bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposal for selecting two‐color combinations with various affections. Part II: Demonstration of the system
Authors: Sakai Hideki , Nayatani Yoshinobu
Published: February 2009

The characteristics of the proposed color selection system are shown using several colored figures of two‐color combinations selected by the system. There are four kinds of color feelings in the system, and each feeling is classified into three categories (i.e., high, intermediate, or low). The feelings used are pleasantness, contrast, floridness, and warmth. Users can try the 34 = 81 combinations of feelings by setting the categories for four kinds of feelings. The differences among categories of color feelings are also shown by several colored figures. It is difficult to describe the differences by words. However, it is rather easy to describe by pictures. The proposed color selection system is expected to be a useful tool for assisting color designers. Comments about the proposed system from potential users are reported. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 135–140, 2009
The new deviate visual functions improving the instrumental estimation on the visual color difference for the metamers with about 1° field size
Authors: Kuo Wen‐Guey , Wei Yuh‐Chang , Liu Alex , Lin Shang‐Ming , Shu Yi‐Ting
Published: February 2009

Although the CIE1931 and 1964 color matching functions have been used in color specification for decades, many researchers, from Allen in 1970 to Hu and Houser in 2006, have found that there still exists a great visual mismatch on the discrimination of color difference as in terms of the CIE color matching functions. Hence, some significant error would be made on color specification due to employing the CIE1931 and 1964 color matching functions. Therefore, six color difference formulae developed from different experimental methods are used to derive various deviate visual functions (DVFs) respectively, and to investigate the effect of these DVFs on the performance of the color difference formulae tested in estimating visual color difference. The results indicate that the performance of the color difference formulae in estimating color difference is significantly improved by the deviate visual functions derived in this study. The CIE94 color difference formula has the best performance in predicting the total visual color difference (ΔVT) using the DVFs and DVFIIs having the mean values 29 and 27 in PF/4 unit, respectively, while the CMC(l:c) the worst the ones 37 and 38. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 115–127, 2009
Urbanization effects on watershed habitat potential: a multivariate assessment of thresholds and interactions
Authors: Randhir Timothy , Ekness Paul
Published: February 2009

A watershed‐based assessment is used to assess the effect of urbanization on vertebrate habitat potential in Westfield River Watershed in Massachusetts, USA. A spatial analysis is used to develop urban indicators and habitat potential for each subbasin in the watershed. It is observed that threshold effect of urbanization on habitat potential of vertebrates is at 10 to 12 percent impervious cover. Amphibian habitat is influenced by available open space and land use disturbance in the watershed. The reptile habitat is sensitive to impervious coverage and land use disturbance, and decreased with fragmentation. The habitat for birds is influenced by land use disturbance, human population densities, size of forest patch, and open space in the watershed. Mammal habitat is influenced by human population density, land use disturbance, and fragmentation. A watershed‐based assessment is useful to identify critical areas of high urban influence. Threshold values and nature of interactions between urbanization and habitat are assessed and used in policy recommendations. Policies and practices that minimize effects of urbanization in the watershed include impervious taxes, zoning policies, and open space protection. The need for provision of education and information on the relationship between urbanization and habitat potential is emphasized for sustainable use of watershed resources. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic regulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa‐induced cytokine production in human monocytes by mannose receptor and TLR2
Authors: Xaplanteri Panagiota , Lagoumintzis George , Dimitracopoulos George , Paliogianni Fotini
Published: February 2009

The immune response to pathogen is regulated by a combination of specific PRR, which are involved in pathogen recognition. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that causes life‐threatening disease in immuno‐compromised host, is recognized by distinct members of the TLR family. We have previously shown that viable P. aeruginosa bacteria are recognized by human monocytes mainly through TLR2. Using ligand‐specific blocking antibodies, we herein show that the mannose receptor (MR), a phagocytic receptor for unopsonized P. aeruginosa bacteria, contributes equally to TLR2 in proinflammatory cytokine production by human monocytes in response to P. aeruginosa infection. Synergy of both receptors totally controls the immune response. Viable P. aeruginosa bacteria activate NF‐κB and MAPK pathways and enhance TLR2‐mediated signaling in MR‐transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Moreover, MR follows the same kinetics and colocalizes with TLR2 in the endosome during in vivo infection of human macrophages with P. aeruginosa. The studies provide the first demonstration of a significant role for MR, synergistic with TLR2, in activating a proinflammatory response to P. aeruginosa infection.
Kinetics of Bis(p‐nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) Hydrolysis Reactions with Trivalent Lanthanide Complexes of N‐Hydroxyethyl(ethylenediamine)‐ N,N′,N′‐triacetate (HEDTA)
Authors: Chang C. Allen , Chen Yu‐Ping , Hsiao Chih‐Hsiang
Published: February 2009

Kinetic studies of hydrolysis reactions of BNPP [sodium bis(p‐nitrophenyl)phosphate] with trivalent lanthanide (Ln3+) complexes of HEDTA [HEDTA = N‐hydroxyethyl(ethylenediamine)‐N,N′,N′‐triacetate] were performed at pH 6.96–11.34 and 25 °C by a spectrophotometric method and by HPLC analysis. The reaction rates increase with increasing atomic number of lanthanide and solution pH from PrHEDTA to EuHEDTA and then decrease for heavier LnHEDTA complexes. Plots of pseudo‐first‐order rate constants (kobs) vs. pH could be fitted to the equation kobs = kLnL(OH)[LnL]T/{1 + exp[–2.303(pH – pKh)]}, where kLnL(OH) is the rate constant for the reaction of LnHEDTA(OH)– with BNPP, Kh is the hydrolysis constant of LnHEDTA, and [LnL]T is the total concentration of LnHEDTA. The pKh values obtained by the kinetic method are in the range 8.2–10.3 and are similar to those measured by potentiometric methods. At [LnL]T = 10–70 mM and pH 10.5, most of the observed pseudo‐first‐order rate constants could be fitted to a simple saturation kinetic model, kobs = k1K[LnHEDTA(OH)–]/{1 + K[LnHEDTA(OH)–]}, where K is the equilibrium constant for the formation for LnHEDTA(OH)–BNPP and is in the range 2–147 M–1. The k1 values are in the range 1.12 × 10–5–2.71 × 10–3 s–1. The kobs data for TbHEDTA and HoHEDTA were fitted to a quadratic equation. It was observed that the dinuclear species are more reactive. ESI mass spectrometry confirmed that the reaction between BNPP and EuHEDTA is a simple hydrolysis but not a transesterification, presumably because the three inner‐sphere coordinated water molecules are far away from the coordinated hydroxyethyl group. Hydrolysis is likely to occur by proton transfer from one inner‐sphere coordinated water molecule to the deprotonated ethyl oxide group followed by nucleophilic attack of the resulting hydroxide ion on the bonded BNPP anion.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Solvothermal Syntheses of Two New Thiostannates and an In‐Situ Energy Dispersive X‐ray Scattering Study of Their Formation
Authors: Pienack Nicole , Näther Christian , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: February 2009

Two new thiostannates, (DBNH)2Sn3S6 (1) and (DBNH)2Cu6Sn2S8 (2), were synthesized under solvothermal conditions using Cu, Sn, S and DBN (DBN = 1,5‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non‐7‐ene). Compound 1 is a rare example of a mixed‐valent thiostannate. The SnII center exists in the rare trigonal pyramidal coordination environment, whereas SnIV is tetrahedrally coordinated. The chain‐anion is composed of alternating Sn3S4 semi‐cubes and Sn2S2 rings. The structure of 2 consists of undulated anionic layers with amine molecules between the layers. The layers may be viewed as a heteroatom 63 graphene layer constructed of condensed CuS3 triangles and SnS4 tetrahedra. The two thiostannates coexist, and this was investigated with in‐situ energy dispersive X‐ray scattering under solvothermal conditions. Prior to the formation of 1 and 2, a crystalline intermediate appears, which disappears after 60 min. Then reflections of 2 start to grow, and reflections of 1 appear some time later. The appearance of a thiostannate(IV) species followed by the crystallization of a mixed‐valent thiostannate(II,IV) species suggests that complex redox reactions are occurring under the solvothermal conditions. Syntheses without Cu in the reaction slurry lead to the formation of 1 within a very short time period. The results of the in‐situ studies clearly indicate that the presence of Cu species in solution retards the nucleation and crystallization of 1. The crystalline intermediate was quenched with ex‐situ experiments. All syntheses performed with this intermediate do not lead to the crystallization of 1 or 2, i.e., there is no direct relation between these three crystalline compounds. The spectroscopic and thermal properties of 1 and 2 are also discussed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Guanine‐Containing DNA Minor‐Groove Binders
Authors: Pulido Daniel , Sánchez Albert , Robles Jordi , Pedroso Enrique , Grandas Anna
Published: February 2009

Solid‐phase procedures have been used to prepare six dipyrrole‐containing DNA ligands that combine (guanin‐9‐yl)acetyl, (guanin‐7‐yl)acetyl or acetyl moieties at the N‐terminal end and two lysines or a (dimethylamino)propyl group at the C terminus. Inspection of their DNA‐stabilizing properties by UV‐monitored thermal denaturation experiments showed that the ligand incorporating the (guanin‐9‐yl)acetyl group and the (dimethylamino)propyl tail had the highest duplex‐stabilizing effects.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Novel Large‐Ring 1,3‐Bridged 2‐Azetidinones as Potential Inhibitors of Penicillin‐Binding Proteins
Authors: Urbach Allan , Dive Georges , Marchand‐Brynaert Jacqueline
Published: February 2009

Novel bicyclic 2‐azetidinones, in which the β‐lactam moiety is embedded in a 1,3‐bridging large ring, have been studied experimentally and theoretically. The compounds were prepared from (3S,4R)‐3‐[(1R)‐1‐(tert‐butyldimethylsilyloxy)ethyl]‐4‐propyl‐2‐azetidinone (3) by sequential N1 and O5 functionalization with ω‐alkenyl chains by acylation and/or alkylation reactions. Cyclization by ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) gave a series of 12‐ and 13‐membered‐ring compounds 7, 12b,c, 17b,c and 24 featuring the internal HC=CH double bond with a preferential (E) configuration, and then the corresponding saturated 1,3‐bridged bicycles 8, 13b,c, 18b,c and 25 after hydrogenation. Bridges of 9–11 atoms were inaccessible and bridges of 12 atoms appeared favoured over those with 13 atoms according to ab initio quantum chemistry calculations. This was confirmed experimentally because ω‐alkenyl double‐bond migration occurred in competition with the RCM reaction in the case of 13‐atom precursors, leading to a mixture of 12‐ and 13‐membered rings. Modelling of the reactivity of our 1,3‐bridged 2‐azetidinones, towards hydrolysis and processing by serine enzymes, highlighted the important roles of geometrical and conformational factors and predicted a modest “acylating power” in comparison with classical penam compounds (antibiotics). Biochemical evaluation against the R39 bacterial enzyme (D,D‐peptidase) revealed a weak inhibition effect of the 13‐membered‐ring 1,3‐bridged O,N‐bis(acylated) azetidinones 7 and 8.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
First Stereoselective Synthesis of (1R,2R,4R)‐ and (1S,2R,4S)‐2‐Substituted‐1‐azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes
Authors: Etayo Pablo , Badorrey Ramón , Díaz‐de‐Villegas María D. , Gálvez José A.
Published: February 2009

The first stereoselective synthesis of two diastereomeric 1‐azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes substituted at the 2‐position from an easily accessible (R)‐2‐substituted‐4‐piperidone is reported. The synthetic route involves the asymmetric one‐carbon homologation of a chiral ketone followed by an intramolecular SN2‐type cyclisation and led to target compounds in high overall yield by using a simple procedure in which purification of the intermediate compounds is not required. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Two dimensions of interpersonal attitudes: Liking depends on communion, respect depends on agency
Authors: Wojciszke Bogdan , Abele Andrea E. , Baryla Wiesław
Published: February 2009

Liking and respect are proposed as two dimensions of interpersonal attitudes. Whereas liking–disliking reflects personal preferences, respect–disrespect reflects deference. Four studies involving a variety of samples and target persons showed that: (1) liking is more strongly influenced by communal than agentic qualities of the target, (2) respect is more strongly influenced by agentic than communal qualities of the target, (3) influence of communal information on liking is mediated by the perceived benevolence of the target, (4) influence of agentic information on respect is mediated by the inferred status potential of the target person. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retributive versus compensatory justice: Observers' preference for punishing in response to criminal offenses
Authors: van Prooijen Jan‐Willem
Published: February 2009

In the current paper, the author examines whether independent observers of criminal offenses have a relative preference for either retributive justice (i.e., punishing the offender) or compensatory justice (i.e., compensating the victim for the harm done). In Study 1, results revealed that participants recommended higher sums of money if a financial transaction was framed as offender punishment (i.e., the offender would pay money to the victim) than if it was framed as victim compensation (i.e., the victim would receive money from the offender). In Study 2, participants were asked to gather information about court trials following three severe offenses to evaluate whether justice had been done in these cases. Results revealed that participants gathered more information about offender punishment than about victim compensation. In Study 3 these findings were extended by investigating whether observers' relative preference for punishing is moderated by emotional proximity to the victim. Results revealed that the relative preference for punishing only occurred among participants who did not experience emotional proximity to the victim. It is concluded that observers prefer retributive over compensatory justice, provided that they do not feel emotionally close to the victim. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ideological orientation and social context as moderators of the effect of terrorism: The case of Israeli‐Jewish public opinion regarding peace
Authors: Sharvit Keren , Bar‐Tal Daniel , Raviv Amiram , Raviv Alona , Gurevich Ronit
Published: February 2009

The study investigated the effect of severe terror attacks on Israeli‐Jewish public opinion regarding peace in a context of progress toward peace (1994–1997) compared to a context of conflict escalation (2001–2002). We hypothesized that ideological orientations supporting peace (doves) or opposing it (hawks), as well as the social context in which terror occurs, would moderate its effects. We used the database of Peace Index polls, administered monthly to representative samples of Israeli Jews. Polls pose three recurring questions regarding peace. We selected eight polls conducted within a week or less following a severe terror attack, and matched each to a “control” poll, taken at the nearest available time and not preceded by terror. Findings showed that during the 1990s, hawks' opinions regarding peace became less favorable following terror, whereas doves exhibited minimal opinion change. During 2001–2002, however, doves' opinions regarding peace became less favorable following terror, whereas hawks' support for peace increased while their belief in peace did not change. This suggests that the effect of terror on opinions regarding peace varies according to ideological orientations and the transitional context in which terror occurs, implying that contextual factors from multiple levels may interact to affect individuals' opinions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Novel Hydrogen Peroxide Biosensor Based on the Synergistic Effect of Gold‐Platinum Alloy Nanoparticles/Polyaniline Nanotube/Chitosan Nanocomposite Membrane
Authors: Wang Xueliang , Yang Tao , Feng Yuanyuan , Jiao Kui , Li Guicun
Published: February 2009

Based on the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in chitosan(CS) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with the Au‐Pt alloy nanoparticles (NPs) / polyaniline nanotube (nanoPAN) nanocomposite film, a novel hydrogen peroxide biosensor was constructed. The modified processes of GCE were monitored by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Au‐PtNPs/nanoPAN/CS had a better synergistic electrochemical effect than did AuNPs/nanoPAN/CS or PtNPs/nanoPAN/CS. The amperometric response of the biosensor towards H2O2 was investigated by successively adding aliquots of H2O2 to a continuous stirring phosphate buffer solution under the optimized conditions. Because Au‐PtNPs have unique catalytic properties and good biocompatibility, and especially Au‐PtNPs and nanoPAN have synergistic augmentation for facilitating electron‐transfer, the biosensor displayed a fast response time (<2 s) and broad linear response to H2O2 in the range from 1.0 to 2200 μmol L−1 with a relatively low detection limit of 0.5 μmol L−1 at 3 times the background noise. Moreover, the biosensor can be applied in practical analysis and exhibited high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and long‐term stability.
Electrochemiluminescence Characterization of Poly(luminol‐benzidine) Composite Films and Their Analytical Application
Authors: Li Guixin , Zheng Xingwang , Song Ling
Published: February 2009

A composite film of poly(luminol‐benzidine) was prepared on the graphite electrode surface by electropolymerizing luminol and benzidine in acidic medium. It was found that the poly(luminol‐benzidine) composite film presented better electrochemiluminescence (ECL) analytical performances for H2O2 than that of the polyluminol film. Based on these findings, a more sensitive ECL sensor for H2O2 was developed. At the same time, our investigating results on this composite film revealed that, as a real ECL luminophor in this composite film, the polymeric 3‐aminophthalate presented higher fluorescence quantum yield than that in the pure polyluminol film, which suggested that the excellent ECL performances of the composite film may originate from the enhancement of the ECL luminophor quantum yield. Based on these results, a new method to improve the ECL analytical performances of the polymeric luminol was also proposed.
Permeability Improvement of Electropolymerized Polypyrrole Films in Water Using Magnetic Hydrophilic Microbeads
Authors: Cosnier Serge , Ding Shou‐Nian , Pellissier Aymeric , Gorgy Karine , Holzinger Michael , Pérez López Briza , Merkoçi Arben
Published: February 2009

The electrochemical polymerization of polypyrrole films onto magnetically immobilized hydrophilic microbeads was carried out. Poly(pyrrole‐pyrene)‐microbeads coatings display thus higher permeability in water towards the diffusion of ferrocyanide than a pure poly(pyrrole‐pyrene) film. In addition, the modulation of this permeability through an applied magnetic field that attracts the microbeads on the electrode surface or pushes back them was shown. Moreover, a glucose biosensor was prepared by adsorbing and electropolymerizing on a platinum electrode, an aqueous mixture containing glucose oxidase, amphiphilic pyrrole monomer and microbeads attracted by a magnet. The presence of microbeads inside the biocoating, markedly increases the biosensor performance.
Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Functionalized with Polythionine for Electrocatalytic Application
Authors: Qi Bin , Peng Xiaojuan , Fang Jue , Guo Liping
Published: February 2009

A polythionine (PTH) functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) material (PTH/OMC) was presented. The electrochemistry kinetic characteristics of this material are investigated and compared with pure OMC. The results showed that compared with OMC, PTH/OMC possesses a much higher electron transfer rate. For the application of this material, an electrocatalytic based NADH biosensor was constructed on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Instead of 0.592 V on bare GCE and 0.206 V on OMC/GCE, the amperometric detection of NADH could be effectively performed on the present biosensor with operation potential be set at 0.0 V. In addition, the sensor showed good reproducibility and stability.
Selective Detection of Dopamine Using Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified by a Combined Electropolymerized Permselective Film of Polytyramine and Polypyrrole‐1‐propionic Acid
Authors: Zhou Lin , Shang Fengjun , Pravda Mila , Glennon Jeremy D. , Luong John H. T.
Published: February 2009

A sensitive and selective electrochemical method for the determination of dopamine using a combined electropolymerized permselective film of polytyramine and polypyrrole‐1‐propionic acid on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode was developed. The formation of a “layer‐by‐layer” film has allowed for selective detection of dopamine in the presence of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA), DOPAC, ascorbic acid, uric acid, epinephrine and norepinephrine. The modified electrodes exhibited a detection limit of 100 nM with linearity ranging from 5×10−6 to 5×10−5 M. No cleaning step was required during the course of repeated measurement.
Joule heating effects and the experimental determination of temperature during CE
Authors: Evenhuis Christopher J. , Haddad Paul R.
Published: February 2009

Joule heating is ubiquitous in electrokinetic separations. This review is in two major parts. The first part documents the effects of Joule heating on the physical properties of the electrolyte and efficiency of separations and the second part focuses on advances in the determination of electrolyte temperatures that have been described in the literature over the past 5 years. The focus is on methods that can be applied by practitioners without the need for elaborate experimental requirements. Although the emphasis is on CE, many of the conclusions also apply to microfluidic formats.
Modulation of histone deacetylase activity by dietary isothiocyanates and allyl sulfides: Studies with sulforaphane and garlic organosulfur compounds
Authors: Nian Hui , Delage Barbara , Ho Emily , Dashwood Roderick H.
Published: February 2009

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors reactivate epigenetically‐silenced genes in cancer cells, triggering cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Recent evidence suggests that dietary constituents can act as HDAC inhibitors, such as the isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetables and the allyl compounds present in garlic. Broccoli sprouts are a rich source of sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate that is metabolized via the mercapturic acid pathway and inhibits HDAC activity in human colon, prostate, and breast cancer cells. In mouse preclinical models, SFN inhibited HDAC activity and induced histone hyperacetylation coincident with tumor suppression. Inhibition of HDAC activity also was observed in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from people who consumed a single serving of broccoli sprouts. Garlic organosulfur compounds can be metabolized to allyl mercaptan (AM), a competitive HDAC inhibitor that induced rapid and sustained histone hyperacetylation in human colon cancer cells. Inhibition of HDAC activity by AM was associated with increased histone acetylation and Sp3 transcription factor binding to the promoter region of the P21WAF1 gene, resulting in elevated p21 protein expression and cell cycle arrest. Collectively, the results from these studies, and others reviewed herein, provide new insights into the relationships between reversible histone modifications, diet, and cancer chemoprevention. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms are associated with the risk of developing adenomyosis
Authors: Kang Shan , Zhao Jian , Liu Qing , Zhou Rongmiao , Wang Na , Li Yan
Published: February 2009

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major mediator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability, may play a key role in the development of adenomyosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these four VEGF polymorphisms (−2578C/A, −1154G/A, −460C/T, and +936C/T) were associated with the risk of adenomyosis development. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) assay in 174 adenomyosis patients and 199 frequency‐matched control women. There were significant differences between patients and control group in allele frequencies and genotype distributions of the −2578C/A polymorphisms (P = 0.010 and 0.044, respectively). Compared with the C/C genotype, the A/A + C/A genotype could significantly modify the risk of developing adenomyosis [odds ratio (OR) = 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.42–0.97]. For the −1154G/A polymorphism, the allele frequencies and genotype distributions in patient group were significant different from those of the controls (P = 0.001 and 0.007, respectively). Compared with the G/G genotype, the A/A + G/A genotype could significantly decrease the risk of developing adenomyosis (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.33–0.80). However, the genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the −460C/T and +936C/T polymorphisms did not significantly differ between controls and patients (all P value > 0.05). The haplotype analysis suggested that the TGA (VEGF −460/−1154/−2578) and CGA haplotypes exhibited a significant decrease in the risk of developing adenomyosis compared with the haplotype of TGC (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.41–1.00; OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.21–0.93, respectively). The study indicated that the −2578A or −1154A allele of VEGF gene could significantly decrease the risk of adenomyosis and might be potentially protective factors for adenomyosis development. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Concentrated flow erosion rates reduced through biological geotextiles
Authors: Smets T. , Poesen J. , Langhans C. , Knapen A. , Fullen M. A.
Published: February 2009

Soil erosion by concentrated flow can cause serious environmental damage. Erosion‐control geotextiles have considerable potential for reducing concentrated flow erosion. However, limited data are available on the erosion‐reducing potential of geotextiles. In this study, the effectiveness of three biological geotextiles in reducing soil losses during concentrated flow is investigated. Hereto, runoff was simulated in a concentrated flow flume, filled with an erodible sandy loam on three slope gradients (13·5, 27·0 and 41·5%). Treatments included three biological geotextiles (borassus, buriti and bamboo) and one bare soil surface. Darcy–Weisbach friction coefficients ranged from 0·01 to 2·84. The highest values are observed for borassus covered soil surfaces, followed by buriti, bamboo and bare soil, respectively. The friction coefficients are linearly correlated with geotextile thickness. For the specific experimental conditions of this study, borassus geotextiles reduced soil detachment rate on average to 56%, buriti geotextiles to 59% and bamboo geotextiles to 66% of the soil detachment rate for bare soil surfaces. Total flow shear stress was the hydraulic parameter best predicting soil detachment rate for bare and geotextile covered surfaces (R2 = 0·75–0·84, p <0·001, n = 12–15). The highest resistance against soil detachment was observed for the borassus covered soil surfaces, followed by buriti, bamboo and bare soil surfaces, respectively. Overall, biological geotextiles are less effective in controlling concentrated flow erosion compared with interrill erosion. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphodynamics of a 1000‐year flood in the Kamp River, Austria, and impacts on floodplain morphology
Authors: Hauer C. , Habersack H.
Published: February 2009

This paper investigates the impact of a 1000‐year flood in August 2002 on floodplains and valley morphology of an Austrian mixed alluvial bed rock river. Discharges with a recurrence interval between 500 and 2000 years caused distinctive overbank scouring and material deposition in the floodplains. After the 1000‐year flood, those morphologically affected areas were at random intervals documented over the whole longitudinal profile. In addition to overbank erosion in curved sections (cut‐offs), the river bed locally widened, floodplain stripping occurred and local overbank scours were documented along straight parts of the river. A hydrodynamic‐numerical model, combined with field measurements, was used to analyse the cause of these erosional landforms. Based on the modelled hydraulic conditions for a one‐year flood (30–78 m3 s–1) and the catastrophic 2002 event (700–800 m3 s–1), the numerical results allowed a cause‐effect study with 19 parameters. Deterministic and statistical analysis (ANOVA, discriminant analysis) showed that the morphodynamic effects of the 2002 flood were influenced by the variability of valley morphology of the Kamp River, which led partially to supercritical flow during flood constriction. These processes were in some cases also anthropogenically influenced. Lateral constriction and expansion of the valley geometry over short distances led to scouring and aggradation within the inundated areas during the event. These morphological features were therefore responsible for the elongated scour holes in the floodplains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scale‐dependent controls upon the fluvial export of large wood from river catchments
Authors: Seo Jung Il , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: February 2009

The annual fluvial export of large wood (LW) was monitored by local reservoir management offices in Japan. LW export per unit watershed area was relatively high in small watersheds, peaked in intermediate watersheds, and decreased in large watersheds. To explain these variations, we surveyed the amount of LW with respect to channel morphology in 78 segments (26 segments in each size class) in the Nukabira River, northern Japan. We examined the differences in LW dynamics, including its recruitment, transport, storage, and fragmentation and decay along the spectrum of watershed sizes. We found that a large proportion of LW produced by forest dynamics and hillslope processes was retained because of the narrower valley floors and lower stream power in small watersheds. The retained LW pieces may eventually be exported during debris flows. In intermediate watersheds, the volume of LW derived from hillslopes decreased substantially with reductions in the proportion of channel length bordered by hillslope margins, which potentially deliver large quantities of LW. Because these channels have lower wood piece length to channel width ratios and higher stream power, LW pieces can be transported downstream. During transport, LW pieces are further fragmented and can be more easily transported. Therefore, the fluvial export of LW is maximized in intermediate watersheds. Rivers in large watersheds, where the recruitment of LW is limited by the decreasing hillslope margins, cannot transport LW pieces because of their low stream power, and thus LW pieces accumulate at various storage sites. Although these stored LW pieces can be refloated and transported by subsequent flood events, they may also become trapped by obstacles such as logjams and standing trees on floodplains and in secondary channels, remaining there for decades and eventually decaying into fine organic particles. Thus, the fluvial export of LW pieces is low in large watersheds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geoarchaeological investigation of lithic resources in the central Mesa Verde region, Colorado, USA
Authors: Arakawa Fumiyasu , Miskell‐Gerhardt Kimberlee
Published: February 2009

An important question in Southwestern archaeological research is how social and economic ties between prehistoric groups changed through time. The chemical and mineralogical matching of stone tools and ceramics to source areas is one approach to addressing this question. Here we challenge the assumption that igneous rocks used for manufacturing stone tools and ceramics in the Mesa Verde region of Colorado were originally derived from the Chuska Mountains of New Mexico. Recent geological surveys suggest that small igneous features present in and around Mesa Verde National Park and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park contain similar lithologies and may represent a local source. We systematically visited seven of these igneous exposures and nine downstream gravel deposits, looking for geological sources and quarry sites matching the lithology of analyzed debitage from this region. Our results suggest that the ancestral Puebloans could have procured such igneous rocks as aphanitic minette and trachybasalt pottery temper from local areas. Because the trachybasalt is usually thought to have been imported from the Chuska Mountains, this discovery may require a revision of interpreted trade networks based on pottery temper and lithic raw material distinctions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
VALID: visualization of association study results and linkage disequilibrium
Authors: Jorgenson Eric , Kvale Mark , Witte John S.
Published: February 2009

Promising findings from genetic association studies are commonly presented with two distinct figures: one gives the association study results and the other indicates linkage disequilibrium (LD) between genetic markers in the region(s) of interest. Fully interpreting the results of such studies requires synthesizing the information in these figures, which is generally done in a subjective and unsystematic manner. Here we present a method to formally combine association results and LD and display them in the same figure; we have developed a freely available web‐based application that can be used to generate figures to display the combined data. To demonstrate this approach we apply it to fine mapping data from the prostate cancer 8q24 loci. Combining these two sources of information in a single figure allows one to more clearly assess patterns of association, facilitating the interpretation of genome‐wide and fine mapping data and improving our ability to localize causal variants. Genet. Epidemiol. 33:599–603, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mountain Birch, Tree Line and Climate Change
Authors: Holtmeier Friedrich‐Karl , Anschlag Kerstin , Broll Gabriele , Brauckmann Hans‐Jörg
Published: February 2009

Surprising news from Finnish Lapland: landscape ecologists have been investigating northern European birch forests for 30 years. Tree lines respond to the continuous environmental changes slower than anticipated
Somatic alterations, metabolizing genes and smoking in rectal cancer
Authors: Curtin Karen , Samowitz Wade S. , Wolff Roger K. , Herrick Jennifer , Caan Bette J. , Slattery Martha L.
Published: February 2009

Cigarette smoking has been identified as a risk factor for rectal cancer. Our investigation evaluates associations between active and passive smoking and TP53, KRAS2, and BRAF V600E mutations, microsatellite instability (MSI), and CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP) in rectal tumors. We examine how genetic variants of GSTM1 and NAT2 alter these associations in a population‐based, case–control study of 750 incident rectal cancer cases and 1,201 controls. Detailed tobacco exposure data were collected in an extensive questionnaire. DNA from blood was examined for GSTM1 and NAT2 variants. Tumor DNA was assessed to determine TP53 (exons 5–8), KRAS2 (codons 12–13) and BRAF mutations, MSI (BAT26 and TGFβRII analysis), and CIMP (methylation of CpG islands in CDKN2A, MLH1, MINT1, MINT2 and MINT31). Cigarette smoking (>20 pack‐years, relative to nonsmokers) was associated with increased risk of TP53 mutations (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.02–2.0), BRAF mutations (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.3–14.2) and MSI (OR = 5.7, 95% CI 1.1–29.8) in rectal tumors. Long‐term environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure of >10 hr/wk was associated with increased risk of KRAS2 mutation (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.04–2.2). All smoking indicators were suggestive of increased risk in CIMP+ rectal cancer. GSTM1 and NAT2 were generally not associated with rectal tumor alterations; however, we observed an interaction of ETS and NAT2 in TP53‐mutated tumors (p < 0.01). Our investigation shows active smoking is associated with increased risk of TP53, BRAF and MSI+ in rectal tumors and is suggestive of increased risk of CIMP+ tumors. ETS may increase risk of KRAS2 mutations; association with TP53 mutations and ETS may be influenced by NAT2. © 2009 UICC
Incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) positive tonsillar carcinoma in Stockholm, Sweden: An epidemic of viral‐induced carcinoma?
Authors: Näsman Anders , Attner Per , Hammarstedt Lalle , Du Juan , Eriksson Mathilda , Giraud Geraldine , Ährlund‐Richter Sofie , Marklund Linda , Romanitan Mircea , Lindquist David , Ramqvist Torbjörn , Lindholm Johan , Sparén Pär , Ye Weimin , Dahlstrand Hanna , Munck‐Wikland Eva , Dalianis Tina
Published: February 2009

In the county of Stockholm, between 1970 and 2002, we have previously reported a 3‐fold parallel increase in the incidence of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the proportion of human papillomavirus (HPV) positive tonsillar SCC. Here, we have followed the above parameters in all patients (n = 120) diagnosed with tonsillar SCC during 2003–2007 in the same area, and also in correlation to our previous data. Ninety‐eight pretreatment biopsies were available and presence of HPV DNA and HPV‐16 E6 and E7 RNA were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and RT‐PCR. Incidence data were obtained from the Swedish Cancer Registry. Data reported from 1970 to 2002 were also obtained for comparison. HPV DNA was present in 83 of 98 (85%) of the tonsillar SCC biopsies from 2003 to 2007 and 77 of these were HPV‐16 positive. HPV‐16 E6 and E7 RNA were found in 98% of 52 analyzed HPV‐16 positive cases. The proportion of HPV‐positive cancers had significantly increased both from 1970 to 2007 (p < 0.0001) as well from 2000 to 2007 (p < 0.01), with 68% (95% confidence interval (CI), 53–81) 2000–2002; 77% (95% CI, 63–87) 2003–2005; and 93% (95% CI, 82–99) 2006–2007. The incidence rate of HPV‐positive tumors almost doubled each decade between 1970 and 2007, in parallel with a decline of HPV‐negative tumors. In conclusion, the incidence of HPV‐positive cancers is still increasing in the County of Stockholm, suggesting an epidemic of a virus‐induced carcinoma, with soon practically all tonsillar SCC being HPV positive, as in cervical cancer. © 2009 UICC
Downregulation of the c‐MYC target gene, peroxiredoxin III, contributes to arsenic trioxide‐induced apoptosis in acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Vivas‐Mejía Pablo E. , Ozpolat Bulent , Chen Xian , Lopez‐Berestein Gabriel
Published: February 2009

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) induces differentiation and apoptosis in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Several reports indicate that in APL cells apoptosis occurs mainly by a mechanism that involves the inhibition of glutathione peroxidase, one of the enzymes that regulates mitochondrial levels of H2O2. Peroxiredoxin (Prx) III, a c‐MYC target gene, is also a mitochondria‐specific H2O2‐scavenger enzyme. We studied here the role of Prx III during ATO‐induced apoptosis in APL‐derived NB4 cells, since these cells express high levels of Prx III. The protein and mRNA levels of Prx III decreased during ATO‐induced apoptosis of NB4 cells. The downregulation of Prx III occurred before reactive oxygen species accumulation, reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis. Depletion of Prx III enhanced mitochondrial‐dependent apoptosis events. In contrast, overexpression of Prx III led to reduced levels of ATO‐induced apoptosis. c‐MYC was also downregulated in ATO‐treated NB4 cells. Furthermore, depletion of c‐MYC also reduced the Prx‐III expression levels. Finally chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that downregulation of Prx‐III was caused by the reduction of c‐MYC levels during ATO‐induced apoptosis of NB4 cells. These findings demonstrate a novel apoptotic‐response pathway whereby downregulation of Prx‐III potentiates ATO‐induced apoptosis in APL cells. © 2009 UICC
Downregulation of connective tissue growth factor by three‐dimensional matrix enhances ovarian carcinoma cell invasion
Authors: Barbolina Maria V. , Adley Brian P. , Kelly David L. , Shepard Jaclyn , Fought Angela J. , Scholtens Denise , Penzes Peter , Shea Lonnie D. , Stack M. Sharon
Published: February 2009

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is a leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancies, due mainly to the prevalence of undetected metastatic disease. The process of cell invasion during intraperitoneal anchoring of metastatic lesions requires concerted regulation of many processes, including modulation of adhesion to the extracellular matrix and localized invasion. Exploratory cDNA microarray analysis of early response genes (altered after 4 hr of 3D collagen culture) coupled with confirmatory real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, multiple 3D cell culture matrices, Western blot, immunostaining, adhesion, migration and invasion assays were used to identify modulators of adhesion pertinent to EOC progression and metastasis. cDNA microarray analysis indicated a dramatic downregulation of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in EOC cells placed in invasion‐ mimicking conditions (3D Type I collagen). Examination of human EOC specimens revealed that CTGF expression was absent in 46% of the tested samples (n = 41), but was present in 100% of normal ovarian epithelium samples (n = 7). Reduced CTGF expression occurs in many types of cells and may be a general phenomenon displayed by cells encountering a 3D environment. CTGF levels were inversely correlated with invasion such that downregulation of CTGF increased, while its upregulation reduced collagen invasion. Cells adhered preferentially to a surface comprised of both collagen I and CTGF relative to either component alone using α6β1 and α3β1 integrins. Together these data suggest that downregulation of CTGF in EOC cells may be important for cell invasion through modulation of cell‐matrix adhesion. © 2009 UICC
Expression of the ULBP ligands for NKG2D by B‐NHL cells plays an important role in determining their susceptibility to rituximab‐induced ADCC
Authors: Inagaki Atsushi , Ishida Takashi , Yano Hiroki , Ishii Toshihiko , Kusumoto Shigeru , Ito Asahi , Ri Masaki , Mori Fumiko , Ding Jianmin , Komatsu Hirokazu , Iida Shinsuke , Ueda Ryuzo
Published: February 2009

Antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a major antitumor mechanism of action of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The aim of this study was to identify tumor‐associated factors which determine susceptibility to rituximab‐induced ADCC. Thirty different CD20+ non‐Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines were phenotyped for characteristics such as level of expression of NKG2D ligands, and the influence thereof on susceptibility to rituximab‐induced ADCC was established. The present study demonstrated that tumor cell susceptibility to rituximab‐induced ADCC was determined by 3 major tumor‐associated factors: (i) the amount of the target molecule, CD20; (ii) the amount of the ligands for inhibitory killer Ig‐like receptors, major histocompatibility complex class I; and (iii) the amounts of some of the NKG2D ligands, especially UL16‐binding protein (ULBP) 1–3. The importance of the ULBPs was confirmed using antibody blockade. In conclusion, this is the first report to show the importance for rituximab‐induced ADCC of ULBPs expressed on tumor cells. The ULBPs could be valuable diagnostic biological markers and significant targets for immunotherapy to improve efficacy not only of rituximab but also of other therapeutic mAbs. © 2009 UICC
Effects of low‐level light therapy on hepatic antioxidant defense in acute and chronic diabetic rats
Authors: Lim Jinhwan , Ali Zeeshan M. , Sanders Ruth A. , Snyder Ann C. , Eells Janis T. , Henshel Diane S. , Watkins John B.
Published: February 2009

Diabetes causes oxidative stress in the liver and other tissues prone to complications. Photobiomodulation by near infrared light (670 nm) has been shown to accelerate diabetic wound healing, improve recovery from oxidative injury in the kidney, and attenuate degeneration in retina and optic nerve. The present study tested the hypothesis that 670 nm photobiomodulation, a low‐level light therapy, would attenuate oxidative stress and enhance the antioxidant protection system in the liver of a model of type I diabetes. Male Wistar rats were made diabetic with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, ip) then exposed to 670 nm light (9 J/cm2) once per day for 18 days (acute) or 14 weeks (chronic). Livers were harvested, flash frozen, and then assayed for markers of oxidative stress. Light treatment was ineffective as an antioxidant therapy in chronic diabetes, but light treatment for 18 days in acutely diabetic rats resulted in the normalization of hepatic glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase activities and a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase and glutathione‐S transferase activities. The results of this study suggest that 670 nm photobiomodulation may reduce, at least in part, acute hepatic oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant defense system in the diabetic rat model. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:1–8, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20257
Pyrogallol inhibits the growth of human pulmonary adenocarcinoma A549 cells by arresting cell cycle and triggering apoptosis
Authors: Han Yong Hwan , Kim Suhn Hee , Kim Sung Zoo , Park Woo Hyun
Published: February 2009

Pyrogallol (PG) is a polyphenol compound and has been known to be an Ogenerator. We evaluated the effects of PG on the growth of human pulmonary A549 cells in relation to the cell cycle and apoptosis. Treatment with 50 or 100 μM PG significantly inhibited the cell growth of A549 for 72 h. DNA flow cytometric analysis indicated that PG slightly induced a G1 phase arrest of the cell cycle at 24 or 48 h, but did not induce the specific cell cycle arrest at 72 h. Intracellular GSH depletion was observed in PG‐treated cells. PG induced apoptosis in A549 cells, as evidenced by sub‐G1 cells, annexin V staining cells, and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δ Ψm). The intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) level including Oincreased in PG‐treated A549 cells at 24 and 48 h, and persisted at 72 h. The changes in GSH as well as ROS levels by PG affected the cell viability in A549 cells. In conclusion, PG inhibited the growth of human pulmonary A549 cells by inducing cell cycle arrest as well as triggering apoptosis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 23:36–42, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20263