bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the implant communication and MAC protocols for WBAN
Authors: Ullah Sana , Higgins Henry , Shen Bin , Kwak Kyung Sup
Published: January 2010

Recent advances in micro‐electro‐mechanical systems, wireless communication, low‐power intelligent sensors, and semiconductor technologies have allowed the realization of a wireless body area network (WBAN). A WBAN provides unobtrusive health monitoring for a long period of time with real‐time updates to the physician. It is widely used for ubiquitous health care, entertainment, and military applications. The implantable and wearable medical devices have several critical requirements such as power consumption, data rate, size, and low‐power medium access control (MAC) protocols. This article consists of two parts: body implant communication, which is concerned with the communication to and from a human body using radio frequency (RF) technology, and WBAN MAC protocols, which presents several low‐power MAC protocols for a WBAN with useful guidelines including a case study of IEEE 802.15.4, PB‐TDMA, and SMAC protocols. In body implant communication, the in‐body RF performance is affected considerably by the implant's depth and different polarization combinations inside the human body as well as by the muscle and fat. We observe best performance at a depth of 3 to 5 cm and not close to the human skin. Furthermore, the study of low‐power MAC protocols highlights the most important aspects of developing a novel low‐power and reliable MAC protocol for a WBAN. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deafness and retinal degeneration in a novel USH1C knock‐in mouse model
Authors: Lentz Jennifer J. , Gordon William C. , Farris Hamilton E. , MacDonald Glen H. , Cunningham Dale E. , Robbins Carol A. , Tempel Bruce L. , Bazan Nicolas G. , Rubel Edwin W. , Oesterle Elizabeth C. , Keats Bronya J.
Published: January 2010

Usher syndrome is the leading cause of combined deaf–blindness, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the auditory and visual impairment are poorly understood. Usher I is characterized by profound congenital hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, and progressive retinitis pigmentosa beginning in early adolescence. Using the c.216G>A cryptic splice site mutation in Exon 3 of the USH1C gene found in Acadian Usher I patients in Louisiana, we constructed the first mouse model that develops both deafness and retinal degeneration. The same truncated mRNA transcript found in Usher 1C patients is found in the cochleae and retinas of these knock‐in mice. Absent auditory‐evoked brainstem responses indicated that the mutant mice are deaf at 1 month of age. Cochlear histology showed disorganized hair cell rows, abnormal bundles, and loss of both inner and outer hair cells in the middle turns and at the base. Retinal dysfunction as evident by an abnormal electroretinogram was seen as early as 1 month of age, with progressive loss of rod photoreceptors between 6 and 12 months of age. This knock‐in mouse reproduces the dual sensory loss of human Usher I, providing a novel resource to study the disease mechanism and the development of therapies. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70: 253–267, 2010
A review of current large‐scale mouse knockout efforts
Authors: Guan Chunmei , Ye Chao , Yang Xiaomei , Gao Jiangang
Published: January 2010

After the successful completion of the human genome project (HGP), biological research in the postgenome era urgently needs an efficient approach for functional analysis of genes. Utilization of knockout mouse models has been powerful for elucidating the function of genes as well as finding new therapeutic interventions for human diseases. Gene trapping and gene targeting are two independent techniques for making knockout mice from embryonic stem (ES) cells. Gene trapping is high‐throughput, random, and sequence‐tagged while gene targeting enables the knockout of specific genes. It has been about 20 years since the first gene targeting and gene trapping mice were generated. In recent years, new tools have emerged for both gene targeting and gene trapping, and organizations have been formed to knock out genes in the mouse genome using either of the two methods. The knockout mouse project (KOMP) and the international gene trap consortium (IGTC) were initiated to create convenient resources for scientific research worldwide and knock out all the mouse genes. Organizers of KOMP regard it as important as the HGP. Gene targeting methods have changed from conventional gene targeting to high‐throughput conditional gene targeting. The combined advantages of trapping and targeting elements are improving the gene trapping spectrum and gene targeting efficiency. As a newly‐developed insertional mutation system, transposons have some advantages over retrovirus in trapping genes. Emergence of the international knockout mouse consortium (IKMP) is the beginning of a global collaboration to systematically knock out all the genes in the mouse genome for functional genomic research. genesis 48:73–85, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transgene excision in zebrafish using the phiC31 integrase
Authors: Lister James A.
Published: January 2010

Genome engineering strategies employing site‐specific recombinases (SSRs) have become invaluable to the study of gene function in model organisms. One such SSR, the integrase encoded by the Streptomyces bacteriophage phiC31, promotes recombination between heterotypic attP and attB sites. In the present study I have examined the feasibility of the use of phiC31 integrase for intramolecular recombination strategies in zebrafish embryos. I report here that (1) phiC31 integrase is functional in zebrafish cells, (2) phiC31 integrase can excise a transgene cassette flanked by an attB and an attP site, analogous to a common use of the Cre/lox SSR system, (3) phiC31 integrase functions in the zebrafish germline, and (4) a phiC31 integrase‐estrogen receptor hormone‐binding domain variant fusion protein catalyzes attB‐attP recombination in zebrafish embryos in a 4‐hydroxytamoxifen‐dependent manner, albeit less efficiently than phiC31 alone. These features should make this a useful approach for genome manipulations in the zebrafish. genesis 48:137–143, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic vasectomy—Overexpression of Prm1‐EGFP fusion protein in elongating spermatids causes dominant male sterility in mice
Authors: Haueter Sabine , Kawasumi Miyuri , Asner Igor , Brykczynska Urszula , Cinelli Paolo , Moisyadi Stefan , Bürki Kurt , Peters Antoine H.F.M. , Pelczar Pawel
Published: January 2010

Transgenic mice are vital tools in both basic and applied research. Unfortunately, the transgenesis process as well as many other assisted reproductive techniques involving embryo transfer rely on vasectomized males to induce pseudopregnancy in surrogate mothers. Vasectomy is a surgical procedure associated with moderate pain and must be carried out under full anaesthesia by qualified personnel. Eliminating the need for vasectomy would be beneficial from the economic and animal welfare point of view. Our aim was to develop a transgene‐based alternative to the surgical vasectomy procedure. We generated several transgenic mouse lines expressing a Protamine‐1 (Prm1) EGFP fusion protein under the transcriptional and translational regulatory control of Prm1. Male mice from lines showing moderate transgene expression were fully fertile whereas strong overexpression of the Prm1‐EGFP fusion protein resulted in complete and dominant male sterility without affecting the ability to mate and to produce copulatory plugs. Sterility was due to impaired spermatid maturation affecting sperm viability and motility. Furthermore, sperm having high Prm1‐EGFP levels failed to support preimplantation embryonic development following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The “genetic vasectomy system” was further improved by genetically linking the dominant male sterility to ubiquitous EGFP expression in the soma as an easy phenotypic marker enabling rapid genotyping of transgenic males and females. This double transgenic approach represents a reliable and cost‐effective “genetic vasectomy” procedure making the conventional surgical vasectomy methodology obsolete. genesis 48:151–160, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermal Decomposition of Ferric Oxalate Tetrahydrate in Oxidative and Inert Atmospheres: The Role of Ferrous Oxalate as an Intermediate
Authors: Hermankova Pavla , Hermanek Martin , Zboril Radek
Published: January 2010

The thermal decomposition of ferric oxalate tetrahydrate Fe2(C2O4)3·4H2O was studied in dynamic oxidative and inert atmospheres by using a simultaneous thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analytical device equipped with an evolved gas analyzer (EGA). Solid‐state decomposition products formed during the decomposition were analyzed by 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, in situ and ex situ X‐ray powder diffraction, and magnetic measurements. In the dynamic inert atmosphere, we observed the formation of a tiny amount of superparamagnetic iron oxide (most likely Fe3O4) together with a majority of ferrous oxalate (FeC2O4) and remains of undecomposed Fe2(C2O4)3 after the first decomposition step, which finished at 210 °C. The astonishing presence of the oxidic phase at such low temperatures is a highly probable side effect of the main reduction action of the electrons on the FeIII cations in the ferric oxalate structure, thus resulting in the creation of intermediate FeC2O4. The final product of decomposition of the FeC2O4 intermediate in a dynamic inert atmosphere is a mixture of wüstite (FexO), α‐iron (α‐Fe), and magnetite (Fe3O4). Their proportion accurately reflects actual disproportionation/synproportionation/redisproportionation processes likely encouraged by the preserved size and morphology of the initial ferric oxalate crystals and that are dependent on temperature. In the oxidative atmosphere, the decomposition proceeds in the three overlapped stages that include dehydration, the astonishing reductive formation of FeC2O4 as an intermediate, and final decarboxylation to hematite (α‐Fe2O3). The principal effect of the experimental conditions on the amount of intermediate formation of FeC2O4 in the oxidative atmosphere is also discussed and evaluated from the isothermal experiments carried out at 180 °C.
Synthesis and Characterization of Diiron Thiadithiolate Complexes Related to the Active Site of [FeFe]‐Hydrogenases
Authors: Song Li‐Cheng , Li Qing‐Shan , Yang Zhi‐Yong , Hua Yu‐Juan , Bian Hong‐Zhu , Hu Qing‐Mei
Published: January 2010

On the basis of preparation of the known complex [Fe2(μ‐SCH2)2S(CO)6] (A) by a new method involving condensation of [(μ‐LiS)2Fe2(CO)6] with excess S(CH2Br)2, twelve new diiron thiadithiolates as mimics of the [FeFe]‐hydrogenase active site have been synthesized by substitution of the CO ligand and coordination at the central S atom of complex A with appropriate reagents. Treatment of A with 1 equiv. of the monodentate ligands PPh3 and [(η5‐C5H5)(η5‐Ph2PC5H4)Fe] in the presence of Me3NO and with 1 equiv. tBuNC and cyclohexyl isocyanide gave the single [2Fe3S]‐cluster‐containing monosubstituted complexes [Fe2(μ‐SCH2)2S(CO)5(L1)] (1, L1 = PPh3; 2, L1 = (η5‐C5H5)(η5‐Ph2PC5H4)Fe; 3, L1 = tBuNC; 4, L1 = C6H11NC), whereas the double [2Fe3S]‐cluster‐containing disubstituted complexes [{Fe2(μ‐SCH2)2S(CO)5}2(L2)] [5, L2 = 4,4′‐(Ph2P)2(C6H4)2; 6, L2 = trans‐Ph2PCH=CHPPh2; 7, L2 = 1,4‐(CN)2C6H4; 8, L2 = (η5‐Ph2PC5H4)2Fe; 9, L2 = (η5‐Ph2PC5H4)2Ru] were produced by reaction of A with 0.5 equiv. of the corresponding bidentate ligands in the presence of Me3NO. In addition, the single [2Fe3S]‐cluster‐containing complexes in which the central S atom is coordinated, [{Fe2(μ‐SCH2)2S(CO)6}{(η5‐MeC5H4)(CO)2Fe}(BF4)] (10), [{Fe2(μ‐SCH2)2S(CO)6}{Cr(CO)5}] (11), and [{Fe2(μ‐SCH2)2S(CO)6}{W(CO)5}] (12), could be obtained by reaction of complex A with the in situ prepared [{(η5‐MeC5H4)(CO)2Fe}(BF4)], [Cr(CO)5(thf)], and [W(CO)5(thf)], respectively. While complex 3 was found to be able to reduce the proton of the weak acid Et3NHCl to give H2, the X‐ray crystallographic study confirmed that (i) each P atom of the phosphane ligands in 1 and 8 occupies an apical position at the Fe atoms, (ii) the isocyanide ligand in 3 lies in a basal position of the Fe atom, and (iii) the (η5‐MeC5H4)(CO)2Fe, Cr(CO)5, and W(CO)5 units in 10–12 are linked to the central S atom of complex A by an equatorial bond from the two fused six‐membered rings of their [2Fe3S]‐cluster cores.
Tailoring visual images to fit: Value creation in persuasive messages
Authors: Mannetti Lucia , Giacomantonio Mauro , Higgins E. Tory , Pierro Antonio , Kruglanski Arie W.
Published: January 2010

The present studies aimed to extend Regulatory Fit Theory in the domain of persuasive communication by (a) using printed advertisement images without any verbal claim, instead of purely or mostly verbal messages; (b) selecting the images to fit the distinct orientations of regulatory mode rather than regulatory focus; and (c) priming regulatory mode orientation instead of relying on chronic prevalence of either locomotion or assessment orientation. We found that recipients primed with a locomotion orientation experienced fit, and were more persuaded, when exposed to “dynamic” versus “static” visual images; conversely, recipients primed with an assessment orientation experienced fit and were more persuaded when exposed to “static” versus “dynamic” images. Our findings show that the experience of fit can be induced by visual messages, resulting in positive effects in terms of attitude toward product advertisement and estimated price of advertised products. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pt–Fe and Pt–Ni Carbon Nitride‐Based ‘Core–Shell’ ORR Electrocatalysts for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Di Noto V. , Negro E.
Published: January 2010

This report describes the preparation of new bimetal carbon nitride (CN)‐based ‘core–shell’ electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for application in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The ‘core’ consists of graphitic carbon nanoparticles and the ‘shell’ of CN electrocatalysts. These latter are based on Pt–Fe and Pt–Ni active sites which, with respect to pure Pt, are devised for their improved ORR performance. This morphology allows to stabilise the active sites of the electrocatalysts by a chemical coordination process with the support as the coordinating agent. The wt% of N is lower than 2% to obtain electrocatalytic ‘shells’ with a good electron conductivity. The electrocatalysts with a ‘core–shell’ morphology were extensively characterised from the chemical, thermogravimetric and morphological points of view. Electrochemical measurements carried out by cyclic voltammetry using a thin‐film rotating ring‐disk electrode (CV–TF‐RRDE) method allowed to study the specific surface area of the active sites and to determine the ORR performance and the reaction mechanism. Finally, the materials were mounted at the cathode of single fuel cells and their performance was tested in operative conditions. The Pt mass required to achieve 1 kW was as low as 0.3 g, versus 1.11 g of the reference membrane‐electrode assembly.
Aberrant methylation impairs low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1B tumor suppressor function in gastric cancer
Authors: Lu Yen‐Jung , Wu Chi‐Sheng , Li Hsin‐Pai , Liu Hao‐Ping , Lu Chang‐Yi , Leu Yu‐Wei , Wang Chia‐Siu , Chen Lih‐Chyang , Lin Kwang‐Huei , Chang Yu‐Sun
Published: January 2010

DNA methylation plays a significant role in tumor progression. In this study, we used CpG microarray and differential methylation hybridization approaches to identify low density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1B (LRP1B) as a novel epigenetic target in gastric cancer. LRP1B was hypermethylated in four gastric cancer cell lines, and low LRP1B mRNA expression was associated with high methylation levels in gastric cancer cell lines. Addition of a DNA methylation inhibitor (5‐Aza‐dC) restored the mRNA expression of LRP1B in these cell lines, indicating that DNA methylation is involved in regulating LRP1B expression. In 45 out of 74 (61%) clinical samples, LRP1B was highly methylated; LRP1B mRNA expression was significantly lower in 15 out of 19 (79%, P < 0.001) gastric tumor tissues than in corresponding adjacent normal tissues. In addition, ectopic expression of mLRP1B4 in gastric cancer cell lines suppressed cell growth, colony formation and tumor formation in nude mice. These results collectively indicate that LRP1B is a functional tumor suppressor gene in gastric cancer and that is regulated by DNA methylation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss,Inc.
Effect of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor haploinsufficiency on stress‐induced remodeling of hippocampal neurons
Authors: Magariños A.M. , Li C.J. , Gal Toth J. , Bath K.G. , Jing D. , Lee F.S. , McEwen B.S.
Published: January 2010

Chronic restraint stress (CRS) induces the remodeling (i.e., retraction and simplification) of the apical dendrites of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons in rats, suggesting that intrahippocampal connectivity can be affected by a prolonged stressful challenge. Since the structural maintenance of neuronal dendritic arborizations and synaptic connectivity requires neurotrophic support, we investigated the potential role of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin enriched in the hippocampus and released from neurons in an activity‐dependent manner, as a mediator of the stress‐induced dendritic remodeling. The analysis of Golgi‐impregnated hippocampal sections revealed that wild type (WT) C57BL/6 male mice showed a similar CA3 apical dendritic remodeling in response to three weeks of CRS to that previously described for rats. Haploinsufficient BDNF mice (BDNF±) did not show such remodeling, but, even without CRS, they presented shorter and simplified CA3 apical dendritic arbors, like those observed in stressed WT mice. Furthermore, unstressed BDNF± mice showed a significant decrease in total hippocampal volume. The dendritic arborization of CA1 pyramidal neurons was not affected by CRS or genotype. However, only in WT mice, CRS induced changes in the density of dendritic spine shape subtypes in both CA1 and CA3 apical dendrites. These results suggest a complex role of BDNF in maintaining the dendritic and spine morphology of hippocampal neurons and the associated volume of the hippocampal formation. The inability of CRS to modify the dendritic structure of CA3 pyramidal neurons in BDNF± mice suggests an indirect, perhaps permissive, role of BDNF in mediating hippocampal dendritic remodeling. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
X‐ray reconstruction of moving morphology (XROMM): precision, accuracy and applications in comparative biomechanics research
Authors: Brainerd Elizabeth L. , Baier David B. , Gatesy Stephen M. , Hedrick Tyson L. , Metzger Keith A. , Gilbert Susannah L. , Crisco Joseph J.
Published: January 2010

X‐Ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM) comprises a set of 3D X‐ray motion analysis techniques that merge motion data from in vivo X‐ray videos with skeletal morphology data from bone scans into precise and accurate animations of 3D bones moving in 3D space. XROMM methods include: (1) manual alignment (registration) of bone models to video sequences, i.e., Scientific Rotoscoping; (2) computer vision‐based autoregistration of bone models to biplanar X‐ray videos; and (3) marker‐based registration of bone models to biplanar X‐ray videos. Here, we describe a novel set of X‐ray hardware, software, and workflows for marker‐based XROMM. Refurbished C‐arm fluoroscopes retrofitted with high‐speed video cameras offer a relatively inexpensive X‐ray hardware solution for comparative biomechanics research. Precision for our biplanar C‐arm hardware and analysis software, measured as the standard deviation of pairwise distances between 1 mm tantalum markers embedded in rigid objects, was found to be ±0.046 mm under optimal conditions and ±0.084 mm under actual in vivo recording conditions. Mean error in measurement of a known distance between two beads was within the 0.01 mm fabrication tolerance of the test object, and mean absolute error was 0.037 mm. Animating 3D bone models from sets of marker positions (XROMM animation) makes it possible to study skeletal kinematics in the context of detailed bone morphology. The biplanar fluoroscopy hardware and computational methods described here should make XROMM an accessible and useful addition to the available technologies for studying the form, function, and evolution of vertebrate animals. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:262–279, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of substrate size on the locomotion and gait patterns of the kinkajou (Potos flavus)
Authors: Lemelin Pierre , Cartmill Matt
Published: January 2010

Diagonal‐sequence (DS) gaits, which are very rare among mammals, are common and well documented in primates and some arboreal marsupials. DS walking gaits have been reported in the kinkajou (Potos flavus), which shows ecological similarities with primates and arboreal opossums but lacks prehensile specializations of the hindfoot. Nevertheless, the actual frequency of DS gaits and the functional context in which these gaits occur in this highly arboreal mammal remain unknown. We examined the effect of substrate size on the locomotion and gait patterns of kinkajous by recording gaits in two individuals walking and running on poles of two different diameters and on a runway. Diagonality and limb duty factors were calculated for 534 gait cycles. Kinkajous relied mostly on DS gaits and trots during walking, and increased the diagonality of their gait patterns on thinner substrates. The proposed functional link between locomotion on thin branches and the presence of a grasping, primate‐like hindfoot is not supported by these data. However, further analysis of kinkajou gait cycles showed that DS gaits may have advantages overlooked earlier. DS gaits, during walking, minimize the distance between two ipsilateral feet during short periods of unilateral bipedality, and per corollary maximize the distance between two contralateral feet during the much longer periods of diagonal bipedality. Such foot positioning during the gait cycle could be beneficial in walking on a relatively thin substrate and could explain why kinkajous adopt DS walking gaits, especially on thinner poles, despite lacking prehensile specializations of the hindfoot. J. Exp. Zool. 313A:157–168, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identifying the germline in an equally cleaving mollusc: Vasa and Nanos expression during embryonic and larval development of the vetigastropod Haliotis asinina
Authors: Kranz Alexandrea M. , Tollenaere Alina , Norris Belinda J. , Degnan Bernard M. , Degnan Sandie M.
Published: January 2010

Members of the Vasa and Nanos gene families are important for the specification and development of the germline in diverse animals. Here, we determine spatial and temporal expression of Vasa and Nanos to investigate germline development in the vetigastropod Haliotis asinina. This is the first time these genes have been examined in an equally cleaving lophotrochozoan species. We find that HasVasa and HasNanos have largely overlapping, but not identical, expression patterns during embryonic and larval development, with both being maternally expressed and localized to the micromere cell lineages during cleavage. As embryonic development continues, HasVasa and HasNanos become progressively more enriched in the dorsal quadrant of the embryo. By the trochophore stage, both HasVasa and HasNanos are expressed in the putative mesodermal bands of the larva. This differs from the unequally cleaving gastropod Illyanasa obsoleta, in which IoVasa and IoNanos expression is detectable only in the early embryo and not during gastrulation and larval development. Our results suggest that the H. asinina germline arises from the 4d cell lineage and that primordial germ cells (PGCs) are not specified exclusively by maternally inherited determinants (preformation). As such, we infer that inductive signals (epigenesis) play an important role in specifying PGCs in H. asinina. We hypothesize that HasVasa is expressed in a population of undifferentiated multipotent cells, from which the PGCs are segregated later during development. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:267–279, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Allometries and the morphogenesis of the molluscan shell: a quantitative and theoretical model
Authors: Urdy Séverine , Goudemand Nicolas , Bucher Hugo , Chirat Régis
Published: January 2010

This article explores the close relationships between growth rate and allometries of molluscan shells. After reviewing the previous theoretical approaches devoted to the understanding of shell form and its morphogenesis, we present a free‐form vector model which can simulate apertural shape changes and nonlinear allometries. Shell morphology is generated by iteratively adding a growth increment onto the last computed aperture. The first growth increment defines so‐called growth vectors which are assumed to be constant in direction (relative to the last computed aperture position) during a simulation of a shell (ontogeny). These growth vectors are uniformly scaled at each time step according to various growth rate curves that are used to simulate the mantle growth over time. From the model, we derive morphometric variables that illustrate the ontogenetic trajectories in time–size–shape space. We investigate the effects of changing the growth curves types, growth rate parameters and growth vector maps on the direction, speed and patterns of ontogenetic allometries. Because this model focuses the issue on time, it highlights a plausible effect of growth rate on shell shape and illustrates some fundamental geometrical properties of the logarithmic spiral, in particular the close relationship between the size and the geometry of growth increments. This model could be used to develop a mathematically data‐driven approach where experimentally obtained growth curves could be used as inputs in the model. More generally, our study recalls the role of growth rates in the generation of allometries.J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 314B:280–302, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The evolutionary origins of gene regulation
Authors: Proulx Stephen R. , Smiley Michael W.
Published: January 2010

One way that organisms cope with constantly changing physical and biological conditions is by regulating the expression of genes and thereby altering protein production. Clearly, altering the protein production to match the environmental demands can be adaptive, but there may be evolutionary barriers to the transition from constitutive expression to regulated expression. In particular, down‐regulating a gene when it is not needed means that there will necessarily be a delay in protein production when the protein is up‐regulated in the future. We develop a model of simple gene regulation in response to randomly changing environmental conditions. We calculate the long‐term behavior of gene expression and determine the fitness consequences of changes in the gene regulation. We then embed this model into a population genetic framework in order to determine the conditions that allow populations to evolve environment‐specific transcription rates. The population genetic model follows the evolutionary transition from constitutive expression to regulated expression. There are three distinct possible evolutionary outcomes. The gene may be stuck in the always on position, the gene may first evolve to an intermediate constitutive expression level and then evolve regulation, or regulation can evolve directly from the ancestral state in a smooth fashion. Regulation is most likely to evolve when the costs of mis‐expression are low and the transcript decay rate is high. This suggests that genes that have less severe reductions in fitness when mis‐expressed are more likely to initially evolve regulation. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Ecol.) 314B:327–340, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A within‐individual study of interpersonal conflict as a work stressor: Dispositional and situational moderators
Authors: Ilies Remus , Johnson Michael D. , Judge Timothy A. , Keeney Jessica
Published: January 2010

Focusing on interpersonal conflict as a work stressor, the authors used a within‐subjects research design to examine the effect of conflict episodes on employees' negative affect on the job. The roles of agreeableness and social support in moderating the negative effects of conflict episodes were also examined. A two‐week experience‐sampling study revealed that interpersonal conflict influenced employees' intraindividual fluctuations in negative affect. As predicted, agreeableness and social support influenced individuals' patterns of affective responses to conflict, such that conflict was more strongly associated with negative affect for agreeable employees, and for those with lower levels of social support at work. Overall, the results suggest that both personality (agreeableness) and context (social support) significantly moderate the affective implications of interpersonal conflict at work. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple‐column RP‐HPLC retention modelling based on solvatochromic or theoretical solute descriptors
Authors: D'Archivio Angelo Antonio , Maggi Maria Anna , Ruggieri Fabrizio
Published: January 2010

Recently, we have proposed an approach to multi‐column RP‐HPLC retention modelling under isocratic conditions based on a combination of five molecular descriptors, the volume fraction of organic modifier in the mobile phase and a column descriptor, simultaneously considered as dependent variables of artificial neural network (ANN) regression. The column descriptor, in particular, was identified with the observed average retention of the solutes used in calibration extrapolated to pure water as the mobile phase. The ANN‐based model was seen to accurately describe retention on a pool of octadecylsiloxane‐bonded (C18) columns in a wide range of mobile phase composition. Reliability of this approach is further examined here by analysing the retention data of Reta et al. (Anal. Chem. 1999, 71, 3484–3496) referring to 17 aromatic compounds collected in water–methanol mobile phases at the compositions 45, 50, 55 and 60% v/v of methanol with eight different columns based on various hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon and aromatic bonded stationary phases. Further, in this study we compare the explanatory capability of two different kinds of molecular descriptors: the well‐known solvatochromic descriptors and theoretical descriptors extracted by genetic algorithm variable selection from the large set provided by the popular software Dragon.
Effect of high pressure on molecular interaction between oleic acid and base oils at elasthydrodynamic lubrication contact
Authors: Takiwatari Koji , Nanao Hidetaka , Mori Shigeyuki
Published: January 2010

The molecular interaction of oleic acid in different base oils at Elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) contact was investigated by means of in‐situ observation with micro‐Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR). Moreover, the effect of hydrostatic pressure was confirmed using a diamond‐anvil cell (DAC). Poly‐α‐olefin (PAO) with non‐polar, and Polypropylene glycol and Polybutylene glycol (PPG and PBG) which have ether group were used as base oil. When PAO was used, oleic acid interacts with itself to form a dimer. On the other hand, oleic acid interacts with PPG and PBG and exists mainly as a monomeric moelcule.

The IR peak of C = O stretching mode of oleic acid dimmer was shifted to lower wavenumber at EHL contact region. The peak shift was not obvious in the case of the monomer. This result means that the hydrogen bonding of the dimer was stabilized under high pressure, but the hydrogen bonding of monomer was not. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long-term efficacy of stent placement for treating inferior vena cava stenosis following liver transplantation
Authors: Lee Jae Myeong , Ko Gi-Young , Sung Kyu-Bo , Gwon Dong Il , Yoon Hyun-Ki , Lee Sung-Gyu
Published: January 2010

The aims of this study were to evaluate both the efficacy of stent placement for treating inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis and the patency of hepatic veins (HVs) following IVC stent placement. Fourteen hepatic transplant recipients underwent stent placement to treat IVC stenosis. The median interval between transplantation and stent placement was 32 days. Stents varied from 20-36 mm in diameter and were 60-120 mm long. We retrospectively analyzed the technical and clinical success, changes of hepatic venous flow, and the patency of the IVC stents. Stent placement was successful in all patients. Clinical success was achieved in 12 patients. Four patients underwent HV balloon angioplasty or stent placement through IVC stent meshes either immediately (n = 1) or 12-110 days after (n = 3) IVC stent placement. Nine of the 12 patients were healthy when this manuscript was completed, and the last follow-up computed tomography scan obtained at a median of 65.3 months after IVC stent placement revealed the patency of the stent-placed IVC and HVs. IVC stent placement seems to be an effective treatment with an excellent, long-term patency for treating posttransplant stenosis, although the possibility of hepatic venous outflow abnormalities following IVC stent placement should also be considered.
Iron‐Containing Poly(propylene imine) Dendromesogens with Photoactive Properties
Authors: Domracheva Natalia E. , Morozov Vladimir I. , Gruzdev Matvey S. , Manapov Rafil A. , Pyataev Andrew V. , Lattermann Guenter
Published: January 2010

Here, we report the first results of investigation the local structure and photoactive properties of iron‐containing dendromesogens based on decyloxybenzoate substituted poly(propylene imine) dendrimers of the first to fifth generations. Iron ions existing in a high‐spin state are coordinated in dendrimer ligands by two kinds of iron‐complexing sites with an octahedral and a tetrahedral symmetry. Octahedral (high‐symmetry) centers are located at the border of the dendrimeric core, while the tetrahedral centers with strong rhombic distortion of iron environment are distributed throughout all branching of the dendrimeric core. It has been found that all iron‐containing dendromesogens exhibit light‐harvesting and fluorescence properties.

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Excitability properties of mouse motor axons in the mutant SOD1G93A model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Boërio Delphine , Kalmar Bernadett , Greensmith Linda , Bostock Hugh
Published: January 2010

Non‐invasive excitability studies of motor axons in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have revealed a changing pattern of abnormal membrane properties with disease progression, but the heterogeneity of the changes has made it difficult to relate them to pathophysiology. The SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS displays more synchronous motoneuron pathology. Multiple excitability measures of caudal and sciatic nerves in mutant and wild‐type mice were compared before onset of signs and during disease progression (4–19 weeks), and they were related to changes in muscle fiber histochemistry. Excitability differences indicated a modest membrane depolarization in SOD1G93A axons at about the time of symptom onset (8 weeks), possibly due to deficient energy supply. Previously described excitability changes in ALS patients, suggesting altered sodium and potassium conductances, were not seen in the mice. This suggests that those changes relate to features of the human disease that are not well represented in the animal model. Muscle Nerve, 2010
Release of inflammatory mediators by adipose tissue during acute pancreatitis
Authors: Franco‐Pons Neus , Gea‐Sorlí Sabrina , Closa Daniel
Published: January 2010

Obesity and lipid metabolism are associated with the severity of acute pancreatitis. Fat necrosis appears in the severe acute pancreatitis as a consequence of the release of lipolytic enzymes, but its potential role on the progression of the disease is unclear. In this study, we have examined the role of white adipose tissue as a source of inflammatory mediators that can promote systemic inflammation during experimental taurocholate‐induced acute pancreatitis in rats. The inflammatory status and the expression of TNFα, iNOS, adiponectin and IL‐10 were determined in necrotic and non‐necrotic areas of adipose tissue. Samples of adipose tissue were also used to induce the activation of macrophages in vitro. Finally, the release of TNFα to mesenterial vessels surrounded by necrotic or non‐necrotic fat was evaluated in ex vivo perfused mesenterium. A strong inflammatory infiltrate was observed in the border between necrotic and non‐necrotic areas of adipose tissue. In these areas, high expression of TNFα and iNOS and a reduced expression of IL‐10 were observed, while adiponectin showed only a moderate increase. Necrotic fat strongly activates peritoneal macrophages in vitro. Mesenterial areas with fat necrosis release to the vascular vessels significantly increased amounts of TNFα when compared to vessels without necrosis. Altogether, these results indicate that adipose tissue inflammation is a process secondary to acute pancreatitis but also contributes to the generation of mediators potentially involved in the induction of the systemic inflammatory response. In particular, the areas of fat necrosis are important sources of inflammatory mediators. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anaplastic plasmacytomas: relationships to normal memory B cells and plasma cell neoplasms of immunodeficient and autoimmune mice
Authors: Qi Chen‐Feng , Shin Dong‐Mi , Li Zhaoyang , Wang Hongsheng , Feng Jianxum , Hartley Janet W , Fredrickson Torgny N , Kovalchuk Alexander L , Morse Herbert C
Published: January 2010

Anaplastic plasmacytomas (APCTs) from NFS.V+ congenic mice and pristane‐induced plasmacytic PCTs from BALB/c mice were previously shown to be histologically and molecularly distinct subsets of plasma cell neoplasms (PCNs). Here we extended these comparisons, contrasting primary APCTs and PCTs by gene expression profiling in relation to the expression profiles of normal naïve, germinal centre, and memory B cells and plasma cells. We also sequenced immunoglobulin genes from APCT and APCT‐derived cell lines and defined surface phenotypes and chromosomal features of the cell lines by flow cytometry and by spectral karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The results indicate that APCTs share many features with normal memory cells and the plasma cell‐related neoplasms (PLs) of FASL‐deficient mice, suggesting that APCTs and PLs are related and that both derive from memory B cells. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave absorption property of polyaniline nanocomposites containing TiO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles after FeCl36H2O treatment
Authors: Phang Sook Wai , Kuramoto Noriyuki
Published: January 2010

It is important to manipulate the synthesis parameters or additives used in order to produce conducting polymer such as polyaniline (PAni) with moderate conductivity, magnetic and dielectric properties that could enhance its microwave absorbing and shielding properties. In this communication, novel PAni/HA/TiO2/Fe3O4 nanomaterials with different Fe3O4 contents were prepared by template‐free method by using TiO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles as dielectric filler and magnetic filler, respectively. Before addition of ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS) for polymerization, Fe3O4 aqueous solution was treated with FeCl36H2O in order to disperse well the Fe3O4 in the mixture. The result shows that better dispersion of Fe3O4 in the mixture by FeCl36H2O treatment could significantly improve the conductivity of the nanocomposites and also activate the formation of nanorods/tubes. Moreover, PAni/HA/TiO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposites treated with FeCl36H2O show better microwave absorption (99.950–99.999% absorption) compared with PAni/HA/TiO2/Fe3O4 micro/nanocomposites (67.0− 99.4% absorption) without treatment in frequency range of 10–13 GHz. Among the prepared PAni/HA/TiO2/Fe3O4 micro/nanocomposites and nanocomposites, PAni/HA/TiO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposite (treated with FeCl36H2O) with 40% Fe3O4 exhibit the best microwave absorption (99.999% absorption at 10 GHz) because of its high conductivity, high heterogeneity and moderate magnetization. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Personality and Prejudice: Extension to the HEXACO Personality Model
Authors: Sibley Chris G. , Harding Jessica F. , Perry Ryan , Asbrock Frank , Duckitt John
Published: January 2010

We modelled the associations between the HEXACO dimensions of personality, Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), Right–Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) and prejudice towards dangerous, derogated and dissident groups ( N = 454 undergraduates). Consistent with a Big–Five model, low Openness to Experience predicted RWA and therefore dangerous and dissident group prejudice. As predicted, low Emotionality (and Openness) rather than Agreeableness predicted SDO and therefore derogated and dissident group prejudice. Comparison with meta–analytic averages of Big–Five data supported expected similarities and differences in the association of Big–Five and HEXACO models of personality with ideology. Finally, Honesty–Humility simultaneously predicted increases in RWA but decreases in SDO, and thus opposing effects on prejudice. These opposing effects have gone unidentified in research employing Big–Five models of personality structure. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting academic success with the Big 5 rated from different points of view: Self‐rated, other rated and faked
Authors: Ziegler Matthias , Danay Erik , Schölmerich Franziska , Bühner Markus
Published: January 2010

Self‐ratings of personality predict academic success above general intelligence. The present study replicated these findings and investigated the increment of other‐ratings or intentionally distorted self‐ratings. Participants (N = 145) had to compile a personality questionnaire twice. First they were given neutral instructions. The second time they were asked to imagine a specific applicant setting. Furthermore, two peers rated each participant. Additionally, verbal, numerical and figural reasoning scores were obtained. Grades on a statistics exam obtained 2 months later served as the criterion. Results replicated prior findings and showed incremental validity for self‐ and other‐rated personality, which was stable after controlling for intelligence. Faking had no impact on the domain‐score level, but results on the facet‐score level were less encouraging. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Critical biophysical properties in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa efflux gene regulator MexR are targeted by mutations conferring multidrug resistance
Authors: Andrésen Cecilia , Jalal Shah , Aili Daniel , Wang Yi , Islam Sohidul , Jarl Anngelica , Liedberg Bo , Wretlind Bengt , Mårtensson Lars‐Göran , Sunnerhagen Maria
Published: January 2010

The self‐assembling MexA‐MexB‐OprM efflux pump system, encoded by the mexO operon, contributes to facile resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by actively extruding multiple antimicrobials. MexR negatively regulates the mexO operon, comprising two adjacent MexR binding sites, and is as such highly targeted by mutations that confer multidrug resistance (MDR). To understand how MDR mutations impair MexR function, we studied MexR‐wt as well as a selected set of MDR single mutants distant from the proposed DNA‐binding helix. Although DNA affinity and MexA‐MexB‐OprM repression were both drastically impaired in the selected MexR‐MDR mutants, MexR‐wt bound its two binding sites in the mexO with high affinity as a dimer. In the MexR‐MDR mutants, secondary structure content and oligomerization properties were very similar to MexR‐wt despite their lack of DNA binding. Despite this, the MexR‐MDR mutants showed highly varying stabilities compared with MexR‐wt, suggesting disturbed critical interdomain contacts, because mutations in the DNA‐binding domains affected the stability of the dimer region and vice versa. Furthermore, significant ANS binding to MexR‐wt in both free and DNA‐bound states, together with increased ANS binding in all studied mutants, suggest that a hydrophobic cavity in the dimer region already shown to be involved in regulatory binding is enlarged by MDR mutations. Taken together, we propose that the biophysical MexR properties that are targeted by MDR mutations—stability, domain interactions, and internal hydrophobic surfaces—are also critical for the regulation of MexR DNA binding.
Drug binding and resistance mechanism of KIT tyrosine kinase revealed by hydrogen/deuterium exchange FTICR mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Hui‐Min , Yu Xiu , Greig Michael J. , Gajiwala Ketan S. , Wu Joe C. , Diehl Wade , Lunney Elizabeth A. , Emmett Mark R. , Marshall Alan G.
Published: January 2010

Mutations of the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT are linked to certain cancers such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Biophysical, biochemical, and structural studies have provided insight into the molecular basis of resistance to the KIT inhibitors, imatinib and sunitinib. Here, solution‐phase hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) and direct binding mass spectrometry experiments provide a link between static structure models and the dynamic equilibrium of the multiple states of KIT, supporting that sunitinib targets the autoinhibited conformation of WT‐KIT. The D816H mutation shifts the KIT conformational equilibrium toward the activated state. The V560D mutant exhibits two low energy conformations: one is more flexible and resembles the D816H mutant shifted toward the activated conformation, and the other is less flexible and resembles the wild‐type KIT in the autoinhibited conformation. This result correlates with the V560D mutant exhibiting a sensitivity to sunitinib that is less than for WT KIT but greater than for KIT D816H. These findings support the elucidation of the resistance mechanism for the KIT mutants.
Computational study on the carboligation reaction of acetohidroxyacid synthase: New approach on the role of the HEThDP− intermediate
Authors: Jaña Gonzalo , Jiménez Verónica , Villà‐Freixa Jordi , Prat‐Resina Xavier , Delgado Eduardo , Alderete Joel
Published: January 2010

Acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) is a thiamin diphosphate dependent enzyme that catalyses the decarboxylation of pyruvate to yield the hydroxyethyl‐thiamin diphosphate (ThDP) anion/enamine intermediate (HEThDP–). This intermediate reacts with a second ketoacid to form acetolactate or acetohydroxybutyrate as products. Whereas the mechanism involved in the formation of HEThDP– from pyruvate is well understood, the role of the enzyme in controlling the carboligation reaction of HEThDP– has not been determined yet. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to identify the aminoacids involved in the carboligation stage. These MD studies were carried out over the catalytic subunit of yeast AHAS containing the reaction intermediate (HEThDP–) and a second pyruvate molecule. Our results suggest that additional acid–base ionizable groups are not required to promote the catalytic cycle, in contrast with earlier proposals. This finding leads us to postulate that the formation of acetolactate relies on the acid–base properties of the HEThDP– intermediate itself. PM3 semiempirical calculations were employed to obtain the energy profile of the proposed mechanism on a reduced model of the active site. These calculations confirm the role of HEThDP– intermediate as the ionizable group that promotes the carboligation and product formation steps of the catalytic cycle. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.