bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation aspects of attenuation compensation in reverse‐time migration
Authors: Zhu Tieyuan 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTAttenuation compensation in reverse‐time migration has been shown to improve the resolution of the seismic image. In this paper, three essential aspects of implementing attenuation compensation in reverse‐time migration are studied: the physical justification of attenuation compensation, the choice of imaging condition, and the choice of a low‐pass filter. The physical illustration of attenuation compensation supports the mathematical implementation by reversing the sign of the absorption operator and leaving the sign of the dispersion operator unchanged in the decoupled viscoacoustic wave equation. Further theoretical analysis shows that attenuation compensation in reverse‐time migration using the two imaging conditions (cross‐correlation and source‐normalized cross‐correlation) is able to effectively mitigate attenuation effects. In numerical experiments using a simple‐layered model, the source‐normalized cross‐correlation imaging condition may be preferable based on the criteria of amplitude corrections. The amplitude and phase recovery to some degree depend on the choice of a low‐pass filter. In an application to a realistic Marmousi model with added Q, high‐resolution seismic images with correct amplitude and kinematic phase are obtained by compensating for both absorption and dispersion effects. Compensating for absorption only can amplify the image amplitude but with a shifted phase.
Smart averaging interpolation algorithm comparative test
Authors: Krilov D. , Vaniarho Ya. , Basaev D. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTIn many practical cases, it is necessary to characterize the explored area with a regular set of geodata. Regular matrix data (e.g., ordinary maps) are calculated via existing data interpolation and extrapolation. For low frequency (oversampled) data acquired within a dense profile net (e.g., seismic three‐dimensional structural or gravity mapping), this procedure is mathematically more or less stable and, to a certain extent, unique since we might neglect discrepancies resulting from different interpolations. The situation is quite different for high‐resolution and high‐frequency contaminated data (e.g., raw seismic attributes or geochemistry measurements) represented by sparse profiling. Considering the variety of exploration cases, the investigation of different interpolation algorithm efficiency seems very important. Since it is impossible to compare all algorithms by means of formal mathematics, we have designed a test program. A representative set of seismic attribute maps has been artificially destroyed by introducing blank values (from 20% up to 95%) and then restored by different interpolation algorithms— bicubic, bilinear, nearest neighbor, and “smart averaging.” Smart averaging interpolation is done in a “live” window. The position, form, and size of the window are determined by some mathematical criterion on a trial‐and‐error basis. Discrepancies between restored and initial (true) data have been assessed and analysed. It is shown that the total (absolute) efficiency and comparative (relative) efficiency of the algorithms depend mostly upon the initial interpolant data characteristics. Identifying the best interpolation algorithm for all interpretive cases seems impossible. Some aspects of data processing are discussed in connection with interpolation accuracy.
Grassland birds demonstrate delayed response to large‐scale tree removal in central North America
Authors: Thompson Sarah J. , Arnold Todd W. , Fieberg John , Granfors Diane A. , Vacek Sara , Palaia Nick 
Published: October 2015

Summary

Maintenance of early successional and open habitats often requires active removal of encroaching vegetation. In many cases, fire or other historically applied methods can no longer maintain or create open or early‐successional habitat. In these situations, managers must employ mechanical or chemical treatments to control vegetation and improve habitat quality for wildlife that depend on open habitats.

We conducted a large‐scale study of tree removal from 2005 to 2011 on 14 grassland sites in central North America. Beginning in the autumn of 2005, shrubs, scattered trees, shelterbelts and woodlots were removed from six of fourteen study sites with cutting and burning treatments. Trees and shrubs accounted for 7–21% of pre‐treatment ground cover. We conducted vegetation and bird surveys on each site for one year before and six years after initiating tree removal treatments.

Treatments effectively removed larger woody vegetation (>6 m in height), but effects of shrub removal were less consistent due to rapid regrowth. Tree removal sites also experienced reductions in grassy litter as a result of prescribed fires that were used to discourage shrub and tree regrowth.

On untreated sites, abundance of all grassland birds declined throughout the study, on average declining by 62%. On tree removal sites, we estimated that grassland bird abundance dropped from 2·04 (birds per count) before treatment to a low of 0·90 in the second year after initiating treatments, but recovered in the final three years of study with a weak, but significant positive response six years after initiating treatment, with an estimated 1·42 birds per count. Waterfowl and wetland birds increased following tree removal, whereas woodland birds, particularly those that nest in cavities, declined on treated sites.

Synthesis and applications. Tree removal did appear to improve habitat suitability for grassland birds, but a positive response was weak and delayed, and treatments caused short‐term habitat disturbances that significantly reduced abundance of target species. When planning large‐scale tree removal, it may be beneficial to allow undisturbed habitat in the surrounding landscape to ameliorate potential short‐term displacement of wildlife in early phases of treatment. In addition, managers should expect site recovery to require repeated treatments over multiple years.
A Test of the Passalacqua Age at Death Estimation Method Using the Sacrum
Authors: Colarusso Tara 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA test of the accuracy of the Passalacqua (J Forensic Sci, 5, 2009, 255) sacrum method in a forensic context was performed on a sample of 153 individuals from the J.C.B. Grant Skeletal Collection. The Passalacqua (J Forensic Sci, 5, 2009, 255) method assesses seven traits of the sacrum using a 7‐digit coding system. An accuracy of 97.3% was achieved using the Passalacqua (J Forensic Sci, 5, 2009, 255) method to estimate adult skeletal age. On average each age estimate differed by 12.87 years from the known age. The method underestimated the age of individuals by an average of 4.3 years. An intra‐observer error of 6.6% suggests that the method can be performed with precision. Correlation and regression analysis found that the sacral traits used in the Passalacqua (J Forensic Sci, 5, 2009, 255) method did not have a strong relationship with age or an ability to strongly predict age. Overall, the method was not practical for use in a forensic context due to the broad age ranges, despite the high accuracy and low intra‐observer error.
Targeting an Alcohol Intervention Cost‐Effectively to Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in East Africa
Authors: Kessler Jason , Ruggles Kelly , Patel Anik , Nucifora Kimberly , Li Lingfeng , Roberts Mark S. , Bryant Kendall , Braithwaite R. Scott 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundIn the current report, we ask if targeting a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)‐based intervention aimed at reducing hazardous alcohol consumption to HIV‐infected persons in East Africa would have a favorable value at costs that are feasible for scale‐up.MethodsUsing a computer simulation to inform HIV prevention decisions in East Africa, we compared 4 different strategies for targeting a CBT intervention—(i) all HIV‐infected persons attending clinic; (ii) only those patients in the pre‐antiretroviral therapy (ART) stages of care; (iii) only those patients receiving ART; and (iv) only those patients with detectable viral loads (VLs) regardless of disease stage. We define targeting as screening for hazardous alcohol consumption (e.g., using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and offering the CBT intervention to those who screen positive). We compared these targeting strategies to a null strategy (no intervention) or a hypothetical scenario where an alcohol intervention was delivered to all adults regardless of HIV status.ResultsAn intervention targeted to HIV‐infected patients could prevent 18,000 new infections, add 46,000 quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), and yield an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $600/QALY compared to the null scenario. Narrowing the prioritized population to only HIV‐infected patients in pre‐ART phases of care results in 15,000 infections averted, the addition of 21,000 QALYs and would be cost‐saving, while prioritizing based on an unsuppressed HIV‐1 VL test results in 8,300 new infections averted, adds 6,000 additional QALYs, and would be cost‐saving as well.ConclusionsOur results suggest that targeting a cognitive‐based treatment aimed at reducing hazardous alcohol consumption to subgroups of HIV‐infected patients provides favorable value in comparison with other beneficial strategies for HIV prevention and control in this region. It may even be cost‐saving under certain circumstances.
House dust mite sublingual immunotherapy is safe in patients with mild‐to‐moderate, persistent asthma: a clinical trial
Authors: Devillier P. , Fadel R. , de Beaumont O. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe safety of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in asthma has not always been sufficiently documented; accordingly, fear of asthma exacerbations has made physicians somewhat reluctant to prescribe AIT in this context. In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial, house dust mite (HDM) sublingual AIT was found to be efficacious in moderate, persistent asthma. The trial's safety results are now reported in detail.MethodsAsthmatic adults were randomized 2 : 1 to twelve months of daily treatment with a sublingual solution of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae extracts or a placebo. Adverse events (AEs) at least possibly related to the investigational product were classified by the investigators as adverse drug reactions (ADRs).ResultsOverall, the patients in the safety analysis set (n = 484; active treatment: n = 322; placebo: n = 162) had mostly well‐controlled, persistent asthma [mild in 290 patients (59.9%), moderate in 183 (37.8%) and severe in 11 (2.3%)]. No treatment‐related serious AEs were reported. A total of 87.0% and 75.9% of the patients in the active and placebo groups, respectively, experienced at least one AE (mostly mild), and 78.9% and 48.1% experienced an ADR (mostly mild or moderate oral reactions). The incidence of asthma exacerbations (symptoms requiring a short course of oral corticosteroids) during the study was similar in the active treatment group (3.7%) and the placebo group (4.3%). There were no significant intergroup differences or intragroup changes over time in respiratory AEs, lung function or asthma‐related quality of life.ConclusionsHDM sublingual AIT was safe and well tolerated in adult patients with mild‐to‐moderate, persistent asthma (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00660452).
Is meat quality from Longissimus lumborum samples correlated with other cuts in horse meat?
Authors: De Palo Pasquale , Maggiolino Aristide , Centoducati Pasquale , Milella Paola , Calzaretti Giovanna , Tateo Alessandra 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe present work aims to investigate if the variation of each parameter in Longissimus lumborum muscle could correspond to the same or to a similar variation of the parameter in the other muscles. The work presents results of Pearson's correlations between Longissimus lumborum samples and other muscle samples, such as Biceps femoris, Rectus femoris, Semimembranosus, Supraspinatus and Semitendinosus in horse meat. A total of 27 male IHDH (Italian Heavy Draught Horse) breed foals were employed. They were slaughtered at 11 months of age and the above‐mentioned muscles were sampled. The Longissimus lumborum muscle showed to be representative of other muscles and of the whole carcass for some chemical parameters (moisture, protein and ash) and for some fatty acids profile patterns such as C12:0, C14:0, total monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid, but poor correlations were recorded for intramuscular fat concentration, rheological and colorimetric parameters. Although almost all the qualitative parameters in meat are affected by the anatomical site and by the muscle, the Longissimus lumborum is often not representative in horse meat with regard to modifications of this parameters.
NET amyloidogenic backbone in human activated neutrophils
Authors: Pulze L , Bassani B , Gini E , D'Antona P , Grimaldi A , Luini A , Marino F , Noonan D M , Tettamanti G , Valvassori R , de Eguileor M 
Published: October 2015

SummaryActivated human neutrophils produce a fibrillar DNA network [neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)] for entrapping and killing bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. Our results suggest that the neutrophil extracellular traps show a resistant amyloidogenic backbone utilized for addressing reputed proteins and DNA against the non-self. The formation of amyloid fibrils in neutrophils is regulated by the imbalance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cytoplasm. The intensity and source of the ROS signal is determinant for promoting stress-associated responses such as amyloidogenesis and closely related events: autophagy, exosome release, activation of the adrenocorticotrophin hormone/α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (ACTH/α-MSH) loop and synthesis of specific cytokines. These interconnected responses in human activated neutrophils, that have been evaluated from a morphofunctional and quantitative viewpoint, represent primitive, but potent, innate defence mechanisms. In invertebrates, circulating phagocytic immune cells, when activated, show responses similar to those described previously for activated human neutrophils. Invertebrate cells within endoplasmic reticulum cisternae produce a fibrillar material which is then assembled into an amyloidogenic scaffold utilized to convey melanin close to the invader. These findings, in consideration to the critical role played by NET in the development of several pathologies, could explain the structural resistance of these scaffolds and could provide the basis for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in immunomediated diseases in which the innate branch of the immune system has a pivotal role.
Differential expression of key regulators of Toll-like receptors in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease: a role for Tollip and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma?
Authors: Fernandes P , MacSharry J , Darby T , Fanning A , Shanahan F , Houston A , Brint E 
Published: October 2015

Summary
The innate immune system is currently seen as the probable initiator of events which culminate in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with Toll-like receptors (TLRs) known to be involved in this disease process. Many regulators of TLRs have been described, and dysregulation of these may also be important in the pathogenesis of IBD. The aim of this study was to perform a co-ordinated analysis of the expression levels of both key intestinal TLRs and their inhibitory proteins in the same IBD cohorts, both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), in order to evaluate the potential roles of these proteins in the pathogenesis of IBD. Of the six TLRs (TLRs 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 9) examined, only TLR-4 was increased significantly in IBD, specifically in active UC. In contrast, differential alterations in expression of TLR inhibitory proteins were observed. A20 and suppressor of cytokine signalling 1 (SOCS1) were increased only in active UC while interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK-m) and B cell lymphoma 3 protein (Bcl-3) were increased in both active UC and CD. In contrast, expression of both peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and Toll interacting protein (Tollip) was decreased in both active and inactive UC and CD and at both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, expression of both PPARγ and A20 expression was increased by stimulation of a colonic epithelial cell line Caco-2 with both TLR ligands and commensal bacterial strains. These data suggest that IBD may be associated with distinctive changes in TLR-4 and TLR inhibitory proteins, implying that alterations in these may contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD.
Central precocious puberty following the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric cancer and central nervous system tumours: presentation and long‐term outcomes
Authors: Chemaitilly Wassim , Merchant Thomas E. , Li Zhenghong , Barnes Nicole , Armstrong Gregory T. , Ness Kirsten K. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Kun Larry E. , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Sklar Charles A. , Gajjar Amar 
Published: October 2015

SummaryObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of central precocious puberty (CPP) after treatment for tumours and malignancies involving the central nervous system (CNS) and examine repercussions on growth and pubertal outcomes.DesignRetrospective study of patients with tumours near and/or exposed to radiotherapy to the hypothalamus/pituitary axis (HPA).Patients and MeasurementsPatients with CPP were evaluated at puberty onset, completion of GnRH agonist treatment (GnRHa) and last follow‐up. Multivariable analysis was used to test associations between tumour location, sex, age at CPP, GnRHa duration and a diagnosis of CPP with final height <‐2SD score (SDS), gonadotropin deficiency (LH/FSHD) and obesity, respectively.ResultsEighty patients (47 females) had CPP and were followed for 11·4 ± 5·0 years (mean ± SD). The prevalence of CPP was 15·2% overall, 29·2% following HPA tumours and 6·6% after radiotherapy for non‐HPA tumours. Height <‐2SDS was more common at the last follow‐up than at the puberty onset (21·4% vs 2·4%, P = 0·005). Obesity was more prevalent at the last follow‐up than at the completion of GnRHa or the puberty onset (37·7%, 22·6% and 20·8%, respectively, P = 0·03). Longer duration of GnRHa was associated with increased odds of final height <‐2SDS (OR = 2·1, 95% CI 1·0–4·3) and longer follow‐up with obesity (OR = 1·3, 95% CI 1·1–1·6). LH/FSHD was diagnosed in 32·6%. There was no independent association between CPP and final height <‐2SDS, and LH/FSHD and obesity in the subset of patients with HPA low‐grade gliomas.ConclusionsPatients with organic CPP experience an incomplete recovery of growth and a high prevalence of LH/FSHD and obesity. Early diagnosis and treatment of CPP may limit further deterioration of final height prospects.
The effect of ofloxacin otic drops on the regeneration of human traumatic tympanic membrane perforations
Authors: Lou Z. , Lou Z. , Tang Y. , Xiao J. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of direct application of ofloxacin otic drops on human traumatic tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs).Study designProspective, sequential allocation, controlled clinical study.SettingTertiary university hospital.ParticipantsIn total, 149 patients with traumatic TMPs were recruited. They were allocated sequentially to two groups: a conservative observation group (n = 75) and a ofloxacin drops‐treated group (n = 74).Main outcome measuresThe closure rate, closure time and rate of otorrhoea were compared between the groups at 6 months.ResultsIn total, 145 patients were analysed. The closure rates of medium perforations between the groups were not significantly different (P = 0.35); however, the ofloxacin drops‐treated group had a significantly shorter closure time for medium perforations than the observation group (P < 0.01). Additionally, the ofloxacin drops‐treated group showed improvement in the closure rate of large perforations (P = 0.02) and a significantly shorter mean closure time (P < 0.01) than the observation group. However, purulent otorrhoea was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.37).ConclusionsThe present findings indicate that the moist eardrum environment resulting from topical application of ofloxacin drops shortened the closure time and improved the closure rate, but did not affect hearing improvement or increase the rate of middle ear infection of large traumatic TMPs. Thus, although traumatic TMPs tend to heal spontaneously, moist therapy can be considered for traumatic, large TMPs in the clinic.
Syringometaplasia: variants and underlying mechanisms
Authors: Abbas Ossama , Bhawan Jag 
Published: October 2015

SummarySyringometaplasia is an adaptive, benign, metaplastic cellular process that affects the eccrine ducts and glands in response to a variety of physiological or pathological stimuli. Different subtypes of syringometaplasia have been described, including the squamous, mucinous, and adenomatous types. These metaplastic changes have been reported in association with chemotherapeutic agents, as well as with a variety of skin disorders including multiple infectious, neoplastic, and inflammatory skin diseases. In this review, we attempt to shed light on the different patterns of syringometaplasia, its pathogenesis, the plethora of skin conditions in which it may be observed, and the differential diagnoses that should be considered.
Trends in state/territorial obesity prevalence by race/ethnicity among U.S. low‐income, preschool‐aged children
Authors: Pan L. , Grummer‐Strawn L. M. , McGuire L. C. , Park S. , Blanck H. M. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundUnderstanding state/territorial trends in obesity by race/ethnicity helps focus resources on populations at risk.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine trends in obesity prevalence among low‐income, preschool‐aged children from 2008 through 2011 in U.S. states and territories by race/ethnicity.MethodsWe used measured weight and height records of 11.1 million children aged 2–4 years who participated in federally funded health and nutrition programmes in 40 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories. We used logistic regression to examine obesity prevalence trends, controlling for age and sex.ResultsFrom 2008 through 2011, the aggregated obesity prevalence declined among all racial/ethnic groups (decreased by 0.4–0.9%) except American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs); the largest decrease was among Asians/Pacific Islanders (A/PIs). Declines were significant among non‐Hispanic whites in 14 states, non‐Hispanic blacks in seven states/territories, Hispanics in 13 states, A/PIs in five states and AI/ANs in one state. Increases were significant among non‐Hispanic whites in four states, non‐Hispanic blacks in three states, Hispanics in two states and A/PIs in one state. The majority of the states/territories had no change in obesity prevalence.ConclusionsOur findings indicate slight reductions in obesity prevalence and variations in obesity trends, but disparities exist for some states and racial/ethnic groups.