bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Platensimycin — A Novel Antibiotic
Authors: Rueping Magnus
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Liquid—Crystalline Physical Gels
Authors: Kato Takashi , Hirai Yuki , Nakaso Suguru , Moriyama Masaya
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Highly Congested Liquid Crystal Structures: Dendrimers, Dendrons, Dendronized and Hyperbranched Polymers
Authors: Marcos Mercedes , Martin‐Rapun Rafael , Omenat Ana , Serrano Jose Luis
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Liquid Crystal Engineering — New Complex Mesophase Structures and Their Relations to Polymer Morphologies, Nanoscale Patterning and Crystal Engineering
Authors: Tschierske Carsten
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Molecular Recognition in Chiral Smectic Liquid Crystals: The Effect of Core—Core Interactions and Chirality Transfer on Polar Order
Authors: Lemieux Robert P.
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Self‐Organizing Mesogenic Materials Containing a Sulfur‐Based Five‐Membered Heterocyclic Core
Authors: Seed Alexander
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Fluorinated Liquid Crystals — Properties and Applications
Authors: Hird Michael
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Liquid Crystal Dimers and Higher Oligomers: Between Monomers and Polymers
Authors: Imrie Corrie T. , Henderson Peter A.
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: N,N‐Diprotected Dehydroamino Acid Derivatives: Versatile Substrates for the Synthesis of Novel Amino Acids
Authors: Ferreira Paula M. T. , Monteiro Luis S.
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Carboranes, Including Their Metal Complexes
Authors: Jelliss Paul A. , Franken Andreas
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Aryl Groups as Reactive Moieties and Reactivity Modifiers
Authors: Sydnes L. K.
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Titanium Carbene Complexes as Useful Tools in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Takeda Takeshi
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Formation of Clathrates
Authors: Rogl Peter
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Organoboron Chemistry
Authors: Wrackmeyer Bernd
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The Bioinorganic and Medicinal Chemistry of Carboranes — From New Drug Discovery to Molecular Imaging and Therapy
Authors: Armstrong Andrea F. , Valliant John F.
Published: January 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Separation of Vanillin from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Lignin
Authors: Mohamad Ibrahim Mohamad Nasir , Nadiah Mohamad Yusof Nor , Norliyana Mohd Salleh , Sipaut Coswald Stephen , Shuib Sollehuddin
Published: January 2008

The separation of vanillin from the lignin of empty fruit bunch oil palm is presented in this study. The lignin was extracted from soda black liquor derived from oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) using 20% sulfuric acid. Nitrobenzene oxidation was carried out by adding 50 mg of dry EFB lignin into a mixture of 7 mL of 2 M NaOH and 4 mL of nitrobenzene in a 15 mL steel autoclave. The autoclave was sealed tightly with a screw cap fitted with a Teflon gasket and heated to 165°C for 3 h in a preheated thermostatic oil bath. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the concentration of each compound present in the lignin. There were eight compounds detected in the HPLC chromatogram. The crystallization process was then used as a method to separate vanillin from other compounds. Based on the solubility of vanillin in acetone, 15 mL of acetone was added to the residue of the oxidized products and heated to 60°C for 10 min. A yield of 1.6% vanillin was isolated from a 50 mg lignin sample. The isolated compound was analyzed with HPLC, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT‐IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (13C‐NMR) for structural verification. The results of the characterization studies proved that the isolated compound is vanillin.
Non‐Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitors Based on a Biphenyl Scaffold: Synthesis, in vitro SAR, and Molecular Modelling
Authors: Jackson Toby , Woo L. W. Lawrence , Trusselle Melanie N. , Purohit Atul , Reed Michael J. , Potter Barry V. L.
Published: January 2008

The synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation (JEG‐3 cells) of a series of novel and potent aromatase inhibitors, prepared by microwave‐enhanced Suzuki cross‐coupling methodology, are reported. These compounds possess a biphenyl template incorporated with the haem‐ligating triazolylmethyl moiety, either on its own or in combination with other substituent(s) at various positions on the phenyl rings. The most potent aromatase inhibitor reported herein has an IC50 value of 0.12 nM, although seven of its congeners are also highly potent (IC50≤0.5 nM). They all bear the (5‐triazolylmethyl‐2‐cyano)biphenyl structural motif. Docking of representative compounds into a homology model of human aromatase assists in the rationalisation of the SAR derived from the in vitro biological results and supports a crucial role for a cyano group on the “A” phenyl ring, which is accessible to hydrogen bond interactions with Ser 478. Further development of these compounds as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of hormone‐dependent breast cancer is warranted given the high level of potency observed for this class of aromatase inhibitor in vitro.
Analysis of clinicopathologic predictors of oncologic outcome provides insight into the natural history of surgically managed papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Margulis Vitaly , Tamboli Pheroze , Matin Surena F. , Swanson David A. , Wood Christopher G.
Published: January 2008

BACKGROUND.

To gain further insight into the natural history of papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC), the authors evaluated oncologic impact of important clinical and pathologic prognostic factors and performed survival analyses in a large group of contemporary patients surgically treated for pRCC.

METHODS.

The institutional nephrectomy database was searched for patients who were managed with radical or partial nephrectomy for pRCC or clear cell RCC (cRCC) from 1994 to 2006.

RESULTS.

A total of 2157 patients with pRCC (n = 245) or cRCC (n = 1912) met protocol inclusion criteria. Kaplan‐Meier analyses revealed equivalent 5‐year cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in the nonmetastatic pRCC patient group and revealed significantly decreased CSS in pRCC patients with distant metastases compared with matched cRCC patient cohorts. Presence of venous tumor thrombus was associated with a significant decrease in CSS and was an independent prognostic feature in pRCC patient cohort but not in patients with cRCC (5‐year CSS pRCC = 35%; cRCC = 66%; P = .012). Patients with pRCC were at a significantly increased risk of harboring metastatic lymph nodes compared with patients with cRCC (13% and 8.6%, respectively; P = .019); however, presence of lymph node metastases in patients with pRCC was associated with a relatively indolent disease course (5‐year CSS pRCC = 65%; cRCC = 19%; P = .029).

CONCLUSIONS.

The authors demonstrated significant differences in presentation, prognostic features, and patient outcomes among papillary and clear cell histologic subtypes of RCC. The authors' findings may potentially link unique molecular genetics that have been reported in pRCCs to its distinct clinical behavior. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Adsorption of Naphthalene and Quinoline on Pt, Pd and Rh: A DFT Study
Authors: Santarossa Gianluca , Iannuzzi Marcella , Vargas Angelo , Baiker Alfons
Published: January 2008

The adsorption of naphthalene and quinoline on Pt(111), Pd(111) and Rh(111) surfaces is studied using density functional theory. The metal surfaces are simulated by means of large confined clusters and for Pt by means of a slab with periodic boundary conditions (PBC). Calculation parameters such as basis set convergence, basis set superposition error and effects of cluster relaxation and size are analyzed in order to assess the aptness of the cluster model. For all the metals, the preferred sites of adsorption are analyzed, thus revealing their different behaviors concerning structure and stability of adsorption modes. On Pt, the molecules have the richest theoretical configurational variety. Naphthalene and quinoline are found to adsorb preferentially on di‐bridge[7] sites on the three metals, and Rh exhibits higher adsorption energies than Pt and Pd. Structural features of the adsorbed molecules are correlated to the calculated adsorption energies. The di‐bridge[7] adsorption modes are studied in deeper detail decomposing the adsorption energies in two terms arising from molecular distortion and binding interaction to the metal. Molecular distortion is correlated to the HOMO–LUMO energy gap. The larger adsorption energies found for interactions with Rh result from the lower contribution of the distortion term. Binding interactions are described by analyzing the wave functions of naphthalene and quinoline adsorbed on a subunit of the large clusters in order to reduce the complexity of the analysis. Molecular orbitals are studied using concepts of Frontier Molecular Orbitals theory. This approach reveals that in the adsorption of naphthalene and quinoline on Pt and Pd, an antibonding state lies below the Fermi energy, while on Rh all antibonding states are empty, in agreement with the larger interaction energies. In addition, further insight is gained by projecting the density of states on the d band of the clean surfaces and of the adsorbed systems. This results in the rationalization of the structural features in terms of the concepts of electronic structure theory. The distributions of electronic density are described by means of Hirshfeld charges and isosurfaces of differential electron density. The net electron transfer from the metals to the molecules for most of the sites correlates with the trends of the adsorption energies.
SYTO probes in the cytometry of tumor cell death
Authors: Wlodkowic Donald , Skommer Joanna , Darzynkiewicz Zbigniew
Published: February 2008

Apoptosis is a complex and finely controlled cell death process of great relevance in tissue homeostasis and pathogenesis. The majority of classical apoptotic features can be examined by flow as well as image cytometry. Therefore, cytometry has been used as a technology of choice in studies of tumor cell demise. As search for new and more effective anticancer agents is still ongoing, there is undoubtedly a need for further development of high‐throughput screening platforms. Assays that allow multivariate characterization of cell death events in response to novel anticancer regimens are of particular significance. In this context, patented DNA‐binding SYTO probes are gaining increasing interest as easy to use markers of caspase‐dependent cell death. They are proving convenient for tracking apoptosis in diverse cell lines as well as in primary tumor samples. In this review, we outline most recent developments in the use of SYTO probes in cell necrobiology. We also present pilot characterization of novel SYTO orange stains (SYTO80 and SYTO81) and discuss their potential applications in cytometry of apoptosis. Finally, we provide a future outlook on SYTO probes in cytometric and microfluidics (Lab‐on‐a‐Chip) high content analysis applications. © 2008 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
4‐Substituted and 4,5‐Disubstituted 3,6‐Di(2‐pyridyl)pyridazines: Ligands for Supramolecular Assemblies
Authors: Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E. , Neuburger Markus , Reymann Sébastien , Schaffner Silvia
Published: January 2008

The syntheses by inverse electron demand Diels–Alder reactions and characterization of 28 members of a family of 3,6‐di(2‐pyridyl)pyridazines, functionalized in the 4‐ or 4,5‐positions are reported. Single crystal structural data are presented for four representative derivatives. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
‘Excessive exercise’ and eating‐disordered behaviour in young adult women: further evidence from a primary care sample
Authors: Mond Jonathan , Myers Tricia Cook , Crosby Ross , Hay Phillipa , Mitchell James
Published: January 2008

Objective and Methods

In order to replicate findings from previous community‐based research, conducted in Australia, in a different sample, we examined relationships between exercise behaviour, eating‐disordered behaviour and quality of life among young adult women attending one of two primary care facilities in the upper Midwest region of the United States.

Results

A high level of guilt when exercise is missed was associated with markedly elevated levels of eating disorder psychopathology and significantly reduced quality of life. The combination of exercising solely for weight and shape and intense guilt after missing exercise was associated with very high levels of eating disorder psychopathology, comparable to those of individuals seeking specialist treatment.

Conclusions

The findings provide further evidence that where young adult women experience intense guilt when exercise is missed, high levels of eating disorder psychopathology and poor quality of life can be expected, particularly when exercising solely for weight or shape reasons is also reported. Information to this effect should be included in both eating disorder and obesity prevention programmes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Shame in women with a history of eating disorders
Authors: Troop Nicholas A. , Allan Steven , Serpell Lucy , Treasure Janet L.
Published: January 2008

Objective

Several studies have investigated shame in eating disorders but most have used non‐clinical samples examined only one type of eating disorder or included only a limited range of shame measures. The current study explored shame from multiple perspectives in women who report a range of eating disorder diagnoses and who are at different stages of illness and recovery.

Method

In a postal questionnaire study, 224 women with a history of an eating disorder completed measures of anorexic and bulimic symptoms, depression and shame.

Results

After controlling for levels of depression, shame was associated with eating disorder symptoms. Specifically, shame as a measure of ‘perceived involuntary subordination’ (external shame) was uniquely associated with severity of anorexia nervosa symptoms, while shame as a measure of ‘feelings’ (internal shame) was uniquely associated with severity of bulimia nervosa symptoms.

Discussion

Different types of shame are related to different eating disorder symptoms and this may have implications for the aetiology and presentation of these disorders. These affective states may need to be addressed explicitly in therapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Impaired intercellular adhesion and immature adherens junctions in merlin‐deficient human primary schwannoma cells
Authors: Flaiz C. , Utermark T. , Parkinson D. B. , Poetsch A. , Hanemann C. O.
Published: January 2008

Schwannomas that occur spontaneously or in patients with neurofibromatosis Type 2, lack both alleles for the tumor suppressor and plasma membrane‐cytoskeleton linker merlin. We have shown that human primary schwannoma cells display activation of the RhoGTPases Rac1 and Cdc42 which results in highly dynamic and ongoing protrusive activity like ruffling. Ruffling is an initial and temporally limited step in the formation of intercellular contacts like adherens junctions that are based on the cadherin‐catenin system. We tested if there is a connection between Rac1‐induced ongoing ruffling and the maintenance, stabilization and functionality of adherens junctions and if this is of relevance in human, merlin‐deficient schwannoma cells. We show intense ongoing ruffling is not limited to membranes of single human primary schwannoma cells, but occurs also in membranes of contacting cells, even when confluent. Live cell imaging shows that newly formed contacts are released after a short time, suggesting disturbed formation or stabilization of adherens junctions. Morphology, high phospho‐tyrosine levels and cortactin staining indicate that adherens junctions are immature in human primary schwannoma cells, whereas they display characteristics of mature adherens junctions in human primary Schwann cells. When merlin is reintroduced, human primary schwannoma cells show only initial ruffling in contacting cells and adherens junctions appear more mature. We therefore propose that ongoing Rac‐induced ruffling causes immature adherens junctions and leads to impaired, nonfunctional intercellular adhesion in aggregation assays in merlin‐deficient schwannoma cells that could be an explanation for increased proliferation rates due to loss of contact inhibition or tumor development in general. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
P2X7 receptor stimulation in primary cultures of rat spinal microglia induces downregulation of the activity for glutamate transport
Authors: Morioka Norimitsu , Abdin Md. Joynal , Kitayama Tomoya , Morita Katsuya , Nakata Yoshihiro , Dohi Toshihiro
Published: January 2008

It has been shown that spinal microglia expressing certain types of glutamate transporters function in the modulation of neuropathogenesis. In this study, the effect of ATP, potentially able to mediate the communication between neurons and glial cells in the spinal cord on the transport of glutamate in cultured spinal microglia, was investigated. Both GLAST and GLT‐1 were detected in the cells. Preincubation with ATP or 2′‐3′‐O‐(4‐benzoyl‐benzoyl) ATP (BzATP), a selective agonist for the P2X7 receptor, significantly blocked the uptake of glutamate. The effect of BzATP was reversed by pretreatment with brilliant blue G or oxidized ATP, each a selective antagonist for P2X7. The inhibitory effect of P2X7 receptor activation also occurred in the absence of extracellular Na+ or Ca2+, suggesting that the receptor regulates glutamate transport by a metabotropic pathway. Furthermore, pretreatment with inhibitors of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase, or antioxidants, significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of BzATP on the uptake of glutamate. Incubation with BzATP led to a marked decrease in the Vmax, but not the Km, of glutamate transport. However, treatment with BzATP did not induce the trafficking of glutamate transporters. These results suggest that the activation of P2X7 receptors in spinal microglia is important in the regulation of glutamate transport via activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase cascade and production of oxidants. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bradykinin induces matrix metalloproteinase‐9 expression and cell migration through a PKC‐δ‐dependent ERK/Elk‐1 pathway in astrocytes
Authors: Hsieh Hsi‐Lung , Wu Cheng‐Ying , Yang Chuen‐Mao
Published: January 2008

Many reports have shown that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 plays an important role in brain inflammation and diseases. In our previous study, bradykinin (BK) has been shown to induce proMMP‐9 expression via MAPKs and NF‐κB in rat brain astrocytes (RBA‐1). However, the molecular mechanisms and physiological roles underlying BK‐induced MMP‐9 expression in RBA‐1 remain unclear. Here we reported that BK induced proMMP‐9 expression and promoted RBA‐1 cell migration, via a B2 BK receptor‐activated protein kinase C‐δ (PKC‐δ)‐dependent signaling pathway. Activation of PKC‐δ led to phosphorylation and translocation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and then activated a transcription factor Elk‐1. Phospho‐Elk‐1 bound to MMP‐9 promoter and thereby induced transcription of MMP‐9. The rat MMP‐9 promoter containing an Elk‐1 cis‐binding site (Ets domain), that located at nucleotides −511 to −506 was identified as a crucial domain linking to BK action. Moreover, BK induced recruitment of p300 (as a transcriptional co‐activator) to the MMP‐9 promoter, leading to the acetylation of histone H4 in chromatin and facilitating MMP‐9 gene transcription. Taken together, these results suggested that in RBA‐1 cells, activation of ERK1/2 by a PKC‐δ‐dependent event mediated through Elk‐1 pathway is essential for MMP‐9 gene up‐regulation and cell migration induced by BK. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polyclonal immunoglobulins from a chronic hepatitis C virus patient protect human liver–chimeric mice from infection with a homologous hepatitis C virus strain
Authors: Vanwolleghem Thomas , Bukh Jens , Meuleman Philip , Desombere Isabelle , Meunier Jean-Christophe , Alter Harvey , Purcell Robert H. , Leroux-Roels Geert
Published: February 2008

The role of the humoral immune response in the natural course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is widely debated. Most chronically infected patients have immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies capable of neutralizing HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp)

in vitro

. It is, however, not clear whether these IgG can prevent a

de novo

HCV infection

in vivo

and contribute to the control of viremia in infected individuals. We addressed this question with homologous

in vivo

protection studies in human liver–urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)+/+ severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice. Chimeric mice were loaded with chronic phase polyclonal IgG and challenged 3 days later with a 100% infectious dose of the acute phase H77C virus, both originating from patient H. Passive immunization induced sterilizing immunity in five of eight challenged animals. In the three nonprotected animals, the HCV infection was attenuated, as evidenced by altered viral kinetics in comparison with five control IgG-treated animals. Plasma samples obtained from the mice at viral challenge neutralized H77C-HCVpp at dilutions as high as 1/400. Infection was completely prevented when, before administration to naïve chimeric mice, the inoculum was pre-incubated

in vitro

at an IgG concentration normally observed in humans.

Conclusion:

Polyclonal IgG from a patient with a long-standing HCV infection not only displays neutralizing activity

in vitro

using the HCVpp system, but also conveys sterilizing immunity toward the ancestral HCV strain

in vivo

, using the human liver–chimeric mouse model. Both experimental systems will be useful tools to identify neutralizing antibodies for future clinical use.
Dynamic expression of TrkB receptor protein on proliferating and maturing cells in the adult mouse dentate gyrus
Authors: Donovan Michael H. , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Eisch Amelia J.
Published: January 2008

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in the regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, presumably via its primary receptor, TrkB. However, controversy exists about how BDNF affects neurogenesis (e.g., proliferation vs. survival/differentiation). This controversy arises, in part, due to the lack of information about whether and when TrkB is expressed on adult neural precursors in vivo. We utilized multiple methods to analyze proliferating and maturing cells in the adult mouse subgranular zone (SGZ) for TrkB protein. Using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to “birthdate” cells, we found that the proportion of proliferating cells that were TrkB‐immunoreactive (IR) was low and remained low for at least 1 week, but increased with further survival after BrdU labeling. Use of the nestin‐GFP transgenic mouse and the immature neuron marker, doublecortin (Dcx), revealed that the likelihood of being TrkB‐IR increased with presumed maturity of the cell type. Stem‐like cells, which rarely divide, were likely to express TrkB protein. However, early progenitors (GFP+/Dcx−) and late progenitors (GFP+/Dcx+), both of which are still in the cell cycle, were unlikely to be TrkB‐IR. Immature neuroblasts (GFP−/Dcx+) were more likely to express TrkB, especially as they presented a more mature morphology. Taken together, these findings emphasize that expression of TrkB protein is closely linked to progression toward neuronal maturity. This provides evidence that maturing, but not proliferating, cells in the adult mouse SGZ have the molecular machinery necessary to respond directly to BDNF. Furthermore, these findings lay critical groundwork for further exploration of the role of BDNF‐TrkB signaling in regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ground‐based thermography of fluvial systems at low and high discharge reveals potential complex thermal heterogeneity driven by flow variation and bioroughness
Authors: Cardenas M. Bayani , Harvey Judson W. , Packman Aaron I. , Scott Durelle T.
Published: January 2008

Temperature is a primary physical and biogeochemical variable in aquatic systems. Field‐based measurement of temperature at discrete sampling points has revealed temperature variability in fluvial systems, but traditional techniques do not readily allow for synoptic sampling schemes that can address temperature‐related questions with broad, yet detailed, coverage. We present results of thermal infrared imaging at different stream discharge (base flow and peak flood) conditions using a handheld IR camera. Remotely sensed temperatures compare well with those measured with a digital thermometer. The thermal images show that periphyton, wood, and sandbars induce significant thermal heterogeneity during low stages. Moreover, the images indicate temperature variability within the periphyton community and within the partially submerged bars. The thermal heterogeneity was diminished during flood inundation, when the areas of more slowly moving water to the side of the stream differed in their temperature. The results have consequences for thermally sensitive hydroecological processes and implications for models of those processes, especially those that assume an effective stream temperature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the Mekong River basin hydrology for 1980–2000 using the YHyM
Authors: Hapuarachchi Hapu Arachchige Prasantha , Takeuchi Kuniyoshi , Zhou Maichun , Kiem Anthony Stuart , Georgievski Mikhail , Magome Jun , Ishidaira Hiroshi
Published: January 2008

This study investigates the Mekong River basin hydrology for the 1980–2000 period using a grid‐based distributed hydrological model called Yamanashi Hydrological Model (YHyM). The performance of the model is evaluated using data observed at different locations and the results justify the physical soundness of the model. The seasonal variations of climatic and hydrological characteristics of the basin such as soil moisture, ground water saturation deficit, runoff, precipitation, evapotranspiration, etc. are analysed. On the basis of the simulated results, it is noticeable that there is no significant trend in the precipitation, discharge, or soil moisture state of the basin during the simulated period, though there are some seasonal variations which seem to be natural. However the analysis on the precipitation elasticity (E) of the river flow shows that the E values for all sub‐basins are greater than unity, which indicates that x% change in annual precipitation can cause > x% change in annual river flow. Further the basin hydrological responses are analysed for a long term synthetically‐induced drought the results of which show the significance of the base flow of the Mekong River basin. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sublimation from thin snow cover at the edge of the Eurasian cryosphere in Mongolia
Authors: Zhang Yinsheng , Ishikawa M. , Ohata T. , Oyunbaatar D.
Published: January 2008

Sublimation from thin snow cover at the edge of the Eurasian cryosphere in Mongolia was calculated using the aerodynamic profile method and verified by eddy covariance observations using multiple‐level meteorological data from three sites representing a variety of geographic and vegetative conditions in Mongolia. Data were collected in the winter and analysed from three sites. Intense sublimation events, defined by daily sublimation levels of more than 0·4 mm, were predominant in their effect on the temporal variability of sublimation. The dominant meteorological elements affecting sublimation were wind speed and air temperature, with the latter affecting sublimation indirectly through the vapour deficit. Seasonal and interannual variations in sublimation were investigated using long‐interval estimations for 19 years at a mountainous‐area meteorological station and for 24 years at a flat‐plain meteorological station. The general seasonal pattern indicated higher rates of sublimation in both the beginning and ending of the snow‐covered period, when the wind speed and vapour deficit were higher. Annual sublimation averaged 11·7 mm at the flat‐plain meteorological station, or 20·3% of the annual snowfall, and 15·7 mm at the site in the mountains, or 21·6% of snowfall. The sum of snow sublimation and snowmelt evaporation represented 17 to 20% of annual evapotranspiration in a couple observation years. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐analytical solution for a slug test in partially penetrating wells including the effect of finite‐thickness skin
Authors: Yeh Hund‐Der , Chen Yen‐Ju , Yang Shaw‐Yang
Published: January 2008

This paper presents a new semi‐analytical solution for a slug test in a well partially penetrating a confined aquifer, accounting for the skin effect. This solution is developed based on the solution for a constant‐flux pumping test and a formula given by Peres and co‐workers in 1989. The solution agrees with that of Cooper and co‐workers and the KGS model when the well is fully penetrating. The present solution can be applied to simulate the temporal and spatial head distributions in both the skin and formation zones. It can also be used to demonstrate the influences of skin type or skin thickness on the well water level and to estimate the hydraulic parameters of the skin and formation zones using a least‐squares approach. The results of this study indicate that the determination of hydraulic conductivity using a conventional slug‐test data analysis that neglects the presence of a skin zone will give an incorrect result if the aquifer has a skin zone. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of catastrophic flooding on stream biogeochemistry in a headwater stream in Shenandoah National Park, USA
Authors: Reinhardt K.S. , Furman T.
Published: January 2008

This study examined the stream chemistry changes in Staunton River (a second‐order headwater stream with an average annual discharge 704 m3 ha−1 yr−1, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia) resulting from a catastrophic flood in June 1995. This flood, which followed after 800 mm of rain in a 4‐day period, caused large‐scale debris flows and complete scouring of riparian soils down to bedrock in the lower 2 km of the stream, and has been estimated to be a 1000‐year flood. The flood affected stream chemistry on both short‐ and long‐term time scales. The primary short‐term response was elevations in stream concentration of Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ by 59%, 87%, and 49%, respectively, for 6 months immediately following the flood. The long‐term impact of decreased concentration of all base cations and SiO2 during summer months (8% average) lasted about 2 years. At the episodic time scale, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ flushed from soil sources during pre‐flood storms while Na+ and SiO2 diluted; these trends generally reversed during post‐flood storms for 2 years. Short‐term effects are attributed to the leaching of unconsolidated soil and upturned organic matter that clogged the streambed after the flood. The long‐term and superimposed episodic impacts may have resulted from the loss of riparian soils and vegetation in the flood. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do nonmelanoma skin cancers develop from extra‐cutaneous stem cells?
Authors: Simka Marian
Published: January 2008

A hypothesis is presented that nonmelanoma skin cancers can develop from extra‐cutaneous stem cells, and not exclusively from skin keratinocytes. This idea is supported by recent findings regarding the initiation of cancers in the digestive tract, and by a cancer stem cell model of a neoplasia. It is known that multipotent adult progenitor cells can trans‐differentiate into very diverse cellular lineages and can be recruited to areas of profound tissue injury. In these settings, they might also initiate malignant transformation. Some epidemiological data and recent findings regarding mechanisms of wound healing indicate that skin cancers could also originate from bone marrow‐derived or other extra‐cutaneous stem cells in addition to local stem cells. It can therefore be speculated that the biology of keratinocyte stem cells derived from these sources differs from that of local epidermal stem cells, and consequently, these cells might be poorly controlled within their niches. Furthermore, in chronically inflamed skin, or in an immunodeficient patient, malignant transformation of extra‐cutaneous stem cells is more likely to occur. There is one well‐documented case of basal cell cancer which has arisen from donor cells in a kidney transplant recipient, but it remains unclear if this cancer developed directly from a donor‐derived cell, or via fusion of such cells with premalignant keratinocytes. Hopefully, combining animal models of skin cancer initiation with experiments exploring the role of bone marrow‐derived cells in skin healing will bring to light the exact mechanism of carcinogenesis of nonmelanoma skin cancers. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Specific imaging of VEGF‐A expression with radiolabeled anti‐VEGF monoclonal antibody
Authors: Stollman Thamar H. , Scheer Marian G.W. , Leenders William P.J. , Verrijp Kiek C.N. , Soede Annemieke C. , Oyen Wim J.G. , Ruers Theo J.M. , Boerman Otto C.
Published: January 2008

Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) is one of the most important angiogenic factors. Here, we studied in a nude mouse model whether the expression of VEGF‐A in a tumor could be imaged with a radiolabeled anti‐VEGF antibody. The humanized anti‐VEGF‐A antibody A.4.6.1. (bevacizumab), which is reactive with all VEGF‐A isoforms, was radiolabeled with In‐111 or with I‐125. The accumulation of the radiolabeled antibodies in VEGF‐A expressing tumors (LS174T) in nude mice was examined in biodistribution studies and by gamma camera imaging. The uptake of the In‐111‐bevacizumab in the tumor at 3 days p.i. was significantly higher than that of I‐125‐bevacizumab (19.4 ± 7.0 %ID/g vs. 9.6 ± 3.3 %ID/g, p = 0.04). Coinjection of an excess unlabeled antibody resulted in a significant decrease in radioactivity concentration in the tumor (<2.9 ± 1.9 %ID/g, p < 0.005), indicating VEGF‐mediated antibody uptake. Highest uptake in the tumor was observed at relatively low antibody protein doses (<3 μg) (20–25 %ID/g). VEGF‐A‐expressing tumors could be clearly visualized on planar scintigraphic images from 24‐hr post injection onwards. In conclusion, VEGF‐A expression in tumors can be visualized specifically with radiolabeled anti‐VEGF‐A‐mAb. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The DNA demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine activates NY‐ESO‐1 antigenicity in orthotopic human glioma
Authors: Natsume Atsushi , Wakabayashi Toshihiko , Tsujimura Kunio , Shimato Shinji , Ito Motokazu , Kuzushima Kiyotaka , Kondo Yutaka , Sekido Yoshitaka , Kawatsura Hitomi , Narita Yuji , Yoshida Jun
Published: January 2008

Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) are considered to be suitable targets for the immunotherapy of human malignancies. It has been demonstrated that in a variety of tumors, the expression of certain CTAs is activated via the demethylation of their promoter CpG islands. In our study, we have shown that while the composite expression of 13 CTAs in 30 human glioma specimens and newly established cell lines from the Japanese population was nearly imperceptible, the DNA‐demethylating agent 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza‐CdR) markedly reactivated CTA expression in glioma cells but not in normal human cells. We quantified the diminished methylation status of NY‐ESO‐1‐one of the most immunogenic CTAs‐following 5‐aza‐CdR treatment by using a novel Pyrosequencing™ technology and methylation‐specific PCR. Microarray analysis revealed that 5‐aza‐CdR is capable of signaling the immune system, particularly, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I upregulation. 51Cr‐release cytotoxicity assays and cold target inhibition assays using NY‐ESO‐1‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) lines demonstrated the presentation of de novo NY‐ESO‐1 antigenic peptides on the cell surfaces. In an orthotopic xenograft model, the systemic administration of 5‐aza‐CdR resulted in a significant volume reduction of the transplanted tumors and prolonged the survival of the animals after the adoptive transfer of NY‐ESO‐1‐specific CTLs. These results suggested that 5‐aza‐CdR induces the expression of epigenetically silenced CTAs in poorly immunogenic gliomas and thereby presents a new strategy for tumor immunotherapy targeting 5‐aza‐CdR‐induced CTAs. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
JunD suppresses bone formation and contributes to low bone mass induced by estrogen depletion
Authors: Kawamata Aya , Izu Yayoi , Yokoyama Haruna , Amagasa Teruo , Wagner Erwin F. , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Ezura Yoichi , Hayata Tadayoshi , Noda Masaki
Published: January 2008

JunD is an activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) component though its function in skeletal system is still not fully understood. To elucidate the role of JunD in the regulation of bone metabolism, we analyzed JunD‐deficient mice. JunD deficiency significantly increased bone mass and trabecular number. This bone mass enhancement was due to JunD deficiency‐induced increase in bone formation activities in vivo. Such augmentation of bone formation was associated with simultaneous increase in bone resorption while the former was dominant over the latter as accumulation of bone mass occurred in JunD‐deficient mice. In a pathological condition relevant to postmenopausal osteoporosis, ovariectomy reduced bone mass in wild type (WT) mice as known before. Interestingly, JunD deficiency suppressed ovariectomy‐induced increase in bone resorption and kept high bone mass. In addition, JunD deficiency also enhanced new bone formation after bone marrow ablation. Examination of molecular bases for these observations revealed that JunD deficiency enhanced expression levels of c‐jun, fra‐1, and fra‐2 in bone in conjunction with elevated expression levels of runx2, type I collagen, and osteocalcin. Thus, JunD is involved in estrogen depletion‐induced osteopenia via its action to suppress bone formation and to enhance bone resorption. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1037–1045, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
From retroviral vector production to gene transfer: spontaneous inactivation is caused by loss of reverse transcription capacity
Authors: Carmo M. , Panet A. , Carrondo M. J. T. , Alves P. M. , Cruz P. E.
Published: January 2008

Background

The loss of gene transfer capacity in retroviral vectors constitutes a major disadvantage in the development of retroviral vectors for gene therapy applications. In the present work the loss of a vector's capacity to perform reverse transcription was studied as a possible explanation for the low stability of retroviral vectors from the production stage to the target cell gene transfer event.

Methods

Inactivation studies were performed with murine leukemia virus vectors at 37 °C and several residual activities were tested, including viral infectivity, reverse transcription capacity, reverse transcriptase (RT) activities and viral RNA stability.

Results

The results indicate a high correlation between loss of infectivity and the capacity of the virus to perform the initial steps of reverse transcription. To further understand the thermosensitivity of the reverse transcription process, the two enzyme activities of RT were investigated. The results indicate that, although the inactivation rate of the DNA polymerase is faster than that of RNase H, the decline of these two enzyme activities is significantly slower than that of reverse transcription. Also, viral RNA stability is not implicated in the loss of the virus capacity to perform reverse transcription as the rate of viral RNA degradation was very slow. Furthermore, it was observed that the amount of viral RNA that entered the cells decreased slowly due to viral inactivation at 37 °C.

Conclusions

The reverse transcription process is thermolabile and this sensitivity determines the rate of retroviral inactivation. Strategies targeting stabilization of the reverse transcription complex should be pursued to improve the applicability of retroviral vectors in gene therapy studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An integrative approach of organic matter stabilization in temperate soils: Linking chemistry, physics, and biology
Authors: Kögel‐Knabner Ingrid , Ekschmitt Klemens , Flessa Heinz , Guggenberger Georg , Matzner Egbert , Marschner Bernd , von Lützow Margit
Published: January 2008

With this topical issue, we present the work of the Priority Program 1090 of the German Research Foundation (“Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft DFG”): “Soils as a source and sink for CO2 – mechanisms and regulation of organic matter stabilisation in soils”. This introduction gives an overview on the sites investigated and the major research approaches, including a glossary of major terms used in the field of soil organic matter research. We point out the advantages of integration of data from a broad field of different soil‐science disciplines and the progress achieved by application and combination of new analytical methods describing the quality and turnover of soil organic matter.
Elevation of XPA protein level in testis tumor cells without increasing resistance to cisplatin or UV radiation
Authors: Köberle Beate , Roginskaya Vera , Zima Karen S. , Masters John R.W. , Wood Richard D.
Published: January 2008

Most testicular germ cell tumors are curable using cisplatin‐based chemotherapy, and cell lines from these tumors are unusually sensitive to cisplatin and other DNA‐damaging agents. It has been suggested that this might be caused by a lower‐than normal nucleotide excision repair (NER) activity. Previous studies found that cell lines from testicular germ cell tumors have on average about one‐third the level of the NER protein XPA in comparison to cell lines from other tumors. We asked whether over‐expression of XPA protein would alleviate the cellular sensitivity and increase the DNA repair capacity of a testis tumor cell line. Increasing XPA levels in 833K cells by 10‐fold did not increase resistance to UV irradiation. XPA was localized to the cell nucleus in all cell lines, before and after exposure to UV‐radiation. 833K cells were proficient in removing UV radiation‐induced photoproducts from the genome and increased XPA did not enhance the rate of removal. Further, over‐expressing functional XPA protein did not correlate with increased resistance of 833K testis tumor cells to cisplatin. Thus, although the amount of XPA in this testis tumor cell line is lower than normal, it is sufficient for NER in vivo. The relative sensitivity of testis tumor cells to cisplatin, UV radiation, and other DNA damaging agents is likely related not to NER capacity, but to other factors such as the integrity of the p53 pathway in these cells. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The boundary integral equation approach for numerical solution of the one‐dimensional Sine‐Gordon equation
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Mirzaei Davoud
Published: January 2008

This article describes a numerical method based on the boundary integral equation and dual reciprocity method for solving the one‐dimensional Sine‐Gordon (SG) equation. The time derivative is approximated by the time‐stepping method and a predictor–corrector scheme is employed to deal with the nonlinearity which appears in the problem. Numerical results are presented for some problems to demonstrate the usefulness and accuracy of this approach. In addition, the conservation of energy in SG equation is investigated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2008