bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GRP78 and Raf‐1 cooperatively confer resistance to endoplasmic reticulum stress‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Shu Chih‐Wen , Sun Fang‐Chun , Cho Jun‐Hung , Lin Chih‐Chien , Liu Pei‐Feng , Chen Ping‐Yen , Chang Margaret Dah‐Tsyr , Fu Hua‐Wen , Lai Yiu‐Kay 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe chaperone glucose‐regulated protein, 78/immunoglobulin binding protein (GRP78/Bip), protects cells from cytotoxicity induced by DNA damage or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In this study, we showed that GRP78 is a major inducible protein in human non‐small cell lung cancer H460 cells treated with ER stress inducers, including A23187 and thapsigargin. AEBSF, an inhibitor of serine protease, diminished GRP78 induction, enhanced mitochondrial permeability, and augmented apoptosis in H460 cells during ER stress. Simultaneously, AEBSF promoted Raf‐1 degradation and suppressed phosphorylation of Raf‐1 at Ser338 and/or Tyr340 during ER stress. Coimmunoprecipitation assays and subcellular fractionations showed that GRP78 associated and colocalized with Raf‐1 on the outer membrane of mitochondria, respectively. While treatment of cells with ER stress inducers inactivated BAD by phosphorylation at Ser75, a Raf‐1 phosphorylation site; AEBSF attenuated phosphorylation of BAD, leading to cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Additionally, overexpression of GRP78 and/or Raf‐1 protected cells from ER stress‐induced apoptosis. Taken together, our results indicate that GRP78 may stabilize Raf‐1 to maintain mitochondrial permeability and thus protect cells from ER stress‐induced apoptosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 627–635, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interleukin‐18 stimulates fibronectin expression in primary human cardiac fibroblasts via PI3K‐Akt‐dependent NF‐κB activation
Authors: Reddy Venkatapuram Seenu , Harskamp Ralf Egan , van Ginkel Margreet Willie , Calhoon John , Baisden Clinton Eugene , Kim In‐San , Valente Anthony J. , Chandrasekar Bysani 
Published: December 2007

AbstractFibronectin (FN), a key component of the extracellular matrix, is upregulated in cardiac tissue during myocardial hypertrophy and failure. Here we show that interleukin (IL)‐18, a proinflammatory and pro‐hypertrophic cytokine, stimulates FN expression in adult human cardiac fibroblasts (HCF), an effect blocked by either the IL‐18BP:Fc chimera or IL‐18 neutralizing antibodies. IL‐18 stimulated FN promoter–reporter activity in HCF, a response attenuated by mutation of an NF‐κB binding site in the FN promoter. Overexpression of p65 stimulated FN transcription. IL‐18 stimulated in vitro (p65, p50) and in vivo NF‐κB DNA binding activities, and induced κB‐dependent reporter gene activity. These effects were inhibited by adenoviral transduction of dominant negative (dn) p65 (Ad.dnp65) and dnIKK2 (Ad.dnIKK2). Investigation of signaling intermediates revealed that IL‐18 stimulated PI3 kinase activity (blocked by wortmannin, LY294002, or Ad.dnPI3Kp85), and Akt phosphorylation and kinase activity (blocked by SH‐5 or Ad.dnAkt). Furthermore, targeting MyD88, IRAK1, TRAF6, PI3K, Akt, and NF‐κB by RNA interference or dn expression vectors blunted IL‐18 mediated FN transcription and mRNA expression. Conversely, FN stimulated IL‐18 expression. These data provide the first evidence that IL‐18 and FN stimulate each other's expression in HCF, and suggest a role for IL‐18, FN and their crosstalk in myocardial hypertrophy and remodeling, disease states characterized by enhanced FN expression and fibrosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 697–707, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A23187, ionomycin and thapsigargin upregulate mRNA of HIF‐1α via endoplasmic reticulum stress rather than a rise in intracellular calcium
Authors: Werno Christian , Zhou Jie , Brüne Bernhard 
Published: December 2007

AbstractHypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1) coordinates major responses to hypoxia, with the notion that its alpha subunit is degraded under normoxia but stable under hypoxia. Recently, calcium was shown to affect expression of HIF‐1α. While lowering cytosolic calcium accumulates HIF‐1α, a calcium increase by the ionophores A23187 or ionomycin as well as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+‐ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin produced inconsistent results with reports to either increase or decrease HIF‐1α protein. In the human hepatocyte cell line HepG2 only A23187, but neither ionomycin nor thapsigargin, accumulated HIF‐1α protein under normoxia. However, A23187 does so independently of a calcium increase. A23187 not only accumulated HIF‐1α protein but also mRNA of HIF‐1α, with the notion that protein but not mRNA accumulation was attenuated by blocking mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), suggesting that HIF‐1α protein accumulation is not a direct consequence of its mRNA elevation. Indeed, protein stability determinations implied that A23187 enhanced translation of HIF‐1α. Interestingly, ionomycin and thapsigargin also increased the HIF‐1α mRNA content. Although not increasing the HIF‐1α protein amount under normoxia, both compounds enhanced protein accumulation of HIF‐1α under hypoxia. Taking into account that induction of ER stress by tunicamycin and brefeldin A, without altering intracellular calcium concentrations, also increased HIF‐1α mRNA, suggests that ER stress pathways enhanced transcription of HIF‐1α mRNA. We conclude that ER stress rather than calcium fluctuations increased HIF‐1α mRNA content by established calcium liberating agents, which alone is insufficient for normoxic HIF‐1α accumulation. J. Cell. Physiol. 215: 708–714, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ni+reactions with aminoacetonitrile, a potential prebiological precursor of glycine
Authors: Lamsabhi Al Mokhtar , Mó Otilia , Yáñez Manuel , Guillemin Jean‐Claude , Haldys Violette , Tortajada Jeanine , Salpin Jean‐Yves 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe gas‐phase reactions between Ni+(2D5/2) and aminoacetonitrile, a molecule of prebiological interest as possible precursor of glycine, have been investigated by means of mass spectrometry techniques. The mass‐analyzed ion kinetic energy (MIKE) spectrum reveals that the adduct ions [NCCH2NH2, Ni+] spontaneously decompose by loosing HCN, H2, and H2CNH, the loss of hydrogen cyanide being clearly dominant. The structures and bonding characteristics of the aminoacetonitrile–Ni+complexes as well as the different stationary points of the corresponding potential energy surface (PES) have been theoretically studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations carried out at B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) level. A cyclic intermediate, in which Ni+is bisligated to the cyano and the amino group, plays an important role in the unimolecular reactivity of these ions, because it is the precursor for the observed losses of HCN and H2CNH. In all mechanisms associated with the loss of H2, the metal acts as hydrogen carrier favoring the formation of the H2molecule. The estimated bond dissociation energy of aminoacetonitrile–Ni+complexes (291 kJ mol−1) is larger than those measured for other nitrogen bases such as pyridine or pyrimidine and only slightly smaller than that of adenine. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bilateral changes in neuronal activity of the basal ganglia in the unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine rat model
Authors: Breit S. , Martin A. , Lessmann L. , Cerkez D. , Gasser T. , Schulz J.B. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe functional significance of the interhemispheric projections on the basal ganglia level is poorly understood. Insofar as the anatomical evidence for crossing projections between basal ganglia nuclei is sparse, whereas tracing studies demonstrated important crossing projections from the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) to the basal ganglia, it is suggested that the PPN might play a key role in interhemispheric regulation of basal ganglia activity. The present study was performed to assess changes in neuronal activity of ipsilateral and contralateral subthalamic nucleus (STN), substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), and PPN in the unilateral 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) rat model of advanced PD under urethane anesthesia. After unilateral lesioning of the SNc, the firing rate of contralateral STN neurons significantly increased from 10.9 ± 1.0 spikes/sec (mean ± SEM) to 16.3 ± 1.5 spikes/sec. Similarly, the firing rate of contralateral SNr neurons significantly increased from 19.4 ± 1.2 to 25.7 ± 1.9 spikes/sec, and the firing rate of contralateral PPN neurons significantly increased from 10.6 ± 0.8 to 13.9 ± 1.1 spikes/sec. The observed activity changes in contralateral STN, SNr, and PPN are similar to those induced in the corresponding nuclei of the hemisphere ipsilateral to the nigrostriatal degeneration. Based on previous, predominantly anatomical data, the results of the present study suggest that the PPN on the lesioned side is at the origin of changes in the activity of STN and SNr on the contralateral hemisphere, because of its crossing efferent projections. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular basis for detection of invading pathogens in the brain
Authors: Falsig Jeppe , van Beek Johan , Hermann Corinna , Leist Marcel 
Published: December 2007

AbstractClassical immunology textbooks have described the central nervous system as an immune‐privileged site, i.e., as devoid of inflammatory and host‐vs.‐graft immunoreactions. This view has been refined, since we now know that hematopoietic cells infiltrate the CNS under certain circumstances and that CNS‐resident cells are capable of launching an innate immune response. Microglia cells express an extensive repertoire of pattern‐recognition receptors and act as sentinels surveilling the CNS for possible damage or infection. Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the brain, and they are capable of launching a strong supportive innate immune response. Novel findings show that both astrocytes and, surprisingly, even neurons express pattern‐recognition receptors. Activation of these receptors leads to a functional response, indicating that cells other than microglia are capable of initiating a primary innate immune response against CNS‐invading pathogens. Here, we put these findings into context with what has been learned from recent in vitro and in vivo experiments about the initiation of an innate immune response in the brain. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The interrelationship between the cultivation of crops and soil‐strength dynamics
Authors: Stock Oliver , Bens Oliver , Hüttl Reinhard F. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIt is well accepted that the penetration resistance of soils is, among others factors, highly sensitive to the moisture status of the soil. This study tested the hypothesis of whether the dewatering of a soil by crops of varying dewatering capacities significantly affects the soil's penetration resistance and whether this contributes to an exceedance of the commonly accepted root‐growth threshold already in the range of plant‐available water. During a 22‐month period between March 2002 and December 2003, the soil water content of a former lignite strip mine in E Germany was studied. The soil had been restored with Saalian glacial till. Plots contained two different crops, a 3 y–old stand of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and a 7 y–old stand of wild rye (Secale multicaule L.). Soil water contents under the two crops were converted on the basis of the water‐retention characteristics into water tensions, allowing an investigation of the changes in the measured water content in the wider context of the water availability to the crops. During both growing seasons, the water tension under lucerne exceeded the permanent‐wilting point (104.2 hPa) for up to 20 weeks between 0 and 90 cm, which is equal to a predicted penetration resistance of >15 MPa. Water tensions under the wild rye rose only up to a maximum of 103 hPa for the same period, so that the predicted penetration‐resistance values remained constantly <5 MPa. Our findings demonstrate that the dewatering by plants during the growing seasons affects the actual strength of the soil, which can lead to the exceeding of the commonly accepted root‐growth threshold.
Compost and P amendments for stimulating microorganisms and maize growth in a saline soil from Pakistan in comparison with a nonsaline soil from Germany
Authors: Muhammad Sher , Müller Torsten , Joergensen Rainer Georg 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA 92 d greenhouse pot experiment with maize (Zea mays L.) was carried out with a strongly saline soil from Pakistan (P‐s) in comparison with a nonsaline soil from Germany (G‐s) similar in pH and texture. The aim was to evaluate salinity effects on the decomposition of compost and effects of compost and P amendments on (1) plant growth and (2) microbial‐biomass formation. The yield of maize shoot‐C and root‐C increased in both soils in the order nonamended control < +triple superphosphate (TSP) (A1) < +compost (A2) < +(compost + TSP) (A3) < +TSP‐enriched compost (A4). In comparison with the control, the highest yield in treatment A4 was nearly doubled on the G‐s, but was increased more than 8‐fold on the saline P‐s. Averaging the three compost treatments, 32% of the compost added was decomposed in the German soil and 36% in the Pakistani soil on the basis of the compost recovered as particulate organic matter. These data were roughly in agreement with the CO2‐evolution data. This indicates that the decomposition of compost was not affected by salinity. Compost‐derived CO2 was mainly evolved until day 32, the root‐derived CO2 from day 74 until the end of the experiment. The addition of compost resulted in higher contents of microbial biomass C and biomass P, but also in that of NaHCO3‐extractable P. These three properties were significantly interrelated (r = 0.64–0.85), but on a lower level of significance than the relationships between shoot‐C, root‐C, and NaHCO3‐extractable P (r = 0.90–0.93). Applying compost enriched with TSP (incubation of compost and TSP for 24 h) provided considerably more P to plants and microorganisms than the separate addition of these two components. The results suggest that the role of the microbial biomass as a sink and source for available P deserves further attention.
Seasonal effect of the exotic invasive plant Solidago gigantea on soil pH and P fractions
Authors: Herr Cécile , Chapuis‐Lardy Lydie , Dassonville Nicolas , Vanderhoeven Sonia , Meerts Pierre 
Published: December 2007

AbstractInvasions by alien plants can alter biogeochemical cycles in recipient ecosystems. We test if Early Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) alters P fractions. To that end, we compare invaded plots and adjacent, uninvaded resident vegetation for specific fractions of organic and inorganic P, phosphomonoesterase (PME) activity in topsoil, and immobilization of P in above‐ and belowground organs and in soil microbial biomass. Invaded plots had lower soil pH and 20%–30% higher labile P fractions (resin‐Pi, bicarb‐Pi, NaOH‐Pi), and the difference was consistent across seasons. There was no difference in microbial P. Alkaline‐PME activity was 30% lower in topsoil of invaded plots. Annual P uptake in aboveground phytomass was not markedly higher in Solidago. In contrast, P in belowground organs steadily increased in autumn in invaded plots, due to both increased biomass and increased P concentrations. This indicated higher net P immobilization in Solidago, far in excess of both resorption from senescing shoots and P requirements for aboveground biomass in subsequent year. Higher turnover rates of P in belowground organs and mobilization of sparingly soluble P forms through rhizosphere acidification may be involved in the observed differences in soil P status between invaded and uninvaded plots.
Uptake and apoplastic retention of EDTA‐ and phytosiderophore‐chelated chromium(III) in maize
Authors: Erenoglu Bülent E. , Patra Hemanta K. , Khodr Hicham , Römheld Volker , von Wirén Nicolaus 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIncreasing the mobilization and root uptake of chromium (Cr) by synthetic and plant‐borne chelators might be relevant for the design of phytoremediation strategies on Cr‐contaminated sites. Short‐term uptake studies in maize roots supplied with 51CrCl3 or 51Cr(III)‐EDTA led to higher apoplastic Cr contents in plant roots supplied with 51CrCl3 and in Fe‐sufficient plants relative to Fe‐deficient plants, indicating that Fe stimulated co‐precipitation of Cr. Concentration‐dependent retention of Cr in a methanol:chloroform‐treated cell‐wall fraction was still saturable and in agreement with the predicted tendency of Cr(III) to precipitate as Cr(OH)3. To investigate a possible stimulation of Cr(III) uptake by phytosiderophores, Fe‐deficient maize roots were exposed for 6 d to Cr(III)‐EDTA or Cr(III)‐DMA (2'‐deoxymugineic acid). Relative to plants without Cr supply, the supply of both chelated Cr species in a subtoxic concentration of 1 µM resulted in alleviation of Fe deficiency–induced chlorosis and higher Cr accumulation. Long‐term Cr accumulation from Cr(III)‐DMA was similar to that from Cr(III)‐EDTA, and Cr uptake from both chelates was not altered in the maize mutant ys1, which is defective in metal‐phytosiderophore uptake. We therefore conclude that phytosiderophores increase Cr solubility similar to synthetic chelators like EDTA, but do not additionally contribute to Cr(III) uptake from Cr‐contaminated sites.
Correcting molybdenum deficiency of chickpea in the High Barind Tract of Bangladesh
Authors: Johansen Chris , Musa Abu M. , Kumar Rao J. V. D. K. , Harris David , Yusuf Ali M. , Shahidullah A. K. M. , Lauren Julie G. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA major limitation to chickpea grown on residual soil moisture after the harvest of rice in the High Barind Tract (HBT) of Bangladesh is acidic surface soil. A diagnostic trial conducted in the 2001/02 season showed that Mo was limiting growth and yield of chickpea. Multilocational on‐farm trials in the 2002/03 season established that Mo applied to the soil at 500 g ha–1 improved nodulation and plant growth and resulted in grain‐yield responses of 58%–173%. In addition, we tested an application method suitable for resource‐poor farmers where Mo and Rhizobium were added in the seed‐priming process. Multilocational trials in farmers' fields in 2003/04 confirmed that this was as effective as soil application of Mo, giving yield responses of 37%–90%. In each of 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons, 50 farmers implemented on‐farm evaluations of adding Mo + Rhizobium in the priming solution in operational scale plots (666 m2) across the HBT. Mean responses of up to 50%, compared to priming in water only, were obtained. These results suggest that the severe N deficiency of chickpea commonly observed in the HBT can be effectively alleviated by applying Mo and Rhizobium inoculum through a simple low‐cost technology within the scope of resource‐poor farmers.
Level of trace elements in Pteridophytes growing on serpentine and metalliferous soils
Authors: Cornara Laura , Roccotiello Enrica , Minganti Vincenzo , Drava Giuliana , De Pellegrini Rodolfo , Giorgio Mariotti Mauro 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA screening of Pteridophytes growing on serpentine and metalliferous soils in Northern Italy was carried out to assess the ability of these plants to tolerate or accumulate trace elements of toxicological interest. Few data are available on metal tolerance/accumulation of terrestrial ferns growing in the Mediterranean region, and several species presented here have never been investigated for this purpose. The trace‐element composition (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn) and P content of aerial parts of plants (12 fern and 2 horsetail species) and of their associated soils were measured. An analysis of the relationship between element concentrations in soil and in shoot revealed a significant correlation only for Zn (p < 0.05). Hierarchical cluster analysis based on element concentrations in plant aerial parts showed two outliers, viz. Equisetum ramosissimum Desf., showing the highest levels of Cr, Fe, Cu, Ni, and As, and Nephrolepis cordifolia C. Presl., showing the highest Pb value. The bioaccumulation factor exceeded 1 only for Cd in two species, Athyrium filix‐femina and Dryopteris filix‐mas. However, also in these cases the corresponding values of the metal in the shoots were below the thresholds for hyperaccumulators. The examined Pteridophytes seem to have developed their adaptation prevalently through mechanisms of tolerance based on metal exclusion. None of these plant species seem suitable for phytoextraction, but N. cordifolia, Pteridium aquilinum ssp. aquilinum, and E. ramosissimum have potential to be used for stabilization and restoration of soils rich in heavy metals.
Dynamic fuzzy wavelet neuroemulator for non‐linear control of irregular building structures
Authors: Jiang Xiaomo , Adeli Hojjat 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA new non‐linear control model is presented for active control of three‐dimensional (3D) building structures. Both geometrical and material non‐linearities are included in the structural control formulation. A dynamic fuzzy wavelet neuroemulator is presented for predicting the structural response in future time steps. Two dynamic coupling actions are taken into account simultaneously in the control model: (a) coupling between lateral and torsional motions of the structure and (b) coupling between the actuator and the structure. The new neuroemulator is validated using two irregular 3D steel building structures, a 12‐story structure with vertical setbacks and an 8‐story structure with plan irregularity. Numerical validations in both time and frequency domains demonstrate that the new neuroemulator provides accurate prediction of structural displacement responses, which is required in neural network models for active control of structures. In the companion paper, a floating‐point genetic algorithm is presented for finding the optimal control forces needed for active non‐linear control of building structures using the dynamic fuzzy wavelet neuroemulator presented in this paper. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PEDOT‐PSS/singlewall carbon nanotubes composites
Authors: Ham Hyeong Taek , Choi Yeong Suk , Chee Mu Guen , Cha Myoung Hwan , Chung In Jae 
Published: December 2007

AbstractPoly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) composites were prepared via coating methods for improving electrical conductivity and flexibility, minimizing loss of transparency. Three types of surface modified SWNTs were prepared through different modification methods: carboxylated SWNT treated with nitric acid to form carboxylic acid group on their surfaces, 1‐pyrenebutyric acid wrapped SWNT, and 1‐pyrenebutyric acid, lithium salt wrapped SWNT. The surface modifiers had influence on the dispersion states of the SWNTs in 2‐propanol. The dispersion states had influence of aggregate concentrations of surface modified SWNTs in polymer matrix, showing lower aggregate concentration for the carboxylated SWNT than those of the other surface modified SWNTs. The dispersion behaviors of SWNTs were also related with transparency and electrical resistance, and flexibility of composite films. Based on the layer‐by‐layer coating method, SWNT composite film properties such as thickness, transparency, and electrical conductivity could be controlled and would be a good example for improving contradictory properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 48:1–10, 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers