bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol consumption and ovarian cancer risk in a population‐based case–control study
Authors: Peterson Neeraja B. , Trentham‐Dietz Amy , Newcomb Polly A. , Chen Zhi , Hampton John M. , Willett Walter C. , Egan Kathleen M.
Published: August 2006

Alcohol consumption has been investigated as a possible risk factor for ovarian cancer in several epidemiological studies, with inconsistent findings. Recent studies have suggested that the association between alcohol consumption and ovarian cancer may vary according to histologic subtype of ovarian cancer and type of alcohol consumed (e.g., wine, beer, or liquor). We examined these associations in a population‐based case‐control study comprised of 762 incident cases of epithelial ovarian cancer and 6,271 population controls from Massachusetts and Wisconsin aged 40–79 years. Women reported their usual alcohol consumption as young adults (20–30 years of age) and in the recent past. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. There was no significant association of ovarian cancer with increasing alcohol consumption either during ages 20–30 years (p trend 0.42) or in the recent past (p trend 0.83). Regular drinking of beer (1 drink/day or more) during ages 20–30 (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.07–2.26), though not liquor (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.86–2.11) or wine (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.49–2.00), was associated with a statistically significant increase in risk of invasive tumors, whereas no significant relationships were observed for recent drinking, regardless of alcohol type. The elevated risk for early adult regular drinking was confined to serous invasive tumors (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.01–2.30), though results for other subtypes were based on sparse data and results were imprecise. In this study, neither total alcohol consumption as a young adult nor recently was associated with an increase in the risk of ovarian cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
What are cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases doing in the driver's seat of carcinogenesis?
Authors: Fürstenberger G. , Krieg P. , Müller‐Decker K. , Habenicht A.J.R.
Published: August 2006

Substantial evidence supports a functional role for cyclooxygenase‐ and lipoxygenase‐catalyzed arachidonic and linoleic acid metabolism in cancer development. Genetic intervention studies firmly established cause‐effect relations for cyclooxygenase‐2, but cyclooxygenase‐1 may also be involved. In addition, pharmacologic cyclooxygenase inhibition was found to suppress carcinogenesis in both experimental mouse models and several cancers in humans. Arachidonic acid‐derived eicosanoid or linoleic acid‐derived hydro[peroxy]fatty acid signaling are likely to be involved impacting fundamental biologic phenomina as diverse as cell growth, cell survival, angiogenesis, cell invasion, metastatic potential and immunomodulation. However, long chain unsaturated fatty acid oxidation reactions indicate antipodal functions of distinct lipoxygenase isoforms in carcinogenesis, i.e., the 5‐ and platelet‐type 12‐lipoxygenase exhibit procarcinogenic activities, while 15‐lipoxygenase‐1 and 15‐lipoxygenase‐2 may suppress carcinogenesis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Usefulness of EGFR mutation screening in pleural fluid to predict the clinical outcome of gefitinib treated patients with lung cancer
Authors: Soh Junichi , Toyooka Shinichi , Aoe Keisuke , Asano Hiroaki , Ichihara Syuji , Katayama Hideki , Hiraki Akio , Kiura Katsuyuki , Aoe Motoi , Sano Yoshifumi , Sugi Kazuro , Shimizu Nobuyoshi , Date Hiroshi
Published: August 2006

The importance of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation has been recognized in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), requiring the standardization of mutation screening system including the kind of samples. Here, we examined the EGFR mutation status in 61 pleural fluid samples from NSCLC cases using direct sequencing, nonenriched PCR, mutant‐enriched PCR and peptide nucleic acid‐locked nucleic acid (PNA‐LNA) PCR clamp assay. The mutant‐enriched PCR assay detected 16 mutant cases. Among them, the nonenriched PCR assay failed to detect 3 mutant cases. Regarding the discrepancy between mutant‐enriched PCR and PNA‐LNA PCR clamp assays, 3 cases of exon19‐deletions were detected only by mutant‐enriched PCR assay and no difference at the L858R mutation. There was no difference in results between direct sequencing and nonenriched PCR assay. We also correlated the EGFR mutation with clinical outcome of gefitinib‐treated 29 cases. EGFR mutations were present in 10 cases, revealing 7 partial response and 3 no change (NC). In EGFR wild‐type cases, 10 revealed NC and 9 progressive disease. The responders were significantly more frequent among the EGFR mutant cases than among the wild‐type (p < 0.0001). Overall survival (p = 0.0092) and progression‐free survival (p = 0.018) were significantly longer among the EGFR mutant cases than among the wild‐type. In summary, we evaluated the utility of EGFR mutation screening in pleural fluid using 4 assays that showed some discrepancies arising from the designs of the assays. As clinical importance, the EGFR mutation status in pleural fluid can be a biomarker for the favorable outcome of gefitinib‐treated NSCLC cases. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal dietary exposure to fiber during pregnancy and mammary tumorigenesis among rat offspring
Authors: Yu Bin , Khan Galam , Foxworth Aaron , Huang Kai , Hilakivi‐Clarke Leena
Published: August 2006

Maternal diet during pregnancy has been proposed to modify female offspring's later susceptibility to develop breast cancer; however, most of the dietary factors identified thus far have led to increased risk. To identify dietary factors that might reduce offspring's breast cancer risk, pregnant rat dams were fed diets containing 6% fiber originating either from cellulose (control), or oat, whole wheat or defatted flax flour. At birth, dams were switched to the AIN93 semi‐purified diet. Mammary tumor incidence and multiplicity, induced by administering the offspring 5 mg 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) at the age of 50 days, was reduced in the whole wheat flour‐exposed offspring and increased in the defatted flax‐exposed offspring. To identify the mechanisms mediating the effects of in utero dietary exposures, changes in mammary gland morphology and gene expression were assessed before puberty onset (3 weeks of age) and at the time rats are most susceptible to malignant transformation (8 weeks of age). The number of terminal end buds (TEBs), i.e., the targets of malignant transformation, was reduced in the mammary glands of whole wheat‐ and oat flour‐exposed offspring, as compared to the controls. Further, the number of apoptotic epithelial cells (based on ISOL assay) was elevated in the whole wheat flour offspring, but no changes in cell proliferation (PCNA), estrogen receptor α (ER‐α) or cyclin D1 mRNA or protein levels were seen. The mRNA and/or protein levels of BRCA1 and p53 were significantly increased in the mammary glands of whole wheat flour offspring. Further, the levels of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), a marker of DNA damage, were significantly reduced in these rats, suggesting that maternal dietary exposure to whole wheat during pregnancy may reduce offspring's breast cancer risk by improving DNA damage repair mechanisms. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution of the iron‐regulating protein hepcidin in the murine central nervous system
Authors: Zechel S. , Huber‐Wittmer K. , von Bohlen und Halbach Oliver
Published: August 2006

Iron serves as an essential trace element for all body tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). Because iron deficiency as well as iron overload is known to cause damage to the mammalian brain, the maintenance of iron homeostasis is crucial. It has been discovered recently that hepcidin plays an essential role in iron metabolism outside the CNS. A defect in hepcidin expression is responsible for iron accumulation and mice over‐expressing hepcidin die postnatally by a severe anemia. We have used RT‐PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry to investigate the cellular distribution of hepcidin mRNA and protein in brain, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia. Our results show a wide‐spread distribution of hepcidin in different brain areas, including the olfactory bulb, cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus, mesencephalon, cerebellum, pons, spinal cord, as well as in dorsal root ganglia of the peripheral nervous system. Hepcidin immunoreactivity is not restricted to neurons, but can be detected in both neurons and GFAP‐positive glia cells. Because hepcidin action in organs outside the CNS is linked to iron homeostasis, we speculate that it is also involved in such processes in the CNS, putatively together with other iron regulating proteins. Cellular mechanisms and functions of hepcidin in the CNS remain to be elucidated. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of protein and carbohydrate supplementation on strength training outcome of rehabilitation in ACL patients
Authors: Holm L. , Esmarck B. , Mizuno M. , Hansen H. , Suetta C. , Hölmich P. , Krogsgaard M. , Kjær M.
Published: August 2006

Patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury experience atrophy and weakening of the extensor as well as the hamstrings muscles at the injured leg. Especially, the weakness of the quadriceps muscle has been ascribed to hamper daily physical tasks. The purpose of the present study was therefore to investigate if nutrient supplementation during 12 weeks of conservative rehabilitation strength training could enhance hypertrophy and strength of the quadriceps muscle in ACL‐injured patients. Twenty‐six ACL‐injured men and women were included and randomly distributed into three supplementation groups: Protein + Carbohydrate (PC), Isocaloric–Carbohydrate (IC), or Placebo (PL), ingesting the supplementation immediately after each of 36 training sessions. Determined from images of thigh cross‐sections (magnetic resonance imaging) the hypertrophy of the quadriceps muscle differed significantly between groups at the distal part, with the PC group demonstrating the largest hypertrophy. Peak torque of the quadriceps muscle at constant velocity 60° · s−1 was significantly elevated in the PC group only, and the time to reach peak torque tended to decrease as well only in the PC group. The results from this study demonstrate that restoration of the distal vasti muscle mass and knee extension muscle strength with resistance training is promoted further by protein‐containing nutrient supplementation immediately after single exercise sessions. Thus, exercise‐related protein supplementation may seem important for surgery‐related rehabilitation of skeletal muscle. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:2114–2123, 2006
Augmentation of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) mineralization by a synthetic growth factor mimetic
Authors: Lin Xinhua , Peña Louis A. , Zamora Paul O. , Campion Sarah L. , Takahashi Kazuyuki
Published: August 2006

These studies evaluated whether F2A4‐K‐NS, a peptide mimetic of FGF‐2, could augment ectopic bone production following the subcutaneous implant of human demineralized bone matrix (DBM). DBM was formulated into a gel with and without F2A4‐K‐NS, and injected subcutaneously into athymic rats. After 28 days the resultant tissue was excised and fixed. The tissue was examined with soft X‐rays and microcomputerized tomography (micro‐CT), and by histological methods. Inclusion of F2A4‐K‐NS with DBM resulted in an increased mineral deposition as determined by soft X‐ray and micro‐CT analysis and von Kossa staining. DBM‐containing tissues showed extensive mineralization compared to the carrier alone, which was poorly mineralized. The mineralization was qualitatively and quantitatively the most extensive in the samples containing F2A4‐K‐NS plus DBM. Additionally, the highest amount of von Kossa staining for calcium was observed in tissues from animals that had received DBM plus F2A4‐K‐NS. In these studies, 100 ng of peptide per 0.2 mL of injectable DBM gel generated the most optimal results. The synthetic peptide F2A4‐K‐NS augmented DBM‐induced ectopic mineralization in athymic animals. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:2051–2058, 2006
Nitric oxide protects osteoblasts from oxidative stress‐induced apoptotic insults via a mitochondria‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Chang Chia‐Chen , Liao Yi‐Shyan , Lin Yi‐Ling , Chen Ruei‐Ming
Published: August 2006

Nitric oxide (NO) contributes to the regulation of osteoblast activities. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of NO pretreatment on oxidative stress‐induced osteoblast apoptosis and its possible mechanism using neonatal rat calvarial osteoblasts as the experimental model. Exposure of osteoblasts to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) at a low concentration of 0.3 mM significantly increased cellular NO levels without affecting cell viability. However, when the concentration reached a high concentration of 2 mM, SNP increased the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and induced osteoblast injuries. Thus, administration of 0.3 and 2 mM SNP in osteoblasts were respectively used as sources of NO and oxidative stress. Pretreatment with NO for 24 h significantly ameliorated the oxidative stress‐caused morphological alterations and decreases in alkaline phosphatase activity, and reduced cell death. Oxidative stress induced osteoblast death via an apoptotic mechanism, but NO pretreatment protected osteoblasts against the toxic effects. The mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced following exposure to the oxidative stress. However, pretreatment with NO significantly lowered the suppressive effects. Oxidative stress increased cellular Bax protein production and cytochromecrelease from mitochondria. Pretreatment with NO significantly decreased oxidative stress‐caused augmentation of Bax and cytochromecprotein levels. In parallel with cytochromecrelease, oxidative stress induced caspase‐3 activation and DNA fragmentation. Pretreatment with NO significantly reduced the oxidative stress‐enhanced caspase‐3 activation and DNA damage. Results of this study show that NO pretreatment can protect osteoblasts from oxidative stress‐induced apoptotic insults. The protective action involves a mitochondria‐dependent mechanism. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1917–1925, 2006
Gene expression and proliferation analysis in young, aged, and osteoarthritic sheep chondrocytes effect of growth factor treatment
Authors: Acosta Carlos A. , Izal Iñigo , Ripalda Purificacion , Douglas‐Price Ana Laura , Forriol Francisco
Published: August 2006

Cartilage is a support tissue with a poor capacity to self‐repair. Its cells, chondrocytes, are responsible for synthesizing and renewing the matrix that surrounds them in a constant turnover mechanism. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is one of the techniques that promises to be an alternative to common strategies for chondral lesions. To apply this technique, a large amount of cells must be obtained. In our work, we studied the state of cells from different cartilage (young, aged, and osteoarthritic sheep) cultured in monolayer by analyzing their proliferation rate using bromodeoxyuridine and their gene expression profile by RT‐PCR. A decrease was found in expression of type II collagen and aggrecan in aged, osteoarthritic, and passaged chondrocytes. Treatment of cells with growth factors aFGF, IGF‐I, TGF‐β, and OP‐1 improved the proliferation rate in all cells studied and stimulated gene expression of type II collagen, aggrecan, and TGF‐β. Osteoarthritic cells showed a poor response according to matrix gene expression, while young cells responded properly, and aged chondrocytes showed a moderate response. These results suggest that the state of cartilage may affect the behavior of cultured chondrocytes. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:2087–2094, 2006
Growth and nitrate reductase activity in Juniperus oxycedrus subjected to organic amendments and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizae
Authors: Caravaca Fuensanta , del Mar Alguacil María , Díaz Gisela , Marín Purificación , Roldán Antonio
Published: August 2006

The effectiveness of reforestation programs on degraded soils in the Mediterranean region is frequently limited by a low soil availability and a poor plant uptake and assimilation of nutrients. While organic amendments can improve the nutrient supply, inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi can enhance plant nutrient uptake. A pot experiment was conducted in 2004 to study the influence of inoculation with an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus (Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith) or with a mixture of three AM fungi (G. intraradices, G. deserticola Trappe, Bloss. & Menge, and G. mosseae (Nicol & Gerd.) Gerd. & Trappe) and of an addition of composted sewage sludge or Aspergillus niger–treated dry‐olive‐cake residue on plant growth, nutrient uptake, mycorrhizal colonization, and nitrate reductase (NR) activity in shoot and roots of Juniperus oxycedrus L. Six months after planting, the inoculation of the seedlings with G. intraradices or a mixture of three AM fungi was the most effective treatment for stimulating growth of J. oxycedrus. There were no differences between the two mycorrhizal treatments. All treatments increased plant growth and foliar N and P contents compared to the control plants. Mycorrhizal inoculation and organic amendments, particularly fermented dry olive cake, increased significantly the NR activity in roots.
Impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield, taste, and nutritional quality of tomatoes
Authors: Heeb Anuschka , Lundegårdh Bengt , Savage Geoffrey , Ericsson Tom
Published: August 2006

In a greenhouse experiment, tomato plants were grown in sand culture to test whether different fertilization regimes (mineral or organic fertilizers) at low (500 mg N plant–1 week–1) and high (750 mg N plant–1 week–1) nitrogen levels affected yield, nutritional quality, and taste of the fruits. In the mineral‐fertilizer treatments, nitrate‐ or ammonium‐dominated nutrient solutions were used. Organic fertilizer was supplied as fresh cut grass‐clover mulch (a total of 2.4 kg and 3.6 kg were given per plant at low and high N level, respectively) without (orgN) and with additional sulfur fertilization (orgN+S). Yields of red tomatoes from the organically fertilized plants were significantly lower (1.3–1.8 kg plant–1) than yields from plants that received mineral fertilizer (2.2–2.8 kg plant–1). At the final harvest, yields of green tomatoes in the organic treatment with extra sulfur were similar (1.1–1.2 kg plant–1) to the NO$ _3^- $‐dominated treatments at both nutrient levels and the NH$ _4^+ $‐dominated treatment at high nutrient level. Organic fertilizers released nutrients more slowly than mineral fertilizers, resulting in decreased S and P concentrations in the leaves, which limited growth and yield in the orgN treatments. Analysis of tomato fruits and plants as well as taste‐test results gave no conclusive answer on the relationship between sugar or acid contents in the fruits, macronutrient content of plant leaves and fruits, and perceived taste. Sugar contents were higher in the fruits given mineral fertilizer, whereas acid contents were higher in the fruits given organic fertilizer. Preference in taste was given to the tomatoes from plants fertilized with the nitrate‐dominated nutrient solution and to those given organic fertilizer with extra sulfur. Thus, a reduction in growth, which was expected to lead to a higher concentration of compounds like sugars and acids, did not result in better taste. Overall, it can be concluded that an appropriate nutrient supply is crucial to reach high yields and good taste.
Salt‐resistant and salt‐sensitive wheat genotypes show similar biochemical reaction at protein level in the first phase of salt stress
Authors: Saqib Muhammad , Zörb Christian , Schubert Sven
Published: August 2006

Salinity has a two‐phase effect on plant growth, an osmotic effect due to salts in the outside solution and ion toxicity in a second phase due to salt build‐up in transpiring leaves. To elucidate salt‐resistance mechanisms in the first phase of salt stress, we studied the biochemical reaction of salt‐resistant and salt‐sensitive wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes at protein level after 10 d exposure to 125 mM–NaCl salinity (first phase of salt stress) and the variation of salt resistance among the genotypes after 30 d exposure to 125 mM–NaCl salinity (second phase of salt stress) in solution culture experiments in a growth chamber. The three genotypes differed significantly in absolute and relative shoot and root dry weights after 30 d exposure to NaCl salinity. SARC‐1 produced the maximum and 7‐Cerros the minimum shoot dry weights under salinity relative to control. A highly significant negative correlation (r2 = –0.99) was observed between salt resistance (% shoot dry weight under salinity relative to control) and shoot Na+ concentration of the wheat genotypes studied. However, the salt‐resistant and salt‐sensitive genotypes showed a similar biochemical reaction at the level of proteins after 10 d exposure to 125 mM NaCl. In both genotypes, the expression of more than 50% proteins was changed, but the difference between the genotypes in various categories of protein change (up‐regulated, down‐regulated, disappeared, and new‐appeared) was only 1%–8%. It is concluded that the initial biochemical reaction to salinity at protein level in wheat is an unspecific response and not a specific adaptation to salinity.
Impact of sulfate nutrition on the utilization of atmospheric SO2 as sulfur source for Chinese cabbage
Authors: Yang Liping , Stulen Ineke , De Kok Luit J.
Published: August 2006

The ability of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis) to utilize atmospheric sulfur dioxide (SO2) as sulfur (S) source for growth was investigated in relation to root sulfate (SO$ ^{2-}_4 $) nutrition. If seedlings of Chinese cabbage were transferred to a sulfate‐deprived nutrient solution directly after germination, plants became rapidly S‐deficient. Plant‐biomass production was decreased and the shoot‐to‐root ratio decreased. Sulfate deprivation resulted in a substantial decrease in total S, sulfate, organic‐S, and water‐soluble nonprotein thiol contents and in an increase in amino‐acid content of both shoot and root. The sulfate‐uptake rate of the root was strongly increased, whereas nitrate‐uptake rate was decreased. Upon resupply of sulfate, the onset of S‐deficiency symptoms was prevented, and growth was restored, whereas sulfate and nitrate‐uptake rates were quite similar to those of the sulfate‐sufficient plants. A 6‐day exposure to 0.12 µL L–1 SO2 of sulfate‐sufficient plants did not affect plant‐biomass production, shoot‐to‐root ratio, S and nitrogen (N) compounds of shoot and root, or sulfate and nitrate uptake by the root. Exposure of sulfate‐deprived plants to SO2 resulted in enhanced total S, organic‐S, and water‐soluble nonprotein thiol contents of the shoot. The contribution of SO2 as S source for biomass production depended on the duration of the sulfate deprivation. If Chinese cabbage was transferred to a sulfate‐deprived nutrient solution and simultaneously exposed to SO2, then plants benefited optimally from the foliarly absorbed S. The development of S‐deficiency symptoms was prevented, and shoot‐biomass production was quite similar to that of sulfate‐sufficient plants. However, upon SO2 exposure root‐biomass production was even higher than that of sulfate‐sufficient plants, whereas sulfate uptake was still enhanced. Evidently, upon SO2 exposure there was no strict and direct shoot‐to‐root signaling in tuning sulfate uptake by the root and its transport to the shoot to the need for growth, via down‐regulation of sulfate uptake and normalizing shoot–to–root biomass partitioning.
Nitrogen release from plant‐derived and industrially processed organic fertilizers used in organic horticulture
Authors: Stadler Christina , von Tucher Sabine , Schmidhalter Urs , Gutser Reinhold , Heuwinkel Hauke
Published: August 2006

As a consequence of the BSE crisis, alternatives for fertilizers derived from animal residues are being sought for use in organic horticulture. Grain legumes (milled seeds of pea, yellow lupine, and faba bean) and organic fertilizers of industrially processed plant and microbial residues (Maltaflor®‐spezial, Phytoperls®, Agrobiosol®, Rizi‐Korn) were investigated as to their suitability as a replacement fertilizer. With four soils, incubation studies were conducted to determine net N mineralization of the organic fertilizers, and pot experiments were used to measure the apparent N utilization by perennial ryegrass. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine simple fertilizer characteristics that describe their N release and (2) to compare the suitability of both experimental setups to predict fertilizer N release. At the end of all experiments, net N mineralization and apparent N utilization from Rizi‐Korn was highest compared to all the other organic fertilizers, while pea performed relatively poor. This differentiation between the fertilizers developed during the first 2 weeks. Nitrogen release from the organic fertilizers as described by net N mineralization or apparent N utilization was significantly related to the N content of the fertilizers. Different soils modified this relationship. Two industrially processed fertilizers (Phytoperls®, Agrobiosol®) could not be included into a generalized relationship because N release from these fertilizers was low compared to their N content. It is discussed that the quality of fertilizer C and N affected the N release from the fertilizers. Both experimental setups, incubation and pot experiments, were suitable to describe the release of plant‐available N from the organic fertilizers. However, N release of fertilizers with a low net N mineralization in the incubation experiments was underestimated compared to plant N uptake of ryegrass in the pot experiments. It is concluded that the N content of organic fertilizers indicates, but not predicts their N release.
Fertilizer‐use efficiency of different inorganic polyphosphate sources: effects on soil P availability and plant P acquisition during early growth of corn
Authors: Torres‐Dorante Luis Omar , Claassen Norbert , Steingrobe Bernd , Olfs Hans‐Werner
Published: August 2006

Polyphosphate‐based fertilizers are worldwide in use, and their effect on crop yield is often reported to be similar to orthophosphate products, although some studies showed higher yields with polyphosphate applications. However, information on how these fertilizers may influence plant P acquisition is very limited. A pot experiment was carried out under controlled conditions with corn (Zea mays L.) growing on a sandy soil (pH 4.9) and a silty‐loam soil (pH 6.9) differing in P‐sorption properties. The objective was to evaluate phosphorus fertilizer–use efficiency (PFUE) of several polyphosphate (poly‐P) compounds (pyrophosphate [PP], tripolyphosphate [TP], and trimetaphosphate [TMP]) using orthophosphate (OP) as a reference. Focus was put on evaluating plant parameters involved in plant P acquisition, i.e., root length and P uptake per unit of root length. Furthermore, soil P availability was characterized by measuring ortho‐P and poly‐P concentrations in soil solution as well as in CAL (calcium‐acetate‐lactate) extracts.

The P availability was differentially influenced by the different P sources and the different soils. In the silty‐loam soil, the application of poly‐P resulted in higher ortho‐P concentrations in soil solution. In the same soil, CAL‐extractable ortho‐P was similar for all P sources, whereas in the sandy soil, this parameter was higher after OP application. In the silty‐loam soil, poly‐P concentrations were very low in soil solution or in CAL extracts, whereas in the sandy soil, poly‐P concentrations were significantly higher. Phosphorus fertilizer–use efficiency was significantly higher for poly‐P treatments in the silty‐loam soil and were related to a higher root length since no differences in the P uptake per unit of root length among poly‐P and OP treatments were found. However, in the sandy soil, no differences in PFUE between OP and poly‐P treatments were observed. Therefore, PFUE of poly‐P compounds could be explained by better root growth, thereby improving plant P acquisition.
Changes in soil–biological quality indices after long‐term addition of shredded shrubs and biogenic waste compost
Authors: Quintern Michael , Lein Marcus , Joergensen Rainer G.
Published: August 2006

Long‐term effects on soil chemical and soil biological properties were analyzed after an 8 y period with addition of biogenic household‐waste compost and shredded shrubs with and without N fertilization to an arable field. The addition of compost and shredded shrubs to soil increased significantly all soil organic matter–related properties. The effects of compost addition on soil chemical properties were in most cases stronger than those of adding shredded shrubs, especially the effects on total N, 0.5 M K2SO4‐extractable Corgand 0.5 M NaHCO3‐extractable phosphate. In the shredded‐shrubs treatments, basal respiration and the contents of soil microbial‐biomass C, biomass N, and fungal ergosterol were significantly increased by 40%, 45%, 67%, and 90%, respectively. In the compost treatment, only microbial‐biomass C and biomass N were significantly increased by 25% and 38%, respectively. Microbial‐biomass P remained unaffected by both organic‐amendment treatments. Nitrogen fertilization had significantly negative effects on the NaHCO3‐extractable P fraction (–22%) and on the basal respiration (–31%), but positive effects on the ergosterol content (+17%).
Marine benthic macrophytes as possible nitrogen source in agriculture
Authors: Karyotis Theodore , Orfanidis Sotiris , Reizopoulou Sofia
Published: August 2006

Marine benthic macrophytes were examined as possible nitrogen (N) sources for agriculture in Greece in terms of N mineralization and available standing stocks. Net N mineralization patterns were determined over a 30‐week incubation period under aerobic conditions. Ulva sp., Cystoseira barbata C. Agardh, and Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile storm‐cast material (SC) and harvested leaves (L) were incorporated into acidic, slightly acidic after liming, and alkaline soils and incubated at 35°C. From the initial stage until the 12th week of incubation, ammonification was higher than nitrification in most cases. The decreasing order of mineralized N originating from macrophytes was: Ulva sp. > P. oceanica (SC) > C. barbata > P. oceanica (L). Rates of net N mineralization of the macrophytes were the highest in the alkaline soil, whereas the lowest values were recorded in the strongly acidic soil. Application of Ca into the acidic soil revealed a considerable increase of N mineralization. Immobilization and ammonification were observed after incorporation of Ulva sp. into the acidic soil. As Ulva sp. proved to be the only potential alternative N source for arable crops, its standing stocks in two geographically different Greek lagoons, the Vassova Lagoon (N Greece) and Papas Lagoon (S Greece) were estimated. It was estimated that 2 ha of Ulva could supply adequate N to cultivate approximately 1 ha cotton. Posidonia and Cystoseira did not show potential as an alternative N source for agriculture and especially in plant nutrition.
Pedo‐ecological consequences of lithological discontinuities in soils—examples from Central Europe
Authors: Lorz Carsten , Phillips Jonathan D.
Published: August 2006

Soil profiles having lithological discontinuities, i.e., stratified or layered profiles, occur worldwide. Their genesis as part of the upper‐regolith formation is comparatively well understood, particularly in Central Europe where extensive research on relic periglacial cover beds has been done. But the pedogenetic and ecological implications of lithologically discontinuous soils (LDS) are less well known. Most textbooks rely on the so‐called A‐B‐C‐model as a climate‐driven approach to soil formation.

After reviewing definitions and concepts of lithological discontinuities and how they form, we present a pedogenetic model extending the traditional approach by considering substrate genesis and regolith dynamics. The consequences in the interpretation of vertical distributions of parameters of soil acidification and of heavy metals are investigated for typical soil profiles from the W Ore Mountains and the central‐German lowlands. Results show how lithological discontinuities influence the depth gradients and that properties inherited from substrate should be distinguished, if possible, from those developed by pedogenesis.
Permanent–soil monitoring sites for documentation of soil‐fertility development after changing from conventional to organic farming
Authors: Quintern Michael , Joergensen Rainer Georg , Wildhagen Holger
Published: August 2006

For monitoring soil fertility after changing farm management from highly conventional to organic farming on the newly established research farm of Kassel University, two permanent–soil monitoring sites were installed in 1999. Representative locations for installing the permanent–soil monitoring sites were selected using geographical information systems (GIS), based on available data from geology, topography, soil taxation, land use, and intensive auger‐borehole records and analysis with a very high spatial resolution of data. The soils are represented by a Luvisol derived from loess and a Vertisol developed from claystone. The soil properties of the two monitoring sites measured immediately after changing to organic farming showed high contents of extractable nutrients as a result of the former intensive fertilization practice during conventional farm management. The microbial soil properties of the two monitoring sites were in the medium range of regional soils. A first evaluation of the development of soil properties was done after 5 y of monitoring. The soil organic‐matter content increased slightly after grass‐clover and after application of farmyard manure. The amounts of K and P decreased clearly at the loess site without application of farmyard manure. At the clay site, the unique application of farmyard manure led to increasing contents of extractable K and P in the top soil. The variation of soil properties increased clearly after perennial crops like grass‐clover and in years after application of farmyard manure.
Automatic characterization of ignition processes with machine learning clustering techniques
Authors: Blurock Edward S.
Published: August 2006

Machine learning clustering techniques are used to characterize and, after the training phase, to identify phases within an ignition process. For the ethanol mechanism used in this paper, four physically identifiable phases were found and characterized: the initiation phase, preignition phase, ignition phase, and the postignition phase. The clustering is done with respect to fuzzy logic predicates identifying the maxima, minima, and inflection points of the species profiles. The cluster descriptions characterize the phases found and are in human interpretable form. In addition, these descriptions are powerful enough to be used to predict the phase structure under new conditions. Cluster phases were calculated for the ethanol mechanism at an equivalence ratio of 0.5, a pressure of 3.3 bar, and the temperatures 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 K. The resulting cluster phase descriptions were then successfully used to predict the phase structure and ignition delay times for other temperatures in the range from 1200 to 1500 K. The effect of different fuzzy logic predicate profile descriptions is studied to emphasize that the boundaries of some phases, specifically that between the preignition and the ignition phase, are a matter of what the modeler considers important. The end of the ignition phase corresponds to the ignition delay time and was relatively independent of the predicate descriptions used to determine the phases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 621–633, 2006
Kinetics of the esterification of acetic acid with 2‐propanol: Impact of different acidic cation exchange resins on reaction mechanism
Authors: Ali Sami H. , Merchant Sabiha Q.
Published: August 2006

The kinetics of the esterification of acetic acid with the secondary alcohol, 2‐propanol, catalyzed by the cation exchange resins, Dowex 50Wx8‐400, Amberlite IR‐120, and Amberlyst 15 has been studied at temperatures of 303, 323, and 343 K; acid to alcohol molar ratios of 0.5, 1, and 2; and catalyst loadings of 20, 40, and 60 g/L. The equilibrium constant was experimentally determined, and the reaction was found to be mildly exothermic. External and internal diffusion limitations were absent under the implemented experimental conditions. Systems catalyzed by gel‐type resins (Dowex 50Wx8‐400 and Amberlite IR‐120) exhibit some similarities in their reaction kinetics. Increase in reaction temperature, acid to alcohol ratio, and catalyst loading is found to enhance reaction kinetics for the three catalysts. The pseudohomogeneous (PH), Eley Rideal (ER), Langmuir Hinshelwood (LH), modified Langmuir Hinshelwood (ML), and Pöpken (PP) models were found to predict reaction kinetics with mean relative errors of less than 5.4%. However, the ML model was found to be better for predicting reaction kinetics in the systems catalyzed by gel‐type resins, while the PP model was better for the system catalyzed by the macroreticular catalyst, Amberlyst 15. The Eact for the forward reaction is found to be 57.0, 59.0, and 64.0 kJ/mole for the systems catalyzed by Dowex 50Wx8‐400, Amberlite IR‐120, and Amberlyst 15, respectively. For these three catalysts, the adsorption equilibrium constants of the components present in the system increase in the same order as do the solubility parameters of the component. Nonideality in the system is successfully accounted for by the UNIFAC model. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 593–612, 2006
Effects of NO2, CO, O2, and SO2 on oxidation kinetics of NO over Pt‐WO3/TiO2 catalyst for fast selective catalytic reduction process
Authors: Irfan Muhammad Faisal , Goo Jeong Hoi , Kim Sang Done
Published: August 2006

The selective catalytic reduction rate of NO with N‐containing reducing agents can be enhanced considerably by converting a part of NO into NO2. The enhanced reaction rate is more pronounced at lower temperatures by using an equimolar mixture of NO and NO2. The kinetics of NO oxidation over Pt‐WO3/TiO2 catalyst has been determined in a fixed‐bed reactor with different concentrations of oxygen, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide in the presence of 8% water. It has been found that the reaction is second order with respect to nitric oxide, first order for oxygen with a third‐order rate constant. Also, it is found that there is no effect on the reaction order with an addition of NO2, CO, or SO2. It follows the same second order but the reaction rate is found to be changed. It is observed that in the case of NO2 and SO2, the reaction rate tends to decrease, but it increases with the addition of CO into the feed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 613–620, 2006
Kinetics and mechanism of interaction of dipeptide (glycyl–glycine) with ninhydrin in aqueous micellar media
Authors: Akram Mohd. , Zaidi Neelam Hazoor , Kabir‐ud‐Din
Published: August 2006

The rates of reaction between ninhydrin and dipeptide glycyl–glycine (Gly–Gly) have been determined by studying the reaction spectrophotometrically at 70°C and pH 5.0 in aqueous and in aqueous cationic micelles of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The reaction follows first‐ and fractional‐order kinetics, respectively, in [Gly–Gly] and [ninhydrin]. The observed rate constant is affected by [CTAB] changes and the maximum rate enhancement is ca. three‐fold. As the kψ − [CTAB] profile shape is characteristic of bimolecular reactions catalyzed by micelles, the catalysis is explained in terms of the pseudo‐phase model of the micelles (proposed by Menger and Portnoy and developed by Bunton and Romsted). The presence of inorganic salts (NaCl, NaBr, Na2SO4) does not reveal any regular effect but the data with organic salts (NaBenz, NaSal) show an increase in the rate followed by a decrease. The kinetic data have been used to calculate the micellar binding constants KS for Gly–Gly and KN for ninhydrin and the respective values are 317 and 69 mol−1 dm3. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 643–650, 2006
Micelle‐catalyzed reaction of ninhydrin withDL‐valine in the absence and presence of organic solvents
Authors: Kabir‐ud‐Din  , Fatma Waseefa , Khan Zaheer
Published: August 2006

Kinetics of theDL‐valine‐ninhydrin reaction has been studied spectrophotometrically under varying conditions of [CTAB], [ninhydrin], [DL‐valine], pH, temperature, and %(v/v) organic solvents (solvents used: 1‐propanol, methylcellosolve, acetonitrile, and dimethyl sulfoxide). Addition of CTAB and increase in the proportion of organic solvents, both showed catalyzing effect on the reaction. The effect of simultaneous presence of CTAB and DMSO in the reaction mixture has also been seen. The rate profiles obtained for solutions containing from 10% to 70% DMSO exhibited clear maxima that shifted progressively to higher concentrations of CTAB. The experimental results are explained in terms of specific solvent effects and the formation of stoichiometric hydrate DMSO · 2H2O and the inhibitory effect of DMSO on micelle formation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 38: 634–642, 2006
Mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics
Authors: Dettmer Katja , Aronov Pavel A. , Hammock Bruce D.
Published: August 2006

This review presents an overview of the dynamically developing field of mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics. Metabolomics aims at the comprehensive and quantitative analysis of wide arrays of metabolites in biological samples. These numerous analytes have very diverse physico‐chemical properties and occur at different abundance levels. Consequently, comprehensive metabolomics investigations are primarily a challenge for analytical chemistry and specifically mass spectrometry has vast potential as a tool for this type of investigation. Metabolomics require special approaches for sample preparation, separation, and mass spectrometric analysis. Current examples of those approaches are described in this review. It primarily focuses on metabolic fingerprinting, a technique that analyzes all detectable analytes in a given sample with subsequent classification of samples and identification of differentially expressed metabolites, which define the sample classes. To perform this complex task, data analysis tools, metabolite libraries, and databases are required. Therefore, recent advances in metabolomics bioinformatics are also discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 26:51–78, 2007
Prostate cancer stem/progenitor cells: Identification, characterization, and implications
Authors: Tang Dean G. , Patrawala Lubna , Calhoun Tammy , Bhatia Bobby , Choy Grace , Schneider‐Broussard Robin , Jeter Collene
Published: August 2006

Several solid tumors have now been shown to contain stem cell‐like cells called cancer stem cells (CSC). These cells, although generally rare, appear to be highly tumorigenic and may be the cells that drive tumor formation, maintain tumor homeostasis, and mediate tumor metastasis. In this Perspective, we first provide our insight on how a CSC should be defined. We then summarize our current knowledge of stem/progenitor cells in the normal human prostate (NHP), an organ highly susceptible to hyperproliferative diseases such as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). We further review the evidence that cultured PCa cells, xenograft prostate tumors, and patient tumors may contain stem/progenitor cells. Along with our discussion, we present several methodologies that can be potentially used to identify putative tumor‐reinitiating CSC. Finally, we present a hypothetical model for the hierarchical organization of human PCa cells and discuss the implications of this model in helping understand prostate carcinogenesis and design novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overexpression of TGF‐β1 in esophageal (Barrett's) adenocarcinoma is associated with advanced stage of disease and poor prognosis
Authors: von Rahden Burkhard H. A. , Stein Hubert J. , Feith Marcus , Pühringer Franziska , Theisen Jörg , Siewert J. Rüdiger , Sarbia Mario
Published: August 2006

Expression of TGF‐β1, a major member of the TGF‐β superfamily and important promoter of tumor growth, was investigated in a series of primary resected esophageal (Barrett's) adenocarcinomas to establish its potential clinical significance and prognostic relevance in this entity. A series of 123 primary resected adenocarcinomas of the distal esophagus, arising in association with Barrett's esophagus, and corresponding normal squamous epithelium (n = 12) and non‐malignant Barrett's mucosa (n = 11), were investigated by means of quantitative RT‐PCR for expression of TGF‐β1, using paraffin embedded tissue samples. Gene expression levels were correlated with clinical parameters and overall survival. TGF‐β1 mRNA was expressed in all tumors, but relative gene expression levels varied largely among different tumors. The relative gene expression was significantly higher in tumor tissue compared to squamous epithelium (P = 0.005) and Barrett's mucosa (P=0.002), expressing only low amounts of TGF‐β1. Relative overexpression of the TGF‐β1 gene was associated with advanced UICC stage (III/IV vs. I/II; P = 0.009), depth of tumor infiltration (pT3 vs. pT1/2; P < 0.001), nodal involvement (pN1 vs. pN0; P = 0.006), and lymphatic vessel invasion (L1 vs. L0; P = 0.011). On univariate survival analysis, TGF‐β1 overexpression had a significant negative impact on survival (log rank test; P = 0.0255). However, the prognostic impact was not independent from other strong predictors of survival (pT, pN) on multivariate survival analysis. Our data show that TGF‐β1 overexpression is associated with advanced stage of esophageal adenocarcinoma and implies a negative impact on survival. The TGF‐β pathway may be a potential target for molecular therapies of advanced tumors of this entity. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.