bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin protects against maternal obesity‐associated oxidative stress and meiotic defects in oocytes via the SIRT3‐SOD2‐dependent pathway
Authors: Han Longsen , Wang Haichao , Li Ling , Li Xiaoyan , Ge Juan , Reiter Russel J. , Wang Qiang
Published: June 2017

Maternal obesity in humans is associated with poor outcomes across the reproductive spectrum. Emerging evidence indicates that these defects are likely attributed to factors within the oocyte. Although various molecules and pathways may contribute to impaired oocyte quality, prevention of fertility issues associated with maternal obesity is a challenge. Using mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) as an obesity model, we document spindle disorganization, chromosome misalignment, and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in oocytes from obese mice. Oral administration of melatonin to HFD mice not only reduces ROS generation, but also prevents spindle/chromosome anomalies in oocytes, consequently promoting the developmental potential of early embryos. Consistent with this finding, we find that melatonin supplement during in vitro maturation also markedly attenuates oxidative stress and meiotic defects in HFD oocytes. Finally, by performing morpholino knockdown and acetylation‐mimetic mutant overexpression assays, we reveal that melatonin ameliorates maternal obesity‐induced defective phenotypes in oocytes through the SIRT3‐SOD2‐dependent mechanism. In sum, our data uncover the marked beneficial effects of melatonin on oocyte quality from obese females; this opens a new area for optimizing culture system as well as fertility management.
Hepatitis C virus infection and risk of multiple myeloma: Evidence from a meta‐analysis based on 17 case‐control studies
Authors: Li Y. , Li Y. , Zhang L. , Li W.
Published: June 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver damage and is associated with other diseases. Some studies reported that patients with HCV have a significantly increased risk of multiple myeloma while others do not report an association. We aimed to clarify the association between HCV and multiple myeloma and analyse the factors that affect the controversial conclusions through a meta‐analysis. We conducted a systematic literature search of HCV and myeloma in the databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from inception to September 2016. Outcomes were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). A positive correlation between HCV infection and risk of developing multiple myeloma was revealed (OR=2.67, 95% CI=1.35‐5.26, P=.005) based on meta‐analysis of 17 case‐control observational studies. When the data were stratified by source of control, significant associations were observed in hospital‐based studies, but not population‐based studies. Further subgroup analyses showed increased risk of multiple myeloma in HCV patients when studies were conducted in high HCV prevalent countries, but not in low or moderate HCV prevalent countries. In addition, similar positive association was detected in studies performed in the East Asia and in intermediate‐quality studies. In summary, the association of HCV infection with increased risk of multiple myeloma depended on several factors, including study design, quality and environmental HCV prevalence. Further large‐scale, well‐designed studies are needed to validate the role of HCV in the aetiology of multiple myeloma.
Negative regulation of filamentous growth in Candida albicans by Dig1p
Authors: Regan Hannah , Scaduto Christine M. , Hirakawa Matthew P. , Gunsalus Kearney , Correia‐Mesquita Tuana Oliveira , Sun Yuan , Chen Yaolin , Kumamoto Carol A. , Bennett Richard J. , Whiteway Malcolm
Published: June 2017

Transcriptional regulation involves both positive and negative regulatory elements. The Dig1 negative regulators are part of a fungal‐specific module that includes a transcription factor (a Ste12 family member) and a Dig1 family member. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the post‐genome‐duplication Dig1/Dig2 proteins regulate MAP kinase controlled signalling pathways involved in mating and filamentous growth. We have identified the single Dig1 orthologue in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Genetic studies and transcriptional profiling experiments show that this single protein is implicated in the regulation of MAP kinase‐controlled processes involved in mating, filamentous growth and biofilm formation, and also influences cAMP‐regulated processes. This suggests that the multiple cellular roles of the Dig1 protein are ancestral and predate the sub‐functionalization apparent in S. cerevisiae after the genome duplication. Intriguingly, even though loss of Dig1 function in C. albicans enhances filamentous growth and biofilm formation, colonization of the murine gastrointestinal tract is reduced in the mutant. The complexity of the processes influenced by Dig1 in C. albicans, and the observation that Dig1 is one of the few regulatory proteins that were retained in the duplicated state after the whole genome duplication event in yeast, emphasizes the important role of these negative regulators in fungal transcriptional control.
Genetic diversity and antifungal susceptibility of Fusarium isolates in onychomycosis
Authors: Rosa Priscila D. , Heidrich Daiane , Corrêa Carolina , Scroferneker Maria Lúcia , Vettorato Gerson , Fuentefria Alexandre M. , Goldani Luciano Z.
Published: June 2017

Fusarium species have emerged as an important human pathogen in skin disease, onychomycosis, keratitis and invasive disease. Onychomycosis caused by Fusarium spp. The infection has been increasingly described in the immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts. Considering onychomycosis is a difficult to treat infection, and little is known about the genetic variability and susceptibility pattern of Fusarium spp., further studies are necessary to understand the pathogenesis and better to define the appropriate antifungal treatment for this infection. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to describe the in vitro susceptibility to different antifungal agents and the genetic diversity of 35 Fusarium isolated from patients with onychomycosis. Fusarium spp. were isolated predominantly from female Caucasians, and the most frequent anatomical location was the nail of the hallux. Results revealed that 25 (71.4%) of isolates belonged to the Fusarium solani species complex, followed by 10 (28.5%) isolates from the Fusarium oxysporum species complex. Noteworthy, the authors report the first case of Neocosmospora rubicola isolated from a patient with onychomycosis. Amphotericin B was the most effective antifungal agent against the majority of isolates (60%, MIC ≤4 μg/mL), followed by voriconazole (34.2%, MIC ≤4 μg/mL). In general, Fusarium species presented MIC values >64 μg/mL for fluconazole, itraconazole and terbinafine. Accurate pathogen identification, characterisation and susceptibility testing provide a better understanding of pathogenesis of Fusarium in onychomycosis.
The great trade collapse and Indian firms
Authors: Chakraborty Pavel
Published: June 2017

The collapse in global trade during the 2008–09 crisis has been widely studied using the developed nation(s) data. I use firm‐level data from Indian manufacturers to show that: (a) Indian firms experience strong negative demand shocks concerning their exports to the USA and the EU, the effect being significantly higher in case of the USA. Results assert that 1% increase in the exposure towards the crisis‐affected zones (the USA and the EU combined) reduces an average Indian manufacturing firm's export earnings by 1.17%–1.36%; (b) trade in consumer non‐durables and durables are the two most affected sectors, impact being higher for the latter; (c) evidence in support of similar effects throughout the size distribution of firms, with the effect being highest for small or the most vulnerable firms; (d) drop in demand, as a result of the 2008–09 crisis, only affects the high‐exposure industries. My results are robust to IV analysis and a variety of checks.
Automorphic products of singular weight
Authors: Scheithauer Nils R.
Published: June 2017

We prove some new structure results for automorphic products of singular weight. First, we give a simple characterisation of the Borcherds function$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F7}_{12}$. Second, we show that holomorphic automorphic products of singular weight on lattices of prime level exist only in small signatures and we derive an explicit bound. Finally, we give a complete classification of reflective automorphic products of singular weight on lattices of prime level.
The role of skeletal muscle contractile duration throughout the whole day: reducing sedentary time and promoting universal physical activity in all people
Authors: Hamilton Marc T.
Published: June 2017

A shared goal of many researchers has been to discover how to improve health and prevent disease, through safely replacing a large amount of daily sedentary time with physical activity in everyone, regardless of age and current health status. This involves contrasting how different muscle contractile activity patterns regulate the underlying molecular and physiological responses impacting health‐related processes. It also requires an equal attention to behavioural feasibility studies in extremely unfit and sedentary people. A sound scientific principle is that the body is constantly sensing and responding to changes in skeletal muscle metabolism induced by contractile activity. Because of that, the rapid time course of health‐related responses to physical inactivity/activity patterns are caused in large part directly because of the variable amounts of muscle inactivity/activity throughout the day. However, traditional modes and doses of exercise fall far short of replacing most of the sedentary time in the modern lifestyle, because both the weekly frequency and the weekly duration of exercise time are an order of magnitude less than those for people sitting inactive. This can explain why high amounts of sedentary time produce distinct metabolic and cardiovascular responses through inactivity physiology that are not sufficiently prevented by low doses of exercise. For these reasons, we hypothesize that maintaining a high metabolic rate over the majority of the day, through safe and sustainable types of muscular activity, will be the optimal way to create a healthy active lifestyle over the whole lifespan.

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A low-voltage, low-power voltage reference based on subthreshold MOSFETs
Authors: Dong Liangwei , Hu Yueli
Published: June 2017

A novel low-voltage low-power CMOS voltage reference independent of temperature is presented in this design. After considering the combined effect of (1) a perfect suppression of the temperature dependence of mobility; (2) the compensation of the channel length modulation effect on the temperature coefficient, a temperature coefficient of 10 ppm/[Formula: see text]C is achieved. Moreover, by adopting the subthreshold MOSFETs, there are no resistors used in the proposed structure. Therefore, the maximum supply current measured at the maximum supply voltage is 70 nA and at 80[Formula: see text]C. The circuit can be used as a voltage reference for high performance and low power dissipation on a single chip.
Inference and auction design in online advertising
Authors: Nekipelov Denis , Wang Tammy
Published: June 2017

Econometrics is a key component to gauging user satisfaction and advertisers' profits.
Co-Locating Style-Defining Elements on 3D Shapes
Authors: Hu Ruizhen , Li Wenchao , Kaick Oliver Van , Huang Hui , Averkiou Melinos , Cohen-Or Daniel , Zhang Hao
Published: June 2017

We introduce a method for
co-locating style-defining
elements over a set of 3D shapes. Our goal is to translate high-level style descriptions, such as “Ming” or “European” for furniture models, into
explicit
and
localized
regions over the geometric models that characterize each style. For each style, the set of style-defining elements is defined as the union of all the elements that are able to discriminate the style. Another property of the style-defining elements is that they are frequently occurring, reflecting shape characteristics that appear across multiple shapes of the same style. Given an input set of 3D shapes spanning multiple categories and styles, where the shapes are grouped according to their style labels, we perform a cross-category co-analysis of the shape set to learn and spatially locate a set of defining elements for each style. This is accomplished by first sampling a large number of candidate geometric elements and then iteratively applying feature selection to the candidates, to extract style-discriminating elements until no additional elements can be found. Thus, for each style label, we obtain sets of discriminative elements that together form the superset of defining elements for the style. We demonstrate that the co-location of style-defining elements allows us to solve problems such as style classification, and enables a variety of applications such as style-revealing view selection, style-aware sampling, and style-driven modeling for 3D shapes.
Reimagining the avatar dream
Authors: Harrell D. Fox , Lim Chong-U
Published: June 2017

Explore the limits of using the computer to imagine yourself as whomever or whatever you want to be.
Evolutionary Mechanism of Frangibility in Social Consensus System Based on Negative Emotions Spread
Authors: Zhang Yao-feng , Duan Hong-ye , Geng Zhi-lin
Published: June 2017

To study the social consensus system under the spread of negative emotions, the nonlinear emergence model of frangibility of social consensus system is established based on Multiagent method, and effects of emotions spread frequency, opinion leaders, and shielding behavior of government on the frangibility of social consensus system are revealed. The simulation results show that the low-frequency negative emotions spread is better than the high-frequency one for reducing the frangibility of social consensus system. Low-frequency negative emotions spread will lead to the group polarization, while high frequency will lead to the collapse of system. The joining of opinion leaders who are with negative emotions can promote the frangibility of social consensus system, and collapse speed of social consensus system tends to increase with the influence of opinion leaders. Shielding behavior of government cannot effectively block the spread of negative emotions. On the contrary, it will enhance the frangibility of social consensus system.
Effect of Cocoa Polyphenolic Extract on Macrophage Polarization from Proinflammatory M1 to Anti‐Inflammatory M2 State
Authors: Dugo Laura , Belluomo Maria Giovanna , Fanali Chiara , Russo Marina , Cacciola Francesco , Maccarrone Mauro , Sardanelli Anna Maria
Published: June 2017

Polyphenols‐rich cocoa has many beneficial effects on human health, such as anti‐inflammatory effects. Macrophages function as control switches of the immune system, maintaining the balance between pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory activities. We investigated the hypothesis that cocoa polyphenol extract may affect macrophage proinflammatory phenotype M1 by favoring an alternative M2 anti‐inflammatory state on macrophages deriving from THP‐1 cells. Chemical composition, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity of cocoa polyphenols extracted from roasted cocoa beans were determined. THP‐1 cells were activated with both lipopolysaccharides and interferon‐γ for M1 or with IL‐4 for M2 switch, and specific cytokines were quantified. Cellular metabolism, through mitochondrial oxygen consumption, and ATP levels were evaluated. Here, we will show that cocoa polyphenolic extract attenuated in vitro inflammation decreasing M1 macrophage response as demonstrated by a significantly lowered secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, treatment of M1 macrophages with cocoa polyphenols influences macrophage metabolism by promoting oxidative pathways, thus leading to a significant increase in O2 consumption by mitochondrial complexes as well as a higher production of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. In conclusion, cocoa polyphenolic extract suppresses inflammation mediated by M1 phenotype and influences macrophage metabolism by promoting oxidative pathways and M2 polarization of active macrophages.
Diffusion MRI Phenotypes Predict Overall Survival Benefit from Anti-VEGF Monotherapy in Recurrent Glioblastoma: Converging Evidence from Phase II Trials
Authors: Ellingson Benjamin M. , Gerstner Elizabeth R. , Smits Marion , Huang Raymond Y. , Colen Rivka , Abrey Lauren E. , Aftab Dana T. , Schwab Gisela M. , Hessel Colin , Harris Robert J. , Chakhoyan Ararat , Gahrmann Renske , Pope Whitney B. , Leu Kevin , Raymond Catalina , Woodworth Davis C. , de Groot John , Wen Patrick Y. , Batchelor Tracy T. , van den Bent Martin J. , Cloughesy Timothy F.
Published: June 2017

Purpose: Anti-VEGF therapies remain controversial in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). In the current study, we demonstrate that recurrent GBM patients with a specific diffusion MR imaging signature have an overall survival (OS) advantage when treated with cediranib, bevacizumab, cabozantinib, or aflibercept monotherapy at first or second recurrence. These findings were validated using a separate trial comparing bevacizumab with lomustine.

Experimental Design: Patients with recurrent GBM and diffusion MRI from the monotherapy arms of 5 separate phase II clinical trials were included: (i) cediranib (NCT00035656); (ii) bevacizumab (BRAIN Trial, AVF3708g; NCT00345163); (iii) cabozantinib (XL184-201; NCT00704288); (iv) aflibercept (VEGF Trap; NCT00369590); and (v) bevacizumab or lomustine (BELOB; NTR1929). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis was performed prior to therapy to estimate “ADCL,” the mean of the lower ADC distribution. Pretreatment ADCL, enhancing volume, and clinical variables were tested as independent prognostic factors for OS.

Results: The coefficient of variance (COV) in double baseline ADCL measurements was 2.5% and did not significantly differ (P = 0.4537). An ADCL threshold of 1.24 μm2/ms produced the largest OS differences between patients (HR ∼ 0.5), and patients with an ADCL > 1.24 μm2/ms had close to double the OS in all anti-VEGF therapeutic scenarios tested. Training and validation data confirmed that baseline ADCL was an independent predictive biomarker for OS in anti-VEGF therapies, but not in lomustine, after accounting for age and baseline enhancing tumor volume.

Conclusions: Pretreatment diffusion MRI is a predictive imaging biomarker for OS in patients with recurrent GBM treated with anti-VEGF monotherapy at first or second relapse. Clin Cancer Res; 23(19); 5745–56. ©2017 AACR.
BRAF-inhibitor Associated MEK Mutations Increase RAF-Dependent and -Independent Enzymatic Activity
Authors: Emery Caroline M. , Monaco Kelli-Ann , Wang Ping , Balak Marissa , Freeman Alyson , Meltzer Jodi , Delach Scott M. , Rakiec Daniel , Ruddy David A. , Korn Joshua M. , Haling Jacob , Acker Michael G. , Caponigro Giordano
Published: June 2017

Alterations in MEK1/2 occur in cancers, both in the treatment-naïve state and following targeted therapies, most notably BRAF and MEK inhibitors in BRAF-V600E–mutant melanoma and colorectal cancer. Efforts were undertaken to understand the effects of these mutations, based upon protein structural location, and MEK1/2 activity. Two categories of MEK1/2 alterations were evaluated, those associated with either the allosteric pocket or helix-A. Clinically, MEK1/2 alterations of the allosteric pocket are rare and we demonstrate that they confer resistance to MEK inhibitors, while retaining sensitivity to BRAF inhibition. Most mutations described in patients fall within, or are associated with, helix-A. Mutations in this region reduce sensitivity to both BRAF and MEK inhibition and display elevated phospho-ERK1/2 levels, independent from increases in phospho-MEK1/2. Biochemical experiments with a representative helix-A variant, MEK1-Q56P, reveal both increased catalytic efficiency of the activated enzyme, and phosphorylation-independent activity relative to wild-type MEK1. Consistent with these findings, MEK1/2 alterations in helix A retain sensitivity to downstream antagonism via pharmacologic inhibition of ERK1/2. This work highlights the importance of classifying mutations based on structural and phenotypic consequences, both in terms of pathway signaling output and response to pharmacologic inhibition.

Implications: This study suggests that alternate modes of target inhibition, such as ERK inhibition, will be required to effectively treat tumors harboring these MEK1/2-resistant alleles. Mol Cancer Res; 15(10); 1431–44. ©2017 AACR.
Comparative longevity and age at sexual maturity in twelve rainforest frogs of the genera Boophis, Gephyromantis, and Mantidactylus (Anura: Mantellidae) from Madagascar
Authors: Tessa Giulia , Crottini Angelica , Giacoma Cristina , Guarino Fabio M. , Randrianirina Jasmin E.
Published: June 2017

Data on the age at sexual maturity and longevity of some mantellid species of the genera Boophis, Gephyromantis, and Mantidactylus that inhabit the low altitude rainforest of Masoala (northeastern Madagascar) are presented. Counts of lines of arrested growth (LAGs) were used to calculate longevity in these species; these data contribute to assessment of the threat level of the studied anurans. Boophis includes species of mediumto large-sized frogs (SVL = 30–65 mm) that attain sexual maturity in 1–3 years and live 3–9 years (i.e., mid-longevity). Mantidactylus and Gephyromatis include small- to largesized species (SVL = 22–107 mm and 35–49 mm, respectively) that attain sexually maturity in 1–3 years and live 1–8 and 3–7 years, respectively
Diet of Boana albopunctata (Anura: Hylidae) in an Atlantic Forest fragment of southeastern Brazil
Authors: Pacheco Eduardo Oliveira , Ferreira Vanessa Gonçalves , Carvalho Rose Marie Hoffmann de
Published: June 2017

Anurans are important in trophic food chains because they feed on invertebrates, many of which are harmful to humans. We investigated the diet of 100 specimens of Boana albopunctata from an Atlantic Forest fragment in Ponte Nova municipality, Minas Gerais state. We obtained 107 prey items. The most common prey were Lepidoptera, Araneae and Coleoptera. This species tended to select larger prey in smaller quantities as found in previous reports, but differed in the taxons selected because of spatial and temporal variation in microhabitats and the availability of invertebrates in savannas
Geographic Variation in the Use of Oral Anticoagulation Therapy in Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hernandez Inmaculada , Saba Samir , Zhang Yuting
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose—

Underuse of oral anticoagulation in stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation is common; however, it remains unknown how it varies geographically. The objective of this study was to evaluate geographic variation in oral anticoagulation use and in the initiation of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

Methods—

Using 2013 to 2014 claims data from a 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries, we identified patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who initiated NOACs (n=8659), warfarin (n=11 771) or no oral anticoagulation therapy (n=18 226) in 2013 to 2014. Each patient was assigned to 1 of the 306 Dartmouth hospital-referral regions based on his/her zip code. We constructed logistic regressions to calculate the mean adjusted probability of initiating oral anticoagulation and the mean adjusted probability of initiating an NOAC among patients on oral anticoagulation in each hospital-referral region, after adjustment for demographic, clinical, and provider characteristics and type of insurance. Finally, we computed the correlation between 2 probabilities.

Results—

Higher in the Midwest (0.54) and Northeast (0.54) and lowest in the South (0.47), the mean adjusted probability of initiating oral anticoagulation was 0.51, ranging from 0.32 to 0.72. The mean adjusted probability of being prescribed an NOAC among those on oral anticoagulation was 0.42 and was highest in the South (0.50) and lowest in the Midwest (0.36) and Northeast (0.39). In areas with the lower use of oral anticoagulation, patients on any oral anticoagulation therapy had a higher likelihood of being prescribed an NOAC (correlation coefficient, −0.16;
P
=0.006).

Conclusions—

Large geographic variation exists in oral anticoagulation use in atrial fibrillation. The use of oral anticoagulation is lower in the South, where the rates of stroke are unusually high. In the future, it will be important to analyze whether the high rates of stroke in the South can be partially attributed to the underuse of oral anticoagulation in this region.
Structural, temporal and genetic properties of social groups in the short-lived migratory bat Nyctalus leisleri
Authors: Naďo Ladislav , Chromá Renáta , Kaňuch Peter
Published: June 2017

Social groups of bats that operate under fission–fusion dynamics tend to establish and maintain non-random associations. We examined the social and genetic structure of the Leisler’s bat (Nyctalus leisleri), a species that is typical of tree-dwelling and long-distance migratory species in Europe. We used long-term co-occurrence data (capture-recapture sampling of roosting individuals) in combination with individual genetic relatedness (inferred from a set of microsatellite markers) to assess relationships between structural, temporal and genetic properties of roosting groups. Our results showed that social structure in groups of roosting Leisler’s bat was not random. Social clusters revealed by network analysis were almost identical to demographic cohorts, which indicates that Leisler’s bats are able to maintain social bonds only over a single season. After the period of active maternal care, roosting groups became smaller with a significantly higher level of genetic relatedness among adult females in contrast to the pregnancy and lactation stages. This provides some evidence that temporal social associations may be positively correlated with genetic relatedness. Low recapture rates of bats across seasons in light of natal philopatry indicates a shorter life span of individuals likely due to high mortality during long distance migratory movements. This probably has the most significant effect on the social system of this species.
Improved Consistency of Climate Projections over Europe after Accounting for Atmospheric Circulation Variability
Authors: Saffioti Claudio , Fischer Erich M. , Knutti Reto
Published: June 2017

The influence of atmospheric circulation on winter temperature and precipitation trends over Europe in the period 2006–50 is investigated in a 21-member initial condition ensemble from a fully coupled global climate model and in a multimodel framework consisting of 40 different models. Five versions of a dynamical adjustment method based on empirical orthogonal function analysis of sea level pressure are introduced, and their performance in removing the effect of atmospheric circulation on temperature and precipitation is tested. The differences in atmospheric circulation as simulated by different models in their control runs and under the historical and representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) forcing scenarios are investigated. Dynamical adjustment is applied to the multimodel ensemble to demonstrate that a substantial fraction of the uncertainty in projected European temperature and precipitation trends is explained by atmospheric circulation variability. A statistically significant response of sea level pressure to anthropogenic forcing is identified in the multimodel ensemble under the RCP8.5 scenario. This forced response in atmospheric circulation is associated with a dynamical contribution to the long-term multimodel mean temperature and precipitation trends. The results highlight the importance of accounting for the impact of atmospheric circulation variability on trends in regional climate projections.
Reflection moveout approximations for P-waves in a moderately anisotropic homogeneous tilted transverse isotropy layer
Authors: Pšenčík Ivan , Farra Véronique
Published: June 2017

We have developed approximate nonhyperbolic P-wave moveout formulas applicable to weakly or moderately anisotropic media of arbitrary anisotropy symmetry and orientation. Instead of the commonly used Taylor expansion of the square of the reflection traveltime in terms of the square of the offset, we expand the square of the reflection traveltime in terms of weak-anisotropy (WA) parameters. No acoustic approximation is used. We specify the formulas designed for anisotropy of arbitrary symmetry for the transversely isotropic (TI) media with the axis of symmetry oriented arbitrarily in the 3D space. Resulting formulas depend on three P-wave WA parameters specifying the TI symmetry and two angles specifying the orientation of the axis of symmetry. Tests of the accuracy of the more accurate of the approximate formulas indicate that maximum relative errors do not exceed 0.3% or 2.5% for weak or moderate P-wave anisotropy, respectively.
Tutorial on rotational seismology and its applications in exploration geophysics
Authors: Li Zhenhua , van der Baan Mirko
Published: June 2017

Traditionally, seismological interpretations are based on the measurement of only translational motions, such as particle displacement, velocity, and/or acceleration, possibly combined with pressure changes; yet theory indicates that rotational motions should also be observed for a complete description of all ground motions. The recent and ongoing development of rotational sensors renders a full analysis of the translational and rotational ground motion possible. We have developed the basic mathematical theory related to rotational motion. And we also evaluated several instruments used to directly measure the rotational ground motion, which may be applicable for exploration geophysics. Finally, we made several applications of rotational motion in exploration geophysics, namely, (1) P- and S-wavefield separation, (2) wavefield reconstruction, (3) ground-roll removal, (4) microseismic event localization and reflection seismic migration by wavefield extrapolation, and (5) moment tensor inversion. The cited research shows that in particular, the information on the spatial gradient of the wavefield obtained by rotational sensors is beneficial for many purposes. This tutorial is meant to (1) enhance familiarity with the concept of rotational seismology, (2) lead to additional applications, and (3) fast track the continued development of rotational sensors for global and exploration geophysical use.
Communal Style: Indo-Caribbean Women's Jewelry
Authors: Mahabir Joy
Published: June 2017

Styles of Indo-Caribbean jewelry created during indentureship have been continually reproduced up to the present. Exploring the demand and desire for these styles, this essay suggests that there is a communal aesthetic underlying the production of the jewelry, influenced by the perception of the jewelry as a commentary on sociohistorical realities and gendered labor practices. Artists working in the diaspora, including British-Guyanese jeweler Vannetta Seecharran, have created experimental pieces that still retain the minimalist and communal aesthetics traditionally associated with Indo-Caribbean jewelry.
Formation of Doubly Nitrosyl-Bridged Diruthenium Complex Bearing Tridentate Ethylbis(2-pyridylethyl)amine via Conversion of Nitrate
Authors: Suzuki Tomoyo , Hemmi Shohei , Kazama Yuka , Oyama Dai , Nagao Hirotaka
Published: June 2017

A doubly nitrosyl-bridged dinuclear ruthenium complex, {Ru2(µ-NO)2}, bearing tridentate ethylbis(2-pyridylethyl)amine (ebpea) and acetonitrile as supporting and co-existing ligands, respectively, [{Ru(µ-NO)(ebpea)(NCMe)}2]2+ ([1]2+) has been synthesized by a reaction of tris(acetonitrile)ruthenium(II) complex with sodium nitrate in ethanol. The ebpea ligand coordinated with two pyridyl- and one amine-nitrogen atoms in a meridional mode. The dinuclear ruthenium complex containing two nitrosyl ligands bridging between two ruthenium centers as a bending mode, showed two stepwise one-electron oxidation waves at 0.03 and 0.57 V vs. Ag|0.01 M AgNO3 in MeCN and a strong characteristic NO stretching vibrational mode ν(NO) at 1336 cm−1, indicating the electronic structure of the {RuNO}-moieties was an octahedral {RuNO}8-type. The dinuclear ruthenium complex reacted with acid to give mononuclear ruthenium complexes with evolution of dinitrogen oxide.
Editorial Information 2016
Authors: Editorial Office JOSCM
Published: June 2017

Editorial Information 2016
Locating operations in high labor cost countries – Evidence from Spain
Authors: Diaz Angel , Mendoça-Tachizawa Elcio
Published: June 2017

The location of operations in high labor cost countries is increasingly discussed in the media, in part for recent declarations and actions from the president of USA, Donald Trump. While this particular instance can be labeled as populist or protectionist, the factors underlying the debate are extremely important: advances in systematic increases in productivity, low population growth, and the transfer of jobs to countries with lower labor costs are creating unemployment and underemployment in developed countries that could eventually result in protectionism and restrictions to free trade. This phenomenon has enormous social and economic implications, and has attracted considerable interest from researchers. In particular, this study provides empirical evidence of the location of manufacturing and services in the context of a European country (Spain), exploring the drivers, social implications and organizational theories that can explain it.
Sustainable operations management and benchmarking in brewing: A factor weighting approach
Authors: Bumblauskas Daniel P.
Published: June 2017

The brewing industry has been moving towards more efficient use of energy, water reuse and stewardship, and the tracking of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to better manage environmental and social responsibility. Commercial breweries use a great deal of water and energy to convert one gallon (liter) of water into one gallon (liter) of beer. An analysis was conducted on sustainable operations and supply chain management at various United States and international breweries, specifically Europe, to benchmark brewery performance and establish common metrics for sustainability in the beer supply chain. The primary research questions explored in this article are whether water reclamation and GHG emissions can be properly monitored and measured and if processes can be created to help control waste (lean) and emissions. Additional questions include how we can use operations management strategies and techniques such as the Factor-Weighted Method (FWM) in industries such as brewing to develop sustainability scorecards.
PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SINGLE-WINDOW SYSTEM IN THE SPHERE OF FOREIGN TRADE IN THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC
Authors: Абдынасыров Уран , Abdynasyrov Uran
Published: June 2017

The article considers issues of the prospective development

of the «single window system» in the foreign arena of the Kyrgyz

Republic. The main directions and methods to improve the

system and tentative implementation results are considered. The

successful implementation of this system will expand the scope of

foreign trade of the Kyrgyz Republic, which is the current task of

an adaptation in the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as interaction

with the «Silk Road Economic Belt» project.
INNOVATIONS AND TECHNOLOGIES OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Authors: Петухов  , Petuhov Nikolay
Published: June 2017

The article considers the features of the innovation process

and the prospects for the international exchange of scientific

and technical knowledge and technologies. The various methods of

international technology transfer, and their role in the Russian

economy are analyzed.
MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS OF INVESTMENTCONSTRUCTION COMPLEX DEVELOPMENT IN VOLGOGRAD REGION
Authors: Чернецкова Анна , Cherneckova Anna , Борисова Наталья , Borisova Natal'ya , Борисов Алексей , Borisov Alexey
Published: June 2017

This article discusses the development of the management

problems of investment-building complex in the Volgograd

region. The state of investment-building complex in the region is

analyzed, a comparison with the general trend of development of

investment and construction of the complex in Russia is provided.

To solve the problem area of advanced development in the territory

of the Volgograd region is proposed, and options for building clusters

in the Volgograd agglomeration area are discussed.
The Task And the Construction of the Quadric
Authors: Гирш  , Girsh A.
Published: June 2017

Non-degenerate surface of second order (PVP, quadric) is defined, if set to nine points, no three of which are collinear and no six of which lie in the same plane. The points in pairs can be imaginary. Analytic surface is defined, if recorded its the equation of three variables with numerical coefficients of F(x, y, z) = 0. Graphically, the surface is defined, if defined by its basic parameters — the lengths of its three mutually perpendicular main axes: large, medium and small. Depending on the position of the nine data points, one or two of the three axes can be imaginary. Analytical surface definition through writing her equations on the coordinates of the nine points is possible without any difficulties. But here we are interested in graphic design. This paper examines the question of determining the parameters of PVP — determination of the position of the surface in space and definition of its main axes upon prescribed points or other surface elements. Quadric has three main axes — it is three parameters. The center of the quadric may be shifted from the origin along each of three axes — it is three parameters. Quadric can be inclined to coordinate axes in each of the three coordinate planes. Total, quadric is determined by nine parameters. Nine points determine a quadric in form and position in space. Nine points is three trio points that define the three planes, inclusive these points. The article reviews the task of a quadric with nine points, of a conical and four points, three profile of a quadric. Solution of the definition of quadric in the case where five of the nine points lie in the same plane is proposed.
Génesis y resolución de conflictos relacionados con la instalación de mezquitas y oratorios: el caso del oratorio de Singuerlín (Santa Coloma de Gramenet)
Authors: Mora Castro Albert
Published: June 2017

Durante los últimos años, se han sucedido, en diferentes territorios del Estado español, los conflictos relacionados con la instalación de mezquitas y oratorios destinados a la práctica del culto musulmán. Este artículo analiza uno de los conflictos más intensos, el desatado en 2004 ante el intento de apertura del oratorio del barrio de Singuerlín en Santa Coloma de Gramenet. Se estudia su raíz, su evolución y el papel que jugó la mediación intercultural en su gestión. A partir de las entrevistas en profundidad efectuadas con los actores implicados, varios años después, se analizan los elementos estructurales del conflicto y se plantea una reflexión acerca de la forma en la que se ha ido construyendo la integración de las personas inmigrantes en España y el papel que las administraciones públicas deben jugar en la prevención y gestión de los conflictos derivados de la diversidad cultural y religiosa.
Hogares conyugales y redes sociales: la agencia de las senegalesas migrantes
Authors: Ródenas Cerezo Beatriz
Published: June 2017

Comprender los diferentes tipos de agencia que ejercen las migrantes senegalesas implica tomar en consideración el contexto social, económico y familiar que las envuelve. A partir del caso de los hogares transnacionales ubicados entre Senegal y Valencia, el presente estudio clasifica los diferentes patrones organizativos hallados en los hogares conyugales senegaleses, en virtud del grado de colaboración económica que se dé en el matrimonio. A continuación se relacionan estos patrones con las diferentes presencias que las mujeres senegalesas mantienen en redes externas a la familia conyugal, en un intento de comprender por qué diferentes mujeres ejercen diferentes líneas de acción fuera del matrimonio. De esta manera, se rescata el trabajo pionero de Bott (1957[1990]) sobre la relación entre los roles conyugales y las redes sociales, a la vez que se profundiza en nuestra comprensión de la agencia de las mujeres migrantes.
Performance of Loaded Thermal Storage Unit with a Commercial Phase Change Materials based on Energy and Exergy Analysis
Authors: Olimat Abdullah Nasrallh , Awad Ahmad S , Abo shaban Nabil
Published: June 2017

This work presents an energy/exergy analysis to investige performance of thermal storage unit which loaded with a commercial phase change material (Plus ICE H190). The influence of fluid parameters on the energy/exergy effectiveness was examined. The temporal changes of the energy and exergy rate and performace of the storage unit are obtained  in the results. Latent heat principle is considered an efficient method to gain a higher effectiveness of system from an energy and exergy aspects. The fluid mass flow rate during charging and discharging periods were 2.50 kg/min and 1.26 kg/min, respectively. The results showed a significant increase of thermal resistance on the thermal storage unit performance. Fluid and phase change material show significant temperature difference on the rate of energy/exergy quantites and the time of melting or soldification. Ther results indicated that the average rate of energy and exergy were 1.3 kW and 0.54 kW, respectively. Wheras, energy and exergy  average rate during discarging periods were 1.1 kW and 0.31 kW, respectively. Also, the global rate during the experimetal periods were about 84% and 54%, respectively.
Genome-Wide Associations for Water-Soluble Carbohydrate Concentration and Relative Maturity in Wheat Using SNP and DArT Marker Arrays
Authors: Ovenden Ben , Milgate Andrew , Wade Len J , Rebetzke Greg J , Holland James B
Published: June 2017

Improving water-use efficiency by incorporating drought avoidance traits into new wheat varieties is an important objective for wheat breeding in water-limited environments. This study uses genome wide association studies (GWAS) to identify candidate loci for water-soluble carbohydrate accumulation—an important drought-avoidance characteristic in wheat. Phenotypes from a multi-environment trial with experiments differing in water availability and separate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and diversity arrays technology (DArT) marker sets were used to perform the analyses. Significant associations for water-soluble carbohydrate accumulation were identified on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 1D, 2D, and 4A. Notably, these loci did not collocate with the major loci identified for relative maturity. Loci on chromosome 1D collocated with markers previously associated with the high molecular weight glutenin Glu-D1 locus. Genetic × environmental interactions impacted the results strongly, with significant associations for carbohydrate accumulation identified only in the water-deficit experiments. The markers associated with carbohydrate accumulation may be useful for marker-assisted selection of drought tolerance in wheat.
Determinants of placenta previa: a case-control study
Authors: Shobeiri Fatemeh , Jenabi Ensiyeh , Karami Manoochehr , Karimi Simin
Published: June 2017

Background: The risk factors of placenta previa differ around the world. This study evaluated risk factors of pregnancies complicated with placenta previa during a 5-year period in a referral center in Hamadan, Iran.

Methods: This case control study was conducted in Hamadan city (Hamadan Province of Iran) from April 2013 to March 2017. The cases were women whose deliveries were complicated by placenta previa and the controls were those who delivered without placenta previa. We recruited 130 cases and 130 controls. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis was conducted, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results: The OR of placenta previa was 4.08 (95% CI= 1.44, 11.58) by maternal age, 4.08 (95% CI =1.44, 11.58) by preterm labor, and 6.64 (95% CI =1.09, 40.45) by prior operations of the uterine cavity, compared to normal deliveries and after adjusting for other variables. Multiparity, prior spontaneous abortions, and prior cesarean sections were not statistically significant risk factors for placenta previa, when adjusted for other variables. 

Conclusion: Our study suggests that high maternal age and prior operations of the uterine cavity are risk factors for placenta previa.
Variación en los restos de macrofósiles y dinámica reciente en turberas de Cojines de Distichia Muscoides de la Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, Colombia
Authors: Valderrama Margarita María , Buitrago Daniela , Bedoya María Margarita , Benavides Juan C.
Published: June 2017

Las turberas son ecosistemas de humedal acumuladores de materia orgánica con inundación permanente lo que los hace una reserva y sumidero de carbono. Las turberas ubicadas en los páramos ayudan a mantener el balance hídrico de los ecosistemas alrededor y regulan la distribución del agua usada por comunidades humanas. Actualmente, las turberas son afectadas por el cambio climático, el cual desequilibra el balance entre la producción de material vegetal y la descomposición. Las turberas dominadas por Distichia muscoides son particularmente importantes por su dependencia con la hidrología glaciar. El presente artículo expone una reconstrucción climática de los últimos 200 años, mediante el reconocimiento de la sucesión vegetal registrada en dos núcleos de turberas, ubicados en la Sierra Nevada del Cocuy. La vegetación reconstruida fue comparada con registros históricos de temperatura y precipitación. Nuestros resultados muestran diferencias en las trayectorias de la vegetación, con un aumento en la producción vegetal y dominancia de D. muscoides en las últimas dos décadas, relacionado con incrementos en temperatura. El balance hídrico positivo generado por el aumento global en la temperatura trae como resultado la abundancia de plantas vasculares para la turbera. El efecto del Niño de 1998 se ve reflejado en un cambio importante en las trayectorias de la vegetación de los dos sitios hacia turberas dominadas por musgos diferentes a Sphagnum que limitan la capacidad de la turbera de almacenar materia orgánica. Los efectos del cambio climático se ven multiplicados por fenómenos como la anomalía del Niño que pueden alterar la evolución de un ecosistema rápidamente, incluso de aquellos ecosistemas con alta resiliencia como las turberas.
Efecto de ácidos húmicos sobre el crecimiento y la composición bioquímica de Arthrospira platensis (Cianobacteria)
Authors: Rivera Gonzalez Massiel Vanessa , Gómez Gómez Liliana Cecilia , Cubillos-Hinojosa Júan Guillermo
Published: June 2017

Con el propósito de evaluar el efecto de tres concentraciones de ácidos húmicos (AH) 1, 10, 100 mg/L contra una concentración de ácido indol acético (AIA), sobre la producción de biomasa, pigmentos, proteínas, carbohidratos y lípidos de A. platensis; se realizaron cultivos en discontinuo en medio Zarrouk 25% suplementados con AH y AIA, bajo condiciones de aireación constante y fotoperiodos de 12:12 horas, durante 30 días. Se encontró que la producción máxima de biomasafue mayor en el cultivo suplementado con 10 mg/L de AH, comparado con el control y los cultivos suplementados con AIA. De la misma manera fue observado en este tratamiento la producción más alta de pigmentos, proteínas y carbohidratos. Por tanto, se logró incrementar el crecimiento y la producción de metabolitos de A. platensis, lo cual permite observar el uso potencial de estas sustancias como estimulantes biológicos orgánicos.