bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microglial α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors drive a phospholipase C/IP3pathway and modulate the cell activation toward a neuroprotective role
Authors: Suzuki Tomohisa , Hide Izumi , Matsubara Akiyo , Hama Chihiro , Harada Kana , Miyano Kanako , Andrä Matthias , Matsubayashi Hiroaki , Sakai Norio , Kohsaka Shinichi , Inoue Kazuhide , Nakata Yoshihiro 
Published: May 2006

AbstractMicroglia perform both neuroprotective and neurotoxic functions in the brain, with this depending on their state of activation and their release of mediators. Upon P2X7receptor stimulation, for example, microglia release small amounts of TNF, which protect neurons, whereas LPS causes massive TNF release leading to neuroinflammation. Here we report that, in rat primary cultured microglia, nicotine enhances P2X7receptor‐mediated TNF release, whilst suppressing LPS‐induced TNF release but without affecting TNF mRNA expression via activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs). In microglia, nicotine elicited a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+levels, which was abolished by specific blockers of α7 nAChRs. However, this response was independent of extracellular Ca2+and blocked by U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC), and xestospongin C, a blocker of the IP3receptor. Repeated experiments showed that currents were not detected in nicotine‐stimulated microglia. Moreover, nicotine modulation of LPS‐induced TNF release was also blocked by xestospongin C. Upon LPS stimulation, inhibition of TNF release by nicotine was associated with the suppression of JNK and p38 MAP kinase activation, which regulate the post‐transcriptional steps of TNF synthesis. In contrast, nicotine did not alter any MAP kinase activation, but enhanced Ca2+response in P2X7receptor‐activated microglia. In conclusion, microglial α7 nAChRs might drive a signaling process involving the activation of PLC and Ca2+release from intracellular Ca2+stores, rather than function as conventional ion channels. This novel α7 nAChR signal may be involved in the nicotine modification of microglia activation towards a neuroprotective role by suppressing the inflammatory state and strengthening the protective function. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Checkpoint kinase 1‐mediated phosphorylation of Cdc25C and bad proteins are involved in antitumor effects of loratadine‐induced G2/M phase cell‐cycle arrest and apoptosis
Authors: Chen Jinn‐Shiun , Lin Shyr‐Yi , Tso Wei‐Ling , Yeh Geng‐Chang , Lee Wen‐Sen , Tseng How , Chen Li‐Ching , Ho Yuan‐Soon 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn this study, we first demonstrated that loratadine (LOR), a promising world widely used oral anti‐histamine, effectively inhibits growth of tumors derived from human colon cancer cells (COLO 205) in an in vivo setting. In vitro study demonstrated that the anti‐tumor effects of LOR in COLO 205 cells were mediated by causing G2/M phase cell growth cycle arrest and caspase 9‐mediated apoptosis. Cell‐cycle arrest induced by LOR (75 µM, 24 h) was associated with a significant decrease in protein levels of cyclin B1, cell division cycle (Cdc) 25B, and Cdc25C, leading to accumulation of Tyr‐15‐phosphorylated Cdc2 (inactive form). Interestingly, LOR (75 µM, for 4 h) treatment also resulted in a rapid and sustained phosphorylation of Cdc25C at Ser‐216, leading to its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm because of increased binding with 14‐3‐3. We further demonstrated that the LOR‐induced Cdc25C (Ser‐216) phosphorylation was blocked in the presence of checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) specific inhibitor (SB‐218078). The cells treated with LOR in the presence of Chk1 specific inhibitor (SB‐218078) were then released from G2/M arrest into apoptosis. These results implied that Chk1‐mediated phosphorylation of Cdc25C plays a major role in response to LOR‐mediated G2/M arrest. Although the Chk1‐mediated cell growth arrest in response to DNA damage is well documented, our results presented in this study was the first report to describe the Chk1‐mediated G2/M cell‐cycle arrest by the histamine H1 antagonist, LOR. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anti‐angiogenic drugs: from bench to clinical trials
Authors: Quesada Ana R. , Muñoz‐Chápuli Ramón , Medina Miguel A. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAngiogenesis, the generation of new capillaries through a process of pre‐existing microvessel sprouting, is under stringent control and normally occurs only during embryonic and post‐embryonic development, reproductive cycle, and wound repair. However, in many pathological conditions (solid tumor progression, metastasis, diabetic retinopathy, hemangioma, arthritis, psoriasis and atherosclerosis among others), the disease appears to be associated with persistent upregulated angiogenesis. The development of specific anti‐angiogenic agents arises as an attractive therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer and other angiogenesis‐dependent diseases. The formation of new blood vessels is a complex multi‐step process. Endothelial cells resting in the parent vessels are activated by an angiogenic signal and stimulated to synthesize and release degradative enzymes allowing endothelial cells to migrate, proliferate and finally differentiate to give rise to capillary tubules. Any of these steps may be a potential target for pharmacological intervention. In spite of the disappointing results obtained initially in clinical trials with anti‐angiogenic drugs, recent reports with positive results in phases II and III trials encourage expectations in their therapeutic potential. This review discusses the current approaches for the discovery of new compounds that inhibit angiogenesis, with emphasis on the clinical developmental status of anti‐angiogenic drugs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 26, No. 4, 483–530, 2006
Incidence and survival of childhood Langerhans cell histiocytosis in Northwest England from 1954 to 1998
Authors: Alston R.D. , Tatevossian R.G. , McNally R.J.Q. , Kelsey A. , Birch J.M. , Eden T.O.B. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare proliferative disorder of pathological Langerhans cells, for which the aetiology and pathogenesis remain largely unknown.ProcedureInformation on the 101 children with LCH registered with the population‐based Manchester Children's Tumour Registry (MCTR) between 1954 and 1998 was extracted from the records of the MCTR. This included age, sex, date of diagnosis, systems affected at diagnosis and follow‐up.ResultsThe overall incidence rate for LCH was 2.6 cases per million child years. In those under 1 year of age the incidence rate was 9.0 cases per million child years, compared to 0.7 cases per million in those aged 10–14 years (P < 0.0001 for age trend). There was no evidence of seasonal variation in presentation by month of birth or first symptom. Bone was the most common site of disease involvement (67% of cases), followed by skin (37%) and soft tissue (22%). The overall survival rate has improved over time, from 57% in 1954–1968 to 74% in 1985–1998. Ninety percent of deaths were due to disease progression, the remainder were due to complications of intensive therapy. The site of LCH lesions and extent of disease present at diagnosis strongly predicted survival outcome. Patients with initial liver involvement had a 5‐year survival rate of 25% compared with 93% for those with bone lesions alone at diagnosis.ConclusionsIncidence rates varied significantly by age at diagnosis, and have been stable over time. Survival has improved considerably over time, but varies strongly by age and systems affected at diagnosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:555–560. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction of infinite dilution solvent activity coefficient in rubbery polymer solutions using Engaged Species Induced Clustering (ENSIC) model
Authors: Haidong Feng 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIt is extremely important to predict infinite dilution solvent activity coefficients in rubbery polymers in design and operation of polymer‐related processes. Many models have been developed to predict the activity coefficients. However, the accuracies of these models are not satisfactory. This article advances a method for predicting the infinite solvent dilution activity coefficients in the rubbery polymers, using the Engaged Species Induced Clustering (ENSIC) model. It elucidates the physiochemical significance and mathematical meaning of the parameters in the ENSIC model. In this article, the ENSIC approach has been proven to agree extremely well with the experimental data in both correlating the finite dilution solvent activity coefficient and predicting the infinite dilution solvent activity coefficient for rubbery polymer/solvent systems. In other words, both the ENSIC equation and its derivative at extremely low solvent concentration are in good agreement with the experimental data. In addition, the article indicates that the ENSIC model is much more accurate than another kind of empirical models‐ the F–H and related models in predicting the infinite dilution solvent activity coefficients in polymer solutions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1668–1675, 2006
Evaluation of antiinflammatory activity of the total flavonoids of Laggera pterodonta on acute and chronic inflammation models
Authors: Wu Yihang , Zhou Changxin , Li Xiangping , Song Liyan , Wu Xiumei , Lin Wenyan , Chen Haiyong , Bai Hua , Zhao Jun , Zhang Rongping , Sun Handong , Zhao Yu 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe antiinflammatory effect of the total flavonoids of Laggera pterodonta (TFLP) was evaluated with various in vivo models of both acute and chronic inflammation. In the acute inflammation tests, TFLP significantly inhibited xylene‐induced mouse ear oedema, carrageenan‐induced rat paw oedema and acetic acid‐induced mouse vascular permeability. In the carrageenan‐induced rat pleurisy model, TFLP efficiently suppressed inflammatory exudate and leukocyte migration, reduced the serum levels of lysozyme (LZM) and malondialdehyde (MDA), increased the activity of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), and also decreased the contents of total protein, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the pleural exudates. No marked effect of TFLP on the activity of serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐PX) was observed. In the chronic inflammation experiment, TFLP inhibited cotton pellet‐induced rat granuloma. The antiinflammatory mechanisms of TFLP are probably associated with the inhibition of prostaglandin formation, influence on the antioxidant systems and the suppression of LZM release. The acute toxicity study revealed that TFLP was nontoxic in mice up to an oral dose of 7.5 g/kg body weight. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Horizontal wave propagation in the equatorial waveguide
Authors: Ripa P. 
Published: May 2006

The dispersive (i.e. non-Kelvin) linear wave field on the equatorial β-plane, in a single vertical mode, is fully described by a single potential φ. Long Rossby waves, which are weakly dispersive, are represented in this field. This description is free from the problem of the ‘spurious solution’ encountered when working with an evolution equation for the meridional velocity; addition of this unwanted solution represents a gauge transformation that leaves the physical fields unaltered.The general solution of the ray equations is found, including trajectories, and the amplitudes and phase fields. This solution is asymptotically valid for either high or low frequencies. The ray paths are identical in both limits, but the phase field is not, reflecting the isotropy of Poincaré waves, in one case, and the zonal anisotropy of Rossby waves, in the other.Two examples are studied by ray theory: meridional normal modes and wave radiation from a point source in the equator. In the first case, the exact dispersion relation is obtained. In the second one, northern and southern caustics bend towards the equator, meeting there at focal points. The full solution is the superposition of many leaves and has a structure that would be hard to find in a normal modes expansion.
Integrative Array Analyzer: a software package for analysis of cross-platform and cross-species microarray data
Authors: Pan Fei , Kamath Kiran , Zhang Kangyu , Pulapura Sudip , Achar Avinash , Nunez-Iglesias Juan , Huang Yu , Yan Xifeng , Han Jiawei , Hu Haiyan , Xu Min , Hu Jianjun , Zhou Xianghong Jasmine 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Summary: The rapid accumulation of microarray data translates into an urgent need for tools to perform integrative microarray analysis. Integrative Array Analyzer is a comprehensive analysis and visualization software toolkit, which aims to facilitate the reuse of the large amount of cross-platform and cross-species microarray data. It is composed of the data preprocess module, the co-expression analysis module, the differential expression analysis module, the functional and transcriptional annotation module and the graph visualization module.
Availability:
Contact: xjzhou@usc.edu
Ensemble classifier for protein fold pattern recognition
Authors: Shen Hong-Bin , Chou Kuo-Chen 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Motivation: Prediction of protein folding patterns is one level deeper than that of protein structural classes, and hence is much more complicated and difficult. To deal with such a challenging problem, the ensemble classifier was introduced. It was formed by a set of basic classifiers, with each trained in different parameter systems, such as predicted secondary structure, hydrophobicity, van der Waals volume, polarity, polarizability, as well as different dimensions of pseudo-amino acid composition, which were extracted from a training dataset. The operation engine for the constituent individual classifiers was OET-KNN (optimized evidence-theoretic k-nearest neighbors) rule. Their outcomes were combined through a weighted voting to give a final determination for classifying a query protein. The recognition was to find the true fold among the 27 possible patterns.
Results: The overall success rate thus obtained was 62% for a testing dataset where most of the proteins have &lt;25% sequence identity with the proteins used in training the classifier. Such a rate is 6–21% higher than the corresponding rates obtained by various existing NN (neural networks) and SVM (support vector machines) approaches, implying that the ensemble classifier is very promising and might become a useful vehicle in protein science, as well as proteomics and bioinformatics.
Availability: The ensemble classifier, called PFP-Pred, is available as a web-server at for public usage.
Contact: lifesci-sjtu@san.rr.com
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available on Bioinformatics online.
Per capita alcohol consumption and sickness absence
Authors: Norström Thor 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTAim  The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between aggregate alcohol consumption and sickness absence in Sweden.Data and methods  Two indicators of sickness absence were used, one based on sickness insurance data, the other on data from the labour force surveys. Alcohol consumption was gauged by sales of pure alcohol (100%) per inhabitant 15 years of age and older. Because changes in the economy may affect alcohol consumption as well as sickness absence, two macroeconomic indicators were included as control variables: unemployment and real wages. The study period was 1935–2002. The data were analysed through the Box–Jenkins method for time‐series analyses.Findings  A 1‐litre increase in total consumption was associated with a 13% increase in sickness absence among men (P < 0.05). The relationship was not statistically significant for women.Conclusions  Previous research has documented that aggregate alcohol consumption is related to a large number of harm indicators, such as cirrhosis and accident mortality. The present findings add yet another indicator to this list.
Effects of gibberellin A3 and cytokinins on natural and post‐harvest, ethylene‐induced pigmentation of Satsuma mandarin peel
Authors: Garcia‐Luis A. , Fornes F. , Guardiola J. L. 
Published: May 2006

Natural and post‐harvest ethylene‐induced pigment changes in the rind of Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) fruits respond differently to the exogenous application of growth regulators. Both gibberellin A3 and the synthetic cytokinins N6‐benzyladenine and kinetin opposed the ethylene‐induced chlorophyll destruction, while the loss of chlorophyll during natural maturation was retarded by the gibberellin but not by the cytokinins. This different behaviour suggests that ethylene may not be playing a central role in the endogenous control of ripening. Carotenoid accumulation during natural maturation is apparently controlled through a different mechanism than chlorophyll loss since it is reduced both by the cytokinins and gibberellin A3.Kinetin and gibberellin A3 increased to a similar extent the accumulation of reducing sugars and free amino acids, and reduced that of non‐reducing sugars in the peel during natural maturation. Their differential effect on chlorophyll loss may not be explained through their effects on sugar accumulation.
Activities of some peptidases and proteinases in germinating kidney bean, Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Mikkonen Anita 
Published: May 2006

The activities of aminopeptidase (EC 3.4.11), dipeptidase (EC 3.4.13), carboxypeptidase (EC 3.4.16), naphthylamidase (EC 3.4.11) and proteinases (EC 3.4.21) were assayed in extracts from the cotyledons and the axial tissues of resting and germinating kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Processor).The activities of the alkaline peptidases (aminopeptidase hydrolyzing Leu‐Tyr at pH 9.2 and dipeptidase acting on Ala‐Gly at pH 8.5) and naphthylamidases (hydrolyzing Leu‐β‐naphthylamide at pH 6.4) were high in the cotyledons of resting seeds, but decreased during germination. This decrease was faster than the loss of the total nitrogen. On the contrary, the activities of carboxypeptidase (hydrolyzing carbobenzoxy‐Phe‐Ala at pH 5.9) and proteinases (acting on haemoglobin at pH 3.7 and on casein at pH 5.4 and 7.0) were low in the resting seeds, but increased during germination reaching their maximal values when the mobilization of nitrogen was highest. It has been suggested that the breakdown of storage proteins is initiated inside the protein bodies by acid proteinases and carboxypeptidases. Although the activities of the alkaline peptidases and naphthylamidases decreased during germination, these were still relatively high and enough for the completion of the proteolytic breakdown. Thus, it is suggested that, as a final step in a chain of events, the main role for the alkaline peptidases in the cotyledons of germinating seeds is to provide amino acids for the growth of the seedling.
Reduction of nitrate in the perennial tissues of aerial parts of Alnus glutinosa
Authors: Pizelle G. , Thiery G. 
Published: May 2006

In vivo nitrate reductase (NR, EC 1.6.6.1.) activity was measured in leaves, branches and trunk of field‐grown Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. All of the assayed tissues enzymatically reduced nitrate with a decreasing activity [μmol NO2− (g dry weight)−1 h−1] in the order: leaves > branch bark > inner branch tissues > trunk xylem. The NR activity of the various tissues of excised branches was inhibited by tungstate added to the transpiration stream. Part of the nitrate added to the feeding solution (0.2, 0.5 or 1 mM KNO3) of excised branches disappeared during its transport via the transpiration stream in the perennial tissues. This disappearance was enzymatic since it was decreased by tungstate.No evidence was obtained for the presence of nitrate in natural xylem sap nor for a significant correlation between nitrate content of soil and leaf NR activity. These results indicate that in the field‐grown black alder, the nitrate not reduced in the roots could be reduced in the perennial tissues of aerial parts. Since the leaf NR activity does not reflect the actual in situ nitrate reduction, the existence of a constitutive NR activity in Alnus leaves is suggested.
Effect of light intensity on proton extrusion by roots of intact maize plants
Authors: Schubert S. , Mengel K. 
Published: May 2006

Shading of maize plants (Zea mays L. cv. Blizzard) reduced net H+ extrusion by roots and increased K+ release, whereas there was no significant effect on anion efflux in deionized water. With lower light intensity the concentrations of carbohydrates in the roots decreased, but ATP levels and energy charge remained unchanged. Also, shading raised the tissue pH of roots and made the cytoplasmic pH of root cells drop. There was a significant influence of light intensity on H+ uptake by roots from an acidified test solution and CCCP (carbonylcyanide‐3‐chlorophenylhydrazone)‐in‐duced H+ uptake was modified by shading.It is concluded that low light intensity does not limit active H+ release by plasmalemma ATPase activity in the root cells, but that a reduced carbohydrate supply brings about a change in biochemical reactions which alter the membrane permeability for protons. An increased passive reflux of H+ into the cells rather than a reduced H+ ATPase activity explains the decrease of net H+ release by roots of intact maize plants under low light intensity.
Isolation and characterisation of developing chloroplasts from light‐grown barley leaves
Authors: Guillot‐Salomon Thérèse , Farineau Nicole , Cantrel Catherine , Oursel Annette , Tuquet Christiane 
Published: May 2006

Developing chloroplasts were isolated from the basal region of green barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Menuet) leaves and their ultrastructure and biochemical composition were compared to those of mature chloroplasts from the tip of the same leaves, using two methods of purification on sucrose and Percoll gradients.When examined and compared to mature chloroplasts, the developing chloroplasts showed well‐developed grana stacks, but these last organelles were 2‐fold smaller and contained lower amounts of chlorohylls and polar lipids. Only traces of trans‐3‐hexadecenoic acid could be detected in phosphatidylglycerol of developing plastids. The protein content of these plastids was higher than in mature plastids and showed an increased proportion of polypeptides linked to P‐700 chlorophyll α‐protein. The photosynthetic activity of these plastids was about 2‐fold lower and their photosystem 1/photosystem II ratio higher than in mature chloroplasts.
Evolution des glucides intratissulaires au cours de la néoformation des bourgeons par des explantats racinaires de Cichorium intybus cultivés in vitro
Authors: Vasseur J. , Lefebvre R. , Backoula E. 
Published: May 2006

Variation of intratissular carbohydrates during bud formation in root explants of Cichorium intybus cultivated in vitro.During the cellular activation that begins with excision of root explants from Cichorium intybus L. var. Witloof cv. Zoom cultured in vitro, hydrolysis of fructose polymers, in particular of the polyfructosans (inulin) takes place. The products of degradation are used to cover the energetic needs connected with the increase of the mitotic activity. After day 2 the intracellular carbohydrates (sucrose and reducing sugars) develop differently according to further development of the explants. When growth of unorganized callus is favoured and organ formation inhibited by medium supplemented with auxin, fructose is accumulated; but under bud‐forming conditions it is the amount of sucrose that increases. These differences were most notable between days 3 and 10 in culture, the period during which primordia occurred in the shoot‐forming callus