bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of context and contest in the structuring of alliance governance
Authors: Kumar Muthusamy Senthil
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The alliance governance – whether equity or non-equity based – through which an alliance is governed serves as a mechanism to protect a firm from partner's opportunistic behavior, manage resource dependence and facilitate knowledge sharing. Alliance governance structure also reflects the risk, reward and control that partners perceive in a relationship. In light of the conflicts and instabilities reported in strategic alliances, the purpose of this paper is to examine the interorganizational domain that affects the endurance and continuity of collaboration and explain how the alliance interface contexts determines the structuring of alliance governance.

Design/methodology/approach

– An empirical examination of 179 strategic alliances, using survey and archival data conducted to test the hypothesized relationship between the choice of governance structure and the complexity of alliance task, balance of power and competitive scope between partners.

Findings

– A multinomial logistic regression of the hypothesized variables revealed that the complexity of alliance task, balance of power, and competitive scope between partners are significantly related to the mode of alliance governance – whether non-equity, minority-equity, or joint venture.

Originality/value

– This study makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the relationships between the contextual factors such as the alliance task, power dynamics, and competitive scope that shape the collaboration and structuring of appropriate alliance governance mode. Results of the study provide strong evidence for the hypotheses that the greater the task complexity, and greater the balance of power and scope of competition between partners, the alliance governance tends to be equity or joint venture based. Consistent with recommendations of several organizational scholars that the theory of alliance governance and performance must shift from individual partner firm to interaction domain and interface contexts (Luo, 2002; Gray and Wood, 1991; Oxley and Sampson, 2004), this study integrally examined the dyadic issues such as balance of power, task complexity, and the competitive scope and the dynamic role they play in decisions pertaining to alliance governance. While many extant studies on the choice of alliance governance structure have employed secondary data sources, the study employed data from survey measures (Gulati, 1995; Teng and Das, 2008; Oxley and Sampson, 2004) enhancing the validity of the results.
Interaction among intra-organizational factors effective in successful strategy execution
Authors: Safdari Ranjbar Mostafa , Akbarpour Shirazi Mohsen , Lashkar Blooki Mojtaba
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the intra-organizational factors effective in a successful strategy implementation, measure the interaction intensity, analyze relation patterns among those factors, and lastly, prioritize the factors according to the level of importance and effect in the success of a strategy implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

– A review of the literature produced 13 key intra-organizational factors involved in successful strategy implementation. The factors were then prioritized and the interaction among them was identified using interpretive structural modelling (ISM). DEMATEL was employed to quantitatively calculate the importance, intensity and effect in the interaction among the factors. Finally, combining both the aforementioned methods an integrated ISM-DEMATEL model was devised through which the factors were prioritized while the importance, intensity and effect of each factor were quantitatively calculated.

Findings

– Prioritization and establishing relations and interactions among the identified factors by ISM; determining the priority of each factor and their intensity of effect and interaction on a quantitative basis through DEMATEL method and developing the integrated model of ISM-DEMATEL for intra-organizational factors effective in successful strategy implementation.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to time limitation, the hybrid model could not be practically applied to any organizations or businesses and in this research, only 12 experts were consulted to construct the model. If the experts involved were increased both quantitatively and qualitatively no doubt the final model would be upheld.

Practical implications

– Managers who are involved in strategy implementation or who intend to enter this phase are advised to apply the integrated ISM-DEMATEL model that presented in this paper in order to obtain good perspective about interaction and prioritization among the intra-organizational factors effective in strategy implementation success.

Originality/value

– Identification of 13 key intra-organizational factors effective in successful strategy execution, by studying through the literature; prioritization and establishing relations and interactions among the identified factors by ISM; determining the priority of each factor and their intensity of effect and interaction on a quantitative basis through DEMATEL method; developing the integrated model of ISM-DEMATEL for intra-organizational factors effective in successful strategy execution; improving the integrated model through ISM by applying the findings obtained through DEMATEL.
Factors affecting strategic change in higher education
Authors: Stensaker Bjørn , Frølich Nicoline , Huisman Jeroen , Waagene Erica , Scordato Lisa , Pimentel Bótas Paulo
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify those factors that key actors in university governance hold as to be important in realizing strategic change within their institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Key decision-makers in 26 European universities were surveyed on their views on which factors bring about strategic change. The results were interpreted using a theoretical framework emphasizing organizational archetypes and their development.

Findings

– The findings indicated that strategic changes in universities were perceived as highly dependent on leadership, decision-making procedures, communication and evaluation. However, some differences between the universities in the sample can be identified, supporting indicating the relevance of using organizational archetypes as an analytical tools for observing change within the higher education sector.

Originality/value

– The study links organizational level developments on strategic management to macro-level change within the European higher education landscape, and provides new insights intoon the debate on convergence and differentiation in organizational fields.
Terms of Trade Shocks and Endogenous Search Unemployment: A Two‐Sector Model with Non‐Traded Goods
Authors: Xu Xinpeng , Sheng Yu
Published: April 2014

We develop a simple and tractable two‐sector search model featuring a non‐traded sector and endogenous search unemployment to examine the impact of terms of trade shocks on unemployment. We show that changes in terms of trade will not only lead to employment reallocation across sectors, as in the traditional trade models, but, more importantly, impact upon search unemployment within each sector. Specifically, we show that an improvement (deterioration) of terms of trade reduces (increases) unemployment rates in both traded and non‐traded sectors.
Incidence and risk factors of metachronous colorectal neoplasm after curative resection of colorectal cancer in Korean patients
Authors: Lee Su Young , Kim Byung Chang , Han Kyung Su , Hong Chang Won , Sohn Dae Kyung , Park Sung Chan , Kim Sun Young , Baek Ji‐Yeon , Chang Hee Jin , Kim Dae Yong , Oh Jae Hwan
Published: April 2014

Objective

Early detection and endoscopic removal of metachronous neoplasms are important preventive strategies for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) after curative tumor resection. We aimed to determine the incidence of and the risk factors for metachronous colorectal neoplasms after curative resection for CRC.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of patients who underwent curative resection for CRC at the National Cancer Center, Korea, from July 2004 to July 2007 and were followed up for a mean duration of 40.7 months. The incidence of and the risk factors for developing metachronous neoplasms were analyzed.

Results

A total of 1049 patients were included in this study. A follow‐up colonoscopy showed that 454 (43.3%) patients developed metachronous neoplasms, including 46 (4.4%) with advanced adenoma or cancer. Univariate analyses revealed that age ≥ 60 years, male gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, synchronous adenoma, synchronous multiple adenoma and synchronous advanced adenoma were associated with the development of metachronous neoplasms. Baseline risk factors associated with metachronous advanced neoplasm were age ≥60 years, synchronous multiple adenoma and synchronous advanced adenoma. Multivariate analysis showed that age ≥60 years, synchronous adenoma and diabetes mellitus were risk factors for the development of metachronous neoplasms. The cumulative incidence of metachronous neoplasms was higher in patients with these risk factors than in those without.

Conclusions

Elder age, synchronous adenoma and diabetes mellitus are risk factors for developing metachronous neoplasia. Therefore, careful surveillance colonoscopy are necessary for these patients.
Illustrating Narrative Seduction: The Example of Choderlos de Laclos's Les Liaisons Dangereuses in the Illustrated Edition of 1796
Authors: Ganofsky Marine
Published: April 2014

The engravings of the 1796 edition of Les Liaisons dangereuses bear witness to the late eighteenth‐century belief in a parallel between amorous and narrative seductions. More than mere interpretations of an intrigue, book engravings also offer a valuable insight into contemporaneous conceptualisations of novel‐reading. The series studied here can be interpreted as illustrating the early modern theory that what unites reader and author is indeed a dangerous liaison. By presenting a dialogue between these engravings and eighteenth‐century reception theories, I argue that book illustrations can help us understand how narrative seduction was believed to operate during the French Enlightenment.
Early Cambrian Ichnofossils from the Mussoorie Syncline and revision of Trace Fossil Biozonation of the Lesser Himalaya, India
Authors: Singh Birendra P. , Lokho Kapesa , Kishore Naval , Virmani Nancy
Published: April 2014

A new locality bearing ichnofossils of the Cruziana Assemblage Zone‐III from the Mussoorie syncline, Lesser Himalaya, is located in rocks of Member‐B of the Dhaulagiri Formation, Tal Group, exposed along the Maldewta‐Chhimoli fresh road cut section. The site yielded ichnofossils Bergaueria perata, Cochlichnus anguineus, ?Diplocraterion isp., Dimorphichnus obliquus, diplichnitiform Cruziana bonariensis, Diplichnites gouldi, Glockeria isp., Helminthopsis isp., Monomorphichnus lineatus, Phycodes palmatum, Palaeophycus striatus, Planolites beverleyensis, Planolites montanus, Treptichnus cf. T. pedum, scratch marks and an undetermined worm impression. An Early Cambrian age (Cambrian Series 2) is assigned to the ichnofossil‐bearing strata based on the stratigraphic position between the Drepanuroides and Palaeoolenus trilobite zones. A revised Cambrian ichnofossil zonation is presented for the Tal Group of the Mussoorie syncline. Together with their occurrence on rippled surfaces, and the lateral displacement of some trackways (due to current action), a sub‐aqueous shallow‐marine depositional setting is proposed for the rocks of Member‐B.
Redefinition and Formation Age of the Tanjianshan Group in Xitieshan Region, Qinghai
Authors: LIANG Xinquan , FU Jiangang , WANG Ce , JIANG Ying , ZHOU Yun , YANG Yongqiang , WANG Zeli , PAN Chuanchu
Published: April 2014

The Tanjianshan Group, which was previously divided into a, b, c and d formations, has been controversial for a long time. It mainly distributes in the northern margin of Qaidam Basin and is an important early Paleozoic greenschist facies metamorphic volcanic sedimentary rock formation. Detailed field investigation and zircon LA‐ICPMS U‐Pb dating of the key strata suggest that the original lower part of a Formation (a‐1) versus the original middle upper of d Formation (d‐3 and d‐4), the original upper part of a Formation (a‐2) and b Formation versus the original lower part of d Formation (d‐1 and d‐2) of Tanjianshan Group are contemporaneous heterotopic facies volcanicclasolite deposit, respectively. The former formations formed during the middle‐late Ordovician (463–458 Ma), while the latter ones formed in the late Ordovician (about 445 Ma). The original c formation of Tanjianshan Group, which formed after 430 Ma, is similar to the Maoniushan Formation of Kunlun Mountains and north Qaidam Basin. According to the rules of stratigraphic division and naming, new stratum formations of Tanjianshan Group are re‐built and divided into Duancenggou (O1–2td), Zhongjiangou (O2–3tz) and Xitieshan (O3tx) formations. The original c Formation is separated from Tanjianshan Group and is renamed as the Wuminggou Formation (S3‐D1w), which shows a discordant contact with underlying Tanjianshan Group and overlying Amunike Formation (D3a). The zircon U‐Pb age frequency spectrogram of Tanjianshan Group indicates three prominent peaks of 430 Ma, 460 Ma and 908 Ma, which is consistent with the metamorphic and magmatic crystallization ages obtained from para‐ and orthogneisses in north Qaidam HP‐UHP metamorphic belt, implying that strong Caledonian and Jinningian tectonic and magmatic events have ever happened in North Qaidam.
Tectonic and Environmental Evolutions of the Northern Tibetan Plateau Prior to the Collision of India with Asia
Authors: DAI Shuang , ZHANG Mingzhen , PENG Dongxiang , WANG Huawei , WU Maoxian , CHEN Ruiling , ZHANG Xiang
Published: April 2014

Tectonic and environmental patterns and evolution of the present North Tibetan Plateau (NTP) prior to the India collision with Asia is significant to understand the formation of the Tibetan Plateau and its influence on the environment. In this study, we integrated and analyzed the tectonostratigraphy and the special sedimentary layers whose climatic implications are clear in the NTP. Additionally, we stressed the tectonic and environmental events and their evolutions from the Mesozoic to the Early Cenozoic. Our results show that four tectonic phases, which sequentially took place during the Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous and Paleogene, played an important role on the formation of the North Tibet. The climate was basically dry and hot from the Triassic to the Eocene and became dry and cool since the Oligocene in this region. The climatic evolution was characterized by a transition from a wet and hot phase during the Triassic – Middle Jurassic, to a dry and hot phase during the Late Jurassic – Eocene. Both phases encompassed 5 wet and hot periods followed by 5 dry and hot climate events, respectively. In addition, we found that the tectonic deformation and the climatic conditions were spatially and temporally different. In detail, in the regions north of the Paleo‐Tian Shan and Paleo‐Qilian Mts. the tectonic deformation and climatic condition were stronger and wetter than in regions south of the Paleo‐Tian Shan and Paleo‐Qilian Mts. during the Late Triassic – Jurassic. Whereas in the Cretaceous, the tectonic movement was intensive in the west but steady in the east, and climate was dry in the south but wet in the north of NTP. The formation of the tectonic and climatic patterns in NTP were the consequence of either global climate change or regional tectonics, including the Paleo‐Asian Ocean closure and the Qiangtang block, Lhasa block and India plate collision subsequently to Asia. Furthermore, the regional tectonic events occurred before any global climate change and drove the climatic change in the NTP.
Rock Damage Structure of the South Longmen‐Shan Fault in the 2008 M8 Wenchuan Earthquake Viewed with Fault‐Zone Trapped Waves and Scientific Drilling
Authors: LI Yonggang , XU Zhiqin , LI Haibing
Published: April 2014

This article is to review results from scientific drilling and fault‐zone trapped waves (FZTWs) at the south Longman‐Shan fault (LSF) zone that ruptured in the 2008 May 12 M8 Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan, China. Immediately after the mainshock, two Wenchuan Fault Scientific Drilling (WFSD) boreholes were drilled at WFSD‐1 and WFSD‐2 sites approximately 400 m and 1 km west of the surface rupture along the Yinxiu‐Beichuan fault (YBF), the middle fault strand of the south LSF zone. Two boreholes met the principal slip of Wenchuan earthquake along the YBF at depths of 589‐m and 1230‐m, respectively. The slip is accompanied with a 100–200‐m‐wide zone consisting of fault gouge, breccia, cataclasite and fractures. Close to WFSD‐1 site, the nearly‐vertical slip of ∼4.3t‐m with a 190‐m wide zone of highly fractured rocks restricted to the hanging wall of the YBF was found at the ground surface after the Wenchuan earthquake. A dense linear seismic array was deployed across the surface rupture at this venue to record FZTWs generated by aftershocks. Observations and 3‐D finite‐difference simulations of FZTWs recorded at this cross‐fault array and network stations close to the YBF show a distinct low‐velocity zone composed by severely damaged rocks along the south LSF at seismogenic depths. The zone is several hundred meters wide along the principal slip, within which seismic velocities are reduced by ∼30–55% from wall‐rock velocities and with the maximum velocity reduction in the ∼200‐m‐wide rupture core zone at shallow depth. The FZTW‐inferred geometry and physical properties of the south LSF rupture zone at shallow depth are in general consistent with the results from petrological and structural analyses of cores and well log at WFSD boreholes. We interpret this remarkable low‐velocity zone as being a break‐down zone during dynamic rupture in the 2008 M8 earthquake. We examined the FZTWS generated by similar earthquakes before and after the 2008 mainshock and observed that seismic velocities within fault core zone was reduced by ∼10% due to severe damage of fault rocks during the M8 mainshock Scientific drilling and locations of aftershocks generating prominent FZTWs also indicate rupture bifurcation along the YBF and the Anxian‐Guangxian fault (AGF), two strands of the south LSF at shallow depth. A combination of seismic, petrologic and geologic study at the south LSF leads to further understand the relationship between the fault‐zone structure and rupture dynamics, and the amplification of ground shaking strength along the low‐velocity fault zone due to its waveguide effect.
Seismogenic Tectonics and Dynamics of the 2011 Ms5.9 Yingjiang Earthquake in Yunnan, China
Authors: SUN Yao , AN Meijian , FENG Mei , LONG Changxing , YANG Zhenyu
Published: April 2014

In the southern South–North Seismic Zone, China, seismic activity in the Yingjiang area of western Yunnan increased from December 2010, and eventually a destructive earthquake of Ms5.9 occurred near Yingjiang town on 10 March 2011. The focal mechanism and hypocenter location of the mainshock suggest that the Dayingjiang Fault was the site of the mainshock rupture. However, most of foreshocks and all aftershocks recorded by a portable seismic array located close to the mainshock occurred along the N–S‐striking Sudian Fault, indicating that this fault had an important influence on these shocks. Coulomb stress calculations show that three strong (magnitude ≥5.0) earthquakes that occurred in the study region in 2008 increased the coulomb stress along the plane parallel to the Dayingjiang Fault. This supports the Dayingjiang Fault, and not the Sudian Fault, as the seismogenic fault of the 2011 Ms5.9 Yingjiang earthquake. The strong earthquakes in 2008 also increased the Coulomb stress at depths of ≤5 km along the entire Sudian Fault, and by doing so increased the shallow seismic activity along the fault. This explains why the foreshocks and aftershocks of the 2011 Yingjiang earthquake were located mostly on the Sudian Fault where it cuts the shallow crust. The earthquakes at the intersection of the Sudian and Dayingjiang faults are distributed mainly along a belt that dips to the southeast at ∼40°, suggesting that the Dayingjiang Fault in the mainshock area also dips to the southeast at ∼40°.
The Deep Geophysical Structure of the Middle Section of the Longmen Mountains Tectonic Belt and its Relation to the Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: YU Nian , WANG Xuben , HU Xiangyun , CAI Xuelin , KAN Aike , ZHAO Ning
Published: April 2014

Investigation of the deep geophysical structure of the Longmen Mountains tectonic belt and its relation to the Wenchuan Earthquake is important for the study of earthquakes. By using magnetotelluric sounding profiles of the Luqu–Zhongjiang and Anxian–Suining; seismic sounding profiles of the Sichuan Maowen–Chongqing Gongtan, the Qinghai Huashi Gorge–Sichuan Jianyang, and the Batang–Zizhong; and magnetogravimetric data of the Longmen Mountains region, the deep geophysical structure of the Songpan–Ganzi block, the western Sichuan foreland basin, and the Longmen Mountains tectonic belt and their relation was discussed. The eastward extrusion of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau thrusts the Songpan–Ganzi block upon the Yangtze block, which obstructs the eastward movement of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The Maoxian–Wenchuan, Beichuan–Yingxiu, and Anxian–Guanxian faults of the Longmen Mountains fault belt dip to northwest with different dip angles and gradually converge in the deeper parts. Geophysical structure suggests that an intracrustal low‐velocity, low‐resistivity, and high‐conductivity layer is common between the middle and upper crust west of the Longmen Mountains tectonic belt but not in the upper Yangtze block. The Sichuan Basin has a thick low‐resistance sedimentary layer on a stable high‐resistance basement; moreover, there are secondary paleohighs and depression structures at the lower part of the western Sichuan foreland basin with characteristic of high magnetic anomalies, whereas the Songpan–Ganzi block has a high resisitivity cover of upper crust and continues to a low‐resistance layer. Considering the Longmen Mountains tectonic belt as the boundary, there are Bouguer gravity anomalies of “one belt between two zones.” Thus, we infer that there is a corresponding relation between the inferred crystalline basement of the Songpan block and the underlying basin basement of the Longmen Mountains fault belt. Furthermore, there may be an extensive ancient Yangtze block, which is west of the Ruoergai block. In addition, the crust–mantle ductile shear zone under the Longmen Mountains tectonic belt is the main fault, whereas the Beichuan–Yingxiu and Anxian–Guanxian faults at the surface are earthquake faults. The Wenchuan Ms 8.0 earthquake might be attributed to the collision of the Yangtze block and the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The eastward obduction of the eastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and eastward subduction of its deeper part under the influence of the collision of the Indian, Pacific, and Philippine Plates with the Eurasia Plate might have caused the Longmen Mountains tectonic belt to cut the Moho and extend to the middle and upper crust; thus, creating high stress concentration and rapid energy release zone.
Early Permian–Late Triassic Magmatism in the Tuotuohe Region of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: Constraints on the Tectonic evolution of the Western Segment of the Jinshajiang Suture
Authors: QIAN Ye , SUN Fengyue , LI Bile , LI Shijin , ZHAO Junwei
Published: April 2014

In this paper we present new zircon U–Pb ages, whole‐rock major and trace element analyses, and zircon Hf isotopic data for magmatic rocks in the Tuotuohe region of the western segment of the Jinshajiang suture. Our aim is to constrain the Early Permian–Late Triassic tectonic evolution of the region. Zircons from the magmatic rocks of the Tuotuohe region are euhedral–subhedral in shape and display fine‐scale oscillatory zoning as well as high Th/U ratios (0.4–4.6), indicating a magmatic origin. The zircon U–Pb ages obtained using LA–ICP–MS are 281 ± 1 Ma, 258 ± 1 Ma, 244 ± 1 Ma, and 216 ± 1 Ma, which indicate magmatism in the Early Permian–Late Triassic. A diorite from Bashihubei (BSHN) has SiO2= 57.18–59.97 wt%, A12O3= 15.70–16.53 wt%, and total alkalis (Na2O + K2O) = 4.46–6.34 wt%, typical of calc‐alkaline and metaluminous series. A gabbro from Bashibadaoban (BSBDB) belongs to the alkaline series, and is poor in SiO2 (45.46–54.03 wt%) but rich in A12O3 (16.19–17.39 wt%) and total alkalis (Na2O + K2O = 5.48–6.26 wt%). The BSHN diorite and the BSBDB gabbro both display an enrichment of LREEs and LILEs and depletion of HFSEs, and they have no obvious Eu anomaly; they have relatively low MgO contents (2.54–4.93 wt%), Mgs# values of 43 to 52, and low Cr and Ni contents (8.07–33.6 ppm and 4.41–14.2 ppm, respectively), indicating they differentiated from primitive mantle magmas. They have low Nb/U, Ta/U, and Ce/Pb ratios (1.3–9.6, 0.2–0.8, and 0.1–18.1, respectively), and their initial Hf isotopic ratios range from +9.6 to +16.9 (BSHN diorite) and +6.5 to +12.6 (BSBDB gabbro), suggesting their primary magmas were derived mainly from the partial melting of a mantle wedge that had been metasomatized by subduction fluids. Taking all the new data together, we conclude that the western and eastern segment of the Jinshajiang suture regions underwent identical processes of evolution in the Early Permian–Late Triassic: oceanic crust subduction before the Early Permian, continental collision during the Early–Middle Triassic, and post‐collisional extension from the Late Triassic.
In‐situ Moissanite in Dunite: Deep Mantle Origin of Mantle Peridotite in Luobusa Ophiolite, Tibet
Authors: LIANG Fenghua , XU Zhiqin , ZHAO Jianan
Published: April 2014

We report the discovery of an in‐situ natural moissanite as an inclusion in the Cr‐spinel from the dunite envelope of a chromitite deposit in Luobusa ophiolite, Tibet. The moissanite occurs as a twin crystal interpenetrated by two quadrilateral signal crystals with sizes of 17 μm × 10 μm and 20 μm × 7 μm, respectively. The moissanite is green with parallel extinction. The absorption peaks in its Raman spectra are at 967–971 cm–1, 787–788 cm–1, and 766 cm–1. The absorption peaks in the infrared spectra are at 696 cm–1, 767 cm–1, 1450 cm–1, and 1551 cm–1, which are distinctly different from the peaks for synthetic silicon carbide. Moissanites have been documented to form in ultra‐high pressure, high temperature, and extremely low fO2 environments and their 13C‐depleted compositions indicate a lower mantle origin. Combined with previous studies about other ultra‐high pressure and highly reduced minerals in Luobusa ophiolite, the in‐situ natural moissanite we found indicates a deep mantle origin of some materials in the mantle sequence of Luobusa ophiolite. Further, we proposed a transformation model to explain the transfer process of UHP materials from the deep mantle to ophiolite sequence and then to the supra‐subduction zone environment. Interactions between the crown of the mantle plume and mid‐ocean ridge are suggested to be the dominant mechanism.
Magmatic Processes of Ashi Volcano, Western Kunlun Mountains, China
Authors: YU Hongmei , XU Jiandong , ZHAO Bo , SHEN Huanhuan , LIN Chuanyong
Published: April 2014

The Ashikule volcanic cluster (AVC) in western Kunlun Mountains is located in a graben region at the convergence of the Altun and Kangxiwa fault zones, and consists of more than 10 main volcanoes and dozens of volcanelloes. The Ashi volcano lies in the central part of the volcanic cluster. The lithology, chemical composition and texture of Ashi volcanic rocks were studied in detail, and their implication in magmatic processes was discussed. The phenocrysts in Ashi volcanic rocks consist mainly of plagioclase and pyroxene, and the statistical results of phenocryst contents show that the rocks can be subdivided into two groups. In group A, the content of pyroxene phenocrysts is generally higher than that of plagioclase phenocrysts, but an inverse relation occurs in group B. In TAS diagram, the compositions of both groups fall into the trachyandensite field, but they are obviously concentrated into two clusters. The two clusters exist also in the oxide diagrams. The pyroxene phenocrysts comprise augite, bronzite and hypersthene, and their Mg# histogram shows two peaks. Plagioclase phenocrysts with reaction rim are observed in rocks of both groups. The An values of the core are generally 30–40, and those of the rim are 44–48, which are closer to those of euhedral plagioclases. The bronzites are in equilibrium with the melt, and two sets of magma depths, i.e., 18–25 km and 13–18 km, can be estimated by using thermobarometer proposed by Putirka. The hypersthenes are not in equilibrium with the melt, and can be assigned to xenocrysts. The crystal size distribution (CSD) curves of plagioclase appear as kinked lines indicative of magma mixing. The above analyses show that two magma pockets might exist beneath the Ashi volcano. It is likely that they are connected with each other. The one has more evolved and contains more acidic magma, and the other is a trachyandensite magma pocket characterized by layering. The magma from the upper part of the trachyandensite magma pocket might mix with more acidic magma, resulting in a magma that is more acidic than the magma from the lower part.
Rb‐Sr and Sm‐Nd Isochron Ages of the Dongmozhazhua and Mohailaheng Pb‐Zn Ore Deposits in the Yushu area, southern Qinghai and Their Geological Implications
Authors: TIAN Shihong , GONG Yingli , YANG Zhusen , HOU Zengqian , LIU Yingchao , SONG Yucai , XUE Wanwen , LU Haifeng , WANG Fuchun , ZHANG Yubao , ZHU Tian , YU Changjie
Published: April 2014

Located on the northeast margin of the Qiangtang terrane between the Jinshajiang suture zone and Bangonghu‐Nujiang suture zone, the Dongmozhazhua and Mohailaheng Pb‐Zn deposits in the Yushu area of Qinghai Province are representative Pb‐Zn deposits of the Pb‐Zn‐Cu polymetallic mineralization belt in the northern part of the Nujiang‐Lancangjiang‐Jinshajiang area, which are in the front belt of the Yushu thrust nappe system. The formed environments of these two deposits are different from those of sediment‐hosted base metal deposits elsewhere in the world. The authors hold that they were formed during the Indian‐Asian continental collision and developed within the fold‐thrust belt combined with thrust and strike‐slip‐related Cenozoic basins in the interior of the collisional zone. Studying on the metallogenic epochs of these two deposits is helpful to the understanding of ore‐forming regularity of the regional Pb‐Zn‐Cu mineralization belt and also to the search for new deposits in this region. The age of the Dongmozhazhua deposit has been determined by the Rb‐Sr isochron method for sphalerite residues, whereas the age of the Mohailaheng deposit has been determined by the Rb‐Sr isochron method for sphalerite residues and the Sm‐Nd isochron method for fluorite. The age of the Dongmozhazhua deposit is 35.0±0.0 Ma ((87Sr/86Sr)0=0.708807) for sphalerite residues. The age of the Mohailaheng deposit is 32.2±0.4 Ma ((87Sr/86Sr)0=0.708514) for sphalerite residues and 31.8±0.3 Ma ((143Nd/144Nd)0=0.512362) for fluorite with an average of 32.0 Ma. Together with the regional geological setting during mineralization, a possible tectonic model for metallogeny of the Dongmozhazhua and Mohailaheng Pb‐Zn deposits has been established. These two ages are close to the ages of the Pb‐Zn deposits in the Lanping and Tuotuohe basins, indicating that it is possible that the narrow 1000‐kilometer‐long belt controlled by a thrust nappe system on the eastern and northern margins of the Tibetan plateau could be a giant Pb‐Zn mineralized belt.
The Combined Effect of Tibetan Plateau Uplift and Glacial‐Interglacial Cycles on the Quaternary Evolution of the East Asian Monsoon: Evidence from South China Sea Sediments
Authors: MENG Xianwei , LIU Yanguang , ZHANG Xiaodong , ZHANG Jun
Published: April 2014

The siliciclastic sediments of the uppermost section of 185 mcd (meters composite depth) from ODP Site 1146 on the northern continental slope of the South China Sea (SCS) were partitioned according to their sources using end‐member modeling on grain‐size data. The goal was to evaluate the evolution of the East Asian monsoon over the past 2 million years. The siliciclastic sediments were described as hybrids of four end‐members, EM1, EM2, EM3, and EM4, with modal grain sizes of 8–22 μm, 2–8 μm, 31–125 μm, and 4–11 μm, respectively. EM1 and EM3 are interpreted as eolian dust and EM2 and EM4 as fluvial mud. The ratio of eolian dust to fluvial mud ((EM1+EM3)/(EM2+EM4)) is regarded as an indicator of the East Asian monsoon. The variation in this ratio not only shows periodical oscillations consistent with oxygen isotope stages, but also exhibits a phased increasing trend corresponding with the phased uplifts of the Tibetan Plateau, indicating that the evolution of the East Asian Monsoon was controlled not only by glacial‐interglacial cycles, but also by the phased uplifts of the Tibetan Plateau during the Quaternary.
Dynamic variables and fluid responsiveness in patients for aortic stenosis surgery
Authors: HØISETH L. Ø. , HOFF I. E. , HAGEN O. A. , LANDSVERK S. A. , KIRKEBØEN K. A.
Published: April 2014

Background

Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular disease in developed countries, but it carries an increased mortality during non‐cardiac surgery underscoring the importance of adequate hemodynamic management. Further, haemodynamic management of patients immediately after surgery for aortic stenosis can be challenging. Prediction of fluid responsiveness using dynamic variables has not been sufficiently studied in patients for aortic stenosis surgery.

Methods

Observational study evaluating fluid responsiveness on 32 (31 analysed) patients scheduled for aortic valve replacement due to aortic stenosis on mechanical ventilation before and after valve replacement. Increase in stroke volume (oesophagus Doppler) ≥ 15% to a fluid challenge defined fluid responders.

Results

Before surgery (31 fluid loads performed in 31 patients), areas under receiver operating characteristics curves (95% confidence intervals) were stroke volume variation (from arterial pulse contour analysis) 0.77 (0.58–0.90), pulse pressure variation 0.75 (0.54–0.90) and Pleth variability index 0.51 (0.31–0.69). After aortic valve replacement (31 fluid loads performed in 23 patients) the values were stroke volume variation 0.90 (0.74–0.98), pulse pressure variation 0.95 (0.80–1.0) and Pleth variability index 0.72 (0.52–0.87).

Conclusions

The arterial pressure‐based variables had moderate predictive values before valve replacement, but it predicted fluid responsiveness well postoperatively. Pleth variability index did not predict fluid responsiveness preoperatively, and it had a moderate predictive value postoperatively. These results indicate that arterial pressure‐based dynamic variables have limited potential to guide fluid therapy in patients with aortic stenosis. Their ability to guide fluid therapy after aortic valve replacement seems better.
Nipple‐sparing mastectomy with implant reconstruction: the Westmead experience
Authors: Sood Samriti , Elder Elisabeth , French James
Published: April 2014

Background

Nipple‐sparing mastectomy (NSM) involves the removal of all breast tissue with preservation of the breast skin envelope and nipple‐areola complex (NAC). The objective of this study was to report the outcomes from our initial experience with NSM.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 87 women who underwent 118 NSMs between October 2008 and May 2012.

Results

Indications for NSM were 60 (51%) primary cancer, 15 (13%) residual/recurrent disease, 39 (33%) risk reduction and 4 (3%) benign pathology. Implant loss (n = 10) was associated with subcutaneous placement (P = 0.01), post‐operative seroma and infection (P = 0.028, 0.001), skin flap necrosis (P = 0.007) and NAC loss (P = 0.027). Capsular contraction was related to adjuvant radiotherapy (P = 0.044). Local recurrence occurred in four patients, and NAC recurrence with invasive cancer occurred in one patient after a median follow‐up of 30 months.

Conclusion

Our Australian NSM series adds to the published literature supporting the oncological safety of NSM for early‐stage breast cancer and risk reduction.
A classification of congenital uterine anomalies predicting pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Takami Mio , Aoki Shigeru , Kurasawa Kentaro , Okuda Mika , Takahashi Tsuneo , Hirahara Fumiki
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate pregnancy outcomes in women with uterine anomalies by applying a method for diagnosing and classifying congenital uterine malformations.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Population

Ninety‐four women with uterine anomalies who delivered after 22 gestational weeks.

Methods

Excluding the 14 women with a history of surgery and seven with one endometrial cavity, 73 women with two endometrial cavities were subdivided into those with two external uterine orifices (2‐OS subgroup) and those with one external uterine orifice (1‐OS subgroup).

Main outcome measures

Pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth, abnormal fetal presentation, cesarean delivery and placental abruption.

Results

The 2‐OS subgroup comprised women with a didelphic or complete septate uterus who had a significantly higher rate of cesarean delivery (91% vs. 18%, p < 0.001) than the control group (normal uterine morphology; n = 5763). The 1‐OS subgroup comprised women with a bicornuate or incomplete septate uterus who had significantly higher rates of preterm birth (27% vs. 5%, p < 0.001) and placental abruption (14% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.001) than the control group.

Conclusions

Classification of uterine anomalies by the number of uterine endometrial cavities and external uterine orifices is an easy and reliable means of predicting pregnancy outcomes.
Training in motivational interviewing in obstetrics: a quantitative analytical tool
Authors: Lindhardt Christina L. , Rubak Sune , Mogensen Ole , Hansen Helle P. , Lamont Ronald F. , Jørgensen Jan S.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To examine whether a 3‐day training course in motivational interviewing, which is an approach to helping people to change, could improve the communication skills of obstetric healthcare professionals in their interaction with obese pregnant women.

Design

Intervention study.

Setting

The Region of Southern Denmark.

Methods

Eleven obstetric healthcare professionals working with obese pregnant women underwent a 3‐day course in motivational interviewing techniques and were assessed before and after training to measure the impact on their overall performance as well as the effect on specific behavioral techniques observed during interviews.

Findings

With a few exceptions, the participants changed their behavior appropriate to the motivational interviewing technique. The participants made more interventions towards the principles of motivational interviewing (adherent and nonadherent interventions). Furthermore, the participants asked fewer closed and more open questions before training in motivational interview. In the assessment of proficiency and competency, most of the participants scored higher after the training in motivational interviewing.

Conclusions

Training in motivational interviewing improves healthcare professionals' proficiency and competency when communicating with obese pregnant women, albeit that the effect was not universal.
Pain evoked by distension of the uterine cervix in women with dysmenorrhea: evidence for central sensitization
Authors: Arendt‐Nielsen Lars , Madsen Hans , Jarrell John , Gregersen Hans , Drewes Asbjørn M.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To study sensitization in women with dysmenorrhea using a standardized experimental model. Women with dysmenorrhea experience intense visceral pain during menstruation. The dysmenorrhea pain mechanisms are not known but sensitization may play a role.

Design

Prospective experimental study.

Sample

Ten women with dysmenorrhea and 10 control women having uterine cervical distensions in the mid‐follicular period (days 6–10).

Setting

University clinic.

Method

Cervical distension was delivered as three phasic stimuli with 1 min between distensions and as a prolonged (1 min) distension.

Main outcome measure

Sensory intensity rated on a continuous visual analog scale.

Results

Distension‐induced pain was described as dull and aching and referred to the pelvis, lower back and lower abdomen. Larger evoked referred pain areas were present in women with dysmenorrhea compared with control women (p < 0.05). The pain threshold to the first stimulus was significantly higher in patients than controls (p < 0.04), but decreased significantly with repeated distensions (p < 0.01). For the prolonged distension the pain rating increased significantly (p < 0.008) in women with dysmenorrhea, but decreased (p < 0.02) in control women.

Conclusions

Pain sensitization (temporal summation, i.e. increase in pain during prolonged stimulation, and facilitation of referred pain areas as an indicator of central nervous system changes) is present in women with dysmenorrhea. The study provided new information on a poorly understood yet widespread condition and a basis for clinical studies to develop a biomarker tests for objective assessment of dysmenorrhea.
Infertility experience and health differentials – a population‐based comparative study on infertile and non‐infertile women (the HUNT Study)
Authors: Rostad Berit , Schmidt Lone , Sundby Johanne , Schei Berit
Published: April 2014

Objective

Studies suggest that health complaints, distress and poor life satisfaction are associated with infertility experience. Research on health consequences of infertility experience in women has relied heavily on clinic‐based samples. This population‐based study investigates the association between infertility and health and life satisfaction.

Design

Cross‐sectional population‐based health study, conducted between 2006 and 2008.

Setting

All women in a county in Norway were invited. The current material is restricted to women aged 20–49 years.

Population

A total of 9200 women participated.

Methods

Health measures were compared between women with infertility experience (infertile women) and women without infertility experience (non‐infertile women). Disparities in health and life satisfaction among the infertile women were assessed.

Main outcome measures

Self‐reported health, functional impairment, depression, anxiety, and life satisfaction.

Results

Some 15.4% of the women had experienced infertility. Infertile women reported poor self‐reported health and functional impairment significantly more often than non‐infertile women. Childless infertile women had significantly raised adjusted risks for health complaints and dissatisfaction with life compared with non‐infertile women with a child, whereas infertile women with a child did not. Differences in health and life satisfaction emerged among the infertile women, but the differences were not significant. There were no significant differences in depression and anxiety between infertile and non‐infertile women, or between the two groups of infertile women (with/without a child).

Conclusions

The study confirms the adverse effect of infertility on health and life‐satisfaction. The childless infertile women stand out as being vulnerable to the detrimental consequences of infertility.
Prophylactic oral nifedipine to reduce preterm delivery: a randomized controlled trial in women at high risk
Authors: Danti Luana , Zonca Marina , Barbetti Lorena , Lojacono Andrea , Marini Silvia , Cappello Nazario , Bianchi Umberto , Benedetto Chiara
Published: April 2014

Objective

To establish the efficacy of prophylactic nifedipine vs. placebo in reducing spontaneous preterm delivery in asymptomatic women at high risk for preterm delivery.

Design

Prospective multicentric randomized double‐blind study.

Setting

Tertiary care centre, University Hospitals of Brescia and Torino, Italy.

Population

Eighty‐seven singleton pregnancies without uterine contractions and ultrasonographic cervical length of ≤25 mm at 24–32 weeks, at risk for preterm delivery, with longitudinal follow up in our Preterm Prevention Clinic.

Methods

Selection was done on the basis of ultrasonographic cervical length; 43 women were randomized to receive placebo and 44 to receive nifedipine.

Main outcome measures

Primary end point: spontaneous preterm delivery <37 weeks in nifedipine vs. placebo. Secondary outcomes: delivery <32 weeks, maternal side effects, neonatal complications, admissions to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and randomization/delivery time in nifedipine vs. placebo.

Results

There was no trend towards a lower risk of spontaneous preterm delivery, neither at <37 weeks of nifedipine vs. placebo (11.4% vs. 19.0%; p = 0.320), or <32 weeks (2.3% vs. 2.4%; p = 0.973). Nifedipine reduced spontaneous preterm delivery <37 weeks (p = 0.015) in the multiparous women by stratified analysis for parity. Secondary outcomes between the groups did not differ except for a higher percentage of maternal side‐effects in the nifedipine group (31.8%) vs. placebo (11.9%) (p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed a borderline (p = 0.047) lower percentage of spontaneous preterm delivery in women with a ultrasonographic cervical length of <20 mm in the nifedipine group.

Conclusions

Prophylactic nifedipine in asymptomatic women at high risk for preterm delivery had a positive effect on the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery <37 weeks in multiparous women.
2 Olmec Things and Identity: A Reassessment of Offerings and Burials at La Venta, Tabasco
Authors: Clark John E. , Colman Arlene
Published: April 2014

Our study of offerings and elite burials at the Olmec site of La Venta attempts to distinguish primitive valuables from inalienable goods. According to Annette Weiner, inalienable objects are those that can circulate in exchange systems without changing ownership, or more importantly, can be withheld from exchange altogether. Key differences between inalienable goods and other valuables is group ownership through generations. Analysis of objects found in La Venta offerings and burials suggests that the most valuable possessions circulated historically and were too valuable to be buried with queens or kings. Their jade finery did not include crowns, specters, or masks.
3 Situational Inalienability and Social Change in Formative Period Coastal Oaxaca
Authors: Barber Sarah B. , Workinger Andrew , Joyce Arthur A.
Published: April 2014

This paper examines the role of caches, burials, and mortuary offerings as forms of inalienable wealth in the lower Río Verde valley of Pacific coastal Oaxaca, Mexico. Interred in socially meaningful places, bodies and objects were removed from circulation but remained integral to interactions among the living, acquiring “situational” inalienability. Tracing the history of caching and burial practices over the course of the later Formative period (400 B.C.E.–C.E. 250), we argue that these buried inalienable possessions were important elements of identity creation and also served both to establish and to undermine hierarchical social relations during the process of political centralization.
6 Alienating Ancient Maya Commoners
Authors: Lohse Jon C.
Published: April 2014

Determining whether or how ancient Maya commoners were alienated from the results of their labor first requires that scholars recognize what impediments or biases have hindered a theoretically informed view of commoners and their social roles. Using historical developments in Mesoamerican archaeology as a guide, I examine why Maya archaeology since the mid‐1980s has tended to focus so strongly on elites, often to the exclusion of commoners. I then discuss different identities that Maya commoners may have assumed based on alienable or inalienable social labor in both public and private contexts.