bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magmatism, orogeny and the origin of high-heat-producing granites in Australian Proterozoic terranes
Authors: McLaren Sandra , Powell Roger
Published: January 2014

Temperature-dependent processes such as magmatism and orogeny provide key insights into the Earth’s thermal state. We propose an integrated model for the origin of voluminous Proterozoic-aged granitic rocks in northern Australia, suggesting that the observed large range of concentrations of incompatible elements (particularly U, Th and K) was established progressively as a consequence of a hot-plate orogenic style involving little crustal thickening, combined with ‘normal’ juvenile magma additions. Progressive extraction of the heat-producing elements into the mid- to upper crust, where they remain below the erosional base level, resulted in anomalous thermal conditions that modulated the continuing orogenic history. This may represent an important style in post-Archaean lithospheric behaviour.

Supplementary materials:

Age and calculated heat production data for all Australian Proterozoic granitic rocks (calculated for the time of intrusion and for the present day) and for individual Proterozoic terranes of the North Australian craton, comparison of the range and distribution of calculated heat production of granitic rocks with the North Australian Craton and within the Mount Isa Inlier, and Zr and SiO
2
data for granites of the Lachlan Fold Belt and for the Mount Isa Inlier are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18721
.
The habitat of bypassed pay in the Forties Field
Authors: Rose Philip T. S. , Pyle Jeffery R.
Published: January 2014

The Forties Field, the largest oilfield in the UK North Sea, has been a prolific producer since its initial development. With an initial plateau rate of 500 000 bopd the field had produced some 2500 mmbo and the field rate had declined to 41 000 bopd by 2003 when the operatorship changed from BP to Apache. From 2004 to 2012, over 100 bypassed pay targets were drilled with a success rate of 75%, establishing a late life plateau of 50 000–60 000 bopd.

The Forties reservoir is provided by Paleocene turbidites of the Forties Sandstone Member of the Sele Formation, deposited in a channelized proximal area of the Forties Fan. In this paper, the reservoir architecture is described, and bypassed pay examples are discussed in the context of the reservoir architecture and the production history. Bypassed pay is shown to occur in both the high net to gross channel axes and the heterogeneous wing deposits. Oil is trapped by subseismic channel architecture and subtle faulting. The occurrence of bypassed pay at a particular location is also shown to be dependent on the continually evolving pattern of injection and production within the field.
Colonic myofibroblast cell line stimulates colonoid formation
Authors: Hirokawa Yumiko , Yip Kelvin Hon Yan , Tan Chin Wee , Burgess Antony W.
Published: January 2014

A stable and efficient system for the culture of murine colon epithelial cells or crypts is required to facilitate studies of the dynamics and factors affecting colon stem cell niche and crypt formation. Survival of colonic epithelial cells or crypts in vitro was not established until recently, when it was found that exogenous Wnt3A and R-spondin could promote cell survival and formation of spheroids (colonospheres) or some advanced organoids with well-developed crypts (colonoids). However, after 6–8 days in these culture conditions, only small numbers of colonospheres form organoids with crypt-like structures (colonoids). This study describes the use of a myofibroblast cell line and a coculture system that increases the efficiency of colonoid formation from isolated crypts. The enhanced coculture system has significantly improved colonoid-forming efficiency compared with results from previous systems. Crypt formation can be detected as early as day 2. The coculture system will facilitate the characterization of the colon stem cell niche and the changes that occur as a result of perturbations or mutations in colon stem or epithelial cells, such as those that favor precancerous adenoma or cancer.
Mechanical interactions between adjacent airways in the lung
Authors: Ma Baoshun , Bates Jason H. T.
Published: January 2014

The forces of mechanical interdependence between the airways and the parenchyma in the lung are powerful modulators of airways responsiveness. Little is known, however, about the extent to which adjacent airways affect each other's ability to narrow due to distortional forces generated within the intervening parenchyma. We developed a two-dimensional computational model of two airways embedded in parenchyma. The parenchyma itself was modeled in three ways: 1) as a network of hexagonally arranged springs, 2) as a network of triangularly arranged springs, and 3) as an elastic continuum. In all cases, we determined how the narrowing of one airway was affected when the other airway was relaxed vs. when it narrowed to the same extent as the first airway. For the continuum and triangular network models, interactions between airways were negligible unless the airways lay within about two relaxed diameters of each other, but even at this distance the interactions were small. By contrast, the hexagonal spring network model predicted that airway-airway interactions mediated by the parenchyma can be substantial for any degree of airway separation at intermediate values of airway contraction forces. Evidence to date suggests that the parenchyma may be better represented by the continuum model, which suggests that the parenchyma does not mediate significant interactions between narrowing airways.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus NS1 Protein Degrades STAT2 by Inducing SOCS1 Expression
Authors: Xu Xiaodong , Zheng Junwen , Zheng Kun , Hou Yan , Zhao Feng , Zhao Dongchi
Published: January 2014

Objectives: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) nonstructural protein NS1 (NS1) has been shown to block interferon (IFN)-inducible antiviral signaling. The suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) gene family could utilize a feedback loop to block the activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, further inhibiting the activation of host type I IFN. We evaluated the role of the SOCS1 and SOCS3 genes in this antiviral mechanism. Material and Methods: A humanized stable NS1 (rich in GC)-expressing plasmid was constructed, and A549 cells were transfected with it. Expression of the SOCS1, SOCS3, RIG-I, and TLR3 mRNAs was measured with real-time PCR. STAT2 and pSTAT2 expression was determined with Western blotting. Results: RSV NS1 upregulated SOCS1 mRNA expression 30-fold increase compared with the baseline level in very early phase (p < 0.01), and silence of RIG-I or TLR3 mRNA did not affect NS1-induced SOCS1 expression. NS1 inhibited IFN-α-induced STAT2 phosphorylation and degraded STAT2 in a time-dependent manner compared with the empty-vector control (p < 0.05). Conclusion: RSV NS1 upregulates SOCS1 expression in a RIG-I- and TLR3-independent pathway, to inhibit STAT2 phosphorylation.
Prenatal Tricuspid Valve Size as a Predictor of Postnatal Outcome in Patients with Severe Pulmonary Stenosis or Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum
Authors: Lowenthal Alexander , Lemley Breniel , Kipps Alaina K. , Brook Michael M. , Moon-Grady Anita J.
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Tricuspid valve (TV) size at birth correlates with intervention strategy in patients with severe pulmonary stenosis (SPS) or pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS). Prenatal features that might predict postnatal TV size have not been well studied. We hypothesized that prenatal echocardiographic measurements predict the postnatal TV Z-score in fetuses with SPS and PA/IVS. Materials and Methods: We identified 16 neonates (gestational age 28 ± 4.8 weeks) with a fetal diagnosis of SPS or PA/IVS from 2001 to 2010. Measurements were performed offline. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analysis was used to generate AUC (areas under the curve) for each of the variables. Results: AUC was 0.94 for tricuspid to mitral valve (TV/MV) ratio, 0.88 for TV Z-score, and 0.85 for TV inflow duration. A cut-off value of >0.63 for TV/MV yielded a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 100% for predicting postnatal TV Z-score >-3. Neonates with TV Z-score ≥-3 and all fetuses with antegrade flow across the pulmonary valve or more than moderate tricuspid regurgitation had biventricular circulation in follow-up. Conclusion: Fetal TV/MV >0.63 predicts favorable TV Z-score at birth in patients with SPS and PA/IVS. Antegrade pulmonary valve flow and more than moderate tricuspid regurgitation also conferred a favorable outcome.
Molecular Changes during Neurodevelopment following Second-Trimester Binge Ethanol Exposure in a Mouse Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: From Immediate Effects to Long-Term Adaptation
Authors: Mantha Katarzyna , Laufer Benjamin I. , Singh Shiva M.
Published: January 2014

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that refers to a wide range of behavioral and cognitive deficits resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. It involves changes in brain gene expression that underlie lifelong FASD symptoms. How these changes are achieved from immediate to long-term effects, and how they are maintained, is unknown. We have used the C57BL/6J mouse to assess the dynamics of genomic alterations following binge alcohol exposure. Ethanol-exposed fetal (short-term effect) and adult (long-term effect) brains were assessed for gene expression and microRNA (miRNA) changes using Affymetrix mouse arrays. We identified 48 and 68 differentially expressed genes in short- and long-term groups, respectively. No gene was common between the 2 groups. Short-term (immediate) genes were involved in cellular compromise and apoptosis, which represent ethanol's toxic effects. Long-term genes were involved in various cellular functions, including epigenetics. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we confirmed the downregulation of long-term genes: Camk1g, Ccdc6, Egr3, Hspa5, and Xbp1. miRNA arrays identified 20 differentially expressed miRNAs, one of which (miR-302c) was confirmed. miR-302c was involved in an inverse relationship with Ccdc6. A network-based model involving altered genes illustrates the importance of cellular redox, stress and inflammation in FASD. Our results also support a critical role of apoptosis in FASD, and the potential involvement of miRNAs in the adaptation of gene expression following prenatal ethanol exposure. The ultimate molecular footprint involves inflammatory disease, neurological disease and skeletal and muscular disorders as major alterations in FASD. At the cellular level, these processes represent abnormalities in redox, stress and inflammation, with potential underpinnings to anxiety.
Arterial Stiffness Is Associated With Carotid Intraplaque Hemorrhage in the General Population
Authors: Selwaness Mariana , van den Bouwhuijsen Quirijn , Mattace-Raso Francesco U.S. , Verwoert Germaine C. , Hofman Albert , Franco Oscar H. , Witteman Jacqueline C.M. , van der Lugt Aad , Vernooij Meike W. , Wentzel Jolanda J.
Published: January 2014

Objective—

The relation between arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis, and specifically the influence of arterial stiffness on plaque composition, is largely unknown. In a population-based study, we investigated the association between arterial stiffness and the presence and composition of carotid atherosclerotic plaques.

Approach and Results—

Arterial stiffness was measured in 6527 participants (67.0±8.6 years) using aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV). Presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques was assessed with ultrasound. Subsequently, 1059 subjects with carotid plaques (>2.5 mm) underwent MRI to assess plaque composition (presence of intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid, and calcification). Generalized estimation equation analyses adjusted for age, sex, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, carotid wall thickening, pulse pressure, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors were used to study the association between PWV and the presence and composition of carotid atherosclerotic plaques. In multivariable analysis, higher PWV was independently related to higher prevalence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque on ultrasound (odds ratio for highest quartile of PWV compared with lowest quartile, 1.24 [95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.51]). Furthermore, higher PWV was associated with intraplaque hemorrhage (age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio per SD increase in PWV, 1.20 [1.04–1.38] and calcification, 1.18 [1.03–1.35]), but not with lipid. After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, PWV remained significantly associated with intraplaque hemorrhage (1.20 [1.01–1.43]). Additional adjustment for pulse pressure did not materially affect the effect estimate (1.19 [1.00–1.42]).

Conclusions—

Higher PWV is associated with presence and composition of carotid atherosclerotic plaques, in particular with intraplaque hemorrhage. These findings provide further clues for understanding the development of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque.
Plaque Inflammation and Unstable Morphology Are Associated With Early Stroke Recurrence in Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Marnane Michael , Prendeville Susan , McDonnell Ciaran , Noone Imelda , Barry Mary , Crowe Morgan , Mulligan Niall , Kelly Peter J.
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose—

Although symptomatic carotid stenosis is associated with 3-fold increased risk of early stroke recurrence, the pathophysiologic mechanisms of high early stroke risk have not been established. We aimed to investigate the relationship between early stroke recurrence after initial symptoms and histological features of plaque inflammation and instability in resected carotid plaque.

Methods—

Carotid endarterectomy tissue from consecutive patients with ipsilateral stenosis ≥50% and recent symptoms were analyzed using a validated histopathologic algorithm (Oxford Plaque Study [OPS] system). Nonprocedural stroke recurrence before carotid endarterectomy was ascertained at 7, 28, and 90 days after initial symptoms.

Results—

Among 44 patients meeting eligibility criteria, 27.3% (12/44) had stroke recurrence after initial stroke/transient ischemic attack but before carotid endarterectomy. Compared with patients without recurrence, stroke recurrence was associated with dense macrophage infiltration (OPS grade ≥3; 91.7% versus 37.5%;
P
=0.002), extensive (>25%) fibrous cap disruption (90.9% versus 37%;
P
=0.004), neovascularization (OPS grade ≥2; 83.3% versus 43.8%;
P
=0.04), and low plaque fibrous content (OPS grade <2; 50% versus 6.3%;
P
=0.003). Early recurrence rates were 82.3% (confidence interval, 49.2%–98.8%) in patients with extensive plaque macrophage infiltration (OPS grade ≥3) compared with 22.2% (confidence interval, 3.5%–83.4%) in those with OPS grade <3 (log-rank
P
=0.009). On multivariable Cox regression, including OPS macrophage grade (≥3 or <3), age, and severity of stenosis (50%–69% or ≥70%), plaque inflammation was the only variable independently predicting stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 9; confidence interval, 1.1–70.6;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

Plaque inflammation and other vulnerability features were associated with highest risk of stroke recurrence and may represent therapeutic targets for future stroke prevention trials.
Revision of the genus Phyrella (Holothuroidea: Dendrochirotida) with the description of a new species from Guam
Authors: MICHONNEAU FRANÇOIS , PAULAY GUSTAV
Published: January 2014

Recently collected material from Australia, Japan and Guam allowed us to revise Phyrella and describe Phyrella mookiei sp. nov. We redefine the genus based on combined morphological and molecular analyses. Phyrella unlike most dendrochirotids eviscerate posteriorly. The number of tentacles is variable (14–20), as is the degree of fragmentation of the calcareous ring, calling into question the separation of Phyllophorinae and Semperiellinae, and suggest that Semperiella and Thyonidiella are synonymous with Phyrella. We recognize five species in Phyrella (Phyllophorus trapezus Clark, 1932, Phyllophorus fragilis Mitsukuri & Ohshima, 1912 (synonymized with Thyonidiella oceana Heding & Panning, 1954), Phyllophorus thyonoides Clark, 1938, Semperiella drozdovi Levin & Stepanov, 1999, and Phyrella mookiei), assign three others provisionally (Lipotrapeza ambigua Cherbonnier, 1988 (synonymized with Phyllophorus contractura Cherbonnier, 1988 and Thyonidiella cherbonnieri Rowe & Richmond, 2004), Phyllophorus bedoti Koehler, 1895, and Orcula tenera Ludwig, 1875), considering the last two species inquirenda. Phyrella aculeatus (Ludwig, 1894), is transferred to Euthyonidiella. Orcula (Phyllophorus?) dubia Bedford, 1899, Thyonidiella exigua Cherbonnier, 1988 and Thyonidiella kungi O'Loughlin, 2012 are provisionally transferred to Phyllophorus sensu lato, the first is considered species inquirenda. Molecular phylogenetic analysis recovers a well-supported Phyrella, but suggests that some genera and subfamilies of Phyllophoridae are not monophyletic.
Rhynchelmis subgenus Sutroa Eisen new rank, with two new species from western North America (Annelida, Clitellata, Lumbriculidae)
Authors: FEND STEVEN V. , CARTER JAMES L.
Published: January 2014

The lumbriculid Rhynchelmis subgenus Sutroa Eisen, 1888 new rank is defined for a group of Nearctic species having multiple diverticula originating at the spermathecal ducts and eversible penial bulbs. Characters are confirmed in specimens of the type species, Rhynchelmis (Sutroa) rostrata (Eisen, 1888), collected from the type locality. Rhynchelmis (Sutroa) klamathensis Fend n. sp. is described from open water benthic habitats in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, USA. It resembles other R. (Sutroa) species in the paired spermathecal diverticula, the spermathecal and penial bulbs, the histological structure of the atria, the nonfunctional anterior male funnels, and the arrangement of blood vessels. Rhynchelmis klamathensis differs from all Nearctic Rhynchelmis in lacking a filiform proboscis. The combination of large body size, the elongate spermathecal ducts with paired and usually unbranched diverticula, the highly contorted atria, and the complex male pores with conical penes also distinguish typical R. klamathensis from other Rhynchelmis species. Smaller specimens with otherwise similar morphology, from the Sacramento River Delta, California, are also assigned to this species. Rhynchelmis (Sutroa) diespluviae Fend n. sp. is described from several stream sites, mostly in northern Idaho, USA. Rhynchelmis diespluviae differs from closely related species in morphology of the conical penes, and in the structure and anterolateral position of the paired spermathecae.
Revision of the Old World Sobarocephala (Diptera: Clusiidae)
Authors: LONSDALE OWEN
Published: January 2014

The Old World Sobarocephala Czerny, 1903 are revised, with 16 of the 29 known species described here as new: S. anonymos spec. nov., S. apoxys spec. nov., S. cycla spec. nov., S. doryphoros spec. nov., S. insolata spec. nov., S. kapnikos spec. nov., S. laticrinis spec. nov., S. magna spec. nov., S. myllolabis spec. nov., S. nebulosa spec. nov., S. nimbipennis spec. nov., S. orientalis spec. nov., S. paksana spec. nov., S. recava spec. nov., S. secaperas spec. nov., and S. triangula spec. nov. Species are mostly Oriental and Afrotropical in distribution, but species also occur in Japan, Nepal and northern Australia. Species mostly belong to the exclusively Old World S. plumicornis species group, but there are also representatives from the predominantly New World S. flava and S. flaviseta groups. Sobarocephala is described for the first time from Australia, China, Laos, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and West Africa. A key and illustrations are provided.
Three new species of Coecobrya (Collembola: Entomobryidae)
from southern and northwest China
Authors: ZHANG FENG , DONG RUI-RUI
Published: January 2014

Three new species of Coecobrya are described from southern and northwest China. C. draconis sp. nov. from Guangxi cave shows some troglomorphic features, such as the inner ungual teeth inserted basally. C. xui sp. nov. is similar to C. huangi and differs from the latter by head and tergal chaetotaxy. C. qin sp. nov. is the second member of the genus with 3+3 eyes, but cannot be assigned to either the tenebricosa- or boneti-groups because it has eyes and a large outer tooth on unguiculus.
Review of the millipede genus Epanerchodus Attems, 1901 in continental China, with descriptions of new species (Diplopoda: Polydesmidae)
Authors: GOLOVATCH S. I.
Published: January 2014

Four new species of Epanerchodus are described from mainland China: E. jaegeri sp. nov. and E. martensi sp. nov., both sympatric and even partly syntopic in Shaanxi, E. schawalleri sp. nov., from Sichuan, and E. yunnanensis sp. nov., from Yunnan. In addition, E. koreanus Verhoeff, 1937 is formally new to the fauna of China due to fresh samples from Jilin. A key is presented to all 14 unquestioned species of Epanerchodus currently known from mainland China.
A striking new genus and species of tiger-moth (Lepidoptera: Erebidae, Arctiinae, Arctiini) from the Caribbean, with molecular and morphological analysis of its systematic placement
Authors: VINCENT BENOIT , HAJIBABAEI MEHRDAD , ROUGERIE RODOLPHE
Published: January 2014

Westindia Vincent, a new genus, is proposed for W. haxairei Vincent, a new species of Neotropical tiger-moth described from Dominican Republic. Habitus, male and female genitalia are described and figured. The systematic position of the new genus within Arctiinae is discussed in light of a comparative morphology and a molecular phylogeny derived from the DNA barcode fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene and of the D2 region of the 28S rDNA gene.
Subkilometer Numerical Weather Prediction in an Urban Coastal Area: A Case Study over the Vancouver Metropolitan Area
Authors: Leroyer Sylvie , Bélair Stéphane , Husain Syed Z. , Mailhot Jocelyn
Published: January 2014

Numerical weather prediction is moving toward the representation of finescale processes such as the interactions between the sea-breeze flow and urban processes. This study investigates the ability and necessity of using kilometer- to subkilometer-scale numerical simulations with the Canadian urban modeling system over the complex urban coastal area of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, during a sea-breeze event. Observations over the densely urbanized areas, collected from the Environmental Prediction in Canadian Cities (EPiCC) network and from satellite imagery, are used to evaluate several aspects of the urban boundary layer features simulated in three model configurations with different grid spacings (2.5 km, 1 km, and 250 m). In agreement with the observations, results from the numerical experiments with 1-km and 250-m grid spacings suggest that two sea-breeze flows converge over the residential areas of Vancouver. The resulting convergence line oscillates around the hill ridge, depending on thermal contrast and flow strength. This propagation mode impacts the growing urban boundary layer, with the presence of subsidence and entrainment events. Urban-induced circulation is superimposed with the sea-breeze circulation and realistically slows down the propagation of the sea-breeze front to the south. A clear improvement is obtained for numerical experiments with 1-km instead of 2.5-km grid spacing. The use of subkilometer grid spacing provides a more detailed representation of the surface thermal forcing and of local circulations, with results more sensitive to the airflow variability and, thus, to the location of measurement sites. Joint analyses of kilometer- and subkilometer-scale numerical experiments are thus recommended for different environmental applications.
Climatology of Upper Tropospheric–Lower Stratospheric (UTLS) Jets and Tropopauses in MERRA
Authors: Manney Gloria L. , Hegglin Michaela I. , Daffer William H. , Schwartz Michael J. , Santee Michelle L. , Pawson Steven
Published: January 2014

A global climatology (1979–2012) from the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) shows distributions and seasonal evolution of upper tropospheric jets and their relationships to the stratospheric subvortex and multiple tropopauses. The overall climatological patterns of upper tropospheric jets confirm those seen in previous studies, indicating accurate representation of jet stream dynamics in MERRA. The analysis shows a Northern Hemisphere (NH) upper tropospheric jet stretching nearly zonally from the mid-Atlantic across Africa and Asia. In winter–spring, this jet splits over the eastern Pacific, merges again over eastern North America, and then shifts poleward over the North Atlantic. The jets associated with tropical circulations are also captured, with upper tropospheric westerlies demarking cyclonic flow downstream from the Australian and Asian monsoon anticyclones and associated easterly jets. Multiple tropopauses associated with the thermal tropopause “break” commonly extend poleward from the subtropical upper tropospheric jet. In Southern Hemisphere (SH) summer, the tropopause break, along with a poleward-stretching secondary tropopause, often occurs across the tropical westerly jet downstream of the Australian monsoon region. SH high-latitude multiple tropopauses, nearly ubiquitous in June–July, are associated with the unique polar winter thermal structure. High-latitude multiple tropopauses in NH fall–winter are, however, sometimes associated with poleward-shifted upper tropospheric jets. The SH subvortex jet extends down near the level of the subtropical jet core in winter and spring. Most SH subvortex jets merge with an upper tropospheric jet between May and December; although much less persistent than in the SH, merged NH subvortex jets are common between November and April.
Instability Characteristics of Radar-Derived Mesoscale Organization Modes within Cool-Season Precipitation near Portland, Oregon*
Authors: Cunningham Jeffrey G. , Yuter Sandra E.
Published: January 2014

The instability characteristics associated with different radar-derived mesoscale organization modes are examined using six cool seasons of operational scanning radar data near Portland, Oregon, and operational sounding data from Salem, Oregon. Additionally, several years of Microwave Rain Radar Ka-band vertically pointing radar data from Portland and Merwin, Washington, are used to characterize the nature and occurrence of generating cells and fall streaks. The combination of a new metric, convective-stratiform intermittency, with the classification of radar reflectivity maps into convective and stratiform precipitation types was applied to periods when the freezing level was >1.4-km altitude. This method distinguishes periods with embedded convective within stratiform mesoscale organization from those that were mostly convective or mostly stratiform. Mesoscale organization occurs in a continuum of states with predominantly stratiform structure occurring most frequently. Generating cells in the snow layer are common in cool-season storms and are primarily associated with potential instability aloft. For mostly stratiform and embedded convective within stratiform 3-h periods, the vertically pointing radar data showed nearly ubiquitous fall streaks in the snow layer originating above 3-km altitude. Stronger generating cells enhanced reflectivity in the rain layer consistent with a seeder mechanism. Stronger generating cells were more common during embedded convection within stratiform than in mostly stratiform periods. Nearly all embedded periods have active or latent (potential) instability. Hydrostatic instability more typically occurred at higher altitudes for embedded convective within stratiform periods compared to mostly convective periods. The occurrence of vertical wind shear instability was primary below 2-km altitude and was not typically associated with levels with generating cells.
Decreased cognitive functions at the age of 66, as measured by the MMSE, associated with having left working life before the age of 60: Results from the SNAC study
Authors: Rennemark M , Berglund J
Published: January 2014

Aims: The age of retirement has financial implications as we tend to live longer, with the result that an increasing number of older inhabitants have to share limited financial resources. However, this is not only a financial issue. It is also of interest to investigate factors related to health and quality of life associated with the age of retirement. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in mood, activity level, and cognition at the age of 66 associated with leaving working life before 60. Methods: Baseline and follow-up data on 840 participants of the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care – Blekinge was used. Mood was measured by the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Scale and activity level by 27 survey items. Cognition was measured by the Mini Mental State Examination. Results: Retirement before 60 years of age was not associated with lower cognitive functions and a higher score on depression at baseline, but retirees were less active. Six years later, at the age of 66, a decline in their cognition was found. Retirees were still not more depressed but less active. In a logistic regression analysis, being retired increased the odds ratio for cognitive decline by 1.36-times (OR 2.36) when gender, activity level, education level, and depression were adjusted for. Conclusions: Participants who retired before the age of 60 declined in cognitive ability over the 6-year study period.
Genome-wide histone state profiling of fibroblasts from the opossum, Monodelphis domestica, identifies the first marsupial-specific imprinted gene
Authors: Douglas Kory C , Wang Xu , Jasti Madhuri , Wolff Abigail , VandeBerg John L , Clark Andrew G , Samollow Paul B
Published: January 2014

Background

Imprinted genes have been extensively documented in eutherian mammals and found to exhibit significant interspecific variation in the suites of genes that are imprinted and in their regulation between tissues and developmental stages. Much less is known about imprinted loci in metatherian (marsupial) mammals, wherein studies have been limited to a small number of genes previously known to be imprinted in eutherians. We describe the first ab initio search for imprinted marsupial genes, in fibroblasts from the opossum, Monodelphis domestica, based on a genome-wide ChIP-seq strategy to identify promoters that are simultaneously marked by mutually exclusive, transcriptionally opposing histone modifications.

Results

We identified a novel imprinted gene (Meis1) and two additional monoallelically expressed genes, one of which (Cstb) showed allele-specific, but non-imprinted expression. Imprinted vs. allele-specific expression could not be resolved for the third monoallelically expressed gene (Rpl17). Transcriptionally opposing histone modifications H3K4me3, H3K9Ac, and H3K9me3 were found at the promoters of all three genes, but differential DNA methylation was not detected at CpG islands at any of these promoters.

Conclusions

In generating the first genome-wide histone modification profiles for a marsupial, we identified the first gene that is imprinted in a marsupial but not in eutherian mammals. This outcome demonstrates the practicality of an ab initio discovery strategy and implicates histone modification, but not differential DNA methylation, as a conserved mechanism for marking imprinted genes in all therian mammals. Our findings suggest that marsupials use multiple epigenetic mechanisms for imprinting and support the concept that lineage-specific selective forces can produce sets of imprinted genes that differ between metatherian and eutherian lines.
Close relationship of a novel Flavobacteriaceaeα-amylase with archaeal α-amylases and good potentials for industrial applications
Authors: Li Chunfang , Du Miaofen , Cheng Bin , Wang Lushan , Liu Xinqiang , Ma Cuiqing , Yang Chunyu , Xu Ping
Published: January 2014

Background

Bioethanol production from various starchy materials has received much attention in recent years. α-Amylases are key enzymes in the bioconversion process of starchy biomass to biofuels, food or other products. The properties of thermostability, pH stability, and Ca-independency are important in the development of such fermentation process.

Results

A novelFlavobacteriaceae Sinomicrobiumα-amylase (FSA) was identified and characterized from genomic analysis of a novelFlavobacteriaceaespecies. It is closely related with archaeal α-amylases in the GH13_7 subfamily, but is evolutionary distant with other bacterial α-amylases. Based on the conserved sequence alignment and homology modeling, with minor variation, the Zn2+- and Ca2+-binding sites of FSA were predicated to be the same as those of the archaeal thermophilic α-amylases. The recombinant α-amylase was highly expressed and biochemically characterized. It showed optimum activity at pH 6.0, high enzyme stability at pH 6.0 to 11.0, but weak thermostability. A disulfide bond was introduced by site-directed mutagenesis in domain C and resulted in the apparent improvement of the enzyme activity at high temperature and broad pH range. Moreover, about 50% of the enzyme activity was detected under 100°C condition, whereas no activity was observed for the wild type enzyme. Its thermostability was also enhanced to some extent, with the half-life time increasing from 25 to 55 minutes at 50°C. In addition, after the introduction of the disulfide bond, the protein became a Ca-independent enzyme.

Conclusions

The improved stability of FSA suggested that the domain C contributes to the overall stability of the enzyme under extreme conditions. In addition, successfully directed modification and special evolutionary status of FSA imply its directional reconstruction potentials for bioethanol production, as well as for other industrial applications.
Expression of proteins associated with adipocyte lipolysis was significantly changed in the adipose tissues of the obese spontaneously hypertensive/NDmcr-cp rat
Authors: Chang Jie , Oikawa Shinji , Iwahashi Hitoshi , Kitagawa Emiko , Takeuchi Ichiro , Yuda Masao , Aoki Chieko , Yamada Yoshiji , Ichihara Gaku , Kato Masashi , Ichihara Sahoko
Published: January 2014

Background

The etiology of the metabolic syndrome is complex, and is determined by the interplay of both genetic and environmental factors. The present study was designed to identify genes and proteins in the adipose tissues with altered expression in the spontaneously hypertensive/NIH –corpulent rat, SHR/NDmcr-cp (CP) and to find possible molecular targets associated with the pathogenesis or progression of obesity related to the metabolic syndrome.

Methods

We extracted RNAs and proteins from the epididymal adipose tissues in CP, SHR/Lean (Lean), and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and performed microarray analysis and two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) linked to a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS).

Results

The results showed different mRNA and protein expression levels in the adipose tissue: oligo DNA microarray identified 33 genes that were significantly (P < 0.01) up-regulated and 17 genes significantly down-regulated in CP compared with WKY and Lean rats at both 6 and 25 weeks of age. The affected genes-proteins were associated with lipolytic enzymes stimulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling. Further analysis using the 2D-DIGE connected with MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis, the expression of monoglyceride lipase (MGLL) was significantly up-regulated and that of carboxylesterase 3 (CES3) was significantly down-regulated in 6- and 25-week-old CP compared with age-matched control (WKY and Lean rats).

Conclusions

Our results suggest the possible involvement of proteins associated with adipocyte lipolysis in obesity related to the metabolic syndrome.
Attribute-based fracture inference in a faulted carbonate play
Authors: Boon Xiang Ying Rebecca , Bacon Randy
Published: January 2014

The Georgetown carbonates of the Maverick Basin in south Texas are a poorly understood play, despite having produced in excess of two million barrels of oil from the Wipff Field in the past 50 years. Seismic attribute work is integrated with geomechanics and the structural history of the area to develop a fractured carbonate model for the play. We propose that migrating hydrocarbons are trapped in an extensive fault and fracture network near the top of the mechanically competent Georgetown, and sealed by the overlying ductile Del Rio shale. The area of interest for future exploitation lies within Cretaceous-age shear zones where highly faulted and fractured areas are identified using four different seismic attributes. We discuss the model’s impact on well design and highlight three proof-of-concept wells.
22q11.2 deletion carriers and schizophrenia-associated novel variants
Authors: Balan S. , Iwayama Y. , Toyota T. , Toyoshima M. , Maekawa M. , Yoshikawa T.
Published: January 2014

The penetrance of schizophrenia risk in carriers of the 22q11.2 deletion is high but incomplete, suggesting the possibility of additional genetic defects. We performed whole exome sequencing on two individuals with 22q11.2 deletion, one with schizophrenia and the other who was psychosisfree. The results revealed novel genetic variants related to neuronal function exclusively in the person with schizophrenia (frameshift: KAT8, APOH and SNX31; nonsense: EFCAB11 and CLVS2). This study paves the way towards a more complete understanding of variant dose and genetic architecture in schizophrenia.
Obestatin Plays an Opposite Role in the Regulation of Pituitary Somatotrope and Corticotrope Function in Female Primates and Male/Female Mice
Authors: Luque Raúl M. , Córdoba-Chacón José , Ibáñez-Costa Alejandro , Gesmundo Iacopo , Grande Cristina , Gracia-Navarro Francisco , Tena-Sempere Manuel , Ghigo Ezio , Gahete Manuel D. , Granata Riccarda , Kineman Rhonda D. , Castaño Justo P.
Published: January 2014

Obestatin is a 23-amino-acid amidated peptide that is encoded by the ghrelin gene. Previous studies have shown obestatin can modulate the hypothalamic neuronal circuitry that regulates pituitary function, perhaps by modulating the actions of ghrelin. However, the direct actions of obestatin on pituitary function remain controversial. Here, primary pituitary cell cultures from a nonhuman primate (baboon) and mice were used to test the effects of obestatin on pituitary hormone expression and secretion. In pituitary cultures from both species, obestatin had no effect on prolactin, LH, FSH, or TSH expression/release. Conversely, obestatin stimulated proopiomelanocortin expression and ACTH release and inhibited GH expression/release in vitro, actions that were also observed in vivo in mice treated with obestatin. In vitro, obestatin inhibited the stimulatory actions of ghrelin on GH but not ACTH release. The inhibitory effect of obestatin on somatotrope function was associated with an overall reduction in pituitary transcription factor-1 and GHRH receptor mRNA levels in vitro and in vivo as well as a reduction in hypothalamic GHRH and ghrelin expression in vivo. The stimulatory effect of obestatin on ACTH was associated with an increase in pituitary CRF receptors. Obestatin also reduced the expression of pituitary somatostatin receptors (sst1/sst2), which could serve to modify its impact on hormone secretion. The in vitro actions of obestatin on both GH and ACTH release required the adenylyl cyclase and MAPK routes. Taken together, our results provide evidence that obestatin can act directly at the pituitary to control somatotrope and corticotrope function, and these effects are conserved across species.
Endometriosis Impairs Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cell Recruitment to the Uterus Whereas Bazedoxifene Treatment Leads to Endometriosis Regression and Improved Uterine Stem Cell Engraftment
Authors: Sakr Sharif , Naqvi Hanyia , Komm Barry , Taylor Hugh S.
Published: January 2014

Endometriosis is a disease defined by the ectopic growth of uterine endometrium. Stem cells contribute to the generation of endometriosis as well as to repair and regeneration of normal endometrium. Here we demonstrate that the selective estrogen receptor modulator bazedoxifene (BZA), administered with conjugated estrogens (CEs), leads to regression of endometriosis lesions as well as reduction in stem cell recruitment to the lesions. Female mice underwent transplantation of male bone marrow. Endometrium was transplanted in the peritoneal cavity of half to create experimental endometriosis. Mice with or without experimental endometriosis were randomized to BZA/CE or vehicle treatment. Endometriosis lesions, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell engraftment of the lesions, and eutopic endometrium as well as ovarian stimulation were assessed. BZA treatment significantly reduced lesion size, gland number, and expression of proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Ovarian weight was not affected. Stem cells were recruited to the endometriosis lesions, and this recruitment was dramatically reduced by BZA/CE treatment. Stem cell engraftment was reduced in the uterus of animals with endometriosis; however the number of stem cells engrafting the uterus was completely restored by treatment with BZA/CE. Competition between endometriosis and the eutopic endometrium for a limited supply of stem cells and depletion of normal stem cells flux to the uterus is a novel mechanism by which endometriosis interferes with endometrial function and fertility. BZA/CE not only treats lesions of endometriosis, it also dramatically reduces stem cell recruitment to the lesions and restores stem cell engraftment of the uterine endometrium.
FHOD1 regulates stress fiber organization by controlling transversal arc and dorsal fiber dynamics
Authors: Schulze Nina , Graessl Melanie , Blancke Soares Alexandra , Geyer Matthias , Dehmelt Leif , Nalbant Perihan
Published: January 2014

The formin FHOD1 can act as a capping and bundling protein in vitro. In cells, active FHOD1 stimulates the formation of ventral stress fibers. However, the cellular mechanism by which this phenotype is produced and the physiological relevance of FHOD1 function were not understood so far. Here, we first show that FHOD1 differentially controls the formation of two distinct stress fiber precursors. On the one hand, it inhibits dorsal fiber growth, which requires polymerization of parallel, long actin filament bundles. On the other hand, it stimulates transversal arcs that are formed by fusion of short antiparallel actin filaments. This combined action is critical for stress fiber maturation and their spatio-temporal organization and lack of FHOD1 function perturbs dynamic cell behavior during cell migration. Furthermore, we show that the GBD-FH3 domains are responsible for stress fiber association and co-localization with Myosin. Surprisingly, FHOD1 that lacks those domains nevertheless retains its full capacity to stimulate arc and ventral stress fiber formation. Based on our findings we propose a mechanism, in which FHOD1 promotes the formation of short actin filaments and transiently associates with transversal arcs to tightly control their formation and turn-over into mature ventral stress fibers in space and time during dynamic cell behavior.
STAT3 and MCL-1 associate to cause a mesenchymal epithelial transition
Authors: Renjini A. P. , Titus Shiny , Narayan Prashanth , Murali Megha , Kumar Jha Rajesh , Laloraya Malini
Published: January 2014

Embryo implantation is effected by a myriad of signaling cascades acting on the embryo–endometrium axis. Here we show, by using MALDI TOF analysis, far-western analysis and colocalization and co-transfection studies, that STAT3 and MCL-1 are interacting partners during embryo implantation. We show in vitro that the interaction between the two endogenous proteins is strongly regulated by estrogen and progesterone. Implantation, pregnancy and embryogenesis are distinct from any other process in the body, with extensive, but controlled, proliferation, cell migration, apoptosis, cell invasion and differentiation. Cellular plasticity is vital during the early stages of development for morphogenesis and organ homeostasis, effecting the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and, the reverse process, mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET). STAT3 functionally associates with MCL-1 in the mammalian breast cancer cell line MCF7 that overexpresses STAT3 and MCL-1, which leads to an increased rate of apoptosis and decreased cellular invasion, disrupting the EMT. Association of MCL-1 with STAT3 modulates the normal, anti-apoptotic, activity of MCL-1, resulting in pro-apoptotic effects. Studying the impact of the association of STAT3 with MCL-1 on MET could lead to an enhanced understanding of pregnancy and infertility, and also metastatic tumors.
Make, Buy, or Ally? Choice of and Payoff from Announcements of Alternate Strategies for Innovations
Authors: Borah Abhishek , Tellis Gerard J.
Published: January 2014

Firms constantly grapple with the question of whether to make, buy, or ally for innovations. The literature has not, to our knowledge, analyzed the choice of and payoff from these alternate routes to innovation for the same firm. To address this issue, we collect, code, and analyze the choice of and payoff from 3,522 announcements of make, buy, and ally for 192 firms across 108 industries over five years.

We find that announcements to make or ally generate positive and higher payoffs than announcements to buy, which generate negative payoffs. Nevertheless, firms continue to buy for two reasons. First, firms seem to have no memory of the payoff from buy, even though they have a memory of the payoff from make. Second, firms tend to buy when they lack commercializations, even though this strategy does not always seem to pay off. These results suggest that firms see buy as a signal to investors that they have a solution for what may be a deep strategic problem. Nevertheless, the negative returns to a buy can be mitigated if the acquirer is experienced, and the target is related and offers high customer benefit. We offer explanations for and implications of the results.
The Equivalence of Bundling and Advance Sales
Authors: Alexandrov Alexei , Bedre-Defolie Özlem
Published: January 2014

We identify the conditions under which a problem of optimal advance selling strategy can be mathematically transformed into a problem of optimal bundle pricing. These conditions are as follows: (i) consumers and sellers have common priors on the probability of each state being realized in the future, (ii) consumers are risk-neutral, (iii) sellers can commit to spot prices, and (iv) consumers and sellers discount the future at the same rate. The result allows both researchers and practitioners to extend and/or apply the findings from the vast literature on bundling to advance selling problems, and vice versa. We highlight several insights that are particularly relevant, such as the importance of the dependence of consumer valuations across states on the profitability of advance selling in the base case of two states as well as in the cases of more than two states or with possible competition in some of the states.
A discussion of the actual status of process control in theory and practice: a personal view from German process industry
Authors: Piechottka Uwe , Hagenmeyer Veit
Published: January 2014

The contribution aims at stimulating a dialogue between academia and
industry: from an application point of view, the authors observe in the
field of process control an ongoing drift between theory and practice. As
engineers, the authors are concerned that this drift weakens the position of
process control as a whole. Hence, a thorough analysis and a following
discussion are at need. In order to contribute to the aforementioned
dialogue, first the state of the art of process control in the Western
European chemical industry is reported by displaying the results of
a Western-European-wide survey. Thereafter, a discussion of the actual context
of industrial applications of process control is led. Finally, the
contribution is concluded in view of opening the field for the dialogue in
need by some remarks fostering the future of process control as a whole.