bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deccan Basalts in and around Koyna — Warna Region, Maharashtra: Some Reflections
Authors: Subbarao K. V. , Courtillot Vincent
Published: December 2017

In this paper, an attempt is made to review the current status of chemo-and magnetostratigraphy of the Deccan Traps, particularly in the Western Province, and to interpret geomorphological and borehole data in relation to the earlier known structural data in the whole region, to that of the Koyna-Warna region, covering Deccan Traps and part the Archean basement. Koyna and Warna region comprises of chemically defined younger Formations of Wai Subgroup and Lonawala Subgroup displaying over-stepping arrangement from older Formations further north in the Nasik area and younger Formations down south. This is further corroborated by a single polarity change from reversed to normal, all the way to Belgaum. This is considered as a time marker around 65Ma (Chron C29r/C29n) matching with the K-T boundary. The Deccan Trap contact with the Archean basement in the 7 boreholes shows a plateau around 200m in the western section but a variation ranging up to 500m in the eastern side of the Warna region. These variations may be due to faulting or upwrap in this region. It is to be noted that the Koyna –Warna volcanic pile is similar to the thick sequences of the Mahabaleswar Ghat section further north in terms of their chemistry and magnetostratigraphy. A combination of surface and sub-surface data of the Koyna-Warna region may not show the presence of older volcanic formations such as Kalsubai Subgroup nor ages older than 65Ma.

A few points are raised in this paper which may necessitate a detailed field, chemical, magnetic and geochronological study of both surface and drill cores in tandem with the available huge data base of the Deccan Traps, which may reveal surprises and perhaps provide clues to the origin of seismicity in this region and provide possible clues to a better understanding of the study area.
Deep Seismic Sounding Experiments in the Koyna RTS Region: An Overview of the Results
Authors: Sarkar Dipankar , Sain Kalachand
Published: December 2017

The Koyna earthquake (M 6.3) of reservoir triggered seismicity (RTS) nature took place five decades back on December 10, 1967 in the Deccan Trap covered region of western India. This prompted a large number of both Indian and international geo-scientists to undertake various studies, particularly passive seismological studies with full vigour. In addition to these, active seismic studies, then known as deep seismic sounding (DSS), were carried out across and near the Koyna epicentral region to delineate the crustal velocity structure and geotectonic features of the region. Data acquisition along two DSS profiles was undertaken during 1975-78. The results of such rarely undertaken studies were widely utilised by the global earth scientists. Here we relook at the results published since 1981, and try to assess the global impact of DSS study on the research output during the last four decades. After giving a brief summary on the data acquisition, processing and results, we provide relevant information such as the Trap thickness, basement configuration, regional crustal and subcrustal velocity structures, and deep seated features like faults with a view to relate with earthquake activities. Some concluding observations have also been made discussing the accuracy and likely validity of the DSS results, obtained using the then acquired data and processing methods, and unlikely reprocessing of the data using upgraded tools. New active experiments in the Koyna region are being suggested, particularly to decide about the proper locations of the deep geophysical boreholes down to the hypocenters on the ‘mapped’ faults.
Lineament Fabric from Airborne LiDAR and its Influence on Triggered Earthquakes in the Koyna-Warna Region, Western India
Authors: Arora Kusumita , Chadha R. K. , Srinu Y. , Selles Adrien , Davuluri Srinagesh , Smirnov Vladimir , Ponomarev Alexander , Mikhailov V. O.
Published: December 2017

We present the results of the first airborne LiDAR survey flown in the Koyna-Warna region and examine the relationship between the lineament fabric and the ongoing seismicity in the region. Our studies reveal that earthquakes of M≥4.0 for the period 1968 to 2016 are strongly correlated with a 10 km wide N-S fracture zone, which not only represents the surface expression of seismically active basement faults, but also act as conduits for water percolation between the Koyna and Warna reservoirs. A decreasing trend in the annual distribution of earthquakes was observed from 1985. A new burst of seismic activity in 1993 followed the impoudment of the Warna reservoir. We report a change in annual seismicity pattern, where seismicity peaks during September and December in the pre-Warna period, with a new peak emerging during March-April subsequent to the impoundment of Warna reservoir. A model is proposed to explain the seismicity along dominant N-S lineaments and the impact of Warna reservoir impounding which altered the hydrogeologic regime in the region.
In-situ Pore Pressure Variations in Koyna-Warna – A Promising Key to Understand Triggered Earthquakes
Authors: Kuempel H.-J. , Chadha R. K. , Ramana D. V. , Ravi M.
Published: December 2017

The filling of the Koyna reservoir in western India and the associated triggered earthquakes have been well documented. Several studies have suggested that earthquakes are triggered on pre-existing faults in the region due to changes in pore pressure caused by pore pressure diffusion. To study in-situ pore pressure variations twenty-one borewells were drilled in the Koyna-Warna region under an Indo-German research program during 1995-1998. In most of these wells tidal signals are observed in well level variations indicating sensitivity to small strain changes in hydraulically connected, confined aquifers. Those signals, hence, are suitable to reflect variations in the stress field of local rock formations. More than a decade of well level monitoring has shown four types of earthquake related changes. The pre- and post-earthquake changes are mostly interpretative in nature and difficult to substantiate. The co-seismic and transient changes which are observed for local and large teleseismic events are well established. Wells connected to unconfined aquifers also showed changes related to seismicity in case of large magnitude earthquakes at closer distances. Some anomalous water level fluctuations are seen which are not associated with local or teleseismic earthquakes. These changes are coherent in nature and reflect aseismic regional volume strain.
Earthquake Focal Mechanism Studies in Koyna-Warna Region in the Last Five Decades — Current Understanding on Tectonics and Seismogenesis
Authors: Rao N. Purnachandra , Shashidhar D.
Published: December 2017

On 10th December 1967, the world’s largest reservoir triggered seismic (RTS) event of magnitude 6.3 shook the Koyna region, the prime site of RTS globally. Ever since, several studies have attempted to infer the seismotectonics and to comprehend the actual causative mechanism of triggered seismicity in this region. Initial studies, including those of the 1967 Koyna main shock and its aftershocks, were based on the conventional P wave polarity or the first motion approach. These studies provided the first ever understanding of a predominantly strike-slip environment in the Koyna region, concurrent with the direction of ambient stress field due to the Indian plate motion. Subsequent studies pointed to a normal faulting environment in the Warna region further south, subsequent to impoundment later in 1985. A few studies did report solutions based on composite focal mechanisms, which however, only represent the average picture of the region. More recent studies based on modelling of seismic broadband waveform data provided more accurate focal mechanisms with unprecedented location accuracies including focal depths. A catalog of 50 focal mechanism solutions is now available for the earthquakes of magnitude ∼4 and larger that occurred during the last 50 years, which has paved way for a clear understanding of the stress field and the causative model of seismogenesis in this active intra-plate seismic RTS zone in western India. Based on stress inversion using this catalog, a new tectonic model depicting a periodically varying stress field and hence faulting mechanism has been inferred.
Ground Electrical and Electromagnetic Studies in Koyna-Warna Region, India
Authors: Patro Prasanta K. , Borah Ujjal K. , Babu G. Ashok , Veeraiah B. , Sarma S. V. S.
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we present results of the Ground Electrical and Electromagnetic (GEE) studies (MT, CSAMT, DRS) carried out in the Koyna-Warna zone since 1976 and discuss their relevance in understanding the seismicity of the Koyna-Warna seismic zone. Though there were not many GEE studies carried out in this region, the existing ones provided a vital information, in particular, on the subsurface crustal structure, the Deccan Trap thickness and its variation and also the nature of the basement in this region. The GEE studies rule out the presence of any subtrappean sediments in this region. An interesting feature that has been identified from MT studies is the presence of a well-defined crustal block structure, characterized by high resistive blocks interspersed with moderately conductive features. All these structural features clearly point out to the intensity of tectonic disturbance that the region was subjected to in the geological past. The conductive features are correlatable with some of the known seismogenic structural features, for e.g., the Konya Fault Zone, the west coast fault, the Donachiwada fault. The moderately resistive zone sitting over the high resistive blocks as seen both in MT& DRS models is inferred to be related to the generally fractured nature of the shallow crustal column. The conductive linear features bordering the resistive blocks represent fluid filled fracture/fault zones. It is inferred that because of the NE to NS oriented compressive stress regime in the Indian shield, due to the Himalayan collision tectonics, some of these structural features may become the locales of stress accumulation which may get released due to fluid filling of these zones under the influence of nearby reservoirs, resulting in triggering of seismicity.

Results from different GEE studies conducted in the study area are found to be highly consistent with each other as well as with the Rasati bore hole data, thus bringing significant validity to the subsurface model derived. Further, the 3D modelling of the MT data acquired in the Koyna-Warna region together with airborne gravity gradient and magnetic studies carried out under the Deep drilling program would open up new gate ways to accomplish multi-parametric three dimensional modeling, that will provide still more detailed and relevant subsurface image of this important RTS zone.
Tectonic Geomorphology in Parts of Koyna Region, Maharashtra
Authors: Jadhav Pradeep B. , Lalitkumar K. Kshirsagar
Published: December 2017

Geomorphic signatures in parts of Koyna region were analysed using satellite images and morphometric indices (stream length gradient index and valley width to height ratio) with limited field checks in key areas for understanding the role of tectonics in this seismically active zone. The Koyna River zone, particularly downstream of Koyna dam wall up to Kajali Nadi, is characterised by incised narrow valleys, steep escarpments and structurally controlled drainage. Presence of knick points at consistent elevations between 825 m to 675 m, steep gradients in an otherwise gradual longitudinal profile and valley width to height ratio less than 1.0 suggest readjustment of the streams along NW-SE and N-S directions. The escarpment slopes in general have en echelon arcuate ridge pattern ∼ N45°-N 225° in the western part, and then becomes ∼N 10°-N 190° near Donachiwadi, almost orthogonal to the E-W Koyna River. The Donachiwadi fault runs parallel to the escarpment slopes observed near Kodoli. The fluvial system in Koyna thus indicates rejuvenation controlled by basement propagated structures.
Volcanology and Lava Flow Morpho-types from the Koyna-Warna Region, Western Deccan Traps, India
Authors: Duraiswami Raymond A. , Gadpallu Purva , Maskare Babaji , Purwant Aishwarya , Meena Pooja , Krishnamurthy P. , Mahabaleshwar B.
Published: December 2017

Flow mapping and physical volcanology of 15 basaltic lavas exposed in three critical road pass sections (ghats) in the Koyna-Warna region of the western Deccan Traps is presented in this paper. Transitional lavas like rubbly pahoehoe are most common morpho-type exposed in these ghat sections. Sinking of rubbly breccia into flow interiors and formation of breccia-cored rosette are common in some lava flows. Few rubbly lavas exhibit slabby tendencies. The amount and nature of the associated rubble is variable and result from the mechanical fracturing and auto-brecciation of the upper vesicular crust in response to distinctive stages in the cooling, crystallization and emplacement history of individual lava flows. Occurrence of aa and pahoehoe morpho-types in the lava flow sequence is subordinate. Three prominent pahoehoe flows separated by red bole horizons are seen in the upper parts of the Kumbharli ghat. These are thick, P-type sheet pahoehoe. The pahoehoe lavas represent compound flow fields that grew by budding, endogenous lava transfer and inflation. Presence of pahoehoe lavas in the Koyna-Warna region hints at possible hitherto unrecorded southern extension of Bushe-like flow fields. This study reconfirms the existence of pahoehoe-slabby-rubbly-aa flow fields and transitions even in the upper echelons of the Deccan Trap stratigraphy. The study of morphology and internal structure of lava flows exposed at the ghat sections in the Koyna-Warna region could guide sub-surface core-logging that is critical in deciphering the physical volcanology and emplacement dynamics of basaltic lava flows penetrated by drill holes sunk under the scientific deep drilling programme.
Faulting in Deccan Traps in the Vicinity of Koyna-Warna Seismic Zone
Authors: Bhave Neha , Siddique M. Imran , Desai Jayesh , Pillai Shilpa Patil , Dole Gauri , Kulkarni Himanshu , Kale Vivek S.
Published: December 2017

Studies of sustained activity in the Koyna – Warna Seismic Zone have yielded several models of faults in the basement of the Deccan Traps inferred from geophysical and seismic signatures. There is however, a dearth of unambiguous surface manifestations of such faults, apart from the surface ruptures from the epicentral zone of the December, 1967 earthquake. We report for the first time, an exposed NW-SE trending reverse fault in the Deccan Trap basalts from this region.
The Subsurface Megascopic Characteristics of Basalt and Basement Rocks from Koyna-Warna Area of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Sinha D. K. , Som Anjan , Roy Sukanta
Published: December 2017

Vertical deep boreholes of depth up to 1522.50m have been drilled in Koyna-Warna area of Maharashtra State within the Deccan Volcanic Province to study the most outstanding example of Reservoir Triggered Seismicity (RTS). The drilling of 9 bore-holes in the area has provided a window to earth scientists to peep into geological details available below Deccan Trap.

The 932.50m thick pile of Deccan basalt, consisting of 30 flows at Rasati, near Koyna, which has been physically seen through cores, present a marvellous geological repository for observations. The megascopic characteristics of various flows and variation in composition have been presented in this paper. The microscopic and geochemical characteristics have been kept out of this communication, as the relevant studies are not completed to draw any conclusion. This study records the presence of granite wash (≈1m thick) over basement and below basalt representing Late Archaean to Cretaceous period hiatus. The basement rocks, presumably of Late Archaean age have been described mega-scopically. A fair picture of sub-surface pre-Deccan topography is shown with the help of borehole data, which confirm the nearly flat topography of pre-Deccan surface especially in this part of the area occupied by 30 flows of Deccan basalt. Correlation of 30 flows with the established stratigraphy has also been attempted for subsurface existence of Ambenali (Upper) and Poladpur Formations of Wai Subgroup in Koyna-Warna area.
Magnetic Mineralogical Variability along Deccan Trap Basalt Borehole (KBH07), Koyna Deep Continental Drilling Program, Western Maharashtra, India
Authors: Sangode S. J. , Venkateshwarulu M. , Mahajan Rasika , Randive Vinay
Published: December 2017

A 1248 m long core (KBH 07, 17°18'07" N; 73°47'28.2"E, 960m above msl) drilled up to basement in the Deccan traps from Koyna region was sampled at ∼10m interval for magnetic mineralogical studies. Analysis of routine rock magnetic parameters (mass specific magnetic susceptibility: χlf, frequency dependence of susceptibility: χfd, susceptibility of anhysteretic remanance: χARM, saturation isothermal remanance: SIRM, remanance coercivty: B(0)CR, SoftIRM, HardIRM, S-Ratio, SIRM/χlf, χARM/χlf) and density (σ, gm/ cc) depicted significant higher order temporal variation. The χlf varies between 13 and 309 x 10−8m3/kg and is independent of density variation. The χARM, B(0)CR and S-Ratios indicate majority of SD-PSD ferrimagnets with episodes of MD ferrimagnetic concentration and few hard coercivity components. The giant plagioclase lath bearing (GPB) horizons show highest variability of ferrimagnetic concentration marked by anomalous peaks. Overall the variability of rock magnetic parameters independent of lava flow units suggest that the changeover in magnetic mineral concentration, composition and domain size occur at major episodes in magma composition (e.g., primary source, crustal contamination and fractional crystallization). The studied parameters are therefore examined to mark intervals of (i) magma compositional changes, (ii) zones of oxidative conditions and (iii) rapid/slow cooling intervals demanding detailed petrologic studies. We identified one I order trend, four II order cycles and eight III order cycles for the purpose of correlation. Notable peak in χlf at 650-700m, the changeover in rock magnetic parameters at ∼930 m and ∼280 m can facilitate marker intervals while several higher order variations can be adopted for high resolution correlation to other boreholes in the region. The complex variation in rock magnetic parameters independent of flow units reflect temporal magnitudes of compositional variability, cooling and emplacement history that needs detailed petro-mineralogical attempts; and the present data is useful for high order inter-core correlations under the deep drilling program.
Tuning of power system stabilizer for small signal stability improvement of interconnected power system
Authors: Dey Prasenjit , Bhattacharya Aniruddha , Das Priyanath
Published: December 2017

This paper reports a new technique for achieving optimized design for power system stabilizers. In any large scale interconnected systems, disturbances of small magnitudes are very common and low frequency oscillations pose a major problem. Hence small signal stability analysis is very important for analyzing system stability and performance. Power System Stabilizers (PSS) are used in these large interconnected systems for damping out low-frequency oscillations by providing auxiliary control signals to the generator excitation input. In this paper, collective decision optimization (CDO) algorithm, a meta-heuristic approach based on the decision making approach of human beings, has been applied for the optimal design of PSS. PSS parameters are tuned for the objective function, involving eigenvalues and damping ratios of the lightly damped electromechanical modes over a wide range of operating conditions. Also, optimal locations for PSS placement have been derived. Comparative study of the results obtained using CDO with those of grey wolf optimizer (GWO), differential Evolution (DE), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) and crow search algorithm (CSA) methods, established the robustness of the algorithm in designing PSS under different operating conditions.
Expanding the Analysis of Psychosocial Factors of Sexual Desire in Men
Authors: Nimbi Filippo Maria , Tripodi Francesca , Rossi Roberta , Simonelli Chiara
Published: December 2017

Background

The literature lacks studies of the male sex drive. Most existing studies have focused on hypoactive sexual desire disorder in coupled heterosexual men, highlighting some of the main related biological, psychological, and social factors.

Aim

To evaluate the role of selected psychological and social variables affecting male sexual desire such as quality of life, sexual function, distress, satisfaction, psychological symptoms, emotions, alexithymia, couple adjustment, sexism, cognitive schemas activated in a sexual context, sexual dysfunctional beliefs, and different classes of cognitions triggered during sexual activity about failure anticipation, erection concerns, age- and body-related thoughts, erotic fantasies, and negative attitudes toward sexuality.

Methods

A wide self-administered survey used snowball sampling to reach 298 heterosexual Italian men (age = 32.66 ± 11.52 years) from the general population.

Outcomes

13 questionnaires exploring psychological and social elements involved in sexual response were administrated: International Index of Erectile Function, Short Form 36 for Quality of Life, Beck Depression Inventory–II, Symptom Check List–90–Revised, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Premature Ejaculation Severity Index, Sexual Distress Scale, Sexual Satisfaction Scale, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, Sexual Modes Questionnaire, Sexual Dysfunctional Belief Questionnaire, and Questionnaire of Cognitive Schema Activation in Sexual Context.

Results

Results showed lack of erotic thoughts (β = −0.328), fear (β = −0.259) and desire to have a baby (β = −0.259) as the main predictors of the level of sexual desire in this group. Energy-fatigue, depression, premature ejaculation severity, sexual distress, compatibility, subjective sexual response, and sexual conservatism had a weaker effect on sexual desire. Sexual functioning (13.80%), emotional response (12.70%), dysfunctional sexual beliefs (12.10%), and negative automatic thoughts (12.00%) had more variable effects on sexual drive.

Clinical Translation

Analyzed variables could represent important factors that should be considered in the assessment of desire concerns and discussed in therapy.

Strengths and Limitations

The strength of this study is the analysis of novel psychological and social factors on male sexual desire. Recruitment and sample size do not allow generalization of the results, but some crucial points for future research and clinical practice are discussed.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that male sexual desire could be affected by many psychological and social elements. Other factors remain to be explored, in their direct and interactive effects, aiming to better explain male sexual desire functioning.
Guest Editors’ Introduction: Philosophical Contributions to Leadership Ethics
Authors: Ciulla Joanne B. , Knights David , Mabey Chris , Tomkins Leah
Published: December 2017

This article introduces the first of two special issues on philosophical approaches to leadership ethics. In it, we show some of the ways that philosophy contributes to the study of leadership and leadership ethics. We begin with an overview of how philosophers have treated some of the ethical aspects and challenges of leadership. These include discussions of self-interest, the problem of dirty hands, responsibility, moral luck, power, gender and diversity, and spirituality. The articles in this issue draw on philosophy to explore a variety of ethical questions related to leadership and the relationships that leaders have with followers and others.
Organic Matter of Cultural Layers as a Material for Radiocarbon Dating
Authors: Zazovskaya E , Shishkov V , Dolgikh A , Alexndrovskiy A , Skripkin V , Chichagova O
Published: December 2017

This article focuses on radiocarbon (14C) dating of the organic matter (OM) of natural-anthropogenic objects—the cultural layers (CLs) of archaeological sites. Using examples from three ancient sites located within the European part of Russia, in southern taiga and forest-steppe natural zones, we demonstrate approaches to the interpretation of 14C dating of OM derived from the organomineral material of the CLs studied. We use the term “archaeological humus” as defined as the OM formed within the CL from “anthropogenic matter” (i.e., organic residues that were produced during the past human occupation of the site) without or with negligible contribution of OM inherited from pre-anthropogenic stages of pedogenesis. The archaeological humus is formed within closed or semi-closed systems by the processes of humification and physical stabilization of OM. The use of hierarchical (from macro- to submicro-) morphological investigations at one of the sites (Gnezdovo) combined with 14C dating allowed conclusions to be drawn about the age of formation of different OM components in CLs.
From Japanese Soldiers to Chinese Rebels: Colonial Hegemony, War Experience, and Spontaneous Remobilization during the 1947 Taiwanese Rebellion
Authors: Louzon Victor
Published: December 2017

A former part of the Qing Empire, Taiwan was colonized by Japan in 1895 and returned to China, upon Tokyo's defeat, in 1945. Two years later, a revolt broke out against the mainland Chinese authorities and was brutally crushed. This episode, known as the February 28 Incident, has been at the center of memory wars in Taiwan since democratization. Historical accounts have tended to focus on the background causes of the Incident and on the role played by the Taiwanese elite. This article argues that devoting more attention to grassroots participants and their repertoire of action can shed new light on the events. During World War II, many young Taiwanese were mobilized in the Japanese army and paramilitary structures. This experience persisted in collective memory after Japan's defeat. During the revolt, young Taiwanese spontaneously “remobilized” the repertoire of actions and symbols formed during the war, with important consequences.
Reproductive traits of deep-sea armoured shrimp, Glyphocrangon investigatoris from Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean
Authors: Benjamin Diana , Harikrishnan M. , Rozario Jenson Victor , Jose Deepak , Kurup B. Madhusoodana , Sreedhar U. , Cubelio Sherine Sonia
Published: December 2017

Details on size at first maturity, embryo number and size, brood chamber volume and reproductive output of deep-sea armoured shrimp, Glyphocrangon investigatoris caught off the south-east coast of India by using EXPO trawl from 633 m depth in FORV ‘Sagar Sampada’ are reported here. Eighty-four female shrimps ranging from 17.29–36.31 mm carapace length and 2.28–16.54 g weight formed 7.73% of total catch, 30% of which was constituted by embryo-bearing females. Regression of weight on carapace length revealed negatively allometric growth (r2 = 0.85, P < 0.01). The size at first maturity was estimated as 19.96 mm. The embryo number ranged from 55 to 233 with a mean of 120.24 ± 34 embryos and showed a positive correlation to body size. Embryo diameter varied between 1.0 to 3.34 mm and more than 50% of embryos constituted the 2.0–2.5 mm size class. Brood chamber volume and percentage frequency of embryo stage development revealed a linear relationship with carapace length. Based on dry weight, mean reproductive output was estimated to be 0.16. The female armoured shrimps showed a high reproductive investment evidenced from few, large, yolky embryos, indicating their deep-sea adaptation.
THE SHANNON–MCMILLAN THEOREM FOR MARKOV CHAINS INDEXED BY A CAYLEY TREE IN RANDOM ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Shi Zhiyan , Zhong Pingping , Fan Yan
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we give the definition of tree-indexed Markov chains in random environment with countable state space, and then study the realization of Markov chain indexed by a tree in random environment. Finally, we prove the strong law of large numbers and Shannon–McMillan theorem for Markov chains indexed by a Cayley tree in a Markovian environment with countable state space.
Spectral flow and bifurcation for a class of strongly indefinite elliptic systems
Authors: Waterstraat Nils
Published: December 2017

We consider bifurcation of solutions from a given trivial branch for a class of strongly indefinite elliptic systems via the spectral flow. Our main results establish bifurcation invariants that can be obtained from the coefficients of the systems without using explicit solutions of their linearizations at the given branch. Our constructions are based on a comparison principle for the spectral flow and a generalization of a bifurcation theorem due to Szulkin.
Landmark lecture on interventional cardiology: interventional cardiac catheterisation for CHD: the past, present, and the future
Authors: Hijazi Ziyad M. , Kenny Damien
Published: December 2017

CHD affects millions of patients worldwide. Interventional therapies for CHD goes back to the mid-1960s when Bill Rashkind performed balloon atrial septostomy on a cyanotic baby with transposition of the great vessels. This was followed by development of balloon catheters to perform balloon valvuloplasties and angioplasties in the early to late 1980s. Although King and Mills performed the first transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defect in the mid-1970s, this procedure was better realised in the mid-1990s. More intracardiac defect closures were performed in the late 1990s and early 2000. This brings us to the current era of percutaneous valve implantation as developed by Bonhoeffer. In this paper, we will discuss the past, present, and future of interventional cardiac catheterisation for CHD patients.
A PRDX1 mutant allele causes a MMACHC secondary epimutation in cblC patients
Authors: Guéant Jean-Louis , Chéry Céline , Oussalah Abderrahim , Nadaf Javad , Coelho David , Josse Thomas , Flayac Justine , Robert Aurélie , Koscinski Isabelle , Gastin Isabelle , Filhine-Tresarrieu Pierre , Pupavac Mihaela , Brebner Alison , Watkins David , Pastinen Tomi , Montpetit Alexandre , Hariri Fadi , Tregouët David , Raby Benjamin A , Chung Wendy K. , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel , Froese D. Sean , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Benoist Jean-François , Ficicioglu Can , Marchand Virginie , Motorin Yuri , Bonnemains Chrystèle , Feillet François , Majewski Jacek , Rosenblatt David S.
Published: December 2017

To date, epimutations reported in man have been somatic and erased in germlines. Here, we identify a cause of the autosomal recessive cblC class of inborn errors of vitamin B12 metabolism that we name “epi-cblC”. The subjects are compound heterozygotes for a genetic mutation and for a promoter epimutation, detected in blood, fibroblasts, and sperm, at the MMACHC locus; 5-azacytidine restores the expression of MMACHC in fibroblasts. MMACHC is flanked by CCDC163P and PRDX1, which are in the opposite orientation. The epimutation is present in three generations and results from PRDX1 mutations that force antisense transcription of MMACHC thereby possibly generating a H3K36me3 mark. The silencing of PRDX1 transcription leads to partial hypomethylation of the epiallele and restores the expression of MMACHC. This example of epi-cblC demonstrates the need to search for compound epigenetic-genetic heterozygosity in patients with typical disease manifestation and genetic heterozygosity in disease-causing genes located in other gene trios.
Tuning the dynamic range of bacterial promoters regulated by ligand-inducible transcription factors
Authors: Chen Ye , Ho Joanne M. L. , Shis David L. , Gupta Chinmaya , Long James , Wagner Daniel S. , Ott William , Josić Krešimir , Bennett Matthew R.
Published: December 2017

One challenge for synthetic biologists is the predictable tuning of genetic circuit regulatory components to elicit desired outputs. Gene expression driven by ligand-inducible transcription factor systems must exhibit the correct ON and OFF characteristics: appropriate activation and leakiness in the presence and absence of inducer, respectively. However, the dynamic range of a promoter (i.e., absolute difference between ON and OFF states) is difficult to control. We report a method that tunes the dynamic range of ligand-inducible promoters to achieve desired ON and OFF characteristics. We build combinatorial sets of AraC-and LasR-regulated promoters containing −10 and −35 sites from synthetic and Escherichia coli promoters. Four sequence combinations with diverse dynamic ranges were chosen to build multi-input transcriptional logic gates regulated by two and three ligand-inducible transcription factors (LacI, TetR, AraC, XylS, RhlR, LasR, and LuxR). This work enables predictable control over the dynamic range of regulatory components.
Short-chain fatty acids regulate systemic bone mass and protect from pathological bone loss
Authors: Lucas Sébastien , Omata Yasunori , Hofmann Jörg , Böttcher Martin , Iljazovic Aida , Sarter Kerstin , Albrecht Olivia , Schulz Oscar , Krishnacoumar Brenda , Krönke Gerhard , Herrmann Martin , Mougiakakos Dimitrios , Strowig Till , Schett Georg , Zaiss Mario M.
Published: December 2017

Microbial metabolites are known to modulate immune responses of the host. The main metabolites derived from microbial fermentation of dietary fibers in the intestine, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), affect local and systemic immune functions. Here we show that SCFA are regulators of osteoclast metabolism and bone mass in vivo. Treatment of mice with SCFA as well as feeding with a high-fiber diet significantly increases bone mass and prevents postmenopausal and inflammation-induced bone loss. The protective effects of SCFA on bone mass are associated with inhibition of osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in vitro and in vivo, while bone formation is not affected. Mechanistically, propionate (C3) and butyrate (C4) induce metabolic reprogramming of osteoclasts resulting in enhanced glycolysis at the expense of oxidative phosphorylation, thereby downregulating essential osteoclast genes such as TRAF6 and NFATc1. In summary, these data identify SCFA as potent regulators of osteoclast metabolism and bone homeostasis.
Importance of the 1+7 configuration of ribonucleoprotein complexes for influenza A virus genome packaging
Authors: Noda Takeshi , Murakami Shin , Nakatsu Sumiho , Imai Hirotaka , Muramoto Yukiko , Shindo Keiko , Sagara Hiroshi , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: December 2017

The influenza A virus genome is composed of eight single-stranded negative-sense RNAs. Eight distinct viral RNA segments (vRNAs) are selectively packaged into progeny virions, with eight vRNAs in ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) arranged in a specific “1+7” pattern, that is, one central RNP surrounded by seven RNPs. Here we report the genome packaging of an artificially generated seven-segment virus that lacks the hemagglutinin (HA) vRNA. Electron microscopy shows that, even in the presence of only seven vRNAs, the virions efficiently package eight RNPs arranged in the same “1+7” pattern as wild-type virions. Next-generation sequencing reveals that the virions specifically incorporate host-derived 18S and 28S ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) seemingly as the eighth RNP in place of the HA vRNA. These findings highlight the importance of the assembly of eight RNPs into a specific “1+7” configuration for genome packaging in progeny virions and suggest a potential role for cellular RNAs in viral genome packaging.
Incomplete prophage tolerance by type III-A CRISPR-Cas systems reduces the fitness of lysogenic hosts
Authors: Goldberg Gregory W. , McMillan Elizabeth A. , Varble Andrew , Modell Joshua W. , Samai Poulami , Jiang Wenyan , Marraffini Luciano A.
Published: December 2017

CRISPR–Cas systems offer an immune mechanism through which prokaryotic hosts can acquire heritable resistance to genetic parasites, including temperate phages. Co-transcriptional DNA and RNA targeting by type III-A CRISPR–Cas systems restricts temperate phage lytic infections while allowing lysogenic infections to be tolerated under conditions where the prophage targets are transcriptionally repressed. However, long-term consequences of this phenomenon have not been explored. Here we show that maintenance of conditionally tolerant type III-A systems can produce fitness costs within populations of Staphylococcus aureus lysogens. The fitness costs depend on the activity of prophage-internal promoters and type III-A Cas nucleases implicated in targeting, can be more severe in double lysogens, and are alleviated by spacer-target mismatches which do not abrogate immunity during the lytic cycle. These findings suggest that persistence of type III-A systems that target endogenous prophages could be enhanced by spacer-target mismatches, particularly among populations that are prone to polylysogenization.
The introduction of genetically modified microorganisms designed for rhizoremediation induces changes on native bacteria in the rhizosphere but not in the surrounding soil
Authors: de Cárcer Daniel Aguirre , Martín Marta , Mackova Martina , Macek Thomas , Karlson Ulrich , Rivilla Rafael
Published: December 2017

A 168-day microcosms experiment was used to assess the possible functional and structural shifts occurring in the bacterial community of a site with a historical record of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination, after the introduction of plants whose roots have been inoculated with genetically modified (GM) microorganisms, designed for rhizoremediation. Salix sp. plants were inoculated with two different GM Pseudomonas fluorescens strains or with their parental wild-type strain. Both bulk soil and rhizosphere samples were analyzed. Physiological profiles based on 31 ecologically relevant carbon sources were used to detect differences in bacterial community functions. The community structure of eubacteria, α and β-proteobacteria, actinobacteria and acidobacteria communities were analyzed via a polymerase chain reaction–thermal gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) approach. The introduced transgenes had no effect on the function and structure of the bacterial community in bulk soil, although they enhanced biodegradation of PCBs as determined by chemical analysis. However, the transgenes effected the development of functionally and genetically distinct bacterial communities in the rhizosphere. Moreover, structural and functional differences were detected between planted and unplanted soils and between soil and rhizosphere samples. In the case of the different group-specific structures studied, differences were observed between groups because of time-dependant shifts, rhizosphere effect and bacterial strain introduced.
Cross-conjugated n-type polymer acceptors for efficient all-polymer solar cells
Authors: Xie Ruihao , Chen Zhiming , Liu Yan , Wang Zhenfeng , Chen Zhongxin , Ying Lei , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: December 2017

Cross-conjugated polymers with different side chains were developed as the electron accepting material for all-polymer solar cells.
Bringing 5-(3,4-dicarboxylphenyl)picolinic acid to crystal engineering research: hydrothermal assembly, structural features, and photocatalytic activity of Mn, Ni, Cu, and Zn coordination polymers
Authors: Gu Jin-Zhong , Cai Yan , Liang Xiao-Xiao , Wu Jiang , Shi Zi-Fa , Kirillov Alexander M.
Published: December 2017

A novel tricarboxylic acid block with phthalate and picolinate functionalities was applied for the assembly of a new series of coordination polymers with interesting structural features and functional properties.
Magnetic anisotropy investigation on light lanthanide complexes
Authors: Xu Mei-Xing , Meng Yin-Shan , Xiong Jin , Wang Bing-Wu , Jiang Shang-Da , Gao Song
Published: December 2017

Herein, the magnetic principal axes of a series of light lanthanide based complexes (CeIII, PrIII, NdIII) are characterized by experimental and theoretical approaches.
Binuclear molybdenum alkoxide as the versatile catalyst for the conversion of carbon dioxide
Authors: Chen Jing-Huo , Deng Cheng-Hua , Fang Sheng , Ma Jian-Gong , Cheng Peng
Published: December 2017

CO2was transformed into different products in mild conditions with high yield and excellent selectivity using a single catalyst.
Band gap modification and photoluminescence enhancement of graphene nanoribbon filled single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Chernov A. I. , Fedotov P. V. , Lim H. E. , Miyata Y. , Liu Z. , Sato K. , Suenaga K. , Shinohara H. , Obraztsova E. D.
Published: December 2017

Graphene nanoribbon formation inside single-walled carbon nanotubes leads to selective photoluminescence enhancement for exact nanotube geometries and depends on the interplay of several factors.
Boosting electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution by plasmon-driven hot-electron excitation
Authors: Zhang Hai-Xia , Li Yang , Li Min-Yu , Zhang Huabin , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2017

Electric energy and low-intensity visible photons can be coupled efficiently by metallic nanostructures to drive electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions by using porous N-doped carbon supported Au nanoparticles as catalysis.
The effects of SnS2 secondary phases on Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells: a promising mechanical exfoliation method for its removal
Authors: Wang Weihuang , Chen Guilin , Cai Huiling , Chen Binwen , Yao Liquan , Yang Min , Chen Shuiyuan , Huang Zhigao
Published: December 2017

A novel peeling process was introduced to effectively remove the harmful SnS2 secondary phase formed on the surface, which used a sticky tape without using any wet-chemical solution. Such a green surface treatment largely improved the performance of CZTS device.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Associated with Combined JP–HHT Syndrome: A Novel Phenotype Associated with a Novel Variant in SMAD4
Authors: Britton Jacquelyn , Murphy Anne , Sule Sangeeta , Mitchell Sally , Takemoto Clifford , Collaco Joseph , Karnsakul Wikrom , Cuffari Carmelo , Dietz Edith , Bodurtha Joann , Bishop Juliet
Published: December 2017

Juvenile polyposis (JP) syndrome is characterized by multiple hamartomatous polyps of the gastrointestinal tract. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a vascular dysplasia characterized by telangiectasia in the skin, mucous membranes, and arteriovenous malformations in other organs. Individuals with JP–HHT syndrome have variable features of both rare disorders, attributed to heterozygous mutations in the SMAD4 gene. Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a severe, chronic disease marked by arthritis and systemic inflammation for which the cause remains unknown. JIA has never been described in association with SMAD4-related disease. We describe a case of JP–HHT syndrome with a novel SMAD4 variant, c.1052A > T (p.D351V), in which the child also had JIA manifestation.
The Microsurgical Relationships between Internal Carotid-Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms and the Skull Base
Authors: Komune Noritaka , Tsuchimochi Ryosuke , Kai Yasutoshi , Matsumoto Kenichi , Haga Sei , Inoue Takuya , Matsuo Satoshi
Published: December 2017

Objective This study aimed to review the anatomical and clinical characteristics of internal carotid-posterior communicating artery (IC-PC) aneurysms, especially those located close to the skull base.

Methods The microsurgical anatomy around the posterior communicating artery (PComA) was examined in a dry skull and five formalin-fixed human cadaveric heads. The clinical characteristics of 37 patients with 39 IC-PC aneurysms, who were treated microsurgically between April 2008 and July 2016, were retrospectively reviewed.

Results The anterior clinoid process (ACP), as well as the anterior petroclinoidal dural fold (APF), which forms part of the oculomotor triangle, are closely related to the origin of the PComA. Among the 39 IC-PC aneurysms, anterior clinoidectomy was performed on 4 (10.3%) and a partial resection of the APF was performed on 2 (5.1%). Both of these aneurysms projected inferior to the tentorium, or at least part of the aneurysm's dome was inferior to the tentorium.

Conclusion Proximally located IC-PC aneurysms have an especially close relationship with the ACP and APF. We should be familiar with the anatomical relationship between IC-PC aneurysms and the structures of the skull base to avoid hazardous complications.
Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autograft versus Hamstring Tendon Autograft for Anatomical Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Three-Dimensional Validation of Femoral and Tibial Tunnel Positions
Authors: Inui Hiroshi , Yamagami Ryota , Shirakawa Nobuyuki , Kawaguchi Kohei , Nakagawa Takumi , Tanaka Sakae , Taketomi Shuji
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this retrospective study was to first compare the clinical outcome of anatomical double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with hamstring tendon (HT) autografts and anatomical rectangular tunnel ACLR with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autografts. Secondly, we aimed to demonstrate the quantitative locations of the femoral and tibial tunnel apertures using postoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT). Twenty-five patients underwent anatomical rectangular tunnel ACLR using BPTB grafts (Group B) and 23 patients underwent anatomical DB ACLR using HT grafts (Group H). All patients underwent subjective postoperative evaluations using the Lysholm score and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Patients also underwent objective evaluations by the International Knee Documentation Committee score, the Lachman test, the pivot-shift test, and range of motion. In addition, we quantitatively assessed anterior knee stability using a KneeLax3 arthrometer and thigh strength. All evaluations except for thigh strength were assessed for a minimum 2 years of follow-up period. Femoral and tibial tunnel aperture locations were quantitatively evaluated postoperatively using 3D CT images in all patients. BPTB grafts showed significantly better anterior knee stability than HT grafts (0.1 mm versus 1.1 mm, p = 0.01), although there were no significant differences in other objective and all subjective evaluations between the two graft types. Morphometric analysis of femoral and tibial tunnel locations revealed that the two procedures were based on the same anatomical concept. In conclusion, BPTB grafts showed significantly better anterior knee stability than HT grafts, although no significant differences in other objective evaluations and all subjective evaluations were detected between the two graft types in anatomical ACLR. Additional 3D CT data validated the anatomical concepts of these two procedures.
Potential Relationship between Passive Plantar Flexor Stiffness and Running Performance
Authors: Ueno Hiromasa , Suga Tadashi , Takao Kenji , Tanaka Takahiro , Misaki Jun , Miyake Yuto , Nagano Akinori , Isaka Tadao
Published: December 2017

The present study aimed to determine the relationship between passive stiffness of the plantar flexors and running performance in endurance runners. Forty-eight well-trained male endurance runners and 24 untrained male control subjects participated in this study. Plantar flexor stiffness during passive dorsiflexion was calculated from the slope of the linear portion of the torque-angle curve. Of the endurance runners included in the present study, running economy in 28 endurance runners was evaluated by measuring energy cost during three 4-min trials (14, 16, and 18 km/h) of submaximal treadmill running. Passive stiffness of the plantar flexors was significantly higher in endurance runners than in untrained subjects. Moreover, passive plantar flexor stiffness in endurance runners was significantly correlated with a personal best 5000-m race time. Furthermore, passive plantar flexor stiffness in endurance runners was significantly correlated with energy cost during submaximal running at 16 km/h and 18 km/h, and a trend towards such significance was observed at 14 km/h. The present findings suggest that stiffer plantar flexors may help achieve better running performance, with greater running economy, in endurance runners. Therefore, in the clinical setting, passive stiffness of the plantar flexors may be a potential parameter for assessing running performance.