bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modellgestützte verfahrenstechnische Berechnung eines Metallhydridspeichers auf Natriumalanatbasis im Technikumsmaßstab
Authors: Na Ranong C. , Höhne M. , Franzen J. , Hapke J. , Fieg G. , Dornheim M.
Published: May 2009

Im Rahmen des EU‐Projekts STORHY ist der Prototyp eines Metallhydridspeichers auf Natriumalanatbasis für automobile Anwendungen entwickelt worden. Besonderes Merkmal ist die Größe im Vergleich zu bisher vorhandenen Laborreaktoren. Mit Hilfe einer modell‐gestützten Simulation wird sein Beladungsverhalten für verschiedene Betriebsbedingungen berechnet. Anhand der Ergebnisse werden die Wirksamkeit der Kühlung und ihr Optimierungspotenzial diskutiert.
Erdgas und Wasserstoff aus Faulgas – neue Nutzungsmöglichkeiten durch weitergehende Aufbereitung
Authors: Rossol D. , Teichgräber B. , Schröder M.
Published: May 2009

Wasserstoff gilt als Energieträger der Zukunft, insbesondere im Verkehrssektor. Bis zur flächendeckenden Einführung von Wasserstoff als Kraftstoff ist es allerdings noch ein weiter Weg. Als erste Bausteine auf diesem Weg zur Wasserstoff‐Infrastruktur bieten Kläranlagen für die Produktion und Bereitstellung von Wasserstoff viel versprechende Rahmenbedingungen. Diese Möglichkeiten wurden erstmalig in einem Pilotprojekt in einer großtechnischen Anlage zur Herstellung von hochreinem Wasserstoff aus Klärschlamm und anderer Biomasse umgesetzt. Als Zwischenprodukt bei der Wasserstofferzeugung entsteht im Aufbereitungsprozess Bioerdgas, das zur Betankung von Erdgasfahrzeugen genutzt wird. Die Erfahrungen aus der Planungs‐, der Genehmigungs‐, der Bau‐ und der Inbetriebnahmephase zeigen die grundsätzliche Verfügbarkeit entsprechender technologischer Komponenten, die Genehmigungsfähigkeit der Anlage und die Realisierbarkeit einer entsprechenden Verfahrenstechnik.
Elektrokatalyse in Brennstoffzellen und Elektrolyseuren: Kohlenstoff‐Nanoröhren‐basierte Katalysatoren und neuartige Untersuchungsmethoden
Authors: Bron M. , Xia W. , Chen X. , Jin C. , Kundu S. , Nagaiah T. , Chetty R. , Schilling T. , Li N. , Schuhmann W. , Muhler M.
Published: May 2009

Auf dem Weg zu einer Markteinführung von PEM‐Brennstoffzellen gibt es trotz intensiver Forschung der letzten Jahrzehnte noch zahlreiche Herausforderungen zu überwinden. So besteht Bedarf an verbesserten, stabilen Elektrokatalysatoren, optimierten Elektrodenstrukturen sowie an geeigneten Methoden zur Aufklärung der Prozesse in arbeitenden Gasdiffusionselektroden. In diesem Beitrag werden Möglichkeiten diskutiert, diesen Herausforderungen zu begegnen. Vorgestellt werden Elektrokatalysatoren auf Basis von Kohlenstoff‐Nanoröhren (CNT)‐geträgerten Edelmetallen und Stickstoff‐modifizierten CNTs. Vorschläge zu einem gezielten Aufbau von Gasdiffusionselektroden mit Hilfe elektrochemischer Abscheidung der Aktivkomponente sowie ortsaufgelöste Methoden zur Charakterisierung von Gasdiffusionselektroden werden ebenfalls dargestellt.
Brennstoffzellen mit sauren Zeolithen als Ionenaustauschermedien und Vollmetallkatalysatoren
Authors: Erich E.
Published: May 2009

Neben vielen technologischen Vorteilen weist die PEM‐Brennstoffzelle einige Nachteile auf, die eine erfolgreiche Markteinführung bremsen. Dazu gehören die Temperaturempfindlichkeit, die erforderliche Befeuchtung der Membran und auch der hohe Preis. Im Institut für Energie‐ und Umwelttechnik e. V. wurden Grundlagen für einen neuen Brennstoffzellentyp geschaffen, der aufgrund seines Funktionsprinzips und der verwendeten Werkstoffe das Potenzial hat, diese Hemmnisse zu überwinden. Die neue elektrochemische Zelle nutzt einen sauer eingestellten Zeolithen als Medium für den Ionenaustausch sowie Katalysatorsysteme auf der Basis elektrochemisch beschichteter, metallischer Substrate. Erste Ergebnisse werden mit diesem neuen System vorgestellt.
Wasserstofferzeugung und ‐distribution mit Mikroverfahrenstechnik
Authors: Pfeifer P. , Thormann J. , Görke O. , Bohn L. , Schubert K.
Published: May 2009

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden jüngste Ergebnisse zur Verbesserung der Effizienz kleiner Wasserstofferzeugungseinheiten (bis 5 kW H2) für mobile und stationäre Anwendungen auf Basis der Mikroverfahrenstechnik aus dem Institut für Mikroverfahrenstechnik (IMVT) beschrieben. Der Beitrag soll zeigen, dass die Kopplung exothermer und endothermer Teilschritte für eine hohe Effizienz der Wasserstofferzeugung bei Mikroapparaten notwendig ist und eine Koksbildung tolerierbar, gegebenenfalls sogar gezielt benutzbar sein kann. Darüber hinaus soll das Potenzial der Mikroverfahrenstechnik für die Distribution von flüssigem, tiefkaltem Wasserstoff für zukünftige Energiesysteme demonstriert werden.
Tissue Proteomics: Pathways, Biomarkers and Drug Discovery. Edited by Brian C.‐S. Liu and Joshua R. Ehrlich.
Authors: Terracciano Rosa
Published: May 2009

Humana Press, Totowa 2008. x+225 pp., hardcover $ 99.50.—ISBN 978‐1‐58829‐679‐5
Molecular analysis of pancreatic cyst fluid
Authors: Shen Jian , Brugge William R. , DiMaio Christopher J. , Pitman Martha B.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

The management of patients with pancreatic cysts is based on the preoperative distinction of nonmucinous and mucinous cysts in general and of benign and malignant cysts in particular. An accurate diagnosis is challenging, because endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and cyst fluid analysis for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytology have low sensitivity and specificity. Currently, molecular analysis is a commercially available test that promises an accurate diagnosis. The objective of the current study was to correlate a commercially provided molecular diagnosis (MDx) with a clinical consensus diagnosis (CCD) in the general categories of malignant, benign mucinous, and benign nonmucinous pancreatic cysts.

METHODS:

Pancreatic cysts that had aspirated fluid submitted for a commercially available molecular test (PathFinderTG) were reviewed. The CCD, defined by histology, malignant cytology, or 2 concordant tests (such as EUS, cytology, or CEA ≥192 ng/mL for mucinous cysts), was categorized as malignant, benign mucinous, or benign nonmucinous cyst in 35 patients. Their MDx, based on the PathFinderTG report, including analysis of k‐ras mutation, loss of heterozygosity, and quantity/quality of DNA, also was classified as malignant, benign mucinous, or benign nonmucinous cyst. These 2 diagnoses were compared and correlated.

RESULTS:

The concordance between CCD and MDx was 5 of 6 (83%), 13 of 15 (87%), and 13 of 14 (93%), respectively, for malignant, benign mucinous, and benign nonmucinous cysts, with an overall Cohen kappa statistic of 0.816. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of the MDx were 83%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, for a malignant cyst and 86%, 93%, and 95%, respectively for a benign mucinous cyst.

CONCLUSIONS:

Molecular analysis of pancreatic cyst fluid adds diagnostic value to the preoperative diagnosis with high sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for the diagnosis of malignant and benign mucinous pancreatic cysts. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Long‐term effects of infant learning on adult conditioned odor aversion are determined by the last preweaning experience
Authors: Sevelinges Yannick , Mouly Anne‐Marie , Lévy Frédéric , Ferreira Guillaume
Published: May 2009

We recently showed that odorizing mother's nipples from birth to weaning attenuated adult conditioned odor aversion (COA). The present study evaluated whether shorter durations of preweaning olfactory experiences could induce similar long‐term effects. We first showed that late preweaning odorization (PN13–PN25) impaired adult COA similarly to odorization from birth to weaning (PN0–PN25) whereas early odorization (PN0–PN12) had no effect on adult COA. As early odorization was followed by an odorless suckling period, we evaluated whether this odorless suckling could have interfered with early associative learning. We therefore weaned the animals either immediately after early odorization or 7 days later. Early odorization (PN0–PN18) followed by late odorless suckling (PN19–PN25) had no effect on adult COA. However, pups with early odorization (PN0–PN18) but without late odorless suckling (weaned at PN18) showed attenuated COA. These results support the hypothesis that interference between early and late preweaning experiences with the mother determines the long‐term impact on adult COA. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 389–398, 2009.
Generation of mice with a conditional allele for transforming growth factor beta 1 gene
Authors: Azhar Mohamad , Yin Moying , Bommireddy Ramireddy , Duffy John J. , Yang Junqi , Pawlowski Sharon A. , Boivin Gregory P , Engle Sandra J. , Sanford L.P. , Grisham Christina , Singh Ram R. , Babcock George F. , Doetschman Thomas
Published: May 2009

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is a multifunctional growth factor involved in wound healing, tissue fibrosis, and in the pathogenesis of many syndromic diseases (e.g., Marfan syndrome, Camurati‐Engelmann disease) and muscular, neurological, ophthalmic, cardiovascular and immunological disorders, and cancer. Since the generation of Tgfb1 knockout mice, there has been extraordinary progress in understanding its physiological and pathophysiological function. Here, we report the generation of a conditional knockout allele for Tgfb1 in which its exon 6 is flanked with LoxP sites. As proof of principle, we crossed these mice to LckCre transgenic mice and specifically disrupted Tgfb1 in T cells. The results indicate that T‐cell‐produced TGFβ1 is required for normal in vivo regulation of peripheral T‐cell activation, maintenance of T‐cell homeostasis, and suppression of autoimmunity. genesis 47:423–431, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of a mouse line expressing Sox17‐driven Cre recombinase with specific activity in arteries
Authors: Liao W. Perry , Uetzmann Lena , Burtscher Ingo , Lickert Heiko
Published: May 2009

The HMG‐box transcription factor Sox17 has been shown to play important roles in both endoderm formation and cardiovascular development. To conditionally inactivate genes in these domains, we have targeted a codon improved Cre Recombinase (iCre) into exon 1 of the Sox17 gene. Surprisingly, Cre‐mediated recombination in the Rosa26 reporter mouse line revealed largely specific activity within the vasculature rather than in endoderm‐derived tissues. Here we report a new Cre knock‐in mouse line, Sox17iCre with activity in the vascular endothelial cells of arteries in the cardiovascular system but not in veins. Cre‐mediated recombination was also strongly detected in the liver and spleen, the two organs associated with hematopoiesis. Thus, these results indicate that the Sox17iCre would be an appropriate tool for conditional mutagenesis of genes in the vasculature and could be used in studies of blood vessel development and angiogenesis. Additionally, we provide evidence that two different promoters drive Sox17 expression in the endodermal and vascular system. genesis 47:476–483, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the mechanism underlying the divergent retinal and bristle defects of M8* (E(spl)D) in Drosophila
Authors: Kahali Bhaskar , Bose Anasua , Karandikar Umesh , Bishop Clifton P. , Bidwai Ashok P.
Published: May 2009

Our results, using endogenous mutants and Gal4‐UAS driven transgenes, implicate multisite phosphorylation in repression by E(spl)M8. We propose that these phosphorylations occur in the morphogenetic furrow (MF) to reverse an auto‐inhibited state of M8, enabling repression of Atonal during R8 specification. Our studies address the paradoxical behavior of M8*, the truncated protein encoded by E(spl)D. We suggest that differences in N signaling in the bristle versus the eye underlie the antimorphic activity of M8* in N+ (ectopic bristles) and hypermorphic activity in Nspl (reduced eye). Ectopic M8* impairs eye development (in Nspl) only during establishment of the atonal feedback loop (anterior to the MF), but is ineffective after this time point. In contrast, a CK2 phosphomimetic M8 lacking Groucho (Gro) binding, M8SDΔGro, acts antimorphic in N+ and suppresses the eye/R8 and bristle defects of Nspl, as does reduced dosage of E(spl) or CK2. Multisite phosphorylation could serve as a checkpoint to enable a precise onset of repression, and this is bypassed in M8*. Additional implications are discussed. genesis 47:456–468, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transthyretin mouse transgenes direct RFP expression or Cre‐mediated recombination throughout the visceral endoderm
Authors: Kwon Gloria S. , Hadjantonakis Anna‐Katerina
Published: May 2009

Transthyretin (Ttr) is a thyroid hormone transport protein secreted by cells of the visceral yolk sac and fetal liver in developing embryos, and by hepatocytes and the choroid plexus epithelium of the brain in adult mice. Spatiotemporal localization of Ttr mRNA during embryogenesis suggested that Ttr regulatory elements might drive transgene expression throughout the visceral endoderm of early mouse embryos. We use Ttr cis‐regulatory elements to generate Ttr::RFP and Ttr::Cre strains of mice, driving red fluorescent protein (RFP) and a nuclear‐localized Cre recombinase, respectively. Visualization of RFP fluorescence in Ttr::RFP transgenics confirms reporter localization throughout the visceral endoderm in early embryos and in the visceral yolk sac and fetal liver of later stage embryos. Using both GFP‐based and LacZ‐based Cre reporter strains, we demonstrate that in Ttr::Cre transgenics, Cre‐mediated recombination occurs throughout the visceral endoderm. The Ttr::Cre strain can therefore be used as a tool for genetic modifications within the visceral endoderm lineage. genesis 47:447–455, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Generation of Smad7‐Cre recombinase mice: A useful tool for the study of epithelial‐mesenchymal transformation within the embryonic heart
Authors: Snider Paige , Tang Sunyong , Lin Goldie , Wang Jian , Conway Simon J.
Published: May 2009

Smad7 can be induced by various transforming growth factor‐β superfamily ligands and negatively modulates their signaling, thus acting in a negative, autocrine feedback manner. Previous analyses have demonstrated that although Smad7 is widely expressed, it is predominantly found in the vascular endothelium. Because of the restricted spatiotemporal reporter expression driven via a novel 4.3 kb Smad7 promoter in endocardial cells overlying the hearts atrioventricular (AV) cushions; we hypothesized that a transgenic Cre line would prove useful for the analysis of endocardial cushion and valve formation. Here we describe a mouse line, Smad7Cre, where Cre is robustly expressed within both cardiac outflow and AV endocardial cushions. Additionally, as endocardial cells are thought to contribute at least in part to the formation of the endocardial cushion mesenchyme, we crossed the Smad7Cre mice to the ROSA26eGFP‐DTA diphtheria toxin A‐expressing mice in order to genetically ablate Smad7Cre expressing cells. Ablation of Smad7Cre cells resulted in embryonic lethality by E11.5 and largely acellular endocardial cushions. genesis 47:469–475, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FlEx‐based transgenic reporter lines for visualization of Cre and Flp activity in live zebrafish
Authors: Boniface Emily J. , Lu Jianjun , Victoroff Tristan , Zhu Meiying , Chen Wenbiao
Published: May 2009

Site‐specific recombinases such as Cre and Flp are invaluable tools for genetic manipulations, but their usage in zebrafish has been limited. Incorporating recently developed flip‐excision (FlEx) design that allows stable inversions, we have established zebrafish reporter lines that express bright and ubiquitous EGFP, but switch to express mCherry in the presence of Cre or Flp. Here, we demonstrate the stable inversion in the reporter lines, both in somatic cells and in the germ line by Cre or Flp, and the subsequent reinversion using the other recombinase. Using the reporter lines, we characterized cardiomyocyte‐specific Cre lines and neuronal progenitor‐specific and tamoxifen‐dependent Cre lines. We also used the reporter lines for screening Cre‐ and Flp‐based enhancer trap lines. Similar to the widely used Cre reporter lines in mice, these FlEx‐based reporter lines will facilitate the use of recombinases for genetic manipulations in zebrafish. genesis 47:484–491, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Precise temporal regulation of roughest is required for correct salivary gland autophagic cell death in Drosophila
Authors: Simon Claudio R. , Moda Livia M.R. , Octacilio‐Silva Shirlei , Anhezini Lucas , Machado‐Gitai Luciana C.H. , Ramos Ricardo Guelerman P.
Published: May 2009

The Drosophila roughest (rst) locus encodes an immunoglobulin superfamily transmembrane glycoprotein implicated in a variety of embryonic and postembryonic developmental processes. Here we demonstrate a previously unnoticed role for this gene in the autophagic elimination of larval salivary glands during early pupal stages by showing that overexpression of the Rst protein ectodomain in early pupa leads to persistence of salivary glands up to at least 12 hours after head eversion, although with variable penetrance. The same phenotype is observed in individuals carrying the dominant regulatory allele rstD, but not in loss of function alleles. Analysis of persistent glands at the ultrastructural level showed that programmed cell death starts at the right time but is arrested at an early stage of the process. Finally we describe the expression pattern and intracellular distribution of Rst in wild type and rstD mutants, showing that its downregulation in salivary glands at the beginning of pupal stage is an important factor in the correct implementation of the autophagic program of this tissue in space and time. genesis 47:492–504, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of the Clathrate‐II K8.6(4)Ge136 by Oxidation of K4Ge9 in an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Guloy Arnold M. , Tang Zhongjia , Ramlau Reiner , Böhme Bodo , Baitinger Michael , Grin Yuri
Published: May 2009

The new clathrate‐II K8.6(4)Ge136 has been synthesized by mild oxidation of K4Ge9 in the ionic liquid n‐dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC)/AlCl3 at 300 °C and subsequent annealing at 370 °C. Refinement of the crystal structure from X‐ray powder diffraction data revealed the composition K8.6(4)Ge136 [space group Fd$\bar {3}$m, a = 15.302(1) Å], which was also confirmed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (EDXS), transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy on the bulk material. K atoms preferably occupy the larger Ge28 cages rather than the Ge20 cages in the clathrate‐II structure. K8.6(4)Ge136 is metastable and was found to decompose exothermically at 471 °C. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Direct Electron Transfer of Horseradish Peroxidase in Gellan Gum–Hydrophilic Ionic Liquid Gel Film
Authors: Shangguan Xiaodong , Zheng Jianbin , Sheng Qinglin
Published: May 2009

A new composite film of microbial exocellular polysaccharide‐gellan gum (GG) and hydrophilic room temperature ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4) was firstly used as an immobilization matrix to entrap horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and its properties were studied by UV/vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed that BMIMBF4 could promote the electron transfer between HRP and electrode surface, and the existence of GG could successfully immobilize BMIMBF4 on the electrode surface with improved stability. HRP–BMIMBF4–GG/GCE exhibited a pair of well‐defined and quasireversible cyclic voltammetric peaks in 0.1 M pH 7.0 phosphate buffer solutions at 1.8 V/s, which was the characteristic of HRP Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couples. The formal potentials (E°′) was −0.368 V (vs. SCE) and the peak‐to‐peak potential separation (ΔEP) was 0.058 V. The peak currents were five times as large as those of HRP–GG/GCE. The average surface coverage (Γ*) and the apparent Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km) were 4.5×10−9 mol/cm2 and 0.67 μM, respectively. The electron transfer rate constant was estimated to be 15.8 s−1. The proposed electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The linear dynamic range for the detection of H2O2 was 0.05–0.5 μM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9945 and the detection limit was estimated at about 0.02 μM (S/N=3). BMIMBF4–GG composite film was promising to immobilize other redox enzymes or proteins and attain their direct electrochemistry.
High hyperdiploid childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Paulsson Kajsa , Johansson Bertil
Published: May 2009

High hyperdiploidy (51–67 chromosomes) is the most common cytogenetic abnormality pattern in childhood B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), occurring in 25–30% of such cases. High hyperdiploid ALL is characterized cytogenetically by a nonrandom gain of chromosomes X, 4, 6, 10, 14, 17, 18, and 21 and clinically by a favorable prognosis. Despite the high frequency of this karyotypic subgroup, many questions remain regarding the epidemiology, etiology, presence of other genetic changes, the time and cell of origin, and the formation and pathogenetic consequences of high hyperdiploidy. However, during the last few years, several studies have addressed some of these important issues, and these, as well as previous reports on high hyperdiploid childhood ALL, are reviewed herein. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blockade of TRPC6 channels induced G2/M phase arrest and suppressed growth in human gastric cancer cells
Authors: Cai Rong , Ding Xia , Zhou Kechun , Shi Yu , Ge Ruiliang , Ren Gang , Jin Yening , Wang Yizheng
Published: May 2009

Channels formed by the canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) subfamily of proteins are Ca2+‐permeable, nonselective cation channels with various functions. Through a phospholipase C (PLC)‐dependent mechanism TRPC6, a member of TRPC subfamily, can be activated by receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) or G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCR), which are implicated in cell proliferation and human malignancies. Here, we report that TRPC6 has a critical role in human gastric cancer development. Expression of TRPC6 was greatly upregulated in human gastric cancer epithelial cells compared with that in normal gastric epithelial cells. Treatment of AGS or MKN45 cells, human gastric cancer cell lines, with SKF96365, an agent known to inhibit TRPC channels, arrested cell cycle in G2/M phase and suppressed cell growth. Importantly, expressing a dominant negative mutant of TRPC6 (DNC6) in these cells also arrested cell cycle in G2/M phase and inhibited cell growth. The Ca2+ elevation in the MKN45 cells evoked by histamine was inhibited by SKF96365 and DNC6. Moreover, inhibition of TRPC6 suppressed the formation of gastric tumors in nude mice. These results suggest that Ca2+ elevation regulated by TRPC6 channels is essential for G2/M phase transition and for the development of gastric cancers. © 2009 UICC
Serum hepatocyte growth factor as a prognostic marker for stage II or III colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Toiyama Yuji , Miki Chikao , Inoue Yasuhiro , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Tanaka Kouji , Kusunoki Masato
Published: May 2009

We previously reported that a combination of serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was useful for selecting early‐stage colorectal cancer patients with aggressive disease. The aim of the present study was to determine whether serum HGF could provide CEA‐independent prognostic information on patients undergoing surgery with curative intent. Serum samples were collected from 184 patients with colorectal cancer and 30 controls. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect HGF expression in colorectal cancer cell lines. Serum and tissue levels of HGF were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The serum HGF levels in colorectal cancer patients were compared with those in healthy controls, and we retrospectively assessed the association between serum HGF levels and clinicopathological findings and survival. Expression of HGF was significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissues compared with non‐tumor tissues. The serum HGF levels were closely correlated with the HGF levels in cancer tissue. The mean serum HGF level in patients was significantly higher than that in controls, and significantly higher in patients with large tumor, lymph‐node involvement and distant metastasis. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, elevated serum HGF levels can predict patients with larger tumor, lymph‐node and distant metastasis. Elevated serum HGF level demonstrated a significant association with poor survival, and was only an independent risk factor for poor survival in Stage II or/and III. Elevated serum HGF level is significantly associated with colorectal cancer development, lymph or distant invasive phenotypes and survival, especially in Stage II or III patients. © 2009 UICC
Increased intratumoral regulatory T cells are related to intratumoral macrophages and poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Zhou Jia , Ding Tong , Pan Weidong , Zhu Ling‐yan , Li Lian , Zheng Limin
Published: May 2009

Immunosuppression mediated by regulatory T cells (Tregs) is a key facilitator of tumor immune evasion, but the source of these Tregs and their contribution to human cancer progression remains unclear. This study investigated the properties of FoxP3+ Tregs, their prognostic value in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying mechanisms of FoxP3+ Treg intratumoral accumulation. In addition to an increased number of circulating FoxP3+ Tregs, the results also showed that FoxP3+ Tregs gathered in the tumor site, where they suppressed tissue‐derived CD4+CD25− T‐cell activation (p < 0.001), promoting disease progression and poor prognosis in HCC patients (< 0.01). The intratumoral prevalence of FoxP3+ Tregs was associated with a high density of macrophages (Mφ) (p < 0.001). Depletion of tissue Mφ thus attenuated the increase of liver FoxP3+ Treg frequency attributed to in vivo inoculation with hepatoma (p = 0.01), whereas Mφ exposed to tumor culture supernatants from hepatoma‐derived cell lines increased FoxP3+ Treg frequency in vitro (p < 0.001). This increase was partially blocked by antiinterleukin‐10 antibody (p < 0.01). In conclusion, tumor‐associated Mφ may trigger a rise of the intratumoral FoxP3+ Treg population, which in turn may promote HCC progression. © 2009 UICC
Embryonic fates for extraembryonic lineages: New perspectives
Authors: Fraser Stuart T. , Baron Margaret H.
Published: May 2009

The prevailing view of the functions of the extraembryonic lineages of the mammalian embryo has been that they serve solely to support its intrauterine development. In recent years, a number of studies have suggested that the extraembryonic mesoderm and visceral endoderm in fact contribute cells to tissues of the developing animal. In this mini‐review, we discuss evidence that the yolk sac is an early source of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and that the cells of the visceral endoderm, once thought to be segregated solely to the yolk sac, constitute a subpopulation of cells within the developing gut tube and perhaps other endodermal structures. Fascinating questions remain to be addressed and are likely to establish a new paradigm for studying early mammalian development. Understanding the processes that give rise to stem cell populations in development may lead to advances in stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 586–591, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human mesenchymal stem cells express vascular cell phenotypes upon interaction with endothelial cell matrix
Authors: Lozito Thomas P. , Kuo Catherine K. , Taboas Juan M. , Tuan Rocky S.
Published: May 2009

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are thought to occupy a perivascular niche where they are exposed to signals originating from vascular cells. This study focused on the effects of endothelial cell (EC)‐derived signals on MSC differentiation toward vascular cell lineages. Upon co‐culture with two types of ECs, macrovascular (macro) ECs and microvascular (micro) ECs, the former caused MSCs to increase expression of both EC and smooth muscle cell (SMC) markers, while the latter induced expression of EC markers only. These marker changes in MSCs were linked to the extracellular matrixes secreted by the ECs (EC‐matrix) rather than soluble EC‐secreted factors. Beyond enhanced marker expression, EC‐matrix also induced functional changes in MSCs indicative of development of a genuine vascular cell phenotype. These included enhanced incorporation into vessels and cytoskeletal localization of vascular SMC‐specific contractile elements. The bioactivity of EC‐matrix was sensitive to EDTA washes and required sulfated glycosaminoglycans. However, neither soluble VEGF nor substrate surfaces coated with fibronectin, collagen type IV, or laminin recreated the effects of EC‐matrix on MSC vascular differentiation. In conclusion, these results identified EC‐matrix as a critical regulator of vascular cell differentiation of MSCs. Elucidating these MSC–EC‐matrix interactions and identifying the specific EC‐matrix components involved will shed light on the perivascular signals seen by MSCs in vivo. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 714–722, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of resveratrol on H2O2‐induced apoptosis and expression of SIRTs in H9c2 cells
Authors: Yu Wei , Fu Yu‐Cai , Zhou Xiao‐Hui , Chen Chun‐Juan , Wang Xin , Lin Rui‐Bo , Wang Wei
Published: May 2009

Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in fruits, has been demonstrated to activate Sir2. Though many studies have demonstrated that resveratrol can activate SIRT1, whether it has effect on other sirtuins (SIRT2–7) are unknown. The present study shows that exposure of H9c2 cells to 50 µM H2O2 for 6 h caused a significant increase in apoptosis, as evaluated by TUNEL and flow cytometry (FCM), but pretreatment of resveratrol (20 µM) eliminated H2O2‐induced apoptosis. Resveratrol also prevented H2O2‐induced caspase‐3 activation. Exposure of cells to resveratrol caused rapid activation of SIRT1,3,4,7. Sirtuin inhibitor, nicotinamide (20 mM) attenuated resveratrol's inhibitory effect on cell apoptosis and caspase‐3 activity. These results suggest that resveratrol protects cardiomyocytes from H2O2‐induced apoptosis by activating SIRT1,3,4,7. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 741–747, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A TGF‐β‐induced gene, βig‐h3, is crucial for the apoptotic disappearance of the medial edge epithelium in palate fusion
Authors: Choi Kang‐Young , Kim Hyun‐Jung , Cho Byung‐Chae , Kim In‐San , Kim Hyun‐Jung , Ryoo Hyun‐Mo
Published: May 2009

TGF‐β3, TβR‐I, and TGF‐β‐activated Smad2 has been suggested to be a series of signaling molecules for secondary palate fusion. In this article, we show that a gene induced by TGF‐β, βig‐h3, is coincidentally expressed with TGF‐β3 in medial edge epithelial (MEE) cells undergoing apoptosis during normal palatal fusion. βig‐h3 was also highly expressed in the areas of post‐weaning mammary gland cells and developing phalangeal joints in which TGF‐β3 or BMP‐4‐induced apoptosis occurs, respectively. Blocking of βig‐h3 expression in E12.5 embryos with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) resulted in cleft of the secondary palate in 84% of the treated mice that were born. Moreover, the antisense ODN treatment resulted in a failure of apoptosis in the MEE between palatal shelves in physical contact in organ culture. We conclude that βig‐h3 expression in the MEE is stimulated by TGF‐β3, causes cell death, and consequently results in complete fusion of the apposed palatal shelves. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 818–825, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prolactin induces chitotriosidase expression in human macrophages through PTK, PI3‐K, and MAPK pathways
Authors: Di Rosa Michelino , Zambito Anna Maria , Marsullo Anna Rita , Volti Giovanni Li , Malaguarnera Lucia
Published: May 2009

We previously reported that prolactin (PRL) induces chitotriosidase (CHIT‐1) mRNA expression in human macrophages. In this investigation we determined the signaling pathways involved in CHIT‐1 induction in response to PRL. The CHIT‐1 induction PRL‐mediated was reduced by wortmannin and LY‐294002, inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) and by genistein an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK). Pre‐treatment of macrophages with SB203580, a specific inhibitor of the mitogen‐activated kinases (MAPK) p38, or with U0126, an inhibitor of MAPK p44/42, prevented both basal and exogenous PRL‐mediated CHIT‐1 expression. No significant effects on CHIT‐1 induction PRL‐mediated were observed with a protein kinase C inhibitor (PKC), rottlerin, or with an Src inhibitor, PP2, or with JAK2 inhibitor, AG490. In addition, PRL induced a phosphorylation of AKT that was prevented both by the two MAPK inhibitors SB203580 and U0126 and by the PI3‐K inhibitors wortmannin and LY‐294002. In conclusion, our results indicate that PRL up‐regulated CHIT‐1 expression via PTK, PI3‐K, MAPK, and signaling transduction components. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 881–889, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct inhibitory and indirect stimulatory effects of RAGE ligand S100 on sRANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Yoshida Tomohiko , Flegler Ayanna , Kozlov Andrew , Stern Paula H.
Published: May 2009

Diabetes results in increased fracture risk, and advance glycation endproducts (AGEs) have been implicated in this pathophysiology. S100 proteins are ligands for the receptor of AGEs (RAGE). An intracellular role of the S100 family member S100A4 (Mts1) to suppress mineralization has been described in pre‐osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells. However, S100 proteins could have additional effects on bone. The goal of the current study was to determine effects of increased extracellular S100 on osteoclastogenesis. We first determined the direct effects of S100 on pre‐osteoclast proliferation and osteoclastic differentiation. RANKL‐treated RAW 264.7 cell proliferation and TRAP activity were significantly inhibited by S100, and the number and size of TRAP‐positive multinucleated cells were decreased. We then determined whether S100 could affect osteoclastogenesis by an indirect process by examining effects of conditioned media from S100‐treated MC3T3‐E1 cells on osteoclastogenesis. In contrast to the direct inhibitory effect of S100, the conditioned media promoted RAW 264.7 cell proliferation and TRAP activity, with a trend toward increased TRAP‐positive multinucleated cells. S100 treatment of the MC3T3‐E1 cells for 14 days did not significantly affect alkaline phosphatase, M‐CSF, or OPG gene expression. RANKL was undetectable in both untreated and treated cells. The treatment slightly decreased MC3T3‐E1 cell proliferation. Interestingly, S100 treatment increased expression of RAGE by the MC3T3‐E1 cells. This suggested the possibility that S100 could increase soluble RAGE, which acts as a decoy receptor for S100. This decrease in availability of S100, an inhibitor of pre‐osteoclast proliferation, could contribute to osteoclastogenesis, ultimately resulting in increased bone resorption. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 917–925, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultraviolet irradiation‐induces epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) nuclear translocation in human keratinocytes
Authors: Xu Yiru , Shao Yuan , Zhou Jin , Voorhees John J. , Fisher Gary J.
Published: May 2009

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a critical role in mediating ultraviolet (UV) irradiation‐induced signal transduction and gene expression in human keratinocytes. EGFR activation results from increased phosphorylation on specific tyrosine residues in the C‐terminal intracellular domain. It has recently been reported that following growth factor stimulation EGFR translocates from the surface membrane to the nucleus, where it may directly regulate gene transcription. We have investigated the ability of UV irradiation to induce EGFR nuclear translocation in human primary and HaCaT keratinocytes. UV irradiation caused rapid nuclear translocation of EGFR. Significant accumulation of EGFR in the nucleus was observed within 15 min after UV irradiation exposure. Maximal translocation occurred at 30 min post‐UV irradiation, and resulted in a 10‐fold increase in EGFR in the nucleus, as determined by Western blot analysis of nuclear extracts and confirmed by immunofluorescence. Inhibition of nuclear export by Leptomycin B did not alter UV irradiation‐induced nuclear accumulation. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (PD169540) reduced UV irradiation‐induced EGFR nuclear translocation 50%. Mutation of either tyrosine 1148 or tyrosine 1173 reduced nuclear translocation 70%, while mutation of tyrosine 1068 was without effect. In addition, over‐expression of receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatase‐kappa (RPTP‐κ), which specifically dephosphorylates EGFR tyrosines, decreased UV irradiation‐induced EGFR nuclear translocation in human keratinocytes. These data demonstrate that UV irradiation stimulates rapid EGFR nuclear translocation, which is dependent on phosphorylation of specific EGFR tyrosine residues. EGFR nuclear translocation may act in concert with conventional signaling pathways to mediate UV irradiation‐induced responses in human keratinocytes. J. Cell. Biochem. 107: 873–880, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nuclear cyclin D1: An oncogenic driver in human cancer
Authors: Kim Jong Kyong , Diehl J. Alan
Published: May 2009

Perturbations in the regulation of the core cell cycle machinery are frequently observed in human cancers. Cyclin D1 which functions as a mitogenic sensor and allosteric activator of CDK4/6, is one of the more frequently altered cell cycle regulators in cancers. Cyclin D1 is frequently overexpressed in cancers and its overexpression can be attributed to many factors including increased transcription, translation, and protein stability. Although cyclin D1 overexpression is clearly implicated in the affected cancers, overexpression of cyclin D1 is not sufficient to drive oncogenic transformation. Rather, emerging evidence suggests that nuclear retention of cyclin D1 resulting from altered nuclear trafficking and proteolysis is critical for the manifestation of its oncogenicity. This review provides a brief overview of current data documenting various mechanisms underlying aberrant cyclin D1 regulation in human cancers and their impact on neoplastic transformation. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 292–296, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The x cystine/glutamate antiporter (xCT) as a potential target for therapy of cancer: Yet another cytotoxic anticancer approach?
Authors: Savaskan Nic E. , Hahnen Eric , Eyüpoglu Ilker Y.
Published: May 2009

This article was published online on 4 May 2009. An error was subsequently identified. This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been corrected 8 June 2009.
Increased expression of CXCR4 and integrin αM in hypoxia‐preconditioned cells contributes to improved cell retention and angiogenic potency
Authors: Kubo Masayuki , Li Tao‐Sheng , Kamota Takahiro , Ohshima Mako , Qin Shu‐Lan , Hamano Kimikazu
Published: May 2009

Cell‐based angiogenesis is a promising method for the treatment of ischemic diseases, but the poor retention of implanted cells in targeted tissues is a major drawback. We tested whether hypoxic preconditioning increased retention and angiogenic potency of implanted cells in ischemic tissue. Hypoxic preconditioning of mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) was done with 24 h of culture under 2% O2. Normoxia‐cultured PBMNCs were used as a control. Hypoxic preconditioning increased the adhesion capacity of the PBMNCs. Moreover, the expression of integrin αM and CXCR4 was significantly higher in the hypoxia‐preconditioned PBMNCs than in the normoxia‐cultured PBMNCs. Interestingly, the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), a ligand of integrin αM, and stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1), a chemokine for CXCR4, were remarkably increased in the ischemic hindlimbs. The retention of the hypoxia‐preconditioned PBMNCs was significantly higher than that of the normoxia‐cultured PBMNCs, 3 days after their intramuscular implantation into ischemic hindlimbs. We also noted better blood flow in the ischemic hindlimbs implanted with the hypoxia‐preconditioned PBMNCs than in those implanted with the normoxia‐cultured PBMNCs, 14 days after treatment. Furthermore, antibody neutralization of integrin αM and CXCR4 abolished completely the increased cell retention and angiogenic potency of the hypoxia‐preconditioned PBMNCs after implantation into the ischemic hindlimbs. These results indicate that hypoxic preconditioning of implanted cells is a feasible method of enhancing therapeutic angiogenesis by increasing their retention. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 508–514, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SMAD‐proteins as a molecular switch from hypertrophy to apoptosis induction in adult ventricular cardiomyocytes
Authors: Heger Jacqueline , Peters Saskia C. , Piper Hans‐Michael , Euler Gerhild
Published: May 2009

Heart failure development goes along with a transition from hypertrophic growth to apoptosis induction. In adult cardiomyocytes SMAD proteins are only activated under apoptotic, but not under hypertrophic conditions and are increased at the transition to heart failure. Therefore, SMADs could be candidates that turn the balance from hypertrophic growth to apoptosis resulting in heart failure development. To test this hypothesis we infected isolated rat ventricular cardiomyocytes with adenovirus encoding SMAD4 (AdSMAD4) and investigated the impact of SMAD4 overexpression on the development of apoptosis and hypertrophy under stimulation with phenylephrine (PE). Infection of cardiomyocytes with AdSMAD4 significantly enhanced SMAD‐binding activity while apoptosis after 24 and 36 h infection did not rise. But when SMAD4 overexpressing cardiomyocytes were incubated with PE (10 µM), the number of apoptotic cells increased (Ctrl: 94.97 ± 6.91%; PE: 102.48 ± 4.78% vs. AdSMAD4 + PE: 118.64 ± 3.28%). Furthermore expression of caspase 3 as well as bax/bcl2 ratio increased in SMAD4 overexpressing, PE‐stimulated cardiomyocytes. In addition, the effects of SMAD4 overexpression on PE‐induced hypertrophic growth were analyzed. Protein synthesis 36 h after AdSMAD4 infection was comparable to control cells, whereas the increase in protein synthesis stimulated by phyenylephrine was significantly reduced in SMAD4 overexpressing cells (134.28 ± 10.02% vs. 100.57 ± 8.86%). SMAD4 triggers the transition from hypertrophy to apoptosis in ventricular cardiomyocytes. Since SMADs are increased under several pathophysiological conditions in the heart, it can be assumed that it triggers apoptosis induction and therefore contributes to negative remodeling and heart failure progression. J. Cell. Physiol. 220: 515–523, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ballistic food transport in toucans
Authors: Baussart Sabine , Korsoun Leonid , Libourel Paul‐Antoine , Bels Vincent
Published: May 2009

The basic mechanism of food transport in tetrapods is lingual‐based. Neognathous birds use this mechanism for exploiting a large diversity of food resources, whereas paleognathous birds use cranioinertial mechanism with or without tongue involvement. Food transport in two neognathous species of toucans (Ramphastos toco and R. vitellinus) is defined as ballistic transport mechanism. Only one transport cycle is used for moving the food from the tip of the beak to the pharynx. The food is projected between jaws with similar initial velocity in both species. At the time of release, the angle between trajectory of food position and horizontal is higher in R. vitellinus with a shorter beak than in R. toco. The tongue never makes contact with the food nor is it used to expand the buccal cavity. Tongue movement is associated with throat expansion, permitting the food to reach the entrance of the esophagus at the end of the ballistic trajectory. Selection of large food items in the diet may explain the evolutionary trend of using ballistic transport in the feeding behavior of toucans, which plays a key role in ecology of tropical forest. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:465–474, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A note on shared transportation for tourists with special reference to the Israeli sherut
Authors: Batabyal Amitrajeet A.
Published: May 2009

In this note, we provide answers to two hitherto unstudied questions in the literature concerning the provision of shared transportation to tourists. First, we ascertain the long run fraction of time that there is no sherut taxi at a designated taxi stand. Second, we determine the long run fraction of tourists who are lost to the sherut taxi providing firm because no taxis are available when arriving tourists want a taxi. Finally, we show that these two long run fractions are equal because the so called PASTA property holds in our model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon dioxide corrosion inhibition of N80 carbon steel in single liquid phase and liquid/particle two‐phase flow by hydroxyethyl imidazoline derivatives
Authors: Liu X. , Zheng Y. G. , Okafor P. C.
Published: May 2009

CO2 corrosion inhibition of N80 steel in liquid single‐phase and liquid/particle two‐phase flow by 2‐undecyl‐1‐hydroxyethyl imidazoline (HEI‐11) and 2‐undecyl‐1‐hydroxyethyl‐1‐hydroxyethyl quaternary imidazoline (HQI‐11) was investigated using weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, EIS, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The results show that the corrosion rate in the absence and presence of the imidazolines is strongly dependent on the flow condition and presence of entrained sand particles. The imidazolines function via a mixed‐type corrosion inhibition mechanism. The inhibition efficiencies of the imidazolines followed the trend HQI‐11 > HEI‐11 in all the systems studied. Inhibition mechanism has been discussed in relation to the polycentric adsorption sites on the imidazoline molecules.
The beneficial secondary effects of conventional and pulse cathodic protection for reinforced concrete, evidenced by X‐ray and microscopic analysis of the steel surface and the steel/cement paste interface
Authors: Koleva D. A. , Guo Z. , van Breugel K. , de Wit J. H. W.
Published: May 2009

The present study reports on the investigation of conventional and pulse cathodic protection (CP), in terms of steel surface analysis and investigation of the product layers at the steel/cement paste interface, after a long term (460 days) of conditioning and monitoring. The techniques used were: X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX). Wet chemical analysis was used as supportive evidence for ion concentrations in the vicinity of the steel re‐bars. Generally, CP promotes beneficial secondary effects i.e. enhanced OH− concentration and reduced Cl− concentration near the steel surface. Cathodic polarization also results in additional deposition of portlandite, which stabilizes the protective properties of the product layer on the steel surface. Consequently, the fundamental mechanisms, underlying the efficiency of CP techniques in reinforced concrete, are strongly related to beneficial secondary effects of CP, affecting the morphology and transformations of these product layers. Since the experimental evidences to support the aforementioned beneficial effects are rather limited, this study investigates the morphology and composition of the “naturally” formed steel surface layers, along with the properties of the steel/cement paste interface, on corroding and protected steel reinforcement (in comparison to reference, non‐corroding, non‐protected conditions) after 460 days of conditioning. For the corroding specimens, the formation and substantial deposition of voluminous corrosion products, with low adherence to the steel surface is relevant (low protective ability), whereas in the protected specimens, a compact and adherent product layer of more stable high valent iron oxides, or calcium substituted such, was observed. To this end, the present work provides the experimental evidence for the fundamental mechanisms, related to the otherwise recognized positive secondary effects of CP in reinforced concrete.