bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five new thelotremoid Graphidaceae from the Philippines
Authors: PLATA EIMY RIVAS , SIPMAN HARRIE J. M. , LÜCKING ROBERT
Published: December 2014

Five new species of thelotremoid Graphidaceae are described from the Philippines: Myriotrema subviride Rivas Plata, Sipman & Lücking, differing from Myriotrema viride in the more prominent ascomata and transversely septate ascospores; Ocellularia gigantospora Rivas Plata, Sipman & Lücking, differing from O. ripleyi in the uncarbonized, ecolumellate ascomata and the larger ascospores; O. leucocavata Rivas Plata, Sipman & Lücking, differing from O. cavata in the uncarbonized ascomata and the larger ascospores; O. sublaeviusculoides Rivas Plata, Sipman & Lücking, differing from O. laeviusculoides in the erumpent ascomata with black columella; and Thelotrema philippinum Rivas Plata, Sipman & Lücking, differing from Thelotrema suecicum in the stictic acid chemistry. The new combination Ocellularia megalospora (Müll. Arg.) Lücking is also proposed. Three of the new species are based on historical collections from vanished rain forest areas on the island of Luzon and are probably extinct, emphasizing the role of herbaria in documenting biotic diversity from threatened ecosystems.
First assessment of the diversity of coralline species forming maerl and rhodoliths in Guadeloupe, Caribbean using an integrative systematic approach
Authors: Peña Freire Viviana , Rousseau Florence , De Reviers Bruno , Le Gall Line
Published: December 2014

The present study documents species of coralline algae that form maerl and rhodoliths in Guadeloupe, Caribbean using an integrative systematic approach of combining molecular (COI-5P, psbA) and morphological/anatomical data. Maerl and rhodoliths were collected by SCUBA and dredging from six localities in Guadeloupe during the Karubenthos Expedition, which was coordinated by the Parc National de la Guadeloupe and the Muséum National d´Histoire Naturelle. Of the twelve maerl and rhodolith specimens collected and sequenced, eight specific entities were delimitated based on the analysis of molecular data: Lithothamnion cf. ruptile, five species of the genus Lithothamnion, one species of the genus Spongites, and the remaining one was either assigned to the genus Lithoporella or Mastophora. Morphological/anatomical data are presented for each of these species. Molecular analyses revealed that Lithothamnion. cf ruptile and other four species (Lithothamnion spp.1–4) were resolved in a distinct lineage than the other Lithothamnion species examined. Nevertheless, these five species were provisionally remained in the genus Lithothamnion based on the presence of flared epithallial cells. Previously, only three species of Lithothamnion have been cited in the Caribbean. Till this study species belonging to the genus Spongites have not been hitherto reported for this region. The specimen identified as either Lithoporella or Mastophora shared anatomical features with both genera. Further examination of reproductive material is required to identify this specimen to a lower taxonomical rank. This study is the first to report the occurrence of maerl and rhodoliths belonging to the genus Lithothamnion at 110 m depth; this record being the deepest for the genus in the Caribbean Sea. Our results have revealed that species diversity of Caribbean maerl has been underestimated and further surveys coupled with an integrative taxonomic approach on this biodiversity hotspot are necessary.
Analysis of the cox2-3 spacer region for population diversity and taxonomic implications in rhodolith-forming species (Rhodophyta: Corallinales)
Authors: Hernandez Kantun Jazmin J , Riosmena-Rodriguez Rafael , Adey Walter H. , Rindi Fabio
Published: December 2014

Coralline red algae demonstrate phenotypic plasticity related to environmental factors, rendering their identification difficult. The cox2-3 spacer is a mitochondrial marker widely used for phylogeographic studies and discrimination between closely related species in red algae; however, cox2-3 spacer sequence data for coralline algae are still limited. In this study we substantially increase the number of cox2-3 spacer sequences available for coralline algae, exploring their usefulness for different types of molecular investigations in coralline algae (DNA barcoding and phylogeography), with emphasis on rhodolith-forming species. Specimens from North Atlantic Europe, the Caribbean region and the Gulf of California (Mexico) were sequenced and two datasets were built, one for the subfamily Lithophylloideae and one for the Melobesioideae. Our results suggest the utility of cox2-3 spacer as barcoding marker for coralline algae with a slight variation in the barcode gap depending in the way gaps in the alignment are treated. Analyses on both datasets found a barcode gap or separation between intra and interspecific divergence (p distance and ABGD analysis) while some inconsistencies were evident when the results were compared with morphology-based classification. Using the cox2-3 spacer region, the morphospecies Lithophyllum margaritae from the Gulf of California revealed the existence of two well-supported clades, with the possibility of respectively five and two additional species; haplotype networks for Phymatolithon calcareum and P. purpureum revealed similar patterns when Mediterranean and NW Europe specimens were analysed, and P. calcareum was shown to consist of a single population in NW Europe. Based on our analyses the marker cox2-3 spacer has strong potential applications for studies of phylogeography and DNA barcoding in coralline algae after understanding its variation.
The genus Ellisolandia (Corallinaceae, Corallinales, Rhodophyta) in the Azores (NE Atlantic): character expression and taxonomic evaluation
Authors: Couto Ruben Pacheco , Rosas-Alquicira Edgar Francisco , Rodrigues Armindo Santos , Neto Ana Isabel
Published: December 2014

Morphological and anatomical characters used for segregating species within the genus Corallina (Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta) have been compiled and evaluated in 120 specimens collected in the Azores. The morphological, anatomical and statistical evaluation of the thirty four segregating characters for the genus Corallina performed in the present study revealed no species segregation, either showing no differences across the whole lot of specimens or being highly variable within sets of plants. This suggests that all studied material belongs to one species, so far Ellisolandia elongata (formely Corallina elongata), thus reinforcing old proposed synonyms. A morphological and anatomical account is provided for this species, considering the whole set of studied specimens.
Porolithon improcerum (Porolithoideae, Corallinaceae) and Mesophyllum macroblastum (Melobesioideae, Hapalidiaceae): new records of crustose coralline red algae for the Southwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Bahia Ricardo Da Gama , Amado Filho Gilberto Menezes , Azevedo Jonas , Maneveldt Gavin Willian
Published: December 2014

Here we describe in detail two crustose coralline red algal (CCA) species newly reported for the southern Atlantic: Porolithon improcerum and Mesophyllum macroblastum. Porolithon improcerum was recorded on the remote oceanic island of Martim Vaz (ca. 1,200 km off the Brazilian Coast) and M. macroblastum on the Cagarras Archipelago (ca. 5 km off the coast of Rio de Janeiro city). Within the genus Porolithon, P. improcerum is characterized by thin vegetative thallus composed mostly of two cell layers and thalli forming several applanate branches overgrowing one another. Within the genus Mesophyllum, M. macroblastum is characterized by bearing volcano-like multiporate tetrasporangial conceptacles with a raised rim and sunken central pore plate in addition to pore canals of conceptacles being lined by cells that are similar in size and shape to other roof cells. While, P. improcerum has previously been reported for the northern Atlantic Ocean, this study represents the first report of M. macroblastum for the Atlantic Ocean.
Lichens from the Utsteinen Nunatak (Sør Rondane Mountains, Antarctica), with the description of one new species and the establishment of permanent plots
Authors: Ertz Damien , Aptroot André , Van de Vijver Bart , Sliwa Lucyna , Moermans Coraline , Øvstedal Dag
Published: December 2014

In order to establish baseline environmental conditions at the Utsteinen Nunatak (Sør Rondane Mountains, Antarctica) chosen for the installation of the new Belgian Antarctic research station, a detailed survey of the different lichen species was performed in 2007. The establishment of permanent plots will allow the accurate monitoring of possible future impacts of human activities on the biodiversity and, on a long-term scale, to detect future climate changes. A complete survey of the lichen species was made for each of the 23 permanent plots of the Utsteinen Ridge. The abundance of each species within each plot was also evaluated. Exhaustive lists of lichens were also completed for other parts of the Utsteinen Nunatak. Additionally, historic collections from the same area were revised.            A total of twenty-three lichen species and two lichenicolous fungi was detected in the recent samples whereas the historic material yielded three additional species. These results raise the  total number of known taxa for the Sør Rondane Mountains from ten to 28, despite the small area investigated. Trapelia antarctica is described as new to science.  Buellia bastini is synonymized with Buellia nelsonii and Lecidea autenboeri is synonymized with Carbonea vorticosa. The lichen flora of Utsteinen is made of a high percentage (48%) of Antarctic endemics.            Lichens were abundantly present on the Utsteinen Ridge. The numbers of species per plot varied from one to 18 with an average of ten. The detailed grid map for the Utsteinen Ridge will be useful in monitoring future changes in lichen population and diversity. Five plots presented the richest lichen flora and need therefore careful protection against any future human activities.
Retrieving Cloud Ice Water Content Using Millimeter- and Centimeter-Wavelength Radar Polarimetric Observables
Authors: Lu Yinghui , Aydin Kültegin , Clothiaux Eugene E. , Verlinde Johannes
Published: December 2014

Scattering properties of a large collection of pristine ice crystals at millimeter and centimeter wavelengths are calculated using the generalized multiparticle Mie method. Millimeter- and centimeter-wavelength radar observables are also calculated by employing particle size distributions (PSDs) that ensure the bulk properties (e.g., ice water content and total number concentration) fall within physically realistic ranges. The relationships between radar reflectivity Z and ice water content (IWC) are shown to be sensitive (from one to two orders of magnitude in variability) to the PSDs used and are thus not recommended for IWC retrievals. The relationships between IWC and specific differential phase KDP are less dependent on PSDs. Simple relationships between IWC and KDP at different radar elevation angles and wavelengths are given. If only the general crystal type is known (i.e., planar vs columnar), IWC retrieval errors based on KDP mostly fall within 30%. If more detailed ice crystal type is known, the retrieval errors are reduced to mostly within 10%. These results are similar to earlier reports in the literature but are based on a more extensive collection of model ice crystals and electromagnetic-scattering computations at four wavelengths: X, Ku, Ka, and W bands. The applicability of KDP in retrieving IWC is limited by the measurement accuracy of KDP, which usually requires averaging over several kilometers in range. Given the same noise level, the shorter wavelengths may have relatively smaller fractional errors than the longer wavelengths in KDP-based IWC retrievals and are promising wavelengths for further investigation.
On the Shoaling of Solitary Waves in the Presence of Short Random Waves
Authors: Tian Miao , Sheremet Alex , Kaihatu James M. , Ma Gangfeng
Published: December 2014

Overhead video from a small number of laboratory tests conducted by Kaihatu et al. at the Tsunami Wave Basin at Oregon State University shows that the breaking point of a shoaling solitary wave shifts to deeper water if random waves are present. The analysis of the laboratory data collected confirms that solitary waves indeed tend to break earlier in the presence of random wave field, and suggests that the effect is the result of the radiation stresses gradient induced by the random wave fields. A theoretical approach based on the forced KdV equation is shown to successfully predict the shoaling process of the solitary wave. An ensemble of tests simulated using a state-of-the-art nonhydrostatic model is used to test the statistical significance of the process. The results of this study point to a potentially significant oceanographic process that has so far been ignored and suggest that systematic research into the interaction between tsunami waves and the swell background could increase the accuracy of tsunami forecasting.
Intraseasonal Variability of Hail in the Contiguous United States: Relationship to the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Barrett Bradford S. , Henley Brittany N.
Published: December 2014

Climatologies have been developed to highlight variability of the frequency and intensity of hail in the United States. However, the intraseasonal variability of hail, including why one week might be active while the following inactive despite both having similar climatological probabilities, has not yet been explored. This paper presents relationships between spring-season (April–June) hail days and the leading mode of atmospheric intraseasonal variability, the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). It extends recent work on intraseasonal tornado variability to smaller spatial scales. In April, May, and June, statistically significant variability in hail days was found for different Real-time Multivariate MJO (RMM) phases of the MJO. For April, the strongest correlations between hail-day anomalies and anomalies of the product of convective available potential energy (CAPE) and 0–6-km vertical wind shear were found in RMM phase 5, with above-normal likelihood of a hail day found in the south-central United States. For May, the strongest correlations were found in RMM phase 3, with below-normal likelihood of a hail day located over the north-central United States. For June, the strongest correlations were found in phase 8, with above-normal likelihood of hail in west Texas and below-normal likelihood of hail over much of the middle of the United States. In all phases, 300-hPa height anomalies in the United States formed part of a global wave train similar to MJO patterns in both modeling and observational studies.
The Role of Nonquasigeostrophic Forcing in Southern Hemisphere Blocking Onsets
Authors: Dong Li , Colucci Stephen J.
Published: December 2014

A generalized frictionless, adiabatic geostrophic zonal wind tendency equation is derived to diagnose the nonquasigeostrophic forcings to blocking onset in the Southern Hemisphere through case study and composite analysis. In general, the quasigeostrophic model is capable of representing the key physical processes associated with blocking onset in the troposphere reasonably well in most blocking cases. The consideration of nonquasigeostrophic forcings moderately improves the quasigeostrophic representation in a majority of the blocking events selected for this study, but not all events. This suggests that the nonquasigeostrophic terms could be important in a specific blocking event but not in a composite meaning. Furthermore, the nonquasigeostrophic forcing of geostrophic advection of ageostrophic relative vorticity term, , is extensively examined in this study. This forcing is found to be the leading nonquasigeostrophic forcing term among all nonquasigeostrophic forcings. In a composite sense, the forcing appears to have an alternative contribution that is dependent upon the curvature of the geostrophic flow within the blocking structure. In general, the southwesterly flow is likely associated with the -favoring effect to blocking onset whereas northwesterly flow is associated with the -opposing effect. Therefore, it is important to use the geostrophic flow pattern prior to blocking onset to foresee this ageostrophic-related nonquasigeostrophic forcing to blocking onset. Finally, a pronounced overestimation of geostrophic zonal wind tendency by the quasigeostrophic model is commonly found for selected blocking events within the stratosphere, in comparison to the nonquasigeostrophic model. This overestimation is essentially caused by geostrophic wind approximation.
Domestic Vulnerabilities
Authors: Rhodes Marissa C.
Published: December 2014

This analysis of wet nurse advertisements from London and Philadelphia newspapers in the period of 1740–1799 is meant to explore the priorities of Anglo-Atlantic families. The ads indicate that the transition to live-in wet nursing relocated contamination fears from the nurse’s home to her body. The language in Philadelphia ads suggests that American wet nurses were operating within a discourse peculiar to a society founded on unfree labor, and one that may have had a greater tolerance for illegitimacy. Ad patterns further suggest that elite families impelled the transition to live-in nursing, perhaps in an attempt to achieve an enlightened familial archetype.
Oxidative stress following exposure to silver and gold nanoparticles in mice
Authors: Shrivastava Rupal , Kushwaha Pramod , Bhutia Yang Chen , Flora SJS
Published: December 2014

Silver (Ag) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have wide applications. They are increasingly being used in the medical devices, biosensors, cancer cell imaging, and cosmetics. Increased applications of these NPs in the technological advances have also led to the risk of exposure to these particles. This study investigated the toxic effects of Ag and Au NPs (1 μM and 2 μM, oral) on mouse erythrocytes and tissues after 14 consecutive days’ exposure. Our results demonstrate significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletion of antioxidant enzyme status in erythrocytes and tissues. Hepatic and renal toxicity was evident from liver and kidney function tests. Inflammatory markers, interleukin-6 and nitric oxide synthase increased in plasma on administration following exposure to these NPs at both the doses. A more pronounced increase was noted in kidney metallothionein (MT) compared to liver MT on exposure to these NPs. Toxic potential of these NPs was further confirmed by increased 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine levels in urine, a biomarker of DNA damage. Among the two NPs, Ag NP was more toxic at 2 μM dose compared to lower dose of 1 μM. The study suggests oxidative stress as the major mechanism responsible for the toxic manifestations induced by Ag and Au NPs.
Nutrient Intake From Thickened Beverages and Patient‐Specific Implications for Care
Authors: Joyce Amanda , Robbins JoAnne , Hind Jacqueline
Published: December 2014

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects more than 15 million Americans and can result in adverse and potentially fatal consequences, including poor quality of life, depression, dehydration, malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, and airway obstruction. Although many treatment options are available, provision of thickened liquids is a common intervention for achieving slower, more controlled bolus manipulation and propulsion. To meet this therapeutic demand, commercially available products containing starch and/or gum‐based components have been developed for use by patients and institutions. The nutrient content of thickened products has been neglected, although dysphagic patients are often at significant nutrition risk. Thus, there are no clinical guidelines for selection of thickened products based on patient characteristics. To consider whether such guidelines are warranted, it is necessary to quantify nutrition differences among common thickened beverages. An analysis was conducted to quantify energy, carbohydrate, and sodium provided through daily consumption of thickened beverages. To determine the relevance of these nutrition contributions in the context of total dietary intake, we compared values with dietary recommended intakes. This analysis revealed that there are substantial disparities in the nutrient content of thickened beverages. These differences suggest that product selection can be optimized based on patient‐specific characteristics such as weight status and presence of comorbidities. Future research focusing on the effect of this strategy on patient outcomes will facilitate the development of evidence‐based recommendations to elevate the standard of care for this population.
Predicting majority rule: Evaluating the uncovered set and the strong point
Authors: Bower-Bir Jacob , Bianco William , D’Amico Nicholas , Kam Christopher , Sened Itai , Smyth Regina
Published: December 2014

This paper compares two solution concepts for majority rule decision-making in multi-dimensional settings: the uncovered set and the strong point. Our goal is to determine which of these solution concepts is the appropriate generalization of the median voter theorem to more complex (and more realistic) multi-dimensional majority-rule settings. By making this comparison, we also contribute to the debate about the degree of sophisticated decision-making exhibited by experimental subjects and their real-world counterparts. Using data from eleven previously-published majority rule experiments and analytic techniques drawn from geography, our analysis confirms expectations that the uncovered set provides accurate predictions of majority-rule decision-making; and, moreover, that the strong point provides little added insight, either as a solution concept on its own, or as a predictor of where outcomes lie inside the uncovered set.
Understanding Sustained Participation in Virtual Travel Communities from the Perspectives of is Success Model and Flow Theory
Authors: Gao Lingling , Bai Xuesong , Park Anthony (Tony)
Published: December 2014

Virtual travel communities (VTCs) are now popular and influential venues for tourism information sharing. With the increasing number of VTCs and low switching cost, it is challenging to retain existing users and encourage their continued participation. Despite the importance of user retention to VTCs survival, little research attention has been devoted to understanding the members’ continued participation behavior. The purpose of this study is to test a new model of VTC beliefs, attitudes, and continuance behaviors, by integrating information system success model and flow theory. The model integrates measures proven in traditional consumer behavior theory, such as word-of-mouth and satisfaction, with behavioral measures unique to the virtual domain, such as stickiness. The results of a field survey of members of QYER, a Chinese VTC, indicate that system quality and information quality directly affect flow experience and member satisfaction, which ultimately determine site stickiness and word-of-mouth behavior. Furthermore, by modeling system quality and information quality as multifaceted constructs, the results reveal key quality concerns in VTCs. The findings will help academics as well as practitioners gain insights into member retention in VTCs.
Navigating Authoritarian Power in the United States
Authors: Anders Allison Daniel , Lester Jessica Nina
Published: December 2014

Beginning in 2007, government agencies and faith-based organizations resettled Burundians with refugee status in a small town in Appalachia. From a part of a larger, 4-year ethnographic study, in this article, we address the experience of one family in that community. Specifically, we detail the power non-Native, whitestream, racist institutions deploy to do harm. Using allegory, we represent the effects of policy and practice at the public elementary school where many of the Burundian children studied and the health care system to which Burundian families had access. We examine the cultivation of modern convictions in these institutions and the influence of such convictions at the intersection of authoritarian power. Aiming to complicate the history and logic of modern convictions and analyze institutional power, we invite layered readings of our representation.
The fit between message framing and temporal distance: An efficient way to promote an innovative product
Authors: Balbo Laurie , Jeannot Florence
Published: December 2014

This article presents the results of three experiments that examine the effects of the fit between message framing and construal level – induced by temporal distance – on purchase intention and willingness to pay for an innovative product (enhanced reality glasses). Generally speaking, results show that a gain-framed message associated with a long-term purchase and a loss-framed message associated with a short-term purchase are the most effective combinations for promoting an innovative product but the degree of novelty of the product and individual’s temporal orientation moderate these effects. In addition, results emphasize the mediating role of fluency to process the message.
Optimisation of tribological performance of sputtering Zr/ZrC coatings
Authors: Jean M.-D.
Published: December 2014

An intelligent approach, which uses adaptive network based fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) based on experimental designs, is used to characterise the tribological behaviour of undoped and Zr doped diamond-like carbon (DLC) films that are deposited using magnetron sputtering. An orthogonal array experiment is used and the effect of the deposition parameters on the films is determined. The films are analysed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Friction and wear tests are performed, using a pin-on-disk tribometer. This study identifies a group of highly developed hillock-like textures and lower wear volume loss is evident in the undoped and Zr doped films. The C1s core level XPS spectra show that the undoped and Zr doped films formed have a relative content of sp3 and sp2 hybrids. It is found that a value that is close to the estimated value, 0·5±0·05, of sp3/sp2 ratio results in better tribological properties in the undoped and Zr doped DLC films. These predicted values and the experimental results, for which an ANFIS predicts the tribological behaviour of the DLC films, are similar. The experimental results demonstrate that the tribological properties of DLC multilayer films are accurately predicted by an ANFIS. The results obtained for the ANFIS model are also compared to those for an ANN model and a Fuzzy system and it is shown that an ANFIS gives more reliable modelling of these sputtering processes and is more accurate and flexible than ANN and Fuzzy system models, which verifies the reliability and feasibility of this approach.
Pt/PANI–MWCNTs nanocomposite coating prepared by electropolymerisation–electrodeposition for glycerol electro-oxidation
Authors: Momeni M. M. , Nazari Z.
Published: December 2014

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)–polyaniline (PANI) composite films were prepared by in situ electrochemical polymerisation on the titanium sheet from an aniline solution containing a small content of well dispersed MWCNT. Then these composite films were employed as substrate for the electrodeposition of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs). The morphology of platinum nanoparticle/carbon nanotube-polyaniline composite coatings was characterised respectively by using a scanning electron microscope. The electrochemical behaviour and electrocatalytic activity of PtNPs/PANI–MWCNTs/Ti electrodes for glycerol oxidation were examined and the results show that these modified electrodes are highly active for electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol.
Frequency of dendritiform inflammatory cells in the cornea in herpetic anterior uveitis without clinical keratitis and Fuchs uveitis
Authors: Knoll Alexandra B , Postole Andreea S , Auffarth Gerd U , Mackensen Friederike
Published: December 2014

Background

Herpetic anterior uveitis is a frequent cause of infectious uveitis. A definite diagnosis is obtained by anterior chamber puncture and polymerase chain reaction, an invasive procedure. We hypothesized that patients with herpetic anterior uveitis have a certain pattern of inflammatory cells in their cornea that distinguishes herpetic anterior uveitis from other uveitis types. This study is a prospective, controlled, observational study. Ten patients are with active herpetic anterior uveitis and 14 patients are with Fuchs uveitis syndrome. Patients were imaged with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph with the Rostock Cornea Module attachment. Three images of the subepithelial area of the cornea were evaluated for dendritiform inflammatory cells. Means were calculated and used for analysis. The contralateral unaffected eyes and numbers published in the literature served as controls.

Results

The number of dendritiform inflammatory cells in herpetic anterior uveitis was compared to that in the Fuchs uveitis syndrome. Of the eyes of patients with herpetic anterior uveitis, 80% had an average of 98.0±10.8 cells/mm2 (mean±standard error of the mean (SEM), n=10) in their affected eyes and 60.4±26.4 cells/mm2, (n=6) in 30% of their fellow eyes. Patients with Fuchs uveitis syndrome had moderately elevated dendritiform inflammatory cells (47.0±9.7 cells/mm2, n=14) in 96.4% of their affected eyes and normal numbers (23.0±7.3 cells/mm2, n=13) in 46.4% of their fellow eyes. The difference between the four groups was significant (p=0.0004).

Conclusions

Patients with herpetic anterior uveitis had significantly higher levels of dendritiform inflammatory cells in their subepithelial cornea than patients with Fuchs uveitis syndrome, which can be detected by in vivo confocal microscopy. The clinically unaffected eyes of herpetic anterior uveitis patients showed a co-response regarding dendritiform inflammatory cell elevation. We conclude that high numbers of dendritiform inflammatory cells in the cornea of uveitis patients may support the clinical diagnosis of herpetic anterior uveitis.
A meta-analysis to derive literature-based benchmarks for readmission and hospital mortality after patient discharge from intensive care
Authors: Hosein F Shaun , Roberts Derek J , Turin Tanvir Chowdhury , Zygun David , Ghali William A , Stelfox Henry T
Published: December 2014

Introduction

We sought to derive literature-based summary estimates of readmission to the ICU and hospital mortality among patients discharged alive from the ICU.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to March 2013, as well as the reference lists in the publications of the included studies. We selected cohort studies of ICU discharge prognostic factors that in which readmission to the ICU or hospital mortality among patients discharged alive from the ICU was reported. Two reviewers independently abstracted the number of patients readmitted to the ICU and hospital deaths among patients discharged alive from the ICU. Fixed effects and random effects models were used to estimate the pooled cumulative incidence of ICU readmission and the pooled cumulative incidence of hospital mortality.

Results

The analysis included 58 studies (n = 2,073,170 patients). The majority of studies followed patients until hospital discharge (n = 46 studies) and reported readmission to the ICU (n = 46 studies) or hospital mortality (n = 49 studies). The cumulative incidence of ICU readmission was 4.0 readmissions (95% confidence interval (CI), 3.9 to 4.0) per 100 patient discharges using fixed effects pooling and 6.3 readmissions (95% CI, 5.6 to 6.9) per 100 patient discharges using random effects pooling. The cumulative incidence of hospital mortality was 3.3 deaths (95% CI, 3.3 to 3.3) per 100 patient discharges using fixed effects pooling and 6.8 deaths (95% CI, 6.1 to 7.6) per 100 patient discharges using random effects pooling. There was significant heterogeneity for the pooled estimates, which was partially explained by patient, institution and study methodological characteristics.

Conclusions

Using current literature estimates, for every 100 patients discharged alive from the ICU, between 4 and 6 patients on average will be readmitted to the ICU and between 3 and 7 patients on average will die prior to hospital discharge. These estimates can inform the selection of benchmarks for quality metrics of transitions of patient care between the ICU and the hospital ward.
Role of bone-anabolic agents in the treatment of breast cancer bone metastases
Authors: Suvannasankha Attaya , Chirgwin John M
Published: December 2014

Skeletal metastases are an incurable complication afflicting the majority of patients who die from advanced breast cancer. They are most often osteolytic, characterized by net bone destruction and suppressed new bone formation. Life expectancy from first diagnosis of breast cancer bone metastases is several years, during which time skeletal-related events - including pain, fracture, hypercalcemia, and spinal cord compression - significantly degrade quality of life. The bone marrow niche can also confer hormonal and chemo-resistance. Most treatments for skeletal metastases target bone-destroying osteoclasts and are palliative. Recent results from the Breast cancer trials of Oral Everolimus-2 trial suggest that agents such as the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus may have efficacy against breast cancer bone metastases in part via stimulating osteoblasts as well as by inhibiting tumor growth. Selective estrogen receptor modulators similarly inhibit growth of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers while having positive effects on the skeleton. This review discusses the future role of bone-anabolic agents for the specific treatment of osteolytic breast cancer metastases. Agents with both anti-tumor and bone-anabolic actions have been tested in the setting of multiple myeloma, a hematological malignancy that causes severe osteolytic bone loss and suppression of osteoblastic new bone formation. Stimulation of osteoblast activity inhibits multiple myeloma growth - a strategy that might decrease breast cancer burden in osteolytic bone metastases. Proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib and carfilzomib) inhibit the growth of myeloma directly and are anabolic for bone. Drugs with limited anti-tumor activity but which are anabolic for bone include intermittent parathyroid hormone and antibodies that neutralize the WNT inhibitors DKK1 and sclerostin, as well as the activin A blocker sotatercept and the osteoporosis drug strontium ranelate. Transforming growth factor-beta inhibitors have little tumor anti-proliferative activity but block breast cancer production of osteolytic factors and are also anabolic for bone. Some of these treatments are already in clinical trials. This review provides an overview of agents with bone-anabolic properties, which may have utility in the treatment of breast cancer metastatic to the skeleton.
Mandatory costs by firm size thresholds: firm location, growth and death in Sri Lanka
Authors: Abidoye Babatunde O , Orazem Peter F , Vodopivec Milan
Published: December 2014

Sri Lanka’s Termination of Employment of Workmen Act (TEWA) requires that firms with 15 or more workers justify layoffs and provide generous severance pay to displaced workers, with smaller firms being exempted. Although formally subject to TEWA, firms in Export Promotion Zones (EPZs) do not face the same constraints as nonEPZ firms due to size incentives and lax labor law enforcement in that sector. In EPZ, 77% of firms have more than 15 employees while 76% of nonEPZ firms are smaller than 15 employees. Panel data on all formal sector firms between 1995 and 2003 shows that 80% of the size gap is from sorting of large firms into the EPZ. In addition, EPZ firms grow faster and are less likely to die than comparably sized nonEPZ firms. Despite its intent, TEWA lowered employment.

JEL code:J30
Enzyme promiscuity: using the dark side of enzyme specificity in white biotechnology
Authors: Arora Benu , Mukherjee Joyeeta , Gupta Munishwar Nath
Published: December 2014

Enzyme promiscuity can be classified into substrate promiscuity, condition promiscuity and catalytic promiscuity. Enzyme promiscuity results in far larger ranges of organic compounds which can be obtained by biocatalysis. While early examples mostly involved use of lipases, more recent literature shows that catalytic promiscuity occurs more widely and many other classes of enzymes can be used to obtain diverse kinds of molecules. This is of immense relevance in the context of white biotechnology as enzyme catalysed reactions use greener conditions.
The offset-midpoint traveltime pyramid in 3D transversely isotropic media with a horizontal symmetry axis
Authors: Hao Qi , Stovas Alexey , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: December 2014

Analytic representation of the offset-midpoint traveltime equation for anisotropy is very important for prestack Kirchhoff migration and velocity inversion in anisotropic media. For transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis, the offset-midpoint traveltime resembles the shape of a Cheops’ pyramid. This is also valid for homogeneous 3D transversely isotropic media with a horizontal symmetry axis (HTI). We extended the offset-midpoint traveltime pyramid to the case of homogeneous 3D HTI. Under the assumption of weak anellipticity of HTI media, we derived an analytic representation of the P-wave traveltime equation and used Shanks transformation to improve the accuracy of horizontal and vertical slownesses. The traveltime pyramid was derived in the depth and time domains. Numerical examples confirmed the accuracy of the proposed approximation for the traveltime function in 3D HTI media.
A robust experimental determination of Thomsen’s δ parameter
Authors: Sarout Joel , Delle Piane Claudio , Nadri Dariush , Esteban Lionel , Dewhurst David N.
Published: December 2014

A novel inversion method for the laboratory determination of Thomsen’s [Formula: see text] anisotropy parameter on cylindrical rock specimens from ultrasonic data has been recently reported in the literature. We further assessed this method through a direct comparison of the results of the traditional method (involving a single off-axis P-wave velocity measurement at 45°) and the new method (involving 65 P-wave velocity measurements at several angles to the symmetry axis). We prepared and characterized two vertical shale specimens from the same preserved vertical core to assess their similarity in terms of structure, mineralogy, porosity, and density. The shale was assumed to be transversely isotropic in view of the observed (horizontal) bedding. We subjected both specimens to the same brine saturation and effective stress state. Using the two methods, we obtained similar results for Thomsen’s [Formula: see text] (vertical P-wave) and [Formula: see text] (P-wave anisotropy) parameters. However, a significant discrepancy was observed for Thomsen’s [Formula: see text] parameter: We obtained results of 0.13 using the new method and 0.39 using the traditional method. As a result of the overdetermined nature of the P-wave velocity measurements used in the new method, we believe that the corresponding [Formula: see text] value is more reliable. Also, the value derived with the new testing method seems to match more closely the reported field data.
Cased-hole interpretation workflow for determining residual oil saturation for mature fields
Authors: Jambunathan Venkataraman , Suparman FNU , Liu Zhipeng , Guo Weijun , Dorffer Daniel
Published: December 2014

Formation evaluation for mature oil fields remains a challenge for operators. Rock-petrophysical properties present large uncertainties following years of production. Formation evaluation becomes even more challenging when there is a lack of open-hole logging data as is typically the case. Logging programs for cased-hole formation evaluation are limited by the size of the well completion. In addition, a metallic casing often prevents the effective use of electric measurements. However, pulsed-neutron tools (PNTs) are a viable option for mature fields. We developed a brief review of PNT theory. The high-energy neutrons output at a high count rate fit the need of cased-hole applications. Application of pulsed-neutron technology for mature fields and a case history from west Texas, in which pulsed neutron technology was used to determine remaining oil saturation are discussed. We documented the best practice for data acquisition and the processing workflow. Having a good collaboration between operator and service provider helps to better understand the logging objectives and in job planning, which is important for the success of the logging operation.
Mapping directional variations in seismic character using gray-level co-occurrence matrix-based attributes
Authors: Eichkitz Christoph Georg , Schreilechner Marcellus Gregor , de Groot Paul , Amtmann Johannes
Published: December 2014

Texture attributes describe the spatial arrangement of neighboring amplitudes values within a given analysis window. We chose a statistical texture classification method, the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), and its derived attributes, to produce a semiautomated description of the spatial arrangement of seismic facies. The GLCM is a measure of how often different combinations of neighboring pixel values occur. We tested the application of directional GLCM-based attributes for the detection of seismic variability within paleoriver features. Calculation of 3D GLCM-based attributes can be done in 13 space directions. The results of GLCM-based attribute calculation differed depending on the chosen GLCM parameters (number of gray levels, analysis window, and direction of calculation). We specifically focused on how the direction of calculation influenced the computation of attributes, while keeping other parameters constant. We first tested the workflow on a 2D training image and later ran on a real seismic amplitude volume from the Vienna Basin. Based on the GLCM-based attributes, we could map the channel features and extract them as geobodies. Additionally, we generated a new set of directional GLCM-based attributes to detect spatial changes in the seismic facies. By comparing these directional attributes, we could determine areas within the channel features having higher directional variability. Areas with higher tendency to directional variations might be associated with changes in lithology, seismic facies, or with seismic anisotropy.
Attenuation and velocity estimation using rock physics and neural network methods for calibrating reflection seismograms
Authors: Parra Jorge O. , Iturrarán-Viveros Ursula , Parra Jonathan S. , Xu Pei-Cheng
Published: December 2014

Velocity logs are the most important data used to evaluate rock, fluid, and geotechnical properties of hydrocarbon reservoirs. As a complementary physical property, P-wave attenuation ([Formula: see text]) can be used as an indicator of lithology and fluid saturation in oil and gas reservoir characterization. We implemented an inversion self-consistent rock physical model to predict P- and S-wave velocities in two old wells near a new well containing a complete suite of logs at the Waggoner Ranch oil reservoir in northeast Texas. We selected a training data set from the new well to test the algorithm that was subsequently applied to predict velocity data in the two old wells. We used an attenuation log from the new well to perform data analysis via the Gamma test, a mathematically nonparametric nonlinear smooth modeling tool, to choose the best input combination of well logs to train an artificial neural network (NN) for estimating [Formula: see text]. Then, the NN was applied to predict attenuation logs in the old wells. The [Formula: see text] logs detected oil-saturated sand that was modeled with a rock physical model. This is a significant result that revealed for the first time that oil, gas, and water saturations of sand can be quantified from an attenuation anomaly estimated from full-waveform sonic data. In addition, water, oil, and gas saturations of the sand were determined from [Formula: see text] anomalies observed in the old wells. This confirms the productivity of the Upper Milham oil-saturated sand intercepted by the three wells. The velocity, density, and [Formula: see text] logs were used to generate synthetic seismograms to calibrate seismic data to verify and evaluate the work flow for predicting velocity and attenuation logs in older wells. This demonstrated that attenuation logs can discriminate between anomalies due to lithology and those due to oil and gas saturation.
Exploring the Burden of Inpatient Readmissions After Major Cancer Surgery
Authors: Stitzenberg Karyn B. , Chang YunKyung , Smith Angela B. , Nielsen Matthew E.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

Travel distances to care have increased substantially with centralization of complex cancer procedures at high-volume centers. We hypothesize that longer travel distances are associated with higher rates of postoperative readmission and poorer outcomes.

Methods

SEER-Medicare patients with bladder, lung, pancreas, or esophagus cancer who were diagnosed in 2001 to 2007 and underwent extirpative surgery were included. Readmission rates and survival were calculated using Kaplan-Meier functions. Multivariable negative binomial models were used to examine factors associated with readmission.

Results

Four thousand nine hundred forty cystectomies, 1,573 esophagectomies, 20,362 lung resections, and 2,844 pancreatectomies were included. Thirty- and 90-day readmission rates ranged from 13% to 29% and 23% to 43%, respectively, based on tumor type. Predictors of readmission were discharge to somewhere other than home, longer length of stay, comorbidities, higher stage at diagnosis, and longer travel distance (P < .001 for each). Patients who lived farther from the index hospital also had increased emergency room visits and were more likely to be readmitted to a hospital other than the index hospital (P < .001). Of readmitted patients, 31.9% were readmitted more than once. Long-term survival was worse and costs of care higher for patients who were readmitted (P < .001 for all).

Conclusion

The burden of readmissions after major cancer surgery is high, resulting in substantially poorer patient outcomes and higher costs. Risk of readmission was most strongly associated with length of stay and discharge destination. Travel distance also has an impact on patterns of readmission. Interventions targeted at higher risk individuals could potentially decrease the population burden of readmissions after major cancer surgery.