bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SIGLEC16 encodes a DAP12‐associated receptor expressed in macrophages that evolved from its inhibitory counterpart SIGLEC11 and has functional and non‐functional alleles in humans
Authors: Cao Huan , Lakner Ursula , de Bono Bernard , Traherne James A. , Trowsdale John , Barrow Alexander D.
Published: July 2008

Sialic acid binding immunoglobulin‐like lectins (Siglec) are important components of immune recognition. The organization of Siglec genes in different species is consistent with rapid selection imposed by pathogens. We studied SIGLEC11 genes in human, rodent, dog, cow and non‐human primates. The lineages of SIGLEC11 genes in these species have undergone dynamic gene duplication and conversion, forming a potential inhibitory (SIGLEC11)/activating (SIGLEC16) receptor pair in chimpanzee and humans. A cDNA encoding human Siglec‐16, currently classed as a pseudogene in the databases (SIGLECP16), is expressed in various cell lines and tissues. A polymorphism screen for the two alleles (wild type and four‐base pair deletion, 4bpΔ) of SIGLEC16 found their frequencies to be 50% amongst the UK population. A search for donor sequences for SIGLEC16 revealed a subfamily of activating Siglec with charged transmembrane domains predicted to associate with ITAM‐encoding adaptor proteins. In support of this, Siglec‐16 was expressed at the cell surface in the presence of DAP12, but not the FcRγ chain. Using antisera specific to the cytoplasmic tail of Siglec‐16, we identified Siglec‐16 expression in CD14+ tissue macrophages and in normal human brain, cancerous oesophagus and lung. This is the first activating human Siglec receptor found to have functional and non‐functional alleles within the population.

Supporting Information for this article is available at www.wiley‐vch.de/contents/jc_2040/2008/38078_s.pdf
Distinct molecular composition of blood and lymphatic vascular endothelial cell junctions establishes specific functional barriers within the peripheral lymph node
Authors: Pfeiffer Friederike , Kumar Varsha , Butz Stefan , Vestweber Dietmar , Imhof Beat A. , Stein Jens V. , Engelhardt Britta
Published: July 2008

Lymph nodes are strategically localized at the interfaces between the blood and lymphatic vascular system, delivering immune cells and antigens to the lymph node. As cellular junctions of endothelial cells actively regulate vascular permeability and cell traffic, we have investigated their molecular composition by performing an extensive immunofluorescence study for adherens and tight junction molecules, including vascular endothelium (VE)‐cadherin, the vascular claudins 1, 3, 5 and 12, occludin, members of the junctional adhesion molecule family plus endothelial cell‐selective adhesion molecule (ESAM)‐1, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1, ZO‐1 and ZO‐2. We found that junctions of high endothelial venules (HEV), which serve as entry site for naive lymphocytes, are unique due to their lack of the endothelial cell‐specific claudin‐5. LYVE‐1+ sinus‐lining endothelial cells form a diffusion barrier for soluble molecules that arrive at the afferent lymph and use claudin‐5 and ESAM‐1 to establish characteristic tight junctions. Analysis of the spatial relationship between the different vascular compartments revealed that HEV extend beyond the paracortex into the medullary sinuses, where they are protected from direct contact with the lymph by sinus‐lining endothelial cells. The specific molecular architecture of cellular junctions present in blood and lymphatic vessel endothelium in peripheral lymph nodes establishes distinct barriers controlling the distribution of antigens and immune cells within this tissue.

Supporting Information for this article can be found at http//www.wiley‐vch.de/contents/jc_2040/2008/38140_s.pdf
Co‐inhibitory roles for glucocorticoid‐induced TNF receptor in CD1d‐dependent natural killer T cells
Authors: Chen Shuming , Ndhlovu Lishomwa C. , Takahashi Takeshi , Takeda Kazuyoshi , Ikarashi Yoshinori , Kikuchi Toshiaki , Murata Kazuko , Pandolfi Pier Paolo , Riccardi Carlo , Ono Masao , Sugamura Kazuo , Ishii Naoto
Published: July 2008

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a special subset of αβ T cells with invariant TCR, which recognize α‐galactosylceramide (α‐GalCer) presented by CD1d. In addition to signals through the invariant TCR upon stimulation with α‐GalCer, costimulatory signals, such as signals through CD28 and OX40, are indispensable for full activation of iNKT cells. In this study, we investigated the functions of a well‐known costimulatory molecule, glucocorticoid‐induced TNF receptor (GITR), on Ag‐induced iNKT cell activation. Unexpectedly, engagement of GITR by agonistic mAb DTA‐1 suppressed proliferation and cytokine production of iNKT cells upon α‐GalCer stimulation. In addition, GITR signals in iNKT cells during only the Ag‐priming phase was sufficient to inhibit the iNKT cell activation. Consistent with these results, the GITR‐deficient iNKT cells showed enhanced proliferation and increased cytokine production upon α‐GalCer stimulation both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the in vivo administration of α‐GalCer suppressed tumor metastasis more efficiently in GITR‐deficient mice than in wild‐type mice. Collectively, GITR plays a co‐inhibitory role in Ag‐induced iNKT cell activation.
A subset of IL‐10‐producing γδ T cells protect the liver from Listeria‐elicited, CD8+ T cell‐mediated injury
Authors: Rhodes Katherine A. , Andrew Elizabeth M. , Newton Darren J. , Tramonti Daniela , Carding Simon R.
Published: July 2008

Although γδ T cells play a role in protecting tissues from pathogen‐elicited damage to bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens, the mechanisms involved in the damage and in the protection have not been clearly elucidated. This has been addressed using a murine model of listeriosis, which in mice lacking γδ T cells (TCRδ–/–) is characterised by severe and extensive immune‐mediated hepatic necrosis. We show that these hepatic lesions are caused by Listeria‐elicited CD8+ T cells secreting high levels of TNF‐α that accumulate in the liver of Listeria‐infected TCRδ–/– mice. Using isolated populations of γδ T cells from wild‐type and cytokine‐deficient strains of mice to reconstitute TCRδ–/– mice, the TCR variable gene 4 (Vγ4)+ subset of γδ T cells was shown to protect against liver injury. Hepatoprotection was dependent upon their ability to produce IL‐10 after TCR‐mediated interactions with Listeria‐elicited macrophages and CD8+ T cells. IL‐10‐producing Vγ4+ T cells also contribute to controlling CD8+ T cell expansion and to regulating and reducing TNF‐α secretion by activated CD8+ T cells. This effect on TNF‐α production was directly attributed to IL‐10. These findings identify a novel mechanism by which pathogen‐elicited CD8+ T cells are regulated via interactions with, and activation of, IL‐10‐producing hepatoprotective γδ T cells.
Synthesis of Single‐Crystal Gold Nano‐ and Microprisms Using a Solvent‐Reductant‐Template Ionic Liquid
Authors: Gao Yanan , Voigt Andreas , Zhou Min , Sundmacher Kai
Published: July 2008

A single‐step procedure to obtain variable‐sized nano‐ and microprisms of gold in ionic liquids is presented. Using an ionic liquid, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (bmimPF6), as a solvent for the Au precursor as well as the reducing reagent for the reaction, one can control the size of the produced gold nanostructures. By varying the reaction time, prismatic particles with a very broad size range of 3–20 μm in diameter and 10–400 nm in thickness were obtained. Using an alternative ionic liquid, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonimide) (bmimTf2N), uniform, single‐crystal nano‐ and microprisms with an even larger size of about 100 μm in diameter were prepared. Large gold prisms of this type could be useful as a support for adsorbed species, as functional thin films, or as a conducting support for molecular electronics.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Analytical evaluation of six monovarietal virgin olive oils from Northern Tunisia
Authors: Haddada Faouzia M. , Krichène Dhouha , Manai Hédia , Oueslati Imen , Daoud Douja , Zarrouk Mokhtar
Published: July 2008

The characterization of virgin olive oils from six Tunisian cultivars, namely Chétoui, Ain Jarboua, Jarboui, Regregui, Rekhami and Neb Jmel, grown in Nebeur (a region of the Kef) was carried out. These cultivars dominate their natural habitats, but with the exception of the Chétoui cultivar they are only scattered throughout the nation. Several analytical parameters were evaluated; these include quality index, fatty acid composition, chlorophylls, carotenoids, sterols, α‐tocopherol and phenolic compounds. Their relationship with oxidative stability was also tested. The main phenols found were tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, the dialdehydic form of elenolic acid linked to tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein aglycon and pinoresinol. These phenolic compounds, the colorimetric total phenol content and o‐diphenols showed significant correlations with oxidative stability. Furthermore, most of the analytical parameters of the oils that were determined in this study were greatly influenced by genetic factors (cultivar).
The concentration of tocols from rice bran oil deodorizer distillate using solvent
Authors: Ko Soon‐Nam , Lee Sun‐Mi , Kim In‐Hwan
Published: July 2008

Tocols (tocopherols + tocotrienols) have been concentrated efficiently from rice bran oil (RBO) deodorizer distillate using solvent at low temperature. The levels of total tocols, total tocopherols, and total tocotrienols in RBO deodorizer distillate (starting material) were 31.5, 14.9, and 16.6 mg/g, respectively. Nine different solvents were tested, and acetonitrile was selected as the optimal solvent for concentrating tocols from the RBO deodorizer distillate. There was a significant (p <0.05) increase in the tocol level of the liquid fractions with decreasing temperature, for incubation temperatures up to –20 °C. In addition, significant differences (p <0.05) were observed in the relative percentages of α‐tocopherol, γ‐tocopherol, α‐tocotrienol, and γ‐tocotrienol between the raw sample and liquid fractions obtained at different temperatures using acetonitrile as the solvent. The concentration of the tocols from the RBO deodorizer distillate was temperature dependent, and a maximum of 89.9 mg/g was attained in the liquid fraction at – 40 °C. The relative percentage of tocotrienol homologs in the liquid fraction obtained at – 40 °C was approximately 80%. With acetonitrile as the solvent, the optimal temperature for concentrating the tocols from RBO deodorizer distillate was –20 °C when yield was considered.
Oxidation of unsaturated fatty acid derivatives and vegetable oils
Authors: Köckritz Angela , Martin Andreas
Published: July 2008

The present review reports the current literature of the last 10 years on selective oxidation reactions of fatty acid derivatives and vegetable oils. The work is structured in divisions including epoxidation, radical oxidations, Wacker‐type oxidation, dihydroxylation and C=C double bond cleavage.
Factors affecting the separation of the reaction mixture after transesterification of rapeseed oil
Authors: Hájek Martin , Skopal František
Published: July 2008

The most used method of biodiesel production is the transesterification of vegetable oils by a basic homogeneous catalyst. A heterogeneous reaction mixture is formed by this process which contains two phases: an ester phase and a glycerol phase. From this mixture, biodiesel is gained by sedimentation. The quality and quantity of both phases are affected by the conditions of the sedimentation process. It was studied how the conditions (independent variables: temperature of separation, amount of added water, time of sedimentation, etc.) affect the quantity and the quality of both phases (dependent variables). The Plackett–Burman statistic system was used for experiment planning. The relationship between independent and dependent variables was found and described by multidimensional linear regression. The created model allows the calculation of the optimum conditions of biodiesel production so that the quality of the biodiesel fulfills the EN 14214.
Enzymatic biodiesel production: Technical and economical considerations
Authors: Nielsen Per Munk , Brask Jesper , Fjerbaek Lene
Published: July 2008

It is well documented in the literature that enzymatic processing of oils and fats for biodiesel is technically feasible. However, with very few exceptions, enzyme technology is not currently used in commercial‐scale biodiesel production. This is mainly due to non‐optimized process design and a lack of available cost‐effective enzymes. The technology to re‐use enzymes has typically proven insufficient for the processes to be competitive. However, literature data documenting the productivity of enzymatic biodiesel together with the development of new immobilization technology indicates that enzyme catalysts can become cost effective compared to chemical processing. This work reviews the enzymatic processing of oils and fats into biodiesel with focus on process design and economy.
TBD‐Catalyzed Direct 5‐ and 6‐enolexo Aldolization of Ketoaldehydes
Authors: Ghobril Cynthia , Sabot Cyrille , Mioskowski Charles , Baati Rachid
Published: July 2008

Treatment of unfunctionalized acyclic ketoaldehydes with a catalytic amount of 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene induces a direct intramolecular 5‐ and 6‐enolexo aldolization, furnishing 2‐ketocyclopentanols and 2‐ketocyclohexanols in good‐to‐excellent yields. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
The application of perfluorooctanoate to investigate trimerization of the human immunodeficiency virus‐1 gp41 ectodomain by electrophoresis
Authors: Lin Chi‐Hui , Chang Chung‐Chieh , Cheng Shu‐Fang , Chang Ding‐Kwo
Published: July 2008

The transmembrane glycoprotein gp41 of human immunodeficiency virus has been proposed to form trimer‐of‐hairpin during virus‐cell membrane fusion. To investigate its oligomerization propensity under soluble and membrane‐mimic conditions, sodium salt of perfluorooctanoate (PFO) was applied. A recombinant gp41 ectodomain devoid of disulfide linkage was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and characterized by MS and circular dichroism spectropolarimetry in PFO solution in comparison to SDS. The helical content of this ectodomain in PFO is higher than that in SDS. Notably, PFO employed in PAGE clearly conduced to the formation of trimer under the optimized condition as visualized in the gel. In addition, the proteins expressed from the two mutants in the heptad repeat (HR) domains of gp41, I62P, and N126K, were also examined by the PFO‐PAGE analysis for functional ramification of molecular organization. Remarkably, the I62P mutation completely abolished the gp41 trimer formation, whereas the N126K mutation resulted in a more stable trimer. The data suggested that PFO‐PAGE analysis is appropriate for evaluating the effect of mutations on the trimerization of gp41 and other fusion proteins which may be implicated in the alteration of their fusogenicity.
Metabolic fingerprinting of Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice urine with capillary electrophoresis
Authors: García‐Pérez Isabel , Whitfield Philip , Bartlett Ann , Angulo Santiago , Legido‐Quigley Cristina , Hanna‐Brown Melissa , Barbas Coral
Published: July 2008

Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice has been fingerprinted using CE to study the capabilities of this technique as a diagnostic tool for this parasitic disease. Two modes of separation were used in generating the electrophoretic data, with each untreated urine sample the following methods were applied: (i) a fused‐silica capillary, operating with an applied potential of 18 kV, in micellar EKC (MEKC) and (ii) a polyacrylamide‐coated capillary, operating with an applied potential of −20 kV under zonal CZE conditions. By combining normal and reverse polarities in the data treatment we have extracted more information from the samples, which is a better approach for CE metabolomics. The traditional problems associated with variability in electrophoretic peak migration times for analytes were countered by using a dynamic programming algorithm for the electropherograms alignment. Principal component analyses of these aligned electropherograms and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) data are shown to provide a valuable means of rapid and sample classification. This approach may become an important tool for the identification of biomarkers, diagnosis and disease surveillance.
Determination of levofloxacin and norfloxacin by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemiluminescence detection and applications in human urine
Authors: Liu Yan‐Ming , Cao Jun‐Tao , Tian Wei , Zheng Yan‐Li
Published: July 2008

A novel method for the determination of norfloxacin (NOR) and levofloxacin (LVX) was developed by CE separation and electrochemiluminesence detection (ECL). The methods for capillary conditioning and the effect of solvent type were studied. Parameters affecting the CE and ECL were also investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the two analytes were well separated within 9 min. The LODs (S/N = 3) in standard solution are 4.8×10–7 mol/L for NOR and 6.4×10–7 mol/L for LVX, respectively. The precisions of intraday and interday are less than 4.2 and 8.1%, respectively. The LOQs (S/N = 10) in real human urine samples are 1.2×10–6 mol/L for NOR and 1.4×10–6 mol/L for LVX, respectively. The applicability of the proposed method was illustrated in the determination of NOR and LVX in human urine samples and the monitoring of pharmacokinetics for NOR. The recoveries of NOR and LVX at different levels in human urine samples were between 84.3 and 92.3%.
Competitive immunoassay by capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence for the trace detection of chloramphenicol in animal‐derived foods
Authors: Zhang Can , Wang Shuo , Fang Guozhen , Zhang Yan , Jiang Liqin
Published: July 2008

A competitive immunoassay using CE with an LIF detector was developed for the detection of chloramphenicol (CAP). The method was based on the competitive reactions between fluorescently labeled CAP hapten and free CAP, with a limited amount of anti‐CAP antibody. The poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPA) hydrogel was added in the separation buffer as a dynamic modifier to reduce adsorption and enhance reproducibility. The linear range and LOD for CAP were 0.008–5 μg/L and 0.0016 μg/L, respectively. An ELISA using the same immuno‐reagents was also developed for the analysis of CAP, with an LOD of 0.03 μg/L. The sensitivity of this CE immunoassay (CEIA)‐LIF was almost 20 times greater than that of the ELISA. Using CEIA‐LIF, equilibrium was reached in 15 min and the analytical results were obtained within 5 min by CE separation. Sample preparation for CEIA‐LIF was not time‐consuming and the matrix effect was easy to remove. An LOD of 0.1 μg/kg CAP in food matrices was easily achieved. This method is thus proposed as a fast and sensitive means of detecting trace amounts of CAP residues in animal‐derived foods.
Heme oxygenase-1 suppresses hepatitis C virus replication and increases resistance of hepatocytes to oxidant injury
Authors: Zhu Zhaowen , Wilson Anne T. , Mathahs Meleah M. , Wen Feng , Brown Kyle E. , Luxon Bruce A. , Schmidt Warren N.
Published: July 2008

Oxidative injury to hepatocytes occurs as a result of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and replication. Modulation of host cell antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) may be useful therapeutically to minimize cellular injury, reduce viral replication, and attenuate liver disease. In this report, we evaluated the effects of HO-1 overexpression on HCV replication and hepatocellular injury. Full-length (FL) (Con1) or nonstructural (NS) replicons (I 389 NS3-3′) were transfected with complete human HO-1 sequences or empty vector for control. Cell lines overexpressing HO-1 (twofold to sixfold above basal values) or empty vector were isolated, and their HCV RNA synthesis, pro-oxidant levels, and resistance to oxidative injury were assessed. HO-1 overexpression decreased HCV RNA replication in both FL and NS replicons without affecting cellular growth or DNA synthesis. The attenuation of HCV replication was significantly reversed in both replicon systems with HO-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown. Both FL and NS replicons that overexpress HO-1 showed reduced prooxidant levels at baseline and increased resistance to oxidant-induced cytotoxicity. HO-1 induction with hemin also markedly decreased HCV replication in both parental FL and NS replicon cell lines. Conversely, knockdown of HO-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) by siRNA in parental FL or NS replicons did not significantly affect HCV replication, suggesting that less than basal levels of HO-1 had minimal effect on HCV replication.

Conclusion:

Overexpression or induction of HO-1 results in decreased HCV replication as well as protection from oxidative damage. These findings suggest a potential role for HO-1 in antiviral therapy and therapeutic protection against hepatocellular injury in HCV infection. (Hepatology 2008.)
Rab4 facilitates cyclic adenosine monophosphate–stimulated bile acid uptake and Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide translocation
Authors: Schonhoff Christopher M. , Thankey Krishna , Webster Cynthia R.L. , Wakabayashi Yoshiyuki , Wolkoff Allan W. , Anwer Sawkat M.
Published: July 2008

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) stimulates hepatic bile acid uptake by translocating sodium-taurocholate (TC) cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp) from an endosomal compartment to the plasma membrane. Rab4 is associated with early endosomes and involved in vesicular trafficking. This study was designed to determine the role of Rab4 in cAMP-induced TC uptake and Ntcp translocation. HuH-Ntcp cells transiently transfected with empty vector, guanosine triphosphate (GTP) locked dominant active Rab4 (Rab4(GTP)), or guanosine diphosphate (GDP) locked dominant inactive Rab4 (Rab4(GDP)) were used to study the role of Rab4. Neither Rab4(GTP) nor Rab4(GDP) affected either basal TC uptake or plasma membrane Ntcp level. However, cAMP-induced increases in TC uptake and Ntcp translocation were enhanced by Rab4(GTP) and inhibited by Rab4(GDP). In addition, cAMP increased GTP binding to endogenous Rab4 in a time-dependent, but phosphoinositide-3-kinase–independent manner.

Conclusion:

Taken together, these results suggest that cAMP-mediated phosphoinositide-3-kinase–independent activation of Rab4 facilitates Ntcp translocation in HuH-Ntcp cells. (Hepatology 2008.)
Degradation of the bile salt export pump at endoplasmic reticulum in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type II
Authors: Wang Lin , Dong Huiping , Soroka Carol J. , Wei Ning , Boyer James L. , Hochstrasser Mark
Published: July 2008

The bile salt export pump (Bsep) represents the major bile salt transport system at the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes. When examined in model cell lines, genetic mutations in the

BSEP

gene impair its targeting and transport function, contributing to the pathogenesis of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type II (PFIC II). PFIC II mutations are known to lead to a deficiency of BSEP in human hepatocytes, suggesting that PFIC II mutants are unstable and degraded in the cell. To investigate this further, we have characterized the impact of several PFIC II mutations on the processing and stability of rat Bsep. G238V, D482G, G982R, R1153C, and R1286Q all retain Bsep to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to different extents. Except for R1153C, the PFIC II mutants are degraded with varying half-lives. G238V and D482G are partially misfolded and can be stabilized by low temperature and glycerol. The proteasome provides the major degradation pathway for the PFIC II mutants, whereas the lysosome also contributes to the degradation of D482G. The PFIC II mutants appear to be more heavily ubiquitinated compared with the wild-type (wt) Bsep, and their ubiquitination is increased by the proteasome inhibitors. Overexpression of several E3 ubiquitin ligases, which are involved in ER-associated degradation (ERAD), lead to the decrease of both mutant and wt Bsep. Gene knockdown studies showed that the ERAD E3s Rma1 and TEB4 contribute to the degradation of G238V, whereas HRD1 contributes to the degradation of a mutant lacking the lumenal glycosylation domain (ΔGly). Furthermore, we present evidence that G982R weakly associates with various components of the ER quality control system. These data together demonstrate that the PFIC II mutants except R1153C and ΔGly are degraded by the ERAD pathway. (Hepatology 2008.)
Hereditary hemochromatosis in the post- HFE era
Authors: Olynyk John K. , Trinder Debbie , Ramm Grant A. , Britton Robert S. , Bacon Bruce R.
Published: July 2008

Following the discovery of the

HFE

gene in 1996 and its linkage to the iron overload disorder hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) there have been profound developments in our understanding of the pathogenesis of the biochemical and clinical manifestations of a number of iron overload disorders. This article provides an update of recent developments and key issues relating to iron homeostasis and inherited disorders of iron overload, with emphasis on

HFE

-related HH, and is based on the content of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Single-Topic Conference entitled “Hemochromatosis: What has Happened After

HFE

?” which was held at the Emory Convention Center in Atlanta, September 7-9, 2007. (Hepatology 2008;48:991–1001.)
Groundwater geochemistry of the Chihuahua City region in the Rio Conchos Basin (northern Mexico) and implications for water resources management
Authors: Mahlknecht Jürgen , Horst Axel , Hernández‐Limón Gabriela , Aravena Ramon
Published: July 2008

The Chihuahua City region, located in the semiarid‐arid northern highlands of Mexico, has experienced intensive groundwater abstraction during the last 40 years to meet water demands in the region. A geochemical survey was carried out to investigate the evolution from baseline to modern conditions of a 130‐km flow path including the El Sauz–Chihuahua–Aldama–San Diego de Alcalá regions. The research approach included the use of major chemical elements, chlorofluorocarbons and environmental isotope (18O, 2H, 13C and 14C) tracers. Stable isotopes indicate that groundwater evolves from the evaporation of local rainfall and surface water. Groundwater located at the lower end of the flow section is up to 6000 years old and older groundwater in the order of 9000 years BP was found in a deep well located in the upper part of the flow system, implying contribution from a neighbour basin. The background groundwater chemistry upstream of Chihuahua City results from feldspar weathering. Beyond Chihuahua City the chemical conditions are strongly modified owing to disposal of sewage from public and industrial water supplies into the Rio Chuviscar, subsequent allocation of this water to agricultural irrigation areas and direct infiltration under the river bed. As a consequence, anions like chloride and sulphate are mainly related to surface sources. Nitrate is controlled in part by sewage from public supply and industry and in part by agricultural practices. Arsenic and fluoride are related to weathering of rock formations of local mineralized ranges and subsequent enrichment of the basin‐fill by magmatic processes. The results of this study have implications for groundwater management in an arid region that depends entirely on groundwater for domestic, industrial and agricultural water consumption. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calibration of an evapotranspiration model to simulate soil water dynamics in a semiarid rangeland
Authors: Maneta M. P. , Schnabel S. , Wallender W. W. , Panday S. , Jetten V.
Published: July 2008

Soil is the largest reservoir of water in a catchment and evapotranspiration is the largest yearly output flux of water from the soil in semiarid environments at the catchment scale. Hydrologic stress is one of the typical characteristics of semiarid environments. The shortage of water affects all the biophysical processes and increases the nonlinearity in the rainfall–runoff relationship. A proper description of semiarid watersheds should include an accurate description of the wetting–drying cycle of the soil, which is critical to properly describe important processes such as the connection between the surface and the soil saturated zone, the production of runoff or the growth of plants. Evapotranspiration is typically modelled in comprehensive distributed hydrologic models (e.g. MIKE‐SHE or MODHMS) using functions that relate evapotranspiration to soil moisture and plant biomass through a set of empirical coefficients, which typically adopt some default values regardless of the conditions of the area where the model is applied. In this work, using a global and a local search algorithm, a three‐dimensional soil water flow model coupled to an evapotranspiration model is calibrated in a soil profile covered with grass in a semiarid environment. Four parameters for the water flow model and three parameters for the evapotranspiration model are calibrated. An existing trend between daily average soil moisture and daily maximum temperature is used as extra information during the calibration process. The results showed that the known relationship between maximum temperature and average soil moisture includes information on the seasonality of the atmospheric demand. Although total evapotranspiration is similar in all calibrations, the trade‐off between evaporation and transpiration is sensitive to this extra information mainly through one model parameter. Further research is necessary to identify the value of the parameter that produces the correct trade‐off. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Snowmelt runoff modelling in an arid mountain watershed, Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Li Xingong , Williams Mark W.
Published: July 2008

The feasibility of simulating daily snowmelt runoff in an arid mountain watershed with limited hydro‐meteorological measurements was explored with an enhanced temperature‐index snowmelt runoff model (SRM) in which the degree‐day factor (DDF) is varied on the basis of shortwave solar radiation and snow albedo. The model satisfactorily simulated snowmelt runoff with a model efficiency of 0·64 for the calibration year and efficiency values of 0·78 and 0·51 for two validation years. Analysis indicated that the model was sensitive to lapse rate and snow albedo parameterization. The distinct seasonal variation of lapse rate played a key role for successful simulation. Snow albedo parameterization, which directly scaled snow cover percentage into snow albedo, worked quite well for the watershed although further validation is needed. Eight‐day snow cover data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) were used to feed the model. A frequency filter, which filtered out the clouds and large fluctuation of snow cover from the MODIS snow cover data, also improved model performance. The model, however, did not simulate peak stream flows well as most of the model runs underestimated them. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variation in runoff with age of Chinese fir plantations in Central South China
Authors: Tian Dalun , Yan Wende , Chen Xiaoyong , Deng Xiangwen , Peng Yuanying , Kang Wenxing , Peng Changhui
Published: July 2008

To determine the influence of forest structures on runoff characteristics, the hydrological effects of Chinese fir plantations were studied by analysing runoff patterns at different growth and development stages (stand age classes I to V) from 1984 to 2004 at the Huitong Ecosystem Research Station, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Hunan Province, Central South China. Results for two small experimental Chinese fir watersheds showed different peak values for surface runoff amount and coefficients at different ages, with lowest values in age classes I and V and highest values in age classes II and III. However, both underground and total runoff coefficients decreased with increasing age class. Total runoff coefficient was about twice as high in age class I (30·8%) as that in age class V (15·8%). Higher underground and total runoff coefficients were found in young forests. This was mainly attributed to soil disturbance due to human management practices such as site ploughing. Results indicate that Chinese fir plantations play a significant role in regulating water distribution in the watershed. Useful information is provided on the effects of forest management practices on hydrological processes in forest plantations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nuclear karyopherin α2 expression predicts poor survival in patients with advanced breast cancer irrespective of treatment intensity
Authors: Gluz Oleg , Wild Peter , Meiler Robert , Diallo‐Danebrock Raihana , Ting Evelyn , Mohrmann Svjetlana , Schuett Gerhart , Dahl Edgar , Fuchs Thomas , Herr Alexander , Gaumann Andreas , Frick Markus , Poremba Christopher , Nitz Ulrike Anneliese , Hartmann Arndt
Published: July 2008

Intensive lymph node involvement indicates poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. The significance of other molecular prognostic factors in this subgroup is unclear. Karyopherin α2 (KPNA2) has been reported as an important factor of tumorgenesis and progression of breast cancer. The aim of present study was to evaluate the impact of KPNA2 expression on prognosis of patients with high risk breast cancer (HRBC) and response intensive chemotherapy within the randomized WSG‐AM‐01 trial. KPNA2 nuclear expression (>10% vs. <10% of nuclei) was measured by immunohistochemistry on tissue arrays of 191 patients randomized to tandem high dose vs. conventional dose‐dense chemotherapy in HRBC with >9 positive lymph nodes and correlated with clinical outcome (median follow‐up of 63.3 months) by Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox hazard model analysis, including, molecular subtypes determined by k‐clustering (k = 5). KPNA2 overexpression (n = 74, 39%) significantly correlated with shorter event‐free and overall survival (OS) in both therapy arms by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that the overexpression of KPNA2 was an independent prognostic factor of decreased OS HR = 1.86 [95% CI: 1.07–3.23, p = 0.03]. This predictive value was independent of basal‐like/Her‐2/neu subtypes, significantly associated with KPNA2 and was addressed particularly to G2 tumors. Our data suggest the use of KPNA2 nuclear expression as novel prognostic marker in node‐positive patients, especially in determination of G2 tumors in 2 subgroups of different prognosis. KPNA2 expression may be also considered as a marker for global chemoresistance, which can not be overcome by conventional dose‐modification of chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sulforaphane inhibited expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α in human tongue squamous cancer cells and prostate cancer cells
Authors: Yao Hua , Wang Huiming , Zhang Zhuo , Jiang Bing‐Hua , Luo Jia , Shi Xianglin
Published: July 2008

Previous studies show that a number of natural compounds from our diet have anticancer effects. Sulforaphane is the most characterized isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are identified in cruciferous vegetables. Sulforaphane is viewed as a conceptually promising agent in cancer prevention. Because of its ability to induce cancer cell apoptosis, it inhibits progression of benign tumors to malignant tumors and interrupts metastasis. However, the effect of sulforaphane on tongue cancer cell proliferation has not yet been reported, and the mechanisms that sulforaphane inhibits cancer development are still unclear. Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) expression is associated with tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. It regulates the expression of many genes including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), inducible nitric oxide synthase, and lactate dehydrogenase A. In our study, we investigated the effects of sulforaphane on expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), which was overexpressed in many human malignant tumors, human tongue squamous cell carcinoma and prostate cancer DU145 cells. Sulforaphane inhibited hypoxia induced expression of HIF‐1αviainhibiting synthesis of HIF‐1α. Sulforaphane was also found to inhibit hypoxia induced HIF‐1α expression through activating JNK and ERK signaling pathways, but not AKT pathway. Inhibition of HIF‐1α by sulforaphane resulted in decreasing expression of VEGF. Taken together, these results suggest that sulforaphane is an effective chemopreventive compound against tongue cancers and prostate cell angiogenesisin vitro, and that the HIF‐1α target provides a new sight into the mechanisms of sulforaphane's inhibition against tumor cell proliferation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cucurbitacin B markedly inhibits growth and rapidly affects the cytoskeleton in glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Yin Dong , Wakimoto Naoki , Xing Hongtao , Lu Daning , Huynh Thien , Wang Xiao , Black Keith L. , Koeffler H. Phillip
Published: July 2008

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is almost inevitably a fatal tumor of the brain with most individuals dying within 1 year of diagnosis. It is the most frequent brain tumor in adults. Dose‐response studies showed that Cucurbitacin B inhibited 50% growth (ED50) of 5 human GBM cell lines in liquid culture at ∼10−7 M. Soft‐gel assays demonstrated that nearly all of the GBM clonogenic cells were inhibited at 10−8 M of Cucurbitacin B. FACS analysis found that the compound (10−7 M, 24 hr) caused G2/M arrest. The GBM cells underwent profound morphologic changes within 15–30 min after exposure to Cucurbitacin B (10−7 M), rounding up and losing their pseudopodia associated with disruption of actin and microtubules, as observed by immunoflourescence. Cucurbitacin B (10−7 M) caused prominent multinucleation of the cells after they were pulse‐exposed (48 hr) to the drug, washed and cultured in normal medium for an additional 2 days. The drug (10−7 M, 3–24 hr) increased levels of p‐p38, p‐JNK and p‐JUN in U87 and T98G GBM cell lines as seen by Western blot. Interestingly, alterations in cell morphology caused by Cucurbitacin B (10−7 M) were blocked by the JNK inhibitor SP600125. In summary, Cucurbitacin B has a prominent anti‐proliferative activity on GBM cells; and at least in part, the mode of action is by affecting the cytoskeleton, as well as, the JNK pathway. Clinical trails of this drug should be pursued in GBM. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of new genes associated with breast cancer progression by gene expression analysis of predefined sets of neoplastic tissues
Authors: Cimino Daniela , Fuso Luca , Sfiligoi Christian , Biglia Nicoletta , Ponzone Riccardo , Maggiorotto Furio , Russo Giandomenico , Cicatiello Luigi , Weisz Alessandro , Taverna Daniela , Sismondi Piero , De Bortoli Michele
Published: July 2008

Gene expression profiles were studied by microarray analysis in 2 sets of archival breast cancer tissues from patients with distinct clinical outcome. Seventy‐seven differentially expressed genes were identified when comparing 30 cases with relapse and 30 cases without relapse within 72 months from surgery. These genes had a specific ontological distribution and some of them have been linked to breast cancer in previous studies: AIB1, the two keratin genes KRT5 and KRT15, RAF1, WIF1 and MSH6. Seven out of 77 differentially expressed genes were selected and analyzed by qRT‐PCR in 127 cases of breast cancer. The expression levels of 6 upregulated genes (CKMT1B, DDX21, PRKDC, PTPN1, SLPI, YWHAE) showed a significant association to both disease‐free and overall survival. Multivariate analysis using the significant factors (i.e., estrogen receptor and lymph node status) as covariates confirmed the association with survival. There was no correlation between the expression level of these genes and other clinical parameters. In contrast, SERPINA3, the only downregulated gene examined, was not associated with survival, but correlated with steroid receptor status. An indirect validation of our genes was provided by calculating their association with survival in 3 publicly available microarray datasets. CKMT1B expression was an independent prognostic marker in all 3 datasets, whereas other genes confirmed their association with disease‐free survival in at least 1 dataset. This work provides a novel set of genes that could be used as independent prognostic markers and potential drug targets for breast cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced anti‐cancer effect of a phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase inhibitor and doxorubicin on human breast epithelial cell lines with different p53 and oestrogen receptor status
Authors: Wang Yan A. , Johnson Stuart K. , Brown Barry L. , McCarragher Leeza M. , Al‐Sakkaf Kaltoom , Royds Janice A. , Dobson Pauline R.M.
Published: July 2008

New efforts are being focused on signalling pathways as targets for cancer therapy. This particular study was designed to investigate whether blockade of the phosphatidylinositol 3OH‐kinase (PI3K) pathway (a survival/anti‐apoptosis pathway, overexpressed in various tumours) could sensitise human breast cancer cells to the effect of chemotherapeutics. Doxorubicin (Dox) and LY294002 (LY, a PI3K inhibitor) were used individually or in combination on MDA‐MB‐231 (p53 mutant, ER‐), T47D (p53 mutant, ER+), and MCF‐7 (p53 wildtype, ER+) human breast cancer cell lines, and on 184A1, a nonmalignant human breast epithelial cell line (p53 wildtype, ER‐). Each drug showed time‐ and dose‐dependent growth inhibition of cell proliferation on all 4 cell lines. The combination of Dox+LY resulted in enhanced cell growth inhibition in MDA‐MB‐231 and T47D cells, and additive inhibition in MCF‐7 and 184A1 cells. Cell cycle analysis showed that Dox+LY enhanced the arrest of MDA‐MB‐231 and T47D cells in G2 with the appearance of a sub‐G1 peak indicating apoptosis/necrosis, a notion supported by enhanced depolarisation of mitochondrial membrane potential in these cell types. The combination also caused a greater additive increase in Cyclin B1. Thus, the synergistic effect of the combination on cell proliferation in some, but not all, breast cancer cells may be through enhanced induction of both G2 arrest and apoptosis, in which p53 may play a role. Substantially lower doses of doxorubicin could be used with low doses of inhibitors of the PI3K pathway, without compromising the anti‐cancer effect, but also lowering detrimental side‐effects of doxorubicin. This study supports the notion that survival signalling pathways offer special targets for chemotherapy in cancer. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reflection in thought and action: Maternal parenting reflectivity predicts mind‐minded comments and interactive behavior
Authors: Rosenblum Katherine L. , McDonough Susan C. , Sameroff Arnold J. , Muzik Maria
Published: July 2008

Recent research has identified mothers' mental reflective functioning and verbal mind‐minded comments as important predictors of subsequent infant attachment security. In the present study, we examine associations between mothers' (N = 95) parenting reflectivity expressed in an interview and observed parenting behavior, including verbal mind‐minded comments and interactive behavior during interaction with their 7‐month‐old infants. Parenting reflectivity was coded from the Working Model of the Child Interview. Maternal behavior was assessed via observations of mother–infant interaction during free play and structured teaching tasks. Both maternal appropriate mind‐minded comments as well as other indicators of maternal interactive behavior were coded. Parenting reflectivity was positively correlated with mind‐minded comments and behavioral sensitivity. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that parenting reflectivity contributed to maternal behavior beyond the contributions of mothers' educational status and depression symptoms. Discussion emphasizes the importance of individual differences in parental capacity to accurately perceive and mentalize their infants' experience, and the consequences of these differences for caregiving behavior.
Meeting the emotional needs of infants and toddlers in foster care: The collaborative mental health care experience
Authors: Wotherspoon Evelyn , O'Neill‐Laberge Marlene , Pirie June
Published: July 2008

This paper describes a partnership between an infant mental health consultation program and child welfare authorities, with a special focus on the use of a consultation model to support infants and toddlers in foster care. The authors describe a model of practice that incorporates the transactional model with a developmental perspective to help foster parents understand and address the emotional needs of these children. The clinical implications section reviews strategies for addressing attachment and relationship disturbances, promoting self‐regulation, and enhancing social competence in infants and young foster children.
Redox regulation of skeletal muscle
Authors: Jackson Malcolm J.
Published: July 2008

The potential deleterious roles of “oxidative stress” have been studied in skeletal muscle for over 30 years, but recent studies have identified that reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide generated by skeletal muscle can exert regulatory roles in cell signalling processes. This “redox regulation” appears to depend upon the reversible oxidation of cysteine residues within key proteins with reversible gluathionylation and formation of protein disulphides potentially leading to changes in the activities of proteins such as enzymes, transcription factors or transporters. Control of this process is dependent upon the local redox environment pertaining at a subcellular level. This short review provides examples of redox‐regulated physiological processes in skeletal muscle that include some activation of transcription factors and changes in gene expression that result from contractile activity and the modulation of force generation during sustained contractions. There is also increasing evidence that dysregulation of redox‐sensitive processes plays a role in the loss of muscle mass and function that occurs during normal ageing and in the gross muscle degeneration in disorders such as the muscular dystrophies. © 2008 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 60(8): 497–501, 2008
Fast photonic switching in pharaonis phoborhodopsin protein molecules
Authors: Sharma Parag
Published: July 2008

Laser intensity induced nonlinear absorption based photonic switching in pharaonis phoborhodopsin (p pR) protein molecules has been analyzed theoretically, using a rate equation approach. The probe beam transmissions at 560 and 390 nm, respectively, have been shown to be switched by nanosecond pump pulse excitation at 498 nm. Fast digital operation with ∼250 ns switching time is achieved by utilizing its K ‐intermediate state population changes. The presently observed switching speed (∼250 ns) in p pR is much higher in comparison to earlier reported values in milliseconds and seconds in different rhodopsin protein molecules. Analysis provides the scheme for fast photonic switching with slow photochromic materials having some fast energy states. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)