bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of attitudinal and sociodemographic factors on pro-environmental behaviour in urban China
Authors: CHEN XIAODONG , PETERSON M. NILS , HULL VANESSA , LU CHUNTIAN , LEE GRAISE D. , HONG DAYONG , LIU JIANGUO
Published: January 2011

China currently faces severe environmental challenges, and information regarding the predictors of pro-environmental behaviour in China is needed to manage them. This study addresses this need by modelling the sociodemographic and attitudinal factors predicting pro-environmental behaviour in urban China. Pro-environmental behaviour was modelled as a function of environmental attitude (measured using the new environmental paradigm) and various sociodemographic characteristics. Respondents who were employed, holding leadership positions, living in larger cities and single were more likely to participate in pro-environmental behaviour. These results accord with previous studies suggesting being female, younger, highly educated and having environmentally oriented attitudes increased the odds of participating in pro-environmental behaviour. The rapid urbanization and economic development in China may significantly impact pro-environmental behaviour in the future.
Concrete stream calculus: An extended study
Authors: HINZE RALF
Published: January 2011

This paper shows how to reason about streams concisely and precisely. Streams, infinite sequences of elements, live in a coworld: they are given by a coinductive datatype, operations on streams are implemented by corecursive programs, and proofs are typically concocted using coinduction. This paper offers an alternative to coinduction. Suitably restricted, stream equations possessunique solutions. This property gives rise to a simple and attractive proof technique, essentially bringing equational reasoning to the coworld. We redevelop the theory of recurrences, finite calculus and generating functions using streams and stream operators, building on the cornerstone of unique solutions. The paper contains a smörgåsbord of examples: we study recursion elimination, investigate the binary carry sequence, explore Sprague-Grundy numbers and present two proofs of Moessner's Theorem. The calculations benefit from the rich structure of streams. As the type of streams is an applicative functor we can effortlessly lift operations and their properties to streams. In combination with Haskell's facilities for overloading, this greatly contributes to conciseness of notation. The development is indeed constructive: streams and stream operators are implemented in Haskell, usually by one-liners. The resulting calculus or library, if you wish, is elegant and fun to use.
Coping Strategies as a Predictor of Post-concussive Symptoms in Children with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury versus Mild Orthopedic Injury
Authors: Woodrome Stacey E. , Yeates Keith Owen , Taylor H. Gerry , Rusin Jerome , Bangert Barbara , Dietrich Ann , Nuss Kathryn , Wright Martha
Published: January 2011

This study examined whether children's coping strategies are related to post-concussive symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) versus orthopedic injury (OI). Participants were 8- to 15-year-old children with mild TBI (n = 167) or OI (n = 84). They rated their current preferred coping strategies and post-injury symptoms at 2 weeks (baseline) and 1, 3, and 12 months post-injury. Children's reported use of coping strategies did not vary significantly over time, so their baseline coping ratings were examined as predictors of post-concussive symptoms across time. Self-ratings of symptoms were positively related to emotion-focused strategies and negatively related to problem-focused engagement after both mild TBI and OI. Higher problem-focused disengagement predicted larger group differences in children's ratings of symptoms, suggesting that problem-focused disengagement moderates the effects of mild TBI. Coping strategies collectively accounted for approximately 10–15% of the variance in children's post-concussive symptoms over time. The findings suggest that coping may play an important role in accounting for children's perceptions of post-concussive symptoms after mild TBI. (JINS, 2011, 17, 317–326)
Fiscal storms: public spending and revenues in the aftermath of natural disasters
Authors: NOY ILAN , NUALSRI AEKKANUSH
Published: January 2011

We estimate and quantify the fiscal consequences of natural disasters using quarterly fiscal data for a large panel of countries. In our estimations, we employ a panel vector autoregression framework that also controls for the business cycle. In developed countries, we find fiscal behavior in the aftermath of disasters that can best be characterized as counter-cyclical. In contrast, we find pro-cyclical decreased spending and increasing revenues in developing countries following large natural catastrophes. These pro-cyclical fiscal dynamics are likely to worsen the adverse consequences of natural disasters on middle- and low-income countries. We quantify these dynamics.

The canton of Unterwald in Switzerland is frequently ravaged by storms and inundations, and is thereby exposed to extraordinary expences. Upon such occasions the people assemble, and every one is said to declare with the greatest frankness what he is worth in order to be taxed accordingly.

(The Wealth of Nationsby Adam Smith, book V, chapter II, p. 359).
Courage, Careers, and Comrades: Theodore Roosevelt and the United States Army Officer Corps
Authors: Oyos Matthew
Published: January 2011

Theodore Roosevelt made reform of the U.S. Army Officer Corps a priority during his presidency. He felt compelled to act because of the problems that the army experienced during the war with Spain. As a volunteer soldier, Roosevelt had witnessed the shortcomings of many of the top-ranking officers in meeting the physical and organizational demands of the fighting, but he also acted because he wanted high-minded, intelligent, and physically fit leaders who could inspire his fellow citizens to a greater sense of duty in post-frontier America. Roosevelt's efforts to promote promising army officers to top commands and mandate physical fitness standards would prove disruptive, as he elevated officers out of the normal line of promotion. These practices would, in turn, generate protests in Congress and from within the military. The resulting controversies would cause Roosevelt to fall short of his goals for improving army leadership, roil civil-military relations, and demonstrate his limits as a political leader.
Kyushu University Beamline, BL06, at SAGA Light Source
Authors: Yoshioka S. , Ishioka T. , Okabe H. , Harata A. , Sejima Y. , Hara K. , Okajima T.
Published: January 2011

Kyushu University has installed the hard X-ray beamline, BL06, at bending magnet source of SAGA Light Source in Japan. It is designed for X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments. The X-ray energy covered by the beamline ranges from 2.1 to 23 keV using a Si(111) flat double-crystal monochromator. Two bent cylindrical-type focusing mirrors are used, each with a different focal point. They are set in the optics section and can be used independently. One of the mirrors has a focal distance of 6 m, which corresponds to the sample stage for XAFS experiments, while the second mirror focuses at 10 m, corresponding to the detector for the SAXS experiments. The photon flux measured by the ion chamber at mirror focal point is 1010 phs/s. The experimental hutch houses the detection equipment for both XAFS and SAXS. For XAFS studies, a set of ion chambers for transmission mode and a Lytle detector and a Si drift detector for fluorescence yield mode are available. For SAXS studies, the camera pass length can be chosen from 0.5 to 2.5 m with 0.5 m increments in between, and an image plate is operated as signal detector. The beamline will be opened for user operation around summer 2010.
Design of a high-pressure and high-temperature cell for operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy in heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Rochet A. , Moizan V. , Briois V. , Pichon C.
Published: January 2011

A new X-ray absorption cell dedicated to in situ and operando experiments in heterogeneous catalysis has been built and tested. It allows measurement of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) spectra in transmission mode under the flow of various gas mixtures at elevated temperatures (600°C) and pressures (50 bar). The working conditions are representative of phenomena that take place in fixed bed reactors.
Modelling and design of the coherence and imaging beamline I13L at the Diamond Light Source
Authors: Wagner U. H. , Pešić Z. D. , Rau C.
Published: January 2011

I13L is a 250 m long hard X-ray beamline (6–30 keV) currently under construction at the Diamond Light Source. The beamline comprises two independent experimental endstations: one for imaging in direct space using X-ray microscopy and one for imaging in reciprocal space using coherent diffraction-based imaging techniques. This paper will discuss the coherence branch, where well-defined coherence properties and preservation of the coherent flux are important. We will demonstrate the impact of optical components and stability onto the beamline performance, using phase-space-based ray-tracing techniques. The implications onto the beamline design will be demonstrated using our in-house build quadruple crystal monochromator as an example.
Scanning thermal microscopy of individual silicon nanowires
Authors: Puyoo Etienne , Grauby Stéphane , Rampnoux Jean-Michel , Rouvière Emmanuelle , Dilhaire Stefan
Published: January 2011

Thermal imaging of individual silicon nanowires (Si NWs) is carried out by a scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) technique. The vertically aligned 1.7 μm long Si NWs are fabricated combining nanosphere lithography and metal-induced wet chemical etching. A thermal model for the SThM probe is then presented with two steps: a model out of contact which enables a calibration of the probe, and a model in contact to extract thermal parameters from the sample under study. Using this model and the experimental thermal images, we finally determine a mean value of the tip-to-sample thermal contact resistance and a mean value of the Si NWs thermal conductivity. No significant thermal conductivity reduction in comparison with bulk Si is observed for Si NWs with diameters ranging from 200 to 380 nm. However, the technique presented here is currently the only one available to perform thermal measurements simultaneously on an assembly of individual one-dimensional nanostructures. It enables to save time and to make a statistical processing of the thermal data in order to deduce a reliable mean thermal conductivity, even when the tip-to-sample thermal contact resistance cannot be considered neither negligible in comparison with the Si NW intrinsic thermal resistance nor constant from one Si NW to another.
Unitary irreducible representations of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}$\mathrm{SL(2,\mathbb {C})}$ SL (2,C) in discrete and continuous \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}$\mathrm{SU(1,1)}$ SU (1,1) bases
Authors: Conrady Florian , Hnybida Jeff
Published: January 2011

We derive the matrix elements of generators of unitary irreducible representations of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathrm{SL(2,\mathbb {C})}$\end{document} SL (2,C) with respect to basis states arising from a decomposition into irreducible representations of SU(1,1). This is done with regard to a discrete basis diagonalized by \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$J^3$\end{document}J3 and a continuous basis diagonalized by \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$K^1$\end{document}K1, and for both the discrete and continuous series of SU(1,1). For completeness, we also treat the more conventional SU(2) decomposition as a fifth case. The derivation proceeds in a functional/differential framework and exploits the fact that state functions and differential operators have a similar structure in all five cases. The states are defined explicitly and related to SU(1,1) and SU(2) matrix elements.
Effective coordination concept applied for phase change (GeTe)m(Sb2Te3)n compounds
Authors: Da Silva Juarez L. F.
Published: January 2011

In this work, we employed the effective coordination concept to study the local environments of the Ge, Sb, and Te atoms in the GemSb2nTem+3n compounds. From our calculations and analysis, we found an average effective coordination number (ECN) reduction of 1.59, 1.42, and 1.37, for the Ge, Sb, Te atoms in the phase transition from crystalline, ECN=5.55 (Ge), 5.73 (Sb), 4.37 (Te), to the amorphous phase, ECN=3.96 (Ge), 4.31 (Sb), 3.09 (Te), for the Ge2Sb2Te5 composition. Similar changes are observed for other compositions. Thus, our results indicate that the coordination changes from the crystalline to amorphous phase are not large as previously assumed in the literature, i.e., from sixfold to fourfold for Ge, which can contribute to obtain a better understanding of the crystalline to amorphous phase transition.
Increase in photocurrent by optical transitions via intermediate quantum states in direct-doped InAs/GaNAs strain-compensated quantum dot solar cell
Authors: Okada Yoshitaka , Morioka Takayuki , Yoshida Katsuhisa , Oshima Ryuji , Shoji Yasushi , Inoue Tomoya , Kita Takashi
Published: January 2011

We have developed a technique to fabricate quantum dot (QD) solar cells with direct doping of Si into InAs QDs in GaNAs strain-compensating matrix in order to control the quasi-Fermi level of intermediate QD states. The Si atoms were evenly incorporated into QDs during the assembling stage of growth such that a uniform array of partially filled QDs has been obtained. Nonradiative recombination losses were also reduced by Si doping and a photocurrent increase due to two-step photon absorption was clearly measured at room temperature detected under filtered air-mass 1.5 solar spectrum.
Charge injection barriers and chemical interaction at the CdTe/NbSe2 interface
Authors: Wolak Matthäus A. , Gutmann Sebastian , Conrad Matthew , Beerbom Martin M. , Ferekides Chris , Schlaf Rudy
Published: January 2011

The band line-up and the chemical interaction at the CdTe/NbSe2 interface were investigated with photoemission spectroscopy. NbSe2 is a layered metal dichalcogenide with metallic properties and a large work function. This makes it a potential candidate as back contact material for CdTe thin film solar cells. The interface was investigated by stepwise in situ deposition of NbSe2 and subsequent characterization with x-ray and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. The experiments showed that Te and Se interdiffuse at the interface, causing the formation of a graded diffusion layer. The resulting band alignment indicates the formation of an interface dipole leading to a midband gap alignment of the NbSe2 Fermi level.
Thermodynamic and mechanical stabilities of γ′-Ir3(Al,W)
Authors: Jiang Chao , Du Yong
Published: January 2011

The structural, thermodynamic, and mechanical properties of a recently identified γ′-Ir3(Al,W) compound are investigated using first-principles density functional calculations. The configurational disorder in this compound is treated by both the special quasirandom structure approach and the cluster expansion technique, and the two complimentary methods give results in excellent agreement with each other. In support of experiments, our T=0 K calculations indicate that γ′-Ir3(Al1−xWx) is thermodynamically stable in the Ir–Al–W ternary system over a limited composition range near x=0.5. At finite temperatures, γ′-Ir3(Al,W) will be further stabilized by configurational and vibrational entropies but will be slightly destabilized due to thermal electronic excitations. The single-crystal elastic constants of γ′-Ir3(Al,W) are obtained using an efficient stress-strain approach. We find that the alloying of W in γ′-Ir3(Al,W) significantly enhances its strength, although at the cost of reduced ductility due to the directionality of atomic bonding between Ir and W atoms.
Tight-binding analysis of coupling effects in metamaterials
Authors: Xu Hao , He Qiong , Xiao Shiyi , Xi Bin , Hao Jiaming , Zhou Lei
Published: January 2011

We established a generalized tight-binding method (TBM) to study the coupling effects in metamaterials. All parameters involved in our theory can be calculated from first principles, and the theory is applicable to general photonic systems with both dielectric and magnetic materials. As an illustration, we applied the theory to study the cutoff waveguides loaded with resonant electric/magnetic metamaterials. We not only accurately computed the coupling strengths between two resonant metamaterials, but also revealed a number of interesting coupling-induced phenomena. Microwave experiments and full-wave numerical simulations were performed to successfully verify all predictions drawn from the TBM.
Factors affecting juvenile galaxiid fish passage at culverts
Authors: Doehring Katharina , Young Roger G. , McIntosh Angus R.
Published: January 2011

Alteration of urban streams by culverts is common throughout the world and is known to impede freshwater fish movement. The main objectives were therefore to investigate how different culvert characteristics (e.g. height, length, angle, perched v. non-perched) and habitat variables (e.g. water velocity, riverbed gradient) affect the passage success of juvenile inanga (Galaxias maculatus), a weak-swimming migratory fish. We determined whether passage of juvenile G. maculatus could be improved by installing a ramp at thirteen replicate in situ culverts in Nelson City, New Zealand. As expected, none of the 400 fish tested were able to pass undercut (i.e. perched) culverts before ramp installation (0% passage), compared with the 250 fish (65% passage) that were able to pass non-perched culverts. Significantly more fish (44% passage) reached perched culvert outlets when aided by the ramp. Passage success with the ramp depended on its length and angle, with fewer fish passing longer or steeper ramps. To provide upstream passage for weak-swimming species such as juvenile (fork length < 60 mm) G. maculatus, ramp length and angle should not exceed three metres and 20 degrees, respectively. With passage requirements known and mitigation processes in place, urban fish populations might be able to be sustained.
A non-lethal sampling method for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope studies of tropical fishes
Authors: Jardine Timothy D. , Hunt Richard J. , Pusey Bradley J. , Bunn Stuart E.
Published: January 2011

Despite prior studies showing good agreement between fin and muscle isotope ratios in temperate fishes, the non-lethal method of fin sampling has yet to become a standard technique in isotopic food-web studies, and the relationship between the two tissues has never been tested in the tropics. We hypothesised that fin and muscle δ13C and δ15N would be strongly correlated in tropical fishes, thus allowing non-lethal sampling of these species. To test this hypothesis, we analysed fin and muscle tissues from 174 tropical fishes representing 27 species from the Mitchell River, Queensland, Australia. Fin tissue was a strong predictor of muscle-tissue δ13C (r2 = 0.91 for all species) and was slightly enriched in 13C (0.9‰), consistent with the results of studies on temperate species. Fin tissue was a poorer predictor of muscle-tissue δ15N (r2 = 0.56 for all species) although the mean difference between the tissues was small (<0.1‰). Differences were smallest in the largest fish, possibly because the elemental composition (%N) of fin more closely resembled that of muscle. These measurements provide more impetus for increased use of fin tissue as a non-destructive means of testing hypotheses about fish food webs in the tropics and elsewhere.
Antioxidant supplementation and endurance training: Win or loss?
Authors: Gross Micah , Baum Oliver , Hoppeler Hans
Published: January 2011

Typically, free radicals are thought of as perpetrators of cell damage, ageing, even cancer, whereas antioxidants are seen as the defence against these threats. Accordingly, antioxidants are among the most common sports supplements used by amateur and professional athletes. However, the sensibility of this practice has recently been challenged in the scientific literature. This article briefly summarizes both positive and negative physiological effects of free radicals and antioxidants, culminating with emphasis on the signalling roles played by free radicals during training adaptations and the ability of superfluous antioxidants to weaken these desired signals, as revealed in several recent publications. The aim of this article is not to explicitly condemn antioxidant supplementation by athletes, but to underscore complexity of the situation and to champion efforts to achieve a deeper understanding of circumstances (e.g. dosage, timing, and setting) that might deem antioxidant supplementation as either largely beneficial or largely detrimental for endurance athletes in training.
The Drosophila blood brain barrier is maintained by GPCR-dependent dynamic actin structures
Authors: Hatan Meital , Shinder Vera , Israeli David , Schnorrer Frank , Volk Talila
Published: January 2011

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is essential for insulation of the nervous system from the surrounding environment. In Drosophila melanogaster, the BBB is maintained by septate junctions formed between subperineurial glia (SPG) and requires the Moody/G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway. In this study, we describe novel specialized actin-rich structures (ARSs) that dynamically form along the lateral borders of the SPG cells. ARS formation and association with nonmuscle myosin is regulated by Moody/GPCR signaling and requires myosin activation. Consistently, an overlap between ARS localization, elevated Ca2+ levels, and myosin light chain phosphorylation is detected. Disruption of the ARS by inhibition of the actin regulator Arp2/3 complex leads to abrogation of the BBB. Our results suggest a mechanism by which the Drosophila BBB is maintained by Moody/GPCR-dependent formation of ARSs, which is supported by myosin activation. The localization of the ARSs close to the septate junctions enables efficient sealing of membrane gaps formed during nerve cord growth.
RAD21L, a novel cohesin subunit implicated in linking homologous chromosomes in mammalian meiosis
Authors: Lee Jibak , Hirano Tatsuya
Published: January 2011

Cohesins are multi-subunit protein complexes that regulate sister chromatid cohesion during mitosis and meiosis. Here we identified a novel kleisin subunit of cohesins, RAD21L, which is conserved among vertebrates. In mice, RAD21L is expressed exclusively in early meiosis: it apparently replaces RAD21 in premeiotic S phase, becomes detectable on the axial elements in leptotene, and stays on the axial/lateral elements until mid pachytene. RAD21L then disappears, and is replaced with RAD21. This behavior of RAD21L is unique and distinct from that of REC8, another meiosis-specific kleisin subunit. Remarkably, the disappearance of RAD21L at mid pachytene correlates with the completion of DNA double-strand break repair and the formation of crossovers as judged by colabeling with molecular markers, γ-H2AX, MSH4, and MLH1. RAD21L associates with SMC3, STAG3, and either SMC1α or SMC1β. Our results suggest that cohesin complexes containing RAD21L may be involved in synapsis initiation and crossover recombination between homologous chromosomes.
Growth differentiation factor 15 deficiency protects against atherosclerosis by attenuating CCR2-mediated macrophage chemotaxis
Authors: de Jager Saskia C.A. , Bermúdez Beatriz , Bot Ilze , Koenen Rory R. , Bot Martine , Kavelaars Annemieke , de Waard Vivian , Heijnen Cobi J. , Muriana Francisco J.G. , Weber Christian , van Berkel Theo J.C. , Kuiper Johan , Lee Se-Jin , Abia Rocio , Biessen Erik A.L.
Published: January 2011

Growth differentiation factor (GDF) 15 is a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, which operates in acute phase responses through a currently unknown receptor. Elevated GDF-15 serum levels were recently identified as a risk factor for acute coronary syndromes. We show that GDF-15 expression is up-regulated as disease progresses in murine atherosclerosis and primarily colocalizes with plaque macrophages. Hematopoietic GDF-15 deficiency in low density lipoprotein receptor−/− mice led to impaired initial lesion formation and increased collagen in later lesions. Although lesion burden in GDF-15−/− chimeras was unaltered, plaques had reduced macrophage infiltrates and decreased necrotic core formation, all features of improved plaque stability. In vitro studies pointed to a TGFβRII-dependent regulatory role of GDF-15 in cell death regulation. Importantly, GDF-15−/− macrophages displayed reduced CCR2 expression, whereas GDF-15 promoted macrophage chemotaxis in a strictly CCR2- and TGFβRII-dependent manner, a phenomenon which was not observed in G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2+/− macrophages. In conclusion, GDF-15 deletion has a beneficial effect both in early and later atherosclerosis by inhibition of CCR2-mediated chemotaxis and by modulating cell death. Our study is the first to identify GDF-15 as an acute phase modifier of CCR2/TGFβRII-dependent inflammatory responses to vascular injury.
Dectin-1 diversifies Aspergillus fumigatus–specific T cell responses by inhibiting T helper type 1 CD4 T cell differentiation
Authors: Rivera Amariliz , Hohl Tobias M. , Collins Nichole , Leiner Ingrid , Gallegos Alena , Saijo Shinobu , Coward Jesse W. , Iwakura Yoichiro , Pamer Eric G.
Published: January 2011

Pulmonary infection of mice with Aspergillus fumigatus induces concurrent T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 responses that depend on Toll-like receptor/MyD88 and Dectin-1, respectively. However, the mechanisms balancing Th1 and Th17 CD4 T cell populations during infection remain incompletely defined. In this study, we show that Dectin-1 deficiency disproportionally increases Th1 responses and decreases Th17 differentiation after A. fumigatus infection. Dectin-1 signaling in A. fumigatus–infected wild-type mice reduces IFN-γ and IL-12p40 expression in the lung, thereby decreasing T-bet expression in responding CD4 T cells and enhancing Th17 responses. Absence of IFN-γ or IL-12p35 in infected mice or T-bet in responding CD4 T cells enhances Th17 differentiation, independent of Dectin-1 expression, in A. fumigatus–infected mice. Transient deletion of monocyte-derived dendritic cells also reduces Th1 and boosts Th17 differentiation of A. fumigatus–specific CD4 T cells. Our findings indicate that Dectin-1–mediated signals alter CD4 T cell responses to fungal infection by decreasing the production of IL-12 and IFN-γ in innate cells, thereby decreasing T-bet expression in A. fumigatus–specific CD4 T cells and enabling Th17 differentiation.
The human syndrome of dendritic cell, monocyte, B and NK lymphoid deficiency
Authors: Bigley Venetia , Haniffa Muzlifah , Doulatov Sergei , Wang Xiao-Nong , Dickinson Rachel , McGovern Naomi , Jardine Laura , Pagan Sarah , Dimmick Ian , Chua Ignatius , Wallis Jonathan , Lordan Jim , Morgan Cliff , Kumararatne Dinakantha S. , Doffinger Rainer , van der Burg Mirjam , van Dongen Jacques , Cant Andrew , Dick John E. , Hambleton Sophie , Collin Matthew
Published: January 2011

Congenital or acquired cellular deficiencies in humans have the potential to reveal much about normal hematopoiesis and immune function. We show that a recently described syndrome of monocytopenia, B and NK lymphoid deficiency additionally includes the near absence of dendritic cells. Four subjects showed severe depletion of the peripheral blood HLA-DR+ lineage− compartment, with virtually no CD123+ or CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs) and very few CD14+ or CD16+ monocytes. The only remaining HLA-DR+ lineage− cells were circulating CD34+ progenitor cells. Dermal CD14+ and CD1a+ DC were also absent, consistent with their dependence on blood-derived precursors. In contrast, epidermal Langerhans cells and tissue macrophages were largely preserved. Combined loss of peripheral DCs, monocytes, and B and NK lymphocytes was mirrored in the bone marrow by complete absence of multilymphoid progenitors and depletion of granulocyte-macrophage progenitors. Depletion of the HLA-DR+ peripheral blood compartment was associated with elevated serum fms-like tyrosine kinase ligand and reduced circulating CD4+CD25hiFoxP3+ T cells, supporting a role for DC in T reg cell homeostasis.
Hexokinase 2 is a key mediator of aerobic glycolysis and promotes tumor growth in human glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Wolf Amparo , Agnihotri Sameer , Micallef Johann , Mukherjee Joydeep , Sabha Nesrin , Cairns Rob , Hawkins Cynthia , Guha Abhijit
Published: January 2011

Proliferating embryonic and cancer cells preferentially use aerobic glycolysis to support growth, a metabolic alteration commonly referred to as the “Warburg effect.” Here, we show that the glycolytic enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2) is crucial for the Warburg effect in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common malignant brain tumor. In contrast to normal brain and low-grade gliomas, which express predominantly HK1, GBMs show increased HK2 expression. HK2 expression correlates with worse overall survival of GBM patients. Depletion of HK2, but neither HK1 nor pyruvate kinase M2, in GBM cells restored oxidative glucose metabolism and increased sensitivity to cell death inducers such as radiation and temozolomide. Intracranial xenografts of HK2-depleted GBM cells showed decreased proliferation and angiogenesis, but increased invasion, as well as diminished expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor. In contrast, exogenous HK2 expression in GBM cells led to increased proliferation, therapeutic resistance, and intracranial growth. Growth was dependent on both glucose phosphorylation and mitochondrial translocation mediated by AKT signaling, which is often aberrantly activated in GBMs. Collectively, these findings suggest that therapeutic strategies to modulate the Warburg effect, such as targeting of HK2, may interfere with growth and therapeutic sensitivity of some GBMs.
Graphene-based sample supports for in situ high-resolution TEM electrical investigations
Authors: Westenfelder B , Meyer J C , Biskupek J , Algara-Siller G , Lechner L G , Kusterer J , Kaiser U , Krill C E , Kohn E , Scholz F
Published: January 2011

Specially designed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample carriers have been developed to enable atomically resolved studies of the heat-induced evolution of adsorbates on graphene and their influence on electrical conductivity. Here, we present a strategy for graphene-based carrier realization, evaluating its design with respect to fabrication effort and applications potential. We demonstrate that electrical current can lead to very high temperatures in suspended graphene membranes, and we determine that current-induced cleaning of graphene results from Joule heating.
Comment on ‘Effect of surface energy on tensile deformation of nanotubes’
Authors: Guven Ugur
Published: January 2011

The author would like to bring attention to some incorrect relations and statements in a recently published article in this journal.
Post-sieve element transport of photoassimilates in sink regions
Authors: Patrick J.W. , Offler C.E.
Published: January 2011

Photoassimilate transport from the sieve elements to the recipient sink cells, principally in the form of sucrose, provides a link between sink metabolism and compartmentation with phloem import. Phloem unloading has focused attention on photoassimilate transport across the sieve element boundary. However, post-sieve element transport can be of equal or greater significance. Three cellular pathways of sieve element unloading and post-sieve element transport are identified. These are apoplastic, symplastic and symplastic interrupted by an apoplastic step. The symplastic path is considered to be the common path, while the remaining pathways serve specialized functions. In particular, the apoplastic step isolates the sieve element transport function from the effects of solute concentration or osmotic changes in the sink cells. Switching between apo- and symplastic routes within a given sink has been found to be linked with such changes. Plasmodesmatal transport undoubtedly involves a diffusive component, but whether bulk flow contributes to the symplastic flux of photoassimilate from the sieve elements to the recipient sink cells is yet to be established unequivocally. Efflux across the plasma membranes of the sieve element-companion cell (se-cc) complexes and other vascular cells occurs by passive diffusion. Along the axial route, retrieval from the phloem apoplast is mediated by sucrose/proton symport. However, this mechanism is absent in terminal sinks. Non-vascular efflux from the maternal tissues of developing seed is passive in cereals and energy-coupled in certain grain legumes. Accumulation of sugars from the apoplast of all sinks with an apoplastic step universally occurs by a plasma membrane-bound sugar/proton symport mechanism. Regulation of symplastic transport could be mediated by a combination of sink metabolism and compartmentation coupled with changes in the transport properties of the interconnecting plasmodesmata.
Molecular characterization and functional analysis of sucrose-cleaving enzymes in carrot (Daucus carota L.)
Authors: Sturm Arnd
Published: January 2011

The amount of carbon transported into storage organs of crop plants to a large degree determines crop yield. The role of sucrose-cleaving enzymes in this process is not clear and it is the main goal of our work to tackle this question. Sucrose cleavage is catalysed either by invertase or sucrose synthase both of which exist in several isoforms with different subcellular locations. Carrot (Daucus carota L.) contains three major isoenzymes of acid invertase, which either accumulate as soluble polypeptides in the vacuole (isoenzymes I and II) or are ionically bound to the cell wall. Carrot sucrose synthase is thought to be a cytoplasmic enzyme encoded by two genes. cDNA clones have been isolated and characterized for cell wall invertase, for isoenzymes I and II of vacuolar invertase, and for sucrose synthase. Gene-specific fragments of these clones were used to determine the steady-state levels of transcripts in the prominent sink and source organs of developing carrot plants. The expression patterns of each gene were different and were organ- and development-specific. Developing tap roots contained only transcripts for isoenzyme II of vacuolar invertase and sucrose synthase. The source/sink balance of these plants was manipulated and only the expression of these two genes was markedly altered, indicating their importance in sucrose partitioning. Based on these results, a model is proposed for sucrose partitioning in carrot plants with developing tap roots in which sucrose synthase regulates sucrose utilization, whereas isoenzyme II of vacuolar invertase controls sucrose storage and sugar composition.
Biochemical and molecular characterization of sucrose and amino acid carriers in Ricinus communis
Authors: Williams Lorraine E. , Bick Julie A. , Neelam Anil , Weston Kim N. , Hall J.L.
Published: January 2011

The use of energized plasma membrane vesicle preparations from cotyledons and roots of Ricinus communis seedlings is described, and evidence is presented for the existence of plasma membrane H+/sucrose and H+/amino acid symporters. Using fractions isolated from roots, there is evidence for at least two carriers which can transport neutral amino acids and one which can also transport basic amino acids. A method for the solubilization and reconstitution of glutamine transport activity is described. Preliminary results on the molecular characterization of two putative amino acid carriers and a putative sucrose transporter from Ricinus are presented.
Effect of environmental factors on whole plant assimilate partitioning and associated gene expression
Authors: Geiger Donald R. , Koch Karen E. , Shieh Wen-Jang
Published: January 2011

Partitioning of assimilated carbon among sink organs is a critical factor that controls the rate and pattern of plant growth. Time-course measurements of plant and organ growth rates are useful for determining how regulation of carbon partitioning controls plant growth. Measuring growth rates over a 24 h period reveals the current pattern of carbon partitioning that can be used to predict growth rates of specific sinks. Comparison of growth rates among sinks under defined conditions can point out key factors that regulate partitioning of recently assimilated carbon among sinks. Internal control of carbon partitioning by developmental programmes regulates the timing and site of carbon distribution among developing parts, thereby establishing the adaptive traits of a species, cultivar or transgenic construct. Regulation of partitioning in response to environmental factors establishes or restores allometric growth among plant parts and functional balance between the supply and use of carbon. Environmental stress often restricts resource availability while successful acclimation sets in motion processes that restore the supply. A key mechanism contributing to regulation of carbon partitioning is an expression of genes that control activity of the enzymes which initiate sucrose metabolism at specific sites and stages of ontogeny.
Sink strength as a determinant of dry matter partitioning in the whole plant
Authors: Marcelis L.F.M.
Published: January 2011

Dry matter partitioning is the end result of the flow of assimilates from source organs via a transport path to the sink organs. The dry matter partitioning among the sinks of a plant is primarily regulated by the sinks themselves. The effect of source strength on dry matter partitioning is often not a direct one, but indirect via the formation of sink organs. Although the translocation rate of assimilates may depend on the transport path, the transport path is only of minor importance for the regulation of dry matter partitioning at the whole plant level.

To understand the regulation of dry matter partitioning by the sinks, a parameter like sink strength is needed that describes a sink's ability to influence assimilate import and is independent of the rest of the plant. The term sink strength can be defined as the competitive ability of an organ to attract assimilates. However, there is much debate and confusion about the term sink strength because this term is often not clearly defined. Sink strength has been proposed to be the product of sink size and sink activity. Although cell number is often considered as a suitable measure of sink size, it appears not always to be an important determinant of sink size. Moreover, sink strength may depend on sink age rather than sink size.

A model for dry matter partitioning into generative plant parts, which is based on sink strengths of the organs, is described. The potential growth rate (potential capacity to accumulate assimilates) has been shown to be an important parameter that quantitatively reflects the sink strength of an organ. The potential growth rates of the plant's organs are not static but change dynamically. The potential growth rate of a fruit is a function of both its age and temperature. For several crops it has been shown that the dry matter partitioning into an organ can be quantitatively described as a function of its potential growth rate relative to that of the other plant organs.
miR-29b is activated during neuronal maturation and targets BH3-only genes to restrict apoptosis
Authors: Kole Adam J. , Swahari Vijay , Hammond Scott M. , Deshmukh Mohanish
Published: January 2011

The execution of apoptosis is critical for proper development of the nervous system. However, it is equally important that neurons strictly inhibit apoptosis after development to ensure their survival throughout the lifetime of the organism. Here we show that a microRNA, miR-29b, is markedly induced with neuronal maturation and functions as a novel inhibitor of neuronal apoptosis. The prosurvival function of miR-29b is mediated by targeting genes in the proapoptotic BH3-only family. Our results identify a unique strategy evolved by maturing neurons that uses a single microRNA to inhibit the multiple, redundant BH3-only proteins that are key initiators of apoptosis.
A dual flip-out mechanism for 5mC recognition by the Arabidopsis SUVH5 SRA domain and its impact on DNA methylation and H3K9 dimethylation in vivo
Authors: Rajakumara Eerappa , Law Julie A. , Simanshu Dhirendra K. , Voigt Philipp , Johnson Lianna M. , Reinberg Danny , Patel Dinshaw J. , Jacobsen Steven E.
Published: January 2011

Cytosine DNA methylation is evolutionarily ancient, and in eukaryotes this epigenetic modification is associated with gene silencing. Proteins with SRA (SET- or RING-associated) methyl-binding domains are required for the establishment and/or maintenance of DNA methylation in both plants and mammals. The 5-methyl-cytosine (5mC)-binding specificity of several SRA domains have been characterized, and each one has a preference for DNA methylation in different sequence contexts. Here we demonstrate through mobility shift assays and calorimetric measurements that the SU(VAR)3-9 HOMOLOG 5 (SUVH5) SRA domain differs from other SRA domains in that it can bind methylated DNA in all contexts to similar extents. Crystal structures of the SUVH5 SRA domain bound to 5mC-containing DNA in either the fully or hemimethylated CG context or the methylated CHH context revealed a dual flip-out mechanism where both the 5mC and a base (5mC, C, or G, respectively) from the partner strand are simultaneously extruded from the DNA duplex and positioned within binding pockets of individual SRA domains. Our structure-based in vivo studies suggest that a functional SUVH5 SRA domain is required for both DNA methylation and accumulation of the H3K9 dimethyl modification in vivo, suggesting a role for the SRA domain in recruitment of SUVH5 to genomic loci.
The evolution of dorsal–ventral patterning mechanisms in insects
Authors: Lynch Jeremy A. , Roth Siegfried
Published: January 2011

The gene regulatory network (GRN) underpinning dorsal–ventral (DV) patterning of the Drosophila embryo is among the most thoroughly understood GRNs, making it an ideal system for comparative studies seeking to understand the evolution of development. With the emergence of widely applicable techniques for testing gene function, species with sequenced genomes, and multiple tractable species with diverse developmental modes, a phylogenetically broad and molecularly deep understanding of the evolution of DV axis formation in insects is feasible. Here, we review recent progress made in this field, compare our emerging molecular understanding to classical embryological experiments, and suggest future directions of inquiry.
Microarray analysis identifies versican and CD9 as potent prognostic markers in gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Setoguchi Tomohiko , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Baba Megumi , Ohta Manabu , Kamiya Kinji , Tanaka Tatsuo , Baba Satoshi , Goto‐Inoue Naoko , Setou Mitsutoshi , Sasaki Takeshi , Mori Hiroki , Sugimura Haruhiko , Konno Hiroyuki
Published: January 2011

Although the main cause of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is gain‐of‐function mutations in thec‐kitgene in the interstitial cells of Cajal, concomitant genetic or epigenetic changes other thanc‐kitappear to occur in the development of metastasis. We sought to identify the genes involved in the metastatic process of gastric GIST. Microarray analysis was performed to compare gene expressions between three gastric GIST and four metastatic liver GIST. Expression levels were higher for 165 genes and lower for 146 genes in metastatic liver GIST. The upregulation of five oncogenes and downregulation of four tumor suppressor genes including versican and CD9 were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptional PCR. Immunohistochemistry in 117 GIST revealed that protein levels of versican and CD9 were higher and lower, respectively, in metastatic GIST. High expression of versican and low expression of CD9 in 104 primary gastric GIST correlated with poor disease‐free survival (P = 0.0078 andP = 0.0018). In addition to thec‐kitgene mutation, genetic or epigenetic changes other thanc‐kitplay important roles in the metastatic process. In particular, versican and CD9 are potential prognostic markers in gastric GIST. (Cancer Sci2011; 102: 883–889)
Catalase suppression‐mediated H2O2 accumulation in cancer cells by wogonin effectively blocks tumor necrosis factor‐induced NF‐κB activation and sensitizes apoptosis
Authors: Yang Lan , Zheng Xue L. , Sun Hong , Zhong Ying J. , Wang Qiong , He Hai N. , Shi Xun W. , Zhou Bing , Li Jin K. , Lin Yong , Zhang Lin , Wang Xia
Published: January 2011

Tremendous effort has been made to improve the anticancer value of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). In this study, we show that wogonin, a flavonoid isolated from Huang‐Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis), synergistically sensitizes cancer cells derived from the cervix, ovary and lung to TNF‐induced apoptosis, which was associated with inhibition of catalase activity and an increase of cellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Wogonin‐induced reactive oxygen species block TNF‐induced NF‐κB activation through inhibiting phosphorylation on the NF‐κB p65 subunit and consequently the DNA binding of NF‐κB. In addition, wogonin suppressed the expression of the antiapoptotic factor c‐FLIP, which is accompanied with potentiation of TNF‐induced caspase 8 activation that initiates apoptosis. Importantly, wogonin did not sensitize normal bronchial epithelial cells to TNF‐induced cell death, which was associated with the defect in induction of H2O2. Thus, wogonin specifically sensitizes cancer cells to TNF‐induced cytotoxicity through H2O2‐mediated NF‐κB suppression and apoptosis activation. Our data provide important insights into the molecular mechanism underlying wogonin’s anticancer activity, and suggest this common flavonoid could be used as a TNF adjuvant for cancer therapy. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 870–876)
Clinical utility of highly sensitive Lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive alpha‐fetoprotein in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with alpha‐fetoprotein <20 ng/mL
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Tada Toshifumi , Kaneoka Yuji , Maeda Atsuyuki , Kanke Futoshi , Satomura Shinji
Published: January 2011

The Lens culinaris agglutinin‐reactive fraction of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP‐L3) has been used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The analytical sensitivity of a conventional method for AFP‐L3% is not sufficient in patients with a low AFP level. This study was performed to determine the clinical utility of a newly developed highly sensitive AFP‐L3% (hs‐AFP‐L3%) assay in patients with an AFP level <20 ng/mL. In the cohort study, serum samples obtained from 270 patients with newly diagnosed HCC before treatment and 396 patients with chronic liver disease at Ogaki Municipal Hospital, in both of which the AFP level was <20 ng/mL, were measured for conventional AFP‐L3% (c‐AFP‐L3%), hs‐AFP‐L3% and des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP). Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of hs‐AFP‐L3% at a cut‐off level of 5% were 41.5% and 85.1%, respectively, significantly increasing the sensitivity from 7.0% for c‐AFP‐L3%. Multivariate analysis identified hs‐AFP‐L3% as an independent factor associated with reduced long‐term survival. The survival rate of patients with high hs‐AFP‐L3% (≥5%) before treatment was significantly poorer than that of patients with low hs‐AFP‐L3% (<5%) (P < 0.001). In patients with AFP <20 ng/mL, measurements of AFP‐L3% by the highly sensitive method before treatment were more useful for diagnosis and prognosis of HCC than by the conventional method. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1025–1031)