bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional curvature analysis of seismic waveforms and its interpretational implications
Authors: Di Haibin , Alfarraj Motaz , AlRegib Ghassan 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThe idea of curvature analysis has been widely used in subsurface structure interpretation from three‐dimensional seismic data (e.g., fault/fracture detection and geomorphology delineation) by measuring the lateral changes in the geometry of seismic events. However, such geometric curvature utilizes only the kinematic information (two‐way traveltime) of the available seismic signals. While analysing the dynamic information (waveform), the traditional approaches (e.g., complex trace analysis) are often trace‐wise and thereby fail to take into account the seismic reflector continuity and deviate from the true direction of geologic deposition, especially for steeply dipping formations. This study proposes extending the three‐dimensional curvature analysis to the waveforms in a seismic profile, here denoted as the waveform curvature, and investigates the associated implications for assisting seismic interpretation. Applications to the F3 seismic dataset over the Netherlands North Sea demonstrate the added values of the proposed waveform curvature analysis in four aspects. First, the capability of the curvature operator in differentiating convex and concave bending allows automatic decomposition of a seismic image by the reflector types (peaks, troughs and zero crossings), which can greatly facilitate computer‐aided horizon interpretation and modelling from three‐dimensional seismic data. Second, the signed minimum curvature offers a new analytical approach for estimating the fundamental and important reflector dip attribute by searching the orientation associated with least waveform variation. Third, the signed maximum curvature makes it possible to analyse the seismic signals along the normal direction of the reflection events. Finally, the curvature analysis promotes the frequency bands of the seismic signals and thereby enhances the apparent resolution on identifying and interpreting subtle seismic features.
Functional analysis of Salmonella Typhi adaptation to survival in water
Authors: Kingsley Robert A. , Langridge Gemma , Smith Sarah E. , Makendi Carine , Fookes Maria , Wileman Tom M. , El Ghany Moataz Abd , Keith Turner A. , Dyson Zoe A. , Sridhar Sushmita , Pickard Derek , Kay Sally , Feasey Nicholas , Wong Vanessa , Barquist Lars , Dougan Gordon 
Published: November 2018

SummaryContaminated water is a major risk factor associated with the transmission of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi), the aetiological agent of human typhoid. However, little is known about how this pathogen adapts to living in the aqueous environment. We used transcriptome analysis (RNA‐seq) and transposon mutagenesis (TraDIS) to characterize these adaptive changes and identify multiple genes that contribute to survival. Over half of the genes in the S. Typhi genome altered expression level within the first 24 h following transfer from broth culture to water, although relatively few did so in the first 30 min. Genes linked to central metabolism, stress associated with arrested proton motive force and respiratory chain factors changed expression levels. Additionally, motility and chemotaxis genes increased expression, consistent with a scavenging lifestyle. The viaB‐associated gene tviC encoding a glcNAc epimerase that is required for Vi polysaccharide biosynthesis was, along with several other genes, shown to contribute to survival in water. Thus, we define regulatory adaptation operating in S. Typhi that facilitates survival in water.
New archaeal viruses discovered by metagenomic analysis of viral communities in enrichment cultures
Authors: Liu Ying , Brandt David , Ishino Sonoko , Ishino Yoshizumi , Koonin Eugene V. , Kalinowski Jörn , Krupovic Mart , Prangishvili David 
Published: November 2018

SummaryViruses infecting hyperthermophilic archaea of the phylum Crenarchaeota display enormous morphological and genetic diversity, and are classified into 12 families. Eight of these families include only one or two species, indicating sparse sampling of the crenarchaeal virus diversity. In an attempt to expand the crenarchaeal virome, we explored virus diversity in the acidic, hot spring Umi Jigoku in Beppu, Japan. Environmental samples were used to establish enrichment cultures under conditions favouring virus replication. The host diversity in the enrichment cultures was restricted to members of the order Sulfolobales. Metagenomic sequencing of the viral communities yielded seven complete or near‐complete double‐stranded DNA virus genomes. Six of these genomes could be attributed to polyhedral and filamentous viruses that were observed by electron microscopy in the enrichment cultures. Two icosahedral viruses represented species in the family Portogloboviridae. Among the filamentous viruses, two were identified as new species in the families Rudiviridae and Lipothrixviridae, whereas two other formed a group seemingly distinct from the known virus genera. No particle morphotype could be unequivocally assigned to the seventh viral genome, which apparently represents a new virus type. Our results suggest that filamentous viruses are globally distributed and are prevalent virus types in extreme geothermal environments.
The Shibboleth of Sovereignty
Authors: Loughlin Martin , Tierney Stephen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSovereignty is the central tenet of modern British constitutional thought but its meaning remains misunderstood. Lawyers treat it as a precise legal concept – the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty – but commonly fail to acknowledge that that doctrine is erected on a skewed sense of what sovereignty entails. In particular, they do not see that the doctrine rests on a particular political conviction, that the British state depends on a central authority equipped with an unlimited power. These two facets of sovereignty are now so deeply intertwined in legal consciousness that they cannot easily be unravelled and this becomes the main barrier to thinking constructively about Britain's constitutional arrangements. This article substantiates these claims by explaining how the doctrine came into being, demonstrating how it is tied to a deeper political conviction, showing that its political underpinnings have been considerably weakened over the last century, and indicating how its re‐working is the precondition of constitutional renewal.
The UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 Three Years On
Authors: Mantouvalou Virginia 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis article provides a critical assessment of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 (MSA) three years after its enactment. It puts forward the following claims: first, that while criminalisation of individuals who engage in severe labour exploitation is welcome, the legislation has failed to increase prosecutions and to provide adequate remedies to victims; second, that heavy reliance on criminal law for the regulation of severe labour exploitation is insufficient, because the broader political and legislative context suggests that there is no political will to address structural factors, including legal structures, that create vulnerability to exploitation; and third, that the MSA is too weak in tackling modern slavery by businesses in their supply chains, as existing evidence from business responses to the MSA indicates. The article concludes that despite the passing of the Act, there is much scope for improvement in measures for eliminating labour exploitation, even with regard to its most severe forms.
Home Sales Pair Counts: TheOrganicMetric for Trading Volume in Housing Markets
Authors: Giannetti Antoine 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHome sales pair counts are proposed as theorganicmetric for trading volume in housing markets. Aside from seasonality and temporal aggregation, as opposed to price appreciation, pair count growth is serially uncorrelated. A nonlinear dynamic GMM panel relating home price appreciation to adjusted count growth is estimated for respectively 5 condominium and 10 single‐family home S&P/Case–Shiller indices. While both condominium and single‐family home indices display a positive long‐run response to shocks in trading volume, the latter is economically and statistically more pronounced. Overall, the empirical findings are consistent with the observation that housing markets are primarily quantity clearing markets.
Seeking Entry: Discursive Hooks and NGOs in Global Climate Politics
Authors: Allan Jen Iris 
Published: November 2018

AbstractToday's global climate movement is substantial and diverse. In the mid‐2000s, an influx of activists and organizations advancing social issues, such as gender, labor, justice, development and indigenous rights (to name a few) arrived at the UN climate negotiations, fragmenting civil society. I argue that, in part, the rise of these ‘new’ climate activists can be explained by the ongoing negotiations for a legally binding treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which added new issues that became ‘discursive hooks’ for NGOs’ claims to belonging in the climate regime. Linking to a specific institution had two effects: it served as an entry point to frame climate issues as social issues; and it helped NGOs carve a niche in climate policy in which they were authorities. In the Paris regime, this history matters, as some NGOs will fare better under the new rules than others. First, those established in institutions enshrined in the Paris Agreement will continue to have a foothold in the regime. Second, those that built their authority on their expertise or their capacity to deliver mitigation results may find more opportunities than those making moral claims.
The Policy Role of Corporate Carbon Management: Co‐regulating Ecological Effectiveness
Authors: Lister Jane 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has called for private sector participation in global carbon governance and corporations now seem to be heeding the call at an unprecedented scale. Both critics and proponents of corporate social responsibility (CSR) interpret this as a necessary but uncertain development. Business response has demonstrably failed in the past. Contributing to the CSR and private environmental governance effectiveness literature, this article argues that while voluntary corporate climate governance efforts are essential and improving, they are far from sufficient for meaningful decarbonization. Through an evaluation of the three main underlying corporate carbon management practices (target setting, carbon pricing and carbon reporting), the article highlights how company efforts create business advantage (e.g. risk management) but fall short on ecological effectiveness (i.e. absolute carbon reduction). In response, the paper argues the importance of greater climate policy co‐regulation. This includes indirect enabling by governments and the IPCC to encourage incremental improvements in company efforts. It also includes more direct, state‐led prescriptive interventions coordinated across supply chains and supported by international organizations, to ensure corporate participation and deeper transformative change to business models, industry structures and consumptive patterns at the root of the global climate crisis.
Investment Experience, Financial Literacy, and Investment‐Related Judgments
Authors: Krische Susan D. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThis research examines how investment experience and financial literacy impact investment‐related judgments. Financial literacy refers to a person's knowledge of fundamental financial concepts. I begin by documenting investors' demographic characteristics and financial literacy using a relatively large sample of participants (n > 2,000) recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk under different categories of investment experience, which I benchmark against national samples of financial capability skills in the United States. I then replicate a sample of three accounting research experiments, varying the type and depth of the underlying accounting issue. Across the three experiments, the data show two main results: First, investment experience strengthens the influence of financial accounting disclosures on participants' investment‐related judgments. Second, financial literacy further strengthens the influence of financial accounting disclosures on investors' (but not noninvestors') judgments. Collectively, these findings suggest that investment experience and financial literacy can help to identify individuals who are more likely to be able and willing to study financial reporting information with reasonable diligence as they form their investment‐related judgments.
Partial reprogramming induces a steady decline in epigenetic age before loss of somatic identity
Authors: Olova Nelly , Simpson Daniel J. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Chandra Tamir 
Published: November 2018

AbstractInduced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs), with their unlimited regenerative capacity, carry the promise for tissue replacement to counter age‐related decline. However, attempts to realize in vivo iPSC have invariably resulted in the formation of teratomas. Partial reprogramming in prematurely aged mice has shown promising results in alleviating age‐related symptoms without teratoma formation. Does partial reprogramming lead to rejuvenation (i.e., “younger” cells), rather than dedifferentiation, which bears the risk of cancer? Here, we analyse the dynamics of cellular age during human iPSC reprogramming and find that partial reprogramming leads to a reduction in the epigenetic age of cells. We also find that the loss of somatic gene expression and epigenetic age follows different kinetics, suggesting that they can be uncoupled and there could be a safe window where rejuvenation can be achieved with a minimized risk of cancer.
Clinical and dermoscopic features associated with lichen planus‐like keratoses that undergo skin biopsy: A single‐center, observational study
Authors: Liopyris Konstantinos , Navarrete‐Dechent Cristian , Dusza Stephen W , Marghoob Ashfaq A , Deng Liang , Wilson Barbara B , Marchetti Michael A 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesLichen planus‐like keratoses (LPLK) are benign skin lesions that can mimic malignancy; the clinical and dermoscopic features distinguishing lichen planus‐like keratoses from skin tumors have not been extensively studied. The objective of this study was to identify dermoscopic features that may prevent unnecessary biopsies of lichen planus‐like keratoses.MethodsRetrospective, single‐center, observational study of biopsied skin lesions at a tertiary center. We compared 355 lichen planus‐like keratoses to 118 non‐lichen planus‐like keratoses lesions with lichen planus‐like keratosis in the differential diagnosis biopsied from August 1, 2015, to December 31, 2016. The investigators were blinded to the diagnosis of the lesions.ResultsLichen planus‐like keratoses were most frequently non‐pigmented (61.7%), truncal (52.1%), and on sun‐damaged skin (69.6%); the majority occurred in Whites (95.5%) and females (62.8%). Dermoscopically, lichen planus‐like keratoses were more likely than non‐lichen planus‐like keratoses to have scale (42.5% vs 31.4%, P = 0.03) and orange colour (8.2% vs 0.9%, P = 0.01). Among lesions with peppering (n = 76; 63 lichen planus‐like keratoses and 13 non‐lichen planus‐like keratoses), coarse ± fine peppering (73% vs 38.5%, P = 0.02) and peppering as the only feature (34.9% vs 0%, P = 0.01) were associated with lichen planus‐like keratoses.ConclusionsLichen planus‐like keratoses can be challenging to distinguish from benign and malignant skin tumors. The presence of dermoscopic scale and orange colour may aid in the recognition of lichen planus‐like keratosis. Coarse peppering and the presence of peppering as the only dermoscopic feature may further aid the identification of pigmented lichen planus‐like keratoses.
Coming to town: Reaching agreement on a thorny issue
Authors: Wapau Hylda , Jans Diana , Hapea Emily , Mein Jacki , Curnow Venessa , McDonald Malcolm 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the process of gaining consensus across regional organisations in formulating measures to improve coordination of care for people from remote Far North Queensland communities coming to town (Cairns) to access health care.DesignThis is a descriptive study that includes survey data from workshop participants.SettingComing to town for health care poses great challenges, especially for Indigenous Australians from remote communities. Numerous organisations are involved, communications are fragmented and there is no central coordinating body. The system frequently fails to deliver necessary services. This generates preventable cost burdens through missed flights, missed appointments, missed treatment opportunities and extra administration. Workshop organisers invited key service providers from across Far North Queensland.Main outcome measuresUsing real‐case scenarios, the task was to identify and prioritise the central issues and explore ways to address them. Participants jointly crafted the final recommendations and also posted suggestions on a ‘wish‐list’ board. A participant assessment survey was conducted at the end of the workshop, followed by an online survey 6 weeks later.ResultsThere were 32 participants. The concluding survey indicated the workshop was well received and people valued the collaboration. There were six primary recommendations plus numerous wish‐list suggestions. The best‐supported recommendation was establishment of a coming to town Hub with a local coordinating team and community‐based representatives.ConclusionImplementation of the workshop recommendations and support of all key service providers should be culturally acceptable and resource‐efficient with better health outcomes for travellers, their families and communities.
Response to treatment is more important than disease severity at diagnosis for prediction of early relapse in new‐onset paediatric Crohn’s disease
Authors: Ziv‐Baran Tomer , Hussey Séamus , Sladek Malgorzata , Amil Dias Jorge , Martin de Carpi Javier , Miele Erasmo , Veres Gabor , Lionetti Paolo , Koletzko Sibylle , Nuti Federica , Paerregaard Anders , Kolho Kaija‐Leena , Russell Richard K. , Shaoul Ron , Weiner Dror , Sigall Boneh Rotem , Escher Johanna , Finnby Lenne , Turner Dan , Levine Arie 
Published: November 2018

SummaryBackgroundPaediatric Crohn's disease is characteried by frequently relapsing disease which may lead to hospitalisations and complications.AimTo develop predictive models for early relapse following first remission.MethodsThe GROWTH CD prospective inception cohort was designed to predict risk for early disease relapse and poor outcomes. Newly diagnosed children underwent endoscopies and imaging. They were phenotyped and followed at scheduled visits through 78 weeks for relapses. Twenty‐eight dichotomous and continuous variables were assessed at baseline and week 12, including phenotype, inflammatory markers, disease activity (PCDAI) and other markers. Clinical relapses defined as PCDAI >10 after remission were recorded using a relapse form. Logistic regression & risk modelling was performed.ResultsWe enrolled 282 eligible patients of whom 178 (63.6%) patients achieved steroid free remission by week 12. Disease complications developed in 22/76(29%) of patients with relapse compared to 20/206 (9.7%) without relapse (P = 0.01). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that while variables from age/gender at diagnosis were not predictive, week 12 variables including PCDAI >5 (P = 0.02), CRP >20 mg/L (P = 0.02), and faecal calprotectin >400 µg/g (P = 0.03) as optimal cut‐offs were associated with increased risk of relapse. A prediction model for patients in remission including gender, age, week 12 PCDAI, calprotectin and CRP had sensitivity 43%, specificity 92%, PPV 78%, NPV 71% for relapse.ConclusionsEarly relapses were associated with a higher risk for disease complications at followup. Relapse prediction based on week 12 disease activity or inflammation is superior to prediction using data from diagnosis.
Chronic administration of theobromine inhibits mTOR signal in rats
Authors: Sugimoto Naotoshi , Katakura Masanori , Matsuzaki Kentaro , Sumiyoshi Eri , Yachie Akihiro , Shido Osamu 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTheobromine is a caffeine derivative and the primary methylxanthine in Theobroma cacao. We have shown previously that theobromine inhibits the Akt‐mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal in vitro. In this study, we investigated whether orally administered theobromine could inhibit mTOR activity in rats. mTOR is phosphorylated by Akt. Thus, the level of phosphorylated mTOR was used as an index of mTOR activity. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups. The control group (CN) was fed a normal diet, while the theobromine group (TB) was fed a diet supplemented with 0.05% theobromine for 40 days. We measured body‐weights and tissue weights, food and water intake, blood count, concentrations of theobromine in the plasma, liver and brain, and the levels of phosphorylated mTOR in the liver and brain. Orally administered theobromine did not affect the body‐weights and tissue weights, food and water intake, and blood count as determined by comparison with levels in rats that were fed standard chow. Theobromine was detected in the plasma, liver and brain obtained from TB rats, but was not detected in tissues obtained from CN rats. The phosphorylated mTOR levels in the liver and brain were significantly lower in TB rats than in CN rats. The results suggest that oral theobromine inhibits mTOR signalling in vivo.
Red Blood cell IMPDH activity in adults and children with or without azathioprine: Relationship between thiopurine metabolites, ITPA and TPMT activities
Authors: Citterio‐Quentin Antony , El Mahmoudi Amal , Perret Thibault , Conway Anthony , Ryan Aishling , Beringer Audrey , Lachaux Alain , Boulieu Roselyne 
Published: November 2018

AbstractInosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is considered as the limiting enzyme of thiopurine metabolism for the formation of 6‐thioguanine nucleotides (6‐TGN). No data are available on the influence of RBC IMPDH activity on the metabolism of thiopurine drugs in individuals with IBD. The aims of this study were as follows: (a) to carry out a phenotypic study of RBC IMPDH activity in adults and children treated or not with azathioprine (AZA) for autoimmune diseases, and (b) to investigate the relationship between the activities of IMPDH, thiopurine metabolites, inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) and thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT). IMPDH activity was determined in 97 adults and 67 children treated or not with AZA. 6‐Thioguanine nucleotides (6‐TGN), 6‐methylmercaptopurine nucleotide (6‐MeMPN) levels, and ITPA as well as TPMT activities were measured in RBCs by HPLC. Using the Gaussian mixture model, distribution of IMPDH activity was evaluated. Influence of age, sex and AZA treatment on IMPDH activity was also assessed. A bimodal distribution in IMPDH activity was found with 87% of patients exhibiting normal activity and 13% of patients with high activity. No influence of age, sex and AZA therapy was found. There is no relationship between TPMT, ITPA and IMPDH activities. A negative correlation between IMPDH activity and 6‐MeMPN was shown in adults and children (rs = −0.335 P = 0.014 and rs = −0.383 P = 0.012, respectively). Our results suggest that AZA‐treated patients exhibiting lower IMPDH activity could have higher Me‐6MPN levels with higher risk of hepatotoxicity. We demonstrated that RBC matrix could be an interesting alternative to lymphocyte matrix to monitor thiopurine metabolites and enzyme activity.