《Nature》目录要览：2009-11-12出版
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《Nature》目录要览：2009-11-12出版
封面故事：GFP发光过程中几何构形变化的实时观测
Mapping GFP structure evolution during proton transfer with femtosecond Raman spectroscopy
GFP（来自水母的绿色荧光蛋白）因其高效生物发光性能而在生命科学中被广泛用作一种基因表达标记。人们对产生这种生物光的激发态质子转移在原子层面上的详细情况仍然没有完全了解。Fang等人利用GFP生色团的飞秒受激拉曼光谱获取了具有时间分辨率的详细振动光谱，该光谱显示了一个低频骨架振动是怎样使该蛋白在构形上为关键的质子转移过程做好准备的。除了为分析一个在无数生物研究中居中心地位的反应提供线索外，这种在一个多维化学反应过程中对某一分子的结构变化进行实时观测的方法，在确定反应机制中应具有广泛应用。本期封面所示为帮助光激发GFP生色团找到转移该蛋白内一个质子所需几何构形、从而使其发出明亮荧光的振动。（Letter p. 200）
识别已知药物潜在“脱靶”效应的一个新策略（New targets for old drugs）
Predicting new molecular targets for known drugs
大多数药物都是旨在对某一个蛋白目标具有选择性，但它们通常也会与几个其他目标结合。一些“脱靶”事件会诱导产生具有不同严重程度的副作用，尽管这类事件中有些还可能是一种药物发挥药效所必需的。本期Nature报告了识别已知药物潜在“脱靶”效应的一个新策略。研究人员对3,665种经FDA批准用于研究工作的药物的结构进行了计算筛选，筛选所针对的是数百种蛋白目标，它们是按与其结合的配体定义的。根据这些药物与各组配体之间在化学上的相似性，研究人员预测出数以千计的“脱靶”关联，其中有些在药理化验分析中得到证实。这种方法也许可帮助预测和解释已知药物及候选药物的副作用，并且还有可能因此而发现以前已被批准用于人体的药物的新的临床应用。（Article p. 175; News & Views）
一种能够定位NOTCH的分子（Turning down a NOTCH）
Direct inhibition of the NOTCH transcription factor complex
人们对NOTCH复合物有极大兴趣，这是由于它作为基因转录的一个主要发育调控因子、γ-分泌酶的一个基质和在包括T-细胞白血病在内的很多癌症中被不适当激发的一个致癌基因等等所起的作用。同大多数转录因子一样，NOTCH过去也被认为是不能用可透过细胞的合成分子来定位的。但是现在，一个很有希望的NOTCH拮抗分子已被设计出来，并被发现在一个小鼠模型中能够有效抑制白血病的发展。由烃类组成的肽SAHM1通过阻止活性转录复合物的形成来发挥作用，为研究NOTCH的作用提供一个有潜在价值的工具，同时也为治疗药物提供一个起点。另外，转录激活复合物的直接定位也许还适用于以前被认为不可定位的几个其他转录因子复合物。（Article p. 182; News & Views）
太阳表面锂含量为什么较低（In search of solar lithium）
Enhanced lithium depletion in Sun-like stars with orbiting planets
在年龄、质量和组成上与太阳相似的恒星锂丰度相差很大，这一点难以解释。太阳本身的表面锂丰度比原始太阳系的值要小140倍，然而太阳表面对流区被认为不会延伸到其内部远至锂的温度高到足以让锂燃烧的区域。现在，对与太阳相似的、有或没有已发现行星的恒星所做的一次新的调查表明，行星可能是了解太阳锂含量低的关键。有行星的恒星，其锂丰度不到原始丰度的1%，而没有已发现行星的恒星，其锂丰度范围要大一些，它们当中一半的恒星锂丰度约为其原始丰度的10%。 原始行星的存在可能增强了恒星盘中的混合作用，这样锂便能到达恒星内部温度高到足以毁掉它的区域。（Letter p. 189; News & Views）
石墨烯中观测到分数量子霍尔效应（Graphene in partial charge）
Fractional quantum Hall effect and insulating phase of Dirac electrons in grapheme / Observation of the fractional quantum Hall effect in graphene
分数量子霍尔效应，是与束缚在二维体系中、受一个强磁场影响的强相互作用电荷载流子相关的集体行为的一种典型表现。据预测，存在于石墨烯（碳的一个原子层，可被看作是“完美”的二维体系）中的电荷载流子受强相互作用影响。然而，此前该现象一直难以在实验中观测到：在本期Nature上，两个小组报告了在一个“两端点”测量设置中、在石墨烯悬浮层中探测到的分数量子霍尔效应。研究人员还在低载流子密度下观测到一个由磁场诱导的绝缘态，该状态与量子霍尔效应竞争，并将它的观测仅限于最高质量的样品。这些结果为研究石墨烯中狄拉克费米子的丰富集体行为铺平了道路。（Letters pp. 192, 196; News & Views）
地球早期海洋温度可能并不很高（A cooler Archean ocean）
Oxygen and hydrogen isotope evidence for a temperate climate 3.42 billion years ago
人们普遍认为，距今约35亿年前的太古代气候非常热，海洋温度也许高达80 ºC。这一观点受到质疑，理由是（根据沉积层中氧同位素比例）估计古代海洋温度的成熟方法存在相当大的不确定性。Michael Hren等人采用一种不同的方法来估计海洋温度，他们依据的是对来自南非、距今已有34亿年的Buck Reef Chert的氧和氢同位素所做分析。所取样的同位素分析结果表明，海水温度不超过40 ºC，说明地球早期海洋温度也许要比以前所认为的低很多。（Letter p. 205）
转录因子FOXP2在人类与黑猩猩之间的差别（The human factor）
Human-specific transcriptional regulation of CNS development genes by FOXP2
转录因子FOXP2是迄今惟一被与人类语言关联在一起的基因，然而它与黑猩猩的相应基因差别非常小。新的实验显示了FOXP2的下游转录目标的激发在人类与在黑猩猩之间的差别，这些差别源自FOXP2的两种形式之间在两个氨基酸上的差别。受FOXP2的每个版本影响的不同基因网络相互作用，也反映在黑猩猩与人类所表现出的非重叠脑表达模式上。这些数据为以下观点提供了支持：FOXP2在人类这个分支上的演化变化对人类脑发育和中枢神经系统疾病有直接后果，并且在人类语言回路的发育中也可能起一个关键作用。（Letter p. 213; News & Views）
形成生殖细胞的新途径（A new route to germ cells）
Human DAZL, DAZ and BOULE genes modulate primordial germ-cell and haploid gamete formation
生殖细胞（卵母细胞和精子）的发育缺陷是造成男性和女性不育症的一个主要原因。几项研究都表明，生殖细胞可从小鼠及人类胚胎干细胞分化出来，但以这种方式产生的人类生殖细胞的发育一般都不能超过最早阶段，不能进入减数分裂。现在，来自斯坦福大学干细胞生物学和再生医学研究所的一个研究小组培育出这样一个体系，在该体系中，原始生殖细胞从人类男性和女性胚胎干细胞都可形成。通过使生殖细胞特异性基因沉默和过度表达，可对人类生殖细胞的形成和发育进程进行调控。具体来说，人类DAZL基因（与不育症有关）被发现在原始生殖细胞形成中发挥功能，在该过程中两个密切相关的家族成员DAZ 和BOULE调节单倍体男性配子减数分裂和发育的后期阶段。这个体系可被用来研究生殖细胞缺陷及通过治疗手段纠正它们的潜力。（Letter p. 222）
M-细胞在免疫反应中的作用（M cells in immunity）
Uptake through glycoprotein 2 of FimH+ bacteria by M cells initiates mucosal immune response
粘膜免疫系统在保护粘膜表面不受病原体侵害、在促进与共生微生物群落共生中都起主要作用。要激发粘膜免疫反应，粘膜表面上的抗原必须首先穿过不可透过的上皮障碍，进入“派伊尔小结”这样的淋巴结构。这一功能（被称为“转胞吞作用”）被认为主要由M-细胞调控，它们是“派伊尔小结”中专门的上皮细胞。对由M-细胞调控的抗原“转胞吞作用”的机制所做的一项研究表明，在小肠M-细胞顶面表达的糖蛋白-2是表达FimH抗原的细菌的转胞吞受体。由于M-细胞被认为是各种口服免疫药物的一个很有希望的目标，所以这项工作表明，依赖于糖蛋白-2的“转胞吞作用”是一个可能的免疫目标。（Letter p. 226）
整合素的乙酰化及其作用（Cohesin acetylation）
Cohesin acetylation speeds the replication fork
整合素环在细胞分裂过程中围绕着姐妹DNA分子对，使它们能够正确分开。这些环抑制转录细胞器的进程，但并不阻止复制细胞器在细胞周期的S-阶段复制基因组。现在，单分子分析表明，一个复制复合物（被称为复制因子C–CTF18 clamp loader）使整合素乙酰化，从而减低整合素与调控因子的关联，推动复制叉的进程。乙酰化的失去（如在罗伯茨综合征患者的细胞中所观察到的那样），会造成叉进程的缺陷及DNA损伤的积累。（Letter p. 231）
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EDITORIALS
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Containing risk p137
The ad-hoc proliferation of high-security biological labs must be
controlled, and should be tied in more closely to broader research
and public-health goals.
doi:10.1038/462137a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462137a.html
No turning back pp137-138
Spain should not use the recession as an excuse to stall plans to
boost its scientific enterprise.
doi:10.1038/462137b
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462137b.html
A healthy get together p138
The recently launched World Health Summit offers a rare chance for dialogue.
doi:10.1038/462138a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462138a.html
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RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
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Gene therapy: Nerve repair p140
doi:10.1038/462140a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462140a.html
Climate science: Volcano chills p140
doi:10.1038/462140b
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462140b.html
Longevity: Sweet food, short life p140
doi:10.1038/462140c
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462140c.html
Climate change: Kilimanjaro's loss p140
doi:10.1038/462140d
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462140d.html
Neuroscience: Early stress marks genes p140
doi:10.1038/462140e
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462140e.html
Astronomy: Galaxies far, far away pp140-141
doi:10.1038/462140f
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462140f.html
Biophysics: DNA stop and go p141
doi:10.1038/462141a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462141a.html
Atmospheric science: Industrial UV shield p141
doi:10.1038/462141b
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462141b.html
Nanoscience: Release the goods p141
doi:10.1038/462141c
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462141c.html
Genomics: Sequencing costs drop p141
doi:10.1038/462141d
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462141d.html
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JOURNAL CLUB
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Journal club p141
Robert Blelloch
doi:10.1038/462141e
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462141e.html
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NEWS
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News briefing: 12 November 2009 pp142-143
The week in science
doi:10.1038/462142a
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091111/full/462142a.html
End of the road for Copenhagen? pp144-145
Expectations are dropping as December's UN climate talks get closer.
Jeff Tollefson
doi:10.1038/462144a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462144a.html
Wellcome Trust makes it personal in funding revamp pp145-145
People not projects are the focus of longer-term grants.
Natasha Gilbert
doi:10.1038/462145a
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091111/full/462145a.html
European biosafety labs set to grow pp146-147
Bioterrorism and emerging diseases spur building boom, although some
question the need for more facilities.
Declan Butler
doi:10.1038/462146a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462146a.html
Call to boost isotope supplies pp147-147
Two dedicated plants are needed to meet demand, committee says.
Eric Hand
doi:10.1038/462147a
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091111/full/462147a.html
China moves to help high-tech firms p149
David Cyranoski
doi:10.1038/462149a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462149a.html
Snapshot: Glider eavesdrops on whales p151
Probe tunes in to cetacean song.
Rex Dalton
doi:10.1038/462151a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462151a.html
Britain sets up defence advisory group pp151-151
Government seeks academic input on security issues.
Geoff Brumfiel
doi:10.1038/462151b
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091110/full/462151b.html
Report row ousts top Indian scientist pp152-152
Ruckus over call for reform at national science agency raises questions
about attracting expatriate talent.
K. S. Jayaraman
doi:10.1038/462152a
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091109/full/462152a.html
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CORRECTION
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Correction pp152-152
doi:10.1038/462152b
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091111/full/462152b.html
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NEWS FEATURE
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Swine flu: One killer virus, three key questions pp154-157
Nature visits the labs of researchers working to solve some of the
most perplexing puzzles of swine-flu behaviour.
Brendan Maher and Declan Butler
doi:10.1038/462154a
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091111/full/462154a.html
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CORRESPONDENCE
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OPINION
Weapons: the need to replace ageing and deteriorating stock p158
Jay Davis
doi:10.1038/462158a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462158a.html
Weapons: existing stockpile can be safely maintained p158
Gerald E. Marsh
doi:10.1038/462158b
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462158b.html
Many types of action are required to tackle climate change p158
Mike Hulme
doi:10.1038/462158c
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462158c.html
Decarbonization figures for India and China unconvincing pp158-159
Roger A. Pielke, Jr.
doi:10.1038/462158d
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462158d.html
No special cases in efforts to stop immigration fraud p159
Iain Scott
doi:10.1038/462159a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462159a.html
Emissions affected by trade among developing countries p159
Dabo Guan and David M. Reiner
doi:10.1038/462159b
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462159b.html
Phosphorus decline could be good for water supplies p159
Michael J. Castellano
doi:10.1038/462159c
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462159c.html
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OPINION
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Universities need a new social contract pp160-161
To reconcile solution-driven research and blue-skies thinking,
academic institutions urgently need innovative collaborations and
new funding models, says Indira V. Samarasekera.
Indira V. Samarasekera
doi:10.1038/462160a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462160a.html
Global Darwin: Revolutionary road pp162-163
In China, under the threat of Western imperialism, interpretations of
Darwin's ideas paved the way for Marx, Lenin and Mao, argues James Pusey
in the third in our series on reactions to evolutionary theory.
James Pusey
doi:10.1038/462162a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462162a.html
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BOOKS AND ARTS
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OPINION
Fun with nuclear reactors p164
Two books reveal the spirit of adventure behind the history of nuclear
technology, finds William J. Nuttall.
William J. Nuttall reviews Uranium Wars: The Scientific Rivalry that
Created the Nuclear Age by Amir Aczel
doi:10.1038/462164a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462164a.html
Valuing the digital economy p165
John Gilbey reviews Wired for Innovation: How Information Technology is
Reshaping the Economy by Erik Brynjolfsson and Adam Saunders
doi:10.1038/462165a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462165a.html
Tips from the top of the career ladder pp165-166
Asha Gopinathan reviews Beyond the Boys' Club: Strategies for Achieving
Career Success as a Woman Working in a Male-dominated Field by Suzanne Doyle-Morris
doi:10.1038/462165b
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462165b.html
Q&A: The algorist p166
Having moved from engineering to art, Jean-Pierre Hebert applies
mathematical rules to generate artworks that explore themes of chaos
and determinism. As resident artist at the Kavli Institute for
Theoretical Physics, and with an exhibition on in Los Angeles, Hebert
explains his interest in algorithms.
Daniel Cressey reviews Jean-Pierre Hebert: Drawings as Thoughts by
doi:10.1038/462166a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462166a.html
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NEWS AND VIEWS
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Drug discovery: Predicting promiscuity pp167-168
Computational methods that reliably predict the biological activities of
compounds have long been sought. The validation of one such method suggests
that in silico predictions for drug discovery have come of age.
Andrew L. Hopkins
doi:10.1038/462167a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462167a.html
Astrophysics: A fossil record for exoplanets pp168-169
Stars that host planets experience more mixing of their internal
elements than do stars that lack such companions. This correlation may
serve as a useful diagnostic in the search for planets around stars
other than the Sun.
Marc Pinsonneault
doi:10.1038/462168a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462168a.html
Language evolution: The importance of being human pp169-170
The FOXP2 gene is implicated in the development of human speech and
language. A comparison of the human and chimpanzee FOXP2 proteins
highlights the differences in function in the two species.
Martin H. Dominguez and Pasko Rakic
doi:10.1038/462169a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462169a.html
Condensed-matter physics: Dirac electrons broken to pieces pp170-171
Graphene continues to surprise physicists with its remarkable electronic
properties. Experiments now show that electrons in the material can team
up to behave as if they are only fragments of themselves.
Alberto F. Morpurgo
doi:10.1038/462170a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462170a.html
Chemical biology: A Notch above other inhibitors pp171-173
A tenet of drug discovery states that molecules greater than a certain size
don't enter cells. But not only do certain synthetic peptides refute this
idea, they also inhibit 'undruggable' biological targets.
Paramjit S. Arora and Aseem Z. Ansari
doi:10.1038/462171a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462171a.html
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ARTICLES
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Predicting new molecular targets for known drugs pp175-181
Drugs that are chemically quite similar often bind to biologically diverse
protein targets, and it is unclear how selective many of these compounds
are. Because many drug-target combinations exist, it would be useful to
explore possible interactions computationally. Here, 3,665 drugs are
tested against hundreds of targets; chemical similarities between drugs
and ligand sets are found to predict thousands of unanticipated associations.
Michael J. Keiser et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08506
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08506.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08506.html
Direct inhibition of the NOTCH transcription factor complex pp182-188
It is notoriously difficult to target transcription factors with aberrant
activity in cancer. Inappropriate activation of the NOTCH complex of
transcription factors is directly implicated in the pathogenesis of several
disease states, including T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The design
of synthetic, cell-permeable, stabilized [alpha]-helical peptides that
disrupt protein-protein interactions in NOTCH is now described.
Raymond E. Moellering et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08543
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08543.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08543.html
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LETTERS
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Enhanced lithium depletion in Sun-like stars with orbiting planets pp189-191
Although a large range of lithium (Li) abundances is observed in solar-type
stars, this range has proved theoretically difficult to understand. An
earlier suggestion that Li is more depleted in stars with planets was weakened
by the lack of a proper comparison sample of stars without detected planets.
Here, Li abundances are reported for an unbiased sample of solar-analogue stars
with and without detected planets. It is found that about 50% of the solar
analogues without detected planets have on average ten times more Li that
those with planets.
Garik Israelian et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08483
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08483.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08483.html
Fractional quantum Hall effect and insulating phase of Dirac electrons in
graphene pp192-195
The fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) is the quintessential collective
quantum behaviour of charge carriers confined to two dimensions but it has not
yet been observed in graphene, a material distinguished by the charge carriers'
two-dimensional and relativistic character. Here, and in an accompanying paper,
the FQHE is observed in graphene through the use of devices containing suspended
graphene sheets; the results of these two papers open a door to the further
elucidation of the complex physical properties of graphene.
Xu Du et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08522
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08522.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08522.html
Observation of the fractional quantum Hall effect in graphene pp196-199
The fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) is the quintessential collective
quantum behaviour of charge carriers confined to two dimensions but it has not
yet been observed in graphene, a material distinguished by the charge carriers'
two-dimensional and relativistic character. Here, and in an accompanying paper,
the FQHE is observed in graphene through the use of devices containing suspended
graphene sheets; the results of these two papers open a door to the further
elucidation of the complex physical properties of graphene.
Kirill I. Bolotin et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08582
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08582.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08582.html
Mapping GFP structure evolution during proton transfer with femtosecond Raman
spectroscopy pp200-204
Tracing the transient atomic motions that lie at the heart of chemical
reactions requires high-resolution structural information on the timescale
of molecular vibrations. Femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy is now
shown to provide sufficiently detailed and time-resolved vibrational spectra
of the electronically excited chromophore of green fluorescent protein to
reveal skeletal motions involved in the proton transfer that produces the
fluorescent form of the protein.
Chong Fang, Renee R. Frontiera, Rosalie Tran and Richard A. Mathies
doi:10.1038/nature08527
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08527.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08527.html
Oxygen and hydrogen isotope evidence for a temperate climate 3.42 billion years
ago pp205-208
The study of stable oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) of Precambrian cherts
suggests that ocean temperatures during the Archaean era (about 3.5 billion
years ago) were between 55 [deg]C and 85 [deg]C, but uncertainty about the
δ18O of the primitive ocean has led to considerable debate regarding this
conclusion. Here, a combined analysis of oxygen and hydrogen istopes sampled
from 3.42-billion-year-old Buck Reef Chert rocks in South Africa indicates
that the ancient ocean was much cooler than previously thought.
M. T. Hren, M. M. Tice and C. P. Chamberlain
doi:10.1038/nature08518
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08518.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08518.html
Permeability of asthenospheric mantle and melt extraction rates at mid-ocean
ridges pp209-212
The timescale for segregation and transport of basaltic melts, which are
ultimately responsible for formation of the Earth's crust, is critically
dependent on the permeability of the partly molten asthenospheric mantle,
yet this permeability is known mainly from semi-empirical and analogue models.
A high-pressure, high-temperature centrifuge is now used to measure the rate
of basalt melt flow in olivine aggregates; the resulting permeabilities are
one to two orders of magnitude larger than predicted by current parameterizations.
James A. D. Connolly, Max W. Schmidt, Giulio Solferino and Nikolai Bagdassarov
doi:10.1038/nature08517
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08517.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08517.html
Human-specific transcriptional regulation of CNS development genes by FOXP2
pp213-217
The transcription factor FOXP2 is the only gene implicated in human speech,
and yet it differs very little from the chimpanzee orthologue. Here, the two
amino acids specific to humans are shown to alter FOXP2 function in vitro by
conferring differential transcriptional regulation, and these observations
are extended in vivo to human and chimpanzee brain. Together, these data
identify transcriptional targets that may serve critical functions in language development.
Genevieve Konopka et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08549
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08549.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08549.html
Bidirectional plasticity in fast-spiking GABA circuits by visual experience
pp218-221
The contribution of individual circuit elements to experience-dependent synaptic
plasticity in the brain remains unknown. An intracellular analysis of the changes
that occur when an eye is deprived of vision in early life now reveals a
counterintuitive initial shift towards the occluded eye followed by a late
preference for the open eye. These results, combined with intracellular
pharmacology, suggest that inhibitory neurons have a major role in shaping
experience-dependent plasticity in the developing visual cortex.
Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08485
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08485.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08485.html
Human DAZL, DAZ and BOULE genes modulate primordial germ-cell and haploid
gamete formation pp222-225
Defects in human germ-cell (oocyte and sperm) development are the leading
cause of infertility in men and women. A germ-cell reporter is now used to
quantify and isolate primordial germ cells derived from both male and female
human embryonic stem cells. Human DAZL is observed to function in primordial
germ-cell formation, whereas the closely related genes DAZ and BOULE promote
later stages of meiosis and development of gametes.
Kehkooi Kee et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08562
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08562.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08562.html
Uptake through glycoprotein 2 of FimH+ bacteria by M cells initiates mucosal
immune response pp226-230
To evoke the mucosal immune system, which forms the largest part of the entire
immune system, antigens on the mucosal surface must be transported across the
epithelial barrier. The molecular mechanisms promoting this antigen uptake,
called antigen transcytosis and mediated by specialized epithelial M cells,
remain largely unknown. Here, glycoprotein 2, specifically expressed by M cells,
is reported to serve as a transcytotic receptor for mucosal antigens.
Koji Hase et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08529
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08529.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08529.html
Cohesin acetylation speeds the replication fork pp231-234
Cohesin inhibits the transcriptional machinery's interaction with and movement
along chromatin, but does not prevent replication forks from duplicating the
genome in S phase. Using single-molecule analysis, a replication complex is now
found to affect acetylation of a subunit of cohesin, and this acetylation appears
to be a central determinant of fork processivity. Loss of this regulatory
mechanism leads to the spontaneous accrual of DNA damage.
Marie-Emilie Terret et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08550
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08550.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08550.html
----------------------
FUTURES
----------------------
An open letter p242
To any impressionable young school leavers who are considering joining the space corps.
Martin Hayes
doi:10.1038/462242a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462242a.html
Mapping GFP structure evolution during proton transfer with femtosecond Raman spectroscopy
GFP（来自水母的绿色荧光蛋白）因其高效生物发光性能而在生命科学中被广泛用作一种基因表达标记。人们对产生这种生物光的激发态质子转移在原子层面上的详细情况仍然没有完全了解。Fang等人利用GFP生色团的飞秒受激拉曼光谱获取了具有时间分辨率的详细振动光谱，该光谱显示了一个低频骨架振动是怎样使该蛋白在构形上为关键的质子转移过程做好准备的。除了为分析一个在无数生物研究中居中心地位的反应提供线索外，这种在一个多维化学反应过程中对某一分子的结构变化进行实时观测的方法，在确定反应机制中应具有广泛应用。本期封面所示为帮助光激发GFP生色团找到转移该蛋白内一个质子所需几何构形、从而使其发出明亮荧光的振动。（Letter p. 200）
识别已知药物潜在“脱靶”效应的一个新策略（New targets for old drugs）
Predicting new molecular targets for known drugs
大多数药物都是旨在对某一个蛋白目标具有选择性，但它们通常也会与几个其他目标结合。一些“脱靶”事件会诱导产生具有不同严重程度的副作用，尽管这类事件中有些还可能是一种药物发挥药效所必需的。本期Nature报告了识别已知药物潜在“脱靶”效应的一个新策略。研究人员对3,665种经FDA批准用于研究工作的药物的结构进行了计算筛选，筛选所针对的是数百种蛋白目标，它们是按与其结合的配体定义的。根据这些药物与各组配体之间在化学上的相似性，研究人员预测出数以千计的“脱靶”关联，其中有些在药理化验分析中得到证实。这种方法也许可帮助预测和解释已知药物及候选药物的副作用，并且还有可能因此而发现以前已被批准用于人体的药物的新的临床应用。（Article p. 175; News & Views）
一种能够定位NOTCH的分子（Turning down a NOTCH）
Direct inhibition of the NOTCH transcription factor complex
人们对NOTCH复合物有极大兴趣，这是由于它作为基因转录的一个主要发育调控因子、γ-分泌酶的一个基质和在包括T-细胞白血病在内的很多癌症中被不适当激发的一个致癌基因等等所起的作用。同大多数转录因子一样，NOTCH过去也被认为是不能用可透过细胞的合成分子来定位的。但是现在，一个很有希望的NOTCH拮抗分子已被设计出来，并被发现在一个小鼠模型中能够有效抑制白血病的发展。由烃类组成的肽SAHM1通过阻止活性转录复合物的形成来发挥作用，为研究NOTCH的作用提供一个有潜在价值的工具，同时也为治疗药物提供一个起点。另外，转录激活复合物的直接定位也许还适用于以前被认为不可定位的几个其他转录因子复合物。（Article p. 182; News & Views）
太阳表面锂含量为什么较低（In search of solar lithium）
Enhanced lithium depletion in Sun-like stars with orbiting planets
在年龄、质量和组成上与太阳相似的恒星锂丰度相差很大，这一点难以解释。太阳本身的表面锂丰度比原始太阳系的值要小140倍，然而太阳表面对流区被认为不会延伸到其内部远至锂的温度高到足以让锂燃烧的区域。现在，对与太阳相似的、有或没有已发现行星的恒星所做的一次新的调查表明，行星可能是了解太阳锂含量低的关键。有行星的恒星，其锂丰度不到原始丰度的1%，而没有已发现行星的恒星，其锂丰度范围要大一些，它们当中一半的恒星锂丰度约为其原始丰度的10%。 原始行星的存在可能增强了恒星盘中的混合作用，这样锂便能到达恒星内部温度高到足以毁掉它的区域。（Letter p. 189; News & Views）
石墨烯中观测到分数量子霍尔效应（Graphene in partial charge）
Fractional quantum Hall effect and insulating phase of Dirac electrons in grapheme / Observation of the fractional quantum Hall effect in graphene
分数量子霍尔效应，是与束缚在二维体系中、受一个强磁场影响的强相互作用电荷载流子相关的集体行为的一种典型表现。据预测，存在于石墨烯（碳的一个原子层，可被看作是“完美”的二维体系）中的电荷载流子受强相互作用影响。然而，此前该现象一直难以在实验中观测到：在本期Nature上，两个小组报告了在一个“两端点”测量设置中、在石墨烯悬浮层中探测到的分数量子霍尔效应。研究人员还在低载流子密度下观测到一个由磁场诱导的绝缘态，该状态与量子霍尔效应竞争，并将它的观测仅限于最高质量的样品。这些结果为研究石墨烯中狄拉克费米子的丰富集体行为铺平了道路。（Letters pp. 192, 196; News & Views）
地球早期海洋温度可能并不很高（A cooler Archean ocean）
Oxygen and hydrogen isotope evidence for a temperate climate 3.42 billion years ago
人们普遍认为，距今约35亿年前的太古代气候非常热，海洋温度也许高达80 ºC。这一观点受到质疑，理由是（根据沉积层中氧同位素比例）估计古代海洋温度的成熟方法存在相当大的不确定性。Michael Hren等人采用一种不同的方法来估计海洋温度，他们依据的是对来自南非、距今已有34亿年的Buck Reef Chert的氧和氢同位素所做分析。所取样的同位素分析结果表明，海水温度不超过40 ºC，说明地球早期海洋温度也许要比以前所认为的低很多。（Letter p. 205）
转录因子FOXP2在人类与黑猩猩之间的差别（The human factor）
Human-specific transcriptional regulation of CNS development genes by FOXP2
转录因子FOXP2是迄今惟一被与人类语言关联在一起的基因，然而它与黑猩猩的相应基因差别非常小。新的实验显示了FOXP2的下游转录目标的激发在人类与在黑猩猩之间的差别，这些差别源自FOXP2的两种形式之间在两个氨基酸上的差别。受FOXP2的每个版本影响的不同基因网络相互作用，也反映在黑猩猩与人类所表现出的非重叠脑表达模式上。这些数据为以下观点提供了支持：FOXP2在人类这个分支上的演化变化对人类脑发育和中枢神经系统疾病有直接后果，并且在人类语言回路的发育中也可能起一个关键作用。（Letter p. 213; News & Views）
形成生殖细胞的新途径（A new route to germ cells）
Human DAZL, DAZ and BOULE genes modulate primordial germ-cell and haploid gamete formation
生殖细胞（卵母细胞和精子）的发育缺陷是造成男性和女性不育症的一个主要原因。几项研究都表明，生殖细胞可从小鼠及人类胚胎干细胞分化出来，但以这种方式产生的人类生殖细胞的发育一般都不能超过最早阶段，不能进入减数分裂。现在，来自斯坦福大学干细胞生物学和再生医学研究所的一个研究小组培育出这样一个体系，在该体系中，原始生殖细胞从人类男性和女性胚胎干细胞都可形成。通过使生殖细胞特异性基因沉默和过度表达，可对人类生殖细胞的形成和发育进程进行调控。具体来说，人类DAZL基因（与不育症有关）被发现在原始生殖细胞形成中发挥功能，在该过程中两个密切相关的家族成员DAZ 和BOULE调节单倍体男性配子减数分裂和发育的后期阶段。这个体系可被用来研究生殖细胞缺陷及通过治疗手段纠正它们的潜力。（Letter p. 222）
M-细胞在免疫反应中的作用（M cells in immunity）
Uptake through glycoprotein 2 of FimH+ bacteria by M cells initiates mucosal immune response
粘膜免疫系统在保护粘膜表面不受病原体侵害、在促进与共生微生物群落共生中都起主要作用。要激发粘膜免疫反应，粘膜表面上的抗原必须首先穿过不可透过的上皮障碍，进入“派伊尔小结”这样的淋巴结构。这一功能（被称为“转胞吞作用”）被认为主要由M-细胞调控，它们是“派伊尔小结”中专门的上皮细胞。对由M-细胞调控的抗原“转胞吞作用”的机制所做的一项研究表明，在小肠M-细胞顶面表达的糖蛋白-2是表达FimH抗原的细菌的转胞吞受体。由于M-细胞被认为是各种口服免疫药物的一个很有希望的目标，所以这项工作表明，依赖于糖蛋白-2的“转胞吞作用”是一个可能的免疫目标。（Letter p. 226）
整合素的乙酰化及其作用（Cohesin acetylation）
Cohesin acetylation speeds the replication fork
整合素环在细胞分裂过程中围绕着姐妹DNA分子对，使它们能够正确分开。这些环抑制转录细胞器的进程，但并不阻止复制细胞器在细胞周期的S-阶段复制基因组。现在，单分子分析表明，一个复制复合物（被称为复制因子C–CTF18 clamp loader）使整合素乙酰化，从而减低整合素与调控因子的关联，推动复制叉的进程。乙酰化的失去（如在罗伯茨综合征患者的细胞中所观察到的那样），会造成叉进程的缺陷及DNA损伤的积累。（Letter p. 231）
----------------------
EDITORIALS
----------------------
Containing risk p137
The ad-hoc proliferation of high-security biological labs must be
controlled, and should be tied in more closely to broader research
and public-health goals.
doi:10.1038/462137a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462137a.html
No turning back pp137-138
Spain should not use the recession as an excuse to stall plans to
boost its scientific enterprise.
doi:10.1038/462137b
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462137b.html
A healthy get together p138
The recently launched World Health Summit offers a rare chance for dialogue.
doi:10.1038/462138a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462138a.html
----------------------
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
----------------------
Gene therapy: Nerve repair p140
doi:10.1038/462140a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462140a.html
Climate science: Volcano chills p140
doi:10.1038/462140b
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462140b.html
Longevity: Sweet food, short life p140
doi:10.1038/462140c
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462140c.html
Climate change: Kilimanjaro's loss p140
doi:10.1038/462140d
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462140d.html
Neuroscience: Early stress marks genes p140
doi:10.1038/462140e
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462140e.html
Astronomy: Galaxies far, far away pp140-141
doi:10.1038/462140f
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462140f.html
Biophysics: DNA stop and go p141
doi:10.1038/462141a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462141a.html
Atmospheric science: Industrial UV shield p141
doi:10.1038/462141b
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462141b.html
Nanoscience: Release the goods p141
doi:10.1038/462141c
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462141c.html
Genomics: Sequencing costs drop p141
doi:10.1038/462141d
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462141d.html
----------------------
JOURNAL CLUB
----------------------
Journal club p141
Robert Blelloch
doi:10.1038/462141e
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462141e.html
----------------------
NEWS
----------------------
News briefing: 12 November 2009 pp142-143
The week in science
doi:10.1038/462142a
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091111/full/462142a.html
End of the road for Copenhagen? pp144-145
Expectations are dropping as December's UN climate talks get closer.
Jeff Tollefson
doi:10.1038/462144a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462144a.html
Wellcome Trust makes it personal in funding revamp pp145-145
People not projects are the focus of longer-term grants.
Natasha Gilbert
doi:10.1038/462145a
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091111/full/462145a.html
European biosafety labs set to grow pp146-147
Bioterrorism and emerging diseases spur building boom, although some
question the need for more facilities.
Declan Butler
doi:10.1038/462146a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462146a.html
Call to boost isotope supplies pp147-147
Two dedicated plants are needed to meet demand, committee says.
Eric Hand
doi:10.1038/462147a
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091111/full/462147a.html
China moves to help high-tech firms p149
David Cyranoski
doi:10.1038/462149a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462149a.html
Snapshot: Glider eavesdrops on whales p151
Probe tunes in to cetacean song.
Rex Dalton
doi:10.1038/462151a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462151a.html
Britain sets up defence advisory group pp151-151
Government seeks academic input on security issues.
Geoff Brumfiel
doi:10.1038/462151b
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091110/full/462151b.html
Report row ousts top Indian scientist pp152-152
Ruckus over call for reform at national science agency raises questions
about attracting expatriate talent.
K. S. Jayaraman
doi:10.1038/462152a
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091109/full/462152a.html
----------------------
CORRECTION
----------------------
Correction pp152-152
doi:10.1038/462152b
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091111/full/462152b.html
----------------------
NEWS FEATURE
----------------------
Swine flu: One killer virus, three key questions pp154-157
Nature visits the labs of researchers working to solve some of the
most perplexing puzzles of swine-flu behaviour.
Brendan Maher and Declan Butler
doi:10.1038/462154a
http://www.nature.com/news/2009/091111/full/462154a.html
----------------------
CORRESPONDENCE
----------------------
OPINION
Weapons: the need to replace ageing and deteriorating stock p158
Jay Davis
doi:10.1038/462158a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462158a.html
Weapons: existing stockpile can be safely maintained p158
Gerald E. Marsh
doi:10.1038/462158b
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462158b.html
Many types of action are required to tackle climate change p158
Mike Hulme
doi:10.1038/462158c
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462158c.html
Decarbonization figures for India and China unconvincing pp158-159
Roger A. Pielke, Jr.
doi:10.1038/462158d
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462158d.html
No special cases in efforts to stop immigration fraud p159
Iain Scott
doi:10.1038/462159a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462159a.html
Emissions affected by trade among developing countries p159
Dabo Guan and David M. Reiner
doi:10.1038/462159b
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462159b.html
Phosphorus decline could be good for water supplies p159
Michael J. Castellano
doi:10.1038/462159c
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462159c.html
----------------------
OPINION
----------------------
Universities need a new social contract pp160-161
To reconcile solution-driven research and blue-skies thinking,
academic institutions urgently need innovative collaborations and
new funding models, says Indira V. Samarasekera.
Indira V. Samarasekera
doi:10.1038/462160a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462160a.html
Global Darwin: Revolutionary road pp162-163
In China, under the threat of Western imperialism, interpretations of
Darwin's ideas paved the way for Marx, Lenin and Mao, argues James Pusey
in the third in our series on reactions to evolutionary theory.
James Pusey
doi:10.1038/462162a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462162a.html
----------------------
BOOKS AND ARTS
----------------------
OPINION
Fun with nuclear reactors p164
Two books reveal the spirit of adventure behind the history of nuclear
technology, finds William J. Nuttall.
William J. Nuttall reviews Uranium Wars: The Scientific Rivalry that
Created the Nuclear Age by Amir Aczel
doi:10.1038/462164a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462164a.html
Valuing the digital economy p165
John Gilbey reviews Wired for Innovation: How Information Technology is
Reshaping the Economy by Erik Brynjolfsson and Adam Saunders
doi:10.1038/462165a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462165a.html
Tips from the top of the career ladder pp165-166
Asha Gopinathan reviews Beyond the Boys' Club: Strategies for Achieving
Career Success as a Woman Working in a Male-dominated Field by Suzanne Doyle-Morris
doi:10.1038/462165b
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462165b.html
Q&A: The algorist p166
Having moved from engineering to art, Jean-Pierre Hebert applies
mathematical rules to generate artworks that explore themes of chaos
and determinism. As resident artist at the Kavli Institute for
Theoretical Physics, and with an exhibition on in Los Angeles, Hebert
explains his interest in algorithms.
Daniel Cressey reviews Jean-Pierre Hebert: Drawings as Thoughts by
doi:10.1038/462166a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462166a.html
----------------------
NEWS AND VIEWS
----------------------
Drug discovery: Predicting promiscuity pp167-168
Computational methods that reliably predict the biological activities of
compounds have long been sought. The validation of one such method suggests
that in silico predictions for drug discovery have come of age.
Andrew L. Hopkins
doi:10.1038/462167a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462167a.html
Astrophysics: A fossil record for exoplanets pp168-169
Stars that host planets experience more mixing of their internal
elements than do stars that lack such companions. This correlation may
serve as a useful diagnostic in the search for planets around stars
other than the Sun.
Marc Pinsonneault
doi:10.1038/462168a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462168a.html
Language evolution: The importance of being human pp169-170
The FOXP2 gene is implicated in the development of human speech and
language. A comparison of the human and chimpanzee FOXP2 proteins
highlights the differences in function in the two species.
Martin H. Dominguez and Pasko Rakic
doi:10.1038/462169a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462169a.html
Condensed-matter physics: Dirac electrons broken to pieces pp170-171
Graphene continues to surprise physicists with its remarkable electronic
properties. Experiments now show that electrons in the material can team
up to behave as if they are only fragments of themselves.
Alberto F. Morpurgo
doi:10.1038/462170a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462170a.html
Chemical biology: A Notch above other inhibitors pp171-173
A tenet of drug discovery states that molecules greater than a certain size
don't enter cells. But not only do certain synthetic peptides refute this
idea, they also inhibit 'undruggable' biological targets.
Paramjit S. Arora and Aseem Z. Ansari
doi:10.1038/462171a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462171a.html
----------------------
ARTICLES
----------------------
Predicting new molecular targets for known drugs pp175-181
Drugs that are chemically quite similar often bind to biologically diverse
protein targets, and it is unclear how selective many of these compounds
are. Because many drug-target combinations exist, it would be useful to
explore possible interactions computationally. Here, 3,665 drugs are
tested against hundreds of targets; chemical similarities between drugs
and ligand sets are found to predict thousands of unanticipated associations.
Michael J. Keiser et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08506
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08506.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08506.html
Direct inhibition of the NOTCH transcription factor complex pp182-188
It is notoriously difficult to target transcription factors with aberrant
activity in cancer. Inappropriate activation of the NOTCH complex of
transcription factors is directly implicated in the pathogenesis of several
disease states, including T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The design
of synthetic, cell-permeable, stabilized [alpha]-helical peptides that
disrupt protein-protein interactions in NOTCH is now described.
Raymond E. Moellering et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08543
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08543.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08543.html
----------------------
LETTERS
----------------------
Enhanced lithium depletion in Sun-like stars with orbiting planets pp189-191
Although a large range of lithium (Li) abundances is observed in solar-type
stars, this range has proved theoretically difficult to understand. An
earlier suggestion that Li is more depleted in stars with planets was weakened
by the lack of a proper comparison sample of stars without detected planets.
Here, Li abundances are reported for an unbiased sample of solar-analogue stars
with and without detected planets. It is found that about 50% of the solar
analogues without detected planets have on average ten times more Li that
those with planets.
Garik Israelian et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08483
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08483.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08483.html
Fractional quantum Hall effect and insulating phase of Dirac electrons in
graphene pp192-195
The fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) is the quintessential collective
quantum behaviour of charge carriers confined to two dimensions but it has not
yet been observed in graphene, a material distinguished by the charge carriers'
two-dimensional and relativistic character. Here, and in an accompanying paper,
the FQHE is observed in graphene through the use of devices containing suspended
graphene sheets; the results of these two papers open a door to the further
elucidation of the complex physical properties of graphene.
Xu Du et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08522
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08522.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08522.html
Observation of the fractional quantum Hall effect in graphene pp196-199
The fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) is the quintessential collective
quantum behaviour of charge carriers confined to two dimensions but it has not
yet been observed in graphene, a material distinguished by the charge carriers'
two-dimensional and relativistic character. Here, and in an accompanying paper,
the FQHE is observed in graphene through the use of devices containing suspended
graphene sheets; the results of these two papers open a door to the further
elucidation of the complex physical properties of graphene.
Kirill I. Bolotin et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08582
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08582.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08582.html
Mapping GFP structure evolution during proton transfer with femtosecond Raman
spectroscopy pp200-204
Tracing the transient atomic motions that lie at the heart of chemical
reactions requires high-resolution structural information on the timescale
of molecular vibrations. Femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy is now
shown to provide sufficiently detailed and time-resolved vibrational spectra
of the electronically excited chromophore of green fluorescent protein to
reveal skeletal motions involved in the proton transfer that produces the
fluorescent form of the protein.
Chong Fang, Renee R. Frontiera, Rosalie Tran and Richard A. Mathies
doi:10.1038/nature08527
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08527.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08527.html
Oxygen and hydrogen isotope evidence for a temperate climate 3.42 billion years
ago pp205-208
The study of stable oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) of Precambrian cherts
suggests that ocean temperatures during the Archaean era (about 3.5 billion
years ago) were between 55 [deg]C and 85 [deg]C, but uncertainty about the
δ18O of the primitive ocean has led to considerable debate regarding this
conclusion. Here, a combined analysis of oxygen and hydrogen istopes sampled
from 3.42-billion-year-old Buck Reef Chert rocks in South Africa indicates
that the ancient ocean was much cooler than previously thought.
M. T. Hren, M. M. Tice and C. P. Chamberlain
doi:10.1038/nature08518
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08518.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08518.html
Permeability of asthenospheric mantle and melt extraction rates at mid-ocean
ridges pp209-212
The timescale for segregation and transport of basaltic melts, which are
ultimately responsible for formation of the Earth's crust, is critically
dependent on the permeability of the partly molten asthenospheric mantle,
yet this permeability is known mainly from semi-empirical and analogue models.
A high-pressure, high-temperature centrifuge is now used to measure the rate
of basalt melt flow in olivine aggregates; the resulting permeabilities are
one to two orders of magnitude larger than predicted by current parameterizations.
James A. D. Connolly, Max W. Schmidt, Giulio Solferino and Nikolai Bagdassarov
doi:10.1038/nature08517
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08517.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08517.html
Human-specific transcriptional regulation of CNS development genes by FOXP2
pp213-217
The transcription factor FOXP2 is the only gene implicated in human speech,
and yet it differs very little from the chimpanzee orthologue. Here, the two
amino acids specific to humans are shown to alter FOXP2 function in vitro by
conferring differential transcriptional regulation, and these observations
are extended in vivo to human and chimpanzee brain. Together, these data
identify transcriptional targets that may serve critical functions in language development.
Genevieve Konopka et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08549
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08549.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08549.html
Bidirectional plasticity in fast-spiking GABA circuits by visual experience
pp218-221
The contribution of individual circuit elements to experience-dependent synaptic
plasticity in the brain remains unknown. An intracellular analysis of the changes
that occur when an eye is deprived of vision in early life now reveals a
counterintuitive initial shift towards the occluded eye followed by a late
preference for the open eye. These results, combined with intracellular
pharmacology, suggest that inhibitory neurons have a major role in shaping
experience-dependent plasticity in the developing visual cortex.
Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08485
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08485.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08485.html
Human DAZL, DAZ and BOULE genes modulate primordial germ-cell and haploid
gamete formation pp222-225
Defects in human germ-cell (oocyte and sperm) development are the leading
cause of infertility in men and women. A germ-cell reporter is now used to
quantify and isolate primordial germ cells derived from both male and female
human embryonic stem cells. Human DAZL is observed to function in primordial
germ-cell formation, whereas the closely related genes DAZ and BOULE promote
later stages of meiosis and development of gametes.
Kehkooi Kee et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08562
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08562.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08562.html
Uptake through glycoprotein 2 of FimH+ bacteria by M cells initiates mucosal
immune response pp226-230
To evoke the mucosal immune system, which forms the largest part of the entire
immune system, antigens on the mucosal surface must be transported across the
epithelial barrier. The molecular mechanisms promoting this antigen uptake,
called antigen transcytosis and mediated by specialized epithelial M cells,
remain largely unknown. Here, glycoprotein 2, specifically expressed by M cells,
is reported to serve as a transcytotic receptor for mucosal antigens.
Koji Hase et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08529
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08529.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08529.html
Cohesin acetylation speeds the replication fork pp231-234
Cohesin inhibits the transcriptional machinery's interaction with and movement
along chromatin, but does not prevent replication forks from duplicating the
genome in S phase. Using single-molecule analysis, a replication complex is now
found to affect acetylation of a subunit of cohesin, and this acetylation appears
to be a central determinant of fork processivity. Loss of this regulatory
mechanism leads to the spontaneous accrual of DNA damage.
Marie-Emilie Terret et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08550
Abstract: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/abs/nature08550.html
Article: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/nature08550.html
----------------------
FUTURES
----------------------
An open letter p242
To any impressionable young school leavers who are considering joining the space corps.
Martin Hayes
doi:10.1038/462242a
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v462/n7270/full/462242a.html
| 《Nature》目录要览 — 2011-04-28出版 |
| 《Nature》目录要览：2011-01-20出版 |
| 《Nature》目录要览：2010-12-23出版 |
| 《Nature》目录要览：2010-12-16出版 |
| 《Nature》目录要览：2010-12-09出版 |
| 《Nature》目录要览：2010-12-02出版 |
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