bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermochemistry, bond energies and internal rotor barriers of methyl sulfinic acid, methyl sulfinic acid ester and their radicals
Authors: Gunturu Anjani , Asatryan Rubik , Bozzelli Joseph W.
Published: September 2010

Sulfur–Oxygen containing hydrocarbons are formed in oxidation of sulfides and thiols in the atmosphere, on aerosols and in combustion processes. Understanding their thermochemical properties is important to evaluate their formation and transformation paths. Structures, thermochemical properties, bond energies, and internal rotor potentials of methyl sulfinic acid CH3S(O)OH, its methyl ester CH3S(O)OCH3 and radicals corresponding to loss of a hydrogen atom have been studied. Gas phase standard enthalpies of formation and bond energies were calculated using B3LYP/6‐311G (2d, p) individual and CBS‐QB3 composite methods employing work reactions to further improve accuracy of the ${\Delta} _{{\bf f}} H_{{\bf 298}}^{{\bf o}} $. Molecular structures, vibration frequencies, and internal rotor potentials were calculated. Enthalpies of the parent molecules CH3S(O)OH and CH3S(O)OCH3 are evaluated as −77.4 and −72.7 kcal mol−1 at the CBSQB3 level; Enthalpies of radicals C•H2S(O)OH, CH3S•(O)2, C•H2S(O)OCH3 and CH3S(O)OC•H2 (CBS‐QB3) are −25.7, −52.3, −22.8, and −26.8 kcal mol−1, respectively. The CH3C(O)O—H bond dissociation energy is of 77.1 kcal mol−1. Two of the intermediate radicals are unstable and rapidly dissociate. The CH3S(O)O. radical obtained from the parent CH3S(O)OH dissociates into methyl radical (${\bf CH}_{{\bf 3}}^{{\bf .}} $) plus SO2 with endothermicity (ΔHrxn) of only 16.2 kcal mol−1. The CH3S(O)OC•H2 radical dissociates into CH3S•=O and CH2=O with little or no barrier and an exothermicity of −19.9 kcal mol−1. DFT and the Complete Basis Set‐QB3 enthalpy values are in close agreement; this accord is attributed to use of isodesmic work reactions for the analysis and suggests this combination of B3LYP/work reaction approach is acceptable for larger molecules. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Noncovalent functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes using graft copolymer with naphthalene and its application as a reinforcing filler for poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile)
Authors: Kim Kyung Tae , Jo Won Ho
Published: September 2010

A new compatibilizer, poly(vinyl benzyloxy ethyl naphthalene)‐graft‐poly(methyl methacrylate), for poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonirile) (SAN)/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composites was synthesized. It has been identified that naphthalene unit in backbone of compatibilizer interacts with MWCNTs via ππ interaction and that the PMMA graft of the compatibilizer is miscible with the SAN matrix. When a small amount of compatibilizer was added to SAN/MWCNT composites, MWCNTs were more homogeneously dispersed in SAN matrix than the case without compatibilizer, indicating that the compatibilizer improves the compatibility between SAN and MWCNTs. As a consequence, mechanical and electrical properties of the composites with compatibilizer were largely improved as compared with those of composites without compatibilizer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 4184–4191, 2010
Electrochemical synthesis of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) nanotube arrays using ZnO templates
Authors: Döbbelin M. , Tena‐Zaera R. , Carrasco P. M. , Sarasua J.‐R. , Cabañero G. , Mecerreyes D.
Published: September 2010

A new method toward vertically oriented poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanotube arrays on transparent conductive oxide substrates is presented. The approach is based on the use of ZnO nanowire arrays as templates for the electropolymerization of PEDOT. Robust arrays of vertically oriented PEDOT nanotubes with different lengths and wall thicknesses were obtained by modifying the ZnO nanowire length and charge density passed during the electropolymerization, respectively. Furthermore, PEDOT nanotubes with different morphologies (top‐closed and mushroom‐like) were successfully designed by varying the PEDOT electropolymerization kinetics or monomer diffusion or both. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
The wish to hasten death: a review of clinical studies
Authors: Monforte‐Royo Cristina , Villavicencio‐Chávez Christian , Tomás‐Sábado Joaquín , Balaguer Albert
Published: September 2010

It is common for patients who are faced with physical or psychological suffering, particularly those in the advanced stages of a disease, to have some kind of wish to hasten death (WTHD). This paper reviews and summarises the current state of knowledge about the WTHD among people with end‐stage disease, doing so from a clinical perspective and on the basis of published clinical research. Studies were identified through a search strategy applied to the main scientific databases.

Clinical studies show that the WTHD has a multi‐factor aetiology. The literature review suggests—perhaps in line with better management of physical pain—that psychological and spiritual aspects, including social factors, are the most important cause of such a wish. One of the difficulties facing clinical research is the lack of terminological and conceptual precision in defining the construct. Indeed, studies frequently blur the distinction between a generic wish to die, a WTDH (whether sporadic or persistent over time), the explicit expression of a wish to die, and a request for euthanasia or physician‐assisted suicide.

A notable contribution to knowledge in this field has been made by scales designed to evaluate the WTHD, although the problems of conceptual definition may once again limit the conclusions, which can be drawn from the results. Studies using qualitative methodology have also provided new information that can help in understanding such wishes.

Further clinical research is needed to provide a complete understanding of this phenomenon and to foster the development of suitable care plans. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring cancer patients' reasons for their information preference: construction of the Considerations Concerning Cancer Information (CCCI) questionnaire
Authors: ter Hoeven Claartje L. , Zandbelt Linda C. , Fransen Sanne , de Haes Hanneke , Oort Frans , Geijsen Debby , Koning Caro , Smets Ellen
Published: September 2010

Objectives: This paper describes the further development and psychometric properties of an instrument to measure cancer patients' reasons to want complete or limited information: the Considerations Concerning Cancer Information questionnaire (CCCI). Understanding cancer patients' reasons to want complete or limited information will provide the physician with information that enables him or her to tailor information giving.

Methods: CCCI's content validity, internal structure, and convergent validity were investigated among 145 cancer patients, new to radiotherapy.

Results: Underlying reasons for information preference among cancer patients were derived from existing qualitative studies, narratives, and interviews. This resulted in the CCCI containing two parts: reasons to favor complete information disclosure and reasons to prefer only limited information about disease and treatment. The four identified dimensions to prefer information consist of: sense of control, expectations of others, anxiety, and autonomy. The four dimensions for reasons to give up on acquiring information consist of: avoidance, optimism, comprehension, and not wanting to be a burden. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the measurement model provided good fit to the data. Scales had good internal consistency, satisfactory item‐total correlations corrected for overlap and satisfactory convergent validity.

Conclusions: These findings confirm evidence of the reliability and validity of the CCCI for use in cancer care. Researchers and health‐care providers can use the instrument to assess cancer patients' reasons to want complete or limited information and provide tailored care. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature dependence of dark current in a p–i–n photodiode incorporating a resonant tunneling structure
Authors: Sellai Azzouz , Henini Mohamed , Ouennoughi Zahir
Published: September 2010

Analyses of the slope variations, as a function of temperature, of the dark current–voltage curves obtained in the case of p–i–n diodes incorporating in their intrinsic region a double barrier single quantum well (QW) structure indicate that below the flat band condition a conduction mechanism by tunneling assisted by recombination centers prevails over most of the temperature range considered (20–300 K). Above the flat band condition and for temperatures below 180 K, negative differential resistance (NDR) regions displaying Z‐shaped bistability were observed. The appearance of these NDRs is attributed to resonant tunneling of holes via the lowest light‐hole subband in the QW and electrons via the second quasi‐bound level in the conduction band.
Construction of Cuprous Oxide Electrodes Composed of 2D Single‐Crystalline Dendritic Nanosheets
Authors: Jang Ho Seong , Kim Suk Jun , Choi Kyoung‐Shin
Published: September 2010

An unusual anisotropic growth of Cu2O is stabilized via the electrochemical synthesis of Cu2O in the presence of Ag+ ions, which results in the formation of Cu2O electrodes composed of 2D sheetlike crystals containing complex dendritic patterns. It is quite unusual for Cu2O to form a 2D morphology since it has a 3D isotropic cubic crystal structure where the a, b, and c axes are equivalent. Each Cu2O sheet is single‐crystalline in nature and is grown parallel to the {110} plane, which is rarely observed in Cu2O crystal shapes. A various set of experiments are performed to understand the role of Ag+ ions on the 2D growth of Cu2O. The results show that Ag+ ions are deposited as silver islands on already growing Cu2O crystals and serve as nucleation sites for the new growth of Cu2O crystals. As a result, the growth direction of the newly forming Cu2O crystals is governed by the diffusion layer structure created by the pre‐existing Cu2O crystals, which results in the formation of 2D dendritic patterns. The thin 2D crystal morphology can significantly increase the surface‐to‐volume ratio of Cu2O crystals, which is beneficial for enhancing various electrochemical and photoelectrochemical properties of the electrodes. The photoelectrochemical properties of the Cu2O electrodes composed of 2D dendritic crystals are investigated and compared to those of 3D dendritic crystals. This study provides a unique and effective route to maximize the {110} area per unit volume of Cu2O, which will be beneficial for any catalytic/sensing abilities that can be anisotropically enhanced by the {110} planes of Cu2O.
Functional Control of Transplantable Human ESC-Derived Neurons Via Optogenetic Targeting
Authors: Weick Jason P. , Johnson M. Austin , Skroch Steven P. , Williams Justin C. , Deisseroth Karl , Zhang Su-Chun
Published: September 2010

Current methods to examine and regulate the functional integration and plasticity of human ESC (hESC)-derived neurons are cumbersome and technically challenging. Here, we engineered hESCs and their derivatives to express the light-gated channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) protein to overcome these deficiencies. Optogenetic targeting of hESC-derived neurons with ChR2 linked to the mCherry fluorophore allowed reliable cell tracking as well as light-induced spiking at physiological frequencies. Optically induced excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents could be elicited in either ChR2+ or ChR2− neurons in vitro and in acute brain slices taken from transplanted severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Furthermore, we created a clonal hESC line that expresses ChR2-mCherry under the control of the synapsin-1 promoter. On neuronal differentiation, ChR2-mCherry expression was restricted to neurons and was stably expressed for at least 6 months, providing more predictable light-induced currents than transient infections. This pluripotent cell line will allow both in vitro and in vivo analysis of functional development as well as the integration capacity of neuronal populations for cell-replacement strategies.
Measuring oxidative DNA damage and DNA repair using the yeast comet assay
Authors: Azevedo Flávio , Marques Filipe , Fokt Hanna , Oliveira Rui , Johansson Björn
Published: September 2010

Chromosomal DNA damage can be a result of several processes and agents of endogenous or exogenous origin. These cause strand breaks or oxidized bases that lead to strand breaks, which relax the normally supercoiled genomic DNA and increase its electrophoretic mobility. The extent of DNA damage can be assessed by single cell gel electrophoresis, where the chromosomal DNA migration distance correlates with the extent of DNA damage. This technique has been used for a variety of applications with several organisms, but only a few studies have been reported for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A possible reason for this absence is that low cellular DNA content could hamper visualization. Here we report an optimization of the comet assay protocol for yeast cells that is robust and sensitive enough to reproducibly detect background DNA damage and oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide. DNA repair was observed and quantified as diminishing comet tail length with time after oxidative stress removal in a process well described by first‐order kinetics with a tail length half‐life of 11 min at 37 °C. This is, to our knowledge, the first quantitative measurement of DNA repair kinetics in S. cerevisiae by this method. We also show that diet antioxidants protect from DNA damage, as shown by a three‐fold decrease in comet tail length. The possibility of assessment of DNA damage and repair in individual cells applied to the model organism S. cerevisiae creates new perspectives for studying genotoxicity and DNA repair. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Limited Effect of Dietary Saturated Fat on Plasma Saturated Fat in the Context of a Low Carbohydrate Diet
Authors: Forsythe Cassandra E. , Phinney Stephen D. , Feinman Richard D. , Volk Brittanie M. , Freidenreich Daniel , Quann Erin , Ballard Kevin , Puglisi Michael J. , Maresh Carl M. , Kraemer William J. , Bibus Douglas M. , Fernandez Maria Luz , Volek Jeff S.
Published: September 2010

We recently showed that a hypocaloric carbohydrate restricted diet (CRD) had two striking effects: (1) a reduction in plasma saturated fatty acids (SFA) despite higher intake than a low fat diet, and (2) a decrease in inflammation despite a significant increase in arachidonic acid (ARA). Here we extend these findings in 8 weight stable men who were fed two 6‐week CRD (12%en carbohydrate) varying in quality of fat. One CRD emphasized SFA (CRD‐SFA, 86 g/d SFA) and the other, unsaturated fat (CRD‐UFA, 47 g SFA/d). All foods were provided to subjects. Both CRD decreased serum triacylglycerol (TAG) and insulin, and increased LDL‐C particle size. The CRD‐UFA significantly decreased plasma TAG SFA (27.48 ± 2.89 mol%) compared to baseline (31.06 ± 4.26 mol%). Plasma TAG SFA, however, remained unchanged in the CRD‐SFA (33.14 ± 3.49 mol%) despite a doubling in SFA intake. Both CRD significantly reduced plasma palmitoleic acid (16:1n‐7) indicating decreased de novo lipogenesis. CRD‐SFA significantly increased plasma phospholipid ARA content, while CRD‐UFA significantly increased EPA and DHA. Urine 8‐iso PGF2α, a free radical‐catalyzed product of ARA, was significantly lower than baseline following CRD‐UFA (−32%). There was a significant inverse correlation between changes in urine 8‐iso PGF2α and PL ARA on both CRD (r = −0.82 CRD‐SFA; r = −0.62 CRD‐UFA). These findings are consistent with the concept that dietary saturated fat is efficiently metabolized in the presence of low carbohydrate, and that a CRD results in better preservation of plasma ARA.
Insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia and reproductive disorders in infertile women
Authors: Sakumoto Tetsurou , Tokunaga Yoshimitu , Tanaka Hideaki , Nohara Makoto , Motegi Emi , Shinkawa Tadahiko , Nakaza Aritoshi , Higashi Masahiro
Published: September 2010

Obesity, which disturbs lipid and glucose metabolism, is a recent medical concern. It threatens human health and also has adverse effects on reproductive functions by causing insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). For PCOS patients to prevent these adverse effects, it is important to take into account improving their lifestyles by exercise and proper diets. The relationship between insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia and reproductive disorders should be understood as fully as possible in order to provide effective treatment. It is well known that insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia can be triggered by obesity with visceral fat accumulation. Hyperinsulinemia affects granulosa cells in small follicles and theca cells. This condition induces early response to luteinizing hormones on granulosa cells of small follicles and causes premature differentiation of these cells, which eventually results in anovulation. For improvement of anovulation because of hyperinsulinemia, insulin‐sensitizing agents (biguanide and thiazolidinedione derivatives) are useful. Hyperinsulinemia may adversely affect the endometrial functions and environment, and evoke implantation disturbance. Treatment with an insulin‐sensitizing agent (metformin) improves the levels of glycodelin, insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 1, and blood flow in spiral arteries during the peri‐implantation period. It supports endometrial function, improves the endometrial environment, and facilitates embryo implantation. The rate of early pregnancy loss during the first trimester is 30–50% in women with PCOS, which is threefold higher than for normal women. Metformin treatment improves the levels of insulin, the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, and plasminogen activator inhibitor activity, and decreases early pregnancy loss. It goes without saying that lifestyle change is fundamental for improving reproductive performance in addition to treatment with insulin‐sensitizing agents.
Basic bio-ecological parameters of the invasive Red Palm Weevil,Rhynchophorus ferrugineus(Coleoptera: Curculionidae), inPhoenix canariensisunder Mediterranean climate
Authors: Dembilio Ó. , Jacas J.A.
Published: September 2010

The invasive red palm weevil,Rhynchophorus ferrugineusOlivier (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), is one of the most destructive pests of palms in the world. Since its detection in the Mediterranean Basin, the ornamentalPhoenix canariensisHort. ex Chabaud has become its main host. This study was aimed at determining the life cycle ofR. ferrugineusin liveP. canariensispalms. Egg lethal temperature threshold and thermal constant were determined in the laboratory and resulted in 13.1°C and 40.4 degree days (DD), respectively. A semi field assay was carried out in a mesh enclosure where livingP. canariensispalms were artificially infested with neonate larvae at one-month intervals from June 2008 to May 2009 under natural conditions. Infested palms were dissected at different time intervals. Maximum mortality rates forR. ferrugineuswere observed for palms infested either in December or January (100%), whereas those infested from April through September showed maximum survival rates. Mean monthly temperatures below 10.3°C were lethal for neonate larvae, as 4.5°C were for older immature stages. All recovered larvae could be classed according to one of 13 instars. A thermal constant of 666.5 DD was estimated for complete larval development. Pupal develoment required an additional 282.5 DD. Based on these results and on the temperatures from 46 climatic stations selected in the Iberian Peninsula, less than one generation per year can be expected in areas with mean annual temperature below 15°C and more than two where mean annual temperature is above 19°C.
Distribution and dynamics of Bemisia tabaci invasive biotypes in central China
Authors: Rao Q. , Luo C. , Zhang H. , Guo X. , Devine G.J.
Published: September 2010

The tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), causes severe crop losses in many agricultural systems. The worst of these losses are often associated with the invasion and establishment of specific whitefly biotypes. In a comprehensive survey of biotypes present in central China between 2005 and 2007, we obtained 191 samples of B. tabaci from 19 districts in Hubei province and its surrounds. Biotypes were identified by RAPD-PCR and by sequencing the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCO1). We determined that these central Chinese haplotypes included the world's two most invasive B. tabaci biotypes (B and Q) and two indigenous biotypes (ZHJ1 and ZHJ3). The B biotype shared >99.7% identity with other Chinese B biotypes and the Q biotype shared >99.5% of its identity with Q samples from the Mediterranean, USA, Africa and East Asia. By 2007, the Q biotype was dominant over much of Hubei province and appeared to be supplanting all other biotypes, although both the invasive and indigenous biotypes existed in sympatry in some regions. The invasion and rapid establishment of the Q biotype in China mirrors events elsewhere in the world, and we suggest that this is a consequence of its reproductive isolation, its polyphagous nature and its broad-spectrum resistance to insecticides. Its dominance has severe implications for the sustainability of some insecticide groups and for the production of a number of crops.
Ottoman State Finances in European Perspective, 1500–1914
Authors: Karaman K. Kivanç , Pamuk Şevket
Published: September 2010

The early modern era witnessed the formation across Europe of centralized states that captured increasing shares of resources as taxes. These states not only enjoyed greater capacity to deal with domestic and external challenges, they were also able to shield their economies better against wars. This article examines the Ottoman experience with fiscal centralization using recently compiled evidence from budgets. It shows that due to high shares of intermediaries, Ottoman revenues lagged behind those of other states in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Ottomans responded to military defeats, however, and achieved significant increases in central revenues during the nineteenth century.
Lift on a sphere moving near a wall in a parabolic flow
Authors: YAHIAOUI SAMIR , FEUILLEBOIS FRANÇOIS
Published: September 2010

The lift on a solid sphere moving along a wall in a parabolic shear flow is obtained as a regular perturbation problem for low Reynolds number when the sphere is in the inner region of expansion. Comprehensive results are given for the 10 terms of the lift, which involve the sphere translation and rotation, the linear and quadratic parts of the shear flow and all binary couplings. Based on very accurate earlier results of a creeping flow in bispherical coordinates, precise results for these lift terms are obtained for a large range of sphere-to-wall distances, including the lubrication region for sphere-to-wall gaps down to 0.01 of a sphere radius. Fitting formulae are also provided in view of applications. The migration velocity of an inertialess spherical particle is given explicitly, for a non-rotating sphere with a prescribed translation velocity and for a freely moving sphere in a parabolic shear flow. Values of the lift and migration velocity are in good agreement with earlier results whenever available.
Rostellar hook morphology of larval Echinococcus granulosus isolates from the Indian buffalo and Iranian sheep, cattle and camel
Authors: Gholami S. , Irshadullah M. , Mobedi I.
Published: September 2010

Isolates of Echinococcus granulosus from the Indian buffalo and Iranian sheep, cattle and camels were characterized on the basis of rostellar hook morphology of the protoscolices. Results obtained indicated phenotypic polymorphism among parasites isolated from different host species. Isolates from buffalo are morphologically quite different from those of the more common sheep and cattle isolates and may represent a different strain, adapted to buffalo. In the Sari region of northern Iran, two morphologically distinct forms of E. granulosus, one in sheep and one in camels, were identified. Total length and handle length of both large and small hooks were considered the most variable characteristics which could be used not only for differentiating parasite isolates from different host species but also the origin of infection in the definitive host. We therefore suggest that larval hook morphology may be considered as a valid criterion for the identification of E. granulosus strains in Iran.
Geographical association between livestock density and human Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 infections
Authors: FRIESEMA I. H. M. , VAN DE KASSTEELE J. , DE JAGER C. M. , HEUVELINK A. E. , VAN PELT W.
Published: September 2010

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) bacteria can cause outbreaks and sporadic cases of gastroenteritis in humans. Ruminants are seen as the main reservoir. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial association between reported human STEC O157 infections in The Netherlands and different livestock densities. Data were collected at the municipality level and a spatial regression analysis was performed. Between April 1999 and December 2008, 409 symptomatic sporadic cases were registered. Adding an interaction term between season, age, and livestock density showed an increased risk of STEC cases in summer for living in areas with cattle, in particular for young children. In conclusion, cattle, but not pigs or poultry, are indicated as an important source for human STEC O157 infections in rural areas. The association is probably due to direct or indirect contact with cattle, resulting in symptomatic infections, especially in young children.
Large fault fabric of the Ninetyeast Ridge implies near‐spreading ridge formation
Authors: Sager W. W. , Paul C. F. , Krishna K. S. , Pringle M. , Eisin A. E. , Frey F. A. , Gopala Rao D. , Levchenko O.
Published: September 2010

Ninetyeast Ridge (NER) is a linear volcanic ridge in the Indian Ocean thought to have formed by hotspot volcanism on the northward‐drifting Indian plate. Geological data from the ridge are sparse, so its tectonic evolution is poorly known. We studied satellite‐derived gravity data, seismic reflection profiles, and multibeam bathymetry to examine NER structure. Gravity data show that the ridge displays a series of nearly E‐W trending lineations with average spacing ∼0.4° (45 km). In seismic and bathymetry data, these lineations correlate with horsts and grabens that probably formed near the time of ridge emplacement. From their extensional nature and trends, we infer that these faulted structures formed near the spreading ridge that separated the Indian and Antarctic plates and their ubiquity implies the hotspot was never far from this spreading ridge.
Dense fibrillar collagen matrices for tissue repair
Authors: Giraud Guille Marie Madeleine , Helary Christophe , Vigier Sylvain , Nassif Nadine
Published: September 2010

Dense fibrillar collagen matrices (A) offer a range of simple, non-toxic, tissue-like materials. Colonization by cells (B) or association with a mineral phase validates their use as materials for regenerative medicine.
Neuroadipology: A novel component of neuroendocrinology
Authors: Chaldakov George N. , Fiore Marco , Tonchev Anton B. , Aloe Luigi
Published: September 2010

Adipose tissue is a dynamic endocrine and paracrine organ producing a large number of signalling proteins collectively termed adipokines. Some of them are mediators in the cross‐talk between adipose tissue and the brain in regulating food intake and energy homoeostasis. However, the hypothalamus is not the only brain target for adipokines, and food intake is not the only biological effect of these signals. Rather, some adipokines support various cognitive functions and exert neurotrophic activity. Current data on adipose‐derived neuropeptides, neurotrophic factors, pituitary hormones and hypothalamic releasing factors is highlighted in this review. We propose that adipose tissue is a member of the diffuse neuroendocrine system. Cumulatively, this is conceptualized as neuroadipology, a new example of a link between neurobiology and other topics, such as neuroimmunology and neuroendocrinology. Because adipose tissue is a bona fide endocrine organ, neuroadipology may be considered a new discipline in neuroendocrinology. It may have a wide‐ranging potential within a variety of neuronal and metabolic functions in health and disease.
Corepressor for element-1–silencing transcription factor preferentially mediates gene networks underlying neural stem cell fate decisions
Authors: Abrajano Joseph J. , Qureshi Irfan A. , Gokhan Solen , Molero Aldrin E. , Zheng Deyou , Bergman Aviv , Mehler Mark F.
Published: September 2010

The repressor element-1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF) silences neuronal genes in neural stem cells (NSCs) and nonneuronal cells through its role as a dynamic modular platform for recruitment of transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory cofactors to RE1-containing promoters. In embryonic stem cells, the REST regulatory network is highly integrated with the transcriptional circuitry governing self-renewal and pluripotency, although its exact functional role is unclear. The C-terminal cofactor for REST, CoREST, also acts as a modular scaffold, but its cell type-specific roles have not been elucidated. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip to examine CoREST and REST binding sites in NSCs and their proximate progenitor species. In NSCs, we identified a larger number of CoREST (1,820) compared with REST (322) target genes. The majority of these CoREST targets do not contain known RE1 motifs. Notably, these CoREST target genes do play important roles in pluripotency networks, in modulating NSC identity and fate decisions and in epigenetic processes previously associated with both REST and CoREST. Moreover, we found that NSC-mediated developmental transitions were associated primarily with liberation of CoREST from promoters with transcriptional repression favored in less lineage-restricted radial glia and transcriptional activation favored in more lineage-restricted neuronal-oligodendrocyte precursors. Clonal NSC REST and CoREST gene manipulation paradigms further revealed that CoREST has largely independent and previously uncharacterized roles in promoting NSC multilineage potential and modulating early neural fate decisions.
Human mucosal in vivo transcriptome responses to three lactobacilli indicate how probiotics may modulate human cellular pathways
Authors: van Baarlen Peter , Troost Freddy , van der Meer Cindy , Hooiveld Guido , Boekschoten Mark , Brummer Robert J. M. , Kleerebezem Michiel
Published: September 2010

Probiotic bacteria, specific representatives of bacterial species that are a common part of the human microbiota, are proposed to deliver health benefits to the consumer by modulation of intestinal function through largely unknown molecular mechanisms. To explore in vivo mucosal responses of healthy adults to probiotics, we obtained transcriptomes in an intervention study after a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over design. In the mucosa of the proximal small intestine of healthy volunteers, probiotic strains from the species
Lactobacillus acidophilus
,
L. casei
, and
L. rhamnosus
each induced differential gene-regulatory networks and pathways in the human mucosa. Comprehensive analyses revealed that these transcriptional networks regulate major basal mucosal processes and uncovered remarkable similarity to response profiles obtained for specific bioactive molecules and drugs. This study elucidates how intestinal mucosa of healthy humans perceives different probiotics and provides avenues for rationally designed tests of clinical applications.
Essential role of
c-myb
in definitive hematopoiesis is evolutionarily conserved
Authors: Soza-Ried Cristian , Hess Isabell , Netuschil Nikolai , Schorpp Michael , Boehm Thomas
Published: September 2010

The transcription factor c-myb has emerged as one of the key regulators of vertebrate hematopoiesis. In mice, it is dispensable for primitive stages of blood cell development but essentially required for definitive hematopoiesis. Using a conditional knock-out strategy, recent studies have indicated that
c-myb
is required for self-renewal of mouse hematopoietic stem cells. Here, we describe and characterize the
c-myb
mutant in a lower vertebrate, the zebrafish
Danio rerio
. The recessive loss-of-function allele of
c-myb
(
c-myb
t25127
) was identified in a collection of
N
-ethyl-
N
-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced mutants exhibiting a failure of thymopoiesis. The sequence of the mutant allele predicts a missense mutation (I181N) in the middle of the DNA recognition helix of repeat 3 of the highly conserved DNA binding domain. In keeping with the findings in the mouse, primitive hematopoiesis is not affected in the
c-myb
mutant fish. By contrast, definitive hematopoiesis fails, resulting in the loss of all blood cells by day 20 of development. Thus, the mutant fish lack lymphocytes and other white and red blood cells; nonetheless, they survive for 2–3 mo but show stunted growth. Because the mutant fish survive into early adulthood, it was possible to directly show that their definitive hematopoiesis is permanently extinguished. Our results, therefore, suggest that the key role of
c-myb
in definitive hematopoiesis is similar to that in mammals and must have become established early in vertebrate evolution.
RETRACTED: Selective cell death mediated by small conditional RNAs
Authors: Venkataraman Suvir , Dirks Robert M. , Ueda Christine T. , Pierce Niles A.
Published: September 2010

Cancer cells are characterized by genetic mutations that deregulate cell proliferation and suppress cell death. To arrest the uncontrolled replication of malignant cells, conventional chemotherapies systemically disrupt cell division, causing diverse and often severe side effects as a result of collateral damage to normal cells. Seeking to address this shortcoming, we pursue therapeutic regulation that is conditional, activating selectively in cancer cells. This functionality is achieved using small conditional RNAs that interact and change conformation to mechanically transduce between detection of a cancer mutation and activation of a therapeutic pathway. Here, we describe small conditional RNAs that undergo hybridization chain reactions (HCR) to induce cell death via an innate immune response if and only if a cognate mRNA cancer marker is detected within a cell. The sequences of the small conditional RNAs can be designed to accept different mRNA markers as inputs to HCR transduction, providing a programmable framework for selective killing of diverse cancer cells. In cultured human cancer cells (glioblastoma, prostate carcinoma, Ewing’s sarcoma), HCR transduction mediates cell death with striking efficacy and selectivity, yielding a 20- to 100-fold reduction in population for cells containing a cognate marker, and no measurable reduction otherwise. Our results indicate that programmable mechanical transduction with small conditional RNAs represents a fundamental principle for exploring therapeutic conditional regulation in living cells.
Mónica Bettencourt-Dias: Centered on centrioles
Authors: Short Ben
Published: September 2010

Bettencourt-Dias studies the structures underlying both cilia and the mitotic spindle.
Dynamic plasticity of large-scale chromatin structure revealed by self-assembly of engineered chromosome regions
Authors: Sinclair Paul , Bian Qian , Plutz Matt , Heard Edith , Belmont Andrew S.
Published: September 2010

Interphase chromatin compaction well above the 30-nm fiber is well documented, but the structural motifs underlying this level of chromatin folding remain unknown. Taking a reductionist approach, we analyzed in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and ES-derived fibroblasts and erythroblasts the folding of 10–160-megabase pair engineered chromosome regions consisting of tandem repeats of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) containing ∼200 kilobases of mammalian genomic DNA tagged with lac operator (LacO) arrays. Unexpectedly, linear mitotic and interphase chromatid regions formed from noncontiguously folded DNA topologies. Particularly, in ES cells, these model chromosome regions self-organized with distant sequences segregating into functionally distinct, compact domains. Transcriptionally active and histone H3K27me3-modified regions positioned toward the engineered chromosome subterritory exterior, with LacO repeats and the BAC vector backbone localizing within an H3K9me3, HP1-enriched core. Differential compaction of Dhfr and α- and β-globin transgenes was superimposed on dramatic, lineage-specific reorganization of large-scale chromatin folding, demonstrating a surprising plasticity of large-scale chromatin organization.
The MIS12 complex is a protein interaction hub for outer kinetochore assembly
Authors: Petrovic Arsen , Pasqualato Sebastiano , Dube Prakash , Krenn Veronica , Santaguida Stefano , Cittaro Davide , Monzani Silvia , Massimiliano Lucia , Keller Jenny , Tarricone Aldo , Maiolica Alessio , Stark Holger , Musacchio Andrea
Published: September 2010

Kinetochores are nucleoprotein assemblies responsible for the attachment of chromosomes to spindle microtubules during mitosis. The KMN network, a crucial constituent of the outer kinetochore, creates an interface that connects microtubules to centromeric chromatin. The NDC80, MIS12, and KNL1 complexes form the core of the KMN network. We recently reported the structural organization of the human NDC80 complex. In this study, we extend our analysis to the human MIS12 complex and show that it has an elongated structure with a long axis of ∼22 nm. Through biochemical analysis, cross-linking–based methods, and negative-stain electron microscopy, we investigated the reciprocal organization of the subunits of the MIS12 complex and their contacts with the rest of the KMN network. A highlight of our findings is the identification of the NSL1 subunit as a scaffold supporting interactions of the MIS12 complex with the NDC80 and KNL1 complexes. Our analysis has important implications for understanding kinetochore organization in different organisms.
Protein homeostasis and aging in neurodegeneration
Authors: Douglas Peter M. , Dillin Andrew
Published: September 2010

Genetic and environmental factors responsible for numerous neurodegenerative diseases vary between disorders, yet age remains a universal risk factor. Age-associated decline in protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, enables disease-linked proteins to adopt aberrant tertiary structures, accumulate as higher-ordered aggregates, and cause a myriad of cellular dysfunctions and neuronal death. However, recent findings suggest that the assembly of disease proteins into tightly ordered aggregates can significantly delay proteotoxic onset. Furthermore, manipulation of metabolic pathways through key signaling components extends lifespan, bolsters proteostasis networks, and delays the onset of proteotoxicity. Thus, understanding the relationship between proteostasis and aging has provided important insights into neurodegeneration.
Formation of a Bazooka–Stardust complex is essential for plasma membrane polarity in epithelia
Authors: Krahn Michael P. , Bückers Johanna , Kastrup Lars , Wodarz Andreas
Published: September 2010

Apical–basal polarity in Drosophila melanogaster epithelia depends on several evolutionarily conserved proteins that have been assigned to two distinct protein complexes: the Bazooka (Baz)–PAR-6 (partitioning defective 6)–atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) complex and the Crumbs (Crb)–Stardust (Sdt) complex. These proteins operate in a functional hierarchy, in which Baz is required for the proper subcellular localization of all other proteins. We investigated how these proteins interact and how this interaction is regulated. We show that Baz recruits Sdt to the plasma membrane by direct interaction between the Postsynaptic density 95/Discs large/Zonula occludens 1 (PDZ) domain of Sdt and a region of Baz that contains a phosphorylation site for aPKC. Phosphorylation of Baz causes the dissociation of the Baz–Sdt complex. Overexpression of a nonphosphorylatable version of Baz blocks the dissociation of Sdt from Baz, causing phenotypes very similar to those of crb and sdt mutations. Our findings provide a molecular mechanism for the phosphorylation-dependent interaction between the Baz–PAR-3 and Crb complexes during the establishment of epithelial polarity.
Enhanced intelligent driver model to access the impact of driving strategies on traffic capacity
Authors: Kesting Arne , Treiber Martin , Helbing Dirk
Published: September 2010

With an increasing number of vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control (ACC), the impact of such vehicles on the collective dynamics of traffic flow becomes relevant. By means of simulation, we investigate the influence of variable percentages of ACC vehicles on traffic flow characteristics. For simulating the ACC vehicles, we propose a new car-following model that also serves as the basis of an ACC implementation in real cars. The model is based on the intelligent driver model (IDM) and inherits its intuitive behavioural parameters: desired velocity, acceleration, comfortable deceleration and desired minimum time headway. It eliminates, however, the sometimes unrealistic behaviour of the IDM in cut-in situations with ensuing small gaps that regularly are caused by lane changes of other vehicles in dense or congested traffic. We simulate the influence of different ACC strategies on the maximum capacity before breakdown and the (dynamic) bottleneck capacity after breakdown. With a suitable strategy, we find sensitivities of the order of 0.3, i.e. 1 per cent more ACC vehicles will lead to an increase in the capacities by about 0.3 per cent. This sensitivity multiplies when considering travel times at actual breakdowns.
Autonomous driving in urban environments: approaches, lessons and challenges
Authors: Campbell Mark , Egerstedt Magnus , How Jonathan P. , Murray Richard M.
Published: September 2010

The development of autonomous vehicles for urban driving has seen rapid progress in the past 30 years. This paper provides a summary of the current state of the art in autonomous driving in urban environments, based primarily on the experiences of the authors in the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge (DUC). The paper briefly summarizes the approaches that different teams used in the DUC, with the goal of describing some of the challenges that the teams faced in driving in urban environments. The paper also highlights the long-term research challenges that must be overcome in order to enable autonomous driving and points to opportunities for new technologies to be applied in improving vehicle safety, exploiting intelligent road infrastructure and enabling robotic vehicles operating in human environments.
A mechanism to describe the formation and propagation of stop-and-go waves in congested freeway traffic
Authors: Laval Jorge A. , Leclercq Ludovic
Published: September 2010

This paper introduces a parsimonious theory for congested freeway traffic that describes the spontaneous appearance of oscillations and their ensuing transformation into stop-and-go waves. Based upon the analysis of detailed vehicle-trajectory data, we conclude that timid and aggressive driver behaviours are the cause for this transformation. We find that stop-and-go waves arise independently of the details of these behaviours. Analytical and simulation results are presented.
Active traffic management on road networks: a macroscopic approach
Authors: Kurzhanskiy Alex A. , Varaiya Pravin
Published: September 2010

Active traffic management (ATM) is the ability to dynamically manage recurrent and non-recurrent congestion based on prevailing traffic conditions in order to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of road networks. It is a continuous process of (i) obtaining and analysing traffic measurement data, (ii) operations planning, i.e. simulating various scenarios and control strategies, (iii) implementing the most promising control strategies in the field, and (iv) maintaining a real-time decision support system that filters current traffic measurements to predict the traffic state in the near future, and to suggest the best available control strategy for the predicted situation. ATM relies on a fast and trusted traffic simulator for the rapid quantitative assessment of a large number of control strategies for the road network under various scenarios, in a matter of minutes. The open-source macrosimulation tool A
urora
R
OAD
N
ETWORK
M
ODELER
is a good candidate for this purpose. The paper describes the underlying dynamical traffic model and what it takes to prepare the model for simulation; covers the traffic performance measures and evaluation of scenarios as part of operations planning; introduces the framework within which the control strategies are modelled and evaluated; and presents the algorithm for real-time traffic state estimation and short-term prediction.
Flowering phenology, fruiting success and progressive deterioration of pollination in an early-flowering geophyte
Authors: Thomson James D.
Published: September 2010

Spatio-temporal patterns of snowmelt and flowering times affect fruiting success in
Erythronium grandiflorum
Pursh (Liliaceae) in subalpine western Colorado, USA. From 1990 to 1995, I measured the consistency across years of snowmelt patterns and flowering times along a permanent transect. In most years since 1993, I have monitored fruit set in temporal cohorts (early- to late-flowering groups of plants) at one site. To assess ‘pollination limitation’, I have also conducted supplemental hand-pollination experiments at various times through the blooming season. The onset of blooming is determined by snowmelt, with the earliest years starting a month before the latest years owing to variation in winter snowpack accumulation. Fruit set is diminished or prevented entirely by killing frosts in some years, most frequently but not exclusively for the earlier cohorts. When frosts do not limit fruit set, pollination limitation is frequent, especially in the earlier cohorts. Pollination limitation is strongest for middle cohorts: it tends to be negated by frost in early cohorts and ameliorated by continuing emergence of bumble-bee queens in later cohorts. This lily appears to be poorly synchronized with its pollinators. Across the years of the study, pollination limitation appears to be increasing, perhaps because the synchronization is getting worse.
Phenological asynchrony between herbivorous insects and their hosts: signal of climate change or pre-existing adaptive strategy?
Authors: Singer Michael C. , Parmesan Camille
Published: September 2010

Climate change alters phenological relations between interacting species. We might expect the historical baseline, or starting-point, for such effects to be precise synchrony between the season at which a consumer most requires food and the time when its resources are most available. We synthesize evidence that synchrony was not the historical condition in two insect–plant interactions involving Edith's checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha), the winter moth (Operophtera brumata) and their host plants. Initial observations of phenological mismatch in both systems were made prior to the onset of anthropogenically driven climate change. Neither species can detect the phenology of its host plants with precision. In both species, evolution of life history has involved compromise between maximizing fecundity and minimizing mortality, with the outcome being superficially maladaptive strategies in which many, or even most, individuals die of starvation through poor synchrony with their host plants. Where phenological asynchrony or mismatch with resources forms the starting point for effects of anthropogenic global warming, consumers are particularly vulnerable to impacts that exacerbate the mismatch. This vulnerability likely contributed to extinction of a well-studied metapopulation of Edith's checkerspot, and to the skewed geographical pattern of population extinctions underlying a northward and upward range shift in this species.