bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subsidence and uplift mechanisms within the South Caspian Basin: insights from the onshore and offshore Azerbaijan region
Authors: Egan Stuart S. , Mosar Jon , Brunet Marie-Françoise , Kangarli Talat 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
A combination of fieldwork, basin analysis and modelling techniques has been used to try and understand the role, as well as the timing, of the subsidence–uplift mechanisms that have affected the Azerbaijan region of the South Caspian Basin (SCB) from Mesozoic to Recent.
Key outcrops have been studied in the eastern Greater Caucasus, and the region has been divided into several major tectonic zones that are diagnostic of different former sedimentary realms representing a complete traverse from a passive margin setting to slope and distal basin environments. Subsequent deformation has caused folds and thrusts that generally trend from NW–SE to WNW–ESE.
Offshore data has been analysed to provide insights into the regional structural and stratigraphic evolution of the SCB to the east of Azerbaijan. Several structural trends and subsidence patterns have been identified within the study area. In addition, burial history modelling suggests that there are at least three main components of subsidence, including a relatively short-lived basin-wide event at 6 Ma that is characterized by a rapid increase in the rate of subsidence.
Numerical modelling that includes structural, thermal, isostatic and surface processes has been applied to the SCB. Models that reconcile the observed amount of fault-controlled deformation with the magnitude of overall thinning of the crust generate a comparable amount of subsidence to that observed in the basin. In addition, model results support the tectonic scenario that SCB crust has a density that is compatible with an oceanic composition and is being under-thrust beneath the central Caspian region.
The Cimmerian evolution of the Nakhlak–Anarak area, Central Iran, and its bearing for the reconstruction of the history of the Eurasian margin
Authors: Zanchi Andrea , Zanchetta Stefano , Garzanti Eduardo , Balini Marco , Berra Fabrizio , Mattei Massimo , Muttoni Giovanni 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
New structural, sedimentological, petrological and palaeomagnetic data collected in the region of Nakhlak–Anarak provide important constraints on the Cimmerian evolution of Central Iran. The Olenekian–Upper Ladinian succession of Nakhlak was deposited in a forearc setting, and records the exhumation and erosion of an orogenic wedge, possibly located in the present-day Anarak region. The Triassic succession was deformed after Ladinian times and shows south-vergent folds and thrusts unconformably covered by Upper Cretaceous limestones following the Late Jurassic Neo-Cimmerian deformation. Palaeomagnetic data obtained in the Olenekian succession suggest a palaeoposition of the region close to Eurasia at a latitude around 20°N. In addition, the palaeopoles do not support large anticlockwise rotations around vertical axes for central Iran with respect to Eurasia since the Middle Triassic, as previously suggested.
The Anarak Metamorphic Complex (AMC) includes blueschist-facies metabasites associated with discontinuous slivers of serpentinized ultramafic rocks and Carboniferous greenschist-facies ‘Variscan’ metamorphic rocks, including widespread metacarbonates. The AMC was formed, at least partially, in the Triassic. Its erosion is recorded by the Middle Triassic Bāqoroq Formation at Nakhlak, which consists of conglomerates and sandstones rich in metamorphic detritus. The AMC was repeatedly deformed during post-Triassic times, giving origin to a complex structural setting characterized by strong tectonic fragmentation of previously formed tectonic units.
Based on these data, we suggest that the Nakhlak–Anarak units represent an arc–trench system developed during the Eo-Cimmerian orogenic cycle. Different tectonic scenarios that can account for the evolution of the region and for the occurrence of this orogenic wedge in its present position within Central Iran are critically discussed, as well as its relationships with a presumed ‘Variscan’ metamorphic event.
The Shanderman eclogites: a Late Carboniferous high-pressure event in the NW Talesh Mountains (NW Iran)
Authors: Zanchetta Stefano , Zanchi Andrea , Villa Igor , Poli Stefano , Muttoni Giovanni 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

The Shanderman Metamorphic Complex, exposed along the Caspian foothills of the Talesh Mountain, western Alborz, Iran, has always been interpreted as an ophiolitic fragment of the Palaeotethys Ocean. According to our new data, this unit consists of metamorphic rocks mainly represented by garnet–staurolite micaschists with large bodies of metabasites containing well-preserved eclogitic-phase assemblages. The Shanderman Complex (SC) was later intruded at middle crustal levels by intermediate–basic intrusive bodies. New Ar/Ar ages of paragonitic white micas in equilibrium with the high-pressure assemblages have given a Late Carboniferous age (315±9 Ma). Our new data suggest that the SC was equilibrated in high-pressure conditions during an orogenic event that predates the Eo-Cimmerian orogeny by more than 100 Ma and that may be tentatively ascribed to the Variscan orogeny
sensu latu
. We suggest that the Shanderman Complex represents a fragment of the Upper Palaeozoic European continental crust. The occurrence of eclogites in these regions can be explained by two different hypotheses: (1) the SC high-pressure rocks can be related to the accretion of Gondwana-related Transcauscasian–Moesian microplate to the southern margin of Eurasia; or (2) the SC eclogites can represent a fragment of the Late Palaeozoic ‘Variscan belt’
sensu latu
of central Europe, which has been translated eastwards during Permian along a dextral megashear zone taking from a Pangea-B to a Pangea-A plate configuration. This metamorphic unit was stacked southwards on the northern edge of the Iran Plate during the Eo-Cimmerian events occurring at the end of the Triassic. The eclogite-bearing basement of the SC was finally exhumed at the end of the Eo-Cimmerian orogeny, as suggested by the composition of the basal layers of the Shemshak Group dated here Middle Jurassic, that cover the crystalline rocks of the SC along a regional non-conformity. The SC was probably displaced further southwards during the Mesozoic opening of the South Caspian Basin and the Tertiary thrust stacking and dextral shearing accompanying the formation of the Alborz intracontinental belt.
Effect of clenbuterol administration on the healthy murine heart
Authors: Moore D , Anderson M , Larson DF 
Published: April 2009

Clenbuterol has recently been shown to reverse pathologic cardiac remodeling during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support, leading to restored ventricular function and explantation of LVAD devices. However, others have not been able to support these observations. Our hypothesis is that the β2-adrenergic activity of clenbuterol induces cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, resulting in increased interstitial fibrillar collagen content and altered diastolic function that may account for these conflicting reports. The intent of this study is to characterize the effect of clenbuterol on healthy murine hearts with transthoracic echo and histology. C57BL/6 female mice were administered 2.4 µg/kg/day of clenbuterol in the drinking water for 7 days and analysis conducted on day 8–24 hours after the last dose of clenbuterol. Histological analysis demonstrated an increase in left ventricular ECM collagen content in a control group compared with the clenbuterol group (density 0.32 ± 0.16 compared to 2.01 ± 0.30 RD/mm2). The ventricular fibrosis was supported by altered diastolic function measured by transthoracic echo where there was a significant increase in isovolumic relaxation time, and left atrial dimension and a decrease in left ventricular free wall tissue Doppler ratios. Our study showed no significant differences in left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac output, or heart rate between the clenbuterol and control groups. These data suggest that the β-2 adrenergic activity of clenbuterol increases ECM fibrillar collagen concentrations in normal hearts, resulting in altered diastolic function.
Naturally occurring short splice variant of CYLD positively regulates dendritic cell function
Authors: Srokowski Cathy Cecilia , Masri Joumana , Hövelmeyer Nadine , Krembel Anna Katharina , Tertilt Christine , Strand Dennis , Mahnke Karsten , Massoumi Ramin , Waisman Ari , Schild Hansjörg 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Deubiquitination of NF-κB members by CYLD is crucial in controlling the magnitude and nature of cell activation. The role of the naturally occurring CYLD splice variant in dendritic cell (DC) function was analyzed using CYLDex7/8 mice, which lack the full-length CYLD (flCYLD) transcript and overexpress the short splice variant (sCYLD). Bone marrow–derived DCs from CYLDex7/8 mice display a hyperactive phenotype in vitro and in vivo and have a defect in establishing tolerance with the use of DEC-205–mediated antigen targeting to resting DCs. The combination of sCYLD overexpression and lack of flCYLD in CYLDex7/8 DCs leads to enhanced NF-κB activity accompanied by an increased nuclear translocation of the IκB molecule Bcl-3, along with nuclear p50 and p65. This suggests that, in contrast to flCYLD, sCYLD is a positive regulator of NF-κB activity, and its overexpression induces a hyperactive phenotype in DCs.
The evolution of isochore patterns in vertebrate genomes
Authors: Costantini Maria , Cammarano Rosalia , Bernardi Giorgio 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
Previous work from our laboratory showed that (i) vertebrate genomes are mosaics of isochores, typically megabase-size DNA segments that are fairly homogeneous in base composition; (ii) isochores belong to a small number of families (five in the human genome) characterized by different GC levels; (iii) isochore family patterns are different in fishes/amphibians and mammals/birds, the latter showing GC-rich isochore families that are absent or very scarce in the former; (iv) there are two modes of genome evolution, a conservative one in which isochore patterns basically do not change (e.g., among mammalian orders), and a transitional one, in which they do change (e.g., between amphibians and mammals); and (v) isochores are tightly linked to a number of basic biological properties, such as gene density, gene expression, replication timing and recombination.

Results
The present availability of a number of fully sequenced genomes ranging from fishes to mammals allowed us to carry out investigations that (i) more precisely quantified our previous conclusions; (ii) showed that the different isochore families of vertebrate genomes are largely conserved in GC levels and dinucleotide frequencies, as well as in isochore size; and (iii) isochore family patterns can be either conserved or change within both warm- and cold-blooded vertebrates.

Conclusion
On the basis of the results presented, we propose that (i) the large conservation of GC levels and dinucleotide frequencies may reflect the conservation of chromatin structures; (ii) the conservation of isochore size may be linked to the role played by isochores in chromosome structure and replication; (iii) the formation, the maintainance and the changes of isochore patterns are due to natural selection.
Noncytotoxic orange and red/green derivatives of DsRed-Express2 for whole-cell labeling
Authors: Strack Rita L , Bhattacharyya Dibyendu , Glick Benjamin S , Keenan Robert J 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
Whole-cell labeling is a common application of fluorescent proteins (FPs), but many red and orange FPs exhibit cytotoxicity that limits their use as whole-cell labels. Recently, a tetrameric red FP called DsRed-Express2 was engineered for enhanced solubility and was shown to be noncytotoxic in bacterial and mammalian cells. Our goal was to create derivatives of this protein with different spectral properties.

Results
Building on previous studies of DsRed mutants, we created two DsRed-Express2 derivatives: E2-Orange, an orange FP, and E2-Red/Green, a dual-color FP with both red and green emission. We show that these new FPs retain the low cytotoxicity of DsRed-Express2. In addition, we show that these new FPs are useful as second or third colors for flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy.

Conclusion
E2-Orange and E2-Red/Green will facilitate the production of healthy, stably fluorescent cell lines and transgenic organisms for multi-color labeling studies.
Social determinants of health in Tunisia: the case-analysis of Ariana
Authors: Ben Romdhane Habiba , Grenier Francis R 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
Few research projects have analyzed how social determinants of health impact cities in North Africa. The sustained growth in these countries has nevertheless proven to exacerbate health disparities and create many social and economic inequalities. This strategic analysis examines selected social determinants of health in a major urban centre of Tunisia, identifies the most influential stakeholders able to influence equity/inequity, and reviews the accomplishments and need for action to foster health equity.

Methods
This analysis was performed through a literature review and participatory research methods that included focus groups discussions and interview with key informants.

Results
Access to health care, changes in lifestyles, housing issues and gender-related inequities are prime, socially-determined elements that affect health in Ariana.

Conclusion
Recognition of emerging health issues is needed along with improved inter and intrasectoral coordination among stakeholders. The community-participatory approach used in this paper proved to be a useful scoping technique for this setting. A similar methodology could be used by other researchers as a first step toward health equity action at a city level.
Vsx2 in the zebrafish retina: restricted lineages through derepression
Authors: Vitorino Marta , Jusuf Patricia R , Maurus Daniel , Kimura Yukiko , Higashijima Shin-ichi , Harris William A 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
Background
The neurons in the vertebrate retina arise from multipotent retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). It is not clear, however, which progenitors are multipotent or why they are multipotent.

Results
In this study we show that the homeodomain transcription factor Vsx2 is initially expressed throughout the retinal epithelium, but later it is downregulated in all but a minor population of bipolar cells and all Müller glia. The Vsx2-negative daughters of Vsx2-positive RPCs divide and give rise to all other cell types in the retina. Vsx2 is a repressor whose targets include transcription factors such as Vsx1, which is expressed in the progenitors of distinct non-Vsx2 bipolars, and the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Ath5, which restricts the fate of progenitors to retinal ganglion cells, horizontal cells, amacrine cells and photoreceptors fates. Foxn4, expressed in the progenitors of amacrine and horizontal cells, is also negatively regulated by Vsx2.

Conclusion
Our data thus suggest Vsx2-positive RPCs are fully multipotent retinal progenitors and that when Vsx2 is downregulated, Vsx2-negative progenitors escape Vsx2 repression and so are able to express factors that restrict lineage potential.
Outcome after severe head injury: focal surgical lesions do not imply a better Glasgow Outcome Score than diffuse injuries at 3 months
Authors: Leach Paul , Pathmanaban Omar N , Patel Hiren C , Evans Julian , Sacho Raphael , Protheroe Richard , King Andrew T 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
Historically neurosurgeons have accepted head injured patients only in the presence of a mass lesion requiring surgical decompression. Underpinning this is an assumption that these patients have a better outcome than patients without a surgical lesion. This has meant that many patients without a surgical lesion have been managed locally in the referring hospital. However, there is now evidence that treatment of all head injured patients in a specialist centre leads to improved outcomes. Therefore, we have asked the question: does the presence of a surgical lesion imply better outcome from severe head injury?

Results
We prospectively recorded the Glasgow Outcome score (GOS), at 3 months, of all the severely head injured patients treated at our institution over a two and a half year period. Of 116 patients admitted with an initial Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 8 or less, 58 had surgical lesions and 58 non-surgical head injuries. The two groups were well matched for presenting GCS and age. Overall our favourable outcome rate (GOS 4 and 5) at 3-months for the patients with a surgical lesion and for the non-surgical group were 47.3% and 46.6% respectively, with no significant difference between the two (P = 0.54).

Conclusion
The assumption in the past has always been that patients presenting in coma from traumatic diffuse brain injury will do worse than those that have a mass lesion amenable to surgical decompression. Our series would suggest that this is not the case and all severely head injured patients should expect similar outcome when cared for in a neuroscience centre.
Androgen Receptor Roles in Spermatogenesis and Fertility: Lessons from Testicular Cell-Specific Androgen Receptor Knockout Mice
Authors: Wang Ruey-Sheng , Yeh Shuyuan , Tzeng Chii-Ruey , Chang Chawnshang 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAndrogens are critical steroid hormones that determine the expression of the male phenotype, including the outward development of secondary sex characteristics as well as the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis. Their actions are mediated by the androgen receptor (AR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. AR functions as a ligand-dependent transcription factor, regulating expression of an array of androgen-responsive genes. Androgen and the AR play important roles in male spermatogenesis and fertility. The recent generation and characterization of male total and conditional AR knockout mice from different laboratories demonstrated the necessity of AR signaling for both external and internal male phenotype development. As expected, the male total AR knockout mice exhibited female-typical external appearance (including a vagina with a blind end and a clitoris-like phallus), the testis was located abdominally, and germ cell development was severely disrupted, which was similar to a human complete androgen insensitivity syndrome or testicular feminization mouse. However, the process of spermatogenesis is highly dependent on autocrine and paracrine communication among testicular cell types, and the disruption of AR throughout an experimental animal cannot answer the question about how AR in each type of testicular cell can play roles in the process of spermatogenesis. In this review, we provide new insights by comparing the results of cell-specific AR knockout in germ cells, peritubular myoid cells, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells mouse models that were generated by different laboratories to see the consequent defects in spermatogenesis due to AR loss in different testicular cell types in spermatogenesis. Briefly, this review summarizes these results as follows: 1) the impact of lacking AR in Sertoli cells mainly affects Sertoli cell functions to support and nurture germ cells, leading to spermatogenesis arrest at the diplotene primary spermatocyte stage prior to the accomplishment of first meiotic division; 2) the impact of lacking AR in Leydig cells mainly affects steroidogenic functions leading to arrest of spermatogenesis at the round spermatid stage; 3) the impact of lacking AR in the smooth muscle cells and peritubular myoid cells in mice results in similar fertility despite decreased sperm output as compared to wild-type controls; and 4) the deletion of AR gene in mouse germ cells does not affect spermatogenesis and male fertility. This review tries to clarify the useful information regarding how androgen/AR functions in individual cells of the testis. The future studies of detailed molecular mechanisms in these in vivo animals with cell-specific AR knockout could possibly lead to useful insights for improvements in the treatment of male infertility, hypogonadism, and testicular dysgenesis syndrome, and in attempts to create safe as well as effective male contraceptive methods.
Identification of dynamic phenomena in pipes supplied with a pulsating flow of gas
Authors: Olczyk A 
Published: April 2009

Pulsating flow is typical of displacement machines such as piston engines, compressors, or other displacement devices. The cyclic movement of the working element (piston, valve, membrane, etc.) generates pulsations, which, from a dynamic point of view, can be considered as excitation in the system composed of a flowing gas and pipes in which the flow takes place. This study shows that under certain conditions, a significant increase of pulse amplitudes occurs and transient values of main flow parameters are up to a few times higher than that for the equivalent steady flow conditions. This unsteadiness can be harmful or even damaging; however, in some cases it can be profitable (e.g. induction ramming of combustion engines). In order to investigate which conditions are favourable to obtain such effects in pipes, four different systems, distinguished by a different level of choking at the pipe outlet section, were tested. The experimental tests performed in the range of excitation frequencies of 0—200 Hz have shown that systems with low choking at the pipe outlet are more prone to strong dynamic effects, characterized by considerable growth of pulse amplitudes and an intensive reverse flow occurring in the proximity of resonance frequencies. In systems with high choking at the pipe outlet section, those effects were very weak. Characteristic frequencies, for which the resonance takes place, depend on the pipe length and can be determined theoretically with a simple acoustic model or a one-dimensional model ‘ x— t’ describing a pulsating flow in the pipe. The experimental verification of those resonance frequencies can be conducted with the use of transient flow parameters recorded by appropriate fast response sensors.