bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transfer of carbon dioxide and methane through the soil‐water‐atmosphere system at Mer Bleue peatland, Canada
Authors: Dinsmore Kerry J. , Billett Mike F. , Moore Tim R. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSurface waters associated with peatlands, supersaturated with CO2 and CH4 with respect to the atmosphere, act as important pathways linking a large and potentially unstable global repository of C to the atmosphere. Understanding the drivers and mechanisms which control C release from peatland systems to the atmosphere will contribute to better management and modelling of terrestrial C pools. We used non‐dispersive infra‐red (NDIR) CO2 sensors to continuously measure gas concentrations in a beaver pond at Mer Bleue peatland (Canada); measurements were made between July and August 2007. Concentrations of CO2 in the surface water (10 cm) reached 13 mg C l−1 (epCO2 72), and 26 mg C l−1 (epCO2 133) at depth (60 cm). The study also showed large diurnal fluctuations in dissolved CO2 which ranged in amplitude from ∼1·6 mg C l−1 at 10 cm to ∼0·2 mg C l−1 at 60 cm depth. CH4 concentration and supersaturation (epCH4) measured using headspace analysis averaged 1·47 mg C l−1 and 3252, respectively; diurnal cycling was also evident in CH4 concentrations. Mean estimated evasion rates of CO2 and CH4 over the summer period were 44·92 ± 7·86 and 0·44 ± 0·25 µg C m−2s−1, respectively. Open water at Mer Bleue is a significant summer hotspot for greenhouse gas emissions within the catchment. Our results suggest that CO2 concentrations during the summer in beaver ponds at Mer Bleue are strongly influenced by biological processes within the water column involving aquatic plants and algae (in situ photosynthesis and respiration). In terms of carbon cycling, soil‐stream connectivity at this time of year is therefore relatively weak. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal variability of selected dissolved elements in the lower Orinoco River, Venezuela
Authors: Mora Abrahan , Alfonso Juan A. , Sánchez Luzmila , Calzadilla Malvis , Silva Soraya , LaBrecque John J. , Azócar José A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMonthly analyses of pH, conductance, alkalinity, total suspended solids, dissolved major cations (Na, K, Ca and Mg), and selected dissolved trace elements (Fe, Al, Mn, Cu, Zn and Cr) were conducted on waters of the lower Orinoco River from February 2004 to May 2006. The data show strong seasonal variability. Major cations had maximum concentrations at low water, and were correlated with pH, conductance and alkalinity because of the tributaries coming from the Andean zones, where the weathering of evaporites and carbonate shales controls water chemistry. K concentrations did not show any relation with evaporite weathering, probably because large amounts of K come from the Guayana Shield rivers as a consequence of feldspar weathering. The concentrations of dissolved Fe, Mn and Cu were highest during the high water stage. Concentrations of the elements K, Cr, Zn and Cu are correlated with each other but not with dissolved Fe and Al, which probably are complexed with humic and fulvic substances. Mn concentrations did not show relationships with other variables. Inter‐annual variability of dissolved elements is explained by temporal changes in precipitation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving hydrological information acquisition from DEM processing in floodplains
Authors: Getirana Augusto C. V. , Bonnet Marie‐Paule , Rotunno Filho Otto C. , Mansur Webe J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractExtraction of hydrological information from digital elevation models (DEMs) is a required step when conducting any spatially distributed hydrological modelling. In particular, automated methods are proposed to extract the drainage structure from the DEM. However, a realistic river network is not always derived from conventional DEM processing methods. Indeed, inaccuracy occurs in flat areas corresponding to floodplains. In these areas, additional sources of information are required to extract the correct drainage direction from the DEM. In this study, it is demonstrated that traditional approaches of DEM‐preprocessing such as the commonly known ‘stream burning’ fail to provide correct maps of drainage directions and catchment areas when the extension of flat areas is large. A new method is proposed to take advantage of available imagery data. This method is based on a ‘double DEM burning’ process: DEM is first burned in the main rivers using the channel network, and then in the floodplain using the spatial distribution of floodplains provided by classified satellite images. In this sense, the method has been referred to as the floodplain burning approach (or simply FB approach). Spatial distribution of floodplains is derived from a multitemporal SAR image classification. A system of equations is used to vary the elevation offset required to be ‘burnt’ in each cell representing the floodplain, according to the minimal distance from the channel network, which is calculated by a distance transformation. The FB approach was applied to a sub‐basin located within the larger Amazon River basin. The region is characterized by large floodplain extensions. Basin delineation maps derived from the new method were compared with those obtained from the traditional stream burning method and highlighted more realistic results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic profiling in pancreatic cancer with and without lymph node metastasis
Authors: Cui Yazhou , Wu Jianmei , Zong Meijuan , Song Guanhua , Jia Qing , Jiang Jinbo , Han Jinxiang 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe aim of the study was to observe different protein profiles in pancreatic cancer with and without lymph node metastasis (LNM), and search for novel LNM‐associated proteins, which would help to understand the metastatic mechanisms and provide targets for therapeutic interventions. Cancer nests were manually miscrodissected from 8 LNM and 7 non‐LNM pancreatic cancer tissues, and the protein extracts were then separated by difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) and identified by MALDI‐TOF‐TOF. Four differently regulated proteins, ezrin, radixin, moesin, and c14orf166, were selected for further validation by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. In DIGE analysis, we identified 18 up‐regulated proteins and 15 down‐regulated proteins in LNM pancreatic cancer nests compared with non‐LNM ones. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed that radixin, moesin and c14orf166, but not ezrin, had significantly higher expression levels in LNM pancreatic cancers than in non‐LNM controls. In conclusion, the specific protein profiles found in this study might provide new insights into the mechanism of lymph node metastasis. For the first time, c14orf166 was identified asa novel metastasis‐associated protein, and the roles of radixin, moesin and c14orf166 in cancer metastasis deserve further investigations. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of a rhabdomyosarcoma targeting peptide by phage display with sequence similarities to the tumour lymphatic‐homing peptide LyP‐1
Authors: Witt Hendrik , Hajdin Katarina , Iljin Kristina , Greiner Oliver , Niggli Felix K. , Schäfer Beat W. , Bernasconi Michele 
Published: November 2008

AbstractRhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. To improve existing therapies and broaden the spectrum of cytotoxic agents that can be used in RMS treatment, we performed a phage‐display‐based screening for peptides that bind specifically to RMS cells. Two peptides binding to RMS and to other tumour cell lines, but not to normal skeletal muscle cells and fibroblasts, were isolated from phage‐displayed random peptide libraries. One peptide, named RMS‐I (CQQSNRGDRKRC) contained the integrin‐binding motif RGD and its binding was blocked by an antibody against αvβ3integrin, which is expressed on the RMS cell line RD. The isolation of RMS‐I confirmed the validity of our screening procedure. The second peptide, named RMS‐II (CMGNKRSAKRPC), shows sequence similarity to a previously identified peptide with tumour lymphatic specificity, LyP‐1. However, RMS‐II binds in vivo to RMS xenografts better than LyP‐1 and homes to the tumour blood and not to lymphatic vessels. Therefore, RMS‐II represents a promising peptide for the development of RMS‐specific targeting approaches. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro estrogenicity of ambient particulate matter: contribution of hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Wenger Daniela , Gerecke Andreas C. , Heeb Norbert V. , Schmid Peter , Hueglin Christoph , Naegeli Hanspeter , Zenobi Renato 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAtmospheric particulate matter (PM1) was collected at an urban and a rural site in Switzerland during a hibernal high air pollution episode and was investigated for estrogenicity using an estrogen‐sensitive reporter gene assay (ER‐CALUX). All samples that were tested induced estrogen receptor‐mediated gene expression in T47D human breast adenocarcinoma cells. Observed estrogenic activities corresponded to 17β‐estradiol (E2) CALUX equivalent concentrations ranging from 2 to 23 ng E2‐CEQ per gram of PM1 (particulate matter of ≤ 1 µm aerodynamic diameter) and from 0.07 to 1.25 pg E2‐CEQ per m3 of sampled air. There was a strong correlation between the PM1 estrogenicity of the urban and rural sites (r = 0.92). Five hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (hydroxy‐PAHs), which show structural similarities to E2, were assessed for their estrogenic activity. The following order of estrogenic potency was found: 2‐hydroxychrysene > 2‐hydroxyphenanthrene > 1‐hydroxypyrene > 2‐hydroxynaphthalene > 1‐hydroxynaphthalene. Three of these hydroxy‐PAHs, namely 2‐hydroxyphenanthrene, 2‐hydroxynaphthalene and 1‐hydroxynaphthalene, were detected in all PM1 extracts. However, they contributed only 0.01–0.2% to the overall estrogenic activity. Hence, mainly other estrogenic compounds not yet identified by chemical analysis must be responsible for the observed activity. The temporal trend of PM1 estrogenicity at the urban and rural site, respectively, was compared with the time course of several air pollutants (NO2, NO, SO2, O3, CO) and meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, air pressure, solar irradiation, wind velocity). However, specific emission sources and formation processes of atmospheric xenoestrogens could not be elucidated. This study showed that ambient particulate matter contains compounds that are able to interact with estrogen receptors in vitro and potentially also interfere with estrogen‐regulated pathways in vivo. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitroandin vivoimaging of xenobiotic transport in human skin and in the rat liver
Authors: Roberts Michael S. , Roberts Matthew J. , Robertson Thomas A. , Sanchez Washington , Thörling Camilla , Zou Yuhong , Zhao Xin , Becker Wolfgang , Zvyagin Andrei V. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMultiphoton tomography was used to examine xenobiotic transportin vivo. We used the photochemical properties of zinc oxide and fluorescein and multiphoton tomography to study their transport in the skin and in the rat liverin vivo. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were visualised in human skin using the photoluminescence properties of zinc oxide and either a selective emission wavelength band pass filter or a filter with fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). Zinc oxide nanoparticles (30 nm) did not penetrate into human skinin vitroandin vivoand this was validated by scanning electron microscopy with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Fluorescein was measured in the liver using FLIM. Fluorescein is rapidly extracted from the blood into the liver cells and then transported into the bile. It is suggested that multiphoton tomography may be of particular use in definingin vivo4D (in both space and time) pharmacokinetics. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Oncoprotein BMI‐1 induces the malignant transformation of HaCaT cells
Authors: Wang Qian , Li Wen‐Lin , You Pu , Su Juan , Zhu Ming‐Hua , Xie Dong‐Fu , Zhu Hai‐Yin , He Zhi‐Ying , Li Jian‐Xiu , Ding Xiao‐Yan , Wang Xin , Hu Yi‐Ping 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBMI‐1 (B‐cell‐specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1), a novel oncogene, has attracted much attention in recent years for its involvement in the initiation of a variety of tumors. Recent evidence showed that BMI‐1 was highly expressed in neoplastic skin lesions. However, whether dysregulated BMI‐1 expression is causal for the transformation of skin cells remains unknown. In this study, we stably expressed BMI‐1 in a human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT. The expression of wild‐type BMI‐1 induced the malignant transformation of HaCaT cells in vitro. More importantly, we found that expression of BMI‐1 promoted formation of squamous cell carcinomas in vivo. Furthermore, we showed that BMI‐1 expression led to the downregulation of tumore suppressors, such as p16INK4a and p14ARF, cell adhesion molecules, such as E‐Cadherin, and differentiation related factor, such as KRT6. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that dysregulated BMI‐1 could indeed lead to keratinocytes transformation and tumorigenesis, potentially through promoting cell cycle progression and increasing cell mobility. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 16–24, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The culture of neural stem cells
Authors: Ahmed Sohail 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA stem cell has three important features. Firstly, the ability of self‐renewal: making identical copies of itself. Secondly, multipotency, generating all the major cell lineages of the host tissue (in the case of embryonic stem cells—pluripotency). Thirdly, the ability to generate/regenerate tissues. Thus, the study of stem cells will help unravel the complexity of tissue development and organisation, and will also have important clinical applications. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are present during embryonic development and in certain regions of the adult central nervous system (CNS). Mobilizing adult NSCs to promote repair of injured or diseased CNS is a promising approach. Since NSCs may give rise to brain tumor, they represent in vitro models for anti‐cancer drug screening. To facilitate the use of NSCs in clinical scenarios, we need to explore the biology of these cells in greater details. One clear goal is to be able to definitively identify and purify NSCs. The neurosphere‐forming assay is robust and reflects the behavior of NSCs. Clonal analysis where single cells give rise to neurospheres need to be used to follow the self‐renewal and multipotency characteristics of NSCs. Neurosphere formation in combination with other markers of NSC behavior such as active Notch signaling represents the state of the art to follow these cells. Many issues connected with NSC biology need to be explored to provide a platform for clinical applications. Important future directions that are highlighted in this review are; identification of markers for NSCs, the use of NSCs in high‐throughput screens and the modelling of the central nervous development. There is no doubt that the study of NSCs is crucial if we are to tackle the diseases of the CNS such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 1–6, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nitrotyrosinylation, remodeling and endothelial‐myocyte uncoupling in iNOS, cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) knockouts and iNOS/CBS double knockout mice
Authors: Kundu Soumi , Kumar Munish , Sen Utpal , Mishra Paras K. , Tyagi Neetu , Metreveli Naira , Lominadze David , Rodriguez Walter , Tyagi Suresh C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIncreased levels of homocysteine (Hcy), recognized as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), were associated with cardiovascular diseases. There was controversy regarding the detrimental versus cardio protective role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in ischemic heart disease. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the Hcy generated nitrotyrosine by inducing the endothelial nitric oxide synthase, causing endothelial‐myocyte (E‐M) coupling. To differentiate the role of iNOS versus constitutive nitric oxide synthase (eNOS and nNOS) in Hcy‐mediated nitrotyrosine generation and matrix remodeling in cardiac dysfunction, left ventricular (LV) tissue was analyzed from cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) heterozygote knockout, iNOS homozygote knockout, CBS−/+/iNOS−/− double knockout, and wild‐type (WT) mice. The levels of nitrotyrosine, MMP‐2 and ‐9 (zymographic analysis), and fibrosis (by trichrome stain) were measured. The endothelial‐myocyte function was determined in cardiac rings. In CBS−/+ mice, homocysteine was elevated and in iNOS−/− mice, nitric oxide was significantly reduced. The nitrotyrosine and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) levels were elevated in double knockout and CBS−/+ as compared to WT mice. Although MMP‐2 levels were similar in CBS−/+, iNOS−/−, and CBS−/+/iNOS−/−, the levels were three‐ to fourfold higher than WT. The levels of collagen were similar in CBS−/+ and iNOS−/−, but they were threefold higher than WT. Interesting, the levels of collagen increased sixfold in double knockouts, compared to WT, suggesting synergism between high Hcy and lack of iNOS. Left ventricular hypertrophy was exaggerated in the iNOS−/− and double knockout, and mildly increased in the CBS−/+, compared to WT mice. The endothelial‐dependent relaxation was attenuated to the same extent in the CBS−/+ and iNOS−/−, compared to WT, but it was robustly blunted in double knockouts. The results concluded that homocysteine generated nitrotyrosine in the vicinity of endothelium, caused MMP activation and endothelium‐myocyte uncoupling. The generation of nitrotyrosine was independent of iNOS. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 119–126, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spread of nontuberculous mycobacteria from 1993 to 2006 in Koreans
Authors: Ryoo Sung Weon , Shin Sonya , Shim Myung‐shup , Park Yoon‐Sung , Lew Woo Jin , Park Sue‐Nie , Park Young Kil , Kang Seongman 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn Korea, the prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary disease has risen, observed primarily in immunocompetent patients with or without preexisting lung disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of various species of NTM isolates from respiratory specimens in a single institution over a 14‐year period in Korea. All samples referred to our reference laboratory over a 14‐year period in Korea were analyzed. From 1993 to 2000 our laboratory used conventional NTM identification methods, and from 2001 we adapted PCR‐restrictionfragment length polymorphism analysis(PRA). A total of 17,915 isolates were collected from 1993 to 2006. The most frequently isolated organisms were M. avium complex (n=11,705, 65%), M. abscessus (n=2,076, 11.59%), M. fortuitum complex (n=1,279, 7.14%). M. chelonae complex (n=1,134, 6.33%), M. kansasii (n=762, 4.25%), M. szulgai (n=139, 0.78%), M. celatum (n=87, 0.49%), M. scrofulaceum (n=18, 0.10%) and M. marium (n=11, 0.06%). J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:415–420, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Can haptoglobin be an indicator for the early diagnosis of neonatal jaundice?
Authors: Cakmak Alpay , Calik Mustafa , Atas Ali , Hirfanoglu Ibrahim , Erel Ozcan 
Published: November 2008

AbstractNeonatal jaundice is the result of an imbalance between bilirubin production and elimination. Bilirubin conjugation in newborns is significantly impaired in the first few days; even a small increase in the rate of production can contribute to the development of hyperbilirubinemia. Hemolysis has a significant role in bilirubin increase in newborns. Intrauterine is tolerated by the maternal metabolism in life. When hemolysis takes place, a decrease is accepted in the haptoglobin and hemopoexin blood levels binding hemoglobin in the environment. Therefore, it may be considered that haptoglobin and hemopoexin from the early period umbilical cord (UC) blood in newborns may be an indicator in determining jaundice likely to develop in later stages. Babies were called to the control polyclinic in the third and fifthdays. Eighty‐four babies with normal termbirth were included in the study. Gestational age of the mothers was 39.5±1.5 weeks in average. A significant negative correlation was found between the haptoglobin level from the UC taken during delivery and the bilirubin value in the fifth day (r=−0.345; P=0.001). The haptoglobin value from the blood of the UC can be used as a guiding indicator to demonstrate the future occurrence of jaundice in newborns. This way, the babies with high jaundice risk may be detected earlier and closer follow‐up of these babies can be obtained. As a result, the haptoglobin level of the blood from the UC during delivery allows us to make an early prediction on whether neonatal jaundice will occur. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:409–414, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improvement of transfection efficiency by using supercoiled plasmid DNA purified with arginine affinity chromatography
Authors: Sousa Fani , Prazeres Duarte M. F. , Queiroz João A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackgroundIt is well known that the success of gene transfer to cells and subsequent expression is strictly affected by the vector manufacturing process. Several challenges encountered in the gene therapy field have emphasized the need for the development of novel platforms that allow the recovery of gene vectors and enable efficient transfection of cells. The use of plasmid DNA‐based therapeutics relies on procedures that efficiently purify the supercoiled (sc) plasmid isoform. Plasmid DNA (pDNA) purification strategies that use amino acids as immobilized ligands have recently yielded interesting results.MethodsThe present study describes a strategy that uses arginine‐chromatography to specifically purify sc pDNA from other isoforms and Escherichia coli impurities present in a clarified lysate.ResultsControl analysis shows that the purity of the sc pDNA is 100% with a homogeneity higher than 97% of sc. Furthermore, no RNA was detectable, the protein content was lower than 10 µg/ml and a 117‐fold reduction on genomic DNA contamination and 95% endotoxin removal were accomplished. The chromatographic process demonstrated an impressive performance on sc isoform recovery (79% yield). Furthermore, the sc transfection efficiency of COS‐7 cells (62%) was significantly higher compared to the efficiency (25%) achieved with a pDNA control.ConclusionsWith the simplified sc pDNA purification process, a high yield was achieved, sc pDNA was purified under mild conditions and shown to be extremely efficient with respect to cell transfection. Arginine‐chromatography is thus an interesting option for use as a late stage plasmid purification step. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective [15N] labelling of an NG‐propionylated arginine derivative
Authors: Kleinmaier Roland , Gschwind Ruth M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA straightforward convergent synthesis of [15N]‐Bz‐Arg(Nη‐propionyl)‐OEt*TFA is presented. In this approach, the guanidinylation reagent [15N2]‐N(boc)‐N′(propionyl)‐S‐methylisothiourea is reacted with the side chain amino group of the title compound's ornithine precursor. The guanidinylation step is promoted by stoichiometric addition of HgCl2 to force completion. This method leads directly to the NG‐acylated product and the acyl residue is principally modifiable in the last synthetic step of the guanidinylation reagent. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.