bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive and behavioral correlates of caudate subregion shape variation in fragile X syndrome
Authors: Peng Daniel X. , Kelley Ryan G. , Quintin Eve‐Marie , Raman Mira , Thompson Paul M. , Reiss Allan L.
Published: September 2013

Individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) exhibit frontal lobe‐associated cognitive and behavioral deficits, including impaired general cognitive abilities, perseverative behaviors, and social difficulties. Neural signals related to these functions are communicated through frontostriatal circuits, which connect with distinct regions of the caudate nucleus (CN). Enlargement of the CN is the most robust and reproduced neuroanatomical abnormality in FXS, but very little is known on how this affects behavioral/cognitive outcomes in this condition. Here, we investigated topography within focal regions of the CN associated with prefrontal circuitry and its link with aberrant behavior and intellect in FXS. Imaging data were acquired from 48 individuals with FXS, 28 IQ‐matched controls without FXS (IQ‐CTL), and 36 typically developing controls (TD‐CTL). Of the total participant count, cognitive and behavioral assessment data were obtained from 44 individuals with FXS and 27 participants in the IQ‐CTL group. CN volume and topography were compared between groups. Correlations were performed between CN topography and cognitive as well as behavioral measures within FXS and IQ‐CTL groups. As expected, the FXS group had larger CN compared with both IQ‐CTL and TD‐CTL groups. Correlations between focal CN topography and frontal lobe‐associated cognitive and behavioral deficits in the FXS group supported the hypothesis that CN enlargement is related to abnormal orbitofrontal‐caudate and dorsolateral‐caudate circuitry in FXS. These findings deepen our understanding of neuroanatomical mechanisms underlying cognitive‐behavioral problems in FXS and hold promise for informing future behavioral and psychopharmacological interventions targeting specific neural pathways. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2861–2868, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Challenges of First‐Generation Doctoral Students
Authors: Gardner Susan K.
Published: September 2013

Students who are the first in their families to graduate from college have significant challenges and yet comprise a significant percentage of the number of awarded doctorates in the United States.
Programmed death 1 and B and T lymphocyte attenuator immunoreceptors and their association with malignant T‐lymphoproliferative disorders: brief review
Authors: Karakatsanis Stamatis , Bertsias George , Roussou Paraskevi , Boumpas Dimitrios
Published: September 2013

Malignant T‐cell lymphoproliferative diseases are relatively rare. T cells are activated through the T‐cell receptor with the aid of costimulating molecules that can be either excitatory or inhibitory. Such pathways have been also implicated in mechanisms of malignant T‐cell lymphoproliferative diseases' persistence and relapse by circumventing immune responses. To date, three major immunoinhibitory molecules have been recognized, namely programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1), B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA‐4). Although CTLA‐4 is considered the ‘gatekeeper’ of immune tolerance, PD‐1 negatively regulates immune responses broadly, whereas BTLA activation has been shown to inhibit CD8+ cancer‐specific T cells. Both PD‐1 and BTLA downregulate proximal T‐cell receptor signalling cascade and are involved in immune evasion of leukaemias and lymphomas, even after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. These immunoregulatory molecules can have seemingly a synergistic effect on weakening the immune response of patients with haematological malignancies, and their manipulation represents a very active field of preclinical as well as clinical interest. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Splitting multiple bonds: A comparison of methodologies on the accuracy of bond dissociation energies
Authors: Robinson David
Published: September 2013

A benchmarking of different quantum chemical methodologies for the splitting of multiply bonded systems is presented, with an emphasis on quantitative reproduction of experimentally determined dissociation energies. New benchmark full configuration interaction (FCI) calculations are presented for nitrogen and acetylene, and comparisons are made between various methods with both the FCI results and with experiment in an effort to understand qualitatively and quantitatively how well these different methods cope with the bond‐breaking process. It is found that the multireference methods fare well, but are sometimes slowly convergent with respect to the size of the basis set, and in particular the angular momenta of the polarization functions. Single‐reference (SR) wavefunction‐based methods perform poorly against full CI, while CCSD(T) is reasonably accurate for comparison with experiment. Density functional theory with hybrid functionals have very quick basis‐set convergence, and offer reliable estimates of bond dissociation energies. Spin‐restricted SR wavefunctions are found to be poor for such systems, while unrestricted wavefunctions give reasonably good energies, but with severe spin contamination. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of Ves‐Matic Cube 200 For Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Determination
Authors: Sezer Sevilay , Yilmaz Fatma Meriç , Kaya Oğuzhan , Uysal Sema
Published: September 2013

Background

International Council for Standardization in Haematology suggested Westergren method as the reference method to analyze erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). However, in recent years closed automated systems that measure ESR directly from a capped EDTA blood sample tube have been developed. We evaluated the analytic performance of one of these new methods, the Ves‐Matic Cube 200.

Methods

K2EDTA and citrated blood samples were taken from 101 randomly selected outpatients in Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital. The ESR results using Ves‐Matic Cube 200 and Westergren as reference method from 101 patients were compared and interference studies were performed.

Results

We found the mean difference between the two methods as 0.19 ± 15.85 mm/hr (−3.317 to 2.940 mm/hr, 95% confidence interval). Regression analysis yielded the equation “y = −2.59 + 1.15x” between the two methods (r = 0.82).

Conclusions

Ves‐Matic Cube 200 should be monitored carefully for good quality control. Temperature correction should be applied to study control material as recommended by the manufacturer. Ves‐Matic Cube 200 device should be monitored carefully, performance studies should be performed, and the results should be checked in order to eliminate the random errors during the routine studies.
The double‐belt outer radiation belt during CME‐ and CIR‐driven geomagnetic storms
Authors: Yuan Chongjing , Zong Qiugang
Published: September 2013

We have identified eight events with double‐belt structure in the outer radiation belt from 110 coronal mass ejection (CME) driven magnetic storms and 223 corotating interaction regions (CIR) driven storms during 1994 to 2003 based on the SAMPEX data sets. Among them, three cases are related to CME‐driven magnetic storms and five cases are related CIR‐driven storms. All double‐belt structure events in the outer radiation belt are found during the recovery phase of a magnetic storm for both CME‐ and CIR‐related events—they usually start to form within 3–4 days after the onset of the magnetic storm. The preconditions needed to form a double‐belt structure, for all the CME‐related events, are found to be high solar wind dynamic pressure (Pdy) and southward interplanetary magnetic field Bz; nevertheless, for the CIR‐related events, they are found to be associated with high‐speed stream with southward interplanetary magnetic field, which is enhanced by a suitably orientated By component.It is further found that the flux distributions of the double‐belt structure can be fitted well with a simply exponential decay function of L∗. Based on the radiation belt content index, the proportion of the total number of 1.5–6.0 MeV electrons inside the position of maximum fluxes to that outside the maximum fluxes keeps rising during the double‐belt period, which implies that the acceleration mainly occurs at regions inside the location of maximum fluxes. We suggest that the plasmapause and the strong wave‐particle interactions with VLF and ULF waves near it play an important role in the development of the double‐belt structures.
Predicting the location of polar cusp in the Lyon‐Fedder‐Mobarry global magnetosphere simulation
Authors: Zhang B. , Brambles O. , Lotko W. , Dunlap‐Shohl W. , Smith R. , Wiltberger M. , Lyon J.
Published: September 2013

In this paper we compare observations of the high‐latitude cusp from DMSP data to simulations conducted using the Lyon‐Fedder‐Mobarry (LFM) global magnetosphere simulation. The LFM simulation is run for the 31 August 2005 to 02 September 2005 moderate storm, from which the solar wind data exhibits a wide range of conditions that enable a statistical representation of the cusp to be obtained. The location of the cusp is identified using traditional magnetic depression and plasma density enhancement at high altitude. A new diagnostic using the parallel ion number flux is also tested for cusp identification. The correlation of the cusp latitude and various solar wind interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) coupling functions is explored using the three different cusp identification methods. The analysis shows (1) the three methods give approximately the same location and size of the simulated cusp at high altitude and (2) the variations of the simulated cusp are remarkably consistent with the observed statistical variations of the low‐altitude cusp. In agreement with observations, a higher correlation is obtained using other solar wind coupling functions such as the Kan‐Lee electric field. The magnetic local time (MLT) position of the simulated cusp is found to depend upon the IMF By component, with a lower linear correlation. The width of the simulated cusp in both latitude and MLT is also examined. The size of the cusp is found to increase with the solar wind dynamic pressure with saturation seen when the dynamic pressure is greater than 3 nPa.
The estimation of upper atmospheric wind model updates from infrasound data
Authors: Assink J. D. , Waxler R. , Frazier W. G. , Lonzaga J.
Published: September 2013

In our recent paper, the sensitivity of infrasound to the upper atmosphere is investigated using impulsive signals from the Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador. We reported on the coherent variability of thermospheric travel times, with periods equal to those of the tidal harmonics. Moreover, it was shown that the error in predicted thermospheric travel time is in accord with typical uncertainties in the upper atmospheric wind speed models. Given the observed response of the infrasound celerities to upper atmospheric tidal variability, it was suggested that infrasound observations may be used to reduce uncertainty in the knowledge of the atmospheric specifications in the upper atmosphere. In this paper, we discuss the estimation of upper atmospheric wind model updates from the infrasound data described in the aforementioned paper. The parameterization of the model space by empirical orthogonal functions is described; it is found that the wind model in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere can be described by a four‐parameter model. Due to the small dimensionality of the model space, a grid search method can be used to solve the inverse problem. A Bayesian method is used to assess the uncertainty in the inverse solution given the a priori uncertainty in the data and model spaces and the nonlinearity of the inverse problem at hand. We believe that this is the first study in which such methods are applied to real infrasound data, allowing for a rigorous analysis of this inverse problem. It is found that the complexity of the a posteriori model distribution increases for a larger dimensional model space and larger uncertainties in the data. A case study is presented in which the nonlinear propagation from source to receiver is simulated using an updated wind model and nonlinear ray theory. As nonlinear propagation effects further constrain the propagation path, this is a way to check the physical self‐consistency of the travel time inversion approach. We obtain excellent agreement between the simulated and observed waveforms.
Unfavorable hip stress distribution after Legg–Calvé–Perthes syndrome: A 25‐year follow‐up of 135 hips
Authors: Kocjančič Boštjan , Moličnik Andrej , Antolič Vane , Mavčič Blaž , Kralj‐Iglič Veronika , Vengust Rok
Published: September 2013

To study the effect of hip and pelvis geometry on development of the hip after Perthes disease, we determined the resultant hip force and contact hip stress distribution in a population of 135 adult hips of patients who had been treated for Perthes disease in childhood. Contra‐lateral hips with no record of disease were taken as the control population. Biomechanical parameters were determined by mathematical models for resultant hip force in one‐legged stance and for contact hip stress, which use as an input the geometrical parameters assessed from anteroposterior radiographs. The mathematical model for stress was upgraded to account for the deviation of the femoral head shape from spherical. No differences were found in resultant hip force and in peak contact hip stress between the hips that were in childhood subject to Perthes disease and the control population, but a considerable (148%) and significant (p < 0.001) difference was found in the contact hip stress gradient index, expressing an unfavorable, steep decrease of contact stress at the lateral acetabular rim. This finding indicates an increased risk of early coxarthritis in hips subject to Perthes disease. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:8–16, 2014.
Reconstructing Holocene sea level using salt‐marsh foraminifera and transfer functions: lessons from New Jersey, USA
Authors: KEMP ANDREW C. , TELFORD RICHARD J. , HORTON BENJAMIN P. , ANISFELD SHIMON C. , SOMMERFIELD CHRISTOPHER K.
Published: September 2013

We present an expanded training set of salt‐marsh foraminifera for reconstructing Holocene relative sea‐level change from 12 sites in New Jersey that represent varied physiographic environments. Seven groups of foraminifera are recognized, including four high‐ or transitional‐marsh assemblages and a low‐salinity assemblage. A weighted‐averaging transfer function trained on this dataset was applied to a dated core from Barnegat Bay to reconstruct sea level with uncertainties of ± 14% of tidal range. We evaluate the transfer function using seven tests. (1) Leave‐one‐site‐out cross validation suggests that training sets of salt‐marsh foraminifera are robust to spatial autocorrelation caused by sampling along transects. (2) Segment‐wise analysis shows that the transfer function performs best at densely sampled elevations and overall estimates of model performance are over optimistic. (3) Dissimilarity and (4) non‐metric multi‐dimensional scaling evaluated the analogy between modern and core samples. The closest modern analogues for core samples were drawn from six sites demonstrating the necessity of a multi‐site training set. (5) Goodness‐of‐fit statistics assessed the validity of reconstructions. (6) The transfer function failed a test of significance because of the unusual properties of some cores selected for sea‐level reconstruction. (7) Agreement between reconstructed sea level and tide‐gauge measurements demonstrates the transfer function's utility. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of prebiotic carbohydrates on growth, bile survival and cholesterol uptake abilities of dairy‐related bacteria
Authors: Ziar Hasnia , Gérard Philippe , Riazi Ali
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND

Three strains of lactic acid bacteria and one probiotic Bifidobacterium strain sourced from milk origin were considered to select for the best synbiotic‐like combination for cholesterol uptake ability. For that purpose, fermentative characteristics, bile salt hydrolase activity, bile survival and cholesterol removal were assessed in the presence of different carbohydrates.

RESULTS

Carbohydrate fermentability was highly variable among the different strains, and lactulose was the only prebiotic to favour growth of all strains, whereas pectin led to low population regardless of the strain. Bile survival of bacteria could be improved by the preferred carbon source and was related to their bile salt hydrolase activities. All together, our results showed that the most advantageous synbiotic‐like combinations to achieve cholesterol uptake abilities were Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus LB 340 with raffinose, Streptococcus thermophilus TA040 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus LBRE‐LSAS with lactulose, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb12 with mannitol.

CONCLUSION

The suggested synbiotics may represent new promising functional dairy additives. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Synergistic induction of human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide gene expression by vitamin D and stilbenoids
Authors: Guo Chunxiao , Sinnott Brian , Niu Brenda , Lowry Malcolm B. , Fantacone Mary L. , Gombart Adrian F.
Published: September 2013

Scope

The cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) gene is induced by 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3), lithocholic acid, curcumin, nicotinamide, and butyrate. Discovering additional small molecules that regulate its expression will identify new molecular mechanisms involved in CAMP regulation and increase understanding of how diet and nutrition can improve immune function.

Methods and results

We discovered that two stilbenoids, resveratrol and pterostilbene, induced CAMP promoter‐luciferase expression. Synergistic activation was observed when either stilbenoid was combined with 1α,25(OH)2D3. Both stilbenoids increased CAMP mRNA and protein levels in the monocyte cell line U937 and synergy was observed in both U937 and the keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. Inhibition of resveratrol targets sirtuin‐1, cyclic AMP production and the c‐Jun N‐terminal, phosphoinositide 3 and AMP‐activated kinases did not block induction of CAMP by resveratrol or synergy with 1α,25(OH)2D3. Nevertheless, inhibition of the extracellular signal regulated 1/2 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases, increased CAMP gene expression in combination with 1α,25(OH)2D3 suggesting that inhibition of these kinases by resveratrol may explain, in part, its synergy with vitamin D.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate for the first time that stilbenoid compounds may have the potential to boost the innate immune response by increasing CAMP gene expression, particularly in combination with 1α,25(OH)2D3.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate, a DYRK1A inhibitor, rescues cognitive deficits in Down syndrome mouse models and in humans
Authors: De la Torre Rafael , De Sola Susana , Pons Meritxell , Duchon Arnaud , de Lagran María Martínez , Farré Magí , Fitó Montserrat , Benejam Bessy , Langohr Klaus , Rodriguez Joan , Pujadas Mitona , Bizot Jean Charles , Cuenca Aída , Janel Nathalie , Catuara Silvina , Covas Maria Isabel , Blehaut Henri , Herault Yann , Delabar Jean Marie , Dierssen Mara
Published: September 2013

Scope

Trisomy for human chromosome 21 results in Down syndrome (DS), which is among the most complex genetic perturbations leading to intellectual disability. Accumulating data suggest that overexpression of the dual‐specificity tyrosine‐(Y)‐phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A), is a critical pathogenic mechanisms in the intellectual deficit.

Methods and results

Here we show that the green tea flavonol epigallocatechin‐gallate (EGCG), a DYRK1A inhibitor, rescues the cognitive deficits of both segmental trisomy 16 (Ts65Dn) and transgenic mice overexpressing Dyrk1A in a trisomic or disomic genetic background, respectively. It also significantly reverses cognitive deficits in a pilot study in DS individuals with effects on memory recognition, working memory and quality of life. We used the mouse models to ensure that EGCG was able to reduce DYRK1A kinase activity in the hippocampus and found that it also induced significant changes in plasma homocysteine levels, which were correlated with Dyrk1A expression levels. Thus, we could use plasma homocysteine levels as an efficacy biomarker in our human study.

Conclusion

We conclude that EGCG is a promising therapeutic tool for cognitive enhancement in DS, and its efficacy may depend of Dyrk1A inhibition.
Sex differences in time to task failure during early pubertal development
Authors: Rudroff Thorsten , Holmes Matthew R. , Melanson Edward L. , Kelsey Megan M.
Published: September 2013

Introduction: We compared fatigability and activation of elbow flexor muscles in children at 3 pubertal stages during a sustained submaximal contraction. Methods: In 72 healthy children (39 boys) aged 11 ± 3 years (range, 8–14 years), differences in fatigability (time to task failure) and muscle activation were compared at 3 Tanner stages (T1–T3). Results: Time to task failure and muscle activation were similar between boys and girls at prepubertal Tanner stage 1. Time to task failure was briefer for girls than boys at Tanner stages 2 and 3 and was predicted by the coactivation indices and percent body fat in girls. Muscle torque was the only predictor for the time to task failure in boys. Conclusions: Differences in fatigability and muscle coactivation were evident during the initial pubertal stages (T2 and T3), but not before the onset of puberty (T1). Muscle Nerve 49: 887–894, 2014
Case‐crossover study design in pharmacoepidemiology: systematic review and recommendations
Authors: Consiglio Giulia P. , Burden Andrea M. , Maclure Malcolm , McCarthy Lisa , Cadarette Suzanne M.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to systematically identify and review articles that use the case‐crossover study design in the area of pharmacoepidemiology.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE® (Ovid Technologies, New York City, NY, USA), EMBASE® (Elsevier Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA), and Web of Science® (Thomson Reuters, New York City, NY, USA) was completed to identify all English language articles that applied the case‐crossover study design in the area of pharmacoepidemiology. The number of reviews, methodological contributions, and empirical pharmacoepidemiologic applications were summarized by publication year. Empirical applications were retrieved, and methodological details (outcome, exposure, exposure windows, sensitivity analysis, statistical reporting) were tabulated and compared to methodological recommendations based on exposure characteristics, exposure windows, and discordant pairs data display.

Results

Of 836 unique articles identified, 99 pharmacoepidemiologic studies were eligible: 20 methodological contributions, 9 review papers, and 70 empirical applications. Only three empirical applications in the area of pharmacoepidemiology were published before 2000. Since 2000, the number of empirical pharmacoepidemiologic applications published annually has generally increased over time, to before a high of 15 published in 2011. The design was mainly applied to examine drug safety (96%), and most applications investigated: psychotropic (24%) and analgesic (17%) exposure drug classes; and considered hospitalization (23%) and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular (21%) events. Only 31% of applications displayed sufficient data to enable readers to confirm odds ratios presented.

Conclusions

Use of the case‐crossover design in pharmacoepidemiology has increased rapidly in the last decade. As the application of the case‐crossover design continues to increase, it is important to develop standards of practice, especially for display of data. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carboplatin Pharmacokinetics in a Patient Receiving Hemodialysis
Authors: Fong Mei Ka , Fetterly Gerald J. , McDougald Lori J. , Iyer Renuka V.
Published: September 2013

With refinements and advances in hemodialysis techniques, survival for patients with end‐stage renal disease has improved significantly. To our knowledge, however, no prospective trials have been performed in patients receiving hemodialysis who are also diagnosed with cancer and are candidates for chemotherapy. We describe a 73‐year‐old man who was diagnosed with high‐grade neuroendocrine carcinoma, metastatic to the bone and lymph nodes, and was undergoing hemodialysis. Although cisplatin is more commonly used in the treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine cancers, it may not be the best option in patients who suffer from renal insufficiency. Carboplatin is a second‐generation, nonnephrotoxic platinum analog that can be hemodialyzed, although no formal guidelines are available regarding the dosing for patients receiving hemodialysis. This case describes a patient who was treated with five cycles of combination carboplatin 115 mg/m2 on day 1 and etoposide 50 mg/m2 on day 1 and day 3 of a 28‐day cycle. Dialysis was performed for 3.5 hours starting 90 minutes after completion of carboplatin on day 1. Pharmacokinetic assessments were performed at 1, 2, 4, and 12 hours after chemotherapy infusion on day 1 of cycle 1. Total carboplatin concentrations in plasma and platinum ultrafiltrate were measured. The plasma concentration of free platinum at the end of the infusion was 31,000 ng/ml, and the area under the plasma concentration–time curve was 2.9 minute·mg/ml. No significant carboplatin‐related toxicities were reported. This case report indicates that carboplatin can be safely administered in patients receiving hemodialysis.
Using near misses to improve risk management decisions
Authors: Dee Sean J. , Cox Brenton L. , Ogle Russell A.
Published: September 2013

In the process safety literature it is often claimed that the analysis of near‐miss incidents can improve process safety performance. However, empirical research has demonstrated that near miss events are interpreted as marginally successful, leading to riskier behavior due to lower perceived risk analyses. In other words, experiencing a near‐miss incident can result in the false conclusion that the original risk was over‐estimated. To be effective, the analysis of near‐misses must be grounded in an objective evaluation of the event, the outcome, and the severity of the alternative outcome's consequences. In this article, several examples are presented where a near‐miss incident preceded a serious incident with significant human injury or property damage. If the near‐miss had been investigated, properly evaluated, and appropriate corrective actions been implemented, the more severe incident would not have occurred. A recurring theme in these examples is the underestimation of consequence severity, that is, the misinterpretation of the near‐miss as a high probability, low‐consequence severity scenario rather than a narrowly averted low‐probability, high‐consequence severity scenario. A deliberate consideration of the lower probability, more severe consequence scenario would have facilitated a more thoughtful evaluation of corrective actions. A methodology based on game theory is presented for evaluating the impact of near‐misses on risk perception. A game‐theoretical model is used to demonstrate the need for shifting payoffs away from lagging process safety indicators and toward leading indicators. An equally important outcome of this analysis is the effective communication of the risk at operational and managerial levels of the organization. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 322–327, 2013
Allocation of risk tolerance criteria
Authors: Baybutt Paul
Published: September 2013

Risk analysis evaluates the risk of individual hazard scenarios and hazardous events that contribute to the overall risk of a hazardous facility. Therefore, some practitioners employ risk tolerance criteria for hazard scenarios or hazardous events by allocating or apportioning overall facility risk to the scenarios or events. Issues encountered in allocating facility risk tolerance criteria are discussed in this article, including estimating the number of scenarios or events to which a person may be exposed, introducing uncertainty into risk tolerance criteria, and defining scenarios or events uniquely and equivalently. Recommendations are made for using risk tolerance criteria appropriately. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 227–230, 2014
Atmospheric response to sea‐surface temperature in the eastern equatorial Atlantic at quasi‐biweekly time‐scales
Authors: de Coëtlogon Gaëlle , Leduc‐Leballeur Marion , Meynadier Rémi , Bastin Sophie , Diakhaté Moussa , Eymard Laurence , Giordani Hervé , Janicot Serge , Lazar Alban
Published: September 2013

The surface‐wind response to sea‐surface temperature (SST) and SST meridional gradient is investigated in the Gulf of Guinea by using daily observations and re‐analyses in the 2000–2009 decade, with a focus on boreal spring and summer months (May to August), where quasi‐biweekly fluctuations in the position of the northern front of the equatorial cold tongue induce quasi‐biweekly equatorial SST anomalies. Following a large‐scale wind acceleration (deceleration), an equatorial SST cold (warm) anomaly is created within a few days. In order to explain the local atmospheric response to this SST anomaly, the two following mechanisms are invoked: first, a colder (warmer) ocean decreases (increases) the vertical stability in the marine atmospheric boundary layer, which favours a weaker (stronger) surface wind; and second, a negative (positive) anomaly of SST meridional gradient induces a positive (negative) anomaly of the sea‐level‐pressure meridional gradient, which decelerates (accelerates) the surface wind. The first mechanism has an immediate effect in the equatorial belt between 1°S and 1°N (and to a lesser extent between 3°S and 1°S), whereas the second takes 1 or 2 days to adjust and damps anomalous southeasterlies up to 800 hPa in the low troposphere between 7°S and 1°N, through reversed anomalies of meridional SST and pressure gradient. This negative feedback leads to weaker (stronger) winds in the southeastern tropical Atlantic, which forces the opposite phase of the oscillation within about 1 week. Around the Equator, where the amplitude of the oscillation is found to be maximal, both mechanisms combine to maximize the wind response to the front fluctuations. Between the Equator and the coast, a low‐level secondary atmospheric circulation takes control of the surface‐wind acceleration or deceleration around 3°N, which reduces the influence of the SST‐front fluctuations.
Occupancy dynamics in small‐stream habitats: niches define the responses to floods by two neotropical fishes
Authors: Hakamada Karlo Yoshihiro Pioto , Penha Jerry
Published: September 2013

We modeled the occupancy dynamics of the benthic chum‐chum (Pimelodellacf.gracilis) and the midwater threespot leporinus (Leporinus friderici) to determine how these fish species respond to disturbances caused by stream flooding. Fieldwork was conducted in two neotropical streams in central Brazil. Both species occupied fewer sites during floods than during periods with stable hydrology. The percentage of sites occupied by threespot leporinus increased from 57 to 75 %, and the percentage occupied by chum‐chum increased from 27 to 87 %. Threespot leporinus moved upstream after floods, first recolonizing the sites farthest downstream and then recolonizing those farthest upstream. In contrast, chum‐chum remained in several scattered sites along the stream during floods and recolonized nearby sites from these sources (i.e., colonization was not spatially concentrated). During wet hydroperiods, chum‐chum used sites with water velocities ranging from 0.35 to 0.75 m/s. During the dry period, this range increased to 0.20–0.90 m/s (in sites that were colonized after the floods ended). Our results also showed that both species were more easily detected by snorkeling during the dry hydroperiod and that characteristics such as the substrate type and water velocity had different effects on the detectability of the two species. Overall, our study indicated that the annual persistence of threespot leporinus depends largely on seasonal upstream‐biased movement, whereas the chum‐chum population depends on the seasonal scattered colonization of temporary sites.
Fire as a stimulant of shrub recruitment in northwestern Patagonian (Argentina) grasslands
Authors: Dudinszky N. , Ghermandi L.
Published: September 2013

One strategy of plant survival during post‐fire succession is to persist and regenerate by recruiting new individuals from a fire‐resistant seed bank. The heat, smoke, and charcoal released during plant combustion may act (individually or in combination) as a cue for post‐fire seed germination. Fabiana imbricata is a shrub that forms persistent seed banks in the northwestern Patagonian grasslands and shows a high recruitment from seeds during post‐fire succession. Mathematical models showed that this species is advancing over the grasslands in response to fires. To corroborate these findings, we studied the role of fire on F. imbricata seed germination. In order to achieve this, a factorial experiment was designed in laboratory conditions to study the effect of heat, charcoal, smoke, scarification, and their interactions on F. imbricata seed germination. Seeds treated with the higher temperatures required a longer period of time to germinate, thus, significantly affecting the mean germination time. Total germination percentages in F. imbricata were significantly enhanced by smoke and scarification, but the interaction of heat, smoke, and scarification was more important than the effect of each fire factor alone. The positive response to fire cues exhibited by F. imbricata indicates that this species would have an adaptive advantage to colonize these grasslands if fire frequency increased, as predicted for this environment. Hence, fire will contribute to the grassland encroachment by this species and, therefore, to the loss of biodiversity and productivity of northwestern Patagonian grasslands.
New U-Pb Ages of Zircons in the Owk Shale (Kurnool Group) with Reflections on Proterozoic Porcellanites in India
Authors: Bickford M. E. , Saha D. , Schieber J. , Kamenov G. , Russell A. , Basu A.
Published: September 2013

Felsic tuff beds with some presumed sedimentary components were reported from the Owk Shale (Kurnool Group; bearing Neoproterozoic fossils) in the upper part of the sedimentary succession in the Cuddapah basin in India by Saha and Tripathy (2012a). Our optical and SEM petrographic study of three thin sections, however, indicates that the parent samples are sandy mudstones with variable amounts of a felsic volcaniclastic component. New high-quality U-Pb (SHRIMP and LA-MC-ICPMS) ages of 133 detrital zircon grains from a sample show that one grain is ca. 1880 Ma, one grain is ca. 3300 Ma, and the ages of the remaining 131 grains fall between 2690 Ma and 2429 Ma, the population averaging 2522 ± 36 Ma. The data indicate that the zircons are detrital grains derived from the ca. 2.5 Ga granitic/gneissic/greenstone basement of the Dharwar cratons that also host minor older Archean enclaves. The single 1880 Ma grain could have come from a ca. 1.9 Ga LIP. In the absence of any younger magmatic zircon, the absolute age of the Owk Shale remains elusive.
Geochemical and Mineralogical Characteristics of Recent Clastic Sediments from Lower Godavari River: Implications of Source Rock Weathering
Authors: Vuba Shilpa , Farnaaz Sadia , Sagar Netramani , Ahmad S. Masood
Published: September 2013

The major, trace and rare earth elements geochemistry and clay mineral compositions in the river bed sediments from lower reaches of Godavari river suggest that they are derived from weathering of felsic rocks. Trace and rare earth elemental compositions indicate evidence of sedimentary sorting during transportation and deposition. Lower concentrations of transition elements, such as V, Ni and Cr imply enrichment of felsic minerals in these bed sediments. The REE pattern in lower Godavari sediments is influenced by the degree of source rock weathering. The light rare earth elements (LREE) content are indicating greater fractionation compared to the heavy rare earth elements (HREE). A striking relationship is observed between TiO2 and ΣREE content suggesting a strong control by LREE-enriched titaniferous minerals on REE chemistry. Shale-normalized REE pattern demonstrate a positive Eu anomaly, suggesting weathering of feldspar and their secondary products, which are enriched in Eu. Chondrite-normalised REE pattern is characteristic of felsic volcanic, granites and gnessic source rocks. Trace elemental compositions in sediments located near urban areas suggest influence of anthropogenic activity. Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) is high (avg. 65.76), suggesting a moderate chemical weathering environment. X-ray diffraction analysis of clay fraction shows predominance of clay minerals that are formed because of the chemical weathering of felsic rocks.
Palynology, Palaeoecology and Palaeodepositional Environment of Eocene Lignites and Associated Sediments from Matanomadh Mine, Kutch Basin, Western India
Authors: Mathews Runcie P. , Tripathi Suryakant M. , Banerjee Santanu , Dutta Suryendu
Published: September 2013

Extensive Cenozoic lignite-bearing sediments in the western part of Kutch, western India provide a unique opportunity to study the floral diversity at a crucial time of early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO). Rock samples representing a lignite-bearing sequence from the open cast mine at Matanomadh, Gujarat, western India were collected to study the palynofloral composition and to interpret the palaeoclimate and environment of deposition. The sequence mainly composed of lignites, shales and calcareous mudstones yielded rich assemblage consists of pteridophytic spores (7 genera, 10 species), angiosperm pollens (20 genera, 26 species), fungal remains (14 genera, 16 species) and dinoflagellate cysts. The palynofloral assemblage is marked with dominance of angiospermic pollen, particularly those having affinity with the family Arecaceae. Occurrence of fungal remains in high abundance is also noticed. Based on palynomorph contents, the studied sequence is divisible into two palynozones. It is inferred that lower part of the sequences was deposited in a near-shore environment with intermittent marine incursions whereas the depositional regime of upper part was shallow marine. The climate is found to be tropical-subtropical, humid with heavy precipitation during the deposition of Matanomadh lignite-bearing sequence.
GIS Based Landslide Susceptibility Mapping using a Fuzzy Logic Approach: A Case Study from Ghurmi-Dhad Khola Area, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Kayastha Prabin , Bijukchhen Subeg Man , Dhital Megh Raj , Smedt Florimond De
Published: September 2013

Landslides cause extensive loss of life and property in the Nepal Himalaya. Since the late 1980s, different mathematical models have been developed and applied for landslide susceptibility mapping and hazard assessment in Nepal. The main goal of this paper is to apply fuzzy logic to landslide susceptibility mapping in the Ghurmi-Dhad Khola area, Eastern Nepal. Seven causative factors are considered: slope angle, slope aspect, distance from drainage, land use, geology, distance from faults and folds, soil and rock type. Likelihood ratios are obtained for each class of causative factors by comparison with past landslide occurrences. The ratios are normalized between zero and one to obtain fuzzy membership values. Further, different fuzzy operators are applied to generate landslide susceptibility maps. Comparison with the landslide inventory map reveals that the fuzzy gamma operator with a γ-value of 0.60 yields the best prediction accuracy. Consequently, this operator is used to produce the final landslide susceptibility zonation map.
Delineation Using Geophysical Data of the Hydrocarbon Bearing Zone in the Begumganj Structure, Hatia Trough, Southern Bengal Basin, Bangladesh
Authors: Abdullah Rashed , Hossain Delwar , Alam M. Rafiqul
Published: September 2013

The Begumganj structure of the Hatia Trough in Bengal Basin has proved it’s hydrocarbon potentiality. Several seismic sections have been analyzed to construct different maps and to interpret subsurface geology, structure and stratigraphy. These maps reveal that the Begumganj structure is an elongated to oval shaped asymmetrical anticline having the general trend NNW-SSE. No major faults affecting the structure could have been identified. Most of the reflectors are strongly affected by channels, especially at the western flank. Based on the analysis of seismic and available well data, the only gas bearing strata at depth of 2995 m (or TWT 2.02 seconds) has been identified. The structure is interpreted as a strati-structure entrapment because shale fill channel truncated this layer on western flank and at the crestal part of the anticline. The structure probably formed after the deposition of sediments. The channel has formed after the corresponding unit cut has been deposited. The channels eroding the reservoir unit range from Late Miocene to Early Pliocene age where the anticline probably begun to form during the Pliocene. Strong increase in amplitude (bright spot), possibly associated with hydrocarbon, has been apparent on seismic lines BG 9 and BG 10. The stratigraphic succession based on the information of the wells drilled on this structure and it’s surrounding fields reveals that the lithological sequences range from Miocene to Recent age where the only proven gas producing sand zone is located in the Bhuban Formation.
Genetic Mechanism and Failure Process of the Mogangling Seismic Landslide
Authors: Junfeng Wu , Yunsheng Wang , Simeng Dong , Yun Chen , Lei Wang
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a case study on the Mogangling landslide and its characteristics and geological mechanism. The Mogangling landslide is a giant rock landslide located at the intersection of Dadu river and Moxi river. It is a landslide triggered by an earthquake with large magnitude that occurred in 18th century. Based on detailed site investigation, it shows the Mogangling landslide developed in the Kangding complex strata, composed of completely decomposed aggregates of massive-block stone, debris and soil with some gravels, pebbles and sand layer found distributed in front of the landslide. The control factor of the deformation of this landslide is the combined effect of Detuo fault which is located under the slope, and the regional stress formed along structural planes as well as the free surfaces formed by river cutting. Therefore, when the Kangding-Moxi earthquake (Ms =7.7) occurred on 1st June, 1786, due to seismic shaking, topographic amplification effects and back slope effects, the Mogangling landslide occurred. The Dadu River is the most important river for hydropower development in China; large-scale seismic landslides along the Dadu River are the most important geological issue during the construction of hydropower stations. Therefore, this research is important from the point of view of economic and social benefits.
Seismotectonics and Seismicity of the Silakhor Region, Iran
Authors: Ramazi Hamidreza , Firoozi Azizzadeh , Aenollah
Published: September 2013

This paper deals with seismotectonic and seismicity of the Silakhor region that shows high seismic activity in western Iran. Silakhor is a vast plain with several villages and cities of Dorud and Borujerd and a small town of Chalanchulan that were destroyed and/or damaged many times by large earthquakes. This paper addresses the historical and instrumental earthquakes and their causative faults, seismotectonic provinces and seismotectonic zones of the region. Available seismic data were normalized by means of time normalization technique that resulted in the magnitude-frequency relation for the Silakhor area and estimation of the return period of earthquakes with different magnitudes. Some active faults in this region include the Dorud fault, the main Zagros thrust, the Galehhatam fault, the Sahneh fault and others. Among them, the Dorud fault is an earthquake fault and is the cause for most of the large and intermediate earthquakes in the region. The return period of large earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 7.0 (Ms) is very low, however, the occurrence of destructive earthquakes is greater in the region than in the neighboring provinces. The study proves the high seismicity of this zone and it is required to develop an accurate national plan for future building and reinforcement of the existing buildings in this region.
Geoelectrical Resistivity Survey for the Evaluation of Hydrogeological Condition of Bagerhat Sadar and the Adjacent Areas, Bangladesh
Authors: Imam MD. Hasan , Hossain Delwar , Ullah A.S.M. Woobaid
Published: September 2013

This study has been conducted to find out the aquifer characteristics of Bagerhat Sadar and adjacent areas in Bangladesh using geoelectrical resistivity method and borehole logs. The interpretation of resistivity soundings (14 nos.) shows that the sub-surface lithological sequence can be divided into four geoelectric units. The deepest geoelectric unit (with resistivity from 8 Ohm-m to 18 Ohm-m) represents the deep aquifer with usually fresh water. Resistivity values of 12 ?m or more for this unit may indicate formation water as acceptable for coastal people. In the study area, the shallow aquifer inferred is not suitable for groundwater development.
Solid State 13C-NMR Spectroscopy of some Oligocene Coals of Assam and Nagaland
Authors: Saikia Binoy K. , Sharma Arpita , Khound Kakoli , Baruah Bimala P.
Published: September 2013

Five representative sub-bituminous coals from NE part of India have been analyzed with respect to their distribution of carbon functional groups through 13C solid state NMR experiments. The 13C Cross Polarised/Magic Angle Spinning NMR spectra of the coal samples were recorded at temperatures of 23°C, 50°C and 70°C respectively and the changes on their structures were interpreted. The NMR spectra of low rank coals were found to exhibit varying degrees of fine structures. The aromaticities of the coal were also determined from the C/H ratios of coal. Some changes in the peak positions along with the formation of simple aromatic units were observed on mild heating.
La innovación en entornos económicos poco favorables: el sector auto partes mexicano
Authors: González Alvarado Tania Elena , Martin Granados María Antonieta
Published: September 2013

El objetivo del artículo es mostrar que un entorno económico poco favorable no siempre desincentivalas innovaciones. Desde la perspectiva del realismo crítico, la metodología del presente artículo consistióen realizar entrevistas a profundidad con informantes clave y se aplicaron cuestionarios a una muestraaleatoria de empresarios, a la vez que se analizaron los casos atípicos. Entre los principales resultados seencontró que la ausencia de inversión en investigación-desarrollo-innovación (I+D+I) en México condujoa que la industria de auto partes de capital mexicano perdiera competitividad, al mismo tiempo que algu-nas empresas de menor dimensión aumentaron su competitividad en el nivel internacional. La principalconclusión es que la innovación en la forma de hacer negocios es fundamental para que la empresa bajoentornos económicos desfavorables aumente su competitividad internacional.