bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of aberrant methylation of prostaglandin E receptor 2 (PTGER2) in nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Tian Lei , Suzuki Makoto , Nakajima Takahiro , Kubo Rieko , Sekine Yasuo , Shibuya Kiyoshi , Hiroshima Kenzo , Nakatani Yukio , Fujisawa Takehiko , Yoshino Ichiro
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND.

The expression of prostaglandin E receptor 2 (PTGER2) affects the biologic behavior of various types of malignant tumors. Recently, transactivation of both PTGER2 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been reported in some tumors.

METHODS.

PTGER2 gene expression and possible aberrant methylation of the PTGER2 gene were investigated in 10 nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, 233 primary tumors, and 168 adjacent nonmalignant lung tissues. They were analyzed with reference to an association with EGFR mutation in 133 clinical lung adenocarcinomas and were correlated with patient survival.

RESULTS.

Down‐regulation of PTGER2 expression was observed in 8 of 10 NSCLC cell lines. Demethylation of 5 expression‐negative cell lines restored the expression of PTGER2. Aberrant methylation of the PTGER2 gene was reversely concordant with its messenger RNA expression. PTGER2 methylation was detected in 137 of 233 NSCLC specimens (58%) but was detected in only 2 of 168 nonmalignant lung tissues (1%). Both NSCLCs and adenocarcinomas that had PTGER2 methylation predicted a significantly better prognosis than those without PTGER2 methylation (P = .0051 and P = .0171, respectively). PTGER2 methylation was present with greater frequency in tumors with EGFR mutation than in non‐EGFR mutated tumors (P = .0095), and the significance of the correlation was independent after adjusting for sex and smoking status (P = .0144).

CONCLUSIONS.

Aberrant methylation of the PTGER2 gene was observed frequently in NSCLC tissues and was associated with the presence of EGFR mutation and a better prognosis. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Fgf signaling in the zebrafish adult brain: Association of Fgf activity with ventricular zones but not cell proliferation
Authors: Topp Stefanie , Stigloher Christian , Komisarczuk Anna Z. , Adolf Birgit , Becker Thomas S. , Bally‐Cuif Laure
Published: July 2008

The zebrafish adult brain contains numerous neural progenitors and is a good model to approach the general mechanisms of adult neural stem cell maintenance and neurogenesis. Here we use this model to test for a correlation between Fgf signaling and cell proliferation in adult progenitor zones. We report expression of Fgf signals (fgf3,4,8a,8b,17b), receptors (fgfr1–4), and targets (erm, pea3, dusp6, spry1,2,4, and P‐ERK) and document that genes of the embryonic fgf8 synexpression group acquire strikingly divergent patterns in the adult brain. We further document the specific expression of fgf3, fgfr1–3, dusp6, and P‐ERK in ventricular zones, which contain neural progenitors. In these locations, however, a comparison at the single‐cell level of fgfr/P‐ERK expression with bromo‐deoxy‐uridine (BrdU) incorporation and the proliferation marker MCM5 indicates that Fgf signaling is not specifically associated with proliferating progenitors. Rather, it correlates with the ventricular radial glia state, some of which only are progenitors. Together these results stress the importance of Fgf signaling in the adult brain and establish the basis to study its function in zebrafish, in particular in relation to adult neurogenesis. J. Comp. Neurol. 510:422–439, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thalamic connections of architectonic subdivisions of temporal cortex in grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis)
Authors: Wong Peiyan , Gharbawie Omar A. , Luethke Lynn E. , Kaas Jon H.
Published: July 2008

The temporal cortex of grey squirrels contains three architectonically distinct regions. One of these regions, the temporal anterior (Ta) region has been identified in previous physiological and anatomical studies as containing several areas that are largely auditory in function. Consistent with this evidence, Ta has architectonic features that are internally somewhat variable, but overall sensory in nature. In contrast, the caudally adjoining temporal intermediate region (Ti) has architectonic features that suggest higher order and possibly multisensory processing. Finally, the most caudal region, composed of previously defined temporal medial (Tm) and temporal posterior (Tp) fields, again has more of the appearance of sensory cortex. To understand their functional roles better, we injected anatomical tracers into these regions to reveal their thalamic connections. As expected, the dorsal portion of Ta, containing two primary or primary‐like auditory areas, received inputs from the ventral and magnocellular divisions of the auditory medial geniculate complex (MGv and MGm). The most caudal region, Tm plus Tp, received inputs from the large visual pulvinar of squirrels, possibly accounting for the sensory architectonic characteristics of this region. However, Tp additionally receives inputs from the magnocellular (MGm) and dorsal (MGd) divisions of the medial geniculate complex, implicating Tp in multisensory processing. Finally, the middle region, Ti, had auditory inputs from MGd and MGm, but not from the visual pulvinar, providing evidence that Ti has higher order auditory functions. The results indicate that the architectonically distinct regions of temporal cortex of squirrels are also functionally distinct. Understanding how temporal cortex is functionally organized in squirrels can guide interpretations of temporal cortex organization in other rodents in which architectonic subdivisions are not as obvious. J. Comp. Neurol. 510:440–461, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low‐power design of CMOS baseband analog chain for direct conversion receiver
Authors: Kwon Ickjin
Published: July 2008

A low‐power CMOS receiver baseband analog (BBA) circuit based on alternating filter and gain stage is reported. For the given specifications of the BBA block, optimum allocation of the gain, input‐referred third‐order intercept point (IIP3), and noise figure (NF) of each block is performed to minimize current consumption. The fully integrated receiver BBA chain is fabricated in 0.18µm CMOS technology and IIP3 of 30 dBm with a maximum gain of 59 dB and NF of 31 dB are obtained at 3.6 mW power consumption. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age‐ and subcaste‐related patterns of serotonergic immunoreactivity in the optic lobes of the ant Pheidole dentata
Authors: Seid Marc A. , Goode Katarzyna , Li Christine , Traniello James F.A.
Published: July 2008

Serotonin, a biogenic amine known to be a neuromodulator of insect behavior, has recently been associated with age‐related patterns of task performance in the ant Pheidole dentata. We identified worker age‐ and subcaste‐related patterns of serotonergic activity within the optic lobes of the P. dentata brain to further examine its relationship to polyethism. We found strong immunoreactivity in the optic lobes of the brains of both minor and major workers. Serotonergic cell bodies in the optic lobes increased significantly in number as major and minor workers matured. Old major workers had greater numbers of serotonergic cell bodies than minors of a similar age. This age‐related increase in serotonergic immunoreactivity, as well as the presence of diffuse serotonin networks in the mushroom bodies, antennal lobes, and central complex, occurs concomitantly with an increase in the size of worker task repertoires. Our results suggest that serotonin is associated with the development of the visual system, enabling the detection of task‐related stimuli outside the nest, thus playing a significant role in worker behavioral development and colony‐wide division of labor. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008.
Gender‐dependent cellular and biochemical effects of maternal deprivation on the hippocampus of neonatal rats: A possible role for the endocannabinoid system
Authors: Llorente Ricardo , Llorente‐Berzal Alvaro , Petrosino Stefania , Marco Eva‐María , Guaza Carmen , Prada Carmen , López‐Gallardo Meritxell , Di Marzo Vincenzo , Viveros María‐Paz
Published: July 2008

Adult animals submitted to a single prolonged episode of maternal deprivation (MD) [24 h, postnatal days (PND) 9–10] show behavioral alterations that resemble specific symptoms of schizophrenia. These behavioral impairments may be related to neuronal loss in the hippocampus triggered by elevated glucocorticoids. Furthermore, our previous data suggested functional relationships between MD stress and the endocannabinoid system. In this study, we addressed the effects of MD on hippocampal glial cells and the possible relationship with changes in plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels. In addition, we investigated the putative involvement of the endocannabinoid system by evaluating (a) the effects of MD on hippocampal levels of endocannabinoids (b) The modulation of MD effects by two inhibitors of endocannabinoids inactivation, the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor N‐arachidonoyl‐serotonin (AA‐5‐HT), and the endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitor, OMDM‐2. Drug treatments were administered once daily from PND 7 to PND 12 at a dose of 5 mg/kg, and the animals were sacrificed at PND 13. MD induced increased CORT levels in both genders. MD males also showed an increased number of astrocytes in CA1 and CA3 areas and a significant increase in hippocampal 2‐arachidonoylglycerol. The cannabinoid compounds reversed the endocrine and cellular effects of maternal deprivation. We provide direct evidence for gender‐dependent cellular and biochemical effects of MD on developmental hippocampus, including changes in the endocannabinoid system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008.
Expression of the diaphanous‐related formin proteins mDia1 and mDia2 in the rat testis
Authors: Mironova Ekaterina , Millette Clarke F.
Published: July 2008

Cytoskeletal alterations in both Sertoli cells and germ cells are important during many facets of mammalian spermatogenesis. Diaphanous‐related formin proteins are known to control many aspects of actin‐based cytoskeletal rearrangements, yet nothing is known regarding the expression of formins in the testis. Accordingly, here we present the first data describing mDia1 and mDia2 mRNA and protein expression in primary Sertoli cell isolates, established tissue culture cell lines often used as models for Sertoli cell analysis, and mixed populations of adult rat male germ cells. Furthermore, we have examined intact sections of rat testis. The results suggest strongly that mDia1 and mDia2 are indeed involved in the regulation of Sertoli cell and germ structure during mammalian spermatogenesis, and provide strong indications of the future directions for mechanistic studies. Developmental Dynamics 237:2170–2176, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Building up the Drosophila eggshell: First of all the eggshell genes must be transcribed
Authors: Cavaliere Valeria , Bernardi Fabio , Romani Patrizia , Duchi Serena , Gargiulo Giuseppe
Published: July 2008

The Drosophila eggshell provides a model system for studying the assembly of extracellular matrix. Eggshell formation is a complex process that requires time‐coordinated synthesis, cleavage, and transport of various proteins and finally cross‐linking mediated by particular functional domains. It has been suggested that the eggshell can act as a storage site for spatial cues involved in embryonic pattern formation. Its structural components are synthesized in the somatic follicle cells in a precise temporally and spatially regulated manner. This review will summarize our knowledge of eggshell gene expression. We will discuss the amplification of the chorion gene clusters and the data acquired on the expression patterns and the regulatory elements controlling transcription of eggshell genes. We will then focus on the findings that correlate follicular epithelium patterning and eggshell gene expression, and discuss the interesting perspectives of an involvement in eggshell assembly of embryonic patterning cues. Developmental Dynamics 237:2061–2072, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histone deacetylases 1 and 2 are expressed at distinct stages of neuro‐glial development
Authors: MacDonald Jessica L. , Roskams A. Jane
Published: July 2008

The deacetylation of histone proteins, catalyzed by histone deacetylases (HDACs), is a common epigenetic modification of chromatin, associated with gene silencing. Although HDAC inhibitors are used clinically to treat nervous system disorders, such as epilepsy, very little is known about the expression pattern of the HDACs in the central nervous system. Identifying the cell types and developmental stages that express HDAC1 and HDAC2 within the brain is important for determining the therapeutic mode of action of HDAC inhibitors, and evaluating potential side effects. Here, we examined the expression of HDAC1 and HDAC2 in the murine brain at multiple developmental ages. HDAC1 is expressed in neural stem cells/progenitors and glia. In contrast, HDAC2 is initiated in neural progenitors and is up‐regulated in post‐mitotic neuroblasts and neurons, but not in fully differentiated glia. These results identify key developmental stages of HDAC expression and suggest transitions of neural development that may utilize HDAC1 and/or HDAC2. Developmental Dynamics 237:2256–2267, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bmp signaling is necessary and sufficient for ventrolateral endoderm specification in Xenopus
Authors: Wills Andrea , Dickinson Kari , Khokha Mustafa , Baker Julie C.
Published: July 2008

Here we show that Bmp signaling is necessary and sufficient for the specification of ventral endoderm in Xenopus embryos. Overexpression of Bmp4 in ectoderm induces markers of endoderm, including Sox17β, Mixer, and VegT, but cannot induce the expression of the dorsoanterior markers, Xhex and Cerberus. Furthermore, knockdown approaches using overexpression of Bmp antagonists and morpholinos designed against Bmp4, Bmp2, and Bmp7 demonstrate that Bmp signaling is critical for ventral, but not dorsoanterior endoderm formation. This activity is not simply a result of embryonic dorsalization as markers for dorsal endoderm are not expanded. We further show that endodermal cells of either ventral or dorsal character do not form when both Wnt and Bmp signals are abolished. Overall, this report strongly suggests that Bmp plays an essential role in ventral endoderm specification. Developmental Dynamics 237:2177–2186, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lifespan extension and increased pumping rate accompany pharyngeal muscle‐specific expression of nfi‐1 in C. elegans
Authors: Lazakovitch Elena , Kalb John M. , Gronostajski Richard M.
Published: July 2008

Caenorhabditis elegans nfi‐1 belongs to the Nuclear Factor I (NFI) family of transcription factors known to regulate metazoan gene expression and development. We showed previously that loss of nfi‐1 in worms results in multiple behavioral defects; slower pharyngeal pumping rate, impaired egg laying, defective motility, and a shortened life span. Here, we generated cell‐type specific transgenic worms to determine the cells in which nfi‐1 must be expressed to rescue the pharyngeal pumping defect. Expression of nfi‐1 from the pharyngeal muscle‐specific myo‐2 promoter, but not from the F25B3.3 or myo‐3 promoters, rescued the pharyngeal pumping defect of nfi‐1 worms. Surprisingly, myo‐2‐driven nfi‐1 expression also rescued the shortened lifespan of nfi‐1 worms, demonstrating a possible cell‐autonomous role of nfi‐1 in pharyngeal muscle for both phenotypes. We propose some relationships between the pharyngeal pumping and lifespan phenotypes and potential mechanisms of nfi‐1 function. Developmental Dynamics 237:2100–2107, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental alveolarization of the mouse lung
Authors: Mund Sonja I. , Stampanoni Marco , Schittny Johannes C.
Published: July 2008

Postnatal lung development is not well characterized in mice, especially the time point when alveolarization is completed. Using the total length and the length density of the free septal edge as measured for the formation of new septa, we followed alveolarization throughout postnatal lung development (days 2–125). Furthermore, the alveolar surface area was estimated. The formation of new septa was observed until day 36. Approximately 10% of the septa present in adult mice were formed prenatally by branching morphogenesis, ∼50% were generated postnatally before and ∼40% after maturation of the alveolar microvasculature. Approximately 5% of the alveolar surface area present during adulthood was present before alveolarization started, ∼55% was formed during alveolarization (days 4–36) and ∼40% afterward due to growth processes. We conclude that alveolarization continues until young adulthood and that the maturation of the alveolar microvasculature does not preclude further alveolarization. Developmental Dynamics 237:2108–2116, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fishing lines, time‐delayed guideposts, and other tricks used by developing pharyngeal neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Pilon Marc
Published: July 2008

The 20 neurons that innervate the Caenorhabditis elegans pharynx form a simple nervous system that develops and operates in near complete isolation from the rest of the worm body and, therefore, offers a manageable degree of complexity for developmental genetics studies. This review discusses the progress that has been made in determining the mechanisms by which 4 of the 20 pharyngeal neurons develop, and emphasizes surprising processes that add to the classic growth cone guidance model which is usually thought to explain how most axons establish their trajectories. Developmental Dynamics 237:2073–2080, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification and characterization of the porcine (Sus scrofa) survival motor neuron (SMN1) gene: An animal model for therapeutic studies
Authors: Lorson Monique A. , Spate Lee D. , Prather Randall S. , Lorson Christian L.
Published: July 2008

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder that is characterized by the degeneration of the motor neurons of the spinal cord leading to muscle atrophy. SMA is a result of a loss‐of‐function of the gene survival motor neuron‐1 (SMN1). We have chosen to generate a transgenic swine model of SMA for the development and testing of therapeutics and evaluation of toxicology. To this end, we report the first cloning and identification of the swine SMN1 gene and show that there is significant sequence homology between swine and human SMN throughout the coding region. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction results demonstrated slight changes in SMN RNA expression during development and in different tissues. In contrast, protein expression profiles were dramatically different based upon different tissues and developmental stages, consistent with human SMN expression. Porcine SMN localization is consistent with human SMN, localizing diffusely within the cytoplasm and in punctate nuclear structures characteristic of nuclear gems. Importantly, transient transfection of porcine SMN1 in 3813 SMA type 1 fibroblasts demonstrate that porcine SMN1 can rescue the deficiency of SMN protein and gem formation in these cells. These studies provide the first characterization of the porcine SMN1 gene and SMN protein and suggest that a transgenic swine SMA model is feasible. Developmental Dynamics 237:2268–2278, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role for ephrinB2 in postnatal lung alveolar development and elastic matrix integrity
Authors: Wilkinson George A. , Schittny Johannes C. , Reinhardt Dieter P. , Klein Rüdiger
Published: July 2008

Alveoli are formed in the lung by the insertion of secondary tissue folds, termed septa, which are subsequently remodeled to form the mature alveolar wall. Secondary septation requires interplay between three cell types: endothelial cells forming capillaries, contractile interstitial myofibroblasts, and epithelial cells. Here, we report that postnatal lung alveolization critically requires ephrinB2, a ligand for Eph receptor tyrosine kinases expressed by the microvasculature. Mice homozygous for the hypomorphic knockin allele ephrinB2ΔV/ΔV, encoding mutant ephrinB2 with a disrupted C‐terminal PDZ interaction motif, show severe postnatal lung defects including an almost complete absence of lung alveoli and abnormal and disorganized elastic matrix. Lung alveolar formation is not sensitive to loss of ephrinB2 cytoplasmic tyrosine phosphorylation sites. Postnatal day 1 mutant lungs show extracellular matrix alterations without differences in proportions of major distal cell populations. We conclude that lung alveolar formation relies on endothelial ephrinB2 function. Developmental Dynamics 237:2220–2234, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spectroscopic and Computational Study on New Blue Emitting ReL(CO)3Cl Complexes Containing Pyridylimidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine Ligands (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 23/2008)
Authors: Garino Claudio , Ruiu Tiziana , Salassa Luca , Albertino Andrea , Volpi Giorgio , Nervi Carlo , Gobetto Roberto , Hardcastle Kenneth I.
Published: July 2008

The cover picture shows a representation of the mixed theoretical and experimental method employed by inorganic chemists in the study of structural and photophysical properties of luminescent molecules. The combination of time‐dependent density functional theory and spectroscopy is crucial for determining the nature of excited states in metal complexes and thus their absorption and emission features. New dual‐emitting ReL(CO)3Cl complexes and their 1‐(2‐pyridyl)imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine ligands were successfully studied by using such a hybrid approach. Details are discussed in the Short Communication by R. Gobetto et al. on p. 3587 ff.
Enzymatic interesterification of olive oil with fully hydrogenated palm oil: Characterization of fats
Authors: Criado Manuel , Hernández‐Martín Estela , López‐Hernández Arnoldo , Otero Cristina
Published: July 2008

Seven different reaction products were prepared via enzymatic interesterification of extra‐virgin olive oil (EVOO) and fully hydrogenated palm oil (FHPO), by varying the initial weight ratio of EVOO to FHPO from 80 : 20 to 20 : 80. The chemical, physical and functional properties of both the semi‐solid reaction products and the corresponding physical blends of the precursor starting materials were characterized. Fats prepared using large proportions of FHPO contained high levels of TAG species containing only saturated fatty acid residues. By contrast, high levels of TAG species containing both saturated and unsaturated fatty acid residues were found in fat products obtained with the lowest proportions of FHPO. Independently of the initial weight ratio of EVOO to FHPO, the interesterified products were characterized by a higher molar ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acid residues at the sn‐2 position, were softer over a wide temperature range, exhibited lower oxidative stabilities and were completely melted at lower temperatures than the corresponding physical blends. Potential applications of the reaction products range from margarines (highest weight ratios of EVOO to FHPO) to frying fats (lowest weight ratios of EVOO to FHPO).
Docosahexaenoic acid: Nutrient and precursor of bioactive lipids
Authors: Lagarde Michel
Published: July 2008

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the end‐product of the n‐3 family fatty acid, is an abundant component in the brain phospholipids, and a major nutrient of marine lipids. It is accumulated in this compartment from the non‐esterified pool bound to blood plasma albumin. 1‐Lyso,2‐DHA‐glycerophosphocholine is another form, also bound to albumin, which appears even more efficient than non‐esterified DHA for its brain accretion. DHA, as a highly unsaturated fatty acid, may affect the cell redox status. As expected, it may promote lipid peroxidation at high concentrations, but most interestingly may prevent it at low concentrations. DHA is also a fairly good substrate of lipoxygenases, especially the n‐9 and n‐6 ones. Hydroxy derivatives, i.e., docosanoids, exhibit potent biological activities, which may explain part of the potential benefit of DHA in the brain and vascular bed.
Indium‐Promoted Acyloxyallylation Reaction of Azetidine‐2,3‐diones in Aqueous Media: A New Route to Densely Functionalized 3‐Substituted 3‐Hydroxy‐β‐lactams
Authors: Alcaide Benito , Almendros Pedro , Aragoncillo Cristina , Cabrero Gema , Callejo Ricardo , Pilar Ruiz M.
Published: July 2008

Densely functionalized 3‐substituted 3‐hydroxy‐β‐lactams have been obtained by acyloxyallylation reaction of azetidine‐2,3‐diones with 3‐bromopropenyl acetate or benzoate in aqueous media promoted by indium under Barbier conditions. Two new stereocenters were formed; the stereochemistry at the new C‐3 quaternary center was fully controlled by placing a bulky chiral substituent at C‐4. However, poor diastereoselectivities were observed in the new allylicstereocenter formed (up to 58 % de).(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Biomimetic Self‐Assembly of Tetrapeptides into Fibrillar Networks and Organogels
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Miravet Juan F. , Escuder Beatriu
Published: July 2008

The self‐assembly features of a family of tetrapeptides with a silk‐inspired structure are presented. An exhaustive study of the influence of the terminal alkyl chain length in this process is undertaken. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), FTIR spectroscopy, and circular dichroism were used for structural analysis. These compounds, as in the natural model, self‐assemble into antiparallel β‐sheet structures that further organize to form fibrillar aggregates. Furthermore, some of them arecapable of forming a crowded network that entraps thesolvent leading to physical gels with different microscopic morphologies. A model for the assembly process is proposed.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Catalytic Asymmetric Alkylation of Aldehydes by Using Trialkylboranes
Authors: Ukon Takahiro , Harada Toshiro
Published: July 2008

Triethylborane can be used in the asymmetric alkylation of aldehydes by using a 3‐(3,5‐diphenylphenyl)‐H8‐BINOL‐derived titanium(IV) catalyst in the presence of an excess amount of titanium tetraisopropoxide. The reaction proceeds with a low catalyst loading (2 mol‐%), exhibiting high enantioselectivity for aromatic and unsaturated aldehydes. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Aminocyclitols (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 23/2008)
Authors: Delgado Antonio
Published: July 2008

The cover picture shows three different approaches to the synthesis of aminocyclitols. Aminocyclitols are found as structural components of several families of natural products with different biological properties. Several synthetic strategies for this kind of compounds have been devised over the last years. Interestingly, some synthetic aminocyclitols show interesting properties as glucosidase inhibitors. This is the case for voglibose, a drug marketed as an oral antidiabetic drug and whose three‐dimensional structure is shown in the background. Details are presented in the Microreview by A. Delgado on p. 3893 ff.
Biogenic silica: a neglected component of the coupled global continental biogeochemical cycles of carbon and silicon
Authors: Street‐Perrott F. Alayne , Barker Philip A.
Published: July 2008

On geological time‐scales (≥106 years), the global geochemical cycles of carbon and silicon are coupled by the drawdown of atmospheric CO2 through chemical weathering of Ca‐ and Mg‐silicate minerals in continental rocks. Rivers transport the soluble products of weathering (cations, alkalinity and silicic acid) to the oceans, where they are utilized by marine ecosystems. On decadal to glacial–interglacial time‐scales, however, large biotic fluxes and storages of Si within terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems need to be taken into account. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of Si‐accumulating plants, which deposit significant amounts of amorphous hydrated silica in their tissues as opal phytoliths. These include grasses, sedges, palms, some temperate deciduous trees and conifers, and many tropical hardwoods. Landscapes dominated by accumulator plants, such as tropical rainforests, grasslands, herbaceous wetlands and bamboo forests, act as ‘silica factories’. Important ‘silica bioengineers’ in freshwater ecosystems comprise diatoms, sponges and chrysophytes. This paper reviews the biological role of Si in higher plants, the impact of vegetation on rates of chemical weathering, the fluxes of Si through catchment ecosystems, lakes and rivers, and the potential contribution of new geochemical and isotopic tracers to Si biogeochemistry. Multiproxy investigations of lake sediments will provide novel insights into past variations in Si biocycling from terrestrial to aquatic realms on 10–106 year time‐scales. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alluvial responses to the changing Earth system
Authors: Macklin Mark G. , Lewin John
Published: July 2008

Alluvial systems are complex, self‐organizing and hierarchical in structure. They represent stored and transitory sediment bodies transported by rivers that have eroded their catchments and created multiscalar landforms and sedimentary architectures over a range of time‐scales. The central question we address in this paper is how environmental signals are autogenically processed and recorded by the fluvial sediment system. We compare databases of alluvial units that are well constrained in terms of dating control with direct or proxy records of environmental change. River system responses to environmental change are evaluated over three nested time periods spanning the past 200 000 years. First, focusing on Mediterranean European and African catchments, river responses to relatively abrupt and short‐term Late Pleistocene Dansgaard–Oeschger and Heinrich climate events are examined. Second, the effects of rapid and globally significant episodes of Holocene climate change on European rivers, together with anthropogenic land‐use impacts, are assessed. Last, ‘Little Ice Age’ flooding and alluvial responses to modern climate warming are reviewed with particular reference to upland Britain. These studies are shown to have significant implications for modelling local, regional and global‐scale alluvial responses to future environmental change. They highlight the necessity for numerical simulation models to be fully informed by field‐based knowledge and understanding of the memory effects of whole fluvial sediment systems, particularly those that have experienced repeated phases of environmental change. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human interactions with the Earth system: people and pixels revisited
Authors: Liverman Diana M. , Cuesta Rosa Maria Roman
Published: July 2008

The human use of the land is one of the critical links between people and the Earth system, with changes in land use contributing to the significant modification of hydrology, ecology, geomorphology, climate and biogeochemical cycles. Over the past decade there have been several major research efforts (e.g. IGBP‐IHDP LUCC, ESSP) to link the social and natural sciences through the study of land‐use and land‐cover change, with particular attention being paid to the potential of linking remote sensing with socioeconomic data, local case studies with larger scale modelling efforts, and scientific research with the needs of stakeholders. This paper evaluates the extent to which such land‐use‐change studies can provide reliable data, explanation and projections of future land use. It assesses how such studies might address major theoretical questions in social and natural science such as those concerning the role of population or of institutions in land‐use dynamics, or the detailed attribution of hazards to physical or social processes. In general, and using examples of research conducted in Mexico, the paper concludes that progress has been limited, because of factors that include the difficulties in gathering socio‐economic information at global and regional scales, linking social data to satellite imagery, and forecasting human activities and policies. For interactions between the social and earth sciences to succeed, a certain level of tolerance and mutual understanding will be needed so that social scientists understand the earth science aspiration for quantitative socio‐economic scenarios and predictions, and earth scientists understand the variations in how social scientists explain human behaviour and institutions and accept the clear limits to predicting human activities and decisions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of earthquake and cyclone sequencing on landsliding and fluvial sediment transfer in a mountain catchment
Authors: Lin Guan‐Wei , Chen Hongey , Hovius Niels , Horng Ming‐Jame , Dadson Simon , Meunier Patrick , Lines Max
Published: July 2008

Patterns and rates of landsliding and fluvial sediment transfer in mountain catchments are determined by the strength and location of rain storms and earthquakes, and by the sequence in which they occur. To explore this notion, landslides caused by three tropical cyclones and a very large earthquake have been mapped in the Chenyoulan catchment in the Taiwan Central Range, where water and sediment discharges and rock strengths are well known. Prior to the MW 7·6 Chi‐Chi earthquake in 1999, storm‐driven landslide rates were modest. Landslides occurred primarily low within the landscape in shallow slopes, reworking older colluvial material. The Chi‐Chi earthquake caused wide‐spread landsliding in the steepest bedrock slopes high within the catchment due to topographic focusing of incoming seismic waves. After the earthquake landslide rates remained elevated, landslide patterns closely tracking the distribution of coseismic landslides. These patterns have not been strongly affected by rock strength. Sediment loads of the Chenyoulan River have been limited by supply from hillslopes. Prior to the Chi‐Chi earthquake, the erosion budget was dominated by one exceptionally large flood, with anomalously high sediment concentrations, caused by typhoon Herb in 1996. Sediment concentrations were much higher than normal in intermediate size floods during the first 5 years after the earthquake, giving high sediment yields. In 2005, sediment concentrations had decreased to values prevalent before 1999. The hillslope response to the Chi‐Chi earthquake has been much stronger than the five‐fold increase of fluvial sediment loads and concentrations, but since the earthquake, hillslope sediment sources have become increasingly disconnected from the channel system, with 90 per cent of landslides not reaching into channels. Downslope advection of landslide debris associated with the Chi‐Chi earthquake is driven by the impact of tropical cyclones, but occurs on a time‐scale longer than this study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Science, systems and geomorphologies: why LESS may be more
Authors: Richards Keith , Clifford Nicholas
Published: July 2008

This paper has been stimulated by a debate triggered by the then British Geomorphological Research Group (now the British Society for Geomorphology) about the connections between geomorphology and Earth system science (ESS). Its purpose is to expand on some arguments we have already made about these connections, amongst other things drawing attention to neglected historical antecedents, and to the questionable status of the science implied by ESS. A premise of this further paper is that such a debate cannot be assumed to mirror conventional assessments of the content of a science, since it is about scientific institutional structures, names, boundaries and relationships. This implies that the terms of reference go well beyond critical scientific appraisal, extending to matters of evaluating a social organization, and to politics, policies, purposes and practices. We therefore begin by considering the sociology of science, scientific knowledge and technology, before moving to a consideration of the historical relationship amongst geomorphology, geology and physical geography; and to some perspectives this might offer for the current debate. Epistemological issues, arising both from the use of systems theory over multiple spatial and temporal scales, and from the demands of contemporary environmental science, are then introduced, and these lead to a conclusion that geomorphology might more appropriately be assessed against (or seen as part of) a more locally orientated ESS, which we term LESS. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aeolian system responses to global change: challenges of scale, process and temporal integration
Authors: Thomas David S. G. , Wiggs Giles F. S.
Published: July 2008

Aeolian sediment systems are extensive components of the Earth's surface – not just in today's active desert environments, but in coastal locations and as presently stable loess and peri‐desert ergs. All these systems are subject to potentially significant 21st century changes in dynamics due to global warming impacts on atmospheric circulation, sediment moisture and vegetation cover. But do we know enough in the critical areas of science to allow robust models of likely future dynamics to be developed? Since the establishment of ‘modern’ aeolian science, research has largely taken two divergent routes: (1) small‐scale investigations of the processes of wind shear, sediment entrainment and transportation; and (2) landform and landscape analyses, with bedform systems described and relationships to circulation explained. An intermediate, sedimentological, route has generated attempts towards a more integrated understanding of system behaviour at a range of scales. Four recent developments provide the potential for more robust multiscale integrations of aeolian system behaviour. These are: (1) advances in empirical measurement that allow wind power and sediment flux relations to be better described; (2) modelling of dune and dust dynamics and interactions with key controls; (3) monitoring systems that allow high‐resolution observations of sediment flux variations to be recognized and aeolian deposit structures to be understood; and (4) chronometric advances that permit the assessment of the frequency and drivers of dune system activity in the past. We explore and analyse these methodological advances and their potential contribution to the multiscale integrations that are essential for better informed predictions of future global aeolian system dynamics, considering whether the integration of these advances in reductionist and holistic elements of aeolian science represent an example of the effective application of the principles of Earth system science. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction in the two‐way random‐effect model with heteroskedasticity
Authors: Kouassi Eugene , Kymn Kern O.
Published: July 2008

In this paper we extend Taub (1979) approach for prediction in the context of the variance components model. The extension obtained is based on the two‐way random‐effect model with heteroskedasticity. Prediction functions are then obtained in three heteroskedasticity cases (heteroskedasticity on the individual term
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, heteroskedasticity on the composite term ϵit, and heteroskedasticity on the temporal term
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).  Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjunctive antidepressant treatment with quetiapine in agitated depression: positive effects on symptom reduction, psychopathology and remission rates
Authors: Dannlowski Udo , Baune Bernhard T. , Böckermann Iris , Domschke Katharina , Evers Stefan , Arolt Volker , Hetzel Günter , Rothermundt Matthias
Published: July 2008

Objectives

To investigate the adjunctive effects of quetiapine on overall treatment response and on specific symptoms in agitated depression.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients suffering from an acute agitated major depressive episode were enrolled in the quetiapine/venlafaxine study group (QUET) in the context of a 6‐week open‐label, flexible dose, non‐randomized case‐control study. Eighteen matched depressed patients treated with antidepressants only served as controls (CON). Clinical assessment was carried out by the use of Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM‐D) 21 scale.

Results

Both groups had high HAM‐D scores at baseline (27.6 vs. 27.5; p = 0.94). The QUET group displayed a significantly larger HAM‐D decrease already after 1 week of treatment (p = 0.026, d = 0.77). This group difference increased slightly until week 6 (p = 0.005, d = 1.0). The remission rate in the QUET group (70%) was almost double that of the CON group (38.5%), p = 0.022. The overall effect originated from various HAM‐D items indicating agitation, sleep problems and anxiety.

Conclusions

Adjunctive quetiapine treatment in agitated depression showed faster and greater response leading to higher remission rates compared with antidepressants alone. Overall clinical improvement was specifically related to single aspects of psychopathology indicating that quetiapine develops its positive effects through a variety of psychopharmacological properties. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeted scoring criteria reduce variance in global impressions
Authors: Targum Steven D. , Busner Joan , Young Allan H.
Published: July 2008

Objective

This study examined the confounding effect of treatment emergent physical or psychic symptoms on clinical global impression (CGI) ratings in CNS trials and examined the benefit of targeted scoring criteria on clarifying ratings and reducing scoring variance.

Methods

Twenty‐four raters participating in an investigator meeting training session scored a series of scripted CGI scenarios that included treatment emergent symptoms.

Results

The addition of treatment emergent gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms or anxiety symptoms significantly changed the rating of clinical global improvement and caused a broad CGI‐improvement (CGI‐I) scoring variance reflecting scoring ambiguity amongst these raters. Re‐rating after a presentation of well‐defined criteria that addressed these scoring issues narrowed the variance and significantly improved inter‐rater reliability.

Conclusions

It is clear that CNS trials must define scoring criteria for global ratings prior to the initiation of a study to assure ratings consistency. The actual definition of global must be study‐specific and may depend upon the targeted symptoms of interest and mechanism of drug action. The targeted criteria that define global must be included in all published reports about the trial. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Salt and water balance analysis after adopting controlled drainage in Yinnan Irrigation District, Ningxia, China
Authors: Liu Jiangang , Luo Wan , Pei Yuanshen , Xu Fengran
Published: July 2008

According to data collected from a field experiment of controlled drainage in Yinnan Irrigation District, this paper analyses the amount of drainage water and variation of salt and water balance. Compared with traditional drainage, it is found that the volume of drainage water is obviously reduced by controlled drainage. The groundwater table in the controlled drainage areas is 1.8 cm higher than that in the traditional drainage areas. If drainage velocity is used to substitute for the volume of drainage water, the total volume of drainage water drained from controlled drainage areas is on average 50% less than that from traditional drainage areas. At the same time, the volume of underground drainage water decreases by 46%. By analysing the balance between salt and water in the controlled drainage areas, the introduced amount of salt is less than the discharged amount of salt, so salt and water are still kept in good status. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Who benefits from allocating agricultural water to other sectors in Taiwan?
Authors: Tan Yih‐Chi , Lai Jihn‐Sung , Adhikari Keshav Raj , Lu Alan Yun
Published: July 2008

This paper presents a historical account of Taiwan's irrigated agriculture in the face of the nation's changing water resource policy and developing economy. The pre‐World War II era marked the beginning of water resource development on a scientific basis, particularly during the Japanese colonial era. Building on previous developments, the modern era brought policies for improved access to production resources in the interests of interdisciplinary society. Water resources took a sharp turn from supply to demand management in order to respond to the industrial and domestic sectors. The farmers who were once the major beneficiary of irrigated agriculture were unable to sustain their agricultural economy. As an alternative to water resource production, rainwater harvesting by so‐called “water‐planting” on paddy fields evolved, among others, as a major policy drive to curb the water supply problem. Calculations show that this would leave more than 200 000 ha of fallowed paddy fields each year, and management must be aware of unforeseen negative externalities due to such practices. Despite the reduced share of water in irrigated agriculture, import and export transactions from agricultural commodities even after joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) are not discouraging. Efficient use and water saving appear to be the keys to balancing supply and demand to help secure the water economy, increase domestic food reserves, and contribute to social justice. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DeSUMOylating enzymes—SENPs
Authors: Drag Marcin , Salvesen Guy S.
Published: July 2008

Modification of proteins by ubiquitin and SUMO (small ubiquitin‐like modifiers) is a dynamic and reversible process. Similar to the ubiquitin pathway, where the action of deubiquitinating enzymes removes ubiquitin from ubiquitin‐adducts, SUMO is also removed intact from its substrates by proteases belonging to the sentrin‐specific proteases (SENPs) family. In addition to their isopeptidase activity, SENPs also execute another essential function as endopeptidases by removing the short C‐terminal extension from immature SUMOs. The defining characteristics of SENPs are their predicted conserved molecular scaffold—defined as members of peptidase Clan CE, conserved catalytic mechanism, and their reported activity on SUMO or Nedd8 conjugated proteins (or the respective precursors). We discuss recent progress on the human SENPs and their substrates. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(11): 734–742, 2008
New insights into skeletal muscle development and growth in teleost fishes
Authors: Rescan Pierre‐Yves
Published: July 2008

Recent research has significantly broadened our understanding of how the teleost somite is patterned to achieve embryonic and postembryonic myogenesis. Medial (adaxial) cells and posterior cells of the early epithelial somite generate embryonic superficial slow and deep fast muscle fibers, respectively, whereas anterior somitic cells move laterally to form an external cell layer of undifferentiated Pax7‐positive myogenic precursors surrounding the embryonic myotome. In late embryo and in larvae, some of the cells contained in the external cell layer incorporate into the myotome and differentiate into new muscle fibers, thus contributing to medio‐lateral expansion of the myotome. This supports the suggestion that the teleost external cell layer is homologous to the amniote dermomyotome. Some of the signalling molecules that promote lateral movement or regulate the myogenic differentiation of external cell precursors have been identified and include stromal cell‐derived factor 1 (Sdf1), hedgehog proteins, and fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8). Recent studies have shed light on gene activations that underlie the differentiation and maturation of slow and fast muscle fibers, pointing out that both adaxially derived embryonic slow fibers and slow fibers formed during the myotome expansion of larvae initially and transiently bear features of the fast fiber phenotype. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:541–548, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.