bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of mGluR5 Attenuates NMDA-Induced Neurotoxicity through Disruption of the NMDAR-PSD-95 Complex and Preservation of Mitochondrial Function in Differentiated PC12 Cells
Authors: Dai Shu-Hui , Qin Na , Chen Tao , Luo Peng , Zhang Lei , Rao Wei , Yang Yue-Fan , Jiang Xiao-Fan , Fei Zhou
Published: June 2014

Glutamate-mediated toxicity is implicated in various neuropathologic conditions, and activation of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors is considered to be the most important mechanism. It has been reported that pharmacological saturation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) can facilitate N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) related signaling cascades, but the mechanism leading to mGluR-NMDAR interactions in excitotoxic neuronal injury has remained unidentified. In the present study, we investigated the role of mGluR5 in the regulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-induced excitotoxicity in differentiated PC12 cells. We found that activation of mGluR5 with the specific agonist R,S-2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG) increased cell viability and inhibited lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in a dose-dependent manner. CHPG also inhibited an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, attenuated cleavage of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and reduced apoptotic cell death after NMDA treatment. The NMDA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, as indicated by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and cytochrome c release, was also partly prevented by CHPG treatment. Furthermore, CHPG blocked the NMDA-induced interaction of NMDAR with postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), but had no effects on intracellular calcium concentrations. All these results indicated that activation of mGluR5 protects differentiated PC12 cells from NMDA-induced neuronal excitotoxicity by disrupting NMDAR-PSD-95 interaction, which might be an ideal target for investigating therapeutic strategies in various neurological diseases where excitotoxicity may contribute to their pathology.
miRNAs as Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Ulivi Paola , Zoli Wainer
Published: June 2014

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death and late diagnosis is one of the most important reasons for the high mortality rate. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) represent stable and reproducible markers for numerous solid tumors, including lung cancer, and have been hypothesized as non-invasive diagnostic markers. Serum, plasma or whole peripheral blood can be used as starting material, and several methodological approaches have been proposed to evaluate miRNA expression. The present review provides an in depth summary of current knowledge on circulating miRNAs in different types of biological samples used as diagnostic markers of lung cancer. We also evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of each miRNA or group of miRNAs in relation to the different housekeeping miRNAs used. Finally, the limitations and potential of miRNA analysis are discussed.
Voltammetric Detection of S100B Protein Using His-Tagged Receptor Domains for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) Immobilized onto a Gold Electrode Surface
Authors: Mikuła Edyta , Wysłouch-Cieszyńska Aleksandra , Zhukova Liliya , Puchalska Monika , Verwilst Peter , Dehaen Wim , Radecki Jerzy , Radecka Hanna
Published: June 2014

In this work we report on an electrochemical biosensor for the determination of the S100B protein. The His-tagged VC1 domains of Receptors for Advanced Glycation End (RAGE) products used as analytically active molecules were covalently immobilized on a monolayer of a thiol derivative of pentetic acid (DPTA) complex with Cu(II) deposited on a gold electrode surface. The recognition processes between the RAGE VC1 domain and the S100B protein results in changes in the redox activity of the DPTA-Cu(II) centres which were measured by Osteryoung square-wave voltammetry (OSWV). In order to verify whether the observed analytical signal originates from the recognition process between the His6–RAGE VC1 domains and the S100B protein, the electrode modified with the His6–RAGE C2 and His6–RAGE VC1 deleted domains which have no ability to bind S100B peptides were applied. The proposed biosensor was quite sensitive, with a detection limit of 0.52 pM recorded in the buffer solution. The presence of diluted human plasma and 10 nM Aβ1-40 have no influence on the biosensor performance.
Economic Risk and Efficiency Assessment of Fisheries in Abu-Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE): A Stochastic Approach
Authors: Fathelrahman Eihab , Basarir Aydin , Gheblawi Mohamed , Sherif Sherin , Ascough James
Published: June 2014

The fishing industry in Abu-Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), plays an important role in diversifying food sources in order to enhance national food security. The fishing industry is facing an increasing risk that may impact the sustainability (i.e., quantity and quality) of the fish caught and consumed in the UAE. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to analyze common Abu-Dhabi fishing management alternatives using various stochastic dominance techniques (i.e., first/second degree stochastic dominance, stochastic dominance with respect to a function and stochastic efficiency with respect to a function) to assess the risk facing UAE fishermen. The techniques represent a risk assessment continuum, which can provide a ranking of management alternatives to improve decision making outcomes and help maintain long-term UAE fishing sustainability. Data for the stochastic dominance analyses were obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted through face-to-face interviews of Abu Dhabi, UAE, fishermen. Analysis of fishing methods, trap sizes and trap numbers using stochastic efficiency with respect to a function (SERF) showed that fishermen efficient practices were not the same for risk-neutral fishermen compared to risk averse fishermen. Overall, the stochastic dominance results illustrated the importance of considering both attitude towards risk and economic inefficiencies in managing UAE fishery practices and designing successful fishery policies, as well as improving decision-making at the fishermen level.
Next Generation E-Government
Authors: Moloney Maria , Coyle Gary
Published: June 2014

The evolving model of the Future Internet has, at its heart, the users of the Internet. Web 2.0 and Government 2.0 initiatives help citizens communicate even better with their governments. Such initiatives have the potential to empower citizens by giving them a stronger voice in both the traditional sense and in the digital society. Pressure is mounting on governments to listen to the voice of the public expressed through these technologies and incorporate their needs into public policy. On the other hand, governments still have a duty to protect their citizens' personal information against unlawful and malicious intent. This responsibility is essential to any government in an age where there is an increasing burden on citizens to interact with governments via electronic means. This chapter examines this dual agenda of modern governments to engage with its citizens, on the one hand, to encourage transparency and open discussion, and to provide digitally offered public services that require the protection of citizens' private information, on the other. In this chapter, it is argued that a citizen-centric approach to online privacy protection that works in tandem with the open government agenda will provide a unified mode of interaction between citizens, businesses, and governments in digital society.
The Case of the Mexican Mobile Government: Measurement and Examples
Authors: Sandoval-Almazan Rodrigo , Romero Yaneileth Rojas
Published: June 2014

The mobile government has become a reality in a large majority of countries around the world. However, the use of mobile apps (small software programs for use on mobile devices) to link government Websites and information is a recent trend that is becoming of interest to citizens and public officials. The uses, advantages, and disadvantages have recently become a study field for several scholars around the globe. The mobile government is not new for e-government scholars; however, the explosion of apps and the increase of smart phones have created a new trend in the mobile government field. In order to understand these phenomena in the Mexican society, the authors have gathered data from different sources: government departments, business enterprises, and citizen organizations. Based on this information, they analyze the impact of apps across the country and suggest a classification method that can be used for a better understanding of this new field. In this chapter, the authors discuss five small case studies, which they consider good examples to follow by different government organizations. To accomplish this objective, they divide this chapter into seven main sections. After the introduction, the authors provide a literature review, describe the method of study and classify the apps, discuss the findings with the model application, present the case studies for government apps, discuss ideas for future research on government apps, and then in the final section, they present final remarks and conclusions of the investigation.
Invasive Weed Optimization for Combined Economic and Emission Dispatch Problems
Authors: Panigrahi B.K. , Pandit Manjaree , Mohan Dubey Hari , Agarwal Ashish , Hong Wei-Chiang
Published: June 2014

In this paper, Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO) algorithm is used to find the optimum solution of Combined Economic Emission Dispatch (CEED) problem. The main objective is to minimize the fuel cost as well as emission level, while satisfying the power demand and associative operational constraints. The bi-objective problem is made to a single objective function using the price penalty factor. Since, the minimize fuel cost and emission are contradictory to each other so to get the optimum compromise solution, weighing factor is used. IWO is applied on three different standard test cases i.e. 6 generators, 10 generators and 40 generators system. To measure the effectiveness and quality of solution, test results have been compared with other existing relevant approaches.
Nurse Scheduling by Cooperative GA with Effective Virus Operator
Authors: Ohki Makoto
Published: June 2014

This paper proposes effective genetic operators for cooperative genetic algorithm (GA) to solve a nurse scheduling problem. A clinical director of a medical department makes a duty schedule of all nurses of the department every month. Such the scheduling is very complex task. It takes one or two weeks to create the nurse schedule even by a veteran director. In conventional ways using the cooperative GA, a crossover operator is only employed for the optimization, because it does not lose consistency between chromosomes. The authors propose a virus operator for the cooperative GA, which does not lose consistency of the nurse schedule. The cooperative GA with the new operator has brought a surprisingly good result, it has never been brought by the conventional algorithm.
Enhanced XML Encryption Using Classification Mining Technique for e-Banking Transactions
Authors: Ammari Faisal T. , Lu Joan
Published: June 2014

In this paper a novel approach is presented for securing financial Extensible Markup Language (XML) transactions using classification data mining (DM) algorithms. The authors' strategy defines the complete process of classifying XML transactions by using set of classification algorithms, classified XML documents processed at later stage using element-wise encryption. Classification algorithms were used to identify the XML transaction rules and factors in order to classify the message content fetching important elements within. The authors have implemented two classification algorithms to fetch the importance level value within each XML document. Classified content is processed using element-wise encryption for selected parts with “High” or “Medium” importance level values. Element-wise encryption is performed using AES symmetric encryption algorithm with different key sizes. An implementation has been conducted using data set fetched from e-banking service in one of the leading banks in Jordan to present system functionality and efficiency. Results from the authors' implementation presented an improvement in processing time encrypting XML documents.
A Virtual Intelligent Creativity Matrix for Employees Clustered Interactivity Network with Knowledge Development Program
Authors: Mahdavi Iraj , Fazlollahtabar Hamed , Mahdavi-Amiri Nezam , Arabmaghsudi Mohsen , Yahyanejad Mohammad Hassan
Published: June 2014

Creative organizations needing teams to combine and integrate inputs from other teams, the teams' structure of interaction is an important prerequisite for creativity. Here, the authors investigate different structural aspects teams' network organization and their creativity within a knowledge development program (KDP). Initially, a pilot group of people in an organization is selected. This group is evaluated through creativity parameters using a questionnaire. Considering the questionnaires' data, a decision maker configures the creativity matrix by a bipolar scoring technique. Applying the creativity matrix, clustering is performed. The pilot group is divided into some research teams. The research subjects are submitted to the teams and their progress in solving the problem is assessed through a comprehensive network interaction assessment method (CNIAM). Finally, an allocated problem is solved and some new research subjects are evolved to be assigned to the next configured teams. This procedure is repeated dynamically for different time periods. A case study in Mazandaran Gas Company in Iran is worked out to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach.
Sensed Data Sharing in Cloud Federation for Advances in Health Information Exchange
Authors: Celesti Antonio , Fazio Maria , Puliafito Antonio , Villari Massimo
Published: June 2014

In this paper the authors focus on sensing systems supporting data exchange among several healthcare administrative domains. The challenge in this area is twofold: efficient management of a huge amount of data produced by medical devices, bio-sensors and information systems, sharing sensed data for scientific and clinical purposes. The authors present a new information system that exploits Cloud computing capabilities to overcome such issues, also guaranteeing patients' privacy. Their proposal integrates different healthcare institutions into a federated environment, thus establishing a trust context among the institutions themselves. The storage service is designed according to a fully distributed approach and it is based on the wide-used Open Source framework Hadoop, which is enriched to establish a compelling federated system. They adopt the XRI technology to formalize an XML-based data model which allows to simplify the classification, searching and retrieval of medical data.
Simplified Method of Speed Control of a DC Motor through DAS Using MATLAB-Based PID Controller and Study of its Application in a Voltage Control System of a DC Generator
Authors: Chattopadhyay S. , Bandyopadhyay M.
Published: June 2014

A PC based speed control system of a PMDC motor using PID controller with the help of Data Acquisition System has been designed in order to control the process variable to achieve the most efficient control in the plant operation. The proposed PID controller has been tested with a process plant analogue and implemented it, in the speed control system of a PMDC motor and voltage control system of a DC generator where DC motor is coupled as a prime mover. The characteristics of the proposed controller along with process plant analogue have been studied. The speed control characteristic of the DC motor with the controller set point and load characteristics of the DC generator with and without this controller have been determined experimentally and reported in this paper.
Improving the Detection of On-Line Vertical Port Scan in IP Traffic
Authors: Fricker Christine , Robert Philippe , Chabchoub Yousra
Published: June 2014

The authors propose in this paper an on-line algorithm based on Bloom filters to detect port scan attacks in IP traffic. Only relevant information about destination IP addresses and destination ports are stored in two steps in a two-dimensional Bloom filter. This algorithm can be indefinitely performed on a real traffic stream thanks to a new adaptive refreshing scheme that closely follows traffic variations. It is a scalable algorithm able to deal with IP traffic at a very high bit rate thanks to the use of hashing functions over a sliding window. Moreover it does not need any a priori knowledge about traffic characteristics. When tested against real IP traffic, the proposed on-line algorithm performs well in the sense that it detects all the port scan attacks within a very short response time of only 10 seconds without any false positive.
Pentexonomy
Authors: Tuapawa Kimberley , Sher William , Gu Ning
Published: June 2014

Educational online technologies (EOTs) have revolutionised the delivery of online education, making a large contribution towards the global increase in demand for higher learning. Educationalists have striven to adapt through knowledge development and application of online tools, but making educationally sound choices about technology has proved challenging, amidst the extensive and largely unclassified range of tools. The absence of a taxonomy comprehensive enough to guide EOT choice is a concern, given the current extent of online activity. This paper addresses this issue by proposing a new taxonomic framework of EOTs called the Pentexonomy. Developed by augmenting five existing taxonomies, the Pentexonomy synergises a range of perspectives to produce a robust and multi-dimensional classification which facilitates effective decision-making on EOT activity.
De praeceptis ferendis: good practice in multi-model ensembles
Authors: Kioutsioukis I. , Galmarini S.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Ensembles of air quality models have been formally and empirically shown to outperform single models in many cases. Evidence suggests that ensemble error is reduced when the members form a diverse and accurate ensemble. Diversity and accuracy are hence two factors that should be taken care of while designing ensembles in order for them to provide better predictions. There exists a trade-off between diversity and accuracy for which one cannot be gained without expenses of the other. Theoretical aspects like the bias-variance-covariance decomposition and the accuracy-diversity decomposition are linked together and support the importance of creating ensemble that incorporates both the elements. Hence, the common practice of unconditional averaging of models without prior manipulation limits the advantages of ensemble averaging. We demonstrate the importance of ensemble accuracy and diversity through an inter-comparison of ensemble products for which a sound mathematical framework exists, and provide specific recommendations for model selection and weighting for multi model ensembles. To this end we have devised statistical tools that can be used for diagnostic evaluation of ensemble modelling products, complementing existing operational methods.
Simulations of a cold-air pool associated with elevated wintertime ozone in the Uintah Basin, Utah
Authors: Neemann E. M. , Crosman E. T. , Horel J. D. , Avey L.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Numerical simulations are used to investigate the meteorological characteristics of the 1–6 February 2013 cold-air pool in the Uintah Basin, Utah, and the resulting high ozone concentrations. Flow features affecting cold-air pools and air quality in the Uintah Basin are studied, including: penetration of clean air into the basin from across the surrounding mountains, elevated easterlies within the inversion layer, and thermally-driven slope and valley flows. The sensitivity of the boundary layer structure to cloud microphysics and snow cover variations are also examined. Ice-dominant clouds enhance cold-air pool strength compared to liquid-dominant clouds by increasing nocturnal cooling and decreasing longwave cloud forcing. Snow cover increases boundary layer stability by enhancing the surface albedo, reducing the absorbed solar insolation at the surface, and lowering near-surface air temperatures. Snow cover also increases ozone levels by enhancing solar radiation available for photochemical reactions.
Effects of drought on nitrogen turnover and abundances of ammonia-oxidizers in mountain grassland
Authors: Fuchslueger L. , Kastl E.-M. , Bauer F. , Kienzl S. , Hasibeder R. , Ladreiter-Knauss T. , Schmitt M. , Bahn M. , Schloter M. , Richter A. , Szukics U.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Future climate scenarios suggest an increased frequency of summer drought periods in the European Alpine Region. Drought can affect soil nitrogen (N) cycling, by altering N transformation rates, as well as the abundances of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea. However, the extent to which drought affects N cycling under in situ conditions is still controversial. The goal of this study was to analyse effects of drought on soil N turnover and ammonia-oxidizer abundances. To this end we conducted a rain-exclusion experiment at two differently managed mountain grassland sites, an annually mown and occasionally fertilized meadow and an abandoned grassland. Soils were sampled before, during and after drought and were analysed for gross rates of N mineralization, microbial uptake of inorganic N, nitrification, and the abundances of bacterial and archaeal ammonia oxidizers based on gene copy numbers of the amoA gene (AOB and AOA, respectively). Our results showed that the response to drought differed between the two sites. Effects were stronger at the managed meadow, where NH4+ immobilization rates increased and AOA abundances decreased. At the abandoned site gross nitrification and NO3− immobilization rates decreased during drought, while neither AOB, nor AOA abundances were affected. The different responses of the two sites to drought were likely related to site specific differences, such as soil organic matter content, nitrogen pools and absolute soil water content, resulting from differences in land-management. At both sites rewetting after drought had only minor short-term effects on the parameters that had been affected by drought, and seven weeks after the drought no effects of drought were detectable anymore. Thus, our findings indicate that drought can have distinct transient effects on soil nitrogen cycling and ammonia-oxidizer abundances in mountain grasslands and that the effect strength could be modulated by grassland management.
Plant colonization, succession and ecosystem development on Surtsey with reference to neighbouring islands
Authors: Magnússon B. , Magnússon S. H. , Ólafsson E. , Sigurdsson B. D.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Plant colonization and succession on Surtsey volcanic island, formed in 1963, have been closely followed. In 2013, a total of 69 vascular plant species had been discovered on the island; of these 59 were present and 39 had established viable populations. Surtsey had more than twice the species of any of the comparable neighbouring islands and all their common species had established on Surtsey. The first colonizers were dispersed by sea, but after 1985 bird-dispersal became the principal pathway with the formation of a seagull colony on the island and consequent site amelioration. This allowed wind-dispersed species to establish after 1990. Since 2007 there has been a net loss of species on the island. A study of plant succession, soil formation and invertebrate communities in permanent plots on Surtsey and on two older neighbouring islands (plants and soil) has revealed that seabirds, through their transfer of nutrients from sea to land, are major drivers of development of these ecosystems. In the area impacted by seagulls dense grassland swards have developed and plant cover, species richness, diversity, plant biomass and soil carbon become significantly higher than in low-impact areas, which remained relatively barren. A similar difference was found for the invertebrate fauna. After 2000, the vegetation of the oldest part of the seagull colony became increasingly dominated by long-lived, rhizomatous grasses (Festuca, Poa, Leymus) with a decline in species richness and diversity. Old grasslands of the neighbouring islands Elliðaey (puffin colony, high nutrient input) and Heimaey (no seabirds, low nutrient input) contrasted sharply. The puffin grassland of Elliðaey was very dense and species-poor. Dominated by Festuca and Poa, it it was very similar to the seagull grassland developing on Surtsey. The Heimaey grassland was significantly higher in species richness and diversity, and had a more even cover of dominants (Festuca/Agrostis/Ranunculus). We forecast that with continued erosion of Surtsey, loss of habitats and increasing impact from seabirds a lush, species poor grassland will develop and persist, as on the old neighbouring islands.
The MESSy aerosol submodel MADE3 (v2.0b): description and a box model test
Authors: Kaiser J. C. , Hendricks J. , Righi M. , Riemer N. , Zaveri R. A. , Metzger S. , Aquila V.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. We introduce MADE3 (Modal Aerosol Dynamics model for Europe, adapted for global applications, 3rd generation; version: MADE3v2.0b), an aerosol dynamics submodel for application within the MESSy framework (Modular Earth Submodel System). MADE3 builds on the predecessor aerosol submodels MADE and MADE-in. Its main new features are the explicit representation of coarse mode particle interactions both with other particles and with condensable gases, and the inclusion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) / chloride (Cl) partitioning between the gas and condensed phases. The aerosol size distribution is represented in the new submodel as a superposition of nine lognormal modes: one for fully soluble particles, one for insoluble particles, and one for mixed particles in each of three size ranges (Aitken, accumulation, and coarse mode size ranges). In order to assess the performance of MADE3 we compare it to its predecessor MADE and to the much more detailed particle-resolved aerosol model PartMC-MOSAIC in a box model simulation of an idealised marine boundary layer test case. MADE3 and MADE results are very similar, except in the coarse mode, where the aerosol is dominated by sea spray particles. Cl is reduced in MADE3 with respect to MADE due to the HCl / Cl partitioning that leads to Cl removal from the sea spray aerosol in our test case. Additionally, the aerosol nitrate concentration is higher in MADE3 due to the condensation of nitric acid on coarse mode particles. MADE3 and PartMC-MOSAIC show substantial differences in the fine particle size distributions (sizes ≲ 2 μm) that could be relevant when simulating climate effects on a global scale. Nevertheless, the agreement between MADE3 and PartMC-MOSAIC is very good when it comes to coarse particle size distributions (sizes ≳ 2 μm), and also in terms of aerosol composition. Considering these results and the well-established ability of MADE in reproducing observed aerosol loadings and composition, MADE3 seems suitable for application within a global model.
An Academic Medical Center's Expansion to the European Union: A Case Study of UPMC's Joint Projects in Italy and Ireland
Authors: Olson Josephine E. , Lin Michael K. , Brady Leslie M. , Huber George A.
Published: June 2014

This case study examines the expansion of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to Italy and Ireland in the European Union. The authors use international business theory to help understand why US Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) are beginning to go abroad and, through semistructured interviews with UPMC officials, they examine the market entry issues UPMC faced when expanding to Italy and Ireland. The authors also explain why UPMC’s first successful foreign ventures took place in the European Union. They conclude with comments on several of the strategic issues that AMCs should address if they wish to successfully expand overseas.
Pathways toward Positive Psychosocial Outcomes and Mental Health for Youth with Disabilities: A Knowledge Synthesis of Developmental Trajectories
Authors: Gorter Jan Willem , Stewart Debra , Smith Marc Woodbury , King Gillian , Wright Marilyn , Nguyen Tram , Freeman Matt , Swinton Marilyn
Published: June 2014

Most children with developmental conditions survive to adulthood. To improve adult outcomes there is a need to synthesize our existing knowledge regarding their developmental trajectories. The synthesis in this paper was guided by interactional, life course perspectives and definitions of development and disability. Evidence from 107 published articles, grey literature, and expert opinion demonstrated that there are currently more negative than positive psychosocial and mental health outcomes for youth with disabilities. Evidence is mounting that youth with disabilities experience similar trajectories to their peers without disabilities through positive, developmentally appropriate life experiences and regular opportunities with adequate supports to develop adult social roles.
Employing ProteoWizard to Convert Raw Mass Spectrometry Data
Authors: Holman Jerry D. , Tabb David L. , Mallick Parag
Published: June 2014

After raw data have been captured by mass spectrometers in biological LC‐MS/MS experiments, they must be converted from vendor‐specific binary files to open‐format files for manipulation by most software. This protocol details the use of ProteoWizard software for this conversion, taking format features, coding options, and vendor particularities into account. This protocol will aid researchers in preparing their data for analysis by database search engines and other bioinformatics tools. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 46:13.24.1‐13.24.9. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Buildup of a dynamically supported orogenic plateau: Numerical modeling of the Zagros/Central Iran case study
Authors: François T. , Burov E. , Agard P. , Meyer B.
Published: June 2014

The Iranian plateau is a vast inland region with a smooth average elevation of c. 1.5 km formed at the rear of the Zagros orogen as a result of the Arabia‐Eurasia collision (i.e., over the last 30–35 Myr). This collision zone is of particular interest due to its disputed resemblance to the faster Himalayan collision, which gave birth to the Tibetan plateau around 50 Myr ago. Recent studies have suggested that a recent (10–5 Ma) slab break‐off event below Central Iran caused the formation of the Iranian plateau. Here, we test several hypotheses through large‐scale (3082 × 590 km) numerical models of continental subduction models that incorporate a free upper surface erosion, rheological stratification, brittle‐elastic‐ductile rheologies, and metamorphic phase changes (density and physical properties) and account for the specific crustal and thermal structure of the Arabian and Iranian continental lithospheres. We test the impact of the transition from oceanic to continental subduction and the topographic consequences of the progressive slowdown of the convergence rate during continental subduction. Our results demonstrate the role of mantle flow beneath the overriding plate, initiated as an indirect consequence of slab break‐off. This flow creates a dynamic topography support during continental subduction and results in delamination of the overriding plate lithospheric mantle followed by isostatic readjustment, hence of further uplift and maintenance of a plateau‐like topography without significant crustal thickening. The slowdown of the convergence rate during the development of the continental subduction/collision phase largely contributes to this process by controlling the timing and depth of slab break‐off.
Mechanical analysis of a natural example of onland gravity gliding: The role of river incision and deposition
Authors: Messager Grégoire , Hassani Riad , Nivière Bertrand
Published: June 2014

Gravity gliding implies rigid translation of a body down a slope where displacements are parallel to a tilted detachment plane. Although large‐scale gravity gliding is commonly observed offshore, under conditions of high fluid overpressure and abundant upslope sedimentary supply, its occurrence on land is debated. We investigate the mechanical feasibility of such a process as well as the role of fluvial incision and sedimentation down the slope in the initiation of the gliding. We use a two‐dimensional (2‐D) finite element model combined with a 2‐D failure analysis approach. The numerical models simulate the deformation and provide quantitative estimates of the failure criteria at the head and toe of the overburden. Analytical solutions approximate the numerical results by taking into account the fluvial incision and sedimentation, the internal friction angle, and the thickness and length of the overburden. Our models are based on a field example in the Andean foothills of Argentina, where gravity gliding of a 1000 m thick section is suspected above a crustal‐scale anticline. The incision and sedimentation reduce and strengthen, respectively, the downslope resistance to contractional failure. The critical slope at which the gliding is initiated is reduced by fluvial incision and increased by sedimentation. We show that tectonic uplift may lead to large‐scale gravity gliding on land where the overburden thickness is less than 2000 m. Incision facilitates and localizes the frontal shortening. Incision greater than 1000 m may trigger gliding for overburden up to 4000 m thick, while sedimentation thicker than 1000 m inhibits gliding. These results show that thin‐skinned onland gravity gliding could be common in tectonically active regions where incision is important.
Experimental study of the interplay between magmatic rift intrusion and flank instability with application to the 2001 Mount Etna eruption
Authors: Le Corvec Nicolas , Walter Thomas R. , Ruch Joel , Bonforte Alessandro , Puglisi Giuseppe
Published: June 2014

Mount Etna volcano is subject to transient magmatic intrusions and flank movement. The east flank of the edifice, in particular, is moving eastward and is dissected by the Timpe Fault System. The relationship of this eastward motion with intrusions and tectonic fault motion, however, remains poorly constrained. Here we explore this relationship by using analogue experiments that are designed to simulate magmatic rift intrusion, flank movement, and fault activity before, during, and after a magmatic intrusion episode. Using particle image velocimetry allows for a precise temporal and spatial analysis of the development and activity of fault systems. The results show that the occurrence of rift intrusion episodes has a direct effect on fault activity. In such a situation, fault activity may occur or may be hindered, depending on the interplay of fault displacement and flank acceleration in response to dike intrusion. Our results demonstrate that a complex interplay may exist between an active tectonic fault system and magmatically induced flank instability. Episodes of magmatic intrusion change the intensity pattern of horizontal flank displacements and may hinder or activate associated faults. We further compare our results with the GPS data of the Mount Etna 2001 eruption and intrusion. We find that syneruptive displacement rates at the Timpe Fault System have differed from the preeruptive or posteruptive periods, which shows a good agreement of both the experimental and the GPS data. Therefore, understanding the flank instability and flank stability at Mount Etna requires consideration of both tectonic and magmatic forcing.
ENU Mutagenesis in the Mouse
Authors: Stottmann Rolf , Beier David
Published: June 2014

This article describes the treatment of laboratory mice with the mutagen N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) to induce very highly increased rates of mutation throughout the genome. Further, it describes several popular mating schemes designed to produce animals displaying phenotypes associated with the induced mutations. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 4:25‐35 © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In Vitro Fertilization in Mice Using the MBCD‐GSH Protocol
Authors: Guan Mo , Bogani Debora , Marschall Susan , Raspa Marcello , Takeo Toru , Nakagata Naomi , Fray Martin
Published: June 2014

Historically, timed mating of either naturally cycling or superovulated females has been the mainstay of pre‐implantation embryo production. However, rising cage costs and the rapid expansion of biomedical research programs has necessitated the development of high‐throughput approaches to mouse embryo production. In vitro fertilization (IVF) represents one such versatile tool offering many advantages to busy mouse facilities in terms of efficient use of space and resources. For example, strains can be taken off the shelf, frozen quickly as sperm, and recovered at a later date, small colonies can be rapidly expanded to meet demand, and IVF can be used to rescue strains that fail to breed or where the founder male is ill or has died suddenly. This article describes an IVF protocol currently used by many reproductive technologists to assist mouse biology programs. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 4:67‐83 © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Systematic Investigation of the Ring‐Expansion Reaction of N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes with an Iminoborane Dihydride
Authors: Franz Daniel , Inoue Shigeyoshi
Published: June 2014

Conversions of iminoboranes with an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) result in borane dihydride formation (BDF) concomitant with dihydrogenated NHC. The iminoborane dihydrides are prone to a hydride‐mediated ring‐expansion reaction (RER) at elevated temperature, that is, the insertion of the boron atom into the adjacent CN bond of the NHC to yield boracycles. Upon conversion of a saturated‐backbone NHC with respective iminoborane precursors RER yet occurs at ambient temperature to yield the ring‐expanded products. When a less bulky iminoborane is brought in contact with sterically unhindered NHC neither the iminoborane dihydride is stable at room temperature nor is the RER observed to take place upon heating. The conversions of iminoboranes with very bulky NHC do not show BDF at ambient temperature and only in the case of the less hindered borane precursor the RER is found to proceed in a controlled fashion upon heating.
Optimization of headways with stop‐skipping control: a case study of bus rapid transit system
Authors: Chen Xumei , Hellinga Bruce , Chang Chengzhi , Fu Liping
Published: June 2014

Bus rapid transit system is designed to provide high‐quality and cost‐efficient passenger transportation services. In order to achieve this design objective, effective scheduling strategies are required. This research aims at improving the operation efficiency and service quality of a BRT system through integrated optimization of its service headways and stop‐skipping strategy. Based on cost analysis for both passengers and operation agencies, an optimization model is established. A genetic algorithms based algorithm and an application‐oriented solution method are developed. Beijing BRT Line 2 has been chosen as a case study, and the effectiveness of the optimal headways with stop‐skipping services under different demand levels has been analyzed. The results has shown that, at a certain demand level, the proposed operating strategy can be most advantageous for passengers with an accepted increase of operating costs, under which the optimum headway is between 3.5 and 5.5 min for stop‐skipping services during the morning peak hour depending on the demand with the provision of stop‐skipping services. The effectiveness of the optimal headways with stop‐skipping services is compared with those of existing headways and optimal headways without stop‐skipping services. The results show that operating strategies under the optimal headways with stop‐skipping services outperforms the other two operating strategies with respect to total costs and in‐vehicle time for passengers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statin use and its effect on all‐cause mortality of melanoma patients: a population‐based Dutch cohort study
Authors: Livingstone Elisabeth , Hollestein Loes M. , van Herk‐Sukel Myrthe P. P. , van de Poll‐Franse Lonneke , Joosse Arjen , Schilling Bastian , Nijsten Tamar , Schadendorf Dirk , de Vries Esther
Published: June 2014

Preclinical data showed anticancer effects of statins in melanoma, but meta‐analyses could not demonstrate a reduced melanoma incidence in statin users. Rather than preventing occurrence, statins might reduce growth and metastatic spread of melanomas and ultimately improve survival. In this population‐based study, we investigated the relationship between statin use and survival of melanoma patients. Patients ≥18 years who were diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma (Breslow thickness >1 mm) and registered in the Eindhoven Cancer Registry and in PHARMO Database Network between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2010 were eligible. The hazard ratio (HR) of all‐cause mortality was calculated by employing adjusted time‐dependent and time‐fixed Cox proportional hazard models. Disease‐specific survival was estimated by means of 3‐year relative survival rates (RSR). A control cohort of randomly selected patients using statins from PHARMO Database Network matched on age and gender was used to compare RSR of statin users to the general population. After melanoma diagnosis, 171 of 709 patients used statins. Use of statins showed a nonsignificantly decreased hazard of death (adjusted HR 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–1.61). After stratification for gender, male but not female statin users showed a favorable outcome compared to nonusers (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.32–0.99; HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.62–2.38, respectively). Three‐year RSR for male statin users tended to be higher than for nonusers (91% vs. 80.5%, P = 0.06), no differences were observed in women (87.1% vs. 92.5%, P = 0.76). Statin use was not associated with an improved survival of melanoma patients. The trend for better survival of male in contrast to female statin users warrants further research.
Tuning the Electronic Coupling in Cyclometalated Diruthenium Complexes through Substituent Effects: A Correlation between the Experimental and Calculated Results
Authors: Shao Jiang‐Yang , Zhong Yu‐Wu
Published: June 2014

A common bridging ligand, 3,3′,5,5′‐tetrakis(N‐methylbenzimidazol‐2‐yl)biphenyl, and four terpyridine terminal ligands with various substituents (amine, tolyl, nitro, and ester groups) have been used to synthesize ten cyclometalated diruthenium complexes 12+–102+. Among them, compounds 12+–62+ are redox nonsymmetric, and others are symmetric. These complexes show two RuIII/II processes and an intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) transition in the one‐electron oxidized state. The potential separation (ΔE) of 12+–102+ has been correlated to the energy difference ΔG0, the energy of the IVCT band Eop, and the ground‐state delocalization coefficient α2. Time‐dependent (TD)DFT calculations suggest that the absorptions in the visible region of 12+–62+ are mainly associated with the metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer transitions from both ruthenium ions and to both terminal ligands and the bridging ligand. However, the energies of these transitions vary significantly. DFT calculations have been performed on 12+–62+ and 13+–63+ to give information on the electronic structures and spin populations of the mixed‐valent compounds. The TDDFT‐predicted IVCT excitations reproduce well the experimental trends in transition energies. In addition, three monoruthenium complexes have been synthesized for a comparison study.
Small Molecules that Target the Toxic RNA in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2
Authors: Nguyen Lien , Lee JuYeon , Wong Chun‐Ho , Zimmerman Steven C.
Published: June 2014

Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is caused by an expansion of CCTG repeats in the zinc‐finger protein gene (ZNF9). Transcribed CCUG repeats sequester muscleblind‐like protein 1 (MBNL1), an important alternative splicing regulator, preventing its normal function, leading to the disease phenotype. We describe a series of ligands that disrupt the MBNL1–r(CCUG)n interaction as potential lead agents for developing DM2 therapeutics. A previously reported triaminopyrimidine–acridine conjugate was a moderate inhibitor in vitro, however it proved to be poorly water‐soluble and not cell‐permeable. To improve its therapeutic potential, the new set of ligands maintained the key triaminopyrimidine recognition unit but replaced the acridine intercalator with a bisamidinium groove binder. The optimized ligands exhibit low micromolar inhibition potency to MBNL1–r(CCUG)8. Importantly, the ligands are the first to show the ability to disrupt the MBNL1–r(CCUG)n foci in DM2 model cell culture and exhibit low cytotoxicity.
Childhood anxiety trajectories and adolescent disordered eating: Findings from the NICHD study of early child care and youth development
Authors: Zerwas Stephanie , Holle Ann Von , Watson Hunna , Gottfredson Nisha , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: June 2014

Objective

The goal of the present article was to examine whether childhood anxiety trajectories predict eating psychopathology. We predicted that girls with trajectories of increasing anxiety across childhood would have significantly greater risk of disordered eating in adolescence in comparison to girls with stable or decreasing trajectories of anxiety over childhood.

Method

Data were collected as part of the prospective longitudinal NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (N = 450 girls). Childhood anxiety was assessed yearly (54 months through 6th grade) via maternal report on the Child Behavior Checklist. Disordered eating behaviors were assessed at age 15 via adolescent self‐report on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT‐26). We conducted latent growth mixture modeling to define girls' childhood anxiety trajectories. Maternal sensitivity, maternal postpartum depression, maternal anxiety, and child temperament were included as predictors of trajectory membership.

Results

The best fitting model included three trajectories of childhood anxiety, the low‐decreasing class (22.9% of girls), the high‐increasing class (35.4%), and the high‐decreasing class (41.6%). Mothers with more symptoms of depression and separation anxiety had girls who were significantly more likely to belong to the high‐increasing anxiety trajectory. There were no significant differences in adolescent disordered eating for girls across the three childhood anxiety trajectories.

Discussion

Childhood anxiety, as captured by maternal report, may not be the most robust predictor of adolescent disordered eating and may be of limited utility for prevention programs that aim to identify children in the community at greatest risk for disordered eating. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:784–792)
Effects of obstetric complications on volume and functional connectivity of striatum in anorexia nervosa patients
Authors: Favaro Angela , Tenconi Elena , Degortes Daniela , Manara Renzo , Santonastaso Paolo
Published: June 2014

Objective

To investigate the volume and functional connectivity of dorsal and ventral striatal nuclei in anorexia nervosa (AN) and their relationship with early exposure to obstetric complications.

Method

Fifty‐one patients with lifetime AN (35 acute, 16 recovered) and 34 healthy controls underwent high‐resolution and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

The AN group showed reduced functional connectivity of the putamen compared with healthy women, and this reduction was more evident in patients with lifetime binge eating/purging. Both acute and recovered AN groups showed a larger left accumbens area compared with that of healthy women. The functional connectivity of bilateral nucleus accumbens and putamen showed significant negative correlations with number of obstetric complications in the AN group.

Discussion

This study supports the hypothesis that AN is associated with structural and functional alterations of striatal networks, and reveals the possible role of obstetric complications in the pathogenesis of striatal dysfunction. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:686–695)