Interface interaction in the B4C/(Fe-B-C) system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aizenshtein, M.; Mizrahi, I.; Froumin, N.; Hayun, S.; Dariel, M.P.; Frage, N.

2008-01-01

The wetting behavior in the B 4 C/(Fe-C-B) system was investigated in order to clarify the role of Fe additions on the sinterability of B 4 C. Iron and its alloys with C and B react with the boron carbide substrate and form a reaction zone consisting of a fine mixture of FeB and graphite. The apparent contact angles are relatively low for the alloys with a moderate concentration of the boron and carbon and allow liquid phase sintering to occur in the B 4 C-Fe mixtures. A dilatometric study of the sintering kinetics confirms that liquid phase sintering actually takes place and leads to improved mass transfer. A thermodynamic analysis of the ternary Fe-B-C system allows accounting for the experimental observations

Combination of Dll4/Notch and Ephrin-B2/EphB4 targeted therapy is highly effective in disrupting tumor angiogenesis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Djokovic, Dusan; Gill, Parkash S; Duarte, Antonio; Trindade, Alexandre; Gigante, Joana; Badenes, Marina; Silva, Lilliana; Liu, Ren; Li, Xiuqing; Gong, Ming; Krasnoperov, Valery

2010-01-01

Dll4/Notch and Ephrin-B2/EphB4 pathways play critical roles in tumor vessel development and maturation. This study evaluates the efficacy of the inhibition of both signaling pathways, alone and in combination, in reducing the growth of an autochthonous mouse tumor and assesses potential adverse effects. We used the transgenic RIP1-Tag2 tumor model to study the effects of 1) inhibition of Dll4/Notch by either Dll4 allelic deletion or use of a soluble extracellular Dll4 (sDll4), 2) inhibition of Ephrin-B2/EphB4 signaling by a soluble extracellular EphB4 fused to albumin (sEphB4-Alb), and 3) inhibition of both pathways by sEphB4-Alb combined with either Dll4 allelic deletion or sDll4. To investigate adverse effects, we used inducible endothelial-specific Dll4 knock-out mice, treated with sEphB4-Alb, and carried out histopathological analysis. Dll4 allele deletion or soluble Dll4 treatment resulted in increased tumor vessel density, reduced mural cell recruitment and vessel perfusion which resulted in reduced tumor size. The soluble EphB4 instead reduced vessel density and vessel perfusion, leading to reduction of tumor size. Greater efficacy was observed when sEphB4-Alb was combined with either Dll4 allele deletion or sDll4 in regards to tumor size, vessel perfusion and mural cell recruitment. Induced endothelial specific Dll4 loss-of-function caused hepatic vascular alterations, which were prevented by concomitant sEphB4-Alb treatment. Combination targeting of Dll4/Notch and Ephrin-B2/EphB4 has potential for clinical investigation, providing cumulative efficacy and increased safety over Dll4/Notch inhibition alone

Development of an ErbB4 monoclonal antibody that blocks neuregulin-1-induced ErbB4 activation in cancer cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Okazaki, Shogo [Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582 (Japan); Nakatani, Fumi [Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kinki University, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502 Japan (Japan); Masuko, Kazue; Tsuchihashi, Kenji [Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582 (Japan); Ueda, Shiho; Masuko, Takashi [Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kinki University, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502 Japan (Japan); Saya, Hideyuki [Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582 (Japan); Nagano, Osamu, E-mail: osmna@sb3.so-net.ne.jp [Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582 (Japan)

2016-01-29

The use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for cancer therapy is one of the most important strategies for current cancer treatment. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, which regulates cancer cell proliferation, survival, and migration, is a major molecular target for antibody-based therapy. ErbB4/HER4, which contains a ligand-binding extracellular region, is activated by several ligands, including neuregulins (NRGs), heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor, betacellulin and epiregulin. Although there are clinically approved antibodies for ErbB1 and ErbB2, there are no available therapeutic mAbs for ErbB4, and it is not known whether ErbB4 is a useful target for antibody-based cancer therapy. In this study, we developed an anti-ErbB4 mAb (clone P6-1) that suppresses NRG-dependent activation of ErbB4 and examined its effect on breast cancer cell proliferation in the extracellular matrix. - Highlights: • We newly generated four clones of human ErbB4 specific mAb. • ErbB4 mAb clone P6-1 blocks ErbB4 phosphorylation induced by NRG-1. • ErbB4 mAb clone P6-1 suppresses NRG-1-promoted breast cancer cells proliferation on three dimensional culture condition.

Development of an ErbB4 monoclonal antibody that blocks neuregulin-1-induced ErbB4 activation in cancer cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okazaki, Shogo; Nakatani, Fumi; Masuko, Kazue; Tsuchihashi, Kenji; Ueda, Shiho; Masuko, Takashi; Saya, Hideyuki; Nagano, Osamu

2016-01-01

The use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for cancer therapy is one of the most important strategies for current cancer treatment. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, which regulates cancer cell proliferation, survival, and migration, is a major molecular target for antibody-based therapy. ErbB4/HER4, which contains a ligand-binding extracellular region, is activated by several ligands, including neuregulins (NRGs), heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor, betacellulin and epiregulin. Although there are clinically approved antibodies for ErbB1 and ErbB2, there are no available therapeutic mAbs for ErbB4, and it is not known whether ErbB4 is a useful target for antibody-based cancer therapy. In this study, we developed an anti-ErbB4 mAb (clone P6-1) that suppresses NRG-dependent activation of ErbB4 and examined its effect on breast cancer cell proliferation in the extracellular matrix. - Highlights: • We newly generated four clones of human ErbB4 specific mAb. • ErbB4 mAb clone P6-1 blocks ErbB4 phosphorylation induced by NRG-1. • ErbB4 mAb clone P6-1 suppresses NRG-1-promoted breast cancer cells proliferation on three dimensional culture condition.

The superfamily of C3b/C4b-binding proteins

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kristensen, Torsten; D'Eustachio, P; Ogata, R T

1987-01-01

The determination of primary structures by amino acid and nucleotide sequencing for the C3b-and/or C4b-binding proteins H, C4BP, CR1, B, and C2 has revealed the presence of a common structural element. This element is approximately 60 amino acids long and is repeated in a tandem fashion, commencing...... at the amino-terminal end of each molecule. Two other complement components, C1r and C1s, have two of these repeating units in the carboxy-terminal region of their noncatalytic A chains. Three noncomplement proteins, beta 2-glycoprotein I (beta 2I), the interleukin 2 receptor (IL 2 receptor), and the b chain...... of factor XIII, have 4, 2 and 10 of these repeating units, respectively. These proteins obviously belong to the above family, although there is no evidence that they interact with C3b and/or C4b. Human haptoglobin and rat leukocyte common antigen also contain two and three repeating units, respectively...

Combustion of Na2B4O7 + Mg + C to synthesis B4C powders

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jiang Guojian; Xu Jiayue; Zhuang Hanrui; Li Wenlan

2009-01-01

Boron carbide powder was fabricated by combustion synthesis (CS) method directly from mixed powders of borax (Na 2 B 4 O 7 ), magnesium (Mg) and carbon. The adiabatic temperature of the combustion reaction of Na 2 B 4 O 7 + 6 Mg + C was calculated. The control of the reactions was achieved by selecting reactant composition, relative density of powder compact and gas pressure in CS reactor. The effects of these different influential factors on the composition and morphologies of combustion products were investigated. The results show that, it is advantageous for more Mg/Na 2 B 4 O 7 than stoichiometric ratio in Na 2 B 4 O 7 + Mg + C system and high atmosphere pressure in the CS reactor to increase the conversion degree of reactants to end product. The final product with the minimal impurities' content could be fabricated at appropriate relative density of powder compact. At last, boron carbide without impurities could be obtained after the acid enrichment and distilled water washing.

Granzyme B mediated function of Parvovirus B19-specific CD4+ T cells

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, Arun; Perdomo, Maria F; Kantele, Anu; Hedman, Lea; Hedman, Klaus; Franssila, Rauli

2015-01-01

A novel conception of CD4+ T cells with cytolytic potential (CD4+ CTL) is emerging. These cells appear to have a part in controlling malignancies and chronic infections. Human parvovirus B19 can cause a persistent infection, yet no data exist on the presence of B19-specific CD4+ CTLs. Such cells could have a role in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune disorders reported to be associated with B19. We explored the cytolytic potential of human parvovirus B19-specific T cells by stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) with recombinant B19-VP2 virus-like particles. The cytolytic potential was determined by enzyme immunoassay-based quantitation of granzyme B (GrB) and perforin from the tissue culture supernatants, by intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) and by detecting direct cytotoxicity. GrB and perforin responses with the B19 antigen were readily detectable in B19-seropositive individuals. T-cell depletion, HLA blocking and ICS experiments showed GrB and perforin to be secreted by CD4+ T cells. CD4+ T cells with strong GrB responses were found to exhibit direct cytotoxicity. As anticipated, ICS of B19-specific CD4+ T cells showed expected co-expression of GrB, perforin and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Unexpectedly, also a strong co-expression of GrB and interleukin 17 (IL-17) was detected. These cells expressed natural killer (NK) cell surface marker CD56, together with the CD4 surface marker. To our knowledge, this is the first report on virus-specific CD4+ CTLs co-expressing CD56 antigen. Our results suggest a role for CD4+ CTL in B19 immunity. Such cells could function within both immune regulation and triggering of autoimmune phenomena such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis. PMID:26246896

7 CFR 15b.4 - Discrimination prohibited.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Discrimination prohibited. 15b.4 Section 15b.4... ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE General Provisions § 15b.4 Discrimination prohibited. (a... in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or...

15 CFR 8b.4 - Discrimination prohibited.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Discrimination prohibited. 8b.4 Section 8b.4 Commerce and Foreign Trade Office of the Secretary of Commerce PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION... Provisions § 8b.4 Discrimination prohibited. (a) General. No qualified handicapped individual shall, on the...

CAREN-4, ENDF/B Utility, Discontinuity Check at Resonance Region Boundary. CHECK-4, ENDF/B Utility, Structure Consistency Check and Format Check. CRECT, ENDF/B Utility, Data Correlation and Data Update. DICT-4, ENDF/B Utility, Section Table of Contents Generator. LISTF-4, ENDF/B Utility, Data Listing. RIGEL-4, ENDF/B Utility, Data Retrieval, BCD to BIN Conversion. SUMUP-4, ENDF/B Utility, Partial Cross-Sections Sum Check Against Tot Cross-Sections

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1975-08-01

Description of problem or function: These programs are updated versions of ENDF/B checking, retrieval, and display codes capable of processing the Version-IV data files. RIGEL4 retrieves ENDF/B data and changes mode (BCD-BIN) or arrangement. Updated version processes decay data (mf=1, mt=457) and error files. CHECK4 checks the structure, consistency, and formats of ENDF data files. Updated version recognizes newly defined mt and mf numbers, checks mt=457 and the formats of the error files, contains RSIC photon file changes. SUMUP4 checks whether partial cross sections add up to the total. Updated version flags grid points present in the partial cross section, absent in the total. LISTF4 produces interpreted listings of ENDF/B data. Updated version lists mt=457, skips over error files, contains minor corrections. PLOTF4 produces plots of ENDF/B data. Updated version plots mt=457, skips over error files, contains minor corrections. RESEND processes ENDF materials with resonance parameters into a pointwise form. Capability of processing Adler-Adler parameters added. CRECT corrects ENDF/B data files. DICT4 generates a section table of contents (dictionary) for ENDF/B materials. CAREN4 tests for discontinuities across the limits of resonance ranges of an ENDF/B material. Updated version contains minor corrections.

76 FR 19724 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and...

Science.gov (United States)

2011-04-08

... B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively... F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A310-203, -204...

76 FR 47430 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R Series...

Science.gov (United States)

2011-08-05

... Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model..., B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222...

26 CFR 1.167(b)-4 - Other methods.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Other methods. 1.167(b)-4 Section 1.167(b)-4...) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Itemized Deductions for Individuals and Corporations § 1.167(b)-4 Other methods. (a) Under section 167(b)(4) a taxpayer may use any consistent method of computing depreciation, such...

76 FR 25259 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R Series...

Science.gov (United States)

2011-05-04

... Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model...-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222...

26 CFR 1.50B-4 - Partnerships.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... § 1.50A-3, or if the partnership fails to pay comparable wages and such failure is subject to the... 26 Internal Revenue 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 true Partnerships. 1.50B-4 Section 1.50B-4 Internal... Credit for Expenses of Work Incentive Programs § 1.50B-4 Partnerships. (a) General rule—(1) In general...

Interface interaction in the B{sub 4}C/(Fe-B-C) system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aizenshtein, M. [Department of Material Engineering, Ben-Gurion University, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105 (Israel); NRC-Negev, P.O. Box 9001, Beer-Sheva 84190 (Israel); Mizrahi, I.; Froumin, N.; Hayun, S.; Dariel, M.P. [Department of Material Engineering, Ben-Gurion University, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105 (Israel); Frage, N. [Department of Material Engineering, Ben-Gurion University, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva 84105 (Israel)], E-mail: nfrage@bgu.ac.il

2008-11-15

The wetting behavior in the B{sub 4}C/(Fe-C-B) system was investigated in order to clarify the role of Fe additions on the sinterability of B{sub 4}C. Iron and its alloys with C and B react with the boron carbide substrate and form a reaction zone consisting of a fine mixture of FeB and graphite. The apparent contact angles are relatively low for the alloys with a moderate concentration of the boron and carbon and allow liquid phase sintering to occur in the B{sub 4}C-Fe mixtures. A dilatometric study of the sintering kinetics confirms that liquid phase sintering actually takes place and leads to improved mass transfer. A thermodynamic analysis of the ternary Fe-B-C system allows accounting for the experimental observations.

Formalin-inactivated EV71 vaccine candidate induced cross-neutralizing antibody against subgenotypes B1, B4, B5 and C4A in adult volunteers.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ai-Hsiang Chou

Full Text Available Enterovirus 71 (EV71 has caused several epidemics of hand, foot and mouth diseases (HFMD in Asia. No effective EV71 vaccine is available. A randomized and open-label phase I clinical study registered with ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01268787, aims to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a formalin-inactivated EV71 vaccine candidate (EV71vac at 5- and 10-µg doses. In this study we report the cross-neutralizing antibody responses from each volunteer against different subgenotypes of EV71 and CVA16.Sixty eligible healthy adults were recruited and vaccinated. Blood samples were obtained on day 0, 21 and 42 and tested against B1, B4, B5, C2, C4A, C4B and CVA16 for cross-neutralizing antibody responses.The immunogenicity of both 5- and 10- µg doses were found to be very similar. Approximately 45% of the participants had 4-fold increase in Nt, but there was no further increase in Nt after the second dose. EV71vac induced very strong cross-neutralizing antibody responses in >85% of volunteers without pre-existing Nt against subgenotype B1, B5 and C4A. EV71vac elicited weak cross-neutralizing antibody responses (∼20% of participants against a C4B and Coxsackie virus A16. Over 90% of vaccinated volunteers did not develop cross-neutralizing antibody responses (Nt<8 against a C2 strain. EV71vac can boost and significantly enhance the neutralizing antibody responses in volunteers who already had pre-vaccination antibodies against EV71 and/or CVA16.EV71vac is efficient in eliciting cross-neutralizing antibody responses against EV71 subgenotypes B1, B4, B5, and C4A, and provides the rationale for its evaluation in phase II clinical trials.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01268787.

45 CFR 73b.4 - Proceedings.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-10-01

... 45 Public Welfare 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Proceedings. 73b.4 Section 73b.4 Public Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEBARMENT OR SUSPENSION OF FORMER EMPLOYEES... reasonable cause to believe that a former officer or employee, including a former special Government employee...

Pressure effect on structural, elastic, and thermodynamic properties of tetragonal B4C4

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Baobing Zheng

2015-03-01

Full Text Available The compressibility, elastic anisotropy, and thermodynamic properties of the recently proposed tetragonal B4C4 (t-B4C4 are investigated under high temperature and high pressure by using of first-principles calculations method. The elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, Vickers hardness, Pugh’s modulus ratio, and Poisson’s ratio for t-B4C4 under various pressures are systematically explored, the obtained results indicate that t-B4C4 is a stiffer material. The elastic anisotropies of t-B4C4 are discussed in detail under pressure from 0 GPa to 100 GPa. The thermodynamic properties of t-B4C4, such as Debye temperature, heat capacity, and thermal expansion coefficient are investigated by the quasi-harmonic Debye model.

EphB4 as a therapeutic target in mesothelioma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Ren; Ferguson, Benjamin D; Zhou, Yue; Naga, Kranthi; Salgia, Ravi; Gill, Parkash S; Krasnoperov, Valery

2013-01-01

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) often develops decades following exposure to asbestos. Current best therapy produces a response in only half of patients, and the median survival with this therapy remains under a year. A search for novel targets and therapeutics is underway, and recently identified targets include VEGF, Notch, and EphB4-Ephrin-B2. Each of these targets has dual activity, promoting tumor cell growth as well as tumor angiogenesis. We investigated EphB4 expression in 39 human mesothelioma tissues by immunohistochemistry. Xenograft tumors established with human mesothelioma cells were treated with an EphB4 inhibitor (monomeric soluble EphB4 fused to human serum albumin, or sEphB4-HSA). The combinatorial effect of sEphB4-HSA and biologic agent was also studied. EphB4 was overexpressed in 72% of mesothelioma tissues evaluated, with 85% of epithelioid and 38% of sarcomatoid subtypes demonstrating overexpression. The EphB4 inhibitor sEphB4-HSA was highly active as a single agent to inhibit tumor growth, accompanied by tumor cell apoptosis and inhibition of PI3K and Src signaling. Combination of sEphB4-HSA and the anti-VEGF antibody (Bevacizumab) was superior to each agent alone and led to complete tumor regression. EphB4 is a potential therapeutic target in mesothelioma. Clinical investigation of sEphB4-HSA as a single agent and in combination with VEGF inhibitors is warranted

11B study of spin dynamics in Y/sub 1-x/RE/sub x/Rh4B4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kumagai, K.; Fradin, F.Y.

1982-06-01

There has been intense interest in re-entrance and coexistence in ternary rare earth magnetic superconductors of the form RE Rh 4 B 4 . Of particular interest in this investigation is the effect of the superconducting state on the RKKY (Yosida, 1957) coupling between RE ions. Since one expects the conduction electron spin susceptibility chi/sup e/(q) to be cut off for q - 1 for the RE moments in the superconducting state. This paper reports on the spin dynamics of the RE ions using the 11 B nuclear magnetic relaxation rate T 1- 1 in dilute Y/sub 1-x/RE/sub x/Rh 4 B 4 (RE = Gd and Er)

Chemical interaction of B4C, B, and C with Mo/Si layered structures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rooij-Lohmann, V. I. T. A. de; Veldhuizen, L. W.; Zoethout, E.; Yakshin, A. E.; Kruijs, R. W. E. van de; Thijsse, B. J.; Gorgoi, M.; Schaefers, F.; Bijkerk, F.

2010-01-01

To enhance the thermal stability, B 4 C diffusion barrier layers are often added to Mo/Si multilayer structures for extreme ultraviolet optics. Knowledge about the chemical interaction between B 4 C and Mo or Si, however is largely lacking. Therefore, the chemical processes during annealing up to 600 deg. C of a Mo/B 4 C/Si layered structure have been investigated in situ with hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ex situ with depth profiling x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Mo/B/Si and Mo/C/Si structures have also been analyzed as reference systems. The chemical processes in these systems have been identified, with two stages being distinguished. In the first stage, B and C diffuse and react predominantly with Mo. MoSi x forms in the second stage. If the diffusion barrier consists of C or B 4 C, a compound forms that is stable up to the maximum probed temperature and annealing time. We suggest that the diffusion barrier function of B 4 C interlayers as reported in literature can be caused by the stability of the formed compound, rather than by the stability of B 4 C itself.

Ordering effects in benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']difuran-thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6- dione polymers with >7% solar cell efficiency

KAUST Repository

Warnan, Julien; Cabanetos, Clement; El Labban, Abdulrahman; Hansen, Michael Ryan; Tassone, Christopher J.; Toney, Michael F.; Beaujuge, Pierre

2014-01-01

Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']difuran-thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione (PBDFTPD) polymers prepared by microwave-assisted synthesis can achieve power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) >7% in bulk-heterojunction solar cells with phenyl-C61/71-butyric acid methyl

12 CFR Appendix B to Subpart B of... - Article 4A, Funds Transfers

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Article 4A, Funds Transfers B Appendix B to...—Article 4A, Funds Transfers Part 1—Subject Matter and Definitions Section 4A-101. Short Title This Article... otherwise provided in section 4A-108, this Article applies to funds transfers defined in section 4A-104...

B7-2 expressed on EL4 lymphoma suppresses antitumor immunity by an interleukin 4-dependent mechanism.

Science.gov (United States)

Stremmel, C; Greenfield, E A; Howard, E; Freeman, G J; Kuchroo, V K

1999-03-15

For T cells to become functionally activated they require at least two signals. The B7 costimulatory molecules B7-1 and B7-2 provide the "second signal" pivotal for T cell activation. In this report, we studied the relative roles of B7-1 and B7-2 molecules in the induction of antitumor immunity to the T cell thymoma, EL4. We generated EL4 tumor cells that expressed B7-1, B7-2, and B7-1+B7-2 by transfecting murine cDNAs. Our results demonstrate that EL4-B7-1 cells are completely rejected in syngeneic mice. Unlike EL4-B7-1 cells, we find that EL4-B7-2 cells are not rejected but progressively grow in the mice. A B7-1- and B7-2-EL4 double transfectant was generated by introducing B7-2 cDNA into the EL4-B7-1 tumor line that regressed in vivo. The EL4-B7-1+B7-2 double transfectant was not rejected when implanted into syngeneic mice but progressively grew to produce tumors. The double transfectant EL4 cells could costimulate T cell proliferation that could be blocked by anti-B7-1 antibodies, anti-B7-2 antibodies, or hCTLA4 immunoglobulin, showing that the B7-1 and B7-2 molecules expressed on the EL4 cells were functional. In vivo, treatment of mice implanted with double-transfected EL4 cells with anti-B7-2 monoclonal antibody resulted in tumor rejection. Furthermore, the EL4-B7-2 and EL4-B7-1+B7-2 cells, but not the wild-type EL4 cells, were rejected in interleukin 4 (IL-4) knockout mice. Our data suggests that B7-2 expressed on some T cell tumors inhibits development of antitumor immunity, and IL-4 appears to play a critical role in abrogation of the antitumor immune response.

Systems Li[sub 2]B[sub 4]O[sub 7] (Na[sub 2]B[sub 4]O[sub 7], K[sub 2]B[sub 4]O[sub 7])-N[sub 2]H[sub 3]H[sub 4]OH-H[sub 2]O at 25 deg C. Sistemy Li[sub 2]B[sub 4]O[sub 7] (Na[sub 2]B[sub 4]O[sub 7], K[sub 2]B[sub 4]O[sub 7])-N[sub 2]H[sub 3]H[sub 4]OH-H[sub 2]O pri 25 grad S

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Skvortsov, V G; Sadetdinov, Sh V; Akimov, V M; Mitrasov, Yu N; Petrova, O V; Klopov, Yu N [Chuvashskij Gosudarstvennyj Pedagogicheskij Inst., Cheboksary (Russian Federation) Universitet Druzhby Narodov, Moscow (Russian Federation)

1994-02-01

Phase equilibriums in the Li[sub 2]B[sub 4]O[sub 7] (Na[sub 2]B[sub 4]O[sub 7], K[sub 2]B[sub 4]O[sub 7])-N[sub 2]H[sub 3]H[sub 4]OH-H[sub 2]O systems were investigated by methods of isothermal solubility, refractometry and PH-metry at 25 deg C for the first time. Lithium and sodium tetraborates was established to form phases of changed composition mM[sub 2]B[sub 4]O[sub 7][center dot]nN[sub 2]H[sub 3]C[sub 2]H[sub 4]OH[center dot]XH[sub 2]O, where M=Li, Na with hydrazine ethanol. K[sub 2]B[sub 4]O[sub 7][center dot]4H[sub 2]O precipitates in solid phase in the case of potassium salt. Formation of isomorphous mixtures was supported by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy methods.

EphB4 promotes or suppresses Ras/MEK/ERK pathway in a context-dependent manner: Implications for EphB4 as a cancer target.

Science.gov (United States)

Xiao, Zhan; Carrasco, Rosa; Kinneer, Krista; Sabol, Darrin; Jallal, Bahija; Coats, Steve; Tice, David A

2012-06-01

EphB4 is a member of the Eph receptor tyrosine kinase family shown to act in neuronal guidance and mediate venal/arterial separation. In contrast to these more established roles, EphB4's function in cancer is much less clear. Here we illustrate both tumor promoting as well as suppressing roles of EphB4, by showing that its activation resulted in inhibition of the Ras/ERK pathway in endothelial cells but activation of the same pathway in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. This was true if EphB4 was stimulated with EphrinB2, its natural ligand, or an agonistic monoclonal antibody for EphB4. Correspondingly, EphB4 activation stimulated MCF7 growth while inhibiting HUVEC cell proliferation. The reason for these dramatic differences is due to functional coupling of EphB4 to different downstream effectors. Reduction of p120 RasGAP in HUVEC cells attenuated the inhibitory effect of EphB4 activation on the ERK pathway, whereas knockdown of PP2A in MCF7 cells attenuated EphB4 activation of the ERK pathway. This represents the first time a functional coupling between Eph receptor and PP2A has been demonstrated leading to activation of an oncogenic pathway. Our study illustrates the caveats and potential challenges of targeting EphB4 for cancer therapy due to the conflicting effects on cancer cell and endothelial cell compartments.

WARM SPITZER PHOTOMETRY OF THREE HOT JUPITERS: HAT-P-3b, HAT-P-4b AND HAT-P-12b

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Todorov, Kamen O. [Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 (United States); Deming, Drake [Department of Astronomy, University of Maryland at College Park, College Park, MD 20742 (United States); Knutson, Heather A. [Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125 (United States); Burrows, Adam [Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544 (United States); Fortney, Jonathan J.; Laughlin, Gregory [Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (United States); Lewis, Nikole K. [Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 (United States); Cowan, Nicolas B. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208 (United States); Agol, Eric [Department of Astronomy, University of Washington, Box 351580, Seattle, WA 98195 (United States); Desert, Jean-Michel [Astronomy Department, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125 (United States); Sada, Pedro V. [Department of Physics and Mathematics, University of Monterrey, Monterrey (Mexico); Charbonneau, David [Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Cambridge, MA 02138 (United States); Langton, Jonathan [Department of Physics, Principia College, Elsah, IL 62028 (United States); Showman, Adam P. [Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 (United States)

2013-06-20

We present Warm Spitzer/IRAC secondary eclipse time series photometry of three short-period transiting exoplanets, HAT-P-3b, HAT-P-4b and HAT-P-12b, in both the available 3.6 and 4.5 {mu}m bands. HAT-P-3b and HAT-P-4b are Jupiter-mass objects orbiting an early K and an early G dwarf star, respectively. For HAT-P-3b we find eclipse depths of 0.112%+0.015%-0.030% (3.6 micron) and 0.094%+0.016%-0.009% (4.5 {mu}m). The HAT-P-4b values are 0.142%+0.014%-0.016% (3.6 micron) and 0.122%+0.012%-0.014% 4.5 {mu}m). The two planets' photometry is consistent with inefficient heat redistribution from their day to night sides (and low albedos), but it is inconclusive about possible temperature inversions in their atmospheres. HAT-P-12b is a Saturn-mass planet and is one of the coolest planets ever observed during secondary eclipse, along with the hot Neptune GJ 436b and the hot Saturn WASP-29b. We are able to place 3{sigma} upper limits on the secondary eclipse depth of HAT-P-12b in both wavelengths: <0.042% (3.6 {mu}m) and <0.085% (4.5 {mu}m). We discuss these results in the context of the Spitzer secondary eclipse measurements of GJ 436b and WASP-29b. It is possible that we do not detect the eclipses of HAT-P-12b due to high eccentricity, but find that weak planetary emission in these wavelengths is a more likely explanation. We place 3{sigma} upper limits on the |e cos {omega}| quantity (where e is eccentricity and {omega} is the argument of periapsis) for HAT-P-3b (<0.0081) and HAT-P-4b (<0.0042), based on the secondary eclipse timings.

Effect of the Ti/B4C mole ratio on the reaction products and reaction mechanism in an Al–Ti–B4C powder mixture

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Jingjing; Lee, Jung-Moo; Cho, Young-Hee; Kim, Su-Hyeon; Yu, Huashun

2014-01-01

The effect of the Ti/B 4 C mole ratio on the fabrication behavior of Al composites is investigated using Al–Ti–B 4 C powder mixtures as reactants. The quick spontaneous infiltration (QSI) process combined with the combustion reaction and DTA analysis were used. According to the thermodynamic predictions, which are verified in the experimental results, TiB 2 is formed in all the samples whereas TiC is only formed in reactants with a Ti/B 4 C mole ratio of more than two. The C atoms from the reacted B 4 C do not move into TiC but instead they move into Al 3 BC or Al 4 C 3 when the Ti/B 4 C mole ratio is less than two. In addition, the reaction mechanism with a Ti/B 4 C mole ratio of 0.75 is investigated extensively. - Highlights: • The critical role of the Ti/B 4 C mole ratio on the reaction products of Al–Ti–B 4 C was studied using experiments. • The experimental results are also supported by thermodynamic calculations presented in this paper. • The reaction mechanism with a Ti/B 4 C mole ratio of 0.75 is investigated extensively

Photoelectron spectroscopy of B4O4 (-): Dual 3c-4e π hyperbonds and rhombic 4c-4e o-bond in boron oxide clusters.

Science.gov (United States)

Tian, Wen-Juan; Zhao, Li-Juan; Chen, Qiang; Ou, Ting; Xu, Hong-Guang; Zheng, Wei-Jun; Zhai, Hua-Jin; Li, Si-Dian

2015-04-07

Gas-phase anion photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) is combined with global structural searches and electronic structure calculations at the hybrid Becke 3-parameter exchange functional and Lee-Yang-Parr correlation functional (B3LYP) and single-point coupled-cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations (CCSD(T)) levels to probe the structural and electronic properties and chemical bonding of the B4O4 (0/-) clusters. The measured PES spectra of B4O4 (-) exhibit a major band with the adiabatic and vertical detachment energies (ADE and VDE) of 2.64 ± 0.10 and 2.81 ± 0.10 eV, respectively, as well as a weak peak with the ADE and VDE of 1.42 ± 0.08 and 1.48 ± 0.08 eV. The former band proves to correspond to the Y-shaped global minimum of Cs B4O4 (-) ((2)A″), with the calculated ADE/VDE of 2.57/2.84 eV at the CCSD(T) level, whereas the weak band is associated with the second lowest-energy, rhombic isomer of D2h B4O4 (-) ((2)B2g) with the predicted ADE/VDE of 1.43/1.49 eV. Both anion structures are planar, featuring a B atom or a B2O2 core bonded with terminal BO and/or BO2 groups. The same Y-shaped and rhombic structures are also located for the B4O4 neutral cluster, albeit with a reversed energy order. Bonding analyses reveal dual three-center four-electron (3c-4e) π hyperbonds in the Y-shaped B4O4 (0/-) clusters and a four-center four-electron (4c-4e) π bond, that is, the so-called o-bond in the rhombic B4O4 (0/-) clusters. This work is the first experimental study on a molecular system with an o-bond.

Differential effects of BDNF and neurotrophin 4 (NT4) on endocytic sorting of TrkB receptors.

Science.gov (United States)

Proenca, Catia C; Song, Minseok; Lee, Francis S

2016-08-01

Neurotrophins are a family of growth factors playing key roles in the survival, development, and function of neurons. The neurotrophins brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and NT4 both bind to and activate TrkB receptors, however, they mediate distinct neuronal functions. The molecular mechanism of how TrkB activation by BDNF and NT4 leads to diverse outcomes is unknown. Here, we report that BDNF and NT4 lead to differential endocytic sorting of TrkB receptors resulting in diverse biological functions in cultured cortical neurons. Fluorescent microscopy and surface biotinylation experiments showed that both neurotrophins stimulate internalization of TrkB with similar kinetics. Exposure to BDNF for 2-3 h reduced the surface pool of TrkB receptors to half, whereas a longer treatment (4-5 h) with NT4 was necessary to achieve a similar level of down-regulation. Although BDNF and NT4 induced TrkB phosphorylation with similar intensities, BDNF induced more rapid ubiquitination and degradation of TrkB than NT4. Interestingly, TrkB receptor ubiquitination by these ligands have substantially different pH sensitivities, resulting in varying degrees of receptor ubiquitination at lower pH levels. Consequently, NT4 was capable of maintaining longer sustained downstream signaling activation that correlated with reduced TrkB ubiquitination at endosomal pH. Thus, by leading to altered endocytic trafficking itineraries for TrkB receptors, BDNF and NT4 elicit differential TrkB signaling in terms of duration, intensity, and specificity, which may contribute to their functional differences in vivo. The neurotrophins, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-4 (NT4), both bind to and activate TrkB receptors, however, they mediate distinct neuronal functions. Here, we propose that BDNF and NT4 lead to differential endocytic sorting of TrkB receptors resulting in diverse biological functions. BDNF induces more rapid ubiquitination and degradation of TrkB than NT4

26 CFR 48.4161(b)-4 - Tax-free sales.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... 26 Internal Revenue 16 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 true Tax-free sales. 48.4161(b)-4 Section 48.4161(b)-4 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED) MISCELLANEOUS EXCISE TAXES MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS EXCISE TAXES Sporting Goods § 48.4161(b)-4 Tax-free sales. For...

Peculiar features of thermal emission of GdB4 and GdB6 single crystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ostrovskij, E.K.; Taran, A.A.; Kovalev, A.V.; Tkachenko, V.F.; Dudnik, E.M.; Matvienko, A.A.

1990-01-01

Thermoemission parameters of single crystals (410) GdB 4 and (110) GdB 6 are studied. Work function is calculated by total current. It is stated that work function of GdB 6 within temperature range of 1500-1880 K after 80 h of annealing varies from 2.95 to 3.10 eV practically with the same temperature coefficient as GdB 4 , i.e. 4.1x10 -4 eV/K. It is shown that single crystal gadolinium hexaboride during the high-temperature annealing in the surface region (∼70 mm) is transformed into gadolinium tetraboride. Influence of free air has been first studied on the GdB 4 emissivity which is determined to increase to p=1.3x10 -2 Pa within the range of T=1640-1840 K

Photoluminescence in Pb{sup 2+} activated SrB{sub 4}O{sub 7} and SrB{sub 2}O{sub 4} phosphors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gawande, A.B., E-mail: gawandeab@gmail.com [Department of Physics, SGB Amravati University, Amravati-444602, Maharashtra (India); Ingle, J.T. [J. D. Institute of Engineering and Technology, Yavatmal, Maharashtra (India); Sonekar, R.P., E-mail: sonekar_rp@yahoo.com [Department of Physics, G.S. College, Khamgaon District, Buldhana, Maharashtra (India); Omanwar, S.K. [Department of Physics, SGB Amravati University, Amravati-444602, Maharashtra (India)

2014-05-01

The powder samples of SrB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Pb{sup 2+} and SrB{sub 2}O{sub 4}:Pb{sup 2+} were prepared by solution combustion synthesis method. The synthesis is based on the exothermic reaction between the fuel (Urea) and Oxidizer (Ammonium nitrate). The synthesized materials were characterized using TG–DTA, powder XRD, SEM and the photoluminescence properties were studied using a Hitachi F-7000 spectrophotometer at room temperature. Both the samples SrB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Pb{sup 2+} and SrB{sub 2}O{sub 4}:Pb{sup 2+} show broad emission of Pb{sup 2+} respectively at 307 nm and 360 nm (corresponds to {sup 3}P{sub 1} to {sup 1}S{sub 0} transition). The optimum concentrations of Pb{sup 2+} in both the phosphors SrB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Pb{sup 2+} and SrB{sub 2}O{sub 4}:Pb{sup 2+} were found to be 3 mol% (relative to Sr) and for this concentration the critical transfer distance R{sub 0} were calculated to be 10.21 Å and 12.22 Å respectively. The Stokes shifts were calculated to be respectively 4464 cm{sup −1} and 8454 cm{sup −1}. The emission bands of both the phosphors are in the UV region and the phosphors can be potential candidates for application in UV lamps. - Highlights: • SrB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Pb{sup 2+} and SrB{sub 2}O{sub 4}:Pb{sup 2+} have been synthesized by Novel solution combustion synthesis technique. • The synthesized materials were characterized using TG–DTA, powder XRD and SEM. • Photoluminescence spectra of synthesized materials showed the characteristic transition in Pb{sup 2+}. • Stokes shift, optimum concentration and critical transfer distance R{sub 0} were determined.

Effect of increased HoxB4 on human megakaryocytic development

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhong, Yiming; Sullenbarger, Brent; Lasky, Larry C.

2010-01-01

Research highlights: → HoxB4 overexpression in human TF1 cells increased the expression of CD61 and CD41a. → HoxB4 fusion protein enhanced megakaryocytic development of CD34 + cord blood cells. → Ectopic HoxB4 increased Tpo receptor expression and decreased c-Myb expression. → HoxB4 RNA silencing increased c-Myb expression and decreased Fli-1 expression. -- Abstract: In order to produce clinically useful quantities of platelets ex vivo we may need to firstly enhance early self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and/or megakaryocyte (Mk) progenitors. The homeodomain transcription factor HoxB4 has been shown to be an important regulator of stem cell renewal and hematopoiesis; however, its effect on megakaryopoiesis is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of HoxB4 overexpression or RNA silencing on megakaryocytic development in the human TF1 progenitor cell line; we then used recombinant tPTD-HoxB4 fusion protein to study the effect of exogenous HoxB4 on megakaryocytic development of human CD34 positively-selected cord blood cells. We found that ectopic HoxB4 in TF1 cells increased the antigen expression of CD61and CD41a, increased the gene expression of thrombopoietin receptor (TpoR), Scl-1, Cyclin D1, Fog-1 and Fli-1 while it decreased c-Myb expression. HoxB4 RNA silencing in TF1 cells decreased the expression of CD61 and CD41a and decreased Fli-1 expression while it increased the expression of c-Myb. Recombinant tPTD-HoxB4 fusion protein increased the percentages and absolute numbers of CD41a and CD61 positive cells during megakaryocytic differentiation of CD34 positively-selected cord blood cells and increased the numbers of colony-forming unit-megakaryocyte (CFU-Mk). Adding tPTD-HoxB4 fusion protein increased the gene expression of TpoR, Cyclin D1, Fog-1 and Fli-1 while it inhibited c-Myb expression. Our data suggest that increased HoxB4 enhanced early megakaryocytic development in human TF1 cells and CD34 positively-selected cord

Effect of increased HoxB4 on human megakaryocytic development

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhong, Yiming [Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (United States); Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (United States); Sullenbarger, Brent [Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (United States); Lasky, Larry C., E-mail: Lasky.4@osu.edu [Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (United States); Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (United States)

2010-07-30

Research highlights: {yields} HoxB4 overexpression in human TF1 cells increased the expression of CD61 and CD41a. {yields} HoxB4 fusion protein enhanced megakaryocytic development of CD34{sup +} cord blood cells. {yields} Ectopic HoxB4 increased Tpo receptor expression and decreased c-Myb expression. {yields} HoxB4 RNA silencing increased c-Myb expression and decreased Fli-1 expression. -- Abstract: In order to produce clinically useful quantities of platelets ex vivo we may need to firstly enhance early self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and/or megakaryocyte (Mk) progenitors. The homeodomain transcription factor HoxB4 has been shown to be an important regulator of stem cell renewal and hematopoiesis; however, its effect on megakaryopoiesis is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of HoxB4 overexpression or RNA silencing on megakaryocytic development in the human TF1 progenitor cell line; we then used recombinant tPTD-HoxB4 fusion protein to study the effect of exogenous HoxB4 on megakaryocytic development of human CD34 positively-selected cord blood cells. We found that ectopic HoxB4 in TF1 cells increased the antigen expression of CD61and CD41a, increased the gene expression of thrombopoietin receptor (TpoR), Scl-1, Cyclin D1, Fog-1 and Fli-1 while it decreased c-Myb expression. HoxB4 RNA silencing in TF1 cells decreased the expression of CD61 and CD41a and decreased Fli-1 expression while it increased the expression of c-Myb. Recombinant tPTD-HoxB4 fusion protein increased the percentages and absolute numbers of CD41a and CD61 positive cells during megakaryocytic differentiation of CD34 positively-selected cord blood cells and increased the numbers of colony-forming unit-megakaryocyte (CFU-Mk). Adding tPTD-HoxB4 fusion protein increased the gene expression of TpoR, Cyclin D1, Fog-1 and Fli-1 while it inhibited c-Myb expression. Our data suggest that increased HoxB4 enhanced early megakaryocytic development in human TF1 cells and CD34

CASMO5 JENDL-4.0 and ENDF/B-VII.1beta4 libraries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rhodes, J.; Gheorghiu, N.; Ferrer, R.

2012-01-01

This paper details the generation of neutron data libraries for the CASMO5 lattice physics code based on the recently released JENDL-4.0 and ENDF/B-VII.1beta4 nuclear data evaluations. This data represents state-of-the-art nuclear data for late-2011. The key features of the new evaluations are briefly described along with the procedure for processing of this data into CASMO5, 586-energy group neutron data libraries. Finally some CASMO5 results for standard UO 2 and MOX critical experiments for the two new libraries and the current ENDF/B-VII.0 CASMO5 library are presented including the B and W 1810 series, DIMPLE S06A, S06B, TCA reflector criticals with iron plates and the PNL-30-35 MOX criticals. The results show that CASMO5 with the new libraries is performing well for these criticals with a very slight edge in results to the JENDL-4.0 nuclear data evaluation over the ENDF/B-VII.1beta4 evaluation. Work is currently underway to generate a CASMO5 library based on the final ENDF/B-VII.R1 evaluation released Dec. 22, 2011. (authors)

Photoelectron spectroscopy of B4O4-: Dual 3c-4e π hyperbonds and rhombic 4c-4e o-bond in boron oxide clusters

Science.gov (United States)

Tian, Wen-Juan; Zhao, Li-Juan; Chen, Qiang; Ou, Ting; Xu, Hong-Guang; Zheng, Wei-Jun; Zhai, Hua-Jin; Li, Si-Dian

2015-04-01

Gas-phase anion photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) is combined with global structural searches and electronic structure calculations at the hybrid Becke 3-parameter exchange functional and Lee-Yang-Parr correlation functional (B3LYP) and single-point coupled-cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations (CCSD(T)) levels to probe the structural and electronic properties and chemical bonding of the B4O40/- clusters. The measured PES spectra of B4O4- exhibit a major band with the adiabatic and vertical detachment energies (ADE and VDE) of 2.64 ± 0.10 and 2.81 ± 0.10 eV, respectively, as well as a weak peak with the ADE and VDE of 1.42 ± 0.08 and 1.48 ± 0.08 eV. The former band proves to correspond to the Y-shaped global minimum of Cs B4O4- (2A″), with the calculated ADE/VDE of 2.57/2.84 eV at the CCSD(T) level, whereas the weak band is associated with the second lowest-energy, rhombic isomer of D2h B4O4- (2B2g) with the predicted ADE/VDE of 1.43/1.49 eV. Both anion structures are planar, featuring a B atom or a B2O2 core bonded with terminal BO and/or BO2 groups. The same Y-shaped and rhombic structures are also located for the B4O4 neutral cluster, albeit with a reversed energy order. Bonding analyses reveal dual three-center four-electron (3c-4e) π hyperbonds in the Y-shaped B4O40/- clusters and a four-center four-electron (4c-4e) π bond, that is, the so-called o-bond in the rhombic B4O40/- clusters. This work is the first experimental study on a molecular system with an o-bond.

B7-2 Expressed on EL4 Lymphoma Suppresses Antitumor Immunity by an Interleukin 4–dependent Mechanism

Science.gov (United States)

Stremmel, C.; Greenfield, E.A.; Howard, E.; Freeman, G.J.; Kuchroo, V.K.

1999-01-01

For T cells to become functionally activated they require at least two signals. The B7 costimulatory molecules B7-1 and B7-2 provide the “second signal” pivotal for T cell activation. In this report, we studied the relative roles of B7-1 and B7-2 molecules in the induction of antitumor immunity to the T cell thymoma, EL4. We generated EL4 tumor cells that expressed B7-1, B7-2, and B7-1+B7-2 by transfecting murine cDNAs. Our results demonstrate that EL4–B7-1 cells are completely rejected in syngeneic mice. Unlike EL4–B7-1 cells, we find that EL4–B7-2 cells are not rejected but progressively grow in the mice. A B7-1– and B7-2–EL4 double transfectant was generated by introducing B7-2 cDNA into the EL4–B7-1 tumor line that regressed in vivo. The EL4–B7-1+B7-2 double transfectant was not rejected when implanted into syngeneic mice but progressively grew to produce tumors. The double transfectant EL4 cells could costimulate T cell proliferation that could be blocked by anti–B7-1 antibodies, anti–B7-2 antibodies, or hCTLA4 immunoglobulin, showing that the B7-1 and B7-2 molecules expressed on the EL4 cells were functional. In vivo, treatment of mice implanted with double-transfected EL4 cells with anti–B7-2 monoclonal antibody resulted in tumor rejection. Furthermore, the EL4–B7-2 and EL4–B7-1+B7-2 cells, but not the wild-type EL4 cells, were rejected in interleukin 4 (IL-4) knockout mice. Our data suggests that B7-2 expressed on some T cell tumors inhibits development of antitumor immunity, and IL-4 appears to play a critical role in abrogation of the antitumor immune response. PMID:10075975

Fra SK 4b til MH 17

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Stræde, Therkel

2015-01-01

Om den nazistiske besættelsespolitik i Sydøstukraine og Sonderkommando 4b's udryddelse af jøder på den egn, hvor Malaysian Airlines MH 17 styrtede ned den 17. juli 2014......Om den nazistiske besættelsespolitik i Sydøstukraine og Sonderkommando 4b's udryddelse af jøder på den egn, hvor Malaysian Airlines MH 17 styrtede ned den 17. juli 2014...

WARM SPITZER OBSERVATIONS OF THREE HOT EXOPLANETS: XO-4b, HAT-P-6b, AND HAT-P-8b

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Todorov, Kamen O. [Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 (United States); Deming, Drake [Planetary Systems Laboratory, NASA' s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771 (United States); Knutson, Heather A. [Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125 (United States); Burrows, Adam [Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 05844 (United States); Sada, Pedro V. [Department of Physics and Mathematics, University of Monterrey, Monterrey (Mexico); Cowan, Nicolas B. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208 (United States); Agol, Eric [Department of Astronomy, University of Washington, Box 351580, Seattle, WA 98195 (United States); Desert, Jean-Michel; Charbonneau, David [Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Cambridge, MA 02138 (United States); Fortney, Jonathan J.; Laughlin, Gregory [Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (United States); Langton, Jonathan [Department of Physics, Principia College, Elsah, IL 62028 (United States); Showman, Adam P.; Lewis, Nikole K. [Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 (United States)

2012-02-10

We analyze Warm Spitzer/Infrared Array Camera observations of the secondary eclipses of three planets, XO-4b, HAT-P-6b, and HAT-P-8b. We measure secondary eclipse amplitudes at 3.6 {mu}m and 4.5 {mu}m for each target. XO-4b exhibits a stronger eclipse depth at 4.5 {mu}m than at 3.6 {mu}m, which is consistent with the presence of a temperature inversion. HAT-P-8b shows a stronger eclipse amplitude at 3.6 {mu}m and is best described by models without a temperature inversion. The eclipse depths of HAT-P-6b can be fitted with models with a small or no temperature inversion. We consider our results in the context of a postulated relationship between stellar activity and temperature inversion and a relationship between irradiation level and planet dayside temperature, as discussed by Knutson et al. and Cowan and Agol, respectively. Our results are consistent with these hypotheses, but do not significantly strengthen them. To measure accurate secondary eclipse central phases, we require accurate ephemerides. We obtain primary transit observations and supplement them with publicly available observations to update the orbital ephemerides of the three planets. Based on the secondary eclipse timing, we set upper boundaries for ecos ({omega}) for HAT-P-6b, HAT-P-8b, and XO-4b and find that the values are consistent with circular orbits.

Mutagenicity, stable DNA adducts, and abasic sites induced in Salmonella by phenanthro[3,4-b]- and phenanthro[4,3-b]thiophenes, sulfur analogs of benzo[c]phenanthrene

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Swartz, Carol D. [Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 (United States); King, Leon C.; Nesnow, Stephen [Environmental Carcinogenesis Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711 (United States); Umbach, David M. [Biostatistics Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 (United States); Kumar, Subodh [Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Laboratory, Great Lakes Center, State University of New York College at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14222 (United States); DeMarini, David M. [Environmental Carcinogenesis Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711 (United States)], E-mail: demarini.david@epa.gov

2009-02-10

Sulfur-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (thia-PAHs or thiaarenes) are common constituents of air pollution and cigarette smoke, but only a few have been studied for health effects. We evaluated the mutagenicity in Salmonella TA98, TA100, and TA104 of two sulfur-containing derivatives of benzo[c]phenanthrene, phenanthro[3,4-b]thiophene (P[3,4-b]T), and phenanthro[4,3-b]thiophene (P[4,3-b]T) as well as their dihydrodiol and sulfone derivatives. In addition, we assessed levels of stable DNA adducts (by {sup 32}P-postlabeling) as well as abasic sites (by an aldehydic-site assay) produced by six of these compounds in TA100. P[3,4-b]T and its 6,7- and 8,9-diols, P[3,4-b]T sulfone, P[4,3-b]T, and its 8,9-diol were mutagenic in TA100. P[3,4-b]T sulfone, the most potent mutagen, was approximately twice as potent as benzo[a]pyrene in both TA98 and TA100. Benzo-ring dihydrodiols were much more potent than K-region dihydrodiols, which had little or no mutagenic activity in any strain. P[3,4-b]T sulfone produced abasic sites and not stable DNA adducts; the other five compounds examined, B[c]P, B[c]P 3,4-diol, P[3,4-b]T, P[3,4-b]T 8,9-diol, and P[4,3-b]T 8,9-diol, produced only stable DNA adducts. P[3,4-b]T sulfone was the only compound that produced significant levels of frameshift mutagenicity and induced mutations primarily at GC sites. In contrast, B[c]P, its 3,4-diol, and the 8,9 diols of the phenanthrothiophenes induced mutations primarily at AT sites. P[3,4-b]T was not mutagenic in TA104, whereas P[3,4-b]T sulfone was. The two isomeric forms (P[3,4-b]T and P[4,3-b]T) are apparently activated differently, with the latter, but not the former, involving a diol pathway. This study is the first illustrating the potential importance of abasic sites in the mutagenicity of thia-PAHs.

Magnetic fluctuations in UNi4B

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mentink, S.A.M.; Mason, T.E.; Buyers, W.J.L.

1997-01-01

We investigate the magnetic fluctuation spectrum of the geometrically frustrated antiferromagnetic compound UNi4B, which partially orders below T-N = 20 K. An overdamped spin excitation is observed at the AF wave vector around 2.4 meV. Low-frequency, weakly Q-dependent inelastic scattering...

Real-time PCR quantification of human complement C4A and C4B genes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fust George

2006-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The fourth component of human complement (C4, an essential factor of the innate immunity, is represented as two isoforms (C4A and C4B in the genome. Although these genes differ only in 5 nucleotides, the encoded C4A and C4B proteins are functionally different. Based on phenotypic determination, unbalanced production of C4A and C4B is associated with several diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes, several autoimmune diseases, moreover with higher morbidity and mortality of myocardial infarction and increased susceptibility for bacterial infections. Despite of this major clinical relevance, only low throughput, time and labor intensive methods have been used so far for the quantification of C4A and C4B genes. Results A novel quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR technique was developed for rapid and accurate quantification of the C4A and C4B genes applying a duplex, TaqMan based methodology. The reliable, single-step analysis provides the determination of the copy number of the C4A and C4B genes applying a wide range of DNA template concentration (0.3–300 ng genomic DNA. The developed qPCR was applied to determine C4A and C4B gene dosages in a healthy Hungarian population (N = 118. The obtained data were compared to the results of an earlier study of the same population. Moreover a set of 33 samples were analyzed by two independent methods. No significant difference was observed between the gene dosages determined by the employed techniques demonstrating the reliability of the novel qPCR methodology. A Microsoft Excel worksheet and a DOS executable are also provided for simple and automated evaluation of the measured data. Conclusion This report describes a novel real-time PCR method for single-step quantification of C4A and C4B genes. The developed technique could facilitate studies investigating disease association of different C4 isotypes.

Photoelectron spectroscopy of B4O4−: Dual 3c-4e π hyperbonds and rhombic 4c-4e o-bond in boron oxide clusters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tian, Wen-Juan; Chen, Qiang; Ou, Ting; Li, Si-Dian; Zhao, Li-Juan; Xu, Hong-Guang; Zheng, Wei-Jun; Zhai, Hua-Jin

2015-01-01

Gas-phase anion photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) is combined with global structural searches and electronic structure calculations at the hybrid Becke 3-parameter exchange functional and Lee-Yang-Parr correlation functional (B3LYP) and single-point coupled-cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations (CCSD(T)) levels to probe the structural and electronic properties and chemical bonding of the B 4 O 4 0/− clusters. The measured PES spectra of B 4 O 4 − exhibit a major band with the adiabatic and vertical detachment energies (ADE and VDE) of 2.64 ± 0.10 and 2.81 ± 0.10 eV, respectively, as well as a weak peak with the ADE and VDE of 1.42 ± 0.08 and 1.48 ± 0.08 eV. The former band proves to correspond to the Y-shaped global minimum of C s B 4 O 4 − ( 2 A″), with the calculated ADE/VDE of 2.57/2.84 eV at the CCSD(T) level, whereas the weak band is associated with the second lowest-energy, rhombic isomer of D 2h B 4 O 4 − ( 2 B 2g ) with the predicted ADE/VDE of 1.43/1.49 eV. Both anion structures are planar, featuring a B atom or a B 2 O 2 core bonded with terminal BO and/or BO 2 groups. The same Y-shaped and rhombic structures are also located for the B 4 O 4 neutral cluster, albeit with a reversed energy order. Bonding analyses reveal dual three-center four-electron (3c-4e) π hyperbonds in the Y-shaped B 4 O 4 0/− clusters and a four-center four-electron (4c-4e) π bond, that is, the so-called o-bond in the rhombic B 4 O 4 0/− clusters. This work is the first experimental study on a molecular system with an o-bond

(4bS,8aS-1-Isopropyl-4b,8,8-trimethyl-4b,5,6,7,8,8a,9,10-octahydrophenanthren-2-yl acetate

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Radouane Oubabi

2014-03-01

Full Text Available The hemisynthesis of the title compound, C22H32O2, was carried out through direct acetylation reaction of the naturally occurring diterpene totarol [systematic name: (4bS,8aS-4b,8,8-trimethyl-1-propan-2-yl-5,6,7,8a,9,10-hexahydrophenanthren-2-ol]. The molecule is built up from three fused six membered rings, one saturated and two unsaturated. The central unsaturated ring has a half-chair conformation, whereas the other unsaturated ring displays a chair conformation. The absolute configuration is deduced from the chemical pathway. The value of the Hooft parameter [−0.10 (6] allowed this absolute configuration to be confirmed.

Quantum oscillation measurements of β-LuAlB{sub 4}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Reiss, Pascal; Baglo, Jordan; Chen, Xiaoye; Tan, HongEn; Sutherland, Michael; Grosche, F. Malte [Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge (United Kingdom); Friedemann, Sven [HH Wills Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol (United Kingdom); Goh, Swee K. [Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. (China); Kuga, Kentaro; Nakatsuji, Satoru [Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa (Japan); Harima, Hisatomo [Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe (Japan)

2016-07-01

The Yb-based heavy fermion superconductor β-YbAlB{sub 4} displays a quantum critical point without tuning by applied pressure, magnetic field, or doping, which has been attributed to an unusual renormalised band structure. Quantum oscillation measurements of the Fermi surface in β-YbAlB{sub 4} have so far proved inconclusive, motivating us to undertake a detailed study of the isostructural reference compound β-LuAlB{sub 4}, which in contrast to the Yb compound is characterised by a filled 4f shell. We present comprehensive results from rotation and mass studies in β-LuAlB{sub 4}, which broadly agree with band structure calculations and display moderate mass enhancements contrasting with the much larger enhancements seen in β-YbAlB{sub 4} - further emphasising the important contribution of f electrons to the itinerant electron physics of β-YbAlB{sub 4}.

Tetrahedral 1B4Sb nanoclusters in GaP:(B, Sb)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Elyukhin, V A, E-mail: elyukhin@cinvestav.m [Departamento de Ingenieria Electrica-SEES, CINVESTAV-IPN, Avenida IPN 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, C. P. 07360, Mexico, D. F. (Mexico)

2009-05-01

Self-assembling conditions of 1B4Sb tetrahedral nanoclusters in GaP doped with boron and Sb isoelectronic impurities are represented in the ultradilute and dilute limits of the boron and Sb contents, respectively. The fulfilled estimates demonstrated the preferential complete or almost complete allocation of boron atoms in 1B4Sb nanoclusters at temperatures of 500 {sup 0}C and 900 {sup 0}C, respectively. The significant decrease of the sum of the free energies of the constituent compounds is the main origin of self-assembling. The reduction of the strain energy is the additional cause of this phenomenon.

Ligand stimulation of ErbB4 and a constitutively-active ErbB4 mutant result in different biological responses in human pancreatic tumor cell lines

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mill, Christopher P.; Gettinger, Kathleen L.; Riese, David J.

2011-01-01

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Indeed, it has been estimated that 37,000 Americans will die from this disease in 2010. Late diagnosis, chemoresistance, and radioresistance of these tumors are major reasons for poor patient outcome, spurring the search for pancreatic cancer early diagnostic and therapeutic targets. ErbB4 (HER4) is a member of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), a family that also includes the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR/ErbB1/HER1), Neu/ErbB2/HER2, and ErbB3/HER3. These RTKs play central roles in many human malignancies by regulating cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, invasiveness, motility, and apoptosis. In this report we demonstrate that human pancreatic tumor cell lines exhibit minimal ErbB4 expression; in contrast, these cell lines exhibit varied and in some cases abundant expression and basal tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR, ErbB2, and ErbB3. Expression of a constitutively-dimerized and -active ErbB4 mutant inhibits clonogenic proliferation of CaPan-1, HPAC, MIA PaCa-2, and PANC-1 pancreatic tumor cell lines. In contrast, expression of wild-type ErbB4 in pancreatic tumor cell lines potentiates stimulation of anchorage-independent colony formation by the ErbB4 ligand Neuregulin 1β. These results illustrate the multiple roles that ErbB4 may be playing in pancreatic tumorigenesis and tumor progression.

Production of Fumonisin B-2 and B-4 by Aspergillus niger on Grapes and Raisins

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mogensen, Jesper Mølgaard; Frisvad, Jens Christian; Thrane, Ulf

2010-01-01

The recent discovery of fumonisin production in Aspergillus niger, raises concerns about the presence of these mycotoxins in grapes and raisins as well as other commodities where A. niger is a frequent contaminant. Here we investigate the potential production of fumonisins in A. niger cultured...... on grapes and raisins. Sixty-six A. niger, 4 A. tubingensis, and 16 A. acidus strains isolated from raisins were tested for fumonisin production on laboratory media. Neither A. tubingensis nor A. acidus strains produced fumonisins, but 77% of A. niger strains did. None of the strains produced ochratoxin A....... Ten selected fumonisin producing A. niger strains were further able to produce fumonisin B2 and fumonisin B4 on grapes in the range 171−7841 μg fumonisin B2/kg and 14−1157 μg fumonisin B4/kg. Four selected strains were able to produce fumonisin B2 (5−6476 μg/kg) and fumonisin B4 (12−672 μg...

Li2Sr4B12O23: A new alkali and alkaline-earth metal mixed borate with [B10O18]6− network and isolated [B2O5]4− unit

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Min; Pan Shilie; Han Jian; Yang Zhihua; Su Xin; Zhao Wenwu

2012-01-01

A novel ternary lithium strontium borate Li 2 Sr 4 B 12 O 23 crystal with size up to 20 mm×10 mm×4 mm has been grown via the top-seeded solution growth method below 730 °C. Single-crystal XRD analyses showed that Li 2 Sr 4 B 12 O 23 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1 /c with a=6.4664(4) Å, b=8.4878(4) Å, c=15.3337(8) Å, β=102.02(3)°, Z=2. The crystal structure is composed of [B 10 O 18 ] 6− network and isolated [B 2 O 5 ] 4− unit. The IR spectrum further confirmed the presence of both BO 3 and BO 4 groups. TG-DSC and Transmission spectrum were reported. Band structures and density of states were calculated. - Graphical abstract: A new phase, Li 2 Sr 4 B 12 O 23 , has been discovered in the ternary M 2 O–M′O–B 2 O 3 (M=alkali-metal, M′=alkalineearth metal) system. The crystal structure consists of [B 10 O 18 ] 6− network and isolated [B 2 O 5 ] 4− unit. Highlights: ► Li 2 Sr 4 B 12 O 23 is a a novel borate discovered in the M 2 O–M′O–B 2 O 3 (M=alkali-metal, M′=alkaline-earth metal) system. ► Li 2 Sr 4 B 12 O 23 crystal structure has a three-dimensional crystal structure with [B 10 O 18 ] 6− network and isolated [B 2 O 5 ] 4− unit. ► Sr 1 and Sr 2 are located in two different channels constructed by 3 ∞ [B 10 O 18 ] network.

EphB4 localises to the nucleus of prostate cancer cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mertens-Walker, Inga; Lisle, Jessica E.; Nyberg, William A.; Stephens, Carson R.; Burke, Leslie; Rutkowski, Raphael; Herington, Adrian C.; Stephenson, Sally-Anne

2015-01-01

The EphB4 receptor tyrosine kinase is over-expressed in a variety of different epithelial cancers including prostate where it has been shown to be involved in survival, migration and angiogenesis. We report here that EphB4 also resides in the nucleus of prostate cancer cell lines. We used in silico methods to identify a bipartite nuclear localisation signal (NLS) in the extracellular domain and a monopartite NLS sequence in the intracellular kinase domain of EphB4. To determine whether both putative NLS sequences were functional, fragments of the EphB4 sequence containing each NLS were cloned to create EphB4NLS-GFP fusion proteins. Localisation of both NLS-GFP proteins to the nuclei of transfected cells was observed, demonstrating that EphB4 contains two functional NLS sequences. Mutation of the key amino residues in both NLS sequences resulted in diminished nuclear accumulation. As nuclear translocation is often dependent on importins we confirmed that EphB4 and importin-α can interact. To assess if nuclear EphB4 could be implicated in gene regulatory functions potential EphB4-binding genomic loci were identified using chromatin immunoprecipitation and Lef1 was confirmed as a potential target of EphB4-mediated gene regulation. These novel findings add further complexity to the biology of this important cancer-associated receptor. - Highlights: • The EphB4 protein can be found in the nucleus of prostate cancer cell lines. • EphB4 contains two functional nuclear localisation signals. • Chromatin immunoprecipitation has identified potential genome sequences to which EphB4 binds. • Lef1 is a confirmed target for EphB4-mediated gene regulation

EphB4 localises to the nucleus of prostate cancer cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mertens-Walker, Inga, E-mail: inga.mertenswalker@qut.edu.au [Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD (Australia); Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre—Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD (Australia); Lisle, Jessica E. [Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD (Australia); Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre—Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD (Australia); Nyberg, William A. [Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD (Australia); Stephens, Carson R. [Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD (Australia); Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre—Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD (Australia); Burke, Leslie [Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD (Australia); Rutkowski, Raphael; Herington, Adrian C.; Stephenson, Sally-Anne [Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD (Australia); Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre—Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD (Australia)

2015-04-10

The EphB4 receptor tyrosine kinase is over-expressed in a variety of different epithelial cancers including prostate where it has been shown to be involved in survival, migration and angiogenesis. We report here that EphB4 also resides in the nucleus of prostate cancer cell lines. We used in silico methods to identify a bipartite nuclear localisation signal (NLS) in the extracellular domain and a monopartite NLS sequence in the intracellular kinase domain of EphB4. To determine whether both putative NLS sequences were functional, fragments of the EphB4 sequence containing each NLS were cloned to create EphB4NLS-GFP fusion proteins. Localisation of both NLS-GFP proteins to the nuclei of transfected cells was observed, demonstrating that EphB4 contains two functional NLS sequences. Mutation of the key amino residues in both NLS sequences resulted in diminished nuclear accumulation. As nuclear translocation is often dependent on importins we confirmed that EphB4 and importin-α can interact. To assess if nuclear EphB4 could be implicated in gene regulatory functions potential EphB4-binding genomic loci were identified using chromatin immunoprecipitation and Lef1 was confirmed as a potential target of EphB4-mediated gene regulation. These novel findings add further complexity to the biology of this important cancer-associated receptor. - Highlights: • The EphB4 protein can be found in the nucleus of prostate cancer cell lines. • EphB4 contains two functional nuclear localisation signals. • Chromatin immunoprecipitation has identified potential genome sequences to which EphB4 binds. • Lef1 is a confirmed target for EphB4-mediated gene regulation.

32 CFR 806b.4 - Privacy Act complaints.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-07-01

... be identified, the local Privacy Act officer will assume these duties. Issues that cannot be resolved... 32 National Defense 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Privacy Act complaints. 806b.4 Section 806b.4 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY ACT...

11B-NMR study of low-temperature phase transition in CuB2O4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yasuda, Y; Nakamura, H; Fujii, Y; Kikuchi, H; Chiba, M; Yamamoto, Y; Hori, H; Petrakovskii, G; Popov, M; Bezmaternikh, L

2007-01-01

The material CuB 2 O 4 presents a variety of phases in the B-T phase diagram, caused by the frustration and the Dzialoshinskii-Moriya interaction. In order to investigate the nature of the phase transitions, a 11 B-NMR experiment on CuB 2 O 4 has been performed under an applied magnetic field along the a-axis down to 0.4 K. A new incommensurate-incommensurate phase transition has been found at 0.8 K under a field of 0.5 T. Further, another phase transition has been observed at 4.7 K under a field of about 2 T, which is consistent with the transition reported by the neutron diffraction experiment

Meningococcal B Vaccination (4CMenB in Infants and Toddlers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Susanna Esposito

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative pathogen that actively invades its human host and leads to the development of life-threatening pathologies. One of the leading causes of death in the world, N. meningitidis can be responsible for nearly 1,000 new infections per 100,000 subjects during an epidemic period. The bacterial species are classified into 12 serogroups, five of which (A, B, C, W, and Y cause the majority of meningitides. The three purified protein conjugate vaccines currently available target serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Serogroup B has long been a challenge but the discovery of the complete genome sequence of an MenB strain has allowed the development of a specific four-component vaccine (4CMenB. This review describes the pathogenetic role of N. meningitidis and the recent literature concerning the new meningococcal vaccine.

Cellular uptake of exogenous calcineurin B is dependent on TLR4/MD2/CD14 complexes, and CnB is an endogenous ligand of TLR4.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Jinju; Qin, Nannan; Zhang, Hongwei; Yang, Rui; Xiang, Benqiong; Wei, Qun

2016-04-19

Our previous research showed that recombinant calcineurin B (rhCnB) stimulates cytokine secretion by immune cells, probably through TLR4. Exogenous CnB can be incorporated into many different tumour cells in vitro, but the mode of uptake and receptors required remain unknown. Here, we report that exogenous CnB is taken up by cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner via clathrin-dependent receptor-mediated internalization. Our findings further confirm that uptake is mediated by the TLR4/MD2 complex together with the co-receptor CD14. The MST results revealed a high affinity between CnB and the TLR4 receptor complex. No binding was detected between CnB and LPS. CnB inhibited the uptake of LPS, and LPS also inhibited the uptake of CnB. These results indicate that the uptake of exogenous CnB did not occur through LPS and that CnB was not a chaperone of LPS. Thus, we conclude that TLR4 receptor complexes were required for the recognition and internalization of exogenous CnB. CnB could be a potential endogenous ligand of TLR4 and function as an agonist of TLR4. These properties of CnB support its potential for development as an anti-cancer drug.

Ordering effects in benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']difuran-thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6- dione polymers with >7% solar cell efficiency

KAUST Repository

Warnan, Julien

2014-05-15

Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b\\']difuran-thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione (PBDFTPD) polymers prepared by microwave-assisted synthesis can achieve power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) >7% in bulk-heterojunction solar cells with phenyl-C61/71-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). In "as-cast" PBDFTPD-based devices solution-processed without a small-molecule additive, high PCEs can be obtained in spite of the weak propensity of the polymers to self-assemble and form π-aggregates in thin films. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Magnetic anomaly in superconducting TmRh4B4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smith, J.L.; Huang, C.Y.; Tsou, J.J.; Ho, J.C.

1978-01-01

The magnetic and superconducting properties of TmRh 4 B 4 (which becomes superconducting at 9.6 K) by means of ac and dc magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements are investigated. At 10.7 K, an ac susceptibility peak similar to those found in spin glasses has been observed. In addition, a pronounced specific heat peak has been observed at 11.4 K. The susceptibility peak is essentially unaffected by substitution of 1% Lu or Er for the Tm, but it diminishes when much larger amounts of Er are substituted. The physical origin of this anomalous peak will be discussed

40 CFR 721.9662 - Thieno[3,4-b]-1,4-dioxin, 2,3-dihydro- (9CI).

Science.gov (United States)

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Thieno[3,4-b]-1,4-dioxin, 2,3-dihydro... Specific Chemical Substances § 721.9662 Thieno[3,4-b]-1,4-dioxin, 2,3-dihydro- (9CI). (a) Chemical...-b]-1,4-dioxin, 2,3-dihydro- (9CI) (PMN P-95-1825; CAS No. 126213-50-1) is subject to reporting under...

17 CFR 260.11b-4 - Definition of “cash transaction” in section 311(b)(4).

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... transaction”, as used in section 311(b)(4), means any transaction in which full payment for goods or securities sold is made within 7 days after delivery of the goods or securities in currency or in checks or...

Effect of the Ti/B{sub 4}C mole ratio on the reaction products and reaction mechanism in an Al–Ti–B{sub 4}C powder mixture

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Jingjing [Key Laboratory of Liquid Structure and Heredity of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250100 (China); Light Metal Division, Korea Institute of Materials Science, Changwon 642-831 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Jung-Moo, E-mail: jmoolee@kims.re.kr [Light Metal Division, Korea Institute of Materials Science, Changwon 642-831 (Korea, Republic of); Cho, Young-Hee; Kim, Su-Hyeon [Light Metal Division, Korea Institute of Materials Science, Changwon 642-831 (Korea, Republic of); Yu, Huashun [Key Laboratory of Liquid Structure and Heredity of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250100 (China)

2014-10-15

The effect of the Ti/B{sub 4}C mole ratio on the fabrication behavior of Al composites is investigated using Al–Ti–B{sub 4}C powder mixtures as reactants. The quick spontaneous infiltration (QSI) process combined with the combustion reaction and DTA analysis were used. According to the thermodynamic predictions, which are verified in the experimental results, TiB{sub 2} is formed in all the samples whereas TiC is only formed in reactants with a Ti/B{sub 4}C mole ratio of more than two. The C atoms from the reacted B{sub 4}C do not move into TiC but instead they move into Al{sub 3}BC or Al{sub 4}C{sub 3} when the Ti/B{sub 4}C mole ratio is less than two. In addition, the reaction mechanism with a Ti/B{sub 4}C mole ratio of 0.75 is investigated extensively. - Highlights: • The critical role of the Ti/B{sub 4}C mole ratio on the reaction products of Al–Ti–B{sub 4}C was studied using experiments. • The experimental results are also supported by thermodynamic calculations presented in this paper. • The reaction mechanism with a Ti/B{sub 4}C mole ratio of 0.75 is investigated extensively.

Complete genomic sequences for hepatitis C virus subtypes 4b, 4c, 4d, 4g, 4k, 4l, 4m, 4n, 4o, 4p, 4q, 4r and 4t.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Chunhua; Lu, Ling; Wu, Xianghong; Wang, Chuanxi; Bennett, Phil; Lu, Teng; Murphy, Donald

2009-08-01

In this study, we characterized the full-length genomic sequences of 13 distinct hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 isolates/subtypes: QC264/4b, QC381/4c, QC382/4d, QC193/4g, QC383/4k, QC274/4l, QC249/4m, QC97/4n, QC93/4o, QC139/4p, QC262/4q, QC384/4r and QC155/4t. These were amplified, using RT-PCR, from the sera of patients now residing in Canada, 11 of which were African immigrants. The resulting genomes varied between 9421 and 9475 nt in length and each contains a single ORF of 9018-9069 nt. The sequences showed nucleotide similarities of 77.3-84.3 % in comparison with subtypes 4a (GenBank accession no. Y11604) and 4f (EF589160) and 70.6-72.8 % in comparison with genotype 1 (M62321/1a, M58335/1b, D14853/1c, and 1?/AJ851228) reference sequences. These similarities were often higher than those currently defined by HCV classification criteria for subtype (75.0-80.0 %) and genotype (67.0-70.0 %) division, respectively. Further analyses of the complete and partial E1 and partial NS5B sequences confirmed these 13 'provisionally assigned subtypes'.

Production of thermoluminescent dosemeters based on MgB4O7: Dy and MgB4O7: Tm

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Souza, Luiza Freire de; Souza, Divanizia N.

2013-01-01

The thermoluminescent dosimetry (TL) is a well-established technique for the detection of ionizing radiation in hospitals, clinics, and industrial establishments where there is the need to quantify the radiation. For this practice is require the use phosphors which are sensitive to radiation. Some phosphors are already commonly used in this practice, for example, TLD-100 (LiF: Mg, Ti), CaSO 4 :Tm and CaSO 4 :Dy. A compound that was most recently introduced in dosimetry and has many advantageous features to detect neutrons, electrons and gamma is the magnesium tetraborate (MgB 4 O 7 ), but the undoped material is not good for dosimetry, since signal does not show satisfactory thermoluminescence. The present work presents the analysis of the compound MgB 4 O 7 when doped with rare earth elements, thulium (Tm) and dysprosium (Dy). The production of MgB 4 O 7 : Dy and MgB 4 O 7 : Tm occurred under acidic conditions. Following the process of crystal growth, several tests were made on phosphors produced to verify the quality of materials as TL dosimeter. Initially, was made the identification of the crystalline phases found in the material, using the technique of X-ray diffractometry, and then were evaluated and compared the TL emission curves of the crystals with two different types of dopants, to this, the samples were irradiated with different radiation sources: 137 Cs (0,66 MeV), 60 Co (1.25 MeV) and X-rays (0.41 MeV) and based on the results was evaluated the energy dependence of phosphors. Another characteristic analyzed, was the decay of TL signal for the material (fading). The results show that the material can be an excellent TL dosimeter when doped with rare earth elements Dy and Tm. (author)

Cutting Edge: 2B4-Mediated Coinhibition of CD4+ T Cells Underlies Mortality in Experimental Sepsis.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Ching-Wen; Mittal, Rohit; Klingensmith, Nathan J; Burd, Eileen M; Terhorst, Cox; Martin, Greg S; Coopersmith, Craig M; Ford, Mandy L

2017-09-15

Sepsis is a leading cause of death in the United States, but the mechanisms underlying sepsis-induced immune dysregulation remain poorly understood. 2B4 (CD244, SLAM4) is a cosignaling molecule expressed predominantly on NK cells and memory CD8 + T cells that has been shown to regulate T cell function in models of viral infection and autoimmunity. In this article, we show that 2B4 signaling mediates sepsis lymphocyte dysfunction and mortality. 2B4 expression is increased on CD4 + T cells in septic animals and human patients at early time points. Importantly, genetic loss or pharmacologic inhibition of 2B4 significantly increased survival in a murine cecal ligation and puncture model. Further, CD4-specific conditional knockouts showed that 2B4 functions on CD4 + T cell populations in a cell-intrinsic manner and modulates adaptive and innate immune responses during sepsis. Our results illuminate a novel role for 2B4 coinhibitory signaling on CD4 + T cells in mediating immune dysregulation. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

Heat release from B4C oxidation in steam and air

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Belovsky, L.

1996-01-01

BWR and some PWR cores contain boron carbide (B 4 C) as neutron absorber. During a severe accident, the B 4 C can potentially react with steam under release of heat and hydrogen. Although models for B 4 C oxidation already exist in MELCOR and SCDAP/RELAP5, a development of a new model for another computer code seems to be difficult due to a missing comprehensive description of the current modelling methodology and scarce experimental data. The aim of this paper is to highlight the key points of the B 4 C oxidation using the existing available experimental data and to perform a simple heat balance analysis of the B 4 C/steam and B 4 C/air chemical reactions. The analysis of literature data shows that the B 4 C oxidation phenomenon is qualitatively well described below 1000 deg. C. However, no reliable data exist for the reaction kinetics especially above this temperature. It was found that the experimental results strongly depend on the experimental arrangement. The reaction heats, calculated in this study, indicate that the B 4 C oxidation is an exothermic reaction, releasing more heat in air than in steam. The formation of boric acids from the boron oxide increases the heat release from B 4 C by ∼ 10%, in the worst case. Although the total heat, released in a PWR core from the B 4 C oxidation, is probably much smaller than the heat released from the Zr/steam reaction, it is not excluded that the B 4 C oxidation can locally contribute to the damage of the control elements due to local overheating. Modelling of these phenomena is, however, very difficult due to the complex geometry of the liquefied control elements and due to absence of suitable data on the reaction kinetics. (author). 25 refs, 2 figs, 3 tabs

Solid-State Synthesis and Structure of the Enigmatic Ammonium Octaborate: (NH4)2[B7O9(OH)5]·3/4B(OH)3·5/4H2O.

Science.gov (United States)

Neiner, Doinita; Sevryugina, Yulia V; Schubert, David M

2016-09-06

The compound known since the 19th century as ammonium octaborate was structurally characterized revealing the ammonium salt of the ribbon isomer of the heptaborate anion, [B7O9(OH)5](2-), with boric acid and water molecules. Of composition (NH4)2B7.75O12.63·4.88H2O, it approximates the classical ammonium octaborate composition (NH4)2B8O13·6H2O and has the structural formula {(NH4)2[B7O9(OH)5]}4·3B(OH)3·5H2O. It spontaneously forms at room temperature in solid-state mixtures of ammonium tetraborate and ammonium pentaborate. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 11.4137(2) Å, b = 11.8877(2) Å, c = 23.4459(3) Å, β = 90.092(1)°, V = 3181.19(8) Å(3), and Z = 2 and contains well-ordered ammonium cations and [B7O9(OH)5](2-) anions and disordered B(OH)3 and H2O molecules linked by extensive H bonding. Expeditious solid-state formation of the heptaborate anion under ambient conditions has important implications for development of practical syntheses of industrially useful borates.

Improved Photovoltaic Performance of a Semicrystalline Narrow Bandgap Copolymer Based on 4H-Cyclopenta[2,1-b : 3,4-b ']dithiophene Donor and Thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole Acceptor Units

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Van Mierloo, Sarah; Hadipour, Afshin; Spijkman, Mark-Jan; Van den Brande, Niko; Ruttens, Bart; Kesters, Jurgen; D'Haen, Jan; Van Assche, Guy; de Leeuw, Dago M.; Aernouts, Tom; Manca, Jean; Lutsen, Laurence; Vanderzande, Dirk J.; Maes, Wouter; Haen, Jan D’

2012-01-01

A solution processable narrow bandgap polymer composed of alternating 2,5-dithienylthiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole and asymmetrically alkyl-substituted 4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b']dithiophene units (PCPDT-DTTzTz) was synthesized by Suzuki polycondensation and the donor acceptor copolymer was thoroughly

Thermoluminescence properties of Li2B4O7:Cu, B phosphor synthesized using solution combustion technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ozdemir, A.; Altunal, V.; Kurt, K.; Depci, T.; Yu, Y.; Lawrence, Y.; Nur, N.; Guckan, V.; Yegingil, Z.

2017-01-01

To determine the effects of various concentrations of the activators copper (Cu) and boron (B) on the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of lithium tetraborate, the phosphor was first synthesized and doped with five different concentrations of copper (0.1–0.005 wt%) using solution combustion method. 0.01 wt% Cu was the concentration which showed the most significant increase in the sensitivity of the phosphor. The second sort of Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu material was prepared by adding B (0.001–0.03 wt%) to it. The newly developed copper-boron activated lithium tetraborate (Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu, B) material with 0.01 wt% Cu and 0.001 wt% B impurity concentrations was shown to have promise as a TL phosphor. The material formation was examined using powder x-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrum of the synthesized polycrystalline powder sample was also recorded. The TL glow curves were analyzed to determine various dosimetric characteristics of the synthesized luminophosphors. The dose response increased in a “linear” way with the beta-ray exposure between 0.1–20 Gy, a dose range being interested in medical dosimetry. The response with changing photon and electron energy was studied. The rate of decay of the TL signal was investigated both for dark storage and under direct sunlight. Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu, B showed no individual variation of response in 9 recycling measurements. The fluorescence spectrum was determined. The kinetic parameters were estimated by different methods and the results discussed. The studied properties of synthesized Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu, B were found all favorable for dosimetric purposes. - Highlights: • Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu, B synthesis using solution combustion method with various concentrations. • Structure analysis of Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu, B using XRD, SEM and FTIR methods. • Investigation of thermoluminescent properties of Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu, B. • Relatively good

Carbon monoxide inhibits omega-oxidation of leukotriene B4 by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: evidence that catabolism of leukotriene B4 is mediated by a cytochrome P-450 enzyme.

Science.gov (United States)

Shak, S; Goldstein, I M

1984-09-17

Carbon monoxide significantly inhibits omega-oxidation of exogenous leukotriene B4 to 20-OH-leukotriene B4 and 20-COOH-leukotriene B4 by unstimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes as well as omega-oxidation of leukotriene B4 that is generated when cells are stimulated with the calcium ionophore, A23187. Inhibition of omega-oxidation by carbon monoxide is concentration-dependent, completely reversible, and specific. Carbon monoxide does not affect synthesis of leukotriene B4 by stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocytes or other cell functions (i.e., degranulation, superoxide anion generation). These findings suggest that a cytochrome P-450 enzyme in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes is responsible for catabolizing leukotriene B4 by omega-oxidation.

Effects of B4C control rod degradation under severe accident

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Seo, Si-Won; Park, Sang-Gil; Han, Sang-Ku [Atomic Creative Technology Co., Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2016-10-15

Boron carbide (B4C) is widely used as absorber material in western boiling water reactor (BWR), some PWR, EPR and Russian RBMK and VVERs. B4C oxidation is one of the important phenomena of in-vessel. In the present paper, the main results and knowledge gained regarding the B4C control rod degradation from above mentioned experiments are reviewed and arranged to inform its significance on the severe accident consequences. In this paper, the role of B4C control rod oxidation and the subsequent degradation on the severe accident consequences is reviewed with available literature and report of previous experimental program regarding the B4C oxidation. From this review, it seems that the contribution of this B4C oxidation on the accident progression to the further severe accident situation is not negligible. For the future work, the extensive experimental data interpretation will be performed to assess quantitatively the effect of B4C oxidation and degradation on the various postulated severe accident conditions.

Rab5 Enhances Classical Swine Fever Virus Proliferation and Interacts with Viral NS4B Protein to Facilitate Formation of NS4B Related Complex

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jihui Lin

2017-08-01

Full Text Available Classical swine fever virus (CSFV is a fatal pig pestivirus and causes serious financial losses to the pig industry. CSFV NS4B protein is one of the most important viral replicase proteins. Rab5, a member of the small Rab GTPase family, is involved in infection and replication of numerous viruses including hepatitis C virus and dengue virus. Until now, the effects of Rab5 on the proliferation of CSFV are poorly defined. In the present study, we showed that Rab5 could enhance CSFV proliferation by utilizing lentivirus-mediated constitutive overexpression and eukaryotic plasmid transient overexpression approaches. On the other hand, lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA knockdown of Rab5 dramatically inhibited virus production. Co-immunoprecipitation, glutathione S-transferase pulldown and laser confocal microscopy assays further confirmed the interaction between Rab5 and CSFV NS4B protein. In addition, intracellular distribution of NS4B-Red presented many granular fluorescent signals (GFS in CSFV infected PK-15 cells. Inhibition of basal Rab5 function with Rab5 dominant negative mutant Rab5S34N resulted in disruption of the GFS. These results indicate that Rab5 plays a critical role in facilitating the formation of the NS4B related complexes. Furthermore, it was observed that NS4B co-localized with viral NS3 and NS5A proteins in the cytoplasm, suggesting that NS3 and NS5A might be components of the NS4B related complex. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Rab5 positively modulates CSFV propagation and interacts with NS4B protein to facilitate the NS4B related complexes formation.

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in Ta|Co40Fe40B20|MgAl2O4 structures and perpendicular CoFeB|MgAl2O4|CoFeB magnetic tunnel junction

KAUST Repository

Tao, B. S.

2014-09-08

Magnetic properties of Co40Fe40B20(CoFeB) thin films sandwiched between Ta and MgAl2O4layers have been systematically studied. For as-grown state, Ta/CoFeB/MgAl2O4structures exhibit good perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) with interface anisotropy Ki=1.22erg/cm2, which further increases to 1.30erg/cm2after annealing, while MgAl2O4/CoFeB/Ta multilayer shows in-plane magnetic anisotropy and must be annealed in order to achieve PMA. For bottom CoFeB layer, the thickness window for PMA is from 0.6 to 1.0nm, while that for top CoFeB layer is between 0.8 and 1.4nm. Perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (p-MTJs) with a core structure of CoFeB/MgAl2O4/CoFeB have also been fabricated and tunneling magnetoresistance ratio of about 36% at room temperature and 63% at low temperature have been obtained. The intrinsic excitations in the p-MTJs have been identified by inelastic electron-tunneling spectroscopy.

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in Ta|Co40Fe40B20|MgAl2O4 structures and perpendicular CoFeB|MgAl2O4|CoFeB magnetic tunnel junction

KAUST Repository

Tao, B. S.; Li, D. L.; Yuan, Z. H.; Liu, H. F.; Ali, S. S.; Feng, J. F.; Wei, H. X.; Han, X. F.; Liu, Y.; Zhao, Y. G.; Zhang, Q.; Guo, Zaibing; Zhang, Xixiang

2014-01-01

Magnetic properties of Co40Fe40B20(CoFeB) thin films sandwiched between Ta and MgAl2O4layers have been systematically studied. For as-grown state, Ta/CoFeB/MgAl2O4structures exhibit good perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) with interface anisotropy Ki=1.22erg/cm2, which further increases to 1.30erg/cm2after annealing, while MgAl2O4/CoFeB/Ta multilayer shows in-plane magnetic anisotropy and must be annealed in order to achieve PMA. For bottom CoFeB layer, the thickness window for PMA is from 0.6 to 1.0nm, while that for top CoFeB layer is between 0.8 and 1.4nm. Perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (p-MTJs) with a core structure of CoFeB/MgAl2O4/CoFeB have also been fabricated and tunneling magnetoresistance ratio of about 36% at room temperature and 63% at low temperature have been obtained. The intrinsic excitations in the p-MTJs have been identified by inelastic electron-tunneling spectroscopy.

5-Methyl-4-oxo-4,6-dihydro-3H-pyridazino[4,5-b]carbazole-1-carbonitrile

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Norbert Haider

2010-02-01

Full Text Available The title compound was prepared in excellent yield from 5-methyl-4-oxo-4,6-dihydro-3H-pyridazino[4,5-b]carbazole-1-carbaldehyde by treatment with hydroxylamine hydrochloride in formic acid without isolation of the intermediate oxime.

B7-H4 as a Target for Breast Cancer Immunotherapy

Science.gov (United States)

2013-06-01

papain proteinase K pronase trypsin B7-H4R B """""" B7-H4R-APC CD25-FITC...Figure 5. B7-H4 receptor is protease resistant. Karpas 299 cells were treated with 0.3 mg/mL papain , 0.025 mg/mL proteinase K, 0.15 mg/mL pronase

Murid herpesvirus-4 exploits dendritic cells to infect B cells.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Miguel Gaspar

2011-11-01

Full Text Available Dendritic cells (DCs play a central role in initiating immune responses. Some persistent viruses infect DCs and can disrupt their functions in vitro. However, these viruses remain strongly immunogenic in vivo. Thus what role DC infection plays in the pathogenesis of persistent infections is unclear. Here we show that a persistent, B cell-tropic gamma-herpesvirus, Murid Herpesvirus-4 (MuHV-4, infects DCs early after host entry, before it establishes a substantial infection of B cells. DC-specific virus marking by cre-lox recombination revealed that a significant fraction of the virus latent in B cells had passed through a DC, and a virus attenuated for replication in DCs was impaired in B cell colonization. In vitro MuHV-4 dramatically altered the DC cytoskeleton, suggesting that it manipulates DC migration and shape in order to spread. MuHV-4 therefore uses DCs to colonize B cells.

B7-2 Expressed on EL4 Lymphoma Suppresses Antitumor Immunity by an Interleukin 4–dependent Mechanism

OpenAIRE

Stremmel, C.; Greenfield, E.A.; Howard, E.; Freeman, G.J.; Kuchroo, V.K.

1999-01-01

For T cells to become functionally activated they require at least two signals. The B7 costimulatory molecules B7-1 and B7-2 provide the “second signal” pivotal for T cell activation. In this report, we studied the relative roles of B7-1 and B7-2 molecules in the induction of antitumor immunity to the T cell thymoma, EL4. We generated EL4 tumor cells that expressed B7-1, B7-2, and B7-1+B7-2 by transfecting murine cDNAs. Our results demonstrate that EL4–B7-1 cells are completely rejected in sy...

B{sub 4}C thin films for neutron detection

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hoeglund, Carina [European Spallation Source ESS AB, P.O. Box 176, SE-221 00 Lund (Sweden); Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Thin Film Physics Division, Linkoeping University, SE-581 83 Linkoeping (Sweden); Birch, Jens; Jensen, Jens; Hultman, Lars [Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Thin Film Physics Division, Linkoeping University, SE-581 83 Linkoeping (Sweden); Andersen, Ken; Hall-Wilton, Richard [European Spallation Source ESS AB, P.O. Box 176, SE-221 00 Lund (Sweden); Bigault, Thierry; Buffet, Jean-Claude; Correa, Jonathan; Esch, Patrick van; Guerard, Bruno; Piscitelli, Francesco [Institute Laue Langevin, Rue Jules Horowitz, FR-380 00 Grenoble (France); Khaplanov, Anton [European Spallation Source ESS AB, P.O. Box 176, SE-221 00 Lund (Sweden); Institute Laue Langevin, Rue Jules Horowitz, FR-380 00 Grenoble (France); Vettier, Christian [European Spallation Source ESS AB, P.O. Box 176, SE-221 00 Lund (Sweden); European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, BP 220, FR-380 43 Grenoble Cedex 9 (France); Vollenberg, Wilhelmus [Vacuum, Surfaces and Coatings Group (TE/VSC), CERN, CH-1211 Geneva 23 (Switzerland)

2012-05-15

Due to the very limited availability of {sup 3}He, new kinds of neutron detectors, not based on {sup 3}He, are urgently needed. Here, we present a method to produce thin films of {sup 10}B{sub 4}C, with maximized detection efficiency, intended to be part of a new generation of large area neutron detectors. B{sub 4}C thin films have been deposited onto Al-blade and Si wafer substrates by dc magnetron sputtering from {sup nat}B{sub 4}C and {sup 10}B{sub 4}C targets in an Ar discharge, using an industrial deposition system. The films were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, elastic recoil detection analysis, x-ray reflectivity, and neutron radiography. We show that the film-substrate adhesion and film purity are improved by increased substrate temperature and deposition rate. A deposition rate of 3.8 A/s and substrate temperature of 400 deg. C result in films with a density close to bulk values and good adhesion to film thickness above 3 {mu}m. Boron-10 contents of almost 80 at. % are obtained in 6.3 m{sup 2} of 1 {mu}m thick {sup 10}B{sub 4}C thin films coated on Al-blades. Initial neutron absorption measurements agree with Monte Carlo simulations and show that the layer thickness, number of layers, neutron wavelength, and amount of impurities are determining factors. The study also shows the importance of having uniform layer thicknesses over large areas, which for a full-scale detector could be in total {approx}1000 m{sup 2} of two-side coated Al-blades with {approx}1 {mu}m thick {sup 10}B{sub 4}C films.

Crystal structure of PrRh4.8B2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Higashi, Iwami; Shishido, Toetsu; Takei, Humihiko; Kobayashi, Takaaki

1988-01-01

The crystal structure of a new rare earth ternary boride PrRh 4.8 B 2 was investigated, by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. PrRh 4.8 B 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Immm with a = 9.697(4), b = 5.577(2), c = 25.64(3) A, Z=12. The intensity data were collected on a four-circle diffractometer with graphite-monochromatized Mo Kα radiation. The structure was solved by the Patterson method and refined with a full-matrix least-squares program to an R value (equal to Σvertical strokeΔFvertical stroke/Σvertical strokeF 0 vertical stroke) of 0.055 for 1176 reflections. (orig.)

Discovery of Dengue Virus NS4B Inhibitors

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Qing-Yin; Dong, Hongping; Zou, Bin; Karuna, Ratna; Wan, Kah Fei; Zou, Jing; Susila, Agatha; Yip, Andy; Shan, Chao; Yeo, Kim Long; Xu, Haoying; Ding, Mei; Chan, Wai Ling; Gu, Feng; Seah, Peck Gee; Liu, Wei; Lakshminarayana, Suresh B.; Kang, CongBao; Lescar, Julien; Blasco, Francesca; Smith, Paul W.

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT The four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV-1 to -4) represent the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral pathogens in humans. No clinically approved vaccine or antiviral is currently available for DENV. Here we report a spiropyrazolopyridone compound that potently inhibits DENV both in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitor was identified through screening of a 1.8-million-compound library by using a DENV-2 replicon assay. The compound selectively inhibits DENV-2 and -3 (50% effective concentration [EC50], 10 to 80 nM) but not DENV-1 and -4 (EC50, >20 μM). Resistance analysis showed that a mutation at amino acid 63 of DENV-2 NS4B (a nonenzymatic transmembrane protein and a component of the viral replication complex) could confer resistance to compound inhibition. Genetic studies demonstrate that variations at amino acid 63 of viral NS4B are responsible for the selective inhibition of DENV-2 and -3. Medicinal chemistry improved the physicochemical properties of the initial “hit” (compound 1), leading to compound 14a, which has good in vivo pharmacokinetics. Treatment of DENV-2-infected AG129 mice with compound 14a suppressed viremia, even when the treatment started after viral infection. The results have proven the concept that inhibitors of NS4B could potentially be developed for clinical treatment of DENV infection. Compound 14a represents a potential preclinical candidate for treatment of DENV-2- and -3-infected patients. IMPORTANCE Dengue virus (DENV) threatens up to 2.5 billion people and is now spreading in many regions in the world where it was not previously endemic. While there are several promising vaccine candidates in clinical trials, approved vaccines or antivirals are not yet available. Here we describe the identification and characterization of a spiropyrazolopyridone as a novel inhibitor of DENV by targeting the viral NS4B protein. The compound potently inhibits two of the four serotypes of DENV (DENV-2 and -3) both in vitro and in vivo. Our

Comparison of microstructural and mechanical properties of Al–TiC, Al–B4C and Al–TiC–B4C composites prepared by casting techniques

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mazaheri, Y.; Meratian, M.; Emadi, R.; Najarian, A.R.

2013-01-01

In the present work, production of Al–10%TiC, Al–10% B 4 C, Al–5%TiC–5%B 4 C (volume fraction) composites by casting techniques were studied. However, casting techniques suffers from poor incorporation and distribution of the reinforcement particles in the matrix. These problems become especially significant as the reinforcement size decreases due to greater agglomeration tendency and reduced wettability of the particles with the melt. Microstructure characterization of the composite samples was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD).The results showed heat treatment of B 4 C particles and addition of TiC particles with the flux improved the wettability and incorporation of reinforcement particles into melt. Mechanical characterization of samples showed that maximum hardness had belonged to Al–5%TiC–5%B 4 C composite, maximum yield and tensile strength had belonged to Al–10%B 4 C composite and maximum elongation had belonged to Al–10%TiC composite. Furthermore, wear properties of composites revealed the better behavior for Al–B 4 C composite.

Depleted Reactor Analysis With MCNP-4B

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Caner, M.; Silverman, L.; Bettan, M.

2004-01-01

Monte Carlo neutronics calculations are mostly done for fresh reactor cores. There is today an ongoing activity in the development of Monte Carlo plus burnup code systems made possible by the fast gains in computer processor speeds. In this work we investigate the use of MCNP-4B for the calculation of a depleted core of the Soreq reactor (IRR-1). The number densities as function of burnup were taken from the WIMS-D/4 cell code calculations. This particular code coupling has been implemented before. The Monte Carlo code MCNP-4B calculates the coupled transport of neutrons and photons for complicated geometries. We have done neutronics calculations of the IRR-1 core with the WIMS and CITATION codes in the past Also, we have developed an MCNP model of the IRR-1 standard fuel for a criticality safety calculation of a spent fuel storage pool

Production of thermoluminescent dosemeters based on MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}: Dy and MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}: Tm; Producao de dosimetros termoluminescentes a base de MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}: Dy e MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}: Tm

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Souza, Luiza Freire de; Souza, Divanizia N., E-mail: luizaf25@hotmail.com, E-mail: divanizi@ufs.br [Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS), Sao Cristovao, SE (Brazil). Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Fisica

2013-07-01

The thermoluminescent dosimetry (TL) is a well-established technique for the detection of ionizing radiation in hospitals, clinics, and industrial establishments where there is the need to quantify the radiation. For this practice is require the use phosphors which are sensitive to radiation. Some phosphors are already commonly used in this practice, for example, TLD-100 (LiF: Mg, Ti), CaSO{sub 4}:Tm and CaSO{sub 4}:Dy. A compound that was most recently introduced in dosimetry and has many advantageous features to detect neutrons, electrons and gamma is the magnesium tetraborate (MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}), but the undoped material is not good for dosimetry, since signal does not show satisfactory thermoluminescence. The present work presents the analysis of the compound MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7} when doped with rare earth elements, thulium (Tm) and dysprosium (Dy). The production of MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}: Dy and MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}: Tm occurred under acidic conditions. Following the process of crystal growth, several tests were made on phosphors produced to verify the quality of materials as TL dosimeter. Initially, was made the identification of the crystalline phases found in the material, using the technique of X-ray diffractometry, and then were evaluated and compared the TL emission curves of the crystals with two different types of dopants, to this, the samples were irradiated with different radiation sources: {sup 137}Cs (0,66 MeV), {sup 60}Co (1.25 MeV) and X-rays (0.41 MeV) and based on the results was evaluated the energy dependence of phosphors. Another characteristic analyzed, was the decay of TL signal for the material (fading). The results show that the material can be an excellent TL dosimeter when doped with rare earth elements Dy and Tm. (author)

Could the multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) control Neisseria meningitidis capsular group X outbreaks in Africa?

Science.gov (United States)

Hong, Eva; Giuliani, Marzia Monica; Deghmane, Ala-Eddine; Comanducci, Maurizio; Brunelli, Brunella; Dull, Peter; Pizza, Mariagrazia; Taha, Muhamed-Kheir

2013-02-04

A new vaccine, 4CMenB, is composed of surface proteins of Neisseria meningitidis and is aimed to target serogroup B (MenB) isolates. The vaccine components are present in meningococcal isolates of other serogroups allowing potential use against meningococcal isolates belonging to non-B serogroups. Isolates of serogroup X (MenX) have been emerged in countries of the African meningitis belt. 4CMenB may offer a vaccine strategy against these isolates as there is no available capsule-based vaccine against MenX. We used the Meningococcal Antigen Typing System (MATS) to determine presence, diversity and levels of expression of 4CMenB antigens among 9 MenX isolates from several African countries in order to estimate the potential coverage of MenX by the 4CMenB vaccine. We performed bactericidal assays against these isolates, using pooled sera from 4CMenB-vaccinated infants, adolescents and adults. The African MenX isolates belonged to the same genotype but showed variation in the vaccine antigens. MATS data and bactericidal assays suggest coverage of the 9 African MenX isolates by 4CMenB but not of two unrelated MenX isolates from France. 4CMenB vaccine can be considered for further investigation to control MenX outbreaks in Africa. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Production and characterization of AA6061-B4C stir cast composite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kalaiselvan, K.; Murugan, N.; Parameswaran, Siva

2011-01-01

Highlights: → Stir casting of AA6061-B 4 C Composite. Color metallographic of composites → Enhanced wetting of B 4 C particles by K 2 TiF 6 flux. → Effect of B 4 C particles on mechanical properties of AA6061. -- Abstract: This work focuses on the fabrication of aluminum (6061-T6) matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with various weight percentage of B 4 C particulates by modified stir casting route. The wettability of B 4 C particles in the matrix has been improved by adding K 2 TiF 6 flux into the melt. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the fabricated AMCs are analyzed. The optical microstructure and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images reveal the homogeneous dispersion of B 4 C particles in the matrix. The reinforcement dispersion has also been identified with X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties like hardness and tensile strength have improved with the increase in weight percentage of B 4 C particulates in the aluminum matrix.

Hot pressing of B4C/SiC composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sahin, F.C.; Turhan, E.; Yesilcubuk, S.A.; Addemir, O.

2005-01-01

B 4 C/SiC ceramic composites containing 10-20-30 vol % SiC were prepared by hot pressing method. The effect of SiC addition and hot pressing temperature on sintering behaviour and mechanical properties of hot pressed composites were investigated. Microstructures of hot pressed samples were examined by SEM technique. Three different temperatures (2100 deg. C, 2200 deg. C and 2250 deg. C) were used to optimize hot pressing temperature applying 100 MPa pressure under argon atmosphere during the sintering procedure. The highest relative density of 98.44 % was obtained by hot pressing at 2250 deg. C. However, bending strengths of B 4 C/SiC composite samples were lower than monolithic B 4 C in all experimental conditions. (authors)

Magnetic Properties of New Triangular Lattice Magnets A${_4}$B'B${_2}$O$_{12}$

OpenAIRE

Rawl, Ryan; Lee, Minseong; Choi, Eun Sang; Li, Guang; Chen, Kuan-Wen; Baumbach, Ryan; Cruz, Clarina R. dela; Ma, Jie; Zhou, Haidong

2017-01-01

The geometrically frustrated two dimensional triangular lattice magnets A${_4}$B'B${_2}$O$_{12}$ (A = Ba, Sr, La; B' = Co, Ni, Mn; B = W, Re) have been studied by x-ray diffraction, AC and DC susceptibilities, powder neutron diffraction, and specific heat measurements. The results reveal that (i) the samples containing Co$^{2+}$ (effective spin-1/2) and Ni$^{2+}$ (spin-1) ions with small spin numbers exhibit ferromagnetic (FM) ordering while the sample containing Mn$^{2+}$ (spin-5/2) ions wit...

Nosocomial outbreak of neonatal gastroenteritis caused by a new serotype 4, subtype 4B human rotavirus.

Science.gov (United States)

Gerna, G; Forster, J; Parea, M; Sarasini, A; Di Matteo, A; Baldanti, F; Langosch, B; Schmidt, S; Battaglia, M

1990-07-01

A nosocomial outbreak of rotavirus gastroenteritis involving 52 newborns occurred between June and September 1988 at the University Children's Hospital of Freiburg, Federal Republic of Germany. Stools from 27 representative patients were examined for rotavirus serotypes, using a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The electropherotype was also examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of genomic RNA. As many as 18 patients were found to be infected by serotype 4, subtype 4B strain, and in all of them the same electropherotype was detected. Although rotavirus from the remaining nine patients could not be typed, the electropherotype in four was identical to that of the serotype 4, subtype 4B strain. Thus, most of the patients in the outbreak were infected by the same rotavirus strain. Retrospective epidemiological studies showed that the 4B strain began to circulate at the hospital in January 1988, whereas only rotavirus serotypes 1, 3, and 4A were detected in 1985-1987. The primary case of the outbreak was presumably a newborn with acute gastroenteritis, admitted to the hospital from a small maternity unit in the same urban area. During the outbreak, 12 of 44 healthy newborns in the nurseries of the Children's Hospital and other maternity hospitals were found to be asymptomatic rotavirus carriers, and in three of the newborns the same 4B strain was detected. This is the first reported outbreak caused by a serotype 4, subtype 4B strain.

Topological sigma B model in 4-dimensions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jun, Hyun-Keun; Park, Jae-Suk

2008-01-01

We propose a 4-dimensional version of topological sigma B-model, governing maps from a smooth compact 4-manifold M to a Calabi-Yau target manifold X. The theory depends on complex structure of X, while is independent of Kaehler metric of X. The theory is also a 4-dimensional topological field theory in the sense that the theory is independent of variation of Riemannian metric of the source 4-manifold M, potentially leading to new smooth invariant of 4-manifolds. We argue that the theory also comes with a topological family parametrized by the extended moduli space of complex structures.

Ground state properties of MnB{sub 4}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Winter, Jan Lennart; Steinki, Nico; Schulze Grachtrup, Dirk; Menzel, Dirk; Suellow, Stefan [Institut fuer Physik der Kondensierten Materie, TU Braunschweig (Germany); Knappschneider, Arno; Albert, Barbara [Eduard-Zintl-Institut fuer Anorganische und Physikalische Chemie, TU Darmstadt (Germany)

2016-07-01

Recently, single crystalline MnB{sub 4} was synthesized for the first time, yielding microscale crystals with dimensions of the order of 200 μm. Based on band structure calculations, it was argued that the material is semiconducting as result of a Peierls distortion. Conversely, in a study of polycrystalline material it was concluded that the material is a weakly ferromagnetic metal. To establish if MnB{sub 4} is a semiconductor we have carried out single crystal four point resistivity measurements. For this purpose a setup for measuring microscale samples was developed and characterized. Qualitatively, we find semiconducting behavior (increasing resistivity for decreasing temperature), although a band gap could not be derived because of a non-linear Arrhenius plot. Our data are consistent with MnB{sub 4} being a pseudogap/small gap material as proposed. A pronounced sample dependence of the transport properties points to the presence of impurity states. For the single crystals no ferromagnetic signatures could be obtained, suggesting an extrinsic cause of it in polycrystalline material.

Identification of breast cancer cell subtypes sensitive to ATG4B inhibition.

Science.gov (United States)

Bortnik, Svetlana; Choutka, Courtney; Horlings, Hugo M; Leung, Samuel; Baker, Jennifer H; Lebovitz, Chandra; Dragowska, Wieslawa H; Go, Nancy E; Bally, Marcel B; Minchinton, Andrew I; Gelmon, Karen A; Gorski, Sharon M

2016-10-11

Autophagy, a lysosome-mediated degradation and recycling process, functions in advanced malignancies to promote cancer cell survival and contribute to cancer progression and drug resistance. While various autophagy inhibition strategies are under investigation for cancer treatment, corresponding patient selection criteria for these autophagy inhibitors need to be developed. Due to its central roles in the autophagy process, the cysteine protease ATG4B is one of the autophagy proteins being pursued as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we investigated the expression of ATG4B in breast cancer, a heterogeneous disease comprised of several molecular subtypes. We examined a panel of breast cancer cell lines, xenograft tumors, and breast cancer patient specimens for the protein expression of ATG4B, and found a positive association between HER2 and ATG4B protein expression. We showed that HER2-positive cells, but not HER2-negative breast cancer cells, require ATG4B to survive under stress. In HER2-positive cells, cytoprotective autophagy was dependent on ATG4B under both starvation and HER2 inhibition conditions. Combined knockdown of ATG4B and HER2 by siRNA resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability, and the combination of ATG4B knockdown with trastuzumab resulted in a greater reduction in cell viability compared to trastuzumab treatment alone, in both trastuzumab-sensitive and -resistant HER2 overexpressing breast cancer cells. Together these results demonstrate a novel association of ATG4B positive expression with HER2 positive breast cancers and indicate that this subtype is suitable for emerging ATG4B inhibition strategies.

Investigation of the Cry4B-prohibitin interaction in Aedes aegypti cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Kuadkitkan, Atichat; Smith, Duncan R; Berry, Colin

2012-10-01

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces insecticidal toxins active against insects. Cry4B, one of the major insecticidal toxins produced by Bt subsp. israelensis, is highly toxic to mosquitoes in the genus Aedes: the major vectors of dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya. Previous work has shown that Cry4B binds to several mid-gut membrane proteins in Aedes aegypti larvae including prohibitin, a protein recently identified as a receptor that also mediates entry of dengue virus into Aedes cells. This study confirms the interaction between Cry4B and prohibitin by co-immunoprecipitation analysis and demonstrates colocalization of prohibitin and Cry4B by confocal microscopy. While activated Cry4B toxin showed high larvicidal activity, it was not cytotoxic to two Aedes cell lines, allowing determination of its effect on dengue virus infectivity in the absence of Cry4B-induced cell lysis. Pre-exposure of Aedes cells to Cry4B resulted in a significant reduction in the number of infected cells compared to untreated cells.

Performance of scientific computing platforms with MCNP4B

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McLaughlin, H.E.; Hendricks, J.S.

1998-01-01

Several computing platforms were evaluated with the MCNP4B Monte Carlo radiation transport code. The DEC AlphaStation 500/500 was the fastest to run MCNP4B. Compared to the HP 9000-735, the fastest platform 4 yr ago, the AlphaStation is 335% faster, the HP C180 is 133% faster, the SGI Origin 2000 is 82% faster, the Cray T94/4128 is 1% faster, the IBM RS/6000-590 is 93% as fast, the DEC 3000/600 is 81% as fast, the Sun Sparc20 is 57% as fast, the Cray YMP 8/8128 is 57% as fast, the sun Sparc5 is 33% as fast, and the Sun Sparc2 is 13% as fast. All results presented are reproducible and allow for comparison to computer platforms not included in this study. Timing studies are seen to be very problem dependent. The performance gains resulting from advances in software were also investigated. Various compilers and operating systems were seen to have a modest impact on performance, whereas hardware improvements have resulted in a factor of 4 improvement. MCNP4B also ran approximately as fast as MCNP4A

Structural annotation of Beta-1,4-N-acetyl galactosaminyltransferase 1 (B4GALNT1) causing Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia 26.

Science.gov (United States)

Dad, Rubina; Malik, Uzma; Javed, Aneela; Minassian, Berge A; Hassan, Muhammad Jawad

2017-08-30

Beta-1,4-N-acetyl galactosaminyltransferase 1, B4GALNT1, is a GM2/GD2 synthase, involved in the expression of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) containing sialic acid. Mutations in the gene B4GALNT1 cause Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia 26 (HSP26). In present study we have made attempt to predict the potential structural of the human B4GALNT1 protein. The results illustrated that the amino acid sequences of B4GALNT1 are not 100% conserved among selected twenty species. One signal peptide and one transmembrane domain predicted in human wild type B4GALNT1 protein with aliphatic index of 92.76 and theoretical (iso-electric point) pI of 8.93. It was a kind of unstable protein with Grand average of hydropathicity (GRAVY) of -0.127. Various post-translational modifications were also predicted to exist in B4GALNT1 and predicted to interact with different proteins including ST8SIA5, SLC33A1, GLB1 and others. In the final round, reported missense mutations have shown the further decrease in stability of the protein. This in-silico analysis of B4GALNT1 protein will provide the basis for the further studies on structural variations and biological pathways involving B4GALNT1 in the HSP26. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Understanding micro-diffusion bonding from the fabrication of B4C/Ni composites

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Miao; Wang, Wen-xian; Chen, Hong-sheng; Li, Yu-li

2018-03-01

A Ni-B4C macroscopic diffusion welding couple and a Ni-15wt%B4C composite fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) were used to understand the micro-scale diffusion bonding between metals and ceramics. In the Ni-B4C macroscopic diffusion welding couple a perfect diffusion welding joint was achieved. In the Ni-15wt%B4C sample, microstructure analyses demonstrated that loose structures occurred around the B4C particles. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses revealed that during the SPS process, the process of diffusion bonding between Ni and B4C particles can be divided into three stages. By employing a nano-indentation test, the room-temperature fracture toughness of the Ni matrix was found to be higher than that of the interface. The micro-diffusion bonding between Ni and B4C particles is quite different from the Ni-B4C reaction couple.

Initial characterization of Vaccinia Virus B4 suggests a role in virus spread

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Burles, Kristin; Irwin, Chad R.; Burton, Robyn-Lee [Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2S2 (Canada); Schriewer, Jill [Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (United States); Evans, David H. [Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2S2 (Canada); Buller, R. Mark [Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO (United States); Barry, Michele, E-mail: michele.barry@ualberta.ca [Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2S2 (Canada)

2014-05-15

Currently, little is known about the ankyrin/F-box protein B4. Here, we report that B4R-null viruses exhibited reduced plaque size in tissue culture, and decreased ability to spread, as assessed by multiple-step growth analysis. Electron microscopy indicated that B4R-null viruses still formed mature and extracellular virions; however, there was a slight decrease of virions released into the media following deletion of B4R. Deletion of B4R did not affect the ability of the virus to rearrange actin; however, VACV811, a large vaccinia virus deletion mutant missing 55 open reading frames, had decreased ability to produce actin tails. Using ectromelia virus, a natural mouse pathogen, we demonstrated that virus devoid of EVM154, the B4R homolog, showed decreased spread to organs and was attenuated during infection. This initial characterization suggests that B4 may play a role in virus spread, and that other unidentified mediators of actin tail formation may exist in vaccinia virus. - Highlights: • B4R-null viruses show reduced plaque size, and decreased ability to spread. • B4R-null viruses formed mature and extracellular virions; and rearranged actin. • Virus devoid of EVM154, the B4R homolog, was attenuated during infection. • Initial characterization suggests that B4 may play a role in virus spread. • Unidentified mediators of actin tail formation may exist in vaccinia virus.

Thermoluminescence kinetic parameters of different amount La-doped ZnB2O4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kucuk, Nil; Gozel, Aziz Halit; Yüksel, Mehmet; Dogan, Tamer; Topaksu, Mustafa

2015-01-01

The kinetic parameters of 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% La-doped ZnB 2 O 4 phosphors (i.e. ZnB 2 O 4 :0.01La, ZnB 2 O 4 :0.02La, ZnB 2 O 4 :0.03La and ZnB 2 O 4 :0.04La) synthesized by nitric acid method have been calculated. Thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves of ZnB 2 O 4 :La phosphors after beta-irradiation showed a very well defined main peak having the maximum temperature at around 200 °C and a shoulder peak at around 315 °C with a constant heating rate of 5 °C/s. The kinetic parameters of ZnB 2 O 4 :La phosphors TL glow peaks (i.e. order of kinetics (b), activation energies (E a ) and frequency factors (s)) have been determined and evaluated by Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution (CGCD), and Peak Shape (PS) methods using the glow curve data. From the results, it can conclude that the values of E a obtained with these methods for ZnB 2 O 4 :La phosphors are consistent with each other, but the s values differ considerably. - Highlights: • Calculation of TL kinetic parameters for La-doped ZnB 2 O 4 . • La-doped ZnB 2 O 4 was synthesized by nitric acid method. • Well defined main peak at about 200 °C

Initial characterization of Vaccinia Virus B4 suggests a role in virus spread

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Burles, Kristin; Irwin, Chad R.; Burton, Robyn-Lee; Schriewer, Jill; Evans, David H.; Buller, R. Mark; Barry, Michele

2014-01-01

Currently, little is known about the ankyrin/F-box protein B4. Here, we report that B4R-null viruses exhibited reduced plaque size in tissue culture, and decreased ability to spread, as assessed by multiple-step growth analysis. Electron microscopy indicated that B4R-null viruses still formed mature and extracellular virions; however, there was a slight decrease of virions released into the media following deletion of B4R. Deletion of B4R did not affect the ability of the virus to rearrange actin; however, VACV811, a large vaccinia virus deletion mutant missing 55 open reading frames, had decreased ability to produce actin tails. Using ectromelia virus, a natural mouse pathogen, we demonstrated that virus devoid of EVM154, the B4R homolog, showed decreased spread to organs and was attenuated during infection. This initial characterization suggests that B4 may play a role in virus spread, and that other unidentified mediators of actin tail formation may exist in vaccinia virus. - Highlights: • B4R-null viruses show reduced plaque size, and decreased ability to spread. • B4R-null viruses formed mature and extracellular virions; and rearranged actin. • Virus devoid of EVM154, the B4R homolog, was attenuated during infection. • Initial characterization suggests that B4 may play a role in virus spread. • Unidentified mediators of actin tail formation may exist in vaccinia virus

Suicidal gene therapy with rabbit cytochrome P450 4B1/4-ipomeanol, 2-aminoanthracene system in glioma cell

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jang, Su Jin; Kang, Joo Hyun; Kim, Kwang Il; Lee, Tae Sup; Lee, Yong Jin; Woo, Kwang Sun; Chung, Wee Sup; Cheon, Gi Jeong; Choi, Chang Woon; Lim, Sang Moo

2010-01-01

Suicidal gene therapy is based on the transduction of tumor cells with 'suicide' genes encoding for prodrugactivating enzymes that render target cells susceptible to prodrug treatment. Suicidal gene therapy results in the death of tumor with the expression of gene encoding enzyme that converts non-toxic prodrug into cytotoxic product. Cytochrome P450 4B1 (CYP4B1) activates 4- ipomeanol (4-ipo) and 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA) to cytotoxic furane epoxide and unsaturated dialdehyde intermediate. In this study, therapeutic effects of suicidal gene therapy with rabbit CYP4B1/4-ipo or CYP4B1/2-AA system

Dissociation of 5' proximal helical regions in messenger RNAs by eukaryotic initiation factors 4F, 4A, and 4B

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thach, R.E.; Lawson, T.G.; Lee, K.A.; Abramson, R.D.; Merrick, W.C.

1987-01-01

Ray, et al. demonstrated that the susceptibility of mRNAs to cleavage by ribonucleases is greatly increased by eIF-4A and eIF-4F in an ATP-dependent reaction, and that this reaction is enhanced by the presence of eIF-4B. They now report direct evidence for the dissociation of helical regions at the 5' ends of mRNAs by these factors. Helices were generated at the 5' ends of reovirus and rabbit globin mRNAs by hybridizing to them 32 P-labeled cDNA pentadecamers. The dissociation of the cDNAs from the mRNAs was monitored by Sephadex gel filtration. Addition of eIF-4F to hybrids caused the dissociation of small amounts of cDNAs, and this dissociation required ATP. Addition of eIF-4B stimulated this activity. Neither eIF-4B nor eIF-4A alone caused significant ATP-dependent dissociation, but they did so in combination. Interestingly, cDNAs that were hybridized to 5' distal regions were dissociated with efficiencies and rates similar to those of 5' proximal cDNAs. The presence of unlabelled cDNAs hybridized 5' proximally did not affect distal cDNA dissociation. These results confirm the earlier suggestion that eIF-4A, eIF-4B and eIF-4F play important roles in the disruption of mRNA secondary structure during initiation

Arcing at B4C-covered limiters exposed to a SOL-plasma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Laux, M.; Schneider, W.; Wienhold, P.; Juettner, B.; Huber, A.; Balden, M.; Linke, J.; Kostial, H.; Mayer, M.; Rubel, M.; Herrmann, A.; Pospieszczyk, A.; Jachmich, S.; Schweer, B.; Hildebrandt, D.; Bolt, H.

2003-01-01

Plasma sprayed B 4 C-layers considered as wall coatings for the W7X stellarator have been studied during and after exposure to TEXTOR and after arcing experiments in vacuum. Arcing through the B 4 C layer occurred favoured by high power fluxes and not restricted to less stable phases. But this arcing implies an especially noisy scrape-off layer (SOL). Instead of moving retrograde in the external magnetic field, the arc spot on the B 4 C-layer sticks to the same location for its whole lifetime. Consequently, the arc erodes the entire B 4 C layer, finally burning down to the Cu substrate. In the neighbourhood of craters the surface contains Cu originating from those craters. This material, hauled to the surface by the arc, is subject to subsequent erosion, transport, and redeposition by the SOL-plasma. The behaviour of arcs on B 4 C is most probably caused by the peculiar temperature dependences of the electrical and heat conductivity of B 4 C

Suicidal gene therapy with rabbit cytochrome P450 4B1/4-ipomeanol, 2-aminoanthracene system in glioma cell

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jang, Su Jin; Kang, Joo Hyun; Kim, Kwang Il; Lee, Tae Sup; Lee, Yong Jin; Woo, Kwang Sun; Chung, Wee Sup; Cheon, Gi Jeong; Choi, Chang Woon; Lim, Sang Moo [Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2010-10-15

Suicidal gene therapy is based on the transduction of tumor cells with 'suicide' genes encoding for prodrugactivating enzymes that render target cells susceptible to prodrug treatment. Suicidal gene therapy results in the death of tumor with the expression of gene encoding enzyme that converts non-toxic prodrug into cytotoxic product. Cytochrome P450 4B1 (CYP4B1) activates 4- ipomeanol (4-ipo) and 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA) to cytotoxic furane epoxide and unsaturated dialdehyde intermediate. In this study, therapeutic effects of suicidal gene therapy with rabbit CYP4B1/4-ipo or CYP4B1/2-AA system

Study of influence content of TiB2 by reaction in situ B4C and TiC in mechanical properties on B4C ceramics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coelho, M.L. Ramos; Bressiani, J.C.; Gomide, R.G.; Andrade, F.A. de

2012-01-01

The low density of ceramic materials promoted a change in research lines in the defense field. Research efforts and development directed to obtaining products of high density sintered of Al2O3, SiC and B4C, using different routes, both traditional as innovative, led to promising initial results, which justify the convergence of skills for the consolidation of research lines and the nationalization that sintered components of B4C with characteristics and properties compatible with the technical requirements established for the ballistic application. The low density of boron carbide (2.52 g/cm 3 ) gives in the final product a weight approximately 30% lower than armor made of alumina (3.96 g/cm 3 ). (author)

MS4a4B, a CD20 homologue in T cells, inhibits T cell propagation by modulation of cell cycle.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hui Xu

2010-11-01

Full Text Available MS4a4B, a CD20 homologue in T cells, is a novel member of the MS4A gene family in mice. The MS4A family includes CD20, FcεRIβ, HTm4 and at least 26 novel members that are characterized by their structural features: with four membrane-spanning domains, two extracellular domains and two cytoplasmic regions. CD20, FcεRIβ and HTm4 have been found to function in B cells, mast cells and hematopoietic cells respectively. However, little is known about the function of MS4a4B in T cell regulation. We demonstrate here that MS4a4B negatively regulates mouse T cell proliferation. MS4a4B is highly expressed in primary T cells, natural killer cells (NK and some T cell lines. But its expression in all malignant T cells, including thymoma and T hybridoma tested, was silenced. Interestingly, its expression was regulated during T cell activation. Viral vector-driven overexpression of MS4a4B in primary T cells and EL4 thymoma cells reduced cell proliferation. In contrast, knockdown of MS4a4B accelerated T cell proliferation. Cell cycle analysis showed that MS4a4B regulated T cell proliferation by inhibiting entry of the cells into S-G2/M phase. MS4a4B-mediated inhibition of cell cycle was correlated with upregulation of Cdk inhibitory proteins and decreased levels of Cdk2 activity, subsequently leading to inhibition of cell cycle progression. Our data indicate that MS4a4B negatively regulates T cell proliferation. MS4a4B, therefore, may serve as a modulator in the negative-feedback regulatory loop of activated T cells.

MS4a4B, a CD20 homologue in T cells, inhibits T cell propagation by modulation of cell cycle.

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Hui; Yan, Yaping; Williams, Mark S; Carey, Gregory B; Yang, Jingxian; Li, Hongmei; Zhang, Guang-Xian; Rostami, Abdolmohamad

2010-11-01

MS4a4B, a CD20 homologue in T cells, is a novel member of the MS4A gene family in mice. The MS4A family includes CD20, FcεRIβ, HTm4 and at least 26 novel members that are characterized by their structural features: with four membrane-spanning domains, two extracellular domains and two cytoplasmic regions. CD20, FcεRIβ and HTm4 have been found to function in B cells, mast cells and hematopoietic cells respectively. However, little is known about the function of MS4a4B in T cell regulation. We demonstrate here that MS4a4B negatively regulates mouse T cell proliferation. MS4a4B is highly expressed in primary T cells, natural killer cells (NK) and some T cell lines. But its expression in all malignant T cells, including thymoma and T hybridoma tested, was silenced. Interestingly, its expression was regulated during T cell activation. Viral vector-driven overexpression of MS4a4B in primary T cells and EL4 thymoma cells reduced cell proliferation. In contrast, knockdown of MS4a4B accelerated T cell proliferation. Cell cycle analysis showed that MS4a4B regulated T cell proliferation by inhibiting entry of the cells into S-G2/M phase. MS4a4B-mediated inhibition of cell cycle was correlated with upregulation of Cdk inhibitory proteins and decreased levels of Cdk2 activity, subsequently leading to inhibition of cell cycle progression. Our data indicate that MS4a4B negatively regulates T cell proliferation. MS4a4B, therefore, may serve as a modulator in the negative-feedback regulatory loop of activated T cells.

Characterization of the UV-crosslinked heterodimer of histones H2B and H4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Johnson, E.R.; Brown, D.M.; DeLange, R.J.

1986-01-01

At relatively high salt concentrations (1.2 M), histone 2B (H2B) and histone 4 (H4) can be covalently crosslinked by irradiation with ultraviolet light to yield a mixture of the three possible dimers: H2B-H2B, H4-H4, and H2B-H4. The formation of the H2B-H4 heterodimer was found to be favored at lower histone concentrations (> 90% H2B-H4 at 0.1 mg/ml total histone protein). CNBr cleavage of the H2B-H4 dimer produced three fragments which were separated by reverse phase HPLC. These fragments were identified by amino acid compositional analysis to be H4(85-102), H2B(62-125), and the crosslinked N-terminal regions H2B(1-59)-H4(1-84). Amino acid sequence analysis of the crosslinked fragment indicated that tyrosine-40 of H2B is likely involved in the covalent crosslinkage which joins the histone monomers to form the heterodimer

Thermoluminescence properties of Li2B4O7:Cu, B phosphor synthesized using solution combustion technique

Science.gov (United States)

Ozdemir, A.; Altunal, V.; Kurt, K.; Depci, T.; Yu, Y.; Lawrence, Y.; Nur, N.; Guckan, V.; Yegingil, Z.

2017-12-01

To determine the effects of various concentrations of the activators copper (Cu) and boron (B) on the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of lithium tetraborate, the phosphor was first synthesized and doped with five different concentrations of copper (0.1-0.005 wt%) using solution combustion method. 0.01 wt% Cu was the concentration which showed the most significant increase in the sensitivity of the phosphor. The second sort of Li2B4O7:Cu material was prepared by adding B (0.001-0.03 wt%) to it. The newly developed copper-boron activated lithium tetraborate (Li2B4O7:Cu, B) material with 0.01 wt% Cu and 0.001 wt% B impurity concentrations was shown to have promise as a TL phosphor. The material formation was examined using powder x-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectrum of the synthesized polycrystalline powder sample was also recorded. The TL glow curves were analyzed to determine various dosimetric characteristics of the synthesized luminophosphors. The dose response increased in a ;linear; way with the beta-ray exposure between 0.1-20 Gy, a dose range being interested in medical dosimetry. The response with changing photon and electron energy was studied. The rate of decay of the TL signal was investigated both for dark storage and under direct sunlight. Li2B4O7:Cu, B showed no individual variation of response in 9 recycling measurements. The fluorescence spectrum was determined. The kinetic parameters were estimated by different methods and the results discussed. The studied properties of synthesized Li2B4O7:Cu, B were found all favorable for dosimetric purposes.

6-(4-Bromophenyl-2-(4-fluorobenzylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Afshan Banu

2011-04-01

Full Text Available In the title compound, C17H11BrFN3S, the imidazothiadiazole and bromophenyl rings are individually almost planar, with maximum deviations of 0.0215 (4 and 0.0044 (4 Å, respectively, and are inclined at an angle of 27.34 (3° with respect to each other. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the fluorobenzyl and imidazothiadiazole rings is 79.54 (3°. The crystal structure is stabilized by intermolecular C—H...N interactions resulting in chains of molecules along the b axis.

Fabrication of steel matrix composites locally reinforced with different ratios of TiC/TiB2 particulates using SHS reactions of Ni-Ti-B4C and Ni-Ti-B4C-C systems during casting

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang Yafeng; Wang Huiyuan; Liang Yunhong; Zhao Ruyi; Jiang Qichuan

2007-01-01

Steel matrix composites locally reinforced with different molar ratios of in situ TiC/TiB 2 particulates (2:1, 1:1 and 1:2, respectively) have been fabricated successfully utilizing the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reactions of Ni-Ti-B 4 C and Ni-Ti-B 4 C-C systems during casting. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results reveal that the exothermic reactions of the Ni-Ti-B 4 C and Ni-Ti-B 4 C-C systems proceed in such a way that Ni initially reacts with B 4 C and Ti to form Ni 2 B and Ti 2 Ni compounds, respectively, with heat evolution at 1037 deg. C; Subsequently, the external heat and the evolved heat from these exothermic reactions promote the reactions forming TiC and TiB 2 at 1133 deg. C. In the composites reinforced with 1:2 molar ratio of TiC/TiB 2 , almost all TiB 2 grains have clubbed structures, while TiC grains exhibit near-spherical morphologies. Furthermore, TiB 2 grain sizes decrease, with the increase of TiC content. In particular, in the composites reinforced with 2:1 molar ratio of TiC/TiB 2 , it is difficult to find the clubbed TiB 2 grains. Macro-pores and blowholes are absent in the local reinforcing region of the composites reinforced with 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios of TiC/TiB 2 , while a few macro-pores can be observed in the composite reinforced with 2:1 molar ratio of TiC/TiB 2 . Moreover, the densities of the composites reinforced with 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios of TiC/TiB 2 are higher than that of the composite reinforced with 2:1 molar ratio of TiC/TiB 2 . The composite reinforced with 1:2 molar ratio of TiC/TiB 2 has the highest hardness and the best wear resistance

Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene-Pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazine Small-Molecule Donors for Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells

KAUST Repository

Wolf, Jannic Sebastian; Babics, Maxime; Wang, Kai; Saleem, Qasim; Liang, Ru-Ze; Hansen, Michael Ryan; Beaujuge, Pierre

2016-01-01

We report on the synthesis, material properties and BHJ solar cell characteristics of a set of π-conjugated small-molecule (SM) donors composed of benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene (BDT) and pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazine (PP) units – examining the perspectives of alkyl-substituted PP acceptor motifs in SM designs. In these systems (SM1-4), both the type of side chains derived from the PP motifs and the presence of ring-substituents on BDT critically impact (i) molecular packing, and (ii) thin-film morphologies and charge transport in BHJ solar cells. With the appropriate side-chain pattern, the ring-substituted analogue SM4 stands out: achieving efficiencies of ca. 6.5% with PC71BM, and fine-scale morphologies comparable to those obtained with some of the best-performing polymer donors in BHJ solar cells. 1H-1H DQ-SQ NMR analyses are used to examine the distinct self-assembly pattern of SM4, expected to factor into the development of the BHJ morphology.

Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene-Pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazine Small-Molecule Donors for Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells

KAUST Repository

Wolf, Jannic Sebastian

2016-01-22

We report on the synthesis, material properties and BHJ solar cell characteristics of a set of π-conjugated small-molecule (SM) donors composed of benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene (BDT) and pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazine (PP) units – examining the perspectives of alkyl-substituted PP acceptor motifs in SM designs. In these systems (SM1-4), both the type of side chains derived from the PP motifs and the presence of ring-substituents on BDT critically impact (i) molecular packing, and (ii) thin-film morphologies and charge transport in BHJ solar cells. With the appropriate side-chain pattern, the ring-substituted analogue SM4 stands out: achieving efficiencies of ca. 6.5% with PC71BM, and fine-scale morphologies comparable to those obtained with some of the best-performing polymer donors in BHJ solar cells. 1H-1H DQ-SQ NMR analyses are used to examine the distinct self-assembly pattern of SM4, expected to factor into the development of the BHJ morphology.

Interlayer growth in Mo/B4C multilayered structures upon thermal annealing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nyabero, S. L.; Kruijs, R. W. E. van de; Yakshin, A. E.; Zoethout, E.; Bosgra, J.; Loch, R. A.; Blanckenhagen, G. von; Bijkerk, F.

2013-01-01

Both multilayer period thickness expansion and compaction were observed in Mo/B 4 C multilayers upon annealing, and the physical causes for this were explored in detail. Using in situ time-dependent grazing incidence X-ray reflectometry, period changes down to picometer-scale were resolved. It was shown that the changes depend on the thickness of the B 4 C layers, annealing temperature, and annealing time. Although strong stress relaxation during annealing was observed, it was excluded as a cause for period expansion. Auger electron spectroscopy and wide angle X-ray diffraction measurements revealed the growth of interlayers, with associated period changes influenced by the supply of B and C atoms to the growing compound interlayers. For multilayers with a Mo thickness of 3 nm, two regimes were recognized, depending on the deposited B 4 C thickness: in multilayers with B 4 C ≤ 1.5 nm, the supply of additional Mo into the already formed MoB x C y interlayer was dominant and led to densification, resulting in period compaction. For multilayers with B 4 C ≥ 2 nm, the B and C enrichment of interlayers formed low density compounds and yielded period expansion.

B4G local area: high level requirements and system design

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mogensen, Preben; Pajukoski, Kari; Raaf, Bernhard

2012-01-01

A next generation Beyond 4G (B4G) radio access technology is expected to become available around 2020 in order to cope with the exponential increase of mobile data traffic. In this paper, research motivations and high level requirements for a B4G local area concept are discussed. Our suggestions ...

The Future of HCV Therapy: NS4B as an Antiviral Target

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hadas Dvory-Sobol

2010-11-01

Full Text Available Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV infection is a major worldwide cause of liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is estimated that more than 170 million individuals are infected with HCV, with three to four million new cases each year. The current standard of care, combination treatment with interferon and ribavirin, eradicates the virus in only about 50% of chronically infected patients. Notably, neither of these drugs directly target HCV. Many new antiviral therapies that specifically target hepatitis C (e.g. NS3 protease or NS5B polymerase inhibitors are therefore in development, with a significant number having advanced into clinical trials. The nonstructural 4B (NS4B protein, is among the least characterized of the HCV structural and nonstructural proteins and has been subjected to few pharmacological studies. NS4B is an integral membrane protein with at least four predicted transmembrane (TM domains. A variety of functions have been postulated for NS4B, such as the ability to induce the membranous web replication platform, RNA binding and NTPase activity. This review summarizes potential targets within the nonstructural protein NS4B, with a focus on novel classes of NS4B inhibitors.

Low PIP4K2B expression in human breast tumors correlates with reduced patient survival: A role for PIP4K2B in the regulation of E-cadherin expression.

Science.gov (United States)

Keune, Willem-Jan; Sims, Andrew H; Jones, David R; Bultsma, Yvette; Lynch, James T; Jirström, Karin; Landberg, Goran; Divecha, Nullin

2013-12-01

Phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate (PtdIns5P) 4-kinase β (PIP4K2B) directly regulates the levels of two important phosphoinositide second messengers, PtdIns5P and phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2]. PIP4K2B has been linked to the regulation of gene transcription, to TP53 and AKT activation, and to the regulation of cellular reactive oxygen accumulation. However, its role in human tumor development and on patient survival is not known. Here, we have interrogated the expression of PIP4K2B in a cohort (489) of patients with breast tumor using immunohistochemical staining and by a meta-analysis of gene expression profiles from 2,999 breast tumors, both with associated clinical outcome data. Low PIP4K2B expression was associated with increased tumor size, high Nottingham histological grade, Ki67 expression, and distant metastasis, whereas high PIP4K2B expression strongly associated with ERBB2 expression. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that both high and low PIP4K2B expression correlated with poorer patient survival compared with intermediate expression. In normal (MCF10A) and tumor (MCF7) breast epithelial cell lines, mimicking low PIP4K2B expression, using short hairpin RNA interference-mediated knockdown, led to a decrease in the transcription and expression of the tumor suppressor protein E-cadherin (CDH1). In MCF10A cells, knockdown of PIP4K2B enhanced TGF-β-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process required during the development of metastasis. Analysis of gene expression datasets confirmed the association between low PIP4K2B and low CDH1expression. Decreased CDH1 expression and enhancement of TGF-β-induced EMT by reduced PIP4K2B expression might, in part, explain the association between low PIP4K2B expression and poor patient survival.

Hot pressing of B{sub 4}C/SiC composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sahin, F.C.; Turhan, E.; Yesilcubuk, S.A.; Addemir, O. [Ystanbul Technical University, Faculty of Chemistry and Metallurgy, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering Dept., Maslak-Ystanbul (Turkey)

2005-07-01

B{sub 4}C/SiC ceramic composites containing 10-20-30 vol % SiC were prepared by hot pressing method. The effect of SiC addition and hot pressing temperature on sintering behaviour and mechanical properties of hot pressed composites were investigated. Microstructures of hot pressed samples were examined by SEM technique. Three different temperatures (2100 deg. C, 2200 deg. C and 2250 deg. C) were used to optimize hot pressing temperature applying 100 MPa pressure under argon atmosphere during the sintering procedure. The highest relative density of 98.44 % was obtained by hot pressing at 2250 deg. C. However, bending strengths of B{sub 4}C/SiC composite samples were lower than monolithic B{sub 4}C in all experimental conditions. (authors)

The capsular group B meningococcal vaccine, 4CMenB : clinical experience and potential efficacy.

Science.gov (United States)

Rollier, Christine S; Dold, Christina; Marsay, Leanne; Sadarangani, Manish; Pollard, Andrew J

2015-01-01

Capsular group B meningococcal disease is a leading cause of childhood meningitis and septicaemia. Up to 10% of sufferers die, and sequelae remain in > 30% of survivors. A vaccine, four component meningococcal group B ( 4CMenB ), designed with the aim to induce broad coverage against this highly variable bacterium, has been licensed in countries including in the European Union, Canada and Australia. Immunogenicity and safety data, published in peer-reviewed literature between 2004 and 2014, are presented in the context of the recent recommendation for the use of the vaccine in infants in the UK. 4CMenB induces significant reactogenicity when administered with routine infant vaccines, in particular with respect to fever rates. Fevers can be somewhat reduced using paracetamol. The efficacy of the vaccine is unknown but has been extrapolated from effectiveness data obtained from use of one of its components in New Zealand, immunogenicity data from clinical trials and estimation of coverage from in vitro studies. These data suggest that the vaccine will prevent a proportion of invasive meningococcal disease cases in infants and young children. Implementation and well-planned post-marketing surveillance will address uncertainties over field effectiveness.

Human parvovirus B19 and parvovirus 4 among Iranian patients with hemophilia.

Science.gov (United States)

Javanmard, Davod; Ziaee, Masood; Ghaffari, Hadi; Namaei, Mohammad Hasan; Tavakoli, Ahmad; Mollaei, Hamidreza; Moghoofei, Mohsen; Mortazavi, Helya Sadat; Monavari, Seyed Hamidreza

2017-12-01

Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is one of the smallest DNA viruses and shows great resistance to most disinfectants. Therefore, it is one of the common contaminant pathogens present in blood and plasma products. Parvovirus 4 (PARV4) is a newly identified parvovirus, which is also prevalent in parenteral transmission. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of B19V and PARV4 DNA among patients with hemophilia in Birjand County in eastern Iran. This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study comprising nearly all people with hemophilia in this region. Whole blood samples were taken after patient registration and sent for plasma isolation. After nucleic acid extraction, B19V was detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction, PARV4 DNA was then detected using sensitive semi-nested PCR. In total, there were 86 patients with hemophilia, with mean age 28.5±1.5 years. Of these, 90.7% were men and 9.3% women; 84.9% had hemophilia A and 7.0% had hemophilia B. We found 11 patients (12.8%) were positive for B19V DNA and 8 were positive (9.3%) for PARV4 DNA. The prevalence of B19V was higher in middle-aged groups rather than younger people, whereas PARV4 infection was more common in younger patients ( P B19 virus, imposing more precautionary measures for serum and blood products is recommended.

TLR4 activates NF-κB in human ovarian granulosa tumor cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Woods, Dori C.; White, Yvonne A.R.; Dau, Caroline; Johnson, A.L.

2011-01-01

Highlights: → TLR4 is expressed in human ovarian granulosa tumor cells. → Acting through TLR4, LPS and HSP60 induce a NFκB signaling cascade in human ovarian granulosa tumor cells. → NFκB activation or inhibition did not alter chemosensitivity to TRAIL or cisplatin. -- Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the surface epithelium of normal ovaries (OSE) and in epithelial ovarian tumors. Most notably, OSE-derived cancers express TLR4, which activates the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling cascade as a mediator of inflammatory response. Currently, there is considerable interest in elucidating the role of TLR-mediated signaling in cancers. Nevertheless, the expression of TLRs in granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) of the ovary, and the extent to which GCT expression of TLRs may influence cell-signaling pathways and/or modulate the efficacy of chemotherapeutics, has yet to be determined. In the present study, human GCT lines (COV434 and KGN) were utilized to evaluate expression of functional TLR4. TLR4 is expressed in GCT cell lines and ligation of TLR4 with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) led to IκB degradation and activation of NF-κB. NF-κB activation was confirmed by nuclear localization of NF-κB p65 following treatment with LPS and the naturally occurring ligand, HSP60. Notably, immunoneutralization of TLR4 blocked nuclear localization, and inhibition of NF-κB signaling attenuated LPS-induced TNFα plus increased doubling time in both cell lines. Contradictory to reports using human OSE cell lines, inhibition of NF-κB signaling failed to sensitize GCT lines to TRAIL or cisplatin. In summary, findings herein are the first to demonstrate a functional TLR-signaling pathway specifically in GCTs, and indicate that in contrast to OSE-derived cancers, inhibition of NF-κB does not sensitize GCTs to TRAIL or cisplatin.

TLR4 activates NF-{kappa}B in human ovarian granulosa tumor cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Woods, Dori C., E-mail: dwoods2@partners.org [Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 (United States); White, Yvonne A.R. [Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 (United States); Dau, Caroline [University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA 94143 (United States); Johnson, A.L. [Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 (United States)

2011-06-17

Highlights: {yields} TLR4 is expressed in human ovarian granulosa tumor cells. {yields} Acting through TLR4, LPS and HSP60 induce a NF{kappa}B signaling cascade in human ovarian granulosa tumor cells. {yields} NF{kappa}B activation or inhibition did not alter chemosensitivity to TRAIL or cisplatin. -- Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the surface epithelium of normal ovaries (OSE) and in epithelial ovarian tumors. Most notably, OSE-derived cancers express TLR4, which activates the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-{kappa}B) signaling cascade as a mediator of inflammatory response. Currently, there is considerable interest in elucidating the role of TLR-mediated signaling in cancers. Nevertheless, the expression of TLRs in granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) of the ovary, and the extent to which GCT expression of TLRs may influence cell-signaling pathways and/or modulate the efficacy of chemotherapeutics, has yet to be determined. In the present study, human GCT lines (COV434 and KGN) were utilized to evaluate expression of functional TLR4. TLR4 is expressed in GCT cell lines and ligation of TLR4 with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) led to I{kappa}B degradation and activation of NF-{kappa}B. NF-{kappa}B activation was confirmed by nuclear localization of NF-{kappa}B p65 following treatment with LPS and the naturally occurring ligand, HSP60. Notably, immunoneutralization of TLR4 blocked nuclear localization, and inhibition of NF-{kappa}B signaling attenuated LPS-induced TNF{alpha} plus increased doubling time in both cell lines. Contradictory to reports using human OSE cell lines, inhibition of NF-{kappa}B signaling failed to sensitize GCT lines to TRAIL or cisplatin. In summary, findings herein are the first to demonstrate a functional TLR-signaling pathway specifically in GCTs, and indicate that in contrast to OSE-derived cancers, inhibition of NF-{kappa}B does not sensitize GCTs to TRAIL or cisplatin.

KONSUMSI MIKRONUTRIEN DAN EKSPRESI GEN eNOS3 ALEL INTRO 4a4b PADA PENDERITA HIPERTENSI ETNIK MINANGKABAU

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Delmi Sulastri

2011-05-01

Full Text Available AbstrakGen eNOS3 varian intron 4a4b merupakan salah satu gen yang berhubungan dengan kejadian hipertensi esensial. Kemampuan Gen eNOS3 varian ini untuk mensintesis enzim nitric oxide synthase (NOS berkurang sehingga sintesis Nitric oxide (NO menurun. Senyawa NO adalah suatu senyawa vasoaktif yang menyebabkan vasodilatasi pembuluh darah.Penelitian pada subjek hipertensi dan normotensi berusia 30-65 tahun bertujuan untuk melihat pengaruh mikronutrien terhadap ekspresi gen eNOS3 alel intron 4a4b. 130 subjek, diwawancara pola makannya lalu dilakukan analisis asupan mikronutrien, gen eNOS3, serta kadar NO plasma. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan uji T dan chi-square.Kadar NO plasma penderita hipertensi adalah 26.91 + 15.40 μM/L dan normotensi 25.79 + 15.04 μM/L. 55.5% subjek hipertensi memiliki gen eNOS3 varian intron 4b dan 69% subjek normotensi mempunyai varian intron 4a4b. Kadar NO plasma rendah, (66.7% ditemukan pada subjek hipertensi dengan varian intron 4b. Tidak terdapat hubungan bermakna asupan mikronutrien dengan kadar NO plasma pada subjek hipertensi.Hasil ini tidak mendukung pengaruh konsumsi mikronutrien terhadap kadar NO plasma pada penderita hipertensi dengan gen eNOS3 varian intron 4a4b.Kata Kunci : hipertensi esensial, gen eNOS3, kadar NO plasmaAbstracteNOS 3 gene intron 4a4b allel is one of the important genes which is related to hypertesion essensial. This gene expresses the nitric oxide synthase (NOS enzyme which regulates the synthesis of Nitric oxide (NO in human body. NO causes vasodilatation, which decreases peripheral resistant and blood pressure.A research has been done based on cross sectional study on hypertension patients and those with normal blood pressure in the range of 30-65 years old. The main of this research is to evaluate the influence of micronutrient consumption on eNOS3 gene intron 4a4b allel expression in hypertension subjects in Minangkabau ethnicity. 130 subjects interviewed about micronutrient

Dosimetric properties of Li2 B4 O7: Tm pellets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rzyski, B.M.; Morato, S.P.

1987-10-01

Pellets produced out of thulium doped lithium tetraborate, (Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Tm), for thermoluminescent, (TL), dosimetry present low sensibility to environment conditions. Humidity, ambiet temperature, fading and handling during TL reading have almost no influence on the TL properties of the pellets prepared according the receipt given in this paper. The structure of the TL glow curve for the irradiated Li 2 B 4 O 7 : Tm pellet is rather simple and the TL response is linear in the range of 3x10 -4 to 7x10 2 Gy. The dosimetric properties of Li 2 B 4 O 7 : Tm in pellet form makes it a competitor with other TL phosphors. (author) [pt

Facile insertion of a cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene carbon into the B-B bond of diboron(4) reagents.

Science.gov (United States)

Eichhorn, Antonius F; Kuehn, Laura; Marder, Todd B; Radius, Udo

2017-10-24

We report herein the room temperature insertion of the carbene carbon atom of the cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbene cAAC Me into the B-B single bonds of the diboron(4) compounds B 2 pin 2 , B 2 cat 2 , B 2 neop 2 , and B 2 eg 2 (pin = pinacolato, cat = catecholato, neop = neopentylglycolato, eg = ethyleneglycolato).

Heterogeneous free-surface profile of B4C polycrystal under shock compression

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mashimo, T.; Uchino, M.

1997-01-01

Observations of the free-surface behavior under shock compression by the gapped-flat mirror method were performed on B 4 C and Si 3 N 4 ceramics to study their shock-yielding properties. Jagged profiles of the moving free-surface in the plastic region, with a special scale of about one mm and a maximum local displacement of a few 10s of μm, were observed for B 4 C polycrystals. Similar profiles for Si 3 N 4 polycrystals were smooth. Such profiles for B 4 C polycrystals were also observed in the elastic region. It is suggested that these observations reflect the heterogeneous nature of shock compression in solids, and further indicate that a macroscopic slip system plays an important role in the elastoplastic transition of B 4 C material under shock compression and decompression. copyright 1997 American Institute of Physics

Electronic structure and magnetic properties of the ThCo4B compound

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Benea, D.; Pop, V.; Isnard, O.

2008-01-01

Detailed theoretical investigations of the electronic and magnetic properties of the newly discovered ThCo 4 B compound have been performed. The influence of the local environment on the magnitude of the Co magnetic moments is discussed by comparing the magnetic and electronic properties in the ThCo 4 B, YCo 4 B and ThCo 5 systems. All theoretical investigations of the electronic and magnetic properties have been done using the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) band-structure method in the ferromagnetic state. Very good agreement of the calculated and the experimental magnetic moments is obtained. Larger exchange-splitting is observed on the 2c site which carries by far the largest magnetic moment. Comparison of the band structure calculation for ThCo 5 and ThCo 4 B reveals that the presence of boron in the Co 6i site environment induces a broadening of the electronic bands as well as a significant reduction of the exchange-splitting and a diminution of the DOS at the Fermi level. These differences are attributed to the hybridization of the boron electronic states to the cobalt 3d ones. The calculated magnetic moment is 1.94μ B /formula unit. A large difference on the magnetic moment magnitude of the two Co sites is observed since 1.30 and 0.27μ B /atom are calculated for the 2c and 6i sites, respectively. The orbital contribution is found to differ by almost an order of magnitude on both cobalt sites. The Co magnetic moment is much smaller in the ThCo 4 B than in the YCo 4 B or RCo 4 B (where R is a rare earth) isotypes evidencing the major role played by the Th-Co bands on the electronic properties

Wear behaviour of plasma-sprayed AlSi/B4C composite coatings

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sarikaya, Ozkan; Anik, Selahaddin; Celik, Erdal; Okumus, S. Cem; Aslanlar, Salim

2007-01-01

This paper describes the wear behaviour of AlSi/B 4 C composite coatings with 0-25 wt% B 4 C particles for diesel engine motors. These coatings were successfully fabricated on AlSi substrates using an atmospheric plasma spray technique. The produced samples were characterized by means of an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and microhardness tester. The obtained results pointed out that an increase of B 4 C particles in AlSi coatings was caused on the rising of the microhardness values and the decrease of the thermal expansion coefficient of the coatings. The friction and wear experiments were performed under dry conditions using a ball-on-dics configuration against WC/Co counter material for different loads. It was concluded that wear resistance of the coatings produced using B 4 C powders is greatly improved compared with the substrate material. The highest wear resistance of the coatings were also determined in the 20% B 4 C coating

Complement system proteins which interact with C3b or C4b A superfamily of structurally related proteins

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Reid, K B M; Bentley, D R; Campbell, R D

1986-01-01

Recent cDNA sequencing data has allowed the prediction of the entire amino acid sequences of complement components factor B and C2, the complement control proteins factor H and C4b-binding protein and a partial sequence for the Cab/C4b receptor CR1. These proteins all contain internal repeating u...

Electronic structure of α-SrB4O7: experiment and theory

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Atuchin, V V; Kesler, V G; Zaitsev, A I; Molokeev, M S; Aleksandrovsky, A S; Kuzubov, A A; Ignatova, N Y

2013-01-01

The investigation of valence band structure and electronic parameters of constituent element core levels of α-SrB 4 O 7 has been carried out with x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Optical-quality crystal α-SrB 4 O 7 has been grown by the Czochralski method. Detailed photoemission spectra of the element core levels have been recorded from the powder sample under excitation by nonmonochromatic Al Kα radiation (1486.6 eV). The band structure of α-SrB 4 O 7 has been calculated by ab initio methods and compared to XPS measurements. It has been found that the band structure of α-SrB 4 O 7 is weakly dependent on the Sr-related states. (paper)

Nido-Carborane building-block reagents. 2. Bulky-substituent (alkyl)2C2B4H6 derivatives and (C6H5)2C2B4H6: synthesis and properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boyter, H.A. Jr.; Grimes, R.N.

1988-01-01

The preparation and chemistry of nido-2,3-R 2 C 2 C 2 B 4 H 6 carboranes in which R is n-butyl, isopentyl, n-hexyl, and phenyl was investigated in order to further assess the steric and electronic influence of the R groups on the properties of the nido-C 2 B 4 cage, especially with respect to metal complexation at the C 2 B 3 face and metal-promoted oxidative fusion. The three dialkyl derivatives were prepared from the corresponding dialkylacetylenes via reaction with B 5 H 9 and triethylamine, but the diphenyl compound could not be prepared in this manner and was obtained instead in a thermal reaction of B 5 H 9 with diphenylacetylene in the absence of amine. All four carboranes are readily bridge-deprotonated by NaH in THF, and the anions of the dialkyl species, on treatment with FeCl 2 and air oxidation, generate the respective R 4 C 4 B 8 H 8 carborane fusion products were R = n-C 4 H 9 , i-C 5 H 11 or n-C 6 H 13 . The diphenylcarborane anion Ph 2 C 2 B 4 H 5 - did not form detectable metal complexes with Fe 2+ , Co 2+ , or Ni 2+ , and no evidence of a Ph 4 C 4 B 8 H 8 fusion product has been found. Treatment of Ph 2 C 2 B 4 H 6 with Cr(CO) 6 did not lead to metal coordination of the phenyl rings, unlike (PhCH 2 ) 2 C 2 B 4 H 6 , which had previously been shown to form mono- and bis(tricarbonylchromium) complexes. However, the reaction of Ph 2 C 2 B 4 H 5 - , CoCl 2 , and (PhPCH 2 ) 2 did give 1,1-(Ph 2 PCH 2 ) 2 -1-Cl-1,2,3-Co(Ph 2 C 2 B 4 H 4 ), the only case in which metal complexation of the diphenylcarborane was observed. 14 references, 3 figures, 3 tables

Positively charged polymers modulate the fate of human mesenchymal stromal cells via ephrinB2/EphB4 signaling

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ilenia De Luca

2016-09-01

Full Text Available Understanding the mechanisms by which mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs interact with the physical properties (e.g. topography, charge, ζ-potential, and contact angle of polymeric surfaces is essential to design new biomaterials capable of regulating stem cell behavior. The present study investigated the ability of two polymers (pHM1 and pHM3 with different positive surface charge densities to modulate the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblast-like phenotype via cell-cell ephrinB2/EphB4 signaling. Although pHM1 promoted the phosphorylation of EphB4, leading to cell differentiation, pHM3, characterized by a high positive surface charge density, had no significant effect on EphB4 activation or MSCs differentiation. When the MSCs were cultured on pHM1 in the presence of a forward signaling blocking peptide, the osteoblast differentiation was compromised. Our results demonstrated that the ephrinB2/EphB4 interaction was required for MSCs differentiation into an osteoblast-like phenotype and that the presence of a high positive surface charge density altered this interaction.

Microstructure and mechanical properties investigation of in situ TiB2 and ZrB2 reinforced Al-4Cu composites

Science.gov (United States)

Lutfi Anis, Ahmad; Ramli, Rosmamuhammadani; Darham, Widyani; Zakaria, Azlan; Talari, Mahesh Kumar

2016-02-01

Conventional Al-Cu alloys exhibit coarse grain structure leading to inferior mechanical properties in as-cast condition. Expensive thermo-mechanical treatments are needed to improve microstructure and corresponding mechanical properties. In situ Al-based composites were developed to improve mechanical properties by dispersion strengthening and grain refinement obtained by the presence of particulates in the melt during solidification. In this work Al-4Cu - 3TiB2 and Al-4Cu-3ZrB2 in situ composites were prepared by liquid casting method. XRD, electron microscopy and mechanical tests were performed on suitably sectioned and metallographically prepared surfaces to investigate the phase distribution, hardness and tensile properties. It was found that the reinforcement particles were segregated along the grain boundaries of Al dendrites. Tensile fracture morphology for both Al-4Cu - 3TiB2 and Al-4Cu-3ZrB2 were analyzed and compared to determine the fracture propagation mechanism in the composites. Al-4Cu-3ZrB2 in situ composites displayed higher strength and hardness compared to Al-4Cu-3TiB2 which could be ascribed to the stronger interfacial bonding between the Al dendrites and ZrB2 particulates as evidenced from fractographs.

Expressions of B7-H4 and B7-H3 Proteins and Effect of Sorafenib on ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

21. Pardoll DM. The blockage of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy. Nat Rev Cancer 2012; 12(4):. 252-264. 22. Wang L, Liu LH, Shan BE. B7-H3: a promising target for tumor immunotherapy. Immunol J 2012; 28(8): 726-729. 23. Liu CZ, Yang KG, Cheng SS. B7-H4: a new negative regulator of T cell immunity.

Relationship Between LAPTM4B Gene Polymorphism and Susceptibility of Malignant Melanoma in Chinese Patients

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Meng Zhang

2014-10-01

Full Text Available Lysosomal-associated protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B is known as an oncogene associated with many human malignant tumors. There are two alleles of the gene, LAPTM4B*1 and LAPTM4B*2. Previous studies have shown that LAPTM4B polymorphism contributes to the risk of many cancers. This case-control study was to investigate the relationship between LAPTM4B gene polymorphism and susceptibility of malignant melanoma. The genotypes of LAPTM4B were determined in 617 control subjects and 220 patients with malignant melanoma by utilizing polymerase chain reaction based on specific primers. The genotypic distribution of LAPTM4B and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were analyzed by χ2 test. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval was calculated by unconditional logistic regression. The distributions of LAPTM4B genotypes were significantly different between melanoma patients (45.9% for *1/1, 46.4% for *1/2 and 7.7 for *2/2 and controls (54.5% for *1/1, 39.9% for *1/2 and 5.7 for *2/2. LAPTM4B *1/2 and LAPTM4B *2/2 had a 1.396-fold and 1.619-fold higher risk for melanoma occurrence than *1/1, and subjects with LAPTM4B*2 have a 1.308-fold higher risk than LAPTM4B*1 carriers. No association between LAPTM4B genotypes and gender, age, subtype, Clark level of invasion, Breslow thickness, ulceration, clinical stage, and C-KIT, BRAF gene mutation status was observed. LAPTM4B*2 is associated with the high risk of malignant melanoma and carrying LAPTM4B *2 may be a susceptible factor to Chinese melanoma patients.

Hepatitis C virus NS4B carboxy terminal domain is a membrane binding domain

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Spaan Willy JM

2009-05-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV induces membrane rearrangements during replication. All HCV proteins are associated to membranes, pointing out the importance of membranes for HCV. Non structural protein 4B (NS4B has been reported to induce cellular membrane alterations like the membranous web. Four transmembrane segments in the middle of the protein anchor NS4B to membranes. An amphipatic helix at the amino-terminus attaches to membranes as well. The carboxy-terminal domain (CTD of NS4B is highly conserved in Hepaciviruses, though its function remains unknown. Results A cytosolic localization is predicted for the NS4B-CTD. However, using membrane floatation assays and immunofluorescence, we now show targeting of the NS4B-CTD to membranes. Furthermore, a profile-profile search, with an HCV NS4B-CTD multiple sequence alignment, indicates sequence similarity to the membrane binding domain of prokaryotic D-lactate dehydrogenase (d-LDH. The crystal structure of E. coli d-LDH suggests that the region similar to NS4B-CTD is located in the membrane binding domain (MBD of d-LDH, implying analogy in membrane association. Targeting of d-LDH to membranes occurs via electrostatic interactions of positive residues on the outside of the protein with negative head groups of lipids. To verify that anchorage of d-LDH MBD and NS4B-CTD is analogous, NS4B-CTD mutants were designed to disrupt these electrostatic interactions. Membrane association was confirmed by swopping the membrane contacting helix of d-LDH with the corresponding domain of the 4B-CTD. Furthermore, the functionality of these residues was tested in the HCV replicon system. Conclusion Together these data show that NS4B-CTD is associated to membranes, similar to the prokaryotic d-LDH MBD, and is important for replication.

Production of fumonisins B2 and B4 in Tolypocladium species

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mogensen, Jesper Mølgaard; Møller, Kirsten Amalie; von Freiesleben, Pernille

2011-01-01

Tolypocladium inflatum is known primarily for its production of the cyclosporines that are used as an immunosuppressive drug. However, we report here the production of the carcinogenic fumonisins B2 and B4 by this biotechnologically relevant fungal genus. These mycotoxins were detected in 11...... strains tested from three species: Tolypocladium inflatum, T. cylindrosporum, and T. geodes. Production of fumonisins by Fusarium spp. and Aspergillus niger is highly medium- and temperature-dependent, so the effect of these parameters on fumonisin production by three T. inflatum strains was studied....... Maximum production was achieved on media with high sugar content incubated at 25–30°C. Since these results demonstrate that fumonisin production could be widespread within the genus Tolypocladium, the potential contamination of commercial cyclosporine preparations with fumonisins needs to be investigated....

Prodrug-activating Gene Therapy with Rabbit Cytochrome P450 4B1/4-Ipomeanol or 2-Aminoanthracene System in Glioma Cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jang, Su Jin; Kang, Joo Hyun; Lee, Tae Sup; Kim, Sung Joo; Kim, Kwang Il; Lee, Yong Jin; Cheon, Gi Jeong; Choi, Chang Woon; Lim, Sang Moo [Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2010-09-15

We determined the cytotoxic properties of cytochrome P450 4B1 (CYP4B1) activated 4-ipomeanol (4-ipo) and 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA) in rat glioma to verify the CYP4B1/4-ipo or 2-AA system for prodrug-activating gene therapy. The cyp4B1 cDNA was cloned into pcDNA3.1/ Hygro from rabbit lung total RNA (pcDAN-cyp4B1). Lentiviral vector encoding firefly luciferase (fLuc) was infected into C6 (rat glioma), and the fLuc-expressing cell was selected (C6-L). After transfection with pcDNA-cyp4B1 vector into C6-L, the single clone expressing cyp4B1 gene was selected (C6-CL). Prodrug for various concentrations of 4-ipo or 2-AA was treated for 72 h and 96 h. The cell survival rate of C6-CL was determined using MTT assay and trypan-blue dye exclusion methods. By RT-PCR analysis, fLuc and CYP4B1 expression was detected in C6-CL, but not in C6. MTT assay and trypan-blue dye exclusion showed that IC'5'0 of C6-CL was 0.3 mM and <0.01 mM after 4-ipo or 2-AA treatment at 96 h or 72 h exposure, respectively. Cell survivals of C6-CL were more rapidly reduced after treatment with 4-ipo or 2-AA than those of C6-L cells. The cell survival rate with MTT and trypan-blue dye exclusion assay was well correlated with fLuc activity in C6-CL cells. Conclusions CYP4B1-based prodrug-activating gene therapy may have the potential to treat glioma and the cytotoxic effects of CYP4B1 enzyme activated 4-ipo or 2-AA in C6, and could be clearly determined by bioluminescent activity in C6-CL.

Development of a sensitive and specific radioreceptor assay for leukotriene B4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kohi, F.; Agrawal, D.K.; Cheng, J.B.; Bewtra, A.; Townley, R.G.; Olesch, J.W.

1988-01-01

To establish a simple and sensitive quantitation of leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ), they developed a radioreceptor assay (RRA) using a highly specific [ 3 H]leukotriene B 4 ([ 3 H]LTB 4 ) binding to a guinea pig spleen homogenate. The assay detected LTB 4 levels as low as 0.12 pmol per tube. 50% inhibition of bound [ 3 H]LTB 4 was obtained by 2.5 nM of unlabeled LTB 4 . [ 3 H]LTB 4 competition studies indicated that 20-hydroxy-LTB 4 was 8 times, 6 trans-LTB 4 was 640 times and 20-carboxy-LTB 4 was 1000 times less effective than LTB 4 . The peptide leukotrienes C 4 , D 4 and E 4 showed no effect on [ 3 H]LTB 4 binding. Recovery rates averaged 97% after ethanol extraction and evaporation of known amounts of LTB 4 . The intra-assay coefficients of variation for three samples were 2.4%, 7.2% and 8.4%, respectively. This assay was validated by measuring LTB 4 released from human granulocytes stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187. The LTB 4 level was maximal at 10 min and decreased rapidly after 15 min. This radioreceptor assay for leukotriene B 4 is highly sensitive and is comparable to the reported sensitivity by radioimmunoassay. The method is simpler and less expensive than other methods such as high pressure liquid chromatography and is suitable for routine measurement of leukotriene B 4

Verification of LOCA/ECCS analysis codes ALARM-B2 and THYDE-B1 by comparison with RELAP4/MOD6/U4/J3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shimizu, Takashi

1982-08-01

For a verification study of ALARM-B2 code and THYDE-B1 code which are the component of the JAERI code system for evaluation of BWR ECCS performance, calculations for typical small and large break LOCA in BWR were done, and compared with those by RELAP4/MOD6/U4/J3 code. This report describes the influences of differences between the analytical models incorporated in the individual code and the problems identified by this verification study. (author)

12 CFR 264b.4 - Gifts of minimal value.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... RULES REGARDING FOREIGN GIFTS AND DECORATIONS § 264b.4 Gifts of minimal value. (a) Board employees may... occur on the same day. (b) Board employees may determine at the time a gift is offered whether it is of... for valuation. (c) Disagreements over whether a gift is of minimal value will be resolved by an...

Eph-B4 regulates adaptive venous remodeling to improve arteriovenous fistula patency

OpenAIRE

Protack, Clinton D.; Foster, Trenton R.; Hashimoto, Takuya; Yamamoto, Kota; Lee, Monica Y.; Kraehling, Jan R.; Bai, Hualong; Hu, Haidi; Isaji, Toshihiko; Santana, Jeans M.; Wang, Mo; Sessa, William C.; Dardik, Alan

2017-01-01

Low rates of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation prevent optimal fistula use for hemodialysis; however, the mechanism of venous remodeling in the fistula environment is not well understood. We hypothesized that the embryonic venous determinant Eph-B4 mediates AVF maturation. In human AVF and a mouse aortocaval fistula model, Eph-B4 protein expression increased in the fistula vein; expression of the arterial determinant Ephrin-B2 also increased. Stimulation of Eph-B-mediated signaling with ...

Lysosomal-associated Transmembrane Protein 4B (LAPTM4B) Decreases Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1) Production in Human Regulatory T Cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Huygens, Caroline; Liénart, Stéphanie; Dedobbeleer, Olivier; Stockis, Julie; Gauthy, Emilie; Coulie, Pierre G; Lucas, Sophie

2015-08-14

Production of active TGF-β1 is one mechanism by which human regulatory T cells (Tregs) suppress immune responses. This production is regulated by glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP), a transmembrane protein present on stimulated Tregs but not on other T lymphocytes (Th and CTLs). GARP forms disulfide bonds with proTGF-β1, favors its cleavage into latent inactive TGF-β1, induces the secretion and surface presentation of GARP·latent TGF-β1 complexes, and is required for activation of the cytokine in Tregs. We explored whether additional Treg-specific protein(s) associated with GARP·TGF-β1 complexes regulate TGF-β1 production in Tregs. We searched for such proteins by yeast two-hybrid assay, using GARP as a bait to screen a human Treg cDNA library. We identified lysosomal-associated transmembrane protein 4B (LAPTM4B), which interacts with GARP in mammalian cells and is expressed at higher levels in Tregs than in Th cells. LAPTM4B decreases cleavage of proTGF-β1, secretion of soluble latent TGF-β1, and surface presentation of GARP·TGF-β1 complexes by Tregs but does not contribute to TGF-β1 activation. Therefore, LAPTM4B binds to GARP and is a negative regulator of TGF-β1 production in human Tregs. It may play a role in the control of immune responses by decreasing Treg immunosuppression. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

X-ray and EPR study of reactions between B4C and TiO2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kakazey, M.; Vlasova, M.; Gonzalez-Rodriguez, J.G.; Dominguez-Patino, M.; Leder, R.

2006-01-01

X-ray diffraction and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methods have been used to study the reaction process in a system of 95 wt.% of B 4 C + 5 wt.% TiO 2 . The addition of TiO 2 to B 4 C was effective in accelerating the removal of carbon inclusions. Two types of reactions between B 4 C and TiO 2 , starting at temperatures ∼1173 K, took place: (a) gas-transport exchange and (b) diffusion of Ti atoms into the B 4 C lattice. These reactions modify the number and type of donor centers in the B 4 C. The dependence of EPR line width on the number of donor centers in B 4 C (from conditions of sample treatment) is a useful method for investigating the formation of powders and ceramics based on B 4 C

Production of Al-Ti-B grain refining master alloys from Na2B4O7 and K2TiF6

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Birol, Yuecel

2008-01-01

It is very desirable to replace the KBF 4 salt in the popular 'halide salt' process to reduce the volume of fluoride salts to be added to molten aluminium in the production of Al-Ti-B grain refiners. Being over 2 times richer in B, Na 2 B 4 O 7 is a promising replacement for KBF 4 , and is used in the present work to produce Al-Ti-B grain refiner master alloys. A fraction of the aluminide particles were entrapped in the spent salt giving a relatively lower Ti recovery when KBF 4 was replaced by Na 2 B 4 O 7 . The grain refining performance of the Al-Ti-B grain refiner alloy thus produced was nevertheless acceptable. The spent salt became too viscous with the oxides, aluminides and borides to be removed by decanting when Na 2 B 4 O 7 .5H 2 O was used to supply boron. The viscous spent salt, entrained in the grain refiner alloy, did not only impair its performance, but also hurt the fluidity of the molten alloy and made pouring difficult

{sup 10}B areal density: A novel approach for design and fabrication of B{sub 4}C/6061Al neutron absorbing materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Yuli [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); Key Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); Wang, Wenxian, E-mail: wangwenxian@tyut.edu.cn [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); Key Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); Zhou, Jun [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University Erie, The Behrend College, Erie, PA 16563 (United States); Chen, Hongsheng [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); Key Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); Zhang, Peng [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); College of Physics and Optoelectronics, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China)

2017-04-15

In this paper, a novel approach to evaluate the neutron shielding performance of a boron-containing neutron absorbing material was proposed for the first time through the establishment of a direct relationship between {sup 10}B areal density ({sup 10}BAD) of the material and its neutron absorption ratio. It is found when the {sup 10}BAD of a material is greater than 0.034 g/cm{sup 2}, the material will achieve a good neutron shielding performance. Based on this proposed approach, B{sub 4}C/6061Al composite plates with different B{sub 4}C content (10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%) were successfully fabricated using vacuum hot pressing followed by hot-extrusion. The characteristics of the B{sub 4}C/Al interface were studied in details using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the effects of B{sub 4}C particle content on microstructure and mechanical properties of the Al matrix were investigated. Through current studies, B{sub 4}C/6061Al composite plates possessing good neutron shielding performance and tensile strength are found to be able to be fabricated using either 20 wt% of B{sub 4}C content with a plate thickness of 4.5 mm or 30 wt% B{sub 4}C content with a plate thickness of 3 mm. - Graphical abstract: In this paper, a novel approach to evaluate the neutron shielding ability of a boron-containing neutron shielding material was proposed for the first time through the establishment of a direct relationship between {sup 10}B area density ({sup 10}BAD) of the material and its neutron shielding ratio. - Highlights: •{sup 10}BAD was proposed to evaluate the boron-containing neutron absorber material’s neutron shielding performance. •The direct relationship between the {sup 10}BAD and neutron shielding performance was firstly established. •TEM analysis of the composites reveals that an amorphous layer exists at the Al/B{sub 4}C interface. •Suitable B{sub 4}C contents and thickness for the fabrication of B{sub 4}C/6061A1 NAC plate were given in the

Gravity Probe B Number 4 Gyro Inspected

Science.gov (United States)

2000-01-01

The Gravity Probe B (GP-B) is the relativity experiment developed at Stanford University to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. The experiment will measure, very precisely, the expected tiny changes in the direction of the spin axes of four gyroscopes contained in an Earth-orbiting satellite at a 400-mile altitude. So free are the gyroscopes from disturbance that they will provide an almost perfect space-time reference system. They will measure how space and time are very slightly warped by the presence of the Earth, and, more profoundly, how the Earth's rotation very slightly drags space-time around with it. These effects, though small for the Earth, have far-reaching implications for the nature of matter and the structure of the Universe. In this photograph, Stanford engineer, Chris Gray, is inspecting the number 4 gyro under monochromatic light. GP-B is among the most thoroughly researched programs ever undertaken by NASA. This is the story of a scientific quest in which physicists and engineers have collaborated closely over many years. Inspired by their quest, they have invented a whole range of technologies that are already enlivening other branches of science and engineering. Launched April 20, 2004 , the GP-B program was managed for NASA by the Marshall Space Flight Center. Development of the GP-B is the responsibility of Stanford University along with major subcontractor Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Image credit to Russ Leese, Stanford University.)

2-Isobutyl-6-(4-methoxyphenylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hoong-Kun Fun

2011-02-01

Full Text Available In the title compound, C15H17N3OS, the dihedral angle between the statistically planar imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole fused-ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.002 Å and the methyoxbenzene ring is 4.52 (6°. In the crystal, molecules are arranged into columns and stacked down the a axis. The crystal structure is stabilized by weak C—H...π and π–π interactions [centroid–centroid separations = 3.6053 (8 and 3.7088 (7 Å].

Thermal and fast reactor benchmark testing of ENDF/B-6.4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Guisheng

1999-01-01

The benchmark testing for B-6.4 was done with the same benchmark experiments and calculating method as for B-6.2. The effective multiplication factors k eff , central reaction rate ratios of fast assemblies and lattice cell reaction rate ratios of thermal lattice cell assemblies were calculated and compared with testing results of B-6.2 and CENDL-2. It is obvious that 238 U data files are most important for the calculations of large fast reactors and lattice thermal reactors. However, 238 U data in the new version of ENDF/B-6 have not been renewed. Only data of 235 U, 27 Al, 14 N and 2 D have been renewed in ENDF/B-6.4. Therefor, it will be shown that the thermal reactor benchmark testing results are remarkably improved and the fast reactor benchmark testing results are not improved

Robo4 maintains vessel integrity and inhibits angiogenesis by interacting with UNC5B.

Science.gov (United States)

Koch, Alexander W; Mathivet, Thomas; Larrivée, Bruno; Tong, Raymond K; Kowalski, Joe; Pibouin-Fragner, Laurence; Bouvrée, Karine; Stawicki, Scott; Nicholes, Katrina; Rathore, Nisha; Scales, Suzie J; Luis, Elizabeth; del Toro, Raquel; Freitas, Catarina; Bréant, Christiane; Michaud, Annie; Corvol, Pierre; Thomas, Jean-Léon; Wu, Yan; Peale, Franklin; Watts, Ryan J; Tessier-Lavigne, Marc; Bagri, Anil; Eichmann, Anne

2011-01-18

Robo4 is an endothelial cell-specific member of the Roundabout axon guidance receptor family. To identify Robo4 binding partners, we performed a protein-protein interaction screen with the Robo4 extracellular domain. We find that Robo4 specifically binds to UNC5B, a vascular Netrin receptor, revealing unexpected interactions between two endothelial guidance receptors. We show that Robo4 maintains vessel integrity by activating UNC5B, which inhibits signaling downstream of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Function-blocking monoclonal antibodies against Robo4 and UNC5B increase angiogenesis and disrupt vessel integrity. Soluble Robo4 protein inhibits VEGF-induced vessel permeability and rescues barrier defects in Robo4(-/-) mice, but not in mice treated with anti-UNC5B. Thus, Robo4-UNC5B signaling maintains vascular integrity by counteracting VEGF signaling in endothelial cells, identifying a novel function of guidance receptor interactions in the vasculature. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Scintillation characteristics of LiB3O5 and β-BaB2O4 single crystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nazarenko, B.P.; Pedash, V.Yu.; Shekhovtsov, A.N.; Tarasov, V.A.; Zelenskaya, O.V.

2006-01-01

LiB 3 O 5 and β-BaB 2 O 4 single crystals have been grown by the top seeded solution growth technique. The optical characteristics and scintillation parameters of the grown single crystals have been tested and discussed

Tribomechanical behavior of B{sub 4}C{sub p} reinforced Al 359 composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ramasamy, Deivasigamani; Rathanasamy, Rajasekar [Kongu Engineering College, Tamil Nadu (India). Dept. of Mechanical Engineering; Subramanian, Mohan Kumar; Kaliyannan, Gobinath Velu [PAAVAI Engineering College, Tamil Nadu (India). Dept. of Mechatronics Engineering; Palaniappan, Sathish Kumar [Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal (India); Durairaj, Jayanth

2017-03-01

n the present investigation, the influence of B{sub 4}C{sub p} particles on the mechanical and tribological behavior of Al 359 composites has been studied. B{sub 4}C{sub p} particle reinforced Al 359 composite samples were prepared by stir casting process. Hardness, tensile strength and wear behavior of the composites were studied and compared with a control specimen. Hardness of B{sub 4}C{sub p} particles reinforced Al 359 matrix increases compared to base matrix due to the presence of the ceramic phase. Coefficient of friction considerably increases with up to 20 wt.-% addition of B{sub 4}C{sub p} in base matrix. Specimens were subjected to wear tests under different load conditions and the following five different wear mechanisms such as wear groove, abrasion, delamination, oxidation and plastic deformation were evaluated. The abrasion results prove the increase in wear resistance of B{sub 4}C{sub p} reinforced composites compared to a control specimen.

Association of CHMP4B and Autophagy with Micronuclei: Implications for Cataract Formation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Antonia P. Sagona

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Autophagy is a mechanism of cellular self-degradation that is very important for cellular homeostasis and differentiation. Components of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT machinery are required for endosomal sorting and also for autophagy and the completion of cytokinesis. Here we show that the ESCRT-III subunit CHMP4B not only localizes to normal cytokinetic bridges but also to chromosome bridges and micronuclei, the latter surrounded by lysosomes and autophagosomes. Moreover, CHMP4B can be co-immunoprecipitated with chromatin. Interestingly, a CHMP4B mutation associated with autosomal dominant posterior polar cataract abolishes the ability of CHMP4B to localize to micronuclei. We propose that CHMP4B, through its association with chromatin, may participate in the autophagolysosomal degradation of micronuclei and other extranuclear chromatin. This may have implications for DNA degradation during lens cell differentiation, thus potentially protecting lens cells from cataract development.

TRPM4 expression is associated with activated B cell subtype and poor survival in diffuse large B cell lymphoma

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Loo, Suet K; Ch'ng, Ewe S; Md Salleh, Md Salzihan

2017-01-01

to investigate TRPM4 protein expression pattern in non-malignant tissues and DLBCL cases, and its association with clinico-demographic parameters and survival in DLBCL. METHODS AND RESULTS: Analysis of publicly available DLBCL microarray data sets showed that TRPM4 transcripts were up-regulated in DLBCL compared...... to normal germinal centre B (GCB) cells, were expressed more highly in the activated B cell-like DLBCL (ABC-DLBCL) subtype and higher TRPM4 transcripts conferred worse overall survival (OS) in R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone)-treated DLBCL cases (P ... immunohistochemical analysis showed that TRPM4 was expressed in various human tissues but not in normal B cells within lymphoid tissues (reactive tonsil, lymph node and appendix). TRPM4 protein was present in 26% (n = 49 of 189) of our cohort of R-CHOP-treated DLBCL cases and this was associated significantly...

Synthesis, characterization and anti cancer activity of some fluorinated 3,6-diaryl-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Deepak Chowrasia

2017-05-01

Full Text Available A series of fluorinated 3,6-diaryl-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles (2a–2i was synthesized by condensation of various substituted 4-amino-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols (1a–1i with penta fluoro benzoic acid in good yields (60–80%. The synthesized compounds were screened for anticancer activity against three cancerous cell lines MCF7 (human breast cancer, SaOS-2 (human osteosarcoma and K562 (human myeloid leukemia. The compounds showed moderate to good antiproliferative potency against the studied cell lines. Among these, compound 2b showed higher antiproliferative activity (IC50 22.1, 19 and 15 μM against MCF7, SaOS-2 and K562, respectively while 2a exhibited least antiproliferative activity (IC50 30.2, 39 and 29.4 μM against MCF7, SaOS-2 and K562 cells, respectively. Therefore, the present study demonstrates that fluorine substituted 3,6-diaryl-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles would be a better prospective in the development of anticancer drugs.

Radiation defects in SrB4O7:Eu2+ crystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yavetskiy, R.P.; Dolzhenkova, E.F.; Tolmachev, A.V.; Parkhomenko, S.V.; Baumer, V.N.; Prosvirnin, A.L.

2007-01-01

Radiation-induced defects in SrB 4 O 7 :Eu 2+ (0.033 at.%) single crystal irradiated with γ and X-ray quanta has been studied. The induced optical absorption in the 400-700 nm region has been ascribed to F + centers. The Eu 2+ ions have been shown to act simultaneously as traps and as radiative recombination centers of charge carriers. Basing on the thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL), optical absorption and photoluminescence studies of SrB 4 O 7 :Eu 2+ crystals, a TSL mechanism has been proposed associated with the decay of F + centers being in non-equivalent crystallographic positions followed by radiative recombination of charge carriers on europium ions. Various positions of localization of the radiation-induced defects in the SrB 4 O 7 crystal structure have been discussed

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of some novel fused heterocyclic 1,2,4-triazolo [3,4-b][1,3,4] thiadiazine derivatives

Science.gov (United States)

Sahu, Jagdish K.; Ganguly, Swastika; Kaushik, Atul

2014-01-01

In the present investigation, the synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of 1,2,4-triazolo [3,4-b][1,3,4] thiadiazine including different pharmacophores are aimed at. In this study, a series of 6-aryl-3- (3,4 -dialkoxyphenyl)-7H -[1,2,4]triazolo [3,4-b][1,3,4] thiadiazine (7a-7k) was synthesized by condensing 4-amino-5-(3,4-dialkoxyphenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]- triazole-3-thiol (6) with various aromatic carboxylic acids in the presence of phenacyl bromides through one-pot reaction. Eleven fused heterocyclic derivatives were successfully synthesized. The structures of these newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR and mass spectroscopic studies. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial evaluation. Some of the compounds exhibited promising antimicrobial activity. From the present study it may be concluded that synthesized compounds are fruitful in terms of their structural novelty and marked biological activities. These compounds could be further modified to develop potential and safer antifungal agents. PMID:24959418

Murine model of acute myocarditis and cerebral cortical neuron edema induced by coxsackievirus B4

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zhao-Peng Dong

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Globally, coxsackievirus B4 (CV-B4 has been continuously isolated and evidence suggests an association with the development of pancreatitis and type I diabetes. In addition, CV-B4 is also associated with myocarditis and severe central nervous system (CNS complications, which remain poorly studied and understood. In the present study, we established an ICR mouse model of CV-B4 infection and examined whether CV-B4 infection resulted in a predisposition to myocarditis and CNS infection. We found high survival in both the treatment and control group, with no significant differences in clinical outcomes observed. However, pathological lesions were evident in both brain and heart tissue of the CV-B4-infected mice. In addition, high viral loads were found in the neural and cardiac tissues as early as 2 d postinfection. Expressions of IFN-γ and IL-6 in sera were significantly higher in CV-B4-infected mice compared to uninfected negative controls, suggesting the involvement of these cytokines in the development of histopathological lesions. Our murine model successfully reproduced the acute myocarditis and cerebral cortical neuron edema induced by CV-B4, and may be useful for the evaluation of vaccine candidates and potential antivirals against CV-B4 infection.

Ethyl (E-2-(2,7-dimethyl-5-oxo-4H,5H-pyrano[4,3-b]pyran-4-ylideneacetate

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Oulemda Bassou

2017-02-01

Full Text Available In the title compound, C14H14O5, the two heterocyclic rings are coplanar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.008 Å, with the largest deviation from the mean plane being 0.012 (1 Å. The mean plane through the acetate group is inclined slightly with respect to the oxopyrano[4,3-b]pyran-4-yl system, as indicated by the dihedral angle of 1.70 (7° between them. Two intramolecular hydrogen bonds, completing S(6 ring motifs, are observed in the molecule. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds involving the same acceptor atom, forming chains propagating along the c-axis direction and enclosing R21(6 ring motifs. The chains are linked via offset π–π interactions [intercentroid distance = 3.622 (1 Å], involving inversion-related oxopyrano[4,3-b]pyran-4-yl ring systems, forming slabs parallel to the bc plane.

B-decay anomalies in Pati-Salam SU(4)

Science.gov (United States)

Barbieri, Riccardo; Tesi, Andrea

2018-03-01

Attempts to incorporate in a coherent picture the B-decay anomalies presumably observed in b→ c and b→ s semi-leptonic decays have to face the absence of signals in other related experiments, both at low and at high energies. By extending and making more precise the content of Barbieri et al. (Eur Phys J C 77(1):8, 2017), we describe one such attempt based on the Pati-Salam SU(4) group, that unifies colour and the B- L charge, in the context of a new strongly interacting sector, equally responsible for producing a pseudo-Goldstone Higgs boson.

Unprecedentedly mild direct Pd-catalyzed arylation of oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridine

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Zhuravlev, Fedor

2006-01-01

Pd-catalyzed C-2 arylation of oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridine proceeds efficiently at 30 degrees C and tolerates a variety of aryl halides, including derivatized amino acids for which no racemization was observed during the reaction. Experimental evidence for facile deprotonation of oxazolo[4,5-b...

[Carcinogenesis and its mechanism of mutant-type[12Asp]K-ras4B gene].

Science.gov (United States)

Gui, Li-ming; Wei, Li-hui; Zhang, Ying-mei; Wang, Jian-liu; Wang, Ying; Chen, Ying; Ma, Da-long

2002-01-01

Ras gene plays an important role in the extra- and intra-cellular signal transduction pathway. It mediates series cascade reactions, and eventually actives transcriptional factors in nucleus. It is unknown on the mechanism of carcinogenesis of Ras gene in endometrial carcinoma, though K-ras mutant is very common in endometrial atypical hyperplasia and carcinoma. On basis of discovering the mutation in 12th codon of K-ras in endometrial carcinoma cell line, HEC-1A, we explored the carcinogenesis and molecular mechanism of mutant-type [12Asp] K-ras4B gene. (1) Full-length [12Asp]K-ras4B cDNA was amplified with RT-PCR, then inserted into pcDI eukaryotic expressive vector. (2) Morphological change, growth kinetics in vitro and tumorigencity in nude mice in vivo after-before transfection were observed. (3) To test the cell growth kinetics by methyl thiazolium tetrazolium (MTT) and [3H]thymidine incorporation method. (1) The authors have successfully constructed eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDI-[12Asp] K-ras4B; (2) To confirm that [12Asp] K-ras4B mutant can trigger the neoplastic transformation of NIH3T3 cells by test in vitro and in vivo. (3) After pMCV-RasN17 plasmid, a Ras mutant were transfected into pcDI-[12Asp] K-ras4B cells, the growth of this cell were restrained significantly in comparison with control group. (4) These findings indicate the expression of RafS621A resulted in remarkable inhibition in proliferation of pcDI-[12Asp]K-ras4B cell (P ras4B cell growth (P ras4B gene alone is able to cause neoplastic transformation in NIH3T3 cells in vitro and in vivo. (2) [12Asp]K-ras4B-induced NIH3T3 cells neoplastic transformation required Raf signaling pathway.

A novel homozygous AP4B1 mutation in two brothers with AP-4 deficiency syndrome and ocular anomalies.

Science.gov (United States)

Accogli, Andrea; Hamdan, Fadi F; Poulin, Chantal; Nassif, Christina; Rouleau, Guy A; Michaud, Jacques L; Srour, Myriam

2018-04-01

Adaptor protein complex-4 (AP-4) is a heterotetrameric protein complex which plays a key role in vesicle trafficking in neurons. Mutations in genes affecting different subunits of AP-4, including AP4B1, AP4E1, AP4S1, and AP4M1, have been recently associated with an autosomal recessive phenotype, consisting of spastic tetraplegia, and intellectual disability (ID). The overlapping clinical picture among individuals carrying mutations in any of these genes has prompted the terms "AP-4 deficiency syndrome" for this clinically recognizable phenotype. Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified a novel homozygous mutation (c.991C>T, p.Q331*, NM_006594.4) in AP4B1 in two siblings from a consanguineous Pakistani couple, who presented with severe ID, progressive spastic tetraplegia, epilepsy, and microcephaly. Sanger sequencing confirmed the mutation was homozygous in the siblings and heterozygous in the parents. Similar to previously reported individuals with AP4B1 mutations, brain MRI revealed ventriculomegaly and white matter loss. Interestingly, in addition to the typical facial gestalt reported in other AP-4 deficiency cases, the older brother presented with congenital left Horner syndrome, bilateral optic nerve atrophy and cataract, which have not been previously reported in this condition. In summary, we report a novel AP4B1 homozygous mutation in two siblings and review the phenotype of AP-4 deficiency, speculating on a possible role of AP-4 complex in eye development. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PTP1B is a negative regulator of interleukin 4–induced STAT6 signaling

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Xiaoqing; Malumbres, Raquel; Shields, Benjamin; Jiang, Xiaoyu; Sarosiek, Kristopher A.; Natkunam, Yasodha

2008-01-01

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme shown to negatively regulate multiple tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways. PTP1B can modulate cytokine signaling pathways by dephosphorylating JAK2, TYK2, and STAT5a/b. Herein, we report that phosphorylated STAT6 may serve as a cytoplasmic substrate for PTP1B. Overexpression of PTP1B led to STAT6 dephosphorylation and the suppression of STAT6 transcriptional activity, whereas PTP1B knockdown or deficiency augmented IL-4–induced STAT6 signaling. Pretreatment of these cells with the PTK inhibitor staurosporine led to sustained STAT6 phosphorylation consistent with STAT6 serving as a direct substrate of PTP1B. Furthermore, PTP1B-D181A “substrate-trapping” mutants formed stable complexes with phosphorylated STAT6 in a cellular context and endogenous PTP1B and STAT6 interacted in an interleukin 4 (IL-4)–inducible manner. We delineate a new negative regulatory loop of IL-4–JAK-STAT6 signaling. We demonstrate that IL-4 induces PTP1B mRNA expression in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase–dependent manner and enhances PTP1B protein stability to suppress IL-4–induced STAT6 signaling. Finally, we show that PTP1B expression may be preferentially elevated in activated B cell–like diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. These observations identify a novel regulatory loop for the regulation of IL-4–induced STAT6 signaling that may have important implications in both neoplastic and inflammatory processes. PMID:18716132

Duplex unwinding and ATPase activities of the DEAD-box helicase eIF4A are coupled by eIF4G and eIF4B

Science.gov (United States)

Özeş, Ali R.; Feoktistova, Kateryna; Avanzino, Brian C.; Fraser, Christopher S.

2011-01-01

Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) is a DEAD-box helicase that stimulates translation initiation by unwinding mRNA secondary structure. The accessory proteins, eIF4G, eIF4B, and eIF4H enhance the duplex unwinding activity of eIF4A, but the extent to which they modulate eIF4A activity is poorly understood. Here, we use real time fluorescence assays to determine the kinetic parameters of duplex unwinding and ATP hydrolysis by these initiation factors. To ensure efficient duplex unwinding, eIF4B and eIF4G cooperatively activate the duplex unwinding activity of eIF4A. Our data reveal that eIF4H is much less efficient at stimulating eIF4A unwinding activity than eIF4B, implying that eIF4H is not able to completely substitute for eIF4B in duplex unwinding. By monitoring unwinding and ATPase assays using identical conditions, we demonstrate that eIF4B couples the ATP hydrolysis cycle of eIF4A with strand separation, thereby minimizing non-productive unwinding events. Using duplex substrates with altered GC contents, but with similar predicted thermal stabilities, we further show that the rate of formation of productive unwinding complexes is strongly influenced by the local stability per base pair in addition to the stability of the entire duplex. This finding explains how a change in the GC content of a hairpin while maintaining overall predicted thermal stability is able to influence translation initiation. PMID:21840318

Fully-human Monoclonal Antibodies Against Human EphrinB2 and EphB4 | NCI Technology Transfer Center | TTC

Science.gov (United States)

The National Cancer Institute's Cancer and Inflammation Program is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in licensing fully-human monoclonal antibodies against human EphrinB2 and EphB4.

Sputtering characteristics of B4C-overlaid graphite for keV energy deuterium ion irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gotoh, Y.; Yamaki, T.; Ando, T.; Jimbou, R.; Ogiwara, N.; Saidoh, M.; Teruyama, K.

1992-01-01

Two types of B 4 C-overlaid graphite (CFC), conversion and CVD B 4 C, together with bare CFC (PCC-2S) and/or HP B 4 C, were investigated with respect to erosion yields for 1 keV D + , D 2 /CD 4 TDS after 1 keV D + implantation, and thermal diffusivity/conductivity, in a temperature range from 300 to 1400 K. The erosion yields of both conversion and CVD B 4 C were found to be much lower than that of the bare CFC (PCC-2S), in both chemical sputtering (600-1100 K) and RES (1200-1400 K) temperature regions. The D 2 TDS peak of the conversion B 4 C was found to be located at nearly 200 K lower temperature than that of the bare CFC (PCC-2S), indicating much lower activation energy for detrapping/recombination of trapped D in the conversion B 4 C and in the CFC. The CD 4 TDS peak of the conversion B 4 C was found to be much weaker in intensity than that of the bare CFC (PCC-2S), in agreement with the present erosion yield results. Thermal diffusivities and conductivities of both the conversion B 4 C/PCC-2S and the CVD B 4 C, were measured to be nearly 1/10 of that of the bare CFC (PCC-2S), and to decrease with increasing temperatures. (orig.)

Progressive decrease in the potential usefulness of meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB, Bexsero® in Gipuzkoa, Northern Spain.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Emilio Pérez-Trallero

Full Text Available The effectiveness of a vaccine is determined not only by the immunogenicity of its components, but especially by how widely it covers the disease-causing strains circulating in a given region. Because vaccine coverage varies over time, this study aimed to detect possible changes that could affect vaccine protection during a specific period in a southern European region. The 4CMenB vaccine is licensed for use in Europe, Canada, and Australia and is mainly directed against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B. This vaccine contains four main immunogenic components: three recombinant proteins, FHbp, Nhba and NadA, and an outer membrane vesicle [PorA P1.4]. The allelic distribution of FHbp, Nhba, NadA, and PorA antigens in 82 invasive isolates (B and non-B serogroups isolated from January 2008 to December 2013 were analyzed. 4CMenB was likely protective against 61.8% and 50% of serogroup B and non-B meningococci, respectively, in the entire period, but between 2012 and 2013, the predicted protection fell below 45% (42.1% for serogroup B isolates.The observed decreasing trend in the predicted protection during the 6 years of the study (Χ2 for trend  = 4.68, p = 0.03 coincided with a progressive decrease of several clonal complexes (e.g., cc11, cc32 and cc41/44, which had one or more antigens against which the vaccine would offer protection.

Tumor cell-released TLR4 ligands stimulate Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells to induce apoptosis of activated T cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Yan-Yan; Sun, Ling-Cong; Wei, Jing-Jing; Li, Dong; Yuan, Ye; Yan, Bin; Liang, Zhi-Hui; Zhu, Hui-Fen; Xu, Yong; Li, Bo; Song, Chuan-Wang; Liao, Sheng-Jun; Lei, Zhang; Zhang, Gui-Mei; Feng, Zuo-Hua

2010-09-01

Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells play important roles in tumor development and have a negative effect on tumor immunotherapy. So far, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of their immunosuppressive phenotype by classical and alternative macrophage activation stimuli are not well elucidated. In this study, we found that molecules from necrotic tumor cells (NTC-Ms) stimulated Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells to induce apoptosis of activated T cells but not nonstimulated T cells. The apoptosis-inducing capacity was determined by higher expression levels of arginase I and IL-10 relative to those of NO synthase 2 and IL-12 in Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells, which were induced by NTC-Ms through TLR4 signaling. The apoptosis-inducing capacity of NTC-Ms-stimulated Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells could be enhanced by IL-10. IFN-gamma may reduce the apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells only if their response to IFN-gamma was not attenuated. However, the potential of Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells to express IL-12 in response to IFN-gamma could be attenuated by tumor, partially due to the existence of active STAT3 in Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells and NTC-Ms from tumor. In this situation, IFN-gamma could not effectively reduce the apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells. Tumor immunotherapy with 4-1BBL/soluble programmed death-1 may significantly reduce, but not abolish the apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells in local microenvironment. Blockade of TLR4 signaling could further reduce the apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells and enhance the suppressive effect of 4-1BBL/soluble form of programmed death-1 on tumor growth. These findings indicate the relationship of distinct signaling pathways with apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells and emphasize the importance of blocking TLR4 signaling to prevent the induction of T cell apoptosis by Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells.

The crystal structure of 6-(4-chlorophenyl-2-(4-methylbenzylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole-5-carbaldehyde

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Sowmya

2016-10-01

Full Text Available In the title imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivative, C19H14ClN3OS, the 4-methylbenzyl and chlorophenyl rings are inclined to the planar imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole moiety (r.m.s. deviation = 0.012 Å by 64.5 (1 and 3.7 (1°, respectively. The molecular structure is primarily stabilized by a strong intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond, leading to the formation of a pseudo-seven-membered S(7 ring motif, and a short intramolecular C—H...N contact forming an S(5 ring motif. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of C—H...S hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. The dimers are linked by C—H...O and C—H...π interactions, forming chains propagating along [110].

Investigation of the expression of the EphB4 receptor tyrosine kinase in prostate carcinoma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Yen-Ching; Perren, Janeanne R; Douglas, Evelyn L; Raynor, Michael P; Bartley, Maria A; Bardy, Peter G; Stephenson, Sally-Anne

2005-01-01

The EphB4 receptor tyrosine kinase has been reported as increased in tumours originating from several different tissues and its expression in a prostate cancer xenograft model has been reported. RT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemical techniques were used to examine EphB4 expression and protein levels in human prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP, DU145 and PC3. Immunohistochemistry was also used to examine localisation of EphB4 in tissue samples from 15 patients with prostate carcinomas. All three prostate cancer cell lines expressed the EphB4 gene and protein. EphB4 immunoreactivity in vivo was significantly greater in human prostate cancers as compared with matched normal prostate epithelium and there appeared to be a trend towards increased expression with higher grade disease. EphB4 is expressed in prostate cancer cell lines with increased expression in human prostate cancers when compared with matched normal tissue. EphB4 may therefore be a useful anti-prostate cancer target

The effect of hydrogen on B4C coatings fabrication in inductively coupled plasma torch

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Q. J. Guo

2018-02-01

Full Text Available Boron carbide (B4C coatings are prepared by an RF inductively coupled plasma (ICP torch with different amounts of hydrogen introduced into the sheath gas. The effects of the added hydrogen on the characteristics of the plasma are diagnosed by optical emission spectroscopy and high speed photography. The effects on the melting of B4C particles in the plasma are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM. The microstructure of the B4C coatings was determined with SEM imaging and x-ray diffraction analysis. The results show that adding hydrogen to the sheath gas leads to plasma contraction, which results in higher gas temperature of plasma. It also enhances B4C particles spheroidizing and improves the compactness of B4C coatings. Plasma processing does not change the main phase of boron carbide. The obtained results on B4C coatings on Cu substrates allows for improving the B4C coatings fabrication process.

Coatings synthesised by the pulsed laser ablation of a B{sub 4}C/W{sub 2}B{sub 5} ceramic composite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tadadjeu Sokeng, I., E-mail: ifriky@tlabs.ac.za [Department of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, French South African Institute of Technology/Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville campus, PO Box 1906, Bellville, 7530 (South Africa); Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, 1 Old Faure Road, 7129, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province (South Africa); UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria (South Africa); Ngom, B.D. [Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, 1 Old Faure Road, 7129, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province (South Africa); UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria (South Africa); Laboratoire de Photonique et de Nanofrabrication, Groupes de physique du Solide et Sciences des Matriaux (GPSSM), Facult des sciences et Techniques Universit Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), B.P. 25114 Dakar, Fann Dakar (Senegal); Msimanga, M. [iThemba LABS Gauten, Private Bag 11, WITS 2050 Johannesburg (South Africa); Nuru, Z.Y.; Kotsedi, L.; Maaza, M. [Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, 1 Old Faure Road, 7129, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province (South Africa); UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences/Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria (South Africa); Van Zyl, R.R. [Department of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, French South African Institute of Technology/Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville campus, PO Box 1906, Bellville, 7530 (South Africa)

2015-10-30

A pellet of B{sub 4}C/W{sub 2}B{sub 5} ceramic composite was characterised and subjected to pulsed laser ablation for the deposition of coatings on corning glass substrates. We reports an attempt to produce coatings from B{sub 4}C/W{sub 2}B{sub 5} by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The thermal, electric and mechanical properties of B{sub 4}C/W{sub 2}B{sub 5} suggest that coatings synthesised from this composite can be used for space applications. The samples were characterised using X-ray Diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy and Heavy Ion Elastic Recoil Detection Analysis. The characterisation of the samples deposited on soda lime corning glass showed that the laser energy used in this PLD was enough to obtain non amorphous coatings formed by some alteration of the tungsten carbide crystal lattice at room temperature, and that there was no stoichiometry transfer as would be expected from PLD. The coating also showed space applicable features worth investigating. - Highlights: • B{sub 4}C/W{sub 2}B{sub 5} ceramic composite was ablated for deposition on corning glass subtrates. • Non-amorphous coating was obtained at room temperature. • There was no stoichiometry transfer as would be expected from Pulsed Laser Deposition.

Bactericidal antibody against a representative epidemiological meningococcal serogroup B panel confirms that MATS underestimates 4CMenB vaccine strain coverage.

Science.gov (United States)

Frosi, Giacomo; Biolchi, Alessia; Lo Sapio, Morena; Rigat, Fabio; Gilchrist, Stefanie; Lucidarme, Jay; Findlow, Jamie; Borrow, Ray; Pizza, Mariagrazia; Giuliani, Marzia Monica; Medini, Duccio

2013-10-09

4CMenB (Bexsero), a vaccine developed against invasive meningococcal disease caused by capsular group B strains (MenB), was recently licensed for use by the European Medicines Agency. Assessment of 4CMenB strain coverage in specific epidemiologic settings is of primary importance to predict vaccination impact on the burden of disease. The Meningococcal Antigen Typing System (MATS) was developed to predict 4CMenB strain coverage, using serum bactericidal antibody assay with human complement (hSBA) data from a diverse panel of strains not representative of any specific epidemiology. To experimentally validate the accuracy of MATS-based predictions against strains representative of a specific epidemiologic setting. We used a stratified sampling method to identify a representative sample from all MenB disease isolates collected from England and Wales in 2007-2008, tested the strains in the hSBA assay with pooled sera from infant and adolescent vaccinees, and compared these results with MATS. MATS predictions and hSBA results were significantly associated (P=0.022). MATS predicted coverage of 70% (95% CI, 55-85%) was largely confirmed by 88% killing in the hSBA (95% CI, 72-95%). MATS had 78% accuracy and 96% positive predictive value against hSBA. MATS is a conservative predictor of strain coverage by the 4CMenB vaccine in infants and adolescents. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaulation of B4C as an ablator material for NIF capsules. Revision 1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Burnham, A.K.; Alford, C.S.; Makowiecki, D.M.; Dittrich, T.R.; Wallace, R.J.; Honea, E.C.; King, C.M.; Steinman, D.

1997-01-01

Boron carbide (B 4 C) is examined as a potential fuel container and ablator for implosion capsules on the National Ignition Facility (NIF). A capsule of pure B 4 C encasing a layer of solid DT implodes stably and ignites with anticipated NIF x-ray drives, producing 18 MJ of energy. Thin films of B 4 C were found to be resistant to oxidation and modestly transmitting in the infrared (IR), possibly enabling IR fuel characterization and enhancement for thin permeation barriers but not for full-thickness capsules. Polystyrene mandrels 0.5 mm in diameter were successfully coated with 0.15-2.0 micrometers of B 4 C. Thickness estimated from optical density agreed well with those measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The B 4 C microstructure was columnar but finer than for Be made at the same conditions. B 4 C is a very strong material, with a fiber tensile strength capable of holding NIF fill pressures at room temperature, but it is also very brittle, and microscopic flaws or grain structure may limit the noncryogenic fill pressure. Argon (Ar) permeation rates were measured for a few capsules that had been further coated with 5 micrometers of plasma polymer. The B 4 C coatings tended to crack under tensile load. Some shells filled more slowly than they leaked, suggesting that the cracks open and close under opposite pressure loading. As observed earlier for Ti coatings, 0.15-micrometer layers of B 4 C had better gas retention properties than 2-micrometer layers, possibly because of fewer cracks. Permeation and fill strength issues for capsules with a full ablator thickness of B 4 C are unresolved. 21 refs., 6 figs

DISC1, PDE4B, and NDE1 at the centrosome and synapse

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bradshaw, Nicholas J.; Ogawa, Fumiaki; Antolin-Fontes, Beatriz; Chubb, Jennifer E.; Carlyle, Becky C.; Christie, Sheila; Claessens, Antoine; Porteous, David J.; Millar, J. Kirsty

2008-01-01

Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) is a risk factor for schizophrenia and other major mental illnesses. Its protein binding partners include the Nuclear Distribution Factor E Homologs (NDE1 and NDEL1), LIS1, and phosphodiesterases 4B and 4D (PDE4B and PDE4D). We demonstrate that NDE1, NDEL1 and LIS1, together with their binding partner dynein, associate with DISC1, PDE4B and PDE4D within the cell, and provide evidence that this complex is present at the centrosome. LIS1 and NDEL1 have been previously suggested to be synaptic, and we now demonstrate localisation of DISC1, NDE1, and PDE4B at synapses in cultured neurons. NDE1 is phosphorylated by cAMP-dependant Protein Kinase A (PKA), whose activity is, in turn, regulated by the cAMP hydrolysis activity of phosphodiesterases, including PDE4. We propose that DISC1 acts as an assembly scaffold for all of these proteins and that the NDE1/NDEL1/LIS1/dynein complex is modulated by cAMP levels via PKA and PDE4.

Endothelial glutathione-S-transferase A4-4 protects against oxidative stress and modulates iNOS expression through NF-κB translocation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang Yongzhen; Yang Yusong; Xu Ya; Lick, Scott D.; Awasthi, Yogesh C.; Boor, Paul J.

2008-01-01

Our recent work in endothelial cells and human atherosclerotic plaque showed that overexpression of glutathione-S-tranferases (GSTs) in endothelium protects against oxidative damage from aldehydes such as 4-HNE. Nuclear factor (NF)-κB plays a crucial role during inflammation and immune responses by regulating the expression of inducible genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). 4-HNE induces apoptosis and affects NF-κB mediated gene expression, but conflicting results on 4-HNE's effect on NF-κB have been reported. We compared the effect of 4-HNE on iNOS and the NF-κB pathway in control mouse pancreatic islet endothelial (MS1) cells and those transfected with mGSTA4, a α-class GST with highest activity toward 4-HNE. When treated with 4-HNE, mGSTA4-transfected cells showed significant upregulation of iNOS and nitric oxide (NO) through (NF)-κB (p65) translocation in comparison with wild-type or vector-transfected cells. Immunohistochemical studies of early human plaques showed lower 4-HNE content and upregulation of iNOS, which we take to indicate that GSTA4-4 induction acts as an enzymatic defense against high levels of 4-HNE, since 4-HNE accumulated in more advanced plaques, when detoxification and exocytotic mechanisms are likely to be overwhelmed. These studies suggest that GSTA4-4 may play an important defensive role against atherogenesis through detoxification of 4-HNE and upregulation of iNOS

Human parvovirus PARV4 DNA in tissues from adult individuals: a comparison with human parvovirus B19 (B19V

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rotellini Matteo

2010-10-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background PARV4 is a new member of the Parvoviridae family not closely related to any of the known human parvoviruses. Viremia seems to be a hallmark of PARV4 infection and viral DNA persistence has been demonstrated in a few tissues. Till now, PARV4 has not been associated with any disease and its prevalence in human population has not been clearly established. This study was aimed to assess the tissue distribution and the ability to persist of PARV4 in comparison to parvovirus B19 (B19V. Results PARV4 and B19V DNA detection was carried out in various tissues of individuals without suspect of acute viral infection, by a real time PCR and a nested PCR, targeting the ORF2 and the ORF1 respectively. Low amount of PARV4 DNA was found frequently (>40% in heart and liver of adults individuals, less frequently in lungs and kidneys (23,5 and 18% respectively and was rare in bone marrow, skin and synovium samples (5,5%, 4% and 5%, respectively. By comparison, B19V DNA sequences were present in the same tissues with a higher frequency (significantly higher in myocardium, skin and bone marrow except than in liver where the frequency was the same of PARV4 DNA and in plasma samples where B19V frequency was significantly lower than that of PARV4 Conclusions The particular tropism of PARV4 for liver and heart, here emerged, suggests to focus further studies on these tissues as possible target for viral replication and on the possible role of PARV4 infection in liver and heart diseases. Neither bone marrow nor kidney seem to be a common target of viral replication.

OCT4B1 Regulates the Cellular Stress Response of Human Dental Pulp Cells with Inflammation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lu Liu

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Introduction. Infection and apoptosis are combined triggers for inflammation in dental tissues. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4-B1 (OCT4B1, a novel spliced variant of OCT4 family, could respond to the cellular stress and possess antiapoptotic property. However, its specific role in dental pulpitis remains unknown. Methods. To investigate the effect of OCT4B1 on inflammation of dental pulp cells (DPCs, its expression in inflamed dental pulp tissues and DPCs was examined by in situ hybridization, real-time PCR, and FISH assay. OCT4B1 overexpressed DPCs model was established, confirmed by western blot and immunofluorescence staining, and then stimulated with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS. Apoptotic rate was determined by Hoechst/PI staining and FACS. Cell survival rate was calculated by CCK8 assay. Results. In situ hybridization, real-time PCR, and FISH assay revealed that OCT4B1 was extensively expressed in inflamed dental pulp tissues and DPCs with LPS stimulation. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining showed the expression of OCT4B1 and OCT4B increased after OCT4B1 transfection. Hoechst/PI staining and FACS demonstrated that less red/blue fluorescence was detected and apoptotic percentage decreased (3.45% after transfection. CCK8 demonstrated that the survival rate of pCDH-OCT4B1-flag cells increased. Conclusions. OCT4B1 plays an essential role in inflammation and apoptosis of DPCs. OCT4B might operate synergistically with OCT4B1 to reduce apoptosis.

Expression of the Blood-Group-Related Gene B4galnt2 Alters Susceptibility to Salmonella Infection.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Philipp Rausch

2015-07-01

Full Text Available Glycans play important roles in host-microbe interactions. Tissue-specific expression patterns of the blood group glycosyltransferase β-1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 (B4galnt2 are variable in wild mouse populations, and loss of B4galnt2 expression is associated with altered intestinal microbiota. We hypothesized that variation in B4galnt2 expression alters susceptibility to intestinal pathogens. To test this, we challenged mice genetically engineered to express different B4galnt2 tissue-specific patterns with a Salmonella Typhimurium infection model. We found B4galnt2 intestinal expression was strongly associated with bacterial community composition and increased Salmonella susceptibility as evidenced by increased intestinal inflammatory cytokines and infiltrating immune cells. Fecal transfer experiments demonstrated a crucial role of the B4galnt2-dependent microbiota in conferring susceptibility to intestinal inflammation, while epithelial B4galnt2 expression facilitated epithelial invasion of S. Typhimurium. These data support a critical role for B4galnt2 in gastrointestinal infections. We speculate that B4galnt2-specific differences in host susceptibility to intestinal pathogens underlie the strong signatures of balancing selection observed at the B4galnt2 locus in wild mouse populations.

ErbB4 localization to cardiac myocyte nuclei, and its role in myocyte DNA damage response

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Icli, Basak; Bharti, Ajit; Pentassuglia, Laura; Peng, Xuyang; Sawyer, Douglas B.

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► ErbB4 localizes to cardiac myocyte nuclei as a full-length receptor. ► Cardiac myocytes express predominantly JM-a/CYT-1 ErbB4. ► Myocyte p53 activation in response to doxorubicin requires ErbB4 activity. -- Abstract: The intracellular domain of ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinase is known to translocate to the nucleus of cells where it can regulate p53 transcriptional activity. The purpose of this study was to examine whether ErbB4 can localize to the nucleus of adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM), and regulate p53 in these cells. We demonstrate that ErbB4 does locate to the nucleus of cardiac myocytes as a full-length protein, although nuclear location occurs as a full-length protein that does not require Protein Kinase C or γ-secretase activity. Consistent with this we found that only the non-cleavable JM-b isoform of ErbB4 is expressed in ARVM. Doxorubicin was used to examine ErbB4 role in regulation of a DNA damage response in ARVM. Doxorubicin induced p53 and p21 was suppressed by treatment with AG1478, an EGFR and ErbB4 kinase inhibitor, or suppression of ErbB4 expression with small interfering RNA. Thus ErbB4 localizes to the nucleus as a full-length protein, and plays a role in the DNA damage response induced by doxorubicin in cardiac myocytes.

Data of evolutionary structure change: 1AY4B-1YAAA [Confc[Archive

Lifescience Database Archive (English)

Full Text Available 1AY4B-1YAAA 1AY4 1YAA B A ---MLGNLKPQ-----LALMGEFRADPRQGKIDLGVGVY...LPVQTYRYFDAETRGVDFEGMKADLAAAKKGDMVLLHGCCHNPTGANLTLDQWAEIASILEKTGALPLIDLAYQGFGD-GLEEDAAGTRLIASRIP---EVLIAASCS...ntryChain> 1YAA A 1YAAA...ID> A 1YAAA QGFATGDLDKD

PU.1 cooperates with IRF4 and IRF8 to suppress pre-B cell leukemia

Science.gov (United States)

Pang, Swee Heng Milon; Minnich, Martina; Gangatirkar, Pradnya; Zheng, Zhiqiang; Ebert, Anja; Song, Guangchun; Dickins, Ross A; Corcoran, Lynn M; Mullighan, Charles G.; Busslinger, Meinrad; Huntington, Nicholas D; Nutt, Stephen L; Carotta, Sebastian

2016-01-01

The Ets family transcription factor PU.1 and the interferon regulatory factor (IRF)4 and IRF8 regulate gene expression by binding to composite DNA sequences known as Ets/interferon consensus elements (EICE). Although all three factors are expressed from the onset of B cell development, single deficiency of these factors in B cell progenitors only mildly impacts on bone marrow B-lymphopoiesis. Here we tested whether PU.1 cooperates with IRF factors in regulating early B cell development. Lack of PU.1 and IRF4 resulted in a partial block in development the pre-B cell stage. The combined deletion of PU.1 and IRF8 reduced recirculating B cell numbers. Strikingly, all PU.1/IRF4 and approximately 50% of PU.1/IRF8 double deficient mice developed pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) associated with reduced expression of the established B-lineage tumor suppressor genes, Ikaros and Spi-B. These genes are directly regulated by PU.1/IRF4/IRF8, and restoration of Ikaros or Spi-B expression inhibited leukemic cell growth. In summary, we demonstrate that PU.1, IRF4 and IRF8 cooperate to regulate early B cell development and to prevent pre-B-ALL formation. PMID:26932576

IL-4Rα-associated antigen processing by B cells promotes immunity in Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

William G C Horsnell

2013-10-01

Full Text Available In this study, B cell function in protective T(H2 immunity against N. brasiliensis infection was investigated. Protection against secondary infection depended on IL-4Rα and IL-13; but not IL-4. Protection did not associate with parasite specific antibody responses. Re-infection of B cell-specific IL-4Rα⁻/⁻ mice resulted in increased worm burdens compared to control mice, despite their equivalent capacity to control primary infection. Impaired protection correlated with reduced lymphocyte IL-13 production and B cell MHC class II and CD86 surface expression. Adoptive transfer of in vivo N. brasiliensis primed IL-4Rα expressing B cells into naïve BALB/c mice, but not IL-4Rα or IL-13 deficient B cells, conferred protection against primary N. brasiliensis infection. This protection required MHC class II compatibility on B cells suggesting cognate interactions by B cells with CD4⁺ T cells were important to co-ordinate immunity. Furthermore, the rapid nature of these protective effects by B cells suggested non-BCR mediated mechanisms, such as via Toll Like Receptors, was involved, and this was supported by transfer experiments using antigen pulsed Myd88⁻/⁻ B cells. These data suggest TLR dependent antigen processing by IL-4Rα-responsive B cells producing IL-13 contribute significantly to CD4⁺ T cell-mediated protective immunity against N. brasiliensis infection.

Serovar 4b complex predominates among Listeria monocytogenes isolates from imported aquatic products in China.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Jianshun; Chen, Qiaomiao; Jiang, Jianjun; Hu, Hongxia; Ye, Jiangbo; Fang, Weihuan

2010-01-01

Listeria monocytogenes, the causative organism of listeriosis, is primarily transmitted to humans through contaminated food. In this study, we examined 1275 batches of aquatic products imported from 29 countries and found that 36 batches from 8 countries were contaminated by Listeria (2.8%), with L. monocytogenes accounting for 2.6% (33/1275) and L. innocua for 0.2% (3/1275). Of the 23 selected L. monocytogenes isolates (from the 33 identified), 15 (65.2%) were of serovar 4b complex (4b, 4d, or 4e), three (13.0%) of 1/2a or 3a, four (17.4%) of 1/2b or 3b, and one (4.4%) of 1/2c or 3c. Notably, four of the 23 isolates belonged to epidemic clone I (ECI) and another four were associated with epidemic clone II (ECII), two highly clonal 4b clusters responsible for most of the documented listeriosis outbreaks. In the multilocus sequence typing scheme based on the concatenated genes gyrB-dapE-hisJ-sigB-ribC-purM-betL-gap-tuf, serovar 4b complex isolates from imported aquatic products exhibited significant genetic diversity. While the four ECI isolates were genetically related to those from Chinese diseased animals, both lacking one proline-rich repeat of ActA, the four ECII isolates were located between 1/2b or 3b strains. As the L. monocytogenes isolates from imported aquatic products possessed a nearly complete set of major infection-related genes, they demonstrated virulence potential in mouse model.

Data of evolutionary structure change: 1JJ4B-1R8HE [Confc[Archive

Lifescience Database Archive (English)

Full Text Available in>B 1JJ4B RLRKH-SDHYR >HGGGG-GGG ...n> RLNDKHRHLFD ture>HHHHH GGG .../pdbID> B 1JJ4B WHWTE-----KTGIL ...> ----- EEE> ATOM 1523 CA TRP B 320 11.497 15.32...1R8HE WHWASPKAPHKHAIV > EEE>

Production and characterization of compounds based on MgB4O7 for application in dosimetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Souza, Luiza Freire de

2016-01-01

Many materials with luminescent properties are used for ionizing radiation dosimetry through the thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) techniques. Detectors based on lithium fluoride (LiF), calcium sulphate (CaSO 4 ) and aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), doped or codoped with various elements, are the TL or OSL commercial dosimeters most widely used currently. However, several researches are focused to the development of new TL /OSL materials in intention to enhance the dosimetric properties, in view that no TL/OSL dosimeter has all the ideal characteristics for monitoring the radiation. In this context, magnesium tetraborate (MgB 4 O 7 ), which has been presented in the literature as a material for dosimetry TL, was investigated in this work. As there are no reports on the structural characterization of this material or regarding to its applicability on OSL dosimetry, the proposal of the present work was to develop compounds based on MgB 4 O 7 , with different doping, by solid state synthesis. It was made the structural, optical, TL and OSL characterization of the compound to verify it feasibility for application on radiation dosimetry. Initially, it was determined the calcination temperature and time for MgB 4 O 7 formation, with the use of thermal analyses and x ray diffraction. The ideal calcination was found at 900 °C for 7 hours. It were produced , in powder form, the compounds: MgB 4 O 7 , MgB 4 O 7 :Dy, MgB 4 O 7 :Dy,Li, MgB 4 O 7 :Ce, MgB 4 O 7 :Ce,Li, MgB 4 O 7 :Nd and MgB 4 O 7 :Nd,Li. For TL and OSL analyses it were produced pellets sintering at 950 °C for 2 hours. The radioluminescence (RL) analyses of MgB 4 O 7 :Dy and MgB 4 O 7 :Dy,Li shows wavelength emissions at 490, 590, 670 and 760 nm. For MgB 4 O 7 :Ce and MgB 4 O 7 :Ce,Li RL was observed wide emission band in the ultraviolet region. For the MgB 4 O 7 :Nd and MgB 4 O 7 :Nd,Li RL were not observed emission from the ultraviolet to infrared. With the results obtained from

Synthesis, Structure, Bonding, and Reactivity of Metal Complexes Comprising Diborane(4) and Diborene(2): [{Cp*Mo(CO)2 }2 {μ-η2 :η2 -B2 H4 }] and [{Cp*M(CO)2 }2 B2 H2 M(CO)4 ], M=Mo,W.

Science.gov (United States)

Mondal, Bijan; Bag, Ranjit; Ghorai, Sagar; Bakthavachalam, K; Jemmis, Eluvathingal D; Ghosh, Sundargopal

2018-04-26

The reaction of [(Cp*Mo) 2 (μ-Cl) 2 B 2 H 6 ] (1) with CO at room temperature led to the formation of the highly fluxional species [{Cp*Mo(CO) 2 } 2 {μ-η 2 :η 2 -B 2 H 4 }] (2). Compound 2, to the best of our knowledge, is the first example of a bimetallic diborane(4) conforming to a singly bridged C s structure. Theoretical studies show that 2 mimics the Cotton dimolybdenum-alkyne complex [{CpMo(CO) 2 } 2 C 2 H 2 ]. In an attempt to replace two hydrogen atoms of diborane(4) in 2 with a 2e [W(CO) 4 ] fragment, [{Cp*Mo(CO) 2 } 2 B 2 H 2 W(CO) 4 ] (3) was isolated upon treatment with [W(CO) 5 ⋅thf]. Compound 3 shows the intriguing presence of [B 2 H 2 ] with a short B-B length of 1.624(4) Å. We isolated the tungsten analogues of 3, [{Cp*W(CO) 2 } 2 B 2 H 2 W(CO) 4 ] (4) and [{Cp*W(CO) 2 } 2 B 2 H 2 Mo(CO) 4 ] (5), which provided direct proof of the existence of the tungsten analogue of 2. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Electronic structure and exchange interactions in GdB{sub 4}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Baranovskiy, A., E-mail: andriy.baranovskiy@gmail.com; Grechnev, A.

2015-02-01

The electronic structure of the antiferromagnetic Shastry–Sutherland compound GdB{sub 4} has been analyzed with density functional theory and the all-electron full-potential linearized augmented-plane wave (FP-LAPW) code. Different magnetic configurations, including the realistic dimer one, have been considered. The exchange interactions were found to be J{sub 1}/k{sub B}=−12K and J{sub 2}/k{sub B}=−2–0.8K, where, J{sub 1} and J{sub 2} are the diagonal exchange interaction and the exchange interaction along the edges of a square, respectively. - Highlights: • Electronic structure of AFM Shastry–Sutherland compound GB{sub 4} is calculated. • The mechanism of exchange parameters evaluation within Heisenberg model is proposed. • Calculated exchange parameters are found to be in agreement with experimental data. • Higher-order exchange interactions are important for dimer structure stabilizing.

The B4 school check behaviour measures: findings from the Hawke's Bay evaluation.

Science.gov (United States)

Hedley, Cath; Thompson, Shona; Morris Matthews, Kay; Pentecost, Mandy; Wivell, Judy; Frost, Ariana Stockdale; Morris, Helen

2012-11-01

The Before (B4) School Check is a free health and development check delivered by specifically trained nurses to four year old children throughout New Zealand, aimed to identify and address any health, behavioural, social or developmental concerns that could affect a child's ability to get the most benefit from school. Reported here are the results of an evaluation of the B4 School Checks in Hawke's Bay, focusing specifically on children assessed at the 84 School Check with behaviour issues as determined by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Health Hawke's Bay (HHB) records were reviewed to understand the number and demographics of the children assessed with behaviour issues at the B4 School Checks up to 31 August 2011, and the interventions to which they were referred. Telephone Interviews were conducted with 36 parents/caregivers of these children to address the questions, what difference did the B4 School Check make to children assessed with behaviour issues and what aspects of the B4 School Check delivery contributed to successful outcomes for these children? Results showed that child behaviour issues in Hawke's Bay were identified in more boys than girls and concentrated in more deprived families. Māori children were represented in numbers disproportional to the regional population. The majority of referrals for child behaviour directed parents/caregivers to non-governmental organisations for family support and parenting programmes. Thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data derived from the interviews with parents/caregivers and results indicated high levels of satisfaction with the B4 School Check for behaviour and the referred outcomes. Implications for nursing practice arise from these findings in that they identify factors which contribute to what does and does not work well for achieving successful outcomes from the B4 School Check for behaviour.

[6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl-3H]neonicotinoids as high-affinity radioligands for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: preparation using NaB3H4 and LiB3H4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Latli, Bachir; Casida, J.E.

1996-01-01

NaB 3 H 4 and LiB 3 H 4 at 78% and 97% isotopic enrichments, respectively, were used in the synthesis of 3 H-labeled 1-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)-methyl-2-nitromethyleneimidazolidine (CH-IMI) and N'-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-n''-cyano-n'-methylacetamidine (acetamiprid) (two very potent insecticides) and of 1-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl-2-iminoimidazolidine (desnitro-IMI) (a metabolite of the commercial insecticides imidacloprid). 6-Chloronicotinoyl chloride was treated with either NaB 3 H 4 in methanol or LiB 3 H 4 in tetrahydrofuran and the resulting alcohol transformed to 2-chloro-5-chloromethylpyridine, which was then coupled to N-cyano-N'-methylacetamidine to give [ 3 H] acetamiprid (45 Ci/mmol). 2-Chloro-5-chloro[ 3 H]methylpyridine was also reacted with ethylenediamine and the product was either refluxed in absolute ethanol with 1,1-bis(methylthio)-2-nitro-ethylene to provide [ 3 H]CH-IMI or reacted in toluene with a solution of cyanogen bromide to produce [ 3 H] desnitro-IMI (each 55 Ci/mmol. (author)

Energy transfer in Pr3+ and Mn2+ co-doped SrB6O10 and SrB4O7

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen Yonghu; Yan Wuzhao; Shi Chaoshu

2007-01-01

The luminescent properties of Pr 3+ and Mn 2+ -doped SrB 6 O 10 and SrB 4 O 7 powder samples were investigated from the point of view of energy transfer between Pr 3+ and Mn 2+ . The emission from the 1 S 0 level of Pr 3+ was found in the SrB 6 O 10 :Pr 3+ sample as well as in the SrB 4 O 7 :Pr 3+ sample, indicating the 1 S 0 level is below the lowest 4f5d energy level in these hosts. The spectral overlaps between the emission spectra of Pr 3+ -doped samples and the excitation spectra of Mn 2+ -doped sample were found in both kinds of strontium borates. These spectral overlaps are in favor of the energy transfer from Pr 3+ to Mn 2+ . However, in the emission spectra of the SrB 6 O 10 :Pr 3+ , Mn 2+ , no indication of energy transfer was observed, though the emission spectra of SrB 4 O 7 :Pr 3+ , Mn 2+ did show evidence of energy transfer from Pr 3+ to Mn 2+ . The possible reasons were discussed

Endothelial ErbB4 deficit induces alterations in exploratory behavior and brain energy metabolism in mice.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Gang; Liu, Xiu-Xiu; Lu, Nan-Nan; Liu, Qi-Bing; Tian, Yun; Ye, Wei-Feng; Jiang, Guo-Jun; Tao, Rong-Rong; Han, Feng; Lu, Ying-Mei

2017-06-01

The receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB4 is present throughout the primate brain and has a distinct functional profile. In this study, we investigate the potential role of endothelial ErbB4 receptor signaling in the brain. Here, we show that the endothelial cell-specific deletion of ErbB4 induces decreased exploratory behavior in adult mice. However, the water maze task for spatial memory and the memory reconsolidation test reveal no changes; additionally, we observe no impairment in CaMKII phosphorylation in Cdh5Cre;ErbB4 f/f mice, which indicates that the endothelial ErbB4 deficit leads to decreased exploratory activity rather than direct memory deficits. Furthermore, decreased brain metabolism, which was measured using micro-positron emission tomography, is observed in the Cdh5Cre;ErbB4 f/f mice. Consistently, the immunoblot data demonstrate the downregulation of brain Glut1, phospho-ULK1 (Ser555), and TIGAR in the endothelial ErbB4 conditional knockout mice. Collectively, our findings suggest that endothelial ErbB4 plays a critical role in regulating brain function, at least in part, through maintaining normal brain energy homeostasis. Targeting ErbB4 or the modulation of endothelial ErbB4 signaling may represent a rational pharmacological approach to treat neurological disorders. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Probiotic and anti-inflammatory potential of Lactobacillus rhamnosus 4B15 and Lactobacillus gasseri 4M13 isolated from infant feces.

Science.gov (United States)

Oh, Nam Su; Joung, Jae Yeon; Lee, Ji Young; Kim, Younghoon

2018-01-01

A total of 22 Lactobacillus strains, which were isolated from infant feces were evaluated for their probiotic potential along with resistance to low pH and bile salts. Eight isolates (L. reuteri 3M02 and 3M03, L. gasseri 4M13, 4R22, 5R01, 5R02, and 5R13, and L. rhamnosus 4B15) with high tolerance to acid and bile salts, and ability to adhere to the intestine were screened from 22 strains. Further, functional properties of 8 Lactobacillus strains, such as anti-oxidation, inhibition of α-glucosidase activity, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflammation were evaluated. The properties were strain-specific. Particularly, two strains of L. rhamnosus, 4B15 (4B15) and L. gasseri 4M13 (4M13) showed considerably higher anti-oxidation, inhibition of α-glucosidase activity, and cholesterol-lowering, and greater inhibition of nitric oxide production than other strains. Moreover, the two selected strains substantially inhibited the release of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 stimulated the treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with LPS. In addition, whole genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of 4B15 and 4M13 indicated them as novel genomic strains. These results suggested that 4B15 and 4M13 showed the highest probiotic potential and have an impact on immune health by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Probiotic and anti-inflammatory potential of Lactobacillus rhamnosus 4B15 and Lactobacillus gasseri 4M13 isolated from infant feces.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nam Su Oh

Full Text Available A total of 22 Lactobacillus strains, which were isolated from infant feces were evaluated for their probiotic potential along with resistance to low pH and bile salts. Eight isolates (L. reuteri 3M02 and 3M03, L. gasseri 4M13, 4R22, 5R01, 5R02, and 5R13, and L. rhamnosus 4B15 with high tolerance to acid and bile salts, and ability to adhere to the intestine were screened from 22 strains. Further, functional properties of 8 Lactobacillus strains, such as anti-oxidation, inhibition of α-glucosidase activity, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflammation were evaluated. The properties were strain-specific. Particularly, two strains of L. rhamnosus, 4B15 (4B15 and L. gasseri 4M13 (4M13 showed considerably higher anti-oxidation, inhibition of α-glucosidase activity, and cholesterol-lowering, and greater inhibition of nitric oxide production than other strains. Moreover, the two selected strains substantially inhibited the release of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 stimulated the treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with LPS. In addition, whole genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of 4B15 and 4M13 indicated them as novel genomic strains. These results suggested that 4B15 and 4M13 showed the highest probiotic potential and have an impact on immune health by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Structure determination of two structural analogs, named 3-[1-(2-fluoro-4-biphenyl)ethyl]-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole (C23H16F2N4S) and 3-[1-(2-fluoro-4-biphenyl)ethyl]-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole (C23H16ClFN4S) by synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gündoğdu, Gülsüm; Aytaç, Sevim Peri; Müller, Melanie; Tozkoparan, Birsen; Kaynak, Filiz Betül

2017-12-01

Two novel compounds, 3-[1-(2-fluoro-4-biphenyl)ethyl]-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole (C₂₃H₁₆F₂N₄S) (1) and 3-[1-(2-fluoro-4-biphenyl)ethyl]-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole (C₂₃H₁₆ClFN₄S) (2), have been designed and synthesized as cytotoxic agents. The compounds were characterized by infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectral data, elemental analysis and X-ray powder diffraction. The present study comprises spectral data and crystal structures of these novel compounds determined from synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data. The structure solutions were obtained by simulated annealing. The final structures were achieved by Rietveld refinement using soft restraints for all bond lengths, bond angles, and planar groups. Both compounds crystallize in space group$P\\bar 1$,Z= 2, with the unit-cell parametersa= 6.37433(9),b= 11.3641(2),c= 14.09115(19) Å,α= 80.1740(8)°,β= 85.1164(8)°,γ= 80.9831(10)°,V= 991.55(3) ųof compound (1) anda= 6.53736(6),b= 11.55725(15),c= 14.01373(13) Å,α= 80.3323(7)°,β= 84.8939(6)°,γ= 79.3954(8)°,V= 1024.08(2) ųof compound (2). Structural analyses reveal that the title compounds are isostructural.

Production and characterization of compounds based on MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7} for application in dosimetry; Producao e caracterizacao de compostos a base de MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7} para aplicacao em dosimetria

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Souza, Luiza Freire de

2016-07-01

Many materials with luminescent properties are used for ionizing radiation dosimetry through the thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) techniques. Detectors based on lithium fluoride (LiF), calcium sulphate (CaSO{sub 4}) and aluminum oxide (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}), doped or codoped with various elements, are the TL or OSL commercial dosimeters most widely used currently. However, several researches are focused to the development of new TL /OSL materials in intention to enhance the dosimetric properties, in view that no TL/OSL dosimeter has all the ideal characteristics for monitoring the radiation. In this context, magnesium tetraborate (MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}), which has been presented in the literature as a material for dosimetry TL, was investigated in this work. As there are no reports on the structural characterization of this material or regarding to its applicability on OSL dosimetry, the proposal of the present work was to develop compounds based on MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}, with different doping, by solid state synthesis. It was made the structural, optical, TL and OSL characterization of the compound to verify it feasibility for application on radiation dosimetry. Initially, it was determined the calcination temperature and time for MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7} formation, with the use of thermal analyses and x ray diffraction. The ideal calcination was found at 900 °C for 7 hours. It were produced , in powder form, the compounds: MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}, MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Dy, MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Dy,Li, MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Ce, MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Ce,Li, MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Nd and MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Nd,Li. For TL and OSL analyses it were produced pellets sintering at 950 °C for 2 hours. The radioluminescence (RL) analyses of MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Dy and MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Dy,Li shows wavelength emissions at 490, 590, 670 and 760 nm. For MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Ce and MgB{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Ce,Li RL was observed wide emission band in the ultraviolet region. For the MgB

Mixing thermodynamic properties of 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate [b4mpy][BF{sub 4}] with water and with an alkan-1ol (methanol to pentanol)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ortega, J. [Laboratorio de Termodinamica y Fisicoquimica de Fluidos, Parque Cientifico-Tecnologico, Campus Universitario de Tafira, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35071-Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands (Spain)], E-mail: jortega@dip.ulpgc.es; Vreekamp, R.; Penco, E.; Marrero, E. [Laboratorio de Termodinamica y Fisicoquimica de Fluidos, Parque Cientifico-Tecnologico, Campus Universitario de Tafira, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35071-Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands (Spain)

2008-07-15

This article presents a study of the behaviour in solution of 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate [b4mpy][BF{sub 4}] in water and in the first five alkanols of the series methanol to pentan-1-ol. The excess enthalpies, H{sub m}{sup E} and volumes, V{sub m}{sup E} were determined at the temperatures (298.15 and 318.15) K. At these temperatures, the [b4mpy][BF{sub 4}] was completely miscible in water, methanol, and ethanol, but only partially miscible in the other alkanols. A solubility study was carried out and the (liquid + liquid) equilibria of the ([b4mpy][BF{sub 4}] + alkanol) systems were experimentally determined, evaluating zones of complete miscibility and determining the UCST in each case. The mixtures with water gave positive values of H{sub m}{sup E} and V{sub m}{sup E}, being also positive the changes of these quantities with temperature. The mixtures with alkanols gave values of H{sub m}{sup E}>0 and V{sub m}{sup E}<0, and for these binary mixtures (dH{sub m}{sup E}/dT){sub p}>0 and (dV{sub m}{sup E}/dT){sub p}<0. For all cases, results were interpreted and compared with data obtained in mixtures with another isomer [b3mpy][BF{sub 4}]. Excess properties were correlated with a suitable equation and the area and volume parameters were calculated for [b4mpy][BF{sub 4}].

Maintenance implementation plan for the B Plant/WESF. Revision 4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tritt, S.E.; Lueck, B.H.

1996-01-01

This Maintenance Implementation Plan (MIP) has been developed for maintenance functions associated with the B Plant/WESF (Waste Encapsulation Storage Facility) complex. The objective of this plan is to provide baseline information for establishing and identifying WHC conformance programs and policies applicable to implementation of DOE order 4330.4B guidelines. In addition, this maintenance plan identifies the actions necessary to develop a cost-effective and efficient maintenance program at B Plant/WESF. The B Plant WESF facility complex consists of three main facilities and several support structures located in the 200 East Area of the Hanford site. B Plant is a transition facility that is required to ensure safe storage and management of WESF (operating facility) cesium and strontium capsules. B Plant/WESF also contains substantial radiological inventory from previous campaigns. There are no production activities at B Plant, but several of its operating systems are required to accomplish the current B Plant/WESF mission. B Plant/WESF are each considered a nuclear facility due to the storage of cesium and strontium capsules at WESF and the large radiological inventory from past processing

The neuregulin receptor ErbB-4 interacts with PDZ-containing proteins at neuronal synapses

Science.gov (United States)

Garcia, Rolando A. G.; Vasudevan, Kuzhalini; Buonanno, Andres

2000-01-01

Neuregulins regulate the expression of ligand- and voltage-gated channels in neurons and skeletal muscle by the activation of their cognate tyrosine kinase receptors, ErbB 1–4. The subcellular distribution and mechanisms that regulate the localization of ErbB receptors are unknown. We have found that ErbB receptors are present in brain subcellular fractions enriched for postsynaptic densities (PSD). The ErbB-4 receptor is unique among the ErbB proteins because its C-terminal tail (T-V-V) conforms to a sequence that binds to a protein motif known as the PDZ domain. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we found that the C-terminal region of ErbB-4 interacts with the three related membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs) PSD-95/SAP90, PSD-93/chapsyn-110, and SAP 102, which harbor three PDZ domains, as well as with β2-syntrophin, which has a single PDZ domain. As with N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, ErbB4 interacts with the first two PDZ domains of PSD-95. Using coimmunoprecipitation assays, we confirmed the direct interactions between ErbB-4 and PSD-95 in transfected heterologous cells, as well as in vivo, where both proteins are coimmunoprecipitated from brain lysates. Moreover, evidence for colocalization of these proteins was also observed by immunofluorescence in cultured hippocampal neurons. ErbB-4 colocalizes with PSD-95 and NMDA receptors at a subset of excitatory synapses apposed to synaptophysin-positive presynaptic terminals. The capacity of ErbB receptors to interact with PDZ-domain proteins at cell junctions is conserved from invertebrates to mammals. As discussed, the interactions found between receptor tyrosine kinases and MAGUKs at neuronal synapses may have important implications for activity-dependent plasticity. PMID:10725395

Wetting of B4C, TiC and graphite substrates by molten Mg

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Dan; Shen Ping; Shi Laixin; Jiang Qichuan

2011-01-01

Highlights: → The wettability of TiC, B4C and C by molten Mg was determined using an improved sessile drop method. → A new method to evaluate the wetting behavior coupled with evaporation and reaction was proposed. → The bonding characteristics in the Mg/B4C, Mg/TiC and Mg/graphite systems were evaluated. - Abstract: The isotherm wetting of B 4 C, TiC and graphite substrates by molten Mg was studied in a flowing Ar atmosphere at 973-1173 K using an improved sessile drop method. The initial contact angles are in the ranges of 95-87 deg., 74-60 deg. and 142-124 deg., respectively, moderately depending on the temperature. All the systems are non-reactive in nature; however, the presence of impurity of free boron at the B 4 C surface gave rise to the chemical reaction with molten Mg and thus promoted the wettability to a certain degree. A new method was proposed to evaluate the wetting behavior coupled with evaporation and chemical reaction. Furthermore, based on the comparison of the work of adhesion and cohesion, the bonding in the Mg/B 4 C and Mg/TiC systems is presumably mainly chemical while that in the Mg/graphite system is physical.

Atomic layer deposition of boron-containing films using B{sub 2}F{sub 4}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mane, Anil U., E-mail: amane@anl.gov; Elam, Jeffrey W. [Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60126 (United States); Goldberg, Alexander; Halls, Mathew D. [Schrödinger, Inc., San Diego, California 92122 (United States); Seidel, Thomas E. [Seitek50, Palm Coast, Florida 32135 (United States); Current, Michael I. [Current Scientific, San Jose, California 95124 (United States); Despres, Joseph; Byl, Oleg; Tang, Ying; Sweeney, Joseph [Entegris, Danbury, Connecticut 06810 (United States)

2016-01-15

Ultrathin and conformal boron-containing atomic layer deposition (ALD) films could be used as a shallow dopant source for advanced transistor structures in microelectronics manufacturing. With this application in mind, diboron tetrafluoride (B{sub 2}F{sub 4}) was explored as an ALD precursor for the deposition of boron containing films. Density functional theory simulations for nucleation on silicon (100) surfaces indicated better reactivity of B{sub 2}F{sub 4} in comparison to BF{sub 3}. Quartz crystal microbalance experiments exhibited growth using either B{sub 2}F{sub 4}-H{sub 2}O for B{sub 2}O{sub 3} ALD, or B{sub 2}F{sub 4}-disilane (Si{sub 2}H{sub 6}) for B ALD, but in both cases, the initial growth per cycle was quite low (≤0.2 Å/cycle) and decreased to near zero growth after 8–30 ALD cycles. However, alternating between B{sub 2}F{sub 4}-H{sub 2}O and trimethyl aluminum (TMA)-H{sub 2}O ALD cycles resulted in sustained growth at ∼0.65 Å/cycle, suggesting that the dense –OH surface termination produced by the TMA-H{sub 2}O combination enhances the uptake of B{sub 2}F{sub 4} precursor. The resultant boron containing films were analyzed for composition by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and capacitance measurements indicated an insulating characteristic. Finally, diffused boron profiles less than 100 Å were obtained after rapid thermal anneal of the boron containing ALD film.

Listeria monocytogenes serovar 4a is a possible evolutionary intermediate between L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a and 4b and L. innocua.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Jianshun; Jiang, Lingli; Chen, Xueyan; Luo, Xiaokai; Chen, Yang; Yu, Ying; Tian, Guoming; Liu, Dongyou; Fang, Weihuan

2009-03-01

The genus Listeria consists of six closely related species and forms three phylogenetic groups: L. monocytogenes- L. innocua, L. ivanovii-L. seeligeri-L. welshimeri, and L. grayi. In this report, we attempted to examine the evolutionary relationship in the L. monocytogenes-L. innocua group by probing the nucleotide sequences of 23S rRNA and 16S rRNA, and the gene clusters lmo0029-lmo0042, ascBdapE, rplS-infC, and prs-ldh in L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a, 4a, and 4b, and L. innocua. Additionally, we assessed the status of L. monocytogenes-specific inlA and inlB genes and 10 L. innocua-specific genes in these species/serovars, together with phenotypic characterization by using in vivo and in vitro procedures. The results indicate that L. monocytogenes serovar 4a strains are genetically similar to L. innocua in the lmo0035-lmo0042, ascB-dapE, and rplS-infC regions and also possess L. innocua-specific genes lin0372 and lin1073. Furthermore, both L. monocytogenes serovar 4a and L. innocua exhibit impaired intercellular spread ability and negligible pathogenicity in mouse model. On the other hand, despite resembling L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a and 4b in having a nearly identical virulence gene cluster, and inlA and inlB genes, these serovar 4a strains differ from serovars 1/2a and 4b by harboring notably altered actA and plcB genes, displaying strong phospholipase activity and subdued in vivo and in vitro virulence. Thus, by possessing many genes common to L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a and 4b, and sharing many similar gene deletions with L. innocua, L. monocytogenes serovar 4a represents a possible evolutionary intermediate between L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a and 4b and L. innocua.

B4C control rod behavior during severe accident sequences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Steinbrueck, M.

2003-01-01

The oxidation kinetics of various types of boron carbides (pellets, powder) as well as the degradation of B 4 C control rod segments were investigated in the temperature range between 800 and 1600 deg C. Mass spectrometric gas analysis was used to determine oxidation rates in transient and isothermal tests. The oxidation kinetics of boron carbide are determined by the formation of a liquid boron oxide layer and its loss due to the reaction with surplus steam to form volatile boric acids and at temperatures above 1500 deg C by direct evaporation. Under these test conditions linear oxidation kinetics are established soon after oxidation has initiated. The oxidation kinetics are strongly influenced by the thermal-hydraulic boundary conditions, in particular by the steam flow rate. Only very low amounts of methane were ever produced in these tests. Enhanced degradation of B 4 C control rods starts with the rapid formation of eutectic melts in the systems B 4 C-stainless steel (SS) and SS-Zircaloy at temperatures above 1250 deg C. Initially, this melt is kept within a ZrO 2 scale externally formed at the Zircaloy guide tube. The absorber melt is rapidly oxidized after failure of the oxide shell and aggressively attacks adjacent fuel claddings. (author)

Mechanical, Electronic and Optical Properties of Two Phases of NbB4: First-Principles Calculations

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Ruike; Ma, Shaowei; Wei, Qun; Zhang, Dongyun

2018-05-01

As transition metal borides have been successfully synthesised, the study of the combination of transition metal and boron is another effective way to investigate the properties of boride. We have predicted the novel phase Amm2-NbB4. Using the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) code, we further researched on the mechanical, electronic and optical properties of C2/c- and Amm2-NbB4. It is found that both the phases of NbB4 are dynamically and mechanically stable at 0 and 100 GPa. Their Vickers hardness values are both 34 GPa, which indicate that they are hard materials. The band gap of C2/c-NbB4 is 0.145 eV, which indicates that it is a semiconductor (or metalloid) at 0 GPa. For the Amm2-NbB4, the band structure without band gap indicates it is a metal at 0 GPa. The optical properties of these two structures are similar. At 0 eV, the real part of dielectric function is 28.8 for C2/c-NbB4, and the real part value for Amm2-NbB4 is 43. We hope our work will provide some help to the experimental work about the technology of the material.

The borosulfates K{sub 4}[BS{sub 4}O{sub 15}(OH)], Ba[B{sub 2}S{sub 3}O{sub 13}], and Gd{sub 2}[B{sub 2}S{sub 6}O{sub 24}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gross, Peter; Kirchhain, Arno; Hoeppe, Henning A. [Universitaet Augsburg, Institut fuer Physik (Germany)

2016-03-18

K{sub 4}[BS{sub 4}O{sub 15}(OH)], Ba[B{sub 2}S{sub 3}O{sub 13}], and Gd{sub 2}[B{sub 2}S{sub 6}O{sub 24}] were obtained by a new synthetic approach. The strategy involves initially synthesizing the complex acid H[B(HSO{sub 4}){sub 4}] which is subsequently reacted in an open system with anhydrous chlorides of K, Ba, and Gd to the respective borosulfates and a volatile molecule (HCl). Furthermore, protonated borosulfates should be accessible by appropriate stoichiometry of the starting materials, particularly in closed systems, which inhibit deprotonation of H[B(HSO{sub 4}){sub 4}] via condensation and dehydration. This approach led to the successful synthesis of the first divalent and trivalent metal borosulfates (Ba[B{sub 2}S{sub 3}O{sub 13}] with band-silicate topology and Gd{sub 2}[B{sub 2}S{sub 6}O{sub 24}] with cyclosilicate topology) and the first hydrogen borosulfate K{sub 4}[BS{sub 4}O{sub 15}(OH)]. (copyright 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Conduction electron spin resonance in the α-Yb1−xFexAlB4 (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.50) and α-LuAlB4 compounds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Holanda, L M; Lesseux, G G; Urbano, R R; Rettori, C; Pagliuso, P G; Magnavita, E T; Ribeiro, R A; Nakatsuji, S; Kuga, K; Fisk, Z; Oseroff, S B

2015-01-01

β-YbAlB 4 has become one of the most studied heavy fermion systems since its discovery due to its remarkable physical properties. This system is the first reported Yb-based heavy-fermion superconductor (HFS) for which the low-T superconducting state emerges from a non-fermi-liquid (NFL) normal state associated with quantum criticality Nakatsuji et al 2008 Nature 4 603. Additionally, it presents a striking and unprecedented electron spin resonance (ESR) signal which behaves as a conduction electron spin resonance (CESR) at high temperatures and acquires features of the Yb 3+ local moment ESR at low temperatures. The latter, also named Kondo quasiparticles spin resonance (KQSR), has been defined as a 4f-ce strongly coupled ESR mode that behaves as a local probe of the Kondo quasiparticles in a quantum critical regime, Holanda et al 2011 Phys. Rev. Lett. 107 026402. Interestingly, β-YbAlB 4 possesses a previously known structural variant, namely the α-YbAlB 4 , phase which is a paramagnetic Fermi liquid (FL) at low temperatures Macaluso et al 2007 Chem. Mater. 19 1918. However, it has been recently suggested that the α-YbAlB 4 phase may be tuned to NFL behavior and/or magnetic ordering as the compound is doped with Fe. Here we report ESR studies on the α-Yb 1−x Fe x AlB 4 (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.50) series as well as on the reference compound α-LuAlB 4 . For all measured samples, the observed ESR signal behaves as a CESR in the entire temperature range (10 K ≲ T ≲ 300 K) in clear contrast with what has been observed for β-YbAlB 4 . This striking result indicates that the proximity to a quantum critical point is crucial to the occurrence of a KQSR signal. (paper)

∆DNMT3B4-del Contributes to Aberrant DNA Methylation Patterns in Lung Tumorigenesis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mark Z. Ma

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Aberrant DNA methylation is a hallmark of cancer but mechanisms contributing to the abnormality remain elusive. We have previously shown that ∆DNMT3B is the predominantly expressed form of DNMT3B. In this study, we found that most of the lung cancer cell lines tested predominantly expressed DNMT3B isoforms without exons 21, 22 or both 21 and 22 (a region corresponding to the enzymatic domain of DNMT3B termed DNMT3B/∆DNMT3B-del. In normal bronchial epithelial cells, DNMT3B/ΔDNMT3B and DNMT3B/∆DNMT3B-del displayed equal levels of expression. In contrast, in patients with non-small cell lung cancer NSCLC, 111 (93% of the 119 tumors predominantly expressed DNMT3B/ΔDNMT3B-del, including 47 (39% tumors with no detectable DNMT3B/∆DNMT3B. Using a transgenic mouse model, we further demonstrated the biological impact of ∆DNMT3B4-del, the ∆DNMT3B-del isoform most abundantly expressed in NSCLC, in global DNA methylation patterns and lung tumorigenesis. Expression of ∆DNMT3B4-del in the mouse lungs resulted in an increased global DNA hypomethylation, focal DNA hypermethylation, epithelial hyperplastia and tumor formation when challenged with a tobacco carcinogen. Our results demonstrate ∆DNMT3B4-del as a critical factor in developing aberrant DNA methylation patterns during lung tumorigenesis and suggest that ∆DNMT3B4-del may be a target for lung cancer prevention.

Application of full factorial design to study the tribological properties of AA6061-B4C and AA6061-B4C-MoS2 composites

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Monikandan V. V.

2018-03-01

Full Text Available This study statistically analyzes the tribological properties of AA6061-10 wt. % B4C mono composite and AA6061-10 wt.% B4C-7.5 wt. % MoS2 hybrid composite. The tribological behavior of the composites was studied at atmospheric conditions using a pin-on-disk tribo-tester. The tribological experiments were conducted as per the full factorial design (FFD experimental scheme. The ANOVA analysis of the wear rate revealed that the three factors, A (MoS2 particles addition, B (applied load, and D (sliding distance presented the physical and statistical significance on the wear rate. The ANOVA analysis of the friction coefficient revealed that the factors B (applied load and C (sliding speed and interaction AB (interaction of MoS2 particles addition and applied load presented the physical and statistical significance on the friction coefficient. It is observed from the main effects plots of the wear rate and friction coefficient that the increase in the levels of factors B (applied load and D (sliding distance increased the wear rate and friction coefficient. However, the wear rate and friction coefficient decreased with the increase in the level of factor A (MoS2 particles addition.

Ex-vivo expansion of nonhuman primate CD34+ cells by stem cell factor Sall4B

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bin Shen

2016-10-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Hematopoietic CD34+ stem cells are widely used in the clinical therapy of complicated blood diseases. Stem cell factor Sall4B is a zinc finger transcription factor that plays a vital role in hematopoietic stem cell expansion. The purpose of our current study is to further evaluate how Sall4B might affect the expansion of CD34+ cells derived from nonhuman primates. Methods Sall4B was overexpressed in nonhuman primate bone marrow-derived CD34+ cells via a lentiviral transduction system. The granulocyte–erythrocyte–macrophage–megakaryocyte colony-forming unit (CFU assay evaluated the differentiation potential of primate CD34+ cells that were expanded with Sall4B. Furthermore, an in-vivo murine system was employed to evaluate the hematopoietic potential of primate Sall4B-expanded CD34+ cells. Results Overexpression of Sall4B promoted ex-vivo nonhuman primate CD34+ cell expansion by 9.21 ± 1.94-fold on day 9, whereas lentiviral transduction without Sall4B expanded cells by only 2.95 ± 0.77-fold. Sall4B maintained a significant percentage of CD34+ cells as well. The CFU assay showed that the Sall4B-expanded CD34+ cells still possessed multilineage differentiation potential. A study using nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID mice in vivo revealed that Sall4B led to an increase in the number of repopulating cells and the 9-day-old Sall4B-transduced CD34+ cells still possess self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capacity in vivo, which are similar stemness characteristics to those in freshly isolated primate bone marrow-derived CD34+ cells. Conclusions We investigated the expansion of nonhuman primate bone marrow-derived CD34+ cells using the Sall4B lentiviral overexpression approach; our findings provide a new perspective on mechanisms of rapid stem cell proliferation. The utilization of Sall4B to expand CD34+ cells on a large scale through use of suitable model systems would prove

Dynamic ErbB4 Activity in Hippocampal-Prefrontal Synchrony and Top-Down Attention in Rodents.

Science.gov (United States)

Tan, Zhibing; Robinson, Heath L; Yin, Dong-Min; Liu, Yu; Liu, Fang; Wang, Hongsheng; Lin, Thiri W; Xing, Guanglin; Gan, Lin; Xiong, Wen-Cheng; Mei, Lin

2018-04-18

Top-down attention is crucial for meaningful behaviors and impaired in various mental disorders. However, its underpinning regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. We demonstrate that the hippocampal-prefrontal synchrony associates with levels of top-down attention. Both attention and synchrony are reduced in mutant mice of ErbB4, a receptor of neuregulin-1. We used chemical genetic and optogenetic approaches to inactivate ErbB4 kinase and ErbB4+ interneurons, respectively, both of which reduce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity. Such inhibitions in the hippocampus impair both hippocampal-prefrontal synchrony and top-down attention, whereas those in the prefrontal cortex alter attention, but not synchrony. These observations identify a role of ErbB4-dependent GABA activity in the hippocampus in synchronizing the hippocampal-prefrontal pathway and demonstrate that acute, dynamic ErbB4 signaling is required to command top-down attention. Because both neuregulin-1 and ErbB4 are susceptibility genes of schizophrenia and major depression, our study contributes to a better understanding of these disorders. VIDEO ABSTRACT. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Potential antimicrobial agents from triazole-functionalized 2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-3(4H)-ones.

Science.gov (United States)

Bollu, Rajitha; Banu, Saleha; Bantu, Rajashaker; Reddy, A Gopi; Nagarapu, Lingaiah; Sirisha, K; Kumar, C Ganesh; Gunda, Shravan Kumar; Shaik, Kamal

2017-12-01

A series of substituted triazole functionalized 2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-3(4H)-ones were synthesized by employing click chemistry and further characterized based on 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, IR and mass spectral studies. All the synthesized derivatives were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activities. Further, molecular docking studies were accomplished to explore the binding interactions between 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-3(4H)-one and the active site of Staphylococcus aureus (CrtM) dehydrosqualene synthase (PDB ID: 2ZCS). These docking studies revealed that the synthesized derivatives showed high binding energies and strong H-bond interactions with the dehydrosqualene synthase validating the observed antimicrobial activity data. Based on antimicrobial activity and docking studies, the compounds 9c, 9d and 9e were identified as promising antimicrobial leads. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Scattering effect of the well-ordered MgB{sub 4} impurity phase in two-step sintered polycrystalline MgB{sub 2} with glycine addition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cai, Qi; Liu, Yongchang; Guo, Qianying; Ma, Zongqing [Tianjin University, State Key Lab of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin (China)

2017-04-15

Glycine-doped MgB{sub 2} bulk was prepared by two-step sintering in this study, first at 750 C and then 900 C. The MgB{sub 4} particles are induced to precipitate where the dislocations concentrated after C substitution or along the steps of screw dislocation during crystal growth, forming ordered MgB{sub 4} arrays throughout the MgB{sub 2} grain. By means of atomic force microscope, the detected magnetic domains are arranged in agreement with the ordered MgB{sub 4} particles after the measurement of magnetic hysteresis loop, which supported that the nano-scale MgB{sub 4} domain structure brought strong scattering effects and indicated that atomic force microscopy could test the role of the impurities. As a result, the extrapolating upper critical field H{sub c2}(0 K) is enhanced to 22.8 T for the sample with ordered MgB{sub 4}, while only 18.1 T for the un-doped sample underwent the same sintering program. Besides, carbon substitution contributed to the enhancement of H{sub c2} as well. (orig.)

Mechanistic study on the fluorination of K[B(CN)4] with ClF enabling the high yield and large scale synthesis of K[B(CF3)4] and K[(CF3)3BCN].

Science.gov (United States)

Bernhardt, Eduard; Finze, Maik; Willner, Helge

2011-10-17

The fluorination of K[B(CN)(4)] with ClF is studied by millimolar test reactions in aHF and CH(2)Cl(2) solution and by subsequent identification of intermediates such as B-CF═NCl, B-CF(2)-NCl(2), and B-CF(3) species as well as NCl(3) by (19)F, (11)B NMR, and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. At first one cyano group of K[B(CN)(4)] is converted fast into a CF(3) group, and with increasing fluorination the reaction becomes slower and several intermediates could be observed. On the basis of these results, a synthesis was developed for K[B(CF(3))(4)] on a 0.2 molar scale by treatment of K[B(CN)(4)] diluted in aHF with ClF. The course of the reactions was followed by (i) monitoring the vapor pressure inside the reactor, (ii) observing the heat dissipation during ClF uptake, and (iii) measuring the volume of the released nitrogen gas. Since the fluorination of the last cyano group proceeds very slowly, the selective synthesis of K[(CF(3))(3)BCN] on a 0.2 molar scale is possible, as well. The analysis of the mechanisms, thermodynamics, and kinetics of the fluorination reactions is supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Polyanionic pH-responsive polystyrene-b-poly(4-vinyl pyridine-N-oxide) isoporous membranes

KAUST Repository

Shevate, Rahul

2015-12-01

Recently isoporous block copolymer (BCP) membranes obtained by non-solvent induced phase separation gained a lot of attention due to their highly ordered surface layer, high flux and superior separation properties. These polystyrene-b-poly-4-vinylpyridine (PS-b-P4VP) based membranes showed a strong flux dependence of pH; pores closed at low pH and opened at high pH. The pH-response could now be reversed by a simple post modification; pores are now opening at low pH and closing at high pH. The original membrane was transformed into a polyanionic pH responsive membrane in a one step chemical modification without affecting the isoporous surface morphology. A polystyrene-b-poly-4-vinylpyridine-N-oxide (PS-b-P4VPN-oxide) membrane is obtained by selective oxidation of the PS-b-P4VP membrane. The in situ generated peracid obtained by reacting acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide is employed for oxidation. Surprisingly not only the asymmetric membrane structure with the isoporous skin was retained, but also the mechanical and chemical membrane stability was improved significantly. The modified membranes are insoluble in solvents like DMF, NMP and DMSO. Two kinds of PS-b-P4VP based isoporous membranes are available now with reverse flux response to pH. This opens the door to new interesting charge based fractionations.

Mechanisms of Membrane Binding of Small GTPase K-Ras4B Farnesylated Hypervariable Region*

Science.gov (United States)

Jang, Hyunbum; Abraham, Sherwin J.; Chavan, Tanmay S.; Hitchinson, Ben; Khavrutskii, Lyuba; Tarasova, Nadya I.; Nussinov, Ruth; Gaponenko, Vadim

2015-01-01

K-Ras4B belongs to a family of small GTPases that regulates cell growth, differentiation and survival. K-ras is frequently mutated in cancer. K-Ras4B association with the plasma membrane through its farnesylated and positively charged C-terminal hypervariable region (HVR) is critical to its oncogenic function. However, the structural mechanisms of membrane association are not fully understood. Here, using confocal microscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and molecular dynamics simulations, we observed that K-Ras4B can be distributed in rigid and loosely packed membrane domains. Its membrane binding domain interaction with phospholipids is driven by membrane fluidity. The farnesyl group spontaneously inserts into the disordered lipid microdomains, whereas the rigid microdomains restrict the farnesyl group penetration. We speculate that the resulting farnesyl protrusion toward the cell interior allows oligomerization of the K-Ras4B membrane binding domain in rigid microdomains. Unlike other Ras isoforms, K-Ras4B HVR contains a single farnesyl modification and positively charged polylysine sequence. The high positive charge not only modulates specific HVR binding to anionic phospholipids but farnesyl membrane orientation. Phosphorylation of Ser-181 prohibits spontaneous farnesyl membrane insertion. The mechanism illuminates the roles of HVR modifications in K-Ras4B targeting microdomains of the plasma membrane and suggests an additional function for HVR in regulation of Ras signaling. PMID:25713064

27 CFR 4.32b - Petitions for exemption from major food allergen labeling.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

... 27 Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Petitions for exemption from major food allergen labeling. 4.32b Section 4.32b Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY LIQUORS LABELING AND ADVERTISING OF WINE...

The higher level of complexity of K-Ras4B activation at the membrane.

Science.gov (United States)

Jang, Hyunbum; Banerjee, Avik; Chavan, Tanmay S; Lu, Shaoyong; Zhang, Jian; Gaponenko, Vadim; Nussinov, Ruth

2016-04-01

Is nucleotide exchange sufficient to activate K-Ras4B? To signal, oncogenic rat sarcoma (Ras) anchors in the membrane and recruits effectors by exposing its effector lobe. With the use of NMR and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we observed that in solution, farnesylated guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP)-bound K-Ras4B is predominantly autoinhibited by its hypervariable region (HVR), whereas the GTP-bound state favors an activated, HVR-released state. On the anionic membrane, the catalytic domain adopts multiple orientations, including parallel (∼180°) and perpendicular (∼90°) alignments of the allosteric helices, with respect to the membrane surface direction. In the autoinhibited state, the HVR is sandwiched between the effector lobe and the membrane; in the active state, with membrane-anchored farnesyl and unrestrained HVR, the catalytic domain fluctuates reinlessly, exposing its effector-binding site. Dimerization and clustering can reduce the fluctuations. This achieves preorganized, productive conformations. Notably, we also observe HVR-autoinhibited K-Ras4B-GTP states, with GDP-bound-like orientations of the helices. Thus, we propose that the GDP/GTP exchange may not be sufficient for activation; instead, our results suggest that the GDP/GTP exchange, HVR sequestration, farnesyl insertion, and orientation/localization of the catalytic domain at the membrane conjointly determine the active or inactive state of K-Ras4B. Importantly, K-Ras4B-GTP can exist in active and inactive states; on its own, GTP binding may not compel K-Ras4B activation.-Jang, H., Banerjee, A., Chavan, T. S, Lu, S., Zhang, J., Gaponenko, V., Nussinov, R. The higher level of complexity of K-Ras4B activation at the membrane. © FASEB.

Evidence for protein 4.1B acting as a metastasis suppressor

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Cavanna, T.; Pokorná, Eva; Veselý, Pavel; Gray, C.; Zicha, D.

2007-01-01

Roč. 120, č. 4 (2007), s. 606-616 ISSN 0021-9533 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z50520514 Keywords : 4.1B protein * metastasis * migration Subject RIV: EB - Genetics ; Molecular Biology Impact factor: 6.383, year: 2007

B7-H4 Treatment of T Cells Inhibits ERK, JNK, p38, and AKT Activation.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xiaojie Wang

Full Text Available B7-H4 is a newly identified B7 homolog that plays an important role in maintaining T-cell homeostasis by inhibiting T-cell proliferation and lymphokine-secretion. In this study, we investigated the signal transduction pathways inhibited by B7-H4 engagement in mouse T cells. We found that treatment of CD3(+ T cells with a B7-H4.Ig fusion protein inhibits anti-CD3 elicited T-cell receptor (TCR/CD28 signaling events, including phosphorylation of the MAP kinases, ERK, p38, and JNK. B7-H4.Ig treatment also inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT kinase and impaired its kinase activity as assessed by the phosphorylation of its endogenous substrate GSK-3. Expression of IL-2 is also reduced by B7-H4. In contrast, the phosphorylation state of the TCR proximal tyrosine kinases ZAP70 and lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK are not affected by B7-H4 ligation. These results indicate that B7-H4 inhibits T-cell proliferation and IL-2 production through interfering with activation of ERK, JNK, and AKT, but not of ZAP70 or LCK.

Immunogenicity and tolerability of a multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B (4CMenB) vaccine in healthy adolescents in Chile: a phase 2b/3 randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Science.gov (United States)

Santolaya, María Elena; O'Ryan, Miguel L; Valenzuela, María Teresa; Prado, Valeria; Vergara, Rodrigo; Muñoz, Alma; Toneatto, Daniela; Graña, Gabriela; Wang, Huajun; Clemens, Ralf; Dull, Peter M

2012-02-18

Effective glycoconjugate vaccines against Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y have been developed, but serogroup B remains a major cause of severe invasive disease in infants and adolescents worldwide. We assessed immunogenicity and tolerability of a four-component vaccine (4CMenB) in adolescents. We did a randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, study at 12 sites in Santiago and Valparaíso, Chile. Adolescents aged 11-17 years received one, two, or three doses of 4CMenB at 1 month, 2 month, or 6 month intervals. Immunogenicity was assessed as serum bactericidal activity using human complement (hSBA) against three reference strains for individual vaccine antigens, and assessed by ELISA against the fourth strain. Local and systemic reactions were recorded 7 days after each vaccination, and adverse events were monitored throughout the study. Participants were initially randomised to five groups (3:3:3:3:1) during the primary phase to receive either one dose, two doses 1 or 2 months apart, or three doses of 4CMenB, or three doses of placebo, with an additional three groups generated for the booster phase. All subjects received at least one dose of 4CMenB. Geometric mean titres, proportions of participants with serum bactericidal antibody titres of 4 or more, and Clopper-Pearson 95% CIs were calculated. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00661713. Overall, 1631 adolescents (mean age 13·8 [SD 1·9] years) received at least one dose of 4CMenB. After two or three doses, 99-100% of recipients had hSBA titres of 4 or more against test strains, compared with 92-97% after one dose (pvaccine-related serious adverse events were reported and no significant safety signals were identified. On the basis of immunogenicity responses this study provides evidence for an adolescent 4CMenB vaccine schedule of two doses, 1-6 months apart, to provide protection against meningococcal B infection. The extent of this protection against

Biochemical similarities and differences between the catalytic [4Fe-4S] cluster containing fumarases FumA and FumB from Escherichia coli.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Barbara M A van Vugt-Lussenburg

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: The highly homologous [4Fe-4S] containing fumarases FumA and FumB, sharing 90% amino acid sequence identity, from Escherichia coli are differentially regulated, which suggests a difference in their physiological function. The ratio of FumB over FumA expression levels increases by one to two orders of magnitude upon change from aerobic to anaerobic growth conditions. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To understand this difference in terms of structure-function relations, catalytic and thermodynamic properties were determined for the two enzymes obtained from homologous overexpression systems. FumA and FumB are essentially identical in their Michaelis-Menten kinetics of the reversible fumarate to L-malate conversion; however, FumB has a significantly greater catalytic efficiency for the conversion of D-tartrate to oxaloacetate consistent with the requirement of the fumB gene for growth on D-tartrate. Reduction potentials of the [4Fe-4S](2+ Lewis acid active centre were determined in mediated bulk titrations in the presence of added substrate and were found to be approximately -290 mV for both FumA and FumB. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study contradicts previously published claims that FumA and FumB exhibit different catalytic preferences for the natural substrates L-malate and fumarate. FumA and FumB differ significantly only in the catalytic efficiency for the conversion of D-tartrate, a supposedly non-natural substrate. The reduction potential of the substrate-bound [4Fe-4S] active centre is, contrary to previously reported values, close to the cellular redox potential.

Al-Si/B{sub 4}C composite coatings on Al-Si substrate by plasma spray technique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sarikaya, Ozkan [Sakarya University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Esentepe Campus, Sakarya 54187 (Turkey); Anik, Selahaddin [Sakarya University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Esentepe Campus, Sakarya 54187 (Turkey); Aslanlar, Salim [Sakarya University, Faculty of Technical Education, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Esentepe Campus, Sakarya 54187 (Turkey); Cem Okumus, S. [Sakarya University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Esentepe Campus, Sakarya 54187 (Turkey); Celik, Erdal [Dokuz Eylul University, Engineering Faculty, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Buca, Izmir 35160 (Turkey)]. E-mail: erdal.celik@deu.edu.tr

2007-07-01

Plasma-sprayed coatings of Al-Si/B{sub 4}C have been prepared on Al-Si piston alloys for diesel engine motors. The Al-Si/B{sub 4}C composite powders including 5-25 wt% B{sub 4}C were prepared by mixing and ball-milling processes. These powders were deposited on Al-Si substrate using an atmospheric plasma spray technique. The coatings have been characterised with respect to phase composition, microstructure, microhardness, bond strength and thermal expansion. It was found that Al, Si, B{sub 4}C and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} phases were determined in the coatings with approximately 600 {mu}m thick by using X-ray diffraction analysis. Scanning electron microscope observation revealed that boron carbide particles were uniformly distributed in composite coatings and B{sub 4}C particles were fully wetted by Al-Si alloy. Also, no reaction products were observed in Al-Si/B{sub 4}C composite coatings. It was found that surface roughness, porosity, bond strength and thermal expansion coefficient of composite coatings decreased with increasing fraction of the boron carbide particle. It was demonstrated that the higher the B{sub 4}C content, the higher the hardness of coatings because the hardness of B{sub 4}C is higher than that of Al-Si.

Laser induced fluorescence of TiD: analysis of the B4Γ-X4Φ transition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Danielsson, M

2007-01-01

A titanium hollow cathode lamp in combination with a dye laser and a monochromator has been used to resolve the laser-induced fluorescence of the TiD molecule. This has enabled the extension of the earlier rotational analysis of the (0,0) band of the B 4 Γ-X 4 Φ transition. In addition, the (1,1) band and part of the (2,2) band have been observed and analyzed. All earlier works on the TiD and TiH molecules concern the (0,0) band. The present work is the first to report experimentally determined equilibrium constants for TiD. For the ground state X 4 Φ the principal parameters are (in cm -1 ) A e =33.075, B e =2.7804, D e =6.819x10 -5 and α e =0.0466. By using the isotope relationships the corresponding equilibrium parameters for the TiH molecule are given

26 CFR 1.410(b)-4 - Nondiscriminatory classification test.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-01

..., nature of compensation (i.e., salaried or hourly), geographic location, and similar bona fide business... (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES Pension, Profit-Sharing, Stock Bonus Plans, Etc. § 1.410(b)-4 Nondiscriminatory classification test. (a) In general. A plan satisfies the nondiscriminatory classification test of...

ERBB4 Mutations that Disrupt the Neuregulin-ErbB4 Pathway Cause Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Type 19

Science.gov (United States)

Takahashi, Yuji; Fukuda, Yoko; Yoshimura, Jun; Toyoda, Atsushi; Kurppa, Kari; Moritoyo, Hiroyoko; Belzil, Veronique V.; Dion, Patrick A.; Higasa, Koichiro; Doi, Koichiro; Ishiura, Hiroyuki; Mitsui, Jun; Date, Hidetoshi; Ahsan, Budrul; Matsukawa, Takashi; Ichikawa, Yaeko; Moritoyo, Takashi; Ikoma, Mayumi; Hashimoto, Tsukasa; Kimura, Fumiharu; Murayama, Shigeo; Onodera, Osamu; Nishizawa, Masatoyo; Yoshida, Mari; Atsuta, Naoki; Sobue, Gen; Fifita, Jennifer A.; Williams, Kelly L.; Blair, Ian P.; Nicholson, Garth A.; Gonzalez-Perez, Paloma; Brown, Robert H.; Nomoto, Masahiro; Elenius, Klaus; Rouleau, Guy A.; Fujiyama, Asao; Morishita, Shinichi; Goto, Jun; Tsuji, Shoji

2013-01-01

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurological disorder characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons and typically results in death within 3–5 years from onset. Familial ALS (FALS) comprises 5%–10% of ALS cases, and the identification of genes associated with FALS is indispensable to elucidating the molecular pathogenesis. We identified a Japanese family affected by late-onset, autosomal-dominant ALS in which mutations in genes known to be associated with FALS were excluded. A whole- genome sequencing and parametric linkage analysis under the assumption of an autosomal-dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance revealed the mutation c.2780G>A (p. Arg927Gln) in ERBB4. An extensive mutational analysis revealed the same mutation in a Canadian individual with familial ALS and a de novo mutation, c.3823C>T (p. Arg1275Trp), in a Japanese simplex case. These amino acid substitutions involve amino acids highly conserved among species, are predicted as probably damaging, and are located within a tyrosine kinase domain (p. Arg927Gln) or a C-terminal domain (p. Arg1275Trp), both of which mediate essential functions of ErbB4 as a receptor tyrosine kinase. Functional analysis revealed that these mutations led to a reduced autophosphorylation of ErbB4 upon neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) stimulation. Clinical presentations of the individuals with mutations were characterized by the involvement of both upper and lower motor neurons, a lack of obvious cognitive dysfunction, and relatively slow progression. This study indicates that disruption of the neuregulin-ErbB4 pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of ALS and potentially paves the way for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies such using NRGs or their agonists to upregulate ErbB4 functions. PMID:24119685

New calculations for critical assemblies using MCNP4B

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adams, A.A.; Frankle, S.C.; Little, R.C.

1997-07-01

A suite of 41 criticality benchmarks has been modeled using MCNP trademark (version 4B). Most of the assembly specifications were obtained from the Cross Section Evaluation Working Group (CSEWG) and the International Criticality Safety Benchmark Evaluation Project (ICSBEP) compendiums of experimental benchmarks. A few assembly specifications were obtained from experimental papers. The suite contains thermal and fast assemblies, bare and reflected assemblies, and emphasizes 233 U, 235 U, 238 U, and 239 Pu. The values of k eff for each assembly in the suite were calculated using MCNP libraries derived primarily from release 2 of ENDF/B-V and release 2 of ENDF/B-VI. The results show that the new ENDF/B-VI.2 evaluations for H, O, N, B, 235 U, 238 U, and 239 Pu can have a significant impact on the values of k eff . In addition to the integral quantity k eff , several additional experimental measurements were performed and documented. These experimental measurements include central fission and reaction-rate ratios for various isotopes, and neutron leakage and flux spectra. They provide more detailed information about the accuracy of the nuclear data than can k eff . Comparison calculations were performed using both ENDF/B-V.2 and ENDF/B-VI.2-based data libraries. The purpose of this paper is to compare the results of these additional calculations with experimental data, and to use these results to assess the quality of the nuclear data

Thermal transformation of synthetic borax, Na2[B4O5(OH)4]x8H2O

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abdullaev, G.K.

1981-01-01

Using the methods of high temperature roentgenography and derivatography thermal transformation of synthetic borax is studied. It is established that borax dehydration proceeds in four stages (50-80, 80-100, 100-150 and 150-500 deg C) with the formation of three intermediate crystalline hydrate forms (one stable and two unstable) and one final stable crystalline phase. The stable crystalline phases correspond to synthetic tincalconite Na 2 [B 4 O 5 (OH) 4 ]x3H 2 O and sodium tetraborate Na 2 B 4 O 7 . Thermal transformation of borax into tincalconite and sodium tetraborate is explained on the basis of their crystal structures [ru

X-ray and EPR study of reactions between B{sub 4}C and TiO{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kakazey, M. [CIICAP/FCQI, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos (Mexico)]. E-mail: kakazey@hotmail.com; Vlasova, M. [CIICAP/FCQI, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos (Mexico); Gonzalez-Rodriguez, J.G. [CIICAP/FCQI, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos (Mexico); Dominguez-Patino, M. [CIICAP/FCQI, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos (Mexico); Leder, R. [CIICAP/FCQI, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos (Mexico)

2006-02-25

X-ray diffraction and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methods have been used to study the reaction process in a system of 95 wt.% of B{sub 4}C + 5 wt.% TiO{sub 2}. The addition of TiO{sub 2} to B{sub 4}C was effective in accelerating the removal of carbon inclusions. Two types of reactions between B{sub 4}C and TiO{sub 2}, starting at temperatures {approx}1173 K, took place: (a) gas-transport exchange and (b) diffusion of Ti atoms into the B{sub 4}C lattice. These reactions modify the number and type of donor centers in the B{sub 4}C. The dependence of EPR line width on the number of donor centers in B{sub 4}C (from conditions of sample treatment) is a useful method for investigating the formation of powders and ceramics based on B{sub 4}C.

Immunogenicity, reactogenicity, and safety of a P1.7b,4 strain-specific serogroup B meningococcal vaccine given to preteens.

Science.gov (United States)

Hosking, Jamie; Rasanathan, Kumanan; Mow, Florina Chan; Jackson, Catherine; Martin, Diana; O'Hallahan, Jane; Oster, Philipp; Ypma, Ellen; Reid, Stewart; Aaberge, Ingeborg; Crengle, Sue; Stewart, Joanna; Lennon, Diana

2007-11-01

New Zealand (NZ) has experienced a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B epidemic since 1991. MeNZB, a strain-specific outer membrane vesicle vaccine made using an NZ epidemic strain isolate, NZ98/254 (B:4:P1.7b,4), from two manufacturing sites, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) and Chiron Vaccines (CV; now Novartis), was evaluated for safety, immunogenicity, and reactogenicity in this observer-blind trial with 8- to 12-year-old children. In year 1, cohort A (n = 302) was randomized 4:1 for receipt of NIPH-MeNZB or MenBvac (Norwegian parent vaccine strain 44/76; B:15:P1.7,16). In year 2, cohort B (n = 313) was randomized 4:1 for receipt of CV-MeNZB or NIPH-MeNZB. Participants all received three vaccinations 6 weeks apart. Local and systemic reactions were monitored for 7 days. Seroresponse was defined as a fourfold or greater rise in the serum bactericidal antibody titer from the baseline titer as measured by a serum bactericidal assay. Those with baseline titers of /=1:8 to serorespond. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses are presented. In cohort A, 74% (ITT) and 73% (PP) of NIPH-MeNZB recipients demonstrated seroresponses against NZ98/254 after three doses, versus 32% (ITT and PP) of MenBvac recipients. In cohort B, seroresponses against NZ98/254 after three doses occurred in 79% (ITT and PP) of CV-MeNZB versus 75% (ITT) and 76% (PP) of NIPH-MeNZB recipients. Vaccines were tolerable, with no vaccine-related serious adverse events. In conclusion, the NZ strain meningococcal B vaccine (MeNZB) from either manufacturing site was immunogenic against New Zealand epidemic vaccine strain meningococci with no safety concerns when given in three doses to these 8- to 12-year-old children.

Dosimetry characteristics of thermoluminescent Li2B4O7:Cu phosphor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lakshmanan, A.R.; Chandra, B.; Bhatt, R.C.

1981-01-01

Preliminary investigations on the radiation dosimetry characteristics of Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu TLD phosphor are described. The major TL peak in this phosphor occurs at 230 0 C and its TL sensitivity to gamma radiation is two to three times higher than that of LiF TLD-100. The gamma dose Vs TL response of this peak is linear (within +- 20%) in the dose range 0.3 mGy-3x10 2 Gy above which saturation sets in. Its TL response for 30 keV X-rays is about 20% lower than that for 60 Coγ-rays. On annealing at 300 0 C, the phosphor gets slightly discoloured (brownish). This results in the reduction of the TL sensitivity by about 20 - 25%. The phosphor does not exhibit either sensitization or damage even after a gamma dose of 10 3 Gy. The TL emission spectrum has a broad peak at 360 nm. The intrinsic TL sensitivity of virgin Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu to 253.7 nm UV radiation is nearly 50 times higher than that of CaSO 4 :Dy. The post-irradiation fading in Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu at ambient temperature and humidity conditions is, however, less than 10% in 17 days. These characteristics indicate that Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Cu is a promising phosphor for ionizing as well as UV radiation dosimetry. (author)

An impact of CYP3A4 *1B polymorphism on rifampicin metabolism

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

H. O. Poludenko

2017-08-01

Full Text Available Until now, the enzyme systems responsible for biotransformation of the antituberculous drug rifampicin remain unknown. The aim of research was an investigation of the candidate enzymes involved in the biotransformation of rifampicin using the computer system PASS and an experimental study concerning the effect of the polymorphism of the biotransformation gene CYP3A4 *1B on the level of rifampicin in the blood of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (РTB. The probability (Pa of certain pharmacological activity and the effect on putative enzyme systems of the human body of rifampicin has been calculated by the PASS method. Polymerase chain reaction revealed the polymorphism of the CYP3A4 *1B gene among healthy volunteers as well as patients with РTB. With a high degree of probability, according to PASS calculations, it was predicted that rifampicin undergo metabolism with the CYP3A4 enzyme - probability (Ra were 0.891. According to the genotype CYP3A4 *1B, 95.3% of the healthy donors carried a homozygous wild-type gene (i.e., had high enzymatic activity - AA genotype; the rest 4.7% - were carriers of the heterozygous AG genotype (moderate enzyme activity.The polymorphism of CYP3A4 *1B genotypes and alleles in the south-west of Ukraine was close to the results obtained in European countries. 91.4% and 8.6% of the patients with РTB had AA and AG genotype, correspondently. Thus, among the patients with РTB, the AG genotype was more often observed than among healthy volunteers. There was no significant difference in rifampicin concentration among РTB-patients concerning CYP3A4 * 1B polymorphism.

miR-181b functions as an oncomiR in colorectal cancer by targeting PDCD4

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yanqing Liu

2016-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4 is a RNA-binding protein that acts as a tumor suppressor in many cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC. During CRC carcinogenesis, PDCD4 protein levels remarkably decrease, but the underlying molecular mechanism for decreased PDCD4 expression is not fully understood. In this study, we performed bioinformatics analysis to identify miRNAs that potentially target PDCD4. We demonstrated miR-181b as a direct regulator of PDCD4. We further showed that activation of IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway increased miR-181b expression and consequently resulted in downregulation of PDCD4 in CRC cells. In addition, we investigated the biological effects of PDCD4 inhibition by miR-181b both in vitro and in vivo and found that miR-181b could promote cell proliferation and migration and suppress apoptosis in CRC cells and accelerate tumor growth in xenograft mice, potentially through targeting PDCD4. Taken together, this study highlights an oncomiR role for miR-181b in regulating PDCD4 in CRC and suggests that miR-181b may be a novel molecular therapeutic target for CRC.

Gaseous swelling of B4C and UO2 fuel: similarities and differences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Evdokimov, I.; Khoruzhii, O.; Kourtchatov, S.; Likhanskii, V.; Matweev, L.

2001-01-01

A major factor limiting the resource of control rods (CRs) for WWER-1000 reactors is their radiation damage. Radiation induced embrittlement of the CRs cladding, core swelling and gaseous internal pressure in CRs result in mechanical core-cladding interaction. This work is devoted to the physical analysis of processes that control the structural changes in neutron absorber elements with B 4 C under irradiation in water reactors. Particularly, the analysis of mechanisms of the helium porosity formation in B 4 C is undertaken. In view of the deficiency of experimental data on the subject, a fruitful approach to the problem is a comparative analysis of the swelling mechanisms in B 4 C absorber and UO 2 fuel. Using this similarity a phenomenological model of fission gas behavior in boron carbide is proposed. The model predictions for radial profile of 10 B burnup under influence of thermal and epithermal neutrons are compared with experimental results. The main results show that despite the external similarity of the process of fission gas accumulation in UO 2 and in B 4 C, phenomenology of gaseous swelling is much different for the fuel and the CR core. The reason for that difference is the distinction of physical conditions in irradiated fuel and CR core

The higher level of complexity of K-Ras4B activation at the membrane

Science.gov (United States)

Jang, Hyunbum; Banerjee, Avik; Chavan, Tanmay S.; Lu, Shaoyong; Zhang, Jian; Gaponenko, Vadim; Nussinov, Ruth

2016-01-01

Is nucleotide exchange sufficient to activate K-Ras4B? To signal, oncogenic rat sarcoma (Ras) anchors in the membrane and recruits effectors by exposing its effector lobe. With the use of NMR and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we observed that in solution, farnesylated guanosine 5′-diphosphate (GDP)-bound K-Ras4B is predominantly autoinhibited by its hypervariable region (HVR), whereas the GTP-bound state favors an activated, HVR-released state. On the anionic membrane, the catalytic domain adopts multiple orientations, including parallel (∼180°) and perpendicular (∼90°) alignments of the allosteric helices, with respect to the membrane surface direction. In the autoinhibited state, the HVR is sandwiched between the effector lobe and the membrane; in the active state, with membrane-anchored farnesyl and unrestrained HVR, the catalytic domain fluctuates reinlessly, exposing its effector-binding site. Dimerization and clustering can reduce the fluctuations. This achieves preorganized, productive conformations. Notably, we also observe HVR-autoinhibited K-Ras4B-GTP states, with GDP-bound-like orientations of the helices. Thus, we propose that the GDP/GTP exchange may not be sufficient for activation; instead, our results suggest that the GDP/GTP exchange, HVR sequestration, farnesyl insertion, and orientation/localization of the catalytic domain at the membrane conjointly determine the active or inactive state of K-Ras4B. Importantly, K-Ras4B-GTP can exist in active and inactive states; on its own, GTP binding may not compel K-Ras4B activation.—Jang, H., Banerjee, A., Chavan, T. S, Lu, S., Zhang, J., Gaponenko, V., Nussinov, R. The higher level of complexity of K-Ras4B activation at the membrane. PMID:26718888

Mechanisms of membrane binding of small GTPase K-Ras4B farnesylated hypervariable region.

Science.gov (United States)

Jang, Hyunbum; Abraham, Sherwin J; Chavan, Tanmay S; Hitchinson, Ben; Khavrutskii, Lyuba; Tarasova, Nadya I; Nussinov, Ruth; Gaponenko, Vadim

2015-04-10

K-Ras4B belongs to a family of small GTPases that regulates cell growth, differentiation and survival. K-ras is frequently mutated in cancer. K-Ras4B association with the plasma membrane through its farnesylated and positively charged C-terminal hypervariable region (HVR) is critical to its oncogenic function. However, the structural mechanisms of membrane association are not fully understood. Here, using confocal microscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and molecular dynamics simulations, we observed that K-Ras4B can be distributed in rigid and loosely packed membrane domains. Its membrane binding domain interaction with phospholipids is driven by membrane fluidity. The farnesyl group spontaneously inserts into the disordered lipid microdomains, whereas the rigid microdomains restrict the farnesyl group penetration. We speculate that the resulting farnesyl protrusion toward the cell interior allows oligomerization of the K-Ras4B membrane binding domain in rigid microdomains. Unlike other Ras isoforms, K-Ras4B HVR contains a single farnesyl modification and positively charged polylysine sequence. The high positive charge not only modulates specific HVR binding to anionic phospholipids but farnesyl membrane orientation. Phosphorylation of Ser-181 prohibits spontaneous farnesyl membrane insertion. The mechanism illuminates the roles of HVR modifications in K-Ras4B targeting microdomains of the plasma membrane and suggests an additional function for HVR in regulation of Ras signaling. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Genetic variation in STAT4 predicts response to interferon-α therapy for hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B.

Science.gov (United States)

Jiang, De-Ke; Wu, Xiaopan; Qian, Ji; Ma, Xiao-Pin; Yang, Jingmin; Li, Zhuo; Wang, Runhua; Sun, Li; Liu, Fang; Zhang, Pengyin; Zhu, Xilin; Wu, Jia; Chen, Kangmei; Conran, Carly; Zheng, S Lilly; Lu, Daru; Yu, Long; Liu, Ying; Xu, Jianfeng

2016-04-01

Interferon (IFN)-α is a first-line therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients but only initiates a response in a minority of patients. A genetic variant, rs7574865 in STAT4, was recently reported to be associated with risk of developing CHB and hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to determine whether this variant is associated with the response to IFNα treatment for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB patients. We studied 466 HBeAg-positive CHB patients who received either IFNα-2b (n = 224) or pegylated IFNα-2a (n = 242) therapy for 48 weeks and were followed for an additional 24 weeks. The rate of sustained virologic response (SVR), defined as HBeAg seroconversion along with hepatitis B virus DNA level rs7574865. After 48 weeks of treatment and 24 weeks off treatment, the SVR rates in the IFNα-2b and pegylated IFNα-2a therapy groups were 30.4% and 28.9%, respectively. Compared to the rs7574865 GT/TT genotype, the GG genotype (a risk factor of CHB and hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma) was significantly associated with a reduced SVR rate in both patients who received IFNα-2b therapy (21.1% versus 37.2%, P = 0.01) and those who received pegylated IFNα-2a therapy (18.0% versus 41.2%, P = 9.74 × 10(-5) ). In joint analysis of the 466 patients, the GG genotype was associated with an approximately half SVR rate compared to the GT/TT genotype (19.3% versus 39.1%, P = 4.15 × 10(-6) ). A multivariate logistic regression model including rs7574865 and clinical variables showed that rs7574865 was the most significant factor for the prediction of SVR. STAT4 rs7574865 is a reliable predictor of response to IFNα therapy for HBeAg-positive CHB patients and may be used for optimizing the treatment of CHB. © 2015 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Exoelectron emission from surface layer of Li2B4O7 glass ceramics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawamoto, Takamichi; Katsube, Shizuko; Yanagisawa, Hideo; Kikuchi, Riichi; Kawanishi, Masaharu.

1984-01-01

The thermally stimulated exoelectron emission (TESS) of Li 2 B 4 O 7 glass ceramics was investigated for its application to the dosimetric use. It has been found the TSEE glow patterns of Li 2 B 4 O 7 glass ceramics and of the thin layer of LiF evaporated on Li 2 B 4 O 7 glass ceramics depend on the kind of radiations irradiated. The TSEE glow pattern of the duplicated structure sample indicated a possibility of determining the dose of each kind of radiation separately in the mixed radiation field. (author)

The discovery and the structural basis of an imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-based p21-activated kinase 4 inhibitor.

Science.gov (United States)

Park, Jeung Kuk; Kim, Sunmin; Han, Yu Jin; Kim, Seong Hwan; Kang, Nam Sook; Lee, Hyuk; Park, SangYoun

2016-06-01

p21-Activated kinases (PAKs) which belong to the family of ste20 serine/threonine protein kinases regulate cytoskeletal reorganization, cell motility, cell proliferation, and oncogenic transformation which are all related to the cellular functions during cancer induction and metastasis. The fact that PAK mutations are detected in multiple tumor tissues makes PAKs a novel therapeutic drug target. In this study, an imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-based PAK4 inhibitor, KY-04045 (6-Bromo-2-(3-isopropyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine), was discovered using a virtual site-directed fragment-based drug design and was validated using an inhibition assay. Although PAK4 affinity to KY-04045 seems much weaker than that of the reported PAK4 inhibitors, the location of KY-04045 is clearly defined in the structure of PAK4 co-crystallized with KY-04045. The crystal structure illustrates that the pyrazole and imidazopyridine rings of KY-04045 are sufficient for mediating PAK4 hinge loop interaction. Hence, we believe that KY-04045 can be exploited as a basic building block in designing novel imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-based PAK4 inhibitors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cross-talk between the NR3B and NR4A families of orphan nuclear receptors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lammi, Johanna; Rajalin, Ann-Marie; Huppunen, Johanna; Aarnisalo, Piia

2007-01-01

Estrogen-related receptors (NR3B family) and Nurr1, NGFI-B, and Nor1 (NR4A family) are orphan nuclear receptors lacking identified natural ligands. The mechanisms regulating their transcriptional activities have remained elusive. We have previously observed that the members of NR3B and NR4A families are coexpressed in certain cell types such as osteoblasts and that the ability of Nurr1 to transactivate the osteopontin promoter is repressed by ERRs. We have now studied the cross-talk between NR3B and NR4A receptors. We show that NR3B and NR4A receptors mutually repress each others' transcriptional activity. The repression involves intact DNA-binding domains and dimerization interfaces but does not result from competition for DNA binding or from heterodimerization. The activation functions of NR3B and NR4A receptors are dispensable for the cross-talk. In conclusion, we report that cross-talk between NR3B and NR4A receptors is a mechanism modulating the transcriptional activities of these orphan nuclear receptors

B cell subsets and dysfunction of regulatory B cells in IgG4-related diseases and primary Sjögren’s syndrome: the similarities and differences

Science.gov (United States)

2014-01-01

Introduction IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a multisystem-involved autoimmune disease. Abnormally activated and differentiated B cells may play important roles. Regulatory B cells (Breg) are newly defined B cell subgroups with immunosuppressive functions. In this study, we investigated the differences of B cell subsets, the expressions of co-stimulatory molecules on B cells, and the function of Breg cells in patients with IgG4-RD, primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) as well as in healthy controls (HC). Methods Newly diagnosed IgG4-RD patients (n = 48) were enrolled, 38 untreated pSS patients and 30 healthy volunteers were recruited as disease and healthy controls. To analyze B cell subsets and B cell activity, PBMCs were surface stained and detected by flow cytometry. The function of Breg cells was tested by coculturing isolated CD19 + CD24hiCD38hi Breg cells with purified CD4 + CD25- T cells. Serum cytokines were measured by ELISA and cytometric bead array. Relationship between clinical data and laboratory findings were analyzed as well. Results Compared with pSS patients and HC, IgG4-RD patients had a lower frequency of peripheral Breg cells. Interestingly, CD19 + CD24-CD38hi B cell subsets were significantly higher in peripheral B cells from IgG4-RD patients than in pSS patients and HC, which correlated with serum IgG4 levels. The expression of BAFF-R and CD40 on B cells was significantly lower in IgG4-RD patients compared with those in pSS patients and HC. Unlike HC, Breg cells from pSS patients lacked suppressive functions. Conclusions B cells in patients with IgG4-RD and pSS display a variety of abnormalities, including disturbed B cell subpopulations, abnormal expression of key signaling molecules, co-stimulatory molecules, and inflammatory cytokines. In addition, a significantly increased B cell subset, CD19 + CD24-CD38hi B cells, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD. PMID:24887143

Chlorine- and Sulphur-substituted Pyrrolo[3,4-b]quinolines and ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Chlorine- and Sulphur-substituted Pyrrolo[3,4-b]quinolines and Related Derivatives .... J. Chem., 2003, 56, 40–46,. . .... It is evident from the above that by judicious selection and application of reagents ...

Working group 4B - human intrusion: Design/performance requirements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Channell, J.

1993-01-01

There is no summary of the progress made by working group 4B (Human Intrusion: Design/performance Requirements) during the Electric Power Research Institute's EPRI Workshop on the technical basis of EPA HLW Disposal Criteria, March 1993. This group was to discuss the waste disposal standard, 40 CFR Part 191, in terms of the design and performance requirements of human intrusion. Instead, because there were so few members, they combined with working group 4A and studied the three-tier approach to evaluating postclosure performance

Peculiar features of metallurgical processes at plasma-arc spraying of coatings, made of steel wire with powder fillers B4C and B4C+ZrO2

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Георгій Михайлович Григоренко

2016-11-01

Full Text Available The interaction of metallurgical processes occurring in plasma-arc spraying between the steel shell and the carbide fillers of B4C and B4C cored wires with the addition of nanocrystalline ZrO2 powder has been analyzed. Iron-boron compounds alloyed with carbon are formed in ingots as a result of ferritiс coating of wire interacrion with fillers while the ferritic matrix contains boride and carboboride eutectics. Average microhardness of the carboboride compounds and the matrix is high – 17,78; 16,40 and 8,69; 9,95 GPa for the ingots with с B4C and B4C+ZrO2 respectively. The best quality coatings with low porosity (~1%, lamellar structure consisting of ferrite matrix reinforced with dispersed Fe borides, were obtained at a higher heat input (plasmatron current 240-250 A. The average amount of oxides in the coatings makes 15%. 0,5% addition of nanopowder ZrO2 accelerates dispersed iron-boron compounds forming, promotes their uniform distribution in the structure and improves coating microhardness up to 7,0 GPa. Application of the differential thermal analysis method to simulate the interaction processes between the steel shell and the filler during the heating of wire in the shielding gas makes it possible to promote formation of new phases (borides and carboborides of iron and to predict the phase composition of the coatings

Well-defined 4-arm stars with hydroxy-terminated polyethylene, polyethylene-b-polycaprolactone and polyethylene-b-(polymethyl methacrylate) 2 arms

KAUST Repository

Zhang, Zhen

2016-07-20

Bis-boron-thexyl-silaboracycle was prepared by hydroboration of 1,4-bis(methyldivinylsilyl)butane with thexylborane and used to initiate the polyhomologation of dimethylsulfoxonium methylide to afford well-defined hydroxy-terminated 4-arm polyethylene (PE) stars. The synthesized PE stars were transformed to (PE-b-PCL)4 starblock copolymers via the ring-opening polymerization of ϵ-caprolactone (CL) initiated by the hydroxyl end groups of (PE-OH)4 in the presence of P2-tBu phosphazene base. Esterification of the hydroxyl groups of the OH-terminated PE star with 2,2-dichloroacetyl chloride led to (PE-Cl2)4 which was used as initiator (eight initiating atom transfer radical polymerization, ATRP, sites) for the synthesis of (PE-b-PMMA2)4 dendrimer-like stars by the ATRP of methyl methacrylate (MMA). All intermediates and final products were characterized by high temperature gel permeation chromatography and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. © 2016 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Nanocomposite of exfoliated bentonite/g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic decomposition of Rhodamine B.

Science.gov (United States)

Ma, Jianfeng; Huang, Daiqin; Zhang, Wenyi; Zou, Jing; Kong, Yong; Zhu, Jianxi; Komarneni, Sridhar

2016-11-01

Novel visible-light-driven heterojunction photocatalyst comprising exfoliated bentonite, g-C3N4 and Ag3PO4 (EB/g-C3N4/Ag3PO4) was synthesized by a facile and green method. The composites EB/g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and the Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) surface area method. Under visible light irradiation, EB/g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 composites displayed much higher photocatalytic activity than that of either pure g-C3N4 or pure Ag3PO4 in the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). Among the hybrid photocatalysts, EB/g-C3N4/Ag3PO4 composite containing 20 wt% Ag3PO4 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity for the decolorization of RhB. Under the visible-light irradiation, the RhB dye was completely decolorized in less than 60 min. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the stable structure, enlarged surface area, strong adsorbability, strong light absorption ability, and high-efficiency separation rate of photoinduced electron-hole pairs. Our finding paves a way to design highly efficient and stable visible-light-induced photocatalysts for practical applications in wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inactivation of p15INK4b in chronic arsenic poisoning cases

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aihua Zhang

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Arsenic exposure from burning high arsenic-containing coal has been associated with human skin lesion and cancer. However, the mechanisms of arsenic-related carcinogenesis are not fully understood. Inactivation of critical tumor suppression genes by epigenetic regulation or genetic modification might contribute to arsenic-induced carcinogenicity. This study aims to clarify the correlation between arsenic pollution and functional defect of p15INK4b gene in arsenic exposure residents from a region of Guizhou Province, China. To this end, 103 arsenic exposure residents and 105 control subjects were recruited in this study. The results showed that the exposure group exhibited higher levels of urinary and hair arsenic compared with the control group (55.28 vs 28.87 μg/L, 5.16 vs 1.36 μg/g. Subjects with higher arsenic concentrations are more likely to have p15INK4b methylation and gene deletion (χ2 = 4.28, P = 0.04 and χ2 = 4.31, P = 0.04. We also found that the degree of p15INK4b hypermethylation and gene deletion occurred at higher incidence in the poisoning cases with skin cancer (3.7% and 14.81% in non-skin cancer group, 41.18% and 47.06 in skin cancer group, and were significantly associated with the stage of skin lesions (χ2 = 12.82, P < 0.01 and χ2 = 7.835, P = 0.005. These observations indicate that inactivation of p15INK4b through genetic alteration or epigenetic modification is a common event that is associated with arsenic exposure and the development of arsenicosis.

Tribological properties of B{sub 4}C-TiB{sub 2}-TiC-Ni cermet coating produced by HVOF

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rafiei, Mahdi [Islamic Azad Univ., Najafabad (Iran, Islamic Republic of). Dept. of Materials Engineering; Isfahan Univ. of Technology, Isfahan (Iran, Islamic Republic of). Depr. of Materials Engineering; Shamanian, Morteza; Salehi, Mehdi [Isfahan Univ. of Technology, Isfahan (Iran, Islamic Republic of). Depr. of Materials Engineering; Mostaan, Hossein [Arak Univ., Arak (Iran, Islamic Republic of). Dept. of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering

2017-08-15

In this study, B{sub 4}C-TiB{sub 2}-TiC-Ni coating was sprayed on the surface of 4130 steel by high velocity oxy-fuel torch. The tribological behavior of samples was studied by ball on disk wear testing. Structural evolution of the coating was analyzed by X-ray diffractometry. The microstructure of the coating, wear track and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} ball was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. Elemental analysis of the wear track was done by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. It was found that a cermet coating containing B{sub 4}C, TiB{sub 2}, TiC and Ni phases with good bonding to the 4130 steel substrate with no sign of any cracking or pores was formed. The wear mechanism of the composite coating was delamination. The friction coefficient of samples was decreased with increasing load because of higher frictional heat and creation of more oxide islands.

Effect of superconductivity on spin dynamics in (Y/sub 1-x/Re/sub x/)Rh4B4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kumagai, K.; Fradin, F.Y.

1982-01-01

An adiabatic field-cycle method has been used to study spin dynamics of RE ions in (Y/sub 1-x/RE/sub x/)Rh 4 B 4 . Longitudinal dipolar fluctuations of RE moments are found to be the main source of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation time of 11 B. The variation of T 1 in the superconducting state is attributed to the reduction of the electronic spin-relaxation time, tau/sub m/, which is mainly determined by the RKKY type interaction mediated by the conduction electrons. 3 figures

[Clinical significance of determination of serum B7-H4 in patients with malignant hematologic diseases].

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Xiao-Mei; Hu, Guo-Yan; Liu, Wei; Zheng, Shu-Hua; Lv, Jing; Wang, Hong-Mei; Xu, Jun-Fa

2010-09-01

To study the clinical significance of determination of serum B7-H4 in patients with malignant hematologic diseases. Serum B7-H4 levels were determined in 65 patients with leucemia, 34 patients with lymphoma, 12 patients with multiple myeloma as well as in 50 healthy controls. The serum B7-H4 levels in patients with lymphoma [(38.81+/-10.34) kappag/L] were significantly higher than healthy controls [(31.62+/-9.850) kappag/L] (Pleucemia, patients with multiple myeloma and healthy controls. These results suggest that the B7-H4 may correlated with lymphoma, but uncorrelated with leucemia and multiple myeloma. Measurement of serum B7-H4 level provide useful information for distinctive diagnosis of different kinds of malignant hematologic diseases.

A green process for the preparation of 11-{4-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxyethyl]-1-piperazinyl}dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepine

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

GANESH D. MAHALE

2008-04-01

Full Text Available A green process for the synthesis of 11-{4-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxyethyl]-1-piperazinyl}dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepine by the reaction of 11-(1-piperazinyldibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepine or its dihydrochloride salt with 2-(2-chloroethoxyethanol in the presence of an inorganic base and water is reported (conversion 99.9 % in a short time and without any impurities. The metal halides and phase transfer catalyst increase the rate of reaction, especially in water as the solvent.

Relevance of P-glycoprotein on CXCR4+ B cells to organ manifestation in highly active rheumatoid arthritis.

Science.gov (United States)

Tsujimura, Shizuyo; Adachi, Tomoko; Saito, Kazuyoshi; Kawabe, Akio; Tanaka, Yoshiya

2018-03-01

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression on activated B cells is associated with active efflux of intracellular drugs, resulting in drug resistance. CXCR4 is associated with migration of B cells. This study was designed to elucidate the relevance of P-gp expression on CXCR4 + B cells to clinical manifestations in refractory RA. CD19 + B cells were analyzed using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. P-gp was highly expressed especially on CXCR4 + CD19 + B cells in RA. The proportion of P-gp-expressing CXCR4 + B cells correlated with disease activity, estimated by Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), and showed marked expansion in RA patients with high SDAI and extra-articular involvement. In highly active RA, massive infiltration of P-gp + CXCR4 + CD19 + B cells was noted in CXCL12-expressing inflammatory lesions of RA synovitis and RA-associated interstitial pneumonitis. In RA patient with active extra-articular involvement, intracellular dexamethasone level (IDL) in lymphocytes diminished with expansion of P-gp + CXCR4 + CD19 + B cells. Adalimumab reduced P-gp + CXCR4 + CD19 + B cells, increased IDL in lymphocytes, and improved the clinical manifestation and allowed tapering of concomitant medications. Expansion of P-gp + CXCR4 + B cells seems to be associated with drug resistance, disease activity and progressive destructive arthritis with extra-articular involvement in RA.

PSGL-1–mediated activation of EphB4 increases the proangiogenic potential of endothelial progenitor cells

Science.gov (United States)

Foubert, Philippe; Silvestre, Jean-Sébastien; Souttou, Boussad; Barateau, Véronique; Martin, Coralie; Ebrahimian, Téni G.; Leré-Déan, Carole; Contreres, Jean Olivier; Sulpice, Eric; Levy, Bernard I.; Plouët, Jean; Tobelem, Gérard; Le Ricousse-Roussanne, Sophie

2007-01-01

Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) transplantation has beneficial effects for therapeutic neovascularization; however, only a small proportion of injected cells home to the lesion and incorporate into the neocapillaries. Consequently, this type of cell therapy requires substantial improvement to be of clinical value. Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptors and their ephrin ligands are key regulators of vascular development. We postulated that activation of the EphB4/ephrin-B2 system may enhance EPC proangiogenic potential. In this report, we demonstrate in a nude mouse model of hind limb ischemia that EphB4 activation with an ephrin-B2–Fc chimeric protein increases the angiogenic potential of human EPCs. This effect was abolished by EphB4 siRNA, confirming that it is mediated by EphB4. EphB4 activation enhanced P selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) expression and EPC adhesion. Inhibition of PSGL-1 by siRNA reversed the proangiogenic and adhesive effects of EphB4 activation. Moreover, neutralizing antibodies to E selectin and P selectin blocked ephrin-B2–Fc–stimulated EPC adhesion properties. Thus, activation of EphB4 enhances EPC proangiogenic capacity through induction of PSGL-1 expression and adhesion to E selectin and P selectin. Therefore, activation of EphB4 is an innovative and potentially valuable therapeutic strategy for improving the recruitment of EPCs to sites of neovascularization and thereby the efficiency of cell-based proangiogenic therapy. PMID:17510705

Modeling of two-phase flow instabilities during startup transients utilizing RAMONA-4B methodology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paniagua, J.; Rohatgi, U.S.; Prasad, V.

1996-01-01

RAMONA-4B code is currently under development for simulating thermal hydraulic instabilities that can occur in Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) and the Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (SBWR). As one of the missions of RAMONA-4B is to simulate SBWR startup transients, where geysering or condensation-induced instability may be encountered, the code needs to be assessed for this application. This paper outlines the results of the assessments of the current version of RAMONA-4B and the modifications necessary for simulating the geysering or condensation-induced instability. The test selected for assessment are the geysering tests performed by Prof Aritomi (1993)

Evolving role of 2B4/CD244 in T and NK cell responses during virus infection

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Stephen Noel Waggoner

2012-12-01

Full Text Available The signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM family receptor, 2B4/CD244, was first implicated in anti-viral immunity by the discovery that mutations of the SLAM-associated protein, SAP/SH2D1A, impaired 2B4-dependent stimulation of T and natural killer (NK cell anti-viral functions in X-linked lymphoproliferative (XLP syndrome patients with uncontrolled Epstein-Barr virus (EBV infections. Engagement of 2B4 has been variably shown to either activate or inhibit lymphocytes which express this receptor. While SAP expression is required for stimulatory functions of 2B4 on lymphocytes, it remains unclear whether inhibitory signals derived from 2B4 can predominate even in the presence of SAP. Regardless, mounting evidence suggests that 2B4 expression by NK and CD8 T cells is altered by virus infection in mice as well as in humans, and 2B4-mediated signaling may be an important determinant of effective immune control of chronic virus infections. In this review, recent findings regarding the expression and function of 2B4 as well as SAP on T and NK cells during virus infection is discussed, with a focus on the role of 2B4-CD48 interactions in crosstalk between innate and adaptive immunity.

Synthesis, DNA binding and cytotoxic activity of pyrimido[4',5':4,5]thieno(2,3-b)quinoline with 9-hydroxy-4-(3-diethylaminopropylamino) and 8-methoxy-4-(3-diethylaminopropylamino) substitutions.

Science.gov (United States)

KiranKumar, Hulihalli N; RohitKumar, Heggodu G; Advirao, Gopal M

2018-01-01

Two new derivatives of pyrimido[4',5';4,5]thieno(2,3-b)quinoline (PTQ), 9-hydroxy-4-(3-diethylaminopropylamino)pyrimido[4',5';4,5]thieno(2,3-b)quinoline (Hydroxy-DPTQ) and 8-methoxy-4-(3-diethylaminopropylamino)pyrimido[4',5';4,5]thieno(2,3-b)quinoline (Methoxy-DPTQ) were synthesized and their DNA binding ability was analyzed using spectroscopy (UV-visible, fluorescence and circular dichroism), ethidium bromide dye displacement assay, melting temperature (T m ) analysis and computational docking studies. The hypochromism in UV-visible spectrum and increased fluorescence emission of Hydroxy-DPTQ and Methoxy-DPTQ in the presence of DNA suggested the molecule-DNA interaction. The association constants calculated from UV-visible and spectral titrations were of the order 10 4 to 10 6 M -1 . Circular dichroism studies corroborated the induced conformational changes in DNA upon addition of molecules. The change in the ellipticity was observed both in negative and positive peak of DNA, thus, suggesting the intercalation of molecules. The observed displacement of ethidium bromide from the DNA and increased T m , upon addition of DNA confirmed the intercalative mode of binding. This was further validated by computational docking, which showed clear intercalation of molecules into the d(GpC)-d(CpG) site of the receptor DNA. Anticancer activities of these molecules are evaluated by using MTT assay. Both molecules showed antiproliferative activity against all the three cancer cells studied, with Hydroxy-DPTQ being more potential molecule among the two. IC 50 value of Hydroxy-DPTQ and Methoxy-DPTQ were in the range of 3-5μM and 130-250μM, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Multiplicity of B microchromosomes in a Siberian population of mice Apodemus peninsulae (2n = 48 + 4-30 B chromosomes)].

Science.gov (United States)

Borisov, Iu M; Afanas'ev, A G; Lebedev, T T; Bochkarev, M N

2010-06-01

Differentiation of four Siberian populations of East-Asian (Korean) field mice (Apodemus peninsulae) inhabiting the basin of the mid-stream of the Yenisei River was carried out according to the variants of the B chromosome system. A multiplicity of B microchromosomes (from 4 to 30) was found for the first time in all 26 mice from the left shore of the Yenisei River in the mid-stream area. All of them probably belong to a population with B microchromosomes. It is likely that in this population further reorganization of B microchromosomes into B macrochromosomes typical of this species does not occur. Two mice from this population had a large number of B chromosomes (26) earlier not observed in this species. In one mouse, the modal number of B microchromosomes was 30. This is a new maximum number of B chromosomes in this mouse species.

Spin re-orientation in heavy fermion system α - YbAl1 - x FexB4

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Shan; Broholm, C.; Kuga, K.; Suzuki, Shintaro; Nakatsuji, S.; Mourigal, M.; Stone, M.; Tian, Wei; Qiu, Y.; Rodriguez-Rivera, Jose

Non centro-symmetric α - YbAlB4 has a heavy Fermi liquid ground state and shares many characteristics with centro-symmetric β - YbAlB4 . Both isomorphs display intermediate valence, associated with a fluctuation scale of T0 = 200 K and a Kondo lattice scale of T* = 8 K. Unlike β - YbAlB4 , α - YbAlB4 is at the boundary of a transition from a Fermi liquid metallic state to an antiferromagnetic (AFM) insulating state, driven by Fe substitution of Al. Magnetization and specific heat measurements reveal two different antiferromagnetic phases with TN = 9 K and TN = 2 K for Fe concentration above and below x =0.07. We report single crystal neutron scattering experiments on Fe doped YbAlB4 with x =0.035 and x =0.125. While the ordering wave vector is identical, k -> = (1 , 0 , 0) , the spin orientation switches from c to a with increasing Fe concentration. This suggests different anisotropic hybridization between 4f and conduction electrons that we confirmed by determining the crystal field levels. Supported by DOE, BES through DE-FG02-08ER46544.

The expression of B7-H1 and B7-H4 molecules on immature myeloid and lymphoid dendritic cells in cord blood of healthy neonates

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kludka-Sternik M

2010-04-01

Full Text Available The aim of our study was to estimate both B7-H1 and B7-H4 molecules on immature myeloid and lymphoid dendriticcells in umbilical cord blood of healthy neonates in comparison with peripheral blood of healthy adults. Thirty ninehealthy full-term neonates from physiological single pregnancies and 27 healthy adults were included in the study. Theexpression of B7-H1 and B7-H4 was revealed using the immunofluorescence method. Statistical analysis was performedusing a non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney U-Test. The percentages of BDCA-1+ dendritic cells with B7-H1 and B7-H4expressions were significantly higher in peripheral blood of healthy adults (p<0.00003. It was either observed that the percentageof BDCA-2+ dendritic cells with the expression of B7-H4 molecules was significantly higher in peripheral blood ofhealthy adults in comparison with umbilical cord blood (p<0.02. Decreased percentages of dendritic cells and co-stimulatorymolecules indicate that neonates have immature immune system. Depletion of co-stimulatory B7-H1 and B7-H4 moleculesenable appropriate development of immune response.

The expression of B7-H1 and B7-H4 molecules on immature myeloid and lymphoid dendritic cells in cord blood of healthy neonates.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

S Radej

2011-04-01

Full Text Available The aim of our study was to estimate both B7-H1 and B7-H4 molecules on immature myeloid and lymphoid dendritic cells in umbilical cord blood of healthy neonates in comparison with peripheral blood of healthy adults. Thirty nine healthy full-term neonates from physiological single pregnancies and 27 healthy adults were included in the study. The expression of B7-H1 and B7-H4 was revealed using the immunofluorescence method. Statistical analysis was performed using a non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney U-Test. The percentages of BDCA-1+ dendritic cells with B7-H1 and B7-H4 expressions were significantly higher in peripheral blood of healthy adults (p<0.00003. It was either observed that the percentage of BDCA-2+ dendritic cells with the expression of B7-H4 molecules was significantly higher in peripheral blood of healthy adults in comparison with umbilical cord blood (p<0.02. Decreased percentages of dendritic cells and co-stimulatory molecules indicate that neonates have immature immune system. Depletion of co-stimulatory B7-H1 and B7-H4 molecules enable appropriate development of immune response.

Domain structure of human complement C4b extends with increasing NaCl concentration: implications for its regulatory mechanism.

Science.gov (United States)

Fung, Ka Wai; Wright, David W; Gor, Jayesh; Swann, Marcus J; Perkins, Stephen J

2016-12-01

During the activation of complement C4 to C4b, the exposure of its thioester domain (TED) is crucial for the attachment of C4b to activator surfaces. In the C4b crystal structure, TED forms an Arg 104 -Glu 1032 salt bridge to tether its neighbouring macroglobulin (MG1) domain. Here, we examined the C4b domain structure to test whether this salt bridge affects its conformation. Dual polarisation interferometry of C4b immobilised at a sensor surface showed that the maximum thickness of C4b increased by 0.46 nm with an increase in NaCl concentration from 50 to 175 mM NaCl. Analytical ultracentrifugation showed that the sedimentation coefficient s 20,w of monomeric C4b of 8.41 S in 50 mM NaCl buffer decreased to 7.98 S in 137 mM NaCl buffer, indicating that C4b became more extended. Small angle X-ray scattering reported similar R G values of 4.89-4.90 nm for C4b in 137-250 mM NaCl. Atomistic scattering modelling of the C4b conformation showed that TED and the MG1 domain were separated by 4.7 nm in 137-250 mM NaCl and this is greater than that of 4.0 nm in the C4b crystal structure. Our data reveal that in low NaCl concentrations, both at surfaces and in solution, C4b forms compact TED-MG1 structures. In solution, physiologically relevant NaCl concentrations lead to the separation of the TED and MG1 domain, making C4b less capable of binding to its complement regulators. These conformational changes are similar to those seen previously for complement C3b, confirming the importance of this salt bridge for regulating both C4b and C3b. © 2016 The Author(s).

Low Band Gap Donor–Acceptor Type Polymers Containing 2,3-Bis(4-(decyloxyphenylpyrido[4,3-b]pyrazine as Acceptor and Different Thiophene Derivatives as Donors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yan Zhang

2016-10-01

Full Text Available Four donor–acceptor type conducting polymers, namely poly(2,3-bis(4-decyloxyphenyl-5,8-bis(4-thiophen-2-ylpyrido[4,3-b]pyrazine (P1, poly(2,3-bis(4-decyloxyphenyl-5,8-bis(4-butylthiophen-2-ylpyrido[4,3-b]pyrazine (P2, poly(2,3-bis(4-(decyloxyphenyl-5,8-bis(4-hexyloxythiophen-2-ylpyrido[4,3-b]pyrazine (P3 and poly(2,3-bis(4-(decyloxyphenyl-5,8-bis(2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-7-ylpyrido[4,3-b]pyrazine (P4, containing thiophene or its derivative as the donor and pyrido[4,3-b]pyrazine as the acceptor were prepared and characterized by cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy to detect the influence of the donor units’ strength on the electrochromic performances. The results demonstrated that all of the polymers could be reversibly reduced and oxidized by p-type doping and n-type doping, and showed near-infrared activities and different color changes in p-type doping process. Especially, P3 and P4 showed lower optical band gap than P1 and P2 due to the strong electron-donating hexyloxythiophen group of P3 and ethylenedioxythiophene group of P4. Besides, P3 and P4 displayed the saturated green color at the neutral state and the desirable transparency at the oxidized state. All the polymers displayed desirable optical contrasts, satisfactory coloration efficiency, excellent stability and short switching time, which made the polymers fascinating candidates in the electrochromic device applications.

[Chloroquine analogues from benzofuro- and benzothieno[3,2-b]-4-pyridone-2-carboxylic acid esters].

Science.gov (United States)

Gölitzer, K; Meyer, H; Jomaa, H; Wiesner, J

2004-08-01

The amides 7 were synthesized from the annulated methyl 4-pyridone-2-carboxylates 4 via the carboxylic acids 5 and their acid chlorides by reacting with the novaldiamine base 6. The alcohol 8b, obtained from DIBAH reduction of the ester 4b, was transformed to the chloromethyl derivative 9 which reacted with 6 and 18-crown-6 leading to the 2-novaldiaminomethyl-4-pyridone 10. Compound 10 was obtained with higher yield from DIBAH reduction of the amide 7b. The substances 7 and 10 were inactive when tested against the chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain Dd2.

Crystal structure of 4-(4b,8a-dihydro-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-1-yl-7-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

S. Samundeeswari

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The title compound, C21H14N2O2, was prepared by Pictet–Spengler cyclization of tryptamine and 4-formyl coumarin. In the molecule, the dihedral angle between the mean planes of the coumarin and β-carboline ring systems is 63.8 (2°. In the crystal, molecules are linked via N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the b-axis direction. Within the chains, there are a number of offset π–π interactions present [shortest intercentroid distance = 3.457 (2 Å].

THEMIS-4: a coherent punctual and multigroup cross section library for Monte Carlo and SN codes from ENDF/B4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dejonghe, G.; Gonnord, J.; Monnier, A.; Nimal, J.C.

1983-05-01

The THEMIS cross section processing system has been developped to produce punctual data for MONTE CARLO and coherent multigroup data for SN codes from ENDF/B. The THEMIS-4 data base has been generated from ENDF/B4 using the system and can be accessed by the 3-D Monte Carlo system TRIPOLI-2 and by the SN codes ANISN and DOT. An interpretation of ORNL fusion shielding benchmark is presented

SPOTS4. Group data library and computer code, preparing ENDF/B-4 data for input to LEOPARD

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, J.D.; Lee, J.T.

1981-09-01

The magnetic tape SPOTS4 contains in file 1 a data library to be used as input to the SPOTS4 program which is contained in file 2. The data library is based on ENDF/B-4 and consists of two parts in TEMPEST format (246 groups) and MUFT format (54 groups) respectively. From this library the SPOTS4 program produces a 172 + 54 group library for LEOPARD input. A copy of the magnetic tape is available from the IAEA Nuclear Data Section. (author)

Hot deformation behaviors and processing maps of B{sub 4}C/Al6061 neutron absorber composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Yu-Li [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University Of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); Key Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); Wang, Wen-Xian, E-mail: Wangwenxian@tyut.edu.cn [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University Of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); Key Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); Zhou, Jun [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University Of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University Erie, The Behrend College, Erie, PA 16563 (United States); Chen, Hong-Sheng [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University Of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China); Key Laboratory of Interface Science and Engineering in Advanced Materials, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024 (China)

2017-02-15

In this study, the hot deformation behaviors of 30 wt.% B{sub 4}C/Al6061 neutron absorber composites (NACs) have been investigated by conducting isothermal compression tests at temperatures ranging from 653 K to 803 K and strain rates from 0.01 to 10 s{sup −1}. It was found that, during hot compression, the B{sub 4}C/Al6061 NACs exhibited a steady flow characteristic which can be expressed by the Zener-Hollomon parameter as a hyperbolic-sine function of flow stress. High average activation energy (185.62 kJ/mol) of B{sub 4}C/Al6061 NACs is noted in current study owing to the high content of B{sub 4}C particle. The optimum hot working conditions for B{sub 4}C/Al6061 NACs are found to be 760–803 K/0.01–0.05 s{sup −1} based on processing map and microstructure evolution. Typical material instabilities are thought to be attributed to void formation, adiabatic shear bands (ASB), particle debonding, and matrix cracking. Finally, the effect of the plastic deformation zones (PDZs) on the microstructure evolution in this 30 wt.% B{sub 4}C/Al6061 composite is found to be very important. - Highlights: •The hot deformation behavior of the 30 wt.% B{sub 4}C/Al6061 NACs was first analyzed. •The 3D efficiency map and the instability map are developed. •The optimum hot working conditions were identified and validated by SEM and TEM. •The hot deformation schematic diagram of 30 wt.% B{sub 4}C/Al6061 NACs is developed.

Amino methylation of 2-R-6-R_1-imidazo-[2.1-B]-1.3.4-thiadiazole

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saidov, D.K.; Rakhmonov, R.O.; Khodzhiboev, Yu.; Kukaniev, M.A.; Bandaev, S.

2015-01-01

Present article is devoted to amino methylation of 2-R-6-R_1-imidazo-[2.1-B]-1.3.4-thiadiazole. The reaction of new modifications of derivatives of imidazo-[2.1-B]-1.3.4-thiadiazoles-2-bromine-6-p-bromophenyl and 2-alkyl alkylene sulfonyl-6-phenyl imidazo--[2.1-B]-1.3.4-thiadiazole on Mannich with secondary and heterocyclic amines was studied.

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte recognition of HLA-A/B antigens introduced into EL4 cells by cell-liposome fusion.