bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of fracturing process on microseismic propagation
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Zhang Feng , Li Xiang‐Yang 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTIn the hydraulic fracturing process, the velocity model for microseismic location is usually constructed by well logs, seismic data or calibration shots which ignore the influence of the fracturing process. In this work, we examine its influence by simulating microseismic events and pore pressure variation in the fracturing process. Besides the microseismicity produced by hydraulic fracture extension, we also simulate the microseismicity caused by fluid leakage by means of the critical pore pressure criterion. The Coates‐Schoenberg method and fracture compliances are then applied to calculate the real‐time velocity in the fracturing process, and 3D ray tracing method is applied to compare the microseismic propagation variation in the different stages of the fracturing process. The results of the simulation show that the deviation caused by the fracturing process varies considerably between different receiver locations, and the overall deviation increases with the fracturing process. Finally, a new method is constructed to evaluate the travel time deviation in real data.
Revealing microbial functional activities in the Red Sea sponge Stylissa carteri by metatranscriptomics
Authors: Moitinho‐Silva Lucas , Seridi Loqmane , Ryu Taewoo , Voolstra Christian R. , Ravasi Timothy , Hentschel Ute 
Published: June 2014

SummarySponges are important components of marine benthic environments and are associated with microbial symbionts that carry out ecologically relevant functions. Stylissa carteri is an abundant, low‐microbial abundance species in the Red Sea. We aimed to achieve the functional and taxonomic characterization of the most actively expressed prokaryotic genes in S. carteri. Prokaryotic mRNA was enriched from sponge total RNA, sequenced using Illumina HiSeq technology and annotated using the metagenomics Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology (MG‐RAST) pipeline. We detected high expression of archaeal ammonia oxidation and photosynthetic carbon fixation by members of the genus Synechococcus. Functions related to stress response and membrane transporters were among the most highly expressed by S. carteri symbionts. Unexpectedly, gene functions related to methylotrophy were highly expressed by gammaproteobacterial symbionts. The presence of seawater‐derived microbes is indicated by the phylogenetic proximity of organic carbon transporters to orthologues of members from the SAR11 clade. In summary, we revealed the most expressed functions of the S. carteri‐associated microbial community and linked them to the dominant taxonomic members of the microbiome. This work demonstrates the applicability of metatranscriptomics to explore poorly characterized symbiotic consortia and expands our knowledge of the ecologically relevant functions carried out by coral reef sponge symbionts.
Spatial distribution of microbial communities in the shallow submarine alkaline hydrothermal field of the Prony Bay, New Caledonia
Authors: Quéméneur Marianne , Bes Méline , Postec Anne , Mei Nan , Hamelin Jérôme , Monnin Christophe , Chavagnac Valérie , Payri Claude , Pelletier Bernard , Guentas‐Dombrowsky Linda , Gérard Martine , Pisapia Céline , Gérard Emmanuelle , Ménez Bénédicte , Ollivier Bernard , Erauso Gaël 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe shallow submarine hydrothermal field of the Prony Bay (New Caledonia) discharges hydrogen‐ and methane‐rich fluids with low salinity, temperature (< 40°C) and high pH (11) produced by the serpentinization reactions of the ultramafic basement into the lagoon seawater. They are responsible for the formation of carbonate chimneys at the lagoon seafloor. Capillary electrophoresis single‐strand conformation polymorphism fingerprinting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis of 16S rRNA genes revealed changes in microbial community structure, abundance and diversity depending on the location, water depth, and structure of the carbonate chimneys. The low archaeal diversity was dominated by few uncultured Methanosarcinales similar to those found in other serpentinization‐driven submarine and subterrestrial ecosystems (e.g. Lost City, The Cedars). The most abundant and diverse bacterial communities were mainly composed of Chloroflexi, Deinococcus‐Thermus, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Functional gene analysis revealed similar abundance and diversity of both Methanosarcinales methanoarchaea, and Desulfovibrionales and Desulfobacterales sulfate‐reducers in the studied sites. Molecular studies suggest that redox reactions involving hydrogen, methane and sulfur compounds (e.g. sulfate) are the energy driving forces of the microbial communities inhabiting the Prony hydrothermal system.
Ultrasound‐guided lateral infraclavicular block evaluated by infrared thermography and distal skin temperature
Authors: ASGHAR S. , LUNDSTRØM L. H. , BJERREGAARD L. S. , LANGE K. H. W. 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundBrachial plexus blocks cause changes in hand and digit skin temperature. We investigated thermographic patterns after the lateral infraclavicular brachial plexus block. We hypothesised that a successful lateral infraclavicular block could be predicted by increased skin temperature of the 2nd and 5th digits.MethodsWe performed an ultrasound‐guided lateral infraclavicular block in 45 patients undergoing upper limb surgery. The contralateral hand served as control and we obtained infrared thermographic images of both hands before the block and during the following 30 min. We defined areas of interest on the hands and analysed mean skin temperature of each area.ResultsForty patients completed the study. Thirty blocks were successful, six were failures and four were partial failures. Four distinct patterns of skin temperature changes were revealed with highly significant changes in temperature, depending on block success. A simultaneous 1 °C ipsilateral increase in skin temperature of the 2nd and 5th digits predicted a successful block with a positive predictive value of 100%. A 5 °C difference in digit skin temperature compared with the contralateral hand had a positive predictive value of 96%, and a digit skin temperature ≤ 30 °C 30  min after performing the block had a predictive value of 100% for a failed block.ConclusionsFour different thermographic patterns were found. Simultaneous increases in skin temperature of both the 2nd and 5th digits predicted lateral infraclavicular block success with a positive predictive value of 100%. Digit skin temperature ≤ 30 °C 30 min after performing the block indicated block failure.
The impact of oral food challenge tests on food allergy health‐related quality of life
Authors: Soller L. , Hourihane J. , DunnGalvin A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractFood allergy health‐related quality of life (FAQOL) has been shown to improve after food challenge, but it is unknown whether this improvement is attributed to the procedure itself. Using the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire–Parent Form, we assessed FAQOL changes over time for children who underwent food challenges in the only paediatric allergy clinic in Ireland. Of 54 children who had a food challenge between September 2012 and February 2013, 25 were positive (allergic) and 29 were negative (nonallergic). FAQOL improved significantly from 2 months prechallenge to 2 months postchallenge for both groups, but began to decrease at 6 months postchallenge in allergic patients. Our findings confirm the positive therapeutic effect of the food challenge on FAQOL; however, the effect appears to wane between 2 and 6 months postchallenge in those confirmed food‐allergic, highlighting the importance of regular contact with families of food‐allergic children after the food challenge.
Treating the untreatable patient: current options for the management of treatment‐resistant neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Broadhead Geoffrey K. , Hong Thomas , Chang Andrew A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAnti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) agents represent the current standard of care for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD). Although effective in a majority of cases, a significant proportion of patients have persisting retinal exudation despite regular anti‐VEGF therapy. This exudation is considered to produce poorer visual outcomes in these patients. Some of these patients may have misdiagnosed nAMD variants such as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy; however, the majority of these eyes have what has been termed treatment‐resistant nAMD. Currently, the best way to care for these patients is uncertain. Here, we review the evidence for different approaches to the management of treatment‐resistant nAMD, including high‐dose anti‐VEGF therapy, combination regimes and switching of anti‐VEGF agents, and discuss possible therapeutic approaches for patients with treatment‐resistant nAMD.
Bayesian nowcasting during the STEC O104:H4 outbreak in Germany, 2011
Authors: Höhle Michael , an der Heiden Matthias 
Published: June 2014

SummaryA Bayesian approach to the prediction of occurred‐but‐not‐yet‐reported events is developed for application in real‐time public health surveillance. The motivation was the prediction of the daily number of hospitalizations for the hemolytic‐uremic syndrome during the large May–July 2011 outbreak of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O104:H4 in Germany. Our novel Bayesian approach addresses the count data nature of the problem using negative binomial sampling and shows that right‐truncation of the reporting delay distribution under an assumption of time‐homogeneity can be handled in a conjugate prior‐posterior framework using the generalized Dirichlet distribution. Since, in retrospect, the true number of hospitalizations is available, proper scoring rules for count data are used to evaluate and compare the predictive quality of the procedures during the outbreak. The results show that it is important to take the count nature of the time series into account and that changes in the delay distribution occurred due to intervention measures. As a consequence, we extend the Bayesian analysis to a hierarchical model, which combines a discrete time survival regression model for the delay distribution with a penalized spline for the dynamics of the epidemic curve. Altogether, we conclude that in emerging and time‐critical outbreaks, nowcasting approaches are a valuable tool to gain information about current trends.
Promoting discussion in peer instruction: Discussion partner assignment and accountability scoring mechanisms
Authors: Chou Chih‐Yueh , Lin Pin‐Hsun 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPeer instruction (PI) involves students answering questions and peer discussion learning activities. PI can enhance student performance and engagement in classroom instruction. However, some students do not engage in the discussions. This study proposes two mechanisms, discussion partner assignment and accountability scoring mechanisms, to form positive interdependence among students and individual accountability for each student to promote student discussions in PI. The evaluation results show that the student discussion rate with the promoting mechanisms is significantly higher than the rate without the mechanisms. The results from the questionnaire reveal that the mechanisms form positive interdependence and individual accountability to promote students to engage in the discussions.
Pheromonal control: reconciling physiological mechanism with signalling theory
Authors: Peso Marianne , Elgar Mark A. , Barron Andrew B. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTPheromones are intraspecific chemical signals. They can have profound effects on the behaviour and/or physiology of the receiver, and it is still common to hear pheromones described as controlling of the behaviour of the receiver. The discussion of pheromonal control arose initially from a close association between hormones and pheromones in the comparative physiological literature, but the concept of a controlling pheromone is at odds with contemporary signal evolution theory, which predicts that a manipulative pheromonal signal negatively affecting the receiver's fitness should not be stable over evolutionary time. Here we discuss the meaning of pheromonal control, and the ecological circumstances by which it might be supported. We argue that in discussing pheromonal control it is important to differentiate between control applied to the effects of a pheromone on a receiver's physiology (proximate control), and control applied to the effects of a pheromone on a receiver's fitness (ultimate control). Critically, a pheromone signal affecting change in the receiver's behaviour or physiology need not necessarily manipulate the fitness of a receiver. In cases where pheromonal signalling does lead to a reduction in the fitness of the receiver, the signalling system would be stable if the pheromone were an honest signal of a social environment that disadvantages the receiver, and the physiological and behavioural changes observed in the receiver were an adaptive response to the new social circumstances communicated by the pheromone.
Osteoprotegerin in Turner syndrome – relationship to aortic diameter
Authors: Trolle Christian , Mortensen Kristian Havmand , Bjerre Mette , Hougaard David M. , Cohen Arieh , Andersen Niels Holmark , Gravholt Claus Højbjerg 
Published: June 2014

SummaryBackgroundCardiovascular disease is a cardinal trait of Turner syndrome (TS), causing half of the threefold excess mortality. As osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a potential biomarker of cardiovascular disease, this cross‐sectional and prospective study aimed at elucidating OPG levels in TS and its relationship to aortic diameter as well as validated cardiovascular risk markers.MethodsAdult women with TS (n = 99) were examined thrice (mean follow‐up 4·7 ± 0·5 years), and 68 age‐matched healthy female controls were examined once. Aortic diameter was assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Twenty‐four‐hours blood pressure monitoring and biochemical assessments were also performed.ResultsOsteoprotegerin levels (median with range) were lower in TS (777 [326–10 569] ng/l) compared with controls (979 [398–1987] ng/l; P < 0·05) and did not change during follow‐up. The OPG concentration was higher among women with TS older than 50 years of age (996 [542–4996] vs 756 [326–10 569] ng/l; P < 0·05) with a trend towards a higher OPG in TS who were on antihypertensive medication (938 [490–2638] vs 752 [326–10 569] ng/l; P = 0·09). Contrary to controls, OPG levels correlated with BSA‐indexed aortic diameter (r = 0·31–0·45; P < 0·05), age (r = 0·29; P < 0·05) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (r = 0·23; P = 0·02) and inversely with BSA (r = −0·20; P < 0·05), weight (r = −0·23; P < 0·05) and plasma oestradiol levels (r = −0·34; P < 0·05).ConclusionLevels of OPG are lower in TS and correlate with aortic diameter, age, BSA, weight and oestradiol in TS, but not controls. Future studies are needed to assess whether OPG may serve as a biomarker of aortic or cardiovascular disease in TS.
Review of 268 lacrimal gland biopsies in an Australian cohort
Authors: Andrew Nicholas H , McNab Alan A , Selva Dinesh 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundTo review the distribution of pathology in lacrimal gland biopsies performed in an Australian cohort.DesignRetrospective review.ParticipantsTwo hundred sixty‐eight lacrimal gland biopsies from 263 patients.MethodsPathology archives in South Australia and Victoria were searched for lacrimal gland biopsies performed between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2012. Data retrieved included the year of biopsy, the histopathological diagnosis, patient age and gender.Main Outcome MeasuresDistribution of pathology affecting the lacrimal gland; patient age and gender.ResultsThe distribution of lacrimal gland pathology was: inflammations and vasculitides 50.0%, lymphomas 19.8%, lymphoid hyperplasias 12.3%, benign epithelial tumours 7.8% (all pleomorphic adenomas), malignant epithelial tumours 4.1%, dacryops 3.0% and miscellaneous 3.0%. The mean age was 52 years, with lymphoma affecting the oldest patient group (64.6 years) and sarcoidosis the youngest (40.6 years). Of the patients with biopsy‐confirmed dacryoadenitis, biopsy revealed a specific diagnosis in 34% of cases. Immunoglobulin G4‐related disease was the most common ‘specific’ dacryoadenitis. Significantly more pleomorphic adenomas were diagnosed in the period 1997–2004 than the period 2005–2012 inclusive, but there were no other significant changes in the distribution of pathology over time.ConclusionsTwo thirds of dacryoadenitis was ‘non‐specific’, two thirds of epithelial tumours were pleomorphic adenomas and approximately two thirds of all lacrimal gland biopsies were accounted for by inflammations and lymphoid hyperplasias. The ratio of inflammations to neoplasias will be significantly influenced by the clinician's threshold for biopsying patients presenting with features of dacryoadenitis.
Spectral Analysis on Medial Axis of 2D Shapes
Authors: He Shuiqing , Choi Yi‐King , Guo Yanwen , Wang Wenping 
Published: June 2014

AbstractShape analysis finds many important applications in shape understanding, matching and retrieval. Among the various shape analysis methods, spectral shape analysis aims to study the spectrum of the Laplace–Beltrami operator of some well‐designed shape‐dependent equations and obtain a spectral shape descriptor that can in turn be used for shape analysis purposes. The success of such approaches depends greatly on the discriminating power of a shape descriptor. On the other hand, the medial axis of a shape is widely known for its complete shape representation. It is sensitive to small perturbation of the boundary of a shape which often poses difficulty in its effective use for shape analysis. In this paper, we propose a new spectral shape descriptor, called the medial axis spectrum for 2D shapes, which directly applies spectral analysis to the medial axes of the shapes. We extend the Laplace–Beltrami operator onto the medial axis, and take the solution to an extended Laplacian eigenvalue problem defined on the axis as the medial axis spectrum. The medial axis spectrum is robust in the presence of shape boundary noise, and is invariant under rigid transformations, uniform scaling and isometry of the medial axis. We demonstrate these benefits of such a medial axis spectrum representation through extensive experiments. The medial axis spectrum is further used for 2D shape retrieval, and its superiority over previous work is shown by comparison.
Quality of Life in Children with Narcolepsy
Authors: Inocente Clara O. , Gustin Marie‐Paule , Lavault Sophie , Guignard‐Perret Anne , Raoux Aude , Christol Noemie , Gerard Daniel , Dauvilliers Yves , Reimão Rubens , Bat‐Pitault Flora , Lin Jian‐Sheng , Arnulf Isabelle , Lecendreux Michel , Franco Patricia 
Published: June 2014

SummaryAimsTo evaluate the health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and its correlates in children and adolescents with narcolepsy.MethodsWe compared the clinical characteristics of control subjects and patients with primary narcolepsy from data collected at the National Reference Centers for Narcolepsy.ResultsThe cohort included 69 control subjects (29 boys) and 117 patients (65 boys; 59 de novo patients). Cataplexy was present in 81% and DQB1*0602 was positive in 91%. The control children were older (13.5 ± 3.2 vs. 11.6 ± 3.1 years, P < 0.001) and less obese (1.4% vs. 60%, P < 0.001). Twenty‐five percent of the patients and 15.6% of the control subjects had clinically significant depressive feelings on Children's Depression Inventory (CDI ≥ 16) (NS). Fifty‐three narcoleptic and 43 control adolescents, 31 narcoleptic children and 23 control children filled out the HRQL questionnaires as well as 83 parents of patients and 60 parents of control subjects. Narcolepsy seriously impacts HRQL in terms of vitality, physical well‐being, relations with friends and leisure activities, especially in adolescents. Depression was the factor that most affected HRQL in both narcoleptic and control subjects. For the control subjects and the narcoleptic patients, when the CDI score was entered into the multivariable regression model adjusted for gender and age, no other continuous independent variable could significantly increase the likelihood of the model. When the CDI score increased by 1, the mean HRQL score decreased by 1.7 for narcoleptic patients and 1.5 for control subjects. Apnea–hypopnoea index, diagnosis delay, disease duration, obesity, the presence of cataplexy or treatment had no effects on HRQL.ConclusionsNarcoleptic children and adolescents were at high risk for poor HRQL. Depressive symptoms had a major impact on HRQL. We recommend a more thorough assessment and management of psychological health in this population.
Emergency surgery for perforated diverticulitis in the immunosuppressed patient
Authors: Golda T. , Kreisler E. , Mercader C. , Frago R. , Trenti L. , Biondo S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimImmunosuppression is believed to worsen outcomes for patients who require surgery for perforated diverticulitis. The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcomes between immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients undergoing surgery for complicated diverticulitis.MethodAll patients who underwent emergency surgery for complicated diverticulitis between 2004 and 2012 in a single unit were studied. Patients were classified as immunosuppressed (group I) or immunocompetent (group II). Operation type and postoperative morbidity and mortality were compared between groups. The impact of operating surgeons’ specialization and the Peritonitis Severity Score (PSS) were also evaluated to determine their impact on the restoration of gastrointestinal (GI) continuity.ResultsOne‐hundred and sixteen patients (mean age: 63.7 years), 41.4% women, were included. Fifty‐three (45.7%) patients were immunosuppressed (group I): 42 underwent Hartmann's procedure (HP) (79.2%), nine (17.0%) underwent resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) with ileostomy (IL) and two (3.8%) underwent RPA without IL. In group II, 15 HP (23.8%), nine RPA with IL (14.3%) and 39 RPA without IL (61.9%) were performed. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 79.2% and 26.4%, respectively, in group I and 63.5% and 6.3%, respectively, in group II. The overall mean PSS was 9.5, with a mean PSS of 11.1 in group I and of 8.1 in group II. The decision to perform a primary anastomosis differed significantly between colorectal surgeons and general surgeons in the patients with a PSS of 9–10–11.ConclusionIn immunocompromised patients, RPA with IL can be a safe surgical option, whereas HP should be reserved for patients with a PSS of > 11. Colorectal surgical specialization is associated with higher rates of restoration of GI continuity in patients with perforated diverticulitis, especially in patients with an intermediate PSS score. Evaluation of each patient's PSS facilitates decision making in surgery for perforated diverticulitis.