Neotethys closure history of Anatolia: insights from 40Ar–39Ar geochronology and P–T estimation in high pressure metasedimentary rocks

The multiple high-pressure (HP), low-temperature (LT) metamorphic units of Western and Central Anatolia offer a great opportunity to investigate the subduction- and continental accretion-related evolution of the eastern limb of the long-lived Aegean subduction system. Recent reports of the HP–LT index mineral Fe-Mg-carpholite in three metasedimentary units of the Gondwana-derived Anatolide–Tauride continental block (namely the Afyon Zone, the Ören Unit and the southern Menderes Massif) suggest a more complicated scenario than the single-continental accretion model generally put forward in previous studies. This study presents the first isotopic dates (white mica 40Ar–39Ar geochronology), and where possible are combined with P–T estimates (chlorite thermometry, phengite barometry, multi-equilibrium thermobarometry), on carpholite-bearing rocks from these three HP–LT metasedimentary units. It is shown that, in the Afyon Zone, carpholite-bearing assemblages were retrogressed through greenschist-facies conditions at c. 67–62 Ma. Early retrograde stages in the Ören Unit are dated to 63–59 Ma. In the Kurudere–Nebiler Unit (HP Mesozoic cover of the southern Menderes Massif), HP retrograde stages are dated to c. 45 Ma, and post-collisional cooling to c. 26 Ma. These new results support that the Ören Unit represents the westernmost continuation of the Afyon Zone, whereas the Kurudere–Nebiler Unit correlates with the Cycladic Blueschist Unit of the Aegean Domain. In Western Anatolia, three successive HP–LT metamorphic belts thus formed: the northernmost Tavşanlı Zone (c. 88–82 Ma), the Ören–Afyon Zone (between 70 and 65 Ma), and the Kurudere–Nebiler Unit (c. 52–45 Ma). The southward younging trend of the HP–LT metamorphism from the upper and internal to the deeper and more external structural units, as in the Aegean Domain, points to the persistence of subduction in Western Anatolia between 93–90 and c. 35 Ma. After the accretion of the Menderes–Tauride terrane, in Eocene times, subduction stopped, leading to continental collision and associated Barrovian-type metamorphism. Because, by contrast, the Aegean subduction did remain active due to slab roll-back and trench migration, the eastern limb (below Southwestern Anatolia) of the Hellenic slab was dramatically curved and consequently teared. It therefore is suggested that the possibility for subduction to continue after the accretion of buoyant (e.g. continental) terranes probably depends much on palaeogeography.

Recent Increases in Atmospheric Concentrations of Bi, U, Cs, S and Ca from a 350-Year Mount Everest Ice Core Record

High-resolution major and trace elements (Sr, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Bi, U, Tl, Al, S, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Co) quantified in a Mount Everest ice core ( 6518 m above sea level) spanning the period 1650-2002 AD provides the first Asian record of trace element concentrations from the pre-industrial era, and the first continuous high-resolution Asian record from which natural baseline concentrations and subsequent changes due to anthropogenic activities can be examined. Modern concentrations of most elements remain within the pre-industrial range; however, Bi, U, and Cs concentrations and their enrichment factors (EF) have increased since the similar to 1950s, and S and Ca concentrations and their EFs have increased since the late 1980s. A comparison of the Bi, U, Cs, S, and Ca data with other ice core records and production data indicates that the increase in atmospheric concentrations of trace elements is widespread, but that enrichment varies regionally. Likely sources for the recent enrichment of these elements include mining, metal smelting, oil and coal combustion, and end uses for Bi, and mining and refinement for U and Cs. The source of the synchronous enrichment of Ca and S is less certain, but may be related to land use and environmental change.

The relation of secondary student's career choice readiness to a six-phase model of career decision-making

Based on common aspects of recent models of career decision-making (CDM) a sixphase model of CDM for secondary students is presented and empirically evaluated. The study tested the hypothesis that students who are in later phases possess more career choice readiness and consider different numbers of career alternatives. 266 Swiss secondary students completed measures tapping phase of CDM, career choice readiness, and number of considered career options. Career choice readiness showed an increase with phase of CDM. Later phases were generally associated with a larger increase in career choice readiness. Number of considered career options showed a curve-linear development with fewer options considered at the beginning and at the end of the process. Male students showed a larger variability in their distribution among the process with more male than female students in the first and last phase of the process. Implications for theory and practice are presented.

Being Open, Being Faithful: The Journey of Interreligious Dialogue

What does Christian identity mean in the face of religious pluralism? In some ways, the frontier of global Christianity lies not in repairing its past divisions so much as bravely facing its future in a world of many other faiths and conflicting convictions. Being Open, Being Faithful is a brief history, astute analysis, and trustworthy guide for Christian encounters in this pluralistic environment. A central argument of this perceptive book is that interreligious dialogue has moved so far as to fundamentally change the attitudes and openness of world religious traditions to each other, promising a future more open and less hostile than one might otherwise think. The book presents and reflects on the recent history of interreligious encounter and dialogue, and it traces the manifold difficulties involved, especially as they are experienced in Roman Catholic and World Council of Churches' engagements with other faiths. Yet, it goes even further: along with the history of such encounters, Being Open, Being Faithful examines the issue of Christian discipleship in the context of interfaith engagement, the operative models, the thorny issue of core theological commitments, and what might be the shape of Christian identity in light of such encounters.

Manual Electrode Array Insertion Through a Robot-assisted Minimal Invasive Cochleostomy: Feasibility and Comparison of Two Different Electrode Array Subtypes.

HYPOTHESIS To evaluate the feasibility and the results of insertion of two types of electrode arrays in a robotically assisted surgical approach. BACKGROUND Recent publications demonstrated that robot-assisted surgery allows the implantation of free-fitting electrode arrays through a cochleostomy drilled via a narrow bony tunnel (DCA). We investigated if electrode arrays from different manufacturers could be used with this approach. METHODS Cone-beam CT imaging was performed on fivecadaveric heads after placement of fiducial screws. Relevant anatomical structures were segmented and the DCA trajectory, including the position of the cochleostomy, was defined to target the center of the scala tympani while reducing the risk of lesions to the facial nerve. Med-El Flex 28 and Cochlear CI422 electrodes were implanted on both sides, and their position was verified by cone-beam CT. Finally, temporal bones were dissected to assess the occurrence of damage to anatomical structures during DCA drilling. RESULTS The cochleostomy site was directed in the scala tympani in 9 of 10 cases. The insertion of electrode arrays was successful in 19 of 20 attempts. No facial nerve damage was observed. The average difference between the planned and the postoperative trajectory was 0.17 ± 0.19 mm at the level of the facial nerve. The average depth of insertion was 305.5 ± 55.2 and 243 ± 32.1 degrees with Med-El and Cochlear arrays, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Robot-assisted surgery is a reliable tool to allow cochlear implantation through a cochleostomy. Technical solutions must be developed to improve the electrode array insertion using this approach.

Management of fever and neutropenia in paediatric cancer patients: room for improvement?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Fever and neutropenia is the most common complication in the treatment of childhood cancer. This review will summarize recent publications that focus on improving the management of this condition as well as those that seek to optimize translational research efforts. RECENT FINDINGS A number of clinical decision rules are available to assist in the identification of low-risk fever and neutropenia however few have undergone external validation and formal impact analysis. Emerging evidence suggests acute fever and neutropenia management strategies should include time to antibiotic recommendations, and quality improvement initiatives have focused on eliminating barriers to early antibiotic administration. Despite reported increases in antimicrobial resistance, few studies have focused on the prediction, prevention, and optimal treatment of these infections and the effect on risk stratification remains unknown. A consensus guideline for paediatric fever and neutropenia research is now available and may help reduce some of the heterogeneity between studies that have previously limited the translation of evidence into clinical practice. SUMMARY Risk stratification is recommended for children with cancer and fever and neutropenia. Further research is required to quantify the overall impact of this approach and to refine exactly which children will benefit from early antibiotic administration as well as modifications to empiric regimens to cover antibiotic-resistant organisms.

HRGbeta1 inhibits metastasis of breast cancer cell lines, one of which exhibits lineage infidelity

Recent publications have questioned the origin of the MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cell line and have suggested that it is of melanocyte origin rather than breast epithelial origin. The data presented herein show unequivocally that MDA-MB-435 does express breast epithelial markers and produces milk-specific lipids. The data also indicated that MDA-MB-435 does express some melanocyte proteins but this expression occurs in the same MDA-MB-435 cells that express breast epithelial proteins. Although MDA-MB-435 does not strictly adhere to a breast lineage, it does retain breast specific markers and is thus valid as an experimental cell line in breast cancer studies. ^ Heregulinβ1 (HRGβ1) has been shown to both stimulate and inhibit breast tumorigenic and metasastasic phenotypes. Some studies used only the EGF-like domain of the extracellular domain of HRGβ1 while others used bacterially-expressed HRGβ1. Our in vitro data demonstrated that the full-length extracellular domain of human HRGβ1 reduced clonal growth of MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells but stimulated apoptosis in MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In addition, mammalian-expressed HRGβ1 did not dramatically affect matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity but did inhibit cell motility of MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7 cells. Taken together, the in vitro data indicated that HRGβ1 inhibits metastasis-associated properties. ^ The in vivo data demonstrated that inducible expression of the full-length extracellular domain of human HRGβ1 in MDA-MB-435 cells reduced tumor volume and cell proliferation but increased apoptosis of cells injected at the mammary fat pad in nude mice. More importantly, HRGβ1 reduced the number of metastases observed by a spontaneous metastasis assay. Taken together, these data indicate that the full-length extracellular domain of human HRGβ1 has the net effect of inhibiting breast cancer metastasis. ^

THE p63 ISOFORM ∆Np63α INHIBITS EPITHELIAL – MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION BY PROMOTING THE EXPRESSION OF MIR-205 IN HUMAN BLADDER CANCER CELLS

p63, a p53 family member, is a transcription factor that has complex roles in cancer. This study focuses on the role of the ∆Np63α isoform in bladder cancer (BC). Epithelial – mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological process that plays an important part in metastasis and drug resistance. At the molecular level, EMT is characterized by the loss of the epithelial marker E-cadherin, and the acquisition of the transcriptional repressors of E-cadherin (ZEB1, ZEB2, TWIST, SNAI1 and SNAI2). Recent publications highlight the role of microRNAs belonging to the miR-200 family and miR-205 in preventing EMT through suppression of ZEB1 and ZEB2. p53, the homologue of p63, is implicated in regulating EMT by modulating the expression of miR-200c; however, the mechanisms underlying miR-205 control remain unclear. Here we show that ∆Np63α regulates the transcription of miR-205 and controls EMT in human BC cells. We observed a strong correlation between the expression of ∆Np63α, miR-205 and E-cadherin in a panel of BC cell lines (n=28) and also in bladder primary tumors from a cohort of patients (n=98). A remarkably inverse correlation is observed between ∆Np63α and ZEB1/2 in cell lines. Stable knockdown (KD) ∆Np63α in UC6, an “epithelial” BC cell line, decreased the expression of miR-205 and induced ZEB1/2 expression, the effects that were reversed by expression of exogenous miR-205. Moreover, overexpressing ∆Np63α in UC3, a “messenchymal” BC cell line, brought about opposite results, an increase in miR-205 expression and a reduction in ZEB1/2 expression. Modulation of ∆Np63α expression resulted in a parallel change in the expression of miR-205 and miR-205 “host” gene (miR-205HG). Nuclear run-on and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that ∆Np63α regulates the transcription of miR-205 through controlling the recruitment of RNA Polymerase II to the promoter of miR-205HG. Interestingly, high miR-205 expression correlated with poor clinical outcome in BC patients, consistent with our recent publication highlighting the enrichment of ∆Np63 in a lethal subset of muscle invasive BC. In summary, our data present the important roles of ∆Np63α in preventing EMT mediated by miR-205. Our study also identifies miR-205 as a potential molecular marker to predict clinical outcome in BC patients.

A study of nutrition promotion in and consumer nutrition environments of hospitals

Dietary intake is a complex, health-related behavior, and although individual-level theoretical models explain some variation in dietary intake, comprehensive theoretical models such as the ecological framework describe the multiple levels which influence diet-related behaviors. Thus, the ecological framework is a preferred model for designing comprehensive nutrition interventions. While ecological-based nutrition interventions have been described, little work has focused on interventions in the hospital setting. Because hospitals are considered the hallmarks of health, it might seem that hospitals would regularly engage in worksite nutrition promotion; however, recent publications and other anecdotal evidence have indicated otherwise. The first paper of this dissertation systematically reviewed the scientific literature between 1996 and 2012 and identified 13 outcome evaluation trials for hospital-based worksite nutrition interventions. Of these 13 interventions, only one intervention targeted three of the four levels of the ecological framework and no intervention targeted all four levels. Only half of the interventions targeted the physical environment of hospitals, thus warranting more investigation into this specific level of the ecological framework in this setting. ^ A critical type of nutrition-related physical environments is the consumer nutrition environment. Although other tools measure the consumer nutrition environments of stores and restaurants, no tool specifically measured the consumer nutrition environments of hospitals until the CDC developed the Healthy Hospital Environment Scan for Cafeterias, Vending Machines, and Gift Shops (HHES-CVG). The HHES-CVG, a tool which measures the consumer nutrition environments of hospital cafeterias, vending machines, and gifts shops, was released in November 2011, and in the second paper of this dissertation, the reliability of this tool was investigated. Two trained raters visited 39 hospitals across Southern California between February and May 2012, and based on analyses of the raters' findings, the HHES-CVG exhibited strong reliability metrics (inter-observer agreement between 74 and 100%, and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.961 for the overall nutrition composite score). Because the HHES-CVG was found to be a reliable tool, the third paper of this dissertation presented HHES-CVG results from the 39 hospitals. Overall, hospitals only scored about one-fourth of the total possible points for the nutrition composite score, indicating that most facilities do not have acceptable consumer nutrition environments. Some of the best practices observed in cafeterias were significantly associated with having a large facility and with having a contracted foodservice operation, but overall nutrition composite score was not associated with any specific facility or operation type. ^ The dissertation concluded that much work is needed in order to improve the consumer nutrition environments of hospitals. Practitioners and healthcare administrators should consider starting with ecological-based interventions addressing all levels including the physical environment.^

Azithromycin efficacy in treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis

Adolescents 15 – 19 years of age have the highest prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis out of any age group, reaching 28.3% among detained youth [1]. The 2010 Center for Disease Control guidelines recommend one dose of azithromycin for the treatment of uncomplicated chlamydia infections based on 97% cure rate with azithromycin. Recent studies found an 8% or higher failure rate of azithromycin treatment in adolescents [2-5]. We conducted a prospective study beginning May, 2012 in the Harris County Juvenile Justice Center (HCJJC) medical department. Study subjects were detainees with positive urine NAAT tests for chlamydia on intake. We provided treatment with Azithromycin, completed questionnaires assessing risk factors and performed a test of cure for chlamydia three weeks after successful treatment. Those with treatment failure (positive TOC) received doxycycline for seven days. The preliminary results summarized herein are based on data collected from May 2012 to January 2013. Of the 97 youth enrolled in the study to date, 4 (4.1%) experienced treatment failure after administration of Azithromycin. Of these four patients, all were male, African-American and asymptomatic at the time of initial diagnosis and treatment. Of note, 37 (38%) patients in the cohort complained of abdominal pain with administration of Azithromycin. Results to date suggest that the efficacy of Azithromycin in our study is higher than the recent reported studies indicating a possible upper bound of Azithromycin. These results are preliminary and recruitment will continue until a sample size of 127 youth is reached.^

Abundance of zooplankton based on a long-term study at the Galata transect and covers the spring-summer periods from 1967 till 2005

The dataset is based on a long-term study (38 years) at the Galata transect and covers the spring-summer periods from 1967 till 2005. The whole dataset is composed of 360 data of total zooplankton biomass and abundance . Samples were collected in discrete layers 0-10m, 10-20m, 10-25m, 25-50m, 50-70m, 50-100m, 100-150. Mesozooplankton abundance: the collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber for taxomomic identification and count. Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Fishery Resource by Prof. Asen Konsulov and Institute of Oceanology by Prof. Asen Konsulov, Lyudmila Kamburska and Kremena Stefanova using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972). Taxon-specific mesozooplankton abundance: The collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber for taxomomic identification and count. Copepods and Cladoceras were identified and enumerated; the other mesozooplankters were identified and enumerated at higher taxonomic level (commonly named as mesozooplankton groups). Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Fishery Resource by prof. Asen Konsulov and Institute of Oceanology by Prof. Asen Konsulov, Lyudmila Kamburska and Kremena Stefanova using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972).

Stable carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of Miocene to Recent foraminifera from the Rio Grande Rise, South Atlantic

Miocene to Recent species of planktic foraminifera in the Globorotalia (Globoconella) lineage evolved entirely within the thermocline. All species are most abundant within subtropical-temperate watermasses throughout their history. The near stasis in distribution within the thermocline and the subtropical convergence suggests the major morphological changes in Globorotalia (Globoconella) may have occurred through habitat subdivision rather than by vicariant shifts into new watermasses. At the Rio Grande Rise, in the South Atlantic, modern G. inflata is 0.66-0.84? more positive for delta18O than the most enriched coexisting Globigerinoides sacculifer and probably grows in the mid thermocline deeper than 325 m. All extinct globoconellid species have mean delta18O ratios 0.5-0.8? more positive than Globigerinoides trilobus and G. sacculifer and probably lived within the thermocline as well. Major events in skeletal evolution are poorly correlated with changes in delta18O in this group. These include evolutionary transitions to compressed, smooth-walled tests and acquisition of keels. In addition, morphological reversals from the umbilically-inflated G. conomiozea to biconvex G. pliozea and to unkeeled G. puncticulata occur in the absence of changes in delta18O signature. Instead, the ranges of delta18O between different species almost completely overlap once corrected for temporal changes in delta18O of sea water. Foraminifera morphologies have been widely considered to evolve in response to changes in watermasses or depth habitats. However, the variety of skeletal shapes in the globoconellid lineage apparently are not adaptations to a progressive radiation from the surface mixed layer into deeper waters.

Silicoflagellates of ODP Leg 119 samples

The occurrence of Quaternary and Oligocene silicoflagellates at two Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 119 Holes (736A and 744A) on the Kerguelen Plateau in the Southern Ocean was investigated to compare species distributions to Northern Hemisphere floras. This abstract gives the data determined (Tables 1 and 2) for 24 samples and few preliminary remarks. Quaternary assemblages of Hole 736A are noteworthy for the absences of key North Pacific zonal guide species such as Bachmannocena quadrangula, Dictyocha aculeata, Dictyocha subarctios, and Distephanus octangulatus (Bukry and Monechi, 1985). Other species such as Distephanus floridus, Distephanus speculum elongatus, and Mesocena octagona show limited ranges in Hole 736A and may help to subdivide the Quaternary locally. The late Oligocene assemblages of Hole 744A contain widely distributed species of Distephanus and Naviculopsis, which permit correlation to lower latitude assemblages. They also contain the high-latitude acme of Distephanus raupii which was first noted at Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) Hole 278 (56°3.42'S, 160°04.29'E, water depth 3689 m) by Perch-Nielsen (1975) and Bukry (1975). Study of Hole 744A assemblages suggests that D. raupii developed from pentagonal Dictyocha deflandrei deflandrei. A final note on the Hole 744A assemblages is the brief late Oligocene acme (25%) of Dictyocha sp. aff. D. spinosa in Sample 119-744A-13H-4, 65-67 cm, which provides a direct correlation to the acme (16%) in DSDP Sample 29-278-31R-CC (Perch-Nielsen, 1975) in the Southern Ocean. Most of the taxonomy used in the tables is documented in earlier publications of the DSDP Initial Reports (see Bukry in Volumes 16, 35, 37, 40, 44, 49, 54, 67, 68, 69, 81, and 95). Also, see Loeblich et al. (1968) and Perch-Nielsen (1985) for extensive taxonomy and illustrations.