bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global rice trade competitiveness: a shift‐share analysis
Authors: Lakkakula Prithviraj , Dixon Bruce L. , Thomsen Michael R. , Wailes Eric J. , Danforth Diana M.
Published: March 2015

Changes in country shares of global rice exports from 1997 to 2008 are analyzed using an econometric, shift‐share analytical framework. This framework estimates growth rates and disaggregates these rates of change into geographical structure effects and performance effects. The performance effect is further decomposed into two subeffects accounting for adaptation to changes in the geographical structure of the marketplace and a competitiveness effect. A restricted, weighted, two‐way fixed effects model is specified for estimating the geographical structure and performance effects. Results indicate a growing concentration among a few exporting countries in the global rice market, and the competitiveness effect is often significant. Government policies affecting rice trade and the competitiveness of trading partners are important factors for the shifts in rice trade patterns. In particular, Vietnam is an emerging, major player in global rice trade in competition with Thailand.
Antiplatelet therapy as a modulator of stroke aetiology: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Rajkumar Christopher A. , Floyd Christopher N. , Ferro Albert
Published: March 2015

Aims

Antiplatelet therapy reduces the incidence of ischaemic stroke. Platelet‐mediated thrombosis contributes variably to the major subtypes of stroke as defined by the TOAST criteria: large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), cardioembolic (CE) and small vessel occlusion (SVO). The effect of antiplatelet therapy on the incidence of each subtype is unknown and is the subject of this meta‐analysis.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for articles comparing the effect of antiplatelet therapy on the incidence of stroke according to aetiological subtype. Studies containing subjects prescribed anticoagulant therapy or solely investigating subjects with atrial fibrillation were excluded. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a fixed effects model.

Results

Nine studies were included (n = 5739). In patients who had an ischaemic stroke, pre‐event antiplatelet therapy was associated with significantly decreased incidence of LAA (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79, 0.99; P = 0.026), increased incidence of CE (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.08, 1.41; P = 0.002) and no effect on SVO (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.88, 1.11; P = 0.806). Concordant non‐significant trends were observed in primary prevention populations (n = 751): LAA (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.57, 1.15; P = 0.240), CE (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.89, 1.87; P = 0.179) and SVO (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.73, 1.36; P = 0.970). Subgroup analysis of aspirin monotherapy (n = 3786) demonstrated a significant reduction in LAA (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76, 1.00; P = 0.046), but non‐significant effects on the incidence of CE (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.99, 1.39; P = 0.068) and SVO (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.91, 1.20; P = 0.570). Probability of publication bias was low (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Antiplatelet therapy preferentially reduces the incidence of LAA stroke compared with CE and SVO subtypes.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐34a suppresses the breast cancer stem cell‐like characteristics by downregulating Notch1 pathway
Authors: Kang Le , Mao Jun , Tao Yajun , Song Bo , Ma Wei , Lu Ying , Zhao Lijing , Li Jiazhi , Yang Baoxue , Li Lianhong
Published: March 2015

MicroRNAs play pivotal roles in cancer stem cell regulation. Previous studies have shown that microRNA‐34a (miR‐34a) is downregulated in human breast cancer. However, it is unknown whether and how miR‐34a regulates breast cancer stem cells. Notch signaling is one of the most important pathways in stem cell maintenance and function. In this study, we verified that miR‐34a directly and functionally targeted Notch1 in MCF‐7 cells. We reported that miR‐34a negatively regulated cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and breast cancer stem cell propagation by downregulating Notch1. The expression of miR‐34a was negatively correlated with tumor stages, metastasis, and Notch1 expression in breast cancer tissues. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐34a increased chemosensitivity of breast cancer cells to paclitaxel (PTX) by downregulating the Notch1 pathway. Mammosphere formation and expression of the stemness factor ALDH1 were also reduced in the cells treated with miR‐34a and PTX compared to those treated with PTX alone. Taken together, our results indicate that miR‐34a inhibited breast cancer stemness and increased the chemosensitivity to PTX partially by downregulating the Notch1 pathway, suggesting that miR‐34a/Notch1 play an important role in regulating breast cancer stem cells. Thus miR‐34a is a potential target for prevention and therapy of breast cancer.
Accuracy of Image‐Fusion Stereolithographic Guides: Mapping CT Data with Three‐Dimensional Optical Surface Scanning
Authors: Widmann Gerlig , Berggren Johannes Peter Michael , Fischer Bastian , Pichler‐Dennhardt Albina Rosa , Schullian Peter , Bale Reto , Puelacher Wolfgang
Published: March 2015

Background

Computer‐assisted implant surgery usually requires a radiographic scan template as the basis for prosthetic‐driven implant planning and surgical guide fabrication.

Purpose

The study aims to evaluate the accuracy of image‐fusion stereolithographic guides in which a computed tomography (CT) scan is mapped with three‐dimensional optical scans of cast and diagnostic wax‐up.

Materials and Methods

Three‐dimensional error at the base and tip of the implants, angular deviation of the implant‐axis, and the inserting‐depth error of 120 implants with a length of 10 mm and a caliber of 4.1 mm in 15 polymer‐models were examined. A control CT was performed and fused with the planning data for accuracy evaluation.

Results

The mean three‐dimensional error was 0.21 ± 0.10 mm (0.00–0.48 mm) at the implant base, 0.32 ± 0.17 mm (0.03–0.75 mm) at the implant tip, and the mean angular error was 0.85 ± 0.59° (0.00–2.50°). The mean depth error was 0.07 ± 0.07 mm (0.00–0.32 mm).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of an in vitro study, the novel technique showed excellent accuracy. Errors from fabrication and scanning of a radiographic scan template can be avoided, and the workflow and costs of computer‐assisted implant surgery may be reduced.
Automatic Detection of Words Associations in Texts Based on Joint Distribution of Words Occurrences
Authors: Santoni Daniele , Pourabbas Elaheh
Published: March 2015

In this article, we propose a novel approach for measuring word association based on the joint occurrences distribution in a text. Our approach relies on computing a sum of distances between neighboring occurrences of a given word pair and comparing it with a vector of randomly generated occurrences. The idea behind this assumption is that if the distribution of co‐occurrences is close to random or if they tend to appear together less frequently than by chance, such words are not semantically related. We devise a distance function S that evaluates the words association rate. Using S, we build a concept tree, which provides a visual and comprehensive representation of keywords association in a text. In order to illustrate the effectiveness of our algorithm, we apply it to three different texts, showing the consistency and significance of the obtained results with respect to the semantics of documents. Finally, we compare the results obtained by applying our proposed algorithm with the ones achieved by both human experts and the co‐occurrence correlation method. We show that our method is consistent with the experts' evaluation and outperforms with respect to the co‐occurrence correlation method.
Ten Principles for Interpreting Neuroscientific Pronouncements Regarding Human Nature
Authors: Weissenbacher A.C.
Published: March 2015

As the field of brain research continues to advance, much is being discovered about the various aspects of the brain that are associated with certain feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. However, certain studies, or popularized accounts thereof, overreach in their pronouncements, drawing unwarranted conclusions regarding human nature. There are ten principles that will assist the non‐specialist in critically assessing both now and future discoveries reported from the neurosciences, with a focus on helping theologians using neuroscientific data in multidisciplinary work regarding human nature.
THE GENERALIZED ALCHIAN–ALLEN THEOREM: A SLUTSKY EQUATION FOR RELATIVE DEMAND
Authors: Minagawa Junichi , Upmann Thorsten
Published: March 2015

We generalize the Alchian–Allen theorem so as to account for income and endowment effects and provide two versions of a Generalized Alchian–Allen theorem: one for a unit cost component and one for a proportional cost component. Both versions provide a decomposition of an uncompensated change in the demand ratio of two goods into a substitution effect and an income‐endowment effect—and may thus be regarded as extensions of the familiar Slutsky equation for relative demand. Finally, we apply our results to the choice of real estates and to parental time allocation decisions, the latter providing implications for child care policies. (JEL D11, H21, J22, R21)
Proteasome inhibitors and IMiDs can overcome some high‐risk cytogenetics in multiple myeloma but not gain 1q21
Authors: Nahi Hareth , Våtsveen Thea Kristin , Lund Johan , Heeg Bart M.S. , Preiss Birgitte , Alici Evren , Møller Michael Boe , Wader Karin Fahl , Møller Hanne E.H. , Grøseth Lill Anny , Østergaard Brian , Dai Hong Yan , Holmberg Erik , Gahrton Gösta , Waage Anders , Abildgaard Niels
Published: March 2015

Chromosomal aberrations have significant prognostic importance in multiple myeloma (MM). However, proteasome inhibitors (PI) and IMiDs may partly overcome the poor prognostic impact of some of them. In this study, we investigated a population‐based consecutive cohort newly diagnosed patients with MM admitted during a defined time period to hospitals in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The impact of treatment modality on the prognostic importance of specific chromosomal aberration was investigated, with special reference to gain 1q21. The median follow‐up of patients still alive at analysis was 40 months for the high‐dose (HDT)‐treated ones and 29 months for the whole population. Three hundred forty‐seven patients with a known 1q21 status were included in this study. The 347 patients were divided into three groups, that is, 119 patients with the 1q21 gain, 105 patients with other aberrations (OA), that is, del(13q), del(17p), t(4,14), and/or (14;16), and 123 patients with no aberrations (NA). The groups were compared in terms of overall survival (OS), time to progression (TTP), and response. The 3‐yr OS for patients with gain 1q21 was 60% compared to patients with OA 74% and NO 82% (gain 1q21 vs. NO P < 0.001; gain 1q21 vs. OA P = 0.095). If treated with PI or IMiDs, the 3‐yr OS was 58% for patients with gain 1q21 compared to patients with OA 78% and NO 78%, respectively (P = 0.041, P = 0.140). In HDT patients, the 3‐yr OS was 69% for patients with gain 1q21 compared to patients with OA 84% and NO 88%, respectively (P < 0.008, P = 0.600). Thus, neither HDT nor using PI or IMiDs could overcome the poor prognostic impact of gain 1q21, while these drugs and HDT seemed to improve OS in patients with OA, approaching the survival in NO. Further, gain 1q21 appears to be one of the most important poor prognostic chromosomal aberrations in multiple myeloma with current treatments. Trials using new drugs or allogeneic transplantation are warranted.
Fish community reassembly after a coral mass mortality: higher trophic groups are subject to increased rates of extinction
Authors: Alonso David , Pinyol‐Gallemí Aleix , Alcoverro Teresa , Arthur Rohan
Published: March 2015

Since Gleason and Clements, our understanding of community dynamics has been influenced by theories emphasising either dispersal or niche assembly as central to community structuring. Determining the relative importance of these processes in structuring real‐world communities remains a challenge. We tracked reef fish community reassembly after a catastrophic coral mortality in a relatively unfished archipelago. We revisited the stochastic model underlying MacArthur and Wilson's Island Biogeography Theory, with a simple extension to account for trophic identity. Colonisation and extinction rates calculated from decadal presence‐absence data based on (1) species neutrality, (2) trophic identity and (3) site‐specificity were used to model post‐disturbance reassembly, and compared with empirical observations. Results indicate that species neutrality holds within trophic guilds, and trophic identity significantly increases overall model performance. Strikingly, extinction rates increased clearly with trophic position, indicating that fish communities may be inherently susceptible to trophic downgrading even without targeted fishing of top predators.
Mast cells are required for phototolerance induction and scratching abatement
Authors: Schweintzger Nina A. , Bambach Isabella , Reginato Eleonora , Mayer Gerlinde , Limón‐Flores Alberto Y. , Ullrich Stephen E. , Byrne Scott N. , Wolf Peter
Published: March 2015

Dermal mast cells protect the skin from inflammatory effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and are required for UV‐induced immune suppression. We sought to determine a potential mechanistic role of mast cells in reducing the sensitivity to UV radiation (i.e. phototolerance induction) through photohardening. We administered single UV exposures as well as a chronic UV irradiation regime to mast cell‐deficient KitW‐Sh/W‐Sh mice and their controls. The chronic irradiation protocol was similar to that given for prophylaxis in certain photodermatoses in humans. Compared to controls, UV‐exposed KitW‐Sh/W‐Sh mice were more susceptible to epidermal hyperplasia and dermal oedema which was linked to blood vessel dilation. Unexpectedly, KitW‐Sh/W‐Sh mice exhibited an excessive scratching behaviour following broadband UVB plus UVA or solar simulated UV irradiation at doses far below their minimal skin‐swelling dose. Protection from this UV‐induced scratching phenotype was dependent on mast cells, as engraftment of bone marrow‐derived cultured mast cells abated it entirely. KitW‐Sh/W‐Sh mice were entirely resistant to phototolerance induction by photohardening treatment. Compared to controls, these mice also showed reduced numbers of regulatory T cells and neutrophils in the skin 24 h after UV irradiation. While it is well known that mast cell‐deficient mice are resistant to UV‐induced immune suppression, we have discovered that they are prone to develop photo‐itch and are more susceptible to UV‐induced epidermal hyperplasia and skin oedema.
PKC‐mediated inhibitory feedback of the cholecystokinin 1 receptor controls the shape of oscillatory Ca2+ signals
Authors: Willems Peter H. G. M. , Pahle Jürgen , Stalpers Xenia L. , Mugahid Douaa , Nikolaew Alexander , Koopman Werner J. H. , Kummer Ursula
Published: March 2015

Translation of extracellular hormonal input into cellular responses is often mediated by repetitive increases in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c). Amplitude, duration and frequency of these so‐called [Ca2+]c oscillations then carry information about the nature and concentration of the extracellular signalling molecule. At present, there are different hypotheses concerning the induction and control of these oscillations. Here, we investigated the role of agonist‐induced receptor phosphorylation in this process using Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing a variant of the cholecystokinin 1 receptor (CCK1R) lacking the four consensus sites for protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation and deficient in CCK‐induced receptor phosphorylation (CCK1R‐mt cells). In the presence of cholecystokinin‐(26‐33)‐peptide amide (CCK‐8), these cells displayed Ca2+ oscillations with a much more pronounced bursting dynamics rather than the dominant spiking dynamics observed in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing the wild‐type CCK1R. The bursting behaviour returned to predominantly spiking behaviour following removal of extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that CCK‐8‐induced, PKC‐mediated CCK1R phosphorylation inhibits Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane. To gain mechanistic insight into the underlying mechanism we developed a mathematical model able to reproduce the experimental observations. From the model we conclude that binding of CCK‐8 to the CCK1R leads to activation of PKC which subsequently phosphorylates the receptor to inhibit the receptor‐mediated influx of Ca2+ across the plasma membrane. Receptor‐specific differences in this feedback mechanism may, at least in part, explain the observation that different agonists evoke [Ca2+]c oscillations with different kinetics in the same cell type.
Replacement of Ser108 in Plasmodium falciparum enolase results in weak Mg(II) binding: role of a parasite‐specific pentapeptide insert in stabilizing the active conformation of the enzyme
Authors: Dutta Sneha , Mukherjee Debanjan , Jarori Gotam K.
Published: March 2015

A distinct structural feature of Plasmodium falciparum enolase (Pfeno) is the presence of a five amino acid insert ‐104EWGWS108‐ that is not found in host enolases. Its conservation among apicomplexan enolases has raised the possibility of its involvement in some important physiological function(s). Deletion of this sequence is known to lower kcat/Km, increase Ka for Mg(II) and convert dimer into monomers (Vora HK, Shaik FR, Pal‐Bhowmick I, Mout R & Jarori GK (2009) Arch Biochem Biophys 485, 128–138). These authors also raised the possibility of the formation of an H‐bond between Ser108 and Leu49 that could stabilize the apo‐Pfeno in an active closed conformation that has high affinity for Mg(II). Here, we examined the effect of replacement of Ser108 with Gly/Ala/Thr on enzyme activity, Mg(II) binding affinity, conformational states and oligomeric structure and compared it with native recombinant Pfeno. The results obtained support the view that Ser108 is likely to be involved in the formation of certain crucial H‐bonds with Leu49. The presence of these interactions can stabilize apo‐Pfeno in an active closed conformation similar to that of Mg(II) bound yeast enolase. As predicted, S108G/A‐Pfeno variants (where Ser108‐Leu49 H‐bonds are likely to be disrupted) were found to exist in an open conformation and had low affinity for Mg(II). They also required Mg(II) induced conformational changes to acquire the active closed conformational state essential for catalysis. The possible physiological relevance of apo‐Pfeno being in such an active state is discussed.

Database

Enolase, 2‐phosphoglycerate dehydratase (
EC4.2.1.11)
Dispersal abilities of riverine freshwater mussels influence metacommunity structure
Authors: Schwalb Astrid N. , Morris Todd J. , Cottenie Karl
Published: March 2015

Historically, the importance of dispersal ability for the distribution of organisms has often been ignored, partly because of the difficulty of measuring it. Many unionid mussels, which have larvae that are obligate parasites (usually on fish), are endangered and the conservation and management of these mussels depend on knowledge of the main drivers of their distribution.

Metacommunity theory predicts that limited dispersal should weaken the association of community composition with environmental factors. We tested this prediction by comparing the strength of association with environmental factors of (i) mussels with different dispersal abilities based on mobility of known host fish and (ii) mussels with different host infection strategies targeting fish with different mobility.

Mussels with more mobile host fish showed a significantly stronger association with host fish presence and catchment (as a proximate measure for large‐scale differences in environmental conditions or as a spatial component) compared to mussels with less mobile host fish. Our results thus indicate that mussel distribution is more closely linked to host fish for high‐dispersal mussels, which suggests the potential for species sorting. Mussel species with weak dispersal capabilities show the opposite pattern and are therefore less able to colonise all suitable sites (species sorting with limited dispersal). Thus, the absence of mussels does not necessarily indicate unsuitable environmental conditions, but can also be caused by dispersal limitation.

The impact of different host infection strategies was less clear, and differences in responses could be driven by differences in host fish or even habitat specialisation in addition to potential differences in dispersal abilities.

A better knowledge of the dispersal via host fish of unionid mussels and their host infection strategies will be crucial to understanding their metacommunity dynamics, a necessary precursor for effective conservation practices.
Impacts of climate change and management responses in tropical forests depend on complex frugivore‐mediated seed dispersal
Authors: Mokany Karel , Prasad Soumya , Westcott David A.
Published: March 2015

Aim

Biodiversity outcomes under global change will be influenced by a range of ecological processes, and these processes are increasingly being considered in models of biodiversity change. However, the level of model complexity required to adequately account for important ecological processes often remains unclear. Here we assess how considering realistically complex frugivore‐mediated seed dispersal influences the projected climate change outcomes for plant diversity in theAustralianWetTropics (all 4313 species).

Location

TheAustralianWetTropics,Queensland,Australia.

Methods

We applied a metacommunity model (M‐SET) to project biodiversity outcomes using seed dispersal models that varied in complexity, combined with alternative climate change scenarios and habitat restoration scenarios.

Results

We found that the complexity of the dispersal model had a larger effect on projected biodiversity outcomes than did dramatically different climate change scenarios. Applying a simple dispersal model that ignored spatial, temporal and taxonomic variation due to frugivore‐mediated seed dispersal underestimated the reduction in the area of occurrence of plant species under climate change and overestimated the loss of diversity in fragmented tropical forest remnants. The complexity of the dispersal model also changed the habitat restoration approach identified as the best for promoting persistence of biodiversity under climate change.

Main conclusions

The consideration of complex processes such as frugivore‐mediated seed dispersal can make an important difference in how we understand and respond to the influence of climate change on biodiversity.
Agglomeration Externalities and the Productivity of Italian Firms
Authors: Fazio Giorgio , Maltese Enza
Published: March 2015

Despite the richness of contributions on the effects of agglomeration on economic activity, the empirical evidence still falls short, especially at the microeconomic level, where they should matter the most. This paper adds to this literature by performing an empirical exploration of the role of Marshallian, Jacobian, and Porterian externalities for the productivity of Italian firms. In particular, a large dataset of small and medium enterprises is first employed to estimate firm‐level total factor productivity (TFP). Then dynamic panel and instrumental variables estimation methods are used to assess the effects of agglomeration externalities. The findings seem to suggest that these effects may vary depending whether the level or growth of TFP is considered. While the first is mostly influenced by the extent of Marshallian economies, the latter is higher when Jacobian and Porterian economies are at work.
Recreational Housing and Community Development: A Triple Bottom Line Approach
Authors: Winkler Richelle , Deller Steven , Marcouiller Dave
Published: March 2015

In this study, we explore the impact of recreational housing on community development within a triple bottom line (economic, social, environmental) framework. We empirically assess the relationships between recreational housing and social, environmental, and economic conditions in nonmetropolitan counties and explicitly model spatial relationships, considering the potential for indirect spillover effects of recreational housing presence in one county to be associated with social, environmental, and economic conditions in neighboring counties. We employ a spatial Bayesian model averaging method to determine the set of control variables and find that higher concentrations of recreational homes are associated with lower levels of economic well‐being, but somewhat higher levels of environmental quality.
Active surveillance for clinically localized renal tumors: An updated review of current indications and clinical outcomes
Authors: Borghesi Marco , Brunocilla Eugenio , Volpe Alessandro , Dababneh Hussam , Pultrone Cristian Vincenzo , Vagnoni Valerio , La Manna Gaetano , Porreca Angelo , Martorana Giuseppe , Schiavina Riccardo
Published: March 2015

The widespread use of abdominal imaging has led to an increasing detection of small renal masses, and approximately 20–30% of those tumors will prove to be benign, with low metastatic potential if not immediately treated. In elderly or comorbid patients diagnosed with small renal masses, competing cause mortality seems to exceed cancer‐specific mortality at short‐ and intermediate‐term follow up. In these cases, surgery might represent an overtreatment, and an expectant management, such as active surveillance, might be proposed. According to the current available evidence, active surveillance is a safe and reasonable option for patients with renal tumors ≤4 cm (cT1a) and short life expectancy. A few studies with short‐term follow up reported the preliminary results of active surveillance even in cT1b–cT2 tumors, with acceptable risk of disease progression and mortality, even if this approach should be considered in this setting only for highly‐selected and well‐informed patients. Furthermore, surveillance protocols can be proposed in selected patients with uncomplicated benign tumors, such as angiomyolipomas, in which active surveillance should be considered the initial standard management. At present, reliable clinical predictors of a tumor's growth rate and aggressiveness are not available. Renal tumor biopsy is useful in the clinical work‐up of patients who are candidates for active surveillance, in order to improve patient selection based on tumor histological characterization. Despite the proof of safety offered by expectant management for small renal masses in selected patients, further prospective studies with longer follow up are required in order to confirm the indications and long‐term oncological outcomes of active surveillance protocols for renal tumors.
A new species of the enigmatic archosauromorph Doswellia from the Upper Triassic Bluewater Creek Formation, New Mexico, USA
Authors: HECKERT ANDREW B. , LUCAS SPENCER G. , SPIELMANN JUSTIN A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract:  Doswellia sixmilensis is a new species of the doswelliid archosauromorph genus Doswellia named for an incomplete skeleton from the Upper Triassic Bluewater Creek Formation of the Chinle Group in west‐central New Mexico, USA. D. sixmilensis differs from D. kaltenbachi Weems, the type and only other known species of Doswellia, in its larger size, higher tooth count and greater heterodonty, possession of keels on the cervical centra and the presence of discrete knobs or spikes on some osteoderms. The holotype of D. sixmilensis is the fourth occurrence of Doswellia and only the second occurrence of a Doswellia skull, which includes the previously unknown premaxilla and maxilla (and therefore the best dentition) and has the best‐preserved cervical vertebrae. Although it adds to our knowledge of the anatomy of Doswellia, this new information does not alter previous concepts of the phylogenetic relationships of the doswelliid genera, largely because they are so poorly known anatomically. The genus Doswellia is known from the Newark Supergroup in Virginia, and the Chinle Group in Texas, New Mexico and Utah, in strata of Otischalkian–Adamanian age. The type locality of D. sixmilensis is c. 43 m stratigraphically below a bed from which U‐Pb dating of detrital zircons yields a maximum depositional age of c. 220 Ma, so this is a reasonable approximate numerical age for D. sixmilensis.
Garnet–chloritoid–kyanite assemblages: eclogite facies indicators of subduction constraints in orogenic belts
Authors: SMYE A. J. , GREENWOOD L. V. , HOLLAND T. J. B.
Published: March 2015

The assemblage garnet–chloritoid–kyanite is shown to be quite common in high‐pressure eclogite facies metapelites from orogenic belts around the world, and occurs over a narrowly restricted range of temperature ∼550–600 °C, between 20 and 25 kbar. This assemblage is favoured particularly by large Al2O3:K2O ratios allowing the development of kyanite in addition to garnet and chloritoid. Additionally, ferric iron and manganese also help stabilize chloritoid in this assemblage. Pseudosections for several bulk compositions illustrate these high‐pressure assemblages, and a new thermodynamic model for white mica to include calcium and ferric iron was required to complete the calculations. It is extraordinary that so many orogenic eclogite facies rocks, both mafic eclogites sensu stricto as well as metapelites with the above assemblage, all yield temperatures within the range of 520–600 °C and peak pressures ∼23±3 kbar. Subduction of oceanic crust and its entrained associated sedimentary material must involve the top of the slab, where mafic and pelitic rocks may easily coexist, passing through these P–T conditions, such that rocks, if they proceed to further depths, are generally not returned to the surface. This, together with the tightly constrained range in peak temperatures which such eclogites experience, suggests thermal weakening being a major control on the depths at which crustal material is decoupled from the downgoing slab.
Occurrence and Emplacement of Chromite Ores in Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India
Authors: IYER Sridhar D. , BABU Elapavalooru V.S.S.K. , MISLANKAR Premchand G. , GUJAR Anup R. , AMBRE Navso V. , LOVESON Victor J.
Published: March 2015

In the present study, we present the occurrence and emplacement of chromite ore deposits from two abandoned mines (Kankavali [Janoli] and Wagda) in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, India. These ores, that occurred as lenses and are associated with metamorphic and ultrabasic rocks, consist of octahedral grains of chromite, while clinochlore is present between the interstices of these grains. The Kankavali (Janoli) and Wagda ores revealed a dominance of Cr2O3 followed by FeO and variable proportions of A12O3, MgO, and SiO2. The former deposits have a slightly higher Cr2O3 (average 52 wt%) and FeO (∼18 wt%) than those from Wagda (Cr2O3∼50 wt%, FeO ∼25 wt%). The similar Cr# values (0.73 for Kankavali [Janoli], 0.74 for Wagda) correspond to those reported for typical podiform‐type chromite deposits. We suggest that the ores were emplaced as phacoliths in folded outcrops with a steep easterly dip and a northwest–southeast trend. We postulate the continuation of the fold structure from Janoli to Wagda (∼4.5 km apart) and the probable (sporadic) occurrence of chromite along this stretch. The possibility of the contribution of chromite grains from these areas to the coastal placer deposits cannot be ruled out.
Neoproterozoic Mafic Dykes and Basalts in the Southern Margin of Tarim, Northwest China: Age, Geochemistry and Geodynamic Implications
Authors: ZHANG Chuanlin , YANG Dongsheng , WANG Hongyan , DONG Yongguan , YE Haimin
Published: March 2015

Neoproterozoic rifting‐related mafic igneous rocks are widely distributed both in the northern and southern margins of the Tarim Block, NW China. Here we report the geochronology and systematic whole‐rock geochemistry of the Neoproterozoic mafic dykes and basalts along the southern margin of Tarim. Our zircon U‐Pb age, in combination with stratigraphic constraint on their emplacement ages, indicates that the mafic dykes were crystallized at ca. 802 Ma, and the basalt, possibly coeval with the ca. 740 Ma volcanic rocks in Quruqtagh in the northern margin of Tarim. Elemental and Nd isotope geochemistry of the mafic dykes and basalts suggest that their primitive magma was derived from asthenospheric mantle (OIB‐like) and lithospheric mantle respectively, with variable assimilation of crustal materials. Integrating the data supplied in the present study and that reported previously in the northern margin of Tarim, we recognize two types of mantle sources of the Neoproterozoic mafic igneous rocks in Tarim, namely the matasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) in the northern margin and the long‐term enriched lithospheric mantle and asthenospheric mantle in the southern margin. A comprehensive synthesis of the Neoproterozoic igneous rocks throughout the Tarim Block led to the recognition of two major episodes of Neoproterozoic igneous activities at ca. 820–800 Ma and ca. 780–740 Ma, respectively. These two episodes of igneous activities were concurrent with those in many other Rodinian continents and were most likely related to mantle plume activities during the break‐up of the Rodinia.
Petrology, Mineralogy and Geochemisty of Antarctic Mesosiderite GRV 020175: Implications for Its Complex Formation History
Authors: WANG Linyan , HSU Weibiao , MA Changqian
Published: March 2015

GRV 020175 is an Antarctic mesosiderite, containing about 43 vol% silicates and 57 vol% metal. Metal occurs in a variety of textures from irregular large masses, to veins penetrating silicates, and to matrix fine grains. The metallic portion contains kamacite, troilite and minor taenite. Terrestrial weathering is evident as partial replacement of the metal and troilite veins by Fe oxides. Silicate phases exhibit a porphyritic texture with pyroxene, plagioclase, minor silica and rare olivine phenocrysts embedded in a fine‐grained groundmass. The matrix is ophitic and consists mainly of pyroxene and plagioclase grains. Some orthopyroxene phenocrysts occur as euhedral crystals with chemical zoning from a magnesian core to a ferroan overgrowth; others are characterized by many fine inclusions of plagioclase composition. Pigeonite has almost inverted to its orthopyroxene host with augite lamellae, enclosed by more magnesian rims. Olivine occurs as subhedral crystals, surrounded by a necklace of tiny chromite grains (about 2–3 μm). Plagioclase has a heterogeneous composition without zoning. Pyroxene geothermometry of GRV 020175 gives a peak metamorphic temperature (∼1000°C) and a closure temperature (∼875°C). Molar Fe/Mn ratios (19–32) of pyroxenes are consistent with mesosiderite pyroxenes (16–35) and most plagioclase compositions (An87.5–96.6) are within the range of mesosiderite plagioclase grains (An88–95). Olivine composition (Fo53.8) is only slightly lower than the range of olivine compositions in mesosiderites (Fo55–90). All petrographic characteristics and chemical compositions of GRV 020175 are consistent with those of mesosiderite and based on its matrix texture and relatively abundant plagioclase, it can be further classified as a type 3A mesosiderite. Mineralogical, petrological, and geochemical studies of GRV 020175 imply a complex formation history starting as rapid crystallization from a magma in a lava flow on the surface or as a shallow intrusion. Following primary igneous crystallization, the silicate underwent varying degrees of reheating. It was reheated to 1000°C, followed by rapid cooling to 875°C. Subsequently, metal mixed with silicate, during or after which, reduction of silicates occurred; the reducing agent is likely to have been sulfur. After redox reaction, the sample underwent thermal metamorphism, which produced the corona on the olivine, rims on the inverted pigeonite phenocrysts and overgrowths on the orthopyroxene phenocrysts, and homogenized matrix pyroxenes. Nevertheless, metamorphism was not extensive enough to completely reequilibrate the GRV 020175 materials.
Minimum Bedrock Exposure Ages and Their Implications: Larsemann Hills and Neighboring Bolingen Islands, East Antarctica
Authors: HUANG Feixin , LI Guangwei , LIU Xiaohan , KONG Ping , JU Yitai , FINK David , FANG Aimin , YU Liangjun
Published: March 2015

Considerable controversy exists over whether or not extensive glaciation occurred during the global Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in the Larsemann Hills. In this study we use the in situ produced cosmogenic nuclide 10Be (half life 1.51 Ma) to provide minimum exposure ages for six bedrock samples and one erratic boulder in order to determine the last period of deglaciation in the Larsemann Hills and on the neighboring Bolingen Islands. Three bedrock samples taken from Friendship Mountain (the highest peak on the Mirror Peninsula, Larsemann Hills; ∼2 km from the ice sheet) have minimum exposure ages ranging from 40.0 to 44.7 ka. The erratic boulder from Peak 106 (just at the edge of the ice sheet) has a younger minimum exposure age of only 8.8 ka. The minimum exposure ages for two bedrock samples from Blundell Peak (the highest peak on Stornes Peninsula, Larsemann Hills; ∼2 km from the ice sheet) are about 17 and 18 ka. On the Bolingen Islands (southwest to the Larsemann Hills; ∼10 km from the ice sheet), the minimum exposure age for one bedrock sample is similar to that at Friendship Mountain (i.e., 44 ka). Our results indicate that the bedrock exposure in the Larsemann Hills and on the neighboring Bolingen Islands commenced obviously before the global LGM (i.e., 20–22 ka), and the bedrock erosion rates at the Antarctic coast areas may be obviously higher than in the interior land.
Synthesis and Growth Mechanism of TiC Whiskers by Carbothermal Reduction of Titania/Microcrystalline Cellulose
Authors: Xiong Huiwen , Li Zhiyou , Zhou Kechao
Published: March 2015

TiC whiskers were synthesized by a typical chloride‐assisted carbothermal reduction method using microcrystalline cellulose as a novel carbon source. Unlike previous research, Faceted TiC whiskers on the titanium oxide particles (Ti3O5) were epitaxially grown via vapor–solid mechanism without catalyst. Liquid–liquid separation was used for product purification. A 90–95 vol% yield of TiC whiskers was observed, with 0.5 μm in diameter and 40–60 μm in length. X‐ray diffraction study indicated that the lattice parameter of TiC increased (from 4.288 to 4.321 Å) with increasing the C/Ti ratio and sintering temperature. Preferred growth was found to be the [100] direction from the lattice‐resolved imaging. This study provided not only a new simple method for synthesizing TiC whiskers but also a new insight into the growth mode for TiC whiskers.
Three Aristotelian Accounts of Disease and Disability
Authors: Glackin Shane N.
Published: March 2015

The question of whether medical and psychiatric judgements involve a normative or evaluative component has been a source of wide and vehement disagreement. But among those who think such a component is involved, there is considerable further disagreement as to its nature. In this article, I consider several versions of Aristotelian normativism, as propounded by Christopher Megone, Michael Thompson and Philippa Foot, and Martha Nussbaum. The first two, I claim, can be persuasively rebutted by different modes of liberal pluralist challenge — respectively, pluralism about structures of social organisation and pluralism about biological forms. Nussbaum's version, by contrast, is alert to the need for pluralism; I argue, however, that the Aristotelian aspects of her theory hamper her pursuit of those pluralistic aims.
Evidence of a link between survival and pair fidelity across multiple tit populations
Authors: Culina Antica , Lachish Shelly , Sheldon Ben C.
Published: March 2015

Although they have the potential to strongly influence individual fitness and the dynamics and productivity of populations, the survival consequences of pairing outcomes and the influence of current pairing outcomes on those in the future have rarely been addressed. Previously, we have shown that pair fidelity increases both survival and future pair fidelity in a population of great titsParus major. The aim of this study was to explore the generality of our previous findings by evaluating the influence of current paring outcomes on survival and on future pairing outcomes in two different species and in different populations. We addressed our aims within a multievent capture–mark–recapture (MECMR) statistical framework, which accounts for differences in recapture rates and uncertainty in the assignment of pair status (i.e. whether an individual is breeding with the same partner or not). We applied the framework to breeding records of two great tit populations and one blue titCyanistes caeruleuspopulation. We detected survival benefits (i.e. increased survival) of pair fidelity in all three populations. These were similar in both great tit populations, but higher for male great tits than for male blue tits. We found that age‐dependence in the rate of pair fidelity was shared between different populations and species, but did not detect any influence of current pair status on future pair status. Our study highlights the importance of considering survival when studying the fitness benefits of pair fidelity. Some of the differences in pair fidelity rates and survival benefits of pair fidelity are likely the result of long‐term and short‐term demographic and environmental factors in the population. We advocate the use of the MECMR framework used here for further exploration of these differences.
At the passing gate: past introgression in the process of species formation betweenAmazilia violicepsandA. viridifronshummingbirds along the Mexican Transition Zone
Authors: Rodríguez‐Gómez Flor , Ornelas Juan Francisco
Published: March 2015

Aim

We tested whether populations of violet‐crowned and green‐fronted hummingbirds,Amazilia violiceps and Amazilia viridifrons, are genetically and environmentally differentiated, and examined the role of past geological and climatic changes in driving their diversification.

Location

Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt.

Methods

Mitochondrial and nuclearDNAof individuals collected throughout the species' ranges were sequenced and then analysed using maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian approaches. Species tree analysis, Bayesian species delimitation, divergence time inference, historical demography, palaeodistribution modelling, and niche divergence tests were used to reconstruct the evolutionary history of theAmaziliaspecies, and the isolation‐with‐migration coalescent model was assessed to determine whether genetic divergence betweenAmaziliaspecies occurred in the presence of gene flow.

Results

Genetic divergence betweenA. violicepsandA. viridifronswas shallow, with incomplete lineage sorting and introgression. Species delimitation supported three independent lineages:A. violicepspopulations located north of the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt; a mixture ofA. violicepssouth of the volcanic belt andA. viridifronspopulations; andA. villadaipopulations east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Gene flow and divergence time estimates, and demographic and palaeodistribution patterns support the model of species diversification by isolation with migration and habitat shifting in response to Pleistocene climatic fluctuations.

Main conclusions

The process of speciation in theAmaziliaspecies complex may be explained by the combined effects of isolation resulting from the Trans‐Mexican Volcanic Belt and the lowlands at the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and habitat shifting in response to Quaternary climatic changes.
Acetylcholine Suppresses Ventricular Arrhythmias and Improves Conduction and Connexin‐43 Properties During Myocardial Ischemia in Isolated Rabbit Hearts
Authors: AIBA TAKESHI , NODA TAKASHI , HIDAKA ICHIRO , INAGAKI MASASHI , KATARE RAJESH G. , ANDO MOTONORI , SUNAGAWA KENJI , SATO TAKAYUKI , SUGIMACHI MASARU
Published: March 2015

ACh Prevents Ischemic Loss of Gj and Arrhythmias

Introduction

Acetylcholine (ACh), a vagal efferent neurotransmitter, markedly improves survival in rats with myocardial ischemia (MI) by preventing ischemic loss of gap junction (Gj) and by inducing anti‐apoptotic cascades. However, electrophysiological mechanisms of the antiarrhythmic effect of ACh after acute MI are still unclear.

Methods

Acute MI was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery in Langendorff‐perfused rabbit hearts with (ACh(+):n = 11) or without (ACh(–):n = 12) 10 μmol/L ACh delivered continuously starting at 5 minutes before LAD ligation. Action potentials on the left ventricular (LV) anterior surface (≈2×2 cm) were recorded by optical mapping during pacing from the LV epicardium (BCL = 500 milliseconds). Conduction velocities (CVs) at 256 sites were calculated and the ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) susceptibility was also assessed by programmed electrical stimulation before and 30 minutes after MI. The amount and distribution of Gj protein connexin‐43 was analyzed by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Averaged CV in the ischemic border zone (IBZ) was significantly slower in ACh(–) than in ACh(+) (21 ± 7 vs. 34 ± 6 cm/s; P < 0.01). Short‐coupled extra stimulus further decreased CV of IBZ in ACh(–) (13 ± 4 cm/s) but did not change that in ACh(+) (34 ± 5 cm/s), leading to a high incidence of conduction block in IBZ in ACh(–) but not in ACh(+) (83% vs. 0%). VT/VF after MI were induced in ACh(–) but suppressed in ACh(+) (10/12 vs. 3/11; P < 0.01). Connexin‐43 in the LV anterior wall was significantly reduced after MI in ACh(–) but not in ACh(+).

Conclusion

ACh may suppress VT/VF by preventing loss of Gj and improving CV in IBZ during acute MI.
Post‐partum anemia and factors that work against alleviation of the anemia
Authors: Kobiyama Atsuko , Suzuki Eiko , Takayama Yuko
Published: March 2015

Aim

This study aimed to clarify conditions of women experiencing post‐partum anemia and identify factors that work against the alleviation of anemia.

Methods

This was a retrospective longitudinal study, involving 246 women giving birth at five participating institutions, diagnosed with anemia on day 3 post‐partum, and given a blood sample at the medical examination 1 month after the birth. With answers about alleviation of anemia during the 1 month post‐partum period as an objective variable, and explanatory variables, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. The explanatory variables included demographic data of the participants, information about anemia, following the nutrition instruction advice for anemia alleviation, family structure and others assisting the participants, and self‐management skills (measured by the Self‐Management Skill [SMS] scale).

Results

The present authors collected 211 valid responses; the average age was 32.6 years. The mean hemoglobin values on the 3rd and 30th days post‐partum were 9.6 and 12.0 g/dL, respectively. One fifth of the participants (21.3%) showed no anemia alleviation. The mean value on the SMS scale was 28.35, and the anemia alleviated group (30.78) was significantly higher than the non‐alleviated group (19.38). Results of the multiple logistic regression analysis showed a strong relationship between anemia risk and self‐management skills. The absence of anemia alleviation increased 2.51 times as the total score of the SMS decreased 1 point.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need to develop an intervention program to alleviate post‐partum anemia focusing on the low score items because self‐management skills strongly affect alleviation improvement.