bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Risk of Glioblastoma with TNF Inhibitors
Authors: Guo Michael , Luo Hao , Samii Ali , Etminan Mahyar
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To quantify the risk of glioblastoma (GBM) and its most aggressive form, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM‐M), in patients treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.

Methods

Data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring were used to perform a disproportionality analysis. We computed reporting odds ratios (RORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for the association between use of TNF inhibitors (infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, certolizumab, and golimumab) and GBM or GBM‐M compared to all other drugs with adverse events reported in the databases. A harmful signal was deemed for a lower limit of the 95% confidence interval above 1.

Results

We identified 81 cases of GBM or GBM‐M with adalimumab in the U.S. FDA FAERS and 49 cases in the WHO drug monitoring database. For infliximab, 40 and 32 cases were identified in the FAERS and WHO databases, respectfully. Infliximab had the highest association with GBM (WHO: ROR = 7.41 (5.19–10.57), FAERS: ROR = 2.80 [1.89–4.15]). Adalimumab was also highly associated with GBM (WHO: ROR = 3.54 [2.58–4.89], FAERS: ROR = 1.99 [1.41–2.80]).

Conclusion

Several TNF inhibitors appear to be more strongly associated with GBM compared to other drugs in both the FAERS and WHO databases. Large epidemiologic studies are needed to confirm these findings. Although these results do not demonstrate a cause‐and‐effect relationship, they warrant further investigation by well‐designed epidemiologic studies.
Maximization of conversion efficiency based on global normal irradiance using hybrid concentrator photovoltaic architecture
Authors: Yamada Noboru , Hirai Daiki
Published: March 2016

Maximization of module conversion efficiency based on global normal irradiance (GNI) rather than direct normal irradiance (DNI) was experimentally demonstrated using a hybrid concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) architecture in which a low‐cost solar cell (a bifacial crystalline silicon cell) was integrated with a high‐efficiency concentrator solar cell (III–V triple‐junction cell) to harvest diffuse sunlight. The results of outdoor experiments showed that the low‐cost cell enhanced the generated power by factors of 1.39 and 1.63 for high‐DNI and midrange‐DNI conditions, respectively, and that the resultant GNI‐based module efficiencies were 32.7% and 25.6%, respectively. © 2016 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Microstructure and carrier‐transport behaviors of nanocrystalline silicon thin films annealed at various temperatures
Authors: Shan Dan , Ji Yang , Xu Jie , Lu Peng , Jiang Xiaofan , Xu Jun , Chen Kunji
Published: March 2016

Hydrogenated amorphous Si films were prepared by a plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. As‐deposited samples were then thermally annealed at various temperatures to obtain nanocrystalline silicon films. The microstructures and carrier‐transport characteristics were investigated during the transition process from amorphous to nanocrystalline phase. It was found that the Hall mobility was improved while the dark conductivity was increased by over two orders of magnitude after annealing. Temperature‐dependent Hall measurements were performed in the temperature range from 310 to 575 K. Hall mobility first increases with rising temperature to 400 K and then decreases with further increasing temperature. The different temperature dependence of Hall mobility shows that the microscopic mechanisms governing charge transport are different for nanocrystalline Si films in different temperature regions.
Riverine Landscape Patches Influence Trophic Dynamics of Riparian Ants
Authors: Tagwireyi P. , Sullivan S. M. P.
Published: March 2016

Food webs in riparian corridors are increasingly viewed as embedded in complex riverine landscapes characterized by an amalgam of aquatic, semi‐aquatic, and terrestrial habitats. However, the influence of riverine landscape pattern on trophic dynamics of riparian consumers remains largely unknown. We used naturally abundant stable isotope ratios (δ15N) to compare trophic structure of ants (Formica subsericea) among riparian patch types (crop, grass/herbaceous, gravel bar, lawn, mudflat, shrub, swamp, and woody vegetation) at 12 riverine landscapes distributed along an urban‐rural landscape gradient of the Scioto River, Ohio, USA. We expected that the diet ofF. subsericea, a common generalist consumer, would reflect local prey availability and thus differences in trophic dynamics among patch types. Mean ant δ15N was higher in crop patches than in any other patch type, and was lowest in grass/herbaceous, lawn, shrub, and woody vegetation patches, suggesting that patch type was associated with trophic position ofF. subsericea. We also found that the range of δ15N, and thus trophic breadth, was significantly different by patch type, with woody vegetation exhibiting the greatest spread. Variability in canopy, tree and shrub cover, and the degree of urban development was positively correlated with δ15N range (R2 = 0.78), pointing to the role of habitat structure in mediating trophic breadth of riparian ants. These findings provide evidence that riverine landscape pattern can strongly influence trophic dynamics of riparian arthropods. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increasing River Flow Expands Riparian Habitat: Influences of Flow Augmentation on Channel Form, Riparian Vegetation and Birds Along the Little Bow River, Alberta
Authors: Hillman E. J. , Bigelow S. G. , Samuelson G. M. , Herzog P. W. , Hurly T. A. , Rood S. B.
Published: March 2016

With river regulation, water withdrawal is common, reducing instream flows. The opposite alteration, flow augmentation, is less common and could reveal a mechanistic coordination between flow regime, channel form, and riparian ecosystems. The Little Bow River, a naturally intermittent prairie stream in Southern Alberta, has experienced flow augmentation since the late 1890s, and the Little Bow/Highwood Project of 2004 enabled a tripling of diversion flows from 2.9 to 8.5 m3/s. We investigated the subsequent responses by assessing the channel form and riparian vegetation based on aerial photographs taken in 2000 versus 2010, and riparian birds were assessed between 2005 and 2013 to investigate associations with riparian vegetation. Following recent flow augmentation, the mean channel width increased from 12.2 to 13.5 m, while sinuosity was relatively unchanged. Streamside zones with true willows (especially Salix exigua and Salix bebbiana) increased from 7 to 11% of the river corridor, and the facultative riparian wolf willow (Elaeagnus commutata) zones increased from 16 to 20%, while grassy zones decreased from 64 to 52%. Avian species richness and Shannon–Wiener index increased, while species evenness was relatively unaltered, suggesting an increase of rarer bird species in response to the increased habitat structure and diversity following the expansion of riparian shrubs and woodland. This study revealed responses to the recent flow augmentation over the first decade of implementation, and alterations following flow augmentation would likely continue for decades until the river and riparian zones adjust to the new flow regime. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vergleich der Tragfähigkeiten und Qualitätsanforderungen vorwiegend ruhend beanspruchter Schweißverbindungen bei Aluminiumtragwerken nach DIN EN 1999‐1‐1 und DIN 4113
Authors: Saal Helmut , Gitter Reinhold
Published: March 2016

Es werden Grundwerkstoff‐Schweißzusatzkombinationen verglichen, die in beiden Normen geregelt sind. Als Verbindungen werden Stumpfnähte und einseitige, gleichschenklige, rechtwinklige Kehlnähte behandelt. Der Vergleich konzentriert sich auf die Ausführungsklasse EXC2. Er ergibt, dass die Qualitätsanforderungen in DIN 4113 größer sind als die in DIN EN 1090‐3, wobei jedoch die Unterschiede hinsichtlich der statischen Tragfähigkeit der Schweißnähte unwesentlich sind. Der Vergleich der rechnerischen Tragfähigkeiten zeigt, dass sich bei Stumpfnähten mit Nachweis der Nahtgüte bei gleicher Qualitätsanforderung bemerkenswerte Gewinne gegenüber DIN 4113 ergeben. Die Gegenüberstellung mit den rechnerischen Tragfähigkeiten nach DIN 4113 von Stumpf‐ sowie Kehlnähten ohne Nachweis der Nahtgüte ergibt, dass in der Ausführungsklasse EXC2 bei Stumpfnähten – wie auch bei den Kehlnähten – bei der Ausnutzungsklasse UR2 auf eine zerstörungsfreie Prüfung verzichtet werden kann.

Comparison of the load‐bearing capacities of and quality requirements for predominantly statically loaded welded connections of aluminium structures according to DIN EN 1999‐1‐1 and DIN 4113. The comparison is done for combinations of alloy and filler, which are regulated in both standards. It is performed for butt welds and singular rectangular fillet welds with equal leg lengths and focuses on execution class EXC2. The comparison reveals that the quality requirements of DIN 4113 are higher than those of DIN EN 1090‐3. However, the differences are negligible with regard to the load‐bearing capacity of the welds under static loading. The comparison of the design values of the load‐bearing capacities shows that for butt welds with verification of weld quality there is a remarkable benefit with regard to DIN 4113 in the case of equal quality requirements. In the case of non verification of the weld quality of butt welds and fillet welds the comparison with the design load‐bearing capacities according to DIN 4113 reveals that for butt welds in execution class EXC2 – as well as with the fillet welds – in utilization class UR2 non‐destructive testing is dispensable.
Sicherheitsuntersuchungen eines adaptiven Schalentragwerks
Authors: Sobek Werner , Flaig Christine , Haase Walter , Binz Hansgeorg , Crostack Alexander , Herrmann Thorsten , Roth Daniel
Published: March 2016

Aktive Komponenten sind bislang kein Bestandteil von Sicherheitskonzepten im Bauwesen. Zur Realisierung ultraleichter Strukturen sind aktive Komponenten jedoch unerlässlich. In das Sicherheitskonzept des Ultraleichtbaus müssen deshalb spezielle Aspekte wie Ausfallsicherheit und Notbetrieb aufgenommen werden. Der vorliegende Artikel beschreibt die Bedeutung aktiver Komponenten am Beispiel eines adaptiven Schalentragwerks, das von der durch die DFG geförderten Forschergruppe 981 entwickelt wurde. Er widmet sich hierbei insbesondere der Frage, wie bestehende Sicherheitskonzepte durch den Transfer aus anderen Disziplinen an die Anforderungen des Ultraleichtbaus angepasst werden können. Hierzu werden Methoden der Fehlermöglichkeits‐ und ‐einflussanalyse sowie die Fehlerbaumanalyse vorgestellt. Der erste Teil des Aufsatzes erscheint im vorliegenden Heft – er widmet sich den theoretischen Inhalten der Sicherheitsuntersuchungen und beschreibt die von der Forschergruppe 981 entwickelten Konstruktionselemente. Der zweite Teil des Aufsatzes wird in einer späteren Ausgabe dieser Zeitschrift erscheinen. Er stellt die praktische Umsetzung der im ersten Teil entwickelten theoretischen Erkenntnisse vor.

Safety investigations of an adaptive shell structure – Part 1: Basics and theory of the used methods. Until now, safety concepts of the construction industry do not consider the use of active components. However, such components are an essential part of ultralightweight structures. Therefore the special aspects of active components, such as safeguarding against failure and emergency operation mode, have to be included in the safety concept of ultralightweight structures. The present article describes the use of active components using the example of an adaptive shell structure. This shell structure was developed by research unit 981, a research unit funded by DFG (German Research Foundation). The article also proposes an adaptation of existing safety concepts by using approaches from other disciplines. Two well‐known methods, such as fault probability and effect analysis (FMEA) and fault tree analysis (FTA), are presented. Part 1 of the paper (published in this issue) describes theoretical investigations on safety concepts, the adaptive shell structure and the design elements, developed in the framework of the research unit. Part 2 (to be published in an upcoming issue) will provide the results of a practical application of the methods described in the first part.
Vom Stab‐ zum ebenen Flächentragwerk im Stahlbau
Authors: Kurrer Karl‐Eugen
Published: March 2016

Bekanntlich entstammt die Kastenbauweise der Britannia‐Brücke dem Schiffbau. Ebenso besitzt die orthotrope Fahrbahnplatte in der Konstruktionssprache des Stahlschiffbaus eine Wurzel: Das Längsspantensystem von Joseph William Isherwood (1870–1937) integrierte das Stahlblech mit den Längsrippen und Queraussteifungen; damit konnte die Längsfestigkeit von Schiffen erheblich gesteigert und das Stahlgewicht von Tankschiffen um 15 % bis 20 % gesenkt werden [2, S. 207]. Das Isherwood‐System, das statisch wie eine orthotrope Platte wirkt, setzte sich seit Beginn des zweiten Dezenniums des vorigen Jahrhunderts Schritt für Schritt zuerst im Massenguttransport auf den Großen Seen, dann im Tankschiffbau (Bild 1) und schließlich im gesamten Stahlschiffbau durch.

In der Zwischenkriegszeit stieß der Inhaber des Lehrstuhles für Statik der Schiffe und Schiffselemente der TH Berlin, Georg Schnadel (1891–1980) (Bild 2a), international an die Spitze dieser technikwissenschaftlichen Disziplin vor. Zusammen mit Fritz Horn (1880–1972) (Bild 2b), Hermann Föttinger (1877–1945) (Bild 2c), Hans Reissner (1874–1967) (Bild 2d) und Moritz Weber (1871–1951) (Bild 2e) gehörte Schnadel zum Quintett der TH Berlin, das international in der Schiffbauwissenschaft Maßstäbe setzte und den Kern der Berliner Schule der Schiffbauwissenschaft bildete. So forschte der US‐amerikanische Schiffbauingenieur Henry A. Schade (1900–1992) (Bild 2f) bei Professor Schnadel zu Problemen der orthotropen Platte, der mittragenden Breite von Gurten und Plattenbeulung [2, S. 410], die sich in klassischen Arbeiten zur Statik der Schiffe niederschlugen (s. [3] bis [7]). Mit der Herausbildung der Theorie der mittragenden Breite als gemeinsamer Gegenstandbereich von Flugzeugbau, Schiffbau, Stahlbau und Stahlbetonbau ist jene Schnittmenge technikwissenschaftlicher Theoriebildung benannt, die den Übergang vom Stab‐ zum Flächentragwerk einleitete.
miR-126-3p Promotes Matrix-Dependent Perivascular Cell Attachment, Migration and Intercellular Interaction
Authors: Pitzler Lena , Auler Markus , Probst Kristina , Frie Christian , Bergmeier Vera , Holzer Tatjana , Belluoccio Daniele , van den Bergen Jocelyn , Etich Julia , Ehlen Harald , Zhou Zhigang , Bielke Wolfgang , Pöschl Ernst , Paulsson Mats , Brachvogel Bent
Published: March 2016

microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate the interplay between perivascular cells (PVC) and endothelial cells (EC) during angiogenesis, but the relevant PVC-specific miRNAs are not yet defined. Here, we identified miR-126-3p and miR-146a to be exclusively upregulated in PVC upon interaction with EC, determined their influence on the PVC phenotype and elucidate their molecular mechanisms of action. Specifically the increase of miR-126-3p strongly promoted the motility of PVC on the basement membrane-like composite and stabilized networks of EC. Subsequent miRNA target analysis showed that miR-126-3p inhibits SPRED1 and PLK2 expression, induces ERK1/2 phosphorylation and stimulates TLR3 expression to modulate cell-cell and cell-matrix contacts of PVC. Gain of expression experiments in vivo demonstrated that miR-126-3p stimulates PVC coverage of newly formed vessels and transform immature into mature, less permeable vessels. In conclusion we showed that miR-126-3p regulates matrix-dependent PVC migration and intercellular interaction to modulate vascular integrity.
Calibration of NIRS for the Estimation of Fatty Acids in Brassica Juncea
Authors: Kaur Balraj , Sangha Manjeet K. , Kaur Gurpreet
Published: March 2016

This study was done to test whether near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) could be used as a quick substitute for measuring quality characteristics, i.e., a fatty acid profile over gas liquid chromatography. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy is a multi‐trait technique. In the present study, the fatty acid profiles of seeds of 200 genotypes of Brassica juncea were analysed by gas liquid chromatography. Near infrared reflectance spectra of intact seeds of the same samples were collected (400–2500 nm) on a NIR systems Model 6500 spectrophotometer. The spectra were subjected to scanning, mathematical processing, and statistical analysis using Win ISI software. Data were scored to remove redundancy. Spectra were treated as outliers with H > 3.0 (global H) and similar samples with H < 0.6 (neighbourhood H). Cross validation of the spectra was done using a modified partial least‐square method to develop the calibration equation. The calibration equation had good R2 values for oleic acid (R2 = 0.91), linoleic acid (R2 = 0.83), and erucic acid (R2 = 0.88). The internal validation was done to test the goodness of fit of the developed equation. The equation provided reliable estimations of these traits in internal validation with R2 values of 0.77, 0.68, 0.81 for the above quoted fatty acids, respectively. The external validation results also showed higher R2 values for oleic acid (0.89), linoleic acid (0.69), and erucic acid (0.90). The equation was less reliable for linolenic acid, which had R2 values of 0.53 in cross validation, 0.25 for internal validation, and 0.20 for external validation. The results indicated that NIRS could be used to rapidly determine oleic acid, linoleic acid, and erucic acid in intact B. juncea seeds.
Raman Spectroscopic Barcode Use for Differentiation of Vegetable Oils and Determination of Their Major Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Velioglu Serap Durakli , Ercioglu Elif , Temiz H. Tumay , Velioglu H. Murat , Topcu Ali , Boyaci Ismail H.
Published: March 2016

In this study, differentiation of vegetable oils and determination of their major fatty acid (FA) composition were performed using Raman spectral barcoding approach. Samples from seven different sources (sunflower, corn, olive, canola, mustard, soybean and palm) were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. Second derivative of the spectral data was utilized to generate unique barcodes of oils. Chemometric analyses, namely, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square (PLS) methods were used for data analysis. PCA was applied for classification of the samples according to the differences in their levels arising from their barcode data. A successful differentiation based on second derivative barcodes of Raman spectra (2D‐BRS) of vegetable oils was obtained. In addition, PLS method was applied on 2D‐BRS in order to determine the major FA composition of these samples. Coefficient of determination values for palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, α‐linolenic, cis‐11 eicosenoic, erucic and nervonic acids were in the range of 0.970–0.989. Limit of detection and limit of quantification values were found to be satisfactory (0.09–8.09 and 0.30–26.95 % in oil) for these fatty acids . Advantages of both chemometric analysis and spectral barcoding approach have been utilized in the present study. Taking the second derivative of the Raman spectra has minimized background variability and sensitivity to intensity fluctuations. Spectral conversion to the barcodes has further increased the quality of information obtained from Raman spectra and also made it possible to improve the visualization of the data. Converting Raman spectra of oils into barcodes enables simpler presentation of the valuable information, and still allows further analysis such as classification of vegetable oils and prediction of their major fatty acids with high accuracy.
Estimating the Co-Development of Cognitive Decline and Physical Mobility Limitations in Older U.S. Adults
Authors: Bishop Nicholas J. , Eggum-Wilkens Natalie D. , Haas Steven A. , Kronenfeld Jennie J.
Published: March 2016

This study examines the co-development of cognitive and physical function in older Americans using an age-heterogeneous sample drawn from the Health and Retirement Study (1998–2008). We used multiple-group parallel process latent growth models to estimate the association between trajectories of cognitive function as measured by immediate word recall scores, and limitations in physical function as measured as an index of functional mobility limitations. Nested model fit testing was used to assess model fit for the separate trajectories followed by estimation of an unconditional parallel process model. Controls for demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and chronic health conditions were added to the best-fitting parallel process model. Pattern mixture models were used to assess the sensitivity of the parameter estimates to the effect of selective attrition. Results indicated that favorable cognitive health and mobility at initial measurement were associated with faster decline in the alternate functional domain. The cross-process associations remained significant when we adjusted estimates for the influence of covariates and selective attrition. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were consistently associated with initial cognitive and physical health but had few relations with change in these measures.
Morbidity comparison of Primary and Completion Total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer in relation to the extent of Redo surgery
Authors: Khan Misbah , Syed Aamir Ali , Khan Amina Iqbal , Hussain Syed Raza , Zafar Waleed
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Total thyoidectomy has become the oncologic procedure of choice for differentiated thyroid cancers DTC. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the post-operative morbidity rates, in relation to the surgical extent of primary and redo-thyroid surgeries.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 331 adult patients who underwent thyroid gland surgery for a diagnosed DTC were included. 213 patients had a completion thyroidectomy, while 117 received a primary total thyroidectomy. Among the redo surgery group, 108 had surgery on the previously unexplored side of neck only, while 105 had repeat exploration and thyroid resection on the previously operated side as well. Length of hospital stay, post-operative hypocalcaemia, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and tumour recurrence were used as primary outcome measures.

Results:

Comparing primary versus redo surgery, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of all four main outcome measures. After controlling for patient's age, T and N stage, length of follow up, and whether or not a neck node dissection was done, the opposite side only redo surgery was associated with a statistically significant shorter hospital stay and lesser risk of persistent hypocalcaemia. Performance of simultaneous neck dissections was found to be associated with longer hospital stay (P ≤ 0.01). Higher initial N stage has a higher likelihood of development of loco regional and metastatic recurrence (P < 0.05)

Conclusion:

Analysis of our data suggest that under uniform conditions of tumour stage, surgeon, demographics and T stage, there is no statistically significant difference in post-operative outcomes between primary or completion total thyroidectomy. However, less extensive surgery is associated with a better perioperative outcome.

Highlights:
Glutathione biosynthesis is upregulated at the initiation of MYCN‐driven neuroblastoma tumorigenesis
Authors: Carter Daniel R. , Sutton Selina K. , Pajic Marina , Murray Jayne , Sekyere Eric O. , Fletcher Jamie , Beckers Anneleen , De Preter Katleen , Speleman Frank , George Rani E. , Haber Michelle , Norris Murray D. , Cheung Belamy B. , Marshall Glenn M.
Published: March 2016

The MYCN gene is amplified and overexpressed in a large proportion of high stage neuroblastoma patients and has been identified as a key driver of tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism by which MYCN promotes tumor initiation is poorly understood. Here we conducted metabolic profiling of pre‐malignant sympathetic ganglia and tumors derived from the TH‐MYCN mouse model of neuroblastoma, compared to non‐malignant ganglia from wildtype littermates. We found that metabolites involved in the biosynthesis of glutathione, the most abundant cellular antioxidant, were the most significantly upregulated metabolic pathway at tumor initiation, and progressively increased to meet the demands of tumorigenesis. A corresponding increase in the expression of genes involved in ribosomal biogenesis suggested that MYCN‐driven transactivation of the protein biosynthetic machinery generated the necessary substrates to drive glutathione biosynthesis. Pre‐malignant sympathetic ganglia from TH‐MYCN mice had higher antioxidant capacity and required glutathione upregulation for cell survival, when compared to wildtype ganglia. Moreover, in vivo administration of inhibitors of glutathione biosynthesis significantly delayed tumorigenesis when administered prophylactically and potentiated the anticancer activity of cytotoxic chemotherapy against established tumors. Together these results identify enhanced glutathione biosynthesis as a selective metabolic adaptation required for initiation of MYCN‐driven neuroblastoma, and suggest that glutathione‐targeted agents may be used as a potential preventative strategy, or as an adjuvant to existing chemotherapies in established disease.
Granitoid magmatism and metallogeny of the Lake Zone in Western Mongolia (by the example of the Bumbat-Hairhan area)
Authors: Rudnev S.N. , Izokh A.E. , Borisenko A.S. , Gas’kov I.V.
Published: March 2016

We present the results of a study of the geologic structure and age sequence of formation of the Late Neoproterozoic–Early Paleozoic plagiogranitoid and gabbroid associations in the Bumbat-Hairhan intrusive area of the Lake Zone in Western Mongolia. The petrogeochemical characteristics of the plagiogranitoids provide information about the conditions of formation of their parental melts at the island-arc and accretion–collision stages of the regional evolution. They also help to establish the main magma-generating sources as well as the major mechanisms of large-scale formation of granitoid melts and their relationship with ore generation processes. According to the trace-element and REE patterns and indicative ratios of these elements, the plagiogranitoids are subdivided into high- and low-alumina ones. Among the island-arc plagiogranitoids (551–524 Ma) of the Bumbat-Hairhan area, high-alumina varieties are the most widespread. They resulted from the partial melting of metabasites in equilibrium with garnet-containing restite at ≥ 15 kbar during their subsidence into the subduction zone. In geochemical features these plagiogranitoids are similar to high-Si adakites of different world regions. Island-arc low-alumina plagiogranitoids are scarcer. Their geochemical characteristics indicate that the parental melts were generated through the partial melting of metabasites in the lower part and/or in the basement of the island-arc system in equilibrium with amphibole-containing restite at ≤ 8 kbar. Plagiogranitoid associations of the accretion–collision stage (511–468 Ma) are the most widespread in the Bumbat-Hairhan area. They are subdivided into high- and low-alumina ones. According to the contents of trace elements and their indicative ratios, the low-alumina plagiogranitoids resulted from the partial melting of metabasites in equilibrium with plagioclase-containing restite at ≤ 8 kbar in the upper part of the collisional structure, and the high-alumina ones were generated through the melting of metabasites in the basement of thick crust in equilibrium with garnet-containing restite at ≥ 15 kbar. Geochronological studies in the Bumbat-Hairhan area revealed two stages of ore-generating processes spatially and temporally related to the formation of low-alumina plagiogranitoids. The early stage (518 ± 5 Ma), development of vein Cu (Au) mineralization, coincided in time with the formation of island-arc low-alumina plagiogranitoids of the Darbi massif (~ 524 Ma). The late stage (456 ± 4 Ma), formation of porphyry Cu-Mo (Au) mineralization, was synchronous with the formation of the low-alumina plagiogranites at the accretion-collision stage (~ 468 Ma).
Late Paleoproterozoic volcanic associations in the southwestern Siberian craton (Angara–Kan block)
Authors: Nozhkin A.D. , Turkina O.M. , Likhanov I.I. , Dmitrieva N.V.
Published: March 2016

We present data on the geologic setting, mineral composition, and conditions of metamorphism of volcanics of andesite–dacite–trachyrhyodacite, leucobasalt–basalt, basalt–andesite-basalt–trachyandesite, and basalt associations in the Yenisei amphibolite–gneiss complex of the Angara-Kan terrane. We have determined the age of zircon (SHRIMP II U–Pb dating) from two samples of volcanics of the andesite–dacite–trachyrhyodacite association. The volcanics formed in the Late Paleoproterozoic (~ 1.74 Ga) and were metamorphosed at 750 Ma. Inherited zircon and the Sm–Nd model age (2.4–2.5 Ga) of intermediate–felsic volcanics testify to their formation predominantly from the ancient crustal source. The Late Paleoproterozoic (1.78–1.74 Ga) sedimentation and volcanism in the Angara–Kan terrane followed the main collision events: high-temperature metamorphism (1.89–1.87 Ga) and formation of the first-phase granitoids of the Taraka massif (1.84 Ga). The volcanics have a predominantly bimodal character and belong to the tholeiitic and subalkalic series; this testifies to their formation in an extension setting. The formation of the volcanics of the Yenisei complex correlates with the intrusion of the intraplate granites of the Taraka massif, whereas the terrigenous sediments correlate with the sediments of the middle Subluk Group in the Urik–Iya graben. The rocks of the Yenisei complex are characterized by inhomogeneous metamorphism, which corresponds to the conditions of transition from epidote–amphibolite to amphibolite facies and to the whole PT-range of the amphibolite facies.
Ordovician deposits of the western slope of the Southern Urals and their correlation based on conodonts and chitinozoans
Authors: Mavrinskaya T.M. , Yakupov R.R.
Published: March 2016

Biostratigraphic subdivision and correlation of Ordovician different-facies sections on the western slope of the Southern Urals are carried out based on conodonts and chitinozoans. Upper Ordovician conodonts are defined in the West Zilair zone, in the carbonate-terrigenous section near Nabiullino Village. They belong to important cosmopolitan taxa which allow distinguishing biostratigraphic units corresponding to the North Atlantic standard conodont scale. Successions of Middle and Upper Ordovician conodont and chitinozoan assemblages are identified in the terrigenous-siliceous sections of the East Zilair zone. Middle Ordovician chitinozoans are found in the Uraltau zone, in the metamorphic rocks of the Belekei Formation of the Suvanyak complex, previously assigned to the Precambrian. Most of the taxa in the conodont and chitinozoan assemblages have a good correlation potential due to their wide geographic range. A positive δ13C excursion of 3.3‰ was first recorded in the Nabiullino section (West Zilair zone), suggesting the initial phase of the HICE isotopic events in the Southern Urals. The development of shallow-water conodont biofacies at the top of the section suggests a sea level fall in the Late Ordovician.
Foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Callovian–Volgian sediments and biofacies of the southwestern West-Siberian Lowland
Authors: Zaichikova E.V. , Levchuk L.K.
Published: March 2016

The study explored the taxonomic composition of foraminiferal assemblages from cores sampled in the Sil’ga and Yamal–Tyumen’ facies regions—the southern and southwestern West Siberian sedimentary basin. A complete sequence of biostratons was established for the Callovian–Kimmeridgian sediments of the southwestern West Siberian Lowland and was correlated with the units of the General Stratigraphic Scale. A number of biostratons have been revealed for the south of West Siberia. The biofacies analysis of the foraminiferal assemblages revealed that the Yamal–Tyumen’ facies region belonged to a relatively deep marine environment, far away from the Jurassic Sea littoral zone, in the Callovian through the Kimmeridgian and that the Sil’ga facies region was a relatively shallow marine environment in the Oxfordian through the Middle Volgian.
The effect of natural and anthropogenic factors on the evolution of remote lakes in East Siberia for the last 200 years
Authors: Fedotov A.P. , Vorobyeva S.S. , Bondarenko N.A. , Tomberg I.V. , Zhuchenko N.A. , Sezko N.P. , Stepanova O.G. , Melgunov M.S. , Ivanov V.G. , Zheleznyakova T.O. , Shaburova N.I. , Chechetkina L.G.
Published: March 2016

We performed a regional analysis of the effect of anthropogenic (acid precipitation) and natural (climatic changes, endogenous methane) factors on the hydrochemical composition and phytoplankton of mountain lakes in East Siberia for the last 210 years. The lacustrine diatom community responded to the intense acid precipitation that led to the acidification of lakes in Europe and North America in 1950–1985: Cyclotella-complex was partly replaced by more pH-tolerant species of diatoms, such as Aulacoseira lirata, A. italica, and Tabellaria flocculosa. This anthropogenic impact, however, was not dramatic for the ecosystem of mountain Lake Oron. The diatom records distinctly show a tendency for the reduction of lacustrine-alga population since the end of the Little Ice Age. We assume that the decrease in the Oron bioproductivity was mainly due to a deficit of nutrients caused by the inflow of ultrafresh waters from the thawing glaciers, snow patches, and seasonal snow cover of the Kodar Ridge during the Recent global warming in the Northern Hemisphere. In addition, the changes in the lake ecosystem might have been accelerated by emissions of endogenous methane.
Producción científica estudiantil en revistas médicas cubanas 1995-2014. Primera etapa
Authors: Gonzalez-Argote Javier , Garcia-Rivero Alexis Alejandro , Dorta-Contreras Alberto Juan
Published: March 2016

Introducción: En la actualidad se le atribuye gran interés tanto a nivel internacional como nacional al proceso de formación de habilidades investigativas en estudiantes de las ciencias médicas.Objetivo: Describir la producción científica de los estudiantes de las ciencias médicas en las revistas médicas cubanas no estudiantiles.Método: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte longitudinal, en el período de 1995 hasta enero de 2015. El universo estuvo constituido por 63 revistas médicas cubanas y en esta primera etapa se seleccionaron 30.Resultados: De un total de 17,040 artículos solo en el 2.26% de ellos hubo participación estudiantil contribuyendo en su mayoría como coautores y en artículos originales. La revista con más artículos con participación estudiantil fue MediCiego. Existen 9 revistas donde no hay artículos con participación estudiantil. No se encontró ningún artículo cuyos autores pertenecieran a dos lo más centros o países distintos.Conclusiones: La producción estudiantil en revistas no estudiantiles cubanas es escasa y no existe colaboración entre estudiantes de diversas universidades.
Collective intentionality and the social status of artifactual kinds
Authors: Pearce David
Published: March 2016

There is a well-developed view of artifacts according to which their nature depends on the intentions of their authors or creators. However, in the modern world of artifact design and creation, typically not one but many agents are involved in the process of making an artifact. In this paper, I show how the intentional view can be maintained even for ‘collective’ artifacts having multiple authors. My approach is to combine some basic concepts that have been proposed in the study of collective intentionality with a suitable model of artifact creation that takes account of the multiple agents and processes that arise in design, engineering and manufacturing a new or existing product. In this way, we can explain how an artifactual kind can be understood via a form ofcollectiveintentionality. For the design sciences, notions such as we-intentionality and group agency can help to model different types of cooperation and, in particular, to reconcile individualism with strong forms of collectivity at a group level.
Measuring vacuum polarization with high-power lasers
Authors: King B. , Heinzl T.
Published: March 2016

When exposed to intense electromagnetic fields, the quantum vacuum is expected to exhibit properties of a polarizable medium akin to a weakly nonlinear dielectric material. Various schemes have been proposed to measure such vacuum polarization effects using a combination of high- power lasers. Motivated by several planned experiments, we provide an overview of experimental signatures that have been suggested to confirm this prediction of quantum electrodynamics of real photon–photon scattering.
Persistent innovation and the role of human resource management practices, work organization, and strategy
Authors: Chowhan James , Pries Fred , Mann Sara
Published: March 2016

This study makes a theoretical contribution by taking a persistent characteristics approach to explore the relationship between human resource management practices and innovation outcomes at the workplace-level. Innovators are categorized by the degree to which they are successful at achieving new product/processes and/or improved product/processes outcomes year over year. The human resource management practices explored include the use of highly qualified personnel, and skill-enhancing, motivation-enhancing, and opportunity-enhancing sub-bundles of practices. Further, work organization practices are also explored including integration and collaboration, introduction of organizational changes, and the use of technology. The findings indicate workplaces that set strategic goals related to innovation, that motivate their employees, that create opportunity for their employees to act, and that make greater use of technology tend to be more persistent innovators. These findings can contribute to the development of government policy, which seeks to improve innovation performance outcomes.
Examining associations between dietary patterns and metabolic CVD risk factors: a novel use of structural equation modelling
Authors: Castro Michelle Alessandra , Baltar Valéria Troncoso , Marchioni Dirce Maria , Fisberg Regina Mara
Published: March 2016

The association between dietary patterns and metabolic cardiovascular risk factors has long been addressed but there is a lack of evidence towards the effects of the overall diet on the complex net of biological inter-relationships between risk factors. This study aimed to derive dietary patterns and examine their associations with metabolic cardiovascular risk factors following a theoretic model for the relationship between them. Participants included 417 adults of both sexes, enrolled to the cross-sectional population-based study performed in Brazil. Body weight, waist circumference, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, blood pressure, total cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio, TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio, fasting plasma glucose and serum leptin were evaluated. Food consumption was assessed by two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls adjusted for the within-person variation of intake. A total of three dietary patterns were derived by exploratory structural equation modelling: ‘Traditional’, ‘Prudent’ and ‘Modern’. The ‘Traditional’ pattern had a negative and direct effect on obesity indicators (serum LEP, body weight and waist circumference) and negative indirect effects on total cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio, TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio and fasting plasma glucose. The ‘Prudent’ pattern had a negative and direct effect on systolic blood pressure. No association was observed for the ‘Modern’ pattern and metabolic risk factors. In conclusion, the ‘Traditional’ and ‘Prudent’ dietary patterns were negatively associated with metabolic cardiovascular risk factors among Brazilian adults. Their apparent protective effects against obesity and high blood pressure may be important non-pharmacological strategies for the prevention and control of obesity-related metabolic disorders and CVD.
Cross-Listing Waves
Authors: Sarkissian Sergei , Schill Michael J.
Published: March 2016

Using a 57-year global foreign listing sample, we identify cross-listing waves at the host market, home market, and industry levels. Waves in host markets are often due to cross-listing waves in proximate home markets. Consistent with gravity-model implications and economic-synergy arguments of cross-listing decisions, cross-listing waves in a given host country coincide with the outperformance of the host and proximate home countries’ economies and financial markets. The valuation gains from listings associated with cross-listing waves are transitory, supporting the market-timing component in these decisions. Our results provide novel evidence of nonmonotonic market development across countries and over time.
N-terminal fusion of a toll-like receptor 2-ligand to aNeospora caninumchimeric antigen efficiently modifies the properties of the specific immune response
Authors: AGUADO-MARTÍNEZ ADRIANA , BASTO AFONSO P. , MÜLLER JOACHIM , BALMER VRENI , MANSER VERA , LEITÃO ALEXANDRE , HEMPHILL ANDREW
Published: March 2016

Immunoprophylactic products against neosporosis during pregnancy should induce an appropriately balanced immune response. In this respect, OprI, a bacterial lipoprotein targeting toll like receptor (TLR)2, provides promising adjuvant properties. We report on the manipulation of the innate and the T-cell immune response through the fusion of OprI with theNeospora caninumchimeric protein Mic3-1-R. In contrast to Mic3-1-R, OprI-MIC3-1-R significantly activated bone-marrow dendritic cells from naïve mice. Mice immunized with OprI-Mic3-1-R induced an immune response with mixed T helper (Th)1 and Th2 properties (high levels of both immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 and IgG2a and of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12(p70) and interferon-γresponses) whereas Mic3-1-R+saponin induced a clear Th2-biased response (low IgG2a and high IL-4 and IL-10). After mating and challenge withN. caninum, increased expression of interferon-γwas only found in placentas from OprI-Mic3-1-R immunized dams. However, no protection against vertical transmission and neonatal mortality was observed in either of the two groups. These results indicated that more exhaustive studies must be done to elucidate the immune mechanisms associated with transplacental transmission. Antigen linkage to TLR2-ligands, such as OprI, is a useful tool to investigate this enigma by reorienting the innate and adaptive immune responses against other candidate antigens in future studies.
Sarcocystis masoni, n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae), and redescription ofSarcocystis aucheniaefrom llama (Lama glama), guanaco (Lama guanicoe) and alpaca (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: MORÉ GASTÓN , REGENSBURGER CRISTIAN , GOS M. LAURA , PARDINI LAIS , VERMA SHIV K. , CTIBOR JULIANA , SERRANO-MARTÍNEZ MARCOS ENRIQUE , DUBEY JITENDER P. , VENTURINI M. CECILIA
Published: March 2016

There is considerable confusion concerning the species ofSarcocystisin South American camelids (SAC). Several species names have been used; however, proper descriptions are lacking. In the present paper, we redescribe the macroscopic sarcocyst formingSarcocystis aucheniaeand describe and propose a new name,Sarcocystis masonifor the microscopic sarcocyst forming species. Muscles samples were obtained from llamas (Lama glama) and guanacos (Lama guanicoe) from Argentina and from alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and llamas from Peru. Individual sarcocysts were processed by optical and electron microscopy, and molecular studies. Microscopic sarcocysts ofS. masoniwere up to 800µm long and 35–95µm wide, the sarcocyst wall was 2·5–3·5µm thick, and had conical to cylindrical villar protrusions (vp) with several microtubules. Each vp had 11 or more rows of knob-like projections. Seven 18S rRNA gene sequences obtained from sarcocysts revealed 95–96% identity with otherSarcocystisspp. sequences reported in the GenBank. Sarcocysts ofS. aucheniaewere macroscopic, up to 1·2 cm long and surrounded by a dense and laminar 50µm thick secondary cyst wall. The sarcocyst wall was up to 10µm thick, and had branched vp, appearing like cauliflower. Comparison of the 11 sequences obtained from individual macroscopic cysts evidenced a 98–99% of sequence homology with otherS. aucheniaesequences. In conclusion, 2 morphologically and molecularly differentSarcocystisspecies,S. masoni(microscopic cysts) andS. aucheniae(macroscopic cysts), were identified affecting different SAC from Argentina and Peru.
Density-dependent regulation of fecundity inSyngamus tracheainfrapopulations in semi-naturally occurring ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and wild Carrion Crows (Corvus corone)
Authors: GETHINGS O. J. , SAGE R. B. , LEATHER S. R.
Published: March 2016

Previous work has highlighted increased opportunities for the transmission ofSyngamus tracheawithin pheasant release pens, due in part to high levels of environmental contamination around communal areas. Despite this, the distribution of adult worms within their definitive hosts is not significantly different from predicted distributions under Taylor's power law. Therefore, density-dependent processes are probably acting to regulateS. tracheapopulation dynamics. Patterns of nematode fecundity were investigated in a semi-naturally occurring population of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and a wild population of carrion crows (Corvus carone). Worm length was a reliable indicator of nematode fecundity, and a negative association between mean worm length and mean worm burden was identified within both the species. The stunting of worms at greater parasite densities was present in both immunologically naïve and previously exposed pheasants, so is unlikely to be a function of age-dependent acquired immunity. Interestingly, the effect of parasite crowding in the crow population explained more of the variation in mean worm length, apparently driven by a greater mean worm burden when compared with pheasants. The findings of the present study suggest that fecundity is a function of parasite density, i.e. parasite-mediated competition and not host-mediated heterogeneities in immunocompetence.
Lost Along the Way: A CenturionDomo Britanniain Bostra
Authors: Tacoma Laurens E. , Ivleva Tatiana , Breeze David J.
Published: March 2016

This article discusses a not well-known funerary monument commemorating a centurion of British descent. IGLS 13.1.9188 records the centurion, T. Quintius Petrullus, ‘from Britain’, of the Third Cyrenaican Legion, who died aged 30 at Bostra in Arabia. This was a young age for a centurion and the article suggests that he had entered the army by a direct commission rather than risen through the ranks. Accordingly, he is likely to have belonged to a high-status family. The Bostra appointment was probably his first. The appointment is put into context alongside other similar equestrian career paths and the Jewish War during the reign of Hadrian is proposed as a possible occasion for the posting. In addition, the article examines this Briton alongside other Britons abroad.