bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Limits of Benefits Provided by Variable Message Signs in Urban Network
Authors: Richards Andy , McDonald Mike
Published: November 2007

A major objective for providing real-time traffic information to drivers is to improve the efficiency of the road network, especially in incident situations. However, the subsequent effects depend on behavioral response, in both interpreting available information and reacting to it. Research focusing on the use of variable message signs (VMSs) was done in the urban network of Southampton, in the United Kingdom, a site chosen because of the innovative large-scale application of an urban VMS system and the availability of traffic data derived from urban traffic controls using the split-cycle offset optimisation technique (SCOOT) and other detectors. Although previous research regarding VMSs located in inter-urban areas such as motorways is well documented, the use of VMSs within urban areas is not widespread. The research analyzed several case studies by using detector data collected during incident scenarios at seven locations to assess driver response to VMS messages in terms of diversion rates. Positive driver responses were measured for all, with diversions ranging from 2% to 30%, although not all were solely attributable to VMS information. No relationships between the severity of VMS message and driver response could be identified. A simulation model was then used to quantify the potential network benefits of traffic information. A main finding was that if the diversionary route had sufficient spare capacity, substantial VMS benefits were potentially attainable, although these benefits were not distributed equally.
Simulating Operations Applications of Vehicle Infrastructure Integration
Authors: Tanikella Hema , Smith Brian L. , Zhang Guimin , Park Byungkyu (Brian) , Scherer William T.
Published: November 2007

Vehicle infrastructure integration (VII) is receiving significant attention because of its potential to provide a wide range of benefits. However, to inform design, deployment, and operations decisions best, it will be necessary to evaluate potential VII-enabled applications fully. A research effort investigated a VII-enabled traffic monitoring application. First, the VII simulation environment developed to support the research was described. Next, traffic monitoring coverage as a function of VII roadside unit (RSU) configuration (i.e., number of units and placement) was investigated. The results of the study indicated that, on the basis of current guidance in the VII architecture, roughly 55% of the sections in the network would be within the direct range of an RSU. Finally, the accuracy and the coverage of monitored links were evaluated. The results of the analysis demonstrated that only 35% of RSU-covered sections were monitored at 1% penetration rates, but the combined effect of direct RSU coverage and indirect coverage through vehicle storage was quite high (around 60%) for a heavily traveled urban network. The results also illustrated that at low levels of vehicles equipped with VII (1% to 10%), the mean absolute error of speed estimation was about 4 mph. However, as the penetration rate increase to 30%, the error dropped to even lower values, roughly 2.5 mph. Finally, it was found that with a default buffer value of 30 snapshots of vehicle storage, the greatest error in indirectly covered sections for mean freeway section speed was 6 mph at 1% penetration rate.
Benefits Analysis for Incident Management Program Integrated with Intelligent Transportation Systems Operations
Authors: Guin Angshuman , Porter Christopher , Smith Bayne , Holmes Carla
Published: November 2007

A methodology was established to assess the various benefits of an incident management program that is part of an advanced transportation management system. The methodology computes the benefits derived from the motorist assistance service, the reduction in delay, fuel consumption, secondary crashes, and the improvement in air quality attributable to the incident management program. A case study involving the Georgia NaviGAtor, Georgia's intelligent transportation system, reveals the resulting annual benefits of implementation of the methodology. The results indicated a substantial annual savings to motorists of 7.2 million vehicle hours of incident-related delay. The overall cost savings computed for a 12-month period during 2003 and 2004 was $187 million. On the basis of an annualized infrastructure, operations, and maintenance cost of the NaviGAtor system, the annual benefits-cost ratio was calculated to be 4.4:1.
Evaluation of Forward Collision Warning System for Urban Driving
Authors: Zhang Wei-Bin , Shladover Steven E. , Zhang Yongquan
Published: November 2007

Commercially available forward collision warning systems (FCWS) have been designed for highway use, with traffic moving in regular patterns on roadways with modest curvature. The development and the evaluation of an FCWS for urban driving are described. An urban FCWS is significantly more complicated because of irregular movements of subject (equipped) and target vehicles, as well as the presence of many static objects close to the vehicle's path (parked cars, street furniture, etc.). The prototype FCWS was tested for 1 year on two urban transit buses in public service in San Mateo County, California, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Analysis of the data collected from these tests shows that the FCWS produced favorable changes in driving behavior, generally leading bus operators to drive more cautiously and consistently. The tests did not continue long enough to determine long-term changes in driving behavior or carryover effects after FCWS use ended, so additional testing is needed to address those issues.
Cognitive reserve hypothesis: Pittsburgh Compound B and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in relation to education in mild Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kemppainen Nina M. , Aalto Sargo , Karrasch Mira , Någren Kjell , Savisto Nina , Oikonen Vesa , Viitanen Matti , Parkkola Riitta , Rinne Juha O.
Published: November 2007

Objective

The reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in high‐educated individuals has been proposed to reflect brain cognitive reserve, which would provide more efficient compensatory mechanisms against the underlying pathology, and thus delayed clinical expression. Our aim was to find possible differences in brain amyloid ligand 11C‐labeled Pittsburgh Compound B ([11C]PIB) uptake and glucose metabolism in high‐ and low‐educated patients with mild AD.

Methods

Twelve high‐educated and 13 low‐educated patients with the same degree of cognitive deterioration were studied with PET using [11C]PIB and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose as ligands. The between‐group differences were analyzed with voxel‐based statistical method, and quantitative data were obtained with automated region‐of‐interest analysis.

Results

High‐educated patients showed increased [11C]PIB uptake in the lateral frontal cortex compared with low‐educated patients. Moreover, high‐educated patients had significantly lower glucose metabolic rate in the temporoparietal cortical regions compared with low‐educated patients.

Interpretation

Our results suggesting more advanced pathological and functional brain changes in high‐educated patients with mild AD are in accordance with the brain cognitive reserve hypothesis and point out the importance of development of reliable markers of underlying AD pathology for early AD diagnostics. Ann Neurol 2007
Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of novel quaternary amine methacrylate copolymers
Authors: Punyani Supriya , Singh Harpal
Published: November 2007

A novel amine methacrylate monomer trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate–piperazine–ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TMPTMA‐PPZ‐EGDMA) was synthesized by amination of trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) with excess of piperazine (PPZ) followed by reaction with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). Copolymerization of TMPTMA‐PPZ‐EGDMA with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was carried out by free radical polymerization using ammonium persulfate (APS) and N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl ethylenediamine (TEMED) as a redox initiator. The copolymers obtained were then quaternized with 1‐iodooctane. The monomers were characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR spectral studies. The molecular weights and polydispersity values of the monomers were determined with gel permeation chromatography. Quaternized copolymers containing more than 20% amine methacrylate monomer showed microporosity in the range of 9.9–10.4 μm. The antibacterial activity of the quaternized copolymers against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was studied using UV–vis spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscopy. Quaternized copolymers showed broad‐spectrum contact‐killing antibacterial properties without releasing any active agent as checked by iodide selective ion meter. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
The influence of the impregnating chemicals on the bonding strength of impregnated wood materials
Authors: Özçifçi Ayhan , Okçu Oktay
Published: November 2007

In this study, it is aimed to determine the bonding strength of white oak (Quercus petreae L.) and chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) woods impregnated with borax and zinc chloride. Within this purpose, the experimental samples were bonded with Polyvinyl‐acetate and polyurethane based Desmodur‐VTKA (D‐VTKA) adhesives according to BS EN 205 standards after they had been prevacuumed with a pressure equal to 760 mmHg−1 with impregnating at 2 atm pressures for 60 min according to ASTM‐D 1413 standards and applied vacuum‐impregne‐vacuum method. During the experiments, the retention amount, the retention proportion, and the bonding strength values of the samples were determined. According to the test results, the highest values of retention amount, and bonding strength were obtained from the wood material impregnated with zinc chloride. The impregnating materials had a negative effect on bonding strength. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Adsorption behavior of Congo red from an aqueous solution on 4‐vinyl pyridine grafted poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers
Authors: Arslan Metin , Yiğitoğlu Mustafa
Published: November 2007

In this study, a reactive fibrous adsorbent was prepared through the grafting of 4‐vinyl pyridine monomer onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers for the removal of Congo red (CR) dye from an aqueous solution with the batch adsorption method. Effects of various parameters such as the grafting yield, pH, treatment time, and initial dye concentration on the amount of adsorption of the dye onto the reactive fibers were investigated. The effective pH was 4.0 for adsorption on grafted PET fibers. The sufficient time to attain equilibrium was 150 min. The maximum adsorption capacity of the reactive fibers for CR was 17.3 mg/g of fiber. The rates of adsorption conformed to pseudo‐second‐order kinetics with good correlation. The adsorption isotherm of CR fit a Langmuir‐type isotherm. The reactive fibers were stable and regenerable by acid and base without loss of activity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Use of Flory–Huggins parameters in the characterization of polymer–filler compositions
Authors: Milczewska Kasylda , Voelkel Adam
Published: November 2007

Any quantitative information on the strength of interactions between an inorganic filler and polymer is substantial for the future application of the composite. The magnitude of adhesion of two phases may be deduced from results collected by various experimental techniques. A Flory–Huggins interaction parameter (χ23′) was earlier successfully used in the characterization of polymer blends. We propose to express the magnitude of modified filler/polymer interactions by using χ23′. It was calculated from retention data of test solutes during an inverse gas chromatography (IGC) experiment. IGC is an extension of conventional gas chromatography in which a nonvolatile material to be investigated is immobilized on a column. Parameters determined during IGC experiments may be successfully used in the characterization of polymers and their blends, composites, fillers, and other materials and the quantification of the interactions between the components of polymer mixtures, including the interactions between polymeric components and filler surfaces. Here this method is applied to the characterization of a series of poly(ether urethane)/modified carbonate–silicate filler systems containing different amounts of a filler (5, 10, and 20 wt %). The possibilities and limitations of the IGC method are shown. The usefulness of some methods for minimizing the Δχ effect (the dependence of χ23′ on the type of test solute) is examined and discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Enhanced bondability between inorganic particles and a polysaccharide substrate by encapsulation with regenerated cellulose
Authors: Nelson Kimberly , Deng Yulin
Published: November 2007

Inorganic fillers are widely used in coatings, paints, printing inks, and papermaking. A general problem in such applications is the poor compatibility and weak bondability of the filler with polymeric substrates. Surface modification and encapsulation are common methods adapted to enhance interactions between the filler surface and the substrate. This article presents a bondability improvement between inorganic particles and a polysaccharide substrate by the use of cellulose‐coated, inorganic core–shell nanoparticles. The crystallinity of the coated carbohydrate layer is shown to significantly affect the bondability of the core–shell particles. The impact of the coating layer on the light scattering efficiency has also been studied with theoretical Mie scattering calculations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Miuraenamides: Antimicrobial Cyclic Depsipeptides Isolated from a Rare and Slightly Halophilic Myxobacterium
Authors: Ojika Makoto , Inukai Yasutaka , Kito Yuko , Hirata Masayuki , Iizuka Takashi , Fudou Ryosuke
Published: November 2007

Marine myxobacteria are rare culture‐resistant microorganisms, several strains of which have been identified by research groups in Asia. Paraliomyxa miuraensis, a slightly halophilic myxobacterium discovered in Japan, produces the cyclic hybrid polyketide–peptide antibiotics known as miuraenamides A and B, whose taxonomical and biological characteristics have been reported previously. Herein, we describe the chemical characterization of these two miuraenamides and introduce four new members of the miuraenamide family. We carried out the complete structural analysis of miuraenamides A and B on the basis of NMR spectroscopic analysis and elucidated the absolute configuration of miuraenamide A by chemical derivatization and subsequent use of the modified Mosher method or the Marfey method. Miuraenamides C–F were isolated from the same strain of the bacterium as miuraenamides A and B. The structure–antimicrobial‐activity relationships of the six natural metabolites and four chemically derived compounds demonstrated the importance of both the macrocyclic structure and the β‐methoxyacrylate moiety.
Cluster analysis of hydration waters around the active sites of bacterial alanine racemase using a 2‐ns MD simulation
Authors: Huang Hung‐Chung , Jupiter Daniel , Qiu Meikang , Briggs James M. , VanBuren Vincent
Published: November 2007

Structural data produced by a 2‐ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation on Geobacillus alanine racemase (AlaR; PDB: 1SFT) was used to study hydration around the two AlaR active sites. AlaR is a crucial enzyme for bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. It has been shown previously that the potency of an inhibitor can be increased by incorporating a functional group or atom that displaces hydration sites close to the substrate binding pocket of its target enzyme. The complete linkage algorithm was used for cluster analysis of the active site water positions from 126 solvent configurations sampled at regular intervals from the 2‐ns MD simulation. Crystal waters in the 1SFT X‐ray structure occupy most of the tightly bound water sites that were discovered. We show here that tightly bound water sites can be identified by cluster analysis of MD‐generated coordinates starting with data supplied by a single X‐ray structure, and we predict a highly conserved hydration site close to the carboxyl oxygen of L‐Ala substrate. This approach holds promise for accelerating the drug design process. We also discuss an analysis of the well‐known notion of residence time and introduce a new measure called retention time. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 89: 210–219, 2008.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Iron(II) Complexes with Bio‐Inspired N,N,O Ligands as Oxidation Catalysts: Olefin Epoxidation and cis‐Dihydroxylation
Authors: Bruijnincx Pieter C. A. , Buurmans Inge L. C. , Gosiewska Silvia , Moelands Marcel A. H. , Lutz Martin , Spek Anthony L. , van Koten Gerard , Klein Gebbink Robertus J. M.
Published: November 2007

The Rieske dioxygenases are a group of non‐heme iron enzymes, which catalyze the stereospecific cis‐dihydroxylation of its substrates. Herein, we report the iron(II) coordination chemistry of the ligands 3,3‐bis(1‐methylimidazol‐2‐yl)propionate (L1) and its neutral propyl ester analogue propyl 3,3‐bis(1‐methylimidazol‐2‐yl)propionate (PrL1). The molecular structures of two iron(II) complexes with PrL1 were determined and two different coordination modes of the ligand were observed. In [FeII(PrL1)2](BPh4)2 (3) the ligand is facially coordinated to the metal with an N,N,O donor set, whereas in [FeII(PrL1)2(MeOH)2](OTf)2 (4) a bidentate N,N binding mode is found. In 4, the solvent molecules are in a cis arrangement with respect to each other. Complex 4 is a close structural mimic of the crystallographically characterized non‐heme iron(II) enzyme apocarotenoid‐15–15′‐oxygenase (APO). The mechanistic features of APO are thought to be similar to those of the Rieske oxygenases, the original inspiration for this work. The non‐heme iron complexes [FeII(PrL1)2](OTf)2 (2) and [FeII(PrL1)2](BPh4)2 (3) were tested in olefin oxidation reactions with H2O2 as the terminal oxidant. Whereas 2 was an active catalyst and both epoxide and cis‐dihydroxylation products were observed, 3 showed negligible activity under the same conditions, illustrating the importance of the anion in the reaction.
A New Fluorescent Calix Crown Ether: Synthesis and Complex Formation with Alkali Metal Ions
Authors: Stoll Ion , Eberhard Jens , Brodbeck Ralf , Eisfeld Wolfgang , Mattay Jochen
Published: November 2007

We synthesised a new N‐benzylaza‐21‐crown‐7 ether 5 with a dihydroxy coumarin as a fluorescence sensor and investigated the binding behaviour towards alkali metal cations in methanol by fluorescence titrations. The association constants are within one order of magnitude, with the exception of sodium. Potassium is the preferred binding partner (KNa=330 M−1; KK=8600 M−1; KRb=8200 M−1; KCs=4400 M−1). The corresponding aza‐21‐crown‐7 ether (6) was attached by a methylene unit to a resorcarene to give fluorescent calix crown ether 12. The binding abilities of the calix crown ether towards alkali metal ions in methanol have also been investigated, and an increasing complex stability, distinct for potassium and rubidium in comparison with 5, was found: KNa=440 M−1; KK=110 000 M−1; KRb=63 000 M−1; KCs=20 000 M−1. Like bis(crown ether)s, a cooperative complexation of the crown ether and the cavitand scaffold can be assumed. The proposed complex geometry is supported by Kohn–Sham DFT calculations for the potassium and caesium complexes.
Development of “Pinceaux” formations and dendritic translocation of climbing fibers during the acquisition of the balance between glutamatergic and γ‐aminobutyric acidergic inputs in developing Purkinje cells
Authors: Sotelo Constantino
Published: November 2007

The acquisition of the dynamic balance between excitation and inhibition in developing Purkinje cells, necessary for their proper function, is analyzed. Newborn (P0) mouse cerebellum contains glutamatergic (VGLUT2‐IR) and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic (VIAAT‐IR) axons. The former prevail and belong to climbing fibers, whereas the latter neither colabel with calbindin‐expressing fibers nor belong to axons of the cortical GABAergic interneurons. During the first postnatal week, VIAAT‐IR axons in the Purkinje cell neighborhood remains very low, and the first synapses with basket fibers are formed at P7, when climbing fibers have already established dense pericellular nets. The descending basket fibers reach the Purkinje cell axon initial segment by P9, immediately establishing axoaxonic synapses. The pinceaux appear as primitive vortex‐like arrangements by P12, and by P20 interbasket fiber septate‐like junctions, typical of fully mature pinceaux, are still missing. The climbing fiber's somatodendritic translocation occurs later than expected, after the regression of the multiple innervation, and follows the ascending collaterals of the basket axons, which are apparently the optimal substrate for the proper subcellular targeting of the climbing fibers. These results emphasize that chemical transmission in the axon initial segment precedes the electrical inhibition generated by field effects. In addition, GABAergic Purkinje cells, as opposed to glutamatergic projection neurons in other cortical structures, do not begin to receive their excitation to inhibition balance until the end of the first postnatal week, despite the early presence of potentially functional GABAergic axons that possess the required vesicular transport system. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:240–262, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphological types and connectivity of horizontal cells found in the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) retina
Authors: Song Philip I. , Matsui Jonathan I. , Dowling John E.
Published: November 2007

We describe here different types of horizontal cells in the zebrafish retina and how they connect to photoreceptors. To label horizontal cells, crystals of DiI were placed onto the tips of pulled glass pipettes and inserted into the inner nuclear layer of fixed whole‐mount retinas. The DiI‐labeled horizontal cells were imaged by confocal microscopy and analyzed according to dendritic arborization, cell depth, dendritic terminal morphology, and connectivity with photoreceptors. Three types of horizontal cells were unequivocally identified: two cone‐connecting (H1/2 and H3) and one rod‐related cell. H1/2 cells have dendritic terminals that are arranged in “rosette” clusters and that connect to cone photoreceptors without any apparent specificity. H3 cells are larger and have dendritic terminal doublets arranged in a rectilinear pattern. This pattern corresponds to the mosaic of the single cones in the zebrafish photoreceptor mosaic and indicates that H3 cells connect specifically to either the blue‐sensitive (long‐single) or ultraviolet‐sensitive (short‐single) cones. Thus, H3 cells are likely to be chromaticity‐type cells that process specific color information, whereas H1/2 cells are probably luminosity‐type cells that process luminance information. Rod horizontal cells were identified by their shape and dendritic pattern, and they connect with numerous rod photoreceptors via small spherical terminals. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:328–338, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Postnatal subventricular zone progenitors give rise not only to granular and periglomerular interneurons but also to interneurons in the external plexiform layer of the rat olfactory bulb
Authors: Yang Zhengang
Published: November 2007

Interneurons in the granule cell layer (GCL) and glomerular layer (GL) of the olfactory bulb (OB) are generated from progenitors in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle. However, little is known about the origin of interneurons in the external plexiform layer (EPL) of the OB. On the basis of the concept of corticogenesis, I hypothesized that interneurons in the EPL of the rodent OB also originate in the SVZ. In the present study, replication‐incompetent retroviruses encoding a marker gene, human placental alkaline phosphatase (AP), were injected into the lateral ventricles of postnatal day 4 Wistar rats to label dividing cells in the SVZ. Two days after injection, some of the AP‐labeled cells had migrated into the OB. Five weeks after injection, AP/NeuN double‐labeled cells were found not only in the GCL and GL but also in the EPL of the OB. In the EPL, most AP‐labeled cells were calcium‐binding protein parvalbumin (PV)‐immunoreactive (+) interneurons. A subset of these cells was made up of calcium‐binding protein calretinin (CR)+ interneurons. According to their structural features, AP‐labeled cells in the EPL were Van Gehuchten cells, multipolar cells, and superficial short‐axon cells. Thus, postnatal SVZ progenitors give rise not only to granular and periglomerular interneurons but also to interneurons in the EPL of the OB. Furthermore, these results suggest that SVZ progenitors give rise to virtually all subpopulations of interneurons in the OB. J. Comp. Neurol. 506:347–358, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biocytin wide‐field bipolar cells in rabbit retina selectively contact blue cones
Authors: MacNeil Margaret A. , Gaul Paulette A.
Published: November 2007

A wide‐field bipolar cell in rabbit retina (green) selectively contacts a blue cone (magenta/turquoise). J. Comp. Neurol. 506:6–15, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Algorithm for analysis of periodic oscillations of structural systems with geometric nonlinearity
Authors: Ragulskis Minvydas , Ragulskis Kazimieras
Published: November 2007

An algorithm for analysis of periodic oscillations of forced elastic systems with geometric nonlinearity is presented in this paper. Modal decomposition of the solution, computation of periodic oscillations for every eigenmode and estimation of geometric nonlinearities using the method of initial deformations enable to construct a computational technique that can be very effective in computation of steady‐state periodic motions of slightly damped structures under periodic forcing. It is shown that the developed algorithm can be successfully exploited for the calculation of structural response of a micromechanical cantilever. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing human nature: “Development to” versus “Development from?”
Authors: Michel George F. , Tyler Amber N.
Published: November 2007

Evolutionary psychology (EP) emphasizes that socio‐cultural experiences are constrained by the characteristics of the individual. Therefore, cultural experience acts on a nervous system biased to respond to in particular ways (i.e., human nature). For EP, evolutionary lineage and adaptive significance explain the development of such human nature (a “development to” approach). Gottlieb, and others in Developmental psychobiology (DPB), have explained the development of “instinctive” behavior patterns of a wide variety of animals using a “development from” approach. The DPB approach does not contradict a human nature that reflects an evolutionary heritage with adaptive value. We present three examples that demonstrate how a DPB approach to development accounts both for the expression of patterns specific to the individual as well as patterns that are species‐typical (human nature, for humans) without shifting explanatory constructs and frameworks. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 788–799, 2007.
Developmental psychobiology special issue: “Gilbert gottlieb's legacy: Probabilistic epigenesis and the development of individuals and species”
Authors: Lickliter Robert , Logan Cheryl
Published: November 2007

A tribute to the career of Gilbert Gottlieb represented in the contributions to developmental science of his former students and colleagues. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 747–748, 2007.
Synthesis and separation in the history of “nature” and “nurture”
Authors: Logan Cheryl A. , Johnston Timothy D.
Published: November 2007

For much of the 20th century scientific psychology treated the relative contributions of nature and nurture to the development of phenotypes as the result of two quite separate sources of influence. One, nature, was linked to biological perspectives, often manifest as “instinct”, while the other, nurture, was taken to reflect psychological influences. We argue that this separation was contingent on historical circumstance. Prior to about 1920, several perspectives in biology and psychology promoted the synthesis of nature and nurture. But between 1930 and 1980 that synthetic consensus was lost in America as numerous influences converged to promote a view that identified psychological and biological aspects of mind and behavior as inherently separate. Around 1960, during the hegemony of behaviorism, Daniel Lehrman, Gilbert Gottlieb, and other pioneers of developmental psychobiology developed probabilistic epigenesis to reject predeterminist notions of instinct and restore a synthesis. We describe the earlier and later periods of synthesis and discuss several influences that led to the separation of nature and nurture in the middle of the 20th century. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 758–769, 2007.
Minimal role for STAT1 in interleukin‐6 signaling and actions in the murine brain
Authors: Sanz Elisenda , Hofer Markus J. , Unzeta Mercedes , Campbell Iain L.
Published: November 2007

Interleukin (IL)‐6 is a pleiotropic cytokine whose production by astrocytes in the CNS of transgenic mice (termed GF‐IL6) causes neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The binding of IL‐6 to its receptor (IL6R) triggers gp130‐mediated activation of STAT1 and STAT3 as well as SHP2 phosphatase and ERK1/2. We determined the relative contribution of STAT1 to IL‐6 signaling and actions in vivo in the brain of GF‐IL6 mice. GF‐IL6 mice that were null for STAT1 (termed GF‐IL6STAT1 KO) were viable, bred normally and physically indistinguishable from GF‐IL6 controls. The level of phosphotyrosine (p‐Y) STAT1 was increased significantly in GF‐IL6 mice but not detectable in GF‐IL6STAT1 KO animals. Phospho‐STAT3 and phospho‐ERK1/2 were increased markedly in GF‐IL6 mice and were not altered by the absence of STAT1. Both the density and distribution of phospho‐STAT3‐positive cells (mainly astrocytes, microglia and endothelial cells) was similar in GF‐IL6 and GF‐IL6STAT1 KO mice. Despite a minor decrease in IL‐1 and TNF mRNA, the overall inflammatory phenotype of GF‐IL6 mice was not altered significantly by the absence of STAT1. IFN‐regulated genes activated by STAT1 homodimers via the GAS element (e.g. CXCL9) showed a small increase in GF‐IL6 but not GF‐IL6STAT1 KO animals. When compared with transgenic mice with astrocyte‐targeted production of the type I IFN, IFN‐α, the increased levels of p‐Y‐STAT1 and IFN‐regulated gene expression were considerably lower in GF‐IL6 mice. In conclusion, although IL‐6 can activate STAT1 this plays minimal, if any, role in IL‐6 signaling and actions in the CNS. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The ameboid phenotype of NG2 (+) cells in the region of apoptotic dentate granule neurons in trimethyltin intoxicated mice shares antigen properties with microglia/macrophages
Authors: Fiedorowicz Anna , Figiel Izabela , Zaremba Małgorzata , Dzwonek Karolina , Oderfeld‐Nowak Barbara
Published: November 2007

NG2+, stellate cells present in the adult central nervous system (CNS) have been recently recognized as a distinct glial class, identified as multipotent progenitor cells. Antigenically, they are indistinguishable from oligodendroglia progenitor cells. In response to a variety of CNS insults, these cells become rapidly activated and undergo morphological changes accompanied by increased cellular proliferation. The role they play with respect to injured neurons is not clear. In our studies, we performed immunocytochemical investigations and identified a response of NG2‐expressing cells in the model of selective neurodegeneration of murine dentate gyrus granule cells induced by systemic administration of trimethyltin. Dying neurons exhibited features of apoptotic cells. Around the region of neurodegeneration, we observed activation of NG2+ stellate cells and microglia. During the peak of apoptosis, we detected the appearance of NG2+ cells of the ameboid phenotype, intermingled with granule neurons. These cells also expressed markers of microglia/macrophages, OX42‐ and ED1‐recognized antigens, an antigen recognized by O4 antibody—a marker of more differentiated cells of the oligodendroglia lineage and, in some cases, also a protein of mature oligodendroglia adenomatus polyposis coli. They also expressed nestin. Our results suggest that the injury induces a parallel transformation of both the activated glial classes: NG2+ stellate cells and resident microglia, into ameboid cells, sharing properties of both oligodendrocyte and monocyte lineages. These cells may play a role in the phagocytosis. If this assumption is verified by electron microscopy, it would indicate a novel function of NG2 transformed cells under CNS injury conditions. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Upregulation of discoidin domain receptor 2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Chua Huey‐Huey , Yeh Te‐Huei , Wang Ying‐Piao , Huang Yu‐Tzu , Sheen Tzung‐Shiahn , Lo You‐Chang , Chou Ya‐Ching , Tsai Ching‐Hwa
Published: November 2007

Background.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is associated with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) and has high metastatic potential. Discoidin domain receptors (DDR1, DDR2) are receptor‐type tyrosine kinases activated by collagen. Their ability to induce expression of matrix metalloproteinase is related with tumor invasion. Therefore, we aim to investigate DDRs gene expression and its regulation in NPC.

Methods and Results.

By use of real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR), DDR2 gene expression but not DDR1 was significantly higher in primary and metastatic NPC. DDR2 was predominantly distributed in NPC tumor cells rather than in infiltrating lymphocytes. EBV Z‐transactivator (Zta) transfection may distinctly elevate DDR2 level. Furthermore, data from reporter assay indicate that Zta could transactivate DDR2 promoter activity, suggesting the possible upregulation mechanism.

Conclusion.

DDR2 was differentially upregulated in NPC and modulated by EBV Zta protein. DDR2 may play a role in NPC invasion and serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Liver disease in adolescents: A cohort study of high-risk individuals
Authors: Van der Poorten David , Kenny Dianna T. , Butler Tony , George Jacob
Published: November 2007

Little is known about the health and behavior of adolescent offenders as they relate to abnormalities of liver biochemistry and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A large study of male juvenile offenders was undertaken that allowed a re-evaluation of the normal limits of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), associations with elevated ALT, and HCV antibody positivity. Young offenders (age 12–19 years) serving community orders participated in a wide-ranging health survey and laboratory assessment between October 2003 and December 2005. Normal ranges for liver biochemistry were calculated from the 95th percentile of males at the lowest risk for liver disease. The final sample comprised 682 males, of whom 439 (64%) gave blood. The calculated upper limit of normal for ALT was 28 IU/L. Seventeen percent of adolescents had an elevated ALT. Strong associations with elevated ALT included HCV antibody positivity [odds ratio (OR) 14.6], overweight and obesity (OR 6.9), and elevated total cholesterol (OR 3.6). More than 90% of adolescents with elevated ALT levels had 1 or more features of the metabolic syndrome. HCV antibody was positive in approximately 3% of the cohort, with the most significant risk factor being injecting drug use (OR 7.8;

P

< 0.01). The new infection rate was 3.7% per year.

Conclusion:

New upper limits for ALT provide greater sensitivity for the early diagnosis of liver disease in adolescents. High rates of HCV infection and obesity-related liver disease exist in this group, and targeted interventions are needed to reduce future health-related morbidity. (Hepatology 2007.)
Pivotal role of Smad3 in a mouse model of T cell–mediated hepatitis
Authors: Kremer Michael , Perry Ashley W. , Milton Richard J. , Rippe Richard A. , Wheeler Michael D. , Hines Ian N.
Published: November 2007

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) promotes hepatocellular apoptosis and suppresses hepatic lymphocyte responses in part through activation of Smad3. The purpose of the current study was to determine the importance of Smad3 signaling in an experimental model of autoimmune hepatitis induced by concanavalin A (ConA), a process involving T cell activation and hepatocellular apoptosis. C57Bl/6 wild-type (Wt) or Smad3-deficient (Smad3−/−) mice were injected intravenously with 15 mg/kg ConA or vehicle. Nine hours post ConA injection, Wt mice presented with severe hepatitis as assessed by increased liver transferases. This injury was associated with eosinophil accumulation and preceded at 3 hours post-injection by significant increases in hepatic T helper 1 (interferon gamma) and T helper 2 (interleukin-4) cytokine production. Absence of Smad3 significantly blunted hepatocellular injury 9 hours post ConA injection, which was associated with reduced early T helper 1 and T helper 2 cytokine production and eosinophil accumulation. Smad3−/− livers also showed significant reductions in hepatocellular apoptosis as assessed by terminal UTP nick-end labeling when compared to ConA-treated Wt mice in conjunction with reduced caspase 3 cleavage, which was likely mediated by a Smad3-dependent inhibition of the survival factor extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2.

In vitro

, Smad3−/− hepatocytes were resistant to TGFβ-induced apoptosis, and this protection was dependent on extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation.

Conclusion:

Together, these results show, for the first time, the significance of Smad3 signaling in autoimmune hepatitis, underlining the control of Smad3-dependent TGFβ signaling on proinflammatory cytokine production, eosinophil recruitment, and hepatocellular apoptosis. Interruption of this pathway could be beneficial clinically to limit acute fulminant liver pathologies. (Hepatology 2007.)
Cholangiocarcinoma in primary sclerosing cholangitis is associated with NKG2D polymorphisms
Authors: Melum Espen , Karlsen Tom H. , Schrumpf Erik , Bergquist Annika , Thorsby Erik , Boberg Kirsten M. , Lie Benedicte A.
Published: November 2007

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is often complicated by the development of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Genetic variation of natural killer cell receptor G2D (NKG2D) has been associated with cancer susceptibility. An important ligand for NKG2D, major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related molecule A (MICA), serves as a marker of cellular stress. The 5.1 allele of the gene encoding MICA has been associated with PSC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of genetic variations in the NKG2D-MICA receptor-ligand pair on the risk of CCA in patients with PSC. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the

NKG2D

gene were genotyped in 365 Scandinavian PSC patients and 368 healthy controls with TaqMan technology. Genotype data on the MICA 5.1 variant were available from previous studies. Forty-nine of the PSC patients (13.6%) had developed CCA at the time of study. Two of the

NKG2D

SNPs were associated with an increased risk of CCA: rs11053781 [odds ratio (OR) = 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31-3.29, corrected

P

(

P

c) = 0.011] and rs2617167 (OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.47-3.66,

P

c = 0.0020). Carriership of the MICA 5.1 allele was associated with resistance against CCA (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.20-0.95, not corrected

P

= 0.032).

Conclusion:

Our results show that genetic variants of the NKG2D receptor are associated with development of CCA in PSC patients. This suggests that interaction between NKG2D and MICA is involved in protection against CCA in PSC. Patients who are homozygous for the nonrisk alleles are unlikely to develop CCA; this finding could be helpful in identifying PSC patients with a low CCA risk. (Hepatology 2007.)
Stormflow generation in two headwater catchments in eastern Amazonia, Brazil
Authors: Wickel A. J. , van de Giesen N. C. , Sá T. D. d. A.
Published: November 2007

Throughout the tropics, and the Amazon region in particular, only a few experimental studies have identified the main hydrological pathways and response to storm events. This study identifies the hydrological response patterns and quantifies the main runoff generating processes for two headwater catchments in eastern Amazonia, an area of low relief. Over an 18 month study period, 245 and 55 rainfall–runoff events at the respective headwater catchments were analysed. The rainfall‐runoff regression lines for both catchments revealed a remarkably strong linear correlation between event rain total and runoff volume. The area contributing to stormflow was proven to be constant in extent at approximately 0·6% of the catchment and to coincide with the exact extent of the riparian wetland zone. The soils of the surrounding hillslopes were found to be highly permeable oxisols. Indications of secondary permeability due to the deep root system of the secondary vegetation were also found. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volatility in the Euro area money market: effects from the monetary policy operational framework
Authors: Durré Alain , Nardelli Stefano
Published: November 2007

This paper deals with the evolution of the realized volatility of the overnight interest rates in the Euro area money market using intraday data. It analyses in particular the pattern of the volatility of the overnight interest rate before and after the introduction of the structural changes to the Eurosystem's operational framework in March 2004. Using univariate and multivariate regressions, the results suggest that the level of the volatility of the overnight interest rate has significantly decreased after March 2004, whereas the sensitivity of the overnight interest rate has increased, especially over the last days of the reserve maintenance periods. Moreover, there is no evidence according to which the volatility of the overnight interest rate is transmitted to the volatility of money market interest rates at longer maturities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel composite nanoparticles based on glycidyl methacrylate‐derivatized dextrans and gelatin as new bone morphogenetic protein carrier
Authors: Chen Fa‐Ming , Zhao Yi‐Min , Zhang Rong , Jin Fang , Wu Zhi‐Fen , Jin Yan
Published: November 2007

This article has been retracted because the authors and editors of the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, Part A have agreed there is overlap with another article by the same group in the Journal of Controlled Release, 2006; 114(2):209–222.
Decision process support for participatory democracy
Authors: Danielson Mats , Ekenberg Love , Ekengren Anders , Hökby Torsten , Lidén Jan
Published: November 2007

This paper presents a project and case study integrating decision methods into democratic processes. The case discussed is a set of three complicated decisions in a municipality in Sweden. The decisions had been postponed on several occasions prior to bringing in the method described in the paper. The method employed consists of two main parts. The interaction part contains the communication channels directed to the stakeholders. The decision‐process part consists of a three‐layered working process model. As a part of the method, the project was highly visible on the web. Citizens were encouraged to submit material to the project. All intermediate results of the process were continuously published, enhancing transparency. For each decision, the analysis consisted of comparing all alternatives, taking the respective criteria into account as weighted or ranked by the participants. A method for recording compromises analytically was also used. The purpose was not to replace the political process but to support it in a structured way. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A survey on stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis methods
Authors: Tervonen Tommi , Figueira José Rui
Published: November 2007

Stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis (SMAA) comprises a family of multiple criteria decision‐aiding (MCDA) methods for problems including incomplete, imprecise, and uncertain information. Methods of the family allow solving MCDA problems of various types. Even though the methods have been applied in the past in various real‐life decision‐making situations, the structure of a unified SMAA framework has not been studied. In this paper we describe the methods of the family and define a unified SMAA framework. We also point out the key points in the methodology for future research. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internal hybrid antenna for multiband operation in the mobile phone
Authors: Lin Chun‐I , Wong Kin‐Lu
Published: November 2007

A new internal hybrid antenna formed by a printed open‐ended slot (monopole slot) and a T‐shaped metal‐strip monopole (monopole T‐strip) for multiband operation in the mobile phone is presented. The monopole slot is printed near the top edge of the system circuit board of the mobile phone and can generate a quarter‐ wavelength resonant mode at about 900 MHz for GSM850/900 operation. The monopole T‐strip is bent and mounted above the monopole slot and is used to excite a quarter‐wavelength resonant mode at about 1900 MHz to cover DCS/PCS operation. The monopole slot and monopole T‐strip are integrated to occupy a compact volume and can be fed using a simple 50 Ω microstrip line printed on the system circuit board. Obtained results indicate that it is promising to integrate two different types of antennas into an internal hybrid antenna for multiband operation in the mobile phone, and good performances of the hybrid antenna over the operating band can be achieved. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 38–42, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22980
Hexa‐band internal printed slot antenna for mobile phone application
Authors: Wu Chih‐Hsien , Wong Kin‐Lu
Published: November 2007

A promising internal printed slot antenna for hexa‐band operation in the mobile phone is presented. The antenna comprises a C‐shaped slot and an open‐ended monopole slot, and both are integrated into a compact configuration to occupy a small area of 21 × 45 mm2 in the top portion of the system circuit board. The integrated C‐shaped slot and monopole slot are fed in series using a 50‐Ω microstrip feedline. The antenna can provide two wide operating bands centered at about 900 and 2200 MHz to cover the GSM850/900/DCS/PCS/UMTS mobile communication and the 2.4‐GHz WLAN operation. Good radiation performances of the proposed antenna over the operating bands are also obtained. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 35–38, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22981
Polarization‐dependent gain and state of polarization effects on linewidth of semiconductor fiber ring lasers
Authors: Awad Hazem , Atieh Ahmad , Hall Trevor J.
Published: November 2007

Linewidth measurements of a tuneable, high power, narrow linewidth semiconductor fiber ring laser are presented. The laser had a typical output power of 9.72 dBm with a corresponding 170 kHz FWHM and 311 kHz 20‐dB linewidth. We demonstrate experimentally the dependence of laser's linewidth on SOP of the lasing light and polarization‐dependent gain of semiconductor gain medium. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 31–34, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22984