bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method to generate soilscapes from soil maps
Authors: Schmidt Karsten , Behrens Thorsten , Friedrich Klaus , Scholten Thomas
Published: November 2009

Digital soil mapping for large areas is challenging if mapping resolution should be as high as possible and sampling should be as sparse as possible. Generally, the more complex the soil associations in a landscape, the more samples are required to systematically cover the entire feature space. Moreover, regions should be modeled separately if the patterns of spatial variation vary on subregion level. A systematic segmentation of a landscape into soilscapes is additionally important for a feasible application of soil‐sensing approaches. In this paper, we introduce a semiautomated approach to segment nominal spatial datasets based on the local spatial frequency distribution of the mapping units. The aim is to provide homogeneous and nonfragmented segments with smoothed boundaries. The methodological framework for the segmentation comprises different spatial and nonspatial techniques and focuses mainly on a moving‐window analysis of the local frequency distribution and a k‐means cluster analysis. Based on an existing soil map (1:50,000), we derived six segments for the Nidda catchment (Central Hesse, Germany), comprising 1600 km2. As segmentation is based on a soil map, soilscapes are derived. In terms of the feature space, these soilscapes show a higher homogeneity compared to the entire landscape. Advantages compared to an existing map of landscape units are discussed. Segmenting a landscape as introduced in this study might also be of importance for other disciplines and can be used as a first step in biodiversity analysis or setting up environmental‐monitoring sites.
Carbon‐mineralization kinetics in an organically managed Cambic Arenosol amended with organic fertilizers
Authors: Ribeiro Henrique M. , Fangueiro David , Alves Fátima , Vasconcelos Ernesto , Coutinho João , Bol Roland , Cabral Fernanda
Published: November 2009

The dynamics of C mineralization in an organically managed Cambic Arenosol amended with hen manure, a stabilized compost (compost), and three different combinations of both fertilizers (varying from a 1:100 to a 1:10 ratio) were studied during an incubation experiment to estimate the potential of such combinations to preserve/restore soil C content relative to single applications. A strong increase of the CO2‐C emissions relative to the unamended soil (control) was observed after soil application of all five organic‐fertilizer treatments. A significantly higher amount of applied C was lost in hen‐manure treatment (648 mg CO2‐C [g C applied]–1) when compared to compost (159 mg CO2‐C [g C applied]–1) or to the three combined treatments (176–195 mg CO2‐C [g C applied]–1). The first‐order exponential model and the double exponential model were used to fit the C‐mineralization data in the treatments considered. Results showed that mixing “small” amounts of hen manure with compost did not affect the total amount of potentially mineralizable C, but significantly increased the mineralization rate constant. Clearly, combinations of both fertilizers promoted an initial faster mineralization of the organic matter, and consequently a faster release of nutrients, without affecting the total amount of C sequestered in soil.
Soil‐organic‐matter stability in sandy cropland soils is related to land‐use history
Authors: Sleutel Steven , Abdul Kader Mohammed , Ara Begum Shamim , De Neve Stefaan
Published: November 2009

Sandy cropland soils in NW Europe were found to contain unusually high organic‐carbon (OC) levels, and a link with their land‐use history has been suggested. This study's aim was to assess the discriminating power of physical and chemical fractionation procedures to yield information on soil‐organic‐matter (OM) stability for these soils. In relict‐ and cultivated‐heathland soils, much higher proportions of 6% NaOCl treatment–resistant but 10% HF–soluble OC (MOC) and N (32.2% and 29.9%) were measured compared to a set of “permanent"‐cropland soils without a history of heathland land use (11.9% and 8.5%). Also, the proportions of 6% NaOCl– and 10% HF treatment–resistant OC and N in the relict and cultivated heathlands (19.2% and 12.0%) were higher than in the permanent‐cropland soils (17.7% and 5.7%). Stepwise multiple linear‐regression yielded a significant relationship between the annual mineralization (g C [100 g OC]–1), soil OC (g C kg–1) content, and %MOC: Annual mineralization = 4.347 – 0.087 soil OC – 0.032 %MOC (R2 = 0.65). Combinations of incubation experiments for quantification of the labile soil OM pool with chemical fractionation may thus yield meaningful data for development of soil‐organic‐matter models with measurable pools, but their applicability will be limited to specific combinations of former land use with soil, climate, and current management.
Variation of tolerance to manganese toxicity in Australian hexaploid wheat
Authors: Khabaz‐Saberi Hossein , Rengel Zed , Wilson Robin , Setter Timothy L.
Published: November 2009

High concentrations of manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and aluminium (Al) induced in waterlogged acid soils are a potential constraint for growing sensitive wheat cultivars in waterlogged‐prone areas of Western Australian wheat‐belt. Tackling induced ion toxicities by a genetic approach requires a good understanding of the existing variability in ion toxicity tolerance of the current wheat germplasm. A bioassay for tolerance to high concentration of Mn in wheat was developed using Norquay (Mn‐tolerant), Columbus (Mn‐intolerant), and Cascades (moderately tolerant) as control genotypes and a range of MnCl2 concentrations (2, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 2000, and 3000 μM Mn) at pH 4.8 in a nutrient solution. Increasing solution Mn concentration decreased shoot and root dry weight and intensified the development of toxicity symptoms more in the Mn‐intolerant cv. Columbus than in Norquay and Cascades. The genotypic discrimination based on relative shoot (54% to 79%) and root dry weight (17% to 76%), the development of toxicity symptoms (scores 2 to 4) and the shoot Mn concentration (1428 to 2960 mg kg–1) was most pronounced at 750 μM Mn. Using this concentration to screen 60 Australian and 6 wheat genotypes from other sources, a wide variation in relative root dry weight (11% to 95%), relative shoot dry weight (31% to 91%), toxicity symptoms (1.5 to 4.5), and shoot Mn concentration (901 to 2695 mg kg–1) were observed. Evidence suggests that Mn tolerance has been introduced into Australian wheat through CIMMYT germplasm having “LERMO‐ROJO” within their parentage, preserved either through a co‐tolerance to Mn deficiency or a process of passive selection for Mn tolerance. Cultivars Westonia and Krichauff expressed a high level of tolerance to both Mn toxicity and deficiency, whereas Trident and Janz (reputed to be tolerant to Mn deficiency) were intolerant to Mn toxicity, suggesting that tolerance to excess and shortage of Mn are different, but not mutually exclusive traits. The co‐tolerance for Mn and Al in ET8 (an Al‐tolerant near‐isogenic line) and the absence of Mn tolerance in BH1146 (an Al‐tolerant genotype from Brazil) limits the effectiveness of these indicator genotypes to environments where only one constraint is induced. Wide variation of Mn tolerance in Australian wheat cultivars will enable breeding genotypes for the genetic solution to the Mn toxicity problem.
Holocene bipolar climate seesaw: possible subtle evidence from the deep North East Atlantic Ocean?
Authors: Maslin Mark A. , Smart Christopher W.
Published: November 2009

The occurrence of a millennial‐scale bipolar climate seesaw has been documented in detail for the last glacial period and Termination. There is, however, debate whether it occurs during interglacials and if it does what influence it could have on future climate. We present here new evidence from a North East Atlantic Ocean deep‐sea core which supports the hypothesis for a Holocene bipolar climate seesaw. BENGAL Site 13078#16, from the Porcupine Abyssal Plain, is 4844 m deep and situated at the North Atlantic Deep Water and Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) interface. Planktic foraminiferal fragment accumulation rate data at this site is an indicator of coarse carbonate dissolution, which is highly sensitive to the incursion of under‐saturated AABW. Five dissolution peaks have been identified, which seem to occur approximately 500 a after each of the North Atlantic 'Bond' ice rafting pulses, suggesting a subsequent subtle shallowing of AABW. This indicates a possible lagged climatic link between North East Atlantic surface water conditions and AABW production in the Southern Ocean during the Holocene. This provides the first tentative evidence that there was a Holocene bipolar climate seesaw and that the deep ocean was involved. This study also suggests that extremely sensitive locations need to be sought as the Holocene bipolar climate seesaw seems to be very subtle compared with its glacial counterparts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman characterizations and structural properties of the binary TeO2WO3, TeO2CdF2 and ternary TeO2CdF2WO3 glasses
Authors: Tatar D. , Özen G. , Erim F. B. , Öveçoǧlu M. L.
Published: November 2009

The Raman spectroscopy technique was used to characterize the microstructure and the crystallization properties of the as‐cast and heat‐treated binary TeO2WO3, TeO2CdF2 and ternary TeO2CdF2WO3 glasses and glass ceramics. The results were compared with those obtained by using the X‐ray diffraction technique. The effect of the WO3 and CdF2 contents on the TeO2 glass network and the intensity ratios of the deconvoluted Raman peaks were determined. The shifts in the Raman band wavenumbers and the intensity values for each band were investigated. The Raman results indicated that the glasses were mainly formed by the [TeO4] and [TeO3] units. The [TeO4] units convert to [TeO3] units with the addition of WO3 and CdF2 into tellurite glasses. All the crystalline phases such as α‐TeO2, δ‐TeO2 and γ‐TeO2 existing in the TeO2WO3, TeO2CdF2 and TeO2‐ WO3CdF2 glasses were determined. The transformation of the metastable γ‐TeO2 phase into stable α‐TeO2 was observed for the (1 − x)TeO2xWO3 (where x = 0.15, 0.20, 0.25), 0.90Te20.10CdF2, the 0.85TeO20.10CdF20.05WO3 and 0.80TeO20.10CdF20.10WO3 glasses, and the transformation of the metastable δ‐TeO2 phase into the stable α‐TeO2 was also observed for the TeO2CdF2WO3 glass system. In addition, an unidentified phase formation, labeled ε, was determined. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman scattering studies of the magnetic ordering in hexagonal HoMnO3 thin films
Authors: Minh Hien Nguyen Thi , Chen Xiang‐Bai , Hoang Luc Huy , Lee D. , Jang S.‐Y. , Noh T. W. , Yang In‐Sang
Published: November 2009

We present the results of the temperature dependence of the Raman spectra of hexagonal HoMnO3 thin films in the 13–300 K temperature range. The films were grown on Pt(111)//Al2O3 (0001) substrates using the laser ablation method. In the HoMnO3 thin films, we initially observedseveral broad Raman peaks at ∼510, 760, 955, 1120, and 1410 cm−1. These broad Raman peaks display an anomalous behavior near the magnetic transition temperature, and the intensity difference of the Raman spectra at different temperatures shows several pairs of negative and positive peaks as the temperature is lowered below the Néel temperature. Our analyses indicate that all the broad peaks are correlated with magnetic ordering, and we have assigned the origin of all the broad peaks. Purely on the basis of the Raman analysis, we have deduced the Néel temperature and the spin exchange integrals of HoMnO3 thin films. We also investigated the effects of the growth condition on the strongest broad peak at ∼760 cm−1, which is related with pure magnetic ordering. This result indicates that the oxygen defect in the HoMnO3 sample has negligible effect on magnetic ordering. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational prediction of vibrational spectra of normal and modified DNA nucleobases
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Marudachalam , Puranik Mrinalini
Published: November 2009

Purines, pyrimidines, and the corresponding ribose monophosphates are ubiquitous biomolecules involved in several cellular processes–in DNA and RNA, signaling, and energy transactions. In the new and exciting field of DNA‐inspired nanostructures, they are used as fundamental building blocks. Unique features of the nucleobases are that several tautomeric states are close in energy and the tautomeric equilibria are sensitive to exocyclic substitution and pH. Knowing the exact structure and tautomer(s) at physiological conditions is crucial to understand the substrate specificities and catalytic mechanisms of the many enzymes for which these nucleobases are substrates. Very few spectroscopic methods can distinguish between tautomers and provide solution structures. Vibrational spectroscopy has long been known to be an excellent tool to obtain reliable information on nucleic acids. However, even when good‐quality spectra are available, isotope editing is required to make reliable band assignments and identify structures unequivocally. Density functional theoretical (DFT) methods have become indispensible in assisting the assignment of observed spectra to normal modes, identification of tautomers, and modeling of spectra of isotope‐edited molecules. We review the performance of DFT methods in the prediction of nucleobases and their analogs. We find that even with modest basis sets, trends in vibrational spectra can be predicted adequately and guide assignments to normal modes of the molecule. Shifts in band positions induced upon isotope labeling are reproduced more reliably than the band positions. Scaling considerably improves the agreement between the computed and experimental spectra, but accurate prediction of vibrations of exocyclic groups like CO requires that solvent effects are taken into account. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel method for urinary tract infection diagnosis and antibiogram using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Kastanos Evdokia K. , Kyriakides Alexandros , Hadjigeorgiou Katerina , Pitris Costas
Published: November 2009

Urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosis and antibiogram require a 48‐h waiting period using the standard conventional clinical methods. This long waiting period results in ineffective treatments, increased costs and, most importantly, in increased resistance to antibiotics. In this work, a novel method for classifying bacteria and determining their sensitivity to an antibiotic using Raman spectroscopy is described. Raman spectra belonging to three species of gram‐negative enterobacteria, which are most commonly responsible for UTIs, are classified with over 94% accuracy using novel feature extraction and discriminant analysis. Sensitivity to ciprofloxacin is also clearly evident as early as 2 h after treatment by differences in the Raman spectra of bacteria treated or not treated with this antibiotic. The proposed technique can become the basis for the development of new technology for UTI diagnosis and antibiogram with same day results, thus avoiding urine cultures and all undesirable consequences of current practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feeding trials in organic food quality and health research
Authors: Velimirov Alberta , Huber Machteld , Lauridsen Charlotte , Rembiałkowska Ewa , Seidel Kathrin , Bügel Susanne
Published: November 2009

Feeding experiments comparing organically and conventionally produced food are performed to assess the overall impact on the animals' health as a model for the effects experienced by the human consumers. These experiments are based on systems research and characterized by their focus on production methods, whole food testing and procedures in accordance with the terms of organic farming. A short review of such experiments shows that the majority of these tests revealed effects of the organically produced feed on health parameters such as reproductive performance and immune responses. Systems research is not just about simple cause–effect chains, but rather about the pluralism of interactions in biological networks; therefore, the interpretation of the outcome of whole food experiments is difficult. Furthermore, the test diets of organic and conventional origin can be constituted in different ways, compensating for or maintaining existing differences in nutrient and energy contents. The science‐based results suggest positive influences from organic feeds, but there is still a need for confirmation in animals and, finally, in humans. For this purpose animal feeding trials with feed from different production systems should be conducted, with the aims to define health indicators and to establish biomarkers as a basis for future dietary intervention studies in humans. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Ways of coping and sense of belonging in the face of a continuous threat
Authors: Nuttman‐Shwartz Orit , Dekel Rachel
Published: November 2009

This study examined the contribution of ways of coping and sense of belonging to stress responses among students in a conflict zone. Students at a college situated in an area exposed to continuous threat were divided according to their place of residence: locations inside and outside of the conflict zone. Rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was similar to rates in previous studies conducted among Israelis who had been exposed to terror. Acceptance as a way of coping and sense of belonging contributed to reducing PTSD symptoms, whereas use of alcohol and seeking support contributed to increasing stress responses. The discussion examines the results in light of the literature on ways of coping and sense of belonging in the face of continuous threat.
A combined group treatment for nightmares and insomnia in combat veterans: A pilot study
Authors: Swanson Leslie M. , Favorite Todd K. , Horin Elizabeth , Arnedt J. Todd
Published: November 2009

Insomnia and nightmares are hallmarks of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sleep disturbances in PTSD negatively impact clinical course and functioning. In this open clinical trial, the preliminary effects of a combined treatment for insomnia and nightmares in combat veterans with PTSD were assessed. Ten combat veterans participated in a 10‐session group treatment combining cognitive–behavioral therapy for insomnia with exposure, rescripting, and relaxation therapy. Participants maintained daily sleep and dream diaries and completed self‐report measures of sleep quality and PTSD symptoms pre‐ and posttreatment. Participants reported improvements in sleep and nightmares following treatment. Future research using controlled designs to evaluate this treatment is warranted.
Reactivity of substituted copper(II) salicylates with tert‐butylperoxyl radical: Structure–reactivity relationships
Authors: Tavadyan Levon A. , Minasyan Seyran H. , Musaelyan Makich V. , Harutyunyan Lusik H. , Tonikyan Hakob G. , Sorenson John R. J.
Published: November 2009

Absolute rate constants (keff) for the chemical reactions of Cu(II)2(3,5‐di‐iso‐propylsalicylate)4(H2O)3, Cu(II)2(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylate)4, Cu(II)2(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylate)4(H2O)4, Cu(II)2(3,5‐dimethylsalicylate)4(H2O)3, Cu(II)2(3‐ethylsalicylate)4(H2O), Cu(II)2(3‐phenylsalicylate)4, and Cu(II)(3,5‐di‐iso‐propylsalicylate)2(pyridine)2 with tert‐butylperoxyl radical were determined using kinetic electron paramagnetic resonance measurements in 10% toluene in the hexane medium at temperatures ranging from −63°C to 2°C. These antioxidant (AO) chelates were ranked by their reactivity as follows: 2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenol ≫ Cu(II)2(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylate)4 ≅ Cu(II)2(3‐phenylsalicylate)4 > Cu(II)2(3,5‐di‐iso‐propylsalicylate)4(H2O)3 ≅ Cu(II)2(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylate)4(H2O)4 ≅ Cu(II)2(3,5‐dimethylsalicylate)4(H2O)3 > Cu(II)2(3‐ethylsalicylate)4(H2O) ≫ Cu(II)(3,5‐di‐iso‐propylsalicylate)2(pyridine)2 at 20°C. Differential pulse voltammetry was used to determine redox behavior of these chelates in CH2Cl2. Two types of salicylic OH groups were detected in these Cu(II) salicylates, characterized by the presence or absence of AO reactivity. One of them was coordinate covalently bonded to Cu(II) via the oxygen atoms of the salicylic OH groups, displaying oxidation peak potentials in the range from +650 to 970 mV versus Ag/Ag+. The second type was intramolecularly hydrogen bonded to carboxylate oxygens, with an oxidation peak potential in the range from +1100 to 1200 mV versus Ag/Ag+. It was concluded that non–hydrogen‐bonded salicylic OH groups are responsible for the antiperoxyl radical reactivity of these chelates, while neither Cu(II) nor salicylate ligands displayed reactivity with peroxyl radical. It has been established in this research that axially bonded electron pair donors such as pyridine and water decrease H‐donating reactivity of Cu(II) salicylates by promoting the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the salicylic OH hydrogen atoms and carboxylate oxygen atoms in the salicylic ligands. Dependences of log keff at 20°C and the anodic oxidation potential (Epa) for the salicylic OH group on the difference between symmetric and asymmetric stretching frequencies of carboxylate groups (in Fourier transform infrared spectra) for the substituted Cu(II) salicylates were determined. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 56–67, 2010
Anilinolysis of nitro‐substituted diphenyl ethers in acetonitrile: The effect of some ortho‐substituents on the mechanism of SNAr reactions
Authors: Isanbor Chukwuemeka , Emokpae Thomas A.
Published: November 2009

Rate data are reported for the reactions of a series of X‐phenyl 2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl ethers 1a–e[X = H, 4‐NO2, 2‐NO2, 2,4‐(NO2)2, or 2,6‐(NO2)2] with substituted anilines 2a–e [Y = H, 2‐CH3, 2,4‐(CH3)2, 2,6‐(CH3)2, or N‐CH3] in acetonitrile as solvent. For individual amine, kinetic data show that there is little steric hindrance to attack at the 1‐position of the parent molecules, even in the presence of di‐ortho substitution. With each substrate, however, there is evidence for significant steric interactions; such effects leading to rate retardation were very severe for 2,6‐dimethylaniline 2d (2,6‐(CH3)2) and N‐methylaniline 2e (Y = N‐CH3), the deactivating effect of N‐CH3 in most cases is slightly higher than that of 2,6‐(CH3)2. However, the reactions with 2e are base catalyzed whereas those of 2d are not. The corresponding reactions with aniline 2a (Y = H) and mono‐ortho methyl‐substituted aniline 2b (Y = CH3) are wholly base catalyzed. Only with the dinitro substrates, an uncatalyzed reaction is observed and when X = 2,6‐(NO2)2 this pathway takes all the reaction flux. A rationale is provided for the dichotomy of amine effects observed in this investigation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 37–49, 2010
Oxidation of some α‐hydroxy acids by tetraethylammonium chlorochromate: A kinetic and mechanistic study
Authors: Swami Preeti , Yajurvedi D. , Mishra P. , Sharma Pradeep K.
Published: November 2009

The oxidation of glycolic, lactic, malic, and a few substituted mandelic acids by tetraethylammonium chlorochromate (TEACC) in dimethylsulfoxide leads to the formation of corresponding oxoacids. The reaction is first order each in TEACC and hydroxy acids. Reaction is failed to induce the polymerization of acrylonitrile. The oxidation of α‐deuteriomandelic acid shows the presence of a primary kinetic isotope effect (kH/kD = 5.63 at 298 K). The reaction does not exhibit the solvent isotope effect. The reaction is catalyzed by the hydrogen ions. The hydrogen ion dependence has the following form: kobs = a + b[H+]. Oxidation of p‐methylmandelic acid has been studied in 19 different organic solvents. The solvent effect has been analyzed by using Kamlet's and Swain's multiparametric equations. A mechanism involving a hydride ion transfer via a chromate ester is proposed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 42: 50–55, 2010
Identification of sediment source and sink areas in a Himalayan watershed using GIS and remote sensing
Authors: Jain M. K. , Mishra S. K. , Shah R. B.
Published: November 2009

Erosion is a natural geomorphic process occurring continually over the Earth's surface and it largely depends on topography, vegetation, soil and climatic variables, and therefore, exhibits pronounced spatial variability due to catchment heterogeneity and climatic variation. This problem can be circumvented by discretizing the catchment into approximately homogeneous sub‐areas using GIS. In this study, the remote sensing and GIS techniques (through Imagine®8.6 and ArcGIS®9.1 software) were used for derivation of spatial information, catchment discretization, data processing etc. for the Himalayan Chaukhutia watershed (India). Various thematic layers for different factors of USLE were generated and overlaid to compute spatially distributed gross soil erosion maps for the watershed using 18‐year rainfall data. The concept of transport limited accumulation was formulated and used in ArcGIS® for generating the transport capacity maps. Using these maps, the gross soil erosion was routed to the catchment outlet using hydrological drainage paths, for derivation of transport capacity limited sediment outflow maps. These maps depict the amount of sediment rate from a particular grid in spatial domain and the pixel value of the outlet grid indicates the sediment yield at the outlet of the watershed. Up on testing, the proposed method simulated the annual sediment yield with less than ±40% error. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytochrome P450 1B1 mRNA untranslated regions interact to inhibit protein translation
Authors: Devlin Andrea H. , Thompson Paul , Robson Tracy , McKeown Stephanie R.
Published: November 2009

CYP1B1 mRNA is expressed constitutively in all normal extrahepatic human tissues, though the protein is usually undetectable. In contrast, CYP1B1 protein is expressed at high levels in tumors. In this study CYP1B1 mRNA and protein expression was measured in a panel of cell lines indicating that CYP1B1 regulation is altered in tumor cell lines in vitro. Interrogation of ONCOMINE revealed that CYP1B1 mRNA is not significantly overexpressed in tumors compared to normal tissues, suggesting CYP1B1 is subject to posttranscriptional control. Analysis of the CYP1B1 mRNA revealed a complex 5′ untranslated region (UTR) containing a small upstream open‐reading frame (uORF). These features are present in mRNAs subject to translational control so the effect of the 5′UTR was tested using in vitro translation in CHO‐K1 cells. The 5′UTR significantly inhibited luciferase reporter gene translation, and mutation of the uORF start codon abolished the inhibitory effect. The 5′UTR also interacted with the microRNA‐27b recognition element in the CYP1B1 mRNA 3′UTR to almost completely inhibit translation. CYP1B1 is subject to a high degree of translational control, which may explain the absence of protein expression in normal cells. Alterations in translational control during malignant transformation may help to explain the tumor‐specific expression of CYP1B1 protein. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The tumor suppressor parafibromin is required for posttranscriptional processing of histone mRNA
Authors: Farber Leslie J. , Kort Eric J. , Wang PengFei , Chen Jindong , Teh Bin T.
Published: November 2009

Parafibromin, encoded by the geneHRPT2, is a tumor suppressor protein associated with the RNA polymerase II‐associated complex, Paf1 complex.HRPT2mutations were first identified in patients with the multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome, hyperparathyroidism‐jaw tumor (HPT‐JT) syndrome, and have also been found in sporadic parathyroid and renal tumors. However, the mechanisms by which parafibromin suppresses tumor formation remain unknown. In this study, we identify a novel role of parafibromin in the regulation of replication‐dependent histones. Both in vitro and in vivo analyses reveal a posttranscriptional role of parafibromin in histone mRNA processing. Downregulation of parafibromin through RNA interference or in vivo mutations lead to uncleaved histone mRNA with polyadenylated tails. These results indicate that parafibromin regulates the 3′ processing of histone RNA, an essential component of the cell cycle. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The synergistic anticancer effect of troglitazone combined with aspirin causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human lung cancer cells
Authors: Yan Kun‐Huang , Yao Chih‐Jung , Chang Hwan‐You , Lai Gi‐Ming , Cheng Ann‐Lii , Chuang Shuang‐En
Published: November 2009

Troglitazone (TGZ) is a synthetic thiazolidinedione drug belonging to a group of potent peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists known to inhibit proliferation, alter cell cycle regulation, and induce apoptosis in various cancer cell types. TGZ is an oral anti‐type II diabetes drug that can reverse insulin resistance. For more then 100 yr, aspirin, a nonselective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, has been successfully used as an anti‐inflammatory drug. Recently, Aspirin (ASA) and some other nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have drawn much attention for their protective effects against colon cancer and cardiovascular disease; it has been observed that ASA's anti‐tumor effect can be attributed to inhibition of cell cycle progression, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of angiogenesis. In this report we demonstrate for the first time that, when administered in combination, TGZ and ASA can produce a strong synergistic effect in growth inhibition and G1 arrest in lung cancer CL1‐0 and A549 cells. Examination by colony formation assay revealed an even more profound synergy. In Western blot, combined TGZ and ASA also could downregulate Cdk2, E2F‐1, cyclin B1, cyclin D3 protein, and the ratio of phospho‐Rb/Rb. Importantly, apoptosis was synergistically induced by the combination treatment, as evidenced by caspase‐3 activation and PARP cleavage. The involvement of PI3K/Akt inhibition and p27 upregulation, as well as hypophosphorylation of Rac1 at ser71, were demonstrated. Taken together, these results suggest that clinically achievable concentrations of TGZ and ASA used in combination may produce a strong anticancer synergy that warrants further investigation for its clinical applications. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fem1b, a proapoptotic protein, mediates proteasome inhibitor‐induced apoptosis of human colon cancer cells
Authors: Subauste M. Cecilia , Sansom Owen J. , Porecha Nehal , Raich Natacha , Du Liqin , Maher Joseph F.
Published: November 2009

In the treatment of colon cancer, the development of resistance to apoptosis is a major factor in resistance to therapy. New molecular approaches to overcome apoptosis resistance, such as selectively upregulating proapoptotic proteins, are needed in colon cancer therapy. In a mouse model with inactivation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) tumor suppressor gene, reflecting the pathogenesis of most human colon cancers, the gene encoding feminization‐1 homolog b (Fem1b) is upregulated in intestinal epithelium following Apc inactivation. Fem1b is a proapoptotic protein that interacts with apoptosis‐inducing proteins Fas, tumor necrosis factor receptor‐1 (TNFR1), and apoptotic protease activating factor‐1 (Apaf‐1). Increasing Fem1b expression induces apoptosis of cancer cells, but effects on colon cancer cells have not been reported. Fem1b is a homolog of feminization‐1 (FEM‐1), a protein in Caenorhabditis elegans that is regulated by proteasomal degradation, but whether Fem1b is likewise regulated by proteasomal degradation is unknown. Herein, we found that Fem1b protein is expressed in primary human colon cancer specimens, and in malignant SW620, HCT‐116, and DLD‐1 colon cancer cells. Increasing Fem1b expression, by transfection of a Fem1b expression construct, induced apoptosis of these cells. We found that proteasome inhibitor treatment of SW620, HCT‐116, and DLD‐1 cells caused upregulation of Fem1b protein levels, associated with induction of apoptosis. Blockade of Fem1b upregulation with morpholino antisense oligonucleotide suppressed the proteasome inhibitor‐induced apoptosis of these cells. In conclusion, the proapoptotic protein Fem1b is downregulated by the proteasome in malignant colon cancer cells and mediates proteasome inhibitor‐induced apoptosis of these cells. Therefore, Fem1b could represent a novel molecular target to overcome apoptosis resistance in therapy of colon cancer. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Silibinin inhibits human nonsmall cell lung cancer cell growth through cell‐cycle arrest by modulating expression and function of key cell‐cycle regulators
Authors: Mateen Samiha , Tyagi Alpna , Agarwal Chapla , Singh Rana P. , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: November 2009

Recent studies show that silibinin possesses a strong antineoplastic potential against many cancers; however, its efficacy and underlying molecular mechanisms in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are not well defined. Herein, we assessed silibinin activity on prime endpoints and key molecular targets such as cell number, cell‐cycle progression, and cell‐cycle regulatory molecules in three cell lines representing different NSCLC subtypes, namely large cell carcinoma cells (H1299 and H460) and a bronchioalveolar carcinoma cell line (H322). Silibinin treatment (10–75 µM) inhibited cell growth and targeted cell‐cycle progressing causing a prominent G1 arrest in dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. In mechanistic studies, silibinin (50–75 µM) modulated the protein levels of cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) (4, 6, and 2), cyclins (D1, D3, and E), CDKIs (p18/INK4C, p21/Cip1, and p27/Kip1) in a differential manner in these three cell lines. Consistent with these observations, silibinin caused a reduction in kinase activity of CDK4 and 2 in all cell lines except no effect on CDK4 kinase activity in H460 cells, and concomitantly reduced Rb phosphorylation. Together, for the first time, these results identify potential molecular targets and anticancer effects of silibinin in NSCLC cells representing different NSCLC subtypes. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Up regulation of GW112 Gene by NFκB promotes an antiapoptotic property in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Kim Kee K. , Park Key S. , Song Seok B. , Kim Kyoon E.
Published: November 2009

To clarify the regulatory mechanism of GW112 gene expression, 5′‐flanking region of the human GW112 gene was isolated and characterized in the present study. 5′‐RACE analysis showed a single transcription start site, which is located 142 nucleotides upstream of the translation initiation site. Transient transfection studies with serial deletion constructs and close examination of the sequences identified a putative NFκB binding sequence between −442 and −430, which could be responsible for efficient expression of the GW112 gene. Indeed, GW112 gene was found to be regulated by NFκB signals including overexpressed p65 and IκBα, IKK inhibitor, and proteasome inhibitor. Binding of NFκB to its putative site was confirmed by EMSA and ChIP assays. These results suggest that NFκB is an essential regulatory factor for GW112 transcription. Based on this finding, we next confirmed that inhibition of GW112 expression could induce apoptosis in the presence of cytotoxic agent in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, knocking‐down or overexpression of GW112 gene in gastric cancer cells demonstrated that GW112 has an antiapoptotic property against the cytotoxic agents‐induced apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggest that GW112 could be an important mediator in NFκB‐dependent tumorigenesis of digestive tract tissues. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Levodopa response in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hauser Robert A. , Auinger Peggy , Oakes David ,   on behalf of the Parkinson Study Group
Published: November 2009

To further characterize the short‐term levodopa response in early PD, we performed a retrospective analysis of the ELLDOPA study which randomized 361 early PD subjects to placebo, levodopa 150, 300, or 600 mg/day. We evaluated change in UPDRS motor scores (UPDRSm) from baseline to weeks 9 and 24, and identified changes in UPDRSm that best discriminated treatment with levodopa from placebo. Linear regressions were used to determine associations between baseline characteristics and changes in UPDRSm. Mean percent improvement in UPDRSm in levodopa‐treated subjects was greater than that for placebo‐treated subjects (27.4% vs. 5.8% at 9 weeks, P < 0.001 and 26.2% vs. 4.0% at 24 weeks, P < 0.001). UPDRSm change at 9 weeks ranged from –92.9% (improvement) to 85.7% (worsening) for levodopa and –86.7% to 160% for placebo, and at 24 weeks ranged from –100.0% to 242.9% for levodopa and –87.5% to 112.5% for placebo. UPDRSm improvements of 22.0% at 9 weeks and 23.8% at 24 weeks best discriminated treatment with levodopa 300 mg/day (a common initial maintenance dosage in clinical practice) from placebo. Significant associations were not observed between baseline subject characteristics and magnitude of response from baseline to week 24. We conclude that although levodopa treatment significantly improved PD signs when compared with placebo, there was a wide range and considerable overlap in clinical responses to levodopa and placebo. A substantial proportion of subjects with early PD did not experience a robust response to levodopa. An improvement in UPDRSm of ∼22% best discriminated levodopa treatment from placebo. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Role of LINGO1 polymorphisms in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Haubenberger Dietrich , Hotzy Christoph , Pirker Walter , Katzenschlager Regina , Brücke Thomas , Zimprich Fritz , Auff Eduard , Zimprich Alexander
Published: November 2009

A clinical overlap between Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET) has prompted a discussion whether these conditions share common genetic susceptibility factors. Recently, the first genome‐wide association study in ET revealed a significant association with a variant in the LINGO1 gene. LINGO1 has also been demonstrated to play a role in the survival of dopaminergic neurons in an animal model of PD, and therefore constitutes a potential candidate gene for PD. In this study, SNPs rs9652490, rs11856808, and rs7177008 of LINGO1 were genotyped in a total of 694 Austrian subjects (349 PD, 345 controls). No association could be found between genotype or allele counts and PD. Neither did a subgroup analysis in tremor‐dominant patients with PD reveal a significant association. This study on LINGO1‐variants in PD argues against a major role of LINGO1 gene variations for PD. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Idiopathic spinal myoclonus: A clinical and neurophysiological assessment of a movement disorder of uncertain origin
Authors: Esposito Marcello , Edwards Mark J. , Bhatia Kailash P. , Brown Peter , Cordivari Carla
Published: November 2009

Spinal Myoclonus (SM) is characterized by brief and sudden movements caused by the activation of muscles belonging to adjacent spinal myotomes. Recent reports have indicated that “typical” clinical and electrophysiological features of SM can be mimicked voluntarily. A useful tool that can distinguish between organic and psychogenic jerks is the detection of a Bereitschaftspotential (BP). In this study, we looked for evidence of a BP in a cohort of patients with idiopathic SM. A clinical and neurophysiological assessment of 20 patients affected by idiopathic SM was performed. A video EEG‐EMG multichannel recording was performed in each patient to detect BP. An expert neurophysiologist (PB) reviewed the BP recordings and divided them into those showing a definite, possible, and no BP. A clinical assessment of the videoed movements was performed by two neurologists expert in movement disorders (KB and MJE) who indicated if the movements were compatible with organic or psychogenic myoclonus. A definite or possible BP was recorded in 15 out of 20 patients. Clinical raters agreed in their clinical opinion on 15 patients (75%). All patients where both raters agreed the movements appeared to be organic had definite or possible BP. BP are commonly seen in patients with idiopathic SM. There is discordance between clinicians in their clinical rating of SM as organic or psychogenic, but even in those patients where movements appear clinically to be organic, a BP is commonly detected, indicating that the aetiology is psychogenic. This suggests that BP recordings are a useful adjunct to clinical assessment in the accurate diagnosis of patients with idiopathic SM. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Theory of mind in Parkinson's disease and related basal ganglia disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Bodden Maren Elisabeth , Dodel Richard , Kalbe Elke
Published: November 2009

Theory of mind (ToM), defined as the ability to infer other people's mental states, is a crucial prerequisite of human social interaction and a major topic of interest in the recent neuroscientific research. It has been proposed that ToM is mediated by a complex neuroanatomical network that includes the medial prefrontal cortex, the anterior gyrus cinguli, the sulcus temporalis superior, the temporal poles, and the amygdala. Various neurological and psychiatric diseases are accompanied by aspects of dysfunctional ToM processing. In this review, the association between basal ganglia, involved in the organization of complex cognitive and emotional behavior, and ToM processing is discussed. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of research on ToM abilities in basal ganglia disorders, especially Parkinson's Disease and related disorders. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Interruption of deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus in primary generalized dystonia
Authors: Grabli David , Ewenczyk Claire , Coelho‐Braga Maria‐Clara , Lagrange Christelle , Fraix Valerie , Cornu Philippe , Benabid Alim‐Louis , Vidailhet Marie , Pollak Pierre
Published: November 2009

Stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus (GP) is effective to treat generalized dystonia. Little is known about the evolution of dystonia in case of arrest after a long period of stimulation. This study describes the course of dystonia during a 48 hours period without stimulation followed by a 24 hours period after turning ON the stimulator. 14 patients with generalized dystonia treated with bilateral GP DBS for 3 years or more were recruited. Blinded video‐based analysis was performed using Burke‐Fahn‐Marsden scale at (1) baseline (ON stimulation), (2) up to 48 hours after the stimulator was turned OFF, and (3) 24 hours after the stimulator was turned ON. 13 patients completed the 48 hours OFF‐stimulation period. The dystonia movement score progressively worsened from 24.3 ± 13.9 at baseline to 48.9 ± 19.8 after 48 hours (P < 0.00001). The disability score also worsened from 4.4 ± 1.2 at baseline to 5.7 ± 1.5 after 48 hours without stimulation (P < 0.001). When the neurostimulator was turned ON, the dystonia scores returned to baseline level after 10 hours. The interruption of GP DBS in dystonia results in a progressive worsening which is rapidly reversible once the neurostimulator is turned ON. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
A comparison of treatment thresholds in two large Parkinson's disease clinical trial cohorts
Authors: Marras Connie , Lang Anthony E. , Eberly Shirley W. , Oakes David , Fahn Stanley , Schwid Steven R. , Hyson Christopher , Shoulson Ira ,   of the Parkinson Study Group DATATOP and PRECEPT investigators
Published: November 2009

Deprenyl and Tocopherol Antioxidative Therapy of Parkinsonism (DATATOP) and Parkinson Research Examination of CEP‐1347 Trial (PRECEPT) were two clinical trials of potential disease‐modifying agents for Parkinson's disease that used the time to reaching disability sufficient to require dopaminergic therapy as the primary endpoint. To compare the thresholds for initiating dopaminergic treatment for Parkinson's disease between the two studies, conducted fifteen years apart. Baseline and 12‐month endpoint characteristics for subjects in the placebo arms of the two studies were compared. DATATOP placebo subjects had slightly higher total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores at baseline than PRECEPT placebo subjects (26.1 vs. 23.6, P = 0.03). Time to endpoint was not significantly different. Mean total UPDRS scores at endpoint among those subjects reaching endpoint by 12 months were 48.4 in DATATOP and 37.5 in PRECEPT (P < 0.0001). Baseline disease severity and time to disability requiring dopaminergic therapy were similar in the DATATOP and PRECEPT trials. The threshold for starting dopaminergic treatment was lower in PRECEPT than in the earlier DATATOP study. This may relate to changes in philosophies with respect to starting treatment for Parkinson's disease, but the factors underlying this change remain to be elucidated. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Cognitive impulsivity in Parkinson's disease patients: Assessment and pathophysiology
Authors: Robert Gabriel , Drapier Dominique , Verin Marc , Millet Bruno , Azulay Jean‐Philippe , Blin Olivier
Published: November 2009

Impulsivity may be induced by therapeutic interventions (dopamine replacement therapies and sub‐thalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The present review has two goals. First, to describe the most frequently encountered facets of cognitive impulsivity and to stress the links between cognitive impulsivity and aspects such as reward‐related decision making, risk‐taking, and time‐processing in healthy population. The most widely used related cognitive impulsivity paradigms are presented. Second, to review the results of studies on cognitive impulsivity in healthy volunteers and in patients with PD, the latter support the applicability and clinical relevance of this construct in PD population. Data show that PD treatments may favor impulsivity via different mechanisms. Suggestions on the roles of dopamine and STN in the pathophysiology of cognitive impulsivity are proposed. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Validation of self‐report depression rating scales in Huntington's disease
Authors: De Souza Jennifer , Jones Lisa A. , Rickards Hugh
Published: November 2009

The aim of this study was to assess the criterion validity of three self‐report measures of depression in a sample of patients with Huntington's disease (HD). Fifty patients with HD completed the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Depression Intensity Scale Circles (DISCs). Current psychiatric status was assessed using the schedules for clinical assessment in neuropsychiatry (SCAN), and ICD‐10 diagnosis was used as the gold standard. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were obtained and the sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were calculated for different cut‐off scores on each rating scale. Twelve patients (24%) met ICD‐10 criteria for depressive disorder. The depression sub‐scale of the HADS (HADS‐D) at an optimal cut‐off of 6/7 was found to discriminate maximally between depressed and nondepressed patients in this population. The DISCs at a cut‐off of 1/2 also performed well at detecting possible “cases” of depression, whereas the BDI‐II performed the least satisfactorily of all scales. The HADS‐D and DISCs are good screening measures for depression in the HD population and the DISCs may be particularly useful in those patients with more severe communicative and cognitive deficits. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society