bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The integrated optimization of robust train timetabling and electric multiple unit circulation and maintenance scheduling problem
Authors: Chen Ran , Zhou Leishan , Yue Yixiang , Tang Jinjin , Lu Chao
Published: March 2018

Train timetables provide trains’ departure and arrival times at each space node, and electric multiple unit circulation and maintenance schedules assign the tasks of trips and maintenance to electric multiple units. Forming two schedules independently could bring infeasible solutions in both phases of forming and practice, so the purpose of this study is to avoid infeasibilities and generate a better integrated solution. To illustrate the two problems in one mathematical model, we introduce a space–time–state framework, which can show not only electric multiple units’ trajectories, but also their accumulative running distance (the core factor in maintenance) as the state dimension simultaneously. Due to the occurrence of the disruptions, delays might be caused in both trains’ traveling and maintenance. Therefore, the buffer time should be inserted into the activities such as running in sections, electric multiple unit circulation and maintenance in order to guarantee robustness. A 0-1 nonlinear integer programming model is built, which integrates the formulations of both robust train timetabling and electric multiple unit circulation and maintenance scheduling problems. It is verified by GAMS solver within small-scale instance. However, due to the large scale of the real-world cases, the GAMS solver cannot deal with that in a receivable computational time. In order to solve this integrated model effectively, we propose an improved ant colony algorithm. This algorithm provides solutions not only as good as GAMS in small-scale cases, but also of high quality in large-scale cases. We obtain the robust train timetables and electric multiple unit assignment and maintenance schedules of Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway in a relatively short time using the proposed ant colony algorithm.
No requirement of interlukine-1 for long-term potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex of adult mice
Authors: Lu Jing-Shan , Song Qian , Zhang Ming-Ming , Zhuo Min
Published: March 2018

Background

The enhanced expression of cytokines in the pathological states suggests that they have important roles in the initiation or maintenance of disease states. Findings: To determine the involvement of cytokines in chronic neuropathic pain, the expression of cytokines in the anterior cingulate cortex neurons in the ligation of the common peroneal nerve mice was investigated. We utilized a cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay plate array to detect 23 cytokines in total eight mice including a female, and no significant differences were found in those cytokines between the common peroneal nerve model and sham surgery mice. Quantification of TNF-α at protein level revealed the unvaried expression in the anterior cingulate cortex in both neuropathic pain and visceral pain, but enhanced expression in the insular cortex in the visceral pain. Furthermore, we found that the IL-Ira, a kind of IL-1 receptor antagonist, had no effect on the theta burst stimulation-induced long-term potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex.

Conclusions

Cytokines are not involved in chronic neuropathic pain induced by nerve injury in the anterior cingulate cortex. Our findings suggested that cytokines may not be a viable drug target to treat chronic neuropathic pain in the anterior cingulate cortex.
Beyond Money: Progress on an Economy of Well-Being
Authors: Diener Ed , Seligman Martin E. P.
Published: March 2018

In our 2004 “Beyond Money” article, we argued that national accounts of psychological and subjective well-being should complement the economic indicators that frequently guide policy decisions. We claimed that economic indicators fail to reflect important aspects of quality of life that well-being indicators capture. Since the time of our article, progress has been made, and scores of nations have used some forms of well-being measures. The National Academy of Sciences of the United States and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development both issued reports on accounts of well-being. Researchers have pointed to policies that are supported by the findings, such as environmental and economic policies. The emergence of “big data” has opened major new pathways for measuring well-being in inexpensive, unobtrusive, and nonreactive fashion. Psychological researchers now need to create superordinate combinations of subjective and objective measures of well-being to study the impact of the policies they advocate. The accounts can serve as a lever for convincing policymakers to enact policies that increase human flourishing.
Being Suspicious of the Sense of Ease and Undeterred by the Sense of Difficulty: Looking Back at Schmidt and Bjork (1992)
Authors: Bjork Robert A.
Published: March 2018

Richard Schmidt and I titled our article “New Conceptualizations of Practice: Common Principles in Three Paradigms Suggest New Concepts for Training” to reflect our view that prevailing ideas about how to optimize teaching, learning, and practicing were, in our words, “at best incomplete, and at worst incorrect.” We argued that teachers and trainers were susceptible to being misled by two commonsense assumptions—namely, that procedures that enhance performance during training are the procedures of choice and that the context of training needs to match in detail the posttraining context that is the target of training. A variety of then-recent experimental findings challenged both assumptions and demonstrated, in particular, that procedures posing certain difficulties and appearing to slow the rate of learning often enhanced long-term retention and transfer of to-be-learned skills and knowledge. Given the parallel nature of such findings for both motor and verbal learning, we concluded that principles of considerable generality could be deduced to upgrade teaching and training.
Revisiting Our Reappraisal of the (Surprisingly Few) Benefits of High Self-Esteem
Authors: Baumeister Roy F. , Vohs Kathleen D.
Published: March 2018

Our 2003 article clashed with conventional wisdom by concluding that high self-esteem has only a couple of benefits, notably high initiative (based on trusting one’s own judgment) and feeling good. Its high citation rate reflects not only the novel conclusions but also widespread interest in self-esteem both among researchers and in the broader society. Psychology may have lost some credibility by advocating efforts to raise self-esteem that were based on correlational evidence, which may be a salutary lesson for the field. There is still much to learn about self-esteem, but future work can improve by noting weaknesses in self-report data and correcting for confounds.
Which Articles Make a Difference? Introduction to the Special 30th APS Anniversary Issue of Perspectives on Psychological Science
Authors: Sternberg Robert J.
Published: March 2018

This introduction to the special symposium on the top 30 most-cited articles in APS journals considers some of the factors that lead some articles to have huge impact. What is it that scientists can do to achieve the greatest impact for their work?
The Scientific Work We Love: A Duplex Theory of Scientific Impact and Its Application to the Top-Cited Articles in the First 30 Years of APS Journals
Authors: Sternberg Robert J.
Published: March 2018

This article proposes a duplex theory for understanding the scientific impact of contributions to psychological science. I argue that articles that we “love” can be understood in terms of (a) triangular elements of intimacy, passion, and commitment and (b) types of stories that characterize high-impact articles. Certain kinds of stories (e.g., review articles) are more likely to have lasting impact, on average, than other kinds of stories (e.g., data-driven empirical articles).
Positive-blank versus negative-blank feedback learning in children and adults
Authors: Verburg Marjolijn , Snellings Patrick , Zeguers Maaike Helena Titia , Huizenga Hilde Maria
Published: March 2018

In positive-blank feedback learning, positive feedback is given to a correct response whereas blank feedback is given to an incorrect response. Conversely, in negative-blank feedback learning, blank feedback is given to a correct response and negative feedback to an incorrect response. As blank feedback might be subjectively interpreted as signalling a correct response, negative-blank feedback might be more informative than positive-blank feedback, and thus may result in better performance. However, positive-blank feedback might also be superior as it motivates the learner in lengthy tasks. These “information” and “motivation” accounts were tested in a two-block feedback learning paradigm. In the first block, that is, when the task duration was still short, children but not adults profited more from negative than from positive feedback. The results in children thus support the information account. In the second block, that is, when the task duration had become longer, children and adults profited more from positive feedback, thereby supporting the motivation account. Results are discussed in light of behavioural and neuroscientific theories on feedback learning.
Analysis of a new best-practice advisory on time to initiation of antibiotics in surgical intensive care unit patients with septic shock
Authors: Chanas Tyler , Volles David , Sawyer Rob , Mallow-Corbett Stephanie
Published: March 2018

Background

Early administration of antibiotics in septic shock is associated with decreased mortality. Promptly identifying sepsis and eliciting a response are necessary to reduce time to antibiotic administration.

Methods

A best-practice advisory was introduced in the surgical intensive care unit to identify patients with septic shock and promote timely action. The best-practice advisory is triggered by blood culture orders and vasopressor administration within 24 h. The nurse or provider who triggers the alert may send an automatic notification to the intensive care unit resident, clinical pharmacist, and charge nurse, prompting bedside response and closer evaluation. Patients who met best-practice advisory criteria in the surgical intensive care unit from May 2016 through March 2017 were included. Outcomes included changes in antibiotics within 24 h, response to best-practice advisory, and time-to-antibiotics. Time-to-antibiotics was compared between a retrospective pre-intervention period and a six-month prospective post-intervention period defined by launch of the new best-practice advisory in September 2016. Data were analyzed by chi square, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis.

Results

During the first six months of best-practice advisory implementation, 191 alerts were triggered by 97 unique patients. Alert notification was transmitted in 79 best-practice advisories (41%), with pharmacist bedside response in 53 (67%). New antibiotics were started within 24 h following 83 best-practice advisories (43%). There was a trend toward decreased time-to-antibiotics following implementation of the best-practice advisory (7.4 vs. 4.2 h, p = 0.057). Compared to the entire cohort, time-to-antibiotics was shorter when the team was notified and when a pharmacist responded to the bedside (4.2 vs. 1.6 vs. 1.2 hours).

Conclusions

A new best-practice advisory has been effective at eliciting a rapid response and reducing the time-to-antibiotics in surgical intensive care unit patients with septic shock. Team notification and pharmacist response are associated with decreased time-to-antibiotics.
Impact of multi- versus single finger proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty: analysis of 249 fingers treated in 15 years
Authors: Srnec Jason J. , Wagner Eric R. , Rizzo Marco
Published: March 2018

We retrospectively reviewed and compared the outcomes and complications associated with 81 single digit and 168 multi-digit proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasties performed from 1998 to 2012 in 136 patients. Clinical outcomes were assessed with an average follow-up of 5.3 years for single digit and 5.9 years for multi-digit proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty. Comparing single versus multi-digit proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty, the reoperation-free survival was 67% and 68% at 5 years and 56% and 67% at 10 years, respectively. Furthermore, in comparison of single versus multi-digit proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty, the revision-free survival was 80% and 86% at 5 years and 80% and 85% at 10 years, respectively. Given the similar, or even slightly improved, rates of complications, reoperation, and revision surgery, proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty performed on multi-digits results in no worse outcomes compared with single digit proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty.

Level of evidence: IV
Lumbrical muscle tear: clinical presentation, imaging findings and outcome
Authors: Lutter Christoph , Schweizer Andreas , Schöffl Volker , Römer Frank , Bayer Thomas
Published: March 2018

The incidence of lumbrical muscle tear is increasing due to the popularity of climbing sport. We reviewed data from 60 consecutive patients with a positive lumbrical stress test, including clinical examination, ultrasound and clinical outcomes in all patients, and magnetic resonance imaging in 12 patients. Fifty-seven patients were climbers. Lumbrical muscle tears were graded according to the severity of clinical and imaging findings as Grade I–III injuries. Eighteen patients had Grade I injuries (microtrauma), 32 had Grade II injuries (muscle fibre disruption) and 10 had Grade III injuries (musculotendinous disruption). The treatment consisted of adapted functional therapy. All patients completely recovered and were able to return to climbing. The healing period in Grade III injuries was significantly longer than in the patients with Grade I or II injuries ( p < 0.001). We recommend evaluation of specific clinical and imaging findings to grade the injuries and to determine suitable therapy.

Level of evidence: IV
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Associated With Less Diabetes-Specific Emotional Distress and Lower A1c Among Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Vesco Anthony T. , Jedraszko Aneta M. , Garza Kimberly P. , Weissberg-Benchell Jill
Published: March 2018

Background:

Psychosocial impact research of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is limited. The present study assesses associations between diabetes technology use on adolescent- and parent-perceived diabetes-specific distress and A1c.

Method:

Adolescents with T1D and parents (N = 1040; primarily mothers) completed measures of diabetes distress. Adolescents were categorized by technology use: CGM Alone, CSII Alone, CGM+CSII, or No Technology. ANOVA, regression, and Cohen’s d were used for group comparisons on measures of diabetes distress and A1c. Analyses also compared groups on clinical elevations of distress.

Results:

CGM use was associated with less adolescent distress compared to No Technology ( d = 0.59), CGM+CSII ( d = 0.26), and CSII Alone ( d = 0.29). Results were similar but with smaller effect size for parent-reported distress, although CGM+CSII showed equivocal association with parent distress compared to No Technology ( d = 0.18). CGM Alone was associated with lower A1c compared to No Technology ( d = 0.48), to CSII Alone ( d = 0.37), and was comparable to CGM+CSII ( d = 0.03). CGM+CSII conferred advantage over CSII Alone ( d = 0.34). Clinical elevation of distress was associated with not using any technology particularly for adolescents.

Conclusions:

Technology use is associated with lower adolescent distress than lower parent distress. CGM Alone is associated with lower adolescent and parent distress than CSII or CGM+CSII. This appears to be clinically meaningful based on cut scores for measures. CGM is associated with lower A1c independent of being used alone or with CSII.
Inertial effect on concrete-like materials under dynamic direct tension
Authors: Zhang Shu , Lu Yubin , Jiang Xiquan , Jiang Wei
Published: March 2018

The inertial effect on the dynamic strength enhancement of concrete-like materials has been widely concerned and its influence on the dynamic tensile strength is particularly controversial, causing great disturbance to dynamic measurement. Therefore, both the experimental and the numerical analyses on the tubular specimens of concrete-like materials are conducted to further investigate the degree of inertial effect under dynamic direct tension. The inertial effect is one of the structural effects, and therefore the tubular specimens with different inner diameters are employed to demonstrate the different influences of inertial effect on the dynamic tensile strength of concrete-like materials. The experimental and numerical results indicate that the inertial effect has some influence on dynamic tensile strength, which increases with strain rate. In addition, the surface area of concrete-like materials will be greatly affected by inertial effect under dynamic tensile loading.
A Macroeconomic Model with Price Flexibility
Authors: Singh Gurbachan
Published: March 2018

A simple macroeconomic model is used to show that the market failure to maintain macroeconomic stability can be due to (a) price rigidity or (b) price flexibility that allows false and abnormal prices to prevail. The macroeconomic literature typically considers the first case only; this article focuses on the second case. Besides the Keynesian fiscal policy, this article considers a Pigouvian tax–subsidy scheme; the latter can be used to correct each false price individually (this use in macroeconomics resembles the more familiar use in public economics). This helps alleviate the scarcity of instruments with policymakers. As in the writings of Keynes, price stability (or rigidity) here is a policy target rather than an assumption in the model. There has been a general need to reconsider macroeconomic models since the Great Recession of 2008; this article contributes in this endeavour.

JEL: E12, E62, H20
Modern Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation: The “Gold Standard” for Femoral Condyle Cartilage Repair?
Authors: Tirico Luis E. , McCauley Julie C. , Pulido Pamela , Bugbee William
Published: March 2018

Objectives:

Cartilage repair for femoral condyle lesions comprise the majority of the biological procedures performed in the knee joint. Treatment options have evolved but there is still uncertainty regarding longer-term clinical outcomes with current surgical techniques. The objective of this study was to evaluate outcome of osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation utilizing dowel type grafts for the treatment of isolated femoral condyle cartilage lesions.

Methods:

This study comprised 187 patients (200 knees) who underwent OCA transplantation for isolated cartilage lesions on the femoral condyle between 1999 and 2014. Mean patient age was 31.1 ± 11.6 years, 62.6% were male, and the medial femoral condyle was affected in 69% of the knees. For all cases, dowel technique was used with commercially available surgical instruments utilizing the minimum amount of bone necessary for fixation (modern technique). A single graft was used in 145 knees (72.5%), two grafts were used in 55 knees (27.5%). Average allograft area was 6.3 cm2 (range, 2.3 to 13 cm2) and graft thickness was 6.5 ± 1.4 mm (cartilage and bone combined). All patients had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Evaluation included International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores; Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and patient satisfaction. The frequency and type of further surgery was assessed. OCA failure was defined as a further surgery that involved removal of the allograft. An additional subgroup analysis on location comparing medial to lateral femoral condyle grafts was performed

Results:

The average follow-up was 6.7 years (range, 1.9 to 16.5 years). IKDC scores improved from preoperatively to latest follow-up for pain (5.5 to 2.7), function (3.4 to 7.3) and total scores (43.7 to 76.2) (all p<0.001). KOOS pain and activities of daily living scores improved from 66.5 to 85.3 and 74.5 to 91.1, respectively (p<0.001). At latest follow-up, outcome scores did not differ by location on the femoral condyle (Table 1). The majority of patients (89%) reported satisfaction with the results of the OCA transplantation. Further surgery was required in 52 knees (26%), of which 16 knees (8% of entire cohort) were defined as OCA failures (4 OCA revisions, 1 arthrosurface, 6 unicompartmental knee arthroplasties, and 5 total knee arthroplasties). The median time to failure was 4.9 years (range, 0.3 to 16.1 years). Survivorship of the OCA was 95.6% at 5 years and 91.2% at 10 years (Figure 1).

Conclusion:

OCA transplantation utilizing a modern technique is a valuable procedure for the treatment of femoral condyle cartilage lesions, resulting in significant improvement in clinical scores, high patient satisfaction, and low reoperation and clinical failure rates. These results are similar or better than any other cartilage repair procedure for isolated femoral condyle lesions. [Table: see text][Figure: see text]
Superior Clinical Outcomes with Capsular Closure versus Non-Closure in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Hip Labral Repair
Authors: Bolia Ioanna , Briggs Karen K. , Philippon Marc J.
Published: March 2018

Objectives:

Controversy still exists on closing the capsule following hip arthroscopy. It is unclear if capsular closure at the end of hip arthroscopy results in better clinical outcomes compared to non-closure. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes in patients who had a closed capsule to those without a closed capsule following hip arthroscopic labral repair by a single surgeon.

Methods:

Patients who did not have capsular closure were identified by reviewing arthroscopy video (non-closure group). Fifty consecutive patients without capsular closure were matched with fifty patients who had capsular closure. All patients underwent primary hip arthroscopy and labral repair. The primary patient-reported outcome measure was Hip Outcome Score(HOS)-ADL. Secondary outcome measures included the modified Harris hip score(MHHS), HOS-Sport, WOMAC, general health, and patient satisfaction with outcome. Patients with lateral center edge angle less than 25º were excluded.

Results:

There were 23 females and 27 males with an average age of 36 years (range:14 to 77) in each group. The average lateral center edge angle was 34º (range, 27 to 48) in both groups. The alpha angle was 68º (range, 40 to 134) in the non-closure group and 70º (range, 41 to 98) in the closure group. No patient had microfractures at the time of surgery. The average follow-up time was 5 years (non-closure group range: 3-10; closure group range 3-9). Eight patients (16%) in the non-closure group required total hip arthroplasty(THA), while 4 patients (8%) in the closure group required THA. Six patients in the non-closure group and 3 patients in the closure group required revision hip arthroscopy. Of those patients who did not require revision or THA, there was a significant difference in the HOS ADL score and the secondary outcome measures (see table). Capsular closure resulted in superior clinical outcomes compared to non-closure.

Conclusion:

There were twice as many conversion to THA and twice as many hip arthroscopy revisions in patients undergoing hip arthroscopic labral repair without capsular closure compared to those with closure. In addition, the closure group showed significantly higher outcomes scores compared to the non-closure at 5-year follow-up time. [Table: see text]
Uneven geographies: Exploring the sensitivity of spatial indices of residential segregation
Authors: Barros Joana , Feitosa Flavia F
Published: March 2018

There has been extensive use of segregation indices for measuring residential segregation since 1950s, with continuous progress made in the field. Recent developments include the propositions of spatial global and local versions of traditionally used segregation indices, which have opened avenues for representing and analysing segregation as a multiscale and spatially varying phenomenon. Much less explored has been the issue of how important research design choices, such as the extent of geographical boundaries, grouping systems and scales of analysis, can influence the measurement of segregation. This paper contributes in this direction by investigating the impact of such decisions in the outcomes of the indices of generalized dissimilarity (D) and information theory (H) using a set of sensitivity analysis. Using a comparative study between London and São Paulo as basis, results obtained with different geographical boundaries, grouping systems and scales for the two indices are analysed visually and quantitatively. Results suggest that although D and H depict the same spatial dimension of segregation (unevenness/clustering), they present different sensitivity to geographical boundaries and grouping systems. The study also revealed how the two indices unfold different aspects of the segregation, which impact on their interpretation and applicability. The study concludes with a discussion of the considerations on research design choices concerning the interpretation of the results, which indicate the two indices should not be used interchangeably.
2-O, 3-O desulfated heparin mitigates murine chemotherapy- and radiation-induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Tkaczynski Elizabeth , Arulselvan Abinaya , Tkaczynski John , Avery Stephen , Xiao Liqing , Torok-Storb Beverly , Abrams Kraig , Rao Narayanam V. , Johnson Gregory , Kennedy Thomas P. , Poncz Mortimer , Lambert Michele P.
Published: March 2018

Key Points

ODSH counters the inhibitory effect of PF4 on megakaryopoiesis in murine and human cell cultures. ODSH improves platelet count recovery in murine models of both CIT and RIT.
Prognostic impact of copeptin in pulmonary embolism: a multicentre validation study
Authors: Hellenkamp Kristian , Pruszczyk Piotr , Jiménez David , Wyzgał Anna , Barrios Deisy , Ciurzyński Michał , Morillo Raquel , Hobohm Lukas , Keller Karsten , Kurnicka Katarzyna , Kostrubiec Maciej , Wachter Rolf , Hasenfuß Gerd , Konstantinides Stavros , Lankeit Mareike
Published: March 2018

To externally validate the prognostic impact of copeptin, either alone or integrated in risk stratification models, in pulmonary embolism (PE), we performed apost hocanalysis of 843 normotensive PE patients prospectively included in three European cohorts.

Within the first 30 days, 21 patients (2.5%, 95% CI 1.5–3.8) had an adverse outcome and 12 (1.4%, 95% CI 0.7–2.5) died due to PE. Patients with copeptin ≥24 pmol·L−1had a 6.3-fold increased risk for an adverse outcome (95% CI 2.6–15.5, p<0.001) and a 7.6-fold increased risk for PE-related death (95% CI 2.3–25.6, p=0.001). Risk classification according to the 2014 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guideline algorithm identified 248 intermediate-high-risk patients (29.4%) with 5.6% (95% CI 3.1–9.3) at risk of adverse outcomes. A stepwise biomarker-based risk assessment strategy (based on high-sensitivity troponin T, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and copeptin) identified 123 intermediate-high-risk patients (14.6%) with 8.9% (95% CI 4.5–15.4) at risk of adverse outcomes. The identification of patients at higher risk was even better when copeptin was measured on top of the 2014 ESC algorithm in intermediate-high-risk patients (adverse outcome OR 11.1, 95% CI 4.6–27.1, p<0.001; and PE-related death OR 13.5, 95% CI 4.2–43.6, p<0.001; highest risk groupversusall other risk groups). This identified 85 patients (10.1%) with 12.9% (95% CI 6.6–22.0) at risk of adverse outcomes and 8.2% (95% CI 3.4–16.2) at risk of PE-related deaths.

Copeptin improves risk stratification of normotensive PE patients, especially when identifying patients with an increased risk of an adverse outcome.
President's Page
Authors: Cunningham Paul
Published: March 2018

Various President's Pages in the past have focused on SEG's transformation into a global society with a majority of members outside of North America the past 15 years. In recognition of this evolution, many changes have been implemented over the years at SEG. The 2012 SEG leadership structure changes led to the election of a greater number of Board of Directors members with international backgrounds, experience, and points of view, which in turn has led to a broadening of services to members worldwide. The expansion of web-based offerings beyond digital publications into webinars, e-learning opportunities, Seismic Soundoff podcasts, SmartBrief e-newsletters, and the recently rolled-out Competency Management System allows SEG members the ability to enhance their geophysical knowledge anywhere, at any time. The opening of SEG offices in China (in 2008) and the Middle East (2012) has led to active and dynamic membership activity in these regions as expressed by the substantial number of workshops, courses, and joint conferences with local societies. Other areas of the globe, even without having local SEG offices, have also been active because, at its core, SEG remains very much a member-driven society. Opportunities for member engagement have been further enhanced with the formation of SEG Regional Advisory Committees for every region in the world.
Multicomponent 3D-3C data acquisition and processing for characterization of Vaca Muerta Formation in Neuquén Basin, Argentina
Authors: Curia David , Hanitzsch Christian , Galikeev Tagir , Elia Rodolfo , Davis Tom
Published: March 2018

The Neuquén Basin in Argentina has been producing for more than 100 years. Currently, the unconventional resources of the Vaca Muerta Formation are the ones that are most actively explored and studied. The reservoir is thick and heterogeneous in geomechanical properties and organic content. Therefore, to put a successful drilling program in place, one should study the reservoir using existing vertical wells and remote sensing methods like surface seismic, vertical seismic profiling, microseismic, etc. Properties derived from laterally dense seismic methods can be coupled with rock property measurements from the vertically dense well logs via developed rock physics relationships. An integrated reservoir model populated with rock properties will high-grade areas of the reservoir suitable for horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. To better understand the Vaca Muerta Formation, the first multicomponent survey was shot in the Neuquén Basin at the beginning of 2017.
Imaging challenges and processing solutions in the Brazilian Equatorial Margin: A case study in the Barreirinhas Basin
Authors: Pereira Karine , Belhassen Yamen , Tomaz Erick , Domont Sonia , Carotti Diego
Published: March 2018

The Barreirinhas Basin is located in northeast Brazil and is part of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin, a new exploration frontier with complex geology. This basin is characterized by a rugose water bottom, a fast carbonate platform, shallow gas pockets, and a complex channel network. All of these elements represent a significant challenge for velocity model building and imaging of the depositional system. From preprocessing to final imaging, high-end technologies were required to meet the processing objectives. The 3D designature and 3D deghosting were crucial to remove bubble energy and ghosts related to canyon diffractions. The velocity model building exploited offset-dependent dip information in the nonlinear slope tomography — i.e., dip-constrained tomography (DCT) — to deal with small-scale lateral velocity variations. The full-waveform inversion, up to 20 Hz, was able to efficiently capture small velocity anomalies and resolve high-spatial-resolution variations that DCT could not totally solve. Even with a detailed velocity model, some dim zones and amplitude variations were still observable in the depth-migrated image. Gas pockets, responsible for the absorption and phase distortion of the seismic signal (commonly denoted by the quality factor of attenuation, Q), were detected and delineated using volumetric Q tomography. The resultant interval Q model was consistent with the geology, and its use was beneficial in a Q-compensating Kirchhoff prestack depth migration.
OTC celebrates 50 years
Authors: Martinez Alex , Brookshire Brian , Cole Lance
Published: March 2018

Held annually since 1969, the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) is the world's largest global, offshore-focused conference, often attracting more than 100,000 attendees. This year's OTC is scheduled for 30 April–3 May at NRG Park in Houston, Texas. A milestone year for OTC, 2018 marks the 50th occurrence of the conference.
Geophysics Bright Spots
Authors: Christine Krohn
Published: March 2018

This month's column was an especially challenging one. The editors of Geophysics nominated 13 papers from the March/April 2018 issue to highlight here — a record number. That also meant that I had to make hard choices to pick six papers to highlight in this column, and I picked those that engaged me personally. The takeaway is that the March/April 2018 issue of Geophysics is exceptional. Please check it out and make your own picks. I found it a hoot that two of the nominated papers dealt with electromagnetic methods and steel well casing and three papers dealt with some form of elastic seismic inversion/migration, both which I think are important geophysical issues.
Reviews
Authors: Bevc Dimitri , Lines Larry , Treitel Sven , Sandham William A.
Published: March 2018

Seismic Inversion, by Gerard T. Schuster, ISBN 978-1-560-80341-6, 2017, SEG, 376 p., US$139 (members), US$252 (nonmembers). High-resolution Seismic Exploration, by Qing-Zhong Li, ISBN 978-1-560-80349-2, 2017, SEG, 320 p., US$49 (member), US$81 (nonmember). Ground Penetrating Radar: Theory and Practice, by Erica Carrick Utsi, ISBN 978-0-081-02216-0, 2017, Elsevier, 224 p., US$85 (print), US$85 (eBook).
Clonidine Effect on Pain After Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Different Routes of Administration
Authors: Fernandes Hermann S. , Bliacheriene Fernando , Vago Thúlio M. , Corregliano Gabriela T. , Torres Marcelo L. , Francisco Rossana P. , Ashmawi Hazem A.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:

Intrathecal clonidine prolongs spinal anesthesia. We evaluated the effects of the addition of intrathecal or intravenous clonidine (75 µg) to standard cesarean delivery spinal anesthesia on postoperative pain and neonatal outcomes.

METHODS:

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, 64 women scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated and compared among 3 groups: intrathecal clonidine 75 µg, intravenous clonidine 75 µg, and placebo. The primary outcome was acute postoperative pain. A sample size of 26 individuals per group (N = 78) was planned.

RESULTS:

From April 2015 to April 2016, 64 women were analyzed (14 excluded). No differences in postoperative pain scores were found (Numerical Verbal Scale for pain at movement at 24 hours of postcesarean delivery: 4.53 ± 3.0 vs 4.45 ± 2.73 vs 3.93 ± 3.07 for control, intrathecal, and intravenous, respectively, P = .771). Intrathecal and intravenous clonidine led to more sedation, in comparison to the control group, during the intraoperative period (Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale: −0.3 ± 0.47 vs −1 ± 0.53 vs −0.73 ± 0.45 for control, intrathecal, and intravenous, respectively, overall P < .001; Dunn correction: P < .001 for intrathecal versus control; P = .021 for intravenous versus control; and P = .208 for intrathecal versus intravenous).

CONCLUSIONS:

Intrathecal or intravenous clonidine had no effect on postoperative pain after cesarean delivery. Both intrathecal and intravenous clonidine caused more sedation.
Database Quality and Access Issues Relevant to Research Using Anesthesia Information Management System Data
Authors: Epstein Richard H. , Dexter Franklin
Published: March 2018

For this special article, we reviewed the computer code, used to extract the data, and the text of all 47 studies published between January 2006 and August 2017 using anesthesia information management system (AIMS) data from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH). Data from this institution were used in the largest number (P = .0007) of papers describing the use of AIMS published in this time frame. The AIMS was replaced in April 2017, making this finite sample finite. The objective of the current article was to identify factors that made TJUH successful in publishing anesthesia informatics studies. We examined the structured query language used for each study to examine the extent to which databases outside of the AIMS were used. We examined data quality from the perspectives of completeness, correctness, concordance, plausibility, and currency. Our results were that most could not have been completed without external database sources (36/47, 76.6%; P = .0003 compared with 50%). The operating room management system was linked to the AIMS and was used significantly more frequently (26/36, 72%) than other external sources. Access to these external data sources was provided, allowing exploration of data quality. The TJUH AIMS used high-resolution timestamps (to the nearest 3 milliseconds) and created audit tables to track changes to clinical documentation. Automatic data were recorded at 1-minute intervals and were not editable; data cleaning occurred during analysis. Few paired events with an expected order were out of sequence. Although most data elements were of high quality, there were notable exceptions, such as frequent missing values for estimated blood loss, height, and weight. Some values were duplicated with different units, and others were stored in varying locations. Our conclusions are that linking the TJUH AIMS to the operating room management system was a critical step in enabling publication of multiple studies using AIMS data. Access to this and other external databases by analysts with a high degree of anesthesia domain knowledge was necessary to be able to assess the quality of the AIMS data and ensure that the data pulled for studies were appropriate. For anesthesia departments seeking to increase their academic productivity using their AIMS as a data source, our experiences may provide helpful guidance.
Repeated Morphine Prolongs Postoperative Pain in Male Rats
Authors: Grace Peter M. , Galer Erika L. , Strand Keith A. , Corrigan Kaci , Berkelhammer Debra , Maier Steven F. , Watkins Linda R.
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND:

Opioids are effective postoperative analgesics. Disturbingly, we have previously reported that opioids such as morphine can worsen inflammatory pain and peripheral and central neuropathic pain. These deleterious effects are mediated by immune mediators that promote neuronal hyperexcitability in the spinal dorsal horn. Herein, we tested whether perioperative morphine could similarly prolong postoperative pain in male rats.

METHODS:

Rats were treated with morphine for 7 days, beginning immediately after laparotomy, while the morphine was tapered in a second group. Expression of genes for inflammatory mediators was quantified in the spinal dorsal horn. In the final experiment, morphine was administered before laparotomy for 7 days.

RESULTS:

We found that morphine treatment after laparotomy extended postoperative pain by more than 3 weeks (time × treatment: P < .001; time: P < .001; treatment: P < .05). Extension of postoperative pain was not related to morphine withdrawal, as it was not prevented by dose tapering (time × treatment: P = .8; time: P < .001; treatment: P = .9). Prolonged postsurgical pain was associated with increased expression of inflammatory genes, including those encoding Toll-like receptor 4, NOD like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), caspase-1, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (P < .05). Finally, we showed that of preoperative morphine, concluding immediately before laparotomy, similarly prolonged postoperative pain (time × treatment: P < .001; time: P < .001; treatment: P < .001). There is a critical window for morphine potentiation of pain, as a 7-day course of morphine that concluded 1 week before laparotomy did not prolong postsurgical pain.

CONCLUSIONS:

These studies indicate the morphine can have a deleterious effect on postoperative pain. These studies further suggest that longitudinal studies could be performed to test whether opioids similarly prolong postoperative pain in the clinic.
Potential of bacteriocins produced by probiotic bacteria isolated from tiger shrimp and prawns as antibacterial to Vibrio, Pseudomonas, and Aeromonas species on fish
Authors: Feliatra Feli , Muchlisin Zainal Abidin , Teruna Hiwan Yuda , Utamy Widya Rahmi , Nursyirwani Nursyirwani , Dahliaty Andi
Published: March 2018

Backgrounds: Bacteriocin has been used widely in industry as a biopreservative agent. The objective of the present study was to investigate the potency of Bacteriocin isolated from tiger prawnPenaeus monodonand freshwater shrimpMacrobrachium rosenbergiias an anti-bacterial on fish.

Methods: A total of ten candidates of probiotic bacteria consisted of five isolates from tiger shrimps (H1, H2, H3, H4, H5) and five isolates from freshwater prawns (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5) were evaluated. Bacteriocin wasBacteriocin was produced by centrifugation at a speed of 150 rpm and at 37 °C for 24 hours. The bacteriocin extract was purified by adding sulphate ammonium salt {(NH4) 2SO4} at 80% of the saturation level. Bacteriocin activity was determined using a diffusion method against pathogenic bacteriaVibrio alginolyticus,Aeromonas hydrophillaAeromonas hydrophillaandPseudomonas stutzeri. Bacteriocins were analyzed usinganalyzedusing High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and followed with Duncans multiple range test.

Results: Bacteriocins produced by bacteria isolate H4 from tiger prawn indicated the highest bacteriocin activity againstbacteriocin activity againstPseudomonas stutzeriatstutzeriat the diameter of inhibition zone of 887.10 ± 409.24 mm2/mL. While isolate W2 from freshwater shrimp indicated inhibition zone of 1466.96 ± 127.62 mm2/mL. Both bacteriocins were purified by chromatography column using Sephadex LH-20.

Conclusions: This finding showed that bacterial isolates H4 and W2 have the potential to produce bacteriocins which inhibit the pathogenic bacteria. FTIR analysis showed an amide group at wave number 1652cm-1contained in the bacteriocins of isolates H4 and W2.
Early storybook reading and childhood development: A cross-sectional study in Iran
Authors: Sajedi Firoozeh , Habibi Elham , Hatamizadeh Nikta , Shahshahanipour Soheila , Malek Afzali Hosein
Published: March 2018

Background: Development is a process that continues from childhood to death, and most developmental changes occur during childhood. UNICEF introduced early storybook-reading (ESR) and storytelling as part of child care indicators. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of book-reading to children and its relationship with early childhood development in Iran.

Methods: This is a descriptive-analytic study conducted in Tehran April-May 2017. In total, 272 mothers of children aged 3-30 months, who were referred to health centers, were selected using a convenience sampling method. Exclusion criteria was scoring below the cutoff point of any developmental domains of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). ESR was assessed by checklist and child development was assessed by the ASQ. Data were analyzed using SPSS.

Results: The mean number of children’s books owned was 10.23±8.642, and 84.75% had at least 3 books. The average book reading, storytelling and singing duration for children was 10±9.65, 11.48±11.756, and 23.88 ±17.880 min per day, respectively. Average book reading, storytelling, and singing duration was significantly greater in children 18-30 months than <17 months. There was a significant relationship between the number of books and a child's age, mother's age, family income, income satisfaction, father's employment, and parents’ education. The score of communication domain in the ASQ questionnaire was significantly related to the number of books, duration of reading and storytelling, while problem-solving had a significant relationship only with the number of books (p˂0.05). Based on linear regression, child's age, income, and mother's and father's educational level were models for predicting the number of children's books (p=0.0001 for all).

Conclusions: ESR was associated with some developmental domains of communication and problem-solving in the present study. Therefore, creation of ESR culture in Iranian families as an integral part of the life of children is necessary from birth.
Assessment of the understanding of informed consent including participants’ experiences, and generation of a supplemental consent decision aid for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) research
Authors: Atal Shubham , Dunne Fidelma
Published: March 2018

Background: Informed consent is a basic ethical requirement of clinical research, yet deficiencies have been documented in the comprehension of its components among trial participants. Pregnancy research is sparsely conducted. Assessment of understanding of the informed consent among pregnant women suffering from Gestational Diabetes Mellitus enrolled in a randomized controlled trial, and their experiences was planned.

Methodology: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted among participants of EMERGE clinical trial at the University Hospital, Galway. Willing participants allowed observation of their consent encounters. They completed the standard QuIC questionnaire at follow up visits for assessment of objective and subjective understanding of informed consent, and reasons to participate and level of satisfaction. Data was entered and analysed using Microsoft Office Excel and Minitab version 18.

Results: The most commonly asked questions asked in the twenty consent encounters observed were focused upon the safety of the study drug for the developing foetuses and women. The general attitude of the women was positive towards participation. The mean objective understanding score was 72.43 ± 7 and the subjective understanding score was 91.67 ± 8.68 (out of 100). Critical components of consent like voluntarism, randomisation, withdrawal, and benefit to others were well understood. The domains related to nonstandard nature of treatment, additional risks/discomforts and compensation were poorly understood. The women cited the desire to provide benefit to future patients as the most common reason to participate, and most were satisfied with the consent process.

Conclusion: Comprehension of informed consent is good in most aspects, but the grasp of certain concepts is poor among the pregnant women. Efforts are needed to improve informed consent through engagement of investigators, research nurses and possibly, the use of a decision aid.
Radial distributions of magnetic field strength in the solar corona as derived from data on fast halo CMEs
Authors: Файнштейн Виктор , Fainshtein Victor , Егоров Ярослав , Egorov Yaroslav
Published: March 2018

In recent years, information about the distance between the body of rapid coronal mass ejection (CME) and the associated shock wave has been used to measure the magnetic field in the solar corona. In all cases, this tech-nique allows us to find coronal magnetic field radial profiles B(R) applied to the directions almost perpendicular to the line of sight. We have determined radial distributions of magnetic field strength along the directions close to the Sun–Earth axis. For this purpose, using the “ice-cream cone” model and SOHO/LASCO data, we found 3D characteristics for fast halo coronal mass ejections (HCMEs) and for HCME-related shocks. With these data we managed to obtain the B(R) distributions as far as ≈43 solar radii from the Sun’s center, which is approximately twice as far as those in other studies based on LASCO data. We have concluded that to improve the accuracy of this method for finding the coronal magnetic field we should develop a technique for detecting CME sites moving in the slow and fast solar wind. We propose a technique for selecting CMEs whose central (paraxial) part actually moves in the slow wind.