Spatial and temporal variation in organic acid anion exudation and nutrient anion uptake in the rhizosphere of Lupinus albus L

We investigated in situ the temporal patterns and spatial extent of organic acid anion exudation into the rhizosphere solution of Lupinus albus, and its relation with the nutrient anions phosphate, nitrate and sulfate by means of a rhizobox micro suction cup method under P sufficient conditions. We compared the soil solution in the rhizosphere of cluster roots with that in the vicinity of normal roots, nodules and bulk soil. Compared to the other rhizosphere and soil compartments, concentrations of organic acid anions were higher in the vicinity of cluster roots during the exudative burst (citrate, oxalate) and nodules (acetate, malate), while concentrations of inorganic nutrient anions were highest in the bulk soil. Both active cluster roots and nodules were most efficient in taking up nitrate and phosphate. The intensity of citrate exudation by cluster roots was highly variable. The overall temporal patterns during the lifetime of cluster roots were overlaid by a diurnal pattern, i.e. in most cases, the exudation burst consisted of one or more peaks occurring in the afternoon. Multiple exudation peaks occurred daily or were separated by 1 or 2days. Although citrate concentrations decreased with distance from the cluster root apex, they were still significantly higher at a distance of 6 to 10mm than in the bulk soil. Phosphate concentrations were extremely variable in the proximity of cluster roots. While our results indicate that under P sufficient conditions cluster roots take up phosphate during their entire life time, the influence of citrate exudation on phosphate mobilization from soil could not be assessed conclusively because of the complex interactions between P uptake, organic acid anion exudation and P mobilization. However, we observed indications of P mobilization concurrent with the highest measured citrate concentrations. In conclusion, this study provides semiquantitative in situ data on the reactivity of different root segments of L. albus L. in terms of root exudation and nutrient uptake under nutrient sufficient conditions, in particular on the temporal variability during the lifetime of cluster root

Nitrate leaching from short-hydroperiod floodplain soils

Numerous studies have shown the importance of riparian zones to reduce nitrate (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>) contamination coming from adjacent agricultural land. Much less is known about nitrogen (N) transformations and nitrate fluxes in riparian soils with short hydroperiods (1–3 days of inundation) and there is no study that could show whether these soils are a N sink or source. Within a restored section of the Thur River in NE Switzerland, we measured nitrate concentrations in soil solutions as an indicator of the net nitrate production. Samples were collected along a quasi-successional gradient from frequently inundated gravel bars to an alluvial forest, at three different depths (10, 50 and 100 cm) over a one-year period. Along this gradient we quantified N input (atmospheric deposition and sedimentation) and N output (leaching) to create a nitrogen balance and assess the risk of nitrate leaching from the unsaturated soil to the groundwater. Overall, the main factor explaining the differences in nitrate concentrations was the field capacity (FC). In subsoils with high FCs and VWC near FC, high nitrate concentrations were observed, often exceeding the Swiss and EU groundwater quality criterions of 400 and 800 μmol L<sup>−1</sup>, respectively. High sedimentation rates of river-derived nitrogen led to apparent N retention up to 200 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup> yr<sup>−1</sup> in the frequently inundated zones. By contrast, in the mature alluvial forest, nitrate leaching exceeded total N input most of the time. As a result of the large soil N pools, high amounts of nitrate were produced by nitrification and up to 94 kg N-NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> ha<sup>−1</sup> yr<sup>−1</sup> were leached into the groundwater. Thus, during flooding when water fluxes are high, nitrate from soils can contribute up to 11% to the total nitrate load in groundwater

Targeted therapy in nuclear medicine—current status and future prospects

In recent years, a number of new developments in targeted therapies using radiolabeled compounds have emerged. New developments and insights in radioiodine treatment of thyroid cancer, treatment of lymphoma and solid tumors with radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the developments in the application of radiolabeled small receptor-specific molecules such as meta-iodobenzylguanidine and peptides and the position of locoregional treatment in malignant involvement of the liver are reviewed. The introduction of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone and the possibility to enhance iodine uptake with retinoids has changed the radioiodine treatment protocol of patients with thyroid cancer. Introduction of radiolabeled mAbs has provided additional treatment options in patients with malignant lymphoma, while a similar approach proves to be cumbersome in patients with solid tumors. With radiolabeled small molecules that target specific receptors on tumor cells, high radiation doses can be directed to tumors in patients with disseminated disease. Radiolabeled somatostatin derivatives for the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors are the role model for this approach. Locoregional treatment with radiopharmaceuticals of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or metastases to the liver may be used in inoperable cases, but may also be of benefit in a neo-adjuvant or adjuvant setting. Significant developments in the application of targeted radionuclide therapy have taken place. New treatment modalities have been introduced in the clinic. The concept of combining therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals with other treatment modalities is more extensively explore

Pedunculopontine nucleus gamma band activity-preconscious awareness, waking, and REM sleep

The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is a major component of the reticular activating system (RAS) that regulates waking and REM sleep, states of high-frequency EEG activity. Recently,we described the presence of high threshold, voltage-dependent N- and P/Q-type calcium channels in RAS nuclei that subserve gamma band oscillations in the mesopontine PPN, intralaminar parafascicular nucleus (Pf), and pontine subcoeruleus nucleus dorsalis (SubCD). Cortical gamma band activity participates in sensory perception, problem solving, and memory. Rather than participating in the temporal binding of sensory events as in the cortex, gamma band activity in the RAS may participate in the processes of preconscious awareness, and provide the essential stream of information for the formulation of many of our actions.That is, the RAS may play an early permissive role in volition. Our latest results suggest that (1) the manifestation of gamma band activity during waking may employ a separate intracellular pathway compared to that during REM sleep, (2) neuronal calcium sensor (NCS-1) protein, which is over expressed in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, modulates gamma band oscillations in the PPN in a concentration-dependent manner, (3) leptin, which undergoes resistance in obesity resulting in sleep dysregulation, decreases sodium currents in PPN neurons, accounting for its normal attenuation of waking, and (4) following our discovery of electrical coupling in the RAS, we Hypothesize that there are cell clusters within the PPN that may act in concert. These results provide novel information on the mechanisms controlling high-frequency activity related to waking and REM sleep by elements of the RAS.Fil: Urbano Suarez, Francisco Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (i); ArgentinaFil: Donofrio, Stasia M.. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences; Estados UnidosFil: Luster, Brennon R.. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences; Estados UnidosFil: Beck, Paige B.. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences; Estados UnidosFil: Hyde, James Robert. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences; Estados UnidosFil: Bisagno, Veronica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (i); Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias; ArgentinaFil: Garcia Rill, Edgar. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences; Estados Unido

CD36 Mediates the Innate Host Response to β-Amyloid

Accumulation of inflammatory microglia in Alzheimer's senile plaques is a hallmark of the innate response to β-amyloid fibrils and can initiate and propagate neurodegeneration characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The molecular mechanism whereby fibrillar β-amyloid activates the inflammatory response has not been elucidated. CD36, a class B scavenger receptor, is expressed on microglia in normal and AD brains and binds to β-amyloid fibrils in vitro. We report here that microglia and macrophages, isolated from CD36 null mice, had marked reductions in fibrillar β-amyloid–induced secretion of cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species. Intraperitoneal and stereotaxic intracerebral injection of fibrillar β-amyloid in CD36 null mice induced significantly less macrophage and microglial recruitment into the peritoneum and brain, respectively, than in wild-type mice. Our data reveal that CD36, a major pattern recognition receptor, mediates microglial and macrophage response to β-amyloid, and imply that CD36 plays a key role in the proinflammatory events associated with AD

Kurz- und langfristige Auswirkungen von Trockenheit auf die Kohlenstoffumsetzung in Waldböden

Die Wasserverfügbarkeit begrenzt die pflanzliche und mikrobielle Aktivität und damit den ökosystemaren Kohlenstoffkreislauf. Allerdings sind die Auswirkungen auf die Speicherung organischer Bodensubstanz (OBS) unsicher, da Trockenheit sowohl die C-Einträge als auch die Respirationsverluste beeinträchtigt und es zu artspezifischen Anpassungen kommt. In jungen Buchenwäldern untersuchten wir mittels C-13-Pulslabelling, wie Trockenheit und anschliessende Wiederbewässerung die Allokation von neuen Assimilaten und deren Verbleib im Boden beeinflusst. Zudem ermittelten wir in einem trockenen inneralpinen Kiefernwald, wie eine 12-jährige Bewässerung die ober- und unterirdische Diversität sowie den C-Kreislauf verändert. Erwartungsgemäss reduzierte Trockenheit die Photosynthese und die Bodenatmung. Nach Wiederbewässerung überstiegen jedoch die beiden C-Flüsse in den vormals trockengestressten Buchensystemen diejenigen der permanent Bewässerten für mehr als 2 Monate. Insgesamt war die C-Bilanz daher ausgeglichen. Das C-13 Pulslabelling nach Wiederbewässerung zeigte, dass wenn die Buchen vorgängig wasserlimitiert waren, sie grössere Mengen ihrer Assimilate in den Wurzelraum verlagerten und dort veratmeten. Diese ist ein Hinweis, dass, nach der Aufhebung von Trockenstress, Bäume als ersten Schritt in den Wurzelraum investieren, möglicherweise um die Funktionstüchtigkeit ihre Wurzeln wieder herzustellen. Die zwölfjährige Bewässerung in dem trockenen Kiefernwaldes erhöhte sowohl die Feinwurzelproduktion also auch die Bodenatmung um etwa 50%. Die erhöhte C-Umsetzung spiegelte sich in den mikrobiellen Lebensgemeinschaften wieder. 454-Pyrosequenzierung zeigte, dass mit nährstoffreichen Bedingungen assoziierte Bakterien und Pilze von der Bewässerung profitierten. Auch die Tiefenverteilung der OBS veränderte sich, wobei der C-Verlust aus der organischen Auflage bei Bewässerung (-900 g C m-2) wurde durch eine Zunahme im Mineralboden (+970 g C m-2) ausgeglichen. Gesamthaft zeigen unsere Ergebnisse, dass bei Trockenheit die C-Umsetzung und die damit verbundene Funktionen stark zurückgehen, die OBS-Pools sich nur wenig verändern. Nach Aufhebung von Trockenstress können sich Waldökosystem ‚erholen‘; Bäume scheinen dabei verstärkt in den Wurzelraum zu investieren, was sich auf die C-Umsetzung im Boden auswirkt

Functional diversity of chemokines and chemokine receptors in response to viral infection of the central nervous system.

Encounters with neurotropic viruses result in varied outcomes ranging from encephalitis, paralytic poliomyelitis or other serious consequences to relatively benign infection. One of the principal factors that control the outcome of infection is the localized tissue response and subsequent immune response directed against the invading toxic agent. It is the role of the immune system to contain and control the spread of virus infection in the central nervous system (CNS), and paradoxically, this response may also be pathologic. Chemokines are potent proinflammatory molecules whose expression within virally infected tissues is often associated with protection and/or pathology which correlates with migration and accumulation of immune cells. Indeed, studies with a neurotropic murine coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), have provided important insight into the functional roles of chemokines and chemokine receptors in participating in various aspects of host defense as well as disease development within the CNS. This chapter will highlight recent discoveries that have provided insight into the diverse biologic roles of chemokines and their receptors in coordinating immune responses following viral infection of the CNS

Влияние ионной бомбардировки на формирование поверхностных слоев при азотировании в безводородной плазме газового разряда

В работе приведены результаты изучения процессов упрочнения стальных образцов в безводородной плазме низковольтного газового разряда в вакууме. В отличие от тлеющего разряда, широко применяемого в промышленных технологиях для проведения ионно-плазменного азотирования, в данном типе газового разряда из-за низкого давления заметно выражены эффекты распыления поверхности обрабатываемых деталей. Данное обстоятельство однозначно должно приводить к интенсификации диффузионных процессов. В работе описаны параметры оборудования, приводятся экспериментальные данные по измерениям шероховатости, микротвердости и структуре поверхностей легированных сталей. Отдельное внимание уделено вопросу азотирования закаленных сталей в данном типе разряда в диапазоне температур отпуска.In this work presents the results of studying the processes of hardening of steel samples in hydrogen-free plasma of low-voltage gas discharge in vacuum. In contrast to the glow discharge, widely used in industrial technologies for ion-plasma nitriding, in this type of gas discharge due to the low pressure, the effects of spraying the surface of the processed parts are markedly expressed. This fact should definitely lead to the intensification of diffusion processes. The paper describes the parameters of the equipment, provides experimental data on the measurements of roughness, microhardness and structure of the surfaces of alloy steels. Special attention is paid to the issue of nitriding of hardened steels in this type of discharge in the tempering temperature range

Modeling Cell Gradient Sensing and Migration in Competing Chemoattractant Fields

Directed cell migration mediates physiological and pathological processes. In particular, immune cell trafficking in tissues is crucial for inducing immune responses and is coordinated by multiple environmental cues such as chemoattractant gradients. Although the chemotaxis mechanism has been extensively studied, how cells integrate multiple chemotactic signals for effective trafficking and positioning in tissues is not clearly defined. Results from previous neutrophil chemotaxis experiments and modeling studies suggested that ligand-induced homologous receptor desensitization may provide an important mechanism for cell migration in competing chemoattractant gradients. However, the previous mathematical model is oversimplified to cell gradient sensing in one-dimensional (1-D) environment. To better understand the receptor desensitization mechanism for chemotactic navigation, we further developed the model to test the role of homologous receptor desensitization in regulating both cell gradient sensing and migration in different configurations of chemoattractant fields in two-dimension (2-D). Our results show that cells expressing normal desensitizable receptors preferentially orient and migrate toward the distant gradient in the presence of a second local competing gradient, which are consistent with the experimentally observed preferential migration of cells toward the distant attractant source and confirm the requirement of receptor desensitization for such migratory behaviors. Furthermore, our results are in qualitative agreement with the experimentally observed cell migration patterns in different configurations of competing chemoattractant fields