bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxovanadium(IV)–Porphyrin Complex as a Potent Insulin-Mimetic. Treatment of Experimental Type 1 Diabetic Mice by the Complex [meso-Tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrinato]oxovanadate(IV)(4−)
Authors: Saha Tapan Kumar , Yoshikawa Yutaka , Yasui Hiroyuki , Sakurai Hiromu
Published: August 2006

We prepared and characterized [meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrinato]oxovanadate(IV)(4−), [VO(tpps)], and its in vitro insulin-mimetic activity, metallokinetic features in the blood of healthy rats, and in vivo hypoglycemic effect in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice (STZ mice) were investigated. The results were compared with those of previously proposed insulin-mimetic [meso-tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrinato]oxovanadium(IV)(4+), [VO(tmpyp)], and vanadium(IV) oxide sulfate. The in vitro insulin-mimetic activity, the retention time and bioavailability of [VO(tpps)] in blood were considerably better than those of [VO(tmpyp)] and vanadium(IV) oxide sulfate. [VO(tpps)] caused a significant hypoglycemic effect in STZ mice within 8 h following a single oral administration of the complex at 15 mg V/kg of body mass without ascorbate; this effect was sustained for at least 60 h. [VO(tpps)] normalized the hyperglycemia of STZ mice within 2 days when administered orally at 4–10 mg V/kg of body mass for 18 days. Vanadium, as determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis, was distributed in the tissues examined in the following decreasing order: bones, kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen, heart, pancreas, muscles, fatty pads, and brain. The improvement in diabetes was supported by oral glucose tolerance test, HbA1c level and blood pressure. Based on the above results, [VO(tpps)] is an orally active oxovanadium(IV)–porphyrin complex for treating type 1 diabetic animals.
Preparation of Zinc(II) and Cadmium(II) Complexes with (−)-Sparteine
Authors: Matsunaga Yuki , Fujisawa Kiyoshi , Amir Nagina , Miyashita Yoshitaro , Okamoto Ken-ichi
Published: August 2006

A systematic study on the effects of different metals and halogenide ions was carried out by using [MX2(sp)] (M = Zn and Cd; X = Cl, Br, and I; sp = (−)-sparteine). The complexes have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, and far-IR and Raman spectroscopy.
A Convenient Method for the Synthesis of Dialkyl Ethers by Alkylation of Alcohols Using Phosphinimidates in the Presence of a Catalytic Amount of Trimethylsilyl Triflate
Authors: Aoki Hidenori , Mukaiyama Teruaki
Published: August 2006

An alkylation reaction of alcohols with alkyl N-(methylsulfonyl)diphenylphosphinimidates proceeded smoothly in the presence of a catalytic amount of trimethylsilyl triflate (Me3SiOTf) in DME at room temperature and the corresponding ethers were afforded in good to high yields. An alkyl N-(methylsulfonyl)diphenylphosphinimidate can be prepared easily from an alkyl diphenylphosphinite and methanesulfonyl azide, and is isolated without tedious operation. Moreover, it is easy to handle and can be stored for several months at room temperature because of its air- and moisture-resistant character. Also, one-pot tertiary alkylations of alcohols by using t-alkyl diphenylphosphinites and diphenoxyphosphoryl azide proceeded efficiently in the presence of a catalytic amount of Me3SiOTf in cyclohexane/CH2Cl2 at 0 °C or −10 °C, and gave the corresponding tertiary alkyl ethers in good yields. By following these methods, various ethers having alkali-sensitive functional groups can be prepared easily.
Cobalt-Catalyzed Allylzincations of Internal Alkynes
Authors: Yasui Hiroto , Nishikawa Toshihiro , Yorimitsu Hideki , Oshima Koichiro
Published: August 2006

Cobalt salts such as cobalt(II) chloride catalyze allylzincation reactions of 1-aryl-1-alkynes. The allylzincations proceed in a syn fashion to form 2-allyl-1-aryl-1-alkenylzinc species. Other internal alkynes such as 6-dodecyne or 2-nonyn-1-ol are much less reactive than 1-aryl-1-alkynes.
The Preparation of Hollow Carbon Spheres by Thermal Decomposition of Poly(tetrafluoroethylene)
Authors: Cai Peijun , Zhang Yuhua , Feng Li
Published: August 2006

Hollow carbon spheres with in diameter ranging from 50 to 150 nm have been successfully synthesized by the decomposition of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) ([CF2CF2]n, PTFE) at 550 °C using NaN3 as a defluorination reagent. The formation mechanism of hollow carbon spheres is also proposed. The present study provides a promising route to decompose other plastics that are difficult to degrade in the environment.
Electrochemical Reduction of Ozone Dissolved in Perchloric Acid Solutions at Boron-doped Diamond Electrodes
Authors: Ochiai Tsuyoshi , Arihara Kazuki , Terashima Chiaki , Fujishima Akira
Published: August 2006

With boron-doped diamond electrodes, an apparent cathodic peak was observed at 0 V in cyclic voltammograms obtained in 0.1 M HClO4 solution containing ozone. This peak was attributed to the reduction of dissolved ozone. A calibration curve obtained from the cathodic peak current, which has a slope of 6.7 μA cm−2 (mg L−1)−1, can be applied to determining the dissolved ozone concentration. This result will lead to the development of an electrochemical ozone sensor employing a diamond electrode.
Oxygen-permeable Membranes of Ba1.0Co0.7Fe0.2Nb0.1O3−δ for Preparation of Synthesis Gas from Methane by Partial Oxidation
Authors: Harada Makoto , Domen Kazunari , Hara Michikazu , Tatsumi Takashi
Published: August 2006

Oxygen-permeable membranes of Ba1.0Co0.7Fe0.2Nb0.1O3−δ (BCFN) coated with Ru2.0wt%Rh0.2wt%/Co0.3Mg0.7O catalyst have high oxygen permeability and can be used for the production of synthesis gas from methane by partial oxidation. Tests over 160 h show that the oxygen permeation flux is greater than 18 mL(STP)/(cm2 min), substantially exceeding the oxygen permeability of existing perovskite crystal systems.
Immunohistochemical Distribution of NGF, BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4 in Adult Rhesus Monkey Brains
Authors: Zhang Hong-Tian , Li Li-Yan , Zou Xiao-Li , Song Xin-Bo , Hu Yan-Li , Feng Zhong-Tang , Wang Tim Ting-Hua
Published: August 2006

Immunohistochemical distribution and cellular localization of neurotrophins was investigated in adult monkey brains using antisera against nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4). Western blot analysis showed that each antibody specifically recognized appropriate bands of ∼14.7 kDa, 14.2 kDa, 13.6 kDa, and 14.5 kDa, for NGF, BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4, respectively. These positions coincided with the molecular masses of the neurotrophins studied. Furthermore, sections exposed to primary antiserum preadsorbed with full-length NGF, BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4 exhibited no detectable immunoreactivity, demonstrating specificities of the antibodies against the tissues prepared from rhesus monkeys. The study provided a systematic report on the distribution of NGF, BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4 in the monkey brain. Varying intensity of immunostaining was observed in the somata and processes of a wide variety of neurons and glial cells in the cerebrum, cerebellum, hippocampus, and other regions of the brain. Neurons in some regions such as the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus, which stained for neurotrophins, also expressed neurotrophic factor mRNA. In some other brain regions, there was discrepancy of protein distribution and mRNA expression reported previously, indicating a retrograde or anterograde action mode of neurotrophins. Results of this study provide a morphological basis for the elucidation of the roles of NGF, BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4 in adult primate brains.
Depletion of Alveolar Glycogen Corresponds With Immunohistochemical Development of CD208 Antigen Expression in Perinatal Lamb Lung
Authors: Meyerholz David K. , DeGraaf James A. , Gallup Jack M. , Olivier Alicia K. , Ackermann Mark R.
Published: August 2006

CD208 DC lysosomal-associated protein is a marker of activated human dendritic cells; however, recently it was described as a marker of adult type II pneumocytes in many species including humans and sheep. Our hypothesis was that CD208 is developmentally regulated in lung pneumocytes. Lamb lungs at varying stages of development were stained immunohistochemically for CD208 and with Nile red (a fluorescent stain for lamellar bodies of type II cells) along with pulmonary markers of maturation (glycogen stores and surfactant protein A [SP-A] expression) or proliferation (Ki-67). CD208 staining and Nile red were localized to rare pneumocytes in young fetal lambs (day 115), increasing in frequency and stain intensity with age. Periodic acid-Schiff staining of glycogen granules was most prominent in the young lambs (day 115) with reduced staining through advancing lung development. SP-A was detected in pulmonary epithelia and staining in alveoli increased through gestation with decreased staining at 2 weeks of age. Intranuclear Ki-67 staining decreased through late gestation but was increased in 2-week-old lambs. Ontogeny of CD208 staining and depletion of glycogen were correlated ( p<0.0001) and consistent with the premise that CD208 is localized to developing lamellar bodies. The findings suggest that CD208 antigen expression may serve as a marker for pneumocyte maturation in the developing fetal lung. (J Histochem Cytochem 54:1247-1253, 2006)
The Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cell: The Stem Cell That Came in From the Cold
Authors: Zammit Peter S. , Partridge Terence A. , Yablonka-Reuveni Zipora
Published: August 2006

The muscle satellite cell was first described and actually named on the basis of its anatomic location under the basement membrane surrounding each myofiber. For many years following its discovery, electron microscopy provided the only definitive method of identification. More recently, several molecular markers have been described that can be used to detect satellite cells, making them more accessible for study at the light microscope level. Satellite cells supply myonuclei to growing myofibers before becoming mitotically quiescent in muscle as it matures. They are then activated from this quiescent state to fulfill their roles in routine maintenance, hypertrophy, and repair of adult muscle. Because muscle is able to efficiently regenerate after repeated bouts of damage, systems must be in place to maintain a viable satellite cell pool, and it was proposed over 30 years ago that self-renewal cell was the primary mechanism. Self-renewal entails either a stochastic event or an asymmetrical division, where one daughter cell is committed to differentiation whereas the second continues to proliferate or becomes quiescent. This classic model of satellite cell self-renewal and the importance of satellite cells in muscle maintenance and repair have been challenged during the past few years as bone marrow-derived cells and various intramuscular populations were shown to be able to contribute myonuclei and occupy the satellite cell niche. This is a fast-moving and dynamic field, however, and in this review we discuss the evidence that we think puts this enigmatic cell firmly back at the center of adult myogenesis. (J Histochem Cytochem 54:1177-1191, 2006)
A classification of 4-dimensional elation Laguerre planes of group dimension 10
Authors: Steinke Günter F
Published: August 2006

We investigate 4-dimensional (topological locally compact connected) elation Laguerre planes that admit solvable automorphism groups and show that there is, up to isomorphism, precisely one such plane of group dimension 10. This result completes the classification of all 4-dimensional elation Laguerre planes of group dimension 10.
Symmetry and the farthest point mapping on convex surfaces
Authors: Vîlcu Costin , Zamfirescu Tudor
Published: August 2006

Consider the mapping F associating to each point x of a convex surface the set of all points at maximal intrinsic distance from x. We provide a large class of surfaces on which F is single-valued and involutive. Moreover, we show that there are point-symmetric surfaces of revolution with F single-valued but not involutive.
Certain Roman and flock generalized quadrangles have nonisomorphic elation groups
Authors: Havas G , Leedham-Green C. R , O'Brien E. A , Slattery M. C
Published: August 2006

We prove that the elation groups of a certain infinite family of Roman generalized quadrangles are not isomorphic to those of associated flock generalized quadrangles.
Similarity structures on the torus and the Klein bottle via triangulations
Authors: Francaviglia Stefano
Published: August 2006

In this paper we study the possibility of defining a similarity structure on the torus and the Klein bottle using the combinatorial data of a triangulation. Given a choice of moduli for the triangles of a triangulation of a surface, the problem is to decide whether such moduli are compatible with a global similarity structure on the surface.

We study this problem under two dierent viewpoints. From one side we look at the combinatorial data of triangulations, and we develop an algorithmic method, which allows us to reduce the general problem to a simpler one, which is easily solved. From the other side we study the problem more algebraically, looking at the properties of the holonomy, and we give a complete characterization of the choices of moduli defining global similarity structures on the torus (or on the Klein bottle).
Simplicity of the universal quotient bundle restricted to congruences of lines in ℙ3
Authors: Cobo Sofía
Published: August 2006

We give a classification of smooth surfaces S in the Grassmannian 𝔾(1,3) of lines in ℙ3 such that the restriction to S of the universal quotient bundle is not simple.
Internettechnologien im Kontext moderner Wertschöpfungsnetze – Beispielanwendungen am Point of Sale (Internet Technologies for Modern Value Networks – Exemplary Applications at the Point of Sale)
Authors: Günther Oliver , Klafft Michael
Published: August 2006

Internetrelevante Technologien wie XML, Webdienste, dienstbasierte Architekturen oder semantische Netze haben die für moderne Volkswirtschaften typischen Wertschöpfungsprozesse in den letzten Jahren grundlegend und nachhaltig verändert. Dies gilt für Anwendungen in der produzierenden Industrie ebenso wie für die Erstellung von Software bis hin zum Dienstleistungssektor. Zunehmend finden diese neuen Technologien Anwendung in kundennahen Bereichen, so zum Beispiel in Einzelhandelsunternehmen am Point of Sale. Der folgende Beitrag zeigt anhand aktueller Forschungsergebnisse aus dem BMBF-geförderten Berliner Forschungszentrum Internetökonomie auf, welche Chancen und Risiken sich für Unternehmen und Verbraucher durch die Bereitstellung netzbasierter Mehrwertdienste am Point of Sale ergeben.
Mediaconomy – Internetökonomie der Medienwirtschaft (Mediaconomy – Internet Economy of the Media Industry)
Authors: Hagenhoff Svenja , Schumann Matthias
Published: August 2006

Der Artikel beschreibt die Forschungsziele sowie erste Ergebnisse des interdisziplinären Mediaconomy-Projektes der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen. Betrachtungsobjekt sind die Themenfelder Mobiles Internet sowie Wissenschaftskommunikation.
Genetic Divergence among Northern Pike from Spawning Locations in the Upper St. Lawrence River
Authors: Bosworth Aaron , Farrell John M.
Published: August 2006

To assess the ecological consequences associated with the degradation of riparian wetlands that historically provided spawning and rearing habitat for northern pike Esox lucius, annual spawning migrations and genetic structure were used to examine this species' dependence on four specific spawning areas in the Thousand Islands region of the Saint Lawrence River. Tagging and recapture over three consecutive spawning seasons resulted in low return rates (ranging from 1.2% in bays to 8.3% in tributaries), and some exchange was observed between locations. Angler recaptures indicated that northern pike did not disperse widely; 72% were recaptured less than 2.5 km from their tagging location, though the remainder moved distances ranging from 2.5 to 18 km. Six microsatellite loci showed significant allele frequency differences and small but significant genetic differentiation (FST) values among spawning sites in close proximity (<5 km). However, two sites that were geographically distant (>20 km) were not statistically different. A spawning site sampled in two consecutive years showed no discernable divergence, providing evidence for temporal stability in allelic frequencies. A plausible explanation for these mixed results is the existence of intraspecific contingents adapted to heterogeneous types of spawning and nursery conditions that promote multiple reproductive strategies.
Evidence of Reduced Reproductive Success of Nesting Largemouth Bass Sampled with Standard Electrofishing Procedures
Authors: Siepker Michael J. , Wahl David H. , Philipp David P. , Ostrand Kenneth G.
Published: August 2006

Fisheries biologists commonly use electrofishing as a fish collection technique. Because electrofishing is often conducted in the spring, it has the potential to negatively affect the reproductive activities of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, particularly the parental care activities of the nest-guarding males. To assess the effect of electrofishing on nest-guarding activities, we electrofished parental males from their nests in an Illinois lake, held them in a tank for 30 min, and released them 0.25 km from their nest sites—as would be done during routine surveys. We then assessed the presence or absence of broods and males on their nests 24 h later to determine rates of abandonment. Electrofished males had greater levels of nest abandonment (41%; N = 34) than did control males (9.5%; N = 42). The developmental stage of the offspring present in the nest during the electrofishing, however, did not influence abandonment rate. These results suggest that springtime electrofishing can negatively affect the reproductive success of individual largemouth bass and thus may have implications for recruitment.
Acute Toxicity of 5% Rotenone to Northern Snakeheads
Authors: Lazur Andrew , Early Steve , Jacobs John M.
Published: August 2006

The confirmation of northern snakeheads Channa argus caught by an angler in a private pond in Maryland resulted in significant media attention and generated numerous resources for risk identification and the development of action plans to prevent the introduction of this nonnative species into state waters. Rotenone was selected as an eradication option, and a bioassay was conducted with captured northern snakehead juveniles to determine toxicity and application dose. The lowest rotenone concentration evaluated, 0.075 mg of active ingredient per liter of water, resulted in 100% mortality within 1 h. Pond treatment was highly successful; 8 adult and 834 juvenile snakeheads were recovered. Study results show that northern snakeheads are susceptible to normal doses of rotenone and that standard pond treatment techniques are effective in eradicating this invasive species.
Factors Affecting Trap-Net Catchability of Black Crappies in Natural Minnesota Lakes
Authors: McInerny Michael C. , Cross Timothy K.
Published: August 2006

We quantified the effects of length-group (150–199, 200–249, and 250–299 mm), sampling period (September, October, early spring, and late spring), lake, and intraspecific density on catchability q of black crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus in trap nets (modified fyke nets) set in eight natural Minnesota lakes during 1996–2001. The catchability of the two larger length-groups exceeded that of the smallest length-group in all lakes. Catchability in early and late spring exceeded that in September or October in most lakes; otherwise, q did not differ among sampling periods. Catchability differed among lakes during September, October, and early-spring sampling periods but did not differ among lakes in late spring. For 150–199-mm fish, q increased with increasing lake surface area during all sampling periods, decreased with increasing shoreline development ratio during all periods, decreased with increasing maximum depth during fall sampling periods, and was unrelated to the percentage of surface area of lakes less than 4.6 m deep. Catchability of the larger length-groups was unrelated to any of these lake morphometric variables. Catchability of 150–199-mm black crappies decreased with increasing density during all sampling periods. However, the q of 200–249-mm black crappies was density independent during early spring and September, decreased with increasing density in October, and may have been density dependent in late spring. For 250–299-mm black crappies, the q in early spring decreased with increasing density, and the q in late spring was density independent. Trap-net catch per unit effort (CPUE) provides more meaningful data on the relative abundance of 200-mm and longer black crappies than it does for smaller black crappies. Comparisons of trap-net CPUE and length-frequency distributions are most meaningful if trap-net samples are collected during the same sampling period and within the same lake.
Testing the Stability of Recreational Fishing Participation Probabilities
Authors: Thunberg Eric M. , Fulcher Charles M.
Published: August 2006

Forecasts of recreational fishing participation enable managers to anticipate changes in the number of anglers and future demand for fishing opportunities. Projections of recreational fishing participation have typically been calculated by estimating participation probabilities for cohorts of a given population and then applying those probabilities to forecasted changes in population size and demographic composition. The resulting predictions rely on the assumption that the estimated participation probabilities within each demographic cohort are constant over time. We tested this assumption using replicated surveys of marine recreational fishing participation that were conducted in 1994 and again in 2002–2003 for the northeastern U.S. coastal population from Maine to Virginia. Participation probabilities and forecasts obtained from the 1994 survey were compared with both actual participation rates and the estimated participation probabilities in the 2002–2003 survey. Results suggest that participation probabilities among demographic cohorts are not stable over time. Additional avenues for research are identified that could improve predictions of the changing demand for recreational fishing resources.
Comparison of Two External Transmitter Types on Two Sizes of Bluegills and Yellow Perch
Authors: Weimer Eric J. , Duehr Jeremy P. , Brown Michael L.
Published: August 2006

We compared two external transmitter styles on two size-classes of bluegills Lepomis macrochirus (laterally compressed) and yellow perch Perca flavescens (fusiform) to determine the effects of (1) even distribution of transmitter weight and (2) transmitter weights above and below the recommended 2% of fish body weight. Fish were collected, acclimated for 3 weeks before transmitter attachment, measured for length and weight, Floy tagged, and randomly assigned to treatments (single-sided transmitter, saddle transmitter, and control). Weight and length of individual fish were recorded every 5 d through day 20 and every 10 d through day 40. On day 40, we classified tag migration, wound redness, and organosomatic indices. Saddle transmitters required the longest handling time of all treatments and did not outperform single-sided transmitters. On day 40, only small yellow perch had gained more weight with saddle transmitters than with single-sided transmitters. Transmitters that exceeded 2% of fish weight slowed bluegill growth, whereas transmitters that were less than 2% of fish weight negatively affected yellow perch growth. Our results suggest that even the distribution of external transmitter weight may be less important than the method of attachment and transmitter weight. Development of improved attachment methods for saddle transmitters may prove beneficial for use in long-term studies of small, fusiform fish.
Characterization of ghrelin receptor activity in a rat pituitary cell line RC-4B/C
Authors: Falls H Douglas , Dayton Brian D , Fry Dennis G , Ogiela Christopher A , Schaefer Verlyn G , Brodjian Sevan , Reilly Regina M , Collins Christine A , Kaszubska Wiweka
Published: August 2006

Ghrelin, a 28 amino acid, octanoylated peptide, is an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). In addition to various endocrine functions, including stimulation of GH release, ghrelin has been characterized as an important regulator of energy homeostasis. Ghrelin administration has been shown to increase adiposity in rodents and stimulate food intake in humans. Studies suggest that these orexigenic effects are mediated primarily through GHS-R expression in hypothalamic and pituitary neuronal pathways. In this context, GHS-R has been recognized as a potential target for the treatment of GH deficiency and body weight disorders. Cell lines provide convenient in vitro systems to identify and characterize potential pharmacophores and to analyze GHS-R functional activity. While recombinant cell lines that overexpress GHS-R have served as effective research tools for these studies, such cell lines may differ in signaling response to ghrelin compared with hypothalamic or pituitary cells expressing GHS-R. We show here that a cell line derived from a rat anterior pituitary adenoma, RC-4B/C, expresses endogenous GHS-R as judged by reverse transcriptase-PCR. In a Ca2+mobilization assay, RC-4B/C cells demonstrate a dose-dependent increase in intracellular [Ca2+] on stimulation with rat ghrelin and a related peptide agonist, hexarelin (EC50, 1.0 nM and 1.7 nM respectively), but are unresponsive to treatment with inactive des-octanoyl rat ghrelin. A subclone, RC-4B/C.40, with a more robust and stable ghrelin response, was isolated from the parental population of cells to allow further analysis of GHS-R signal transduction. Using pertussis toxin and the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122, we show that ghrelin signals through the Gq pathway in the RC-4B/C.40 cells. We also demonstrate that the ghrelin-induced rise of intracellular [Ca2+] in RC-4B/C.40 cells involves initial Ca2+release from intracellular stores followed by a sustained elevation that occurs via influx of extracellular Ca2+ through ion channels. In addition, unlike observations reported in recombinant cell systems, the RC-4B/C.40 cells do not exhibit a high level of GHS-R constitutive activity as determined in a phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis assay. Overall, the data presented here suggest that the RC-4B/C parental and RC-4B/C.40 cells provide novel in vitro systems for the characterization of GHS-R pharmacophores and ghrelin signaling.
IGF-independent effects of IGFBP-2 on the human breast cancer cell line Hs578T
Authors: Frommer Klaus W , Reichenmiller Katharina , Schutt Burkhardt S , Hoeflich Andreas , Ranke Michael B , Dodt Gabriele , Elmlinger Martin W
Published: August 2006

There is evidence that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP-2), a modulator of the actions of IGFs, also has IGF-independent effects in human tumor cell lines. These involve specific binding of IGFBP-2 to α5β1-integrin, followed by alterations in the phosphorylation status of downstream signaling molecules. Previously, IGFBP-2 has also been shown to be associated with cell proliferation, adhesion and migration. Here, we investigated direct effects of IGFBP-2 on apoptosis and alterations in the expression of related proteins. The breast cancer cell line Hs578T, which shows no IGFBP-2 production of its own and is independent of the IGF-I receptor, was treated with human recombinant IGFBP-2 in order to study the changes in gene expression induced by IGFBP-2. The methods employed for this purpose were oligonucleotide microarrays, real-time RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunoassays. Out of the 440 genes covered by the Oligo GEArray Human Cancer Microarray OHS-802, the expression of 77 genes was directly influenced by IGFBP-2. By the use of real-time quantitative RT-PCR, the gene expression of Nuclear Factor (NF)κB, p53, transforming growth factor β (TGF β-1), LAMB1 (Laminin, Beta 1), Bcl-2, and IIp45 was found to be significantly upregulated (by 1.2- to 3.05-fold; all P < 0.001). Accordingly, NFκB, p53, and TGF β-1 proteins, as measured by Western blotting and immunoassay, were upregulated > 1.5-fold. By using an ELISA-based and a flow cytometry-based apoptosis assay, IGFBP-2 was found to have a pro-apoptotic effect on Hs578T cells. Our results suggest that IGFBP-2-induced gene expressions are of functional significance for proliferation, cell adhesion, cell migration and apoptosis, and showed that IGFBP-2 can promote apoptosis in tumor cells independent of IGF.
Metformin reduces lipolysis in primary rat adipocytes stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-α or isoproterenol
Authors: Ren Tingting , He Jinhan , Jiang Hongfeng , Zu Luxia , Pu Shenshen , Guo Xiaohui , Xu Guoheng
Published: August 2006

In patients with type 2 non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), the biguanide, metformin, exerts its antihyperglycemic effect by improving insulin sensitivity, which is associated with decreased level of circulating free fatty acids (FFA). The flux of FFA and glycerol from adipose tissue to the blood stream primarily depends on the lipolysis of triacylglycerols in the adipocytes. Adipocyte lipolysis is physiologically stimulated by catecholamine hormones. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a cytokine largely expressed in adipose tissue, stimulates chronic lipolysis, which may be associated with increased systemic FFA and insulin resistance in obesity and NIDDM. In this study, we examined the role of metformin in inhibiting lipolytic action upon various lipolytic stimulations in primary rat adipocytes. Treatment with metformin attenuated TNF-α-mediated lipolysis by suppressing phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 and reversing the downregulation of perilipin protein in TNF-α-stimulated adipocytes. The acute lipolytic response to adrenergic stimulation of isoproterenol was also restricted by metformin. A high concentration of glucose in the adipocyte culture promoted the basal rate of glycerol release and significantly enhanced the lipolytic action stimulated by either TNF-α or isoproterenol. Metformin not only inhibits the basal lipolysis simulated by high glucose, but also suppresses the high glucose-enhanced lipolysis response to TNF-α or isoproterenol. The antilipolytic action in adipocytes could be the mechanism by which cellular action by metformin reduces systemic FFA concentration and thus improves insulin sensitivity in obese patients and the hyperglycemic conditions of NIDDM.
A novel mutation in the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene promoter leading to reduced promoter activity
Authors: Casal Andres J , Sinclair Victoria J P , Capponi Alessandro M , Nicod Jérôme , Huynh-Do Uyen , Ferrari Paolo
Published: August 2006

We have identified a novel cytosine/thymidine polymorphism of the human steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) gene promoter located 3 bp downstream of the steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1)-binding site and 9 bp upstream of the TATA box (ATTTAAG). Carriers of this mutation have a high prevalence of primary aldosteronism. In transfection experiments, basal StAR promoter activity was unaltered by the mutation in murine Y-1 cells and human H295R cells. In Y-1 cells, forskolin (25 μM, 6 h) significantly increased wild-type promoter activity to 230±33% (P<0.05, n=4). In contrast, forskolin increased mutated promoter activity only to 150±27%, with a significant 35% reduction compared to wild type (P<0.05, n=3). In H295R cells, angiotensin II (AngII; 10 nM) increased wild-type StAR promoter activity to 265±22% (P<0.01, n=3), while mutated StAR promoter activity in response to AngII only reached 180±29% of controls (P<0.01, n=3). Gel mobility shift assays show the formation of two additional complexes with the mutated promoter: one with the transcription repressor DAX-1 and another with a yet unidentified factor, which strongly binds the SF-1 response element. Thus, this novel mutation in the human StAR promoter is critically involved in the regulation of StAR gene expression and is associated with reduced promoter activity, a finding relevant for adrenal steroid response to physiological stimulators.
Sorption of Inorganic and Total Phosphorus from Dairy and Swine Slurries to Soil
Authors: Marshall Sarah K. , Laboski Carrie A. M.
Published: August 2006

Understanding P sorption from animal manures is essential to formulate best management practices with regard to land application of manure from the standpoint of crop production and environmental quality. Little research has focused on the construction of P sorption isotherms where the P source is manure. The objectives of this study were to: (i) develop a procedure to characterize how inorganic P (Pi) and total P (Pt) from dairy slurry and swine slurry sorbs to soil; and (ii) compare the sorption characteristics of Pi and Pt where the P source was dairy slurry, swine slurry, or potassium phosphate (KH2PO4). Sorption solutions were prepared in 0.1 M KCl at pH 6 and equilibrated with soils at a 1:25 (w/v) soil/solution ratio for 24 h. Inorganic P, Pt, Al, and Fe in the equilibrated solutions were measured. For all soils, Pi and Pt sorption capacity of dairy slurry was greater than KH2PO4 Total P sorption capacity of swine slurry was greater than KH2PO4, while Pi sorption capacity was less than KH2PO4 Overall, Pi and Pt sorption strengths of the manure slurries were less than or equal to KH2PO4 Increased Pi sorption from dairy slurry was correlated with Fe and Al desorption. Reduction of Pi sorption capacity from swine slurry was related to preferential sorption of organic P. Additional studies need to be conducted to determine how differences in P sorption between manures and fertilizer impact in‐field P availability to a crop and potential for losses in runoff water.
Is Dew Water Potable? Chemical and Biological Analyses of Dew Water in Ajaccio (Corsica Island, France)
Authors: Muselli Marc , Beysens Daniel , Soyeux Emmanuel , Clus Owen
Published: August 2006

To determine to what extent dew water is potable without further treatment, a thorough set of chemical and biological analyses were performed on 10 samples of dew water collected on a large scale radiative collector (29.83 m2) in Ajaccio (Corsica Island, France), between 21 May 2002 and 5 Mar. 2003. Samples were collected following four protocols according to the dew volume amount and 48 parameters (ions, minerals, and bacteria) were analyzed and compared to French and European Union legislation and also World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Aluminum and Fe were the main pollutants whose concentrations were significantly larger than recommended. Their presence is due to local deposition of aerosols coming from the Sahara (a characteristic of the Mediterranean basin). A large number of biologically cultivable microorganisms were found, together with bacteria typical of fecal contamination. For dew water to be potable with respect to present legislation at the Ajaccio site, it should be disinfected and treated for turbidity.
Fresh, Stockpiled, and Composted Beef Cattle Feedlot Manure
Authors: Larney Francis J. , Buckley Katherine E. , Hao Xiying , McCaughey W. Paul
Published: August 2006

The fate of manure nutrients in beef cattle (Bos taurus) feedlots is influenced by handling treatment, yet few data are available in western Canada comparing traditional practices (fresh handling, stockpiling) with newer ones (composting). This study examined the influence of handling treatment (fresh, stockpiled, or composted) on nutrient levels and mass balance estimates of feedlot manure at Lethbridge, Alberta, and Brandon, Manitoba. Total carbon (TC) concentration of compost (161 kg Mg−1) was lower (P < 0.001) than stockpiled (248 kg Mg−1), which was in turn lower (P < 0.001) than fresh manure (314 kg Mg−1). Total nitrogen (TN) concentration was not affected by handling treatment while total phosphorus (TP) concentration increased with composting at Lethbridge. The percent inorganic nitrogen (PIN) was lower (P < 0.01) for compost (5.1%) than both fresh (24.7%) and stockpiled (28.9%) manure. Composting led to higher (P < 0.05) dry matter (DM) losses (39.8%) compared to stockpiling (22.5%) and higher (P < 0.05) total mass (water + DM) losses (65.6 vs. 35.2%). Carbon (C) losses were higher (P < 0.01) with composting (66.9% of initial) than with stockpiling (37.5%), as were nitrogen (N) losses (46.3 vs. 22.5%, P < 0.05). Composting allowed transport of two times as much P as fresh manure and 1.4 times as much P as stockpiled manure (P < 0.001) on an “as is” basis. Our study looked at one aspect of manure management (i.e., handling treatment effects on nutrient concentrations and mass balance estimates) and, as such, should be viewed as one component in the larger context of a life cycle assessment.
Impact of Land Drainage on Peatland Hydrology
Authors: Holden J. , Evans M. G. , Burt T. P. , Horton M.
Published: August 2006

There is a long history of drainage of blanket peat but few studies of the long‐term hydrological impact of drainage. This paper aims to test differences in runoff production processes between intact and drained blanket peat catchments and determine whether there have been any long‐term changes in stream flow since drainage occurred. Hillslope runoff processes and stream discharge were measured in four blanket peat catchments. Two catchments were drained with open‐cut ditches in the 1950s. Ditching originally resulted in shorter lag times and flashier storm hydrographs but no change in the annual catchment runoff efficiency. In the period between 2002 and 2004, the hydrographs in the drained catchments, while still flashy, were less sensitive to rainfall than in the 1950s and the runoff efficiency had significantly increased. Drains resulted in a distinctive spatial pattern of runoff production across the slopes. Overland flow was significantly lower in the drained catchments where throughflow was more dominant. In the intact peatlands, matrix throughflow produced by peat layers below 10 cm was rare and produced <1% of the runoff. However, in drained peatlands, matrix throughflow in deeper peat layers was common and provided around 23% of the runoff from gauged plots. Macropore flow, the density of soil piping, and pipeflow were significantly greater in drained peatlands than in intact basins. Gradual changes to peat structure could explain the long‐term changes in river flow, which are in addition to those occurring in the immediate aftermath of peatland drainage.
Leaching and Crop Uptake of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from Pig Slurry as Affected by Different Application Rates
Authors: Bergström Lars , Kirchmann Holger
Published: August 2006

The influence of increasing pig slurry applications on leaching and crop uptake of N and P by cereals was evaluated in a 3‐yr study of lysimeters filled with a sandy soil. The slurry was applied at N rates of 50 (S50), 100 (S100), 150 (S150), and 200 (S200) kg ha−1during 2 of the 3 yr. The P rates applied with slurry were: 40 (S50), 80 (S100), 120 (S150), and 160 (S200) kg ha−1yr−1Simultaneously, NH4NO3and Ca(H2PO4)2were applied at rates of 100 kg N ha−1and 50 kg P ha−1, respectively, to additional lysimeters (F100), while others were left unfertilized (F0). During the 3‐yr period, the leaching load of total N tended to increase with increasing slurry application to, on average, 139 kg ha−1at the highest application rate (S200). The corresponding N leaching loads (kg ha−1) in the other treatments were: 75 (F0), 103 (F100), 93 (S50), 120 (S100), and 128 (S150). The loads of slurry‐derived N in the S100, S150, and S200 treatments were significantly larger (P< 0.05) than those of fertilizer‐derived N. In contrast, P leaching tended to decrease with increasing input of slurry, and it was lower in all treatments that received P at or above 50 kg P ha−1yr−1with slurry or fertilizer than in the unfertilized treatment. The crop use efficiency of added N and P was clearly higher when NH4NO3and Ca(H2PO4)2were used rather than slurry (60 vs. 35% for N, 38 vs. 6–9% for P), irrespective of slurry application rate. Therefore, from both a production and water quality point of view, inorganic fertilizers seem to have environmental benefits over pig slurry when used on sandy soils.
Transport of Coliphage in the Presence and Absence of Manure Suspension
Authors: Bradford Scott A. , Tadassa Yadata F. , Jin Yan
Published: August 2006

Mechanisms of coliphage transport and fate in the presence and absence of manure suspension were studied in saturated column experiments. In the presence of manure suspension, little inactivation of indigenous somatic coliphage occurred and the transport was controlled by deposition. The deposition followed a power law distribution with depth, and the magnitude increased with decreasing sand size. Comparison of the cumulative size distribution of manure components in the suspension initially and after passage through sand, suggested that particles retained by mechanical filtration and/or straining decreased the effective pore size and potentially induced straining of the somatic coliphage. A 2‐site kinetic deposition model was used to estimate the magnitudes of attachment and straining in the presence of manure suspension, and provided a good description of the data. Modeling results indicated that straining accounted for 16 to 42% of the deposited somatic coliphage, and that both straining and attachment increased with decreasing sand size due to smaller pores and higher surface area, respectively. In the absence of manure suspension, ϕX174 (a representative somatic coliphage) and MS2 (a male‐specific RNA coliphage) transport was controlled by inactivation induced by the solid phase. This conclusion was based on comparison of coliphage transport behavior at 5 and 20°C, mass balance information, and numerical modeling. Comparison of somatic coliphage transport data in the presence and absence of manure suspension revealed much higher effluent concentrations in the presence of manure. This difference was attributed to lower inactivation and higher detachment rates. The observed coliphage transport behavior suggests that survival of viruses may be extended in the presence of manure suspensions, and that transport studies conducted in the absence of manure suspension may not accurately characterize the transport potential of viruses in manure‐contaminated environments.
Reactions of substituted furo[3,2-b]pyrrole-5-carboxhydrazides and their biological activity
Authors: Ga<parová Renata , Zbojek Daniel , Lácová Margita , Král'ová Katarína , Gatial Anton , Horváth Branislav , Krutošíková Alžbeta
Published: August 2006

The reactions of substituted furo[3,2-b]pyrrole-5-carboxhydrazides 1 with 5-arylfuran-2-carboxaldehydes 2, 4,5-disubstituted furan-2-carboxaldehydes 3 and thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde 4 has been studied. The advantage of microwave irradiation on some of these reactions was reflected in the reduced reaction time and increased yields. Reactions of 1 with 4-substituted 1,3-oxazol-5(4H)-ones 11 led to diacylhydrazines 13 or to imidazole derivatives 14 depending on the temperature. 1,2,4-Triazole-3-thione 17 was synthesized by two-step reaction of 1 with phenylisothiocyanate and subsequent base-catalyzed cyclization of thiosemicarbazide 16. The effects of hydrazones 5–10 on inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport in spinach chloroplasts and chlorophyll content in the antialgal suspensions of Chlorella vulgaris were investigated.
On the secant varieties to the osculating variety of a Veronese surface
Authors: Ballico E. , Fontanari C.
Published: August 2006

In this paper we study the k-th osculating variety of the order d Veronese embedding of P
n. In particular, for k=n=2 we show that the corresponding secant varieties have the expected dimension except in one case.
Sonolysis of chlorobenzene in the presence of transition metal salts
Authors: Stavarache Carmen , Nishimura Rokura , Maeda Yasuaki , Vinatoru Mircea
Published: August 2006

Sonolysis of aqueous solution of chlorobenzene at 200 kHz frequency in the presence of transition metals chlorides was investigated. Through analyzing the nature and distribution of the products detected in the reaction mixture, a new mechanism of sonodegradation is advanced. Depending on the metals used and their behavior during sonolysis, we were able to discriminate between inside and outside cavitation bubble mechanisms. Iron and cobalt chlorides, which could undergo redox reactions in the presence of HO radicals generated ultrasonically, give higher amounts of phenolic compounds compared with palladium chloride that undergoes a reduction to metal. Palladium reduction takes place in bulk solution and therefore all organic reactions that compete for hydrogen must occur also in bulk solution. Accordingly, palladium can be a useful tool in determining the reaction site and the decomposition mechanism of organic compounds under ultrasonic irradiation.
Composition of extraction products from alkylated high-sulphur coals
Authors: Kozłowski Mieczysław , Wachowska Helena , Yperman Jan
Published: August 2006

Products of reductive and non-reductive methylation of two high-sulphur coals (Mequinenza and Illinois No. 6) have been extracted by dichloromethane. It has been established that the efficiency of the transformation of coal to the products soluble in CH2Cl2 is higher for coals subjected to non-reductive methylation by the Liotta method than for those after reduction in the potassium/liquid ammonia system. The extracts and the extraction residues were subjected to elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and AP-TPR (Atmospheric Pressure-Temperature Programmed Reduction) measurements. It has been shown that the main species undergoing extraction by CH2Cl2 are aliphatic compounds or aromatic structures of low degree of condensation. The effect of the extraction on the sulphur groups in coal has been discussed.
New thallium(III) chloride complexes with pyridine carboxylic acids: from molecular compounds to supramolecular associations
Authors: Toma Monica , Sánchez Agustín , Casas José , Sordo José , García-Tasende María , Castellano Eduardo , Ellena Javier , Berdan Ioan
Published: August 2006

Reactions of TlCl3 with picolinic acid (Hpic), nicotinic acid (Hnic), isonicotinic acid (Hinic) and 3-hydroxy-picolinic acid (H3hpic) afford the isolation of new chlorothallium(III) complexes. The compounds are characterized by IR, Raman and multinuclear NMR (1H,13C,205Tl). The molecular structures of [TlCl2(pic)(Hpic)]·0.5H2O (1), [TlCl2(nic)(Hnic)] (2), [TlCl(inic)2]·0.6C2H5OH (3) and [TlCl(3hpic)2(h3hpic)] (4) are determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A distorted octahedral TlCl2N2O2 core containing the O,N-chelating ligands is achieved in the monomeric complex 1. The coordination polyhedron in compounds 2–4 is pentagonal bipyramidal, i.e. TlCl2NO4 in 2, and TlClN2O4 in 3 and 4, respectively. O,O′,N-Bridging ligands result in a polymer chain for 2 and a three-dimensional polymeric association in 3, while compound 4 is monomeric (O, N-and O,O-chelating ligands).