WorldWideScience
1

Prognostic evaluation of metallothionein expression in human colorectal neoplasms.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AIM: To investigate the role of metallothionein in colorectal tumours and the possible relation with other factors associated with tumour progression: expression of cathepsin D (CD), CD44, p53, Rb,...Full Text Available

1999-12-01

2

Astrocyte-Derived Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Stabilizes Vessels in the Developing Retinal Vasculature  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in normal development as well as retinal vasculature disease. During retinal vascularization, VEGF is most strongly expressed by not yet...Full Text Available

3

Targeted Deletion of Somatotroph Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Signaling in a Cell-Specific Knockout Mouse Model  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The role of IGF-I in the negative regulation of GH expression and release is demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo models; however, the targets and mechanisms of IGF-I...Full Text Available

2010-05-01

4

Regulation of rat hepatic low density lipoprotein receptors. In vivo stimulation by growth hormone is not mediated by insulin-like growth factor I.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Growth hormone (GH) has an important role in the regulation of hepatic LDL receptor expression and plasma lipoprotein levels. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate if these effects of GH on...Full Text Available

1996-01-15

5

Lipocalin 2 in the central nervous system host response to systemic lipopolysaccharide administration  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundLipocalin 2 (Lcn2) is a bacteriostatic factor that may also modulate cellular function, however, little is known concerning the expression or role of Lcn2 in CNS inflammation....Full Text Available

6

Abnormalities of GATA-1 in Megakaryocytes from Patients with Idiopathic Myelofibrosis  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The abnormal megakaryocytopoiesis associated with idiopathic myelofibrosis (IM) plays a role in its pathogenesis. Because mice with defective expression of transcription factor GATA-1 (GATA-1low...Full Text Available

2005-09-01

7

Type I (RI) and type II (RII) receptors for transforming growth factor-beta isoforms are expressed subsequent to transforming growth factor-beta ligands during excisional wound repair.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta isoforms (TGF-beta 1, -beta 2, and -beta 3) regulate cell growth and differentiation and have critical regulatory roles in the process of tissue repair and remodeling....Full Text Available

1997-01-01

8

Tumor necrosis factor-? is associated with positive lymph node status in patients with recurrence of colorectal cancer?indications for anti-TNF-? agents in cancer treatment  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Introduction The progressive growth of malignancies is accompanied by a decline in the immune response through mechanisms which are poorly understood. Apoptosis and induction of inflammation by tumor released cytokines as tumor escape mechanisms have been proposed to play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Methods Expression of Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-?) was analyzed in colorectal cancer specimen and the cancer cell line HT-29 by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. TNF-? expression on protein and mRNA level were correlated with clinical characteristics and impact on survival. TNFR-1 was co-labelled with TNF-? and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in immunofluorescence double staining experiments. Results: 94% (n?=?98/104) of the patients with CRC expressed TNF-?. High TNF-? express...

2011-01-01

9

Deficiency in trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) increases tumorigenicity of human breast cancer cells and mammary tumor development in TFF1-knockout mice  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Although trefoil factor 1 (TFF1; previously named pS2) is abnormally expressed in about 50% of human breast tumors, its physiopathological role in this disease has been poorly studied. Moreover,...Full Text Available

2011-07-21

10

Nutrition and Physical Activity in Aging, Obesity, and Cancer  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The liver is a primary target of growth hormone (GH). GH signals are mediated by the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5). Here, we focus on recent discoveries about the role of GH-STAT5 signaling in hepatic physiology and pathophysiology. We discuss roles of the GH-STAT5 axis in body growth, lipid metabolism, and the cell cycle pertaining to hepatosteatosis, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, we discuss recent discoveries about the role of GH-STAT5 in sex-specific gene expression and bile acid, steroid, and drug metabolism.

2011-01-01

11

Erythroid Differentiation Regulator 1, an Interleukin 18-Regulated Gene, Acts as a Metastasis Suppressor in Melanoma  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Erythroid differentiation regulator (Erdr1) was first discovered in mouse leukemia cell lines and functions as a stress-related survival factor. This study investigated whether Erdr1 regulates murine melanoma progression, as well as the mechanism involved in Erdr1-regulated metastasis. The expression of Erdr1 is negatively correlated with IL-18 expression, which has a pro-cancer effect in melanoma. To study the role of Erdr1 as an anti-cancer factor, cell migration, invasion, and proliferation were measured. Erdr1 overexpression markedly inhibited the level of cell migration, invasion, and proliferation in B16F10 cells in vitro. In addition, Erdr1 overexpression significantly suppressed melanoma lung colonization, metastasis, and tumor growth in vivo. To identify the factors involved in Er...

2011-01-01

12

Regulatory role of neuron-restrictive silencing factor in expression of TRPC1  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) binds its consensus element to repress the transcription of various genes. The dominant-negative form (dnNRSF) has a hypertrophic effect on cardiogenesis through an unidentified mechanism. We examined the involvement of transient receptor potential (TRP) channel proteins, using transgenic mice overexpressing dnNRSF (dnNRSF mice). Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays revealed an interaction between NRSF and a neuron-restrictive silencer element-like sequence in intron 4 of TRPC1 genomic DNA. According to RT-PCR and Western analyses, TRPC1 was up-regulated in dnNRSF mouse heart. Transient overexpression of TRPC1 in HEK 293T cells increased the activity of the nuclear factor in activated T cells (NFAT) promoter and stimulated store-operated Ca"2"+ channel (SOCC)-mediated Ca"2"+ entry. Transfection of TRPC1 into primary cardiomyocytes increased NFAT activity, indicating a major role ...

2006-12-22

13

Growth-Phase-Dependent Expression of Virulence Factors in an M1T1 Clinical Isolate of Streptococcus pyogenes  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The effect of growth phase on expression of virulence-associated factors was studied by Northern hybridization in an M1T1 clinical isolate of Streptococcus pyogenes. Expression of M...Full Text Available

1999-10-01

14

Transforming growth factor-b induces CD44 cleavage that promotes migration of MDA-MB-435s cells through the up-regulation of membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

CD44, a transmembrane receptor for hyaluronic acid, is implicated in various adhesion-dependent cellular processes, including cell migration, tumor cell metastasis and invasion. Recent studies demonstrated that CD44 expressed in cancer cells can be proteolytically cleaved at the ectodomain by membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) to form soluble CD44 and that CD44 cleavage plays a critical role in cancer cell migration. Here, we show that transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b), a multifunctional cytokine involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and pathological processes, induces MT1-MMP expression in MDA-MB-435s cells. TGF-b-induced MT1-MMP expression was blocked by the specific extracellular regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor PD98059 and the specific pho...

2009-01-01

15

Roles for Rat Hepatocyte Malignant Transforming Factor (HMTF) in Late Stage of Hepatocarcinogenesis.  

Science.gov (United States)

In a previous study, to identify genes of importance for hepatocellular carcinogenesis, and especially for processes involved in malignant transformation, the authors investigated differences in gene expression between adenomas and carcinomas by DNA microarray. In the present study, the authors investigated AW434047, one of the sequences that was upregulated in carcinomas. The investigation led to the identification of a novel gene, which the authors named hepatocyte malignant transforming factor (HMTF), of unknown function whose expression was increased in hepatocellular carcinomas. Northern blot and in situ hybridization also demonstrated high levels of HMTF in rat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, lymphocytes in the spleen, colon mucosal epithelia, spermatocytes, and granule cells of the hippocampus. Reduction of HMTF by RNA interference (RNAi) in N1 cells, an HCC cell line, caused suppression of cell ...

2011-09-20

16

Deficiency of the housekeeping gene hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) dysregulates neurogenesis.  

Science.gov (United States)

Neuronal transcription factors play vital roles in the specification and development of neurons, including dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Mutations in the gene encoding the purine biosynthetic enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) cause the resulting intractable and largely untreatable neurological impairment of Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND). The disorder is associated with a defect in basal ganglia DA pathways. The mechanisms connecting the purine metabolic defect and the central nervous system (CNS) phenotype are poorly understood but have been presumed to reflect a developmental defect of DA neurons. We have examined the effect of HPRT deficiency on the differentiation of neurons in the well-established human (NT2) embryonic carcinoma neurogenesis model. We have used a retrovirus expressing a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) to knock down HPRT gene expression and have examined the ...

2009-08-11

18

Lack of Association of the Genotype in the GNAS Fok I Polymorphism and Prostate Cancer  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Background: G proteins are ubiquitously expressed signal transduction proteins playing a key role in multiple signal transduction pathways. The Gas subunit has been considered as an apoptosis factor. In this study the role of GNAS T393C genotypes of the GNAS gene encoding Gas was analyzed for its influence on the development and progression of prostate cancer. Methods: Genotyping of the GNAS T393C polymorphism in 196 prostate cancer patients and 200 healthy controls was performed by DNA extraction followed by PCR and restriction analysis. Results: We observed no evidence of effects related to GNAS T393C genotype as demonstrated by a comparison of the genotype distribution in prostate cancer patients and healthy controls, the genotype distribution dependent on grade of the primary ...

2011-01-01

19

Salicylate Treatment Improves Age-Associated Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction: Potential Role of Nuclear Factor kB and Forkhead Box O Phosphorylation  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We hypothesized that I kappa B kinase (IKK)-mediated nuclear factor kappa B and forkhead BoxO3a phosphorylation will be associated with age-related endothelial dysfunction. Endothelium-dependent dilation and aortic protein expression/phosphorylation were determined in young and old male B6D2F1 mice and old mice treated with the IKK inhibitor, salicylate. IKK activation was greater in old mice and was associated with greater nitrotyrosine and cytokines. Endothelium-dependent dilation, nitric oxide (NO), and endothelial NO synthase phosphorylation were lower in old mice. Endothelium-dependent dilation and NO bioavailability were restored by a superoxide dismutase mimetic. Nuclear factor kappa B and forkhead BoxO3a phosphorylation were greater in old and were associated with increased express...

2011-01-01

20

Visualization of growth factor receptor sites in rat forebrain  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It is now known that various growth factors may also act in the central nervous system. Among them, it has recently been shown that epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) may possess trophic effects in the mammalian brain. We report here on the respective autoradiographic distribution of ["1"2"5I]EGF and ["1"2"5I]IGF-I receptor binding sites in the rat brain, both during ontogeny and in adulthood. It appears that ["1"2"5I]EGF sites are mostly found in the rat forebrain during brain development. On the other hand, ["1"2"5I]IGF-I sites are more widely distributed both during ontogeny and in adulthood. These results reveal the plasticity of the expression of EGF and IGF-I receptor sites in the mammalian brain. This could be relevant for the respective role of these two growth factors in the development and maintenance of neuronal ...

21

HSP70, the earliest-induced gene in the zebrafish retina during optic nerve regeneration: Its role in cell survival  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Fish retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) can survive and regrow their axons after optic nerve injury. Injured RGCs express anti-apoptotic proteins, such as Bcl-2, after nerve injury; however, upstream effectors of this anti-apoptotic protein are not yet fully understood. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a crucial role in cell survival against various stress conditions. In this study, we focused on HSP70 expression in the zebrafish retina after optic nerve injury. HSP70 mRNA and protein levels increased rapidly 2.3-fold in RGCs by 1-6 h after injury and returned to control levels by 1-3 days. HSP70 transcription is regulated by heat shock factor 1 (HSF1). HSF1 mRNA and phosphorylated-HSF1 protein rapidly increased by 2.2-fold in RGCs 0.5-6 h after injury. Intraocular injection of HSP inhibitor I s...

2011-01-01

22

Final report of the specific research. Investigations on the analysis of bio-protective factors against radiation. 1998-2000 FY (Research Group of NIRS)  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report concerns investigations in the title conducted by 8 groups of National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS) during the period of 1998-2000. The groups are for investigation of: Effects of p53 tumor suppressor gene in radiation-induced leukemia, Role of atm-gene in dose rate effect of ionizing radiation, Function of DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PK{sub cs}), Functional complementation of radiation-sensitive mutant M10 cell line by human XRCC4 cDNA expression, Role of radiation-induced apoptosis in digital defects in embryonic mice, Functional analysis of S-phase specific novel nuclear protein NP95 by gene targeting, Role of chemokine in T cell development and lymphomagenesis, and establishment of production techniques of gene-modified mice using embryonic stem cells for genetic analysis of radiation-sensitive genes. The groups describe summaries of their studies and ...

2002-03-01

23

Cellular Sources of Transforming Growth Factor-? Isoforms in Early and Chronic Radiation Enteropathy  

Science.gov (United States)

The three mammalian transforming growth factor (TGF)-? isoforms (TGF-?1, TGF-?2, and TGF-?3) differ in their putative roles in radiation-induced fibrosis in intestine and other organs. Furthermore, tissue specificity of TGF-? action may result from temporal or spatial changes in production and/or activation. The present study examined shifts in the cell types expressing TGF-? mRNA relative to TGF-? immunoreactivity and histopathological injury during radiation enteropathy development. A 4-cm loop of rat small intestine was locally exposed to 0, 12, or 21-Gy single doses of x-irradiation. Sham-irradiated and irradiated intestine were procured 2 and 26 weeks after irradiation. Cells expressing the TGF-?1, TGF-?2, or TGF-?3 transcripts were identified by in situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes. Intestinal wall TGF-? immunoreactivity was measured using computerized image analysis, and ...

1998-11-01

24

Levels of mesenchymal FGFR2 signaling modulate smooth muscle progenitor cell commitment in the lung  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling has been shown to regulate lung epithelial development but its influence on mesenchymal differentiation has been poorly investigated. To study the role of mesenchymal FGF signaling in the differentiation of the mesenchyme and its impact on epithelial morphogenesis, we took advantage of Fgfr2c+/? mice, which due to a splicing switch express Fgfr2b in mesenchymal tissues and manifest Apert syndrome-like phenotypes. Using a set of in vivo and in vitro studies, we show that an autocrine FGF10?FGFR2b signaling loop is established in the mutant lung mesenchyme, which has several consequences. It prevents the entry of the smooth muscle progenitors into the smooth muscle cell (SMC) lineage and results in reduced fibronectin and elastin deposition. Levels of...

2006-01-01

25

Specific expression profile and prognostic significance of peroxiredoxins in grade II-IV astrocytic brain tumors  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundPeroxiredoxins (Prxs) have recently been suggested to have a role in tumorigenesis.MethodsWe studied the expression of Prx I-VI and their...Full Text Available

26

Role of Estrogen Receptor-? in the Regulation of Claudin-6 Expression in Breast Cancer Cells  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

PurposeIn our previous studies we showed that upregulating claudin-6 (CLDN6) expression may contribute to preventing breast cancer, and that 17β-estradiol induces a concentration-...Full Text Available

2011-03-01

27

Rhythmic expression of an egr-1 transgene in rats distinguishes two populations of photoreceptor cells in the retinal outer nuclear layer  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

PurposeNocturnal rhythms of gene expression in the retina are known to be both darkness- and circadian clock-dependent, but their role and cellular location are not well defined....Full Text Available

28

Modulation of Expression of the ToxR Regulon in Vibrio cholerae by a Member of the Two-Component Family of Response Regulators  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The ToxRS system in Vibrio cholerae plays a central role in the modulation of virulence gene expression in response to environmental stimuli. An integration of multiple signalling inputs...Full Text Available

1998-12-01

29

Modulation of Aire regulates the expression of tissue-restricted antigens  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AbstractIntrathymic expression of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) has been viewed as the key element in the induction of central tolerance and recently, a central role for the autoimmune...Full Text Available

2008-01-01

30

Increased expression of cholesterol transporter ABCA1 is highly correlated with severity of dementia in AD hippocampus  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

To gain insight into ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) function and its potential role in AD pathology, we analyzed the expression of the cholesterol transporter ABCA1...Full Text Available

2010-03-08

31

Identification of Achaete-scute complex-like 1 (ASCL1) target genes and evaluation of DKK1 and TPH1 expression in pancreatic endocrine tumours  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundASCL1 role in pancreatic endocrine tumourigenesis has not been established. Recently it was suggested that ASCL1 negatively controls expression of the...Full Text Available

32

Essential Role of Phox2b-Expressing Ventrolateral Brainstem Neurons in the Chemosensory Control of Inspiration and Expiration  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Phox2b-expressing neurons of the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) located in the ventrolateral brainstem are sensitive to changes in PCO2/pH, have excitatory projections...Full Text Available

2010-09-15

33

A Predictive Risk Probability Approach for Microarray Data with Survival as an Endpoint  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Gene expression profiling has played an important role in cancer risk classification and has shown promising results. Since gene expression profiling often involves determination of a set of...Full Text Available

2008-01-01

34

Generation of human cortical neurons from a new immortal fetal neural stem cell line  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Isolation and expansion of neural stem cells (NSCs) of human origin are crucial for successful development of cell therapy approaches in neurodegenerative diseases. Different epigenetic and genetic immortalization strategies have been established for long-term maintenance and expansion of these cells in vitro. Here we report the generation of a new, clonal NSC (hc-NSC) line, derived from human fetal cortical tissue, based on v-myc immortalization. Using immunocytochemistry, we show that these cells retain the characteristics of NSCs after more than 50 passages. Under proliferation conditions, when supplemented with epidermal and basic fibroblast growth factors, the hc-NSCs expressed neural stem/progenitor cell markers like nestin, vimentin and Sox2. When growth factors were withdrawn, proliferation and expression of v-myc and telomerase were dramatically reduced, and the hc-NSCs differentiated into glia ...

2007-02-01

35

Expression and function of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 9 in hepatic stellate cells and its role in toxic liver injury  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hepatic injury and regeneration of the liver are associated with activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors are important regulators of repair in various tissues. HSC express FGFR3IIIc as well as FGFGR4 and different spliced FGFR1IIIc and FGFR2IIIc isoforms which differ in the presence or absence of the acid box and of the first Ig-like domain. Expression of FGF9, known to be capable to activate the HSC FGFR2/3-isoforms, was increased in HSC in liver slice cultures after exposition to carbon tetrachloride, as an acute liver injury model. FGF9 significantly stimulated 3-H thymidine incorporation of hepatocytes, but failed to induce DNA synthesis in HSC despite the fact that FGF9 induced a sustained activation of extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK) 1/2. FGF9 induced an increased phosphorylation of Tyr436 of the fibroblast growth factor receptor ...

2007-09-21

36

The role of fatty acid desaturases in epidermal metabolism  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The lipid composition of skin is important to a variety of functions served by this organ. Therefore, skin expresses multiple enzymes that synthesize and metabolize lipids. An important class of lipid...Full Text Available

2011-04-01

37

Species-specific microRNA roles elucidated following astrocyte activation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that play a central role in regulation of gene expression by binding to target genes. Many miRNAs were associated with the function of the central nervous...Full Text Available

2011-05-01

38

Role of plasma membrane calcium ATPase 2 in spinal cord pathology  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A number of studies have indicated that plasma membrane calcium ATPases (PMCAs) are expressed in the brain and spinal cord and could play important roles not only in the maintenance of cellular calcium...Full Text Available

2010-05-26

39

Hsp12.6 Expression Is Inducible by Host Immunity in Adult Worms of the Parasitic Nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Heat shock proteins (Hsp) are a family of stress-inducible molecular chaperones that play multiple roles in a wide variety of animals. However, the roles of Hsps in parasitic nematodes remain largely...Full Text Available

40

Elk-1 a Transcription Factor with Multiple Facets in the Brain  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The ternary complex factor (TCF) Elk-1 is a transcription factor that regulates immediate early gene (IEG) expression via the serum response element (SRE) DNA consensus site. Elk-1 is associated with...Full Text Available

41

Biochemical characterization of the molecular interaction between recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor and a recombinant soluble fibroblast growth factor receptor.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The extracellular domain of human fibroblast growth factor receptor (XC-FGF-R) was expressed in Escherichia coli. The protein was purified to homogeneity and the interaction with basic fibroblast growth...Full Text Available

1993-09-15

42

Role of Group A Streptococcal Virulence Factors in Adherence to Keratinocytes  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

To evaluate the role of putative group A streptococcal virulence factors in the initiation of skin infections, we compared the adherence of a wild-type M49-protein skin-associated strain to that of...Full Text Available

2000-03-01

43

A highly conserved regulatory element controls hematopoietic expression of GATA-2 in zebrafish  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundGATA-2 is a transcription factor required for hematopoietic stem cell survival as well as for neuronal development in vertebrates. It has been shown that specific expression...Full Text Available

44

Norepinephrine represses the expression of toxA and the siderophore genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Among the different extracellular virulence factors produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are exotoxin A (ETA) and the pyoverdine and pyochelin siderophores. Production of ETA...Full Text Available

2009-10-01

45

Molecular cloning and analysis of lymphokines. Volume 13  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

These proceedings collect papers on the subject of lymphokines. Topics include: DNA-cloning of mouse and human lymphokine genes, inteferons, interleukins, gene expression, tumor necrosis factors, and recombinant DNA.

1987-01-01

47

The Specificity of Innate Immune Responses Is Enforced by Repression of Interferon Response Elements by NF-?B p50  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The specific binding of transcription factors to cognate sequence elements is thought to be critical for the generation of specific gene expression programs. Members of the nuclear factor κB...Full Text Available

48

Quantitative Analysis of Endocytosis and Turnover of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and EGF Receptor  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to the EGF receptor (EGFR) initiates signal transduction, ultimately leading to altered gene expression. Ligand-activated EGFR is also rapidly internalized...Full Text Available

2010-03-01

49

Differential expression of Haemophilus parasuis genes in response to iron restriction and cerebrospinal fluid  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Haemophilus parasuis is an important opportunistic pathogen in swine of high health status, but to date no proven virulence factors have been described. As virulence factors are known...Full Text Available

2007-07-01

50

Adipose Tissue Gene Expression of Factors Related to Lipid Processing in Obesity  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundAdipose tissue lipid storage and processing capacity can be a key factor for obesity-related metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and diabetes. Lipid uptake is...Full Text Available

51

Proteomic Profiling of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Responses to Mechanical Strain and TGF-B1  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a potential source of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) for constructing tissue-engineered vascular grafts. However, the details of how specific combinations of vascular microenvironmental factors regulate MSCs are not well understood. Previous studies have suggested that both mechanical stimulation with uniaxial cyclic strain and chemical stimulation with transforming growth factor {beta}1 (TGF-{beta}1) can induce smooth muscle markers in MSCs. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of uniaxial cyclic strain and TGF-{beta}1 stimulation on MSCs. By using a proteomic analysis, we found differential regulation of several proteins and genes, such as the up-regulation of TGF-{beta}1-induced protein ig-h3 (BGH3) protein levels by TGF-{beta}1 and up-regulation of calponin 3 protein level by cyclic strain. At the gene expression level, BGH3 was induced by TGF-{beta}1, but calponin 3 was not ...

2009-10-12

52

Nerve growth factor actions on the brain  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We examined the effect of the trophic protein, nerve growth factor (NGF), on cultures of fetal rat neostriatum and basal forebrain-medial septal area (BF-MS) to define its role in brain development. Treatment of cultures with NGF resulted in an increase in the specific activity of the cholinergic enzyme choline acetyltransferase (CAT) in both brain areas. CAT was immunocytochemically localized to neurons. In the BF-MS, NGF treatment elicited a marked increase in staining intensity and an apparent increase in the number of CAT-positive neurons. Moreover, treatment of BF-MS cultures with NGF increased the activity of acetylcholinesterase, suggesting that the cholinergic neuron as a whole was affected. To begin defining mechanisms of action of NGF in the BF-MS, we detected NGF receptors by two independent methods. Receptors were localized to two different cellular populations: neuron-like cells, and non-neuron-like cells. Dissociation studies with ...

53

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 (IGFBP7) functions as a potential tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).  

Science.gov (United States)

PURPOSE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly virulent malignancy with no effective treatment thus requiring innovative and effective targeted therapies. The oncogene Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) plays a seminal role in hepatocarcinogenesis and profoundly downregulates insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 (IGFBP7). The present study focuses on analyzing potential tumor suppressor functions of IGFBP7 in HCC and the relevance of IGFBP7 downregulation in mediating AEG-1 function.EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: IGFBP7 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in HCC tissue microarray and real-time PCR and ELISA in human HCC cell lines. Dual Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed to detect loss of heterozygosity at IGFBP7 locus. Stable IGFBP7-overexpressing clones were established in the background of AEG-1-overexpressing human HCC cells and were analyzed for in vitro proliferation and senescence and in ...

2011-09-16

54

Chemopreventive effects of Furan-2-yl-3-pyridin-2-yl-propenone against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-inducible genotoxicity  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1-Furan-2-yl-3-pyridin-2-yl-propenone (FPP-3) is an anti-inflammatory agent with a propenone moiety and chemically synthesized recently. In this study, we examined the chemopreventive effect of FPP-3 on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced genotoxicity in MCF-7 cells. FPP-3 reduced the formation of the DMBA-DNA adduct. DMBA-induced CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 gene expression and enzyme activity were inhibited by FPP-3. It inhibited DMBA-induced aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) transactivation and DMBA-inducible nuclear localization of the AhR. Induction of detoxifying phase II genes by chemopreventive agents represents a coordinated protective response against oxidative stress and neoplastic effects of carcinogens. Transcription factor NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates antioxidant response element (ARE) of phase II detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase (GST) and NAD(P)H:quinone ...

2008-05-01

55

Role of Fgf receptor 2c in adipocyte hypertrophy in mesenteric white adipose tissue  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Fgf receptor 2c (Fgfr2c) was expressed in mature adipocytes of mouse white adipose tissue (WAT). To examine the role of Fgfr2c in mature adipocytes, we generated adipocyte-specific Fgfr2 knockout (Fgfr2 CKO) mice. The hypertrophy impairment of adipocytes in the mesenteric WAT but not in the subcutaneous WAT and decreased plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels were observed in Fgfr2 CKO mice. Although the expression of genes involved in adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism in the mesenteric WAT was essentially unchanged, the expression of uncoupling protein 2 potentially involved in energy dissipation was significantly increased. Among potential Fgf ligands for Fgfr2c, Fgf9 was preferentially expressed in the mesenteric WAT. The present findings indicate that Fgfr2c potentially activ...

2008-01-01

56

The Significance of PITX2 Overexpression in Human Colorectal Cancer  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose The paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (PITX2) gene encodes a transcription factor controlled by the WNT/Dvl/CTNNB1 and Hedgehog/TGFB pathways in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Although PITX2 is reportedly involved in various functions, including tissue development by controlling cell growth, its significance in CRC remains unclear. We report our findings regarding abnormal PITX2 expression in human CRC. Methods PITX2 expression was evaluated in 5 human CRC cell lines and 92 primary CRC samples. Cell growth was evaluated after inhibition of PITX2 expression or after exogenous introduction of PITX2. Results PITX2 expression was seen in all the five CRC cell lines. The study of tissue samples indicated that PITX2 expression was significantly higher in cancer...

2011-01-01

57

Forkhead Box Transcription Factor FOXO3a Regulates Estrogen Receptor Alpha Expression and Is Repressed by the Her-2/neu/Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Signaling Pathway  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The expression status of the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and that of the epidermal growth factor receptor Her-2/neu frequently correlate inversely in breast cancers. While ERα-dependent...Full Text Available

2004-10-01

58

Identification of three related human GRO genes encoding cytokine functions  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The product of the human GRO gene is a cytokine with inflammatory and growth-regulatory properties; GRO is also called MGSA for melanoma growth-stimulatory activity. The authors have identified two additional genes, GRO#beta# and GRO#gamma#, that share 90% and 86% identity at the deduced amino acid level with the original GRO#alpha# isolate. One amino acid substitution of proline in GRO#alpha# by leucine in GRO#beta# and GRO#gamma# leads to a large predicted change in protein conformation. Significant differences also exist in the 3' untranslated region, including different numbers of ATTTA repeats associated with mRNA instability. A 122-base-pair region in the 3' region is conserved among the three GRO genes, and a part of it is also conserved in the Chinese hamster genome, suggesting a role in regulation. DNA hybridization with oligonucleotide probes and partial sequence analysis of the genomic clones confirm that the three forms are derived from related but ...

59

Dislocation accumulation at large plastic strains -- An approach to the theoretical strength of materials  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The usual method of introducing engineers to the concept of dislocations and their role in plastic flow is to compare an estimate of the theoretical strength of solid (of order {micro}/30 where {micro} is the shear modulus) and the observed strength of either single crystals ({mu}/10{sup 4}) or practical engineering material such as structural steels where the yield stress in shear is of order {mu}/10{sup 3}. However, if one considers the problem in reverse, one can consider the accumulation of dislocations as an important mechanism by which one can produce engineering materials in which the strength level approaches the theoretical strength. If one assumes that the flow stress can be expressed in terms of te mean free path between stored dislocations or as the square root of the global dislocation density, then one can see the influence of dislocation density in a diagrammatic form. It is clear that the strengthening by dislocation ...

1999-04-01

60

ATF4 and the integrated stress response are induced by ethanol and cytochrome P450 2E1 in human hepatocytes  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background & AimsMolecular mechanisms underlying alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are still not fully understood. Activating transcription factor-4 (ATF4) is the master coordinator of the integrated stress response (ISR), an adaptive pathway triggered by multiple stressors. which can promote cell death and induce metabolic dysregulation if the stress is intense or prolonged. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of alcohol on the ISR signaling pathway in human liver cells and to define the role of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in this response. MethodsPrimary cultured human hepatocytes and human HepG2 cells over-expressing CYP2E1 by adenoviral infection were exposed to ethanol (25-100mM) for 8-48h. ResultsEthanol treatment of both liver cells up-regulated ATF4 as well as the pro-survi...

2011-01-01

61

Molecular cloning, characterization, and expression of human ADP-ribosylation factors: Two guanine nucleotide-dependent activators of cholera toxin  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

ADP-ribosylation factors (ARFs) are small guanine nucleotide-binding proteins that enhance the enzymatic activities of cholera toxin. Two ARF cDNAs, ARF1 and ARF3, were cloned from a human cerebellum library. Based on deduced amino acid sequences and patterns of hybridization of cDNA and oligonucleotide probes with mammalian brain poly(A)"+ RNA, human ARF1 is the homologue of bovine ARF1. Human ARF3, which differs from bovine ARF1 and bovine ARF2, appears to represent a newly identified third type of ARF. Hybridization patterns of human ARF cDNA and clone-specific oligonucleotides with poly(A)"+ RNA are consistent with the presence of at least two, and perhaps four, separate ARF messages in human brain. In vitro translation of ARF1, ARF2, and ARF3 produced proteins that behaved, by SDS/PAGE, similar to a purified soluble brain ARF. Deduced amino acid sequences of human ARF1 and ARF3 contain regions, similar to those in other G proteins, that are believed to be ...

1989-01-01

62

Prolactin Receptor Signaling Is Essential for Perinatal Brown Adipocyte Function: A Role for Insulin-like Growth Factor-2  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe lactogenic hormones prolactin (PRL) and placental lactogens (PL) play central roles in reproduction and mammary development. Their actions are mediated via binding...Full Text Available

63

Presence of preactivated T cells in hemodialyzed patients: their possible role in altered immunity.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) and B-cell growth factors I and II (BCGF I and BCGF II) are lymphokines produced by T cells that play a major role in T- and B-cell cooperation. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from...Full Text Available

1986-10-01

64

Genome-Wide Analysis Reveals a Major Role in Cell Fate Maintenance and an Unexpected Role in Endoreduplication for the Drosophila FoxA Gene Fork Head  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Transcription factors drive organogenesis, from the initiation of cell fate decisions to the maintenance and implementation of these decisions. The Drosophila embryonic salivary gland...Full Text Available

65

Critical role of SDF-1?-induced progenitor cell recruitment and macrophage VEGF production in the experimental corneal neovascularization  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

PurposeTo address the roles of the stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) α in the course of experimental corneal neovascularization (CNV).MethodsCNV...Full Text Available

66

Transcriptome Profiling of a Toxic Dinoflagellate Reveals a Gene-Rich Protist and a Potential Impact on Gene Expression Due to Bacterial Presence  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundDinoflagellates are unicellular, often photosynthetic protists that play a major role in the dynamics of the Earth's oceans and climate. Sequencing of dinoflagellate nuclear...Full Text Available

67

The role of gene expression in ecological speciation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Ecological speciation is the process by which barriers to gene flow between populations evolve due to adaptive divergence via natural selection. A relatively unexplored area in ecological speciation...Full Text Available

2010-09-01

68

Role of the sar locus of Staphylococcus aureus in induction of endocarditis in rabbits.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A regulatory locus on the Staphylococcus aureus chromosome, designated sar, is involved in the expression of cell wall proteins, some of which are potentially important in the pathogenesis of endocarditis....Full Text Available

1994-05-01

69

Nuclear Organization and Dynamics of 7SK RNA in Regulating Gene Expression  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Noncoding RNAs play important roles in various aspects of gene regulation. We have identified 7SK RNA to be enriched in nuclear speckles or interchromatin granule clusters (IGCs), a subnuclear domain...Full Text Available

2010-12-01

70

Nuclear ? catenin as a potential prognostic and diagnostic marker in patients with colorectal cancer from Hong Kong  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Aims: To study the expression of nuclear β catenin in patients with colorectal cancer, colorectal adenoma, and colorectal polyps to elucidate its role in carcinogenesis, and its...Full Text Available

2003-12-01

71

Modulation of ASK1 expression during overexpression of Trx and HSP70 in stressed fish liver mitochondria  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Mitochondrial heat shock protein 70 (mtHSP70) is found to play a primary role in cellular defense against physiological stress like exposure to environmental contaminants and helpful in the maintenance...Full Text Available

2009-09-01

72

Melanopsin-expressing retinal ganglion-cell photoreceptors: cellular diversity and role in pattern vision  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Using the photopigment melanopsin, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) respond directly to light to drive circadian clock resetting and pupillary constriction. We now...Full Text Available

2010-07-15

73

Lesions of the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis eliminate opposite-sex odor preference and delay copulation in male Syrian hamsters: role of odor volatility and sexual experience  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), the expression of reproductive behavior requires the perception of social odors. The behavioral response to these odors is mediated...Full Text Available

2010-08-01

74

Environmental-induced acquisition of nuptial plumage expression: a role of denaturation of feather carotenoproteins?  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Several avian species show a bright carotenoid-based coloration during spring and following a period of duller coloration during the previous winter, despite carotenoids presumably being fully deposited...Full Text Available

2005-09-22

75

EFFECT OF AGE ON THE ROLE OF RHO-KINASE IN SHORT TERM PARTIAL BLADDER OUTLET OBSTRUCTION  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

ObjectivesWe examined the expression of Rho Kinase (ROK) isoforms in young and old rabbit’s detrusor smooth muscles (SM) during the progression of short term...Full Text Available

2008-03-01

76

Divergent Regulation of Angiopoietin-1 and -2, Tie-2, and Thrombospondin-1 Expression by Estrogen in the Baboon Endometrium  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

SUMMARYEstrogen has an important role in the reconstruction of a new vascular network in the endometrium during each menstrual cycle; however, the underlying mechanisms...Full Text Available

2010-05-01

77

Differentially regulated malate synthase genes participate in carbon and nitrogen metabolism of S. cerevisiae.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

We have isolated a second gene (MLS1), which in addition to DAL7, encodes malate synthase from S. cerevisiae. Expression of the two genes is specific for their physiological roles in carbon and nitrogen...Full Text Available

1992-11-11

78

Developmental Changes in Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide Expression during the Perinatal Period: Possible Role in Fetal Gonadotroph Regulation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Normal reproductive functioning may require secretion of LH independently of FSH. Variation in GnRH pulse frequency and inhibin negative feedback are mechanisms for differential gonadotropin regulation;...Full Text Available

2009-10-01

79

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of human liver ?-enolase  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Enolase is a multifunctional enzyme that plays important roles in many biological and disease processes. α-Enolase from human liver (hENO1) was expressed as a soluble protein and purified by...Full Text Available

80

Complexity of the microRNA repertoire revealed by next-generation sequencing  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated to play key roles in normal physiological functions, and altered expression of specific miRNAs has been associated with a number of diseases. It is of great interest...Full Text Available

2010-11-01

81

Viruses and thyroiditis: an update  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Viral infections are frequently cited as a major environmental factor involved in subacute thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroid diseases This review examines the data related to the role of viruses in...Full Text Available

82

Expression of alternatively spliced human T-lymphotropic virus type I pX mRNA in infected cell lines and in primary uncultured cells from patients with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and healthy carriers.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Although human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), the role of viral gene expression in the progression to and maintenance of the...Full Text Available

1992-04-01

83

Current status of generalized boiling transition model development applicable to a wide variety of fuel bundle geometry  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In order to practice design-by-analysis of thermohydraulics design of BWR fuel rod bundles, the subchannel analysis would play a major role. There, one of the immediate concerns is improvement in its predictive capability of boiling transition phenomena on the fuel rod surface. This capability strongly depends on the modeling of thermohydraulics phenomena of interests: 1) vapor-liquid redistribution by inter-subchannel exchanges due to the diversion cross flow, turbulent mixing and void drift, 2) liquid film behaviors, 3) transition of two-phase flow regimes, 4) droplet entrainment and deposition and 5) spacer-droplet interactions. These are considered to be five key factors in understanding the BT in BWR fuel rod bundles. This paper describes a progress and current status in the second year of the three year project on developing generalized boiling transition models with the above five key factors being focused on. A ...

2004-10-04

84

Sociodemographic factors in a pediatric chronic pain clinic: The roles of age, sex and minority status in pain and health characteristics  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Little is known about how sociodemographic factors relate to children’s chronic pain. This paper describes the pain, health, and sociodemographic characteristics of a cohort of children...Full Text Available

2010-07-01

85

Predictors of healthcare professionals' intention and behaviour to encourage physical activity in patients with cardiovascular risk factors  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundHealthcare professionals can play a crucial role in optimizing the health status of patients with cardiovascular risk factors (abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, low...Full Text Available

86

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in high-fat diet-induced obesity: role of suppression of forkhead transcription factor and atrophy gene transcription  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Cellular hypertrophy is regulated by coordinated pro- and antigrowth machineries. Foxo transcription factors initiate an atrophy-related gene program to counter hypertrophic growth. This study was designed...Full Text Available

2008-09-01

87

Effects of Environmental Factors on Microbial Populations in Brackish Waters off the Southern Coast of Finland  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The roles played by environmental factors in seasonal changes in microbial populations were investigated in the Tvärminne area, off the southern coast of Finland. Surface-layer samples were...Full Text Available

1980-07-01

88

Dual Roles of Nrf2 in Cancer  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In response to oxidative stress, the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) controls the fate of cells through transcriptional upregulation of antioxidant response element (ARE)-bearing...Full Text Available

2008-01-01

89

Chronobiological analysis and mass spectrometric characterization of pigment-dispersing factor in the cockroach Leucophaea maderae  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) is a neuropeptide that plays a prominent role in the circadian clock of several insects. The cockroach Leucophaea maderae...Full Text Available

90

A Strong Case for Viral Genetic Factors in HIV Virulence  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

HIV infections show great variation in the rate of progression to disease, and the role of viral genetic factors in this variation had remained poorly characterized until recently. Now a series of four...Full Text Available

91

A heteromeric complex containing the centromere binding factor 1 and two basic leucine zipper factors, Met4 and Met28, mediates the transcription activation of yeast sulfur metabolism.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Transcription activation of sulfur metabolism in yeast is dependent on two DNA binding factors, the centromere binding factor 1 (Cbf1) and Met4. While the role of Met4 was clearly established by showing...Full Text Available

1996-05-15

92

MicroRNAs Regulate Human Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4?, Modulating the Expression of Metabolic Enzymes and Cell Cycle*  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) 4α is a key transcription factor regulating endo/xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. We investigated whether microRNAs are involved in the regulation...Full Text Available

2010-02-12

93

The expression pattern of scygonadin during the ontogenesis of Scylla paramamosain predicting its potential role in reproductive immunity  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The antimicrobial peptide scygonadin (Scy) was first isolated from the gonad of Scylla serrata and its gene is predominantly expressed in the ejaculatory duct of adult males. Thus, its function was predicted to be associated with reproductive immunity, but this is still unclear and needs further investigation. In our study, the expression pattern of Scy at different developmental stages of both male and female S. paramamosain was investigated, so that the potential function of this peptide could be examined. Using real-time quantitative PCR, Scy mRNA transcripts were demonstrated obviously in the vulnerable embryos and larvae-zoea I but very weakly detected in the larvae-zoea III, megalops and juveniles. The gene expression pattern showed a decreasing trend during the early developmental s...

2011-01-01

94

p53 mutation in breast cancer. Correlation with cell kinetics and cell of origin  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Aim: Several studies have investigated the expression of the cytokeratins (CKs), vimentin, the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), the oestrogen receptor (ER), and the progesterone...Full Text Available

2002-06-01

95

Time-Dependent Expression of Arc and Zif268 after Acquisition of Fear Conditioning  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Memory consolidation requires transcription and translation of new protein. Arc, an effector immediate early gene, and zif268, a regulatory transcription factor, have been implicated in synaptic plasticity...Full Text Available

2010-01-01

96

TFIIH Operates through an Expanded Proximal Promoter To Fine-Tune c-myc Expression  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A continuous stream of activating and repressing signals is processed by the transcription complex paused at the promoter of the c-myc proto-oncogene. The general transcription factor...Full Text Available

2005-01-01

97

Surfactant protein A, an innate immune factor, is expressed in the vaginal mucosa and is present in vaginal lavage fluid  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Surfactant protein A (SP-A), first identified as a component of the lung surfactant system, is now recognized to be an important contributor to host defence mechanisms. SP-A can facilitate phagocytosis...Full Text Available

2004-01-01

98

Structure of the Taz2 domain of p300: insights into ligand binding  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

CBP and its paralog p300 are histone acetyl transferases that regulate gene expression by interacting with multiple transcription factors via specialized domains. The structure...Full Text Available

2009-12-01

99

Precise temporal control of the eye regulatory gene Pax6 via enhancer-binding site affinity  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

How transcription factors interpret the cis-regulatory logic encoded within enhancers to mediate quantitative changes in spatiotemporally restricted expression patterns during animal...Full Text Available

2010-05-15

100

Osterix Overexpression in Mesenchymal Stem cells Stimulates Healing of Critical-Sized Defects in Murine Calvarial Bone  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Osterix (Osx) is a zinc-finger-containing transcription factor that is expressed in osteoblasts of all endochondral and membranous bones. In Osx null ...Full Text Available

2007-10-01

101

Loss of expression of neutrophil proteinase-3: a factor contributing to thrombotic risk in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundA deficiency of specific glycosylphosphatidyl inositol-anchored proteins in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria may be responsible for most of the clinical features of...Full Text Available

2011-07-01

102

Lifespan extension by increased expression of the Drosophila homologue of the IGFBP7 tumour suppressor  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Mammals possess multiple insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins (IGFBPs), and related proteins, that modulate the activity of insulin/IGF signalling (IIS), a conserved neuroendocrine signalling...Full Text Available

2011-02-01

103

Identification of a distant cis-regulatory element controlling pharyngeal arch-specific expression of zebrafish gdf6a/radar  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Skeletal formation is an essential and intricately regulated part of vertebrate development. Humans and mice deficient in Growth and Differentiation Factor 6 (Gdf6) have numerous...Full Text Available

2010-04-01

104

Human mitochondrial transcription factor A reduction and mitochondrial dysfunction in Hashimoto's hypothyroid myopathy.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial changes have been described in muscle tissue in acquired hypothyroidism. Among the molecular mechanisms by which thyroid hormones regulate expression of nuclear genes encoding...Full Text Available

2002-06-01

105

Human intronic enhancers control distinct sub-domains of Gli3 expression during mouse CNS and limb development  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe zinc-finger transcription factor GLI3 is an important mediator of Sonic hedgehog signaling and crucial for patterning of many aspects of the vertebrate body plan. In...Full Text Available

106

Hormone Receptor Status in Breast Cancer and its Relation to Age and Other Prognostic Factors  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Background:Increasing evidence shows the importance of young age, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) status, and HER-2 expression in patients with breast cancers.Patients...Full Text Available

107

Gene expression patterns in four brain areas associate with quantitative measure of estrous behavior in dairy cows  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe decline noticed in several fertility traits of dairy cattle over the past few decades is of major concern. Understanding of the genomic factors underlying fertility,...Full Text Available

108

Expression of the ?B-Dependent General Stress Regulon Confers Multiple Stress Resistance in Bacillus subtilis  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The alternative sigma factor ςB of Bacillus subtilis is required for the induction of approximately 100 genes after the imposition of a whole range of stresses and...Full Text Available

1999-07-01

109

Expression and purification of a functional human hepatitis B virus polymerase  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AIM: To identify a method for efficient large-scale purification of functional hepatitis B virus polymerase (HBV-Pol) without addition of cellular factors.METHODS: Full-length HBV-Pol (843 amino...Full Text Available

2010-12-07

110

Downstream genes of Pax6 revealed by comprehensive transcriptome profiling in the developing rat hindbrain  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe transcription factor Pax6 is essential for the development of the central nervous system and it exerts its multiple functions by regulating the expression of downstream...Full Text Available

111

DosT and DevS are oxygen-switched kinases in Mycobacterium tuberculosis  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Exposure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to hypoxia is known to alter the expression of many genes, including ones thought to be involved in latency, via the transcription factor DevR...Full Text Available

2007-08-01

112

Coordinated Increased Expression of Cyclooxygenase2 and Nuclear Factor ?B Is a Steady Feature of Urinary Bladder Carcinogenesis  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Objectives. The inescapable relationship between chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis has long been established. Our objective was to investigate COX-2 and NF-κB...Full Text Available

2010-01-01

113

Continuous monitoring of receptor-mediated changes in the metabolic rates of living cells.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Activation of beta-adrenergic or muscarinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in transfected cells or epidermal growth factor receptors in human keratinocytes produces 15% to 200% changes in cellular...Full Text Available

1990-05-01

114

Brg1 Is Required for Cdx2-Mediated Repression of Oct4 Expression in Mouse Blastocysts  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

During blastocyst formation the segregation of the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm is governed by the mutually antagonistic effects of the transcription factors Oct4 and Cdx2. Evidence indicates...Full Text Available

115

Acetylation of Histones and Transcription-Related Factors  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The state of chromatin (the packaging of DNA in eukaryotes) has long been recognized to have major effects on levels of gene expression, and numerous chromatin-altering strategies—including...Full Text Available

2000-06-01

116

TGFB1-Induced Extracellular Expression of TGFBIp and Inhibition of TGFBIp Expression by RNA Interference in a Human Corneal Epithelial Cell Line  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Purpose.To report the increased production of extracellular transforming growth factor β-induced protein (TGFBIp) by human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) after induction...Full Text Available

2011-02-01

117

Hypoxia down-regulates sFlt-1 (sVEGFR-1) expression in human microvascular endothelial cells by a mechanism involving mRNA alternative processing  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

sFlt-1 (soluble Flt-1) potently inhibits angiogenesis by binding extracellularly to VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). In the present paper, we report that hypoxia down-regulates sFlt-1 expression...Full Text Available

2011-06-01

118

Deterministic Factors of Stock Networks based on Cross-correlation in Financial Market  

CERN Document Server

The stock market has been known to form homogeneous stock groups with a higher correlation among different stocks according to common economic factors that influence individual stocks. We investigate the role of common economic factors in the market in the formation of stock networks, using the arbitrage pricing model reflecting essential properties of common economic factors. We find that the degree of consistency between real and model stock networks increases as additional common economic factors are incorporated into our model. Furthermore, we find that individual stocks with a large number of links to other stocks in a network are more highly correlated with common economic factors than those with a small number of links. This suggests that common economic factors in the stock market can be understood in terms of deterministic ...

2007-01-01

119

Spin operator matrix elements in the quantum Ising chain: fermion approach  

CERN Document Server

Using some modification of the standard fermion technique we derive factorized formula for spin operator matrix elements (form-factors) between general eigenstates of the Hamiltonian of quantum Ising chain in a transverse field of finite length. The derivation is based on the approach recently used to derive factorized formula for Z_N-spin operator matrix elements between ground eigenstates of the Hamiltonian of the Z_N-symmetric superintegrable chiral Potts quantum chain. The obtained factorized formulas for the matrix elements of Ising chain coincide with the corresponding expressions obtained by the Separation of Variables Method.

2010-01-01

120

Transforming growth factor-b induces nerve growth factor expression in pancreatic stellate cells by activation of the ALK-5 pathway  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Nerve growth factor (NGF), a survival factor for neurons enforces pain by sensitizing nociceptors. Also in the pancreas, NGF was associated with pain and it can stimulate the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) respond to NGF with apoptosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-b, one of the strongest pro-fibrogenic activators of pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) induced NGF and its two receptors in an immortalized human cell line (ihPSC) and primary rat PSC (prPSC) as determined by RT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. In contrast to HSC, PSC expressed both NGF receptors, although p75NTR expression was weak in prPSC. In contrast to ihPSC TGF-b activated both Smad signaling cascades in prPSC. NGF secretion was diminished by the activin-like kinase (ALK)...

2009-01-01

121

Vascular ATP-sensitive potassium channels are over-expressed and partially regulated by nitric oxide in experimental septic shock  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose To study the activation and expression of vascular (aorta and small mesenteric arteries) potassium channels during septic shock with or without modulation of the NO pathway. Methods Septic shock was induced in rats by peritonitis. Selective inhibitors of vascular KATP (PNU-37883A) or BKCa [iberiotoxin (IbTX)] channels were used to demonstrate their involvement in vascular hyporeactivity. Vascular response to phenylephrine was measured on aorta and small mesenteric arteries mounted on a wire myograph. Vascular expression of potassium channels was studied by PCR and Western blot, in the presence or absence of 1400W, an inducible NO synthase (iNOS) inhibitor. Aortic activation of the transcriptional factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-?B) was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift as...

2011-01-01

122

Update on Environmental Risk Factors for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurobehavioral disorder affecting 5% to 10% of children. Although considered to be a highly familial disorder, ADHD heritability estimates of 60% to 80% highlight the considerable role that environmental factors may still play in disorder susceptibility. Proposed ADHD environmental risk factors include prenatal substance exposures, heavy metal and chemical exposures, nutritional factors, and lifestyle/psychosocial factors. This paper reviews the literature published in 2010 investigating the association between environmental risk factors and ADHD or related symptomatology. Sources of risk factor exposure and the proposed mechanism by which each exposure is linked to ADHD-related neurobehavioral changes are also reported. Metho...

2011-01-01

123

Trefoil Factor 3 Is Oncogenic and Mediates Anti-Estrogen Resistance in Human Mammary Carcinoma123  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

We report herein that trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is oncogenic and mediates anti-estrogen resistance in human mammary carcinoma. Forced expression of TFF3 in mammary carcinoma cells increased cell proliferation...Full Text Available

2010-12-01

124

Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits advanced glycation end product-induced expression of tumor necrosis factor-? and matrix metalloproteinase-13 in human chondrocytes  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

IntroductionThe major risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA) is aging, but the mechanisms underlying this risk are only partly understood. Age-related accumulation of advanced glycation...Full Text Available

2009-01-01

125

?1-Fetoprotein Transcription Factor (FTF)/Liver Receptor Homolog-1 (LRH-1) Is an Essential Lipogenic Regulator  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

α1-Fetoprotein transcription factor (FTF), also known as liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH-1) is highly expressed in liver and intestine, where it is implicated in the regulation...Full Text Available

2010-04-01

126

Forkhead box protein P1 as a downstream target of transforming growth factor-b induces collagen synthesis and correlates with a more stable plaque phenotype  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objective: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease, modulated by plaque stabilizing and de-stabilizing cell populations such as infiltrating monocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs). Transcription factors regulating proliferation and differentiation of atherosclerosis relevant cell types are of interest in this context. The forkhead box transcription factor FoxP1 modulates monocyte differentiation. We studied FoxP1 expression in atherosclerotic tissue, correlated FoxP1 expression with plaque characteristics and identified associations between FoxP1 and plaque proteins. Methods: 116 Atherosclerotic plaques from carotid endarterectomy samples were histologically classified (fibrous, fibroatheromatous, atheromatous) and subjected to semi-quantitative protein analysis. Macrophage,...

2011-01-01

127

Cotton plants expressing CYP6AE14 double-stranded RNA show enhanced resistance to bollworms  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

RNA interference (RNAi) plays an important role in regulating gene expression in eukaryotes. Previously, we generated Arabidopsis and tobacco plants expressing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting a cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) P450 gene, CYP6AE14. Bollworms fed on transgenic dsCYP6AE14 plants showed suppressed CYP6AE14 expression and reduced growth on gossypol-containing diet (Mao et?al., in Nat Biotechnol 25: 1307?1313, 2007). Here we report generation and analysis of dsRNA-expressing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) plants. Bollworm larvae reared on T2 plants of the ds6-3 line exhibited drastically retarded growth, and the transgenic plants were less damaged by bollworms than the control. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that the CYP6AE1...

2011-01-01

128

Virtual adult ears reveal the roles of acoustical factors and experience in auditory space map development  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Auditory neurons in the superior colliculus (SC) respond preferentially to sounds from restricted directions to form a map of auditory space. The development of this representation is shaped...Full Text Available

2008-11-05

129

Tumor Necrosis Factor-? and Muc2 Mucin Play Major Roles in Disease Onset and Progression in Dextran Sodium Sulphate-Induced Colitis  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The sequential events and the inflammatory mediators that characterize disease onset and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC) are not well known. In this study, we evaluated the early pathologic events...Full Text Available

130

The role of the antioxidant and longevity-promoting Nrf2 pathway in metabolic regulation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Purpose of ReviewThe vertebrate cap’n’collar family transcription factor Nrf2 and its invertebrate homologs SKN-1 (in worms) and CncC (in flies) function...Full Text Available

2011-01-01

131

The role of metallothionein IIa in defending lens epithelial cells against cadmium and TBHP induced oxidative stress  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

PurposeHeavy metals and other forms of oxidative stress have been implicated as key factors in the formation of age-related cataract in humans. Metallothioneins are...Full Text Available

132

The RpoT Regulon of Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1E and Its Role in Stress Endurance against Solvents?  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Pseudomonas putida encodes 20 extracytoplasmic sigma factors (ECFs). In this study, we show that one of these ECFs, known as ECF-Pp12...Full Text Available

2007-01-01

133

The Regulation of Aging and Longevity  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

p53 plays a critical role in tumor suppression. As a transcription factor, in response to stress signals, p53 regulates its target genes and initiates stress responses, including cell cycle arrest,...Full Text Available

2011-04-01

134

The Promise of Prevention: The Effects of Four Preventable Risk Factors on National Life Expectancy and Life Expectancy Disparities by Race and County in the United States  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThere has been substantial research on psychosocial and health care determinants of health disparities in the United States (US) but less on the role of modifiable risk...Full Text Available

2010-03-01

135

The Candida albicans Dse1 Protein Is Essential and Plays a Role in Cell Wall Rigidity, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The fungal pathogen Candida albicans is one of the leading causative agents of death in immunocompromised individuals. It harbors an arsenal of cell wall anchored factors that are implicated...Full Text Available

2011-01-01

136

SirT3 suppresses hypoxia inducible factor 1? and tumor growth by inhibiting mitochondrial ROS production  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

It has become increasing clear that alterations in cellular metabolism have a key role in the generation and maintenance of cancer. Some of the metabolic changes can be attributed to the activation...Full Text Available

2011-06-30

137

Role of the Domestic Chicken (Gallus gallus)in the Epidemiology of Urban Visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) is a serious public health problem in several Brazilian cities. Although the proximity of chicken houses is often cited as a risk factor in studies of urban ZVL,...Full Text Available

2002-12-01

138

Role of histone methylation and demethylation in adipogenesis and obesity  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Adipocyte differentiation is a complex developmental process that involves the coordinated interplay of numerous transcription factors. PPARγ has emerged as a master regulator of adipogenesis...Full Text Available

2010-01-01

139

RasGrf1 deficiency delays aging in mice  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

RasGRF1 is a Ras-guanine nucleotide exchange factor implicated in a variety of physiological processes including learning and memory and glucose homeostasis. To determine the role of RASGRF1 in aging,...Full Text Available

140

Preterm low birthweight and the role of oral bacteria  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Preterm and low birthweight (PTLBW) continues to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity across the world. In recent years, maternal periodontal disease has been implicated as a risk factor for...Full Text Available

141

Phylometabonomic Patterns of Adaptation to High Fat Diet Feeding in Inbred Mice  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Insulin resistance plays a central role in type 2 diabetes and obesity, which develop as a consequence of genetic and environmental factors. Dietary changes including high fat diet (HFD) feeding promotes...Full Text Available

142

Nucleoside Drugs Induce Cellular Differentiation by Caspase-Dependent Degradation of Stem Cell Factors  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundStem cell characteristics are an important feature of human cancer cells and play a major role in the therapy resistance of tumours. Strategies to target cancer stem cells...Full Text Available

143

Molecular dynamics of a ?B DNA element: base flipping via cross-strand intercalative stacking in a microsecond-scale simulation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The sequence-dependent structural variability and conformational dynamics of DNA play pivotal roles in many biological milieus, such as in the site-specific binding of transcription factors to target...Full Text Available

2008-09-01

144

Lineage-specific co-evolution of the Egf receptor/ligand signaling system  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) with its numerous ligands has fundamental roles in development, cell differentiation and physiology. Dysfunction of the receptor-ligand...Full Text Available

145

Investigating the spatial variability in incidence of coronary heart disease in the Gazel cohort: the impact of area socioeconomic position and mediating role of risk factors  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Study objectiveThe study aim was to improve our understanding of the relationships between contextual socioeconomic characteristics and coronary heart disease (CHD)...Full Text Available

2011-02-01

146

Excessive TV viewing and cardiovascular disease risk factors in adolescents. The AVENA cross-sectional study  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundExcessive television (TV) viewing might play an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to examine the independent...Full Text Available

147

Effect of orientation on the in vitro fracture toughness ofdentin: The role of toughening mechanisms  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A micro-mechanistic understanding of bone fracture thatencompasses how cracks interact with the underlying microstructure anddefines their local failure mode is lacking, despite extensive research nthe response of bone to a variety of factors like aging, loading, and/ordisease.

2003-01-28

148

Development of a Selective Modulator of Aryl Hydrocarbon (Ah) Receptor Activity that Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Properties  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. However, the role of the AHR...Full Text Available

2010-05-17

149

Caveolin-1 as a Novel Indicator of Wound-Healing Capacity in Aged Human Corneal Epithelium  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Excess caveolin-1 has been reported to play a role in age-dependent hyporesponsiveness to growth factors in vitro. Therefore, we hypothesized that caveolin-1–dependent hyporesponsiveness...Full Text Available

2010-11-01

150

CRF receptors in the nucleus accumbens modulate partner preference in prairie voles  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Recent evidence suggests a role for corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the regulation of pair bonding in prairie voles. We have previously shown that monogamous and non-monogamous vole...Full Text Available

2007-04-01

151

Association between a functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene and diarrhoea predominant irritable bowel syndrome in women  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Background and aims: Serotonin (5-hydroxtryptamine, 5-HT) is an important factor in gut function, playing key roles in intestinal peristalsis and secretion, and in sensory...Full Text Available

2004-10-01

152

Affective and Personality Risk and Cognitive Mediators of Initial Adolescent Alcohol Use*  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Objective:This study examined the role of cognitive factors—such as expectancies regarding the consequences of not drinking and perceptions of peer drinking—in...Full Text Available

2010-07-01

153

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli and Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1? Have an Antagonistic Connection  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is mutated in the majority of colorectal cancers and is best known for its role as a scaffold in a Wnt-regulated protein complex that determines...Full Text Available

2010-11-01

154

A global role for KLF1 in erythropoiesis revealed by ChIP-seq in primary erythroid cells  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

KLF1 regulates a diverse suite of genes to direct erythroid cell differentiation from bipotent progenitors. To determine the local cis-regulatory contexts and transcription factor networks...Full Text Available

2010-08-01

155

A Review of the Biochemistry, Metabolism and Clinical Benefits of Thiamin(e) and Its Derivatives  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Thiamin(e), also known as vitamin B1, is now known to play a fundamental role in energy metabolism. Its discovery followed from the original early research on the ‘anti-beriberi factor’...Full Text Available

2006-03-01

156

Studies on radioactive liquid waste treatment by reverse osmosis  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Reverse osmosis is a simple process and has relatively high decontamination factor compared to other processes used for the treatment of radioactive liquid waste. Furthermore the quantity of secondary waste of this process is small. In this study, test solution containing nine elements such as cesium, strontium, cobalt etc. in chloride forms are treated by reverse osmosis. Permeate rate decreases as the increase of osmotic pressure of feed solution and is expressed by linear equation. Decontamination factor of cations of univalency is more than ten, and about one tenth of that of bivalency. Decontamination factors of all the elements used in this experiment are approximately estimated using the solution-diffusion model.

1982-06-01

157

Studies on radioactive liquid waste treatment by reverse osmosis  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reverse osmosis is a simple process and has relatively high decontamination factor comparing to other processes used for the treatment of radioactive liquid waste. Furthermore the quantity of secondary waste of this process is small. In this study, test solution containing nine elements such as cesium, strontium, cobalt etc. in chloride forms are treated by reverse osmosis. Permeate rate decreases as the increase of osmotic pressure of feed solution and is expressed by linear equation. Decontamination factor of cations of univalency is more than ten, and about one tenth of that of bivalency. Decontamination factors of all the elements used in this experiment are approximately estimated using the solution-diffusion model. (author).

158

The behavioral management of pain: a criticism of a response.  

Science.gov (United States)

In response to an earlier published paper by Fordyce, some assumptions underlying the behavior management paradigm of chronic pain are critically discussed. While operant treatment has proved successful, the conclusion that operant factors play an important role in the development and maintenance of chronic benign pain is debated. Some empirical studies, regularly used to demonstrate this role, are re-evaluated. An alternative theory is proposed for chronic pain behavior, in which the role of a lower tolerance to proprioceptive stimuli, which may include more than just pain stimuli, is emphasized. PMID:3313200

1987-09-01

159

Structural and Functional Investigations of Matrilin-1 A-domains Reveal Insights into Their Role in Cartilage ECM Assembly*  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Matrilin-1 is expressed predominantly in cartilage and co-localizes with matrilin-3 with which it can form hetero-oligomers. We recently described novel structural and functional features of the matrilin-3...Full Text Available

2010-10-29

160

Simvastatin suppresses LPS-induced MMP-1 expression in U937 mononuclear cells by inhibiting protein isoprenylation-mediated ERK activation  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) plays a crucial role in periodontal disease and is up-regulated by oral Gram-negative, pathogen-derived LPS. In this study, we reported that simvastatin, a 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl-CoA...Full Text Available

2008-10-01

161

Interdependent Roles for Accessory KChIP2, KChIP3 and KChIP4 Subunits in the Generation of Kv4-encoded IA Channels in Cortical Pyramidal Neurons  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The rapidly activating and inactivating voltage-dependent outward K+ (Kv) current, IA, is widely expressed in central and peripheral neurons. IA has long been...Full Text Available

2010-10-13

162

Identification of Epidermal Pdx1 Expression Discloses Different Roles of Notch1 and Notch2 in Murine KrasG12D-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis In Vivo  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe Ras and Notch signaling pathways are frequently activated during development to control many diverse cellular processes and are often dysregulated during tumorigenesis....Full Text Available

163

Curcumin eliminates oxidized LDL roles in activating hepatic stellate cells by suppressing gene expression of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often accompanied by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and associated with hypercholesterolemia, i.e. increased levels of plasma low-density...Full Text Available

2009-11-01

164

Conservation of B class gene expression in the second whorl of a basal grass and outgroups links the origin of lodicules and petals  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Studies of flower development in core eudicot species have established a central role for B class MADS-box genes in specifying petal and stamen identities. Similarly in maize and rice, B class genes...Full Text Available

2007-01-16

165

Arc/Arg3.1 mRNA Global Expression Patterns Elicited by Memory Recall in Cerebral Cortex Differ for Remote Versus Recent Spatial Memories  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The neocortex plays a critical role in the gradual formation and storage of remote declarative memories. Because the circuitry mechanisms of systems-level consolidation are not well understood, the...Full Text Available

166

Amplified B Lymphocyte CD40 Signaling Drives Regulatory B10 Cell Expansion in Mice  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundAberrant CD40 ligand (CD154) expression occurs on both T cells and B cells in human lupus patients, which is suggested to enhance B cell CD40 signaling and play a role...Full Text Available

167

(-)-Epigallocatechin Gallate Regulates CD3-mediated T Cell Receptor Signaling in Leukemia through the Inhibition of ZAP-70 Kinase*  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The ζ chain-associated 70-kDa protein (ZAP-70) of tyrosine kinase plays a critical role in T cell receptor-mediated signal transduction and the immune response. A high level of ZAP-70 expression...Full Text Available

2008-10-17

168

S1 nuclease analysis of #alpha#-globin gene expression in preleukemic patients with acquired hemoglobin H disease after transfer to mouse erythroleukemia cells  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The loss of #alpha#-globin gene transcriptional activity rarely occurs as an acquired abnormality during the evolution of myeloproliferative disease or preleukemia. To test whether the mutation responsible for the loss of #alpha#-globin gene expression (hemoglobin H disease) in these patients is linked with the #alpha#-globin genes on chromosome 16, the authors transferred chromosome 16 from preleukemic patients with acquired hemoglobin H disease to mouse erythroleukemia cells and measured the transcriptional activity of the human #alpha#-globin genes. After transfer to mouse erythroleukemia cells, the expression of human #alpha#-globin genes from the peripheral blood or marrow cells of preleukemic patients with acquired hemoglobin H disease was similar to that of human #alpha#-globin genes transferred to mouse erythroleukemia cells from normal donors. These data showed that factor(s) in the mouse erythroleukemia cell can ...

169

IGF 2 expression in 3T3 adipocytes in response to serum from hypophysectomized or diabetic swine  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Expression of IGF-2 and changes in its expression in response to systemic endocrine alterations have not been demonstrated for adipocytes. Adipocytes were induced to develop within cultures of 3T3-L1 cells using a medium containing 0.5mM isobutylmethylxanthine, 1uM insulin and 100ng hydrocortisone/ml for 48 hours of exposure. Cultures containing developing adipocytes were incubated with 10% pig serum and 1 uM insulin for several days. The resultant adipocyte cultures were then treated with either 10% pig serum, diabetic pig serum or hypophysectomized pig serum in DMEM for 48 hours. Adipocytes within the cultures were separated from undifferentiated cells using percoll density gradient centrifugation. Total RNA was isolated from adipocytes and dot blotted. Blots were probed with a {sup 32}P-cDNA probe for rat IGF-2. IGF-2 was expressed by the adipocytes and the pattern of expression showed specific ...

1990-02-26

170

Regulation of Redd1 Expression by Hypoxia  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Redd1, a recently discovered stress-response gene, is regulated by hypoxia via hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) and by DNA damage via p53/p63; however, the signaling pathway by which its expression is induced by hypoxia has not been elucidated. We demonstrated that the up-regulation of Redd1 transcription by hypoxia and high cell density (HCD) depends on cooperation between Sp1 and HIF-1#alpha# downstream of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

2006-05-25

171

The Sigma Factor AlgU (AlgT) Controls Exopolysaccharide Production and Tolerance towards Desiccation and Osmotic Stress in the Biocontrol Agent Pseudomonas fluorescens CHA0  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A variety of stress situations may affect the activity and survival of plant-beneficial pseudomonads added to soil to control root diseases. This study focused on the roles of the sigma factor AlgU...Full Text Available

2001-12-01

172

Procedure for economic evaluation of steam turbine drives versus electric drives  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This EPRI sponsored report describes factors that influence the selection of drives in process industry. These factors include economics, safety aspects, speed control and the plant steam balance. Since the economics play a key-role in the decision, this report provides a quick way of estimating the economics of replacing steam turbines with electric motors. The tools to carry out economic analyses have been provided in the form of graphs and nomographs for quick estimation.

1992-10-01

173

Maintenance viewpoint of a successful reactor program  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As the Operating and Support staffs of the FFTF organization have gained experience, the plant reliability and capacity factors have shown a steadily improving trend. The plant capacity factor for Cycle 4 was 99.5%. It is the purpose of this report to describe the evolution of the maintenance organization at the FFTF site from a general support organization to a technically proficient organization playing a major role in planning and performance of plant maintenance evolutions.

1984-06-03

174

Live Brucella spp. fail to induce tumor necrosis factor alpha excretion upon infection of U937-derived phagocytes.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a central role in activation of first-line defenses of a host against foreign organisms. To determine whether Brucella infection modulated TNF-alpha production,...Full Text Available

1994-12-01

175

Commercially Available Antibodies to Human Tumour Necrosis Factor-? Tested for Cross-Reactivity with Ovine and Bovine Tumour Necrosis Factor-? using Flow Cytometric Assays  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A thorough understanding of the immune system, including the role of different cytokines, during inflammatory diseases in ruminants could lead to the development of new diagnostic methods and treatments....Full Text Available

2004-01-01

176

Cellular Sources of Transforming Growth Factor-? Isoforms in Early and Chronic Radiation Enteropathy  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The three mammalian transforming growth factor (TGF)-β isoforms (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) differ in their putative roles in radiation-induced fibrosis in intestine...Full Text Available

1998-11-01

177

Profiling highly conserved microrna expression in recombinant IgG-producing and parental Chinese hamster ovary cells  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in global gene regulation. Researchers in recombinant protein production have proposed miRNAs as biomarkers and cell engineering targets. However, miRNA expression remains understudied in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, one of the most commonly used host cell systems for therapeutic protein production. To profile highly conserved miRNA expression, we used the miRCURY- miRNA array for screening miRNAs in CHO cells. The selection criteria for further miRNA profiling included positive hybridization signals and experimentally validated predicted regulatory targets. On the basis of screening, we selected 16 miRNAs for quantitative RT-PCR profiling. We profiled miR expression in parental CHO DG44 and CHO K1 cell lines as well as four recombinant DG44...

2011-01-01

178

Effect of Wnt-1 inducible signaling pathway protein-2 (WISP-2/CCN5), a downstream protein of Wnt signaling, on adipocyte differentiation  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Wnt signaling negatively regulates adipocyte differentiation, and ectopic expression of Wnt-1 in 3T3-L1 cells induces several downstream molecules of Wnt signaling, including Wnt-1 inducible signaling pathway protein (WISP)-2. In this study, we examined the role of WISP-2 in the process of adipocyte differentiation using an in vitro cell culture system. In the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, WISP-2 expression was observed in growing cells and declined thereafter. In the mitotic clonal expansion phase of adipocyte differentiation, WISP-2 expression was transiently down-regulated concurrently with up-regulation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein d expression. Treatment of 3T3-L1 cells in the differentiation medium with lithium, an activator of Wnt signaling, inhibited the differentiation pro...

2009-01-01

179

Regulation and secretion of Xanthomonas virulence factors  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Plant pathogenic bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas cause a variety of diseases in economically important monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous crop plants worldwide. Successful infection and bacterial multiplication in the host tissue often depend on the virulence factors secreted including adhesins, polysaccharides, LPS and degradative enzymes. One of the key pathogenicity factors is the type III secretion system, which injects effector proteins into the host cell cytosol to manipulate plant cellular processes such as basal defense to the benefit of the pathogen. The coordinated expression of bacterial virulence factors is orchestrated by quorum-sensing pathways, multiple two-component systems and transcriptional regulators such as Clp, Zur, FhrR, HrpX and HpaR. Furthermore, virule...

2010-01-01

180

The role of 5-quark components on the nucleon form factors  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The covariant quark model is shown to allow a phenomenological description of the neutron electric form factor, G{sub E}{sup n}(Q{sup 2}), in the impulse approximation, provided that the wave function contains minor ({approx}3%) admixtures of the lowest energy sea-quark configurations. While that form factor is not very sensitive to whether the q{sup -} in the qqqqq{sup -} component is in the P-state or in the S-state, the calculated nucleon magnetic form factors are much closer to the empirical values in the case of the former configuration. In the case of the electric form factor of the proton, G{sub E}{sup p}(Q{sup 2}) a zero appears in the impulse approximation close to 10 GeV{sup 2}, when the q{sup -} is in the P-state. That configuration, which may be interpreted as a pion loop ('cloud') fluctuation, also leads to a clearly better description of the nucleon magnetic moments. When ...

2007-07-15

181

Purification and analysis of RNA polymerase II transcription factors by using wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography.  

Science.gov (United States)

We recently found that many RNA polymerase II transcription factors are modified with N-acetylglucosamine residues. These sugar moieties confer upon transcription factors an ability to bind the lectin wheat germ agglutinin. We have taken advantage of this interaction to devise a purification procedure for the "GC-box" binding transcription factor Sp1. Crude nuclear extracts are first subjected to wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography and then subjected to sequence-specific DNA affinity chromatography. The Sp1 protein purified by this procedure is at least 95% pure, and the overall recovery is greater than 80%. In addition to yielding larger quantities of Sp1 than conventional schemes, the new purification procedure is also simpler and more rapid. We show that wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography can also be used to purify the glycosylated forms of the CCAAT-binding transcription factor. ...

1989-03-01

182

Some structural factors affecting the critical temperatures of superconductors  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new empirical expression is presented for the T/sub c/ of A-15 compounds, T/sub c/ = 210 2R/sub A/-d/sub 0//R/sub B/..sqrt..M/sub A/ x R/sup 3//sub A/g-barZ-bary/sub B//RB/R/sup 3//sub B/n-baray/sub A//R/sub A/, from which the effects of some structural factors on T/sub c/ for high-T/sub c/ superconductors are obvious.

1981-07-01

183

Cost-effectiveness of combustion turbines: recommendations for reliability, maintainability, supportability and maintenance requirements  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The profitability of combustion turbines intended for export is of extreme importance for Electricite de France. It is principally during the development phase of a project that one can ensure resect of two indissociable factors, essential to the per-kWh production cost: global operating costs and performance in terms of reliability and availability. The approach proposed here advocates the global acquisition of the installation and its logistic support. Generally applicable recommendations are given. They enable integrating in the future plant specifications all requirements relative to plant reliability, availability, maintainability and logistic support. They are structured according to type: expression of needs and management factors. (orig.) 4 refs.

1998-12-31

184

A new type of boundary blade for steam turbines  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Long steam turbine blades are always made as massive blades cut from the solid. For a given blade material and given rotational speed of the steam turbine, the maximum permissible blade length depends on a tapering factor which expresses the ratio of the centrifugal force of the real blade, always twisted and tapered, to the centrifugal force of the theoretical cylindrical blade of the same flow cross-section. This factor can be further reduced to a considerable degree, due to a better approximation to the shape having uniform srength, if the blade is constructed as a hollow blade. (orig./LH).

185

Transcription regulation of the vegf gene by the BMP/Smad pathway in the angioblast of zebrafish embryos  

Science.gov (United States)

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a mitogen that is critically involved in vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and hematopoiesis. However, what and how transcription factors participate in the regulation of vegf gene expression are not fully understood. Here we report the cloning and sequencing of the zebrafish vegf promoter which revealed that the promoter contains a number of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-activated Smad binding elements (SBE), implicating Smad1 and Smad5 in the regulation of BMP-induced expression of vegf. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays of adding recombinant Smad proteins to the SBE-containing DNA oligonucleotides that represent portions of zebrafish vegf promoter resulted in mobility shift of the oligonucleotides. These changes demonstrate potential interactions between Smad1/5 and the vegf promoter. Reporter activity assays using the wild-type or SBE-deleted vegf ...

2005-04-01

186

The expression profile of TLR9 mRNA and CpG ODNs immunostimulatory actions in the teleost gilthead seabream points to a major role of lymphocytes  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract. The potential effects of synthetic unmethylated oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing CpG motifs, mimicking bacterial DNA, has never been evaluated on the immune response in the teleost fish gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), the most important fish species in Mediterranean aquaculture. First, binding and competition studies have demonstrated that binding is saturated and promiscuous, suggesting the participation of several receptors. Moreover, leucocyte cytotoxic (NCC) activity, production of ROIs (reactive oxygen intermediates), and expression of immune-relevant genes was greatly primed by ODNs. Focusing on the mechanism, the TLR9 gene is widely distributed in seabream tissues and differently regulated in vitro by several stimuli. Moreover, and for the first time in fish, TLR9...

2008-01-01

187

Probiotic-Induced Priming of Innate Immunity to Protect Against Rotaviral Infection  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Understanding of probiotic-induced regulatory gene expression and networking is critical to further explore their roles in controlling infection. Transcriptional profile of selected innate immune genes in primary bovine intestinal epithelial cells was assessed over a time course of incubation with the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 299v. Based on gene expression results, a time point was chosen to prime epithelial cells with the probiotic prior to infection with rotavirus. Plaque assays and genomic analysis provided the basis for establishing the efficacy of probiotics in preventing a rotaviral infection. Plaque assays revealed that the probiotic is capable of decreasing (at least by 100-fold) the levels of live virus when the cells were primed with the probiotic. Results from gene expr...

2010-01-01

188

Molecular biology of the renin-angiotensin system  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper reviews the molecular biology of the renin-angiotensin system. The renin gene structure is analyzed in detail, including an examination of the putative regulatory regions. The combined action of these regulatory sequences would result in the complex, tissue-specific expression and regulation observed in vivo. The expression of the tissue renin-angiotensin systems, which may have important physiological functions, is also described. In addition, the pathway of renin biosynthesis and secretion is reviewed. This includes speculation on the fate of circulating prorenin and the physiological role of multiple renin forms and secretory pathways. The molecular approaches described in this paper have greatly advanced our knowledge of the biology of the renin-angiotensin system. Future studies using these and other approaches should provide further insight into this complex system.

1988-10-01

189

Modulation of neuronal differentiation by CD40 isoforms  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Neuron differentiation is a complex process involving various cell-cell interactions, and multiple signaling pathways. We showed previously that CD40 is expressed and functional on mouse and human neurons. In neurons, ligation of CD40 protects against serum withdrawal-induced injury and plays a role in survival and differentiation. CD40 deficient mice display neuron dysfunction, aberrant neuron morphologic changes, and associated gross brain abnormalities. Previous studies by Tone and colleagues suggested that five isoforms of CD40 exist with two predominant isoforms expressed in humans: signal-transducible CD40 type I and a C-terminal truncated, non-signal-transducible CD40 type II. We hypothesized that differential expression of CD40 isoform type I and type II in neurons may modulate neuron differentiation. Results show that adult wild-type, and CD40"-"/"- deficient mice predominantly ...

2008-05-02

190

Transforming growth factor-b induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition by down-regulation of claudin-1 expression and the fence function in adult rat hepatocytes  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Background/Aims: Transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) initiates and maintains epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which causes disassembly of tight junctions and loss of epithelial cell polarity. In mature hepatocytes during EMT induced by TGF-b, changes in the expression of tight junction proteins and the fence function indicated that epithelial cell polarity remains unclear. Methods: In the present study, using primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes at day 10 after plating, in which epithelial cell polarity is well maintained by tight junctions, we examined the effects of 0.01-20 ng/ml TGF-b on the expression of the integral tight junction proteins, claudin-1, -2 and occludin, as well as the fence function. Results: In adult rat hepatocytes, TGF-b induced EMT, which was ...

2008-01-01

191

Tissue factor contributes to neutrophil CD11b expression in alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate-treated mice  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Cholestatic liver injury induced by alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) is provoked by injury to intrahepatic bile ducts and the progression of hepatic necrosis requires the procoagulant protein tissue factor (TF) and extrahepatic cells including neutrophils. Recent studies have shown that myeloid cell TF contributes to neutrophil activation. We tested the hypothesis that myeloid cell TF contributes to neutrophil activation in ANIT-treated mice. TF activity in liver homogenates increased significantly in TF^f^l^o^x^/^f^l^o^x mice treated with ANIT, but not in TF^f^l^o^x^/^f^l^o^x/LysMCre mice (TFD^M^y^e^l^o^i^d mice), which have reduced TF expression in monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. Myeloid cell-specific TF deficiency did not alter expression of the chemokines KC or MIP-2 but redu...

2011-01-01

192

Poncirin promotes osteoblast differentiation but inhibits adipocyte differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells.  

Science.gov (United States)

Poncirin, flavanone glycoside, isolated from the fruit of Poncirus trifoliata, has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, the effects of poncirin on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells were investigated. The C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal stem cells and primary bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were studied. In the C3H10T1/2 cells, poncirin prevented adipocyte differentiation, as demonstrated by inhibition of cytoplasm lipid droplet accumulation and peroxisome proliferator-activating receptor-? (PPAR-?) and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein-? (C/EBP-?) mRNA expression. By contrast, poncirin enhanced the expression of the key osteogenic transcription factors, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). Poncirin also enhanced expression of the osteogenic marker genes including alkaline phosphatase ...

2011-05-01

193

Regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells by ccp1, a FGF2 downstream gene  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundCoiled-coil domain containing 115 (Ccdc115) or coiled coil protein-1 (ccp1) was previously identified as a downstream gene of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) highly expressed...Full Text Available

194

Pseudomonas aeruginosa tssC1 Links Type VI Secretion and Biofilm-Specific Antibiotic Resistance.  

Science.gov (United States)

Biofilm-specific antibiotic resistance is influenced by multiple factors. We demonstrated that Pseudomonas aeruginosa tssC1, a gene implicated in type VI secretion (T6S), is important for resistance of biofilms to a subset of antibiotics. We showed that tssC1 expression is induced in biofilms and confirmed that tssC1 is required for T6S. PMID:21784934

2011-07-22

195

NPM-ALK and the JunB transcription factor regulate the expression of cytotoxic molecules in ALK-positive, anaplastic large cell lymphoma  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK+ ALCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma of T/null immunophenotype that is most prevalent in children and young adults. The...Full Text Available

2011-02-15

196

Howard Hughes Medical Institute dose assessment survey  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Biomedical science researchers often express frustration that health physics practices vary widely between individual institutions. A survey examining both internal and external dose assessment practices was devised and mailed to fifty institutions supporting biomedical science research. The results indicate that health physics dose assessment practices and policies are highly variable. Factors which may contribute to the degree of variation are discussed. 2 tabs.

1996-12-01

197

Estimation of organ dose during radiological and computer tomographic examinations with calculations of the somatically significant doses  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The risks from radiation exposure during radiological diagnosis has usually been estimated in relation to genetic changes. Relevant information has been expressed as the genetically significant dose. In this paper we attempt to produce an analogous measure for evaluating the somatic risk in the form of a somatically significant dose index for radiological and CT examinations. It is shown that, for both types of examination, the two risk factors may be entirely different.

1980-10-01

198

Estimation of organ dose during radiological and computer tomographic examinations with calculations of the somatically significant doses  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The risks from radiation exposure during radiological diagnosis has usually been estimated in relation to genetic changes. Relevant information has been expressed as the genetically significant dose. In this paper we attempt to produce an analogous measure for evaluating the somatic risk in the form of a somatically significant dose index for radiological and CT examinations. It is shown that, for both types of examination, the two risk factors may be entirely different. (orig.).

1980-01-01

199

Estimation of errors provided with dead times of roentgen digital tomography  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Impact of apparatus dead time on the accuracy of measurement of radial distribution of the radiation attenuation factor in the roentgen computer tomography for rotation bodies is studied. Analytical expressions are obtained. Calculations of the threshold loads for radiometric detectors, providing for the accuracy of measurement at the stage of designing the tomographic complex detecting unit, are obtained

200

Contextual extracellular cues promote tumor cell EMT and metastasis by regulating miR-200 family expression  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Metastatic disease is a primary cause of cancer-related death, and factors governing tumor cell metastasis have not been fully elucidated. Here, we address this question by using tumor cell lines derived...Full Text Available

2009-09-15

201

Comparison of prevalence, viral load, physical status and expression of human papillomavirus-16, -18 and -58 in esophageal and cervical cancer: a case-control study  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major risk factor for the development of nearly all cases of cervical cancer worldwide. The presence of HPV DNA in cases of esophageal...Full Text Available

202

BosR (BB0647) Controls the RpoN-RpoS Regulatory Pathway and Virulence Expression in Borrelia burgdorferi by a Novel DNA-Binding Mechanism  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), the Lyme disease spirochete, the alternative σ factor σ54 (RpoN) directly activates transcription of another alternative σ...Full Text Available

2011-02-01

203

Tissue structure, nuclear organization and gene expression in normal and malignant breast  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Because every cell within the body has the same genetic information, a significant problem in biology is to understand how cells within a tissue express genes selectively. A sophisticated network of physical and biochemical signals converge in a highly orchestrated manner to bring about the exquisite regulation that governs gene expression in diverse tissues. Thus, the ultimate decision of a cell to proliferate, express tissue-specific genes, or apoptose must be a coordinated response to its adhesive, growth factor, and hormonal milieu. The unifying hypothesis examined in this overview is that the unit of function in higher organisms is neither the genome nor the cell alone but the complex, three-dimensional tissue. This is because there are bidirectional connections between the components of the cellular microenvironment (growth factors, hormones, and extracellular matrix) and the ...

2000-01-27

204

Autism and the development of face processing.  

Science.gov (United States)

Autism is a pervasive developmental condition, characterized by impairments in non-verbal communication, social relationships and stereotypical patterns of behavior. A large body of evidence suggests that several aspects of face processing are impaired in autism, including anomalies in gaze processing, memory for facial identity and recognition of facial expressions of emotion. In search of neural markers of anomalous face processing in autism, much interest has focused on a network of brain regions that are implicated in social cognition and face processing. In this review, we will focus on three such regions, namely the STS for its role in processing gaze and facial movements, the FFA in face detection and identification and the amygdala in processing facial expressions of emotion. Much evidence suggests that a better understanding of the normal development of these specialized regions is essential for discovering the ...

2006-10-01

205

TGF-@b/BMPs: Crucial crossroad in neural autoimmune disorders  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-@b) has a crucial role in the differentiation of ectodermal cells to neural or epidermal precursors. TGF-@b and bone morphogenetic protein molecules (BMPs) are involved in many developmental processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis, mitotic arrest and intercellular interactions during morphogenesis. Additionally, the failure of central thymic tolerance mechanisms, leading to T cells with a skewed autoreactive response, is being described as a contributor in inflammatory processes in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Since TGF-@b and BMP proteins are crucial for the development of the neural system and the thymus, as well as for the differentiation of T cells, it is essential to further investigate their role i...

2011-01-01

206

The Development and Validation of the Instructional Dissent Scale  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Two studies (N = 420) were conducted to develop and validate the instructional dissent scale (IDS) for use in the college classroom. Participants in study 1 were 210 students who completed the IDS pilot inventory which was subjected to an exploratory factor analysis yielding three distinct factors of dissent (i.e., expressive, rhetorical, vengeful). Concurrent validity support was provided as perceived teacher misbehaviors were associated positively with students' likelihood of engaging in dissent and students reported fewer learning outcomes when they dissented. Participants in study 2 were from a different sample of 210 students who completed the IDS along with measures of classroom justice and student challenge behavior. A confirmatory factor analysis provided support for the hypothesiz...

2011-01-01

207

Generation and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies to Human Keratinocyte Growth Factor Receptor  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 2c share identical amino acid sequences, except for a 46-amino acid domain in the extracellular region. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to KGFR have not been reported nor are commercially available. In this study, we generated murine MAbs specific to KGFR in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice using a modified Repeated Immunizations at Multiple Sites (RIMMS) technology. Stable cell lines expressing the full-length human KGFR or FGFR2c were produced to facilitate the identification of KGFR-specific MAbs. Following the initial screening of hybridoma clones with a fluorescence-based, confocal cell detection method and ELISA, KGFR-specific MAbs were selected and confirmed by flow cytometry and Western blot ...

2006-01-01

208

Cryopreservation of isolated blastomeres and embryonic stem-like cells of Leopard danio, Brachydanio frankei  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract This study aimed at developing a suitable cryopreservation protocol for embryonic stem (ES)-like cells of a tiny freshwater fish Leopard danio (Brachydanio frankei). Embryonic stem (ES)-like cells derived from blastomeres of the early blastulae stage of the developing embryo were cultured in vitro in a medium containing Leibowitz-15 supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum, leopard danio embryo extract, sodium bicarbonate, sodium selenite, basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor and leukaemia inhibitory factor. The ES-like cells showed properties similar to ES cells in other species. They were morphologically small, round to polygonal and present in patches and extensively expressed alkaline phosphatase and stage-specific embryonic antigen. The toxicity and chilli...

2010-01-01

209

An erythrocyte-specific DNA-binding factor recognizes a regulatory sequence common to all chicken globin genes  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The authors have identified a protein present only in erythroid cells that binds to two adjacent sites within an enhancer region of the chicken {beta}-globin locus. Mutation of the sites, so that binding by the factor can no longer be detected in vitro, leads to a loss of enhancing ability, assayed by transient expression in primary erythrocytes. Binding sites for the erythroid-specific factor (Eryf1) are found within regulatory regions for all chicken globin genes. A strong Eryf1 binding site is also present within the enhancer of at least one human globin gene, and proteins from human erythroid cells (but not HeLa cells) bind to both the chicken and the human sites.

1988-08-01

210

Rovs get that sinking feeling  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Although rovs (remotely operated vehicles) and AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) are playing ever increasing roles in the development of underwater fields, surprise is expressed that oil companies are not supporting the necessary research and development. The situation was discussed at this year's annual Association of Diving Contractors and Marine Technology Society in Houston. Some of the technical problems associated with operating the vehicles in deeper and deeper water were discussed. Although demand for the vehicles is falling in the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico is seen as the next growth area. (uk)

2000-03-01

211

Dynamics of a reverse osmosis unit with application to pulsating regimes for process optimization  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We propose unsteady-state reverse osmosis cell modelling in two dimensions. The convection-diffusion equation describing the concentration of the relevant chemical species is solved by a finite difference technique, while the velocity field is described by empirical expressions for spiral-wound membrane cells. A non-constant permeability is introduced to take into account the effects of membrane compaction at high operating pressures. The role of concentration polarization is discussed for different values of the parameters describing the global process. Finally, the model is applied to predict the effects of a pulsating flow where a cyclic pressure feed is adopted to enhance the permeate flux. In this context, an experimental validation of the model is proposed.

2011-01-01

212

The student tutor experience in a problem-based learning course: A case study  

Science.gov (United States)

This case study, conducted from an interpretive paradigm, illuminates contextual factors related to the tutor experience when senior undergraduate dental hygiene students served as tutors for beginning undergraduate dental hygiene students, or sophomores, in a 1-semester, 2-hour long problem-based learning (PBL) course in a Baccalaureate Dental Hygiene (BDH) curriculum during the spring semester of 2008. Data were collected using various sources and methods. Six tutors and three administrators were interviewed, tutees completed an anonymous questionnaire, the tutorial process and tutor training sessions were observed, and related documents were examined. Data analysis included open and axial coding, creation of tutor profiles, and identification of patterns. Tutor behaviors varied with respect to the nature of intervention (e.g., telling, asking, clarifying, acknowledging), emphasis (process, content, social), and facilitation style (directive, suggestive, ...

2009-01-01

213

Expression profiles of precursor and mature microRNAs under dehydration and high salinity shock in Populus euphratica  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play vital roles in plant abiotic stress responses via cleavage or translational inhibition of their target mRNAs. Populus euphratica is a typical stress-resistant sessile organism that grows in desert areas. Here, we identified sequences of 12 miRNA precursors from 11 families and 13 mature miRNAs from 12 families by PCR amplification in P. euphratica. To detect expression differences in mature miRNAs and their precursors under dehydration and high salinity shock in P. euphratica, we examined 14 miRNA precursors from 13 miRNA families and 17 mature miRNAs from 17 miRNA families using the SYBR Green RT?PCR assay. This is the first report of expression profiles for both precursor and mature miRNAs in P. euphratica. By profiling both the matu...

2011-01-01

214

Different doses of bone morphogenetic protein 4 promote the expression of early germ cell-specific gene in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4 has a crucial role on primordial germ cells (PGCs) development in vivo which can promote stem cell differentiation to PG-like cells. In this study, we investigated the expression of Mvh as one of the specific genes in primordial germ cells after treatment with different doses of BMP4 on bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived PGCs. Following isolation of BMSCs from male mouse femur and tibia, cells were cultured in medium for 72?h. Passage 4 murine BMSCs were characterized by CD90, CD105, CD34, and CD45 markers and osteo-adipogenic differentiation. Different doses of BMP4 (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 5, 25, 50, and 100?ng/ml) were added to BMSCs for PGCs differentiation during 4-days culture. Viability percent, proliferation rates, and expression of Mvh gene wer...

2011-01-01

215

Modulating factors in the expression of radiation-induced oncogenic transformation  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Many assays for oncogenic transformation have been developed ranging from those in established rodent cell lines where morphological alteration is scored, to those in human cells growing in nude mice where tumor invasiveness is scored. In general, systems that are most quantitaive are also the least relevant in terms of human carcinogenesis and human risk estimation. The development of cell culture systems has made it possible to assess at the cellular level the oncogenic potential of a variety of chemical, physical and viral agents. Cell culture systems afford the opportunity to identify factors and conditions that may prevent or enhance cellular transformation by radiation and chemicals. Permissive and protective factors in radiation-induced transformation include thyroid hormone and the tumor promoter TPA that increase the transformation incidence for a given dose of radiation, and retinoids, selenium, vitamin E, and 5-aminobenzamide that ...

1990-08-01

216

Modulating factors in the expression of radiation-induced oncogenic transformation  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Many assays for oncogenic transformation have been developed ranging from those in established rodent cell lines where morphological alteration is scored, to those in human cells growing in nude mice where tumor invasiveness is scored. In general, systems that are most quantitaive are also the least relevant in terms of human carcinogenesis and human risk estimation. The development of cell culture systems has made it possible to assess at the cellular level the oncogenic potential of a variety of chemical, physical and viral agents. Cell culture systems afford the opportunity to identify factors and conditions that may prevent or enhance cellular transformation by radiation and chemicals. Permissive and protective factors in radiation-induced transformation include thyroid hormone and the tumor promoter TPA that increase the transformation incidence for a given dose of radiation, and retinoids, selenium, vitamin E, and 5-aminobenzamide that ...

1990-01-01

217

Genetic engineering of group 2 sigma factor SigE widely activates expressions of sugar catabolic genes in Synechocystis species PCC 6803.  

Science.gov (United States)

Metabolic engineering of photosynthetic organisms is required for utilization of light energy and for reducing carbon emissions.Control of transcriptional regulators is a powerful approach for changing cellular dynamics, because a set of genes is concomitantly regulated. Here, we show that overexpression of a group 2 ? factor, SigE, enhances the expressions of sugar catabolic genes in the unicellular cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Transcriptome analysis revealed that genes for the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway and glycogen catabolism are induced by overproduction of SigE. Immunoblotting showed that protein levels of sugar catabolic enzymes, such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, glycogen phosphorylase, and isoamylase, are increased. Glycogen levels are reduced in the SigE-overexpressing strain grown under light. Metabolome analysis revealed that metabolite levels of the TCA cycle and ...

2011-07-11

218

Assessment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, ErbB1) and HER2 (ErbB2) protein expression levels and response to lapatinib (Tykerb, GW572016) in an expanded panel of human normal and tumour cell lines  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract. Objective: Lapatinib (Tykerb, GW572016), a potent inhibitor of the catalytic activities of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (ErbB2), inhibits population growth of selected EGFR and HER2 overexpressing cell lines. Previous studies with a small number of cell lines suggest a correlation between overexpression of EGFR and/or HER2 and sensitivity to growth inhibition by lapatinib; however, the precise determinants of lapatinib selectivity for tumour and/or other cells remain unclear. Materials and methods: To clarify the determinants of its selectivity in cultured cells, lapatinib-induced cell population growth inhibition and relative EGFR and HER2 protein expression were quantified in 61 different human tumour cell lines fro...

2007-01-01

219

Chemical plant factors affecting resistance in sugarcane in against Scirpophaga Nivella f  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The study was conducted during 2000 to determine the role of various chemical plant factors viz., total minerals, nitrogen, fat contents, carbohydrate, macro an micro nutrients in the leaves of five genotypes of sugarcane i.e., BF-162, SPSG-26, L-118, CP-43/33 and CP-72/2086 by correlating the infestation of top borer, Scirpophaga Nivella F. at tillering stage. None of the genotype was found completely resistant to the pest. CP-43/33 and BF-162 proved susceptible and resistant varieties, respectively. Total mineral, manganese and copper contents did not show significant correlation with the pest infestation, whereas nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium and ferrous contents played a positive and significant role. Phosphorous, carbohydrates, fats and zinc contents played a significant and negative effect on the pest infestation at tillering stage. (author)

220

Association and expression study of synapsin III and schizophrenia.  

Science.gov (United States)

The synapsin III gene, SYN3, which belongs to the family of synaptic vesicle-associated proteins, has been implicated in the modulation of neurotransmitter release and in synaptogenesis, suggesting a potential role in several neuropsychiatric diseases. The human SYN3 gene is located on chromosome 22q12-13, a candidate region implicated in previous linkage studies of schizophrenia. However, association studies of SYN3 and schizophrenia have produced inconsistent results. In this study, four SYN3 SNPs (rs133945 (-631 C>G), rs133946 (-196 G>A), rs9862 and rs1056484) were tested in three sets of totally 3759 samples that comprise 655 affected subjects and 626 controls in the Irish Case-Control Study of Schizophrenia (ICCSS), 1350 samples incorporating 273 pedigrees in the Irish Study of High Density Schizophrenia Families (ISHDSF), and 564 unrelated schizophrenia patients and 564 healthy individuals in a Chinese case-control sample. The ...

2009-09-19

221

Two-phase flow modeling in the rod bundle subchannel analysis; Modelisation d'ecoulement a deux phases dans l'analyse du sous-canal de grappe d'assemblages  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In order to practice a design-by-analysis of thermohydraulics design of BWR fuel rod bundles, the subchannel analysis would play a major role. There, the immediate concern is improvement in its predictive capability of CHF due in particular to the film dryout (boiling transition phenomena: BT) on the fuel rod surface. Constitutive equations in the subchannel analysis formulation are responsible for the quality of calculated results. The constitutive equations are a result of integration of the local and instantaneous description of two-phase flows over the subchannel control volume. In general, they are expressed in terms of subchannel-control-volume- as well as area-averaged two-phase flow state variables. In principle the information on local and instantaneous physical phenomena taking place inside subchannels must be counted for in the algebraic form of the equations on the basis of a more mechanistic modeling approach. They should include ...

2006-07-01

222

Two-phase flow modeling in the rod bundle subchannel analysis  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Full text of publication follows:In order to practice a design-by-analysis of thermohydraulics design of BWR fuel rod bundles, the subchannel analysis would play a major role. There, the immediate concern is improvement in its predictive capability of CHF due in particular to the film dryout (boiling transition phenomena: BT) on the fuel rod surface. Constitutive equations in the subchannel analysis formulation are responsible for the quality of calculated results. The constitutive equations are a result of integration of the local and instantaneous description of two-phase flows over the subchannel control volume. In general, they are expressed in terms of subchannel-control-volume- as well as area-averaged two-phase flow state variables. In principle the information on local and instantaneous physical phenomena taking place inside subchannels must be counted for in the algebraic form of the equations on the basis of a more mechanistic ...

2004-07-01

223

Two-phase flow modeling in the rod bundle subchannel analysis  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In order to practice a design-by-analysis of thermohydraulics design of BWR fuel rod bundles, the subchannel analysis would play a major role. There, the immediate concern is improvement in its predictive capability of CHF due in particular to the film dryout (boiling transition phenomena: BT) on the fuel rod surface. Constitutive equations in the subchannel analysis formulation are responsible for the quality of calculated results. The constitutive equations are a result of integration of the local and instantaneous description of two-phase flows over the subchannel control volume. In general, they are expressed in terms of subchannel-control-volume- as well as area-averaged two-phase flow state variables. In principle the information on local and instantaneous physical phenomena taking place inside subchannels must be counted for in the algebraic form of the equations on the basis of a more mechanistic modeling approach. They should include ...

2006-01-01

224

Isoflavone content and apoptotic effect in HT-29 cancer cells of a soy germ extract  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of death and a major public health problem in western countries. We examined the isoflavone content of 70% ethanol extract of soy germ (SG) and its apoptotic effect in HT-29 colon cancer cells. Our results showed that the major isoflavones of the SG extract were daidzein and genistein, and it effectively induced apoptosis in HT-29 cancer cells. In addition, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) expression was reduced in cells treated with the SG extract, which reduced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. These combined effects ultimately resulted in apoptosis via caspase-3 activation. In addition, daidzein and genistein, the major isoflavones of SG extract, also exerted the apoptotic effect against HT-29 cancer cells. Thes...

2012-01-01

225

Identification of AFAP1L1 as a prognostic marker for spindle cell sarcomas  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Spindle cell sarcomas consist of tumors with different biological features, of which distant metastasis is the most ominous sign for a poor prognosis. However, metastasis is difficult to predict on the basis of current histopathological analyses. We have identified actin filament-associated protein 1-like 1 (AFAP1L1) as a candidate for a metastasis-predicting marker from the gene expression profiles of 65 spindle cell sarcomas. A multivariate analysis determined that AFAP1L1 was an independent factor for predicting the occurrence of distant metastasis (P=0.0001), which was further confirmed in another set of 41 tumors by a quantitative mRNA expression analysis. Immunohistochemical staining using paraffin-embedded tumor tissues revealed that the metastasis-free rate was significantly better...

2011-01-01

226

Histone deacetylase inhibitors and transforming growth factor-b induce 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase expression in human lung adenocarcinoma cells  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been actively exploited as potential anticancer agents. To identify gene targets of HDAC inhibitors, we found that HDAC inhibitors such as sodium butyrate, scriptaid, apicidin and oxamflatin induced the expression of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), a potential cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) antagonist and tumor suppressor, in a time and concentration dependent manner in A549 and H1435 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Detailed analyses indicated that HDAC inhibitors activated the 15-PGDH promoter-luciferase reporter construct in transfected A549 cells. A representative HDAC inhibitor, scriptaid, and its negative structural analog control, nullscript, were further evaluated at the chromatin level. Scriptaid but not nullscript induced a signific...

2006-01-01

227

Diesel exhaust inhalation induces heat shock protein 70 expression in vivo  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Exposure to urban air pollution is an independent risk factor for increased cardiovascular diseases. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. This study has been designed to determine whether inhalation of urban air induces HSP70 expression in the lung and blood as well as the association of HSP70 and air pollution-induced vascular dysfunction. Apolipoprotein E (Apo-E) deficient mice were exposed to diesel exhaust (DE) either acutely (3 days, 200 or 400 g/m3 for 6 h/day) or chronically (7 weeks, 200 or 400 g/m3 for 6 h/day). HSP70 was measured in the lung using immunohistochemistry, and in the plasma by ELISA. Abdominal aorta rings were used to determine vascular functional responses. Chronic DE-exposure incr...

2011-01-01

228

Basic characteristics of centrifuges, (2)  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The presence of an extraneous light gas must be taken into account in consideration of centrifugal separation of uranium isotopes, when there is inevitable leakage of such a gas through the gas sealant and/or leaking in from the atmosphere. Consideration is first given to the influence of the presence of the light gas on the maximum separative power. Then the basic equation for isotope separation containing a light gas is derived from Hirschfelder's diffusion equations. This equation is solved and the separative performance is expressed in terms of the shape factor and reflux parameter. The formulas for expressing the flow configurations of the gases are obtained for a simple model in which inflow and outflow prevail throughout the centrifuge. The corresponding equation for a model in which the gases flow in two concentric thin streams is also derived. It is concluded that the influence provided by the presence of a light ...

229

A signature of six genes highlights defects on cell growth and specific metabolic pathways in murine and human hepatocellular carcinoma  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a major health problem as it afflicts an increasing number of patients worldwide. Albeit most of the risk factors for HCC are known, this is a deadly syndrome with a life expectancy at the time of diagnosis of less than 1?year. Definition of the molecular principles governing the neoplastic transformation of the liver is an urgent need to facilitate the clinical management of patients, based on innovative methods to detect the disease in its early stages and on more efficient therapies. In the present study, we have combined the analysis of a murine model and human samples of HCC to identify genes differentially expressed early in the process of hepatocarcinogenesis, using a microarray-based approach. Expression of 190 genes was impaired in murine ...

2011-01-01

230

Assisted reproductive technologies for male factor infertility.  

Science.gov (United States)

Experience in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility has led to an increased understanding of the prominent role male factors play in many couples' inability to conceive. While many forms of male factor infertility are amenable to treatment, for some patients there is no corrective therapy available. For this reason, a great deal of attention has been focused on developing technologies for semen processing and sperm utilization in cases of decreased semen quality. One area of research is the development of more sophisticated methods of assessing sperm function, as well as methods of sperm preparation. Progress is also being made in the application of technologies such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization in the treatment of male factor infertility. Such developments have improved prospects for fertility among patients suffering from decreased semen quality, as well as those ...

1991-10-01

231

Protein-coding and non-coding gene expression analysis in differentiating human keratinocytes using a three-dimensional epidermal equivalent.  

Science.gov (United States)

The epidermal compartment is complex and organized into several strata composed of keratinocytes (KCs), including basal, spinous, granular, and cornified layers. The continuous process of self-renewal and barrier formation is dependent on a homeostatic balance achieved amongst KCs involving proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. To determine genes responsible for initiating and maintaining a cornified epidermis, organotypic cultures comprised entirely of stratified KCs creating epidermal equivalents (EE) were raised from a submerged state to an air/liquid (A/L) interface. Compared to the array profile of submerged cultures containing KCs predominantly in a proliferative (relatively undifferentiated) state, EEs raised to an A/L interface displayed a remarkably consistent and distinct profile of mRNAs. Cultures lifted to an A/L interface triggered the induction of gene groups that regulate proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. Next, differentially ...

2010-05-25

232

Coordinated responses of phytochelatin synthase and metallothionein genes in black mangrove, Avicennia germinans, exposed to cadmium and copper  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To evaluate the role of phytochelatins and metallothioneins in heavy metal tolerance of black mangrove Avicennia germinans, 3-month-old seedlings were exposed to cadmium or copper for 30 h, under hydroponic conditions. Degenerate Mt2 and PCS primers were synthesized based on amino acid and nucleotide alignment sequences reported for Mt2 and PCS in other plant species found in GenBank. Total RNA was isolated from A. germinans leaves and two partial fragments of metallothionein and phytochelatin synthase genes were isolated. Gene expression was evaluated with reverse transcripatase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification technique. Temporal analysis showed that low Cd{sup 2+} and Cu{sup 2+} concentrations caused a slight (but not significant) increase in AvMt2 expression after a 16 h exposure time, while AvPCS expression showed a significant increase under the same conditions but only after 4 h. ...

2007-08-01

233

Coordinated responses of phytochelatin synthase and metallothionein genes in black mangrove, Avicennia germinans, exposed to cadmium and copper  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To evaluate the role of phytochelatins and metallothioneins in heavy metal tolerance of black mangrove Avicennia germinans, 3-month-old seedlings were exposed to cadmium or copper for 30 h, under hydroponic conditions. Degenerate Mt2 and PCS primers were synthesized based on amino acid and nucleotide alignment sequences reported for Mt2 and PCS in other plant species found in GenBank. Total RNA was isolated from A. germinans leaves and two partial fragments of metallothionein and phytochelatin synthase genes were isolated. Gene expression was evaluated with reverse transcripatase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification technique. Temporal analysis showed that low Cd"2"+ and Cu"2"+ concentrations caused a slight (but not significant) increase in AvMt2 expression after a 16 h exposure time, while AvPCS expression showed a significant increase under the same conditions but only after 4 h. Results ...

2007-08-01

234

Alterations in heart looping induced by overexpression of the tight junction protein Claudin-1 are dependent on its C-terminal cytoplasmic tail.  

Science.gov (United States)

In vertebrates, the positioning of the internal organs relative to the midline is asymmetric and evolutionarily conserved. A number of molecules have been shown to play critical roles in left-right patterning. Using representational difference analysis to identify genes that are differentially expressed on the left and right sides of the chick embryo, we cloned chick Claudin-1, an integral component of epithelial tight junctions. Here, we demonstrate that retroviral overexpression of Claudin-1, but not Claudin-3, on the right side of the chick embryo between HH stages 4 and 7 randomizes the direction of heart looping. This effect was not observed when Claudin-1 was overexpressed on the left side of the embryo. A small, but reproducible, induction of Nodal expression in the perinodal region on the right side of the embryo was noted in embryos that were injected with Claudin-1 retroviral particles on their right sides. ...

2006-02-24

235

A Wheat Homolog of MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1 Acts in the Regulation of Germination.  

Science.gov (United States)

Seed dormancy is an adaptive mechanism and an important agronomic trait. Temperature during seed development strongly affects seed dormancy in wheat (Triticum aestivum) with lower temperatures producing higher levels of seed dormancy. To identify genes important for seed dormancy, we used a wheat microarray to analyze gene expression in embryos from mature seeds grown at lower and higher temperatures. We found that a wheat homolog of MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1 (MFT) was upregulated after physiological maturity in dormant seeds grown at the lower temperature. In situ hybridization analysis indicated that MFT was exclusively expressed in the scutellum and coleorhiza. Mapping analysis showed that MFT on chromosome 3A (MFT-3A) colocalized with the seed dormancy quantitative trait locus (QTL) QPhs.ocs-3A.1. MFT-3A expression levels in a dormant cultivar used for the detection of the QTL were higher after physiological maturity; this ...

2011-09-01

236

bHLH-PAS family transcription factor methoprene-tolerant plays a key role in JH action in preventing the premature development of adult structures during larval-pupal metamorphosis  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The biological actions of juvenile hormones are well studied; they regulate almost all aspects of an insect’s life. However, the molecular actions of these hormones are not well understood....Full Text Available

2008-07-01

237

Roles of the TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF)2/3 binding site in differential B cell signaling by CD40 and its viral oncogenic mimic, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1)  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The Epstein-Barr virus protein, LMP1, is a functional mimic of the cellular receptor CD40, but signals to B lymphocytes in an amplified and sustained manner compared to CD40. LMP1 contributes...Full Text Available

2009-09-01

238

Osteonecrosis in patients receiving dialysis: report of two cases and review of the literature.  

Science.gov (United States)

Two patients receiving maintenance dialysis therapy developed osteonecrosis, the first in the humeral head and the second in the talus. Both patients lacked known risk factors for developing osteonecrosis. A possible pathogenic role of secondary hyperparathyroidism in this disorder is suggested. Rheumatologists evaluating patients receiving maintenance dialysis with rheumatic manifestations should be aware of this potential complication. PMID:2185360

1990-03-01

239

Mice With a Deletion in the Gene for CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein ? are Protected Against Diet-Induced Obesity  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) is required for adipocyte differentiation and maturation. We have studied the role of the transcription factor, C/EBPβ,...Full Text Available

2007-01-01

240

Magnesium Sensitizes Slow Vacuolar Channels to Physiological Cytosolic Calcium and Inhibits Fast Vacuolar Channels in Fava Bean Guard Cell Vacuoles1  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Vacuolar ion channels in guard cells play important roles during stomatal movement and are regulated by many factors including Ca2+, calmodulin, protein kinases, and phosphatases....Full Text Available

1999-11-01

241

Differential decay of parent-of-origin-specific genomic sharing in cystic fibrosis-affected sib pairs maps a paternally imprinted locus to 7q34  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a monogenic disease characterized by a high variability of disease severity and outcome that points to the role of environmental factors and modulating genes that shape the course...Full Text Available

2010-05-01

242

A divergent Tbx6-related gene and Tbx6 are both required for neural crest and intermediate mesoderm development in Xenopus  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

AbstractT-box family transcription factors play many roles in Metazoan development. Here we characterise Tbx6r, a unique Tbx6 paralogue isolated from the amphibian Xenopus....Full Text Available

2010-04-01

243

Growth factor signalling in the regulation of -cell fate  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Glucagon plays critical roles in regulating glucose homeostasis, mainly by counteracting the effects of insulin. Consequently, the dysregulated glucagon secretion that is evident in type 2 diabetes has significant implications in the pathophysiology of the disease. Glucagon secretion from pancreatic -cells has been suggested to be modulated by blood glucose, signals from the nervous system and endocrine components. In addition to these regulators, intraislet factors acting in a paracrine manner from neighbouring -cells are emerging as central modulator(s) of -cell biology. One of the most important of these paracrine factors, insulin, modulates glucagon secretion. Indeed, the -cell-specific insulin receptor knockout (IRKO) mouse manifests hypersecretion of glucagon in the postprandial stag...

2011-01-01

244

Development of a business-to-business critical success factors (B2B CSFs) framework for Chinese SMEs  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to critically explore business-to-business critical success factors (B2B CSFs) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Chinese B2B marketplace, evaluate the findings, and use the generated CSFs to propose a framework to assist in the marketing management of B2B in China. The proposed framework provides a guideline for academics and practitioners and highlights the significant role of each factor in developing and sustaining effective B2B electronic commerce (B2B e-commerce) practice for SMEs. Design/methodology/approach - The proposed framework is constructed by combining the empirical findings and B2B literature. The quantitative (online survey) was targeted at, proprietors, chief executive officers, managing directors, general...

2011-01-01

245

Role-based access control  

CERN Document Server

Role-based access control

2007-01-01

246

Limiting values of radionuclide intake and air concentration and dose conversion factors for inhalation, submersion, and ingestion: Federal guidance report No. 11  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Radiation protection programs for workers are based, in the United States, on a hierarchy of limitations stemming from Federal guidance approved by the President. This guidance, which consists of principles, policies, and numerical primary guides, is used by Federal agencies as the basis for developing and implementing their own regulatory standards. The primary guides are usually expressed in terms of limiting doses to workers. The protection of workers against taking radioactive materials into the body, however, is accomplished largely through the use of regulations based on derived guides expressed in terms of quantities or concentrations of radionuclides. The values of these derived guides are chosen so as to assure that workers in work environments that conform to them are unlikely to receive radiation doses that exceed the primary guides. The purpose of the present report is to set forth derived guides that are consistent with current ...

1988-09-01

247

Ectopic expression of wild-type or a dominant-negative mutant of transcription factor NTF-1 disrupts normal Drosophila development.  

Science.gov (United States)

The Drosophila melanogaster tissue-specific transcription factor NTF-1 was originally identified in vitro as a protein that could bind to and activate transcription from the Dopa decarboxylase (Ddc) gene. A structure-function analysis of NTF-1 led to the identification of a discrete amino-terminal activation domain. Here, we report that an NTF-1 mutant lacking the activation domain acts as a trans-dominant inhibitor of NTF-1 activation in tissue culture cells by forming inactive heterodimers with the full-length protein. Ectopically expressing this dominant-negative protein or the full-length protein in developing Drosophila embryos leads to dire developmental consequences. Overexpressing the trans-dominant NTF-1 leads to lethality, while overexpressing full-length NTF-1 results in both lethality and morphogenetic defects. Our results suggest that both the activity and the regulation of NTF-1 are critical for viability and proper development of ...

1993-11-15

248

Changes of hypoxia inducible factor-1 ? in hepatoma cells irradiated by gamma ray and their mechanism  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper reports regulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1 ? (HIF-1 ?)in hepatoma cells by irradiation. Cobalt chloride (CoCl2), a chemical mimic agent for hypoxia research, was utilized to induce the stable expression of HIF-1 ? in HepG2 cells. The HepG2 cells were irradiated to different doses to observe the changes of HIF-1 ?. The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assayed by fluorescent microscope and flow cytometry (FCM). The results showed that there were obvious changes in expression of HIF-1 ? after HepG2 cells exposed to radiation, and the changes were positively related with the irradiation dose from 1 Gy to 5 Gy. Moreover, contents of incellular ROS were negatively correlated with above levels of HIF-1 ? from 1 Gy to 3 Gy. The results indicate that irradiation may enhance hypoxic cells HIF-1 ?, and the reduction of intracellular ROS can contribute to the regulation of ionizing radiation on ...

2007-10-01

249

Mapping a nucleolar targeting sequence of an RNA binding nucleolar protein, Nop25  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nop25 is a putative RNA binding nucleolar protein associated with rRNA transcription. The present study was undertaken to determine the mechanism of Nop25 localization in the nucleolus. Deletion experiments of Nop25 amino acid sequence showed Nop25 to contain a nuclear targeting sequence in the N-terminal and a nucleolar targeting sequence in the C-terminal. By expressing derivative peptides from the C-terminal as GFP-fusion proteins in the cells, a lysine and arginine residue-enriched peptide (KRKHPRRAQDSTKKPPSATRTSKTQRRRR) allowed a GFP-fusion protein to be transported and fully retained in the nucleolus. When the peptide was fused with cMyc epitope and expressed in the cells, a cMyc epitope was then detected in the nucleolus. Nop25 did not localize in the nucleolus by deletion of the peptide from Nop25. Furthermore, deletion of a subdomain (KRKHPRRAQ) in the peptide or amino acid substitution of lysine and arginine residues in the subdomain ...

2006-06-10

250

Glial inflammation and neurodegeneration induced by candoxin, a novel neurotoxin from Bungarus candidus venom: global gene expression analysis using microarray.  

Science.gov (United States)

Candoxin (PDB #1JGK), a three-finger neurotoxin from Bungarus candidus venom, inhibits post-synaptic neuromuscular and neuronal alpha7nACh-receptors, and induces delayed cell-death throughout the glial population. When applied to cultured human glial cell lines, candoxin (CDX) induced cell death in a concentration (EC(50) approximately 1muM) and time dependent manner. Results of TUNEL-histochemistry further confirm CDX-induced brain (hippocampus, frontal cortex, and temporal regions) damage when administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v) in adult mice. In this study, we explored differential gene expression profiles following exposure of human glial (Hs 683) cell lines to CDX at various time intervals using Affymetrix-GeneChips. By means of MAS and GeneSpring analyses, 105 genes whose expression was significantly (P<0.01) altered by at least 3-fold were selected. Results of the genome analysis reveal that the potential ...

2005-11-23

251

Transforming Growth Factor-b Induces Differentiation of the Labyrinthine Trophoblast Stem Cell Line SM10  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The mammalian placenta consists of different trophoblast cell types that assist in the variety of functions required for the maintenance of pregnancy. In rodents, labyrinthine trophoblasts of the placenta are especially important, because they are capable of differentiating into fused labyrinthine cells, which form the feto-maternal exchange surface. Even though the molecular signals triggering labyrinthine trophoblast differentiation are poorly understood, transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) has been shown to be present in the placental environment and alter trophoblast development. In this study, we investigated the effects of TGF-b on the differentiation of the labyrinthine trophoblast stem cell lines SM10 and HRP-1. RT-PCR analyses demonstrated that while the molecular expression of l...

2005-01-01

252

Pleiotropic regulation of macrophage polarization and tumorigenesis by formyl peptide receptor-2  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Cancer cells recruit monocytes, macrophages and other inflammatory cells by producing abundant chemoattractants and growth factors, such as macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF/CSF-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2), to promote tumor growth and dissemination. An understanding of the mechanisms that target cancer cells and regulate tumor microenvironment is essential in designing anticancer therapies. Here, we showed that serum amyloid-A (SAA) and cathelicidin (LL-37) stimulated M-CSF and MCP-1 expression with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration; conversely, lipoxin-A4 (LXA4) and annexin-A1 (ANXA1) inhibited LPS-induced M-CSF and MCP-1 production by human (HepG2) and mouse (H22) hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCCs). The effects of LXA4, ANXA1, SAA ...

2011-01-01

253

Optimum aspect ratio for heat transfer enhancement in curved rectangular channels  

Science.gov (United States)

Enhanced heat transfer in curved rectangular channels depends on at least two geometric factors, the radius of curvature of the duct and the aspect ratio, which is the width/depth ratio of the duct. In this work, an expression for optimum aspect ratio is derived mathematically from a correlation that includes both aspect ratio and bend curvature parameters. Enhancement factors are developed that show optimal, near-optimal, and nonoptimal aspect ratios for curved rectangular ducts. Predicted enhancements are within 25% of published literature results for individual designs, two of which show heat transfer enhancement of 200% over that of a straight duct with turbulent flow. The theoretical maximum enhancement is shown to be about 480% over a straight-duct, turbulent-flow situation. This is not achievable in practice, but near-optimal solutions are achievable, yielding enhancements on the order of 200--300%.

254

Importance of serum source for the in vitro replicative senescence of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) may be used for therapeutic applications. Culture conditions such as the serum source may impact on cell quality and the onset of replicative senescence. We have examined the effect of culturing hMSCs in autologous serum (AS) versus fetal bovine serum (FBS) on factors involved in in vitro replicative senescence. hMSCs from four donors were cultured in 10% FBS or 10% AS until they reached senescence. Cells were harvested at early passage and near senescence to study factors known to be involved in cellular senescence. The number of population doublings till senescence was similar for cells cultured in FBS, but varied greatly for hMSCs cultured in AS. FBS cells accumulated in S phase of cell cycle. This could not be explained by increased express...

2011-01-01

255

Factors affecting the intentions of customers in Malaysia to use mobile phone credit cards  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Purpose - Mobile phones have provided an opportunity for banking institutions to introduce new services to the public. The latest service, which is now available in Malaysian banking institutions, is the mobile phone credit card. The purpose of this paper is to provide a preliminary investigation of the factors that determine whether Malaysia's bank customers will use the new mobile phone credit card technology. Design/methodology/approach - This paper extends the applicability of the technology acceptance model (TAM) to mobile phone credit cards and includes "perceived credibility (PC)", the "amount of information about mobile phone credit cards (AIMCs)" and "perceived expressiveness (PE)", in addition to "perceived usefulness (PU)" and "perceived ease of use (PEOU)". Findings - The resul...

2008-01-01

256

Olfactomedin 4 suppresses prostate cancer cell growth and metastasis via negative interaction with cathepsin D and SDF-1.  

Science.gov (United States)

The human olfactomedin 4 gene (OLFM4) encodes an olfactomedin-related glycoprotein. OLFM4 is normally expressed in a limited number of tissues, including the prostate, but its biological functions in prostate are largely unknown. In this study, we found that OLFM4 messenger RNA was reduced or undetectable in prostate cancer tissues and prostate cancer cell lines. To study the effects of OLFM4 on prostate cancer progression, we transfected PC-3 prostate cancer cells with OLFM4 to establish OLFM4-expressing PC-3 cell clones. The OLFM4-expressing PC-3 cell clones were found to have decreased proliferation and invasiveness compared with vector-transfected control PC-3 cells in vitro. In addition, nude mice injected with OLFM4-expressing PC-3 cells demonstrated reduced tumor growth and bone invasion and metastasis compared with mice injected with vector-transfected control cells. Mechanistic studies revealed ...

2011-04-05

257

Molecular cloning, genomic organization, and expression of a testicular isoform of hormone-sensitive lipase  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

By catalyzing the rate-limiting step in adipose tissue lipolysis, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) is an important regulator of energy homeostasis. The role and importance of HSL in tissues other than adipose are poorly understood. We report here the cloning and expression of a testicular isoform, designated HSL{sub tes}. Due to an addition of amino acids at the NH{sub 2}-termini, rat and human HSL{sub tes} consist of 1068 and 1076 amino acids, respectively, compared to the 768 and 775 amino acids, respectively, of the adipocyte isoform (HSL{sub adi}). A novel exon of 1.2 kb, encoding the human testis-specific amino acids, was isolated and mapped to the HSL gene, 16 kb upstream of the exons encoding HSL{sub adi}. The transcribed mRNA of 3.9 kb was specifically expressed in testis. No significant similarity with other known proteins was found for the testis-specific sequence. The amino acid composition differs from the HSL{sub ...

1996-08-01

258

Transformation and radiosensitivity of human diploid skin fibroblasts transfected with activated RAS oncogene and SV40 T-antigen  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Three normal human diploid cell strains were transfected with an activated Ha-ras oncogene (EJ ras) or SV40 T-antigen. Multiple clones were examined for morphological alterations, growth requirements, ability to grow under anchorage independent conditions, immortality and tumorigenicity in nude mice. Clones expressing SV40 T-antigen alone or in combination with ras protein p21 were significantly radioresistant as compared with their parent cells or clones transfected with the neo gene only. This radioresistant phenotype persisted in post-crisis, immortalized cell lines. These data suggest that expression of the SV40 T-antigen but not activated Ha-ras plays an important role in the radiosensitivity of human diploid cells. The radioresistant phenotype in SV40 T transfected cells was not related to the enhanced level of genetic instability seen in pre-crisis and newly immortalized cells, nor to the process of immortalization ...

1992-08-01

259

Involvement of the NF-?B pathway in multidrug resistance induced by HBx in a hepatoma cell line.  

Science.gov (United States)

Summary.? It is widely believed that hepatocellular cancer (HCC), especially HBV associated HCC, is highly resistant to chemotherapy. To investigate the molecular influence of HBx protein on multidrug resistance (MDR) in HCC and the potential role of the NF-?B pathway in this process. We established HBx-expressing cells by liposome-mediated transfection of the HBx into the HepG2 cell line. We found that HBx expression in HCC cells induces drug resistance against multiple drugs, a significantly lower apoptosis ratio in HepG2-HBx and HepG2.2.15 cells, compared with HepG2 and HepG2-3.1 cells (P?HCC cells were downregulated by IMD-0354 treatment, which is the NF-?B pathway inhibitor. Taken together, these results suggest that HBx protein might be one of the causes for the occurrence of MDR in HCC, and the NF-?B pathway might be involved in this change. PMID:21914061

2011-05-27

260

Host derived inflammatory phospholipids regulate rahU (PA0122) Gene, Protein, and Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This study describes the role of "inflammatory" oxidized (Ox) phospholipids in regulation of rahU (PA0122) expression and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (383) wild type (rahU+) and rahU mutant (rahU-) strains. Functional analysis of RahU protein from P. aeruginosa in presence of Ox-phospholipids show: (a) LysoPC modulates RahU gene/and protein expression in rahU+ cells; (b) rahU promoter activity is increased by lysoPC and inhibited by PAPC, Ox-PAPC and arachidonic acid; the latter inhibitory effect can be reversed by lysoPC, which was enzymatically derived from PAPC; (c) biofilm formation increased in rahU- cells as compared to rahU+; and (d) inhibition of rahU promoter activity by PAPC and AA (but not lysoPC) showed significantly augmented biofilm formation in rahU+ but not ...

2011-01-01

261

A single amino acid substitution results in a retinoblastoma protein defective in phosphorylation and oncoprotein binding  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The authors have previously identified a small-cell lung cancer cell line (NCI-H209) that expresses an aberrant, underphosphorylated form of the retinoblastoma protein RB1. Molecular analysis of RB1 mRNA from this cell line revealed a single point mutation within exon 21 that resulted in a nonconservative amino acid substitution (cysteine to phenylalanine) at codon 706. Stable expression of this mutant RB1 cDNA in a human cell line lacking endogenous RB1 demonstrated that this amino acid change was sufficient to inhibit phosphorylation. In addition, this cysteine-to-phenylalanine substitution also resulted in loss of RB1 binding to the simian virus 40 large tumor and adenovirus E1A transforming proteins. These results confirm the importance of exon 21 coding sequences and suggest that the cysteine residue at codon 706 may play a role in achieving a specific protein conformation essential for protein-protein interactions.

262

A human TERT C-terminal polypeptide sensitizes HeLa cells to H2O2-induced senescence without affecting telomerase enzymatic activity.  

Science.gov (United States)

We have constructed a 27-kDa hTERT C-terminal polypeptide (hTERTC27) devoid of domains required for telomerase activity and demonstrated that it is capable of nuclear translocation/telomere-end targeting. Here we showed that expression of a low level of hTERTC27 renders hTERT positive HeLa cells sensitive to H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress and subsequent cell senescence. The senescence-associated gene, the cyclin/cdk inhibitor p21(Waf1), was up-regulated. This occurs without changing the expression of endogenous hTERT, causing significant telomere shortening or inhibiting telomerase activity. Results from this study suggest for the first time that in addition to telomerase activity, the C-terminus of hTERT also plays a role in hTERT-mediated cellular resistance to oxidative stress. PMID:12565825

2003-02-14

263

Disruption of contact inhibition in rat liver epithelial cells by various types of AhR ligands  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The maintenance of a balance between cell gain and cell loss is essential for proper liver function. The exact role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis of liver cells remains unclear, since ligand-dependent activation of AhR has been shown to induce cell cycle arrest, proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis, depending on the cellular model used. AhR can directly interact with retinoblastoma protein in hepatic cells, forming protein complexes that can efficiently block cell cycle progression by inducing G1 arrest, or to induce the expression of inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases, such as p271. On the other hand, it has been suggested that AhR could play a stimulatory role in cell proliferation, either directly or by mediating a release from contact inhibition. It is now generally accepted that progenitor cells exist in the liver, are activated in various liver diseases ...

2004-09-15

264

The Role of Nutrition in the Etiology of Inflammatory Bowel Disease  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Many foods have been implicated in theories about the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease. While evidence has accumulated that nutritional factors as part of overall lifestyle changes may play a role in the growing incidence, no specific dietary recommendations except the promotion of breastfeeding can currently be given to decrease the risk of developing Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. For the treatment of Crohn's disease in children and adolescents, however, enteral feeding with a semi-elemental diet seems to be as effective as corticosteroids in inducing and maintaining remission. In the meta-analyses, advantages of one formula over the other are evened out, and more research is warranted into the anti-inflammatory properties of different nutrients, such as polyunsaturated fat...

2011-01-01

265

Team intuition as a continuum construct and new product creativity: The role of environmental turbulence, team experience, and stress  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Although past research has reported the benefits of intuition in new product decision-making (i.e., higher quality product; enhanced customer satisfaction), intuition has largely been studied as an individual phenomenon and little work has examined the role of intuition on new product development (NPD) project teams. Furthermore, in a turbulent environment, NPD project teams may rely more on intuitive judgments, and other factors such as experience and stress may also influence the relationship between team intuition and team decision making. Drawing from the organizational design literature on creativity in decision making, this study builds a conceptual model of NPD team intuition and its effect on the team's ability to generate creative new products. We then derive hypotheses regarding ...

2011-01-01

266

Role of cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the pathogenesis of glaucoma  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract. The pathogenesis of normal (intraocular) pressure glaucoma has remained unclear so far. As hospital-based studies showed an association of normal-pressure glaucoma with low systemic blood pressure, particularly at night, and with vasospastic symptoms, it has been hypothesized that a vascular factor may play a primary role in the pathogenesis of normal-pressure glaucoma. That assumption may, however, be contradicted by the morphology of the optic nerve head. Eyes with normal-pressure glaucoma and glaucomatous eyes with high-intraocular pressure can show a strikingly similar appearance of the optic nerve head, including a loss of neuroretinal rim, a deepening of the optic cup, and an enlargement of parapapillary atrophy. These features, however, are not found in any (other) vascula...

2011-01-01

267

Rethinking the role of social theory in socio-technical analysis: a critical realist approach to aircraft maintenance  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Based on empirical research within the aviation industry we have come to some surprising and sometimes counterintuitive conclusions concerning aircraft maintenance that are relevant for the discussion of social theory and its application towards the explanation and management of socio-technical systems. In this article, the human role in the activity of aircraft maintenance is taken as an example to illustrate the need for critical discussions on social theory in order to better understand safety in socio-technical systems This challenges us to consider the theoretical basis related to how we currently approach the human factor in management of such systems. We propose in the article that Roy Bhaskars' book ?The possibility of naturalism?a philosophical critique of the contemporary human s...

2010-01-01

268

Zero-motion correlations in high-energy proton elastic scattering on sup 40 Ca with noneikonal nucleon-nucleon amplitude  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Using a noneikonal expression for the two-body scattering amplitude, consistent with the proton-nucleon scattering data, the cross-section of the 1.04 GeV-proton elastic scattering on {sup 40}Ca is calculated by the Glauber-Sitenko theoretical scheme in the framework of the coherent density fluctuation model (CDFM) as well as of the independent-particle model (IPM). It is shown that the use of the noneikonal amplitude in the CDFM calculations improves the agreement with the experimental data especially at larger scattering angles in contrast to the case of the independent-particle model. To that end a decisive role play the zero-motion flucton correlations taken into account in the CDFM. (orig.).

1990-07-01

269

Zero-motion correlations in high-energy proton elastic scattering on "4"0Ca with noneikonal nucleon-nucleon amplitude  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Using a noneikonal expression for the two-body scattering amplitude, consistent with the proton-nucleon scattering data, the cross-section of the 1.04 GeV-proton elastic scattering on "4"0Ca is calculated by the Glauber-Sitenko theoretical scheme in the framework of the coherent density fluctuation model (CDFM) as well as of the independent-particle model (IPM). It is shown that the use of the noneikonal amplitude in the CDFM calculations improves the agreement with the experimental data especially at larger scattering angles in contrast to the case of the independent-particle model. To that end a decisive role play the zero-motion flucton correlations taken into account in the CDFM. (orig.).

270

Waterlogging-induced increase in sugar mobilization, fermentation, and related gene expression in the roots of mung bean (Vigna radiata)  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary The objective of this study was to examine the role of root carbohydrate levels and metabolism in the waterlogging tolerance of contrasting mung bean genotypes. An experiment was conducted with two cultivated mung bean (Vigna radiata) genotypes viz., T44 (tolerant) and Pusa Baisakhi (PB) (susceptible), and a wild Vigna species Vigna luteola under pot-culture to study the physiological and molecular mechanism of waterlogging tolerance. Waterlogging resulted in decrease in relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI) in root and leaf tissues, and chlorophyll (Chl) content in leaves, while the Chl a/b ratio increased. Waterlogging-induced decline in RWC, MSI, Chl and increase in Chl a/b ratio was greater in PB than V. luteola and T44. Waterlogging caused decline in tot...

2009-01-01

271

Sulfation of chitosan oligomers enhances their anti-adipogenic effect in 3T3-L1 adipocytes  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Inhibition of adipogenesis and lipid accumulation has a very crucial role to prevent obesity. Low molecular weight (LMW) chitosan is known to inhibit fat accumulation and adipogenesis. (N,O)-sulfated chitosan is a sulfation derivative of chitosan oligomers, and its anti-obesity effect is not yet reported. In this study, it has been reported that (N,O)-sulfated chitosan significantly decreased lipid accumulation, an indicator for adipogenesis, in differentiating 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. Furthermore, mRNA expressions and protein levels of key adipogenic markers such as peroxisome prolifetor-activated receptor (PPAR)-@c and CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)-@a were considerably decreased by (N,O)-sulfated chitosan treatment. As a consequence, sulfation of LMWC remarkably increased its ...

2011-01-01

272

Roles of FGFR3 during morphogenesis of Meckel's cartilage and mandibular bones  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

To address the functions of FGFR2 and FGFR3 signaling during mandibular skeletogenesis, we over-expressed in the developing chick mandible, replication-competent retroviruses carrying truncated FGFR2c or FGFR3c that function as dominant negative receptors (RCAS-dnFGFR2 and RCAS-dnFGFR3). Injection of RCAS-dnFGFR3 between HH15 and 20 led to reduced proliferation, increased apoptosis, and decreased differentiation of chondroblasts in Meckel's cartilage. These changes resulted in the formation of a hypoplastic mandibular process and truncated Meckel's cartilage. This treatment also affected the proliferation and survival of osteoprogenitor cells in osteogenic condensations, leading to the absence of five mandibular bones on the injected side. Injection of RCAS-dnFGFR2 between HH15 and 20 or R...

2008-01-01

273

Report on NCI symposium: comparison of mechanisms of carcinogenesis by radiation and chemical agents. II. Cellular and animal models  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The point at which the common final pathway for induction of cancer by chemical carcinogens and ionizing radiation has not been identified. Although common molecular targets are suggested by recent findings about the role of oncogenes, the mechanism by which the deposition of radiation energy and the formation of adducts or other DNA lesions induced by chemicals affects the changes in the relevant targets may be quite different. The damage to DNA that plays no part in the transformation events, but that influences the stability of the genome, and therefore, the probability of subsequent changes that influence tumorigenesis may be more readily induced by some agents than others. Similarly, the degree of cytotoxic effects that disrupt tissue integrity and increase the probability of expression of initiated cells may be dependent on the type of carcinogen. Also, evidence was presented that repair of the initial lesions could be demonstrated after ...

1984-05-20

274

Purpurin is a key molecule for cell differentiation during the early development of zebrafish retina  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Recently, we cloned purpurin cDNA as an upregulated gene in the axotomized fish retina. The retina-specific protein was secreted from photoreceptors to ganglion cell layer during an early stage of optic nerve regeneration in zebrafish retina. The purpurin worked as a trigger molecule for axonal regrowth in adult injured fish retina. During zebrafish development, purpurin mRNA first appeared in ventral retina at 2 days post-fertilization (dpf) and spread out to the outer nuclear layer at 3 dpf. Here, we investigated the role of purpurin for zebrafish retinal development using morpholino gene knockdown technique. Injection of purpurin morpholino into the 1-2 cell stage of embryos significantly inhibited the transcriptional and translational expression of purpurin at 3 dpf. In the purpurin mo...

2009-01-01

275

North Sea pipeline and riser loss of containment study -- Continuing improvements  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The PARLOC Pipeline and Incident Databases provide the most complete information available on North Sea pipelines and risers from 1975. The database information enables the frequency of incidents which either result, or have a potential to result, in loss of containment to be related to the pipeline population as a whole or expressed as a function of particular pipeline characteristics. The importance of the PARLOC study in risk assessments of offshore pipelines is acknowledged worldwide and it is recognized as having contributed positively to their safer operation. Continuing improvements ensure that it remains a key reference in risk assessment studies. This paper describes the improvements which are being made to the study and shows how PARLOC is being used by the offshore industry in the consideration of pipeline safety. The rationalization of current arrangements for regulating pipeline safety presented in the new UK Pipeline Safety Regulations offer an ...

1996-12-01

276

Mitochondrial DNA background modulates the assembly kinetics of OXPHOS complexes in a cellular model of mitochondrial disease  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Lebers hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), the most frequent mitochondrial disorder, is mostly due to three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in respiratory chain complex I subunit genes: 3460/ND1, 11778/ND4 and 14484/ND6. Despite considerable clinical evidences, a genetic modifying role of the mtDNA haplogroup background in the clinical expression of LHON remains experimentally unproven. We investigated the effect of mtDNA haplogroups on the assembly of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes in transmitochondrial hybrids (cybrids) harboring the three common LHON mutations. The steady-state levels of respiratory chain complexes appeared normal in mutant cybrids. However, an accumulation of low molecular weight subcomplexes suggested a complex I assembly/stability defect, which was ...

2008-01-01

277

Meson production in proton-proton collisions in the naive non-abelianization approximation and the role of infrared renormalons  

CERN Document Server

In this article, we investigate the "naive non-abelianization" (NNA) contributions of the higher-twist Feynman diagrams to the large-$p_T$ inclusive pion production cross section in proton-proton collisions and present the general formulae for the higher-twist differential cross sections in the case of the running coupling and frozen coupling approaches. We compared the resummed "naive non-abelianization" higher-twist cross sections with the ones obtained in the framework of the frozen coupling approach and leading-twist cross section. The structure of infrared renormalon singularities of the higher twist subprocess cross section and it's resummed expression (the Borel sum) are found. It is shown that the resummed result depends on the choice of the meson wave functions used in the calculations. We discuss the phenomenological consequences of possible higher-twist contributions to the meson production in proton-proton collisions in within NNA at RHIC.

2011-01-01

278

Manganese-Induced NF-kB Activation and Nitrosative Stress Is Decreased by Estrogen in Juvenile Mice  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Manganese toxicity can cause a neurodegenerative disorder affecting cortical and basal ganglia structures with a neurological presentation resembling features of Parkinson's disease. Children are more sensitive to Mn-induced neurological dysfunction than adults, and recent studies from our laboratory revealed a marked sensitivity of male juvenile mice to neuroinflammatory injury from Mn, relative to females. To determine the role of estrogen (E2) in mediating sex-dependent vulnerability to Mn-induced neurotoxicity, we exposed transgenic mice expressing an NF-kB-driven enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter construct (NF-kB-EGFP mice) to Mn, postulating that supplementing male mice with E2 during juvenile development would attenuate neuroinflammatory changes associated with glia...

2011-01-01

279

Immunosuppressant calcineurin inhibitors phase shift circadian rhythms and inhibit circadian responses to light  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

PP2B is a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase that is ubiquitously expressed in mammals. Among other actions, it is an effector mechanism in NMDA-mediated glutamate neurotransmission as well as a regulator of GSK3? and MAPK signaling cascades. Because all of these mechanisms have demonstrable roles in the control of circadian rhythyms, we hypothesized that PP2B would be a key regulator of rhythm generation and entrainment, and that through inhibition of its phosphatase activity, the circadian system would be affected by immunosuppressant drug therapy. We report here that immunosuppressant drugs (cyclosporin A, FK506) (1) block the circadian responses to light that underlie photic entrainment; (2) produce circadian phase shifts with a characteristic nonphotic profile; and (3) disr...

2008-01-01

280

Identification and characterization of retinoid-active short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases in Drosophila melanogaster  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background In chordates, retinoid metabolism is an important target of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs). It is not known whether SDRs play a role in retinoid metabolism of protostomes, such as Drosophila melanogaster. Methods Drosophila genome was searched for genes encoding proteins with ?50% identity to human retinol dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12). The corresponding proteins were expressed in Sf9 cells and biochemically characterized. Their phylogenetic relationships were analyzed using PHYLIP software. Results A total of six Drosophila SDR genes were identified. Five of these genes are clustered on chromosome 2 and one is located on chromosome X. The deduced proteins are 300 to 406 amino acids long and are associated with microsomal membranes. They recognize all-trans-retinaldehyd...

2009-01-01

281

Hepatitis C virus core upregulates the methylation status of the RASSF1A promoter through regulation of SMYD3 in hilar cholangiocarcinoma cells  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Increasing evidence has been accumulated indicating the important role of epigenetic regulation in tumor genesis. Previously, we observed that the transfection of hepatitis C virus core (HCVc) protein led to malignant transformation in normal biliary cells, and that tumor suppressor gene RASSF1A was downregulated in many hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients by hypermethylation in the promoter region. In the present study, we found SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3 (SMYD3), a novel histone methyltransferase, was overexpressed in cholangiocarcinoma patients especially in those with HCV infection. Transfection of HCVc into hilar cholangiocarcinoma cell lines QBC939 and FRH0201 could upregulate the expression of SMYD3 and promote cell growth, which was consistent with the results of our cl...

2011-01-01

282

Genetic testing for hereditary cancer: Effects of alexithymia and coping strategies on variations in anxiety before and after result disclosure  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This study assessed the impact of the results of genetic testing for hereditary cancer from a multifactorial health psychology perspective, considering that emotional expression plays a key role in psychological adjustment. Measures of dispositional and transactional coping strategies, anxiety and alexithymia were filled out by 77 participants in a longitudinal study design. Statistical analyses were performed using general linear models and partial least squares path modelling, low-constraint methods that are particularly useful in the behavioural sciences. While anxiety levels prior to the result announcement were predictive of the distress experienced by noncarriers, considerable variability was observed for mutation carriers. Some subjects who had lower anxiety levels before the test d...

2011-01-01

283

Economic analysis of nuclear power generation  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The major contents in this study are as follows : - long-term forecast to the year of 2040 is provided for nuclear electricity generating capacity by means of logistic curve fitting method. - the role of nuclear power in a national economy is analyzed in terms of environmental regulation. To do so, energy-economy linked model is developed. By using this model, the benefits from the introduction of nuclear power in Korea are estimated. Study on inter-industry economic activity for nuclear industry is carried out by means of an input-output analysis. Nuclear industry is examined in terms of inducement effect of production, of value-added, and of import. - economic analysis of nuclear power generation is performed especially taking into consideration wide variations of foreign currency exchange rate. The result is expressed in levelized generating costs. (author). 27 refs., 24 tabs., 44 figs

1997-12-01

284

Association and expression study of synapsin III and schizophrenia  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The synapsin III gene, SYN3, which belongs to the family of synaptic vesicle-associated proteins, has been implicated in the modulation of neurotransmitter release and in synaptogenesis, suggesting a potential role in several neuropsychiatric diseases. The human SYN3 gene is located on chromosome 22q12-13, a candidate region implicated in previous linkage studies of schizophrenia. However, association studies of SYN3 and schizophrenia have produced inconsistent results. In this study, four SYN3 SNPs (rs133945 (-631 C>G), rs133946 (-196 G>A), rs9862 and rs1056484) were tested in three sets of totally 3759 samples that comprise 655 affected subjects and 626 controls in the Irish Case-Control Study of Schizophrenia (ICCSS), 1350 samples incorporating 273 pedigrees in the Irish Study of High D...

2009-01-01

285

Amphiphysin (Amph) maps to the proximal region of mouse chromosome 13  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Amphiphysin is a protein concentrated in neuronal synapses and peripherally associated with neurotransmitter vesicles. It is expressed in many neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems, in the adrenal medulla, in the anterior and posterior pituitary, in cell lines of the endocrine pancreas, and in spermatocytes. Its subcellular localization and tissue distribution indicate a potential involvement in mechanisms of regulated exocytosis. A role in the dynamic organization of the membrane-associated cytoskeleton is suggested by structural homology to the products of two yeast genes, RVS161 and RVS167, whose mutation results in an abnormal actin distribution, disturbs budding morphology, and impairs cell entry into stationary phase. Limited stretches of sequence similarity, including an SH3 domain, are also shared with other actin-binding proteins. Amphiphysin is the dominant autoantigen in paraneoplastic Stiff-Man syndrome, a ...

1995-07-20

286

Transcription Factor IIA t Is Associated with Undifferentiated Cells and Its Gene Expression Is Repressed in Primary Neurons at the Chromatin Level In Vivo  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The levels of General Transcription Factor (TF) IIA were examined during mammalian brain development and in rat embryo fibroblasts and transformed cell lines. The large TFIIA subunit paralogues ab and t are largely produced in unsynchronized cell lines, yet only TFIIA ab is observed in a number of differentiated tissue extracts. Steady-state protein levels of the TFIIA t, ab, and g subunits were significantly reduced when human embryonal (ec) and hepatic carcinoma cell lines were stimulated to differentiate with either all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) or sodium butyrate. ATRA-treated NT2-ec cells required replating to induce a neuronal phenotype and loss of detectable TFIIA t and g proteins. High levels of TFIIA t, ab, and g and Sp factors were identified in extracts from human fetal and rat...

2006-01-01

287

Plant protection i willow plantations - Insects. Final report; Vaextskydd i Salixodlingar - Insekter. Slutrapport  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Attacks by herbivorous insects reduce biomass production in willow plantations. The long-term goal of our research is to develop sustainable plant protection against these insect pests. Two lines of research are pursued. The first concentrates on identifying factors involved in the regulation of leaf-eating beetles. These insects vary in density among plantations, sometimes reaching outbreak levels resulting in complete defoliation. Mortality factors of eggs and larvae in plantations with low and high beetle densities have been investigated. The importance of plant resistance has also been investigated. The second line of research considers the mechanisms behind an earlier demonstrated resistance in certain willow clones against a gall midge. By using molecular techniques we have searched for markers of resistance. Promising results have been found concerning so called PR proteins; in particular chitinase seems to be present in high activities ...

2000-04-01

288

Factorization scheme analysis of $F_{2}^{\\gamma}(x,Q^{2})$ and parton distributions functions of the photon  

CERN Document Server

Complete factorization scheme analysis of $F_2^{\\gamma}(x,Q^2)$ in the next--to--leading order QCD is performed. It is shown that the presence of the inhomogenous term in the evolution equations for parton distribution functions of the photon implies qualitative change in the way factorization mechanism works in photon--hadron and photon--photon collisions as compared to hadron--hadron ones. The incompletness of the existing NLO analyses of $F_2^{\\gamma}(x,Q^2)$ is pointed out and its origins traced back to the misinterpretation of the behaviour of $q^{\\gamma}(x,M)$ as a function of in the LO photonic coefficient function $C_{\\gamma}^{(0)}(x)$ is given and smooth transition between the properties of virtual and real photon discussed. A simple way of avoiding the problems with the term $\\ln(1-x)$ appearing in the standard expression for $C_{\\gamma}^{(0)}(x)$ in the case of the reaal photon is proposed.

1998-01-01

289

An investigation of the factors controlling the pyrolysis product yield of Greek wood biomass in a fluidized bed  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pyrolysis of Greek fir wood samples in a fluidized bed reactor was studied. The experimental conditions selected control the yield of gaseous, liquid and solid products. The factors examined were: pyrolysis temperature, mean particle size, pressure, residence time of volatiles, lignin content of biomass and moisture content. The experiments were performed on the basis of a 12-run Plackett-Burman fractional factorial design. Statistical analysis of the data showed that the pyrolysis temperature is the main factor affecting the distribution of the yields of liquids, their phenolic fraction and gases in the range of experimental conditions tested. Empirical expressions were obtained from linear regression giving the yields of liquids, phenols and gases in terms of temperature. The maximum predicted yields were 56 and 12 wt.% on a moisture-free basis at 520 C and 545 C for liquids and phenols, respectively. The yield of gases ...

1990-11-01

290

Role of antioxidants in the treatment of male infertility  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Male infertility continues to be a clinical challenge of increasing significance. While male factors such as decreased semen quality are responsible for 25% of all infertility issues, the etiology of suboptimal semen quality is poorly understood. Many physiological, environmental, and genetic factors have been implicated, including oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), or free radicals, and although ROS are required for critical aspects of sperm function, excessive levels of ROS can negatively impact sperm quality. The origin of ROS generation, and the etiologies of increased ROS in men with suboptimal sperm quality have only recently been elucidated, offering multiple targets for potential therapy. Here, we present a critical review of th...

2009-01-01

291

Multidetector Computed Tomography in the Preoperative Workup of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is associated with a dismal prognosis; however, curative resection may offer a chance of cure. Various factors should be considered in the surgical planning for curative resection. These factors include extent of bile duct involvement, relationship between portal vein and tumor involvement, diffuse hepato duodenal ligament infiltration, vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, peritoneal seeding, and hepatic volume. Using high-quality volume data from multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) and adequate postprocessing images, radiologists can provide various types of information, imperative for curative resection of a hilar cholangiocarcinoma. This review illustrates the role of MDCT in the preoperative workup of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

2009-10-01

292

Cats and goat whey associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs.  

Science.gov (United States)

In organic livestock production systems, farm-management factors are thought to play an important role in the on-farm prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii. Serological results and the results of an HACCP analysis were combined to determine important risk factors for the prevalence of this protozoan parasite. Mathematical analysis demonstrated that feeding goat whey to pigs and the presence of a high number of cats were positively correlated to T. gondii seroprevalence in pigs. Not covering roughage and the farmers' assumption that pigs can come into contact with cat feces also showed a positive relationship. In order to decrease the risk of T. gondii infecting their pigs, farmers should limit the access and number of cats on their farms and refrain from feeding goat whey to their pigs. PMID:16989566

2006-01-01

293

BzpF is a CREB-like transcription factor that regulates spore maturation and stability in Dictyostelium  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a highly conserved transcription factor that integrates signaling through the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) in many eukaryotes. PKA plays a critical role in Dictyostelium development but no CREB homologue has been identified in this system. Here we show that Dictyostelium utilizes a CREB-like protein, BzpF, to integrate PKA signaling during late development. bzpF^- mutants produce compromised spores, which are extremely unstable and germination defective. Previously, we have found that BzpF binds the canonical CRE motif in vitro. In this paper, we determined the DNA binding specificity of BzpF using protein binding microarray (PBM) and showed that the motif with the highest specificity is a CRE-like sequence. BzpF is necessary to ...

2011-01-01

294

Women in information technology: Examining the role of attitudes, social norms, and behavioral control in information technology  

Science.gov (United States)

"The focus of this study was to examine the structural, social, and attitudinal factors that influence an individual?s decision to choose an IT career. The findings revealed many differences among male and female high school students? attitudes and intentions. Although many stereotypes existed among the male and female students, perceptions appeared to be similar within the population. For boys, computer and technical skills had a stronger association with attitudes toward IT than for girls. For girls, social issues showed a strong association with attitudes toward IT. Overall, the intention to pursue IT as a career was most likely to prevail within the population of the high school boys."

2005-11-01

295

The protective role of ceramic filters against natural radioactivity of water  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The paper presents results of measurements of the natural radioactivity of tap water where samples were taken in front of, and behind the ceramic filter commonly used in houses for the purification of tap water. Altogether, 289 samples were taken, processed and measured during 1985-1986 in Kuwait. Results reveal the fact that ceramic filters reduce substantially the natural radioactivity in water (the 'gross' alpha activity reduced by the factor 2.18 #+-# 18%; the 'gross' beta by 1.53 #+-# 1.6%. (author).

296

The adaptation rate of terrestrial ecosystems as a critical factor in global climate dynamics  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A conceptual climate model describing regional two-way atmosphere-vegetation interaction has been extended by a simple qualitative scheme of ecosystem adaptation to drought stress. The results of this explorative study indicate that the role of terrestrial vegetation under different forcing scenarios depends crucially on the rate of the ecosystems adaptation to drought stress. The faster the adaptation of important ecosystems such as forests the better global climate is protected from abrupt climate changes. (author) 1 fig., 3 refs.

1999-08-01

297

Recent advances in the neurobiology of anxiety disorders: Implications for novel therapeutics  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Anxiety disorders are a highly prevalent and disabling class of psychiatric disorders. This review focuses on new directions in neurobiological research and implications for the development of novel psychopharmacological treatments. Neuroanatomical and neuroimaging research in anxiety disorders has centered on the role of the amygdala, reciprocal connections between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, and, most recently, alterations in interoceptive processing by the anterior insula. Anxiety disorders are characterized by alterations in a diverse range of neurochemical systems, suggesting ample novel targets for drug therapies. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) concentrations are elevated in a subset of anxiety disorders, which suggests the potential utility of CRF receptor antagoni...

2008-01-01

298

Moving toward personalized cell-based interventions for adrenal cortical disorders: Part 1 - Adrenal development and function, and roles of transcription factors and signaling proteins  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Transdifferentiation of an individual's own cells into functional differentiated cells to replace an organ's lost function would be a personalized approach to therapeutics. In this two part series, we will describe the progress toward establishing functional transdifferentiated adrenal cortical cells. In this article (Part 1), we describe adrenal development and function, and discuss genes involved in these processess and selected for use in our pilot studies of transdifferentiation that are presented in the second article (Part 2).

2011-01-01

299

Energy planning in developing countries: the role of microcomputers  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Microcomputers are beginning to be used for energy analysis in many developing countries, and have the potential for making a significant contribution to the resolution of difficult analytical and data problems, and to improving communications between analyst and decision maker. Successful introduction of a microcomputer based on analytical capability, however, requires attention to several important factors in order to avoid the mistakes of the earlier mainframe computer era. This paper reviews the key issues of matching models to staff capabilities, of training, and of the operating environment, based on the author's first-hand experience with microcomputer projects in Uruguay, Haiti and Sri Lanka. 3 figures, 3 tables.

1985-02-01

300

Ecosystem restoration versus reclamation: the value of managing for biodiversity  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The importance of ecosystem restoration to land reclamation is discussed. If a plant community is to be self sustaining, natural diversity processes provide a useful model for restoration. Biodiversity is important for utilitarian, ecological, and ethical/aesthetic reasons. Issues that must be considered include sampling and management scales, the separate richness of the diverse array of species playing a role in ecosystem productivity and stability, and natural trends in diversity. Ecological restoration comprises two fundamental activities: management for some pre-disturbance level of biodiversity and the combination of species in a manner that is essentially experimental. Endeavours to restore biological diversity are a useful method of experimenting with the factors that control ecosystem structure and function. 21 refs.

1991-06-01

301

Corrosion cracking of rotor steels of steam turbines  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Results of investigation of stress corrosion cracking of steam turbine materials in nuclear, fossil and geothermal power plants have been analysed. The role of factors that cause damage to rotor discs, mono block and welding rotors of steam turbines has been shown. These are yield stress and steel composition, stress intensity coefficient and crack growth rate, composition and temperature of the condensed steam and water, electrochemical conditions. The conclusion has been made about the state of stress corrosion cracking of the rotors materials, and main investigation trends which are necessary to solve this problem have been listed.

302

Between academization and good craftmanship. The physiotherapists' ambition to professionalize in the light of the conductive education challenge  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

During the 1990s, a debate took place in Sweden concerning Conductive Education. Proponents of this method focused their critique on the role and methods of physiotherapists but this profession was not active in the debate. Instead, the medical profession came out as defenders of habilitation services and methods. Departing from sociology of the professions, our objective in this article is to analyze the physiotherapists' silence in relation to the profession's position and its relation to the medical profession. The analysis is based on data from interviews with members of habilitation teams and other key persons, and on documents. The relative silence of physiotherapists is found to be related to both interprofessional factors (the subordination under the medical profession paired with ...

2011-01-01

303

An efficient control variate method for pricing variance derivatives  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

This paper studies the pricing of variance swap derivatives with stochastic volatility by the control variate method. A closed form solution is derived for the approximate model with deterministic volatility, which plays the key role in the paper, and an efficient control variate technique is therefore proposed when the volatility obeys the log-normal process. By the analysis of moments for the underlying processes, the optimal volatility function in the approximate model is constructed. The numerical results show the high efficiency of our method; the results coincide with the theoretical results. The idea in the paper is also applicable for the valuation of other types of variance swap, options with stochastic volatility and other financial derivatives with multi-factor models.

2010-01-01

304

Transport of sorbing solutes in randomly heterogeneous formations: Spatial moments, macrodispersion, and parameter uncertainty  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Expressions for the spatial moments and macrodispersion tensor for sorbing solutes in heterogeneous formations were presented using a probabilistic model of a fluid residence time coupled with the particle position analysis. The fluid residence time was defined as a fraction of the actual time during which the particle stayed in the mobile fluid phase of the aquifer. The fluid residence time is a random variable whose variability comes as a result of the non-equilibrium sorption properties. The sorbing solute was assumed to be governed with first-order linear kinetics. The closed-form expressions were based on the stationarity in the kinetic process and on the first-order approximation in the hydraulic conductivity field and in the fluid residence time. The non-equilibrium effects were presented as a function of the spatial variability in hydraulic conductivity and temporal variability in the fluid residence time. The importance of the ...

1993-06-01

305

Stochastic-convective transport with nonlinear reaction: Mathematical framework  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A stochastic-convective reactive (SCR) transport method is developed for one-dimensional steady transport in physically heterogeneous media with nonlinear degradation. The method is free of perturbation amplitude limitations and circumvents the difficulty of scale dependence of phenomenological parameters by avoiding volume-averaged specifications of diffusive/dispersive fluxes. The transport system is conceptualized as an ensemble of independent convective-reactive streamlines, each characterized by a randomized convective velocity (or travel time). Dispersive effects are treated as a component of the randomness in the streamline velocity ensemble, so no explicit expression for hydrodynamic dispersive flux is written in the streamline transport equation. The expected value of the transport over the stream tube ensemble is obtained as an average of solutions to the reactive convection equation according to the stream tube (travel time) probability distribution ...

1995-11-01

306

Novel high-throughput screening system for identifying STAT3-SH2 antagonists  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Constitutive activation of the oncogenic transcription factor STAT3 frequently occurs in various human malignancies. STAT3 activation involves dimerization via intermolecular pTyr-SH2 interaction. Thus, antagonizing this interaction is a feasible approach to inhibit STAT3 activation for cancer therapy. In order to identify selective STAT3 inhibitors, we developed a biochemical HTS system based on AlphaScreen technology, which measures the abilities of test compounds to antagonize pTyr-SH2 interactions. We screened our chemical libraries using this system and identified 5,15-diphenylporphyrin (5,15-DPP) as a selective STAT3-SH2 antagonist. Selective inhibition of STAT3 nuclear translocation and DNA biding activity was observed in cells treated with 5,15-DPP. IL-6-dependent dimerization of STAT3, c-myc promoter binding and c-myc protein expression were all suppressed by 5,15-DPP, whereas no decrement in either expression or ...

2009-03-13

307

Cloning and expression of Drosophila TAFII60 and human TAFII70 reveal conserved interactions with other subunits of TFIID.  

Science.gov (United States)

Regulation of transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II requires TFIID, a multisubunit complex composed of the TATA binding protein (TBP) and at least seven tightly associated factors (TAFs). Some TAFs act as direct targets or coactivators for promoter-specific activators while others serve as interfaces for TAF-TAF interactions. Here, we report the molecular cloning, expression and characterization of Drosophila dTAFII60 and its human homolog, hTAFII70. Recombinant TAFII60/70 binds weakly to TBP and tightly to the largest subunit of TFIID, TAFII250. In the presence of TAFII60/70, TBP and TAFII250, a stable ternary complex is formed. Both the human and Drosophila proteins directly interact with another TFIID subunit, dTAFII40. Our findings reveal that Drosophila TAFII60 and human TAFII70 share a high degree of structural similarity and that their interactions with other subunits of TFIID are conserved.Images

1993-12-15

308

Celastrol regulates innate immunity response via NF-@kB and Hsp70 in human retinal pigment epithelial cells  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Elevated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-@kB) activity and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion participates in the pathology of several age and inflammatory-related diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in which retinal pigment epithelial cells are the key target. Recent findings reveal that heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) may affect regulation of NF-@kB. In the current study, effects of Hsp70 expression on NF-@kB RelA/p65 activity were evaluated in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) by using celastrol, a novel anti-inflammatory compound. Anti-inflammatory properties of celastrol were determined by measuring expression levels of IL-6 and endogenous NF-@kB levels during lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Cell viabil...

2011-01-01

309

The Prognostic Significance of p53, Bcl-2, Cytokeratin 20 and Ki-67 in Primary Superficial Papillary Transitional Bladder Carcinoma  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Identification of factors that determine individual patient risk for recurrence and progression in superficial papillary carcinoma of the bladder is a subject of extensive research as it would be a major outcome in patient management. It has been well recognized that traditional prognostic markers as tumor grade and stage are not accurate enough in predicting biological behavior. A large number of markers have been investigated as potential prognostic factors and relatively few can help in predicting outcome. Material and Methods: Forty-nine cases undergoing complete transurethral resection for primary superficial papillary transitional cell carcinoma were subjected to clinicopathologic evaluation as well as immunohistochemical staining for p53, bcl-2, cytokeratin 20 and Ki-67. The CAS-200 image analyzer was used to estimate the Ki-67 labeling index. Results: Recurrence was observed in 19 cases (38.8%) and progression in 7 cases (14.3%) with a ...

2003-03-01

310

Nanoelectrospray high capacity ion trap multiple stage mass spectrometry for the structural analysis of human brain gangliosides  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: A novel protocol based on electrospray ionization (ESI) multiple stage high capacity ion trap (HCT) mass spectrometry (MS) was developed for glycosphingolipidomic surveys. The method was optimized for detailed structural elucidation of human brain gangliosides and particularly applied to human hippocampus-associated structures. The multiple stage MS experiments allowed for a complete structural characterization of GM1 ganglioside species, which was achieved by elucidation of the oligosaccharide sequence, identification of the GM1 a structural isomer from the data upon sialic acid localization along the sugar backbone and determination of the d18:1/18:0 of fatty acid/sphingoid base composition of the ceramide moiety. The methodology developed here is of general practical applicability for glycolipids and represents a step forward in the implementation of the advanced and most modern MS methods in glycomics. Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids, which consist of a mono- to ...

2006-10-25

311

Molecular evolution and characterization of fungal indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenases.  

Science.gov (United States)

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) are tryptophan-degrading enzymes. Mammalian IDO expression is induced by cytokines and has antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. A major role of mammalian TDO is to supply nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)). In fungi, the IDO homologue is thought to be expressed constitutively and supply NAD(+), as TDO is absent from their genomes. Here, we reveal the distribution of IDO genes among fungal species and characterize their enzymatic activity. The yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has only one IDO gene, whereas the koji-mold, Aspergillus oryzae has two genes, IDO? and IDO?. The A. oryzae IDO? showed more similar enzymatic properties to those of S. cerevisiae IDO than IDO?, suggesting that the A. oryzae IDO? is a functional homologue of the S. cerevisiae IDO. From the IDO? gene, two isoforms, IDO? and IDO?(+) could be generated by alternative ...

2010-12-18

312

Antioxidant treatment with quercetin ameliorates erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.  

Science.gov (United States)

Oxidative stress is demonstrated to be involved in the pathophysiological mechanism of erectile dysfunction (ED). Quercetin, a potent bioflavonoid, has been reported to have the antioxidant role. In the present study, we examined the effect of quercetin on ED and oxidative stress in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats with a single intravenous injection of STZ. The diabetic rats were then randomized to diabetic group and quercetin therapy groups which were treated with quercetin at different doses of 5, 20 and 50mg/kg per day respectively. At the end of the 8th week, erectile function was assessed by measuring the rise in intracavernous pressure (ICP) following cavernous nerve electrostimulation. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, thiobarbituric acid-reacting substance (TBARS) and nitrite and nitrate (NOx) levels were measured in cavernosum tissue. Endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression ...

2011-06-14

313

Computational identification of developmental enhancers:conservation and function of transcription factor binding-site clustersin drosophila melanogaster and drosophila psedoobscura  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Background The identification of sequences that control transcription in metazoans is a major goal of genome analysis. In a previous study, we demonstrated that searching for clusters of predicted transcription factor binding sites could discover active regulatory sequences, and identified 37 regions of the Drosophila melanogaster genome with high densities of predicted binding sites for five transcription factors involved in anterior-posterior embryonic patterning. Nine of these clusters overlapped known enhancers. Here, we report the results of in vivo functional analysis of 27 remaining clusters. Results We generated transgenic flies carrying each cluster attached to a basal promoter and reporter gene, and assayed embryos for reporter gene expression. Six clusters are enhancers of adjacent genes: giant, fushi tarazu, odd-skipped, nubbin, squeeze and pdm2; three drive expression in patterns unrelated ...

2004-08-06

314

Characterization of the human lipoprotein lipase (LPL) promoter: Evidence of two cis-regulatory regions, LP-[alpha] and LP-[beta] of importance for the differentation-linked induction of the LPL gene during adipogenesis  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

When preadipocytes differentiate into adipocytes, several differentiation-linked genes are activated. Lipo-protein lipase (LPL) is one of the first genes induced during this process. To investigate early events in adipocyte development, we have focused on the transcriptional activation of the LPL gene. For this purpose, we have cloned and fused different parts of intragenic and flanking sequences with a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene. Transient transfection experiments and DNase I hypersensitivity assays indicate that several positive as well as negative elements contribute to transcriptional regulation of the LPL gene. When reporter gene constructs were stably introduced into preadipocytes, we were able to monitor and compare the activation patterns of different promoter deletion mutants at selected time points representing the process of adipocyte development. We could delimit two cis-regulatory elements important for gradual activation of the LPL gene during ...

1992-10-01

316

Reproductive factors and exogenous hormone use in relation to risk of glioma and meningioma in a large European cohort study  

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

BACKGROUND: The aetiologies of glioma and meningioma tumors are largely unknown. Although reproductive hormones are thought to influence the risk of these tumors, epidemiologic data are not supportive of this hypothesis; however, few cohort studies have published on this topic. We examined the relation between reproductive factors and risk of glioma and meningioma among women in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).METHODS: After a mean of 8.4 years of follow-up, 193 glioma and 194 meningioma were identified among 276,212 women. Information on reproductive factors and hormone use was collected at baseline. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to determine hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: No associations were observed between glioma or meningioma risk and reproductive factors, including age at menarche, parity, age at first birth, menopausal status, and ...

2010-01-01

317

Prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer with brain metastases and the clinical role of cranial irradiation  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Prognosis of 95 consecutive patients with non-small cell lung cancer with brain metastases were evaluated. Three factors, therapy for brain metastases, general performance status (PS) and distant metastases to other organs had significant impact on survival. Among these 3 factors, PS was independent from the other 2 factors. Significant correlation was present, however, between therapy and other organ metastases, and few patients with brain and other distant metastases received aggressive treatment for brain metastases. Cranial irradiation had significant impact on survival even in those patients with brain and other distant metastases. Cranial irradiation also reduced death from brain metastases in responders. Our results indicate that there are several subgroups with different prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer with brain metastases, therefore the most beneficial treatment modality should be selected ...

1990-10-01

318

Zebrafish embryo extracts promote sphere-forming abilities of human melanoma cell line  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Sphere-forming abilities in culture condition are considered a hallmark of cancer stem-like cells, which represents tumor cell invasiveness and stem-like characteristics. We aimed to show that the sphere-forming subpopulation of human malignant melanoma cell line WM-266-4 acts differently to zebrafish embryo extracts compared with their bulk counterpart. Spheres were maintained in neural stem cell culture conditions. The embryos of zebrafish at specific developmental stages were collected and the extracts were purified under 100 kDa. Spheres were treated with embyo extracts and proliferation assay and immunocytochemistry were conducted. Spheroid cells expressed nestin and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) but not melanoma antigen recognized by T-cells (MART)1, indicating their stem-l...

2009-01-01

319

Surface equation of state for pulmonary surfactant monolayers at Air-Water interface: Protein-lipid binary mixture monolayers  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract The available surface equation of state for pure pulmonary surfactant monolayers is generalised to binary mixture monolayers by introducing a group of parameters, i(i-=-1-4) in the form of $x_{r}^{\\beta _{i} } $ to express the influence of the components in new mixing rules and a new factor, I $\\left[ { = \\left( {\\prod\\limits_{i = 1}^{4} {\\beta _{i} } } \\right)^{{\\raise0.5ex\\hbox{$\\scriptstyle 1$}\\kern-0.1em/\\kern-0.15em\\lower0.25ex\\hbox{$\\scriptstyle {4}$}}} } \\right]$, is defined to represent the interaction intensity between two different components. The ---A isotherms getting by the surface equations of state agree with the experimental data for protein-lipid binary monolayers, and the average deviation is about 11.41%. The result shows the order of the interaction intensity b...

2010-01-01

320

Optical properties of skin gloss and development of mizumizushii-looking makeup foundation:  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In Japan, the term mizumizushii is used to express beauty. This term mizumizushii is an adjective involving factors for a variety of `beauties full of the feeling of vitality' such as youthful, fresh, watery, dewy and the like. The exact choice of words depends on the circumstances. Mizumizushii-looking skin represents the skin that looks wet with the moisture contained in it and that has a good gloss. However, according to our research carried out using a Corneometer, almost no relationship was found between skin actually including a large amount of moisture in the stratum corneum and mizumizushii-looking skin. We elucidated the `apparently mizumizushii-looking skin,' and tried to develop makeup products having the function of making the skin look mizumizushii, which is to be one of the f...

2007-01-01

321

Noise in Josephson mm-wave mixers  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Point contact Josephson junctions can function as millimeter wave heterodyne mixers with conversion gain. The best results achieved thus far show a single sideband conversion gain of 1.3 and a mixer contribution to the system noise temperature of 54"0K. Both of these results are approximately 5 times better than the best published figures for cooled Schottky barrier diode mixers operated at the same frequency. The measured noise for a variety of junctions can be expressed as a universal function of the normalized rf frequency #OMEGA# = h#omega#/2eI/sub c/R. It is about a factor 2 larger than the calculated noise arising from the thermal noise in the junction shunt resistance, R. The noise calculation was done for the resistively shunted junction model using an analog junction simulator.

1974-09-30

322

Evidence for Epigenetic Interactions for Loci on Mouse Chromosome 1 Regulating Open Field Activity  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The expression of motor activity levels in response to novel situations is under complex genetic and environmental control. Several genetic loci have been implicated in the regulation of this behavioral phenotype, but their relationship to epigenetic and epistatic interactions is relatively unknown. Here, we report on a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on mouse chromosome 1 for novelty-induced motor activity in the open field, using chromosome substitution strains derived from a high active host strain (C57BL/6J) and a low active donor strain (A/J). The QTL for open field (horizontal distance moved) peaked at the location of Kcnj9, however, QTL detection was initially masked by an interplay of both grandparent genetic origin and genetic co-factors influencing behavior on chromosome 1. Our fi...

2009-01-01

323

Association study of SNAP25 and schizophrenia in Irish family and case-control samples  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

SNAP25 occurs on chromosome 20p12.2, which has been linked to schizophrenia in some samples, and recently linked to latent classes of psychotic illness in our sample. SNAP25 is crucial to synaptic functioning, may be involved in axonal growth and dendritic sprouting, and its expression may be decreased in schizophrenia. We genotyped 18 haplotype-tagging SNPs in SNAP25 in a sample of 270 Irish high-density families. Single marker and haplotype analyses were performed in FBAT and PDT. We adjusted for multiple testing by computing q values. Association was followed up in an independent sample of 657 cases and 411 controls. We tested for allelic effects on the clinical phenotype by using the method of sequential addition and 5 factor-derived scores of the OPCRIT. Nine of 18 SNPs had P values <...

2010-01-01

324

Acoustic resonances in two-dimensional radial sonic crystal shells  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Radial sonic crystals (RSC) are fluidlike structures infinitely periodic along the radial direction that verify the Bloch theorem and are possible only if certain specially designed acoustic metamaterials with mass density anisotropy can be engineered (see Torrent and Sanchez-Dehesa 2009 Phys. Rev. Lett. 103 064301). A comprehensive analysis of two-dimensional (2D) RSC shells is reported here. A given shell is in fact a circular slab with a central cavity. These finite crystal structures contain Fabry-Perot-like resonances and modes strongly localized at the central cavity. Semi-analytical expressions are developed to obtain the quality factors of the different resonances, their symmetry features and their excitation properties. The results reported here are completely general and can be extended to equivalent 3D spherical shells and to their photonic counterparts.

2010-07-15

325

A Hypothesis: Supplementation with Mushroom-Derived Active Compound Modulates Immunity and Increases Survival in Response to Influenza Virus (H1N1) Infection.  

Science.gov (United States)

We hypothesize that the mushroom-derived active compound may be a potential strategy for increasing survival in response to influenza virus (H1N1) infection through the stimulation of host innate immune response. The validity of the hypothesis can be tested by immune response to influenza infection as seen through survival percentage, virus clearance, weight loss, natural killer cell cytotoxicity, Tumor Necrosis Factor-? (TNF-?) and Interferon-gamma (IFN-?) levels, lytic efficiency in the spleens of mice and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA expressions in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. The hypothesis may improve people's quality of life, reduce the medical cost of our healthcare system and eliminate people's fears of influenza outbreak. PMID:21660092

2011-03-20

329

Concepts in radiation protection  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This monograph provides basic notions and principles in dosimetry and radiation protection in compliance with two fundamental works: IAEA Safety Series No.115 - International Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Ionizing Radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources - and Publication no. 60 of International Commission on Radiological Protection. After the review of quantities and units necessary in radiation protection, the book presents the new values of dose limits as well as the values of 'radiation weighting factor', 'tissue weighting factor' and 'conversion factor intake-dose' (committed effective dose per unit intake) by ingestion and inhalation for 30 most important radionuclides. The new values of dose limits, lower than the old values, are a challenge for the radiation protection, especially of the 'public' where the dose limit diminished by a factor of five relative to the earlier ...

1996-01-01

330

PSA methodology including new design, operational and safety factors, 'Level of recognition of phenomena with a presumed dominant influence upon operational safety' (failures of conventional as well as non-conventional passive components, dependent failures, influence of operator, fires and external threats, digital control, organizational factors)  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The document represents a specific type of discussion of existing methodologies for the creation and application of probabilistic safety assessment (PSA) in light of the EUR document summarizing requirements placed by Western European NPP operators on the future design of nuclear power plants. A partial goal of this discussion consists in mapping, from the PSA point of view, those selected design, operational and/or safety factors of future NPPs that may be entirely new or, at least, newly addressed. Therefore, the terms of reference for this stage were formulated as follows: Assess current level of knowledge and procedures in the analysis of factors and phenomena with a dominant influence upon operational safety of new generation reactors, especially in the following areas: (1) Phenomenology of failure types and mechanisms and reliability of conventional passive safety system components; (2) Phenomenology of failure types and mechanisms and ...

331

Difference in prognostic factors between stage IB and II uterine cervical carcinoma patients treated with radical hysterectomy and postoperative radiation therapy  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the difference in prognostic factors between stage IB and II uterine cervical carcinoma patients treated with postoperative radiation therapy. Between May 1988 and May 1998, a total of 94 patients including 47 patients with stage IB and 47 patients with stage II uterine cervical carcinoma were treated with postoperative radiation therapy at Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital. All patients were treated with 10 MV X-rays using an anterior-posterior parallel opposed field which covered the whole pelvis. Fractionation was 2 Gy per day, five fractions per week, to a total dose of 50 Gy. The 5-year overall survival rates of stage IB and II were 89.4% and 79.3%, respectively. In multivariate analysis for all patients, lymph node status, histology, and surgical margin status were recognized as prognostic factors. Limited to stage IB patients, lymph node status was the only independent prognostic ...

332

Nature and distribution of mucosal lesions associated with enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in piglets and the role of plasmid-mediated factors.  

Science.gov (United States)

Bacterial attachment-effacement (att-eff) is emerging as an important virulence characteristic common to both enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). The contribution of the plasmid-encoded EPEC adherence factor to the production of mucosal lesions and diarrhea was investigated in gnotobiotic piglets. Bacterial att-aff in the intestinal mucosa of piglets infected with plasmid-cured EPEC strain E2348/69 (O127) was indistinguishable from that in piglets infected with the parent strain, but the distribution of lesions was different; it occurred in the small intestines of 6 of 7 piglets infected with the parent strain compared with only 2 of 11 (P = 0.006) infected with the plasmid-cured strain. Plasmid-encoded factors in EPEC and EHEC strains did not appear to contribute to bacterial competition with normal gut microflora. Of 13 strains belonging to five EPEC serogroups, O55, O142, O26, O119, and O111, 3 ...

1989-04-01

333

Light-dependent regulation of DEL1 is determined by the antagonistic action of E2Fb and E2Fc.  

Science.gov (United States)

Endoreduplication represents a cell cycle variant during which multiple rounds of DNA replication occur without subsequent chromosome separation and cytokinesis, resulting into a cellular increase of the DNA content. Although the DNA ploidy level of cells is controlled by external stimuli such as light, currently limited knowledge is available on how environmental signals regulate the endoreduplication cycle at the molecular level. Previously, we have demonstrated that the conversion from the mitotic cell cycle into an endoreduplication cycle is mediated by the atypical E2F transcription factor DEL1 that operates as a repressor of endocycle onset. Here, we identified DEL1 as a transcriptional target of the classical E2Fb and E2Fc transcription factors that antagonistically control DEL1 transcript levels through competition for a single E2F cis-acting binding site. Correspondingly with the reported opposite effect of light on the E2Fb and E2Fc ...

2011-09-01

334

Heat shock factor binds to heat shock elements upstream of heat shock protein 70a and Samui genes to confer transcriptional activity in Bombyx mori diapause eggs exposed to 5^oC  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

To understand the molecular mechanisms of how 5^oC-incubation activates mRNA expression of Hsp70a and Samui genes in Bombyx mori diapause eggs, we first searched the 5'-upstream regions of the Hsp70a and Samui genes for heat shock elements (HSEs) and found two regions [Hsp70aHSE-1 (-95 to -58) and -2 (-145 to -121), and SamuiHSE-1 (-84 to -55) and -2 (-304 to -290)] corresponding to HSEs (repeats of nGAAn and/or nTTCn). We cloned four cDNAs encoding heat shock factor (HSF)-a2 (627 amino acids), -b (685 aa), -c (682 aa) and -d (705 aa), which were produced by alternative splicing. When we exposed diapause eggs to 5^oC beginning at 2 day post-oviposition to break diapause, HSFd mRNA only increased after chilling for 6-8 days, a pattern very similar to those of Hsp70a and Samui mRNAs. To exam...

2011-01-01

335

Benchmarking of epithermal methods in the lattice-physics code EPRI-CELL  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The epithermal cross section shielding methods used in the lattice physics code EPRI-CELL (E-C) have been extensively studied to determine its major approximations and to examine the sensitivity of computed results to these approximations. The study has resulted in several improvements in the original methodology. These include: treatment of the external moderator source with intermediate resonance (IR) theory, development of a new Dancoff factor expression to account for clad interactions, development of a new method for treating resonance interference, and application of a generalized least squares method to compute best-estimate values for the Bell factor and group-dependent IR parameters. The modified E-C code with its new ENDF/B-V cross section library is tested for several numerical benchmark problems. Integral parameters computed by EC are compared with those obtained with point-cross section Monte Carlo ...

2008-09-21

336

Effect of transforming growth factor beta on synthesis of glycosaminoglycans by human lung fibroblasts  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The processes of lung growth, injury, and repair are characterized by alterations in fibroblast synthesis and interstitial distribution of extracellular matrix components. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), which is postulated to play a role in modulating lung repair, alters the distribution of several matrix components such as collagen and fibronectin. We studied the effect of TGF-beta on the synthesis and distribution of the various glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and whether these effects may explain its role in lung repair. Human diploid lung fibroblasts (IMR-90) were exposed to various concentrations of TGF-beta (0-5 nM) for variable periods of time (0-18 h). Newly synthesized GAGs were labeled with either (3H)glucosamine or (35S)sulfate. Individual GAGs were separated by size exclusion chromatography after serial enzymatic and chemical digestions and quantitated using scintillation counting. There was a ...

1990-09-01

337

The Immunity-related GTPase Irgm3 Relieves Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response during Coxsackievirus B3 Infection via a PI3K/Akt Dependent Pathway.  

Science.gov (United States)

The IRG protein Irgm3 preserves cell survival during coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection. However, the molecular mechanisms are not clear. Here, we examined the effect of Irgm3 expression on ER stress triggered by pharmacological agents or CVB3 infection. In Tet-On/Irgm3 HeLa cells, Irgm3 expression suppressed either chemical- or CVB3-induced upregulation of glucose-regulated protein78. Further, Irgm3 strongly inhibited the activation of both the PERK and ATF6 pathways of ER stress responses, which further led to the diminished phosphorylation of eIF2?, reduced cleavage/activation of transcription factor SREBP1 and attenuated induction of proapoptotic genes CHOP and GADD34. These data were further supported by experiments using Irgm3 knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts, in which the ER stress induced by CVB3 was not relieved due to the lack of Irgm3 expression. In addition, the tunicamycin-triggered ER ...

2011-10-10

338

Differential regulation of the biosynthesis of glucose transporters by the PI3-K and MAPK pathways of insulin signaling by treatment with novel compounds from Liriope platyphylla.  

Science.gov (United States)

The insulin signaling pathway, involving protein kinase B (PKB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), mediates the biological response to insulin and several growth factors and cytokines. To investigate the correlation between glucose transporter (Glut) biosynthesis and the insulin signaling pathway activated by novel compounds of Liriope platyphylla (LP9M80-H), alterations in Glut and key protein expression in the insulin signaling pathway were analyzed in the liver and brain of ICR mice treated with LP9M80-H. An in vitro assay showed that the highest level of insulin concentration was observed in the LP9M80-H-treated group, followed by the LP-H, LP-M, LP-E, and LP9M80-C-treated groups. Therefore, LP9M80-H was selected for use in studying the detailed mechanism of the insulin signaling pathway in animal systems. In an in vivo experiment, LP9M80-H induced a significant increase in glucose levels and a decrease of insulin concentration in ...

2010-12-14

339

Correlation of angiogenesis with "1"8F-FMT and "1"8F-FDG uptake in non-small cell lung cancer  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

L-[3-"1"8F]-#alpha#-methyltyrosine ("1"8F-FMT) is an amino-acid tracer for positron-emission tomography (PET). We have conducted a clinicopathologic study to elucidate the correlation of angiogenesis with "1"8F-FMT and 2-["1"8F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ("1"8F-FDG) uptake in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Thirty-seven NSCLC patients were enrolled in this study, and two PET studies with "1"8F-FMT and "1"8F-FDG were performed. Uptake of PET tracers was evaluated with standardized uptake value. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD31, CD34, L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) and Ki-67 labeling index of the resected tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining, and correlated with the clinicopathologic variables and the uptake of PET tracers. The median VEGF rate was 45% (range, 10-78%). High expression was seen in 30 patients (81%, 30/37). VEGF expression was statistically associated with ...

2009-04-01

340

A human breast cell model of pre-invasive to invasive transition  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A crucial step in human breast cancer progression is the acquisition of invasiveness. There is a distinct lack of human cell culture models to study the transition from pre-invasive to invasive phenotype as it may occur 'spontaneously' in vivo. To delineate molecular alterations important for this transition, we isolated human breast epithelial cell lines that showed partial loss of tissue polarity in three-dimensional reconstituted-basement membrane cultures. These cells remained non-invasive; however, unlike their non-malignant counterparts, they exhibited a high propensity to acquire invasiveness through basement membrane in culture. The genomic aberrations and gene expression profiles of the cells in this model showed a high degree of similarity to primary breast tumor profiles. The xenograft tumors formed by the cell lines in three different microenvironments in nude mice displayed metaplastic phenotypes, including squamous and basal ...

2008-03-10

341

A critical look at the kinetic models of thermoluminescence-II. Non-first order kinetics  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Non-first order (FO) kinetics models are of three types; second order (SO), general order (GO) and mixed order (MO). It is shown that all three of these have constraints in their energy level schemes and their applicable parameter values. In nature such restrictions are not expected to exist. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow peaks produced by these models shift their position and change their shape as the trap occupancies change. Such characteristics are very unlike those found in samples of real materials. In these models, in general, retrapping predominates over recombination. It is shown that the quasi-equilibrium (QE) assumption implied in the derivation of the TL equation of these models is quite valid, thus disproving earlier workers' conclusion that QE cannot be held under retrapping dominant conditions. However notwithstanding their validity, they suffer from the shortcomings as stated above and have certain lacunae. For example, the kinetic order (KO) parameter and ...

2005-01-07

342

The p75"N"T"R tumor suppressor induces cell cycle arrest facilitating caspase mediated apoptosis in prostate tumor cells  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75"N"T"R) is a death receptor which belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor super-family of membrane proteins. This study shows that p75"N"T"R retarded cell cycle progression by induced accumulation of cells in G0/G1 and a reduction in the S phase of the cell cycle. The rescue of tumor cells from cell cycle progression by a death domain deleted (#DELTA#DD) dominant-negative antagonist of p75"N"T"R showed that the death domain transduced anti-proliferative activity in a ligand-independent manner. Conversely, addition of NGF ligand rescued retardation of cell cycle progression with commensurate changes in components of the cyclin/cdk holoenzyme complex. In the absence of ligand, p75"N"T"R-dependent cell cycle arrest facilitated an increase in apoptotic nuclear fragmentation of the prostate cancer cells. Apoptosis of p75"N"T"R expressing cells occurred via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway leading to a ...

2006-03-24

343

Neurite outgrowth effect of 4-O-methylhonokiol by induction of neurotrophic factors through ERK activation.  

Science.gov (United States)

Compounds isolated from Magnolia officinalis such as magnolol, honokiol and obovatol exhibit several pharmacological effects on CNS including depressant, anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects, as well as neuroprotective effects against chemical and heat damages. Recently, honokiol was found to have a neurotrophic effect in fetal rat cortical neurons. In the present study, we show that 4-O-methylhonokiol, a novel compound from Magnolia officinalis, promotes neurite outgrowth in a concentration- dependent manner in rat embryonic neuronal cells. In parallel with the neurite outgrowth activity, the expression of neurite outgrowth marker proteins is also increased by treatment with 4-O-methylhonokiol. We also found that 4-O-methylhonokiol promotes the release of NGF and BDNF into cell culture medium. In addition, lower concentration of 4-O-methylhonokiol (1 and 2 lM) further enhanced neurite outgrowth and expression of neurite outgrowth marker ...

2009-12-01

344

In vivo footprinting of the human [alpha]-globin locus upstream regulatory element by guanine and adenine ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A major regulatory element required for expression of the human [alpha]-globin genes is located 40 kb upstream of the embryonic [zeta]-globin gene. To understand how this and other locus control region (LCR) elements contribute to high-level expression in erythroid cells, we have performed high-resolution, in vivo dimethyl sulfate footprinting. In addition, we have modified the dimethyl sulfate-based ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction in vivo footprinting procedure to permit the assessment of interactions at guanine and adenine residues, rather than guanines alone. In vivo footprinting of the human [alpha]-LCR element carried on chromosome 16 in a mouse erythroleukemia cell environment revealed protein occupancy at GATA-1, AP-1/NF-E2, and CACC/GGTGG motifs, specific differences compared with in vitro protein binding, and distinct changes in one region upon dimethyl sulfoxide-induced cellular maturation. No protein contacts were ...

1992-05-01

345

Human Mammary Luminal Epithelial Cells Contain Progenitors to Myoepithelial Cells  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The origin of the epithelial and myoepithelial cells in the human breast has not been delineated. In this study we have addressed whether luminal epithelial cells and myoepithelial cells are vertically connected, i.e., whether one is the precursor for the other. We used a primary culture assay allowing preservation of basic phenotypic traits of luminal epithelial and myoepithelial cells in culture. The two cell types were then separated immunomagnetically using antibodies directed against lineage-specific cell surface antigens into at best 100% purity. The cellular identity was ascertained by cytochemistry, immunoblotting, and 2-D gel electrophoresis. Luminal epithelial cells were identified by strong expression of cytokeratins 18 and 19 while myoepithelial cells were recognized by expression of vimentin and {alpha}-smooth muscle actin. We used a previously devised culture medium (CDM4) that allows vigorous expansion of proliferative ...

1999-02-01

346

The Burrard utilization study report: Review and analysis of the future role of Burrard Thermal Generating Station  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Burrard Thermal Generating Station is located at Port Moody, British Columbia, and burns natural gas to supply steam to six turbine units for generating up to 912 MW of electricity. The Burrard plant accounts for ca 8.7% of the provincial generating capability. Burrard is expected to continue to fill a vital role as a supplier of displaceable firm energy to the British Columbia Hydro system. In parallel with a renewed focus on Burrard from a system planning perspective, there have also been concerns about air pollution from the plant in the context of its possible effect on the region's air quality. To address this and other issues surrounding Burrard's future, B.C. Hydro established a project team to conduct a utilization study. The team's work focused on the role of Burrard in providing a reliable and profitable role in electricity generation, the options for dealing with the air quality ...

1993-01-01

347

Study of the rheological behaviour of corium/concrete mixtures; Etude du comportement rheologique de melanges issus de l'interaction corium/beton  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the hypothetical event of a severe accident in a Light Water Reactor, scenarios in which the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) fails and the core melt mixture (called corium) relocates into the reactor cavity, cannot be excluded. The viscosity (in fact, corium rheological behaviour) plays a major role in many phenomena such as core melt down, discharge from reactor pressure vessel, interaction with structural materials (concrete,...) and spreading in a core-catcher. For these reasons, it is important to be able to predict the rheological behaviour of corium melts of different compositions (essentially based on UO{sub 2}, ZrO{sub 2}, Fe{sub x}O{sub y} and Fe for in-vessel scenarios, plus SiO{sub 2} and CaO for ex-vessel scenarios) at temperatures above solidus temperature. In the case of corium-concrete mixtures, the increase of viscosity depends not only on the increase of particles in the melts but also on the increase of the residual liquid phase viscosity (due to ...

1999-09-24

348

GROWTH REGULATION IN ROUS SARCOMA VIRUS INFECTED CHICKEN EMBRYO FIBROBLASTS: THE ROLE OF THE src GENE  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We report here a study of the mechanisms leading to loss of growth control in chicken embryo fibroblasts transformed by Rous sarcoma virus (RSV). We have been particularly concerned with the role of the src gene in this process, and have used RSV mutants temperature sensitive (ts) for transformation to investigate the nature of the growth regulatory lesion. The two principal findings were (1) the stationary phase of the cell cycle (G{sub 1}) in chick embryo fibroblasts seems to have two distinct regulatory compartments (using the terminology of Brooks et al. we refer to these as 'Q' and 'A' states). When rendered stationary at 41.5 C by serum deprivation, normal cells enter a Q state, but cells infected with the ts-mutant occupy an A state. (2) Whereas normal cells can occupy either state depending on culture conditions, the ts-infected cells, at 41.5 C, do not seem to enter Q even though a known src gene product, a kinase, is ...

1980-07-01

349

Body image and explicit and implicit anti-fat attitudes: the mediating role of physical appearance comparisons.  

Science.gov (United States)

Prejudice against overweight people is rife. However, there is a paucity of research on the underlying reasons for it. In two studies the relationship between body image, the tendency to make physical appearance-related comparisons (PACS), and both explicit and implicit anti-fat attitudes was examined. In Study 1 (n = 227) people with a high tendency to make physical appearance-related comparisons (high PACS scorers) reported lower self-appearance evaluation, but higher appearance orientation and explicit anti-fat attitudes. The PACS fully mediated the relationship between appearance orientation and explicit anti-fat attitudes. Study 2 (n = 134) found that the PACS also mediated the relationship between appearance orientation and implicit anti-fat attitudes. Thus, individual differences in factors such as body image and the tendency to make appearance-related comparisons, appear to play a central role in both explicit and implicit anti-fat ...

2007-07-24

350

A National Study Predicting Licensed Social Workers' Levels of Political Participation: The Role of Resources, Psychological Engagement, and Recruitment Networks  

Science.gov (United States)

The social work literature is replete with studies evaluating social workers' direct practice interventions, but strikingly few have assessed how well social workers are faring in the political arena. This study tests a major theoretical model, the civic voluntarism model, developed to explain why some citizens become involved in politics, whereas others do not. The study sample consisted of 396 randomly selected social workers licensed in 11 states, all of whom completed a 25-minute telephone survey. Social workers were surveyed to determine the role of the following variables in explaining social workers' political activity levels--resources needed to participate, psychological engagement, and attachment to recruitment networks. The results indicate that the civic voluntarism model was significant and accounted for 42 percent of the variance. The strongest predictors of social workers' political activity were NASW membership and political interest. This study ...

2008-10-01

351

Supplementation of pyruvate prevents palmitate-induced impairment of glucose uptake in C2 myotubes.  

Science.gov (United States)

Elevated fatty acid levels have been thought to contribute to insulin resistance. Repression of the glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) gene as well as impaired GLUT4 translocation may be a mediator for fatty acid-induced insulin resistance. This study was initiated to determine whether palmitate treatment repressed GLUT4 expression, whether glucose/fatty acid metabolism influenced palmitate-induced GLUT4 gene repression (PIGR), and whether attempts to prevent PIGR restored palmitate-induced impairment of glucose uptake (PIIGU) in C2 myotubes. Not only stimulators of fatty acid oxidation, such as bezafibrate, AICAR, and TOFA, but also TCA cycle substrates, such as pyruvate, leucine/glutamine, and ?-ketoisocaproate/monomethyl succinate, significantly prevented PIGR. In particular, supplementing with pyruvate through methyl pyruvate resulted in nearly complete prevention of PIIGU, whereas palmitate treatment reduced the intracellular pyruvate level. These results suggest ...

2011-07-23

352

Studies on localization of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the thyroid-parathyroid complex.  

Science.gov (United States)

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was localized by an immunocytochemical technique in the thyroid-parathyroid complexes of rat, guinea pig, rabbit, and in normal human thyroids and parathyroids. Human medullary carcinomas and parathyroid adenomas were also studied. In man and all animal species examined CGRP was present in the parafollicular cell, however, in guinea pigs only in small amounts. Except in rabbits, presence of CGRP was demonstrated in nerves of the thyroid and parathyroid capsule as well as in the nerve fibers of the capsular blood vessels. In the thyroid of guinea pigs CGRP was also noted in nerve fibers and in blood vessel walls between follicles. CGRP was also present in the parathyroid glands of rat and man, in nerve fibers localized between parathyroid cells. In rabbit the parafollicular cells between parathyroid cells also expressed CGRP immunoreactivity. No CGRP was noted in the parathyroids of the guinea pig. The proximity of parathyroid ...

1987-01-01

353

Simulations in statistical physics and biology: some applications  

CERN Document Server

One of the most active areas of physics in the last decades has been that of critical phenomena, and Monte Carlo simulations have played an important role as a guide for the validation and prediction of system properties close to the critical points. The kind of phase transitions occurring for the Betts lattice (lattice constructed removing 1/7 of the sites from the triangular lattice) have been studied before with the Potts model for the values q=3, ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic regime. Here, we add up to this research line the ferromagnetic case for q=4 and 5. In the first case, the critical exponents are estimated for the second order transition, whereas for the latter case the histogram method is applied for the occurring first order transition. Additionally, Domany's Monte Carlo based clustering technique mainly used to group genes similar in their expression levels is reviewed. Finally, a control theory tool --an adaptive observer-- ...

2006-01-01

354

Rice RING protein OsBBI1 with E3 ligase activity confers broad-spectrum resistance against Magnaporthe oryzae by modifying the cell wall defence  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Emerging evidence suggests that E3 ligases play critical roles in diverse biological processes, including innate immune responses in plants. However, the mechanism of the E3 ligase involvement in plant innate immunity is unclear. We report that a rice gene, OsBBI1, encoding a RING finger protein with E3 ligase activity, mediates broad-spectrum disease resistance. The expression of OsBBI1 was induced by rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, as well as chemical inducers, benzothiadiazole and salicylic acid. Biochemical analysis revealed that OsBBI1 protein possesses E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in vitro. Genetic analysis revealed that the loss of OsBBI1 function in a Tos17-insertion line increased susceptibility, while the overexpression of OsBBI1 in transgenic plants conferred enhanced resi...

2011-01-01

355

Regulation by small RNAs via coupled degradation: mean-field and variational approaches  

CERN Document Server

Regulatory genes called small RNAs (sRNAs) are known to play critical roles in cellular responses to changing environments. For several sRNAs, regulation is effected by coupled stoichiometric degradation with messenger RNAs (mRNAs). The nonlinearity inherent in this regulatory scheme indicates that exact analytical solutions for the corresponding stochastic models are intractable. Here, we present a variational approach to analyze a well-studied stochastic model for regulation by sRNAs via coupled degradation. The proposed approach is efficient and provides accurate estimates of mean mRNA levels as well as higher order terms. Results from the variational ansatz are in excellent agreement with data from stochastic simulations for a wide range of parameters, including regions of parameter space where mean-field approaches break down. The proposed approach can be applied to quantitatively model stochastic gene expression in complex regulatory ...

2011-01-01

356

Preferential induction of cytochrome P450 1A1 over cytochrome P450 1B1 in human breast epithelial cells following exposure to quercetin  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Estrogen metabolism is suggested to play an important role in estrogen-induced breast carcinogenesis. Epidemiologic studies suggest that diets rich in phytoestrogens are associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Phytoestrogens are biologically active plant compounds that structurally mimic 17b-estradiol (E2). We hypothesize that phytoestrogens, may provide protection against breast carcinogenesis by altering the expression of estrogen-metabolizing enzymes cytochrome P450 1A1 (Cyp1A1) and 1B1 (Cyp1B1). Cyp1A1 and Cyp1B1 are responsible for the metabolism of E2 to generate 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2) and 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE2), respectively. Studies suggest that 2-OHE2 and 2-methoxyestradiol may protect against breast carcinogenesis, while 4-OHE2 is carcinogenic in rodent models....

2008-01-01

357

Polyphenol rich botanicals used as food supplements interfere with EphA2-ephrinA1 system  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The Eph tyrosine kinase receptors and their ephrin ligands play a central role in several human cancers and their deregulated expression or function promotes tumorigenesis, inducing aggressive tumor phenotypes. Green tea extracts (GTE) have been recently found to inhibit Eph-kinase phosphorylation. In order to evaluate the potential contribution of edible and medicinal plants on EphA2-ephrinA1 modulation, 133 commercially available plant extracts used as food supplements, essential and fixed oils were screened with an ELISA-based binding assay. Nine plant extracts, rich of polyphenols, reversibly inhibited binding in a dose-dependent manner (IC"5"0 0.83-24@mg/ml). Functional studies on PC3 prostate adenocarcinoma cells revealed that active extracts antagonized ephrinA1-Fc-induced EphA2-pho...

2011-01-01

358

Particle size effects on the desorption properties of nanostructured magnesium dihydride (MgH2) synthesized by controlled reactive mechanical milling (CRMM)  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the present work the hydrogen desorption properties of nanostructured magnesium hydride (MgH2) synthesized by controlled reactive mechanical milling (CRMM) of elemental Mg powder under hydrogen are investigated. A profound effect of the particle size of synthesized MgH2 hydride on its hydrogen desorption characteristics measured by differential scanning calorimetery (DSC) has been found. All synthesized MgH2 powders are characterized by a double hydrogen desorption peak. Furthermore, below a certain threshold particle size the DSC desorption temperature of the peak doublet starts decreasing rapidly with decreasing of the mean hydride powder particle size (expressed as equivalent circle diameter-ECD). In contrast, the nanograin (crystallite) size of MgH2 does not seem to have apparent effect on the DSC desorption temperature. It is also observed that for powder particles smaller than some threshold value, X-ray diffraction shows the presence of two polymorphic ...

2006-11-09

359

Multistep process of neoplastic transformation of normal human fibroblasts by 60Co gamma rays and Harvey sarcoma viruses  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As reported previously (Namba et al., 1985), normal human fibroblasts were transformed by 60Co gamma-ray irradiation into immortal cells with abnormal karyotypes. These transformed cells (KMST-6), however, showed a low cloning efficiency in soft agar and no transplantability. However, upon treatment with Harvey murine sarcoma virus (Ha-MSV), the cells acquired elevated clonability in soft agar and transplantability in nude mice. Ha-MSV alone, however, did not convert normal human fibroblasts into either immortal or tumorigenic cells. The Ha-MSV-transformed KMST-6 cells showed an enhanced expression of the ras oncogene, but normal and 60Co gamma-ray-transformed cells did not. Our current data suggest that gamma rays worked against normal human cells as an initiator, giving rise to chromosome aberrations and immortality, and that Ha-MSV, probably through its ras oncogene, played a role in the progression of the malignant cell population to a more ...

1986-03-15

360

Molecular cloning of the human homeobox gene goosecoid (GSC) and mapping of the gene to human chromosome 14q32. 1  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Goosecoid is a homeobox gene first isolated from a Xenopus dorsal lip cDNA library. Homologous genes have been isolated from mouse, zebrafish, and chick. In all species examined, the gene is expressed and plays an important role during the process of gastrulation in early embryonic development. The authors report here the cloning of the human goosecoid (GSC) from a genomic library and the sequence of its encoded protein. The genomic organization and protein sequence of the human gene are highly conserved with respect to those of its Xenopus and mouse counterparts: all three genes consist of three exons, with conserved exon-intron boundaries. The sequence of the homeo-domain is 100% conserved in most vertebrates. Using somatic cell hybrid and chromosomal in situ hybridization, the gene was mapped to chromosome 14q32.1. 30 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.

1994-05-15

361

Modulation of gene expression in differentiating 3T3 - L1 preadipocytes  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

3T3 - L1 cells can be induced to differentiate by exposing cell culture to a medium containing 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine together with insulin and dexamethasone. They have observed that oxalomalate (OMA) which inhibits aconitase thus blocking the citric cycle, also favours differentiation to adipocytes leading to fatty acids accumulation and increased synthesis of specific proteins. They compared the effects of 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine-insulin-dexamethasone and OMA on the steady-state levels of mRNA of c / EBP, H-ferritin and aconitase / IRE-BP. OMA does not affect the steady-state mRNA amount of C / EBP, H-ferritin and aconitase / IRE-BP but the 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine-insulin-dexamethasone mixture is able to induce a five-fold increase of mRNA levels for aconitase / IRE-BP. This is the first finding correlating iron metabolism to adipocyte differentiation. Further studies will clarify a possible role for the aconitase inhibitor OMA.

1997-12-31

362

Modified Paschos-Wolfenstein relation and extraction of weak mixing angle sin^2 theta_W  

CERN Document Server

The NuTeV collaboration reported anomalously large weak mixing angle sin^2 theta_W in comparison with the standard model prediction. Neutrino and antineutrino charged- and neutral-current events are analyzed for extracting sin^2 theta_W. Although the Paschos-Wolfenstein relation is not directly used in the analysis, it plays an important role in the determination. Noting that the target nucleus, iron, is not an isoscalar nucleus, we derive a leading-order expression for a modified Paschos-Wolfenstein relation for nuclei, which may have neutron excess. Then, using charge and baryon-number conservations for nuclei, we discuss an important nuclear correction in the sin^2 theta_W determination. It is noteworthy that nuclear modifications are different between valence up- and down-quark distributions. We find that this difference effect could be of the order of the NuTeV sin^2 theta_W deviation.

2002-01-01

363

Inhibition of glypican-3 expression via RNA interference influences the growth and invasive ability of the MHCC97-H human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line.  

Science.gov (United States)

Glypican-3 (GPC3), a membrane-bound heparan sulfate proteoglycan, is found to be overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible role of GPC3 in the development of HCC. In this study, RNA interference (RNAi) with a GPC3 small hairpin RNA (GPC3 shRNA) was used to identify the effects of GPC3 on the regulation of malignant behaviors of HCC. MHCC97-H, a highly metastatic human HCC cell line in which GPC3 mRNA and protein levels were detected as the highest among the 4 HCC cell lines assessed in this study, and was thus selected as a cell model for in vitro and in vivo experiments. The results showed that down-regulation of GPC3 can significantly inhibit the proliferative and invasive ability of MHCC97-H. Compared with the parental HCC cells, GPC3-silenced cells exhibited attenuated capacities in developing tumors in nude mice, while the growth of tumor xenografts derived from these cells dramatically ...

2011-05-20

364

Hepatic aflatoxin B1-DNA adducts and TP53 mutations in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma despite low exposure to aflatoxin B1 in southern Japan  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Background & aims: Hepatitis B or C virus infection is considered to be the main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japan. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a carcinogen associated with HCC in regions with high exposure. Mutations in codon 249, exon 7 are a hallmark of AFB1 exposure. Therefore, to clarify the role of AFB1 in hepatocarcinogenesis, we examined AFB1-DNA in liver tissue and sequenced TP53 in Japanese patients with HCC. Methods: Hepatocyte AFB1-DNA adducts were determined immunohistochemically and direct sequencing of TP53 was done to determine mutations in 188 of 279 patients who underwent hepatic resection for HCC. We assessed hepatitis C virus antibodies (HCV Ab) and HBSAg expression; patients without either were defined as having non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma (...

2011-01-01

365

Consistency of the phenomenological theories of wave-type heat transport with the hydrodynamics of a phonon gas  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Various phenomenological theories of wave-type heat transport, which can be interpreted as the models of an isotropic rigid heat conductor with an internal vector state variable, have been proposed in the literature with the objective to describe the second sound propagation in dielectric crystals. The aim of this paper is to analyze the relation between these phenomenological approaches and the phonon gas hydrodynamics. The four-moment phonon gas hydrodynamics based on the maximum entropy closure of the moment equations with nonlinear isotropic phonon dispersion relation is considered for this purpose. We reformulate the equations of this hydrodynamics in terms of energy and quasi-momentum as the primitive fields and subsequently demonstrate that, from the macroscopic point of view, they can be understood as describing the reference model of an isotropic rigid heat conductor with quasi-momentum playing the role of the internal vector state variable. This model is ...

2010-09-24

366

Characterization of a Novel Annexin Gene from Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum-cv CRI 35) and Antioxidative Role of its Recombinant Protein  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Plant annexins represent a multigene family involved in cellular elongation and development. A cDNA encoding a novel annexin was isolated from a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fiber cDNA library and designated-GhAnx1. This gene encodes a 316 amino acid protein with a theoretical molecular mass of 36.06 kDa and a theoretical pI of 6.19. At the amino acid level, it shares high sequence similarity and has evolutionary relationships with annexins from higher plants. The purified recombinant protein expressed in-Escherichia coli-was used to investigate its physicochemical properties. Circular dichroism spectrum analyses showed a positive peak rising to the maximum at 196 nm and a broad negative band rounding 215 nm, suggesting that the GhAnx1 protein was prominently -helical. The fluoresc...

2011-01-01

367

Biological Research for Radiation Protection  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The work scope of 'Biological Research for the Radiation Protection' had contained the research about ornithine decarboxylase and its controlling proteins, thioredoxin, peroxiredoxin, S-adenosymethionine decarboxylase, and glutamate decarboxylase 67KD effect on the cell death triggered ionizing radiation and H_2O_2(toxic agents). In this study, to elucidate the role of these proteins in the ionizing radiation (or H_2O_2)-induced apoptotic cell death, we utilized sensesed (or antisensed) cells, which overexpress (or down-regulate) RNAs associated with these proteins biosynthesis, and investigated the effects of these genes on the cytotoxicity caused by ionizing radiation and H_2O_2(or paraquat). We also investigated whether genisteine(or thiamine) may enhance the cytotoxic efficacy of tumor cells caused by ionizing radiation (may enhance the preventing effect radiation or paraquat-induced damage) because such compounds are able to potentiate the cell-killing or cell ...

368

Bacterial Pili exploit integrin machinery to promote immune activation and efficient blood-brain barrier penetration.  

Science.gov (United States)

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of meningitis in newborn infants. Bacterial cell surface appendages, known as pili, have been recently described in streptococcal pathogens, including GBS. The pilus tip adhesin, PilA, contributes to GBS adherence to blood-brain barrier (BBB) endothelium; however, the host receptor and the contribution of PilA in central nervous system (CNS) disease pathogenesis are unknown. Here we show that PilA binds collagen, which promotes GBS interaction with the ?(2)?(1) integrin resulting in activation of host chemokine expression and neutrophil recruitment during infection. Mice infected with the PilA-deficient mutant exhibit delayed mortality, a decrease in neutrophil infiltration and bacterial CNS dissemination. We find that PilA-mediated virulence is dependent on neutrophil influx as neutrophil depletion results in a decrease in BBB permeability and GBS-BBB penetration. Our results suggest that the bacterial pilus, ...

2011-09-06

369

Application of the histone deacetylase inhibitors for the treatment of endometriosis: histone modifications as pathogenesis and novel therapeutic target.  

Science.gov (United States)

BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that various epigenetic aberrations play definite roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We investigated the histone acetylation status in endometriosis and the application of the histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) for the treatment of endometriosis. METHODS The levels of acetylated histones in the endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs) and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESCs) were evaluated. The effects of the HDACIs on cell proliferation, the cell cycle, apoptosis of ECSCs and NESCs, and the expression of genes related to these cellular events were investigated. The effects of HDACIs on histone acetylation in chromatin of the promoter region of the cell cycle regulatory genes in ECSCs were also investigated. RESULTS The acetylated histone levels were significantly lower in ECSCs than in NESCs (P endometriosis and that HDACIs reactivated epigenetically silenced genes, resulting in the ...

2011-06-29

370

A model of coherent fluctuations of nuclear density  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A model for coherent fluctuations of the nuclear density including all nucleons in the fluctuation movement is formulated. The wave function of the flucton satisfies a Schroedinger-type equation in which the role of potential energy is played by the energy of the nuclear matter for the A nucleons. The appearance of high-momentum components in the one-particle momentum distribution is related to the volume fluctuations of the density. These fluctuations are supposed to be of coherent nature, i.e. all nucleons are involved in the motion. An explicit expression for the momentum distribution of the nucleons in "1"2C and "1"8"1Ta nuclei is obtained and compared with the phenomenological momentum distribution as well as with the results given by the model of a non-relativistic harmonic oscillator and by the Dirac equation in the self-consistent model. The differential cross-section of 1 GeV proton scattering by the "2"8Si, "3"2S, "4"0Ca, "4"8Ca, ...

371

Trials and tribulations of an African-led research and capacity development programme: the case for EDCTP investments  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary We describe the initiation and establishment of The University of Zambia - University College London Medical School (UNZA-UCLMS) Research and Training Project, an entirely African scientist-led, south-north partnership. In its 16 year existence, the project, by successfully obtaining competitive grant funding, has transformed itself into one of Africa's most productive African-led R&D programmes with training and visible research outputs. The project serves as a role model and now networks R&D and training activities with six southern African (10 institutions) and six European countries. This project case study illustrates that deep commitment is essential for success and that the factors which facilitate success in R&D in Africa need to be evaluated. The long-term prospects for su...

2010-01-01

372

The prospects for shale oil in Australia  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shale oil as a fuel source would need to compete with crude oil. The prospects for shale oil therefore depend upon the market outlook and likely prices for crude oil and its products. These are examined for both the world and Australia. For Australia, market prospects for shale oil are assessed in terms of maintaining a degree of self-sufficiency in petroleum fuels. Shale oil might also need to compete with other synthetic liquid fuels. The prospects for producing these in Australia are discussed. Some factors which might influence the pattern of development of a synthetic fuels industry in Australia are described and a role suggested for the federal government to ensure optimum development for national economic growth. 6 refs., 1 fig.

1987-03-01

373

The Notch ligand Delta-like 1 integrates inputs from TGFbeta/Activin and Wnt pathways  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Unlike the well-characterized nuclear function of the Notch intracellular domain, it has been difficult to identify a nuclear role for the ligands of Notch. Here we provide evidence for the nuclear function of the Notch ligand Delta-like 1 in colon cancer (CC) cells exposed to butyrate. We demonstrate that the intracellular domain of Delta-like 1 (Dll1icd) augments the activity of Wnt signaling-dependent reporters and that of the promoter of the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) gene. Data suggest that Dll1icd upregulates CTGF promoter activity through both direct and indirect mechanisms. The direct mechanism is supported by co-immunoprecipitation of endogenous Smad2/3 proteins and Dll1 and by chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses that revealed the occupancy of Dll1icd on CTGF promot...

2011-01-01

374

Regression of rat mammary tumors associated with suppressed growth hormone.  

Science.gov (United States)

Serum growth hormone (GH) was suppressed in female rats bearing mammary tumors induced by 7, 12, dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) or N-nitrosomethylurea(NMU). Serum GH was suppressed due to treatment with a human GH analog produced by the plerocercoid stage of the tapeworm Spirometra mansonoides. Rats treated with plerocercoid growth factor (PGF) via plerocercoid infection had accelerated growth rates despite marked reductions in GH levels. Approximately two-thirds of the mammary tumors induced by either DMBA or NMU regressed during three weeks of exposure to PGF while most of the control tumors continued to grow. The data support an important regulatory role for GH in growth of mammary tumors in rats. PMID:3019224

375

Radiation therapy in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The incidence of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is very rare worldwide. Radical resection is the only prognostic factor for long survival in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Postoperative radiation therapy can improve local control and survival rates for patients with palliative resection, but it remains controversial in patients with radical resection. Biliary drainage can effectively release bile duct obstruction for the majority of patients with locally advanced disease, and may even prolong survival when combined with radiation therapy. Radiation therapy includes extrernal beam therapy alone, external beam therapy with intraluminal brachytheapy and new radiation technique, such as three dimentional conformal therapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy. The propective randomized clinical study is needed for further investigation in the role of combined modality therapy especially for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. (authors)

2007-10-01

376

Laboratory studies of the sensitivity of tropospheric ozone to the chemistry of sea salt aerosol. Final report, September 15, 1993--September 14, 1994  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ozone plays a critical role in both the chemistry and radiation balance of the troposphere. Understanding the factors controlling tropospheric ozone levels is critical to our understanding of a variety of issues in global chemistry and climate change. Chlorine atoms have the potential to contribute significantly to the ozone balance in the free troposphere. They can react directly with ozone or alternately, with organics and may actually lead to the formation of ozone in the presence of sufficient NO. Reactions of alkali halides in sea salt particles are a potential source of atomic chlorine, hence reactions of these alkali halides, especially those producing precursors to atomic chlorine, are of great interest. Finally, the mechanisms, intermediates and products of the Cl-biogenic reactions are unknown; these could serve as unique markers of chlorine atom chemistry in the troposphere, and hence are important to define.

1994-11-15

377

Kinetics of spherulite formation and growth: Salt and protein concentration dependence on proteins b-lactoglobulin and insulin  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Proteins aggregated into spherulite structures of amyloid fibrils have been observed in patients with certain brain diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons. The conditions under which these protein spherulites form and grow are not currently known. In order to illuminate the role of environmental factors on protein spherulites, this research aims to explore the kinetics and mechanisms of spherulite formation and growth, as monitored by optical microscopy, in a range of salt concentrations, and initial protein concentrations for two model proteins: bovine b-lactoglobulin and insulin. These two proteins are significantly different in their size and fibril growth rate, but both of these proteins have been shown previously to form amyloid fibrils and spherulites under low pH conditions. The...

2009-01-01

378

Innovative Elektrizit?tsversorgungssysteme f?r IKT  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary Modern society all over the world depends on information and communication technology (ICT); and security of supply with ICT is an important location factor. In times of increasing anonymity, which makes us more and more dependent on public services such as emergency supports (emergency organizations), communication is existential. Communication also plays an important role for a good functioning of economy and industry, in the course of shorter production and storage times. The usage of ICT is taken for granted. However, the modern society's use of ICT is profoundly dependent on the public power supply. Particularly in highly industrialized countries like e.g. Austria, the ICT sector requires about 10% of the total electric energy demand. One third of these 10% is estimated to be ...

2010-01-01

379

Ideal MHD stability properties of pressure-driven modes in low shear tokamaks  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The role of shear in determining the ideal MHD stability properties of tokamaks is discussed. In particular, we assess the effects of low shear within the plasma upon pressure-driven modes. The standard ballooning theory is shown to break down, as the shear is reduced and the growth rate is shown to be an oscillatory function of n, the toroidal mode number, treated as a continuous parameter. The oscillations are shown to depend on both the pressure and safety-factor profiles. When the shear is sufficiently weak, the oscillations can result in bands of unstable n values which are present even when the standard ballooning theory predicts complete stability. These instabilities are named ''infernal modes.'' The occurrence of these instabilities at integer n is shown to be a sensitive function of q-axis, raising the possibility of a sharp onset as plasma parameters evolve. 20 refs., 31 figs.

1987-03-01

380

How can supply networks increase firm value? A causal framework to structure the answer  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The recent literature in the field of supply chain management emphasizes the role of inter-organizational networks and the integration of vertical reproduction networks (supply chains) in particular as a key factor for value creation. However, the literature includes little empirical evidence. This situation suggests the need to appraise investments in such networks or supply chains carefully. How can a decision maker reliably assess the effect of investing in inter-organizational network arrangements on firm value? This article takes up this issue and suggests a framework consisting of five components to help answer the question. The task of the framework is to support the structuring and revelation of the causal chain between investments in the network on the one hand and the effect of t...

2009-01-01

381

How Women Cope: Being a Numerical Minority in a Male-Dominated Profession  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Women who have academic careers in engineering have successfully navigated the social identity threats that prevent many other women from feeling that they belong in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. In this research, we examined what factors may be related to resilience in these academic environments. Female academics in engineering and nonengineering fields watched a fictitious conference video depicting either an unbalanced ratio of men to women or a balanced ratio. Subjective measures of identity threat were collected. Past experience with discrimination, positive experience with female role models, family support, and general social support were associated with a greater sense of belonging to or desire to participate in the conference. These variables all buffered neg...

2011-01-01

382

Design of photocatalytic reactors made easy by considering the photons as immaterial reactants  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

While it is quite obvious that photons have an essential role in photochemical and photocatalytic processes, it is not simple to analyse the radiation process. A simple approach is presented on the assumption that photons can be treated as immaterial reactants. It is then possible to evaluate the radiation process in terms of parameters such as conversion, selectivity and yield, which are common in the conventional reaction engineering, and of an additional parameter, a volume efficiency factor, which accounts for the exploitation of the reaction volume as the result of the inevitable attenuation of the radiation in the transport through the participating medium. Attention has also been focused on the validation of kinetic data when, as it is usually done, they are interpreted in terms of volume averages. Finally, guidelines have been prepared to support preliminary phases of analysis and/or design of a photocatalytic reactor. (author)

2005-10-01

383

Correlation, hierarchies, and networks in financial markets  

CERN Document Server

We discuss some methods to quantitatively investigate the properties of correlation matrices. Correlation matrices play an important role in portfolio optimization and in several other quantitative descriptions of asset price dynamics in financial markets. Specifically, we discuss how to define and obtain hierarchical trees, correlation based trees and networks from a correlation matrix. The hierarchical clustering and other procedures performed on the correlation matrix to detect statistically reliable aspects of the correlation matrix are seen as filtering procedures of the correlation matrix. We also discuss a method to associate a hierarchically nested factor model to a hierarchical tree obtained from a correlation matrix. The information retained in filtering procedures and its stability with respect to statistical fluctuations is quantified by using the Kullback-Leibler distance.

2008-01-01

384

Anaphylaxis pathogenesis and treatment.  

Science.gov (United States)

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and sometimes leads to death. Understanding mechanisms, triggers, and patient-specific risk factors for severe or fatal anaphylaxis is critically important. Diagnosis of anaphylaxis is currently based on established clinical criteria. Epinephrine (adrenaline) is the first-line medication for anaphylaxis treatment and delay in injecting it contributes to biphasic reactions, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and fatality. Here, we focus on four important areas of translational research in anaphylaxis: studies of potential new biomarkers to support the clinical diagnosis of anaphylaxis, laboratory tests to distinguish allergen sensitization from clinical risk of anaphylaxis, the primary role of epinephrine (adrenaline) in anaphylaxis treatment, and strengthening the overall evidence base for anaphylaxis treatment. PMID:21668849

2011-07-01

385

A strategy for implementing non-perturbative renormalisation of heavy-light four-quark operators in the static approximation  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We discuss the renormalisation properties of the complete set of {delta}B=2 four-quark operators with the heavy quark treated in the static approximation. We elucidate the role of heavy quark symmetry and other symmetry transformations in constraining their mixing under renormalisation. By employing the Schroedinger functional, a set of non-perturbative renormalisation conditions can be defined in terms of suitable correlation functions. As a first step in a fully non-perturbative determination of the scale-dependent renormalisation factors, we evaluate these conditions in lattice perturbation theory at one loop. Thereby we verify the expected mixing patterns and determine the anomalous dimensions of the operators at NLO in the Schroedinger functional scheme. Finally, by employing twisted-mass QCD it is shown how finite subtractions arising from explicit chiral symmetry breaking can be avoided completely. (Orig.)

2006-04-15

386

A Kuznets curve in environmental efficiency. An application on OECD countries  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The role of the environment is an important issue in policy making and the accurate assessment of the environmental conditions is vital. In this paper, using nonparametric techniques, an environmental efficiency index is developed for each of the OECD countries. These indexes allow one both to do cross section comparisons on the state of each country's production process in its treatment of undesirable outputs and also to trace each country's modification of their production processes overtime. Furthermore in this study we investigate the factors underlying societies' environmental concerns that eventually lead to changes in the environmental efficiency. The results provide further empirical evidence for the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. 16 refs.

2000-09-01

387

Uptake, transport, and storage of calcium and magnesium in spruce (Picea abies [L]Karst.) and pine (Pinus silvestris L.) as affected by variable nutrition and pollutant stress  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Statements about the dynamic processes of uptake, transport, and deposition of Ca and Mg in norway spruce and Scots pine are made in this paper. Concerning the storage of these elements it is shown that there are great differences in their functional importance in cell metabolism. There is evidence that the role of Mg in enzyme and protein metabolism is of far greater significance for the understanding of Mg-deficiency symptoms than its function as the central atom of the chlorophyll complexes. In regard to the transport and especially to the incorporation of Ca into the needles differences between species were evident, expressing the special status of pine among the gymnosperms. With increasing needle age an accumulation of Ca-oxalate crystals, which are physiologically inert, could be proved for the studied conifers. This was interpreted as a 'detoxication' from surplus Ca to hold constant the level of the physiologically active fraction. ...

388

Systemic responses to inhaled ozone in mice: cachexia and down-regulation of liver xenobiotic metabolizing genes  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rats or mice acutely exposed to high concentrations of ozone show an immediate and significant weight loss, even when allowed free access to food and water. The mechanisms underlying this systemic response to ozone have not been previously elucidated. We have applied the technique of global gene expression analysis to the livers of C57BL mice acutely exposed to ozone. Mice lost up to 14% of their original body weight, with a 42% decrease in total food consumption. We previously had found significant up-regulation of genes encoding proliferative enzymes, proteins related to acute phase reactions and cytoskeletal functions, and other biomarkers of a cachexia-like inflammatory state in lungs of mice exposed to ozone. These results are consistent with a general up-regulation of different gene families responsive to NF-#kappa#B in the lungs of the exposed mice. In the present study, we observed significant down-regulation of different families of mRNAs in the livers of ...

2005-10-15

389

IL-4/Stat6 activities correlate with apoptosis and metastasis in colon cancer cells  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

IL-4-induced Stat6 signaling is active in a variety of cell types and plays a role in cell proliferation/growth and resistance to apoptosis. Using EMSA, we identified differential IL-4/Stat6 activities in colorectal cancer cell lines, HT-29 being active Stat6"h"i"g"h phenotype and Caco-2 being defective Stat6"n"u"l"l phenotype, respectively. Active Stat6"h"i"g"h HT-29 cells exhibited resistance to apoptosis by flowcytometry and aggressive metastasis by Transwell assay compared with defective Stat6"n"u"l"l Caco-2 cells. Comparing one another using RT-PCR, Stat6"h"i"g"h HT-29 cells expressed more mRNA of anti-apoptotic and pro-metastatic genes Survivin, MDM2, and TMPRSS4, while Stat6"n"u"l"l Caco-2 cells expressed more mRNA of pro-apoptotic and anti-metastatic genes BAX, CAV1, and P53, respectively. This is the first study describing correlations of IL-4/Stat6 activities with apoptosis and metastasis in colon cancer. These ...

2008-05-02

390

Cloning, Expression, Crystallization and Preliminary Crystallographic Analysis of a Pentapeptide-repeat Protein (Rfr23) from the Bacterium Cyanothece 51142l  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A unique feature of cyanobacteria genomes is the abundance of genes that code for hypothetical proteins containing tandem pentapeptide repeats approximately described by the consensus motif A(N/D)LXX. To date, the structures of two pentapeptide-repeat proteins (PRPs) have been determined, with the tandem pentapeptide-repeat sequences observed to adopt a novel type of right-handed quadrilateral ?-helix, or Rfr-fold, in both structures. One structure, Mycobacterium tuberculosis MfpA, is a 183-residue protein that contains 30 consecutive pentapeptide repeats and appears to offer antibiotic resistance by acting as a DNA mimic. The other structure, Cyanothece 51142 Rfr32, is a 167-residue protein that contains 21 consecutive pentapeptide repeats. The function of Rfr32, like the other 35 hypothetical PRPs identified in the genome of Cyanothece, is unknown. In an effort to understand the role of PRPs in cyanobacteria and to better characterize the structural properties of ...

2006-01-01

391

Theoretical and scaling factors methods to calculate the radioactivity in operational waste streams from Unit 1 at Cernavoda NPP  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The main goal of this paper is to present a methodology for calculating the radioactivity in the moderator and heat transport systems of Cernavoda NPP Unit 1, with the intention to improve the knowledge on the radionuclides inventories in the operational waste streams, and to aid the licensing process of new near surface repository. In the present paper we describe our methodology for estimating H-3 and C-14 production rates in the heavy-water moderator and heat transport systems using the capacity factors from 1997 to 2007 years. The radioactivity of the difficult-to-measure nuclides is predicted by scaling method using measured concentration in reference CANDU 6 reactor Gentilly-2. The difficult-to-measure radionuclides of primary interest in this study were those with long half-lives which have a significant role for post-closure safety assessment. The equation used to scale fission products (parents and daughters) is based on the ...

2009-05-27

392

The EU as a frontrunner on greenhouse gas emissions trading. How did it happen and will the EU succeed?  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The objective of this paper is first to provide empirical evidence of what can be seen as a rather remarkable change in EU's position on the use of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions trading (ET) in climate policy, from the role of a sceptic in the run-up to Kyoto towards more of a frontrunner. The paper argues that there is a synergistic and multilevel mix of explanatory factors for this 'U-turn', including developments at the international, EU, Member State, sub-national, and even down to the personal level. Second, the paper explores and discusses the philosophy behind the Commission's proposal for a directive on GHG ET. Third, the paper examines the prospects for 'success' of a scheme for EU-wide ET using a multifaceted set of metrics. In brief, we argue that output success - the chances for having a directive adopted - hinges on the resolution of two key issues. First, whether the ...

2003-07-01

393

Suppression of receptors for prolactin and estrogen in rat liver due to treatment with the growth hormone analogue produced by the tapeworm Spirometra mansonoides.  

Science.gov (United States)

Somatogenic hormones play an important role in regulation of receptors for prolactin (PRL) and estrogen. Plerocercoids of the tapeworm, S. mansonoides produce a factor which mimics some, but not all of the actions reported for GH. Intact female rats were subjected to a constant infusion of plerocercoid growth factor (PGF) via a subcutaneous infection for two weeks to determine if PGF influences receptors for PRL, GH or estradiol. The rate of weight gain in the PGF-treated rats was accelerated in spite of a marked reduction in serum GH. Partially-purified PGF specifically displaced [125I]hGH from rat liver receptors but microsomes prepared from rats treated with PGF specifically bound significantly less [125I]hGH than microsomes from control rats. The reduction in [125I]hGH binding was not due to occupancy or to a change in affinity but to a suppression in receptor concentration. Scatchard analysis of [3H]estradiol binding ...

1986-01-01

394

Spray evaporation in direct-injection diesel engine  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A theoretical model for spray evaporation in a direct-injection diesel engine is developed taking into consideration the unsteady evaporation period. For this purpose, the liquid droplets temperatures, masses and velocities are studied. Solving the conservation of energy and mass equations together with the equation of state, a set of ordinary differential equations is achieved. These equations are solved using a special numerical technique. This technique, based on a fourth-order Runge-Kutta integration method is described. Calculated results are compared with experimental data and were found to be in good agreement. Analysis of the obtained results shows that for the combustion-chamber constituents, temperature is a dominant factor in the spray-evaporation process and in shaping the temperature history of the evaporating droplets. The combustion-chamber pressure and the spray volume play a secondary role in the evaporation process. Also, it ...

1987-01-01

395

Sertoli cells in culture secrete paracrine factor(s) that inhibit peritubular myoid cell proliferation: identification of heparinoids as likely candidates  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Conditioned medium from Sertoli cells, prepared from testes of 20-day-old rats, contains component(s) that inhibit the incorporation of (3H)-thymidine into DNA of peritubular myoid cells (PMC) and inhibit the proliferation of PMC. These components are trypsin-resistant, heat-stable compounds having a molecular weight less than 30,000. The active inhibitory components in Sertoli cell conditioned medium are inactivated by treatment with heparinase, but not by treatment with hyaluronidase or chondroitin sulfate lyases. Addition of heparin or heparan sulfate results in inhibition of DNA synthesis by PMC in a dose-dependent manner, whereas other glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) examined (hyaluronic acid, keratan sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate) have no detectable effects. Heparin and heparan sulfate are unique among GAGs tested in inhibiting the characteristic multilayer growth pattern of PMC following the attainment of confluence in serum-rich medium. On the basis of these and other data ...

1991-06-01

396

Opportunities for petroleum company leadership in host nations sustainable petroleum economic development business  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper examines the dynamic international political economic environment in which petroleum exploration and production companies must operate when considering investments in the economically transitional nations of the former Soviet Union or developing nations In this period of critical global changes low oil prices is only one factor with which petroleum companies Must be. concerned in their investment decisions Other factors include the transition from a bipolar world to a multipolar world of free trade zones. the general malaise of the international economy public and political recognition that nations and industries can no longer practice environmental {open_quotes}beggar-thy-neighbor{close_quotes} policies, and the rejection of aggregate national economic growth policies for sustainable economic development policies in both the Developed and developing world This paper focuses on actions which investing petroleum exploration and ...

1995-12-31

397

Lattice calculation of nonleptonic charm decays  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The decays of charmed mesons into two body nonleptonic final states are investigated. Weak interaction amplitudes of interest in these decays are extracted from lattice four-point correlation functions using a effective weak Hamiltonian including effects to order G{sub f} in the weak interactions yet containing effects to all orders in the strong interactions. The lattice calculation allows a quantitative examination of non-spectator processes in charm decays helping to elucidate the role of effects such as color coherence, final state interactions and the importance of the so called weak annihilation process. For D {yields} K{pi}, we find that the non-spectator weak annihilation diagram is not small, and we interpret this as evidence for large final state interactions. Moreover, there is indications of a resonance in the isospin {1/2} channel to which the weak annihilation process contributes exclusively. Findings from the lattice calculation are compared to ...

1991-11-01

398

Influence of several factors on the growth of selenium nanowires induced by silver nanoparticles  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents a study on the crystallization and growth mechanism of selenium nanowires induced by silver nanoparticles at ambient conditions with special reference to the effects of factors such as the shapes and size of silver nanoparticles, the induced reaction time, and the molar ratio of Ag{sup 0} to SeO{sub 3}{sup 2-} ions. The synthesis approach is conducted with no need of any stabilizers, and with no sonochemical process and/or templates. It is found that whether silver spherical particles or colloids can lead to the formation of nanowires with average diameter of 25 nm and lengths up to a few micrometers, and silver nanoplates lead to the formation of flat Se nanostructures. In particular, Au, Cu, Pt, and Pd particles cannot induce the growth of selenium nanowires in aqueous solution at room temperature. The results indicate that silver particles play a critical role in determining the growth of selenium nanowires. The lattice ...

2008-03-15

399

Function-preserving surgery for rectal cancer  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

When total mesorectal excision (TME) is accurately performed, dysfunction, theoretically, does not occur. However, there are differences among individuals in the running patterns and the volumes of nerve fibers, and if obesity or a narrow pelvis is present, nerve identification is difficult. Currently, the rate of urinary dysfunction after rectal surgery ranges from 33% to 70%. Many factors other than nerve preservation play a role in minor incontinence. Male sexual function shows impotence rates ranging from 20% to 46%, while 20%-60% of potent patients are unable to ejaculate. In women, information on sexual function is not easily obtained, and there are more unknown aspects than in men. As urinary, sexual, and defecation dysfunction due to adjuvant radiotherapy have been reported to occur at a high frequency, the creation of a protocol that enables analysis of long-term functional outcome will be essential for future clinical trials. In the ...

2006-10-01

400

Evolution of a molecular switch: universal bacterial GTPases regulate ribosome function.  

Science.gov (United States)

The GTPases comprise a protein superfamily of highly conserved molecular switches adapted to many diverse functions. These proteins are found in all domains of life and often perform essential roles in fundamental cellular processes. Analysis of data from genome sequencing projects demonstrates that bacteria possess a core of 11 universally conserved GTPases (elongation factor G and Tu, initiation factor 2, LepA, Era, Obg, ThdF/TrmE, Ffh, FtsY, EngA and YchF). Investigations aimed at understanding the function of GTPases indicate that a second conserved feature of these proteins is that they elicit their function through interaction with RNA and/or ribosomes. An emerging concept suggests that the 11 universal GTPases are either necessary for ribosome function or transmitting information from the ribosome to downstream targets for the purpose of generating specific cellular responses. Furthermore, it is suggested that ...

2001-07-01

401

Desorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH`s) from calcite and quartz sediments to seawater  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH`s) are ubiquitous hydrophobic organic pollutants in the marine environment. Many of the PAM`s are classified as possible carcinogens or mutagens, therefore they are of considerable concern to human and environmental health. The highest concentrations are found in coastal regions due to anthropogenic activities including oil spills, tanker operations, incomplete fossil fuel combustion and runoff. The sources and distribution of PAM`s in sediments are fairly well known, while the fate and transport of PAH`s in the marine environment are less known. Desorption is an important factor influencing the fate and transport of hydrophobic molecules at the seawater/sediment interface. The desorption of PAH`s from contaminated marine sediments to the water column/pore water affects the availability of the pollutant to biota. The sorption of PAH`s is determined in part by the organic carbon content of the sediments. The presence of ...

1996-12-31

402

Can We Use Common Clinical Parameters to Identify Patients Who Will Need Insulin Treatment in Gestational Diabetes?  

Science.gov (United States)

OBJECTIVE To identify patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who will need antenatal insulin treatment (AIT) by using a risk-prediction tool based on maternal clinical and biochemical characteristics at diagnosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Data from 3,009 women attending the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital GDM Clinic, Australia, between 1995 and 2010 were studied. A risk engine was developed from significant factors identified for AIT using a logistic regression model. RESULTS A total of 51% of GDM patients required AIT. Ethnicity, gestation at diagnosis, HbA(1c), fasting and 60-min glucose oral glucose tolerance test, BMI, and diabetes family history were significant independent determinants of AIT. Notably, only 9% of the attributable risk for AIT can be explained by the clinical factors studied. A modeled risk-scoring system was therefore a poor predictor of AIT. CONCLUSIONS Baseline maternal characteristics including HbA(1c) alone ...

2011-08-11

403

A heterogeneous dose distribution in simultaneous integrated boost: the role of the clonogenic cell density on the tumor control probability  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

IMRT with inverse planning allows simultaneous integrated boost strategies that exploit the heterogeneous dose distribution within the planning target volumes (PTVs). In this scenario, the location of cold spots within the target becomes a crucial issue and has to be related to the distribution of the clonogenic cell density (CCD). The main aim of this work is to provide the means to calculate the optimal prescription dose in a relative inhomogeneous dose distribution. To achieve this, the prescription dose has to be assigned to obtain the same tumor control probability (TCP) as the ideal homogeneous distribution, taking into account different CCDs in different PTVs (i.e. visible and subclinical regions). An adapted formulation of the linear-quadratic model, within the F-factor formalism, has been derived to preserve a chosen TCP value for the whole target volume. The F-factor has been investigated to show its potential applications in clinical ...

2008-10-07

404

Improvement of bioprocess monitoring: development of novel concepts.  

Science.gov (United States)

The advancement of bioprocess monitoring will play a crucial role to meet the future requirements of bioprocess technology. Major issues are the acceleration of process development to reduce the time to the market and to ensure optimal exploitation of the cell factory and further to cope with the requirements of the Process Analytical Technology initiative. Due to the enormous complexity of cellular systems and lack of appropriate sensor systems microbial production processes are still poorly understood. This holds generally true for the most microbial production processes, in particular for the recombinant protein production due to strong interaction between recombinant gene expression and host cell metabolism. Therefore, it is necessary to scrutinise the role of the different cellular compartments in the biosynthesis process in order to develop comprehensive process monitoring concepts by involving the most significant ...

2006-05-22

405

Tuning and controlling gene expression noise in synthetic gene networks  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Synthetic gene networks can be used to control gene expression and cellular phenotypes in a variety of applications. In many instances, however, such networks can behave unreliably due to gene expression...Full Text Available

2010-05-01

406

Expression of p53 in leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa: correlation with expression of Ki67  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Aim—To study p53 expression in relation to proliferative status in normal and nondysplastic, dysplastic and malignant lesions of the oral mucosa.Method—The...Full Text Available

1996-06-01

407

EDISA: extracting biclusters from multiple time-series of gene expression profiles  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundCells dynamically adapt their gene expression patterns in response to various stimuli. This response is orchestrated into a number of gene expression modules consisting...Full Text Available

408

Detecting microRNA activity from gene expression data  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding to the messenger RNA (mRNA) of protein coding genes. They control gene expression by either...Full Text Available

409

Antisense Expression of the CK2 ?-Subunit Gene in Arabidopsis. Effects on Light-Regulated Gene Expression and Plant Growth1  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The protein kinase CK2 (formerly casein kinase II) is thought to be involved in light-regulated gene expression in plants because...Full Text Available

1999-03-01

410

A statistical framework for modeling gene expression using chromatin features and application to modENCODE datasets  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

We develop a statistical framework to study the relationship between chromatin features and gene expression. This can be used to predict gene expression of protein coding genes, as well as microRNAs....Full Text Available

2011-01-01

411

A retinoid responsive cytokine gene, MK, is preferentially expressed in the proximal tubules of the kidney and human tumor cell lines.  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The aim of this study was to survey the expression of an embryonic cytokine gene, MK, in the normal organs and neoplastic tissues of adults. Northern analysis showed that MK mRNA was exclusively expressed...Full Text Available

1993-02-01

412

The growth factor from plerocercoid larvae of the tapeworm, Spirometra mansonoides, stimulates growth but is not diabetogenic.  

Science.gov (United States)

A factor produced by plerocercoids of the tapeworm Spirometra mansonoides is similar to human growth hormone (hGH) in that it stimulates body growth, binds to hGH receptors, cross-reacts with anti-hGH antibodies, and has lactogenic and insulin-like activities. The purpose of this study was to determine whether plerocercoid growth factor (PGF) is similar to hGH in expressing diabetogenic activity in the genetically obese (ob/ob) mouse. To determine an effective dose for use in the obese mice, the ability of daily injections of PGF to stimulate growth of phenotypically normal mice of the same strain was assessed in a 10-day weight gain assay. Injections of PGF stimulated a dose-dependent weight gain (r = 0.83) and 25 ng eq/day of PGF stimulated a response not significantly different from that produced by 100 micrograms of bovine growth hormone/day. Diabetogenicity was assessed using fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance ...

1989-06-01

413

Sound transmission loss of composite sandwich panels  

Science.gov (United States)

Light composite sandwich panels are increasingly used in automobiles, ships and aircraft, because of the advantages they offer of high strength-to-weight ratios. However, the acoustical properties of these light and stiff structures can be less desirable than those of equivalent metal panels. These undesirable properties can lead to high interior noise levels. A number of researchers have studied the acoustical properties of honeycomb and foam sandwich panels. Not much work, however, has been carried out on foam-filled honeycomb sandwich panels. In this dissertation, governing equations for the forced vibration of asymmetric sandwich panels are developed. An analytical expression for modal densities of symmetric sandwich panels is derived from a sixth-order governing equation. A boundary element analysis model for the sound transmission loss of symmetric sandwich panels is proposed. Measurements of the modal density, total loss factor, ...

2009-01-01

414

Scaled physical model studies of the steam drive process. Second annual report, September 1978-September 1979  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A scaled physical model was operated to simulate steam drive operations in five-spot patterns with reservoir and operational parameters similar to those encountered in California reservoirs. The goal of this study was to elucidate the role of two important controllable parameters, viz., steam injection rate and steam quality and to explore the role of two important factors, oil viscosity and reservoir permeability on the performance of the steam drive. In addition, the influence of bottom water and a basal permeable layer were investigated. The experiments demonstrated that there is an optimum injection rate; that in the vicinity of this optimum an increased quantity results in improved oil steam ratios; that the viscosity of the oil at steam temperature, raised to a fractional power, 0.5, appears to correlate with oil production; that permeabilities in the darcy range have little effect on performance, but an increasing ...

1981-02-01

415

Stochastic gene expression and its consequences  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Gene expression is a fundamentally stochastic process, with randomness in transcription and translation leading to significant cell-to-cell variations in mRNA and protein levels. This variation...Full Text Available

2008-10-17

416

Molecular Cloning and Characterization of Three Novel Lysozyme-Like Genes, Predominantly Expressed in the Male ...  

Science.gov (United States)

... 041889 Molecular Cloning and Characterization of Three Novel Lysozyme-Like Genes, Predominantly Expressed in the Male Reproducti...

417

Localised breast cancers may have systemic influences on skin and hair  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

HypothesisBiomarkers, commonly expressed in breast cancer cells, may be correlated with their expression in breast skin of the same subjects.MethodsThe...Full Text Available

2007-02-01

418

Expression of cell proliferation and apoptosis biomarkers in pterygia and normal conjunctiva  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

PurposeTo analyze the expression of apoptosis and cell proliferation molecules in pterygium tissues of Chinese patients.MethodsThirty-three pterygia...Full Text Available

419

ERG Expression Levels in Prostate Tumors Reflect Functional ...  

Science.gov (United States)

... Title : ERG Expression Levels in Prostate Tumors Reflect Functional Status of the Androgen Receptor (AR) as a Consequence of Fusion of ERG ...

420

Cis-regulatory mutations in human disease  

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Cis-acting regulatory sequences are required for the proper temporal and spatial control of gene expression. Variation in gene expression is highly heritable and a significant determinant...Full Text Available

2009-07-01

426

Transformation and Transition: DARPA's Role in Fostering an ...  

Science.gov (United States)

Transformation and Transition: DARPA's Role in Fostering an Emerging Revolution ... IDA Paper P-3698 Transformation and Transition: DARPA's ...

2003-11-01

427

Role of organic acids in promoting colloidal transport of mercury from mine tailings  

CERN Document Server

Role of organic acids in promoting colloidal transport of mercury from mine tailings

2005-01-01

428

Recognizing Signposts: Anticipating the Future Role of the ...  

Science.gov (United States)

... The second section describes the role and functions of a corps as a joint task force headquarters and uses Operation Uphold Democracy ...

2011-05-19

429

World energy: Building a sustainable future  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As the 20th century draws to a close, both individual countries and the world community face challenging problems related to the supply and use energy. These include local and regional environmental impacts, the prospect of global climate and sea level change associated with the greenhouse effect, and threats to international relations in connection with oil supply or nuclear proliferation. For developing countries, the financial cost of providing energy to provide basic needs and fuel economic development pose an additional burden. To assess the magnitude of future problems and the potential effectiveness of response strategies, it is important to understand how and why energy use has changed in the post and where it is heading. This requires study of the activities for which energy is used, and of how people and technology interact to provide the energy services that are desired. The authors and their colleagues have analyzed trends in energy use by sector for most of the ...

1992-04-01

430

World energy: Building a sustainable future  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As the 20th century draws to a close, both individual countries and the world community face challenging problems related to the supply and use energy. These include local and regional environmental impacts, the prospect of global climate and sea level change associated with the greenhouse effect, and threats to international relations in connection with oil supply or nuclear proliferation. For developing countries, the financial cost of providing energy to provide basic needs and fuel economic development pose an additional burden. To assess the magnitude of future problems and the potential effectiveness of response strategies, it is important to understand how and why energy use has changed in the post and where it is heading. This requires study of the activities for which energy is used, and of how people and technology interact to provide the energy services that are desired. The authors and their colleagues have analyzed trends in energy use by sector for most of the world`s ...

1992-04-01

431

Transcriptome analysis reveals salt-stress-regulated biological processes and key pathways in roots of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).  

Science.gov (United States)

High salinity is one of the main factors limiting cotton growth and productivity. The genes that regulate salt stress in TM-1 upland cotton were monitored using microarray and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) with samples taken from roots. Microarray analysis showed that 1503 probe sets were up-regulated and 1490 probe sets were down-regulated in plants exposed for 3h to 100mM NaCl, and RT-PCR analysis validated 42 relevant/related genes. The distribution of enriched gene ontology terms showed such important processes as the response to water stress and pathways of hormone metabolism and signal transduction were induced by the NaCl treatment. Some key regulatory gene families involved in abiotic and biotic sources of stress such as WRKY, ERF, and JAZ were differentially expressed. Our transcriptome analysis might provide some useful insights into salt-mediated signal transduction pathways in cotton and offer a number of candidate genes as potential ...

2011-04-30

432

Study on the time-domain electromagnetic responses; TDEM ho ni okeru denji oto ni tsuite  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

With an objective to perform three-dimensional analysis with high accuracy in using the electromagnetic exploration method, characteristics in electromagnetic response were analyzed, and conditions for acquiring necessary data were discussed. The discussion defined a parameter called `response anomaly` which uses response from media to standardize response only from substances with abnormal resistivity. The receivers were located uniformly on the same plane, and the response anomaly was derived from electromagnetic response from each of the three horizontal and vertical components at each receiving point, which was expressed as a contour map. The parameter for the abnormal body was consisted of location and resistivity contrast with media. Discussions using the contour map were given on the response when these factors for the parameter were varied. As a result, it was found that the response anomaly appears in the form that reflects the ...

1997-05-27

433

Studies about the separation of molecular species of hydrogen's isotopes by cryogenic distillation in a plant for heavy water detritiation  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cryogenic distillation is the main industrial method for separating hydrogen's isotopes, because it presents the advantage of high separating factors and also the possibility of processing great quantities of gases. In the case of multicomponent mixtures the determination of transport for molecular species between the two phases is very difficult owing to the particularities of physical characteristics of each component from the mixture. The transport of molecular species is also strongly influenced by the hydrodynamics of two phases, in strong connection with the dimension of the interface between the vapor and liquid phase. The characteristics of the interface depend on the type and geometry of the separation area: plates or package. The traditional methods of analysis for exchange processes use the concept 'theoretic plate', a physical entity for which the values of concentrations for vapors and liquid that leaves the plate are in ...

1998-07-01

434

Mechanisms of ozone tolerance in rice: characterization of two QTLs affecting leaf bronzing by gene expression profiling and biochemical analyses  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

High surface ozone concentration is increasingly being recognized as a factor that negatively affects crop yields in Asia. However, little progress has been made in developing ozone-tolerant genotypes of rice-Asias major staple crop. This study aimed to identify possible tolerance mechanisms by characterizing two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that were previously shown to influence visible leaf symptoms under ozone exposure (120 nl l-1, 7 h d-1, 13 d). Two chromosome segment substitution lines (SL15 and SL41) that carried introgressions of the QTLs OzT3 and OzT9, respectively, were exposed to ozone at 120 nl l-1 along with their parent Nipponbare. In accordance with the expected QTL effect, SL15 showed stronger visible symptoms of ozone damage than Nipponbare, whereas SL41 had fewer sympt...

2010-01-01

435

Measurement of swirling flow in direct injection diesel engine (Part 1). Effect of intake port geometry and engine speed  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Swirling speed in a direct injection diesel engine was measured by a laser doppler velocimeter. Intake port geometry and engine speed were changed as factors affecting the swirling flow to study the distribution of swirling flow speed. The distribution of swirling flow speed changes complicatedly owing to axial nonsymmetry during intake process but becomes simple shape of axial symmetry during compression process after closing intake valve. But if this is assumed as the rigid swirl shape, the difference due to each intake port cannot be expressed but also large error may be possible to appear close to the cylinder wall. The distribution of swirling flow speed during compression process changes similarly, nearly proportinal to engine speed. But the similarity is higher at the middle period in compression process than at the end period in compression period. Axial distribution of local swirling ratio during compression process is nearly uniform. ...

1989-05-31

436

Interleukin-8 Expression in Lung Tissue During Ischemia-Reperfusion  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objetivo La generacion local de citocinas es un factor patogenico en el dano por isquemia-reperfusion en la disfuncion precoz del injerto. Este estudio analiza la expresion en tejido pulmonar de ARN mensajero de interleucina-8 (ARNm de IL-8) y su relacion con los cambios intersticiales pulmonares en un modelo experimental de isquemia-reperfusion pulmonar normotermica. MATERIAL Y METODOS Se estudiaron 16 conejos de la raza Nueva Zelanda en 3 grupos de estudio: a) basal; b) isquemia (lobulo inferior derecho tras isquemia de 1, 2 o 3 h), y c) reperfusion (lobulos superior y medio derechos tras 1 h de isquemia y 1, 2 o 3 h de reperfusion). Se deter- mino la expresion del ARNm de IL-8 mediante transcripcion inversa y reaccion en cadena de la polimerasa y estudio la infiltracion intersticial por...

2007-01-01

437

Fiscal 1998 industrial science and technology R and D project. Research report on R and D of genome informatics technology (Development of stable oil supply measures using complex biosystem); 1998 nendo genome informatics gijutsu kenkyu kaihtsu seika hokokusho. Fukugo seibutsukei riyo sekiyu antei kyokyu taisaku kaihatsu  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes the fiscal 1998 result on development of genome informatics technology. As comparative analysis technique of genes, the combination of electrophoresis and PCR was used. For improvement of the throughput and reproducibility of the technique, module- shuffling primers were used, and the multi(96)-arrayed capillary fragment analyzer was devised. The system detecting SNPs rapidly was also developed successfully. As analysis technology of DNA sequence by use of triple- stranded DNA formation, study was made on construction of long cDNA libraries, selective subtraction of specific sequences from libraries, and the basic technology of homologous cloning. Study was also made on each reaction step of IGCR technique for fast analysis, and specifications of a fluorescence transfer monitor. As modeling technique of genetic sequence information, the simulation model was developed for gene expression regulatory networks during muscle differentiation, and ...

1999-03-01

438

Citrat og nyresten  

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Citrate is an important naturally occurring inhibitor of calcium stone formation in urine. Urinary citrate excretion was examined in 43 consecutive patients with recurrent idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis and in 50 normal controls by a specific enzymatic technique. Hypocitraturia (<1.6 mmol/24h) was found in 14 (33%) stone formers compared to 6 (12%) normal controls (p = 0.03). Citrate excretion expressed as citrate-creatinine ratio in 24 hour urine samples was significantly lower in the stone formers than in the healthy controls (p = 0.03), and significantly lower in healthy men, compared to healthy females (p = 0.006). There was a great variability in urinary citrate levels in both groups, and a considerable overlap in the urinary citrate excretion between normal subjects and stone formers. Factors other than urinary citrate excretion must therefore be of importance in the pathophysiology of calcium stone formation. Citrate-calcium ratio ...

1993-01-01

439

Azimuth Quadrupole Systematics in Au-Au Collisions  

CERN Document Server

We have measured $p_t$-dependent two-particle number correlations on azimuth and pseudorapidity for eleven centralities of $\\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 62$ and 200~GeV Au-Au collisions at STAR. 2D fits to these angular correlations isolate the azimuth quadrupole amplitude, denoted $2 v_2^2 \\{ 2D \\} ( p_t )$, from localized same-side correlations. Event-plane $v_2 ( p_t )$ measurements within the STAR TPC acceptance can be expressed as a sum of the azimuth quadrupole and the quadrupole component of the same-side peak. $v_2 \\{ 2D \\} ( p_t )$ can be transformed to reveal quadrupole $p_t$ spectra which are approximately described by a fixed transverse boost and universal L\\'evy form nearly independent of centrality. A parametrization of $v_2 \\{ 2D \\} ( p_t )$ can be factored into centrality and $p_t$-dependent pieces with a simple $p_t$ dependence above 0.75 GeV/c. Results from STAR are compared to published data and model predictions.

2010-01-01

440

Association study of SNAP25 and schizophrenia in Irish family and case-control samples.  

Science.gov (United States)

SNAP25 occurs on chromosome 20p12.2, which has been linked to schizophrenia in some samples, and recently linked to latent classes of psychotic illness in our sample. SNAP25 is crucial to synaptic functioning, may be involved in axonal growth and dendritic sprouting, and its expression may be decreased in schizophrenia. We genotyped 18 haplotype-tagging SNPs in SNAP25 in a sample of 270 Irish high-density families. Single marker and haplotype analyses were performed in FBAT and PDT. We adjusted for multiple testing by computing q values. Association was followed up in an independent sample of 657 cases and 411 controls. We tested for allelic effects on the clinical phenotype by using the method of sequential addition and 5 factor-derived scores of the OPCRIT. Nine of 18 SNPs had P values Irish family sample. Although we failed to replicate this in an independent sample, this gene should be further tested in other samples. PMID:19806613

2010-03-01

441

Novel method for differentiation between Trastuzumab and host adaptive response.  

Science.gov (United States)

Humoral immune response to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2/neu or ErbB-2) has been detected in sera of breast cancer patients and shown to be an appropriate prognostic marker (Taylor et al., 2007). However, since Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is a widely used monoclonal antibody as cancer therapy agent for tumors over-expressing HER-2, there is a need for an efficient way to detect host-generated antibodies against HER-2 without the confounding effect of Herceptin. Here we describe a screening method developed to decipher between host antibodies against HER-2 and that of Herceptin. By producing a series of truncation mutants within the epitope of Herceptin, we were able to inhibit this binding. We demonstrated also that by a three amino acid substitution (PPF?SSS) we were able to abrogate Herceptin binding while generating a highly conserved HER-2 extracellular domain (ECD). By producing a stable cell line that ...

2011-06-08

442

Nod2 sensing of lysozyme-digested peptidoglycan promotes macrophage recruitment and clearance of S. pneumoniae colonization in mice.  

Science.gov (United States)

Streptococcus pneumoniae colonizes the mucosal surface of the human upper respiratory tract. A colonization event is gradually cleared through phagocytosis by monocytes/macrophages that are recruited to the airway lumen. Here, we sought to define the bacterial and host factors that promote monocyte/macrophage influx and S. pneumoniae clearance using intranasal bacterial challenge in mice. We found that the recruitment of monocytes/macrophages required their expression of the chemokine receptor CCR2 and correlated with expression of the CCR2 ligand CCL2. Production of CCL2 and monocyte/macrophage recruitment were deficient in mice lacking digestion of peptidoglycan by lysozyme (LysM) and cytosolic sensing of the products of digestion by Nod2. Ex vivo macrophages produced CCL2 following bacterial uptake, digestion by LysM, and sensing of peptidoglycan by Nod2. Sensing of digested peptidoglycan by Nod2 also required the ...

2011-08-15

443

Design configurations for stand alone photovoltaic hydrogen power systems (SAPHYS)  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the Joule II project JOU2-CT 94-0428 `Development and Testing of Stand-Alone small-size Solar Photovoltaic-Hydrogen power Systems (SAPHYS)`, different design configurations are compared and discussed. In this paper we present some of the proposed design configurations and discuss their benefits and drawbacks. Simplified expressions for system efficiency for the different configurations are presented. These expressions are based on average efficiencies for the solar cells, the electrolyzer, the batteries, the hydrogen storage and the fuel cells. Mean fractions of energy passing through the energy storages are also assumed. From considerations in the paper one conclusion becomes apparent, i.e. the direct use of the energy should be maximized. Another conclusion is that one of the most important factors in Solar Photovoltaic Hydrogen Power Systems is the solar cell efficiency. This point seems to be lost in typical projects ...

1995-12-31

444

Continuum damping of toroidal Alfven eigenmodes in finite-#beta# tokamak equilibria  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A general theoretical approach for the study of the two-dimensional structure of high-n Toroidal Alfven Eigenmodes (TAE) in finite-#beta#, large aspect ratio (R_o/a much-gt 1) tokamak equilibria is presented. Here, n is the toroidal mode number, #beta# = plasma/magnetic pressure, and a(R_o) is the minor (major) radius of the torus. It is shown how the general pseudo-differential boundary value problem for the radial eigenmode structure can be systematically constructed from the local dispersion relation; which is obtained using the ballooning formalism. The TAE modes are characterized by a broad radial envelope, the width of which is independent on the mode number in the general case of monotonic equilibrium profiles. The results on the two-dimensional eigenmode structure are expected to be applicable to drift-type waves. The ballooning transform is generalized here to handle singular eigenfunctions typical of the continuous shear Alfven spectrum, and, thereby, facilitates the ...

445

Cloning of Drosophila transcription factor Adf-1 reveals homology to Myb oncoproteins.  

Science.gov (United States)

The Drosophila sequence-specific DNA binding protein, Adf-1, is capable of activating transcription of the alcohol dehydrogenase gene, Adh, and is implicated in the transcriptional control of other developmentally regulated genes. We have cloned the cDNA encoding Adf-1 by generating specific DNA probes deduced from partial amino acid sequence of the protein. Several cDNA clones encoding an extended open reading frame were isolated from a phage lambda library. The complete amino acid sequence of Adf-1 deduced from the longest cDNA reveals structural similarities to the putative helix-turn-helix DNA binding motif of Myb and Myb-related proteins. DNA sequence analysis of genomic clones and Northern blot analysis of mRNA suggest that Adf-1 is a single-copy gene encoding a 1.9-kb transcript. Purified recombinant Adf-1 expressed in Escherichia coli binds specifically to Adf-1 recognition sites and activates transcription of a synthetic Adh promoter in vitro in a manner ...

1992-01-15

446

A PIXE/PIGE study of gold mineralisation in lateritic terrain, Tanami Desert, Australia  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Proton induced X-ray and {gamma}-ray emission (PIXE/PIGE) have been used to analyze major and trace elements in a suite of 140 core samples from around of the Jim`s Find South gold anomaly in the Tanami desert, located in heavily weathered terrain. Simultaneous analyses were obtained for 30 elements, ranging in atomic number from {sup 3}Li to {sup 90}Th. The method was chosen because of its speed and the wide range of determination, its flexibility, precision and low detection limits. The regolith powder samples were treated by hot aqua regia before making them into pills. The PIXE/PIGE data of the acid insoluble residue give three factor analysis clusters. The first cluster comprises the elements F, Al, K, V, Mn, Fe, Ga, Rb, W and Au and is essentially related to sericitic wallrock alteration. The second cluster consists of Ti, As, Y, Zr, and Nb and is largely related to resistant minerals. The third cluster consists of Na, Ca and Sr and is interpreted to comprise ...

1997-12-31

448

Overall analysis of the cost key factors for the nuclear energy  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In 1995, 25,8 % of the world electricity consumption was of nuclear origin, while in the EU this figure is increased up to 50,6 %. In order to maintain and even to increase its share in the electricity generation, Nuclear Energy needs to achieve a good economic performance as a base load source when compared with its competitors, basically coal and gas fired plants. Fossil-fired generation costs have declined over the past ten years, mainly due to lower fossil fuel prices. This factor together with the recently observed tendency of higher discount rates to be applied are challenging the attractiveness of the nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is a capital intensive option. Taken into account extensive standardization programs has been established aiming at cost reductions as well as to increase efficiency of nuclear energy utilization, among their main purposes. Externalities play an important role, as they are already internalized in nuclear ...

1996-10-02

449

Factors affecting public and political acceptance for the implementation of geological disposal  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This publication identifies conditions which affect (either increase or decrease) public concern for and political acceptance of the development and implementation of programmes for geological disposal of long lived radioactive waste. It also looks at how interested citizens can be associated in the decision making process in such a way that their input enriches the outcome of a more socially robust and sustainable solution. The publication also considers how to optimize risk management, addressing the needs and expectations of the public and of other relevant stakeholders. Factors of relevance for societal acceptance conditions are identified for the different stages of a repository programme and implementation process, from policy development to the realization of the repository itself. Further, they are described and analysed through case studies from several countries, illustrating the added value of broadening the technical dimension with social dialogue and ...

2009-09-01

456

Immunohistochemical expression of p63 in human prenatal tooth primordia  

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

development, histochemical, human, malformation, p63 gene, tooth

2005-01-01

464

Global Molecular Characterization of the Chromate Stress Response in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1: Identification of a Putative DNA-Binding Response Regulator and Azoreductase Involved in Cr(VI) Detoxification  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 is a model environmental organism that possesses diverse respiratory capacities, including the ability to reduce soluble Cr(VI) to sparingly soluble, less toxic Cr(III). Effective bioremediation of Cr-contaminated sites requires knowledge of the molecular mechanisms and regulation of heavy metal resistance and biotransformation by dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria. Towards this goal, our ERSP-funded work is focused on the identification and functional analysis of genes/proteins comprising the response pathways for chromate detoxification and/or reduction. Previous transcriptomic profiling and whole-cell proteomic analyses implicated the involvement of a functionally undefined DNA-binding response regulator (SO2426) and a putative azoreductase (SO3585) in the chromate stress response of MR-1. Here we describe a detailed functional analysis of SO2426 and SO3585 in order to begin to understand the role of these proteins in the cellular ...

2006-04-05

465

Radiation dosimetry of "1"1"1In-oxinate labelled leucocytes  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The patients studied were referred for routine abscess localization with indium-111 labelled autologous leukocytes. One series (n=15) was studied at 1 day after reinjection of labelled cells and a second series (n=9) was studied between 4 hours and 4 days after reinjection of labelled cells. The leukocytes were isolated by a gravity sedimentation method and labelled with In-111 oxinate according to Roevekamp and co-workers. The labelled cell suspension administered to the patient contained between 11 and 15 MegaBq (300-400 microCi). The indium-111 concentration in the liver and spleen was quantitated using a scintillation camera and an on-line computer system. Phantom studies were carried out to obtain conversion factors from geometric mean counts to MegaBq of activity for both liver and spleen. Once determined, the amount of activity in liver and spleen was corrected for physical decay of In-111 and expressed as a percentage of the ...

1982-06-25

466

Isothermal heat measurements of TBP-nitric acid solutions  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Net heats of reaction were measured in an isothermal calorimeter for both single phase (organic) and two phase (organic and aqueous) TBP/HNO{sub 3} reacting solutions at temperatures above 100 C. The oxidation rate constant was determined to be 5.4E-4 min{sup {minus}1} at 110 C for an open ``vented`` system as compared to 1.33 E-3 min{sup {minus}1} in the closed system. The heat released per unit material oxidized was also reduced. The oxidation in both phases was found to be first order in nitric acid and pseudo-zero order in butylnitrate and water. The hydrolysis (esterification) rate constant determined by Nichols` (1.33E-3 min{sup {minus}1}) fit the experimental data from this work well. Forced evaporation of the volatile components by the product gases from oxidation resulted in a cooling mechanism which more than balanced the heat from the oxidation reaction in the two-phased systems. Rate expressions were derived and rate constants determined for both the ...

1994-12-16

467

Functional Characterization of Melanocyte Stem Cells in Hair Follicles.  

Science.gov (United States)

In mice, coat pigmentation requires a stem cell (SC) system in which the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of melanocytes (MCs) are regulated by microenvironments in hair follicles (HFs). In vitro systems are required to analyze the behavior of single melanocyte stem cells (MCSCs) and their potential to form SC systems in vivo. We describe here an experimental system for the isolation, self-renewal, and differentiation of MCSCs, as well as an in vivo reconstitution assay for assessing their potential. Using Dct(tm1(Cre)Bee)/CAG-CAT-GFP mice, we show that, in the presence of stem cell factor and basic fibroblast growth factor and the XB2 feeder cell line, purified MCSCs can undergo clonogenic proliferation, resulting in c-Kit(low) side scatter(low) cells. In culture, these cells maintain their capacity to differentiate and reconstitute an MCSC system in HFs. As these cells are present in the upper part of the HF near the bulge region, ...

2011-07-14

468

Effect of mutations in HNF-1#alpha# and HNF-1#beta# on the transcriptional regulation of human sucrase-isomaltase in Caco-2 cells  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mutations in transcription factors hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNF)-1#alpha# and HNF-1#beta# cause maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) types 3 and 5, respectively. HNF-1#alpha# and HNF-1#beta# mutations are well studied in some tissues, but the mechanism by which HNF-1#alpha# and HNF-1#beta# mutations affect sucrase-isomaltase (SI) transcription in the small intestine is unclear. We studied the effects of 13 HNF-1#alpha# mutants and 2 HNF-1#beta# mutants on human SI gene transcription, which were identified in subjects with MODY3 and MODY5, respectively. Transactivation activity of 11 HNF-1#alpha# and 2 HNF-1#beta# mutants was significantly lower than that of wild (wt)-HNF-1#alpha# and wt-HNF-1#beta#. Furthermore, in co-expression studies with mutant (mu)-HNF-1#alpha#/ wt-HNF-1#beta# and wt-HNF-1#alpha#/mu-HNF-1#beta#, the combination of mu-HNF-1#alpha# (P379fsdelCT and T539fsdelC)/wt-HNF-1#beta# impaired SI ...

2004-12-03

469

Consumer attitudes and decision-making with regard to genetically engineered food products: A review of the literature and a presentation of models for future research  

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Executive summary 1. Few studies have to date explained consumer attitudes and purchase decisions with regard to genetically engineered food products. However, the increased marketing of genetically engineered food products and the considerable concern that consumers seem to express with regard to the technology call for the development of a theoretical basis for research into these issues. 2. The aim of the paper is to present three models which we have developed to explain consumer attitudes, buying behaviour and attitude change with regard to genetically engineered food products. All three models build on established consumer behaviour theory and on existing and comparable research in the field. 3. Consumer attitudes toward genetic engineering in food products are explained in an attitude model that builds on Fishbein's multiattribute attitude model. The model deviates from Fishbein's model in a number of ways: there is an explicit distinction between perceived ...

1998-01-01

470

Attitudes toward obesity in obese persons: a matched comparison of obese women with and without binge eating.  

Science.gov (United States)

No research has compared expressions of weight bias across different subgroups of obese individuals. This study compared attitudes toward and beliefs about obesity in women with and without binge eating disorder (BED) and examined whether these attitudes are related to psychological factors. Fifty obese women with BED were compared with an age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched group of 50 obese women without BED on a battery of established measures of anti-fat attitudes and beliefs about weight controllability and psychological factors (self-esteem, depression, and eating disorder features). The ageand BMI-matched groups did not differ with respect to beliefs about obesity or attitudes toward obese persons, or in self-esteem or depression. Correlational analyses conducted separately within each group revealed that women with BED who reported more favorable attitudes towards obese persons had higher self-esteem and lower ...

2010-01-27

471

Use of genetic parameters in coal classification  

Science.gov (United States)

The extensive reserves of mined coal types, their great variety and the complexity of the composition and properties, as well as their important role as an energy fuel and industrial feedstock, cause one to give special attention to their classification. Of course, one of the principal fields of technological processing of coal is coking. In addition to the production of blast furnace coke, in the future specialized plants will be developed for production of coke and other carbonized materials for non-blast-furnace processes (electrothermal processes, production of calcium carbide, ferroalloys, zinc, yellow phosphorus, copper, etc.). One important area is new nonfuel uses, including a number of processes for processing of coal feedstocks to obtain a wide range of carbonaceous materials (coal-graphite products, carbon black, adsorbents, etc.), liquid fuels, and chemical products. In choosing a given area of coal utilization a determining factor ...

1984-01-01

472

Theory and delivery of health programming in the community: the Pawtucket Heart Health Program.  

Science.gov (United States)

The Pawtucket Heart Health Program is one of the community studies examining whether population-based efforts to lower cardiovascular risk factors will reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The Pawtucket Heart Health Program intervention is based on a blend of social learning theory, community organization models, community psychology tenets, and diffusion research. This model allows for multifaceted programs that target individuals, groups, organizations, and the entire community to alter their cardiovascular risk through managing blood pressure, lowering blood cholesterol, quitting smoking, increasing fitness, and maintaining desirable weight levels. A dominant feature of the intervention is the emphasis that it places on volunteers for program delivery. The role of volunteers in providing direct services to help citizens lower their blood pressure and lose weight is highlighted to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of ...

1987-01-01

473

The Role of Massive Agb Stars in the Early Solar System Composition  

CERN Document Server

We demonstrate that a massive asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star is a good candidate as the main source of short-lived radionuclides in the early solar system. Recent identification of massive (4-8 solar masses) AGB stars in the Galaxy, which are both lithium- and rubidium-rich, demonstrates that these stars experience proton captures at the base of the convective envelope (hot bottom burning), together with high-neutron density nucleosynthesis with 22Ne as a neutron source in the He shell and efficient dredge-up of the processed material. A model of a 6.5 solar masses star of solar metallicity can simultaneously match the abundances of 26Al, 41Ca, 60Fe, and 107Pd inferred to have been present in the solar nebula by using a dilution factor of 1 part of AGB material per 300 parts of original solar nebula material, and taking into account a time interval between injection of the short-lived nuclides and consolidation of the first meteorites equal to 0.53 Myr. Such a ...

2008-01-01

474

Structural and morphology studies of praseodymium-doped bismuth titanate prepared using a wet chemical route  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Praseodymium-doped Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} (BIT) with various compositions of dopant, Pr (x = 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8) in Bi{sub 4-x}Pr{sub x}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12} (BPT) were synthesized using a low temperature wet chemical technique. Powders calcined at 800 deg. C exhibit a single phase polycrystalline perovskite bismuth-layered structure. Randomly oriented plate-like structures were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A small amount of Pr doping (x = 0.5) resulted in dramatically reduced of grain size from 2 {mu}m to less than 50 nm in which Pr plays the role as a grain growth inhibitor. However, by increasing the composition of Pr, bigger grain size of up to 1 {mu}m was observed for x = 0.8 that was caused by diffusion of Pr in the perovskite structure. Dielectric properties showed that dielectric permittivity decreased with the addition of x = 0.50, and increasing with further addition of Pr. Dissipation factor (tan {delta}) ...

2009-05-05

475

Structural and morphology studies of praseodymium-doped bismuth titanate prepared using a wet chemical route  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Praseodymium-doped Bi_4Ti_3O_1_2 (BIT) with various compositions of dopant, Pr (x = 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8) in Bi_4_-_xPr_xTi_3O_1_2 (BPT) were synthesized using a low temperature wet chemical technique. Powders calcined at 800 deg. C exhibit a single phase polycrystalline perovskite bismuth-layered structure. Randomly oriented plate-like structures were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). A small amount of Pr doping (x = 0.5) resulted in dramatically reduced of grain size from 2 #mu#m to less than 50 nm in which Pr plays the role as a grain growth inhibitor. However, by increasing the composition of Pr, bigger grain size of up to 1 #mu#m was observed for x = 0.8 that was caused by diffusion of Pr in the perovskite structure. Dielectric properties showed that dielectric permittivity decreased with the addition of x = 0.50, and increasing with further addition of Pr. Dissipation factor (tan #delta#) followed the same trend as ...

2009-05-05

476

Spent fuel management: Current status and prospects 1993  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spent fuel management has always been one of the most important stages in the nuclear fuel cycle and it is still one of the most vital problems common to all countries with nuclear reactors. It begins with the discharge of spent fuel from a power or a research reactor and ends with its ultimate disposition, either by direct disposal or by reprocessing of the spent fuel. Two options exist at present - an open, once-through cycle with direct disposal of the spent fuel and a closed cycle with reprocessing of the spent fuel and recycling of plutonium and uranium in new mixed oxide fuels. The selection of a spent fuel strategy is a complex procedure in which many factors have to be weighed, including political, economic and safeguards issues as well as protection of the environment. Continuous attention is being given by the IAEA to the collection, analysis and exchange of information on spent fuel management. Its role in this area is to provide a ...

477

Sequences homologous to the human x- and y-borne zinc finger protein genes (ZFX/Y) are autosomal in monotreme mannals  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The human zinc finger protein genes (ZFX/Y) were identified as a result of a systematic search for the testis-determining factor gene on the human Y chromosome. Although they play no direct role in sex determination, they are of particular interest because they are highly conserved among mammals, birds, and amphibians and because, in eutherian mammals at least, they have active alleles on both the X and the Y chromosomes outside the pseudoautosomal region. We used in situ hybridization to localize the homologues of the zinc finger protein gene to chromosome 1 of the Australian echidna and to an equivalent position on chromosomes 1 and 2 of the playtpus. The localization to platypus chromosome 1 was confirmed by Southern analysis of a Chinese hamster [times] platypus cell hybrid retaining most of platypus chromosome 1. This localization is consistent with the cytological homology of chromosome 1 between the two species. The zinc finger protein ...

1993-02-01

478

Role of the Yersinia pestis Ail Protein in Preventing a Protective Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Response During Bubonic Plague.  

Science.gov (United States)

The ability of Yersinia pestis to forestall the mammalian innate immune response is a fundamental aspect of plague pathogenesis. In this study, we examined the effect of Ail, a 17-kDa outer membrane protein that protects Y. pestis against complement-mediated lysis, on bubonic plague pathogenesis in mice and rats. The Y. pestis ail mutant was attenuated for virulence in both rodent models. The attenuation was greater in rats than in mice, which correlates with the ability of normal rat serum, but not mouse serum, to kill ail-negative Y. pestis in vitro. Intradermal infection with the ail mutant resulted in an atypical, subacute form of bubonic plague associated with extensive recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN or neutrophils) to the site of infection in the draining lymph node and the formation of large purulent abscesses that contained the bacteria. Systemic spread and mortality were greatly attenuated, however, and a productive adaptive immune response was generated ...

2011-10-01

479

Regional application of natural-gas-fired combined-cycle power generation. Final report, March 1984-March 1988  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Use of gas-fired combined-cycle technology (GFCC) in the electric-utility sector could play an important role in a least-cost planning strategy and thereby provide significant benefits to the utilities and their customers. Potential benefits include reduced capital and operating costs, more-effective matching of load growth and capacity additions, greater system reliability, and reduced environmental emissions. GFCC technology was examined in eight utility systems in six geographic regions to estimate the potential benefits of its use. In all systems, GFCC technology was shown to have the potential to reduce the cumulative capital costs for adding new capacity. The overall conclusion of the study is that GFCC technology offers the potential for significant savings in many regions of the United States and that these benefits would appear over a wide range of economic conditions. The study provides insight into the important technological and economic ...

1988-03-01

480

Probing the Origins of the CIV and Fe Kalpha Baldwin Effect  

CERN Document Server

We use UV/optical and X-ray observations of 272 radio-quiet Type 1 AGNs and quasars to investigate the CIV Baldwin Effect (BEff). The UV/optical spectra are drawn from the Hubble Space Telescope, International Ultraviolet Explorer and Sloan Digital Sky Survey archives. The X-ray spectra are from the Chandra and XMM-Newton archives. We apply correlation and partial-correlation analyses to the equivalent widths, continuum monochromatic luminosities, and alpha_ox, which characterizes the relative X-ray to UV brightness. The equivalent width of the CIV 1549 emission line is correlated with both alpha_ox and luminosity. We find that by regressing l_UV with EW(CIV) and alpha_ox, we can obtain tighter correlations than by regressing l_UV with only EW(CIV). Both correlation and regression analyses imply that l_UV is not the only factor controlling the changes of EW(CIV); alpha_ox (or, equivalently, the soft X-ray emission) plays a fundamental role in ...

2009-01-01

481

Preparation and characterization of d.c.-plated nanocrystalline nickel deposits  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The microstructure, microhardness, corrosion, and wear resistance of d.c.-plated Ni electrodeposits prepared from different types of electrolysing Watts-type baths, without or with organic compounds, ceramic powder - SiC and polymer - polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), on Cu substrate, which was subsequently removed from the deposits, were investigated. With the change of the type of bath, the deposit grain size was found to decrease markedly, e.g. deposits with an average grain size of about 50 nm could be produced from the bath containing 45 g/dm"3 Ni"2"+ ions, 5 g/dm"3 SiC, and 20 g/dm"3 PTFE. The surface morphology on the bath side of the electrode-posited Ni or Ni-SiC-PTFE foils was characteristic of the type of bath, and its roughness correlated well with the observed grain size. Microhardness and wear resistance increased with decreasing grain size, as expected. On discussing the factors controlling deposit grain size, it is concluded that the Ni"2"+ ion ...

2001-09-23

482

NADP Regulates the Yeast GAL Induction System  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Transcriptional regulation of the galactose-metabolizing genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae depends on three core proteins: Gal4p, the transcriptional activator that binds to upstream activating DNA sequences (UASGAL); Gal80p, a repressor that binds to the carboxyl terminus of Gal4p and inhibits transcription; and Gal3p, a cytoplasmic transducer that, upon binding galactose and adenosine 5'-triphosphate, relieves Gal80p repression. The current model of induction relies on Gal3p sequestering Gal80p in the cytoplasm. However, the rapid induction of this system implies that there is a missing factor. Our structure of Gal80p in complex with a peptide from the carboxyl-terminal activation domain of Gal4p reveals the existence of a dinucleotide that mediates the interaction between the two. Biochemical and in vivo experiments suggests that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) plays a key role in the initial induction event.

2008-01-01

483

Low temperature formation of shallow p{sup +}n junctions by BF{sub 2}{sup +} implantation into thin Pd{sub 2}Si films on Si substrates  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Excellent silicided shallow p{sup +}n junctions have been successfully achieved by the implantation of BF{sub 2}{sup +} ions into thin Pd{sub 2}Si films on Si substrates to a dose of 5 {times} 10{sup 15} cm{sup {minus}2} and subsequent low temperature (even at 550 C) furnace annealing. The formed junctions have been characterized for respective implantation conditions. In this experiment, the implant energy is the key role in obtaining a low leakage diode. Reverse current density of about 3 nA/cm{sup 2} and an ideality factor of about 1.05 can be attained by the implantation of BF{sub 2}{sup +} ions at 80 keV and subsequent annealing at 550 C. The junction depth is about 0.09 {mu}m, measured by the spread resistance method. As compared with the results of unimplanted specimens, the implantation of BF{sub 2}{sup +} ions into a thin Pd{sub 2}Si layer can stabilize the silicide film and prevent it from forming islands during high temperature ...

1995-05-01

484

Interaction of x-rays and food pyrolysis products in producing oncogenic transformation in vitro  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In recent years it has become evident from epidemiological and experimental data that a large number of environmental factors, including diet, play a role in modifying the incidence of cancer. Cell culture systems in which oncogenic transformation serves as an end point are powerful tools for evaluating these questions. Using such systems it has been shown recently that pyrolysis products from charred surfaces of broiled meat and fish can transform hamster embryo cells in vitro as well as produce tumors in the animal. Our studies in vitro have demonstrated the oncogenic potential of ionizing radiation in both hamster and human cells and have established in hamster cells the dose response relationship at doses ranging from 1 to 600 rad for x-rays and 0.1 to 150 rad for neutrons. The present work was aimed at evaluating whether there exists a cocarcinogenic interaction between a pyrolysis product and x-rays in their ability to transform hamster ...

1981-07-01

485

Intelligent robotics and remote systems for the nuclear industry  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The nuclear industry has a recognized need for intelligent, multitask robots to carry out tasks in harsh environments. From 1986 to the present, the number of robotic systems available or under development for use in the nuclear industry has more than doubled. Presently, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a relatively small role in existing robots used in the nuclear industry. Indeed, the lack of intelligence has been labeled the ''Achilles heel'' of all current robotic technology. However, larger-scale efforts are underway to make the multitask robot more sensitive to its environment, more capable to move and perform useful work, and more fully autonomous via the use of AI. In this paper, we review the terminology, the history, and the factors which are motivating the development of robotics and remove systems; discuss the applications related to the nuclear industry; and, finally, examine the state of the art of the technologies being applied ...

486

Integrated interpretation of AE clusters and fracture system in Hijiori HDR artificial reservoir; Hijiori koon gantai jinko choryuso no AE cluster to kiretsu system ni kansuru togoteki kaishaku  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

With regard to a fracture system in the Hijiori hot dry rock artificial reservoir, an attempt was made on an interpretation which integrates different data. Major factors that characterize development and performance of an artificial reservoir are composed of a fracture system in rocks, which acts as circulating water paths, a heat exchange face and a reservoir space. The system relates not only with crack density distribution, but also with cracks activated by water pressure fracturing, cracks generating acoustic emission (AE), and cracks working as major flow paths, all of which are characterized by having respective behaviors and roles. Characteristics are shown on AE cluster distribution, crack distribution, production zone and estimated stress fields. Mutual relationship among these elements was discussed based on the Coulomb`s theory. The most important paths are characterized by distribution of slippery cracks. Directions and appearance ...

1997-05-27

487

Effect of the fabrication process on fatigue performance of U3Si2 fuel plate with sandwich structure  

Science.gov (United States)

U3Si2 Al fuel plate is one of the dispersion fuel structure materials recently developed and widely used in research reactors. The mechanical properties of this structural material, especially the fatigue performance, are strongly dependent on its fabrication process. To investigate the effects of these processing technologies, the fatigue tests for the different specimens were carried out. The S N curves indicate that the fabrication processing technologies of U3Si2 fuel plate, such as the addition of U3Si2 particles into aluminum powder to form the fuel meat, holding and rolling the processes of meat and cladding of 6061-Al alloy, plays an important role in improving the mechanical properties and fatigue performance of this fuel plate. In addition, some factors that influence the crack initiation and propagation are summarized based on the fatigue images that are in situ observations with SEM. The critical criterion for fatigue damage is ...

2005-06-01

488

Commercial acceptability of solid polymer fuel cell systems in the role of combined heat and power packages  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report aims to address the potential for solid polymer fuel cell (SPFC) systems to be successfully exploited in the combined heat and power (CHP) market. A number of market studies have been undertaken to look at the size and future potential for this CHP market as well as such issues as market forces and geographical locations. This study focuses on a different aspect, that of the technical and commercial requirement together with the development needs. In order to understand how an SPFC system will have to perform, it is first necessary to examine the criteria used to judge the commercial merits of a particular CHP scheme. Issues that must be addressed include: the investment criteria - time to pay back the investment or rate of return on the investment; the influence of external factors such as electricity cost tariffs, fuel price and regulatory requirements; the cost and performance of existing technology; and the influence of the energy demand profile of ...

1998-09-01

489

Changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels induced by cytokines and P2 agonists differentially modulate proliferation or commitment with macrophage differentiation in murine hematopoietic cells.  

Science.gov (United States)

The role of intracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+i) on hematopoiesis was investigated in long term bone marrow cultures using cytokines and agonists of P2 receptors. Cytokines interleukin 3 and granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulator factor promoted a modest increase in Ca2+i concentration ([Ca2+]i) with activation of phospholipase Cgamma, MEK1/2, and Ca2+/calmodulin kinase II. Involvement of protein kinase C was restricted to stimulation with interleukin 3. In addition, these cytokines promoted proliferation (20 times) and an increase in the Gr-1(-)Mac-1+ population with participation of gap junctions (GJ). Nevertheless ATP, ADP, and UTP promoted a large increase in [Ca2+]i, moderate proliferation (6 times), a reduction in the primitive Gr-1(-)Mac-1(-)c-Kit+ population, and differentiation into macrophages without participation of GJ. It is likely that Ca2+i participates as a regulator of hematopoietic signaling: moderate increases in [Ca2+]i would be ...

2008-09-05

490

Artificial food dyes and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  

Science.gov (United States)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behavioral disorders in children. Symptoms of ADHD include hyperactivity, low frustration tolerance, impulsivity, and inattention. While the biological pathways leading to ADHD are not clearly delineated, a number of genetic and environmental risk factors for the disorder are recognized. In the early 1970s, research conducted by Dr. Benjamin Feingold found that when hyperactive children were given a diet free of artificial food additives and dyes, symptoms of hyperactivity were reduced. While some clinical studies supported these findings, more rigorous empirical studies conducted over the next 20 years were less positive. As a result, research on the role of food additives in contributing to ADHD waned. In recent years, however, interest in this area has revived. In response to more recent research and public petitions, in December 2009 the British government requested ...

2011-06-30

491

Analysis of the roles of E6 binding to E6TP1 and nuclear localization in the human papillomavirus type 31 life cycle  

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The E6 oncoproteins of high-risk human papillomaviruses provide important functions not only for malignant transformation but also in the productive viral life cycle. E6 proteins have been shown to bind to a number of cellular factors, but only a limited number of analyses have investigated the effects of these interactions on the viral life cycle. In this study, we investigated the consequences of HPV 31 E6 binding to E6TP1, a putative Rap1 GAP protein. HPV 16 E6 has been shown to bind as well as induce the rapid turnover of E6TP1, and similar effects were observed with HPV 31 E6. Mutation of amino acid 128 in HPV 31 E6 was found to abrogate the ability to bind and degrade E6TP1 but did not alter binding to another ?-helical domain protein, E6AP. When HPV 31 genomes containing mutations a...

2007-01-01

492

Acid soil infertility effects on peanut yields and yield components  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The interpretation of soil amelioration experiments with peanuts is made difficult by the unpredictibility of the crop and by the many factors altered when ameliorating acid soils. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of lime and gypsum applications on peanut kernel yield via the three first order yield components, pods per ha, kernels per pod, and kernel mass. On an acid medium sandy loam soil (typic Plinthustult), liming resulted in a highly significant kernel yield increase of 117% whereas gypsum applications were of no significant benefit. As indicated by path coefficient analysis, an increase in the number of pods per ha was markedly more important in increasing yield than an increase in either the number of kernels per pod or kernel mass. Furthermore, exch. Al was found to be particularly detrimental to pod number. It was postulated that poor peanut yields resulting from acid soil infertility were mainly due to the depressive effect of ...

1983-01-01

493

A one-pot synthetic approach to prepare palladium nanoparticles embedded hierarchically porous TiO2 hollow spheres for hydrogen peroxide sensing  

Science.gov (United States)

A simple one-step method to fabricate hierarchically porous TiO2/Pd composite hollow spheres without any template was developed by using solvothermal treatment. Pd nanoparticles (2-5 nm) were well dispersed in the mesopores of the TiO2 hollow spheres via in-situ reduction. In our experiment, polyvinylpyrrolidone played an important role in the synthetic process as the reducing agent and the connective material between TiO2 and Pd nanoparticles. HF species generated from solvothermal reaction leaded to the formation of TiO2 hollow spheres and Ostwald ripening was another main factor that affected the size and structure of the hollow spheres. The as-prepared TiO2/Pd composite hollow spheres exhibited high electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of H2O2. The sensitivity was about 226.72 ?A mM-1 cm-2 with a detection limit of 3.81 ?M at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. These results made the hierarchically porous TiO2/Pd composite a promising ...

2010-10-01

494

#gamma##gamma# Cross-sections and #gamma##gamma# colliders  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We summarize the predictions of different models for total #gamma##gamma# cross-sections. The experimentally observed rise of #sigma#_#gamma#_#gamma# with s radical _#gamma#_#gamma#, faster than that for #sigma#_p_-_b_a_r_p, #sigma#_#gamma#_p is in agreement with the predictions of the Eikonalized Minijet Models as opposed to those of the Regge-Pomeron models. We then show that a measurement of #sigma#_#gamma#_#gamma# with an accuracy of < or approx. 8-9% (6-7%) is necessary to distinguish among different Regge-Pomeron type models (the different parameterisations of the EMM models) and a precision of < or approx. 20% is required to distinguish the predictions of the EMMs and of those models which treat 'photon like a proton', for the energy range 300< s radical_#gamma#_#gamma# <500 GeV. We further show that the difference in model predictions for #sigma#_#gamma#_#gamma# of about a factor 2 at s radical _#gamma#_#gamma# = 700 GeV reduces to #approx# 30% ...

2001-10-11

496

Application of dose factors for decay chains  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

... dose rates inhalation iodine 134 krypton 88 nuclear decay quality factor

497

To study the role of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in assessing the femoral head vascularity in intracapsular femoral neck fractures  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Intracapsular femoral neck fractures remain unsolved fractures even after improvement in techniques of diagnosis and internal fixation. Individuals who sustain displaced femoral neck fractures are at high risk of developing avascular necrosis and non-union. Although several methods for predicting the viability of femoral head have been reported, they are not effective or widely used because of unreliability, potential complications and technical difficulties. Dynamic MRI was introduced in the recent past as a simple, non-invasive technique to predict the femoral head viability after the femoral neck fractures. In this study role of dynamic MRI was studied in 30 patients with 31 intracapsular femoral neck fractures. Fractures were divided in to three types according to dynamic curve patterns on MRI evaluation and were followed up for 6 months to 2 years to observe the final outcome. Sensitivity, Specificity and the Accuracy of dynamic MRI in predicting vascularity ...

2010-09-15

498

To study the role of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in assessing the femoral head vascularity in intracapsular femoral neck fractures  

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Intracapsular femoral neck fractures remain unsolved fractures even after improvement in techniques of diagnosis and internal fixation. Individuals who sustain displaced femoral neck fractures are at high risk of developing avascular necrosis and non-union. Although several methods for predicting the viability of femoral head have been reported, they are not effective or widely used because of unreliability, potential complications and technical difficulties. Dynamic MRI was introduced in the recent past as a simple, non-invasive technique to predict the femoral head viability after the femoral neck fractures. In this study role of dynamic MRI was studied in 30 patients with 31 intracapsular femoral neck fractures. Fractures were divided in to three types according to dynamic curve patterns on MRI evaluation and were followed up for 6 months to 2 years to observe the final outcome. Sensitivity, Specificity and the Accuracy of dynamic MRI in predicting vascularity ...

2010-09-01

499

The influence of modified water chemistries on metal oxide films, activity build-up and stress corrosion cracking of structural materials in nuclear power plants  

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The primary coolant oxidises the surfaces of construction materials in nuclear power plants. The properties of the oxide films influence significantly the extent of incorporation of actuated corrosion products into the primary circuit surfaces, which may cause additional occupational doses for the maintenance personnel. The physical and chemical properties of the oxide films play also an important role in different forms of corrosion observed in power plants. This report gives a short overview of the factors influencing activity build-up and corrosion phenomena in nuclear power plants. Furthermore, the most recent modifications in the water chemistry to decrease these risks are discussed. A special focus is put on zinc water chemistry, and a preliminary discussion on the mechanism via which zinc influences activity build-up is presented. Even though the exact mechanisms by which zinc acts are not yet known, it is assumed that Zn may block the ...

1999-03-01

500

Polymorphisms in fatty acid metabolism-related genes are associated with colorectal cancer risk  

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignant tumor and the fourth-leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The crucial role of fatty acids for a number of important biological processes suggests a more in depth analysis of inter-individual differences in fatty acid metabolizing genes as contributing factor to colon carcinogenesis. We examined the association between genetic variability in 43 fatty acid metabolism-related genes and colorectal risk in 1225 CRC cases and 2032 controls participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study. 392 single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected using pairwise tagging with an r(2) cutoff of 0.8 and a minor allele frequency of >5%. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Haplotype analysis was performed using a generalized linear model framework. On the genotype level, HPGD, PLA2G6, and ...

2010-01-01