bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of bis(3-bromomesityl)(quinolin-1-ium-8-yl)boron(III) tribromide
Authors: Son Jungho , Tamang Sem Raj , Hoefelmeyer James D.
Published: August 2015

The title compound, C27H26.82BBr2.18N+·Br3−, is a cationic triarylborane isolated as its tribromide salt. The aryl substituents include a protonated 8-quinolyl group and two 3-bromomesityl groups. The molecule was prepared on combination of 3:1 Br2and dimesityl(quinolin-8-yl)borane in hexanes. The refinement of the structure indicated a degree of `over-bromination' (beyond two bromine atoms) for the cation. There are two tribromide ions in the asymmetric unit, both completed by crystallographic inversion symmetry.
Crystal structure of ammonium bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]ammonium dichloride
Authors: Trischler Aaron , Oshin Kayode , Pintauer Tomislav
Published: August 2015

In the title molecular salt, C12H14N3+·NH4+·2Cl−, the central, secondary-amine, N atom is protonated. The bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]ammonium and ammonium cations both lie across a twofold rotation axis. The dihedral angles between the planes of the pyridine rings is 68.43 (8)°. In the crystal, N—H...N and N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds link the components of the structure, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (010). In addition, weak C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds exist within the two-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of (2-{[3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl](5-methyl-2H-pyrrol-2-ylidene)methyl}-5-methyl-1H-pyrrolido-κ2N,N′)difluoridoboron
Authors: Morimoto Yukio , Ogawa Keizo , Uto Yoshihiro , Nagasawa Hideko , Hori Hitoshi
Published: August 2015

The title compound, C25H31BF2N2O, is a potential boron tracedrug in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), in which the B atom adopts a distorted BN2F2tetrahedral geometry: it is soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide and methanol. The pyrrolylidenemethylpyrrole triple fused ring system is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.031 Å) and subtends a dihedral angle of 47.09 (5)° with the plane of the pendant phenol ring. The phenol –OH group is blocked from forming hydrogen bonds by the adjacent bulkytert-butyl groups. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of very weak C—H...F interactions generateR22(22) loops.
Crystal structure of di-μ-chlorido-bis(chlorido{N1-phenyl-N4-[(pyridin-2-yl-κN)methylidene]benzene-1,4-diamine-κN4}mercury(II))
Authors: Faizi Md. Serajul Haque , Prisyazhnaya Elena V.
Published: August 2015

The whole molecule of the title complex, [Hg2Cl4(C18H15N3)2], is generated by inversion symmetry. It was synthesized from the pyridine-derived Schiff baseN-phenyl-N′-[(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]benzene-1,4-diamine (PPMBD). The five-coordinated Hg2+ions have a distorted square-pyramidal environment defined by two N atoms,viz.the imine and the other pyridyl [Hg—N = 2.467 (6) and 2.310 (6) Å, respectively] belonging to the bidentate iminopyridine ligand, and three Cl atoms [Hg—Cl = 2.407 (2), 2.447 (2) and 3.031 (2) Å]. The longest Hg—Cl bond is bridging about the inversion centre. In the ligand, the central ring and pyridine ring are oriented at a dihedral angle of 8.1 (4)°, while the planes of the pyridine ring and the terminal phenyl ring are oriented at a dihedral angle of 53.8 (4)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...Cl and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, forming sheets parallel to (001).
Crystal structure of 1-{(E)-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)imino]methyl}naphthalen-2-ol
Authors: Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Anwar-ul-Haq Muhammad , Shad Hazoor Ahmad
Published: August 2015

In the title compound, C17H11Cl2NO, the dihedral angle between the planes of the naphthalene ring system and the benzene ring is 28.88 (11)°. The main twist in the molecule occurs about the N—Cb(b = benzene ring) bond, as indicated by the C=N—Cb—Cbtorsion angle of 31.0 (4)°. An intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond closes anS(6) ring. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of very weak C—H...O interactions generateR22(16) loops.
The genie in the learning organisation? The experience of using multi-level action learning at the Leadership Foundation
Authors: Clifton Louise , Gentle Paul
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the working practices and outcomes of an action research project in a specialist organisation engaged in the field of leadership development. The intention of the project was to enable the company involved to become a stronger learning organisation at a time when it was developing a future strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses a case study approach to describe and analyse a three-stage process involving the use of a focus group, organisational climate survey and voluntary action learning sets. Interviews with participants are analysed thematically in order to assess the impact of the action research project on the organisation’s culture.

Findings

– Participation by the majority of the Leadership Foundation’s staff in action learning and related opportunities for feedback within the organisation helped move its culture towards wider participation in strategy development and a whole organisation approach to working. Other organisations wishing to build collaborative working cultures can learn from the implications of the project, particularly those concerning the need to attend to the intended outcomes of action learning and the role of skilled, critical facilitators in action learning processes.

Originality/value

– The paper is innovative in that it explores practitioner-led action research work in a setting of leadership and organisational development. It will interest leaders and managers who seek to build learning organisations, as well as organisational developers with an interest in enhancing the impact of action learning.
Design and assessment of a 3D printing vending machine
Authors: Meisel Nicholas A. , Williams Christopher B.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study/paper is to present the design and implementation of a novel vending machine concept based on desktop-scale extrusion additive manufacturing (AM). Due to cost, access to AM technologies at academic institutions tends to be limited to upper-level courses to support project-based coursework. However, with the decreasing cost of desktop-scale AM technology, there is potential to improve student access to such technologies and provide more opportunities for AM education.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors present the design and implementation of an AM “vending machine” that is powered by desktop-scale extrusion-based AM systems. This system intends to provide students broad, unrestricted access to entry-level AM tools and promote informal learning opportunities.

Findings

– Student users of the AM vending machine are found to be primarily engineering majors at various levels in their studies. Manufactured parts are evenly split between functional and decorative parts, though 75 per cent of students are creating their own designs rather than simply printing found design files.

Research limitations/implications

– Future work will focus on improving the system’s ease-of-maintenance, lowering the barrier to entry with a simpler user interface and establishing a method for better recording part and user information.

Practical implications

– The interface of the AM vending machine lowers the barrier of entry into engaging with AM and places this emerging technology in a familiar and “safe” context. It provides students at various levels and disciplines the opportunity to fabricate parts for classroom and personal projects.

Social implications

– A “vending machine” system may have far-reaching implications for public access and use of AM. Such broad access has the potential to further educate and impassion the public about the potential of AM.

Originality/value

– This work represents the creation and assessment of the world’s first AM vending machine.
Multi-material additive and subtractive prosumer digital fabrication with a free and open-source convertible delta RepRap 3-D printer
Authors: Anzalone Gerald C. , Wijnen Bas , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present novel modifications to a RepRap design that increase RepRap capabilities well beyond just fused filament fabrication. Open-source RepRap 3-D printers have made distributed manufacturing and prototyping an affordable reality.

Design/methodology/approach

– The design is a significantly modified derivative of the Rostock delta-style RepRap 3-D printer. Modifications were made that permit easy and rapid repurposing of the platform for milling, paste extrusion and several other applications. All of the designs are open-source and freely available.

Findings

– In addition to producing fused filament parts, the platform successfully produced milled printed circuit boards, milled plastic objects, objects made with paste extrudates, such as silicone, food stuffs and ceramics, pen plotted works and cut vinyl products. The multi-purpose tool saved 90-97 per cent of the capital costs of functionally equivalent dedicated tools.

Research limitations/implications

– While the platform was used primarily for production of hobby and consumer goods, research implications are significant, as the tool is so versatile and the fact that the designs are open-source and eminently available for modification for more purpose-specific applications.

Practical implications

– The platform vastly broadens capabilities of a RepRap machine at an extraordinarily low price, expanding the potential for distributed manufacturing and prototyping of items that heretofore required large financial investments.

Originality/value

– The unique combination of relatively simple modifications to an existing platform has produced a machine having capabilities far exceeding that of any single commercial product. The platform provides users the ability to work with a wide variety of materials and fabrication methods at a price of less than $1,000, provided users are willing to build the machine themselves.
Additive manufacturing of mechanochromic polycaprolactone on entry-level systems
Authors: Peterson Gregory I. , Yurtoglu Mete , Larsen Michael B , Craig Stephen L. , Ganter Mark A. , Storti Duane W. , Boydston Andrew J.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore and demonstrate the ability to integrate entry-level additive manufacturing (AM) techniques with responsive polymers capable of mechanical to chemical energy transduction. This integration signifies the merger of AM and smart materials.

Design/methodology/approach

– Custom filaments were synthesized comprising covalently incorporated spiropyran moieties. The mechanical activation and chemical response of the spiropyran-containing filaments were demonstrated in materials that were produced via fused filament fabrication techniques.

Findings

– Custom filaments were successfully produced and printed with complete preservation of the mechanochemical reactivity of the spiropyran units. These smart materials were demonstrated in two key constructs: a center-cracked test specimen and a mechanochromic force sensor. The mechanochromic nature of the filament enables (semi)quantitative assessment of peak loads based on color change, without requiring any external analytical techniques.

Originality/value

– This paper describes the first examples of three-dimensional-printed mechanophores, which may be of significant interest to the AM community. The ability to control the chemical response to external mechanical forces, in combination with AM to process the bulk materials, potentiates customizability at the molecular and macroscopic length scales.
Direct 3D printing of polymers onto textiles: experimental studies and applications
Authors: Pei Eujin , Shen Jinsong , Watling Jennifer
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adhesion of polymer materials printed directly onto fabrics using entry-level fused deposition modelling (FDM) machines. A series of functional and decorative parts were designed to explore the limitations and to identify potential applications.

Design/methodology/approach

– A series of shapes and structures were designed as 3D computer-aided design (CAD) solids to determine whether complex parts could be printed directly onto the surface of fabrics. The structures were fabricated using an entry-level FDM printer with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid (PLA) and nylon on eight different types of synthetic and man-made woven and knit fabrics. The results were recorded according to four parameters – the warp, bond, print quality and flex – before comparing the data sets.

Findings

– Among the three polymers, PLA showed the best results when printed on the eight different types of fabrics, having extremely good adhesion with little warp, yet displaying a high quality of print with good flexural strength. For the fabrics, woven cotton, woven polywool and knit soy had excellent adhesion when the three polymers were deposited.

Research limitations/implications

– Future work should cover a wider range of polymers and textiles and incorporate more functional features for testing. Other aspects include modifying the fibre surface through mechanical or chemical means to achieve a more efficient adhesion with the fibre and examining the deposition process in terms of temperature, pressure and build density. Future work should also investigate the feasibility for large-scale production.

Practical implications

– This paper supports work on wearable electronics by integrating comfortable textiles with hard wearing parts without compromising on quality and fit and combining additive manufacturing processes with textiles to maintain the drape characteristics of the fabric. Polymer–textile deposition will contribute to new applications and functional products such as orthopaedic braces for medical use or for decorative features such as buttons and trimmings for garments.

Originality/value

– This paper has contributed to new knowledge by providing a better understanding of polymer materials being printed directly onto fabrics using entry-level FDM machines.
Should we sync? Seascape‐level genetic and ecological factors determine seagrass flowering patterns
Authors: Jahnke Marlene , Pagès Jordi F. , Alcoverro Teresa , Lavery Paul S. , McMahon Kathryn M. , Procaccini Gabriele
Published: August 2015

Spatial and temporal heterogeneity in flowering occur in many plant species with abiotic pollination and may confer fitness advantages through mechanisms such as predator satiation or pollination efficiency. Environmental factors such as light quality or quantity and temperature play an important role in inducing synchronization on wide geographic scales. On a smaller geographic scale, external factors such as resource availability and herbivory are theorized to trigger flowering, while genetic factors may also play an important role.

In this study, we assessed the importance of ecological and genetic factors in shaping seascape‐level spatial heterogeneity in flowering of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. By investigating spatially close sites (<20 km) with similar seascape configurations and depth, we assume that major environmental drivers (temperature and light) were equivalent.

We assessed four ecological factors (productivity, leaf nitrogen and carbon content and herbivory) and three genetic factors (heterozygosity, relatedness and clonality) to assess three hypotheses for synchronized flowering in P. oceanica: (i) clone synchronization (internal clock hypothesis), (ii) variation in nutrient availability, potentially caused by spatial heterogeneity in herbivory rates or nutrient translocation via clonal integration (resource budget hypothesis) or (iii) kin selection and sibling synchronization.

Internal relatedness and heterozygosity had a significant positive effect on the abundance of flowers. Moreover, productivity and genotypic richness (clonality) were negatively associated with flower density, although at a lower level of significance. In addition, we found that clones were almost exclusively shared among mass‐flowering patches and patches without mass‐flowering, respectively.

Synthesis. The results shed new light on seagrass flowering patterns and on the mechanisms of flower synchronization at the patch level within a wider spatial scale. We found support for the kin selection hypothesis and indirect evidence for the resource budget hypothesis. Thus, a combination of mainly genetic but also ecological factors causes the observed heterogeneous flowering patterns in Posidonia oceanica seascapes. In addition, we found a strong positive relationship between the number of flowers and heterozygosity, adding evidence to the controversial association between heterozygosity and fitness when a limited number of loci are used. To our knowledge, this study is the first to link both ecological and genetic factors with flower abundance in a species with a presumed masting strategy.
Background losses of woody plant foliage to insects show variable relationships with plant functional traits across the globe
Authors: Kozlov Mikhail V. , Lanta Vojtěch , Zverev Vitali , Zvereva Elena L.
Published: August 2015

Despite a long history of research, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind pronounced variation in foliar losses to insects among plant species. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that plant functional traits and/or ecological strategies are good predictors of the background losses of woody plant foliage to insects (i.e. losses occurring when herbivore populations are at their ‘normal’ densities) at the global scale.

We conducted a quantitative synthesis of published and original data on foliar losses of 793 species of woody plants belonging to 128 families from ca. 500 localities world‐wide, representing tropical, temperate and polar climate zones.

The background foliar losses to insects varied among plant life forms, increasing from dwarf shrubs to large trees, and were higher in inherently fast‐growing species than in slow‐growing species. These patterns supported predictions of both the apparency and growth rate (resource availability) hypotheses for data combined across localities, but only outside the tropics.

Foliar losses to insects slightly but significantly increased with specific leaf area (SLA) in all climate zones.

No differences were noted in background herbivory between woody plant species with deciduous and evergreen foliage, with different shade tolerance and with different successional status.

Synthesis. Factors affecting the distribution of herbivory among species of woody plants differed among the climate zones, and the predictive power of at least some of the theories/hypotheses addressing plant–herbivore interactions at large spatial scales varies among climates and/or biomes. The average background losses of woody plant foliage to insects across localities can be predicted from the inherent growth rate of the plant species, its life form and SLA, although these plant characteristics jointly explain only a minor part of the total variation observed in the primary data.
Capturing the interaction types of two Bt toxins Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab on suppressing the cotton bollworm by using multi‐exponential equations
Authors: Shi Pei‐Jian , Wei Ji‐Zhen , Sandhu Hardev S. , Liang Ge‐Mei
Published: August 2015

Transgenic crops are increasingly promoted for their practical effects on suppressing certain insect pests, but all transgenic crops are not equally successful. The insect pests can easily develop resistance against single Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin transgenic crops. Therefore, transgenic crops including two or more mixed Bt‐toxins can solve this problem by delaying the resistance development and killing the majority of targeted pests before the evolution of resistance. It is important to test the controlling effects of transgenic crops including multiple mixed toxins on a particular insect pest. Previous research has checked the cross‐resistance and interactions between Bt toxins Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab against one susceptible and four resistant strains of cotton bollworm. The results showed that independence was the main interaction type between two toxins for the susceptible strain, whereas synergism was the main interaction type for any one resistant strain. However, the optimal combinations of two toxins were not obtained. In the present study, we developed two multi‐exponential equations (namely bi‐ and tri‐exponential equations) to describe the combination effects of two Bt toxins. Importantly, the equations can provide predictions of combination effects of different continuous concentrations of two toxins. We compared these two multi‐exponential equations with the generalized linear model (GLM) in describing the combination effects, and found that the bi‐ and tri‐exponential equations are better than GLM. Moreover, the bi‐exponential equation can also provide the optimal dose combinations for two toxins.
Changing the Street Dynamic
Authors: Papachristos Andrew V. , Kirk David S.
Published: August 2015

Research Summary

This study uses a quasi‐experimental design to evaluate the efficacy of Chicago's Group Violence Reduction Strategy (VRS), a gun violence reduction program that delivers a focused‐deterrence and legitimacy‐based message to gang factions through a series of hour‐long “call‐ins.” The results suggest that those gang factions who attend a VRS call‐in experience a 23% reduction in overall shooting behavior and a 32% reduction in gunshot victimization in the year after treatment compared with similar factions.

Policy Implications

Gun violence in U.S. cities often is concentrated in small geographic areas and in small networks of group or gang‐involved individuals. The results of this study suggest that focused intervention efforts such as VRS can produce significant reductions in gun violence, but especially gunshot victimization, among gangs. Focused programs such as these offer an important alternative to broad‐sweeping practices or policies that might otherwise expand the use of the criminal justice system.
Solenites (Czekanowskiales) from the Late Mesozoic Jehol Biota of Southeastern Jilin, China and its Paleoclimatic Implications
Authors: Yunfeng LI , Chunlin SUN , Tao LI , Yuling NA , Yuejun CHEN , Dehe XING
Published: August 2015

Situated at the easternmost area of the Late Mesozoic Jehol Biota, China, abundant fossils, including invertebrates, vertebrates and plants, were collected from the Early Cretaceous Yingzuilazi Formation of the Baishan Basin, southeastern Jilin. The faunal remains from this formation distinctly belong to the Early Cretaceous Lycoptera–Ephemeropsis–Eosestheria assemblage of the Jehol Biota. Based on the gross leaf morphology and epidermal structures, two new species and one indeterminate species of genus Solenites (Czekanowskiales), S. baishanensis sp. nov., S. gracilis sp. nov. and S. sp. are described in this paper. This is the first fossil plant of Czekanowskiales reported from this new fossil locality of the easternmost area of the Late Mesozoic Jehol Biota, China. The new discovery contributes to improve our knowledge for understanding of leaf morphology, epidermal characters and diversity of this genus during the Early Cretaceous time, and extends geologic and geographic distribution of Solenites in northern China and Eurasia. Along with consideration of associated plant and faunal assemblages and sedimentology, we suggest that the regional climate was warm and moderately humid with seasonal temperature and precipitation variations in warm‐temperate zone during the Early Cretaceous.
The Deep Structure Feature of the Sichuan Basin and Adjacent Orogens
Authors: Xiaosong XIONG , Rui GAO , Lianghui GUO , Haiyan WANG , Zhuwei JIANG
Published: August 2015

The basin‐mountain system in the Sichuan Basin (SCB) reflects the main tectonic activity and the orogenic denudation in this region. The seismic probing work reveals the deep structure of the basin‐mountain system. The seismic work was re‐sampled to the Moho depth and the sedimentary thickness as well as the P‐wave velocity‐depth function to analyze the deep structure of the SCB and adjacent orogens. The results show two deposit centers in the SCB: the Deyang area in the west and the Nanchuan area in the east and depression uplift exists in the southwestern part of the SCB; the Moho shallowers gradually from the west to east (ca. 62–36 km deep), the South‐North seismic belt (SNSB) is very distinctive: the Moho depth is much shallower (< 50 km)to the east of the SNSB, whereas it is much deeper(>50 km)to the west of the SNSB, suggesting that the SNSB rather than the Longmen Shan tectonic belt is a main Moho transition belt; the topography and the top interface of the basement have the same undulation trend when the sedimentary thickness and the Moho depth have a mirror relationship; the low velocity zone developed in the Kangdian thrust and fold belt and Songpan‐Garzê belt implied a soft, weak and thick crust there showing tectonic activity in these areas.
Morphology, Chemistry and U‐Pb Geochronology of Zircon Grains In Quartz Monzodiorite from the Sunzhuang Area, Fanshi County, Shanxi Province
Authors: Jiye SONG , Shengrong LI , Mingkuan QIN , Yuqi CAI , Junyan LUO , Juquan ZHANG , Chenglu LI , SANTOSH M.
Published: August 2015

The morphology, REE geochemistry and U‐Pb geochronology of zircons from quartz monzodiorite in the Sunzhuang area, Fanshi County, Shanxi Province are presented in this study. The zircon crystals can be classified into four main types as: AB, L, S and P, and 24 subtypes such as AB4, AB5, L5, and S3. The maximum crystallization temperature of zircon was estimated as 850°C, with the minimum of 550°C. The peak temperatures of the zircon crystallization range from 650°C to 700°C. The abundances of Th and U in the zircon grains show large variation with the Th/U values > 0.4. The Th and U values also show a positive correlation in most zircons. The REE abundance of zircon in the quartz monzodiorite ranges from 280.4 ppm to 2143 ppm with an average of 856.4 ppm. The chondrite normalized zircon REE patterns show two types, one is characterized by HREE enrichment and LREE depletion with positive Ce‐anomaly and negative Eu‐anomaly whereas the other is HREE enriched and LREE depleted with negative Eu‐anomaly but without positive Ce‐anomaly, and relatively flat patterns. The LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb geochronology on the zircons yields a mean age of 133±0.87 Ma.

Our data on zircon morphology, composition and U‐Pb geochronology reveal that the parent magma of the quartz monzodiorite which was emplaced during late Yanshanian had a mixed crust‐mantle source, with crustal components dominating. The magma is inferred to have been water rich and alkaline with initial high oxygen fugacity. Post‐magmatic hydrothermal activity occurred under relatively reducing conditions which was conductive for gold precipitation in the Yixingzhai gold deposit.
U–Pb Zircon Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Neoproterozoic Liujiaping Group Volcanics in the Northwest Margin of the Yangtze Block: Implications For the Breakup of the Rodinia Supercontinent
Authors: Zuochen LI , Xianzhi PEI , Ruibao LI , Lei PEI , Chengjun LIU , Youxin CHEN , Tong XU , Jie YANG , Bo WEI
Published: August 2015

Investigation of the petrogenesis and the origin of zircons from the volcanic rocks of the Liujiaping Group of the back‐Longmenshan tectonic belt in the northwest margin of the Yangtze Block is conducted by analysis of U–Pb geochronology and geochemistry. Results show that selected zircons are characterized by internal oscillatory zonings and high Th/U ratios (0.43–1.18), indicating an igneous origin. Geochronological results of LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating of the Liujiaping Group zircons yield an age of 809 ± 11 Ma (MSWD = 2.2), implying that the volcanic rocks were formed in the Late Neoproterozoic. Geochemical analysis shows that the rocks are calc‐alkaline, supersaturated in Al, and metaluminous to weakly peraluminous. Rare‐earth elements are present at high concentrations (96.04–265.48 ppm) and show a rightward incline and a moderately negative Eu anomaly, similar to that of continental rift rhyolite. Trace element geochemistry is characterized by evident negative anomalies of Nb, Ta, P, Th, Ti, inter alia, and strong negative anomalies of K, Rb, Sr, et al. We conclude that the Liujiaping Group volcanic rocks resulted from typical continental crust source petrogenesis and were formed in a continental margin setting, which had no relation to subduction, and thus, were the products of partial melting of the lower crust due to crustal thickening caused by active continental margin subduction and arc‐continent collision orogeny in the northwestern Yangtze Block and were triggered by the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent during the Neoproterozoic.
Sealing Features of Fluid‐Rock System and its Control on Acidic Dissolution in Cretaceous Sandstone Reservoirs, Kuqa Subbasin
Authors: Denglin HAN , Man LI , Zhong LI , TORABI Anita
Published: August 2015

The Cretaceous Bashijiqike Formation is the main gas‐bearing strata in the northern structural deformation zone of Kuqa subbasin. The acidic dissolution of this formation arose at 5–4Ma, which corresponds to the late burial stage of the Bashijiqike Formation. Variability of interlayer due to rock composition is negligible. Differentiation of acidic dissolution in sandstones was controlled by difference in amount of exogenous acid fluid from underlying strata. For the absence of sedimentary and structural carrier system between the isolated sandstone reservoirs, most fluid‐rock systems show relative sealing feature during later burial stage by sealing feature of formation pressure, geochemical characteristics of formation water and content of diagenetic products in sandstones. Variation of sealing effects for different fluid‐rock systems is obvious. The pressure coefficient is inversely proportional to acidic dissolved porosity of sandstone reservoirs, indicating that the variation of sealing effects for fluid‐rock system mainly controls the differentiation of acidic dissolution.
Potential and Suitability Evaluation of CO2 Geological Storage in Major Sedimentary Basins of China, and the Demonstration Project in Ordos Basin
Authors: Jianqiang GUO , Dongguang WEN , Senqi ZHANG , Tianfu XU , Xufeng LI , Yujie DIAO , Xiaofeng JIA
Published: August 2015

From 2010 to 2012, the China Geological Survey Center for Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Survey (CHEGS) carried out the project “Potential evaluation and demonstration project of CO2 Geological Storage in China”. During this project, we developed an evaluation index system and technical methods for the potential and suitability of CO2 geological storage based on China's geological conditions, and evaluated the potential and suitability of the primary basins for CO2 geological storage, in order to draw a series of regional scale maps (at a scale of 1:5000000) and develop an atlas of the main sedimentary basins in China. By using these tools, we delineated many potential targets for CO2 storage. We also built techniques and methods for site selection and the exploration and assessment of CO2 geological storage in deep saline aquifers. Furthermore, through cooperation with the China Shenhua Coal to Liquid and Chemical Co., Ltd., we successfully constructed the first coal‐based demonstration project for CO2 geological storage in deep saline aquifers in the Yijinhuoluo Banner of Ordos in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, which brought about the basic preliminary theories, techniques, and methods of geological CO2 storage in deep saline aquifers under China's geological conditions.
A Preliminary Review of Metallogenic Regularity of Tungsten Deposits in China
Authors: Jifu SHENG , Lijun LIU , Denghong WANG , Zhenghui CHEN , Lijuan YING , Fan HUANG , Jiahuan WANG , Le ZENG
Published: August 2015

Tungsten ore resources are abundant in China with relatively complete types of deposits. Skarn type and quartz vein type deposits are dominated in the tungsten resources, whereas quartz vein type wolframite deposits are most important in terms of exploitation and utilization. Skarn type tungsten deposits are concentratedly distributed in the central Nanling region, such as South Hunan, South Anhui and the eastern Qinling region, while quartz vein type tungsten deposits occur mainly in South China, such as West Fujian, South Jiangxi, North Guangdong and South Hunan. The most important metallogenic epoch of tungsten is the Mesozoic, while the metallogenic tectonic setting is featured by an intracontinental environment after orogeny with sever tectonic movements, deep‐seated faults and frequent magmatic activities, especially Mesozoic granitoids closely related to tungsten‐tin mineralization. 22 metallogenic series of ore deposits characterized by or significantly related to tungsten were defined based on precise statistic information of 1199 tungsten mining areas and thorough the summary of metallogenic regularities. Based on studies of the metallogenic regularity of tungsten deposits, skarn type (or greisen type), quartz vein type and massif‐type of tungsten deposits are thought to be the key prediction types. 65 tungsten‐forming belts and 22 key ore concentration areas were ascertained and a distribution map of tungsten‐forming belts of China was compiled, which provided a theoretical basis for evaluation and prediction of potential tungsten resources.
Chronic mTOR inhibition in mice with rapamycin alters T, B, myeloid, and innate lymphoid cells and gut flora and prolongs life of immune‐deficient mice
Authors: Hurez Vincent , Dao Vinh , Liu Aijie , Pandeswara Srilakshmi , Gelfond Jonathan , Sun Lishi , Bergman Molly , Orihuela Carlos J. , Galvan Veronica , Padrón Álvaro , Drerup Justin , Liu Yang , Hasty Paul , Sharp Zelton Dave , Curiel Tyler J.
Published: August 2015

The mammalian (mechanistic) target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates critical immune processes that remain incompletely defined. Interest in mTOR inhibitor drugs is heightened by recent demonstrations that the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin extends lifespan and healthspan in mice. Rapamycin or related analogues (rapalogues) also mitigate age‐related debilities including increasing antigen‐specific immunity, improving vaccine responses in elderly humans, and treating cancers and autoimmunity, suggesting important new clinical applications. Nonetheless, immune toxicity concerns for long‐term mTOR inhibition, particularly immunosuppression, persist. Although mTOR is pivotal to fundamental, important immune pathways, little is reported on immune effects of mTOR inhibition in lifespan or healthspan extension, or with chronic mTOR inhibitor use. We comprehensively analyzed immune effects of rapamycin as used in lifespan extension studies. Gene expression profiling found many and novel changes in genes affecting differentiation, function, homeostasis, exhaustion, cell death, and inflammation in distinct T‐ and B‐lymphocyte and myeloid cell subpopulations. Immune functions relevant to aging and inflammation, and to cancer and infections, and innate lymphoid cell effects were validated in vitro and in vivo. Rapamycin markedly prolonged lifespan and healthspan in cancer‐ and infection‐prone mice supporting disease mitigation as a mechanism for mTOR suppression‐mediated longevity extension. It modestly altered gut metagenomes, and some metagenomic effects were linked to immune outcomes. Our data show novel mTOR inhibitor immune effects meriting further studies in relation to longevity and healthspan extension.
Outcomes of slit mesh in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: Does it affect recurrence?
Authors: Chia Clement LK , Su Jun , Hoe Yingmin , Shelat Vishal G , Junnarkar Sameer P , Low Jeekeem , Woon Winston WL
Published: August 2015

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes between slit and non‐slit mesh placement in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 113 patients who underwent laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with Ultrapro mesh between January 2010 and December 2011. Sixty‐two and 82 hernias were operated on in the slit mesh and non‐slit mesh groups, respectively. Postoperative complications, recurrence, and patient satisfaction levels were evaluated.

Results

One hernia in the slit mesh group (1/62, 1.6%) and one in the non‐slit mesh group (1/82, 1.2%) developed recurrence (P = 1.00). The incidence of postoperative neuralgia was 4/62 (6.5%) and 7/82 (8.5%) in the slit mesh and non‐slit mesh groups, respectively (P = 0.76). Satisfaction rates in the slit mesh and non‐slit mesh groups were similar at 60/62 (96.8%) and 80/82 (97.6%), respectively (P = 1.00).

Conclusion

No significant differences in outcomes were found between slit and non‐slit mesh placement. Both have low complication rates, low recurrence rates, and high satisfaction levels.
Suicide in veterinarians and veterinary nurses in Australia: 2001–2012
Authors: Milner AJ , Niven H , Page K , LaMontagne AD
Published: August 2015

Background

Whether veterinarians have an elevated suicide rate compared with the general population is controversial.

Methods

Reported cases of suicide among veterinarians and veterinary nurses in Australia over the period 2001 to 2012 were investigated in a retrospective case‐series study.

Results

The standardised mortality ratio of veterinarians (n = 18) was 1.92 (95% CI 1.14–3.03) and that of veterinary nurses (n = 7) to the general population was 1.24 (95% CI 0.80–1.85). Overdosing on drugs (pentobarbitone) was the main method of suicide in these occupations.

Conclusion

The reasons for veterinary suicides are likely to be multifactorial, including work‐ and life‐related stressors, and individual characteristics. This research highlights the need for targeted suicide prevention and intervention for veterinarians.
Presumed secondary immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia following elapid snake envenomation and its treatment in four dogs
Authors: Ong HM , Witham A , Kelers K , Boller M
Published: August 2015

Case series

This case series describes secondary immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) in four dogs following elapid snake envenomation and its treatment. All the dogs initially presented with clinical signs commensurate with mainland tiger snake (Notechis scutatus) envenomation. None of the dogs was anaemic at the time of presentation. IMHA was diagnosed 3–9 days following snake envenomation. The trigger for IMHA was unclear in each case and may have been a component of the snake venom, antivenom, fresh frozen plasma, concurrent morbidity, administered drugs or a combination thereof. Three of the four dogs received immunosuppressive therapy comprising corticosteroids with or without azathioprine. Resolution of the IMHA was documented 6 weeks after diagnosis for one dog and 9 months after diagnosis for two dogs, with one dog lost to follow‐up.

Conclusion

IMHA is a potential complicating factor of elapid snake envenomation and its treatment in dogs, and should be considered as a differential diagnosis for a persistent or worsening anaemia. Both the incidence and aetiopathogenesis of IMHA in the context of elapid snake envenomation and its treatment in dogs are unknown and require further examination.
Surgical resolution of accidental intramuscular injection of Gudair® vaccine in a mare
Authors: Willsallen H , Yang PJ , Jacobs KA
Published: August 2015

This case report describes the accidental intramuscular administration of 20 mL Gudair® vaccine to a 7‐year‐old Standardbred mare and successful treatment of the resulting inflammatory reaction by radical surgical resection.
Clinicopathological characteristics and management of prostate cancer in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive population: experience in an Australian major HIV centre
Authors: Ong Wee Loon , Manohar Paul , Millar Jeremy , Royce Peter
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To characterise clinicopathological characteristics of prostate cancer among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive men and to evaluate the current practice patterns in the management of prostate cancer in these men.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients with HIV in the State‐wide HIV referral centre in Victoria, who were diagnosed with prostate cancer from 2000 onwards. In all, 12 patients were identified, and the medical records were reviewed to collect data on HIV parameters at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis, as well as prostate cancer clinicopathological characteristics, treatment details and outcomes.

Results

At the time of prostate cancer diagnosis, eight patients had undetectable viral load, and the median cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count was 485 cells/μL. The average age at diagnosis of prostate cancer was 63 years and the median prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of 11.1 ng/mL. Four patients had Gleason 6 prostate cancer, four Gleason 7, one Gleason 8 and three Gleason 9. Seven of the 12 patients had a positive family history for prostate cancer. Of the patients with clinically localised prostate cancer (10), most were treated with radiotherapy (RT): one permanent seed brachytherapy (BT), five external beam RT (EBRT), two open radical prostatectomies (RP), one active surveillance (AS), and one on watchful waiting (WW). For the two patients with metastatic disease, one had androgen‐deprivation therapy and EBRT, while the other had a combination of EBRT and chemo‐hormonal therapy with doxetacel. All patients were followed for a median of 46 months, with three deaths reported, none of which was a prostate cancer‐specific death.

Conclusions

This is the first Australasian series on prostate cancer management in a HIV population. With the prolonged survival among HIV‐positive men in the highly active anti‐retroviral therapy era, PSA testing should be offered to this group of patients, especially those with a positive family history. HIV‐positive men should also be offered all treatment options in the same manner as men in the general population.
Elevated concentration of cytokines in aqueous in post‐vitrectomy eyes
Authors: Gu RuiPing , Zhou Min , Jiang ChunHui , Yu Jian , Xu GeZhi
Published: August 2015

Background

We aim to study the level of inflammatory cytokines in aqueous of post‐vitrectomy eyes.

Methods

Aqueous samples were obtained from post‐vitrectomy eyes that underwent cataract surgery. Samples from age‐related cataract patients were also collected as controls. The concentrations of cytokines were measured by array‐based multiplex sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay system and microparticle‐based multiplex cytokine assay.

Results

Eighteen post‐vitrectomy eyes from 18 patients were included; all received one vitrectomy with gas injection for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. The mean interval between vitrectomy and cataract surgery was 22.33 months (range 6 to 80). Primary results show that in post‐vitrectomy eyes the levels of many cytokines, such as B‐lymphocyte chemo‐attractant, I‐309, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, interferon γ–induced protein‐10 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1, were higher than control. Further analysis demonstrated that the levels of IL‐8, interferon γ–induced protein‐10 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 were significantly elevated in post‐vitrectomy eyes, even after the subjects were divided by their refractive state.

Conclusions

The concentrations of some cytokines were increased in the anterior chambers of post‐vitrectomy eyes even a long time after vitreous surgery. This surge in post‐operative cytokines might cause changing in the micro‐environment of the anterior, and this might contribute to the development of secondary glaucoma or fasten the development of cataract in these eyes.
Adoptive family experiences of post‐adoption contact in an Internet era
Authors: Greenhow Sarah , Hackett Simon , Jones Christine , Meins Elizabeth
Published: August 2015

In the UK, post‐adoption contact between adoptive and birth families traditionally includes letterbox and/or face‐to‐face methods of communication. Because of the emphasis in the UK of adoption from the public care system, post‐adoption contact is often supported and mediated by social work professionals. The growth in the use of e‐communication, through for example social media, has created concerns regarding the use of such technologies for the purposes of ‘virtual contact’ following adoption. This paper reports the findings of a study of this emerging practice. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 adoptive parents and six adopted young people. Findings suggest that virtual contact presents both challenges and opportunities for adoptive families. We conclude that virtual contact is complex, but with appropriate boundaries and consideration of different interests, can work well in some cases.
Using molecular tools to guide management of invasive alien species: assessing the genetic impact of a recently introduced island bird population
Authors: van de Crommenacker J. , Bourgeois Y. X. C. , Warren B. H. , Jackson H. , Fleischer‐Dogley F. , Groombridge J. , Bunbury N.
Published: August 2015

Aim

Biological invasions are a major threat to island biodiversity and are responsible for a large proportion of species declines and extinctions worldwide. The process of hybridization between invasive and native species is a major factor that contributes to the loss of endemic genetic diversity. The issue of hybridization is often overlooked in the management of introduced species because morphological evidence of hybridization may be difficult to recognize in the field. Molecular techniques, however, facilitate identification of specific hybridization events and assessment of the direction and timing of introgression. We use molecular markers to track hybridization in a population of an island endemic bird, the Aldabra fody (Foudia aldabrana), following the recent discovery of a co‐occurring population of non‐native Madagascar fodies (Foudia madagascariensis).

Location

Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles.

Methods

We combine phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear markers to assess whether hybridization has occurred between F. madagascariensis and F. aldabrana on Aldabra. Using coalescence models and comparing different hybridization scenarios, we estimate the timing of such events and confirm the geographic origin of F. madagascariensis.

Results

Our analyses confirm a recent hybridization event between the two species of Foudia, and we find evidence that the invasive F. madagascariensis originate from the neighbouring island of Assumption, where they were introduced in the 1970s.

Main conclusions

Our results validate the threat of losing the unique genetic diversity of F. aldabrana through admixture due to recent invasion of F. madagascariensis. We show that molecular analyses can be a valuable tool in formulating strategies for the management of invasive birds.