bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-traumatic stress disorder in Italy: a comprehensive evaluation of all the ICD comorbidities and gender-related differences
Authors: Ferretti Fabio , Pozza Andrea , Bossini Letizia , Desantis Serena , Olivola Miriam , Del Matto Laura , Gualtieri Giacomo , Gusinu Roberto , Bezzini Daiana , Fagiolini Andrea , Coluccia Anna
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and medical comorbidities is controversial since most studies focused on specific comorbidity and victim types. In Italy, data on this issue are scarce. A comprehensive evaluation of all the ICD medical categories co-occurring in PTSD may orient assessment and treatment during clinical and forensic practice. This is the first study evaluating all the ICD physical comorbidities and gender-related differences in Italian PTSD patients. Eighty-four PTSD patients (36 females, 48 males) were included. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and Davidson Trauma Scale were administered.

Results

Most patients had a PTSD consequent to an accident and half of them presented extreme symptom severity. No gender differences emerged on symptom severity/duration and age at the event. Metabolic (39.29%), circulatory (20.24%) and musculoskeletal systems/connective tissue diseases (17.86%) were the most frequent comorbidities. Metabolic/circulatory diseases were more frequent among males (p = 0.019 and p = 0.027, respectively) while females more frequently showed neoplasms (p = 0.039). Physical comorbidities represent a serious complication in PTSD patients and are more prevalent than in the Italian population. While gender is not associated with symptom presentation, it seems to play a key role in specific comorbidities including metabolic, circulatory and neoplastic diseases.
Interactions of free-living amoebae with the rice fungal pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Long John J. , Luna Emily K. , Jackson Mary , Wheat William , Jahn Courtney E. , Leach Jan E.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Rhizoctonia solani is a soil-borne fungal pathogen of many important crop plants. In rice, R. solani causes sheath blight disease, which results in devastating grain yield and quality losses. Few methods are available to control this pathogen and classic single gene resistance mechanisms in rice plants have not been identified. We hypothesize that alternate means of control are available in the environment including free-living amoebae. Amoebae are soil-, water- and air-borne microorganisms that are predominantly heterotrophic. Many amoeba species are mycophagous, and several harm their prey using mechanisms other than phagocytosis. Here, we used light and scanning electron microscopy to survey the interactions of R. solani with four amoeba species, with the goal of identifying amoebae species with potential for biocontrol.

Results

We observed a wide range of responses during interactions of R. solani with four different free-living amoebae. Two Acanthamoeba species encyst in co-cultures with R. solani at higher rates than medium without R. solani. Vermamoeba vermiformis (formerly Hartmanella vermiformis) attach to R. solani mycelium and are associated with mycelial shriveling and perforations of fungal cell walls, indicating an antagonistic interaction. No phenotypic changes were observed in co-cultures of Dictyostelium discoideum and R. solani.
Mentorship in academic radiology: why it matters
Authors: Bredella Miriam A. , Fessell David , Thrall James H.
Published: November 2019

Mentorship plays a critical role in the success of academic radiologists. Faculty members with mentors have better career opportunities, publish more papers, receive more research grants, and have greater overall career satisfaction. However, with the increasing focus on clinical productivity, pressure on turn-around times, and the difficult funding climate, effective mentoring in academic radiology can be challenging. The high prevalence of “burnout” among radiologists makes mentorship even more important. This article reviews benefits and challenges of mentorship in academic radiology, discusses how to institute a faculty mentoring program, examines different types of mentoring, and reviews challenges related to diversity and inclusion.
Metabolomic profiles of induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Authors: Kim Juryun , Kang Sunyoung Christina , Yoon Na Eun , Kim Yena , Choi Jinhyeok , Park Narae , Jung Hyerin , Jung Byung Hwa , Ju Ji Hyeon
Published: November 2019

Background

Metabolomics is the systemic study of the unique fingerprints of metabolites involved in cellular processes and biochemical reactions. The metabolomic approach is useful in diagnosing and predicting the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) and is emerging as a useful tool for identifying disease biomarkers. The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic blueprint of fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from RA and OA patients.

Methods

Somatic cells of RA patients (n = 3) and OA patients (n = 3) were isolated, transduced with a lentiviral plasmid, and reprogrammed into iPSCs displaying pluripotency. Metabolic profiling of RA and OA patient–derived FLS cells and iPSCs was performed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and statistical analysis. After normalization by the sum of the peak intensities through LC/MS, 37 metabolites were detected across RA and OA patients.

Results

The metabolites of RA and OA were distinguishable according to the PLS-DA analysis. LysoPC (20:4), 4-methoxychalcone, phosphorylcholine, and nicotinamide (NAM) were significantly higher in RA iPSCs than in OA iPSCs (p < 0.05). The NMNAT-3 enzyme, which catalyzes an important step in the biosynthesis of NAD+ from adenosine triphosphate, was also upregulated in RA iPSCs. Interestingly, the proliferation of RA iPSCs was significantly greater than OA iPSC proliferation (p < 0.05). NAM played a critical role in the proliferation of RA iPSCs but not in OA iPSCs. When iPSCs were treated with 100 nM of the NAM inhibitor tannic acid (TA), the proliferation of RA iPSCs was significantly reduced (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The metabolites of RA and OA FLS cells and RA and OA iPSCs were all clearly distinguishable from each other. NAM played a critical role in the proliferation of RA iPSCs but not in OA iPSCs. TA effectively inhibited the expression of NAM in RA iPSCs and is a possible effective treatment for RA patients.
Treatment of the bone marrow stromal stem cell supernatant by nasal administration—a new approach to EAE therapy
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhai Wantong , Zhu Jiahui , Zhao Wei , Zou Xiaoyi , Qu Siying , Wang Shenyue , He Zhongze , Li Zhaoying , Wang Lingyang , Sun Bo , Li Hulun
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). CNS has its own unique structural and functional features, while the lack of precision regulatory element with high specificity as therapeutic targets makes the development of disease treatment in the bottleneck. Recently, the immunomodulation and neuroprotection capabilities of bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) were shown in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the administration route and the safety evaluation limit the application of BMSC. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of BMSC supernatant by nasal administration.

Methods

In the basis of the establishment of the EAE model, the BMSC supernatant were treated by nasal administration. The clinical score and weight were used to determine the therapeutic effect. The demyelination of the spinal cord was detected by LFB staining. ELISA was used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors in serum of peripheral blood. Flow cytometry was performed to detect pro-inflammatory cells in the spleen and draining lymph nodes.

Results

BMSC supernatant by nasal administration can alleviate B cell-mediated clinical symptoms of EAE, decrease the degree of demyelination, and reduce the inflammatory cells infiltrated into the central nervous system; lessen the antibody titer in peripheral bloods; and significantly lower the expression of inflammatory factors. As a new, non-invasive treatment, there are no differences in the therapeutic effects between BMSC supernatant treated by nasal route and the conventional applications, i.e. intraperitoneal or intravenous injection.

Conclusions

BMSC supernatant administered via the nasal cavity provide new sights and new ways for the EAE therapy.
Rev1 wbdR tagged vaccines against Brucella ovis
Authors: Aragón-Aranda Beatriz , de Miguel María Jesús , Martínez-Gómez Estrella , Zúñiga-Ripa Amaia , Salvador-Bescós Miriam , Moriyón Ignacio , Iriarte Maite , Muñoz Pilar M. , Conde-Álvarez Raquel
Published: November 2019

Sheep brucellosis is a worldwide extended disease caused by B. melitensis and B. ovis, two species respectively carrying smooth or rough lipopolysaccharide. Vaccine B. melitensis Rev1 is used against B. melitensis and B. ovis but induces an anti-smooth-lipopolysaccharide response interfering with B. melitensis serodiagnosis, which precludes its use against B. ovis where B. melitensis is absent. In mice, Rev1 deleted in wbkC (Brucella lipopolysaccharide formyl-transferase) and carrying wbdR (E. coli acetyl-transferase) triggered antibodies that could be differentiated from those evoked by wild-type strains, was comparatively attenuated and protected against B. ovis, suggesting its potential as a B. ovis vaccine.
Risk of bias tools in systematic reviews of health interventions: an analysis of PROSPERO-registered protocols
Authors: Farrah Kelly , Young Kelsey , Tunis Matthew C. , Zhao Linlu
Published: November 2019

Background

Systematic reviews of health interventions are increasingly incorporating evidence outside of randomized controlled trials (RCT). While non-randomized study (NRS) types may be more prone to bias compared to RCT, the tools used to evaluate risk of bias (RoB) in NRS are less straightforward and no gold standard tool exists. The objective of this study was to evaluate the planned use of RoB tools in systematic reviews of health interventions, specifically for reviews that planned to incorporate evidence from RCT and/or NRS.

Methods

We evaluated a random sample of non-Cochrane protocols for systematic reviews of interventions registered in PROSPERO between January 1 and October 12, 2018. For each protocol, we extracted data on the types of studies to be included (RCT and/or NRS) as well as the name and number of RoB tools planned to be used according to study design. We then conducted a longitudinal analysis of the most commonly reported tools in the random sample. Using keywords and name variants for each tool, we searched PROSPERO records by year since the inception of the database (2011 to December 7, 2018), restricting the keyword search to the “Risk of bias (quality) assessment” field.

Results

In total, 471 randomly sampled PROSPERO protocols from 2018 were included in the analysis. About two-thirds (63%) of these planned to include NRS, while 37% restricted study design to RCT or quasi-RCT. Over half of the protocols that planned to include NRS listed only a single RoB tool, most frequently the Cochrane RoB Tool. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and ROBINS-I were the most commonly reported tools for NRS (39% and 33% respectively) for systematic reviews that planned to use multiple RoB tools. Looking at trends over time, the planned use of the Cochrane RoB Tool and ROBINS-I seems to be increasing.

Conclusions

While RoB tool selection for RCT was consistent, with the Cochrane RoB Tool being the most frequently reported in PROSPERO protocols, RoB tools for NRS varied widely. Results suggest a need for more education and awareness on the appropriate use of RoB tools for NRS. Given the heterogeneity of study designs comprising NRS, multiple RoB tools tailored to specific designs may be required.
Solvability of some boundary value problems involving p-Laplacian and non-autonomous differential operators
Authors: Petrini Milena
Published: November 2019

The paper deals with the existence and non-existence of solutions of the following nonlinear non-autonomous boundary value problem governed by the p-Laplacian operator:
$$(P) \quad \textstyle\begin{cases} (h(t,x(t)) \vert x'(t) \vert ^{p-2} x'(t))' = g(t,x(t),x'(t)) \quad \text{a.e. } t\in \mathbb{R}, \\ x(-\infty )=a, \qquad x(+\infty )= b \end{cases} $$(P){(h(t,x(t))|x′(t)|p−2x′(t))′=g(t,x(t),x′(t))a.e. t∈R,x(−∞)=a,x(+∞)=b with $a< b$a<b, where a is a positive, continuous function and g is a Caratheódory nonlinear function.

We prove an existence result, underlying the relationship between the behavior of $g(t,x,\cdot )$g(t,x,⋅) as $y\to 0$y→0 related to that of $g(\cdot ,x,y)$g(⋅,x,y) and $h(\cdot ,x) $h(⋅,x) as $|t|\to +\infty $|t|→+∞.
Positive solutions to n-dimensional $\alpha _{1}+\alpha _{2}$ order fractional differential system with p-Laplace operator
Authors: Wang Tian , Chen Guo , Pang Huihui
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we study an n-dimensional fractional differential system with p-Laplace operator, which involves multi-strip integral boundary conditions. By using the Leggett–Williams fixed point theorem, the existence results of at least three positive solutions are established. Besides, we also get the nonexistence results of positive solutions. Finally, two examples are presented to validate the main results.
Human motion recognition based on SVM in VR art media interaction environment
Authors: Zhang Fuquan , Wu Tsu-Yang , Pan Jeng-Shyang , Ding Gangyi , Li Zuoyong
Published: November 2019

In order to solve the problem of human motion recognition in multimedia interaction scenarios in virtual reality environment, a motion classification and recognition algorithm based on linear decision and support vector machine (SVM) is proposed. Firstly, the kernel function is introduced into the linear discriminant analysis for nonlinear projection to map the training samples into a high-dimensional subspace to obtain the best classification feature vector, which effectively solves the nonlinear problem and expands the sample difference. The genetic algorithm is used to realize the parameter search optimization of SVM, which makes full use of the advantages of genetic algorithm in multi-dimensional space optimization. The test results show that compared with other classification recognition algorithms, the proposed method has a good classification effect on multiple performance indicators of human motion recognition and has higher recognition accuracy and better robustness.
Development of a reference data set for assigning Streptococcus and Enterococcus species based on next generation sequencing of the 16S–23S rRNA region
Authors: Kosecka-Strojek Maja , Sabat Artur J. , Akkerboom Viktoria , Kooistra-Smid Anna M. D. , Miedzobrodzki Jacek , Friedrich Alexander W.
Published: November 2019

Background

Many members of Streptococcus and Enterococcus genera are clinically relevant opportunistic pathogens warranting accurate and rapid identification for targeted therapy. Currently, the developed method based on next generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S–23S rRNA region proved to be a rapid, reliable and precise approach for species identification directly from polymicrobial and challenging clinical samples. The introduction of this new method to routine diagnostics is hindered by a lack of the reference sequences for the 16S–23S rRNA region for many bacterial species. The aim of this study was to develop a careful assignment for streptococcal and enterococcal species based on NGS of the 16S–23S rRNA region.

Methods

Thirty two strains recovered from clinical samples and 19 reference strains representing 42 streptococcal species and nine enterococcal species were subjected to bacterial identification by four Sanger-based sequencing methods targeting the genes encoding (i) 16S rRNA, (ii) sodA, (iii) tuf and (iv) rpoB; and NGS of the 16S–23S rRNA region.

Results

This study allowed obtainment and deposition of reference sequences of the 16S–23S rRNA region for 15 streptococcal and 3 enterococcal species followed by enrichment for 27 and 6 species, respectively, for which reference sequences were available in the databases. For Streptococcus, NGS of the 16S–23S rRNA region was as discriminative as Sanger sequencing of the tuf and rpoB genes allowing for an unambiguous identification of 93% of analyzed species. For Enterococcus, sodA, tuf and rpoB genes sequencing allowed for identification of all species, while the NGS-based method did not allow for identification of only one enterococcal species. For both genera, the sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene was endowed with a low identification potential and was inferior to that of other tested identification methods. Moreover, in case of phylogenetically related species the sequence analysis of only the intergenic spacer region was not sufficient enough to precisely identify Streptococcus strains at the species level.

Conclusions

Based on the developed reference dataset, clinically relevant streptococcal and enterococcal species can now be reliably identified by 16S–23S rRNA sequences in samples. This study will be useful for introduction of a novel diagnostic tool, NGS of the 16S–23S rRNA region, which undoubtedly is an improvement for reliable culture-independent species identification directly from polymicrobially constituted clinical samples.
Effectiveness of a Ward level target accountability strategy for hand hygiene
Authors: Pada Surinder M. S. Kaur , Chee Poh Ling , Rathenam Sarathemani , Ng Kim Sim , Alenton Lilibeth Silagan , Poh Lishi , Tambyah Paul Anatharajah
Published: November 2019

Background

Hand hygiene is a simple and effective solution in prevention of Multi Drug Resistant Organisms. Hand Hygiene campaigns have mostly taken the form of a generalised hospital approach with visual reminders and rewards for improvement in compliance. We describe a hand hygiene programme that sets an individualised ward target to increase accountability and drive improvement.

Methods

We undertook to develop a “Hand Hygiene Accountability” model, where the mean compliance rate, using the WHO hand hygiene assessment tool, for each ward over the past 6 months plus 10% was used as a target for that particular ward.

Rewards were given to wards with the most percentage improvement over the year. A graded escalation was used for wards that did not meet targets based on 1,2 or 3 months of non-compliance. The most extreme action, setting up a task force directed by the Chairman of our Medical Board, would be required if 3 continuous months of non-compliance was observed. Hand Hygiene audits were performed by staff trained using the WHO audit tools. The same strategy was repeated at our community hospital.

Active surveillance testing for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using nasal, groin and axilla swabs established before the project continued to be in operation, as did surveillance for hospital acquired MRSA bacteraemia (using NHSN criteria), hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile (HO-CD), and multi-resistant gram-negative bacilli.

Results

Data from July 2015 to December 2017 was analysed. In the acute and community hospitals, 21,582 and 5770 hand hygiene (HH) observations were undertaken respectively.

In the acute care hospital, HH compliance rates went from 65 to 78% (p-value < 0.00001). There was a reduction in MRSA bacteraemia from 5 episodes at the start of the study to 0 in 2017.

In the community hospital, HH compliance improved from a mean of 64 to 75% (p-value 0.00005). MRSA transmission rate decreased from 5.72 per 1000 patient days, to 2.79 per 1000 patient days (p-value 0.00035) with an admission prevalence of 13.1% for 2016 and 20.6% in 2017.

Conclusions

Using a ward level accountability for hand hygiene is possible and can be successful in improving hand hygiene rates, possibly reducing transmission of MDROs. Realistic targets need to be set and adequate rewards and incentives provided to ensure continuous improvement.
Effects of motion direction and power of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on pull-out bond strength of fiber post to root dentin in endodontically-treated single-canal premolar teeth
Authors: Rezaei-Soufi Loghman , Tapak Leili , Forouzande Mahsa , Fekrazad Reza
Published: November 2019

Background

Inadequate retention and gradual debonding of intracanal post from root dentin is a major cause of failure of endodontically treated teeth restored with fiber post.

Main body

This study aimed to assess the effect of surface treatment of quartz fiber posts with different powers and motion directions of Er,Cr:YSGG laser on their pull-out bond strength to root dentin in endodontically treated premolar teeth. In this study, 105 fiber posts were divided into 7 groups according to their surface treatment with different powers of Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 2780 nm wavelength, 20 Hz frequency and 150 μs pulse duration in circumferential (C) or longitudinal (L) motion directions: Control group (no treatment), 0.5 W laser in longitudinally (L0.5), 1.0 W laser in longitudinally (L1), 1.5 W laser in longitudinally (L1.5), 0.5 W laser in circumferentially (C0.5), 1.0 W laser in circumferentially (C1) and 1.5 W laser in circumferentially (C1.5). After cementation, pull-out bond strength was measured in Newton (N). Each sample was inspected under a stereomicroscope at × 25 magnification to determine the mode of failure. Two samples of each group were inspected under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test with significant level of 0.05. The pull-out bond strength of 0.5 W groups had significant differences with the control group (P = 0.009). The bond strength of 1.0 W and 1.5 W groups were not significantly different (P = 0.630) but were higher than the control and 0.5 W groups (P < 0.001). Motion direction of laser irradiation had no significant effect on the bond strength (P = 0.384). The interaction effect of power and motion direction of laser irradiation had no significant effect on the bond strength (P = 0.092).

Conclusion

Fiber posts treated with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 W Er,Cr:YSGG laser showed higher bond strength to dentin compared to posts with no surface treatment. However, the motion directions of laser irradiation had no significant effect on the bond strength. In order to minimize damage to post surface and achieving maximum bond strength, longitudinal surface treatment of posts with 1.0 W power of Er,Cr:YSGG laser is recommended.
Comparison of two methods for subpubic angle measurement from reconstructed three-dimensional pelvic model
Authors: Mohd Ali Siti Hanum , Omar Normaliza , Shafie Mohamed Swarhib , Nik Ismail Nik Azuan , Hadi Helmi , Mohd Nor Faridah
Published: November 2019

Background

Sex estimation using the subpubic angle of the pelvis is highly accurate for identification of unknown skeletonized remains. This study compared two methods for measuring the subpubic angle from reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) pelvic models. The aims were to quantify the differences in the subpubic angle measurement by Checkpoint (Method 1) and MeshLab + OnScreenProtractor (Method 2), to determine the 95% limits of agreement and to identify any measurement bias. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scans of 85 individuals were used in this study. The MSCT scans were performed on a Siemens SOMATOM Sensation 64 scanner (Siemens Germany Ltd.). Segmentation of the MSCT scans was performed using 3D Slicer to reconstruct 3D pelvic models. Subpubic angle was measured on Checkpoint using four landmarks (Method 1), and with OnScreenProtractor on MeshLab (Method 2).

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed a high correlation between repeated measurements in both methods. Subpubic angle measurements by Method 1 and Method 2 were significantly different (p < 0.05). Method 2 (M = 82.2°, SD = 13.5°), consistently showed a larger subpubic angle measurement than Method 1 (M = 77.3°, SD = 12.3°) (consistent bias). More than 95% of the differences (82/85) between Checkpoint and MeshLab fell within the 95% limits of agreement (− 1.4° and 11.4°).

Conclusion

Checkpoint and MeshLab displayed significantly different subpubic angle measurement on a 3D pelvic model, but within the 95% limits of agreement. The MeshLab tended to give a larger measurement (5°), across the magnitude of the subpubic angle. The decision to use the two methods interchangeably depended on the clinical judgment of the observer.
Chemical indicators for pollution detection in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Zaghloul Alaa , Saber Mohamed , El-Dewany Camilia
Published: November 2019

Background

Pollution is objectionable changes in a given ecosystem trailing to potential health hazards. Assessment of pollution levels is continually recognized by several pollution indicators, biological, chemical, and/or physical. Chemical indicators always validate fair information about the evenness between ecosystem components.

Results

Chemical indicators include pH, quality criterion index, kinetics, oxidation-reduction potential, reactive carbon, total organic C, total residues, dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), phosphate (P), nitrogen (N2), anhydrous ammonia (NH3), nitrate (NO3), and copper (Cu2+).
Extension of emission expectation maximization lookalike algorithms to Bayesian algorithms
Authors: Zeng Gengsheng L. , Li Ya
Published: November 2019

We recently developed a family of image reconstruction algorithms that look like the emission maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization (ML-EM) algorithm. In this study, we extend these algorithms to Bayesian algorithms. The family of emission-EM-lookalike algorithms utilizes a multiplicative update scheme. The extension of these algorithms to Bayesian algorithms is achieved by introducing a new simple factor, which contains the Bayesian information. One of the extended algorithms can be applied to emission tomography and another to transmission tomography. Computer simulations are performed and compared with the corresponding un-extended algorithms. The total-variation norm is employed as the Bayesian constraint in the computer simulations. The newly developed algorithms demonstrate a stable performance. A simple Bayesian algorithm can be derived for any noise variance function. The proposed algorithms have properties such as multiplicative updating, non-negativity, faster convergence rates for bright objects, and ease of implementation. Our algorithms are inspired by Green’s one-step-late algorithm. If written in additive-update form, Green’s algorithm has a step size determined by the future image value, which is an undesirable feature that our algorithms do not have.
3D frequency-domain elastic wave modeling with the spectral element method using a massively parallel direct solver
Authors: Li Yang , Brossier Romain , Métivier Ludovic
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT

Complex topography, the free-surface boundary condition, and anelastic properties of media should be accounted for in the frame of onshore geophysical prospecting imaging, such as full-waveform inversion (FWI). In this context, an accurate and efficient forward-modeling engine is mandatory. We have performed 3D frequency-domain anisotropic elastic wave modeling by using the highly accurate spectral element method and a sparse multifrontal direct solver. An efficient approach similar to computing the matrix-vector product in the time domain is used to build the matrix. We validate the numerical results by comparing with analytical solutions. A parallel direct solver, the sparse direct multifrontal massively parallel solver (MUMPS), is used to solve the linear system. We find that a hybrid implementation of message passing interface and open multiprocessing is more efficient in flops and memory cost. The influence of the deformed mesh, free-surface boundary condition, and heterogeneity of media on MUMPS performance is negligible. Complexity analysis suggests that the memory complexity of MUMPS agrees with the theoretical order [Formula: see text] (or [Formula: see text] with an efficient matrix reordering method) for an [Formula: see text] grid when nontrivial topography is considered. With the available resources, we conduct a moderate scale modeling with a subset of the SEAM Phase II Foothills model, where 60 wavelengths in the [Formula: see text]-axis are propagated. Computing one gradient of FWI based on this model using the frequency-domain modeling is shown to require similar or fewer computational resources than what would be required for a time-domain solver, depending on the number of sources, while larger memory is necessary. An estimation of the increasing trend indicates that approximately 20 Tb of memory would be required for a [Formula: see text] wavelength modeling. The limit of MUMPS scalability hinders the application to larger scale applications.
Deceptive Art, Bad Education, and the Letter to Michetti: Classical Intertexts and Artistic Failure in D’Annunzio’s Il Piacere
Authors: Hicks-Bartlett Alani Rosa
Published: November 2019

Gabriele D’Annunzio’s Il Piacere (Pleasure) feints at being a bildungsroman. Even as it incorporates the genre’s defining tropes, it repeatedly undermines them, staging an educational process that is continually frustrated and problematized. Il Piacere can therefore be read as the story of a bad education, as it foregrounds an educational model that is upended before it even starts. More specifically, due to his faulty education, the novel’s protagonist sputters through the stages of his formation, failing to mature or develop appropriately. He founders in a crisis of representation as the fullness of creative, artistic, and amorous satisfaction continues to elude him. The objective of the bildungsroman thus stands as the elusive and problematic ideal to which Il Piacere’s protagonist should strive and remains a constant, tortured concern throughout the novel. D’Annunzio prefigures this impasse in his overlooked dedicatory letter, which recalls and subverts traditional models of formation. The letter uses a Catullan intertext to emphasize and model the importance of instruction and guidance to growth and artistic maturation. By understanding the portrayal of education in the dedicatory letter and the novel, readers learn that the structures that might have upheld the bildungsroman’s implicit promise are in short supply. The same dynamic is reiterated through classical topoi like the stories of Pygmalion and Zeuxis. These artistically grounded intertexts anticipate the major concerns of Il Piacere’s protagonist: how to engage with beauty and art to obtain pleasure, and how to overcome an improper orientation to reach amorous, artistic, and authorial objectives.
“En avant, mes enfants!”: Nations, Populations, and the Avant-Garde Body in James Joyce’s “Oxen of the Sun”
Authors: Rasmussen Irina D.
Published: November 2019

In the “Oxen of the Sun” episode of Ulysses, James Joyce dramatizes the evolution of English prose styles by creating a stylistic matrix for gestation. This article links the episode’s stylistic evolution to the historical development of liberal thought about autonomy and self-determination, reading Joyce’s styles as rhetorical gateways to liberal discourses on statehood, politics, socioeconomics, national health, and sexuality. In the immediate historical context of national agitation in Ireland, the episode’s bodily tropes of reproduction, birth, emergence, and break dislocate the rhetoric of national conception, providing a critical insight into the development of liberal thought, particularly into the contradictory blend of progressive and regressive thinking from which liberal notions of autonomy and self-determination have emerged. By demonstrating how the stylistic evolution in “Oxen” moves through a series of breaks, the article relates Joyce’s disruptive tactics to the aesthetic practices of the historical avant-gardes, showing how the affinities with the avant-garde in “Oxen” work on the level of form, content, and imagined life praxis. The main argument at stake is understanding how Joyce creates a literary position of being in advance by way of engaging critically with biopolitics and the liberal discourses on national and social advancement.
Cyclographic Interpretation and Computer Solution of One System of Algebraic Equations
Authors: Панчук К. , Panchuk K. , Любчинов Е. , Lyubchinov E.
Published: November 2019

The subject of this study is an algebraic equation of one form and a system of such equations. The peculiarity of the subject of research is that both the equation and the system of equations admit a cyclographic interpretation in the operational Euclidean space, the dimension of which is one more than the dimension of the subspace of geometric images described by the original equations or system of equations. The examples illustrate the advantages of cyclographic interpretation as the basis of the proposed solutions, namely: it allows you to get analytical, i.e. exact solutions of the complete system of equations of the considered type, regardless of the dimension of the subspace of geometric objects described by the equations of the system; in the geometric version of the solution of the system (the Apollonius and Fermat problems), no application of any transformations (inversions, circular transforms, etc.) is required, unlike many existing methods and approaches; constructive and analytical solutions of the system of equations, mutually complementary, are implemented by available means of graphic CAD and computer algebra. The efficiency of cyclographic interpretation is shown in obtaining an analytical solution to the Fermat problem using a computer algebra system. The solution comes down to determining in the operational space the points of intersection of the straight line and the 3-α-rotation cone with the semi-angle α = 45° at its vertex. The cyclographic images of two intersection points in the operational space are the two desired spheres in the subspace of given spheres. A generalization of the proposed algorithm for the analytical solution of the Fermat problem for n given (n – 2)-spheres in (n – 1)-dimensional subspace. It is shown that in this case the analytical solution of the Fermat problem is reduced to determining the intersection points of the straight line and the (n – 1)-α-cone of rotation in the operational n-dimensional Euclidean space.
Computational Efficiency in Multivariate Adversarial Risk Analysis Models
Authors: Perry Michael , El-Amine Hadi
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we address the computational feasibility of the class of decision theoretic models referred to as adversarial risk analyses (ARAs). These are models where a decision must be made with consideration for how an intelligent adversary may behave and where the decision-making process of the adversary is unknown and is elicited by analyzing the adversary's decision problem using priors on his utility function and beliefs. The motivation of this research was to develop a computational algorithm that can be applied across a broad range of ARA models; to the best of our knowledge, no such algorithm currently exists. Using a two-person sequential model, we incrementally increase the size of the model and develop a simulation-based approximation of the true optimum where an exact solution is computationally impractical. In particular, we begin with a relatively large decision space by considering a theoretically continuous space that must be discretized. Then, we incrementally increase the number of strategic objectives, which causes the decision space to grow exponentially. The problem is exacerbated by the presence of an intelligent adversary who also must solve an exponentially large decision problem according to some unknown decision-making process. Nevertheless, using a stylized example that can be solved analytically, we show that our algorithm not only solves large ARA models quickly but also accurately selects to the true optimal solution. Furthermore, the algorithm is sufficiently general that it can be applied to any ARA model with a large, yet finite, decision space.
Halos and Egos: Rankings and Interspecialty Deference in Multispecialty U.S. Hospitals
Authors: Kim Jerry W.
Published: November 2019

This paper examines how media rankings shift patterns of collaboration and deference between professional groups within organizations. Diversified and multidisciplinary organizations such as universities and hospitals often face distinct subunit evaluations that can influence coordination on interdependent tasks. Using patient-level treatment data for more than five million in-patient stays, I find that changes in the “best hospitals” rankings do not meaningfully shift treatment patterns by physicians in hospitals. However, when specialties were ranked in the top echelons (i.e., top 10) or had high categorical prestige, they were less likely to involve other specialties (i.e., ego effect) and had a higher chance of performing procedures on patients admitted in other specialties (i.e., halo effect). These effects were mostly confined to minor (i.e., less invasive) procedures, implying that the impact of external rankings on patient outcomes is relatively benign.

This paper was accepted by Olav Sorenson, organizations.
Preorder Price Guarantee in e-Commerce
Authors: Pang Zhan , Xiao Wenqiang , Zhao Xuying
Published: November 2019

Problem definition: With the development of the internet and e-commerce, retailers often offer preorders for new, to-be-released products. To encourage preorders, retailers such as Amazon offer preorder price guarantee (PG). That is, if the product price drops before or on the release date, preorder consumers automatically receive a refund for the difference between the preorder price and the new price. Should retailers offer PG for preorders? If so, how should they decide the prices and inventory level? Academic/practical relevance: Both advance selling and price matching have been observed in practice and studied in literature. However, the combination of these two is a new phenomenon in practice and receives very limited attention in academic. So our study is closely related to both academic and practical communities. Methodology: Dynamic pricing and game theory. Results: We find that, if preorder demand uncertainty is high, a firm should adopt PG in advance selling. If preorder demand uncertainty is low, then a firm should adopt PG if and only if the percentage of high-valuation consumers is high. Furthermore, we find that a firm's optimal profit under PG monotonically increases in preorder demand uncertainty while the firm's optimal profit without PG stays unchanged. That is, PG enables a firm to profit from preorder demand uncertainty. In addition, we show that price commitment is dominated by dynamic pricing when the retailer can optimally decide whether to offer PG under dynamic pricing. We also demonstrate that a retailer should sell in advance if a product's marginal cost is less than a certain threshold, which is higher than the traditional threshold in the advance selling literature without consideration of PG. Managerial implications: Our results provide guidance for retailers on whether or not they should offer PG and how to design the prices under PG.
More funding will be needed to ensure inclusive provision
Authors: Stobbs Philippa
Published: November 2019

As good as it sounds, the £7.1 billion school funding announcement is not enough—more will certainly be needed. However, Philippa Stobbs reminds us that providing proper support to meet pupils' needs and ensure inclusive provision is not just a matter of funding…
Asthma: An overview of management and education
Authors: Duncan Deborah Louise
Published: November 2019

Asthma is the most common chronic disorder in schoolchildren and the school nurse plays an important role in supporting children with asthma ( Borgmeyer et al, 2005 ; Huss et al, 2001 ). School nurse have an important role in educating children about self-management and early management of exacerbations ( Ahmad and Grimes, 2011 ). This can lead to a reduction in absenteeism, and support their general wellbeing ( Ahmad and Grimes, 2011 ; Moonie et al, 2008 ; Rodriguez et al, 2013 ). Part of this role includes educating children and young adults about inhaler technique, and this is one area which nurses require further education and training ( Lalani et al, 2012 ; De Tratto et al, 2014 ). There is also a call for school nurses to work with a range of clinicians to support their students ( Hollenbach and Cloutier, 2014 ; Wilson et al, 2009 ).
Strengthening Adolescent Wellbeing project—Qualitative outcomes from a pilot in a Swedish upper-secondary school
Authors: Kristiansen Lisbeth , Willmer Mikaela , Karlström Annika
Published: November 2019

While a majority of Swedish school children enjoy a good health, mental health problems are increasing among young people in Sweden. According to Swedish law all school staff members (teachers and student health professionals) have mutual responsibility to provide a safe school environment and health. Since 2010, there is an emphasis on health promotion in schools. The aim of this study is to qualitatively describe the feasibility of a health-promoting intervention targeting healthy high school students (the Strengthening Adolescent Wellbeing [SAW] project). A descriptive design was used with an intervention group that was assessed before and after the implementation of the programme using quantitative methods. The study was based on the Medical Research Council Framework. The study and the data collection were performed during the autumn of 2016 and the early spring of 2017. Public high school students' health professionals (school nurses), student counsellors and specialist educators, facilitated a research-based intervention consisting of eight sessions with education and mind-body practices. Pre- and post-testing were carried out. The main findings showed that participating students and staff members were satisfied that the content and the implementation of the intervention were meaningful.
Ideas to support vulnerable pupils through crisis moments
Authors: Knightsmith Pooky
Published: November 2019

When a young person with mental health or wellbeing issues faces a crisis moment, there are some simple techniques and ideas that could help. Dr Pooky Knightsmith explains
When death happens in the school community
Authors: Penny Alison
Published: November 2019

To mark Children's Grief Awareness Week—which runs from November 15 to 21—Alison Penny considers how schools can be better prepared to support young people who are coming to terms with the death of someone close
School nurses' mental health-care provision in Wales: The risk and protective factors
Authors: Star Sally
Published: November 2019

It is estimated that 10-20% of children and young people worldwide experience mental and emotional health disorders. This article will outline how Welsh school nursing services can employ universal screening to increase awareness of the risk factors involved in children's mental and emotional health disorders and suggests methods to improve individual empowerment and resilience.
New guidance to support children with bladder and bowel problems
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: November 2019

Two charities have jointly issued new guidance to help schools support children and young people with bladder and bowel problems. Dorothy Lepkowska explains
‘Bravely Bust the Taboo’: Promoting grief awareness
Authors: Magistris Linda
Published: November 2019

This year, The Good Grief Trust is driving the launch of Grief Awareness Week. Linda Magistris explains the aims behind the charity and the event.
Historical fire records at the two ends of Iberian Central Mountain System: Estrela massif and Ayllón massif
Authors: Romão Sequeira Catarina , Montiel-Molina Cristina , Castro Rego Francisco
Published: November 2019

The Iberian Peninsula has a long history of fire, as the Central Mountain System, from the Estrela massif in Portugal to the Ayllón massif in Spain, is a major fire-prone area. Despite being part of the same natural region, there are different environmental, political and socio-economic contexts at either end, which might have led to distinct human causes of wildfires and associated fire regimes. The hypothesis for this research lies in the historical long-term relationship between wildfire risks and fire use practices within a context of landscape dynamics. In addition to conducting an analysis of the statistical period, a spatial and temporal multiscale approach was taken by reconstructing the historical record of prestatistical fires and land management history at both ends of the Central Mountain System. The main result is the different structural causes of wildland fires at either end of the Central Mountain System, with human factors being more important than environmental factors in determining the fire regimes in both contexts. The study shows that the development of the fire regime was non-linear in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, due to broader local human context factors which led to a shift in fire-use practices.
Pregnancy rates in hair sheep after Ovsynch synchronization and a combined intracervical fixed-time artificial insemination and 10-day mating period
Authors: Vallejo D. A. , Londoño J. D. , Yepes Y. A. , Tamayo V. , Mejia A. F. , Maldonado J. G.
Published: November 2019

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the pregnancy rates in hair ewes using an Ovsynch synchronization protocol under a breeding system that combines fixed-time insemination plus a 10-day mating period as an alternative.

Materials and Methods: Through an experimental study (n=27), ewes were randomly located into one of three treatments: (1) Pre-synch (n=9): Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)+Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)+PGF2α+GnRH; (2) Ovsynch (n=9): GnRH+PGF2α+GnRH; and (3) control: Ewes bred by natural mating (NM) (n=9). Ewes were fixed-time inseminated (fixed-time artificial insemination [FTAI]) with fresh semen, collected just before the insemination time through vaginoscopy at 16 h after the second GnRH (gonadorelin) injection. Each experimental group was placed separately during 15 days and, after this time, fertile rams were allowed back with ewes for a 10-day mating period. Control group ewes remained with the rest of the herd suitable for breeding and were bred under NM. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound at 28-, 56-, and 84-day post-breeding to differentiate between FTAI and NM pregnancies. Total (FTAI±NM) pregnancy rates at 56-day post-breeding were used to compared Pre-synch, Ovsynch, and control. For this purpose, two-tailed proportions comparison z-test was used with a 95% confidence level, for testing as the null hypothesis whether two proportions were equal.

Results: Pregnancy rates were higher in control ewes (66.4%) than FTAI (46.6%). When pregnancy rates after a 10-day mating period (40%) were added, the final rate (86.6%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Ovsynch-based protocols. The pregnancy rate was significantly lower in FTAI ewes compared to FTAI +10-day mating group (p<0.05). The overall pregnancy rate was 88.0, 85.7, and 67.0 (p>0.05) for Pre-synch, Ovsynch, and control ewes, respectively.

Conclusion: These results provide evidence on the benefits of combined FTAI protocols for improving the reproductive efficiency of sheep.
Moral als Kompetenz
Authors: Vojta Agnieszka
Published: November 2019

Georg Lind, visit this Moral ist lehrbar. Handbuch zur Theorie und Praxis moralischer und demokratischer Bildung, Verlag Oldenbourg, München 2009, SS. 169.
Auch polnische Schüler denken, forschen und gewinnen moralisch-demokratische Kompetenzen. Projekt-Bericht
Authors: Leśniewska Anna , Bonecki Mateusz
Published: November 2019

Im jungen demokratischen Polen finden in der letzten Zeit heftige Diskussionen über die demokratischen Bildung und deren Methoden: gleichzeitig wird die Kondition polnischen Schulsystems ins Visier genommen. Vor allem wirft man der polnischen Schule, about it dass sie ihre Absolventen ohne grundlegende kognitive und praktische Kompetenzen frei lässt: besonders knapp sind da selbständiges Denken und Problemlösenfähigkeit.