bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geochemical and isotopic evidence for magma mixing/mingling in the Marshenan intrusion: Implications for juvenile crust in the Urumieh–Dokhtar Magmatic Arc, Central Iran
Authors: Sarjoughian Fatemeh , Azizi Mozhgan , Lentz David R. , Ling Wenli 
Published: August 2018

The 20.5 Ma Marshenan intrusion, situated to the north‐east of Isfahan City, comprises a small part of the Urumieh–Dokhtar Magmatic Arc (UDMA). According to the field and microscopic observations, the study area is composed of two major units: intermediate‐mafic and felsic magmatic rocks. The felsic units include spheroidal to ellipsoidal mafic microgranular enclaves ranging in size from a few millimetres to meters in size. These enclaves are composed of monzodiorite and gabbroic diorite, whereas the felsic and intermediate‐mafic rocks mainly consist of granite, granodiorite, diorite, and rarely gabbro on the basis of both mineralogical and chemical compositions. Enclaves are characterized by a microgranular texture and also reveal some special types of disequilibrium textures, for example, anti‐rapakivi, poikilitic K‐feldspar, skeletal amphibole, acicular apatite, sieve textures, spongy cellular textures in plagioclase, small lath‐shaped plagioclase in large plagioclase phenocrysts, large quartz phenocrysts in enclaves, and mafic clots. These features along with crenulated and occasionally diffuse contacts with the host granite and megacrysts of host feldspar in enclaves, implied that the enclaves have been injected as magmas to form globules into host granodioritic magma and underwent rapid cooling (quenching). They are mostly calc‐alkaline and metaluminous and show strong enrichment of LILEs and LREEs and depletion in HFSEs with negative Eu. The whole rock 87Sr/86Sr(i) and εNd(T) for the host intermediate‐mafic and felsic rocks vary from 0.70528 to 0.70555 and −0.7 to 1.7 and for the enclaves from 0.70526 to 0.70552 and −0.05 to 1.39. Sr–Nd isotope modelling results, in combination with young Nd model ages, indicate their “juvenile” character and suggest their derivation from source rocks or magmas separated from the upper mantle. It probably originates by partial melting of a juvenile lower crust (70–80%) with variable amounts of old lower crust (30–20%), involving mantle components. It is believed to have resulted from intense basaltic underplating and subsequent remelting that took place during the Early Miocene related to the Neo‐Tethys subduction processes. It resulted from a change in the geodynamic regime, including breakoff/rollback of the subducted slab and subsequent regional extension. Moreover, it suggests that new crustal growth during the Meso‐ to Neoproterozoic is an important mechanism in the early development of the central UDMA.
Development of the Glossopteris flora and its end Permian demise in the Tatapani–Ramkola Coalfield, Son–Mahanadi Basin, India
Authors: Saxena Anju , Singh Kamal Jeet , Cleal Christopher J. , Chandra Shaila , Goswami Shreerup , Shabbar Husain 
Published: August 2018

Diverse macrofloral assemblages recovered from the Barakar, Raniganj, and Panchet formations of Tatapani–Ramkola Coalfield have been analysed. Plant fossils from nine localities represent typical Glossopteris floras of Permian age with Glossopteris as the dominant genus (33 species), whereas younger floral elements recorded from five locations are characterized by the presence of Triassic species, i.e., Glossopteris senii and G. gopadensis along with the genus Dicroidium.The complete flora includes 24 genera and 73 species. Three floristic assemblages identified on the basis of the macrofloras are the Barakar assemblage with 31 taxa, the Raniganj assemblage with 38 taxa, and the Panchet assemblage having 33 taxa. All the available data concerning megaplant remains, palynology, and petrology of this basin are reviewed and analysed to infer the diversity trends of Glossopteris flora through the sequence and its transformation at the Raniganj–Panchet boundary (?Permian/Triassic boundary) in this coalfield. The Barakar Formation has a moderate diversity of Glossopteris (18 species), which increases in Raniganj Formation (26 species) and declines in the Panchet Formation (16 species). There is a gradual upwards change in the taxonomic composition of the Raniganj assemblage, with a decline in diversity, although some typical Permian taxa (e.g., Paracalamites, Schizoneura, Dizeugotheca, Glossopteris, and Vertebraria) continued up to the Panchet Formation.In India, the continental Permian–Triassic boundary has been resolved mainly on the basis of palynomorph and macrofloral data and is conventionally taken to coincide with the boundary between the Raniganj and Panchet formations. The Raniganj–Panchet boundary has been tentatively proposed in one of the sections of this coalfield. At this boundary, the Glossopteris species typical of the Raniganj Formation (i.e., G. stenoneura and G. stricta) disappear. Some of the Glossopteridales taxa, continuing into the Panchet Formation, show relatively little discernable change from those found in the Raniganj Formation. The Panchet Formation exhibits a dominance of Dicroidium and also marks the appearance of ?Autunia, Heidiphyllum, Lepidopteris, Linguifolium, and Rissikia. Therefore, it is envisaged that plant life was only gradually transformed and evolved near this boundary, rather than being the subject of a comprehensive taxonomic turnover. The genus ?Autunia is reported for the first time from Indian Gondwana.
An exploratory case study of the organizational functioning of a decision‐making and referral support call center for frontline providers of maternal and new born care in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
Authors: Frimpong Edith , Oduro‐Mensah Ebenezer , Vanotoo Linda , Agyepong Irene Akua 
Published: August 2018

SummaryA call center was designed and started implementation in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana in 2015, to support frontline provider decision‐making and referral for maternal and new born care. This study aimed to understand the organizational functioning of the center and lessons for design improvement, implementation, and scale‐up. The study design was a single case study. Data collection involved participant and nonparticipant observation, conversations, and in‐depth interviews with call center staff. Data were coded and analyzed manually. Findings showed a high adherence to call center protocols, good client service skills, a strong local sense of ownership of the center, and staff resilience in performing their functions despite a context of scarce resources and no prior experience with running a call center. Perceptions of lack of involvement of some call center staff in decision‐making, and the resource constrained working conditions sometimes hampered the functioning of the center. The locally driven bottom‐up process used to establish the center appeared to be an important element in sustaining it despite the resource constraints. More attention to locally driven bottom‐up approaches, organizational functioning, and resilience are critical to develop and sustain innovations for health outcome improvement in resource‐constrained contexts.
Chronic exposure to environmental stressors enhances production of natural and specific antibodies in rats
Authors: Cuervo Pablo Fernando , Beldomenico Pablo Martín , Sánchez Amorina , Pietrobon Elisa , Valdez Susana Ruth , Racca Andrea Laura 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAlthough the immunosuppressive effect of chronic stress has been established, a stress response that downregulates the whole immune system does not make biological sense, especially if an animal has to endure difficult times in which there is also increased infection risk. At high animal densities, animals are faced simultaneously with food restriction (FR), social conflict (SC), and greater parasite–pathogen exposure. We hypothesized that the stress response to chronic stressors that covary with infection risk is not entirely immunosuppressive. Our prediction was that a chronically stressed animal would respond by enhancing innate defenses, while reducing investment in acquired immunity. In a laboratory setting, rats were exposed to prolonged FR and/or SC, and natural and specific antibody levels were repeatedly measured. Our prediction was fulfilled only partly, as FR and SC interacted to enhance natural antibodies, but rats exposed to either or both stressors also showed significantly higher levels of specific antibodies. These results suggest that, in the rat, chronic stress results in a prioritization of both innate and acquired humoral defenses, which makes biological sense provided the stressors examined usually signal an increased infection risk.
Polyethylene glycol plus bisacodyl: A safe, cheap, and effective regimen for colonoscopy in the South Asian patients
Authors: Jha Ashish Kumar , Chaudhary Madhur , Jha Praveen , Kumar Uday , Dayal Vishwa Mohan , Jha Sharad Kumar , Purkayastha Shubham , Ranjan Ravish , Mishra Manish , Sehrawat Kuldeep 
Published: August 2018

Background and AimData regarding the comparison of colonoscopic preparation regimens are still variable. We aimed to assess the adequacy and tolerability of two bowel preparation regimens for afternoon colonoscopy.MethodsIn a randomized, investigator‐blinded trial, two preparation regimens [4‐L split‐dose polyethylene glycol‐electrolytes (PEG‐ELS) and 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl) were compared in terms of bowel cleansing efficacy and adverse effects.ResultsThe mean (±SD) age (years) of the 4‐L split‐dose PEG‐ELS group (N = 147) and the 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl (N = 155) were 44.09 (±15.62) (M:F : 2:1) and 44.12 years (±15.61) (M:F : 1.7:1), respectively. Percentage of patients with excellent and good preparation was higher in the 4‐L split‐dose PEG‐ELS regimen compared with the 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl regimen (22.44 vs 17.41 and 44.21% vs 36.12%). Percentage of patients with fair and poor preparation was lower in 4‐L split‐dose PEG‐ELS regimen compared with the 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl regimen (21.08% vs 27.74% and 12.24% vs 18.70%). In comparison with the 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl group, the incidences of abdominal pain (11% vs 15%), bloating (9% vs 12.24%), nausea/vomiting (8.38% vs 9.52%), and sleep disturbance (11% vs 12%) were slightly more common in the 4‐L split‐dose PEG‐ELS group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two regimens with regard to bowel cleansing efficacy and adverse events.ConclusionsThe 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl (10 mg) preparation is as efficacious as the 4‐L split‐dose PEG‐ELS regimen for afternoon colonoscopy. Optimal preparation for colonoscopy can be achieved with the 2‐L PEG‐ELS plus bisacodyl regimen with slightly fewer adverse events and lower cost compared to the 4‐L split‐dose PEG‐ELS regimen.
Effect of culture duration on chondrogenic preconditioning of equine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in self‐assembling peptide hydrogel
Authors: Kisiday John D. , Colbath Aimee C. , Tangtrongsup Suwimol 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTEx vivo induction of chondrogenesis is a promising approach to improve upon the use of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cartilage tissue engineering. This study evaluated the potential to induce chondrogenesis with days of culture in chondrogenic medium for MSCs encapsulated in self‐assembling peptide hydrogel. To simulate the transition from preconditioning culture to implantation, MSCs were isolated from self‐assembling peptide hydrogel into an individual cell suspension. Commitment to chondrogenesis was evaluated by seeding preconditioned MSCs into agarose and culturing in the absence of the chondrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). Positive controls consisted of undifferentiated MSCs seeded into agarose and cultured in medium containing TGFβ. Three days of preconditioning was sufficient to produce chondrogenic MSCs that accumulated ∼75% more cartilaginous extracellular matrix than positive controls by day 17. However, gene expression of type X collagen was ∼65‐fold higher than positive controls, which was attributed to the absence of TGFβ. Potential induction of immunogenicity with preconditioning culture was indicated by expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII), which was nearly absence in undifferentiated MSCs, and ∼7% positive for preconditioned cells. These data demonstrate the potential to generate chondrogenic MSCs with days of self‐assembling peptide hydrogel, and the ability to readily recover an individual cell suspension that is suited for injectable therapies. However, continued exposure to TGFβ may be necessary to prevent hypertrophy indicated by type X collagen expression, while immunogenicity may be a concern for allogeneic applications. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1368–1375, 2019.
Raman spectra of hydrous minerals investigated under various environmental conditions in preparation for planetary space missions
Authors: Weber Iris , Böttger Ute , Pavlov Sergey G. , Stojic Aleksandra , Hübers Heinz‐Wilhelm , Jessberger Elmar K. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRaman spectrometers will be part of the scientific payload of the future lander missions to Mars, icy moons, and asteroids. Their primary task is the search for life including the detailed characterization of the planetary environment. H2O/OH−‐bearing minerals are essential for biological processes; thus, their investigation will have a special focus. Cyclic temperature variations on planetary surfaces, for example, on Mars between 300 and 140 K from summer midday to winter night, induce re‐organization of the internal mineral structures, which can be monitored by Raman spectroscopy. Therefore, temperature dependent changes in Raman spectra under step‐wise cooling/re‐heating of typical planetary surface related H2O/OH−‐bearing minerals (e.g., carnallite, natrolite, gypsum, phlogopite, talc, and tremolite) are the focus of this work. Spectra were taken under space relevant simulated conditions, from vacuum and cryogenic temperature to room conditions, including those that resemble the Martian surface atmosphere. Special attention was dedicated to the typical vibrational stretching modes of H2O/OH−‐bearing minerals. H2O‐bearing minerals exhibit significantly different temperature related changes when compared to OH−‐bearing minerals. We observed the formation of an ice‐like Raman spectrum during step‐wise deep cooling of carnallite. Gypsum shows a blue shift of the H2O band with decreasing temperature. All other investigated minerals display no significant variations over the entire Raman relevant spectral range. The results of this study are be made available in a Raman database of the flight Raman instruments.
Development of an Ultraviolet‐Spectrophotometric Method for Analysis of Esterquat‐Containing Flotation Collectors in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Ibragimova Olga , Kleiv Rolf Arne 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this study, a rapid and simple ultraviolet‐spectrophotometric method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of esterquat‐containing flotation collector FLOT 2015 in aqueous solutions. This method is based on the formation of an ion pair by FLOT 2015 and bromocresol purple, an anionic dye, and the subsequent measurement of the reduction in absorbance without extraction by organic solvents. The optimum conditions for FLOT 2015 detection and analysis were established. Sample solutions were stable up to 3 h. Maximum absorbance was obtained at 574 nm. The proposed method showed linearity in the range of 5–45 μg mL−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9917. Standard and relative standard deviation obtained by intraday and interday precision tests of the proposed method were within the permissible bias range and considered satisfactory. This method was found to be selective and specific for successful determination of FLOT 2015 in aqueous flotation systems.
Limits of peripheral acuity and implications for VR system design
Authors: Hoffman David , Meraz Zoe , Turner Eric 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAt different retinal locations, we measured the visual system's sensitivity to a number of artifacts that can be introduced in near‐eye display systems. One study examined the threshold level of downsampling that an image can sustain at different positions in the retina and found that temporally stable approaches, both blurred and aliased, were much less noticeable than temporally volatile approaches. Also, boundaries between zones of different resolution had low visibility in the periphery. We also examined the minimum duration needed for the visual system to detect a low‐resolution region in an actively tracked system and found that low‐resolution images presented for less than 40 ms before being replaced with a high‐resolution image are unlikely to be visibly degraded. We also found that the visual system shows a rapid falloff in its ability to detect chromatic aberration in the periphery. These findings can inform the design on high performance and computationally efficient near‐eye display systems.
Surgical oncology at a major referral center in Ghana: Burden, staging, and outcomes
Authors: Gyedu Adam , Gaskill Cameron E. , Agbedinu Kwabena , Salazar Daniela Rebollo , Kingham T. Peter 
Published: August 2018

Background and ObjectivesOutcome data after surgery for cancer in Sub‐Saharan Africa are insufficient. We aimed to describe the presentation and outcomes of patients with solid cancers managed at a tertiary hospital in Ghana.MethodsRecords of cancer patients admitted to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital general surgery wards from 2013 to 2016 were reviewed for data on presentation, staging, management, and mortality. Patients discharged alive were followed‐up by biannual telephone calls to establish their postdischarge status. Survival analysis was performed for patients with pathologic or radiologic confirmation of cancer and adequate staging.ResultsA total of 343 patients were included. Of these, 76% were female. The most common diagnoses were breast 136 (40%), foregut 70 (20%), and colorectal 63 (18%) cancers. Cancer diagnosis was confirmed by pathology or radiology in 281 (82%) patients, but only 112 (40%) had adequate staging. Seventy‐four (66%) patients were stage IV. Two‐year overall survival for all 343 patients was 22% to 69%, depending on cancer site. Among those with adequate staging who were alive after postoperative 90 days, 3‐year survival was similar for curative compared with palliative operations (P = 0.64).ConclusionsImproved capacity for both therapeutic and palliative cancer care is needed to achieve better outcomes by more appropriate allocation of surgery with respect to the goal of treatment.
Kinetics and mechanistic aspects on electron‐transfer process for permanganate oxidation of poly(ethylene glycol) in aqueous acidic solutions in the presence and absence of Ru(III) catalyst
Authors: Hassan Refat , Ibrahim Samia , Sayed Suzan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) by the permanganate ion as a multiequivalent oxidant in aqueous perchlorate solutions at an ionic strength of 2.0 mol dm−3 has been investigated spectrophotometrically. The reaction kinetics was found to be of complex in nature. The pseudo–first‐order plots showed curves of inverted S‐shape, consisting of two distinct stages throughout the entire course of reaction. The first stage was relatively slow, followed by a fast reaction rate at longer time periods. The first‐order dependence in [MnO4−], fractional first‐order dependence in [H+], and fractional first‐order kinetics in the PEG concentration for the first stage have been revealed in the absence of the Ru(III) catalyst. The influence of the Ru(III) catalyst on the oxidation kinetics has been examined. The oxidation was found to be catalyzed by the added Ru(III) catalyst. The First‐order dependence on the catalyst and zero order with respect to the oxidant concentrations have been observed. The kinetic parameters have been evaluated, and a tentative reaction mechanism consistent with the kinetic results is suggested and discussed.
Land degradation monitoring using terrestrial ecosystem carbon sinks/sources and their response to climate change in China
Authors: Chuai Xiaowei , Qi Xinxian , Zhang Xiuying , Li Jiasheng , Yuan Ye , Guo Xiaomin , Huang Xianjin , Park Soojin , Zhao Rongqin , Xie Xianli , Feng Jianxi , Tang Shuangshuang , Zuo Tianhui , Lu Junyu , Li Jianbao , Lv Xiao 
Published: August 2018

AbstractGlobal warming, which is mainly caused by greenhouse gases, can greatly aggravate land degradation; therefore, the examination of the NEP (net ecosystem productivity) and the analysis of its response to climate change are very critical for understanding carbon cycling. Based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer data, meteorological data, and soil organic carbon data, this study examined the NEP from 2000 to 2013 and investigated how ongoing climate change affects the NEP. The study results indicate that the terrestrial ecosystems in China generally act as net carbon sinks with increasing NEP values. The western inland region and part of northeast China mainly act as carbon sources, with the NEP exhibiting an increasing trend, whereas the other regions mainly act as carbon sinks, with the NEP showing a decreasing trend across large areas of southern China, where the most obvious land degradation occurs. Homogeneity and heterogeneity co‐occur. The general pattern is that ecosystems with high biomass usually have a high NEP value, acting as high carbon sinks in relatively wet and warm environments, but have a low value and even act as carbon sources in dry and cold environments. Both moderate precipitation and temperature are essential in increasing the NEP, whereas lower precipitation and temperatures might have negative effects. Heterogeneity also widely breaks up the general pattern. Temporally, more NEP grids were positively correlated with changes in temperature and showed stronger correlation coefficients with temperature than with precipitation, but the grids showing a significant correlation with these factors accounted for only a small proportion of the total for both precipitation and temperature.