Amant Kirk St.
Published: February 2018

Everything changes over time. Societies evolve, original technologies emerge, and the structure of products shifts to meet the needs of new situations. What constitutes a usable design will similarly change over time. For these reasons, it's important to regularly stop and assess where a field is and what it is doing to determine how well its activities reflect the context in which it exists. Usability and user experience design are no different. This issue of
Communication Design Quarterly
represents such a reflection and a re-thinking of where the field is at this point in time.
The past, present, and future of UX empirical research
Authors: Robinson Joy , Lanius Candice , Weber Ryan
Published: February 2018

Rethinking UX requires mapping trends in empirical research to find out how the field has developed. This study addresses that need by analyzing over 400 academic empirical studies published between 2000--2016. Our research questions are, "How have the artifacts, analysis, and methods of UX research changed since the year 2000?" and "Do scholars use research questions and hypotheses to ground their research in UX?" Our research found that services, websites, and imagined objects/prototypes were among the most frequently studied artifacts, while usability studies, surveys, and interviews were the most commonly used methods. We found a significant increase in quantitative and mixed methods studies since 2010. This study showed that only 1 out of every 5 publications employed research questions to guide inquiry. We hope that these findings help UX as a field more accurately and broadly conceive of its identity with clear standards for evaluating existing research and rethinking future research opportunities as a discipline.
Digital humanities, middleware, and user experience design for public health applications
Authors: Applen J. D. , Stephens Sonia H.
Published: February 2018

Technical communicators should be conscious of how the algorithms that govern "middleware" (software that structures the presentation of data) constrain their ability to represent information. We use critical theory from the digital humanities to discuss how critical visual literacy allows designers to better present contextual information to enhance the user experience. We illustrate this approach with an example of medical communication by using social network analysis software to demonstrate the spread of Ebola in Africa.
Contested sites of health risks
Authors: Moore Kristen R. , Jones Natasha , Cundiff Bailey S. , Heilig Leah
Published: February 2018

Employing Royster and Kirsch's (2012) concept of critical imagination, the authors imagine strategies communication designers might use to intervene in and disrupt racial injustice and oppression. Using activity trackers as technologies that communicate data about health and death, the authors retell and re-envision the case of Eric Garner, a victim of police brutality, and argue that data from activity trackers can potentially be used to reframe narratives about public health and policing. Further, through an examination of the rhetorical frames of dehumanization, disbelief, and dissociation, the authors assert that activity trackers, as communicative agents, may become transformative wearable devices that are developed and deployed with socially just communication design in mind.
Pycnogenol protects against diet-induced hepatic steatosis in apolipoprotein-E-deficient mice
Authors: Wang Difei , Cong Huiying , Wang Xiaoli , Cao Yanli , Ikuyama Shoichiro , Fan Bin , Gu Jianqiu
Published: February 2018

PycnogenolR(PYC), a combination of active flavonoids derived from French maritime pine bark, is a natural antioxidant that has various pharmacological activities. Here, we investigated the beneficial effect of PYC on diet-induced hepatic steatosis. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-deficient male mice were administered PYC at oral doses of 30 or 100 mg·kg−1·day−1for 2 wk in advance and were then fed a high-cholesterol and -fat diet (HCD) for 8 wk. Biochemical, immunohistochemical, and gene expression analyses were conducted to explore the effect of PYC on lipid metabolism in ApoE-deficient mice on a HCD. Short-term treatment with HCD in ApoE-deficient mice induced hepatic injuries, such as lipid metabolism disorder and hepatic histopathological changes. We found that PYC reduced body weight and the increase of serum lipids that had been caused by HCD. Supplementation of PYC significantly reduced lipid deposition in the liver, as shown by the lowered hepatic lipid content and histopathological lesions. We subsequently detected genes related to lipid metabolism and inflammatory cytokines. The study showed that PYC markedly suppressed the expression of genes related to hepatic lipogenesis, fatty acid uptake, and lipid storage while increasing the lipolytic gene, which thus reduced hepatic lipid content. Furthermore, PYC mainly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines and the infiltration of inflammatory cells, which were resistant to the development of hepatic steatosis. These results demonstrate that PYC protects against the occurrence and development of hepatic steatosis and may provide a new prophylactic approach for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and gastric bypass surgery regulate serum and hepatic levels of pyruvate kinase isoenzyme M2
Authors: Meoli Luca , Gupta Nitin K. , Saeidi Nima , Panciotti Courtney A. , Biddinger Sudha B. , Corey Kathleen E. , Stylopoulos Nicholas
Published: February 2018

Treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) focuses on the underlying metabolic syndrome, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) remains one of the most effective options. In rodents and human patients, RYGB induces an increase in the gene and protein expression levels of the M2 isoenzyme of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) in the jejunum. Since PKM2 can be secreted in the circulation, our hypothesis was that the circulating levels of PKM2 increase after RYGB. Our data, however, revealed an unexpected finding and a potential new role of PKM2 for the natural history of metabolic syndrome and NAFLD. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, RYGB-treated patients had decreased PKM2 blood levels compared with a well-matched group of patients with severe obesity before RYGB. Interestingly, PKM2 serum concentration correlated with body mass index before but not after the surgery. This prompted us to evaluate other potential mechanisms and sites of PKM2 regulation by the metabolic syndrome and RYGB. We found that in patients with NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the liver had increased PKM2 expression levels, and the enzyme appears to be specifically localized in Kupffer cells. The study of murine models of metabolic syndrome and NASH replicated this pattern of expression, further suggesting a metabolic link between hepatic PKM2 and NAFLD. Therefore, we conclude that PKM2 serum and hepatic levels increase in both metabolic syndrome and NAFLD and decrease after RYGB. Thus, PKM2 may represent a new target for monitoring and treatment of NAFLD.
Stabilization of Teleoperation Systems with Communication Delays: An IMC Approach
Authors: Li Yuling
Published: February 2018

The presence of time delays in communication introduces a limitation to the stability of bilateral teleoperation systems. This paper considers internal model control (IMC) design of linear teleoperation system with time delays, and the stability of the closed-loop system is analyzed. It is shown that the stability is guaranteed delay-independently. The passivity assumption for external forces is removed for the proposed design of teleoperation systems. The behavior of the resulting teleoperation system is illustrated by simulations.
Temporal and Spatial Variations of Precipitationδ18O and Controlling Factors on the Pearl River Basin and Adjacent Regions
Authors: Ruan Yunfeng , Liu Zhaofei , Yao Zhijun , Wang Rui
Published: February 2018

Based on the precipitation  δ18O values from the datasets of the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP), the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) Reanalysis data, and previous researches, we explored the temporal and spatial variations of precipitation  δ18O in a typical monsoon climate zone, the Pearl River basin (PRB), and adjacent regions. The results showed that the temporal variations of precipitation  δ18O for stations should be correlated with water vapor sources, the distance of water vapor transport, the changes in location, and intensity of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) rather than “amount effect.” Meanwhile, local meteorological and geographical factors showed close correlations with mean weighted precipitation  δ18O values, suggesting that “altitude effect” and local meteorological conditions were significant for the spatial variations of precipitation  δ18O. Moreover, we established linear regression models for estimating the mean weighted precipitation  δ18O values, which could better estimate variations in precipitation  δ18O than the Bowen and Wilkinson model in the PRB and adjacent regions.