bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mechanisms of oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis induced by norsalsolinol, an endogenous tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative associated with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kobayashi Hatasu , Fukuhara Kiyoshi , Tada‐Oikawa Saeko , Yada Yuki , Hiraku Yusuke , Murata Mariko , Oikawa Shinji 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) derivatives are putative neurotoxins that may contribute to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease. One TIQ, norsalsolinol (NorSAL), is present in dopamine‐rich areas of human brain, including the substantia nigra. Here, we demonstrate that NorSAL reduces cell viability and induces apoptosis via cytochrome c release and caspase 3 activation in SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Cytochrome c release, caspase 3 activation, and apoptosis induction were all inhibited by the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine. Thus, reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to apoptosis induced by NorSAL. Treatment with NorSAL also increased levels of oxidative damage to DNA, a stimulus for apoptosis, in SH‐SY5Y. To clarify the mechanism of intracellular DNA damage, we examined the DNA damage caused by NorSAL using 32P‐5′‐end‐labeled isolated DNA fragments. NorSAL induced DNA damage in the presence of Cu(II). Catalase and bathocuproine, a Cu(I) chelator, inhibited this DNA damage, suggesting that ROS such as the Cu(I)‐hydroperoxo complex derived from the reaction of H2O2 with Cu(I), promote DNA damage by NorSAL. In summary, NorSAL‐generated ROS induced oxidative DNA damage, which led to caspase‐dependent apoptosis in neuronal cells.
Intravenous Lidocaine in the Treatment of Refractory Headache: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Marmura Michael , Rosen Noah , Abbas Muhammad , Silberstein Stephen 
Published: November 2008

Background.— New treatments are needed to treat chronic daily headache (CDH) and chronic cluster headache (CCH). New treatments are needed to treat this population and intravenous (IV) lidocaine is a novel treatment for CDH.Objective.— The aim of this study was to examine the use of IV lidocaine for refractory CDH patients in an inpatient setting.Methods.— This was an open‐label, retrospective, uncontrolled study of IV lidocaine for 68 intractable headache patients in an inpatient setting. We reviewed the medical records of patients receiving IV lidocaine between February 6, 2003 and June 29, 2005.Results.— Pretreatment headache scores averaged 7.9 on an 11‐point scale and posttreatment scores averaged 3.9 representing an average change of 4. Average length of treatment was 8.5 days. Lidocaine infusion was generally well tolerated with a low incidence of adverse events leading to discontinuation of treatment.Conclusions.— This study suggests benefit of lidocaine treatment and the need for further prospective analyses. The mechanism of lidocaine in treating headache is unknown.
Cognitive Decline and Mortality in a Community‐Based Cohort: The Monongahela Valley Independent Elders Survey
Authors: Lavery Laurie L. , Dodge Hiroko H. , Snitz Beth , Ganguli Mary 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVES: To compare, in a longitudinal cohort study, declines in specific cognitive domains on their ability to predict time to death, in the presence and absence of dementia, and to explore an explanatory role for vascular disease.DESIGN: Prospective population‐based epidemiological study.SETTING: The mid‐Monongahela valley of southwestern Pennsylvania from 1987 to 2002.PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred eighty‐nine community‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older enrolled in the Monongahela Valley Independent Elders Survey.MEASUREMENTS: Biennial assessments of a range of cognitive domains for up to 12 years. Mortality was modeled as a function of decline in each domain, adjusting for vascular diseases and stratified according to age (≤75 (younger‐old) and >75 (older‐old)) using Cox proportional hazards modeling.RESULTS: Average annual declines in almost all cognitive domains were significant predictors of mortality in the cohort as a whole. However, after adjustment for dementia, only general cognition, processing speed, the language composite, and the executive function composite remained significant. Adjustment for vascular diseases did not alter the results. In the younger‐old group, decline in memory (hazard ratio (HR)=21.4) and executive function (HR=25.5) remained strong predictors after adjustment for dementia and vascular disease. In the older‐old group, decline in processing speed was a strong predictor of mortality before (HR=7.4) and after (HR=5.3) controlling for dementia and vascular diseases.CONCLUSION: Decline in most cognitive domains predicted mortality across the cohort, but declines in memory and learning were not independent of dementia. Different domains predicted mortality in the younger and older subgroups.
Problems and Challenges in Reforming International Agricultural Economics
Authors: Hedley Douglas D. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryStarting from the premise that the agricultural economics profession is defined primarily by the range of problems on which it works, as opposed to the initial or developmental training of the individuals, the traditional analyses base narrowly on the neoclassical paradigm are increasingly insufficient for the problems commonly found in the agri‐food industry. Two areas in which the profession is particularly weak are the economics and evolution of institutions, and the human capital component in economic development. For the latter, it includes both matching training to the nature and scope of problems facing individuals and the economics of human capital development and maintenance for a viable and growing agri‐food industry. As well, new areas of endeavour such as environmental sustainability and property rights associated with biotechnology offer opportunity for leadership from the profession. Finally, with increasingly complex and interdependent problems in the agri‐food sector, as well as the need to integrate processes for change into the analytical tool kit of the profession, the concept of strategic linkages across disciplines and professions will need to be pursued. Without such a multidisciplinary interdisciplinary approach, professional analysis founded narrowly on the neoclassical paradigm defeats the problem solving strength the profession has nurtured
Rapid real‐time PCR assay for detection of MPL W515L mutation in patients with chronic myeloproliferative disorders
Authors: GHADERI M. , STRÖMBERG O. , PORWIT A. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryClinical diagnosis of the myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) has previously been based on clinical data and bone marrow morphology due to lack of specific molecular markers. The discovery of JAK2 V617F mutation has shed light on understanding of the molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of the myeloproliferative disorders. The thrombopoietin receptor gene (MPL) is expressed in megakaryocytes and exhibits the gain of function point mutation in ∼5% of MPDs. Several research groups have used real‐time PCR to detect and quantify the presence of JAK2 V617F mutation. We report here a highly specific real‐time assay based on the TaqMan® technology to detect the MPL W515L mutation with high sensitivity from the patient's blood. This assay can be easily performed together with the JAK2 V617F mutation assay on the same real‐time PCR reaction plate.
DISCRETE NONDETERMINISTIC MODELING OF THE FAS PATHWAY
Authors: JACK JOHN , RODRÍGUEZ-PATÓN ALFONSO , IBARRA OSCAR H. , PĂUN ANDREI 
Published: November 2008

Computer modeling of molecular signaling cascades can provide useful insight into the underlying complexities of biological systems. We present a refined approach for the discrete modeling of protein interactions within the environment of a single cell. The technique we offer utilizes the Membrane Systems paradigm which, due to its hierarchical structure, lends itself readily to mimic the behavior of cells. Since our approach is nondeterministic and discrete, it provides an interesting contrast to the standard deterministic ordinary differential equations techniques. We argue that our approach may outperform ordinary differential equations when modeling systems with relatively low numbers of molecules – a frequent occurrence in cellular signaling cascades. Refinements over our previous modeling efforts include the addition of nondeterminism for handling reaction competition over limited reactants, increased efficiency in the storing and sorting of reaction waiting times, and modifications of the model reactions. Results of our discrete simulation of the type I and type II Fas-mediated apoptotic signaling cascade are illustrated and compared with two approaches: one based on ordinary differential equations and another based on the well-known Gillespie algorithm.
Regulation of CMV promoter-driven exogenous gene expression with doxorubicin in genetically modified cells
Authors: Kinoshita Atsushi , Kobayashi Daisuke , Hibino Yasuhide , Isago Tomokazu , Uchino Katsuyoshi , Yagi Keiko , Hirai Midori , Saitoh Yukiya , Komada Fusao 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The regulation of gene expression after the introduction of an exogenous gene is a problematic aspect of gene therapy. The purpose of this study was to use doxorubicin to regulate exogenous gene expression in a vector containing the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. The pQBI25 vector, which encodes the CMV promoter and the cDNA for red-shifted green fluorescent protein (rsGFP), was transfected into a rat skin fibroblast cell line (FR cells). The pEGFP vector, encoding the CMV promoter and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) cDNA, was transfected into human hepatoma HepG2 cells. FR-pQBI25 cells were then continuously exposed to doxorubicin and methotrexate for 96 and 48 h, respectively; HepG2-pEGFP cells were continuously exposed to doxorubicin for 48 h. The levels of c-fos, c-jun and rsGFP mRNA, as well as the levels of rsGFP protein, in the FR-pQBI25 cells were found to be significantly higher following exposure to doxorubicin. However, the level of rsGFP protein was not changed by exposure to methotrexate. The level of EGFP protein in the HepG2-pEGFP cells was also significantly higher following exposure to doxorubicin. To examine the effect of cessation of doxorubicin exposure, FR-pQBI25 cells that had been exposed to doxorubicin for 48 h were re-plated in fresh medium without doxorubicin for a further 48 h. The increased levels of c-fos, c-jun and rsGFP mRNA and rsGFP protein seen after treatment with doxorubicin had reduced by 48 h after the cessation of exposure to doxorubicin. These findings suggest that CMV-driven exogenous gene expression may be regulated by doxorubicin.
Intramolecular Fluorescence Resonance-energy-transfer of Fluorescein Derivative; Phenyl and Styryl p-Disubstituted Fluorescein
Authors: Kadokawa Jun-ichi , Suenaga Masakazu , Kaneko Yoshiro 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
We describe synthesis and fluorescence properties of phenyl and styryl p-disubstituted fluorescein. The compound was synthesized in three reaction steps from trans,trans,trans-1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene. The fluorescence spectrum of the product in alkaline methanol solution suggested occurrence of intramolecular FRET from the donor site of the benzene moiety to the acceptor site of the xanthene moiety.
Chiral Tetrakis(2-thienyl)methane Derivative: A Possible Precursor for Cryptochiral Tetraalkylmethanes
Authors: Matsumoto Kouzou , Miki Kaori , Kurata Hiroyuki , Rikitake Nobuo , Nehira Tatsuo , Inagaki Takuya , Pescitelli Gennaro , Hirao Yasukazu , Kawase Takeshi , Oda Masaji , Kubo Takashi 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
(5-Acetyl-2-thienyl)(5-benzoyl-2-thienyl)(5-bromo-2-thienyl)(5-cyano-2-thienyl)methane has been synthesized as the first chiral tetrakis(2-thienyl)methane derivative. This compound can be resolved by chiral HPLC. Since Raney nickel reduction of tetrakis(2-thienyl)methane derivatives gave tetraalkylmethane derivatives, chiral tetrakis(2-thienyl)methane derivatives will be good precursors for a number of cryptochiral tetraalkylmethanes and their derivatives.
An Improved Method for the Synthesis of Allylic gem-Diacetates from α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes Catalyzed by Lithium Tetrafluoroborate
Authors: Ono Fumiaki , Nishioka Kuniaki , Itami Shirou , Takenaka Hirotaka , Sato Tsuneo 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
An improved method for the synthesis of allylic gem-diacetates (acylals) is described. The desired acylals are obtained by the reaction of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with acetic anhydride using a catalytic amount of lithium tetrafluoroborate in diethyl ether at room temperature.
Nanostructured manganese oxides and their composites with carbon nanotubes as electrode materials for energy storage devices
Authors: Subramanian V. , Zhu Hongwei , Wei Bingqing 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Manganese oxides have been synthesized by a variety of techniques in different nanostructures and studied for their properties as electrode materials in two different storage applications, supercapacitors (SCs) and Li-ion batteries. The composites involving carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and manganese oxides were also prepared by a simple room-temperature method and evaluated as electrode materials in the above applications. The synthesis of nanostructured manganese oxides was carried out by simple soft chemical methods without any structure directing agents or surfactants. The prepared materials were well characterized using different analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), surface area studies, etc. The electrochemical properties of the nanostructured manganese oxides and their composites were studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) studies. The influence of structural/surface properties on the electrochemical performance of the synthesized manganese oxides is reviewed.
Polyaniline-carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Gajendran Pandi , Saraswathi Ramiah 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The key developments in polyaniline-carbon nanotube (PANI-CNT) composites are reviewed. Apart from in situ chemical polymerization and electrochemical deposition, a number of interesting approaches including the use of aniline functionalized CNTs and ultrasound/microwave/γ-radiation initiated polymerization have been used in the preparation of composites. The structure and properties of these composites have been investigated by a variety of techniques including absorption, infrared (IR), Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy methods, scanning electron and scanning probe microscopy techniques, cyclic voltammetry, and thermogravimetry. The experimental results indicate favorable interaction between PANI and CNTs. The CNT content in these composites controls their conductive, mechanical, and thermal properties. The most interesting characteristic is their easy dispersibility in aqueous solution. The performance evaluation studies of PANI-CNT composites in a number of applications including supercapacitors, fuel cells, sensors, and actuators are highlighted.
Synthesis and electrochemical studies on surface-modified LiCoVO4 with La2O3 and malonic acid for cathode material of Li-ion cells
Authors: Fey George Ting-Kuo , Cho Yung-Da , Muralidharan Pandurangan 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
An inverse spinel LiCoVO4 cathode material was synthesized by a citric acid-urea polymeric method, calcined at 773 K for 5 h. The synthesized LiCoVO4 sample was surface-modified with La2O3 and/or malonic acid. The composite materials were comprehensively characterized with the aid of various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed that single-phase crystallinity occurred when they were heated at 773 K for 5 h in air. For the La2O3-coated samples, there was no evident signal corresponding to secondary-phase peaks. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed the complete elimination of organic residues, nitrates, and the formation of pure LiCoVO4 at 773 K. The two strong peaks due to sp2 and sp3 carbon bonding in the Raman spectra clearly confirm the presence of carbon coating at the surface of LiCoVO4 particles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the 0.5 wt % La2O3-coated LiCoVO4 material calcined with 60 wt % malonic acid was compact with an average thickness of about 15 nm. This composite cathode material also demonstrated the best cell performance with an initial capacity of 71 mAhg-1 and better thermal stability with lower heat evolution of 35 Jg-1, and a higher onset temperature of thermal decomposition at 475 K, vs. 176 Jg-1 and 452 K for the bare LiCoVO4 sample.
Role of Winter Host Plants in Vineyard Colonization and Phenology ofZygina rhamni(Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae)
Authors: Mazzoni V , Anfora G , Ioriatti C , Lucchi A 
Published: November 2008

AbstractZygina rhamni Ferrari (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) is a mesophyll-feeding leafhopper that infests grapevine, Vitis vinifera L. This leafhopper’s overwintering strategy and the dynamics of its vineyard colonization, relative to the distance between the grapevines and the winter host plants and different grapevine vegetative densities, are described herein. This species shows a facultative heteroecious life cycle. In autumn, it migrates from vineyards to bramble, Rubus gr. fruticosus, and rose, Rosa chinensis Jacquin. On these host plants, females lay eggs that start to hatch at the end of March. Adults that developed on bramble colonize grapevines beginning in May; the leaf fall of rose, which takes place during the first half of April, probably causes the death of unhatched eggs and nymphs. We found that overwintering females can move back to vineyards and lay eggs until early June. The dynamics of vineyard colonization by the leafhopper involved initial concentration in areas close to bramble (May–early July) with subsequent, progressive spread through the vineyards, with concentration in areas of high vegetative density. Leafhopper presence was negligible in areas of vineyards with levels of vegetative density below a certain threshold.
Abundance of Native and Non-Native Lady Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Different Habitats in Maine
Authors: Finlayson C J , Landry K M , Alyokhin A V 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Several studies suggest the possibility that non-native lady beetles may have replaced native lady beetles in some agricultural habitats. There is relatively little information, however, about lady beetle species composition outside of agricultural habitats. Evans (2004) suggested that native species have retreated to nonagricultural habitats in response to the arrival of non-native lady beetles (habitat compression hypothesis). To test this hypothesis, a survey of lady beetles was conducted in 2004 and 2005 in different habitats in Maine. From May to October, lady beetles were sampled in a variety of agricultural and nonagricultural habitats. In total, 3,487 and 2,903 lady beetles were collected in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Non-native lady beetles were found in a variety of habitats, including the habitats that would have likely served as a refuge for native species if the habitat compression hypothesis applied to the surveyed areas. Native species were found in a higher proportion in agricultural habitats compared with nonagricultural habitats and in very low numbers in all of the habitats surveyed. Hippodamia tredecimpunctata tibialis (Say) and Coccinella transversoguttata Brown, the two native species that were once dominant here, made up only 1.09 and 0.07% of the total lady beetles collected, respectively. In this survey, we failed to detect evidence that native lady beetles have retreated to nonagricultural habitats in response to the arrival of non-native lady beetles.
Sensilla on the Antennal Flagellum ofSirex noctilio(Hymenoptera: Siricidae)
Authors: Crook D J , Kerr L M , Mastro V C 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe antennal receptors of Sirex noctilio F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) were examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Male and female antennae share five sensillum types: Böhm bristles, sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, sensilla ampullacea, and uniporous contact chemoreceptors. Contact chemoreceptors make up ≈85 and 78% of the total sensilla on male and female antennae, respectively. On the most proximal flagellomere of the antennae, contact chemoreceptors are located in a shallow depression on the ventral surface. The number of contact chemoreceptors increases toward the distal end, covering two thirds of the circumference of each flagellomere. Contact chemoreceptors seem to be innervated by two sensory dendrites that terminate near the tip. In longitudinal section, a single subterminal pore is seen to be associated with each sensillum. Males had significantly more uniporous sensory pegs than females on the proximal half of the antennae. These receptors may play an important role in mate identification, suggesting that a female-released contact pheromone may be used by this insect. The putative function of these sensilla types is discussed.
Structure and Distribution of a Strain-Biased Tandem Repeat Element in Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Populations in Florida, Texas, and Brazil
Authors: Nagoshi Rodney N , Armstrong John S , Silvie Pierre , Meagher Robert L 
Published: November 2008

AbstractFall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major economic pest throughout the Western Hemisphere. There exist two morphologically identical but genetically distinct strains (corn-strain and rice-strain) that differ in their host plant preferences. These strains can be distinguished by polymorphisms in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene. There is also a tandem-repeat genetic element called FR that is found in large sex-linked clusters primarily in the rice strain, as characterized by sampling of fall armyworm populations in the southeastern United States. It was recently shown that the FR element is also present in Brazil, where it exhibits a similar strain-biased distribution. In this article, the analysis of FR was extended to populations in southern Texas, one of the principle overwintering locations for fall armyworm that infests the continental United States. DNA sequence analysis and an optimized polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method demonstrated that FR sequences are present in Texas and show the same distribution pattern as observed in Florida. The distribution of FR in Florida has remained relatively unchanged over a 4-yr period, suggestive of polymorphic equilibrium and the existence of at least partial barriers to the generation of interstrain hybrids. The implications of these findings on our understanding of interstrain mating behavior and the utility of the modified detection method to study fall armyworm populations are discussed.