Chonbuk National University

About: Chonbuk National University is a education organization based out in Jeonju, South Korea. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Apoptosis & Nanofiber. The organization has 14820 authors who have published 28884 publications receiving 554131 citations.

ER Stress-Mediated Signaling: Action Potential and Ca(2+) as Key Players

Abstract: The proper functioning of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is crucial for multiple cellular activities and survival. Disturbances in the normal ER functions lead to the accumulation and aggregation of unfolded proteins, which initiates an adaptive response, the unfolded protein response (UPR), in order to regain normal ER functions. Failure to activate the adaptive response initiates the process of programmed cell death or apoptosis. Apoptosis plays an important role in cell elimination, which is essential for embryogenesis, development, and tissue homeostasis. Impaired apoptosis can lead to the development of various pathological conditions, such as neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, cancer, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Calcium (Ca2+) is one of the key regulators of cell survival and it can induce ER stress-mediated apoptosis in response to various conditions. Ca2+ regulates cell death both at the early and late stages of apoptosis. Severe Ca2+ dysregulation can promote cell death through apoptosis. Action potential, an electrical signal transmitted along the neurons and muscle fibers, is important for conveying information to, from, and within the brain. Upon the initiation of the action potential, increased levels of cytosolic Ca2+ (depolarization) lead to the activation of the ER stress response involved in the initiation of apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the involvement of Ca2+ and action potential in ER stress-mediated apoptosis.

Oscillators that sync and swarm.

Abstract: Synchronization occurs in many natural and technological systems, from cardiac pacemaker cells to coupled lasers. In the synchronized state, the individual cells or lasers coordinate the timing of their oscillations, but they do not move through space. A complementary form of self-organization occurs among swarming insects, flocking birds, or schooling fish; now the individuals move through space, but without conspicuously altering their internal states. Here we explore systems in which both synchronization and swarming occur together. Specifically, we consider oscillators whose phase dynamics and spatial dynamics are coupled. We call them swarmalators, to highlight their dual character. A case study of a generalized Kuramoto model predicts five collective states as possible long-term modes of organization. These states may be observable in groups of sperm, Japanese tree frogs, colloidal suspensions of magnetic particles, and other biological and physical systems in which self-assembly and synchronization interact.

Characterization and properties of in situ emulsion polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene nanocomposites

Abstract: Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/graphene nanocomposites were prepared by in situ emulsion polymerization. Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that PMMA polymer contained partially reduced graphite oxide. Dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that graphene in the PMMA matrix acted as reinforcing filler; it enhanced the storage moduli and glass transition temperatures of the nanocomposites. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites increased by ca . 35 °C. The electrical conductivity of nanocomposite with 3 wt.% graphite oxide was 1.5 S m −1 at room temperature.