Paleobotanical and palynological evidence for the age of the Matzitzi Formation, Mexico

This study addresses some of the stratigraphical problems of the Matzitzi Formation of Puebla and Oaxaca States in Mexico. The age assignment for this unit is controversial although most researchers today accept a Leonardian age (Kungurian, 279.3–272.3 Ma) based on the presence of the gigantopterid Lonesomia mexicana Weber. However, after re-examination of the holotype and two paratypes, the absence of diagnostic taxonomic characters prevents the assignment of this fossil type species to the gigantopterid group. Excluding the presence of gigantopterids in this formation, the macroflora seems to be Permian in age. Samples were collected for palynological analysis to determine the age of the formation. Studied palynological assemblages seem to be reworked and are represented by 18 fossil taxa assigned to the following genera: Calamospora, Deltoidospora, Densosporites, Granulatisporites, Laevigatosporites, Latipulvinites, Lophotriletes, Platysaccus, Punctatosporites, Raistrickia, Schopfipollenites, Thymospora, Triquitrites, Verrucosisporites, and Vesicaspora. Described palynomorphs are likely Late Pennsylvanian according to the presence of Latipulvinites kosankii and Thymospora thiessenii. The biostratigraphic and geochronologic age disparities should be solved in the future

Paleobotanical and palynological evidence for the age of the Matzitzi Formation, Mexico

This study addresses some of the stratigraphical problems of the Matzitzi Formation of Puebla and Oaxaca States in Mexico. The age assignment for this unit is controversial although most researchers today accept a Leonardian age (Kungurian, 279.3–272.3 Ma) based on the presence of the gigantopterid Lonesomia mexicana Weber. However, after re-examination of the holotype and two paratypes, the absence of diagnostic taxonomic characters prevents the assignment of this fossil type species to the gigantopterid group. Excluding the presence of gigantopterids in this formation, the macroflora seems to be Permian in age. Samples were collected for palynological analysis to determine the age of the formation. Studied palynological assemblages seem to be reworked and are represented by 18 fossil taxa assigned to the following genera: Calamospora, Deltoidospora, Densosporites, Granulatisporites, Laevigatosporites, Latipulvinites, Lophotriletes, Platysaccus, Punctatosporites, Raistrickia, Schopfipollenites, Thymospora, Triquitrites, Verrucosisporites, and Vesicaspora. Described palynomorphs are likely Late Pennsylvanian according to the presence of Latipulvinites kosankii and Thymospora thiessenii. The biostratigraphic and geochronologic age disparities should be solved in the future

Validation of miR-1228-3p as Housekeeping for MicroRNA Analysis in Liquid Biopsies from Colorectal Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND: Circulating microRNA (miRNA) analysis is a growing research field. However, it usually requires an endogenous control or housekeeping (HK) in order to normalize expression of specific miRNAs throughout different samples. Unfortunately, no adequate HK for circulating miRNA analysis is still known in the colorectal cancer (CRC) context whereas several have been suggested. Hence, our aims were to validate the previously suggested miR-1228-3p as HK for CRC studies, to compare its suitability with the widely used miR-16-5p, and to evaluate the influence of hemolysis on both miRNAs. METHODS: We analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) the expression of miR-1228-3p, miR-16-5p and the spike-in cel-miR-39 in a set of 297 plasmas (92 CRC, 101 advanced adenomas -AA-, and 100 controls) and 213 serum samples (59 CRC, 74 AA and 80 controls). We also analyzed both miRNAs depending on the hemolysis degree in 7 plasmas and 31 serums. RESULTS: Levels of miR-1228-3p and miR-16-5p did not show significant differences between groups although miR-16-5p exhibited more variability in plasma and serum samples. Importantly, the combination of cel-miR-39 and miR-1228-3p was the most stable one. Moreover, we observed that miR-16-5p was significantly influenced by hemolysis in contrast with miR-1228-3p that exhibited no correlation with this confounding factor in both biofluids. CONCLUSION: MiR-1228-3p has been validated as an adequate endogenous control for circulating miRNA analysis in CRC and AA liquid biopsies

Plasma MicroRNA Signature Validation for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer

OBJECTIVES: Specific microRNA (miRNA) signatures in biological fluids can facilitate earlier detection of the tumors being then minimally invasive diagnostic biomarkers. Circulating miRNAs have also emerged as promising diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. In this study, we investigated the performance of a specific signature of miRNA in plasma samples to design a robust predictive model that can distinguish healthy individuals from those with CRC or advanced adenomas (AA) diseases. METHODS: Case control study of 297 patients from 8 Spanish centers including 100 healthy individuals, 101 diagnosed with AA, and 96 CRC cases. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription was used to quantify a signature of miRNA (miRNA19a, miRNA19b, miRNA15b, miRNA29a, miRNA335, and miRNA18a) in plasma samples. Binary classifiers (Support Vector Machine [SVM] linear, SVM radial, and SVM polynomial) were built for the best predictive model. RESULTS: Area under receiving operating characteristic curve of 0.92 (95% confidence interval 0.871-0.962) was obtained retrieving a model with a sensitivity of 0.85 and specificity of 0.90, positive predictive value of 0.94, and negative predictive value of 0.76 when advanced neoplasms (CRC and AA) were compared with healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS: We identified and validated a signature of 6 miRNAs (miRNA19a, miRNA19b, miRNA15b, miRNA29a, miRNA335, and miRNA18a) as predictors that can differentiate significantly patients with CRC and AA from those who are healthy. However, large-scale validation studies in asymptomatic screening participants should be conducted

The Jurassic – Cretaceous transition in the West Cameros Basin (Tera Group, Burgos, Spain): Sedimentological and palynostratigraphical insights

The Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary transition is widely distributed within the West Cameros Basin. This horizon is constituted by the Tera Group, consisting of two depositional sequences (DS1 and DS2) comprising four geological formations spanning the Tithonian to the Berriasian. Here, a combined sedimentological and palynostratigraphic study was made covering the Tera Group. The sedimentological results for the DS 1 differentiate three facies associations (FA 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3) corresponding to floodplains and braided channels of a distributive fluvial system shifting to shallow lacustrine facies in a semi-arid climate. For the DS 2, three FA were also differentiated (FA 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3), corresponding to tidal-influenced meandering channels and floodplains in a distal fluvial to a delta-plain system that shifts to shallow lacustrine facies. The palynological results were only productive in samples from the Jaramillo Formation. The palynological record shows an assemblage dominated by spores including Concavissimisporites, Leptolepidites and Taurocusporites, as well as Classopollis pollen. According to the stratigraphic ranges of some selected taxa, the suggested chronostratigraphic assignment is lower Berriasian for the Jaramillo Fm. A comparison of the microfloras from the Tithonian–Berriasian recorded in the Iberian Peninsula was carried out. The following observations can be concluded: 1) the change in the plant communities, already observed since the Late Jurassic onwards, became more pronounced between the Tithonian–Berriasian boundary and the late Berriasian; and 2) a noteworthy occurrence of some biostratigraphically important taxa, specifically for the Tithonian–Berriasian interval

Performance and Operation of the CMS Electromagnetic Calorimeter

The operation and general performance of the CMS electromagnetic calorimeter using cosmic-ray muons are described. These muons were recorded after the closure of the CMS detector in late 2008. The calorimeter is made of lead tungstate crystals and the overall status of the 75848 channels corresponding to the barrel and endcap detectors is reported. The stability of crucial operational parameters, such as high voltage, temperature and electronic noise, is summarised and the performance of the light monitoring system is presented

Acceptability and feasibility of a virtual community of practice to primary care professionals regarding patient empowerment: A qualitative pilot study

Background: Virtual communities of practice (vCoPs) facilitate online learning via the exchange of experiences and knowledge between interested participants. Compared to other communities, vCoPs need to overcome technological structures and specific barriers. Our objective was to pilot the acceptability and feasibility of a vCoP aimed at improving the attitudes of primary care professionals to the empowerment of patients with chronic conditions. Methods: We used a qualitative approach based on 2 focus groups: one composed of 6 general practitioners and the other of 6 practice nurses. Discussion guidelines on the topics to be investigated were provided to the moderator. Sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed using the ATLAS-ti software. Results: The available operating systems and browsers and the lack of suitable spaces and time were reported as the main difficulties with the vCoP. The vCoP was perceived to be a flexible learning mode that provided up-to-date resources applicable to routine practice and offered a space for the exchange of experiences and approaches. Conclusions: The results from this pilot study show that the vCoP was considered useful for learning how to empower patients. However, while vCoPs have the potential to facilitate learning and as shown create professional awareness regarding patient empowerment, attention needs to be paid to technological and access issues and the time demands on professionals. We collected relevant inputs to improve the features, content and educational methods to be included in further vCoP implementation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02757781. Registered on 25 April 2016.This study was financed by Instituto de Salud Carlos III and Cofinanced by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad. Gobierno de España. (PI15/00164, PI15/00586, PI15/00566

Acceptability and feasibility of a virtual community of practice to primary care professionals regarding patient empowerment : A qualitative pilot study

Background: Virtual communities of practice (vCoPs) facilitate online learning via the exchange of experiences and knowledge between interested participants. Compared to other communities, vCoPs need to overcome technological structures and specific barriers. Our objective was to pilot the acceptability and feasibility of a vCoP aimed at improving the attitudes of primary care professionals to the empowerment of patients with chronic conditions. Methods: We used a qualitative approach based on 2 focus groups: one composed of 6 general practitioners and the other of 6 practice nurses. Discussion guidelines on the topics to be investigated were provided to the moderator. Sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed using the ATLAS-ti software. Results: The available operating systems and browsers and the lack of suitable spaces and time were reported as the main difficulties with the vCoP. The vCoP was perceived to be a flexible learning mode that provided up-to-date resources applicable to routine practice and offered a space for the exchange of experiences and approaches. Conclusions: The results from this pilot study show that the vCoP was considered useful for learning how to empower patients. However, while vCoPs have the potential to facilitate learning and as shown create professional awareness regarding patient empowerment, attention needs to be paid to technological and access issues and the time demands on professionals. We collected relevant inputs to improve the features, content and educational methods to be included in further vCoP implementation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02757781. Registered on 25 April 2016

Calibration of the CMS Drift Tube Chambers and Measurement of the Drift Velocity with Cosmic Rays

Peer reviewe

Commissioning and performance of the CMS silicon strip tracker with cosmic ray muons

This is the Pre-print version of the Article. The official published version of the Paper can be accessed from the link below - Copyright @ 2010 IOPDuring autumn 2008, the Silicon Strip Tracker was operated with the full CMS experiment in a comprehensive test, in the presence of the 3.8 T magnetic field produced by the CMS superconducting solenoid. Cosmic ray muons were detected in the muon chambers and used to trigger the readout of all CMS sub-detectors. About 15 million events with a muon in the tracker were collected. The efficiency of hit and track reconstruction were measured to be higher than 99% and consistent with expectations from Monte Carlo simulation. This article details the commissioning and performance of the Silicon Strip Tracker with cosmic ray muons.This work is supported by FMSR (Austria); FNRS and FWO (Belgium); CNPq, CAPES, FAPERJ, and FAPESP (Brazil); MES (Bulgaria); CERN; CAS, MoST, and NSFC (China); COLCIENCIAS (Colombia); MSES (Croatia); RPF (Cyprus); Academy of Sciences and NICPB (Estonia); Academy of Finland, ME, and HIP (Finland); CEA and CNRS/IN2P3 (France); BMBF, DFG, and HGF (Germany); GSRT (Greece); OTKA and NKTH (Hungary); DAE and DST (India); IPM (Iran); SFI (Ireland); INFN (Italy); NRF (Korea); LAS (Lithuania); CINVESTAV, CONACYT, SEP, and UASLP-FAI (Mexico); PAEC (Pakistan); SCSR (Poland); FCT (Portugal); JINR (Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan); MST and MAE (Russia); MSTDS (Serbia); MICINN and CPAN (Spain); Swiss Funding Agencies (Switzerland); NSC (Taipei); TUBITAK and TAEK (Turkey); STFC (United Kingdom); DOE and NSF (USA)