bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Insight of the Results Provided by Color‐Tuning Studies Made on Ir(III) Complexes: A pi‐Neutral CF3 Group Viewed by Adjusting Energies of pi‐type Molecular Orbitals
Authors: Lin Hung‐Sung , Lu Shou‐Yun , Huang Fu‐Yung , Wu Yan , Su Wei‐Lin , Wang Shao‐Pin
Published: November 2015

The pi‐nature of a CF3 group can be understood through analysis of its bond orbitals (BOs) mixed into the pi‐type molecular orbitals of CF3‐substituted Ir(ppy)2MDPA+ complexes (ppy=2‐phenyl‐pyridine and MDPA=methylated 2,2′‐dipyridyl amine). It has been found that, through this natural bond orbital analysis, the parent’s molecular orbitals (MOs) can be stabilized by χρ*CF BO via negative hyperconjugation and, simultaneously, destabilized by electron lp(F) BO. Since these two competing pi‐effects are virtually counterbalanced as indicated by the vanishing values of crystal orbital overlap populations, the chemical substitution strategy originated from lowering of HOMO by using this electron‐withdrawing CF3 group has been found effective in color‐tuning to blue region. Based on reduced shielding effect due to de‐ creased χρ‐electron density, the reported position dependent CF3‐substitution effects on pi‐type MOs can also be understood through HOMO/LUMO wavefunction analysis.
An Eco‐friendly Three Component Manifold for the Synthesis of α‐Aminophosphonates under Catalyst and Solvent‐free Conditions, X‐ray Characterization and Their Evaluation as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Mirzaei Mahdi , Eshghi Hossein , Rahimizadeh Mohammad , Bakavoli Mehdi , Matin Maryam M. , Hosseinymehr Minoo , Rudbari Hadi Amiri , Bruno Giuseppe
Published: November 2015

A series of α‐aminophosphonates were synthesized through one‐pot condensation of aryl aldehydes, aryl amines and diethyl phosphite in the absence of any catalyst and organic solvents. All the synthesized α‐aminophosphonates were characterized by spectral and elemental analysis and in the case of compound 4j by X‐ray crystallography. Some of these new α‐aminophosphonate derivatives were found to have cytotoxic activity on the cancer cell line DU145 in vitro by the MTT method.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy with venous reconstruction using cold‐stored vein allografts: long‐term results of a single center experience
Authors: Meniconi Roberto L. , Santoro Roberto , Guglielmo Nicola , Vennarecci Giovanni , Lepiane Pasquale , Colasanti Marco , Ettorre Giuseppe M.
Published: November 2015

Background

The use of cadaveric vein allografts was first described by our group as a feasible option for venous reconstruction. The aim of this study was to report long‐term results of this innovative technique.

Methods

Cold‐stored veins harvested from donor cadavers were used as homologous grafts for venous reconstruction after vascular resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy. Surgical technique included patch closure or segmental interposition. Graft patency was assessed by computed tomography postoperatively and during follow‐up. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were also analyzed.

Results

Eleven patients underwent venous resection and reconstruction by using fresh vein allografts for patch closure in four cases, conduit interposition in six cases and a Y‐shaped graft interposition in one case. Median clamping time, operative time and estimated blood loss were 30 min, 6.6 h, and 337 ml, respectively. One patient, who had preoperative SMV thrombus, developed early portal vein thrombosis and died. Among the remaining 10 patients, there were no cases of graft thrombosis or stenosis during active follow‐up (median 9, range 1–23, months).

Conclusions

Our experience with cold‐stored vein allografts suggests that this technique is a useful option for treating major vascular resections during pancreaticoduodenectomy with good results on follow‐up.
Synthesis of Pyridazine Dicarboxamides via Highly Selective Palladium‐catalyzed Aminocarbonylation
Authors: Szőke Gyöngyi , Takács Attila , Kollár László
Published: November 2015

Highly selective palladium‐catalyzed aminocarbonylation of 3,6‐diiodopyridazine with various primary and secondary amines including amino acid esters was carried out. Because of the simple carbon monoxide insertion regarding both iodoarene functionalities, the corresponding 3,6‐diamides were synthesized in moderate to high yields. The exclusive formation of amides, that is, the missing of 2‐ketoamides which might be formed via double carbon monoxide insertion, can be explained by the close proximity of the nitrogen of the aromatic ring to the iodo substituent. The unexpected selectivity of the aminocarbonylation is rationalized by a mechanistic approach.
Rapid lung MRI in children with pulmonary infections: Time to change our diagnostic algorithms
Authors: Sodhi Kushaljit Singh , Khandelwal Niranjan , Saxena Akshay Kumar , Singh Meenu , Agarwal Ritesh , Bhatia Anmol , Lee Edward Y.
Published: November 2015

Background

To determine the diagnostic utility of a new rapid MRI protocol, as compared with computed tomography (CT) for the detection of various pulmonary and mediastinal abnormalities in children with suspected pulmonary infections.

Methods

Seventy‐five children (age range of 5 to 15 years) with clinically suspected pulmonary infections were enrolled in this prospective study, which was approved by the institutional ethics committee. All patients underwent thoracic MRI (1.5T) and CT (64 detector) scan within 48 h of each other. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of MRI were evaluated with CT as a standard of reference. Inter‐observer agreement was measured with the kappa coefficient.

Results

MRI with a new rapid MRI protocol demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 100% for detecting pulmonary consolidation, nodules (>3 mm), cyst/cavity, hyperinflation, pleural effusion, and lymph nodes. The kappa‐test showed almost perfect agreement between MRI and multidetector CT (MDCT) in detecting thoracic abnormalities (k = 0.9). No statistically significant difference was observed between MRI and MDCT for detecting thoracic abnormalities by the McNemar test (P = 0.125).

Conclusion

Rapid lung MRI was found to be comparable to MDCT for detecting thoracic abnormalities in pediatric patients with clinically suspected pulmonary infections. It has a great potential as the first line cross‐sectional imaging modality of choice in this patient population. However, further studies will be helpful for confirmation of our findings. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1196–1206.
Sympatric cattle grazing and desert bighorn sheep foraging
Authors: Garrison Kyle R. , Cain James W. , Rominger Eric M. , Goldstein Elise J.
Published: November 2015

Foraging behavior affects animal fitness and is largely dictated by the resources available to an animal. Understanding factors that affect forage resources is important for conservation and management of wildlife. Cattle sympatry is proposed to limit desert bighorn population performance, but few studies have quantified the effect of cattle foraging on bighorn forage resources or foraging behavior by desert bighorn. We estimated forage biomass for desert bighorn sheep in 2 mountain ranges: the cattle‐grazed Caballo Mountains and the ungrazed San Andres Mountains, New Mexico. We recorded foraging bout efficiency of adult females by recording feeding time/step while foraging, and activity budgets of 3 age‐sex classes (i.e., adult males, adult females, yearlings). We also estimated forage biomass at sites where bighorn were observed foraging. We expected lower forage biomass in the cattle‐grazed Caballo range than in the ungrazed San Andres range and lower biomass at cattle‐accessible versus inaccessible areas within the Caballo range. We predicted bighorn would be less efficient foragers in the Caballo range. Groundcover forage biomass was low in both ranges throughout the study (Jun 2012–Nov 2013). Browse biomass, however, was 4.7 times lower in the Caballo range versus the San Andres range. Bighorn in the Caballo range exhibited greater overall daily travel time, presumably to locate areas of higher forage abundance. By selecting areas with greater forage abundance, adult females in the Caballo range exhibited foraging bout efficiency similar to their San Andres counterparts but lower overall daily browsing time. We did not find a significant reduction in forage biomass at cattle‐accessible areas in the Caballo range. Only the most rugged areas in the Caballo range had abundant forage, potentially a result of intensive historical livestock use in less rugged areas. Forage conditions in the Caballo range apparently force bighorn to increase foraging effort by feeding only in areas where adequate forage remains. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Scale‐dependent effects of density and habitat on foal survival
Authors: Laforge Michel P. , Uzal Antonio , Medill Sarah A. , Mcloughlin Philip D.
Published: November 2015

Identifying the most appropriate scale to study factors influencing life history is important to evolutionary ecology and wildlife management. For example, the scale at which density is assessed and explains variation in survival can affect how biologists observe and interpret population dynamics, which can influence plans for managing populations. Feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) contrast with most ungulates by exhibiting a mating system characterized by female‐defense polygyny with persistent, non‐territorial breeding groups (bands) and female‐biased initial (natal) and subsequent (breeding) dispersal. We predicted that for horses, offspring movements coupled with female‐biased breeding dispersal would increase the scale at which density best related to juvenile survival compared to species with greater female philopatry. From 2008 to 2013, we censused the population of feral horses on Sable Island, Canada. We annually computed individual‐specific local densities for 442 foals (horses/km2 in radii of 2,000 m, 4,000 m, and 8,000 m fixed to a band's centroid of movements) and whole‐island (total) population density, group (band) size, and local access to surface freshwater, which affected movement patterns and selection of vegetation by females. The population of feral horses increased from 380 in 2008 to 559 in 2013. Overwinter survival of foals averaged 82.8%. Island‐wide density was the most important predictor of foal mortality and was negatively associated with survival, with a lesser negative effect from local density. Increased access to surface freshwater (ponds) was an important predictor of foal survival but only at certain scales. Our study emphasizes the relevance of a multi‐scale approach when analyzing the response of fitness components to changes in habitat and population processes, which may be influenced by the particular social organization of the species. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Dual‐based adaptive FEM for inelastic problems with standard FE implementations
Authors: Widany K.‐U. , Mahnken R.
Published: November 2015

Goal‐oriented error estimation allows to refine meshes in space and time with respect to arbitrary quantities. The required dual problems that need to be solved usually require weak formulations and the Galerkin method in space and time to be established. Unfortunately, this does not obviously leads to structures of standard finite element implementations for solid mechanics. These are characterized by a combination of variables at nodes (e.g. displacements) and at integration points (e.g. internal variables) and are solved with a two‐level Newton method because of local uncoupled and global coupled equations. Therefore, we propose an approach to approximate the dual problem while maintaining these structures. The primal and the dual problems are derived from a multifield formulation. Discretization in time and space with appropriate shape functions and rearrangement yields the desired result. Details on practical implementation as well as applications to elasto‐plasticity are given. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dynamic mesh strategy applied to the simulation of flapping wings
Authors: Deng Shuanghou , Xiao Tianhang , van Oudheusden Bas , Bijl Hester
Published: November 2015

A robust and efficient dynamic grid strategy based on an overset grid coupled with mesh deformation technique is proposed for simulating unsteady flow of flapping wings undergoing large geometrical displacement. The dynamic grid method was implemented using a hierarchical unstructured overset grid locally coupled with a fast radial basis function (RBF)‐based mapping approach. The hierarchically organized overset grid allows transferring the grid resolution for multiple blocks and overlapping/embedding the meshes. The RBF‐based mapping approach is particularly highlighted in this paper in view of its considerable computational efficiency compared with conventional RBF evaluation. The performance of the proposed dynamic mesh strategy is demonstrated by three typical unsteady cases, including a rotating rectangular block in a fixed domain, a relative movement between self‐propelled fishes and the X‐wing type flapping‐wing micro air vehicle DelFly, which displays the clap‐and‐fling wing‐interaction phenomenon on both sides of the fuselage. Results show that the proposed method can be applied to the simulation of flapping wings with satisfactory efficiency and robustness. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A distortion measure to validate and generate curved high‐order meshes on CAD surfaces with independence of parameterization
Authors: Gargallo‐Peiró A. , Roca X. , Peraire J. , Sarrate J.
Published: November 2015

A framework to validate and generate curved nodal high‐order meshes on Computer‐Aided Design (CAD) surfaces is presented. The proposed framework is of major interest to generate meshes suitable for thin‐shell and 3D finite element analysis with unstructured high‐order methods. First, we define a distortion (quality) measure for high‐order meshes on parameterized surfaces that we prove to be independent of the surface parameterization. Second, we derive a smoothing and untangling procedure based on the minimization of a regularization of the proposed distortion measure. The minimization is performed in terms of the parametric coordinates of the nodes to enforce that the nodes slide on the surfaces. Moreover, the proposed algorithm repairs invalid curved meshes (untangling), deals with arbitrary polynomial degrees (high‐order), and handles with low‐quality CAD parameterizations (independence of parameterization). Third, we use the optimization procedure to generate curved nodal high‐order surface meshes by means of an a posteriori approach. Given a linear mesh, we increase the polynomial degree of the elements, curve them to match the geometry, and optimize the location of the nodes to ensure mesh validity. Finally, we present several examples to demonstrate the features of the optimization procedure, and to illustrate the surface mesh generation process. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toughened elastomer/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)‐intercalated rectorite nanocomposites: Preparation, microstructure, and mechanical properties
Authors: Zhao Yulai , Jiang Xiancai , Zhang Xiangzhou , Hou Linxi
Published: November 2015

Improving the properties and behaviors of polymeric materials is significantly important both in industry and academic area. In this contribution, natural rubber (NR) and ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) based nanocomposites were prepared using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) intercalated rectorite (POSS‐REC) as the nanofiller. The microstructure and POSS‐REC dispersion in the composites were investigated via XRD and TEM. The results indicated that intercalated‐exfoliated POSS‐REC/NR composites and exfoliated POSS‐REC/EVA composites were obtained successfully. Thermal properties data indicated that the presence of POSS‐REC improved thermostability of the composites. SEM observations of fracture surfaces showed that POSS‐REC in the composites could terminate primary crazings and induce new smaller crazings. Mechanical tests showed that tensile strength and elongation at break of the composites increased notably with the content of POSS‐REC. On the basis of experimental data, a possible dispersion model was proposed. The obtained nanocomposites may have excellent prospects in the fields demanding high performances. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E443–E450, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Teaching wildlife techniques to millennials with a flipped classroom
Authors: McCleery Robert
Published: November 2015

Millennials prefer to learn by working in groups, using technology, engaging in real‐world issues, and discussing course content. To accommodate and engage these learning preferences, I modified the traditional Wildlife Techniques lecture and lab structure by “flipping” the class. I placed lectures and instructional videos online and used class time for discussion and problem‐solving. Evaluating students’ perceptions of this approach revealed that they clearly found discussion groups helpful and preferred them to the traditional lectures used in other classes. Students did not have a clear preference between online versus in‐class lectures. However, placing lectures online provided students with the opportunity to have discussion groups during regularly scheduled class time. Students generally felt that discussion groups helped them to understand the lectures, whereas the videos allowed them to use their time efficiently. Students reported that this course increased their knowledge of the targeted subject. In total, the flipped class approach appears to engage the millennial student in wildlife sciences in a format that accommodates their learning preferences. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
High dimensional robust M-estimation: asymptotic variance via approximate message passing
Authors: Donoho David , Montanari Andrea
Published: November 2015

In a recent article, El Karoui et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci 110(36):14557–14562, 2013) study the distribution of robust regression estimators in the regime in which the number of parameterspis of the same order as the number of samplesn. Using numerical simulations and ‘highly plausible’ heuristic arguments, they unveil a striking new phenomenon. Namely, the regression coefficients contain an extra Gaussian noise component that is not explained by classical concepts such as the Fisher information matrix. We show here that that this phenomenon can be characterized rigorously using techniques that were developed by the authors for analyzing the Lasso estimator under high-dimensional asymptotics. We introduce anapproximate message passing(AMP) algorithm to compute M-estimators and deploystate evolutionto evaluate the operating characteristics of AMP and so also M-estimates. Our analysis clarifies that the ‘extra Gaussian noise’ encountered in this problem is fundamentally similar to phenomena already studied for regularized least squares in the setting$$n<p$$n<p.
Woodland caribou calf mortality in Newfoundland: insights into the role of climate, predation and population density over three decades of study
Authors: Mahoney Shane P. , Lewis Keith P. , Weir Jackie N. , Morrison Shawn F. , Glenn Luther J. , Schaefer James A. , Pouliot Darren , Latifovic Rasim
Published: November 2015

The rates and causes of juvenile mortality are central features of the dynamics and conservation of large mammals, like woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou(Gmelin, 1788)), but intrinsic and extrinsic factors may be modified by variations in animal abundance. We tested the influences of population size, climate, calf weight and sex on survival to 6 months of age of 1241 radio‐collared caribou calves over three decades, spanning periods of population growth (1979–1997) and decline (2003–2012) in Newfoundland, Canada. Daily survival rates were higher and rose more quickly with calf age during the population growth period compared to the decline. Population size (negatively) and calf weight (positively) affected survival during the decline but neither had a detectable influence during the growth phase. Sex, climate and plant productivity (the latter two derived from the North Atlantic Oscillation and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, respectively) exerted minimal influence during either phase. Predation was the dominant source of mortality. The mean percentage of calves killed by predators was 30 % higher during the decline compared to the growth phase. Black bears (Ursus americanus) and lynx (Lynx canadensis) were the major predators during the population increase but this changed during the decrease to black bears and coyotes (Canis latrans). Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that Newfoundland caribou experienced phase‐dependent survival mediated proximally by predation and competition for food.
Better Living Through Technology
Authors: Gunkel David J.
Published: November 2015

In this brief response to Mark Coeckelbergh’s contribution, I demonstrate how the author introduces an important shift in the way we approach technology. Instead of focusing on the new and often-times dramatic existential vulnerabilities supposedly introduced by technological innovation, Coeckelbergh targets the way technology already transforms our existential vulnerabilities. And I show how this shift in focus has three very important consequences: (1) a different way to ask about and investigate the question concerning technology, (2) the importance of hacking as a mode of responding to this question and (3) the significance of questioning as a philosophical project.
How Low Can House Prices Go? Estimating a Conservative Lower Bound
Authors: Bogin Alexander N. , Bruestle Stephen D. , Doerner William M.
Published: November 2015

In risk management, the credit risk and required capital associated with mortgage assets is often estimated through stress testing where the house price path is an important determinant of the severity of the stress test. Specifically, the extent of credit-related losses is a function of how far house prices are above long-term trend and the extent to which they can fall below trend. Focusing on the latter, we develop a theoretically-based statistical technique to identify a conservative lower bound (CLB) for house prices. Leveraging a model based upon investor incentives, the CLB explains the depth of housing market downturns at both the national and state level over a variety of market environments. This approach performs well in several historical back tests and has strong out-of-sample predictive ability. When back-tested, the estimation approach does not understate house price declines in any state over the 1987 to 2001 housing cycle and only understates declines in three states during the most recent financial crisis. This latter result is particularly noteworthy given that the post-2001 estimates are performed out-of-sample. The CLB is attractive because it (1) provides a leading indicator of the severity of future downturns and (2) allows estimates of trough to recover or decrease in magnitude as markets return to baseline conditions. This estimation technique could prove helpful in measuring the credit risk associated with portfolios of mortgage assets as part of evaluating static or designing dynamic stress tests.
Pastoralist disturbance effects on Himalayan marmot foraging and vigilance activity
Authors: Poudel Buddi S. , Spooner Peter G. , Matthews Alison
Published: November 2015

Pastoralism is pervasive and has a long history across the rangelands of Trans‐Himalaya. Disturbance associated with pastoralism can influence the behaviour of wild animals; hence, it is important to better understand its effects on wild animal behaviour. We compared the activity budget of the Himalayan marmot (Marmota himalayana) between areas experiencing both high and low levels of pastoralism, in the Upper Mustang region in Nepal. Scan sampling was used to collect diurnal activity budget data on adult marmots, whereas 2 min focal observations were made on foraging marmots to assess vigilance during foraging. Contrary to our prediction, there was no significant difference between areas of high and low pastoralism in terms of foraging behaviour. However, the vigilance activity of marmots was significantly influenced by the extent of disturbances associated with pastoralism. Marmots scanned the surroundings more often while foraging and spent more time scanning in high pastoralism sites as compared to marmots in low pastoralism sites. Although we found no direct negative effects of pastoralism on foraging time, marmots shifted the time of day when they foraged. This study suggests that marmots adjust their vigilance behaviour according to the environmental conditions in which they occur. These findings have important implications for the conservation of marmots in the wake of increasing pastoral activities and consequent increases in human‐wildlife conflict in Nepal.
Early prediction of hypertension during pregnancy in a low‐resource setting
Authors: Kumar Manisha , Gupta Usha , Bhattacharjee Jayashree , Singh Ritu , Singh Shalini , Goel Manish , Sharma Karuna , Rehman Mujeeb U.
Published: November 2015

Objective

To evaluate the role of maternal factors, biomarkers, and uterine‐artery Doppler in the prediction of hypertension during pregnancy.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed between December 2012 and November 2014. All singleton pregnancies between 11 weeks and 13 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy were included. Patients had their body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), mean arterial pressure, uterine‐artery Doppler pulsatility index, and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) and free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin levels recorded. Any patients diagnosed with hypertension during follow‐up were assigned to the case cohort; all other patients were assigned to the control group.

Results

Hypertension during pregnancy was observed in 198 (9.7%) of 2042 patients that attended follow‐up. The mean BMI, mean arterial pressure, uterine‐artery Doppler pulsatility index, and the PAPP‐A level at study enrollment were all significantly correlated with the later development of hypertension (P < 0.001 for all variables). The combined sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of using the investigated parameters to predict hypertension was 76%, 80%, 31%, and 93%, respectively.

Conclusion

Patient BMI, mean arterial pressure, PAPP‐A, and pulsatility index were found to be effective predictors of hypertension during pregnancy. Combining these predictors may be beneficial in selecting individuals for close monitoring and early intervention during pregnancy.
Corticotropin‐releasing factor receptor‐1 antagonism mitigates beta amyloid pathology and cognitive and synaptic deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Kuo Ching‐Chang , Moghadam Setareh H. , Monte Louise , Campbell Shannon N. , Rice Kenner C. , Sawchenko Paul E. , Masliah Eliezer , Rissman Robert A.
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Stress and corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) have been implicated as mechanistically involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but agents that impact CRF signaling have not been carefully tested for therapeutic efficacy or long‐term safety in animal models.

Methods

To test whether antagonism of the type‐1 corticotropin‐releasing factor receptor (CRFR1) could be used as a disease‐modifying treatment for AD, we used a preclinical prevention paradigm and treated 30‐day‐old AD transgenic mice with the small‐molecule, CRFR1‐selective antagonist, R121919, for 5 months, and examined AD pathologic and behavioral end points.

Results

R121919 significantly prevented the onset of cognitive impairment in female mice and reduced cellular and synaptic deficits and beta amyloid and C‐terminal fragment‐β levels in both genders. We observed no tolerability or toxicity issues in mice treated with R121919.

Discussion

CRFR1 antagonism presents a viable disease‐modifying therapy for AD, recommending its advancement to early‐phase human safety trials.
Transcription factor activating protein 2 beta (TFAP2B) mediates noradrenergic neuronal differentiation in neuroblastoma
Authors: Ikram Fakhera , Ackermann Sandra , Kahlert Yvonne , Volland Ruth , Roels Frederik , Engesser Anne , Hertwig Falk , Kocak Hayriye , Hero Barbara , Dreidax Daniel , Henrich Kai-Oliver , Berthold Frank , Nürnberg Peter , Westermann Frank , Fischer Matthias
Published: November 2015

Neuroblastoma is an embryonal pediatric tumor that originates from the developing sympathetic nervous system and shows a broad range of clinical behavior, ranging from fatal progression to differentiation into benign ganglioneuroma. In experimental neuroblastoma systems, retinoic acid (RA) effectively induces neuronal differentiation, and RA treatment has been therefore integrated in current therapies. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying differentiation are still poorly understood. We here investigated the role of transcription factor activating protein 2 beta (TFAP2B), a key factor in sympathetic nervous system development, in neuroblastoma pathogenesis and differentiation. Microarray analyses of primary neuroblastomas (n = 649) demonstrated that low TFAP2B expression was significantly associated with unfavorable prognostic markers as well as adverse patient outcome. We also found that low TFAP2B expression was strongly associated with CpG methylation of the TFAP2B locus in primary neuroblastomas (n = 105) and demethylation with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine resulted in induction of TFAP2B expression in vitro, suggesting that TFAP2B is silenced by genomic methylation. Tetracycline inducible re‐expression of TFAP2B in IMR‐32 and SH‐EP neuroblastoma cells significantly impaired proliferation and cell cycle progression. In IMR‐32 cells, TFAP2B induced neuronal differentiation, which was accompanied by up‐regulation of the catecholamine biosynthesizing enzyme genes DBH and TH, and down‐regulation of MYCN and REST, a master repressor of neuronal genes. By contrast, knockdown of TFAP2B by lentiviral transduction of shRNAs abrogated RA‐induced neuronal differentiation of SH‐SY5Y and SK‐N‐BE(2)c neuroblastoma cells almost completely. Taken together, our results suggest that TFAP2B is playing a vital role in retaining RA responsiveness and mediating noradrenergic neuronal differentiation in neuroblastoma.
Tillites at the base of the Vendian Taseeva Group in the stratotype section (Siberian craton)
Authors: Sovetov J.K.
Published: November 2015

Isolated lenses of diamictites laying discordantly over the Late Riphean (Cryogenian) Kirgitei Formation were found in the immediate vicinity of the Vendian Taseeva Group stratotype in the Taseeva River valley and assigned to the Shishina Member a few meters in visible thickness. The Shishina diamictites are, likely, of glacial origin as they (i) lie at the base of the Vendian section, (ii) consist of unsorted dolomitic clasts from fine gravel to more than 0.5 m boulders suspended in a mud matrix, and (iii) show glacial striation on clasts. The glacial origin is further supported by the morphology of stones, which resemble a smoothing iron or a bullet, with a swelly top, a flat bottom, and a steeply cut rear and form clusters produced by disintegration of larger boulders. The stones bear signatures of cleavage, cracks, grooves, and striation on the faces, while the matrix looks undeformed. The Shishina Member has no genetic relation with the underlying Kirgitei Formation but rather correlates sedimentologically with the Ulyakha Member tillites at the base of the Vendian Marnya Formation (Oselok Group) in the Sayan foothills. The Shishina Member stones may derive from the Late Riphean (Cryogenian) Dzhura Formation exposed 4 km downstream of the site along the Taseeva. They occur near the base of the Aleshinsky Formation (lowermost unit of the Taseeva Group) of cross-bedded glaciofluvial sandstone, gravelstone, conglomerate, and sandy gravel mixtite transported from east to west (from the Siberian Craton interior to its margins) and deposited in channel bars or as gravel lags. The lower member of the Aleshinsky Formation comprises two associations of clasts: (i) coarse quartzose sand and gravel and (ii) fine and medium quartz and lithoclastic sand. Rocks in the former are well rounded, with traces of wind erosion, while the latter association is composed of mechanically eroded angular material transported to short distances from a metamorphic and metasedimentary source on the Craton margin. The Aleshinsky clastics have their composition and grain size patterns similar to those of the glaciofluvial Plity, Nersya, and Kedrovy members of the Marnya Formation in the Sayan area. According to sedimentological evidence, the Shishina diamictites are tillites identical to the Ulyakha moraine at the base of the Sayan Oselok Group and may be a missing link in the Taseeva Group stratigraphy.
Evidence for global Famennian and Tournaisian geologic events in the section of an isolated carbonate platform in the eastern Urals
Authors: Mizens G.A. , Kuleshov V.N. , Stepanova T.I. , Kucheva N.A.
Published: November 2015

The composition of stable carbon and oxygen isotopes in the section of an isolated carbonate platform is analyzed. Traces of several global and subglobal transgressions and regressions have been found in the limestone strata. Some of these phenomena were associated with the Upper Kellwasser (at the Frasnian–Famennian boundary) and multiphase Hangenberg (at the Devonian–Carboniferous boundary) Events. Nevertheless, there were no considerable sea level fluctuations in the platform water area. There is no evidence for subaerial erosion. The bottom water during sedimentation was mostly in oxic conditions.
Stages and conditions of metamorphism of mafic granulites in the Early Precambrian complex of the Angara–Kan terrane (southwestern Siberian Craton)
Authors: Turkina O.M. , Sukhorukov V.P.
Published: November 2015

We present results of study of mineral assemblages and PT-conditions of metamorphism of mafic garnet–two-pyroxene and two-pyroxene granulites in the Early Precambrian metamorphic complex of the Angara–Kan terrane as well as the U–Pb age and trace-element and Lu–Hf isotope compositions of zircon from these rocks and the zircon/garnet REE distribution coefficients. The temperatures of metamorphism of two-pyroxene granulites are estimated as 800–870 to ~900 °C. Mafic garnet–two-pyroxene granulites contain garnet coronas formed at 750–860 °C and 8–9.5 kbar. The formation of the garnet coronas proceeded probably at the retrograde stage during cooling and was controlled by the rock composition. The age (1.92–1.94 Ga) of zircon cores, which retain the REE pattern typical of magmatic zircon, can be taken as the minimum age of protolith for the mafic granulites. The metamorphic zircon generation in the mafic granulites is represented by multifaceted or soccerball crystals and rims depleted in Y, MREE, and HREE compared to the cores. The age of metamorphic zircon in the garnet–two-pyroxene (~1.77 Ga) and two-pyroxene granulites (~1.85 and 1.78 Ga) indicates two episodes of high-temperature metamorphism. The presence of one generation (1.77 Ga) of metamorphic zircon in the garnet–two-pyroxene granulites and, on the contrary, the predominance of 1.85 Ga zircon in the two-pyroxene granulites with single garnet grains suggest that the formation of the garnet coronas proceeded at the second stage of metamorphism. The agreement between the zircon/garnet HREE distribution coefficients and the experimentally determined values at 800 °C suggests the simultaneous formation of ~1.77 Ga metamorphic zircon and garnet. Zircon formation by dissolution/reprecipitation or recrystallization in a closed system without exchange with the rock matrix is confirmed by the close ranges of 176Hf/177Hf values for the core and rims. The positive εHf values (up to +6.2) for the zircon cores suggest that the protolith of mafic granulites are derived from depleted-mantle source. The first stage of metamorphism of the mafic granulites and paragneisses of the Kan complex (1.85–1.89 Ga) ended with the formation of collisional granitoids (1.84 Ga). The second stage (~1.77 Ga) corresponds to the intrusion of the second phase of subalkalic leucogranites of the Taraka pluton and charnockites (1.73–1.75 Ga).
Omphacite paradox in mantle peridotites
Authors: Shur M.Yu. , Perchuk A.L.
Published: November 2015

Omphacite is a typomorphic mineral of eclogites, which is inappropriate to mineral assemblages of peridotites. Nevertheless, findings of this mineral in inclusions in peridotitic diamonds can be considered as indirect evidence for the existence of this paradoxical mineral assemblage. In this paper we present experimental results on the interaction between carbonate-bearing amphibolite and olivine that model processes operated at the crust–mantle boundary in subduction zones. The experiments demonstrate growth of omphacite at the interface between acid melt and peridotite media at 2.9 GPa and 850–900 °C; the omphacite coexists either with garnet and orthopyroxene or with phlogopite. The synthetic omphacite is exclusively of reactive-magmatic origin and does not form in metasomatic way. Findings of omphacite inclusions in peridotitic diamonds and in some pyroxenites from kimberlites are discussed in scope of the obtained experimental data.
Thermal and redox equilibrium conditions of the upper-mantle xenoliths from the Quaternary volcanoes of NW Spitsbergen, Svalbard Archipelago
Authors: Goncharov A.G. , Nikitina L.P. , Borovkov N.V. , Babushkina M.S. , Sirotkin A.N.
Published: November 2015

Upper-mantle xenoliths in Cenozoic basalts of northwestern Spitsbergen are rocks of peridotite (spinel lherzolites) and pyroxenite (amphibole-containing garnet and garnet-free clinopyroxenites, garnet clinopyroxenites, and garnet and garnet-free websterites) series. The upper-mantle section in the depth range 50–100 km is composed of spinel peridotites; at depths of 80–100 km pyroxenites (probably, dikes or sills) appear. The equilibrium conditions of parageneses are as follows: in the peridotites—730–1180 °C, 13–27 kbar, and oxygen fugacity of − 1.5 to + 0.3 log. un.; in the pyroxenites—1100–1310 °C, 22–33 kbar. The pyroxenite minerals have been found to contain exsolved structures, such as orthopyroxene lamellae in clinopyroxene and, vice versa, clinopyroxene lamella in orthopyroxene. The formation temperatures of unexsolved phases in orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene are nearly 100–150 °C higher than the temperatures of the lamellae–matrix equilibrium and the equilibrium of minerals in the rock. The normal distribution of cations in the spinel structure and the equilibrium distribution of Fe2+ between the M1 and M2 sublattices in the orthopyroxenes point to the high rate of xenolith ascent from the rock crystallization zone to the surface. All studied Spitsbergen rock-forming minerals from mantle xenoliths contain volatiles in their structure: OH−, crystal hydrate water H2Ocryst, and molecules with characteristic CH and CO groups. The first two components are predominant, and the total content of water (OH– + H2Ocryst) increases in the series olivine → garnet → orthopyroxene → clinopyroxene. The presence of these volatiles in the nominally anhydrous minerals (NAM) crystallized at high temperatures and pressures in the peridotites and pyroxenites testifies to the high strength of the volatile–mineral bond. The possibility of preservation of volatiles is confirmed by the results of comprehensive thermal and mass-spectral analyses of olivines and clinopyroxene, whose structures retain these components up to 1300 °C. The composition of hypothetic C–O–H fluid in equilibrium (in the presence of free carbon) with the underlying mantle rocks varies from aqueous (>80% H2O) to aqueous–carbonic (~60% H2O). The fluid becomes essentially aqueous when the oxygen activity in the system decreases. However, there is no strict dependence of the redox conditions on the depth of formation of xenoliths.
Mayenite-supergroup minerals from burned dump of the Chelyabinsk Coal Basin
Authors: Sharygin V.V.
Published: November 2015

Three minerals of the mayenite supergroup have been found in fluorellestadite-bearing metacarbonate rock (former fragment of petrified wood of ankeritic composition) from the dump at the Baturinskaya-Vostochnaya-1-2 mine. These are eltyubyuite Ca12Fe103+Si4O32Cl6, its fluorine analog Ca12Fe103+Si4O30F10, and chlormayenite–wadalite Ca12(Al,Fe)14O32Cl2–Ca12(Al,Fe)10Si4O32Cl2. The first two phases occur in the reaction mantle around hematite, magnesioferrite, and Ca-ferrite aggregates (“calciohexaferrite” CaFe12O19, “grandiferrite” CaFe4O7, and “dorrite phase” Ca2(Fe53+Mn0.53+Mg0.5)(Si0.5Fe5.53+)O20) and, rarely, as individuals in grained aggregates of fluorellestadite–cuspidine (± larnite ± rusinovite Ca10(Si2O7)3Cl2). Assemblages of zoned chlormayenite–wadalite crystals are found in grained aggregates of fluorellestadite– cuspidine, which lack Ca-ferrite. Also, harmunite CaFe2O4, chlorellestadite, fluorapatite, anhydrite, rondorfite Ca8Mg(SiO4)4Cl2, fluorine analog of rondorfite Ca8Mg(SiO4)4F2, “Mg-cuspidine” Ca3.5(Mg,Fe)0.5(Si2O7)F2, fluorite, barioferrite BaFe12O19, zhangpeishanite BaFCl, and other rare phases are identified in this rock. Data on the chemical composition and Raman spectroscopy of the mayenite-supergroup minerals are given. The genesis of metacarbonate rock is considered in detail: “oxidizing calcination” of Ca–Fe-carbonates with the formation of hematite and lime; reaction between hematite and lime with the formation of different Ca-ferrites; formation of larnite as a result of reaction between SiO2 and lime or CaCO3; and reactionary impact of hot Cl–F–S-bearing gases on early assemblages. Eltyubyuite and its fluorine analog crystallized at the stages of gas impact. It is presumed that the maximum temperature during the formation of rock reached 1200–1230 °C.
Structure of the Earth’s crust in the northern part of the Barents–Kara region along the 4-AR DSS profile
Authors: Sakoulina T.S. , Pavlenkova G.A. , Kashubin S.N.
Published: November 2015

The 1370 km long 4-AR reference profile crosses the North Barents Basin, the northern end of the Novaya Zemlya Rise, and the North Kara Basin. Integrated geophysical studies including common deep point (CDP) survey and deep seismic sounding (DSS) were carried out along the profiles. The DSS was performed using autonomous bottom seismic stations (ABSS) spaced 10–20 km apart and a powerful air gun producing seismic signals with a step size of 250 m. As a result, detailed P- and S-wave velocity structures of the crust and upper mantle were studied. The basic method was ray-tracing modeling. The Earth’s crust along the entire profile is typically continental with compressional wave velocities of 5.8–7.2 km/s in the consolidated part. Crustal thickness increases from 30 km near the islands of Franz Josef Land to 35 km beneath the North Barents Basin, 50 km beneath the Novaya Zemlya Rise, and 40 km beneath the North Kara Basin. The North Barents Basin 15 km deep is characterized by unusually low velocities in the consolidated crust: The upper crust layer with velocities of 5.8–6.4 km/s has a thickness of about 15 km beneath the basin (usually, this layer wedges beneath deep sedimentary basins). Another special property of the crust in the North Barents Basin is the destroyed structure of the Moho.
Change in the amplitude spectrum of seismoacoustic emission under strong vibration
Authors: Bryksin A.A. , Seleznev V.S.
Published: November 2015

We study changes in the properties of the geologic environment in the vicinity of a stationary 40-ton vibration source in time intervals between vibration sessions. The relationship between the estimated amount of energy released by the environment over time and the frequency of the amplitude spectrum was determined experimentally. We introduced a parameter (α) that characterizes this relationship and determined that its absolute value increases linearly in the time intervals between operations of the vibration source in field observations. It is hypothesized that there are zones that have the property to change rapidly their stress state by both accumulating and releasing energy. Comparative analysis of the stress state of the area of the experiment showed significant differences in the spatial distribution of the gradient of the new parameter (β) before and after active low-frequency effects on the environment.
Impulse response of viscous remanent magnetization: laboratory measurements by a pulse induction system
Authors: Kamnev Ya.K. , Kozhevnikov N.O. , Kazansky A.Yu. , Stefanenko S.M.
Published: November 2015

Transient electromagnetic responses measured in the field or in the laboratory may bear effects of viscous remanent magnetization (VRM) associated with magnetic relaxation of ultrafine grains of ferrimagnetic minerals or superparamagnetism. The behavior of VRM can be studied in time or frequency domain, TDEM measurements being advantageous because they are done in the absence of primary field and owing to broad time range providing high accuracy of VRM parameters. Another advantage is that the rate of viscous decay measured as voltage decay does not need to be corrected for stable and/or slowly decaying viscous component of total remanence. Time-dependent transient responses of viscous decay follow the power law a ⋅ t–b, where a is the initial emf signal (varying in a broad range) and b is the exponent approaching 1. Laboratory tests with a pulse induction coil system reveal a strong linear correlation of the parameter a with frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility Δκ used commonly for constraining the relative abundances of superparamagnetic particles. Such systems are thus suitable for quick measurements of the large number of samples for detection of superparamagnetic (SP) particles and quantifying their contribution. The difference of b from 1, though being minor, exceeds markedly its error in estimates from measured data. Simulated TDEM responses of a superparamagnetic ground show both parameters (a and b) to depend on particle volume distribution, which is prerequisite for inversion of time-domain transients to magnetic properties of rocks and soils.
Magnetostratigraphy of the Campanian–Maastrichtian Bakchar Basin (southeastern West Siberia)
Authors: Gnibidenko Z.N. , Lebedeva N.K. , Levicheva A.V.
Published: November 2015

In this paper the results of magnetostratigraphic studies of the Upper Cretaceous penetrated by two wells (S-124 and S-114) drilled in the Tomsk structural-facies zone (Bakchar iron ore deposit) are presented. The obtained biostratigraphic data show that the sediments formed in the Campanian–Maastrichtian time interval. The high-temperature component of the remanent magnetization identified in the rocks allowed us to compile paleomagnetic columns for each well and correlate the columns, using paleontological data, with each other and with the general magnetostratigraphic and magnetochronological scales. In magnetostratigraphic sections of two wells, the Campanian reverse-polarity Slavgorod Formation (R(km)) with a normal-polarity horizon is correlated with Chron C33(r) (top) and C33(n) (bottom) of the Gradstein scale, and the Maastrichtian normal-polarity Gan’kino Formation with a thin reverse-polarity horizon (N(mt)) is correlated with Chron C30 of this scale.
Reservoirs Act as a Source for Greenhouse Gases
Authors: Strelich Lily
Published: November 2015

Scientists examine nitrous oxide production in aquatic environments and the conditions that drive it.
White House Plan Focuses on Hazards from Solar Storms
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: November 2015

Space weather has its day in the Sun, with the administration issuing a new strategy and action plan to increase protection from damaging solar emissions.