bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Properties and Degradation of Selected Polysaccharides: Hyaluronan and Chitosan
Authors: Rinaudo M.
Published: January 2009

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: Advances in Development of Methods for the Synthesis of Dual Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRIs) [Venlafaxine Hydrochloride (Effexor), Milnacipran Hydrochloride (Ixel, Dalcipran) and Duloxetine Hydrochloride (Cymbalta)]
Authors: Pineiro‐Nunez Marta
Published: January 2009

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: Hydrogen‐Rich Boron‐Containing Materials for Hydrogen Storage
Authors: Wang Ping , Kang Xiang‐dong
Published: January 2009

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: Towards Magnetic Molecule and Reagent Separation in Organic Synthesis: Development and Use of Covalently Functionalized Nanomagnets
Authors: Halim Samuel C. , Stark Wendelin J.
Published: January 2009

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.
Fibroblast elongation and dendritic extensions in constrained versus unconstrained microtissues
Authors: Dean Dylan M. , Rago Adam P. , Morgan Jeffrey R.
Published: January 2009

Cytoskeletal tension is fundamental to many biological processes, including germ layer sorting during embryogenesis [Krieg et al., 2008]. In vitro, such tension influences cell sorting in self‐assembled, 3D microtissues and can be of sufficient magnitude to cause complex‐shaped microtissue failure [Dean et al., 2007]. To examine the process of failure under cell‐derived tension, we subjected normal human fibroblasts (NHFs) to directed self‐assembly [Dean et al., 2007] in micro‐molds designed to yield self‐constraining microtissues. As cells contracted in this assay, the constrained microtissues narrowed, thinned and ultimately failed at their midpoints. By adding small numbers of GFP+ cells, changes in cell movement and morphology were assessed and compared to those of unconstrained microtissues. We found that cells formed numerous dendritic extensions within an hour of self‐assembly and retracted these extensions as they elongated up to 30 times their initial diameter (∼600 μm) just prior to failure. Surprisingly, significant coordination in cell motility was observed over large distances within microtissues. Pharmacologic interventions showed that failure was myosin II and Rho kinase dependent and inhibition of failure resulted in shorter cells with greater numbers of extensions. These findings further our understanding of cellular self‐assembly and introduce the use of GFP+ cells with directed self‐assembly as a scaffold‐free analogue to fibroblast‐populated collagen gels (FPCGs). Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Centromere protein H is a novel prognostic marker for human nonsmall cell lung cancer progression and overall patient survival
Authors: Liao Wen‐Ting , Wang Xi , Xu Li‐Hua , Kong Qing‐Li , Yu Chun‐Ping , Li Man‐Zhi , Shi Ling , Zeng Mu‐Sheng , Song Li‐Bing
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND:

Lung cancer is 1 of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide, and the high mortality from this disease is caused mainly by the lack of efficient diagnostic strategies for early‐stage lung cancer. The objective of the current study was to investigate the expression pattern and clinicopathologic significance of centromere protein H (CENP‐H) in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS:

The expression profile of CENP‐H in normal lung epithelial cells, NSCLC cell lines, NSCLC tissues, and adjacent noncancerous lung tissues were detected by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), real‐time RT‐PCR, and Western blot analysis. The expression level of CENP‐H in 223 NSCLC tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry staining. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the clinicopathologic significance of CENP‐H.

RESULTS:

The expression level of CENP‐H was much higher in cancer cell lines and lung cancer tissues than that in normal cells and adjacent noncancerous lung tissues, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive CENP‐H expression in 118 of 223 NSCLC tissues (52.9%). Statistical analysis revealed that CENP‐H expression was correlated strongly with clinical stage (P=.018), tumor classification (P=.03), and Ki‐67 expression (P < .001). Patients with lower CENP‐H expression had better overall survival than patients with higher CENP‐H expression. Further analysis suggested that CENP‐H could predict prognosis only in patients with early‐stage disease. Multivariate analysis suggested that CENP‐H expression was an independent prognostic marker for survival in patients with NSCLC.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results demonstrated that high CENP‐H protein expression was related to poor outcome in patients with NSCLC. CENP‐H may be used as a prognostic biomarker for patients lung patients, especially those with early‐stage NSCLC. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Concurrent lobular neoplasia increases the risk of ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ treated with breast‐conserving therapy
Authors: Rudloff Udo , Brogi Edi , Brockway Julia P. , Goldberg Jessica I. , Cranor Milicent , Wynveen Christine A. , Nehhozina Tatjana , Reiner Anne S. , Patil Sujata , Van Zee Kimberly J.
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND:

Multiple clinicopathologic factors have been analyzed for their association with an increased risk of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after women receive breast‐conserving treatment (BCT) for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The reported incidence of proliferative lesions, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), columnar cell changes (CCC), and lobular neoplasia associated with breast cancer, has been as high as 23%; however, the relevance of these lesions on the natural history of DCIS and the risk of IBTR remains unknown.

METHODS:

Two hundred ninety‐four patients with DCIS who received BCT between 1991 and 1995 were identified from the authors' institutional database. Slides were reviewed by a dedicated breast pathologist with particular attention to the presence of lobular neoplasia, ADH, and CCC. The actuarial 5‐, 10‐, and 15‐year IBTR rates were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and were compared using the log‐rank test.

RESULTS:

Concurrent lobular neoplasia was present in 41 of 294 patients (14%), ADH was present in 37 of 294 patients (13%), and CCC was present in 71 of 294 patients (24%). The median follow‐up was 11 years. IBTR occurred in 40 of 227 patients without lobular neoplasia (18%) versus 15 of 41 patients with lobular neoplasia (37%; P=.005; hazard ratio [HR], 2.49). The 5‐, 10‐, and 15‐year cumulative incidence rates of IBTR were twice as high in women who had DCIS and lobular neoplasia compared with women who had DCIS alone (P=.002). Concomitant ADH (HR, 1.53) and CCC (HR, 1.24) were not associated significantly with IBTR (P=.20 and P=.44, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Concurrent lobular neoplasia is associated with a significantly higher risk of IBTR in women with DCIS who received BCT. Women with coexisting DCIS and lobular neoplasia who receive BCT should consider using additional risk‐reducing strategies. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Phase 1 study of oxaliplatin and irinotecan in pediatric patients with refractory solid tumors
Authors: McGregor Lisa M. , Spunt Sheri L. , Furman Wayne L. , Stewart Clinton F. , Schaiquevich Paula , Krailo Mark D. , Speights RoseAnne , Ivy Percy , Adamson Peter C. , Blaney Susan M.
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND:

For this report, the authors estimated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and investigated the toxicities of oxaliplatin combined with irinotecan in children with refractory solid tumors.

METHODS:

Oxaliplatin was administered on Days 1 and 8 in combination with irinotecan on Days 1 through 5 and Days 8 through 12 of a 21‐day cycle. An oral cephalosporin was administered daily to ameliorate irinotecan‐associated diarrhea. Pharmacokinetic studies of oxaliplatin and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1 family, polypeptide A1 (UGT1A1) genotyping were performed.

RESULTS:

Thirteen patients were enrolled. Dose‐limiting diarrhea (n = 3), serum lipase elevation (n = 3), serum amylase elevation (n = 2), colitis, abdominal pain, and headache (n = 1 each) occurred at the first dose level (oxaliplatin at a dose of 60 mg/m2; irinotecan at a dose of 20 mg/m2). Only 1 of 7 patients who received reduced doses of both agents (40 mg/m2/dose oxaliplatin; 15 mg/m2/dose irinotecan) experienced a dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT): diarrhea. When the oxaliplatin dose was re‐escalated (60 mg/m2) with irinotecan at a dose of 15 mg/m2, 2 of 3 patients had a DLT (1 episode of diarrhea, 1 episode of hypokalemia). Myelosuppression was minimal. One patient had a complete response, and another patient had stable disease for 6 cycles of therapy. The median oxaliplatin area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC0→∞) was 5.9 μg · hour/mL (range, 1.8‐7.6 μg · hour/mL). The frequency of the 6/6, 6/7, and 7/7 UGT1A1 promoter genotypes was 5 of 10, 4 of 10, and 1 of 10, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The oxaliplatin MTD was 40 mg/m2 per dose on Days 1 and 8 in combination with irinotecan 15 mg/m2 per dose on Days 1‐5 and Days 8‐12. There was some evidence of antitumor activity; however, severe toxicity, both expected (diarrhea) and unexpected (elevation in pancreatic enzymes), was observed. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Formation of Cross‐Linked Chloroperoxidase Aggregates in the Pores of Mesocellular Foams: Characterization by SANS and Catalytic Properties
Authors: Jung Dirk , Paradiso Michelangelo , Wallacher Dirk , Brandt Astrid , Hartmann Martin
Published: January 2009

No escape: The formation of cross‐linked chloroperoxidase aggregates (CPO‐CLEAs) in the pores of mesocellular foam materials results in active biocatalysts that are more resistant to leaching than the conventional catalyst prepared by physisorption of chloroperoxidase. Small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments clearly confirm that the CPO‐CLEAs are located in the pores of the mesocellular foams.

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Cytological features of signet‐ring cell carcinoma of the lung: Comparison with the goblet‐cell‐type adenocarcinoma of the lung
Authors: Tsuta Koji , Shibuki Yasuo , Maezawa Naoki , Tochigi Naobumi , Maeshima Akiko Miyagi , Sasajima Yuko , Asamura Hisao , Matsuno Yoshihiro
Published: January 2009

Signet‐ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) and goblet‐cell‐type adenocarcinoma (GCA) are mucin‐producing lung adenocarcinomas. Primary SRCC shows an aggressive clinical course, whereas GCA shows infrequent distant metastasis, but more frequent intrapulmonary metastases resembling lobar pneumonia. To distinguish SRCC from GCA, this study investigated the respective cytological features of these lesions. We selected 10 cases each of SRCC and GCA from the archival imprint smears. We assessed them for the following 10 cytological features. Necrosis/debris was observed in 60% of the SRCC and 90% of the GCA. A mucinous background was observed in 10% of the SRCC and 90% of the GCA. Significant inflammation was observed in none of the SRCC and 80% of the GCA. Stromal cluster was observed in 30% of the SRCC and 70% of the GCA. Nuclear overlapping was observed in 50% of the SRCC and in all of the GCA. Single tumor cells were observed in 80% of the SRCC and 10% of the GCA. Honeycomb‐like cluster was observed in none of the SRCC and 80% of the GCA. Prominent nucleolus was observed in 50% of the SRCC and 40% of the GCA. Nuclear membrane irregularity was observed in 70% of SRCC and 60% of the GCA. Nuclear pleomorphism was observed in all of the SRCC and none of the GCA. The cytological features of SRCC were the presence of single tumor cells and nuclear pleomorphism, whereas that of GCA were the presence of abundant mucin and significant inflammation in the background, and a honeycomb‐like cluster. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomy and development of the nervous system of Nematostella vectensis, an anthozoan cnidarian
Authors: Marlow Heather Q. , Srivastava Mansi , Matus David Q. , Rokhsar Daniel , Martindale Mark Q.
Published: January 2009

Nematostella vectensis, an anthozoan cnidarian, whose genome has been sequenced and is suitable for developmental and ecological studies, has a complex neural morphology that is modified during development from the larval to adult form. N. vectensis' nervous system is a diffuse nerve net with both ectodermal sensory and effector cells and endodermal multipolar ganglion cells. This nerve net consists of several distinct neural territories along the oral–aboral axis including the pharyngeal and oral nerve rings, and the larval apical tuft. These neuralized regions correspond to expression of conserved bilaterian neural developmental regulatory genes including homeodomain transcription factors and NCAMs. Early neurons and stem cell populations identified with NvMsi, NvELAV, and NvGCM, indicate that neural differentiation occurs throughout the animal and initiates prior to the conclusion of gastrulation. Neural specification in N. vectensis appears to occur through an independent mechanism from that in the classical cnidarian model Hydra. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009
13C/12C Ratios of endogenous urinary steroids investigated for doping control purposes
Authors: Piper Thomas , Flenker Ulrich , Mareck Ute , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: January 2009

In order to detect the misuse of endogenous anabolic steroids such as testosterone by athletes a total of n = 1734 suspicious urine samples were investigated by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry throughout the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. The 13C/12C ratio of a target substance (androsterone, a testosterone metabolite) was compared to the 13C/12C ratio of an endogenous reference compound (11β‐hydroxyandrosterone).

N = 1340 samples were investigated due to elevated testosterone/epitestosterone ratios, with n = 87 (6.5%) exceptional findings regarding their isotopic ratios. An additional n = 164 samples were investigated because of elevated dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations, with n = 2 (1.2%) exceptional findings. The remainder were subjected to isotope ratio analysis because of elevated androsterone levels or because this was requested by sports federations.

Significant differences between female and male samples were found for the 13C/12C ratios of androsterone and 11β‐hydroxyandrosterone but not for samples taken in or out of competition.

A further n = 645 samples originating from other World Anti‐Doping Agency accredited laboratories, mainly throughout Europe as well as South America, South Africa and Southeast Asia, were investigated. The 13C/12C ratios of the urinary steroids differ significantly for each geographical region, reflecting the dietary status of the individuals.

The system stability over time has been tested by repeated injections of a standard solution and repeated processing of frozen stored blank urine. Despite a drift over time in absolute 13C/12C ratios, no significant change in the difference of 13C/12C (11β‐hydroxyandrosterone) minus 13C/12C (androsterone) could be observed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Small interfering peptide (siP) for in vivo examination of the developing lung interactonome
Authors: Cohen J. Craig , Killeen Erin , Chander Avinash , Takemaru Ken‐Ichi , Larson Janet E. , Treharne Kate J. , Mehta Anil
Published: January 2009

To understand the role of reactive oxygen species in mechanosensory control of lung development a new approach to interfere with protein–protein interactions by means of a short interacting peptide was developed. This technology was used in the developing rodent lung to examine the role of NADPH oxidase (NOX), casein kinase 2 (CK2), and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in stretch‐induced differentiation. Interactions between these molecules was targeted in an in utero system with recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) containing inserted DNA sequences that express a control peptide or small interfering peptides (siPs) specific for subunit interaction or phosphorylation predicted to be necessary for multimeric enzyme formation. In all cases only siPs with sequences necessary for a predicted normal function were found to interfere with assembly of the multimeric enzyme. A noninterfering control siP to nonessential regions or reporter genes alone had no effect. Physiologically, it was shown that siPs that interfered with the NOX‐CFTR‐CK2 complex that we call an “interactonome” affected markers of stretch‐induced lung organogenesis including Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Developmental Dynamics 238:386–393, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TheCaenorhabditis elegansheterochronic genelin‐14coordinates temporal progression and maturation in the egg‐laying system
Authors: Johnson Ryan W. , Liu Leah Y. , Hanna‐Rose Wendy , Chamberlin Helen M.
Published: January 2009

Heterochronic genes function to ensure the timing of stage‐specific developmental events inC. elegans. Mutations in these genes cause certain developmental programs to be executed in a precocious or retarded manner. Canonical precocious (loss‐of‐function) and retarded (gain‐of‐function) mutations in thelin‐14gene lead to elimination or reiteration of larval stage‐specific cellular events. Here, we describe a hypomorphic, missense allele oflin‐14,sa485.lin‐14(sa485) hermaphrodites pass through normal larval stages, but exhibit asynchrony between vulval and gonadal maturation in the L4 larval stage. We show that a subtly precocious morphogenetic event in the vulva disrupts tissue synchrony and is followed by retarded vulval eversion. Additionally, uterine uv1 cell differentiation is retarded inlin‐14(sa485) animals that exhibit delayed vulval eversion. Together, these experiments outline a function for LIN‐14 in coordinating the temporal progression of development, which is separable from its role in regulating stage‐specific events duringC. eleganspostembryonic development. Developmental Dynamics 238:394–404, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fibroblast growth factor‐2 deficiency affects hippocampal spine morphology, but not hippocampal catecholaminergic or cholinergic innervation
Authors: Zechel Sabrina , Unsicker Klaus , von Bohlen und Halbach Oliver
Published: January 2009

The availability of fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) ‐deficient mice has permitted studying the role of endogenous FGF‐2. Several studies have reported that neocortical but not hippocampal neurons are lost in FGF‐2–deficient mice. Here, we show that neuronal densities within the basolateral amygdala are unaltered in FGF‐2−/− mice. Moreover, we provide evidence that FGF‐2 mutant mice display no obvious alterations in the catecholaminergic or cholinergic innervation of the hippocampus. With regard to the formation of dendritic spines, our studies reveal that endogenous FGF‐2 is not essential for hippocampal spinogenesis; however, FGF‐2 affects the length of individual spines. Such alterations in spine morphology may be related to disturbances in mental capacities or alterations in neuronal plasticity. Of interest, in this context, animal models of mental retardation develop no alterations in hippocampal spine densities, but display higher numbers of long dendritic spines. Thus, FGF‐2 may also affect learning and memory by altering spine morphology. Developmental Dynamics 238:343–350, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating the spatiotemporal pattern of volumetric growth rate from fate maps in chick limb development
Authors: Morishita Yoshihiro , Iwasa Yoh
Published: January 2009

Morphogenesis is achieved through volumetric growth of tissue at a rate varying over space and time. The volumetric growth rate of each piece of tissue reflects the behaviors of constituent cells such as cell proliferation and death. Hence, clarifying its spatiotemporal pattern accurately is a key to bridge between cell behaviors and organ morphogenesis. We here propose a new method to estimate the spatiotemporal pattern of volumetric growth rate from fate map data with limited resolution on space and time by using a mathematical model. We apply the method to chick wing data along the proximodistal axis, and find that the volumetric growth pattern is biphasic: it is spatially uniform in earlier stages (until stage 23), but in later stages the volumetric growth occurs approximately 4.5 times as fast as in the distal region (within approximately 100 μm from the limb tip) than in the proximal region. Developmental Dynamics 238:415–422, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
C‐myc as a modulator of renal stem/progenitor cell population
Authors: Couillard Martin , Trudel Marie
Published: January 2009

The role of c‐myc has been well‐studied in gene regulation and oncogenesis but remains elusive in murine development from midgestation. We determined c‐myc function during kidney development, organogenesis, and homeostasis by conditional loss of c‐myc induced at two distinct phases of nephrogenesis, embryonic day (e) 11.5 and e17.5. Deletion of c‐myc in early metanephric mesenchyme (e11.5) led to renal hypoplasia from e15.5 to e17.5 that was sustained until adulthood (range, 20–25%) and, hence, reproduced the human pathologic condition of renal hypoplasia. This phenotype resulted from depletion of c‐myc–positive cells in cap mesenchyme, causing a ∼35% marked decrease of Six2‐ and Cited1‐stem/progenitor population and of proliferation that likely impaired self‐renewal. By contrast, c‐myc loss from e17.5 onward had no impact on late renal differentiation/maturation and/or homeostasis, providing evidence that c‐myc is dispensable during these phases. This study identified c‐myc as a modulator of renal organogenesis through regulation of stem/progenitor cell population. Developmental Dynamics 238:405–414, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative expression analysis of the neurogenins in Xenopus tropicalis and Xenopus laevis
Authors: Nieber Frank , Pieler Tomas , Henningfeld Kristine A.
Published: January 2009

The Neurogenin (Ngn 1–3) family of proneural basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors are key regulators of vertebrate neurogenesis. In the developing vertebrate nervous system, the Ngns are essential for the commitment to a neuronal fate and participate in the specification of neuronal cell‐type identity. Xenopus laevis is widely used as a model system to study the early events of vertebrate neurogenesis, however, only Ngnr‐1, which is most closely related to the mammalian Ngn2, has been described and characterized. Presently, we describe a comparative expression analysis of the Ngn1–3 in X. tropicalis and X. laevis embryos. The Xenopus Ngns are present in overlapping, as well as unique regions of the nervous system starting at gastrula stages, suggesting distinct roles for this important family of transcriptional factors in the establishment of the amphibian nervous system. Developmental Dynamics 238:451–458, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tamoxifen‐dependent, inducible Hoxb6CreERT recombinase function in lateral plate and limb mesoderm, CNS isthmic organizer, posterior trunk neural crest, hindgut, and tailbud
Authors: Nguyen Minh‐Thanh , Zhu Jianjian , Nakamura Eiichiro , Bao Xiaozhong , Mackem Susan
Published: January 2009

The ability to generate conditional mutant alleles in mice using Cre‐lox technology has facilitated analysis of genes playing critical roles in multiple developmental processes at different times. We used a transgenic Hoxb6 promoter to drive tamoxifen‐dependent Cre recombinase expression in several developing systems that serve as major models for elucidating inductive interactions and mechanisms of morphogenesis, including lateral plate mesoderm and descendant limb buds, neural crest progenitors of the neural tube, tailbud, and CNS isthmic organizer. The Hoxb6CreERT line gives very rapid and complete recombination over a short time window after a single tamoxifen dose, allowing precise time requirements for gene function to be assessed accurately. Embryonic cells cultured from the Hoxb6CreERT line also display rapid recombination ex vivo after tamoxifen exposure. Hence, the Hoxb6CreERT line provides a valuable tool for analyzing gene function, as well as lineage tracing studies using genetic cell marking, in several developing systems. Developmental Dynamics 238:467–474, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Coronary endothelial proliferation and morphogenesis are regulated by a VEGF‐mediated pathway
Authors: Nesbitt Tresa L. , Roberts Andrea , Tan Hong , Junor Lorain , Yost Michael J. , Potts Jay D. , Dettman Robert W. , Goodwin Richard L.
Published: January 2009

Though development of the coronary vasculature is a critical event during embryogenesis, the molecular mechanisms that regulate its formation are not well characterized. Two unique approaches were used to investigate interactions between cardiac myocytes and proepicardial (PE) cells, which are the coronary anlagen. One of these experimental approaches used a 3‐D collagen scaffold system on which specific cell‐cell and cell‐matrix interactions were studied. The other approach used a whole heart culture system that allowed for the analysis of epicardial to mesenchymal transformation (EMT). The VEGF signaling system has been implicated previously as an important regulator of coronary development. Our results demonstrated that a specific isoform of VEGF‐A, VEGF164, increased PE‐derived endothelial cell proliferation and also increased EMT. However, VEGF‐stimulated endothelial cells did not robustly coalesce into endothelial tubes as they did when cocultured with cardiac myocytes. Interestingly, blocking VEGF signaling via flk‐1 inhibition reduced endothelial tube formation despite the presence of cardiac myocytes. These results indicate that VEGF signaling is complex during coronary development and that combinatorial signaling by other VEGF‐A isoforms or other flk‐1‐binding VEGFs are likely to regulate endothelial tube formation. Developmental Dynamics 238:423–430, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Formaldehyde‐based whole‐mount in situ hybridization method for planarians
Authors: Pearson Bret J. , Eisenhoffer George T. , Gurley Kyle A. , Rink Jochen C. , Miller Diane E. , Sánchez Alvarado Alejandro
Published: January 2009

Whole‐mount in situ hybridization (WISH) is a powerful tool for visualizing gene expression patterns in specific cell and tissue types. Each model organism presents its own unique set of challenges for achieving robust and reproducible staining with cellular resolution. Here, we describe a formaldehyde‐based WISH method for the freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea developed by systematically comparing and optimizing techniques for fixation, permeabilization, hybridization, and postprocessing. The new method gives robust, high‐resolution labeling in fine anatomical detail, allows co‐labeling with fluorescent probes, and is sufficiently sensitive to resolve the expression pattern of a microRNA in planarians. Our WISH methodology not only provides significant advancements over current protocols that make it a valuable asset for the planarian community, but should also find wide applicability in WISH methods used in other systems. Developmental Dynamics 238:443–450, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ligand‐specific function of transforming growth factor beta in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in heart development
Authors: Azhar Mohamad , Runyan Raymond B. , Gard Connie , Sanford L. Philip , Miller Marian L. , Andringa Anastasia , Pawlowski Sharon , Rajan Sudarsan , Doetschman Thomas
Published: January 2009

The ligand specificity of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) in vivo in mouse cardiac cushion epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is poorly understood. To elucidate the function of TGFβ in cushion EMT, we analyzed Tgfb1−/−, Tgfb2−/−, and Tgfb3−/− mice between embryonic day (E) 9.5 and E14.5 using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Atrioventricular (AV) canal collagen gel assays at E9.5 indicated normal EMT in both Tgfb1−/− and Tgfb3−/− mice. However, analysis of Tgfb2−/− AV explants at E9.5 and E10.5 indicated that EMT, but not cushion cell proliferation, was initially delayed but later remained persistent. This was concordant with the observation that Tgfb2−/− embryos, and not Tgfb1−/− or Tgfb3−/− embryos, develop enlarged cushions at E14.5 with elevated levels of well‐validated indicators of EMT. Collectively, these data indicate that TGFβ2, and not TGFβ1 or TGFβ3, mediates cardiac cushion EMT by promoting both the initiation and cessation of EMT. Developmental Dynamics 238:431–442, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Short limbs, cleft palate, and delayed formation of flat proliferative chondrocytes in mice with targeted disruption of a putative protein kinase gene, Pkdcc (AW548124)
Authors: Imuta Yu , Nishioka Noriyuki , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Sasaki Hiroshi
Published: January 2009

Hindlimbs of Pkdcc−/− (left) and control (right) neonates at birth. The mouse mutants for a putative protein kinase gene, Pkdcc (AW548124), have short limbs. The mineralized regions of the long bones of four limbs were specifically shortened, and cause of this abnormality is delayed formation of flat proliferative chondrocytes and hypertrophic chondrocytes. The background image is a parasagittal section of the humerus of a normal E15.5 embryo showing the differentiating chondrocytes. See Imuta et al., Developmental Dynamics 238:210–222, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Europeanization, strategic environmental assessment and the impacts on environmental governance
Authors: Unalan Dilek , Cowell Richard J.
Published: January 2009

Recent European Union (EU) directives in the environmental field have promoted sustainable development alongside new modes of environmental governance for achieving this elusive goal. These modes are characterised by integrated, participatory and transparent decision‐making processes. This paper provides a conceptual clarification of this new environmental governance and then examines the extent to which it is being promoted, through Europeanization, in one of the impending south‐eastern enlargement countries, Turkey. Empirical data is taken from an analysis of Turkey's progress in adopting the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive which – potentially at least – embodies features of the new environmental governance. A key finding is that there are close links between the adoption of the new modes of environmental governance and the power of ‘Europeanization discourses’ in national policy making processes, but these are insufficient to forge significant changes in inter‐sectoral working around environmental issues, or markedly expand opportunities for public participation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The European Union in international environmental negotiations: an analysis of the Stockholm Convention negotiations
Authors: Delreux Tom
Published: January 2009

This article focuses on the way the European Union acted as a negotiating party during the international negotiations leading to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (1998–2000). Starting from a principal–agent model, the article discusses how the EU participated in these negotiations and how the internal decision‐making process developed. It argues that the EU was able to negotiate in a unified and influential way by defending a common position, which was expressed by a flexible negotiation arrangement, at the international level. Three features of the EU decision‐making process engendered such a strong EU negotiation arrangement: homogeneous preferences among the actors in the EU, symmetrically distributed information among them and a cooperative and institutionally dense decision‐making context. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Implementation and integration of EU environmental directives. Experiences from The Netherlands
Authors: Beunen Raoul , van der Knaap Wim G. M. , Biesbroek G. Robbert
Published: January 2009

European integration has consequences for environmental planning in the European Union. Recent evaluations of the European Commission show that implementation of environmental directives proves to be a challenging task for the responsible authorities. This paper discusses the relation between the implementation of the Water Framework Directive and the Birds and Habitats Directives in The Netherlands. Studies from this member state show that legal and procedural aspects of planning and decision making gain the most attention and that environmental goals are fading into the background. We study the integration of the two directives from a policy and practice perspective and discuss the difficulties that arise in the implementation process. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Catalyst Leaching as an Efficient Tool for Constructing New Catalytic Reactions: Application to the Synthesis of Cyclic Vinyl Sulfides and Vinyl Selenides
Authors: Ananikov Valentine P. , Gayduk Konstantin A. , Beletskaya Irina P. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Antipin Mikhail Yu.
Published: January 2009

Catalyst leaching from Pd and Ni particles stabilized by organic sulfur and selenium ligands occurs in solution in the presence of phosphanes. This process has been monitored in real time by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and the nature of the metal species established. This catalyst leaching is shown to be a powerful tool for generating new catalytic activity from species formed in situ where the parent bulk particles are inactive. The catalytic system developed has been successfully implemented in a novel synthetic procedure that provides new types of cyclic sulfur and selenium compounds in high yields through the reaction between alkynes and dichalcogenides. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
On‐line preconcentration and enantioseparation of thalidomide racemates by CEC with the hyphenation of octyl and norvancomycin monoliths
Authors: Tang An‐Na , Wang Xiao‐Nan , Ding Guo‐Sheng , Yan Xiu‐Ping
Published: January 2009

A method was developed for simultaneous preconcentration and chiral separation of thalidomide enantiomers in human urine by CEC in combination with self‐concentration and solvent gradient effects. A 4 cm long octyl (C8) monolithic column was hyphenated with a 15 cm long norvancomycin (NVC)‐bonded monolithic column via a fluorinated ethylene–propylene interface. Sample solution was injected into the C8 monolithic column, the two thalidomide enantiomers were first preconcentrated on the C8 monolithic column, and then separated with a further concentration on the NVC‐bonded monolithic column by CEC. Injection of 34.8 mm plug of sample solution gave 278‐ and 298‐fold enhancement in sensitivity, and detection limits of 90 and 94 μg/L for the two thalidomide enantiomers. Peak areas of the two isomers were linear in a range of 0.5–50 mg/L. The precision for five replicate injections of 10 mg/L were 0.8–0.9 and 1.1–2.3% for the migration time and peak height, respectively. The developed method was applied to the determination of racemic thalidomide in spiked human urine samples.
CEC column behaviour of butyl and lauryl methacrylate monoliths prepared in non‐aqueous media
Authors: Cantó‐Mirapeix Amparo , Herrero‐Martínez José M. , Mongay‐Fernández Carlos , Simó‐Alfonso Ernesto F.
Published: January 2009

Polymeric monolithic stationary phases for capillary electrochromatography were prepared using two bulk monomers, butyl methacrylate (BMA) and lauryl methacrylate (LMA), by in situ polymerization in non‐aqueous media. The effect of 1,4‐butanediol/1‐propanol ratio on porous properties was investigated separately for each monomer, keeping the proportion of monomers to pore‐forming solvents fixed at 40:60 wt:wt. Also, mixtures of BMA and LMA at different 1,4‐butanediol/1‐propanol ratios were studied for tailoring the morphological features of the monolithic columns. The chromatographic performance of the different columns was evaluated by means of van Deemter plots of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Mercury‐intrusion porosimetry, SEM, and nitrogen‐adsorption measurements were also performed in order to understand their retention behaviour and porous properties. A comparison of these features was also performed for monoliths made with one bulk monomer (BMA or LMA) and with mixtures of both. These mixed monoliths showed satisfactory efficiencies and analysis times compared with those made with one bulk monomer; thus, the BMA–LMA monoliths constitute an attractive alternative to manipulate the electrochromatographic properties of methacrylate beds in CEC.
Simultaneous determination of galantamine, rivastigmine and NAP 226‐90 in plasma by MEKC and its application in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hsieh Ya‐Hui , Yang Yuan‐Han , Yeh Hsin‐Hua , Lin Ping‐Chih , Chen Su‐Hwei
Published: January 2009

A simple and sensitive MEKC with UV detection was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors including galantamine, rivastigmine and major metabolite NAP 226‐90 in plasma. A sample pretreatment by liquid–liquid extraction with diethylether and subsequent quantification by MEKC was used. The optimum separation for these analytes was achieved in <10 min at 25°C with a fused‐silica capillary column of 30.2 cm×50 μ m id (effective length 20 cm) and a run buffer containing 25 mM Tris buffer (pH 5.0) with 160 mM sodium octanesulfonate, 20% ACN and 0.01% PVP as a dynamic coating to reduce analytes' interaction with the capillary wall. For sensitivity consideration regarding the determination of linearity, LOD, quantitation and monitoring drugs concentration in patients, the detection wavelengths for galantamine or rivastigmine and NAP 226‐90 were set at 214 or 200 nm, respectively. One male volunteer (26‐year‐old) was orally administered a single dose of 4.5 mg rivastigmine (Exelon®, Novartis) in capsule, and blood samples were drawn over a 12 h period for concentration–time profile study. The method was also successfully applied for monitoring galantamine or rivastigmine and its metabolite NAP 226‐90 in 11 Alzheimer's disease patients' plasma after oral administration of the commercial products Reminyl® (8 mg galantamine/capsule) or Exelon® (3 mg rivastigmine/capsule), respectively.
Chemical initiation for butyl and lauryl acrylate monolithic columns for CEC
Authors: Cantó‐Mirapeix Amparo , Herrero‐Martínez José M. , Mongay‐Fernández Carlos , Simó‐Alfonso Ernesto F.
Published: January 2009

Butyl acrylate (BA)‐ and lauryl acrylate (LA)‐based monolithic stationary phases for CEC were synthesized, using a redox system as initiator of polymerization. BA monoliths were initiated with ammonium peroxodisulfate, whereas LA columns were obtained with lauroyl peroxide as initiator. In both cases, TEMED was used to activate the process. The influence of porogenic solvent composition on both morphological and electrochromatographic properties of the resulting monoliths was investigated. Excellent efficiencies (minimum plate heights of 4.2–6.3 μm for BA columns and 2.6–5.3 μm for LA stationary phases, for a PAHs mixture) were achieved. The capability of separation of both types of monolithic beds was compared by the analysis of complex mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and anabolic steroids.
Apoptosis induction by sulfur‐containing compounds in malignant and nonmalignant human cells
Authors: Fimognari Carmela , Lenzi Monia , Hrelia Patrizia
Published: January 2009

Plants have traditionally represented a main source for the discovery of many biologically active substances with therapeutic values. Sulfur‐containing compounds exhibit pleiotropic biological effects supporting their potential use in multitargeted cancer prevention and treatment. As potential anti‐cancer agents, they have been shown to inhibit or retard the growth of various cancer cells in culture and implanted tumors in vivo. The compounds significantly inhibit experimental tumorigenesis in a wide range of animal models. A critical and well‐elucidated cellular mechanism involved in the anticancer activities of sulfur‐containing compounds is the induction of apoptosis through the fine‐tuning of orchestrated intracellular signal transduction. This review summarizes the established proapoptotic activities of sulfur‐containing compounds in malignant and nonmalignant cells with a special focus on their molecular mechanisms. The potential toxicological implications of proapoptotic effects on normal cells will also be discussed. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymorphisms in innate immunity genes and lung cancer risk in Xuanwei, China
Authors: Shen Min , Vermeulen Roel , Rajaraman Preetha , Menashe Idan , He Xingzhou , Chapman Robert S. , Yeager Meredith , Thomas Gilles , Burdett Laurie , Hutchinson Amy , Yuenger Jeff , Chanock Stephen , Lan Qing
Published: January 2009

The high incidence of lung cancer in Xuanwei County, China has been attributed to exposure to indoor smoky coal emissions that contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The inflammatory response induced by coal smoke components may promote lung tumor development. We studied the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in innate immunity and lung cancer risk in a population‐based case–control study (122 cases and 122 controls) in Xuanwei. A total of 1,360 tag SNPs in 149 gene regions were included in the analysis. FCER2 rs7249320 was the most significant SNP (OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.16–0.55; P: 0.0001; false discovery rate value, 0.13) for variant carriers. The gene regions ALOX12B/ALOX15B and KLK2 were associated with increased lung cancer risk globally (false discovery rate value <0.15). In addition, there were positive interactions between KLK15 rs3745523 and smoky coal use (OR: 9.40; Pinteraction = 0.07) and between FCER2 rs7249320 and KLK2 rs2739476 (OR: 10.77; Pinteraction = 0.003). Our results suggest that genetic polymorphisms in innate immunity genes may play a role in the genesis of lung cancer caused by PAH‐containing coal smoke. Integrin/receptor and complement pathways as well as IgE regulation are particularly noteworthy. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2009. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temporal and spatial behaviour of rip channels in a multiple‐barred coastal system
Authors: Quartel S.
Published: January 2009

A 15‐month data set of daily time‐averaged video images (Argus) has been analyzed to describe the spatial and temporal variability of the rip channels on a multiple‐barred coast at Noordwijk aan Zee, The Netherlands. The landward boundary of the intertidal bars and a proxy of the subtidal bar crest, defined as the intertidal and subtidal bar lines respectively, were derived from the Argus images. Local seaward‐directed deviations of the bar lines represent the cross‐shore and alongshore locations of the rip channels. The average intertidal rip spacing ($\bar \lambda $) was 243 m, but the rips were not spaced regularly (σλ/$\bar \lambda $= 0.47). Some intertidal rips were observed to fill up during falling tide, but the majority remained open. The filled intertidal rip channels had more landward positions and migrated more slowly (2.4 versus 4.6 m/day) in the alongshore direction than the open intertidal rip channels. The number and the alongshore migration rate of open intertidal rip channels increased with the preceding wave heights (r = 0.26, p < 0.01) and alongshore component of the offshore wave power (r = 0.25, p < 0.01), respectively. The shape of the intertidal bar lines was similar to the subtidal bar line shape, suggesting that the intertidal morphology is coupled to the subtidal alongshore variability. The phase of two bar lines could vary from in phase (0°) to out of phase (180°). The phase changes gradually, due to different alongshore migration rates of the intertidal and subtidal bar lines. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prescribed‐fire effects on rill and interrill runoff and erosion in a mountainous sagebrush landscape
Authors: Pierson Frederick B. , Moffet Corey A. , Williams C. Jason , Hardegree Stuart P. , Clark Patrick E.
Published: January 2009

Changing fire regimes and prescribed‐fire use in invasive species management on rangelands require improved understanding of fire effects on runoff and erosion from steeply sloping sagebrush‐steppe. Small (0·5 m2) and large (32·5 m2) plot rainfall simulations (85 mm h–1, 1 h) and concentrated flow methodologies were employed immediately following burning and 1 and 2 years post‐fire to investigate infiltration, runoff and erosion from interrill (rainsplash, sheetwash) and rill (concentrated flow) processes on unburned and burned areas of a steeply sloped sagebrush site on coarse‐textured soils. Soil water repellency and vegetation were assessed to infer relationships in soil and vegetation factors that influence runoff and erosion. Runoff and erosion from rainfall simulations and concentrated flow experiments increased immediately following burning. Runoff returned to near pre‐burn levels and sediment yield was greatly reduced with ground cover recovery to 40 per cent 1 year post‐fire. Erosion remained above pre‐burn levels on large rainfall simulation and concentrated flow plots until ground cover reached 60 per cent two growing seasons post‐fire. The greatest impact of the fire was the threefold reduction of ground cover. Removal of vegetation and ground cover and the influence of pre‐existing strong soil‐water repellency increased the spatial continuity of overland flow, reduced runoff and sediment filtering effects of vegetation and ground cover, and facilitated increased velocity and transport capacity of overland flow. Small plot rainfall simulations suggest ground cover recovery to 40 per cent probably protected the site from low‐return‐interval storms, large plot rainfall and concentrated flow experiments indicate the site remained susceptible to elevated erosion rates during high‐intensity or long duration events until ground cover levels reached 60 per cent. The data demonstrate that the persistence of fire effects on steeply‐sloped, sandy sagebrush sites depends on the time period required for ground cover to recover to near 60 per cent and on the strength and persistence of ‘background’ or fire‐induced soil water repellency. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.