bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
It could have been better: The effects of counterfactual communication on impression formation
Authors: Wong Elaine M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWhile research on counterfactuals has closely examined the psychological antecedents and consequences of thinking counterfactually (imagining alternatives to past events), little is known about the effects of counterfactual communication, and in particular, how such thoughts are interpreted by others. In this paper, I argue that counterfactual communication differentially affects impressions formed of speakers by receivers depending on the general content of the counterfactual. Findings from an archival study and a scenario study demonstrated convergent results: Individuals who communicated upward counterfactuals (thoughts of how things could have been better) were more positively perceived by receivers than were individuals who communicated downward counterfactuals (thoughts of how things could have been worse). This difference stemmed from an enhancement effect of upward counterfactuals. Further analysis revealed that the relationship between counterfactual communication and impression formation was mediated by receivers' perceptions of the extent to which speakers took responsibility for their actions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant activity of medicinal and aromatic plants. A review.
Authors: Miguel M. G. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAntioxidant properties have been attributed to the essential oils but a great diversity of results has been reported, mainly attributed to the chemical composition of the essential oils and the diversity of tests used. In fact, several in vitro assays for the determination of antioxidant ability have been used. They can be divided into two main groups: those that evaluate lipid peroxidation and that those that measure free radical scavenging ability. In the present study, a brief description of the mechanism involved in the majority of techniques used for the evaluation of antioxidant activity of essential oils is given. At the same time, the antioxidant activities of some essential oils, measured through several methodologies, are presented and compared. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INSL3 has tumor‐promoting activity in thyroid cancer
Authors: Hombach‐Klonisch Sabine , Bialek Joanna , Radestock Yvonne , Truong Anne , Agoulnik Alexander I. , Fiebig Barbara , Willing Cornelia , Weber Ekkehard , Hoang‐Vu Cuong , Klonisch Thomas 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe functional role of INSL3 and its receptor RXFP2 in carcinogenesis is largely unknown. We have previously demonstrated (pro‐)cathepsin‐L as a target of INSL3 in human thyroid cancer cells facilitating penetration of tumor cells through elastin matrices. We demonstrate the expression of RXFP2 in human thyroid tissues and in mouse follicular thyroid epithelial cells using Cre‐recombinase transgene driven by Rxfp2 promoter. Recombinant and secreted INSL3 increased the motility of thyroid carcinoma (TC) cells in an autocrine/paracrine manner. This effect required the presence of RXFP2. We identified S100A4 as a novel INSL3 target molecule and showed that S100A4 facilitated INSL3‐induced enhanced motility. Stable transfectants of the human follicular TC cell line FTC‐133 expressing and secreting bioactive human INSL3 displayed enhanced anchorage‐independent growth in soft agar assays. Xenotransplant experiments in nude mice showed that INSL3, but not EGFP‐mock transfectants, developed fast‐growing and highly vascularized xenografts. We used human umbilical vein endothelial cells in capillary tube formation assays to demonstrate increased 2‐dimensional tube formations induced by recombinant human INSL3 and human S100A4 comparable to the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor used as positive control. We conclude that INSL3 is a powerful and multifunctional promoter of tumor growth and angiogenesis in human thyroid cancer cell xenografts. INSL3 actions involve RXFP2 activation and the secretion of S100A4 and (pro‐)cathepsin‐L.
Targeting Gene‐ViroTherapy for prostate cancer by DD3‐driven oncolytic virus‐harboring interleukin‐24 gene
Authors: Fan Jun Kai , Wei Na , Ding Miao , Gu Jin Fa , Liu Xin Ran , Li Bing Hua , Qi Rong , Huang Wei Dan , Li Yu Hua , Xiong Xiao Quan , Wang Jian , Li Run Sheng , Liu Xin Yuan 
Published: November 2009

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in Western male population. Previous studies have demonstrated that differential display code 3 (DD3 or DD3PCA3) is one of the most PCa‐specific genes; therefore, it has been used as a clinical diagnostic marker for PCa. In this study, we constructed an oncolytic adenovirus Ad.DD3‐E1A by using the minimal DD3 promoter to replace the native viral promoter of E1A gene. In addition, Ad.DD3‐E1A was armed with therapeutic gene IL‐24 to enhance its antitumor activity. The resulting adenovirus, Ad.DD3‐E1A‐IL‐24, demonstrated PCa specificity and excellent antitumor effect. Further analyses on its antitumor mechanism revealed that it has the capacity to induce apoptosis in PCa cells and inhibit angiogenesis. These results suggest that Ad.DD3‐E1A‐IL‐24 is a promising antitumor agent that may be able to be used in the future as a treatment for PCa.
Integrating “invisible” farmers in a regional debate on water productivity: The case of informal water and land markets in the Algerian Mitidja plain
Authors: Imache A. , Bouarfa S. , Kuper M. , Hartani T. , Dionnet M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn the irrigated scheme of West Mitidja, access to land and water is ensured through countless local informal arrangements. The assignees of small collective farms have subdivided the land informally, and rent out part of it to lessees, thereby circumventing current legislation. The surface irrigation system provides only a small proportion of irrigation water to farmers, who rely mainly on groundwater for irrigation. The results of our analyses show that the agricultural dynamics of this perimeter are to a large extent ensured by “invisible” farmers cultivating land obtained through informal land markets and using groundwater via “illicit” tubewells. These farmers are also important vectors for innovation (new irrigated cropping systems, drip irrigation). We organized a series of workshops with farmers (assignees and lessees) and government agencies to explore agricultural development and water management perspectives in the area. Our work showed that it is land and water markets that should be formalized rather than land or water property so that lessees will be considered as actors for water management and agricultural development in the area. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finding a way to legality, local coordination modes and public policies in large‐scale irrigation schemes in Algeria and Morocco
Authors: Errahj M. , Kuper M. , Faysse N. , Djebbara M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe design of public policy related to irrigation sectors in North Africa was often based on the state view. Local farmers' organizations, made up of family farms, did not contribute to building the legal framework, which was in turn unable to propose specific solutions for family farming. Legal reforms currently underway in Morocco and Algeria show how difficult it is to integrate field realities. Access to land and water resources is often obtained through informal local coordination modes. The purpose of this paper is to clarify how collective action can integrate the dynamics of local coordination modes and contribute to the formulation of public policies. The underlying hypothesis is that by doing so, the public policies can be continuously renewed and will be more appropriate and robust, and consequently favour rural development. We show that local coordination modes, presently often invisible or even illegal, can help farmers to go beyond survival strategies by providing access to more formal development spheres and policy making. These results should encourage development and extension agencies to redefine collective action as a tool of learning and empowerment centred on the co‐construction of public policies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Farmers' perceptions and engineering approach in the modernization of a community‐managed irrigation scheme. A case study from an oasis of the Nefzawa (South of Tunisia)
Authors: Ghazouani W. , Marlet S. , Mekki I. , Vidal A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIrrigation programmes are usually based on technical and economic considerations without substantial involvement of the target farmers. This study aimed to investigate farmers' discourse, practices and perceptions, and to emphasize progress, limit and synergy of farmers' representation in the modernization programme undertaken by engineers in the Fatnassa oasis in southern Tunisia. Analyses of constraints were based on the modernization programmes and on farmers' interviews. Causal relationships were represented separately as problem trees according to farmers' and engineers' perceptions. The technical solutions implemented by engineers did not achieve the expected enhancement because they disregarded inappropriate community management of the oasian system. Farmers were aware of constraints related to waterlogging and hot irrigation water since they can link causes and effects. The low frequency of delivery water turns was cited as the main constraint in spite of the fact that the farmers were themselves accountable for some inefficient irrigation practices and continuous extension of date palm plantation. Farmers failed to mention soil degradation and salinity, which were only perceived indirectly, or because they applied corrective measures. This case study allowed a critical reflection on the limitations of each approach and for the combination of experts and farmers' knowledge. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local transformation of a state‐initiated institutional innovation: The example of water users' associations in an irrigation scheme in Morocco
Authors: Kadiri Zakaria , Kuper Marcel , Faysse Nicolas , Errahj Mostafa 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe international debate on participatory management and irrigation management transfer has mainly focused on ex‐ante/ex‐post evaluations that rely on quantitative performance indicators to measure the failure or success of management transfer and the functioning of water users' associations (WUAs). This article focuses on the appropriation by farmers of state‐initiated WUAs illustrated by the case of the Moyen Sebou irrigation scheme in Morocco. This scheme, which was designed for agency‐managed water distribution, was implemented at the height of the debate on participatory management in the early 1990s, and was transformed into a farmer‐managed irrigation scheme. The results revealed the gradual adoption of the water institutions (WUAs and the federations of WUAs) by farmers, who continuously crafted and adapted rules for the management of water distribution, collection of water fees, and governance of the irrigation scheme. In addition, there were a number of indirect spin‐offs generated by the collective learning process in terms of leadership, collective action, local democracy and local development. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water productivity through dual purpose (milk and meat) herds in the Tadla irrigation scheme, Morocco
Authors: Sraïri Mohamed Taher , Rjafallah Marouane , Kuper Marcel , Le Gal Pierre‐Yves 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis study aims to characterize water productivity in cattle farms facing severe water stress. Agricultural practices were monitored on six farms in a large‐scale Moroccan irrigation scheme. Results showed marked variability in forage yields, milk production and live weight gain. Mean forage biomass yields represented less than two‐thirds of their potential productivity. Alfalfa was the most common forage crop, and its yield was significantly correlated to the amounts of water used for irrigation. The annual mean milk yield per cow was low (2170 kg), whereas the average live weight gain per cow and its progeny was 308 kg. Off‐farm feed provided variable amounts of virtual water which represented 33% of total water uses. Results showed that 1.7 m3 of total water was needed to produce 1 kg of milk, whereas 9.1 m3 were needed for 1 kg of live weight gain. The economic productivity of water through milk was less efficient than through meat (respectively €0.07 and €0.25 m−3). Finally, the overall water productivity of cattle farming (both milk and live weight gain) was €0.14 m−3 of water. Taken together, the results pointed to possible ways of improving water productivity, as many constraints were identified, from water management to farming practices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A crop needs more than a drop: Towards a new praxis in irrigation management in North Africa
Authors: Kuper M. , Bouarfa S. , Errahj M. , Faysse N. , Hammani A. , Hartani T. , Marlet S. , Zairi A. , Bahri A. , Debbarh A. , Garin P. , Jamin J.‐Y. , Vincent B. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe designed and implemented an action–research programme in large‐scale irrigation schemes in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, aiming to develop a regional network of competences by conducting research, training and development activities, and involving local actors. We worked on three issues: (i) the sustainability of North Africa's growing groundwater economy, (ii) the integration of environmental constraints in the management of irrigated agriculture, and(iii) the analysis of new coordination modes of agricultural production and rural development in traditionally centrally managed irrigation schemes. Based on 11 empirical studies, we contributed to operationalizing a new praxis in irrigation management; this learning‐oriented and network‐based approach enables mobilization of the knowledge of a wide range of actors, as well as linking local knowledge systems to more universal ones. This approach is necessary to support family‐based agriculture to continue to face recurrent droughts, feed the urban and rural populations, develop rural territories and integrate the rural youth. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BBR induces apoptosis in HepG2 cell through an Akt‐ASK1‐ROS‐p38MAPKs‐linked cascade
Authors: Hyun Mee‐Sun , Hur Jung‐Mu , Mun Yeun‐Ja , Kim Dongho , Woo Won‐Hong 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBerberine (BBR) has indicated significant antimicrobial activity against a variety of organisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The mechanism by which BBR initiates apoptosis remains poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that BBR exhibited significant cytotoxicity in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Herein, we investigated cytotoxicity mechanism of BBR in HepG2 cells. The results showed that the induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cells by BBR was characterized by DNA fragmentation, an increased percentage of annexin V, and the activation of caspase‐3. The expressions of Bcl‐2 protein and pro‐caspase‐3 were reduced by BBR in HepG2 cells. However, Bax protein was increased in the cells. BBR‐induced apoptosis was preceded by increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). NAC treatment, a scavenger of ROS, reversed BBR‐induced apoptosis effects via inhibition of Bax activation and Bcl‐2 inactivation. BBR‐induced, dose‐dependent induction of apoptosis was accompanied by sustained phosphorylation of MAP Kinases (JNK and p38 MAPK), ASK1, Akt, and p53. Furthermore, SB203580, p38 inhibitor, reduced the apoptotic effect of BBR, and blocks the generation of ROS and NO as well as activation of Bax. We found that the treatment of HepG2 cells with BBR triggers generation of ROS through Akt phosphorylation, resulting in dissociation of the ASK1‐mediated activation of JNK and p38 pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 329–338, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non‐resorbing osteoclasts induce migration and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kreja L. , Brenner R.E. , Tautzenberger A. , Liedert A. , Friemert B. , Ehrnthaller C. , Huber‐Lang M. , Ignatius A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractOsteoclast activity has traditionally been regarded as restricted to bone resorption but there is some evidence that also non‐resorbing osteoclasts might influence osteoblast activity. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the hypothesis of an anabolic function of non‐resorbing osteoclasts by investigating their capability to recruit mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and to provoke their differentiation toward the osteogenic lineage. Bone‐marrow‐derived human MSC were exposed to conditioned media (CM) derived from non‐resorbing osteoclast cultures, which were generated from human peripheral blood monocytes. Osteogenic marker genes (transcription factor Runx2, bone sialoprotein, alkaline phosphatase (AP), and osteopontin) were significantly increased. Osteogenic differentiation (OD) was also proved by von Kossa and AP staining occurred in the same range as in MSC cultures stimulated with osteogenic supplements. Chemotactic responses of MSC were measured with a modified Boyden chamber assay. CM from osteoclast cultures induced a strong migratory response in MSC, which was greatly reduced in the presence of an anti‐human platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor β antibody. Correspondingly, significantly increased PDGF‐BB concentrations were measured in the CM using a PDGF‐BB immunoassay. CM derived from mononuclear cell cultures did not provoke MSC differentiation and had a significantly lower migratory effect on MSC suggesting that the effects were specifically mediated by osteoclasts. In conclusion, it can be suggested that human non‐resorbing osteoclasts induce migration and OD of MSC. While effects on MSC migration might be mainly due to PDGF‐BB, the factors inducing OD remain to be elucidated. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 347–355, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BMP4 regulates vascular progenitor development in human embryonic stem cells through a smad‐dependent pathway
Authors: Bai Hao , Gao Yongxing , Arzigian Melanie , Wojchowski Don M. , Wu Wen‐shu , Wang Zack Z. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe signals that direct pluripotent stem cell differentiation into lineage‐specific cells remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the roles of BMP on vascular progenitor development from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). In a serum‐free condition, hESCs sequentially differentiated into CD34+CD31−, CD34+CD31+, and then CD34−CD31+ cells during vascular cell development. CD34+CD31+ cells contained vascular progenitor population that gives rise to endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. BMP4 promoted hESC differentiation into CD34+CD31+ cells at an early stage. In contrast, TGFβ suppressed BMP4‐induced CD34+CD31+ cell development, and promoted CD34+CD31− cells that failed to give rise to either endothelial or smooth muscle cells. The BMP‐Smad inhibitor, dorsomorphin, inhibited phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8, and blocked hESC differentiation to CD34+CD31+ progenitor cells, suggesting that BMP Smad‐dependent signaling is critical for CD34+CD31+ vascular progenitor development. Our findings provide new insight into how pluripotent hESCs differentiate into vascular cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 363–374, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of BMP‐7 in chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells in vitro
Authors: Shen Bojiang , Wei Aiqun , Whittaker Shane , Williams Lisa A. , Tao Helen , Ma David D.F. , Diwan Ashish D. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis study addresses the role of bone morphogenetic protein‐7 (BMP‐7) in chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (BM MSCs) in vitro. BM MSCs were expanded and differentiated in the presence or absence of BMP‐7 in monolayer and three‐dimensional cultures. After 3 days of stimulation, BMP‐7 significantly inhibited MSC growth in expansion cultures. When supplemented in commonly used induction media for 7–21 days, BMP‐7 facilitated both chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. This was evident by specific gene and protein expression analyses using real‐time PCR, Western blot, histological, and immunohistochemical staining. BMP‐7 supplementation appeared to enhance upregulation of lineage‐specific markers, such as type II and type IX collagens (COL2A1, COL9A1) in chondrogenic and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), osteocalcin (BGLAP), and osterix (SP7) in osteogenic differentiation. BMP‐7 in the presence of TGF‐β3 induced superior chondrocytic proteoglycan accumulation, type II collagen, and SOX9 protein expression in alginate and pellet cultures compared to either factor alone. BMP‐7 increased alkaline phosphatase activity and dose‐dependently accelerated calcium mineralization of osteogenic differentiated MSCs. The potential of BMP‐7 to promote adipogenesis of MSCs was restricted under osteogenic conditions, despite upregulation of adipocyte gene expression. These data suggest that BMP‐7 is not a singular lineage determinant, rather it promotes both chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs by co‐ordinating with initial lineage‐specific signals to accelerate cell fate determination. BMP‐7 may be a useful enhancer of in vitro differentiation of BM MSCs for cell‐based tissue repair. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 406–416, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Glycolytic pyruvate regulates P‐Glycoprotein expression in multicellular tumor spheroids via modulation of the intracellular redox state
Authors: Wartenberg Maria , Richter Madeleine , Datchev André , Günther Sebastian , Milosevic Nada , Bekhite Mohamed M. , Figulla Hans‐Reiner , Aran Josep M. , Pétriz Jordi , Sauer Heinrich 
Published: November 2009

AbstractABC transporters like P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp/ABCB1) are membrane proteins responsible for the transport of toxic compounds out of non‐malignant cells and tumor tissue. Aim: To investigate the effect of glycolysis and the tissue redox state on P‐gp expression in multicellular tumor spheroids derived from prostate adenocarcinoma cells (DU‐145), glioma cells (Gli36), and the human cervix carcinoma cell line KB‐3‐1 transfected with a P‐gp–EGFP fusion gene that allows monitoring of P‐gp expression in living cells. During cell culture of DU‐145, Gli36, and KB‐3‐1 tumor spheroids P‐gp expression was observed as well as increased lactate and decreased pyruvate levels and expression of glycolytic enzymes. Inhibition of glycolysis for 24 h by either iodoacetate (IA) or 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (2‐DDG) downregulated P‐gp expression which was reversed upon coincubation with the radical scavenger ebselen as shown by semi‐quantitative immunohistochemisty in DU‐145 and Gli36 tumor spheroids, and by EGFP fluorescence in KB‐3‐1 tumor spheroids. Consequently endogenous ROS generation in DU‐145 tumor spheroids was increased in the presence of either IA or 2‐DDG, which was abolished upon coincubation with ebselen. Exogenous addition of pyruvate significantly reduced ROS generation, increased P‐gp expression as well as efflux of the P‐gp substrate doxorubicin. Doxorubicin transport was significantly blunted by 2‐DDG and IA, indicating that inhibition of glycolysis reversed the multidrug resistance phenotype. In summary our data demonstrate that P‐gp expression in tumor spheroids is closely related to the glycolytic metabolism of tumor cells and can be downregulated by glycolysis inhibitors via mechanisms that involve changes in the cellular redox state. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 434–446, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.