Joint Interpretation Research Articles

Geophysical architecture of tectonized volcanic bodies near flysch thrust fronts (Outer Western Carpathians)

Teschenite association rocks (TAR) represent a specific type of mostly alkaline igneous rocks which form an almost 100 km long belt of discontinuous rock bodies within the Outer Western Carpathians (OWC) in the territory of Czechia and Poland. At present, a detailed mineralogical, geochemical, and stratigraphic analysis or dating of the volcanic formations is available, but basic structural and spatial relations characterizing TAR bodies and their origin are missing due to the poor exposure of TAR and lack of borehole data. A drill-hole- and outcrop-data-calibrated geophysical survey has proven to be a powerful tool for the interpretation of spatial extent and subsurface structure of TAR. At two type localities of TAR in Czechia (sites Staré Město and Bruzovice), a geophysical investigation combining ground conductivity mapping (CM) with profile measurement of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), gravity survey, and magnetic survey was performed. A joint interpretation of the geophysical data served to determine the spatial extent (up to 500 m long and 40 m deep), geometry, and structural features (often fault-bounded with highly anisotropic heterogeneous structure of mélange character) of the studied TAR bodies. The interpreted magmatism of the study area included a stage of intrusion and extrusion of magmatic bodies in the Early Cretaceous, followed by a phase of fold-thrust deformation during the tectonic shortening of the area from the Late Cretaceous to Oligocene times. The resulting highly anisotropic rock mass consisting of TAR and its country rocks structurally controls the subsequent post-tectonic gravity-driven deformation.

3D joint interpretation of potential field, geology, and well data to evaluate a salt dome in the Qarah‐Aghaje area, Zanjan, NW Iran

AbstractAs geophysical parameters are not always functionally related, treating multiple geophysical data sets to have a realistic geological model is not straightforward. An effective strategy to derive a geological interpretation is a combination of several geophysical methods with geological and well observations, each with its advantages and limitations. Gravity and magnetic methods are encouraging tools to investigate salt domes due to enough density and susceptibility contrasts between salt minerals and the background sedimentary rocks. In this paper, the dome‐shaped salt unit in the Qarah‐Aghaje area in Zanjan, located in the northwestern part of Iran, is investigated through the integration of 3D inversion models obtained from gravity and magnetic data and geological and well information. The 3D inversion of both data sets is made using a weighted damped minimum length solution for which model weighting is constructed from multiplying depth weighting and compactness constraints. At first, a synthetic case with a high degree of similarity to the real case is considered to evaluate the efficiency of the adopted inverse algorithm. Then, the inversion algorithm is implemented on the collected gravity and magnetic methods, and interpretation is made utilizing 3D obtained inverse models and geologic and well data. The result shows a dome‐shaped potash‐bearing salt unit that starts from a depth of 12 m and continues to the depth of 200 m. The drilled well in the centre of the main source of the salt (Well 3) demonstrates a depth range of 11–115 m.

The “Externalities” of Joint Interpretations in Investment Arbitration: Learning from the Past

Abstract The joint interpretation mechanism is gaining increasing attention in the recent practice and study of international investment law. In the past, the NAFTA Free Trade Commission exercised this interpretative authority by issuing the controversial Notes of Interpretation which limit the scope of fair and equitable treatment (FET) to customary international law. While much has been debated about the legitimacy of the Notes in the context of NAFTA arbitration, this article examines its influence on tribunals not bound by it (i.e. non-NAFTA tribunals). An extensive review of cases shows that non-NAFTA tribunals are generally cautious about directly applying the Notes to their own interpretation, while some followed NAFTA precedents shaped by the Notes. Considering the possible proliferation of the joint interpretation mechanism in the future, this article further examines the role of third states’ joint interpretations in treaty interpretation through the lens of Articles 31 and 32 of the VCLT.

MRRead—A Novel Approach to Training Residents in Magnetic Resonance Image Temporomandibular Joint Interpretation

The purpose of our study was to create an online, web-based training module that would instruct a group of participants in the interpretation of a magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) scan in a logical, step-wise manner to locate and identify all relevant features of internal derangement. The investigator's hypothesis was that implementing the MRRead TMJ training module would improve the participants' competency in the interpretation of MRI TMJ scans. The investigators designed and implemented a single-group prospective cohort study. The study population was composed of oral and maxillofacial surgery interns, residents, and staff. Subjects eligible for study inclusion were oral and maxillofacial surgeons of any level, between 18 and 50years of age, that completed the MRRead training module to completion. The primary outcome variable was the difference between the pretest and post-test scores of the participants, and the frequency of missing internal derangement findings before and after the course. Secondary outcomes of interest were subjective data gathered from the course, including participant feedback as well as subjective evaluation of the training module and perceived benefit, as well as the learner's self-reported confidence level in interpreting MRI TMJ scans on their own before and after completion of the course. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used. The study sample consisted of 68 subjects, aged 20 to 47 (M=29.1) years. When comparing the results of the exams precourse and post course, the overall frequency of missed features of internal derangement decreased from 19.7 to 5.9, and the total score overall increased from 8.5 to 68.6%. Regarding secondary outcomes, the majority of participants indicated that they agree or strongly agree with a number of positive subjective questions asked. In addition, there was a statistically significant increase in the participants' comfort levels in the interpretation of MRI TMJ scans. The results of this study confirm the hypothesis that completing the MRRead training module (www.MRRead.ca) improves competency and comfort among participants in the interpretation of MRI TMJ scans and their identification of features of internal derangement correctly.

A gravity model to explain the flows away of football fans: A panel data analysis

ABSTRACT This study breaks new ground by examining determinants of away fan travel in a professional football league. Using data from two consecutive seasons of the Spanish league, a gravity model is estimated based on a three-dimensional panel to discuss the effects of a number of factors that influence the flows of away fans. Results evidence the importance of factors such as distance between locations, the day or time the match is played, and uncertainty concerning the visiting team’s current form. Joint interpretation of all these factors by the clubs and by those organising the competition may help to reshape their management strategies, which would result in increased flows of away supporters and an increase in sports clubs’ revenues from this concept.

Exploration Technology of Adverse Geological Body in Karst Development Area Based on Borehole Multi-Source Data

In view of the current technical difficulties in the detection of unfavorable geological bodies in karst areas, this paper starts with the fine detection of a borehole wall, near-field of the borehole wall rock and far-field of the borehole wall rock, deeply excavates the correlation characteristics between multi-source borehole data, and proposes detection technology for unfavorable geological bodies in karst development areas based on multi-source borehole data. This is used to establish a multi-source data depth mining model. The correlation characteristics between multi-source data are clarified. The borehole multi-source heterogeneous detection technology is proposed to realize the organic fusion between the detection data of different scales, and effectively estimate the extension range of structural planes and cavities. The joint interpretation method of multi-source drilling data can effectively realize the three-dimensional visualization of unfavorable geological bodies in karst development areas. Through a case analysis, it is shown that this technology is a new and effective exploration method in the engineering geological exploration of karst development areas, and can provide more abundant and reliable exploration data for the fine exploration of geological bodies in the exploration area.

Aeromagnetometric data aplication to investigate the magnetic basement - Caçapava do Sul, RS

The evolution and understanding of the granitic intrusive rock structures in the southern Rio Grande Shield (SRGS) are fundamental to supporting the investigation of mineral occurrences in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This mineral province is classified as complex with igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks of the Archean to Neopaleoproterozoic age. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the Caçapava do Sul Shear Zone (CSSZ), of which, despite its role as a terrain boundary, its kinematic importance at a regional scale is still questioned. With this objective, aeromagnetometry data were used to enhance the lineaments, trace the domains and estimate the depth of the basement surface related to the formation of the Caçapava do Sul Granitic Complex (CSGS) and consequently the CSSZ. In addition, 3D Euler deconvolution and Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) techniques were applied to estimate the depth of the magnetic basement surface. The 3D Euler deconvolution provided the estimated depth of structural features internal and external to the CSGS. Among the identified features, they include the transcurrent shear zones located at the internal boundaries of the CSGS associated with the tectonic evolution of the granitic body. The joint interpretation of the SPI technique with the 3D Euler deconvolution evidenced the influence of the CSSZ on the magnetic basement, showing even less influence of this feature on its southwestern limits (decrease in the depth of the magnetic basement). This work, through the application of enhancement techniques, evidenced the influence of the Shear Zones on the surface of the magnetic basement. In this way, the results found in this work provide subsidies with greater weights for future geological mappings and studies focused on the evolution of the CSGS.

The Power of a Camera: Fieldwork Experiences From Using Participatory Photovoice

Conducting primary data collection can be a fulfilling and interesting adventure producing significant learning experiences particularly for early career researchers. However, fieldwork can be marred with complex challenges and frustrations, especially if conducted in dynamic and politically sensitive environments and with highly vulnerable urban populations. This paper contributes to and advances academic scholarship on fieldwork experiences in the social sciences. Drawing from the first author’s doctoral fieldwork experiences, we share our reflections on the application of the photovoice method in researching street traders in Harare, Zimbabwe. We engage with different issues that researchers could consider in the application of photovoice, especially with dynamic and marginalized urban populations like street traders. These include dealing with and managing complex and multiple ethical dilemmas, dealing with the content-quality conundrum, exploring ‘missing’ photographs and handling ‘leftover’ photographs, handling conflictual council-street trader relations, building rapport, and ensuring participant commitment, joint interpretation, and co-construction of meaning and methodological benefits of using photovoice with street traders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that reflects on the use of photovoice with street traders in Global South cities, and we hope that the insights presented here will be useful for future urban researchers working on similar topics.

Active fault detection and characterization by ultrashallow seismic imaging: A case study from the 2016 Mw 6.5 central Italy earthquake

We present the first high-resolution ultrashallow seismic image of a normal fault segment that ruptured the surface during the Mw 6.5 2016 Norcia earthquake (central Italy). This is the only fault, in the entire activated 25 km-long system, cutting a thick succession of Quaternary deposits, with an associated 3-m-high cumulative scarp. A 190-m-long profile crossing the fault was acquired and analyzed combining reflection seismic, non-linear multiscale refraction P-wave tomography and multi-channel analysis of surface waves. The joint interpretation of the seismic reflection, P- and S-wave velocity images unravels a 100-m-thick sequence of sandy-gravel alluvial fans, disrupted by a main normal fault zone, named as Valle delle Fonti fault (Vf1), which branches upward into three splays. The eastern splay of Vf1 matches with the 2016 coseismic surface rupture. Near-surface truncated reflections and growth strata in the hanging wall of the western and intermediate splays attest to their activity in Late Pleistocene-Holocene times. We also detect an additional normal fault in the footwall of Vf1, probably inactive since the Late Pleistocene.Comparing the seismic images with the Poisson's coefficient model and with the results of a previous electrical resistivity tomography, we constrain the lithology and the hydraulic behavior of the uppermost 50 m of the fault. A steep, W-dipping zone with high-Vp, very high Poisson's coefficient and low resistivity correlates with the eastern splay of Valle delle Fonti fault and unravels a water-saturated region. These results suggest that the fault zone may act as a partial barrier for horizontal fluid flow. Our findings indicate that the active fault zone detected by seismic imaging is much wider than what previously estimated from surface geological analyses. In terms of surface faulting hazard, this study confirms the effectiveness of high-resolution seismic surveys in defining the geometry and physical properties of active fault zones.

Joint estimation ofS-wave velocity and damping ratio of the near-surface from active Rayleigh wave surveys processed with a wavefield decomposition approach

SUMMARYThe use of surface wave measurements to derive an S-wave velocity profile of the subsurface has become a widely applied procedure; however, their potential use to reconstruct the S-wave material damping properties of the subsoil is generally overlooked, due to the difficulties in obtaining consistent surface wave amplitude information from field data and translating them into robust estimates of the dissipative properties of the near-surface. In this work, we adapt a wavefield decomposition technique for the processing of elastic surface wave data to the extraction of the complete set of properties of Rayleigh waves generated by a controlled source and propagating in dissipative geomaterials. Retrieved information includes multimodal phase velocity and ellipticity as well as the frequency-dependent attenuation coefficient. We exploit the key advantages of wavefield decomposition processing (joint interpretation of multicomponent recordings, coupled estimation of wave propagation parameters, modelling of multiple superimposing modes) to maximize the robustness of the retrieval of Rayleigh wave properties, especially of the dissipative ones. For the subsequent interpretation of Rayleigh wave dispersion, ellipticity and attenuation data we implement a joint Monte Carlo inversion yielding a coupled estimate of S-wave velocity and damping ratio profile for the subsurface; we incorporate a series of geophysical constraints to narrow down the searched parameter space to realistic soil models. We apply this processing and inversion scheme to a bespoke synthetic data set and to a field survey for the characterization of a strong motion station; in both cases, we succeed in retrieving Rayleigh wave multimodal dispersion, ellipticity and attenuation curves. From the inversion of data from the simulated seismogram we are able to reconstruct the properties of the synthetic model. As for the real case, we determine an S-wave velocity and damping ratio model for the soil column below the station, through which we are able to model the inelastic earthquake local response observed at the site. Basing on the results obtained for the real case, we argue that one of the advantages brought by our processing method—the possibility to process active Rayleigh wave data acquired by a 2-D array illuminated by different source positions—may play a key role in allowing to retrieve dissipative properties of the near-surface closer to the material damping of the soil materials, and less influenced by scattering determined by possible discontinuities in the subsurface.

Automatic lithology modelling of coal beds using the joint interpretation of principal component analysis (PCA) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT)

Automatic lithology modelling of coal beds using the joint interpretation of principal component analysis (PCA) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT)

Advanced detection for faults in front of coal mine roadways using seismic scattered waves

An unsuspected fault in front of a roadway is a key hidden disaster-causing factor that can result in major accidents in coal mines; therefore, the accurate advanced detection of faults is important for the safe coal mining. However, existing seismic advanced detection methods are difficult to execute because of the narrow space limits of roadways. Therefore, on the basis of the generalized theory of scattered waves and the scenes of advanced detections in roadways, we construct a new and superior advanced detection method using scattered waves. In this method, a virtual equivalent survey line perpendicular to the roadway strike is established to reconstruct scattered wave records and a polarization filter function is built to dynamically and accurately extract different types of scattered waves in the target area. An analysis of numerical simulations indicates the following. 1) The true reflection position of a fault in front of a rock roadway is closely related to its dip, and the proposed method can accurately extract and image the scattered multiwaves generated at the true reflection position to identify the inclination of the fault, which can avoid the arc-shaped illusion problem caused by the false reflection signal. 2) Under the condition that the scattered waves at the breakpoint of a broken coal seam are significantly disturbed by the coal seam waveguide effect, the fault inclination of the coal roadway can be determined by the joint imaging and interpretation on the reflected channel wave of the hanging wall breakpoint and the scattered wave of the footwall breakpoint. A field study was performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results indicate that this method can effectively identify the position and inclination of faults and provide an effective new means for the accurate detection of faults in front of coal mine roadways.

ОТДЕЛЬНЫЕ ВОПРОСЫ ДИНАМИЧЕСКОЙ ИНВЕРСИИ ВОЛНОВОГО ПОЛЯ

Currently, reservoir parameter prediction methods based on the amplitude wave field inversion play an important role in solving geological problems in the joint interpretation of seismic and well data. From a formal point of view, well data are used to obtain additional conditions for solving inverse problems of seismic. But the formal description of solution is conditional, there is rather an adjustment of results obtained independently from seismic and well data. The paper considers the following issues: stability of the simultaneous inversion parameter estimation; calculation features of background model and coordination of background and seismic solution components; compliance with restrictions on the maximum sourcereceiver distances by kinematic muting and the range of reflection angles during AVO analysis. The AVO effect is analyzed, it displays itself in a change of the reflection coefficient sign and, correspondently, phase inversion of reflected wave.

Pressure-dependent joint elastic-electrical properties of calcite-cemented artificial sandstones

Understanding the correlations between the elastic and electrical properties of various types of rocks is the key to the successful joint interpretation of seismic and electromagnetic survey data to provide petrophysical parameters to better assess the subsurface earth. However, the pressure-dependent joint elastic-electrical properties of calcite-cemented sandstones remain poorly understood, even though such rocks are widely distributed in nature and are all experiencing pressures. To obtain such knowledge, a new method has been developed for the manufacture of calcite-cemented artificial sandstones and investigated comprehensively the effects of porosity and cementation content on the confining pressure-dependent joint elastic-electrical properties of the synthetic samples made using the new recipe. Confining pressure is found to more significantly affect the P- and S-wave velocities and electrical resistivity in the samples with higher and lower porosity, respectively, when their cementation content remains the same. On the other hand, cementation content impacts the pressure-dependent elastic and electrical properties more complexly, and the effects of cementation content can be influenced by the minor fluctuation of porosity in the samples, especially at low confining pressures. More interestingly, P- and S-wave velocities are found to approximately linearly correlate with electrical resistivity as confining pressure varies, and the slopes of the linear joint correlations are demonstrated to vary distinctly with porosity and cementation content. The experimental data are interpreted in terms of the competing effects of porosity and cementation content on the microstructure of the samples. The results have helped to reveal the nature that porosity and cementation content find on affecting the joint elastic-electrical properties with varying pressure and have important practical implications for discriminating the porosity and cementation effects that will pave the way to a more successful interpretation of the joint seismic and electromagnetic survey data.

Loop Current attenuation after the Mid-Pleistocene Transition contributes to Northern hemisphere cooling

The beginning of the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (MPT) ∼920 ka BP marked the expansion of northern hemisphere ice shields and caused a significant climate change in NW Europe. The MPT ended with the establishment of the 100 kyr ice age cyclicity at ∼640 ka BP, due to orbital eccentricity changes. Previous studies explained the northern hemisphere cooling by cooling of sea-surface temperatures, increased sea-ice cover and/or changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) strength. We here discuss very-high resolution parametric echosounder (Parasound) imagery and sediment core analytics from a plastered drift at the eastern Campeche Bank (southern Gulf of Mexico), which was deposited under the influence of the Loop Current (LC). The LC transports warm tropical waters from the Caribbean into the Gulf via the Yucatan Channel. It is a key component of the Gulf Stream system, driving the ocean heat, salinity, and moisture transport towards the N Atlantic. The joint interpretation of reflection patterns, age constraints from color-scanning, foraminiferal stable oxygen isotopes, Sr isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) and core-seismic integration led to consistent conclusions about changes in LC strength across the MPT, thereby modulating the deep base level and the deposition of the plastered drift. The development of offlapping or onlapping plastered drifts, or the transition between the two termination patterns is best explained by changes in the depth of the relative deep base level and interpreted by changes in the flow regime.Initially, the Middle Miocene to Pliocene closure of the Central American Seaway caused the onset and intensification of the LC and hence a deep base level fall. The sedimentary deposits from this phase have an offlapping prograding clinoform configuration, resembling a forced regression systems tract as is known from shelf areas. The deep base level fall caused sediment truncation above 500 m present day water depth. Below 500–550 m, the offlapping succession is overlain by sigmoidal and onlapping, transgressive systems tract like clinoforms. The transition from deep base level fall prior to the MPT to deep base level rise documents the weakening of the LC during the early MPT. After the MPT, the LC continued to weaken. The related reduction of heat transport from the Western Atlantic Warm Water Pool into the North Atlantic contributes to the further cooling of the northern hemisphere. Generally, the development of offlapping or onlapping plastered drifts or the transition between the two termination patterns can be explained by changes in the depth of the relative deep base level and interpreted by changes in the flow regime.

The rock typing of complex clastic formation by means of computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance

This study provides a new rock-typing approach for low-resistive and low-permeable clastic rocks. The approach includes integrated interpretation of routine core analysis data with microstructural characteristics, acquired from computed tomography (CT) and nuclear-magnetic resonance (NMR) data. The studied formation comprises siltstones in its bottom, which are replaced by sandstones in its top. Sandstones form the main part of the oil reservoir, whereas siltstones were originally considered as water-saturated. The reserves calculation was performed based on a single Archie equation for the whole formation. Despite on apparent water saturation and low permeability of the siltstones, incidental perforation showed considerable oil inflow from them as well. In order to delineate missed productive intervals within the low-resistive siltstones, we had to develop a new rock-typing approach, acknowledging rock multimineral composition, diversity of microstructures, a wide range of porosity, permeability, and residual water saturation values. Designed laboratory program included porosity, permeability, electrical resistivity measurements, capillary, NMR and CT tests. The experiments were performed on the same core samples that enabled reliable correlation between measured parameters. The joint interpretation of flow zone indicator, calculated as a function of porosity and residual water saturation, together with the results of petrophysical and microstructural measurements allowed reliable rock-typing of the clastic formation. It will serve as a petrophysical basis for identification of the missed productive intervals. The developed laboratory program and rock-typing algorithm can be implemented in other oilfields.

Smoking-related interstitial lung disease

Exposure to smoke is associated with the development of diseases of the airways and lung parenchyma. Apart from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in some individuals, tobacco smoke can also trigger mechanisms of interstitial damage that result in various pathological changes and pulmonary fibrosis. A causal relation has been established between tobacco smoke and a group of entities that includes respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease (RB-ILD), desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), and acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP). Smoking is considered a risk factor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); however, the role and impact of smoking in the development of this differentiated clinical entity, which has also been called combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) as well as nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NIP), remains to be determined. The definition of smoking-related interstitial fibrosis (SRIF) is relatively recent, with differentiated histological characteristics. The likely interconnection between the mechanisms involved in inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis in all these processes often results in an overlapping of clinical, radiological, and histological features in the same patient that can sometimes lead to radiological patterns of interstitial lung disease that are impossible to classify. For this reason, a combined approach to diagnosis is recommendable. This combined approach should be based on the joint interpretation of the histological and radiological findings while taking the clinical context into consideration. This paper aims to describe the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in this group of disease entities in correlation with the clinical manifestations and histological changes underlying the radiological pattern.

Application of Combined Local and Global Optimization Algorithms in Joint Interpretation of Direct Current Resistivity and Seismic Refraction Data: A Case Study of Dammam Dome, Eastern Saudi Arabia.

The main geological structures in the Dammam Dome are defined by integrating geophysical measurements and applying new methodological approaches. Dammam Dome is characterized by a well-developed fracture/joints system; thus, high complexity of the subsurface is expected. Direct Current Resistivity (DCR) and Seismic Refraction (SR) geophysical survey aimed to map the Dammam Dome's near-surface features. The geophysical data were acquired along two profiles in the northern part of Dammam Dome. To maximize the results from conducting DCR and SR measurements over a complex area, a combined local and global optimization algorithm was used to obtain high-resolution near-surface images in resistivity and velocity models. The local optimization technique involves individual and joint inversion of the DCR and SR data incorporating appropriate regularization parameters, while the global optimization uses single and multi-objective genetic algorithms in model parameter estimation. The combined algorithm uses the output from the local optimization method to define a search space for the global optimization algorithm. The results show that the local optimization produces satisfactory inverted models, and that the global optimization algorithm improves the local optimization results. The joint inversion and processing of the acquired data identified two major faults and a deformed zone with an almost N-S direction that corresponds with an outcrop were mapped in profile one, while profile two shows similar anomalies in both the resistivity and velocity models with the main E-W direction. This study not only demonstrates the capability of using the combined local and global optimization multi-objectives techniques to estimate model parameters of large datasets (i.e., 2D DCR and SR data), but also provides high-resolution subsurface images that can be used to study structural features of the Dammam Dome.

Enfermedades pulmonares intersticiales relacionadas con el tabaco

Exposure to smoke is associated with the development of diseases of the airways and lung parenchyma. Apart from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in some individuals, tobacco smoke can also trigger mechanisms of interstitial damage that result in various pathological changes and pulmonary fibrosis. A causal relation has been established between tobacco smoke and a group of entities that includes respiratory bronchiolitis-associated interstitial lung disease (RB-ILD), desquamative interstitial pneumonia (DIP), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), and acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP). Smoking is considered a risk factor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); however, the role and impact of smoking in the development of this differentiated clinical entity, which has also been called combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) as well as nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NIP), remains to be determined. The definition of smoking-related interstitial fibrosis (SRIF) is relatively recent, with differentiated histological characteristics. The likely interconnection between the mechanisms involved in inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis in all these processes often results in an overlapping of clinical, radiological, and histological features in the same patient that can sometimes lead to radiological patterns of interstitial lung disease that are impossible to classify. For this reason, a combined approach to diagnosis is recommendable. This combined approach should be based on the joint interpretation of the histological and radiological findings while taking the clinical context into consideration. This paper aims to describe the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in this group of disease entities in correlation with the clinical manifestations and histological changes underlying the radiological pattern.

Follow the sound of my violin: Granger causality reflects information flow in sound.

Recent research into how musicians coordinate their expressive timing, phrasing, articulation, dynamics, and other stylistic characteristics during performances has highlighted the role of predictive processes, as musicians must anticipate how their partners will play in order to be together. Several studies have used information flow techniques such as Granger causality to show that upcoming movements of a musician can be predicted from immediate past movements of fellow musicians. Although musicians must move to play their instruments, a major goal of music making is to create a joint interpretation through the sounds they produce. Yet, information flow techniques have not been applied previously to examine the role that fellow musicians' sound output plays in these predictive processes and whether this changes as they learn to play together. In the present experiment, we asked professional violinists to play along with recordings of two folk pieces, each eight times in succession, and compared the amplitude envelopes of their performances with those of the recordings using Granger causality to measure information flow and cross-correlation to measure similarity and synchronization. In line with our hypotheses, our measure of information flow was higher from the recordings to the performances than vice versa, and decreased as the violinists became more familiar with the recordings over trials. This decline in information flow is consistent with a gradual shift from relying on auditory cues to predict the recording to relying on an internally-based (learned) model built through repetition. There was also evidence that violinists became more synchronized with the recordings over trials. These results shed light on the planning and learning processes involved in the aligning of expressive intentions in group music performance and lay the groundwork for the application of Granger causality to investigate information flow through sound in more complex musical interactions.