bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual selection accelerates signal evolution during speciation in birds
Authors: Seddon Nathalie , Botero Carlos A. , Tobias Joseph A. , Dunn Peter O. , MacGregor Hannah E. A. , Rubenstein Dustin R. , Uy J. Albert C. , Weir Jason T. , Whittingham Linda A. , Safran Rebecca J.
Published: July 2013

Sexual selection is proposed to be an important driver of diversification in animal systems, yet previous tests of this hypothesis have produced mixed results and the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Here, we use a novel phylogenetic approach to assess the influence of sexual selection on patterns of evolutionary change during 84 recent speciation events across 23 passerine bird families. We show that elevated levels of sexual selection are associated with more rapid phenotypic divergence between related lineages, and that this effect is restricted to male plumage traits proposed to function in mate choice and species recognition. Conversely, we found no evidence that sexual selection promoted divergence in female plumage traits, or in male traits related to foraging and locomotion. These results provide strong evidence that female choice and male–male competition are dominant mechanisms driving divergence during speciation in birds, potentially linking sexual selection to the accelerated evolution of pre-mating reproductive isolation.
An early fossil remora (Echeneoidea) reveals the evolutionary assembly of the adhesion disc
Authors: Friedman Matt , Johanson Zerina , Harrington Richard C. , Near Thomas J. , Graham Mark R.
Published: July 2013

The adhesion disc of living remoras (Echeneoidea: Echeneidae) represents one of the most remarkable structural innovations within fishes. Although homology between the spinous dorsal fin of generalized acanthomorph fishes and the remora adhesion disc is widely accepted, the sequence of evolutionary—rather than developmental—transformations leading from one to the other has remained unclear. Here, we show that the early remora †Opisthomyzon(Echeneoidea: †Opisthomyzonidae), from the early Oligocene (Rupelian) of Switzerland, is a stem-group echeneid and provides unique insights into the evolutionary assembly of the unusual body plan characteristic of all living remoras. The adhesion disc of †Opisthomyzonretains ancestral features found in the spiny dorsal fins of remora outgroups, and corroborates developmental interpretations of the homology of individual skeletal components of the disc. †Opisthomyzonindicates that the adhesion disc originated in a postcranial position, and that other specializations (including the origin of pectination, subdivision of median fin spines into paired lamellae, increase in segment count and migration to a supracranial position) took place later in the evolutionary history of remoras. This phylogenetic sequence of transformation finds some parallels in the order of ontogenetic changes to the disc documented for living remoras.
Intrauterine infection and post-partum bacteraemia due to Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus
Authors: Binghuai Lu , Wenjun Sui , Xinxin Lu
Published: July 2013

The case is presented of a woman with intrauterine infection and post-partum bacteraemia due to Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus, who delivered an infant via Caesarean section. Furthermore, we comment on the possibility of vaginal colonization of this organism as a portal of entry in cases of maternal and neonatal infections.
Meta-analyses of studies of the human microbiota
Authors: Lozupone Catherine A. , Stombaugh Jesse , Gonzalez Antonio , Ackermann Gail , Wendel Doug , Vázquez-Baeza Yoshiki , Jansson Janet K. , Gordon Jeffrey I. , Knight Rob
Published: July 2013

Our body habitat-associated microbial communities are of intense research interest because of their influence on human health. Because many studies of the microbiota are based on the same bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene target, they can, in principle, be compared to determine the relative importance of different disease/physiologic/developmental states. However, differences in experimental protocols used may produce variation that outweighs biological differences. By comparing 16S rRNA gene sequences generated from diverse studies of the human microbiota using the QIIME database, we found that variation in composition of the microbiota across different body sites was consistently larger than technical variability across studies. However, samples from different studies of the Western adult fecal microbiota generally clustered by study, and the 16S rRNA target region, DNA extraction technique, and sequencing platform produced systematic biases in observed diversity that could obscure biologically meaningful compositional differences. In contrast, systematic compositional differences in the fecal microbiota that occurred with age and between Western and more agrarian cultures were great enough to outweigh technical variation. Furthermore, individuals with ileal Crohn's disease and in their third trimester of pregnancy often resembled infants from different studies more than controls from the same study, indicating parallel compositional attributes of these distinct developmental/physiological/disease states. Together, these results show that cross-study comparisons of human microbiota are valuable when the studied parameter has a large effect size, but studies of more subtle effects on the human microbiota require carefully selected control populations and standardized protocols.
Lamin A/C-promoter interactions specify chromatin state–dependent transcription outcomes
Authors: Lund Eivind , Oldenburg Anja R. , Delbarre Erwan , Freberg Christel T. , Duband-Goulet Isabelle , Eskeland Ragnhild , Buendia Brigitte , Collas Philippe
Published: July 2013

The nuclear lamina is implicated in the organization of the eukaryotic nucleus. Association of nuclear lamins with the genome occurs through large chromatin domains including mostly, but not exclusively, repressed genes. How lamin interactions with regulatory elements modulate gene expression in different cellular contexts is unknown. We show here that in human adipose tissue stem cells, lamin A/C interacts with distinct spatially restricted subpromoter regions, both within and outside peripheral and intra-nuclear lamin-rich domains. These localized interactions are associated with distinct transcriptional outcomes in a manner dependent on local chromatin modifications. Down-regulation of lamin A/C leads to dissociation of lamin A/C from promoters and remodels repressive and permissive histone modifications by enhancing transcriptional permissiveness, but is not sufficient to elicit gene activation. Adipogenic differentiation resets a large number of lamin-genome associations globally and at subpromoter levels and redefines associated transcription outputs. We propose that lamin A/C acts as a modulator of local gene expression outcome through interaction with adjustable sites on promoters, and that these position-dependent transcriptional readouts may be reset upon differentiation.
Plant Calcium-Permeable Channels
Authors: Swarbreck Stéphanie M. , Colaço Renato , Davies Julia M.
Published: July 2013

Experimental and modeling breakthroughs will help establish the genetic identities of plant calcium channels.
Diffraction studies under in situ electric field using a large-area hybrid pixel XPAD detector
Authors: Fertey Pierre , Alle Paul , Wenger Emmanuel , Dinkespiler Bernard , Cambon Olivier , Haines Julien , Hustache Stephanie , Medjoubi Kadda , Picca Frederic , Dawiec Arkadiusz , Breugnon Patrick , Delpierre Pierre , Mazzoli Claudio , Lecomte Claude
Published: July 2013

A new experimental approach to perform in situ electric field diffraction on single crystals using an on-then-off pump–probe mode in situ (i.e. the field-switching method) with a synchrotron or a laboratory X-ray source is presented. Taking advantage of the fast readout of the XPAD hybrid pixel two-dimensional detector and its programmable functionalities, the operation mode of the detector has been customized to significantly increase the efficiency of the method. The very weak electric field-induced structural response of a piezoelectric crystal can be accurately measured. This allows the piezoelectric tensor to be precisely obtained from Δθ shifts while the structural variations can be modelled using a full set of ΔI/I data. The experimental method and methodology are detailed and tested as a case study on pure piezoelectric compounds belonging to the α-quartz family (SiO2 and GaAsO4 single crystals). Using the two scan modes developed, it is demonstrated that tiny Bragg angle shifts can be measured as well as small field-induced Bragg intensity variations (<1%). The relevance of measurements performed with an X-ray laboratory source is demonstrated: partial data sets collected at synchrotrons can be completed, but more interestingly, a large part of the study can now be realized in the laboratory (medium to strong intensity reflections) in a comparable data collection time.
Composition-dependent structure of polycrystalline magnetron-sputtered V–Al–C–N hard coatings studied by XRD, XPS, XANES and EXAFS
Authors: Krause Bärbel , Darma Susan , Kaufholz Marthe , Mangold Stefan , Doyle Stephen , Ulrich Sven , Leiste Harald , Stüber Michael , Baumbach Tilo
Published: July 2013

V–Al–C–N hard coatings with high carbon content were deposited by reactive radio-frequency magnetron sputtering using an experimental combinatorial approach, deposition from a segmented sputter target. The composition-dependent coexisting phases within the coating were analysed using the complementary methods of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (EXAFS). For the analysis of the X-ray absorption near-edge spectra, a new approach for evaluation of the pre-edge peak was developed, taking into account the self-absorption effects in thin films. Within the studied composition range, a mixed face-centred cubic (V,Al)(C,N) phase coexisting with a C–C-containing phase was observed. No indication of hexagonal (V,Al)(N,C) was found. The example of V–Al–C–N demonstrates how important a combination of complementary methods is for the detection of coexisting phases in complex multi-element coatings.
An accidental visualization of the Brillouin zone in an Ni–W alloyviadiffuse scattering
Authors: Maisel Sascha B. , Schindzielorz Nils , Müller Stefan , Reichert Harald , Bosak Alexei
Published: July 2013

Solid state physics is built on the concept of reciprocal space. The physics of any given periodic crystal is fully defined within the Wigner–Seitz cell in reciprocal space, also known as the first Brillouin zone. It is a purely symmetry-based concept and usually does not have any eye-catching signature in the experimental data, in contrast with some other geometrical constructions like the Fermi surface. However, the particular shape of the Fermi surface of nickel allowed the visualization of the system of edges (skeleton) of the Wigner–Seitz cell of the face-centred cubic lattice in reciprocal space in three dimensions by the diffuse scattering of X-rays from Ni1−xWx(x= 0.03, 0.05, 0.08) single crystals. Employing a cluster-expansion method with first-principles input, it is possible to show that the observed scattering is inherent to the given nickel alloys and the crystal structures they form. This peculiar feature can be understood by considering the shape of the Fermi surface of pure nickel.
SASET: a program for series analysis of small-angle scattering data
Authors: Muthig Michael , Prévost Sylvain , Orglmeister Reinhold , Gradzielski Michael
Published: July 2013

This article presents a new program that allows highly automatized analyses of series of, especially, anisotropic two-dimensional neutron and X-ray small-angle scattering data as well as one-dimensional data series. The main aim of this work was to reduce the effort of the analysis of complex scattering systems, which remains an essential burden in the evaluation process of complex systems. The program is built in a modular manner to support a stepwise analysis of small-angle scattering data. For example, from a two-dimensional data series, features such as anisotropy or changes of the preferred scattering direction or intensities along the radial or azimuthal directions as well as along the series axis (e.g. time axis) can quickly be extracted. Different anisotropy measurement methods are available, which are described herein. In a second step, physical scattering models can be fitted to the extracted data. More complex models can be easily added. The fitting procedure can be applied with nearly every possible constraint and works automatically on whole scattering data series. Furthermore, simultaneous fitting can be used to analyze coupled series, and parallel working methods are implemented to speed up the code execution. Finally, results can be easily visualized. The name of the program isSASET, which is an acronym standing for small-angle scattering evaluation tool.SASETis based on MATLAB.
Rapid and accurate calculation of small-angle scattering profiles using the golden ratio
Authors: Watson Max C. , Curtis Joseph E.
Published: July 2013

Calculating the scattering intensity of anN-atom system is a numerically exhaustingO(N2) task. A simple approximation technique that scales linearly with the number of atoms is presented. Using an exact expression for the scattering intensityI(q) at a given wavevectorq, the rotationally averaged intensityI(q) is computed by evaluatingI(q) in several scattering directions. The orientations of theqvectors are taken from a quasi-uniform spherical grid generated by the golden ratio. Using various biomolecules as examples, this technique is compared with an established multipole expansion method. For a given level of speed, the technique is more accurate than the multipole expansion for anisotropically shaped molecules, while comparable in accuracy for globular shapes. The processing time scales sub-linearly inNwhen the atoms are identical and lie on a lattice. The procedure is easily implemented and should accelerate the analysis of small-angle scattering data.
FORUM: Challenges and future directions in urban afforestation
Authors: Oldfield Emily E. , Warren Robert J. , Felson Alexander J. , Bradford Mark A.
Published: July 2013

Mature urban trees improve air quality, reduce storm water run‐off and sequester carbon. Municipal agencies establish forests of native juvenile trees to enhance these and other ecosystem services to cities. Little data exist, however, regarding whether these trees will form mature, native forests.

We review urban forestry research that deals specifically with the growth, survival and recruitment of new native urban forests and use these data to identify knowledge gaps and propose research needed to create and maintain native urban forests.

Experimental urban forestry studies are few and most are of durations ≤5 years, shorter than the 10–25 year time frame required to understand forest stand dynamics. Studies capturing initial dynamics of urban afforestation (≤5 years) identify invasive species as the primary threat to native tree establishment. Data exploring longer‐term dynamics are needed to evaluate whether early‐stage afforestation dynamics can be used to infer the composition and function of mature urban forests.

Synthesis and applications. Urban afforestation approaches – from natural colonization to large‐scale plantings – represent a trade‐off in cost vs. efficacy for establishing native forests. A major cost‐saving strategy would be to determine whether exotics and natives can co‐exist and provide the intended ecosystem services.
Women's intentions to breastfeed: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lutsiv O , Pullenayegum E , Foster G , Vera C , Giglia L , Chapman B , Fusch C , McDonald SD
Published: July 2013

Objective

Given that intention to breastfeed is a strong predictor of breastfeeding initiation and duration, the objectives of this study were to estimate the population‐based prevalence and the factors associated with the intention to breastfeed.

Design

Retrospective population‐based cohort study.

Setting

All hospitals in Ontario, Canada (1 April 2009–31 March 2010).

Population

Women who gave birth to live, term, singletons/twins.

Methods

Patient, healthcare provider, and hospital factors that may be associated with intention to breastfeed were analysed using univariable and multivariable regression.

Main outcome measures

Population‐based prevalence of intention to breastfeed and its associated factors.

Results

The study included 92 364 women, of whom 78 806 (85.3%) intended to breastfeed. The odds of intending to breastfeed were higher amongst older women with no health problems and women who were cared for exclusively by midwives (adjusted OR 3.64, 95% CI 3.13–4.23). Being pregnant with twins (adjusted OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57–0.94), not attending antenatal classes (adjusted OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.54–0.62), having previous term or preterm births (adjusted OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.78–0.81, and adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.82–0.93, respectively), and delivering in a level–1 hospital (adjusted OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77–0.93) were associated with a lower intention to breastfeed.

Conclusions

In this population‐based study ~85% of women intended to breastfeed their babies. Key factors that are associated with the intention to breastfeed were identified, which can now be targeted for intervention programmes aimed at increasing the prevalence of breastfeeding and improving overall child and maternal health.
Application of A global reference for fetal‐weight and birthweight percentiles in predicting infant mortality
Authors: Ding G , Tian Y , Zhang Y , Pang Y , Zhang JS , Zhang J
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine whether the recently published A global reference for fetal‐weight and birthweight percentiles (Global Reference) improves small‐ (SGA), appropriate‐ (AGA), and large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) definitions in predicting infant mortality.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

The US Linked Livebirth and Infant Death records between 1995 and 2004.

Population

Singleton births with birthweight >500 g born at 24–41 weeks of gestation.

Methods

We compared infant mortality rates of SGA, AGA, and LGA infants classified by three different references: the Global Reference; a commonly used birthweight reference; and Hadlock's ultrasound reference.

Main outcome measures

Infant mortality rates.

Results

Among 33 997 719 eligible liveborn singleton births, 25% of preterm and 9% of term infants were classified differently for SGA, AGA, and LGA by the Global Reference and the birthweight reference. The Global Reference indicated higher mortality rates in preterm SGA and preterm LGA infants than the birthweight reference. The mortality rate was considerably higher in infants classified as preterm SGA by the Global Reference but not by the birthweight reference, compared with the corresponding infants classified by the birthweight reference but not by the Global Reference (105.7 versus 12.9 per 1000, RR 8.17, 95% CI 7.38–9.06). Yet, the differences in mortality rates were much smaller in term infants than in preterm infants. Black infants had a particularly higher mortality rate than other races in AGA and LGA preterm and term infants.

Conclusions

In respect to the commonly used birthweight reference, the Global Reference increases the identification of infant deaths by improved classification of abnormal newborn size at birth, and these advantages were more obvious in preterm than in term infants.
Additional information from chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) over conventional karyotyping when diagnosing chromosomal abnormalities in miscarriage: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dhillon RK , Hillman SC , Morris RK , McMullan D , Williams D , Coomarasamy A , Kilby MD
Published: July 2013

Background

Approximately 50% of spontaneous miscarriages are associated with chromosome abnormalities. Identification of these karyotypic abnormalities helps to estimate recurrence risks in future pregnancies. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) is transforming clinical cytogenetic practice with its ability to examine the human genome at increasingly high resolution.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether CMA testing on the products of conception following miscarriage provides better diagnostic information compared with conventional karyotyping.

Search strategy

MEDLINE (from 1996 to December 2012), EMBASE (from 1974 to December 2012), and CINAHL (from 1996 to December 2012) databases were searched electronically.

Selection criteria

Studies were selected if CMA was used on products of conception following miscarriage, alongside conventional karyotyping.

Data collection and analysis

Nine papers were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis. All statistical analyses were performed using stata 11.0 (Stata Corp., College Station, TX, USA).

Main results

There was agreement between CMA and karyotyping in 86.0% of cases (95% CI 77.0–96.0%). CMA detected 13% (95% CI 8.0–21.0) additional chromosome abnormalities over conventional full karyotyping. In addition, traditional, full karyotyping detected 3% (95% CI 1.0–10.0%) additional abnormalities over CMA. The incidence of a variant of unknown significance (VOUS) being detected was 2% (95% CI 1.0–10.0%).

Author's conclusions

Compared with karyotyping, there appears to be an increased detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities when CMA is used to analyse the products of conception; however, some of these abnormalities are VOUS, and this information should be provided when counselling women following miscarriage and when taking consent for the analysis of miscarriage products by CMA.
Seismogenic Structure of the April 20, 2013, Lushan Ms7 Earthquake in Sichuan
Authors: Yueqiao ZHANG , Shuwen DONG , Chuntang HOU , Jusong SHI , Zhonghai WU , Hailong LI , Ping SUN , Gang LIU , Jian LI
Published: July 2013

At 08:02 on April 20, 2013, a Ms7.0 earthquake occurred in Lushan, Ya'an, in the Longmenshan fault zone, Sichuan. The epicenter was located between Taiping Town and Shuangshi Town, Lushan County and the maximum earthquake intensity at the epicenter reached class IX. Field investigations in the epicenter area found that, although buildings were seriously damaged, no obvious surface rupture structure was produced, only some ground fissures and sand blows and water ejection phenomena being seen. An integrated analysis of high‐resolution remote sensing image interpretation, mainshock and aftershock distribution, and focal mechanism solutions indicated that this earthquake was an independent rupturing event in the southwestern segment of the Longmenshan fault zone, belonging to the thrust‐type earthquake. Ruptures occurred along the south‐central segment of the Shuangshi‐Dachuan fault and the principal rupture plane dipped SW at 33–43°. It is inferred that the Lushan earthquake might be related to the ramp activity of the basal detachment zone (13–19 km) of the Longmenshan fault zone. Historically, there occurred at least two Ms6–6.5 earthquakes along the Shuangshi‐Dachuan fault zone; thus it is thought that the Lushan earthquake, different from the Wenchuan earthquake, was a characteristic one in the southwestern segment of the Longmenshan fault zone. In‐situ stress measurements indicated the Lushan earthquake was the result of stress release of the southwestern segment of the Longmenshan fault zone after the Wenchuan earthquake. This paper analyzes the tectonic setting of the seismogenic structure of this earthquake.
Xinghaiornis lini (Aves: Ornithothoraces) from the Early Cretaceous of Liaoning: An Example of Evolutionary Mosaic in Early Birds
Authors: Xuri WANG , LUIS Chiappe M. , Fangfang TENG , Qiang JI
Published: July 2013

We describe a new species of Early Cretaceous bird from the Yixian Formation of Liaoning Province. Xinghaiornis lini gen. et sp. nov. is relatively large and characterized by a long, toothless rostrum and an elevated pedal digit I. The design of the skull and feet suggests that this bird was likely a mud‐prober. This discovery provides strong support indicating that this avian trophic specialization originated at least 125 million years ago.
Early Jurassic Soft‐Sediment Deformation Interpreted as Seismites in the Wuqia Pull‐Apart Basin and the Strike‐Slip Talas–Ferghana Fault, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Xiufu QIAO , Xianpu GUO
Published: July 2013

The early Jurassic soft‐sediment deformation occurring within lacustrine sandstone is distributed mainly in the Wuqia region of SW Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, western China. Triggered by earthquakes, such deformation was found to occur in three beds overlying the lower Jurassic Kangsu Formation. The main styles of deformation structures comprise load cast, ball‐and‐pillow, droplet, cusps, homogeneous layer, and liquefied unconformity. The deformation layers reflect a series of three strong earthquakes at the end of early Jurassic in the Wuqia region. The differences of deformation mechanisms undergone might represent the varying magnitudes of the earthquake events. During the early Jurassic, the Wuqia region was located in a pull‐apart basin controlled by the significant Talas–Ferghana strike‐slip fault in central Asia, which initiated the soft‐sediment deformation induced by earthquakes. Our research suggests that the paleoseismic magnitudes could have ranged from Ms 6.5 to 7.
Properties of Continental Margin and its Hydrocarbon Exploration Significance in Cambrian in the Southern Ordos Kratogen of North China
Authors: Yunlai BAI , Yuhu MA , Yong HUANG , Jianbo LIAO , Xiaoguang LIU
Published: July 2013

It is important to determine the properties of the tectonics in Cambrian period for the sake of prospecting deep hydrocarbon in the near future in the southern Ordos Kratogen of North China. Authors chose the marginal areas of the southern Ordos basin as the object of research, avoided the effects of both the Qinling Orogenic Belts (QOB) and Weihe River Graben (WRG) whose geological structures are too complicated. By surveying typical Cambrian outcrops and profiles in the basin edges and based on the cores of 57 wells which penetrated the Cambrian in the basin, combined with the seismic profiles, the field gammaray measuement results and the carbon isotope analysis, Authors conclude that the southern margin of the Ordos Kratogen during Cambrian was a passive continental margin which resulted from sea–floor spreading of the Ancient Qinling Ocean. Epicontinental sea carbonate sediments formed in the south Ordos continental margin during Cambrian, and were predominant as tidal flat and oölitic shoal. Both transgression–regression process and the change in palaeostructure have the obvious cyclicity. Using the junction between the late Nangao age of Qiandong epoch and the early Duyun age of Qiandong epoch as a boundary, each had a full transgression cycle at the upper and lower stages. The early cycle is characterized by high energy clastic littoral facies while the late cycle is characterized by carbonate ramp on which clear water and muddy water developed alternately changing to carbonate platform last. During the early stages, An aulacogen was formed in the middle section of the southern margin. The southern Ordos margin was uplifted and denudated by the Huaiyuan Movement which occurred from the late Furongian age to the middle Flolan age and the history of the passive continental margin ended and entering into a new tectonic cycle. The unconformity surface caused by the Huaiyuan Movement, along with its neighborhood areas where dissolved pores and cavities are developed, may be another important district for good hydrocarbon reservoirs (excluding the unconformity surface on the top of the Ordovician in the Ordos basin).
Anomaly Models of Spatial Structures for Copper‐Molybdenum Ore Deposits and their Application
Authors: Shengming MA , Lixin ZHU , Chongmin LIU , Mingjie XI , Shixin TANG
Published: July 2013

This paper discusses the enrichment and depletion regularities for porphyry copper‐molybdenum ore deposits in different regions and varied deposit genetic types in the same area, taking three porphyry copper‐molybdenum ore deposits (i.e., the Chengmenshan in Jiangxi, Wunugetushan in Inner Mongolia, Baishantang in Gansu) and two copper deposits in Gansu Province (the Huitongshan skarn deposit and Gongpoquan composite deposit) as case studies. The results show that porphyry Cu‐Mo deposits or skarn copper deposits include both enrichment of the ore‐forming elements and associated elements, and depletion of some lithophile dispersed elements, rare earth elements (REE) and some major elements. And the depleted elements vary with deposits, having generality and their own features. On a deposit scale, the positive anomalies of enriched elements and negative anomalies of depleted elements follow in a sequence to comprise regular anomaly models of spatial structures. The exploration in the Tongchang deposit in Jiangxi and Huitongshan deposit in Gansu suggests that anomaly models play a key role in the identification of mineral occurrences and deposits compared to one single enriched element anomaly. And the anomaly models exert a critical effect on the optimization of prospecting targets and their potential evaluation.
An Anisotropic Geomechanical Model for Jointed Rock Masses at Taishan Nuclear Power Station, Southern China
Authors: Wentang ZHENG , Xiaojiu CHENG , Huaan WANG
Published: July 2013

An anisotropic geomechanical model for jointed rock mass is presented. Simultaneously with deriving the orthotropic anisotropy elastic parameters along the positive axis, the equivalent compliance matrix for the deflection axis orthotropic anisotropy was derived through a three‐dimensional coordinate transformation. In addition, Singh's analysis of the stress concentration effects of intermittent joints was adopted, based on two groups of intermittent joints and a set of cross‐cutting joints in the jointed rock mass. The stress concentration effects caused by intermittent joints and the coupling effect of cross‐cutting joints along the deflection‐axis are also considered. The proposed anisotropic mechanics parameters method is applied to determine the deformation parameters of jointed granite at the Taishan Nuclear Power Station. Combined with the deterministic mechanical parameters of rock blocks and joints, the deformation parameters and their variability in jointed rock masses are estimated quantitatively. The computed results show that jointed granite at the Taishan Nuclear Power Station exhibits typical anisotropic mechanical characteristics; the elastic moduli in the two horizontal directions were similar, but the elastic modulus in the vertical direction was much greater. Jointed rock elastic moduli in the two horizontal and vertical directions were respectively about 24% and 37% of the core of rock, showing weakly orthotropic anisotropy; the ratio of elastic moduli in the vertical and horizontal directions was 1.53, clearly indicating the transversely isotropic rock mass mechanical characteristics. The method can be popularized to solve other rock mechanics problems in nuclear power engineering.
A Comparative Analysis of Evaporate Sediments on Earth and Mars: Implications for the Climate Change on Mars
Authors: Mianping ZHENG , Weigang KONG , Xuefei ZHANG , Wenxi CHEN , Fanjing KONG
Published: July 2013

The knowledge of Martian salts has gone through substantial changes during the past decades. In the 70th of last century, Viking landers have noticed the existence of salts on Mars. Several salt species have been suggested from then on, such as sulfates and chlorides. However, their origin was a mystery due to the lack of observations. The recent explorations and related studies at the beginning of this century revealed that the crustal composition of Mars is similar to that of Earth, and it was hypothesized that almost one third of Martian surface was covered by oceans and lakes in the early stage of Mars. The huge water bodies may have dissolved a large quantity of ions from Martian primary rocks during the whole Noachian and Hesperian epoch. After the enormous drought event happened during the late Hesperian and the early Amazonian, these dissolved ions have formed huge salts deposits and most of them were preserved on Mars until today. To date, carbonates, sulfates, chlorides have all been detected by orbital remote sensing and by landers and rovers. However, the salt mineral assemblages on Mars seems to have some differences from those on Earth, e.g., rich in sulfates and lack of massive carbonates. To explain this difference, we propose that most of the surface carbonates precipitated from the ancient oceans may have been dissolved by the later ubiquitous acidic fluids originated from the global volcanism in the Hesperian era, and formed the enormous sulfate deposits as detected, and this hypothesis seems to be supported by the evidence that most of the sulfate deposits distribute around the Tharsis volcanic province while the survived carbonates located far from it. This process can release most of the carbon on Mars to the atmosphere in the form of CO2 and then be erased by the late heavy bombardments, which might have profound influence on the climate change happened in the Hesperian age. The positive correlation between the GRS results of the potassium distributions and the distribution of chlorides on Mars, together with the high Br concentration measured from the evaporate sediments at two Mars exploration rover landing sites, indicate that the brines in the regions where the chlorides deposited may have reached the stage for potassium salts deposition, thus we propose for the first time that potassium salts deposits might be prevalent in these regions.
Eighteenth‐Century Meissen Porcelain Reference Data Obtained By Proton‐Beam Analysis (PIXE–PIGE)
Authors: Neelmeijer C. , Pietsch U. , Ulbricht H.
Published: July 2013

Prior to their restoration, the porcelain bodies of broken pieces from 31 authentic Meissen objects of the early 18th century were investigated by proton‐beam analysis. Attention was paid so that the proton beam probed only the bare porcelain paste areas of fractures. Thus, contributions to the measured X‐ray and γ‐ray spectra from adjacent surface glaze were prevented. The chemical compositions, obtained by simultaneous detection of elements with Z ≥ 13 (X‐rays) and lighter elements Z ≤ 14 (γ‐rays), represent rather consistent mixtures of paste ingredients. This result highlights the durable recipes and raw materials used in early Meissen porcelain production in the years 1725–50. Mean concentration values of element oxides, deduced from the detailed measurements, prove suitable for use as a database for Meissen porcelain paste identification. Material authentication of intact objects, without access to the bare porcelain body, is demonstrated by inspection of the white glaze. Unique museum objects are examined in atmosphere and without sampling. A low proton‐beam intensity and a short irradiation time ensure non‐destructive analysis. Simultaneous radiation and backscattered particle detection allow complete composition analysis, using the established ion beam techniques of particle‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE), particle‐induced gamma‐ray emission (PIGE) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS).
The Faragola Ceramic Collection: Ceramic Production, Consumption and Exchange in Seventh‐Century Apulia
Authors: Gliozzo E. , Scrima G. , Turchiano M. , Memmi I. Turbanti
Published: July 2013

A collection of 30 ceramic samples, 16 of coarse wares and 14 of fine painted wares, have been investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and neutron activation analysis. Further samples of clayey sediments, both locally outcropping and found within the settling tank, have been submitted to the same analytical techniques for comparison with the ceramic collection. The results demonstrated that local clayey sediments were used as received for the production of coarse wares. The same raw materials were sieved and/or refined by decantation for the production of fine painted wares, which, in fact, provided results that were perfectly comparable with those for the clayey raw materials found within the settling tank. The Faragola productions were distinguished from the neighbouring Apulian productions according to petrographic features (the presence of leucite‐bearing volcanic rocks and Mn‐rich wads) and their bulk chemical composition.
Gradients of Bat Diversity in Atlantic Forest of South America: Environmental Seasonality, Sampling Effort and Spatial Autocorrelation
Authors: Stevens Richard D.
Published: July 2013

Temperature seasonality has been proposed to be an important determinant of bat community structure in Atlantic Forest of South America and elsewhere. I characterized spatial and environmental patterns of species richness of phyllostomid bats in Atlantic Forest of South America and examined the degree to which temperature seasonality relative to other important environmental gradients was related to patterns of diversity across 60 heterogeneously sampled assemblages. I compared efficacy of different methods of accounting for inventory completeness (rarefaction, species estimation, minimum number of individuals and raw data) in characterizing gradients of bat diversity. I also compared levels of spatial autocorrelation generated by these methods and the degree to which such autocorrelation influenced results of regression analyses. Temperature seasonality was consistently the most important predictor of species richness across all methods of accounting for inventory completeness as well as between spatial and non‐spatial regression methods. Spatial autocorrelation of both species richness and regression residuals was lowest for species richness estimators and highest for data rarefied to the highest sample sizes. Strong and characteristic environmental gradients typifying Atlantic Forest of South America translate into coincident gradients of richness of bat assemblages. Although data were characterized by heterogeneous sampling efforts, relationships of species richness with seasonality of temperature were strong and easily detectable. Methods of accounting for inventory completeness improve assessment with species richness estimators performing better than rarefaction methods.
Enhanced antitumor activity of erlotinib in combination with the Hsp90 inhibitor CH5164840 against non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Ono Naomi , Yamazaki Toshikazu , Tsukaguchi Toshiyuki , Fujii Toshihiko , Sakata Kiyoaki , Suda Atsushi , Tsukuda Takuo , Mio Toshiyuki , Ishii Nobuya , Kondoh Osamu , Aoki Yuko
Published: July 2013

Inhibition of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) can lead to degradation of multiple client proteins, which are involved in tumor progression. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most potent oncogenic client proteins of Hsp90. Targeted inhibition of EGFR has shown clinical efficacy in the treatment of patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, primary and acquired resistance to the existing EGFR inhibitors is a major clinical problem. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the novel Hsp90 inhibitor CH5164840 on the antitumor activity of erlotinib. The NSCLC cell lines and xenograft models were treated with CH5164840 and erlotinib to examine their mechanisms of action and cell growth inhibition. We found that CH5164840 showed remarkable antitumor activity against NSCLC cell lines and xenograft models. The addition of CH5164840 enhanced the antitumor activity of erlotinib against NCI‐H292 EGFR‐overexpressing xenograft models. Phosphorylation of Stat3 increased with erlotinib treatment in NCI‐H292 cells, which was abrogated by Hsp90 inhibition. Furthermore, in a NCI‐H1975 T790M mutation erlotinib‐resistant model, CH5164840 enhanced the antitumor activity of erlotinib despite the low efficacy of erlotinib treatment alone. In addition, ERK signaling was effectively suppressed by combination treatment with erlotinib and CH5164840 in a NCI‐H1975 erlotinib‐resistant model. Taken together, these data indicate that CH5164840 has potent antitumor activity and is highly effective in combination with erlotinib against NSCLC tumors with EGFR overexpression and mutations. Our results support the therapeutic potential of CH5164840 as a Hsp90 inhibitor for combination therapy with EGFR‐targeting agents against EGFR‐addicted NSCLC.
Excellent liver retransplantation outcomes in hepatitis C‐infected recipients
Authors: Kressel A. , Therapondos G. , Bohorquez H. , Borg B. , Bruce D. , Carmody I. , Cohen A. , Girgrah N. , Joshi S. , Reichman T. , Loss G. E.
Published: July 2013

Survival outcomes for liver retransplantation (LRTx) after graft loss in HCV patients (HCV‐LRTx) are generally considered inferior to those after non‐HCV‐LRTx. Between January 1, 2005 and June 30, 2011, our center performed 663 LTx, including 116 (17.5%) LRTx, 41 (35.3%) of which were more than 90 d after the LTx. Twenty‐nine (70.7%) LRTx were performed in HCV antibody–positive individuals. We compared patient demographics, baseline characteristics and outcomes of our HCV‐LRTx group with the HCV‐LRTx patients from the most recent OPTN database covering the same time period. Our Kaplan–Meier HCV‐LRTx one‐, three‐, and five‐yr HCV‐LRTx patient survival rates were 86.2%, 79.0%, and 72.4%, respectively compared with the OPTN one‐, three‐, and five‐yr HCV‐LRTx survival rates of 73.3%, 59.0%, and 51.3% respectively. Likewise, our graft survival rates were higher than OPTN rates at all time points studied. We performed a higher percentage of HCV‐LRTx as simultaneous liver/kidney transplants (SLK) (37.9% vs. 21.8%) and recorded shorter warm (30 ± 4 vs. 45 ± 23 min) and cold ischemic times (5:44 ± 1:53 vs. 7:36 ± 3:12 h:min). Conclusion: In our experience, HCV‐LRTx patient and graft survival rates are comparable to LTx survival rates and are higher than the rates described by OPTN.
Molecular study of congenital erythrocytosis in 70 unrelated patients revealed a potential causal mutation in less than half of the cases (Where is/are the missing gene(s)?)
Authors: Bento Celeste , Almeida Helena , Maia Tabita M. , Relvas Luís , Oliveira Ana C. , Rossi Cédric , Girodon François , Fernandez‐Lago Carlos , Aguado‐Diaz Ascension , Fraga Cristina , Costa Ricardo M. , Araújo Ana L. , Silva João , Vitória Helena , Miguel Natalina , Silveira Maria Pedro , Martin‐Nuñez Guillermo , Ribeiro Maria Letícia
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Congenital erythrocytosis can be classified as primary, when the defect is intrinsic to the RBC progenitors and independent of the serum erythropoietin (Epo) concentration, or secondary, when the erythrocytosis is the result of an upregulation of Epo production. Primary erythrocytosis is associated with mutations in the EPOR gene, secondary CE can de due to mutations that stabilize the hemoglobin in the oxygenated form or to mutations in the genes that control the transcriptional activation of the EPO gene – VHL, EGLN1, EPAS1. Chuvash polycythemia, caused by mutations in VHL gene, shares features of both primary and secondary erythrocytosis, with increased Epo production but also hypersensitivity of progenitors to Epo.

Material and Methods

With the main objective of describing the etiology and molecular basis of CE, we have studied 70 consecutive unrelated patients presenting with idiopathic erythrocytosis from our hematology clinic or referred from other centers. According to a study algorithm, we have sequenced all the genes described as associated with CE.

Results and Discussion

Erythrocytosis molecular etiology was identify in 25 (36%) of the 70 subjects. High‐affinity Hb variants were the most common cause, present in 20% of the cases. New mutations were identified in the JAK2, EPOR, VHL, and EGLN1 genes.

Conclusions

High‐affinity hemoglobin variants are a very rare cause of secondary CE, but it seems likely that their incidence may be underestimated. Our experience shows that in erythrocytosis with a dominant inheritance and normal or inappropriate high Epo levels, the HBB and HBA genes should be the first to be studied. In spite of the seven genes known to be involved in CE, the majority of the cases have unknown etiology.
Spectral signatures of viewing a needle approaching one's body when anticipating pain
Authors: Höfle Marion , Pomper Ulrich , Hauck Michael , Engel Andreas K. , Senkowski Daniel
Published: July 2013

When viewing the needle of a syringe approaching your skin, anticipation of a painful prick may lead to increased arousal. How this anticipation is reflected in neural oscillatory activity and how it relates to activity within the autonomic nervous system is thus far unknown. Recently, we found that viewing needle pricks compared with Q‐tip touches increases the pupil dilation response (PDR) and perceived unpleasantness of electrical stimuli. Here, we used high‐density electroencephalography to investigate whether anticipatory oscillatory activity predicts the unpleasantness of electrical stimuli and PDR while viewing a needle approaching a hand that is perceived as one's own. We presented video clips of needle pricks and Q‐tip touches, and delivered spatiotemporally aligned painful and nonpainful intracutaneous electrical stimuli. The perceived unpleasantness of electrical stimuli and the PDR were enhanced when participants viewed needle pricks compared with Q‐tip touches. Source reconstruction using linear beamforming revealed reduced alpha‐band activity in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and fusiform gyrus before the onset of electrical stimuli when participants viewed needle pricks compared with Q‐tip touches. Moreover, alpha‐band activity in the PCC predicted PDR on a single trial level. The anticipatory reduction of alpha‐band activity in the PCC may reflect a neural mechanism that serves to protect the body from forthcoming harm by facilitating the preparation of adequate defense responses.
Anatomical differences in the human inferior colliculus relate to the perceived valence of musical consonance and dissonance
Authors: Fritz Thomas Hans , Renders Wiske , Müller Karsten , Schmude Paul , Leman Marc , Turner Robert , Villringer Arno
Published: July 2013

Helmholtz himself speculated about a role of the cochlea in the perception of musical dissonance. Here we indirectly investigated this issue, assessing the valence judgment of musical stimuli with variable consonance/dissonance and presented diotically (exactly the same dissonant signal was presented to both ears) or dichotically (a consonant signal was presented to each ear – both consonant signals were rhythmically identical but differed by a semitone in pitch). Differences in brain organisation underlying inter‐subject differences in the percept of dichotically presented dissonance were determined with voxel‐based morphometry. Behavioral results showed that diotic dissonant stimuli were perceived as more unpleasant than dichotically presented dissonance, indicating that interactions within the cochlea modulated the valence percept during dissonance. However, the behavioral data also suggested that the dissonance percept did not depend crucially on the cochlea, but also occurred as a result of binaural integration when listening to dichotic dissonance. These results also showed substantial between‐participant variations in the valence response to dichotic dissonance. These differences were in a voxel‐based morphometry analysis related to differences in gray matter density in the inferior colliculus, which strongly substantiated a key role of the inferior colliculus in consonance/dissonance representation in humans.