bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combinatorial Drug Conjugation Enables Nanoparticle Dual‐Drug Delivery
Authors: Aryal Santosh , Hu Che‐Ming Jack , Zhang Liangfang
Published: June 2010

A new approach to loading multiple drugs onto the same drug‐delivery nanocarrier in a precisely controllable manner, by covalently preconjugating multiple therapeutic agents through hydrolyzable linkers to form drug conjugates, is reported. In contrast to loading individual types of drugs separately, this drug‐conjugates strategy enables the loading of multiple drugs onto the same carrier with a predefined stoichiometric ratio. The cleavable linkers allow the therapeutic activity of the individual drugs to be resumed after the drug conjugates are delivered into the target cells and unloaded from the delivery vehicle. As a proof of concept, the synthesis and characterization of paclitaxel–gemcitabine conjugates are demonstrated. The time‐dependent hydrolysis kinetics and cytotoxicity of the combinatorial drug conjugates against human pancreatic cancer cells are examined. It is shown that the synthesized drug conjugates can be readily encapsulated into a lipid‐coated polymeric drug‐delivery nanoparticle, which significantly improves the cytotoxicity of the drug conjugates as compared to the free drug conjugates.
Regiospecific Analysis of Mono‐ and Diglycerides in Glycerolysis Products by GC × GC‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Indrasti Dias , Che Man Yaakob B. , Chin Sung Tong , Mustafa Shuhaimi , Mat Hashim Dzulkifly , Abdul Manaf Marina
Published: June 2010

Comprehensive bidimensional gas chromatography coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC‐TOF‐MS) was used for the characterization of regiospecific mono‐ and diglycerides (MG‐DG) content in the glycerolysis products derived from five different lipids included lard (LA), sun flower seed oil (SF), corn oil (CO), butter (BU), and palm oil (PA). The combination of fast and high temperature non‐orthogonal column set namely DB17ht (6 m × 0.10 mm × 0.10 μm) as the primary column and SLB‐5 ms (60 cm × 0.10 mm × 0.10 μm) as the secondary column was applied in this work. System configuration involved high oven ramp temperature to obtain precise mass spectral identification and highest effluent's resolution. 3‐Monopalmitoyl‐sn‐glycerol (MG 3‐C16) was the highest concentration in LA, BU and PA while monostearoyl‐sn‐glycerol (MG C18) in CO and 1,3‐dilinoleol‐rac‐glycerol (DG C18:2c) in SF. Principal component analysis accounted 82% of variance using combination of PC1 and PC2. The presence of monostearoyl‐sn‐glycerol (MG C18), 3‐Monopalmitoyl‐sn‐glycerol (MG 3‐C16), 1,3‐dilinoleol‐rac‐glycerol (DG C18:2c), 1,3‐dipalmitoyl‐glycerol (DG 1,3‐C16), and 1,3‐dielaidin (DG C18:1t) caused differentiation of the samples tested.
How the EU is Seen in Asia: And what to do about it
Authors: Small Andrew
Published: June 2010

In Asia, Europe is no longer seen as a dominant world player and is, in some cases, seen to exemplify the management of decline. More often than not, Europe and the EU are seen to be unstrategic actors in Asia that are preoccupied with relations with China. European states do not act in solidarity in Asia, signalling to Asian states that they are dealing with individual countries and not ‘Europe’ and many Asian observers question whether Europe is clinging to an obsolete world order. However, the opportunity for Europe to rehabilitate its image does exist. The Lisbon Treaty has allowed the EU a greater scope for external action. Treating Asia as an integrated strategic space rather than through the lens of EU-China relations could also do much for Europe's battered image. Despite increasing negative perceptions of Europe, it still plays an important role in Asia and is seen, with its economic might, to complement the military-strategic role played by the United States in the region.
Methyladeninylcobamide functions as the cofactor of methionine synthase in a Cyanobacterium, Spirulina platensis NIES‐39
Authors: Tanioka Yuri , Miyamoto Emi , Yabuta Yukinori , Ohnishi Kouhei , Fujita Tomoyuki , Yamaji Ryoichi , Misono Haruo , Shigeoka Shigeru , Nakano Yoshihisa , Inui Hiroshi , Watanabe Fumio
Published: June 2010

To clarify the physiological function of pseudovitamin B12 (or adeninylcobamide; AdeCba) in Spirulina platensis NIES‐39, cobalamin‐dependent methionine synthase (MS) was characterized. We cloned the full‐length Spirulina MS. The clone contained an open reading frame encoding a protein of 1183 amino acids with a molecular mass of 132 kDa. Deduced amino acid sequences of the Spirulina MS contained critical residues identical to cobalamin‐, zinc‐, S‐adenosylmethionine‐, and homocysteine‐binding motifs. The recombinant Spirulina enzyme showed higher affinity for methyladeninylcobamide than methylcobalamin as a cofactor. These results indicate that Spirulina cells can utilize AdeCba synthesized as the cofactor for MS.
Both high and low serum vitamin D concentrations are associated with tuberculosis: a case–control study in Greenland
Authors: Nielsen Nina O. , Skifte Turid , Andersson Mikael , Wohlfahrt Jan , Søborg Bolette , Koch Anders , Melbye Mads , Ladefoged Karin
Published: June 2010

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk of tuberculosis (TB). Changes from a traditional to a Westernised diet among Greenlanders have resulted in reduced serum vitamin D, leading to considerations of whether preventive vitamin D supplementation should be introduced. The association between vitamin D status and TB was examined to assess the feasibility of vitamin D supplementation in Greenland. This was examined in a case–control study involving seventy-two matched pairs of TB patients (cases) and controls aged 8–74 years. Cases were diagnosed with TB during 2004–6 based on clinical findings in combination with either (1) positiveMycobacterium tuberculosisculture, (2) characteristic X-ray abnormalities together with a positive tuberculin skin test or a positive interferon-γ release assay or (3) characteristic histology. Controls were individually matched on age ( ± 5 years), sex and district. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured and OR of TB were the outcome. Compared with individuals with 25(OH)D concentrations between 75 and 140 nmol/l, individuals with concentrations < 75 nmol/l (OR 6·5; 95 % CI 1·8, 23·5) or>140 nmol/l (OR 6·5; 95 % CI 1·9, 22·2) had higher risks of active TB (P = 0·003; adjustment for alcohol and ethnicity). Supplementing individuals with low vitamin D to normalise serum 25(OH)D concentrations was estimated to result in a 29 % reduction in the number of TB cases. The study indicated that vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial to individuals with insufficient vitamin D concentrations but may increase the risk of TB among individuals with normal or high concentrations.
The Journal as a System of Norms
Authors: Weale Albert
Published: June 2010

As with any other institution, a scholarly journal can be understood as a system of norms. This article examines those norms, drawing its evidence from participant observation over a number of years. It discusses particular norms as they apply to authors, reviewers and editors, before considering some general themes including: the implicit nature of the norms and tacit knowledge, changes in norms and monitoring.
Self-propulsion and dispersion of reactive colloids due to entropic anisotropy
Authors: WEI HSIEN-HUNG , JAN JENG-SHIUNG
Published: June 2010

In this paper, self-motion of reactive colloids and their dispersion behaviour are theoretically examined. The motion is driven by an osmotic force imbalance arising from non-uniform atmospheres of reactive solutes around the colloids. The propulsion here is not limited to Janus-like particles. It can also occur to particles having ‘uniform’ reactivity due to the more universal mechanism – entropic anisotropy created by breaking in rotational symmetry. The idea is demonstrated by examining the motion of a reactive particle due to asymmetry in its shape or to the presence of an additional particle. In the two-particle problem, in particular, we find that sink (source) particles can self-migrate towards (apart from) each other at velocities varying asR−2, resembling Coulomb attraction (repulsion), whereRis the inter-particle distance. Because of this Coulomb-like nature, a suspension of sink particles could undergo collective flocculation due to unscreened osmotic attraction. The criterion for an occurrence of the flocculation is also established. It reveals that the flocculation can occur if the particle volume fraction is within a certain window in terms of the solute concentration and the particle reactivity. The stability of reactive suspensions is also discussed using the modified Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory that takes account of the competition between long-range reaction-induced osmotic forces and short-range colloidal forces. A more generalized view for the present self-driven particle motion is elucidated by a simple scaling theory, providing lucid accounts for the self-motion of two particles, composite bodies, and Janus particles – all are driven by dipolar distortions in potential energy. Comparison with phoretic self-swimmers is also discussed.
Formation of coherent structures by fluid inertia in three-dimensional laminar flows
Authors: POURANSARI Z. , SPEETJENS M. F. M. , CLERCX H. J. H.
Published: June 2010

Mixing under laminar flow conditions is key to a wide variety of industrial fluid systems of size extending from micrometres to metres. Profound insight into three-dimensional laminar mixing mechanisms is essential for better understanding of the behaviour of such systems and is in fact imperative for further advancement of (in particular, microscopic) mixing technology. This insight remains limited to date, however. The present study concentrates on a fundamental transport phenomenon relevant to laminar mixing: the formation and interaction of coherent structures in the web of three-dimensional paths of passive tracers due to fluid inertia. Such coherent structures geometrically determine the transport properties of the flow and thus their formation and topological structure are essential to three-dimensional mixing phenomena. The formation of coherent structures, its universal character and its impact upon three-dimensional transport properties is demonstrated by way of experimentally realizable time-periodic model flows. Key result is that fluid inertia induces partial disintegration of coherent structures of the non-inertial limit into chaotic regions and merger of surviving parts into intricate three-dimensional structures. This response to inertial perturbations, though exhibiting great diversity, follows a universal scenario and is therefore believed to reflect an essentially three-dimensional route to chaos. Furthermore, a first outlook towards experimental validation and investigation of the observed dynamics is made.
Reproductive patterns in two deep-water solitary corals from the north-east Atlantic—Flabellum alabastrumandF. angulare(Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Scleractinia)
Authors: Waller Rhian G. , Tyler Paul A.
Published: June 2010

Gametogenesis and reproductive periodicity of the solitary scleractiniansFlabellum alabastrum(from the Rockall Trough) andF. angulare(from the Porcupine Seabight) were investigated. Samples were collected between depths from 1370 to 2190 m forF. alabastrumand 2412 to 2467 m forF. angulare. Both species showed gonochorism with a 1:1 sex-ratio and broadcast spawning of gametes is inferred from the lack of brooded planulae. Oocyte sizes were large in both species (925 μm inF. alabastrumand 1015 μm inF. angulare), suggesting lecithotrophic larval development. Fecundity and periodicity of oocyte development differed between the two species.Flabellum alabastrumproduced a maximum of 2800 oocytes per polyp quasi-continuously, whereas the deeper speciesF. angulareproduced a maximum of 550 oocytes per polyp either seasonally or periodically. Both species showed size-dependent fecundity. The data show a decrease in oocyte size and fecundity with depth, in concordance with other deep-water scleractinian species.
Scleractinian corals (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) from reef ecosystems on the Alagoas coast, Brazil
Authors: Correia Monica Dorigo
Published: June 2010

The distribution and ecology of scleractinian corals on reef ecosystems along the coast of the State of Alagoas, north-east Brazil, were characterized. The scleractinians comprised 13 species in nine families, with five endemic corals, on the Alagoas coast. All of these species were found on reef ecosystems of two distinct geological origins. Coral reefs are predominant on the northern and central coast with banks near the beach line and distributed along the coast line, with many platform surfaces emerging during low tide. Sandstone reefs are more common along the south coast of Maceió city and the southern coast of Alagoas. These reefs were formed by old sand banks solidified through sedimentation starting from chemical reactions with calcium carbonate or iron oxide from the Quaternary period, and are generally in rows parallel to the coastline and near the outlets of rivers and estuaries. A few species including Favia gravida and Siderastrea stellata were found in the intertidal zone on top of the reef platform of both types of reefs. The other scleractinian species were observed on the reef borders where there were some inlets and channels. A larger number of coral species occur on the northern coast where the seawater is clearer throughout the year.
Re-description of Cirratulus dollfusi (Polychaeta: Cirratulidae), and Fauvelicirratulus as a new genus
Authors: Çinar Melih Ertan , Petersen Mary Elizabeth
Published: June 2010

Cirratulus dollfusi Fauvel, 1928 is re-described from the material from the Sea of Marmara. The specimens collected from the Sea of Marmara were compared to the holotype of the species. The species is a multitentaculate and multibranchiate cirratulid; it differs from all other known cirratulid genera in its type of chaetae and the way the multiple branchial filaments arise from the notopodia. Chaetae are of two types: numerous long, fine capillaries in both rami throughout, also 2–4 shorter, wider, finely tapering spines in noto- and neuropodia. There are no slightly flattened sigmoid spines, typical of most Cirratulus species. Very short, slender grooved tentacles arise in a small circular group on either side of chaetiger 1. Branchial filaments are multiple; they arise as 1–2 filaments from each of 4–8 raised notopodial lobes on parapodia of anterior and middle segments, with lobes fading out and fewer (holotype) or no branchiae posteriorly (our material). No other cirratulid genera appear to have straight, tapering spines plus so many fine capillaries. We propose Fauvelicirratulus gen. nov. for this species. The species seems most closely related to Cirratulus hedgpethi Hartman, 1951, from the northern Gulf of Mexico, still only known from the incomplete original description. Features of some cirratulid genera are compared and the use of multiple branchiae as a generic character is discussed.
Group cohomology with coefficients in a crossed module
Authors: Noohi Behrang
Published: June 2010

We compare three different ways of defining group cohomology with coefficients in a crossed module: (1) explicit approach via cocycles; (2) geometric approach via gerbes; (3) group theoretic approach via butterflies. We discuss the case where the crossed module is braided and the case where the braiding is symmetric. We prove the functoriality of the cohomologies with respect to weak morphisms of crossed modules and also prove the ‘long’ exact cohomology sequence associated to a short exact sequence of crossed modules and weak morphisms.
Reply to Bruce Miroff's review of Getting the Left Right: The Transformation, Decline, and Reformation of American Liberalism
Authors: Spragens Thomas A.
Published: June 2010

My thanks to Bruce Miroff for his thoughtful comments. There is much we could discuss, but because our allotted space is quite circumscribed I shall settle here for trying to clarify a few points and to dispel a few misimpressions I may have encouraged—or at least not sufficiently forestalled—in my book.
Conjunction study of plasmapause location using ground‐based magnetometers, IMAGE‐EUV, and Kaguya‐TEX data
Authors: Obana Y. , Murakami G. , Yoshikawa I. , Mann I. R. , Chi P. J. , Moldwin M. B.
Published: June 2010

A statistical study comparing the plasmapause location determined using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and cross‐phase measurements was performed over 50 days in May–July 2000 and 1 day in May 2008. In EUV images the plasmapause location was estimated using the sharp gradient in the brightness of 30.4 nm He+ emission. We have taken EUV images obtained by the IMAGE and the Kaguya satellites, which were operated in a solar maximum and minimum periods, respectively. In the ground‐based cross‐phase measurement, the plasmapause was defined as a steep drop of mass density in its radial profile. Mass density was inferred from the eigenfrequency of field line resonances in the ULF band (∼1–1000 mHz), which was deduced from geomagnetic field data using cross‐phase analysis. The two measurements of the plasmapause have been compared in a same meridian at the same time and very good agreement was found in 18 of 19 events. Our result clearly indicates that the He+ and mass density plasmapause are usually detected at the same place with the error range of ± 0.4 RE. In only one event, the He+ and the mass density defined plasmapauses were not colocated. This event may be due to the difference of refilling time between He+ and other dominant species.
A survey of ELF and VLF research on lightning‐ionosphere interactions and causative discharges
Authors: Inan U. S. , Cummer S. A. , Marshall R. A.
Published: June 2010

Extremely low frequency (ELF) and very low frequency (VLF) observations have formed the cornerstone of measurement and interpretation of effects of lightning discharges on the overlying upper atmospheric regions, as well as near‐Earth space. ELF (0.3–3 kHz) and VLF (3–30 kHz) wave energy released by lightning discharges is often the agent of modification of the lower ionospheric medium that results in the conductivity changes and the excitation of optical emissions that constitute transient luminous events (TLEs). In addition, the resultant ionospheric changes are best (and often uniquely) observable as perturbations of subionospherically propagating VLF signals. In fact, some of the earliest evidence for direct disturbances of the lower ionosphere in association with lightning discharges was obtained in the course of the study of such VLF perturbations. Measurements of the detailed ELF and VLF waveforms of parent lightning discharges that produce TLEs and terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs) have also been very fruitful, often revealing properties of such discharges that maximize ionospheric effects, such as generation of intense electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) or removal of large quantities of charge. In this paper, we provide a review of the development of ELF and VLF measurements, both from a historical point of view and from the point of view of their relationship to optical and other observations of ionospheric effects of lightning discharges.
Energetic neutral atoms from Titan: Particle simulations in draped magnetic and electric fields
Authors: Wulms Veit , Saur Joachim , Strobel Darrell F. , Simon Sven , Mitchell Donald G.
Published: June 2010

Titan's atmosphere emits energetic neutral atoms (ENAs), which are being monitored for the first time by the Cassini spacecraft. These ENAs are generated by charge exchange processes of energetic ions with neutrals from Titan's atmosphere. In this work we investigate the morphology of the ENA emission from Titan's atmosphere with a three‐dimensional model that calculates the phase space density of the charge exchanging energetic ion population in the vicinity of Titan. With the model ion distribution we calculate the resulting ENA distribution and then generate maps of the ENA emission on a sphere above Titan's atmosphere. We demonstrate that the strongly draped magnetic field lines play an essential role in shaping the ENA morphology. The ENA morphology associated with spatially constant magnetic and electric fields is distinctly different. Observations of ENAs from Titan thus can be used in turn to monitor the electrodynamically complex environment as a whole, which is otherwise only accessible with local measurements along single trajectories.
Comparison of observed and general circulation model derived continental subsurface heat flux in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: MacDougall Andrew H. , Beltrami Hugo , González‐Rouco J. Fidel , Stevens M. Bruce , Bourlon Evelise
Published: June 2010

Heat fluxes in the continental subsurface were estimated from general circulation model (GCM) simulations of the climate of the last millennium and compared to those obtained from subsurface geothermal data. Since GCMs have bottom boundary conditions (BBCs) that are less than 10 m deep and thus may be thermodynamically restricted in the continental subsurface, we used an idealized land surface model (LSM) with a very deep BBC to estimate the potential for realistic subsurface heat storage in the absence of bottom boundary constraints. Results indicate that there is good agreement between observed fluxes and GCM simulated fluxes for the 1780–1980 period when the GCM simulated temperatures are coupled to the LSM with deep BBC. These results emphasize the importance of placing a deep BBC in GCM soil components for the proper simulation of the overall continental heat budget. In addition, the agreement between the LSM surface fluxes and the borehole temperature reconstructed fluxes lends additional support to the overall quality of the GCM (ECHO‐G) paleoclimatic simulations.
Spatial correlation in precipitation trends in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Buarque Diogo Costa , Clarke Robin T. , Mendes Carlos Andre Bulhoes
Published: June 2010

A geostatistical analysis of variables derived from Amazon daily precipitation records (trends in annual precipitation totals, trends in annual maximum precipitation accumulated over 1–5 days, trend in length of dry spell, trend in number of wet days per year) gave results that are consistent with those previously reported. Averaged over the Brazilian Amazon region as a whole, trends in annual maximum precipitations were slightly negative, the trend in the length of dry spell was slightly positive, and the trend in the number of wet days in the year was slightly negative. For trends in annual maximum precipitation accumulated over 1–5 days, spatial correlation between trends was found to extend up to a distance equivalent to at least half a degree of latitude or longitude, with some evidence of anisotropic correlation. Time trends in annual precipitation were found to be spatially correlated up to at least ten degrees of separation, in both W–E and S–N directions. Anisotropic spatial correlation was strongly evident in time trends in length of dry spell with much stronger evidence of spatial correlation in the W–E direction, extending up to at least five degrees of separation, than in the S–N. Because the time trends analyzed are shown to be spatially correlated, it is argued that methods at present widely used to test the statistical significance of climate trends over time lead to erroneous conclusions if spatial correlation is ignored, because records from different sites are assumed to be statistically independent.
Transport on river networks: A dynamic tree approach
Authors: Zaliapin Ilya , Foufoula‐Georgiou Efi , Ghil Michael
Published: June 2010

This study is motivated by problems related to environmental transport on river networks. We establish statistical properties of a flow along a directed branching network and suggest its compact parameterization. The downstream network transport is treated as a particular case of nearest neighbor hierarchical aggregation with respect to the metric induced by the branching structure of the river network. We describe the static geometric structure of a drainage network by a tree, referred to as the static tree, and introduce an associated dynamic tree that describes the transport along the static tree. It is well known that the static branching structure of river networks can be described by self‐similar trees; we demonstrate that the corresponding dynamic trees are also self‐similar, albeit with different self‐similarity parameters. We report an unexpected phase transition in the dynamics of three river networks (one from California and two from Italy), demonstrate the universal features of this transition, and seek to interpret it in hydrological terms.
Rhomboid beach pattern: A laboratory investigation
Authors: Devauchelle O. , Malverti L. , Lajeunesse É. , Josserand C. , Lagrée P.‐Y. , Métivier F.
Published: June 2010

The formation of beach rhomboid pattern by swash is investigated experimentally. This centimeter‐scale structure is classically interpreted as the mark of stationary gravity waves generated by obstacles in supercritical flows. However, thanks to the use of water‐based fluids of various viscosity, our experiments show that a rhomboid pattern can develop in subcritical flows. Its angle is primarily a function of the Froude number, as suggested by Woodford (1935), but our data do not support his classical model, nor do they support any of the existing theories. The slowness of the rhombus motion indicates that it is not simply the mark of a hydraulic phenomenon but rather results from the coupling between the water flow and sediment transport.
Astrophysics Noise: A Space Weather Signal
Authors: Collier Michael R. , Siebeck David G. , Cravens Thomas E. , Robertson Ina P. , Omidi Nick
Published: June 2010

Imagine the accuracy of terrestrial weather forecasts if society relied on only a handful of isolated weather stations to supply all the input to meteorological models. Yet that is precisely the daunting situation faced by space weather forecasters, who seek to predict when and how ejections of plasma from the Sun will interact with the Earth's magnetosphere. These interactions can damage spacecraft electronics, produce spurious global positioning and navigation readings, interfere with radio communications, and disrupt electrical power line grids on the ground. Though modern society increasingly relies on satellite technology and electrical conveniences, only a handful of operating heliophysics missions supply the bulk of space weather model inputs.
Earth Sciences Research Opportunities at the National Science Foundation
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: June 2010

With the U.S. National Science Foundation's Division of Earth Sciences (NSF EAR) facing a number of challenges and opportunities—including helping to meet a growing need for basic research in a number of Earth science disciplines and seeing significant budget growth over the past several years—a panel of the U.S. National Research Council (NRC) has begun a study entitled “New Research Opportunities in the Earth Sciences at the National Science Foundation.”
Suresh slated to head U.S. National Science Foundation
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: June 2010

U.S. president Barack Obama announced on 3 June his intent to nominate Subra Suresh as the next director of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Arden Bement, who served as NSF director since 2004, resigned earlier this year to lead Purdue University's Global Policy Research Institute, in West Lafayette, Indiana. Suresh is dean of the School of Engineering and the Vannevar Bush Professor of Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge. Suresh joined MIT in 1993 as the R. P. Simmons Professor of Materials Science and Engineering. Since then, he has held joint faculty appointments in the departments of Mechanical Engineering and Biological Engineering, as well as the Division of Health Sciences and Technology.
Observations of Kelvin‐Helmholtz waves along the dusk‐side boundary of Mercury's magnetosphere during MESSENGER's third flyby
Authors: Boardsen Scott A. , Sundberg Torbjörn , Slavin James A. , Anderson Brian J. , Korth Haje , Solomon Sean C. , Blomberg Lars G.
Published: June 2010

During the third MESSENGER flyby of Mercury on 29 September 2009, 15 crossings of the dusk‐side magnetopause were observed in the magnetic field data over a 2‐min period, during which the spacecraft traveled a distance of 0.2 RM (where RM is Mercury's radius). The quasi‐periodic nature of the magnetic field variations during the crossings, the characteristic time separations of ∼16 s between pairs of crossings, and the variations of the magnetopause normal directions indicate that the signals are likely the signature of surface waves highly steepened at their leading edge that arose from the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability. At Earth, the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability is believed to lead to the turbulent transport of solar wind plasma into Earth's plasma sheet. This solar wind entry mechanism could also be important at Mercury.
Intensive Lifestyle Intervention Improves Physical Function Among Obese Adults With Knee Pain: Findings From the Look AHEAD Trial
Authors: Foy Capri G. , Lewis Cora E. , Hairston Kristen G. , Miller Gary D. , Lang Wei , Jakicic John M. , Rejeski W. Jack , Ribisl Paul M. , Walkup Michael P. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. ,   For the Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: June 2010

Lifestyle interventions have resulted in weight loss or improved physical fitness among individuals with obesity, which may lead to improved physical function. This prospective investigation involved participants in the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) trial who reported knee pain at baseline (n = 2,203). The purposes of this investigation were to determine whether an Intensive Lifestyle Intervention (ILI) condition resulted in improvement in self‐reported physical function from baseline to 12 months vs. a Diabetes Support and Education (DSE) condition, and whether changes in weight or fitness mediated the effect of the ILI. Outcome measures included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, stiffness, and physical function subscales, and WOMAC summary score. ILI participants exhibited greater adjusted mean weight loss (s.e.) vs. DSE participants (−9.02 kg (0.48) vs. −0.78 kg (0.49); P < 0.001)). ILI participants also demonstrated more favorable change in WOMAC summary scores vs. DSE participants (β (s.e.) = −1.81 (0.63); P = 0.004). Multiple regression mediation analyses revealed that weight loss was a mediator of the effect of the ILI intervention on change in WOMAC pain, function, and summary scores (P < 0.001). In separate analyses, increased fitness also mediated the effect of the ILI intervention upon WOMAC summary score (P < 0.001). The ILI condition resulted in significant improvement in physical function among overweight and obese adults with diabetes and knee pain. The ILI condition also resulted in significant weight loss and improved fitness, which are possible mechanisms through which the ILI condition improved physical function.
Endothelin‐1 Suppresses Long‐Chain Fatty Acid Uptake and Glucose Uptake Via Distinct Mechanisms in 3T3‐L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Chien Yueh , Lai Ying‐Hsiu , Kwok Ching Fai , Ho Low‐Tone
Published: June 2010

Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) has been demonstrated to induce insulin resistance (IR) and lipolysis, raising the possibility that ET‐1 may also contribute to the elevated fatty acid levels in IR‐associated comorbidities. We attempted to evaluate whether ET‐1 also affects the long‐chain fatty acid (LCFA) utilization in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. The effects of chronic ET‐1 exposure on basal and insulin‐stimulated LCFA uptake, and LCFA uptake kinetics were examined in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Chronic exposure to ET‐1 induced IR and suppressed basal and insulin‐stimulated LCFA uptake. Given that insulin acutely stimulates LCFA uptake, there was dramatically similar trend of dose‐response curves for ET‐1‐suppressed LCFA uptake, and also similar corresponding IC50 values, between basal and insulin‐stimulated states, reflecting that ET‐1 predominantly suppresses basal LCFA uptake. Results of LCFA kinetics, western blots, and CD36 inhibition using sulfosuccinimidyl oleate (SSO) revealed that suppression of LCFA uptake by ET‐1 is associated with downregulation of CD36. ET type A receptor (ETAR) antagonist BQ‐610 reversed the IR induction and the ET‐1‐suppressed LCFA uptake. Exogenous replenishment of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 4, 5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) prevented IR induction, but not the suppression of LCFA uptake by ET‐1. Pharmacological inhibition of the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) completely blocked the ET‐1‐suppressed LCFA uptake. Serving as an inducer of IR, ET‐1 also chronically suppresses LCFA uptake via PIP2‐independent and ERK‐dependent pathway. The interplay between impaired glucose disposal and diminished LCFA utilization, induced by ET‐1, could worsen the dysregulation of adipose metabolism and energy homeostasis in insulin‐resistant states.
The CB1 Receptor Antagonist SR141716A Reverses Adult Male Mice Overweight and Metabolic Alterations Induced by Early Stress
Authors: Valenzuela Carina A. , Castillo Valeska A. , Aguirre Carolina A. , Ronco Ana M. , Llanos Miguel N.
Published: June 2010

Perinatal stress may cause metabolic and hormonal disruptions during adulthood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of early postnatal nociceptive stimulation (NS) on body weight and other metabolic parameters during adulthood and to determine whether CB1 endocannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs) may be involved in these effects. Male mice were subjected to NS during lactation with a daily subcutaneous injection of saline solution. Subsequently, both control and NS‐mice were treated from day 40 to 130, with an oral dose (1 µg/g body weight) of SR141716A, a specific CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist. Mice body weight and food intake was periodically evaluated. Adult animals were then killed to evaluate epididymal fat pads and metabolic parameters. NS did not influence food intake in adult animals, but caused significant increases in body weight, epididymal fat pads, and circulating levels of leptin, corticosterone, and triglycerides (TGs). Chronic treatment with SR141716A normalized these parameters, with the exception of corticosterone levels. This treatment also reduced plasma levels of glucose, insulin, and total cholesterol in both adult control and NS‐mice. In addition, fatty acid (FA) amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity (the enzyme able to hydrolyze endocannabinoids) from liver and epididymal fat of adult NS‐mice was decreased by 40–50% in comparison to activities found in same tissues of control mice. Results suggest that overactive liver and epididymal fat CB1R due to early NS may be involved in late metabolic alterations, which are sensitive to chronic treatment with SR141716A.
Short‐Term Effects of Dietary Fatty Acids on Muscle Lipid Composition and Serum Acylcarnitine Profile in Human Subjects
Authors: Kien C. Lawrence , Everingham Karen I. , Stevens Robert D. , Fukagawa Naomi K. , Muoio Deborah M.
Published: June 2010

In cultured cells, palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) confer distinct metabolic effects, yet, unclear, is whether changes in dietary fat intake impact cellular fatty acid (FA) composition. We hypothesized that short‐term increases in dietary PA or OA would result in corresponding changes in the FA composition of skeletal muscle diacylglycerol (DAG) and triacylglycerol (TAG) and/or the specific FA selected for β‐oxidation. Healthy males (N = 12) and females (N = 12) ingested a low‐PA diet for 7 days. After fasting measurements of the serum acylcarnitine (AC) profile, subjects were randomized to either high‐PA (HI PA) or low‐PA/high‐OA (HI OA) diets. After 7 days, the fasting AC measurement was repeated and a muscle/fat biopsy obtained. FA composition of intramyocellular DAG and TAG and serum AC was measured. HI PA increased, whereas HI OA decreased, serum concentration of 16:0 AC (P < 0.001). HI OA increased 18:1 AC (P = 0.005). HI PA was associated with a higher PA/OA ratio in muscle DAG and TAG (DAG: 1.03 ± 0.24 vs. 0.46 ± 0.08, P = 0.04; TAG: 0.63 ± 0.07 vs. 0.41 ± 0.03, P = 0.01). The PA concentration in the adipose tissue DAG (µg/mg adipose tissue) was 0.17 ± 0.02 in those receiving the HI PA diet (n = 6), compared to 0.11 ± 0.02 in the HI oa group (n = 4) (P = 0.067). The relative PA concentration in muscle DAG and TAG and the serum palmitoylcarnitine concentration was higher in those fed the high‐PA diet.
Weight Loss With Naltrexone SR/Bupropion SR Combination Therapy as an Adjunct to Behavior Modification: The COR‐BMOD Trial
Authors: Wadden Thomas A. , Foreyt John P. , Foster Gary D. , Hill James O. , Klein Samuel , O'Neil Patrick M. , Perri Michael G. , Pi‐Sunyer F. Xavier , Rock Cheryl L. , Erickson Janelle S. , Maier Holly N. , Kim Dennis D. , Dunayevich Eduardo
Published: June 2010

This 56‐week, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial examined the efficacy and safety of naltrexone plus bupropion as an adjunct to intensive behavior modification (BMOD). A total of 793 participants (BMI = 36.5 ± 4.2 kg/m2) was randomly assigned in a 1:3 ratio to: (i) placebo + BMOD (N = 202); or (ii) naltrexone sustained‐release (SR, 32 mg/day), combined with bupropion SR (360 mg/day) plus BMOD (i.e., NB32 + BMOD; N = 591). Both groups were prescribed an energy‐reduced diet and 28 group BMOD sessions. Co‐primary end points were percentage change in weight and the proportion of participants who lost ≥5% weight at week 56. Efficacy analyses were performed on a modified intent‐to‐treat population (ITT; i.e., participants with ≥1 postbaseline weight while taking study drug (placebo + BMOD, N = 193; NB32 + BMOD, N = 482)). Missing data were replaced with the last observation obtained on study drug. At week 56, weight loss was 5.1 ± 0.6% with placebo + BMOD vs. 9.3 ± 0.4% with NB32 + BMOD (P < 0.001). A completers analysis revealed weight losses of 7.3 ± 0.9% (N = 106) vs. 11.5 ± 0.6% (N = 301), respectively (P < 0.001). A third analysis, which included all randomized participants, yielded losses of 4.9 ± 0.6 vs. 7.8 ± 0.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). Significantly more NB32 + BMOD‐ vs. placebo + BMOD‐treated participants lost ≥5 and ≥10% of initial weight, and the former had significantly greater improvements in markers of cardiometabolic disease risk. NB32 + BMOD was generally well tolerated, although associated with more reports of nausea than placebo + BMOD. The present findings support the efficacy of combined naltrexone/bupropion therapy as an adjunct to intensive BMOD for obesity.
Relationship of Intramyocellular Lipid to Insulin Sensitivity May Differ With Ethnicity in Healthy Girls and Women
Authors: Lawrence Jeannine C. , Newcomer Bradley R. , Buchthal Steven D. , Sirikul Bovorn , Oster Robert A. , Hunter Gary R. , Gower Barbara A.
Published: June 2010

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is greater among African Americans (AA) vs. European Americans (EA), independent of obesity and lifestyle. We tested the hypothesis that intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) or extramycellular lipid (EMCL) would be associated with insulin sensitivity among healthy young women, and that the associations would differ with ethnic background. We also explored the hypothesis that adipokines and estradiol would be associated with muscle lipid content. Participants were 57 healthy, normoglycemic, women and girls mean age 26 (±10) years; mean BMI 27.3 (±4.8) kg/m2; 32 AA, 25 EA. Soleus IMCL and EMCL were assessed with 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS); insulin sensitivity with an insulin‐modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test and minimal modeling; body composition with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry; and intra‐abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT) with computed tomography. Adiponectin, leptin, and estradiol were assessed in fasting sera. Analyses indicated that EMCL, but not IMCL, was greater in AA vs. EA (2.55 ± 0.16 vs. 1.98 ± 0.18 arbitrary units, respectively, P < 0.05; adjusted for total body fat). IMCL was associated with insulin sensitivity in EA (r = −0.54, P < 0.05, adjusted for total fat, IAAT, and age), but not AA (r = 0.16, P = 0.424). IMCL was inversely associated with adiponectin (r = −0.31, P < 0.05, adjusted for ethnicity, age, total fat, and IAAT). In conclusion, IMCL was a significant determinant of insulin sensitivity among healthy, young, EA but not AA women. Further research is needed to determine whether the component lipids of IMCL (e.g., diacylglycerol (DAG) or ceramide) are associated with insulin sensitivity in an ethnicity specific manner.
Cladistic and phylogenetic biogeography: the art and the science of discovery
Authors: Van Veller Marco G. P. , Brooks D. R. , Zandee M.
Published: June 2010

All methods used in historical biogeographical analysis aim to obtain resolved area cladograms that represent historical relationships among areas in which monophyletic groups of taxa are distributed. When neither widespread nor sympatric taxa are present in the distribution of a monophyletic group, all methods obtain the same resolved area cladogram that conforms to a simple vicariance scenario. In most cases, however, the distribution of monophyletic groups of taxa is not that simple. A priori and a posteriori methods of historical biogeography differ in the way in which they deal with widespread and sympatric taxa. A posteriori methods are empirically superior to a priori methods, as they provide a more parsimonious accounting of the input data, do not eliminate or modify input data, and do not suffer from internal inconsistencies in implementation. When factual errors are corrected, the exemplar presented by M.C. Ebach & C.J. Humphries (Journal of Biogeography, 2002, 29, 427) purporting to show inconsistencies in implementation by a posteriori methods actually corroborates the opposite. The rationale for preferring a priori methods thus corresponds to ontological rather than to epistemological considerations. We herein identify two different research programmes, cladistic biogeography (associated with a priori methods) and phylogenetic biogeography (associated with a posteriori methods). The aim of cladistic biogeography is to fit all elements of all taxon–area cladograms to a single set of area relationships, maintaining historical singularity of areas. The aim of phylogenetic biogeography is to document, most parsimoniously, the geographical context of speciation events. The recent contribution by M.C. Ebach & C.J. Humphries (Journal of Biogeography, 2002, 29, 427) makes it clear that cladistic biogeography using a priori methods is an inductivist/verificationist research programme, whereas phylogenetic biogeography is hypothetico‐deductivist/falsificationist. Cladistic biogeography can become hypothetic‐deductive by using a posteriori methods of analysis.
The biogeographic and tectonic history of India
Authors: Briggs John C.
Published: June 2010

Aim  To present an up to date account of the Mesozoic history of India and its relationship to the other Gondwana continents and to Eurasia.

Location  Continents surrounding the Western Indian Ocean.

Methods  Utilization of recent evidence of continental relationships based upon research in stratigraphy, palaeomagnetism, palaeontology, and contemporary biotas.

Results  The physical data revealed a sequence of events as India moved northward: (1) India–Madagascar rifted from east Africa 158–160 Ma (million years ago), (2) India–Madagascar from Antarctica c. 130 Ma, (3) India–Seychelles from Madagascar 84–96 Ma, (4) India from Seychelles 65 Ma, (5) India began collision with Eurasia 55–65 Ma and (6) final suturing took place c. 42–55 Ma. However, data from fossil and contemporary faunas indicate that, throughout the late Cretaceous, India maintained exchanges with adjacent lands. There is an absence in the fossil record of peculiar animals and plants that should have evolved, had India undergone an extended period of isolation just before its contact with Eurasia.

Main conclusions  The depiction of India in late Cretaceous as an isolated continent is in error. Most global palaeomaps, including the most recent one, show India, as it moves northward, following a track far out in the Indian Ocean. But the evidence now indicates that India's journey into northern latitudes cannot have taken place under such isolated circumstances. Although real breaks among the lands were indicated by the physical data, faunal links were maintained by vagile animals that were able to surmount minor marine barriers. India, during its northward journey, remained close to Africa and Madagascar even as it began to contact Eurasia.
Faunal composition of geometrid moths changes with altitude in an Andean montane rain forest
Authors: Brehm Gunnar , Fiedler Konrad
Published: June 2010

Aim The objective of this study was to describe and interpret the changes in faunal composition in the moth family Geometridae (Lepidoptera) along a small‐scale elevational gradient in a tropical montane rain forest. This gradient was compared with a large‐scale latitudinal gradient in Europe.

LocationInvestigations were carried out in the province Zamora‐Chinchipe in southern Ecuador along a gradient ranging from 1040 to 2677 m above sea level at twenty‐two sites.

Methods Moths were sampled with light‐traps in three field periods in 1999 and 2000 and subsequently sorted and determined to species or morphospecies.

Results We analysed 13,938 specimens representing 1010 species of geometrid moths. The proportional contribution of subtaxa to the local geometrid fauna changes along the elevational gradient at all systematic levels considered. While proportions of species of the subfamilies Ennominae, Sterrhinae and Geometrinae significantly decrease, the proportion of Larentiinae increases with increasing altitude. Changes also occur within the subfamilies Ennominae and Larentiinae. The host–plant specialist ennomine tribes Cassymini, Macariini and Palyadini completely vanish, and the proportion of the tribe Boarmiini decreases at high altitudes. In contrast, the remaining tribes (mostly comprising polyphagous species) either do not show proportional changes (Azelinini, Nacophorini, Nephodiini, Ourapterygini) or even increase (Caberini, ‘Cratopteragroup’). Within Larentiinae, the species proportion of the genusEoisdecreases, whereas concomitantly the proportion ofEupitheciaincreases. There is a remarkable similarity between the altitudinal patterns in Ecuador and those found along the latitudinal gradient in Europe.

Main conclusions Species of the subfamily Larentiinae seem to be particularly well‐adapted to harsh environmental conditions, towards both high altitudes and latitudes. They might disproportionately profit from lower predation at higher altitudes. Many changes in the faunal composition can be explained by expected host–plant requirements of the species involved. Our results show that diversity estimates based on taxon ratios which are assumed to be constant must be regarded with caution because such ratios can change rapidly along environmental gradients.