Beta1-integrin and IL-1alpha expression as bystander effect of medium from irradiated cells: the pilot study.

PubMed

Osterreicher, Jan; Skopek, Jirí; Jahns, Juta; Hildebrandt, Guido; Psutka, Jan; Vilasová, Zdenka; Tanner, Judith Maria; Vogt, Jürgen; Butz, Tilman

2003-01-01

Bystander effects have been proposed as a third action pathway of ionising radiation besides direct and indirect effects. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether expression of interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and beta1-integrin is elevated in bystander cells as a marker for bystander effects in comparison with classical markers such as the clonogenic assay, apoptosis and the presence of micronuclei. The hybrid cell line E.A. hy.926 obtained by fusion of HUVEC cells with the epithelial cell line A 459 was irradiated with 0-5 Gy. Bystander effects were established via medium transfer at 45 min and 4 h after irradiation from irradiated to nonirradiated cell populations. In order to exclude effects of the irradiated medium itself, irradiated medium only was also used for transfer to nonirradiated cells. Then, cells were fixed at 1, 2, 6, and 24 h after irradiation or medium transport and IL-1alpha and beta1-integrin were detected and evaluated. A higher number of beta1-integrin-positive cells was observed in both irradiated and bystander cell populations than in the control group at 1 and 24 h after irradiation with 1 Gy or medium transfer. Significantly higher numbers of IL-1alpha-positive cells were found at 1, 2, and 6 h after irradiation with 1 Gy or medium transfer as well as at 2 and 6 h after irradiation with 5 Gy or medium transfer. Clonogenic survival decreased dependently on the dose in irradiated cells but did not show any significant difference between the bystander cell populations and sham-irradiated cells. The irradiated medium itself did not have any effect. It is concluded that beta1-integrin and IL-1alpha expression may serve as more sensitive markers of post-irradiation responses in bystander cell populations than the classical radiobiological markers. Moreover, overexpression of beta1-integrin and IL-1alpha may induce increased susceptibility to inflammation of bystander cells.

TGF-beta-induced apoptosis in human thyrocytes is mediated by p27kip1 reduction and is overridden in neoplastic thyrocytes by NF-kappaB activation.

PubMed

Bravo, Susana B; Pampín, Sandra; Cameselle-Teijeiro, José; Carneiro, Carmen; Domínguez, Fernando; Barreiro, Francisco; Alvarez, Clara V

2003-10-30

Millions of people worldwide suffer goiter, a proliferative disease of the follicular cells of the thyroid that may become neoplastic. Thyroid neoplasms have low proliferative index, low apoptotic index and a high incidence of metastasis. TGF-beta is overexpressed in thyroid follicular tumor cells. To investigate the role of TGF-beta in thyroid tumor progression, we established cultures of human thyrocytes from different proliferative pathologies (Grave's disease, multinodular goiter, follicular adenoma, papillary carcinoma), lymph node metastasis, and a normal thyroid sample. All cultures maintained the thyrocyte phenotype. TGF-beta induced cell-cycle arrest in all cultures, in contrast with results reported for other epithelial tumors. In deprived medium, TGF-beta induced apoptosis in normal thyrocyte cultures and all neoplastic cultures except the metastatic cultures. This apoptosis was mediated by a reduction in p27kip1 levels, inducing cell-cycle initiation. Antisense p27 expression induced apoptosis in the absence of TGF-beta. By contrast, in cells in which p27 was overexpressed, TGF-beta had a survival effect. In growth medium, a net survival effect occurs in neoplastic thyrocytes only, not normal thyrocytes, due to activation of the NF-kappaB survival program. Together, these findings suggest that (a) thyroid neoplasms are due to reduced apoptosis, not increased division, in line with the low proliferative index of these pathologies, and (b) TGF-beta induces apoptosis in normal thyrocytes via p27 reduction, but that in neoplastic thyrocytes this effect is overridden by activation of the NF-kappaB program.

Exploration of multi-fold symmetry element-loaded superconducting radio frequency structure for reliable acceleration of low- & medium-beta ion species

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Huang, Shichun; Geng, Rongli

2015-09-01

Reliable acceleration of low- to medium-beta proton or heavy ion species is needed for future high-current superconducting radio frequency (SRF) accelerators. Due to the high-Q nature of an SRF resonator, it is sensitive to many factors such as electron loading (from either the accelerated beam or from parasitic field emitted electrons), mechanical vibration, and liquid helium bath pressure fluctuation etc. To increase the stability against those factors, a mechanically strong and stable RF structure is desirable. Guided by this consideration, multi-fold symmetry element-loaded SRF structures (MFSEL), cylindrical tanks with multiple (n>=3) rod-shaped radial elements, are being explored. The top goalmore » of its optimization is to improve mechanical stability. A natural consequence of this structure is a lowered ratio of the peak surface electromagnetic field to the acceleration gradient as compared to the traditional spoke cavity. A disadvantage of this new structure is an increased size for a fixed resonant frequency and optimal beta. This paper describes the optimization of the electro-magnetic (EM) design and preliminary mechanical analysis for such structures.« less

Rapid synthesis of beta zeolites

DOEpatents

Fan, Wei; Chang, Chun -Chih; Dornath, Paul; Wang, Zhuopeng

2015-08-18

The invention provides methods for rapidly synthesizing heteroatom containing zeolites including Sn-Beta, Si-Beta, Ti-Beta, Zr-Beta and Fe-Beta. The methods for synthesizing heteroatom zeolites include using well-crystalline zeolite crystals as seeds and using a fluoride-free, caustic medium in a seeded dry-gel conversion method. The Beta zeolite catalysts made by the methods of the invention catalyze both isomerization and dehydration reactions.

Proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived stromal cells on akermanite-bioactive ceramics.

PubMed

Sun, Hongli; Wu, Chengtie; Dai, Kerong; Chang, Jiang; Tang, Tingting

2006-11-01

In the present study, the effects of a calcium magnesium silicate bioactive ceramic (akermanite) on proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSC) have been investigated and compared with the classical ceramic (beta-tricalcium phosphate, beta-TCP). Akermanite and beta-TCP disks were seeded with hBMSC and kept in growth medium or osteogenic medium for 10 days. Proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation were evaluated on day 1, 4, 7 and 10. The data from the Alamar Blue assay and lactic acid production assay showed that hBMSC proliferated more significantly on akermanite than on beta-TCP. The analysis of osteoblast-related genes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OPN), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteocalcin (OC), indicated that akermanite ceramics enhanced the expression of osteoblast-related genes, but type I collagen (COL I) showed no noticeable difference among akermanite and beta-TCP ceramics. Furthermore, this stimulatory effect was observed not only in osteogenic medium, but also in normal growth medium without osteogenic reagents such as l-ascorbic acid, glycerophosphate and dexamethasone. This result suggests that akermanite can promote osteoblastic differentiation of hBMSC in vitro even without osteogenic reagents, and may be used as a bioactive material for bone regeneration and tissue engineering applications.

[Effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on cerebral infarction volume and IL-1 beta in the brain tissue and sera of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury model rats].

PubMed

Liu, Jun-Wei; Ren, Ye-Long; Liu, Xu-Ling; Xia, Hong-Lian; Zhang, Hui-Ling; Jin, Shen-Hui; Dai, Qin-Xue; Wang, Jun-Lu

2013-12-01

To investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on cerebral infarction volume as well as IL-1 beta in the brain tissue and sera of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury model rats. The I/R rat model was established by using thread according to Zea-Longa. SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, i.e., the sham-operation group, the model group, the low dose ginsenoside Rb1 (20 mg/kg) group, the medium dose ginsenoside Rb1 group (40 mg/kg), and the high dose ginsenoside Rb1 group (80 mg/kg), 12 in each group. Rats in the sham-operation group only received middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) but without thread insertion. The MCAO model was prepared in the rest 4 groups, followed by MCAO2 h later. Ginsenoside Rb1 at each dose was peritoneally administrated to rats in corresponding groups immediately after cerebral ischemia. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to rats in the sham-operation group. Rats' cerebral infarction volume, integrals of neurologic defect degree, expression of IL-1 beta content in the brain tissue and sera were observed 24 h after 2-h cerebral I/R. In the model group, integrals of neurologic defect degree were improved (P < 0.01), IL-1 beta positive cells in the brain tissue increased and serum IL-1 beta content elevated (P < 0.05), when compared with the sham-operation group. In comparison of the model group, integrals of neurologic defect degree were lowered in the medium dose and high dose ginsenoside Rb1 groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The cerebral infarction volume was all shrunken in each ginsenoside Rb1 group, IL-1 beta positive cells in the brain tissue decreased, and IL-1 beta content in serum reduced (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared with the low dose ginsenoside Rb1 group, integrals of neurologic defect degree decreased, the cerebral infarction volume shrunken, and IL-1 beta content in serum reduced in the high dose ginsenoside Rb1 group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Ginsenoside Rb1 (20, 40, 80 mg/kg) might effectively release local cerebral ischemia by down-regulating the IL-1 beta expression.

Local Interstellar Medium Properties and Deuterium Abundances for the Lines of Sight Toward HR 1099, 31 Comae, beta Ceti, and beta Cassiopeiae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Piskunov, Nikolai; Wood, Brian E.; Linsky, Jeffrey L.; Dempsey, Robert C.; Ayres, Thomas R.

1997-01-01

We analyze Goddard High-Resolution Spectrograph data to infer the properties of local interstellar gas and the Deuterium/Hydrogen (D/H) ratio for lines of sight toward four nearby late-type stars-HR 1099, 31 Comae, beta Ceti, and beta Cassiopeiae. The data consist of spectra of the hydrogen and deuterium Lyman-(alpha) lines, and echelle spectra of the Mg IIh and k lines toward all stars except beta Cas. Spectra of the RS CVn-type spectroscopic binary system HR 1099 were obtained near opposite quadratures to determine the intrinsic stellar emission line profile and the interstellar absorption separately. Multiple-velocity components were found toward HR 1099 and beta Cet. The spectra of 31 Com and beta Cet are particularly interesting because they sample lines of sight toward the north and south Galactic poles, respectively, for which H I and D I column densities were not previously available. The north Galactic pole appears to be a region of low hydrogen density like the 'interstellar tunnel' toward epsilon CMa. The temperature and turbulent velocities of the Local InterStellar Medium (LISM) that we measure for the lines of sight toward HR 1099, 31 Com, beta Cet, and beta Cas are similar to previously measured values (T approx.7000 K and xi = 1.0-1.6 km/s). The deuterium/hydrogen ratios found for these lines of sight are also consistent with previous measurements of other short lines of sight, which suggest D/H approx. 1.6 x 10(sup -5). In contrast, the Mg abundance measured for the beta Cet line of sight (implying a logarithmic depletion of D(Mg) = +0.30 +/- 0.15) is about 5 times larger than the Mg abundance previously observed toward alpha Cen, and about 20 times larger than all other previous measurements for the LISM. These results demonstrate that metal abundances in the LISM vary greatly over distances of only a few parsecs.

Effects of chondroitin sulfate and interleukin-1beta on human chondrocyte cultures exposed to pressurization: a biochemical and morphological study.

PubMed

Nerucci, F; Fioravanti, A; Cicero, M R; Collodel, G; Marcolongo, R

2000-07-01

Objective This study investigated the in vitro effects of chondroitin sulfate (CS) on human articular chondrocytes cultivated in the presence or in the absence of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) during 10 days of culture with and without pressurization cycles. Design The effects of CS (10 and 100 microg/ml) with and without IL-1beta were assessed in the culture medium of cells exposed to pressurization cycles in the form of synusoidal waves (minimum pressure 1 Mpa, maximum pressure 5 Mpa) and a frequency of 0.25 Hz for 3 h by immunoenzymatic method on microplates for the quantitative measurement of human proteoglycans (PG). On the 4th and 10th day of culture the cells were used for morphological analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results The presence of IL-1beta determines a significant decrease in PG concentration measured in the culture medium. When the cells are cultured in the presence of IL-1beta and CS, a statistically significant restoration of PG levels is observed. Under pressurization conditions, we observed that PG concentration in the medium of cells presents a significant increase at baseline conditions, in the presence of IL-1beta+CS10 and IL-1beta+CS100, but not with IL-1beta alone. The results concerning metabolic evaluation are confirmed by the morphologic findings obtained by TEM and SEM. Conclusions These in vitro studies confirm the protective role of CS, which counteracts the IL-1beta induced effects and they confirm the importance of pressure on chondrocyte metabolism and morphology.

NEW MEDIUM FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS DETECTION OF TOTAL COLIFORMS AND ESCHERICHIA COLI IN WATER (PUBLISHED ERRATUM APPEARS IN APP ENVIRON MICROBIOL 1993 DEC;59(12):4378)

EPA Science Inventory

A new membrane filter agar medium (MI agar) containing a chromogen, indoxyl-beta-D-glucuronide, and a fluorogen, 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside, was developed to simultaneously detect and enumerate Escherichia coli and total coliforms (TC) in water samples on the b...

Correlates of depressive symptoms among workers in small- and medium-scale manufacturing enterprises in Japan.

PubMed

Ikeda, Tomoko; Nakata, Akinori; Takahashi, Masaya; Hojou, Minoru; Haratani, Takashi; Nishikido, Noriko; Kamibeppu, Kiyoko

2009-01-01

Although the relationship between job stress and depressive symptoms has been well documented among workers in large scale enterprises, the situation in small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) is not fully understood. To clarify the factors associated with depressive symptoms in SMEs in Japan. 1,516 male and 738 female Japanese workers at SMEs were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. We applied hierarchical multiple linear regression with depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depressive Symptoms Scale) as the dependent variable, and (1) Individual, (2) Lifestyle, (3) Job stressors, and (4) SME unique factors as independent variables entered in 4 steps. Analyses were stratified by sex due to large differences in stress scores and demographic variables. Perceived lack of understanding from others with regard to health was the strongest factor associated with increased depressive symptoms (BETA=0.29 in males and 0.28 in females). Higher intragroup conflict (BETA=0.15 in males and 0.09 in females), perceived job future ambiguity (BETA=0.09 in males and 0.11 in females), higher quantitative workload (BETA=0.06 in males and 0.10 in females), and being an employer or a member of the employer's family (BETA=0.06 in males and 0.10 in females) were additional factors associated with high depressive symptoms. Economic concern, being single, cigarette smoking, shorter sleep duration, and skill underutilization were male specific, while younger age and lower social support at work were female specific factors significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms. These data suggest that poor mental health may be prevented by creating a workplace climate which focuses on the high value of the health of fellow workers.

Lactose/whey utilization and ethanol production by transformed Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells.

PubMed

Porro, D; Martegani, E; Ranzi, B M; Alberghina, L

1992-04-05

Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae transformed with a multicopy expression vector bearing both the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase gene under the control of the upstream activating sequence of the GAL1-10 genes and the GAL4 activator gene release part of beta-galactosidase in the growth medium. This release is due to cell lysis of the older mother cells; the enzyme maintains its activity in buffered growth media. Fermentation studies with transformed yeast strains showed that the release of beta-galactosidase allowed an efficient growth on buffered media containing lactose as carbon source as well as on whey-based media. The transformed strains utilized up to 95% of the lactose and a high growth yield was obtained in rich media. High productions of ethanol were also observed in stationary phase after growth in lactose minimal media.

Controlled synthesis and inclusion ability of a hyaluronic acid derivative bearing beta-cyclodextrin molecules.

PubMed

Charlot, Aurélia; Heyraud, Alain; Guenot, Pierre; Rinaudo, Marguerite; Auzély-Velty, Rachel

2006-03-01

A new synthetic route to beta-cyclodextrin-linked hyaluronic acid (HA-CD) was developed. This was based on the preparation of a HA derivative selectively modified with adipic dihydrazide (HA-ADH) and a beta-cyclodextrin derivative possessing an aldehyde function on the primary face, followed by their coupling by a reductive amination-type reaction. The CD-polysaccharide was fully characterized in terms of chemical integrity and purity by high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. The complexation ability of the grafted CD was further demonstrated by isothermal titration calorimetry using sodium adamantane acetate (ADAc) and Ibuprofen as model guest molecules. The thermodynamic parameters for the complexation of these negatively charged guest molecules by the beta-CD grafted on negatively charged HA were shown to be largely influenced by the ionic strength of the aqueous medium.

Spectral characteristics of ortho, meta and para dihydroxy benzenes in different solvents, pH and beta-cyclodextrin.

PubMed

Stalin, T; Devi, R Anitha; Rajendiran, N

2005-09-01

Spectral characteristics of ortho, meta and para dihydroxy benzenes (DHB's) have been studied in different solvents, pH and beta-cyclodextrin. Solvent study shows that: (i) the interaction of OH group with the aromatic ring is less than that of amino group both in the ground and excited states, (ii) in absorption, the charge transfer interaction of OH group in para position is larger than ortho and meta positions. pH studies reveals that DHB's are more acidic than phenol. The higher pK(a) value of oDHB (monoanion-dianion) indicates that the formed monoanion is more stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding. DHB's forms a 1:1 inclusion complex with beta-CD. In beta-CD medium, absorption spectra of DHB's mono and dianions shows unusual blue shifts, whereas in the excited state, the spectral characteristics of DHB's follow the same trend in both aqueous and beta-CD medium.

D-lactic acid production from cellooligosaccharides and beta-glucan using L-LDH gene-deficient and endoglucanase-secreting Lactobacillus plantarum.

PubMed

Okano, Kenji; Zhang, Qiao; Yoshida, Shogo; Tanaka, Tsutomu; Ogino, Chiaki; Fukuda, Hideki; Kondo, Akihiko

2010-01-01

In order to achieve direct fermentation of an optically pure D: -lactic acid from cellulosic materials, an endoglucanase from a Clostridium thermocellum (CelA)-secreting plasmid was introduced into an L: -lactate dehydrogenase gene (ldhL1)-deficient Lactobacillus plantarum (ldhL1) bacterial strain. CelA expression and its degradation of beta-glucan was confirmed by western blot analysis and enzyme assay, respectively. Although the CelA-secreting ldhL1 assimilated cellooligosaccharides up to cellohexaose (although not cellotetraose), the main end product was acetic acid, not lactic acid, due to the conversion of lactic acid to acetic acid. Cultivation under anaerobic conditions partially suppressed this conversion resulting in the production of 1.27 g/l of D: -lactic acid with a high optical purity of 99.5% from a medium containing 2 g/l of cellohexaose. Subsequently, D: -lactic acid fermentation from barley beta-glucan was carried out with the addition of Aspergillus aculeatus beta-glucosidase produced by recombinant Aspergillus oryzae and 1.47 g/l of D: -lactic was produced with a high optical purity of 99.7%. This is the first report of direct lactic acid fermentation from beta-glucan and a cellooligosaccharide that is a more highly polymerized sugar than cellotriose.

Anaerobic degradation of veratrylglycerol-beta-guaiacyl ether and guaiacoxyacetic acid by mixed rumen bacteria.

PubMed Central

Chen, W; Supanwong, K; Ohmiya, K; Shimizu, S; Kawakami, H

1985-01-01

Veratrylglycerol-beta-guaiacyl ether (0.2 g/liter), a lignin model compound, was found to be degraded by mixed rumen bacteria in a yeast extract medium under strictly anaerobic conditions to the extent of 19% within 24 h. Guaiacoxyacetic acid, 2-(o-methoxyphenoxy)ethanol, vanillic acid, and vanillin were detected as degradation products of veratrylglycerol-beta-guaiacyl ether by thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Guaiacoxyacetic acid (0.25 g/liter), when added into the medium as a substrate, was entirely degraded within 36 h, resulting in the formation of phenoxyacetic acid, guaiacol, and phenol. These results suggest that the beta-arylether bond, an important intermonomer linkage in lignin, can be cleaved completely by these rumen anaerobes. PMID:3841472

Saturated fat consumption and the Theory of Planned Behaviour: exploring additive and interactive effects of habit strength.

PubMed

de Bruijn, Gert-Jan; Kroeze, Willemieke; Oenema, Anke; Brug, Johannes

2008-09-01

The additive and interactive effects of habit strength in the explanation of saturated fat intake were explored within the framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Cross-sectional data were gathered in a Dutch adult sample (n=764) using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using hierarchical regression analyses and simple slope analyses. Results showed that habit strength was a significant correlate of fat intake (beta=-0.11) and significantly increased the amount of explained variance in fat intake (R(2-change)=0.01). Furthermore, based on a significant interaction effect (beta=0.11), simple slope analyses revealed that intention was a significant correlate of fat intake for low levels (beta=-0.29) and medium levels (beta=-0.19) of habit strength, but a weaker and non-significant correlate for high levels (beta=-0.07) of habit strength. Higher habit strength may thus make limiting fat intake a non-intentional behaviour. Implications for information and motivation-based interventions are discussed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

M Pravica; M Galley; E Kim

We report two separate synchrotron FTIR measurements of the high explosive HMX at ambient temperature and static high pressure in the far- (100-500 wavenumbers) and mid- (500-3200 wavenumbers) infrared (IR) regions up to 30 GPa. The sample for the far-IR experiment was loaded with no pressure-transmitting medium and the sample for the mid-IR study utilized a KBr pressurizing medium. Two possible phase transitions from beta-HMX at ambient conditions were observed near 5 and 12 GPa (likely into the epsilon phase). A phase transition was observed near 25 GPa probably into the delta phase. Pressure cycling in both experiments found nomore » irreversible damage within this pressure range.« less

Optimization of the production of thermostable endo-beta-1,4 mannanases from a newly isolated Aspergillus niger gr and Aspergillus flavus gr.

PubMed

Kote, Naganagouda V; Patil, Aravind Goud G; Mulimani, V H

2009-02-01

The aim of this work was to establish optimal conditions for the maximum production of endo-beta-1,4 mannanases using cheaper sources. Eight thermotolerant fungal strains were isolated from garden soil and compost samples collected in and around the Gulbarga University campus, India. Two strains were selected based on their ability to produce considerable endo-beta-1,4 mannanases activity while growing in liquid medium at 37 degrees C with locust bean gum (LBG) as the only carbon source. They were identified as Aspergillus niger gr and Aspergillus flavus gr. The experiment to evaluate the effect of different carbon sources, nitrogen sources, temperatures and initial pH of the medium on maximal enzyme production was studied. Enzyme productivity was influenced by the type of polysaccharide used as the carbon source. Copra meal defatted with n-hexane showed to be a better substrate than LBG and guar gum for endo-beta-1,4 mannanases production by A. niger gr (40.011 U/ml), but for A. flavus gr (33.532 U/ml), the difference was not significant. Endo-beta-1,4 mannanases produced from A. niger gr and A. flavus gr have high optimum temperature (65 and 60 degrees C) and good thermostability in the absence of any stabilizers (maintaining 50% of residual activity for 8 and 6 h, respectively, at 60 degrees C) and are stable over in a wide pH range. These new strains offer an attractive alternative source of enzymes for the food and feed processing industries.

Density-dependent induction of apoptosis by transforming growth factor-beta 1 in a human ovarian carcinoma cell line.

PubMed

Mathieu, C; Jozan, S; Mazars, P; Côme, M G; Moisand, A; Valette, A

1995-01-01

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 inhibited proliferation of a human ovarian carcinoma cell line (NIH-OVCAR-3). The inhibition of NIH-OVCAR-3 cell proliferation was accompanied by a decrease in clonogenic potential, evidenced by the reduced ability of TGF-beta 1-treated NIH-OVCAR-3 cells to form colonies on a plastic substratum. This rapid decrease of clonogenic potential, which was detected 6 h after addition of TGF-beta 1 was dose-dependent (IC50 = 4 pM). Fluorescence microscopy of DAPI-stained cells supported by electron-microscopic examination showed that TGF-beta 1 induced chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation. In addition, oligonucleosomal-sized fragments were detected in the TGF-beta 1-treated cells. These features indicated that TGF-beta 1 induced NIH-OVCAR-3 cell death by an apoptosis-like mechanism. This TGF-beta 1 apoptotic effect was subject to modulation by cell density. It was observed that an increase in cell density (up to 20 x 10(3) cells/cm2) protected NIH-OVCAR-3 cells against apoptosis induced by TGF-beta 1. Conditioned medium from high-density cultures of NIH-OVCAR-3 cells did not inhibit apoptosis induced by TGF-beta 1 on NIH-OVCAR-3 cells cultured at low density, suggesting that the protective effect of cell density was not related to the cell secretion of a soluble survival factor.

Effect of magnetic field on beta processes in a relativistic moderately degenerate plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ognev, I. S., E-mail: ognev@uniyar.ac.ru

The effect of a magnetic field of arbitrary strength on the beta decay and crossing symmetric processes is analyzed. A covariant calculation technique is used to derive the expression for the squares of S-matrix elements of these reactions, which is also valid in reference frames in which the medium moves as a single whole along magnetic field lines. Simple analytic expressions obtained for the neutrino and antineutrino emissivities for a moderately degenerate plasma fully characterize the emissivity and absorbability of the studied medium. It is shown that the approximation used here is valid for core collapse supernovae and accretion disksmore » around black holes; beta processes in these objects are predominantly neutrino reactions. The analytic expressions obtained for the emissivities can serve as a good approximation for describing the interaction of electron neutrinos and antineutrinos with the medium of the objects in question and hold for an arbitrary magnetic field strength. Due to their simplicity, these expressions can be included in the magnetohydrodynamic simulation of supernovae and accretion disks to calculate neutrino and antineutrino transport in them. The rates of beta processes and the energy and momentum emitted in them are calculated for an optically transparent matter. It is shown that the macroscopic momentum transferred in the medium increases linearly with the magnetic field strength and can substantially affect the dynamics of supernovae and accretion disks in the regions of a degenerate matter. It is also shown that the rates of beta processes and the energy emission for a magnetic field strength of B ≲ 10{sup 15} G typical of supernovae and accretion disks are lower than in the absence of field. This suppression is stronger for reactions with neutrinos.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Castillo, Gaelle del; Murillo, Miguel M.; IDIBELL-Institut de Recerca Oncologica, Gran Via s/n, Km 2.7, 08907 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-{beta}) induces apoptosis in fetal rat hepatocytes. However, a subpopulation of these cells survives, concomitant with changes in phenotype, reminiscent of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We have previously suggested that EMT might confer cell resistance to apoptosis (Valdes et al., Mol. Cancer Res., 1: 68-78, 2002). However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this resistance are not explored yet. In this work, we have isolated and subcultured the population of hepatocytes that suffered the EMT process and are resistant to apoptosis (TGF-{beta}-treated fetal hepatocytes: T{beta}T-FH). We prove that they secrete mitogenic and survival factors, as analyzed by themore » proliferative and survival capacity of conditioned medium. Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) sensitizes T{beta}T-FH to die after serum withdrawal. T{beta}T-FH expresses high levels of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-{alpha}) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and shows constitutive activation of the EGFR pathway. A blocking anti-TGF-{alpha} antibody restores the capacity of cells to die. TGF-{beta}, which is expressed by T{beta}T-FH, mediates up-regulation of TGF-{alpha} and HB-EGF expression in those cells. In summary, results suggest that an autocrine loop of TGF-{beta} confers resistance to apoptosis after an EMT process in hepatocytes, through the increase in the expression of EGFR ligands.« less

The mechanism of cell death in human cultured colon adenocarcinoma cell line COLO 201 induced by beta-D-N-acetylglucosaminyl-p-nitrophenol.

PubMed

Kukidome, J; Kakizaki, I; Takagaki, K; Matsuki, A; Munakata, A; Endo, M

2001-05-01

COLO 201, human colon adenocarcinoma cells were incubated with artificial primers, p-nitrophenyl-glycoside derivatives at 1.0 mmol (mM) in the medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum to detect sugar chain elongation. However, when p-nitrophenyl-beta-N-acetylglucosamine (beta-GlcNAc-PNP) was added, the medium changed color to yellow and the cells were dead. To explain this finding, the cells were incubated with 1.0 mM each of beta-GlcNAc-PNP and 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-N-acetylglucosamine, then the number of living cells was measured in a time course. In beta-GlcNAc-PNP, the living cells were decreased at 24 hours. The cells were survived with N-acetylglucosamine, whereas in the presence of p-nitrophenol (PNP) the living cells were decreased. It was suggested that PNP released from beta-GlcNAc-PNP induced the cell death. Activity of beta-D-N-acetylglucosaminidase was detected in fetal bovine serum. It was shown that PNP induced the cell death in time-and-dose dependent manner. Genomic DNA from COLO 201 analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis was fragmentated. PNP analogues were tested for toxicity, and the results suggested that the phenolic OH-group linked to benzene ring and nitro-group linked to the structure in para-form (PNP) was the most effective.

Hepatic beta-oxidation and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I in neonatal pigs after dietary treatments of clofibric acid, isoproterenol, and medium-chain triglycerides.

PubMed

Peffer, Pasha Lyvers; Lin, Xi; Odle, Jack

2005-06-01

A suckling piglet model was used to study nutritional and pharmacologic means of stimulating hepatic fatty acid beta-oxidation. Newborn pigs were fed milk diets containing either long- or medium-chain triglycerides (LCT or MCT). The long-chain control diet was supplemented further with clofibric acid (0.5%) or isoproterenol (40 ppm), and growth was monitored for 10-12 days. Clofibrate increased rates of hepatic peroxisomal and mitochondrial beta-oxidation of [1-(14)C]-palmitate by 60 and 186%, respectively. Furthermore, malonyl-CoA sensitive carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT I) activity increased 64% (P < 0.05) in pigs receiving clofibrate. Increased CPT I activity was not congruent with changes in message, as elevated abundance of CPT I mRNA was not detected (P = 0.16) when assessed by qRT-PCR. Neither rates of beta-oxidation nor CPT activities were affected by dietary MCT or by isoproterenol treatment (P > 0.1). Collectively, these findings indicate that clofibrate effectively induced hepatic CPT activity concomitant with increased fatty acid beta-oxidation.

PROGRESS ON THE STUDY OF BETA TREATMENT OF URANIUM, AUGUST 1, 1961-NOVEMBER 30, 1961

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Russell, R.B.; Wolff, A.K.

Variables affecting the texture and grain size of uranium during beta treatment are summarized. The effects of composition (ingot versus dingot), prior delta condition, prior texture, pre-quenching air delay, rod or tube size, quenching medium and applied stress on grain size, distontion, and G/sub 3/ gradients in the final beta-treated shapes are described. (N.W.R.)

[Antimicrobial activity of fosfomycin under various conditions against standard strains, beta-lactam resistant strains, and multidrug efflux system mutants].

PubMed

Mikuniya, Takeshi; Hiraishi, Toru; Maebashi, Kazunori; Ida, Takashi; Takata, Toshihiko; Hikida, Muneo; Yamada, Sakuo; Gotoh, Naomasa; Nishino, Takeshi

2005-04-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible benefit of fosfomycin (FOM) as prophylactic antibiotic in terms of antimicrobial activity and the potential of inducibility of beta-lactamase, compared with cefazolin, cefotiam, cefmetazole, and piperacillin that are commonly used as perioperative agents. The in vitro activity of FOM against aerobic Gram-negative bacteria using Mueller-Hinton agar or nutrient agar supplemented with glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) as tested medium increased within a range from 2 to 256 times the activity in the medium without G6P. However, the susceptibility of Gram-positive bacteria to FOM remained largely unchanged with or without G6P. There was no aerobic- or anaerobic-bacteria which changed susceptibility against beta-lactam antibiotics under various tested medium conditions. FOM demonstrated strong bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a dose dependent manner, and decreased viable cell counts of Staphylococcus aureus. In the case of P. aeruginosa, transmission electron micrographs study revealed that numerous lysed cells were present 2 hours after treatment with FOM at four times the MIC. First and second generation cephalosporins induced AmpC-type beta-lactamase in a dose dependent manner among beta-lactamase inducible strains of P. aeruginosa and Enterobacter cloacae. On the other hand, inducible activity of FOM on beta-lactamase production was less than 1/25 to 1/65 compared with those of cephalosporins. In addition, FOM maintained strong antimicrobial activity for over then 20 years after marketing, because of the excellent stability against various types of beta-lactamase produced by plasmid-carrying bacteria and clinical isolates. FOM was not extruded by four types of efflux systems, such as MexAB-OprM, MexCD-OprJ, MexXY/ OprM and MexEF-OprN, however beta-lactam antibiotics were substrates of MexAB-OprM and MexCD-OprJ. In conclusion, FOM provides adequate coverage for both aerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria causing postoperative infections. Further, FOM would not select/concentrate beta-lactamase producing bacteria in the clinical fields and would not be a substrate for multidrug efflux system of P. aeruginosa.

Dexamethasone inhibits high glucose-, TNF-alpha-, and IL-1beta-induced secretion of inflammatory and angiogenic mediators from retinal microvascular pericytes.

PubMed

Nehmé, Alissar; Edelman, Jeffrey

2008-05-01

To characterize the effects of dexamethasone in human retinal pericytes (HRMPs), monocytes (THP-1), and retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) treated with high glucose, TNF-alpha, or IL-1beta. HRMP and HREC phenotypes were verified by growth factor stimulation of intracellular calcium-ion mobilization. Glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation was assessed with an anti-phospho-Ser(211) glucocorticoid receptor antibody. Secretion of 89 inflammatory and angiogenic proteins were compared in cells incubated with (1) normal (5 mM) or high (25 mM) D-glucose and (2) control medium, TNF-alpha (10 ng/mL), or IL-1beta (10 ng/mL), with or without dexamethasone (1 nM to 1 microM). The proteins were compared by using multianalyte profile testing. HRMPs and HRECs expressed functional PDGFB-R and VEGFR-2, respectively. Dexamethasone induction of glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation was dose-dependent in all cell types. High glucose increased secretion of inflammatory mediators in HRMPs, but not in HRECs. Dexamethasone dose dependently inhibited secretion of these mediators in HRMPs. For all cells, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta induced a fivefold or more increase in inflammatory and angiogenic mediators; HRMPs secreted the greatest number and level of mediators. Dexamethasone dose dependently inhibited the secretion of multiple proteins from HRMPs and THP-1 cells, but not from HRECs (IC(50) 2 nM to 1 microM). High glucose, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta induced an inflammatory phenotype in HRMPs, characterized by hypersecretion of inflammatory and angiogenic mediators. Dexamethasone at various potencies blocked hypersecretion of several proteins. Pericytes may be a key therapeutic target in retinal inflammatory diseases, including diabetic retinopathy. Inhibition of pathologic mediators may depend on delivering high levels ( approximately 1 microM) of glucocorticoid to the retina.

Full-Genome Sequencing Identifies in the Genetic Background Several Determinants That Modulate the Resistance Phenotype in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strains Carrying the Novel mecC Gene

PubMed Central

de Lencastre, Hermínia; Tomasz, Alexander

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Most methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics due to the presence of the mecA gene, encoding an extra penicillin-binding protein (PBP2A) that has low affinity for virtually all beta-lactam antibiotics. Recently, a new resistance determinant—the mecC gene—was identified in S. aureus isolates recovered from humans and dairy cattle. Although having typically low MICs to beta-lactam antibiotics, MRSA strains with the mecC determinant are also capable of expressing high levels of oxacillin resistance when in an optimal genetic background. In order to test the impact of extensive beta-lactam selection on the emergence of mecC-carrying strains with high levels of antibiotic resistance, we exposed the prototype mecC-carrying MRSA strain, LGA251, to increasing concentrations of oxacillin. LGA251 was able to rapidly adapt to high concentrations of oxacillin in growth medium. In such laboratory mutants with increased levels of oxacillin resistance, we identified mutations in genes with no relationship to the mecC regulatory system, indicating that the genetic background plays an important role in the establishment of the levels of oxacillin resistance. Our data also indicate that the stringent stress response plays a critical role in the beta-lactam antibiotic resistance phenotype of MRSA strains carrying the mecC determinant. PMID:28069659

High-level expression of recombinant beta-galactosidases in Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus sakei using a Sakacin P-based expression system.

PubMed

Halbmayr, Elisabeth; Mathiesen, Geir; Nguyen, Thu-Ha; Maischberger, Thomas; Peterbauer, Clemens K; Eijsink, Vincent G H; Haltrich, Dietmar

2008-06-25

This work presents the cloning and expression of the genes encoding heterodimeric beta-galactosidases from Lactobacillus reuteri L103, Lactobacillus acidophilus R22, Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1, and Lactobacillus sakei Lb790. These enzymes consist of two subunits of approximately 73 and 35 kDa, which are encoded by two overlapping genes, lacL and lacM, respectively. We have cloned these genes into the lactobacillal expression vectors pSIP403 and pSIP409, which are based on the sakacin P operon of L. sakei ( Sørvig et al. Microbiology 2005, 151, 2439- 2449 ), and expressed them in the host strains L. plantarum WCFS1 and L. sakei Lb790. Results varied considerably, ranging from 2.23 to 61.1 U/mg of beta-galactosidase activity, depending on the origin of the lacLM genes, the host strain, and the expression vector used. Highest expression levels were obtained in a laboratory cultivation of L. plantarum WCFS1 harboring the plasmid pEH3R containing the lacLM gene from L. reuteri L103. These cultivations yielded approximately 23 000 U of beta-galactosidase activity per liter, corresponding to the formation of roughly 100 mg of recombinant protein per liter of fermentation medium, and beta-galactosidase levels amounted to 55% of the total intracellular protein of the host organism. To further verify the suitability of this expression system, recombinant beta-galactosidase from L. reuteri was purified to apparent homogeneity. The properties of the purified enzyme were essentially identical with the properties of purified native beta-galactosidase from L. reuteri L103. The presented results lead the way to efficient overproduction of beta-galactosidase in a food-grade expression system, which is of high interest for applications in food industry.

Variability of the needle essential oils of Pinus heldreichii from different populations in Montenegro and Serbia.

PubMed

Nikolić, Biljana; Ristić, Mihailo; Bojović, Srdjan; Marin, Petar D

2007-05-01

The essential-oil compositions of Pinus heldreichii Christ. from Montenegro and Serbia are reported at the population level. Whitebark pine is a sub-endemic high-mountain Balkan pine relict of an anthropogenically reduced area, with large morphological diversity and insufficiently clear taxonomic position. In the pine-needle terpene profile from three populations from Montenegro, and one from Serbia, 101 compounds were detected, 72 of which could be identified (Table 3). The dominant constituents are limonene (26.3%), alpha-pinene (17.5%), germacrene D (13.5%), and beta-caryophyllene (10.4%), comprising ca. 67.7% of the essential oil. Medium-to-high contents (0.5-10%) of the following 16 additional components were found: beta-pinene, beta-myrcene, alpha-humulene, delta-cadinene, alpha-muurolene, (E)-hex-2-enal, beta-gurjunene, gamma-muurolene, isopimarol, camphene, gamma-cadinene, aromadendrene, beta-bisabolene, trans-beta-farnesene, alpha-cadinene, and (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol. The similarity of the populations and the within-population variability was visualized by principle-component analysis (PCA) of eleven selected terpenes in 97 tree samples. Cluster and genetic analyses suggest closest connection between the two spatially most-distant populations I (Montenegro) and IV (Serbia). Based on the profile of the main sesquiterpene components, the studied populations from Montenegro and Serbia are more similar to the populations from Greece and the Central Balkan peninsula (Bosnia and Serbia-Kosovo) than to those on the furthest eastern margin of their natural range (Bulgaria).

Evidence of Neurotoxicity of Ecstasy: Sustained Effects on Electroencephalographic Activity in Polydrug Users

PubMed Central

Adamaszek, Michael; Khaw, Alexander V.; Buck, Ulrike; Andresen, Burghard; Thomasius, Rainer

2010-01-01

Objective According to previous EEG reports of indicative disturbances in Alpha and Beta activities, a systematic search for distinct EEG abnormalities in a broader population of Ecstasy users may especially corroborate the presumed specific neurotoxicity of Ecstasy in humans. Methods 105 poly-drug consumers with former Ecstasy use and 41 persons with comparable drug history without Ecstasy use, and 11 drug naives were investigated for EEG features. Conventional EEG derivations of 19 electrodes according to the 10-20-system were conducted. Besides standard EEG bands, quantitative EEG analyses of 1-Hz-subdivided power ranges of Alpha, Theta and Beta bands have been considered. Results Ecstasy users with medium and high cumulative Ecstasy doses revealed an increase in Theta and lower Alpha activities, significant increases in Beta activities, and a reduction of background activity. Ecstasy users with low cumulative Ecstasy doses showed a significant Alpha activity at 11 Hz. Interestingly, the spectral power of low frequencies in medium and high Ecstasy users was already significantly increased in the early phase of EEG recording. Statistical analyses suggested the main effect of Ecstasy to EEG results. Conclusions Our data from a major sample of Ecstasy users support previous data revealing alterations of EEG frequency spectrum due rather to neurotoxic effects of Ecstasy on serotonergic systems in more detail. Accordingly, our data may be in line with the observation of attentional and memory impairments in Ecstasy users with moderate to high misuse. Despite the methodological problem of polydrug use also in our approach, our EEG results may be indicative of the neuropathophysiological background of the reported memory and attentional deficits in Ecstasy abusers. Overall, our findings may suggest the usefulness of EEG in diagnostic approaches in assessing neurotoxic sequela of this common drug abuse. PMID:21124854

Overexpression of {alpha}-catenin increases osteoblastic differentiation in mouse mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Dohee; Yang, Jae-Yeon; Shin, Chan Soo, E-mail: csshin@snu.ac.kr

2009-05-15

{alpha}- and {beta}-Catenin link cadherins to the actin-based cytoskeleton at adherens junctions and regulate cell-cell adhesion. Although roles of cadherins and canonical Wnt-/{beta}-catenin-signaling in osteoblastic differentiation have been extensively studied, the role of {alpha}-catenin is not known. Murine embryonic mesenchymal stem cells, C3H10T1/2 cells, were transduced with retrovirus encoding {alpha}-catenin (MSCV-{alpha}-catenin-HA-GFP). In the presence of Wnt-3A conditioned medium or osteogenic medium ({beta}-glycerol phosphate and ascorbic acid), cells overexpressing {alpha}-catenin showed enhanced osteoblastic differentiation as measured by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and ALP activity assay compared to cells transduced with empty virus (MSCV-GFP). In addition, mRNA expression of osteocalcin and Runx2more » was significantly increased compared to control. Cell aggregation assay revealed that {alpha}-catenin overexpression has significantly increased cell-cell aggregation. However, cellular {beta}-catenin levels (total, cytoplasmic-nuclear ratio) and {beta}-catenin-TCF/LEF transcriptional activity did not change by overexpression of {alpha}-catenin. Knock-down of {alpha}-catenin using siRNA decreased osteoblastic differentiation as measured by ALP assay. These results suggest that {alpha}-catenin overexpression increases osteoblastic differentiation by increasing cell-cell adhesion rather than Wnt-/{beta}-catenin-signaling.« less

[Motivation effect on EEG spectral power and heart rate parameters in students during examination stress].

PubMed

Dzhebrailova, T D; Korobeĭnikova, I I; Rudneva, L P

2014-09-01

EEG spectral power was calculated in 24 students (18-21 years) with different levels of motivation and anxiety (tested by Spielberger) in two experimental conditions: during the common educational process and the examination stress. Before examination tests, in subjects with high motivation and anxiety level the relative delta activity power increased in right frontal (F4) brain areas. In students with medium motivation immediately before an examination the relative beta2-activity power increased in right frontal (F4) brain areas. It is suggested that delta oscillati- ons reflect activity of the defensive motivational system, whereas beta2 oscillations may be associated with the achievement motivation.

Anti-activin A antibody (IgY) specifically neutralizes various activin A activities.

PubMed

Murata, T; Saito, S; Shiozaki, M; Lu, R Z; Eto, Y; Funaba, M; Takahashi, M; Torii, K

1996-01-01

Activin A (beta A beta A), originally isolated from ovarian follicular fluids as a follicule-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion stimulator, has also been identified as an erythroid differentiation factor (EDF), a neuron survival factor and a mesoderm-inducing factor. Thus, activin A is a multifunctional factor, and further studies on its physiological function are important. However, it is very difficult to produce a specific antibody to neutralize the activity of activin A because of its highly conserved amino acid sequence across mammalian species. In this study, we succeeded in generating an antibody against activin A, which can neutralize several activities of activin A, such as the stimulation of FSH secretion from pituitary cells and the induction of the differentiation of erythrocytes in vitro. This antibody did not affect the activity of activin B (beta B beta B), which induces the differentiation of erythrocytes in vitro, and the activity of inhibin A (alpha beta A), which inhibits FSH secretion from pituitary in vitro, but slightly neutralized that of activin AB (beta A beta B). Western blotting analysis showed that this antibody recognized both dimeric and monomeric forms of the beta A subunit of activin and inhibin. These results suggest that this antibody recognizes the beta A subunit of activin and specifically neutralizes the activity of a dimer of the beta A subunit, activin A. Furthermore, by the addition of this antibody to the culture medium, the development of murine embryos was suppressed, suggesting that endogenous activin A plays an important role in murine development. These results indicate the usefulness of this antibody for studies of endogenous activin actions.

Differential regulation of thyrotropin subunit apoprotein and carbohydrate biosynthesis by thyroid hormone

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taylor, T.; Weintraub, B.D.

1985-04-01

The regulation of TSH apoprotein and carbohydrate biosynthesis by thyroid hormone was studied by incubating pituitaries from normal and hypothyroid (3 weeks post-thyroidectomy) rats in medium containing (/sup 14/C)alanine and (/sup 3/H) glucosamine. After 6 h, samples were sequentially treated with anti-TSH beta to precipitate TSH and free TSH beta, anti-LH beta to clear the sample of LH and free LH beta, then anti-LH alpha to precipitate free alpha-subunit. Total proteins were acid precipitated. All precipitates were subjected to electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, which were then sliced and assayed by scintillation spectrometry. In hypothyroid pituitaries plus medium, (/supmore » 14/C)alanine incorporation in combined and free beta-subunits was 26 times normal and considerably greater than the 3.4-fold increase seen in total protein; combined and free alpha-subunits showed no specific increase in apoprotein synthesis. (/sup 3/H)Glucosamine incorporation in combined alpha- and beta-subunits in hypothyroid samples was 13 and 21 times normal, respectively, and was greater than the 1.9-fold increase in total protein; free alpha-subunit showed no specific increase in carbohydrate synthesis. The glucosamine to alanine ratio, reflecting relative glycosylation of newly synthesized molecules, was increased in hypothyroidism for combined alpha-subunits, but not for combined beta-subunits, free alpha-subunits, or total proteins. In summary, short term hypothyroidism selectively stimulated TSH beta apoprotein synthesis and carbohydrate synthesis of combined alpha- and beta-subunits. Hypothyroidism also increased the relative glycosylation of combined alpha-subunit. Thus, thyroid hormone deficiency appears to alter the rate-limiting step in TSH assembly (i.e. beta-subunit synthesis) as well as the carbohydrate structure of TSH, which may play important roles in its biological function.« less

TGF-beta is specifically expressed in human dermal papilla cells and modulates hair folliculogenesis.

PubMed

Inoue, Keita; Aoi, Noriyuki; Yamauchi, Yuji; Sato, Takahiro; Suga, Hirotaka; Eto, Hitomi; Kato, Harunosuke; Tabata, Yasuhiko; Yoshimura, Kotaro

2009-01-01

Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in the mammalian hair follicle have been shown to develop hair follicles through epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. A cell therapy to regenerate human hair is theoretically possible by expanding autologous human DPCs (hDPCs) and transplanting them into bald skin, though much remains to be overcome before clinical success. In this study, we compared gene signatures of hDPCs at different passages and human dermal fibroblasts, and found transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(2) to be highly expressed in cultured hDPCs. Keratinocyte conditioned medium, which is known to help preserve the hair-inducing capacity of hDPCs, up-regulated TGF-beta(2) expression of hDPCs and also enhanced their alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, a known index for hair-inductive capacity. Through screening of components secreted from keratinocytes, the vitamin D(3) analogue was found to promote TGF-beta(2) expression and ALP activity of hDPCs. In animal hair folliculogenesis models using rat epidermis and expanded hDPCs, inhibition of TGF-beta(2) signalling at the ligand or receptor level significantly impaired hair folliculogenesis and maturation. These results suggest an important role for TGF-beta(2) in hair follicle morphogenesis and provide insights into the establishment of future cell therapies for hair regrowth by transplanting expanded DPCs.

Metallo-beta-lactamase producers in environmental microbiota: new molecular class B enzyme in Janthinobacterium lividum.

PubMed

Rossolini, G M; Condemi, M A; Pantanella, F; Docquier, J D; Amicosante, G; Thaller, M C

2001-03-01

Eleven environmental samples from different sources were screened for the presence of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing bacteria by using a selective enrichment medium containing a carbapenem antibiotic and subsequently testing each isolate for production of EDTA-inhibitable carbapenemase activity. A total of 15 metallo-beta-lactamase-producing isolates, including 10 Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates, 3 Chryseobacterium spp., one Aeromonas hydrophila isolate, and one Janthinobacterium lividum isolate (a species in which production of metallo-beta-lactamase activity was not previously reported), were obtained from 8 samples. In the J. lividum isolate, named JAC1, production of metallo-beta-lactamase activity was elicited upon exposure to beta-lactams. Screening of a JAC1 genomic library for clones showing a reduced imipenem susceptibility led to the isolation of a metallo-beta-lactamase determinant encoding a new member (named THIN-B) of the highly divergent subclass B3 lineage of metallo-beta-lactamases. THIN-B is most closely related (35.6% identical residues) to the L1 enzyme of S. maltophilia and more distantly related to the FEZ-1 enzyme of Legionella gormanii (27.8% identity) and to the GOB-1 enzyme of Chryseobacterium meningosepticum (24.2% identity). Sequences related to bla(THIN-B), and inducible production of metallo-beta-lactamase activity, were also detected in the J. lividum type strain DSM1522. Expression of the bla(THIN-B) gene in Escherichia coli resulted in decreased susceptibility to several beta-lactams, including penicillins, cephalosporins (including cephamycins and oxyimino cephalosporins), and carbapenems, revealing a broad substrate specificity of the enzyme. The results of this study indicated that metallo-beta-lactamase-producing bacteria are widespread in the environment and identified a new molecular class B enzyme in the environmental species J. lividum.

Characterization of a beta-glucanase produced by Rhizopus microsporus var. microsporus, and its potential for application in the brewing industry.

PubMed

Celestino, Klecius R Silveira; Cunha, Ricardo B; Felix, Carlos R

2006-12-05

In the barley malting process, partial hydrolysis of beta-glucans begins with seed germination. However, the endogenous 1,3-1,4-beta-glucanases are heat inactivated, and the remaining high molecular weight beta-glucans may cause severe problems such as increased brewer mash viscosity and turbidity. Increased viscosity impairs pumping and filtration, resulting in lower efficiency, reduced yields of extracts, and lower filtration rates, as well as the appearance of gelatinous precipitates in the finished beer. Therefore, the use of exogenous beta-glucanases to reduce the beta-glucans already present in the malt barley is highly desirable. The zygomycete microfungus Rhizopus microsporus var. microsporus secreted substantial amounts of beta-glucanase in liquid culture medium containing 0.5% chitin. An active protein was isolated by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatographies of the beta-glucanase activity-containing culture supernatant. This isolated protein hydrolyzed 1,3-1,4-beta-glucan (barley beta-glucan), but showed only residual activity against 1,3-beta-glucan (laminarin), or no activity at all against 1,4-beta-glucan (cellulose), indicating that the R. microsporus var. microsporus enzyme is a member of the EC 3.2.1.73 category. The purified protein had a molecular mass of 33.7 kDa, as determined by mass spectrometry. The optimal pH and temperature for hydrolysis of 1,3-1,4-beta-glucan were in the ranges of 4-5, and 50-60 degrees C, respectively. The Km and Vmax values for hydrolysis of beta-glucan at pH 5.0 and 50 degrees C were 22.39 mg.mL-1 and 16.46 mg.min-1, respectively. The purified enzyme was highly sensitive to Cu+2, but showed less or no sensitivity to other divalent ions, and was able to reduce both the viscosity and the filtration time of a sample of brewer mash. In comparison to the values determined for the mash treated with two commercial glucanases, the relative viscosity value for the mash treated with the 1,3-1,4-beta-glucanase produced by R. microsporus var. microsporus. was determined to be consistently lower. The zygomycete microfungus R. microsporus var. microsporus produced a 1,3-1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-glucanhydrolase (EC 3.2.1.73) which is able to hydrolyze beta-D-glucan that contains both the 1,3- and 1,4-bonds (barley beta-glucans). Its molecular mass was 33.7 kDa. Maximum activity was detected at pH values in the range of 4-5, and temperatures in the range of 50-60 degrees C. The enzyme was able to reduce both the viscosity of the brewer mash and the filtration time, indicating its potential value for the brewing industry.

All-transglycolytic synthesis and characterization of sialyl(alpha2-3)galactosyl(beta1-4)xylosyl-p-nitrophenyl(beta1-), an oligosaccharide derivative related to glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis.

PubMed

Vetere, A; Ferro, S; Bosco, M; Cescutti, P; Paoletti, S

1997-08-01

Beta-D-Xylopyranosides, such as p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside (Xyl-Np) or 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside (Xyl-MeUmb), when added to the culture medium of human skin fibroblasts have previously been shown to produce some Np- or MeUmb-oligosaccharides related to the regulation of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. Among these oligosaccharide derivatives, we synthesized the trisaccharide derivative NeuAc(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)Xyl-Np(beta1- as a potential inhibitor of human skin fibroblast glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. This synthesis was achieved by sequential use of transglycosylating activities of Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase and Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase. The structure of the oligosaccharide obtained was determined by HPLC, ion-spray mass spectrometry, and NMR.

Purification and properties of beta-galactosidase from Aspergillus nidulans.

PubMed

Díaz, M; Pedregosa, A M; de Lucas, J R; Torralba, S; Monistrol, I F; Laborda, F

1996-12-01

Beta-Galactosidase from mycelial extract of Aspergillus nidulans has been purified by substrate affinity chromatography and used to obtain anti-beta-galactosidase polyclonal antibodies. A. nidulans growing in lactose as carbon source synthesizes one active form of beta-galactosidase which seems to be a multimeric enzyme of 450 kDa composed of monomers with 120 and 97 kDa. Although the enzyme was not released to the culture medium, some enzymatic activity was detected in a cell-wall extract, thus suggesting that it can be an extracellular enzyme. Beta-Galactosidase of A. nidulans is a very unstable enzyme with an optimum pH value of 7.5 and an optimum temperature of 30 degrees C. It was only active against beta-galactoside substrates like lactose and p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactoside (PNPG).

Characterization of Nuclear Recoils in High Pressure Xenon Gas: Towards a Simultaneous Search for WIMP Dark Matter and Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay

DOE PAGES

Renner, J.; Gehman, V. M.; Goldschmidt, A.; ...

2015-03-24

Xenon has recently been the medium of choice in several large scale detectors searching for WIMP dark matter and neutrinoless double beta decay. Though present-day large scale experiments use liquid xenon, the gas phase offers advantages favorable to both types of searches such as improved intrinsic energy resolution and fewer fluctuations in the partition of deposited energy between scintillation and ionization channels. We recently constructed a high pressure xenon gas TPC as a prototype for the NEXT (Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon TPC) neutrinoless double beta decay experiment and have demonstrated the feasibility of 0.5% FWHM energy resolution at themore » 136Xe double beta Q-value with 3-D tracking capabilities. We now present results from this prototype on the simultaneous observation of scintillation and ionization produced by nuclear recoils at approximately 14 bar pressure. The recoils were produced by neutrons of approximately 2-6 MeV emitted from a radioisotope plutonium-beryllium source, and primary scintillation (S1) and electroluminescent photons produced by ionization (S2) were observed. We discuss the potential of gaseous xenon to distinguish between electron and nuclear recoils through the ratio of these two signals S2/S1. From these results combined with the possibility of using columnar recombination to sense nuclear recoil directionality at high pressures we envision a dual-purpose, ton-scale gaseous xenon detector capable of a combined search for WIMP dark matter and neutrinoless double beta decay. This work has been performed within the context of the NEXT collaboration.« less

Tin-containing zeolites are highly active catalysts for the isomerization of glucose in water.

PubMed

Moliner, Manuel; Román-Leshkov, Yuriy; Davis, Mark E

2010-04-06

The isomerization of glucose into fructose is a large-scale reaction for the production of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS; reaction performed by enzyme catalysts) and recently is being considered as an intermediate step in the possible route of biomass to fuels and chemicals. Here, it is shown that a large-pore zeolite that contains tin (Sn-Beta) is able to isomerize glucose to fructose in aqueous media with high activity and selectivity. Specifically, a 10% (wt/wt) glucose solution containing a catalytic amount of Sn-Beta (150 Sn:glucose molar ratio) gives product yields of approximately 46% (wt/wt) glucose, 31% (wt/wt) fructose, and 9% (wt/wt) mannose after 30 min and 12 min of reaction at 383 K and 413 K, respectively. This reactivity is achieved also when a 45 wt% glucose solution is used. The properties of the large-pore zeolite greatly influence the reaction behavior because the reaction does not proceed with a medium-pore zeolite, and the isomerization activity is considerably lower when the metal centers are incorporated in ordered mesoporous silica (MCM-41). The Sn-Beta catalyst can be used for multiple cycles, and the reaction stops when the solid is removed, clearly indicating that the catalysis is occurring heterogeneously. Most importantly, the Sn-Beta catalyst is able to perform the isomerization reaction in highly acidic, aqueous environments with equivalent activity and product distribution as in media without added acid. This enables Sn-Beta to couple isomerizations with other acid-catalyzed reactions, including hydrolysis/isomerization or isomerization/dehydration reaction sequences [starch to fructose and glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) demonstrated here].

Tin-containing zeolites are highly active catalysts for the isomerization of glucose in water

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moliner, Manuel; Roman-Leshkov, Yuriy; Davis, Mark E.

The isomerization of glucose into fructose is a large-scale reaction for the production of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS; reaction performed by enzyme catalysts) and recently is being considered as an intermediate step in the possible route of biomass to fuels and chemicals. Here, it is shown that a large-pore zeolite that contains tin (Sn-Beta) is able to isomerize glucose to fructose in aqueous media with high activity and selectivity. Specifically, a 10% (wt/wt) glucose solution containing a catalytic amount of Sn-Beta (1:50 Sn:glucose molar ratio) gives product yields of approximately 46% (wt/wt) glucose, 31% (wt/wt) fructose, and 9% (wt/wt) mannosemore » after 30 min and 12 min of reaction at 383 K and 413 K, respectively. This reactivity is achieved also when a 45 wt% glucose solution is used. The properties of the large-pore zeolite greatly influence the reaction behavior because the reaction does not proceed with a medium-pore zeolite, and the isomerization activity is considerably lower when the metal centers are incorporated in ordered mesoporous silica (MCM-41). The Sn-Beta catalyst can be used for multiple cycles, and the reaction stops when the solid is removed, clearly indicating that the catalysis is occurring heterogeneously. Most importantly, the Sn-Beta catalyst is able to perform the isomerization reaction in highly acidic, aqueous environments with equivalent activity and product distribution as in media without added acid. This enables Sn-Beta to couple isomerizations with other acid-catalyzed reactions, including hydrolysis/isomerization or isomerization/dehydration reaction sequences [starch to fructose and glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) demonstrated here].« less

Influence of calcium on fungal growth, hyphal morphology and citric acid production in Aspergillus niger.

PubMed

Pera, L M; Callieri, D A

1997-01-01

Addition of 0.5 g/L CaCl2 to the fermentation medium lowered the final biomass dry mass by 35% and increased the uptake of phosphate and sucrose, and the production of citric acid by 15, 35 and 50%, respectively. In a medium deprived of Ca2+ the microorganism displayed both a pelleted and a filamentous form of growth, the hyphae being scarcely branched, without bulbous cells. An addition of Ca2+ induced a pelleted form of growth, highly branched hyphae and numerous bulbous cells. Bulbous cells growing in the presence of Ca2+ exhibited cell walls composed of laminated layers, and featured vesicles associated with the wall and/or the cell membrane, containing numerous inclusions. The cytotoxic effect of high concentrations of citric acid in the medium as well as an increase of the activity of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, a lytic enzyme, might be involved in these morphological changes.

PROGRESS ON THE STUDY OF BETA TREATMENT OF URANIUM, APRIL 1, 1961 TO JULY 31, 1961

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Russell, R.B.; Wolff, A.K.

Progress on the work on the effect of variables affecting the beta treatment of uranium is described. Included are results on the effect of beta time and temperature on the as-quenched grain size, the influence of air delay before quenching, and the growth index of metal isothermally transformed at different temperatures. The relative effects of both size and cooling medium on the radial growth index are summarized. (auth)

A Proposed Multisite Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial of Neurofeedback for ADHD: Need, Rationale, and Strategy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kerson, Cynthia

2013-01-01

Objective: Additional treatments with persisting benefit are needed for ADHD. Because ADHD often shows excessive theta electroencephalogram (EEG) power, low beta, and excessive theta-beta ratio (TBR), a promising treatment is neurofeedback (NF) downtraining TBR. Although several nonblind randomized clinical trials (RCTs) show a medium-large…

Combining image processing and modeling to generate traces of beta-strands from cryo-EM density images of beta-barrels.

PubMed

Si, Dong; He, Jing

2014-01-01

Electron cryo-microscopy (Cryo-EM) technique produces 3-dimensional (3D) density images of proteins. When resolution of the images is not high enough to resolve the molecular details, it is challenging for image processing methods to enhance the molecular features. β-barrel is a particular structure feature that is formed by multiple β-strands in a barrel shape. There is no existing method to derive β-strands from the 3D image of a β-barrel at medium resolutions. We propose a new method, StrandRoller, to generate a small set of possible β-traces from the density images at medium resolutions of 5-10Å. StrandRoller has been tested using eleven β-barrel images simulated to 10Å resolution and one image isolated from the experimentally derived cryo-EM density image at 6.7Å resolution. StrandRoller was able to detect 81.84% of the β-strands with an overall 1.5Å 2-way distance between the detected and the observed β-traces, if the best of fifteen detections is considered. Our results suggest that it is possible to derive a small set of possible β-traces from the β-barrel cryo-EM image at medium resolutions even when no separation of the β-strands is visible in the images.

Expression and in vitro regulation of integrins by normal human urothelial cells.

PubMed

Southgate, J; Kennedy, W; Hutton, K A; Trejdosiewicz, L K

1995-08-01

Integrins are thought to be essential adhesion receptors for the maintenance of tissue histioarchitecture. The purpose of this study was to determine integrin expression patterns in the human stratified transitional epithelium of the urinary tract (urothelium). In situ expression patterns were compared with in vitro expression, using a normal cell culture model system in which the effects of cell stratification can be studied independently of differentiation. By immunohistological criteria, the urothelia of bladder, ureter and renal pelvis expressed alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 integrins in all layers at intercellular junctions, and cytoplasmically in the lower strata. By contrast, alpha 6 beta 4 and occasionally alpha v beta 4 were expressed only by basal cells and localised to the basal lamina. These expression patterns were unaltered in specimens where an inflammatory cell infiltrate was present. In long-term cultures of normal urothelial cells maintained in a low-Ca++ serum-free medium, the monolayer cultures expressed alpha 2 beta 1, alpha 3 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins at intercellular junctions and in cytoplasmic inclusions, whereas alpha 6 beta 4 was distributed in a random pattern over the substratum. Increasing exogenous Ca++ concentrations induced cell stratification and desmosome formation, but not cytodifferentiation. Under these conditions, alpha 6 beta 4 became cell-, rather than substratum-associated, localising particularly to filopodia and lamellipodia. Quantitation of integrin expression by flow cytometry confirmed increased surface expression of alpha 6 beta 4 in high Ca++ media, and also of alpha 3 and alpha 5, but not alpha 2, subunits. These results suggest that alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 integrins, although differentially regulated, are mainly involved in homotypic cell-cell interactions and the maintenance of a stratified morphology, whereas alpha 6 beta 4 is the principal integrin involved in substratum adhesion.

High-level expression of a specific beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase from the thermophilic fungus Paecilomyces thermophila in Pichia pastoris.

PubMed

Hua, Chengwei; Yan, Qiaojuan; Jiang, Zhengqiang; Li, Yinan; Katrolia, Priti

2010-09-01

In this study, a novel beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase gene (designated as PtLic16A) from Paecilomyces thermophila was cloned and sequenced. PtLic16A has an open reading frame of 945 bp, encoding 314 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence shares the highest identity (61%) with the putative endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase from Neosartorya fischeri NRRL 181. PtLic16A was cloned into a vector pPIC9K and was expressed successfully in Pichia pastoris as active extracellular beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase. The recombinant beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase (PtLic16A) was secreted predominantly into the medium which comprised up to 85% of the total extracellular proteins and reached a protein concentration of 9.1 g l(-1) with an activity of 55,300 U ml(-1) in 5-l fermentor culture. The enzyme was then purified using two steps, ion exchange chromatography, and gel filtration chromatography. The purified enzyme had a molecular mass of 38.5 kDa on SDS-PAGE. It was optimally active at pH 7.0 and a temperature of 70 degrees C. Furthermore, the enzyme exhibited strict specificity for beta-1,3-1,4-D: -glucans. This is the first report on the cloning and expression of a beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase gene from Paecilomyces sp.

Varying effects of calcium on the oxidation of palmitate and alpha-ketoglutarate in isolated rat liver mitochondria incubated in KCl-based and sucrose-based media.

PubMed

Borrebaek, B; Dolva, K; Singh, B

1984-01-01

Isolated mitochondria from rat liver were incubated in the presence of [U-14C]palmitate, ATP, CoA, carnitine, EGTA (ethylene glycol bis (beta-aminoethyl ether) N,N'-tetraacetic acid) and varying amounts of calcium. When a KC1-based incubation medium was used, the oxidation of palmitate was inhibited when the concentration of free calcium was increased from about 0.1-10 microM. When a sucrose-based incubation medium was used, the basal rate of palmitate oxidation was about half of that observed with the KC1-medium and calcium had a stimulatory effect. With the KC1-medium the rate of oxygen consumption was inhibited by calcium with alpha-ketoglutarate as well as palmitate as the respiratory substrate. No inhibitory effect of calcium was observed with succinate or beta-hydroxybutyrate. With the KC1-medium and with alpha-ketoglutarate as the respiratory substrate, state 3 respiration but not state 4 respiration was inhibited by calcium. When the sucrose-medium was used, state 3 respiration was first inhibited by calcium, but this inhibition was gradually relieved and the respiratory rate finally became higher than it was before calcium addition.

Simultaneous total antioxidant capacity assay of lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants in the same acetone-water solution containing 2% methyl-beta-cyclodextrin using the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) method.

PubMed

Ozyürek, Mustafa; Bektaşoğlu, Burcu; Güçlü, Kubilay; Güngör, Nilay; Apak, Reşat

2008-12-07

Antioxidants are health beneficial compounds that can protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). This work reports the capacity assay of both lipophilic and hydrophilic antioxidants simultaneously, by making use of their 'host-guest' complexes with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (M-beta-CD), a cyclic oligosaccharide, in acetonated aqueous medium using the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) method. Thus the order of antioxidant potency of various compounds irrespective of their lipophilicity could be established in the same solvent medium. M-beta-CD was introduced as the water solubility enhancer for lipophilic antioxidants. Two percent M-beta-CD (w/v) in an acetone-H(2)O (9:1, v/v) mixture was found to sufficiently solubilize beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamin E, vitamin C, synthetic antioxidants and other phenolic antioxidants. This assay was validated through linearity, additivity, precision, and recovery. The validation results demonstrate that the CUPRAC assay is reliable and robust. In acetonated aqueous solution of M-beta-CD, only CUPRAC and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays were capable of measuring carotenoids together with hydrophilic antioxidants. The CUPRAC antioxidant capacities of a wide range of polyphenolics and flavonoids were experimentally reported in this work as trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) in the CUPRAC assay, and compared to those found by reference methods, ABTS/horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-H(2)O(2) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays.

Exocomet Signatures Around the A-shell Star Phi Leonis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eiroa, C.; Rebollido, I.; Montesinos, B.; Villaver, E.; Absil, O.; Henning, Th.; Bayo, A.; Canovas, H.; Carmona, A.; Chen, Ch.;

Beta-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase IV: a key enzyme for regulation of medium-chain fatty acid synthesis in Cuphea lanceolata seeds.

PubMed

Schütt, Burkhardt Siegfried; Abbadi, Amine; Loddenkötter, Brigitte; Brummel, Monika; Spener, Friedrich

2002-09-01

With the aim of elucidating the mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis of medium-chain fatty acids in Cuphea lanceolata Ait., a crop accumulating up to 90% decanoic acid in seed triacylglycerols, cDNA clones of a beta-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthase IV (clKAS IV, EC 2.3.1.41) were isolated from C. lanceolata seed embryos. The amino acid sequence deduced from clKAS IV cDNA showed 80% identity to other plant KAS II-type enzymes, 55% identity towards plant KAS I and over 90% towards other Cuphea KAS IV-type sequences. Recombinant clKAS IV was functionally overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and substrate specificity of purified enzyme showed strong preference for elongation of short-chain and medium-chain acyl-ACPs (C4- to C10-ACP) with nearly equal activity. Further elongation steps were catalysed with distinctly less activity. Moreover, short- and medium-chain acyl-ACPs exerted a chain-length-specific and concentration-dependent substrate inhibition of clKAS IV. Based on these findings a regulatory mechanism for medium-chain fatty acid synthesis in C. lanceolata is presented.

RF Conditioning and Testing of Fundamental Power Couplers for SNS Superconducting Cavity Production

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

M. Stirbet; G.K. Davis; M. A. Drury

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) makes use of 33 medium beta (0.61) and 48 high beta (0.81) superconducting cavities. Each cavity is equipped with a fundamental power coupler, which should withstand the full klystron power of 550 kW in full reflection for the duration of an RF pulse of 1.3 msec at 60 Hz repetition rate. Before assembly to a superconducting cavity, the vacuum components of the coupler are submitted to acceptance procedures consisting of preliminary quality assessments, cleaning and clean room assembly, vacuum leak checks and baking under vacuum, followed by conditioning and RF high power testing. Similar acceptancemore » procedures (except clean room assembly and baking) were applied for the airside components of the coupler. All 81 fundamental power couplers for SNS superconducting cavity production have been RF power tested at JLAB Newport News and, beginning in April 2004 at SNS Oak Ridge. This paper gives details of coupler processing and RF high power-assessed performances.« less

Feeding green vegetables to the young children in rural Bangladesh: an analysis of intake following education to the caregivers.

PubMed

Yunus, M; Aziz, K M; Chowdhury, A I; Sack, R B

1996-01-01

The study was undertaken to increase the intake of vegetables rich in beta-carotene by young children through nutrition education of their caregivers. 156 children aged 6-59 months were selected from households of very poor socioeconomic status in the comparison area of Matlab MCH-FP Project. Nutrition education intervention was provided to the caregivers of these children on the importance of feeding vegetables rich in beta-carotene. This education included verbal communication and cooking demonstrations. It was provided by trained female community health workers once every 2 months over a period of 12 months from April 1994 to March 1995. Information on the consumption of green leafy vegetables by the children for the preceding 3 days was collected at baseline and after the 12-month intervention by interviewing the caregivers. The green leafy vegetables were categorized into high, medium, and low contents of beta-carotene. The proportion of children who consumed vegetables with high content of beta-carotene increased from 28% at the baseline to 96% after the intervention, showing a highly significant increase (p .000). The mean frequency of intake of vegetables rose from 0.65 per 3 days at baseline to 4.33 after the intervention. This increase in intake was also highly significant (p .000). The significant increase in the consumption of vegetables was achieved within a period of one year from the intervention. This shows that changes in the feeding practices of young children were feasible through education and motivation, which can develop confidence among the caregivers regarding the beneficial outcome of the recommended foods.

Medium-chain, triglyceride-containing lipid emulsions increase human neutrophil beta2 integrin expression, adhesion, and degranulation.

PubMed

Wanten, G J; Geijtenbeek, T B; Raymakers, R A; van Kooyk, Y; Roos, D; Jansen, J B; Naber, A H

2000-01-01

To test the hypothesis that lipid emulsions with different triglyceride structures have distinct immunomodulatory properties, we analyzed human neutrophil adhesion and degranulation after lipid incubation. Neutrophils, isolated from the blood of 10 healthy volunteers, were incubated in medium or physiologic (2.5 mmol/L) emulsions containing long-chain (LCT), medium-chain (MCT), mixed LCT/MCT, or structured (SL) triglycerides. Expression of adhesion molecules and degranulation markers was evaluated by flow cytometry. Also, functional adhesion was investigated by means of a flow cytometric assay using fluorescent beads coated with the integrin ligand intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. Although LCT and SL had no effect, LCT/MCT significantly increased expression of the beta2 integrins lymphocyte-function-associated antigen 1 (+18%), macrophage antigen 1 (+387%), p150,95 (+82%), and (alphaDbeta2 (+230%). Degranulation marker expression for azurophilic (CD63, +210%) and specific granules (CD66b, +370%) also significantly increased, whereas L-selectin (CD62L, -70%) decreased. The effects of LCT/MCT were mimicked by the MCT emulsion. ICAM-1 adhesion (% beads bound) was increased by LCT/MCT (34% +/- 4%), whereas LCT (19% +/-3%) and SL (20% +/- 2%) had no effect compared with medium (17% +/- 3%). LCT/MCT and MCT, contrary to LCT and SL emulsions, increased neutrophil beta2 integrin expression, adhesion, and degranulation. Apart from other emulsion constituents, triglyceride chain length might therefore be a key feature in the interaction of lipid emulsions and the phagocyte immune system.

Neutrino nuclear responses for double beta decays and astro neutrinos by charge exchange reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ejiri, Hiroyasu

2014-09-01

Neutrino nuclear responses are crucial for neutrino studies in nuclei. Charge exchange reactions (CER) are shown to be used to study charged current neutrino nuclear responses associated with double beta decays(DBD)and astro neutrino interactions. CERs to be used are high energy-resolution (He3 ,t) reactions at RCNP, photonuclear reactions via IAR at NewSUBARU and muon capture reactions at MUSIC RCNP and MLF J-PARC. The Gamow Teller (GT) strengths studied by CERs reproduce the observed 2 neutrino DBD matrix elements. The GT and spin dipole (SD) matrix elements are found to be reduced much due to the nucleon spin isospin correlations and the non-nucleonic (delta isobar) nuclear medium effects. Impacts of the reductions on the DBD matrix elements and astro neutrino interactions are discussed.

Optimization of Methods for Articular Cartilage Surface Tissue Engineering: Cell Density and Transforming Growth Factor Beta Are Critical for Self-Assembly and Lubricin Secretion.

PubMed

Iwasa, Kenjiro; Reddi, A Hari

2017-07-01

Lubricin/superficial zone protein (SZP)/proteoglycan4 (PRG4) plays an important role in boundary lubrication in articular cartilage. Lubricin is secreted by superficial zone chondrocytes and synoviocytes of the synovium. The specific objective of this investigation is to optimize the methods for tissue engineering of articular cartilage surface. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of cell density on the self-assembly of superficial zone chondrocytes and lubricin secretion as a functional assessment. Superficial zone chondrocytes were cultivated as a monolayer at low, medium, and high densities. Chondrocytes at the three different densities were treated with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)1 twice a week or daily, and the accumulated lubricin in the culture medium was analyzed by immunoblots and quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell numbers in low and medium densities were increased by TGF-β1; whereas cell numbers in high-density cell cultures were decreased by twice-a-week treatment of TGF-β1. On the other hand, the cell numbers were maintained by daily TGF-β treatment. Immunoblots and quantitation of lubricin by ELISA analysis indicated that TGF-β1 stimulated lubricin secretion by superficial zone chondrocytes at all densities with twice-a-week TGF-β treatment. It is noteworthy that the daily treatment of TGF-β1 increased lubricin much higher compared with twice-a-week treatment. These data demonstrate that daily treatment is optimal for the TGF-β1 response in a higher density of monolayer cultures. These findings have implications for self-assembly of surface zone chondrocytes of articular cartilage for application in tissue engineering of articular cartilage surface.

Hydrolysis of Oleuropein by Lactobacillus plantarum Strains Associated with Olive Fermentation.

PubMed

Ciafardini, G; Marsilio, V; Lanza, B; Pozzi, N

1994-11-01

Oleuropein (Chemical Abstracts Service registry number 32619-42-4), a bitter-tasting secoiridoid glucoside commonly found in leaves of the olive tree as well as in olives (Olea europaea L.), was found to be hydrolyzed by the beta-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.2.1) produced by oleuropeinolytic Lactobacillus plantarum-type strains. Three strains, designated B17, B20, and B21, were isolated from the brine of naturally ripe olives not treated with alkali. These strains were rod-shaped forms, grown at a pH 3.5 limit, and tolerated 1% oleuropein and 8% NaCl in the growth medium. The beta-glucosidase produced hydrolyzed 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-d-glucopy-ranoside as well as oleuropein. The presence of 2% glucose in the medium inhibited activity by 40 to 50%, depending on the bacterial strain. Chromatographic analysis of the trimethylsilyl derivatives of the products obtained after 7 days of incubation at 30 degrees C of strain B21 showed all the hydrolysis products of oleuropein, i.e., aglycone, iridoid monoterpen, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol (hydroxytyrosol). Oleuropein and its aglycone after 21 days of incubation decreased to trace levels with the simultaneous increase in concentration of beta-3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol.

Anthropogenic disturbance homogenizes seagrass fish communities.

PubMed

Iacarella, Josephine C; Adamczyk, Emily; Bowen, Dan; Chalifour, Lia; Eger, Aaron; Heath, William; Helms, Sibylla; Hessing-Lewis, Margot; Hunt, Brian P V; MacInnis, Andrew; O'Connor, Mary I; Robinson, Clifford L K; Yakimishyn, Jennifer; Baum, Julia K

2018-05-01

Anthropogenic activities have led to the biotic homogenization of many ecological communities, yet in coastal systems this phenomenon remains understudied. In particular, activities that locally affect marine habitat-forming foundation species may perturb habitat and promote species with generalist, opportunistic traits, in turn affecting spatial patterns of biodiversity. Here, we quantified fish diversity in seagrass communities across 89 sites spanning 6° latitude along the Pacific coast of Canada, to test the hypothesis that anthropogenic disturbances homogenize (i.e., lower beta-diversity) assemblages within coastal ecosystems. We test for patterns of biotic homogenization at sites within different anthropogenic disturbance categories (low, medium, and high) at two spatial scales (within and across regions) using both abundance- and incidence-based beta-diversity metrics. Our models provide clear evidence that fish communities in high anthropogenic disturbance seagrass areas are homogenized relative to those in low disturbance areas. These results were consistent across within-region comparisons using abundance- and incidence-based measures of beta-diversity, and in across-region comparisons using incidence-based measures. Physical and biotic characteristics of seagrass meadows also influenced fish beta-diversity. Biotic habitat characteristics including seagrass biomass and shoot density were more differentiated among high disturbance sites, potentially indicative of a perturbed environment. Indicator species and trait analyses revealed fishes associated with low disturbance sites had characteristics including stenotopy, lower swimming ability, and egg guarding behavior. Our study is the first to show biotic homogenization of fishes across seagrass meadows within areas of relatively high human impact. These results support the importance of targeting conservation efforts in low anthropogenic disturbance areas across land- and seascapes, as well as managing anthropogenic impacts in high activity areas. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Variability of the needle essential oils of Pinus peuce from different populations in Montenegro and Serbia.

PubMed

Nikolić, Biljana; Ristić, Mihailo; Bojović, Srdjan; Marin, Petar D

2008-07-01

The essential-oil composition of Pinus peuce Griseb. is reported at the population level. Macedonian pine is endemic high-mountain Balkan pine relict of an anthropogenically reduced area, with large morphological diversity and insufficiently clear taxonomic position. In the pine-needle terpene profile of two populations from Montenegro and one from Serbia, 78 compounds were detected, 56 of which are identified (Table 3). The dominant constituents were alpha-pinene (36.5%) and germacrene D (11.4%). The following 20 additional components were found to be present in medium-to-high amounts (0.5-10%): camphene (8.5%), bornyl acetate (6.8%), beta-pinene (6.8%), beta-caryophyllene (5.2%), beta-phellandrene (4.7%), terpinen-4-ol acetate (1.6%), (E)-hex-2-enal (1.5%), alpha-muurolene (1.2%), beta-gurjunene (1.1%), beta-myrcene (1.0%), alpha-terpinyl acetate (0.9%), alpha-phellandrene (0.8%), delta-cadinene (0.8%), alpha-humulene (0.8%), sabinene (0.7%), aromadendrene (0.6%), alpha-thujene (0.6%), gamma-muurolene (0.6%), gamma-cadinene (0.6%), alpha-terpinolene (0.5%), and one unknown component (0.5%). The similarity of the populations and the within-population variability were visualized by principle-component analysis (PCA) and genetic analysis of selected terpenes in 90 tree samples. Our study suggests a closer connection between populations II and III compared to population I. Based on the profile of the main terpene components, the studied populations are more similar to populations from Kosovo and Greece than to the population from Mt. Mokra (Montenegro) and the population in France.

A new method for determining dose rate distribution from radioimmuno-therapy using radiochromic media

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mayer, R.; Dillehay, L.E.; Shao, Y.

The purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate a new, simple, inexpensive method for directly measuring the radiation dose and its spatial distribution generated from explanted tissues of animals previously injected with radiolabeled immunoconjugates or other agents. This technique uses the newly developed radiochromic dye medium (Gafchromic[trademark]) which responds reproducibly for therapeutic dose exposures, has high spatial resolution, does not require film processing, and is relatively insensitive to ambient light. The authors have evaluated the dose distribution from LS174T tumors and selected normal tissues in nude mice previously injected with [sup 90]Y labeled anti-carcinoembryonic antigen antibodies. Individual tissuesmore » from sacrificed animals are halved and the flat section of the tissue is placed onto the dosimetry media and then frozen. The dosimetry medium is exposed to beta and Bremsstrahlung radiation originating from the frozen tissues. The relative darkening of the dosimetry medium depends on the dose deposited in the film. The dosimetry medium is scanned with a commercial flatbed scanner and the image intensity is digitally stored and quantitatively analyzed. Isodose curves are generated and compared to the actual tissue outline. The absorbed dose distribution due to [sup 90]Y exposure show only slight gradients in the interior of the tissue, with a markedly decreasing dose near the edges of the tissue. In addition, the isodose curves follow the tissue outline except in regions having radii of curvature smaller than the range of the beta-particle (R90 = 5 mm). These results suggest that the shape of the tumor, and its curvature, are important in determining the minimum dose delivered to the tumor by radiation from [sup 90]Y monoclonal antibodies, and hence in evaluating the tumor response to the radiation. 28 refs., 8 figs.« less

Two Photon Absorption in a Novel Nano-optical Material Based on the Nonconjugated Conductive Polymer, Poly(beta-pinene)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Titus, Jitto; Thakur, Mrinal

2006-03-01

As recently reported, the electrical conductivity of the nonconjugated polymer, poly(beta-pinene) increases by more than ten orders of magnitude upon doping with iodine [1]. The FTIR, optical absorption and EPR measurements have shown that radical cations are formed upon doping and charge-transfer involving the isolated double-bond in poly(beta-pinene). In this report, exceptionally large two-photon absorption in iodine-doped poly(beta-pinene) will be discussed. The linear absorption spectrum of medium-doped poly(beta-pinene) have peaks at about 4 eV and 3.1 eV. The first peak is due to the radical cation and the second due to the charge-transfer between the double bond and the dopant. The two-photon absorption of the medium-doped polymer has been measured at 730-860 nm using open-aperture z-scan with 150 femtosecond pulses from a Ti:Sapphire laser. A two-photon peak at about 1.5 eV with a magnitude of more than 1 cm/MW has been observed. The large magnitude of the two-photon absorption coefficient which is proportional to the imaginary part of the third order susceptibility has been attributed to the special structure of the radical cation and the confinement within a sub-nanometer dimension. [1] Vippa, Rajagopalan and Thakur, J. Poly. Sci. Part B: Poly. Phys., 43, 3695 (2005).

[Degradation of the herbicide atrazine by the soil mycelial fungus INBI 2-26(-)--a producer of cellobiose dehydrogenase].

PubMed

Khromonygina, V V; Saltykova, A I; Vasil'chenko, L G; Kozlov, Iu P; Rabinovich, M L

2004-01-01

Nonsporulating mycelial fungi producing cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) and isolated from soils of South Vietnam with high residual content of dioxins are capable of growing on a solid medium in the presence of high atrazine concentrations (to 500 mg/l). At 20 and 50 mg/l atrazine, the area of fungal colonies was 1.5-1.2-fold larger, respectively, compared with control colonies of the same age, whereas development of the colonies at 500 mg/l atrazine was delayed by 5 days, compared with controls grown in the absence of atrazine. Surface cultivation of the fungus on a minimal medium with glucose as a sole source of carbon and energy decreased the initial concentration of atrazine (20 mg/l) 50 times in 40 days; in addition, no pronounced sorption of atrazine by mycelium was detected. This was paralleled by accumulation in the culture medium of extracellular CDH; atrazine increased the synthesis of this enzyme two- to threefold. Accumulation of beta-glucosidase (a mycelium-associated enzyme) and cellulases preceded the formation of CDH.

Convective instability in a porous enclosure with a horizontal conducting baffle

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, F.; Wang, C.Y.

1993-08-01

The study of heat transfer in a fluid-saturated porous medium is essential in a variety of practical situations, including thermal insulation design and geothermal energy utilization. The present paper studies the convective instability in a two-dimensional porous enclosure with a horizontal baffle protruding from one of the side walls. The vertical side walls are insulated, while the top and bottom surfaces are maintained at lower and higher constant temperatures, respectively. The present work considers a baffle of high conductivity. We assume the baffle temperature can be considered constant throughout. We ask, for a given enclosure aspect ratio, is the additionmore » of another physical constraint (such as lengthening a baffle) always stabilizing Is there an optimum baffle location and length such that the critical Rayleigh number is maximized In summary, several concluding remarks can be drawn in the following: (1) Other dimensions being same, a centered baffle always results in a more stable state than an off-centered baffle. (2) A full-length baffle, i.e., [beta]/[sigma] = 1, does not necessarily lead to greater stability. Instead, the value of ([beta]/[sigma])[sub max] is usually less than unity. For a centered baffle, the maximum R[sup c] occurs for [beta]/[sigma] [ge] ([beta]/[sigma])[sub max]; while for an off-centered baffle, the maximum R[sup c] occurs at ([beta]/[sigma])[sub max]. (3) The value of ([beta]/[sigma])[sub max] increases with [sigma]. 6 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.« less

Tumor evasion of the immune system by converting CD4+CD25- T cells into CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells: role of tumor-derived TGF-beta.

PubMed

Liu, Victoria C; Wong, Larry Y; Jang, Thomas; Shah, Ali H; Park, Irwin; Yang, Ximing; Zhang, Qiang; Lonning, Scott; Teicher, Beverly A; Lee, Chung

2007-03-01

CD4+CD25+ T regulatory (T(reg)) cells were initially described for their ability to suppress autoimmune diseases in animal models. An emerging interest is the potential role of T(reg) cells in cancer development and progression because they have been shown to suppress antitumor immunity. In this study, CD4+CD25- T cells cultured in conditioned medium (CM) derived from tumor cells, RENCA or TRAMP-C2, possess similar characteristics as those of naturally occurring T(reg) cells, including expression of Foxp3, a crucial transcription factor of T(reg) cells, production of low levels of IL-2, high levels of IL-10 and TGF-beta, and the ability to suppress CD4+CD25- T cell proliferation. Further investigation revealed a critical role of tumor-derived TGF-beta in converting CD4+CD25- T cells into T(reg) cells because a neutralizing Ab against TGF-beta, 1D11, completely abrogated the induction of T(reg) cells. CM from a nontumorigenic cell line, NRP-152, or irradiated tumor cells did not convert CD4+CD25- T cells to T(reg) cells because they produce low levels of TGF-beta in CM. Finally, we observed a reduced tumor burden in animals receiving 1D11. The reduction in tumor burden correlated with a decrease in tumor-derived TGF-beta. Treatment of 1D11 also reduced the conversion of CD4+ T cells into T(reg) cells and subsequent T(reg) cell-mediated suppression of antitumor immunity. In summary, we have demonstrated that tumor cells directly convert CD4+CD25- T cells to T(reg) cells through production of high levels of TGF-beta, suggesting a possible mechanism through which tumor cells evade the immune system.

The High Field Ultra Low Aspect Ratio Tokamak (HF-ULART)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro, Celso

2017-10-01

Recently, a medium-size HF-ULART has been proposed. The major objective is to explore the high beta and pressure under the high toroidal field, using present day technology. This might be one of pathway scenarios for a potential ultra-compact pulsed neutron source (UCP-NS) based on the spherical tokamak (ST) concept, which may lead to more steady-state NS or even to a fusion reactor, via realistic design scaling. The HF-ULART pulsed mode operation is created by quasi-simultaneous adiabatic compression (AC) in both minor and major radius of a very high beta plasma, possibly with further help of passive-wall stabilization, as envisaged in the RULART concept. This may help the revival of the studies of the AC technique in tokamaks, alongside the less compact and more complex ST-40 device, currently under construction. In addition, by similarities, studies in HF-ULART as a UCP-NS may also help to test the feasibility of the compact NS via the spheromak concept, which also uses the AC technique. Simulations of AC in HF-ULART plasmas will be presented.

Conversion of immortal liver progenitor cells into pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells by persistent expression of Pdx-1.

PubMed

Jin, Cai-Xia; Li, Wen-Lin; Xu, Fang; Geng, Zhen H; He, Zhi-Ying; Su, Juan; Tao, Xin-Rong; Ding, Xiao-Yan; Wang, Xin; Hu, Yi-Ping

2008-05-01

The conversion of expandable liver progenitor cells into pancreatic beta cells would provide a renewable cell source for diabetes cell therapy. Previously, we reported the establishment of liver epithelial progenitor cells (LEPCs). In this work, LEPCs were modified into EGFP/Pdx-1 LEPCs, cells with stable expression of both Pdx-1 and EGFP. Unlike previous work, with persistent expression of Pdx-1, EGFP/Pdx-1 LEPCs acquired the phenotype of pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells rather than giving rise to insulin-producing cells directly. EGFP/Pdx-1 LEPCs proliferated vigorously and expressed the crucial transcription factors involved in beta cell development, including Ngn3, NeuroD, Nkx2.2, Nkx6.1, Pax4, Pax6, Isl1, MafA and endogenous Pdx-1, but did not secrete insulin. When cultured in high glucose/low serum medium supplemented with cytokines, EGFP/Pdx-1 LEPCs stopped proliferating and gave rise to functional beta cells without any evidence of exocrine or other islet cell lineage differentiation. When transplanted into diabetic SCID mice, EGFP/Pdx-1 LEPCs ameliorated hyperglycemia by secreting insulin in a glucose regulated manner. Considering the limited availability of beta cells, we propose that our experiments will provide a framework for utilizing the immortal liver progenitor cells as a renewable cell source for the generation of functional pancreatic beta cells.

Proliferation of NS0 cells in protein-free medium: the role of cell-derived proteins, known growth factors and cellular receptors.

PubMed

Spens, Erika; Häggström, Lena

2009-05-20

NS0 cells proliferate without external supply of growth factors in protein-free media. We hypothesize that the cells produce their own factors to support proliferation. Understanding the mechanisms behind this autocrine regulation of proliferation may open for the novel approaches to improve animal cell processes. The following proteins were identified in NS0 conditioned medium (CM): cyclophilin A, cyclophilin B (CypB), cystatin C, D-dopachrome tautomerase, IL-25, isopentenyl-diphosphate delta-isomerase, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), beta(2)-microglobulin, Niemann pick type C2, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor, thioredoxin-1, TNF-alpha, tumour protein translationally controlled 1 and ubiquitin. Further, cDNA microarray analysis indicated that the genes for IL-11, TNF receptor 6, TGF-beta receptor 1 and the IFN-gamma receptor were transcribed. CypB, IFN-alpha/beta/gamma, IL-11, IL-25, MIF, TGF-beta and TNF-alpha as well as the known growth factors EGF, IGF-I/II, IL-6, leukaemia inhibitory factor and oncostatin M (OSM) were excluded as involved in autocrine regulation of NS0 cell proliferation. The receptors for TGF-beta, IGF and OSM are however present in NS0 cell membranes since TGF-beta(1) caused cell death, and IGF-I/II and OSM improved cell growth. Even though no ligand was found, the receptor subunit gp130, active in signal transduction of the IL-6 like proteins, was shown to be essential for NS0 cells as demonstrated by siRNA gene silencing.

The regulation of progesterone receptor by 17 beta estradiol and tamoxifen in the Zr-75-1 human breast cancer cell line in defined medium.

PubMed

Allegra, J C; Korat, O; Do, H M; Lippman, M

1981-01-01

The regulation of progesterone receptor by 17 beta estradiol and tamoxifen in the ZR-75-1 human breast cancer cell line in defined medium is described. ZR-75-1 cells maintained in serum free hormone supplemented medium minus estradiol lack progesterone receptor activity. Readdition of estradiol to these cells leads to a marked stimulation of progesterone receptor activity (0 to greater than 100 fmols of specifically bound progesterone per million cells). Tamoxifen (10(-6)M-10(-8)M) does not stimulate progesterone receptor activity in this cell line. The presence of progesterone receptor activity is not directly related to growth. Withdrawal of insulin in the continued presence of estradiol has no effect on progesterone receptor concentration although net cell growth ceases. Conversely, withdrawal of estradiol in the continued presence of insulin induces a cessation of net cell growth accompanied by a loss of all progesterone receptor activity within 3-5 days.

Structure and characteristics of an endo-beta-1,4-glucanase, isolated from Trametes hirsuta, with high degradation to crystalline cellulose.

PubMed

Nozaki, Kouichi; Seki, Takahiro; Matsui, Keiko; Mizuno, Masahiro; Kanda, Takahisa; Amano, Yoshihiko

2007-10-01

Trametes hirsuta produced cellulose-degrading enzymes when it was grown in a cellulosic medium such as Avicel or wheat bran. An endo-beta-1,4-glucanase (ThEG) was purified from the culture filtrate, and the gene and the cDNA were isolated. The gene consisted of an open reading frame encoding 384 amino acids, interrupted by 11 introns. The whole sequence showed high homology with that of family 5 glycoside hydrolase. The properties of the recombinant enzyme (rEG) in Aspergillus oryzae were compared with those of the En-1 from Irpex lacteus, which showed the highest homology among all the endoglucanases reported. The rEG activity against Avicel was about 8 times higher than that of En-1 when based on CMC degradation. A remarkable structural difference between the two enzymes was the length of the linker connecting the cellulose-binding domain to the catalytic domain.

The relationship of exercise to anovulatory cycles in female athletes: hormonal and physical characteristics.

PubMed

Russell, J B; Mitchell, D; Musey, P I; Collins, D C

1984-04-01

The objective of this study was to examine the mechanisms by which physical activity affects the menstrual cycle. Women with high, medium, and low levels of physical activity were compared for menstrual function, physical characteristics, and urinary and serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, estradiol-17 beta, and 2-hydroxyestrone. None of the physical characteristics other than age and muscle area were significantly different in the three groups. The percentage of body fat did not appear to be a factor in the amenorrhea induced by strenuous exercise, as the percent of body fat in all three groups was less than 22%. The group of athletes under strenuous exercise which correlated with oligomenorrhea had decreased serum levels of luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and estradiol-17 beta but elevated levels of 2-hydroxyestrone. These data suggest that anovulatory cycles are correlated with the amount of exercise and increased levels of catechol estrogens. Catecholamines and beta-endorphin elevated by exercise may interact to suppress luteinizing hormone release at the hypothalamic pituitary axis.

Application of microalgal fucoxanthin for the reduction of colon cancer risk: inhibitory activity of fucoxanthin against beta-glucuronidase and DLD-1 cancer cells.

PubMed

Kawee-Ai, Arthitaya; Kim, Sang Moo

2014-07-01

Intestinal bacterial beta-glucuronidases are capable of retoxifying compounds that have been detoxified by liver glucuronidation and are also known to accelerate colon cancer invasion and metastasis. In this study, fucoxanthin extracted from the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum was investigated for its inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli beta-glucuronidase and DLD-1 cancer cells. Fucoxanthin inhibited beta-glucuronidase in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 2.32 mM and a mixed inhibition type. Fucoxanthin had more potent inhibitory activity on beta-glucuronidase at 37 degrees C and in alkaline conditions. Fucoxanthin also inhibited the beta-glucuronidase activity of DLD-1 cancer cells at a concentration of 20-50 microM. The presence of beta-glucuronidase and substrate in the medium decreased the inhibitory activity of fucoxanthin against DLD-1 cancer cells. Therefore, microalgal fucoxanthin might prevent colon cancer because of its strong beta-glucuronidase inhibitory activity and could be utilized as a novel functional ingredient of food and pharmaceutical supplements.

Decursin suppresses human androgen-independent PC3 prostate cancer cell proliferation by promoting the degradation of beta-catenin.

PubMed

Song, Gyu-Yong; Lee, Jee-Hyun; Cho, Munju; Park, Byeoung-Soo; Kim, Dong-Eun; Oh, Sangtaek

2007-12-01

Alterations in the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway are associated with the development and progression of human prostate cancer. Decursin, a pyranocoumarin isolated from the Korean Angelica gigas root, inhibits the growth of androgen-independent human prostate cancer cells, but little is known about its mechanism of action. Using a cell-based screen, we found that decursin attenuates the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Decursin antagonized beta-catenin response transcription (CRT), which was induced with Wnt3a-conditioned medium and LiCl, by promoting the degradation of beta-catenin. Furthermore, decursin suppressed the expression of cyclin D1 and c-myc, which are downstream target genes of beta-catenin and thus inhibited the growth of PC3 prostate cancer cells. In contrast, decursinol, in which the (CH3)2-C=CH-COO- side chain of decursin is replaced with -OH, had no effect on CRT, the level of intracellular beta-catenin, or PC3 cell proliferation. Our findings suggest that decursin exerts its anticancer activity in prostate cancer cells via inhibition of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway.

Wide-range antifungal antagonism of Paenibacillus ehimensis IB-X-b and its dependence on chitinase and beta-1,3-glucanase production.

PubMed

Aktuganov, G; Melentjev, A; Galimzianova, N; Khalikova, E; Korpela, T; Susi, P

2008-07-01

Previously, we isolated a strain of Bacillus that had antifungal activity and produced lytic enzymes with fungicidal potential. In the present study, we identified the bacterium as Paenibacillus ehimensis and further explored its antifungal properties. In liquid co-cultivation assays, P. ehimensis IB-X-b decreased biomass production of several pathogenic fungi by 45%-75%. The inhibition was accompanied by degradation of fungal cell walls and alterations in hyphal morphology. Residual medium from cultures of P. ehimensis IB-X-b inhibited fungal growth, indicating the inhibitors were secreted into the medium. Of the 2 major lytic enzymes, chitinases were only induced by chitin-containing substrates, whereas beta-1,3-glucanase showed steady levels in all carbon sources. Both purified chitinase and beta-1,3-glucanase degraded cell walls of macerated fungal mycelia, whereas only the latter also degraded cell walls of intact mycelia. The results indicate synergism between the antifungal action mechanisms of these enzymes in which beta-1,3-glucanase is the initiator of the cell wall hydrolysis, whereas the degradation process is reinforced by chitinases. Paenibacillus ehimensis IB-X-b has pronounced antifungal activity with a wide range of fungi and has potential as a biological control agent against plant pathogenic fungi.

Implications of high-velocity interstellar H I absorption features

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cowie, L.; York, D. G.; Laurent, C.; Vidal-Madjar, A.

1979-01-01

Contributions to the interstellar H I column density at high velocities from immediate postshock gas and from the cooling gas behind a shock are compared. The detection of high-velocity H I in L-epsilon and L-delta for Iota Ori is reported and interpreted as cooling gas behind a shock of 100 km/s velocity. The immediate postshock gas should be observable for shock velocities greater than 200 km/s and permits direct determination of the velocities of adiabatic shocks in the interstellar medium. It is pointed out that interstellar L-alpha and L-beta lines may not have purely Lorentzian profiles if high-velocity H I is a widespread phenomenon.

Enhancement of tissue engineered bone formation by a low pressure system improving cell seeding and medium perfusion into a porous scaffold.

PubMed

Wang, Juyong; Asou, Yoshinori; Sekiya, Ichiro; Sotome, Shinichi; Orii, Hisaya; Shinomiya, Kenichi

2006-05-01

To obtain more extensive bone formation in composites of porous ceramics and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), we hypothesized that a low-pressure system would serve to facilitate the perfusion of larger number of BMSCs into the porous scaffold, enhancing bone formation within the composites. After culturing BMSCs in osteogenic medium, porous blocks of beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) were soaked in the cell suspension. Composites of the block and BMSCs were put immediately into a vacuum desiccator. Low pressure was applied to the low pressure group, while controls were left at atmospheric pressure. Composites were incubated in vitro or subcutaneously implanted into syngeneic rats, then analyzed biologically and histologically. In the in vitro group, cell suspension volume, cell seeding efficiency, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and DNA content in the beta-TCP blocks were significantly higher in low pressure group than in the controls. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that a greater number of cells covered the central parts of the composites in the low pressure group. ALP activity in the composites was increased at 3 and 6 weeks after implantation into rats. Histomorphometric analysis revealed more uniform and extensive bone formation in the low pressure group than in the controls. The application of low pressure during the seeding of BMSCs in perfusing medium into a porous scaffold is useful for tissue-engineered bone formation.

Extensive esterification of adrenal C19-delta 5-sex steroids to long-chain fatty acids in the ZR-75-1 human breast cancer cell line

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poulin, R.; Poirier, D.; Merand, Y.

1989-06-05

Estrogen-sensitive human breast cancer cells (ZR-75-1) were incubated with the 3H-labeled adrenal C19-delta 5-steroids dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its fully estrogenic derivative, androst-5-ene-3 beta,17 beta-diol (delta 5-diol) for various time intervals. When fractionated by solvent partition, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and silica gel TLC, the labeled cell components were largely present (40-75%) in three highly nonpolar, lipoidal fractions. Mild alkaline hydrolysis of these lipoidal derivatives yielded either free 3H-labeled DHEA or delta 5-diol. The three lipoidal fractions cochromatographed with the synthetic DHEA 3 beta-esters, delta 5-diol 3 beta (or 17 beta)-monoesters and delta 5-diol 3 beta,17 beta-diesters of long-chain fatty acids.more » DHEA and delta 5-diol were mainly esterified to saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids. For delta 5-diol, the preferred site of esterification of the fatty acids is the 3 beta-position while some esterification also takes place at the 17 beta-position. Time course studies show that ZR-75-1 cells accumulate delta 5-diol mostly (greater than 95%) as fatty acid mono- and diesters while DHEA is converted to delta 5-diol essentially as the esterified form. Furthermore, while free C19-delta 5-steroids rapidly diffuse out of the cells after removal of the precursor (3H)delta 5-diol, the fatty acid ester derivatives are progressively hydrolyzed, and DHEA and delta 5-diol thus formed are then sulfurylated prior to their release into the culture medium. The latter process however is rate-limited, since new steady-state levels of free steroids and fatty acid esters are rapidly reached and maintained for extended periods of time after removal of precursor, thus maintaining minimal concentrations of intracellular steroids.« less

Beta decay of the fission product 125Sb and a new complete evaluation of absolute gamma ray transition intensities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajput, M. U.; Ali, N.; Hussain, S.; Mujahid, S. A.; MacMahon, D.

2012-04-01

The radionuclide 125Sb is a long-lived fission product, which decays to 125Te by negative beta emission with a half-life of 1008 day. The beta decay is followed by the emission of several gamma radiations, ranging from low to medium energy, that can suitably be used for high-resolution detector calibrations, decay heat calculations and in many other applications. In this work, the beta decay of 125Sb has been studied in detail. The complete published experimental data of relative gamma ray intensities in the beta decay of the radionuclide 125Sb has been compiled. The consistency analysis was performed and discrepancies found at several gamma ray energies. Evaluation of the discrepant data was carried out using Normalized Residual and RAJEVAL methods. The decay scheme balance was carried out using beta branching ratios, internal conversion coefficients, populating and depopulating gamma transitions to 125Te levels. The work has resulted in the consistent conversion factor equal to 29.59(13) %, and determined a new evaluated set of the absolute gamma ray emission probabilities. The work has also shown 22.99% of the delayed intensity fraction as outgoing from the 58 d isomeric 144 keV energy level and 77.01% of the prompt intensity fraction reaching to the ground state from the other excited states. The results are discussed and compared with previous evaluations. The present work includes additional experimental data sets which were not included in the previous evaluations. A new set of recommended relative and absolute gamma ray emission probabilities is presented.

Transformation of bile acids into iso-bile acids by Clostridium perfringens: possible transport of 3 beta-hydrogen via the coenzyme.

PubMed

Batta, A K; Salen, G; Shefer, S

1985-01-01

We have examined the mechanism for the bacterial transformation of chenodeoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid into the corresponding 3 beta-hydroxy epimers with the use of 3 alpha- and 3 beta-tritiated bile acids. The 3-oxo bile acids were transformed into the 3 alpha- (85%) and 3 beta- (15%) hydroxy bile acids after 20-hr incubation with Clostridium perfringens. Approximately 75% radioactivity was recovered in the aqueous medium when [3 beta-3H]chenodeoxycholic acid or [3 beta-3H]lithocholic acid was incubated with the bacteria, and approximately 15% of radioactivity in the bile acid fraction was associated with the 3 alpha-position of the iso-bile acids. When [3 beta-3H]chenodeoxycholic acid was incubated with unlabeled 3-oxo-5 beta-cholanoic acid, tritiated litho- and iso-lithocholic acids were recovered. These results can be explained only when a 3-oxo intermediate is postulated, and the 3 beta-hydrogen in the bile acids is transferred by the bacterial coenzyme (NAD+ or NADP+) to the 3 alpha-position in the iso-bile acids during the reduction of the 3-oxo compounds.

Purification and characterization of NADP-dependent 7 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Peptostreptococcus productus strain b-52.

PubMed

Masuda, N; Oda, H; Tanaka, H

1983-01-04

An NADP-dependent 7 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase was purified 11.5-fold over the activity in crude cell extracts prepared from Peptostreptococcus productus strain b-52, by using Sephadex G-200 and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. 7 beta-Dehydrogenation was the sole transformation of bile acids catalyzed by the partially purified enzyme. The enzyme preparation (spec. act. 2.781 IU per mg protein) had an optimum pH of 9.8. Lineweaver-Burk plots showed a Michaelis constant (Km) value of 0.05 mM for 3 alpha, 7 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoic acid whereas higher values were obtained with 3 alpha,7 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoyl glycine (0.20 mM), and 3 alpha,7 beta-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoyl taurine (0.26 mM). NADP but not NAD could function as an electron acceptor, and had a Km value of 0.30 mM. A molecular weight of 64000 was determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The addition of 0.4 mM of either bile acid to the growth medium suppressed not only cell growth, but also the enzyme yield.

IL-1beta suppresses the formation of osteoclasts by increasing OPG production via an autocrine mechanism involving celecoxib-related prostaglandins in chondrocytes.

PubMed

Watanabe, Yusuke; Namba, Aki; Aida, Yukiko; Honda, Kazuhiro; Tanaka, Hideki; Suzuki, Naoto; Matsumura, Hideo; Maeno, Masao

2009-01-01

Elevated interleukin (IL)-1 concentrations in synovial fluid have been implicated in joint bone and cartilage destruction. Previously, we showed that IL-1beta stimulated the expression of prostaglandin (PG) receptor EP4 via increased PGE(2) production. However, the effect of IL-1beta on osteoclast formation via chondrocytes is unclear. Therefore, we examined the effect of IL-1beta and/or celecoxib on the expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in human chondrocytes, and the indirect effect of IL-1beta on osteoclast-like cell formation using RAW264.7 cells. OPG and RANKL expression increased with IL-1beta; whereas M-CSF expression decreased. Celecoxib blocked the stimulatory effect of IL-1beta. Conditioned medium from IL-1beta-treated chondrocytes decreased TRAP staining in RAW264.7 cells. These results suggest that IL-1beta suppresses the formation of osteoclast-like cells via increased OPG production and decreased M-CSF production in chondrocytes, and OPG production may increase through an autocrine mechanism involving celecoxib-related PGs.

Effects of carprofen and dexamethasone on canine chondrocytes in a three-dimensional culture model of osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Dvorak, Laura D; Cook, James L; Kreeger, John M; Kuroki, Keiichi; Tomlinson, James L

2002-10-01

To determine effects of carprofen and dexamethasone on chondrocytes in a culture model of osteoarthritis (OA). Chondrocytes isolated from articular cartilage of the humeral head of 5 adult dogs. Chondrocytes were harvested, cultured and subcultured in monolayer, and then cultured in a 3-dimensional (3-D) medium. Cells from each dog were distributed into 6 groups with differing content of liquid medium for each 3-D construct (agarose [AG], AG plus interleukin [IL]-1beta, AG plus carprofen [4 microg/mL], AG plus dexamethasone [1 mg/mL], AG plus IL-1beta [20 ng/mL] plus carprofen [4 microg/mL], and AG plus IL-1beta (20 ng/mL) plus dexamethasone (1 mg/mL). On days 3, 6, 12, and 20 of culture, samples from all groups were collected. Liquid media were assayed for glycosaminoglycan, prostaglandin (PG)E2, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-3, and MMP-13 concentrations. All 3-D constructs were evaluated for viability, cell morphology, proteoglycan staining, and collagen type-II concentration. Total glycosaminoglycan content in each 3-D construct was quantitated by spectrophotometric assay. Addition of IL-1beta caused a significant loss of cell viability and matrix production. Addition of carprofen or dexamethasone caused significant decreases in PGE2 in the liquid media, and each was minimally effective in protecting chondrocytes against negative effects of IL-1beta. Human recombinant IL-1beta resulted in loss of cell viability, alterations in extracellular matrix components, and production of PG and MMP Carprofen and dexamethasone had little effect on cell and matrix variables but did decrease PGE2 concentrations and primarily affected the inflammatory pathway of osteoarthritis.

Lack of constitutive beta-glucosidase (esculinase) in the genus Fusobacterium.

PubMed Central

Edberg, S C; Bell, S R

1985-01-01

Esculin has been incorporated into both a medium and test with 20% bile for many years to differentiate Bacteroides from Fusobacterium organisms. After 24 to 48 h, all members of the Bacteroides fragilis group grow in 20% bile and hydrolyze esculin. Fusobacterium mortiferum can both grow in bile and hydrolyze esculin, thus limiting the use of the bile-esculin medium and test. The hypothesis that constitutive esculinase (beta-glucosidase) could differentiate Bacteroides from Fusobacterium organisms was investigated. Clinical isolates and American Type Culture Collection clones of the B. fragilis group and other species of Bacteroides and Fusobacterium were tested. All B. fragilis were positive within 30 min. In no case was a Fusobacterium organism positive for constitutive enzyme in a hydrolyzable substrate-based test. The percentage of positive results for other species of Bacteroides agreed with those published in the literature for the esculin test. The genus Fusobacterium can be separated from Bacteroides organisms based on a lack of constitutive beta-glucosidase in the former in a 30-min one-tube test. PMID:3930563

The role of outer membrane in Serratia marcescens intrinsic resistance to antibiotics.

PubMed

Sánchez, L; Ruiz, N; Leranoz, S; Viñas, M; Puig, M

1997-09-01

Three different porins from Serratia marcescens were described. They were named Omp1, Omp2 and Omp3 and their molecular weights were 42, 40 and 39 kDa respectively. Omp2 and Omp3 showed osmoregulation and thermoregulation in a similar way to OmpC and OmpF of Escherichia coli. Permeability coefficients of the outer membrane of this species were calculated following the Zimmermann and Rosselet method. P values were similar to those obtained in Escherichia coli, which suggests that the chromosomal beta-lactamase would play a major role in the resistance of Serratia marcescens to beta-lactam antibiotics. Both MIC values and permeabilities were modified by salycilates and acetylsalycilate. Synergism between the outer membrane and the beta-lactamase was also evaluated. When bacteria grew in the presence of a beta-lactam in the medium, the beta-lactamase accounted for most of the resistance.

Isoreserpine promotes {beta}-catenin degradation via Siah-1 up-regulation in HCT116 colon cancer cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gwak, Jungsug; Song, Taeyun; Song, Jie-Young

2009-09-25

Aberrant accumulation of intracellular {beta}-catenin in intestinal epithelial cells is a frequent early event during the development of colon cancer. To identify small molecules that decrease the level of intracellular {beta}-catenin, we performed cell-based chemical screening using genetically engineered HEK293 reporter cells to detect compounds that inhibit TOPFlash reporter activity, which was stimulated by Wnt3a-conditioned medium. We found that isoreserpine promoted the degradation of intracellular {beta}-catenin by up-regulation of Siah-1 in HEK293 and HCT116 colon cancer cells. Moreover, isoreserpine repressed the expression of {beta}-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF)-dependent genes, such as cyclin D1 and c-myc, resulting in the suppression of HCT116 cellmore » proliferation. Our findings suggest that isoreserpine can potentially be used as a chemotherapeutic agent against colon cancer.« less

Biochemical characterization of cholesterol-reducing Eubacterium.

PubMed

Mott, G E; Brinkley, A W; Mersinger, C L

1980-12-01

We characterized two isolates of cholesterol-reducing Eubacterium by conducting conventional biochemical tests and by testing various sterols and glycerolipids as potential growth factors. In media containing cholesterol and plasmenylethanolamine, the tests for nitrate reduction, indole production, and gelatin and starch hydrolyses were negative, and no acid was produced from any of 22 carbohydrates. Both isolates hydrolyzed esculin to esculetin, indicating beta-glycosidase activity. In addition to plasmenylethanolamine, five other lipids which contain an alkenyl ether residue supported growth of Eubacterium strain 403 in a lecithin-cholesterol base medium. Of six steroids tested, cholesterol, cholest-4-en-3-one, cholest-4-en-3 beta-ol (allocholesterol), and androst-5-en-3 beta-ol-17-one supported growth of Eubacterium strain 403. All four steroids were reduced to the 3 beta-ol, 5 beta-H products. The delta 5 steroids cholest-5-en-3 alpha-ol (epicholesterol) and 22,23-bisnor-5-cholenic acid-3-beta-ol were not reduced and did not support growth of the Eubacterium strain.

A simulation of the intracluster medium with feedback from cluster galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Metzler, Christopher A.; Evrard, August E.

1994-01-01

We detail method and report first results from a three-dimensional hydrodynamical and N-body simulation of the formation and evolution of a Coma-sized cluster of galaxies, with the intent of studying the history of the hot, X-ray emitting intracluster medium. Cluster gas, galaxies, and dark matter are included in the model. The galaxies and dark matter fell gravitational forces; the cluster gas also undergoes hydrodynamical effects such as shock heating and PdV work. For the first time in three dimensions, we include modeling of ejection of processed gas from the simulated galaxies by winds, including heating and heavy element enrichment. For comparison, we employ a `pure infall' simulation using the same initial conditions but with no galaxies or winds. We employ an extreme ejection history for galactic feedback in order to define the boundary of likely models. As expected, feedback raises the entropy of the intracluster gas, preventing it from collapsing to densities as high as those attained in the infall model. The effect is more pronounced in subclusters formed at high redshift. The cluster with feedback is always less X-ray luminous, but experiences more rapid luminosity evolution, than the pure infall cluster. Even employing an extreme ejection model, the final gas temperature is only approximately 15% larger than in the infall model. The radial temperature profile is very nearly isothermal within 1.5 Mpc. The cluster galaxies in the feedback model have a velocity dispersion approximately 15% lower than the dark matter. This results in the true ratio of specific energies in galaxies to gas being less than one, beta(sub spec) approximately 0.7. The infall model predicts beta(sub spec) approximately 1.2. Large excursions in these values occur over time, following the complex dynamical history of the cluster. The morphology of the X-ray emission is little affected by feedback. The emission profiles of both clusters are well described by the standard beta-model with beta(sub fit) approximately equal to 0.7 - 0.9. X-ray mass estimates based on the assumptions of hydrostatic equilibrium and the applicability of the beta-model are quite accurate in both cases. A strong, radial iron abundance gradient is present, which develops as a consequence of the steepening of the galaxy density profile over time. Spectroscopic observations using nonimaging detectors with wide (approximately 45 min) fields of view dramatically smear the gradient. Observations with arcminute resolution, made available with the ASCA satellite, would readily resolve the gradient.

Deriving the Coronal Magnetic Field Using Parametric Transformation Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gary, G. Allen; Rose, M. Franklin (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

When plasma-beta greater than 1 then the gas pressure dominates over the magnetic pressure. This ratio as a function along the coronal magnetic field lines varies from beta greater than 1 in the photosphere at the base of the field lines, to beta much less than 1 in the mid-corona, to beta greater than 1 in the upper corona. Almost all magnetic field extrapolations do not or cannot take into account the full range of beta. They essentially assume beta much less than 1, since the full boundary conditions do not exist in the beta greater than 1 regions. We use a basic parametric representation of the magnetic field lines such that the field lines can be manipulated to match linear features in the EUV and SXR coronal images in a least squares sense. This research employs free-form deformation mathematics to generate the associated coronal magnetic field. In our research program, the complex magnetic field topology uses Parametric Transformation Analysis (PTA) which is a new and innovative method to describe the coronal fields that we are developing. In this technique the field lines can be viewed as being embedded in a plastic medium, the frozen-in-field-line concept. As the medium is deformed the field lines are similarly deformed. However the advantage of the PTA method is that the field line movement represents a transformation of one magnetic field solution into another magnetic field solution. When fully implemented, this method will allow the resulting magnetic field solution to fully match the magnetic field lines with EUV/SXR coronal loops by minimizing the differences in direction and dispersion of a collection of PTA magnetic field lines and observed field lines. The derived magnetic field will then allow beta greater than 1 regions to be included, the electric currents to be calculated, and the Lorentz force to be determined. The advantage of this technique is that the solution is: (1) independent of the upper and side boundary conditions, (2) allows non-vanishing magnetic forces, and (3) provides a global magnetic field solution, which contains high- and low-beta regimes and maximizes the similarity between the field lines structure and all the coronal images of the region. The coronal image analysis is crucial to the investigation and for the first time these images can be exploited to derive the coronal magnetic field in a well-posed mathematical formulation. This program is an outgrowth of an investigation in which an extrapolated potential field was required to be "inflated" in order to have the field lines match the Yohkoh/SXT images. The field lines were radially stretched resulting in a better match to the coronal loops of an active region. The PTA method of radial and non-radial deformations of field lines to provide a match to the EUV/SXR images will be presented.

Relating to ion detection

DOEpatents

Orr, Christopher Henry; Luff, Craig Janson; Dockray, Thomas; Macarthur, Duncan Whittemore

2001-01-01

The apparatus and method provide a technique for improving detection of alpha and/or beta emitting sources on items or in locations using indirect means. The emission forms generate ions in a medium surrounding the item or location and the medium is then moved to a detecting location where the ions are discharged to give a measure of the emission levels. To increase the level of ions generated and render the system particularly applicable for narrow pipes and other forms of conduits, the medium pressure is increased above atmospheric pressure. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Determination of Key Flavor Components in Methylene Chloride Extracts from Processed Grapefruit Juice.

PubMed

Jella; Rouseff; Goodner; Widmer

1998-01-19

The relative correlation of 52 aroma and 5 taste components in commercial not-from-concentrate grapefruit juices with flavor panel preference was determined. Methylene chloride extracts of juice were analyzed using GC/MS with a DB-5 column. Nonvolatiles determined included limonin and naringin by HPLC, degrees Brix, total acids, and degrees Brix/acid ratio. Juice samples were classified into low, medium, or high categories, based on average taste panel preference scores (nine-point hedonic scale). Principal component analysis demonstrated that highest quality juices were tightly clustered. Discriminant analysis indicated that 82% of the samples could be identified in the correct preference category using only myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, nootkatone, and degrees Brix. Nootkatone alone was not strongly associated with preference scores. The most preferred juices were strongly associated with low myrcene, low linalool, and intermediate levels of beta-caryophyllene.

Electromagnetic fluctuation spectra of collective oscillations in magnetized Maxwellian plasmas for parallel wave vectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vafin, S.; Schlickeiser, R.; Yoon, P. H.

2016-05-01

The general electromagnetic fluctuation theory for magnetized plasmas is used to calculate the steady-state wave number spectra and total electromagnetic field strength of low-frequency collective weakly damped eigenmodes with parallel wavevectors in a Maxwellian electron-proton plasma. These result from the equilibrium of spontaneous emission and collisionless damping, and they represent the minimum electromagnetic fluctuations guaranteed in quiet thermal space plasmas, including the interstellar and interplanetary medium. Depending on the plasma beta, the ratio of |δB |/B0 can be as high as 10-12 .

Knocking out the MFE-2 gene of Candida bombicola leads to improved medium-chain sophorolipid production.

PubMed

Van Bogaert, Inge N A; Sabirova, Julia; Develter, Dirk; Soetaert, Wim; Vandamme, Erick J

2009-06-01

The nonpathogenic yeast Candida bombicola synthesizes sophorolipids. These biosurfactants are composed of the disaccharide sophorose linked to a long-chain hydroxy fatty acid and have potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and cleaning industries. In order to expand the range of application, a shift of the fatty acid moiety towards medium-chain lengths would be recommendable. However, the synthesis of medium-chain sophorolipids by C. bombicola is a challenging objective. First of all, these sophorolipids can only be obtained by fermentations on unconventional carbon sources, which often have a toxic effect on the cells. Furthermore, medium-chain substrates are partially metabolized in the beta-oxidation pathway. In order to redirect unconventional substrates towards sophorolipid synthesis, the beta-oxidation pathway was blocked on the genome level by knocking out the multifunctional enzyme type 2 (MFE-2) gene. The total gene sequence of the C. bombicola MFE-2 (6033 bp) was cloned (GenBank accession number EU371724), and the obtained nucleotide sequence was used to construct a knock-out cassette. Several knock-out mutants with the correct geno- and phenotype were evaluated in a fermentation on 1-dodecanol. All mutants showed a 1.7-2.9 times higher production of sophorolipids, indicating that in those strains the substrate is redirected towards the sophorolipid synthesis.

Effect of the association of IGF-I, IGF-II, bFGF, TGF-beta1, GM-CSF, and LIF on the development of bovine embryos produced in vitro.

PubMed

Neira, J A; Tainturier, D; Peña, M A; Martal, J

2010-03-15

This study examined the influence of the following growth factors and cytokines on early embryonic development: insulin-like growth factors I and II (IGF-I, IGF-II), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor (TGF-beta), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) was used as the culture medium. We studied the development of bovine embryos produced in vitro and cultured until Day 9 after fertilization. TGF-beta1, bFGF, GM-CSF, and LIF used on their own significantly improved the yield of hatched blastocysts. IGF-I, bFGF, TGF-beta1, GM-CSF, and LIF significantly accelerated embryonic development, especially the change from the expanded blastocyst to hatched blastocyst stages. Use of a combination of these growth factors and cytokines (GF-CYK) in SOF medium produced higher percentages of blastocysts and hatched blastocysts than did use of SOF alone (45% and 22% vs. 24% and 12%; P<0.05) on Day 8 after in vitro fertilization and similar results to use of SOF+10% fetal calf serum (38% and 16%, at the same stages, respectively). The averages of total cells, inner cell mass cells, and trophectoderm cells of exclusively in vitro Day-8 blastocysts for pooled GF-CYK treatments were higher than those for SOF and similar to those for fetal calf serum. The presence of these growth factors and cytokines in the embryo culture medium therefore has a combined stimulatory action on embryonic development; in particular through an increase in hatching rate and in the number of cells of both the inner cell mass and trophoblast. These results are the first to demonstrate that use of a combination of recombinant growth factors and cytokine, as IGF-I, IGF-II, bFGF, TGF-beta1, LIF, and GM-CSF, produces similar results to 10% fetal calf serum for the development of in vitro-produced bovine embryos. This entirely synthetic method of embryo culture has undeniable advantages for the biosecurity of embryo transfer. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shanmugam, Ganesh; Polavarapu, Prasad L.; Hallgas, Balazs

The effects of D-amino acids at Asp{sup 23} and Ser{sup 26} residues on the conformational preference of {beta}-amyloid (A{beta}) peptide fragment (A{beta}{sub 20-29}) have been studied using different spectroscopic techniques, namely vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), vibrational absorption, and electronic circular dichroism. To study the structure of the A{beta}{sub 20-29}, [D-Asp{sup 23}]A{beta}{sub 20-29}, and [D-Ser{sup 26}]A{beta}{sub 20-29} peptides under different conditions, the spectra were measured in 10 mM acetate buffer (pH 3) and in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE). The spectroscopic results indicated that at pH 3, A{beta}{sub 20-29} peptide takes random coil with {beta}-turn structure, while [D-Ser{sup 26}]A{beta}{sub 20-29} peptide adopts significant amountmore » of polyproline II (PPII) type structure along with {beta}-turn contribution and D-Asp-substituted peptide ([D-Asp{sup 23}]A{beta}{sub 20-29}) adopts predominantly PPII type structure. The increased propensity for PPII conformation upon D-amino acid substitution, in acidic medium, has important biological implications. In TFE, A{beta}{sub 20-29}, [D-Asp{sup 23}]A{beta}{sub 20-29}, and [D-Ser{sup 26}]A{beta}{sub 20-29} peptides adopt 3{sub 10}-helix, {alpha}-helix, and random coil with some {beta}-turn structures, respectively. The VCD data obtained for the A{beta} peptide films suggested that the secondary structures for the peptide films are not the same as those for corresponding solution and are also different among the A{beta} peptides studied here. This observation suggests that dehydration can have a significant influence on the structural preferences of these peptides.« less

A rich medium-chain triacylglycerol diet benefits adiposity but has adverse effects on the markers of hepatic lipogenesis and beta-oxidation.

PubMed

Chamma, Carolina Maria de Oliveira; Bargut, Thereza Cristina Lonzetti; Mandarim-de-Lacerda, Carlos Alberto; Aguila, Marcia Barbosa

2017-02-22

We investigated the increasing amounts of medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT) in the diet on hepatic lipid metabolism. Mature C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10/group). The animals received their diet for 12 weeks, as a control (C group, 10% of energy from lipids); high-fat lard (HF group, isoenergetic diet, 50% of energy from lipids with lard); a mixture of lard and MCT oil (with a gradual replacement of lard by MCT: HF-MCT25%, HF-MCT75%, and HF-MCT100% groups). At euthanasia, we collected blood and dissected the liver for analyses (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, QUICK index, and triacylglycerol, light microscopy, western blotting, and RT-qPCR). The HF diet groups showed a greater body mass gain compared to the C group, but the HF-MCT100% group showed diminished adiposity and amelioration of insulin resistance. All the HF groups also showed a clear increase in hepatic lipid accumulation, increased lipogenesis and decreased PPAR-alpha expression, although HF-MCT groups showed improved local insulin signaling. Lastly, the HF-MCT100% group had raised markers of beta-oxidation (UCP3 and MCAD) and mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC1-alpha and NRF1). In conclusion, the findings demonstrated that a high amount of MCT (HF-MCT100% group) added to an HF diet reduces the body fat accumulation and insulin resistance. However, the lipid accumulation as well as the lipid metabolism is altered in the liver of animals fed with a very high MCT diet, indicating that higher doses of MCT may be harmful in a long-term.

Cloning, expression, and characterization of a peculiar choline-binding beta-galactosidase from Streptococcus mitis.

PubMed

Campuzano, Susana; Serra, Beatriz; Llull, Daniel; García, José L; García, Pedro

2009-09-01

A Streptococcus mitis genomic DNA fragment carrying the SMT1224 gene encoding a putative beta-galactosidase was identified, cloned, and expressed in Escherichia coli. This gene encodes a protein 2,411 amino acids long with a predicted molecular mass of 268 kDa. The deduced protein contains an N-terminal signal peptide and a C-terminal choline-binding domain consisting of five consensus repeats, which facilitates the anchoring of the secreted enzyme to the cell wall. The choline-binding capacity of the protein facilitates its purification using DEAE-cellulose affinity chromatography, although its complete purification was achieved by constructing a His-tagged fusion protein. The recombinant protein was characterized as a monomeric beta-galactosidase showing a specific activity of around 2,500 U/mg of protein, with optimum temperature and pH ranges of 30 to 40 degrees C and 6.0 to 6.5, respectively. Enzyme activity is not inhibited by glucose, even at 200 mM, and remains highly stable in solution or immobilized at room temperature in the absence of protein stabilizers. In S. mitis, the enzyme was located attached to the cell surface, but a significant activity was also detected in the culture medium. This novel enzyme represents the first beta-galactosidase having a modular structure with a choline-binding domain, a peculiar property that can also be useful for some biotechnological applications.

Quantitative analysis of the synthesis and secretion of type VII collagen in cultured human dermal fibroblasts with a sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunoassay.

PubMed

Amano, Satoshi; Ogura, Yuki; Akutsu, Nobuko; Nishiyama, Toshio

2007-02-01

Type VII collagen is the major component of anchoring fibrils in the epidermal basement membrane. Its expression has been analyzed by immunostaining or Northern blotting, but rarely at the protein level. In this study, we have quantitatively examined the effects of ascorbic acid and various cytokines/growth factors on the protein synthesis and secretion of type VII collagen by human dermal fibroblasts in culture, using a developed, highly sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunoassay with two kinds of specific monoclonal antibodies against the non-collagenous domain-1. Ascorbic acid and its derivative induced a twofold increase in type VII collagen synthesis, and markedly increased the secretion of type VII collagen into the medium when compared with the control culture. This effect was not influenced by the presence of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). The synthesis of type VII collagen was elevated by TGF-beta1, platelet-derived growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1beta, but not by TGF-alpha. Thus, our data indicate that the synthesis and secretion of type VII collagen in human dermal fibroblasts are regulated by ascorbate and the enhancement of type VII collagen gene expression by cytokines/growth factors is accompanied with elevated production of type VII collagen at the protein level.

High-frequency transformation of Lobelia erinus L. by Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer.

PubMed

Tsugawa, H; Kagami, T; Suzuki, M

2004-05-01

A highly efficient transformation procedure was developed for Lobelia erinus. Leaf or cotyledon discs were inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA105 harboring the binary vector plasmid pIG121Hm, which contains a beta-glucuronidase gene with an intron as a reporter gene and both the neomycin phosphotransferase II and hygromycin phosphotransferase genes as selectable markers. The hygromycin-resistant calli produced on the selection medium were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l benzyladenine and 0.2 mg/l indole-3-acetic acid for regeneration of adventitious shoots. Transgenic plants were obtained as a result of the high regeneration rate of the transformed calli, which was as high as 83%. In contrast, no transgenic plant was obtained by the procedure of direct shoot formation following inoculation with A. tumefaciens. Transgenic plants flowered 3-4 months after transformation. Integration of the transgenes was detected using PCR and Southern blot analysis, which revealed that one to several copies were integrated into the genomes of the host plants. The transformation frequency at the stage of whole plants was very high--45% per inoculated disc. Copyright 2004 Springer-Verlag

Stable transformation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) via microprojectile bombardment of highly regenerative, green tissues derived from mature seed.

PubMed

Cho, M-J; Yano, H; Okamoto, D; Kim, H-K; Jung, H-R; Newcomb, K; Le, V K; Yoo, H S; Langham, R; Buchanan, B B; Lemaux, P G

2004-02-01

A highly efficient and reproducible transformation system for rice ( Oryza sativa L. cv. Taipei 309) was developed using microprojectile bombardment of highly regenerative, green tissues. These tissues were induced from mature seeds on NB-based medium containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and high concentrations of cupric sulfate under dim light conditions; germinating shoots and roots were completely removed. Highly regenerative, green tissues were proliferated on the same medium and used as transformation targets. From 431 explants bombarded with transgenes [i.e. a hygromycin phosphotransferase ( hpt) gene plus one of a wheat thioredoxin h ( wtrxh), a barley NADP-thioredoxin reductase ( bntr), a maize Mutator transposable element ( mudrB) or beta-glucuronidase ( uidA; gus) gene], 28 independent transgenic events were obtained after an 8- to 12-week selection period, giving a 6.5% transformation frequency. Of the 28 independent events, 17 (61%) were regenerable. Co-transformation of the second introduced transgene was detected in 81% of the transgenic lines tested. Stable integration and expression of the foreign genes in T(0) plants and T(1) progeny were confirmed by DNA hybridization, western blot analyses and germination tests.

Other Species in the Aqueous Environment of a Peptide Can Invert its Intrinsic Solvated Polyproline II/Beta Propensity: Implications for Amyloid Formation.

PubMed

Mirkin, Noemi G; Krimm, Samuel

2016-02-02

As we have previously shown, the predominance of the polyproline II conformation in the circular dichroism spectra of aqueous polypeptides is related to its lower energy than that of the beta conformation. In order to test whether this is still the case in the presence of additional components in the medium, we have calculated the energy difference between these two conformations in an alanine-dipeptide/twelve-water system without and with the addition of an HCl molecule. We find in the latter case that the beta conformer is of lower energy than the polyproline II. Energy profiles near the minima in both cases also permit conclusions about the relative entropies of these structures. These results emphasize the importance of considering the peptide-plus-medium state as the relevant entity in determining the structural properties of such systems. Such an inversion could be relevant to the formation of amyloid and could thus lead to new strategies for studying its role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Assessing the gluten content in wheat as an expression of the nutrition deficit, through beta distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pîslea, Daniela; Boldea, Marius; Sala, Florin

2013-10-01

The laboratory analysis of the gluten content of wheat in relation to the doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium used for fertilizing the soil reveals positive correlation between the two variables. The gluten content in wheat grains is an extremely important quality index in bread manufacturing. One of the farmers' objectives is to obtain high values of this index. The quality of bread manufacturing products is very sensitive to any changes in the percentage share of this indicator. The minimum limit of gluten accepted for bread manufacturing is 26%; even a small variation, of one percentage, of gluten, over this limit, changes the quality of the wheat yield, with considerable effects on the quality of bread. Therefore, farmers are interested in using crop technologies and especially fertilization in order to obtain wheat with high gluten content. Of the nutritive macronutrients, nitrogen plays a significant role in ensuring high gluten content. The definition domain of the measurements is (0;1). This ratio is not constant, but it has a tendency towards a certain medium value, depending on the chemical fertilizers, on fertilization. It follows that the statistic distribution which evaluates the phenomenon is the beta distribution.

Protein degradation in skeletal muscle during experimental hyperthyroidism in rats and the effect of beta-blocking agents.

PubMed

Angerås, U; Hasselgren, P O

1987-04-01

beta-Blocking agents are increasingly used in the management of hyperthyroid patients. The effect of this treatment on increased muscle protein breakdown in the hyperthyroid state is not known. In the present study, experimental hyperthyroidism was induced in rats by daily ip injections of T3 (100 micrograms/100 g BW) during a 10-day period. Control animals received corresponding volumes of solvent. In groups of rats the selective beta-1-blocking agent metoprolol or the nonselective beta-blocker propranolol was infused by miniosmotic pumps implanted sc on the backs of the animals. Protein degradation was measured in incubated intact soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles by determining tyrosine release into the incubation medium. The protein degradation rate in incubated extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles was increased by 50-60% during T3 treatment. Metoprolol or propranolol did not influence muscle protein breakdown in either T3-treated or control animals. The results suggest that T3-induced increased muscle proteolysis is not mediated by beta-receptors, and muscle weakness and wasting in hyperthyroidism might not be affected by beta-blockers.

Comparative degradation of oomycete, ascomycete, and basidiomycete cell walls by mycoparasitic and biocontrol fungi.

PubMed

Inglis, G D; Kawchuk, L M

2002-01-01

Fourteen fungi (primarily representing mycoparasitic and biocontrol fungi) were tested for their ability to grow on and degrade cell walls (CWs) of an oomycete (Pythium ultimum), ascomycete (Fusarium equisetii), and basidiomycete (Rhizoctonia solani), and their hydrolytic enzymes were characterized. Protein was detected in the cultural medium of eleven of the test isolates, and these fungi significantly degraded CWs over the 14-day duration of the experiment. In general, a greater level of CW degradation occurred for F. equisetii and P. ultimum than for R. solani. Fungi that degraded F. equisetii CWs were Coniothyrium minitans, Gliocladium roseum, Myrothecium verrucaria, Talaromyces flavus, and Trichoderma harzianum. Taxa degrading P ultimum CWs included Chaetomium globosum, Coniothyrium minitans, M. verrucaria, Seimatosporium sp., Talaromyces flavus, Trichoderma hamatum, Trichoderma harzianum, and Trichoderma viride. Production of extracellular protein was highly correlated with CW degradation. Considerable variation in the molecular weights of CW-degrading enzymes were detected among the test fungi and the CW substrates in zymogram electrophoresis. Multivariate analysis between CW degradation and hydrolysis of barley beta-glucan (beta1,3- and beta1,4-glucanases), laminarin (beta1,3- and beta1,6-glucanases), carboxymethyl cellulose (endo-beta1,4-glucanases), colloidal chitin (chitinases), and chitosan (chitosanases) was conducted. For F. equisetii CWs, the regression model accounted for 80% of the variability, and carboxymethyl cellulases acting together with beta-glucanases contributed an R2 of 0.52, whereas chitinases and beta-glucanases alone contributed an R2 of 0.11 and 0.12, respectively. Only 61% of the variability observed in the degradation of P. ultimum CWs was explained by the enzyme classes tested, and primarily beta-glucanases (R2 of 0.53) and carboxymethyl cellulases (R2 of 0.08) alone contributed to CW break down. Too few of the test fungi degraded R. solani CWs to perform multivariate analysis effectively. This study identified several fungi that degraded ascomyceteous and oomyceteous, and to a lesser extent, basidiomycetous CWs. An array of enzymes were implicated in CW degradation.

Characterization of NADP-dependent 7 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases from Peptostreptococcus productus and Eubacterium aerofaciens.

PubMed Central

Hirano, S; Masuda, N

1982-01-01

Peptostreptococcus productus strain b-52 (a human fecal isolate) and Eubacterium aerofaciens ATCC 25986 were found to contain NADP-dependent 7 beta-hydroxysteriod dehydrogenase activity. The enzyme was synthesized constitutively by both organisms, and the enzyme yields were suppressed by the addition of 0.5 mM 7 beta-hydroxy bile acid to the growth medium. Purification of the enzyme by chromatography resulted in preparations with 3.5 (P. productus b-52, on Sephadex G-200) and 1.8 (E. aerofaciens, on Bio-Gel A-1.5 M) times the activity of the crude cell extracts. A pH optimum of 9.8 and a molecular weight of approximately 53,000 were shown for the enzyme of strain b-52, and an optimum pH at 10.5 and a molecular weight of 45,000 was shown for that from strain ATCC 25986. Kinetic studies revealed that both enzyme preparations oxidized the 7 beta-hydroxy group in unconjugated and conjugated bile acids, a lower Km value being demonstrated with free bile acid than with glycine and taurine conjugates. No measureable activity against 3 alpha-, 7 alpha-, or 12 alpha-hydroxy groups was detected in either enzyme preparation. When tested with strain ATCC 25986, little 7 beta-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase activity was detected in cells grown in the presence of glucose in excess. The enzyme from strain b-52 was found to be heat labile (90% inactivation at 50 degrees C for 3 min) and highly sensitive to sulfhydryl inhibitors. PMID:6954878

Effect of GM-CSF on cytokine induction by soluble beta-glucan SCG in vitro in beta-glucan-treated mice.

PubMed

Hida, Toshie H; Kawaminami, Hiromi; Ishibashi, Ken-Ichi; Miura, Noriko N; Adachi, Yoshiyuki; Yadomae, Toshiro; Ohno, Naohito

2009-07-01

SCG is a 6-branched 1,3-beta-D-glucan, which are major cell wall structural components in fungi. Leukocytes from DBA/1 and DBA/2 mice are highly sensitive to SCG, producing cytokines such as GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-12p70, but not IL-6. GM-CSF plays a key biological role in this activity. In the present study, we examined the effect of giving i.p. SCG to DBA/2 mice on cytokine production in vitro. SCG was given i.p. to DBA/2 mice on day 0. Splenocytes were prepared on day 7 and cultured in the presence of SCG in vitro. The levels of cytokine production induced by SCG in vitro were lower in the cells from SCG-treated mice than in control mice. Expression of the beta-glucan receptor, dectin-1, in SCG-treated mice was comparable with that shown in control mice. However, the consumption of exogenously added rmGM-CSF in vitro was observed in SCG-treated mice. The addition of a large amount of rmGM-CSF to the culture medium resulted in larger amounts of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in SCG-treated mice than in normal mice. These results suggested that GM-CSF was closely related with the reactivity of beta-glucan. Giving SCG increased the number of macrophages and granulocytes in the spleen. These results suggested that in SCG-treated mice, a change of cell population would be related to modulation of the profile of cytokine production induced by SCG in vitro.

Biosynthesis and accumulation of osmoprotective compounds by halophytic plants of the genus Limonium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hanson, A.D.; Rathinasabapathi, B.; Gage, D.A.

1991-05-01

Analyses of quaternary ammonium compounds in leaf and root tissues of halophytic Limonium spp. using fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry revealed that only 3 out of 21 spp. accumulated glycine betaine, the common angiosperm osmolyte. The 18 other spp. accumulated {beta}-alanine betaine instead. However, all the Limonium spp. studied accumulated choline-O-sulfate and their leaf disks metabolized ({sup 14}C) choline to choline-O-sulfate. Only the glycine betaine accumulators oxidized ({sup 14}C) choline to glycine betaine and only {beta}-alanine betaine accumulators converted {beta}-({sup 14}C)alanine to {beta}-alanine betaine. When {beta}-alanine betaine and glycine betaine accumulators were salinized with NaCl, the levels of their respectivemore » betaines and of choline sulfate were closely correlated with solute potential. Glycine betaine accumulators had less choline-O-sulfate than {beta}-alanine betaine accumulators and increasing the SO{sub 4}{sup 2}/Cl ratio in the medium increased choline-O-sulfate and caused a matching decrease in glycine betaine. Thus, it appears that {beta}-alanine betaine has replaced glycine betaine in most members of this genus, eliminating a possible competition between glycine betaine and choline-O-sulfate for choline.« less

Quantifying Mold Biomass on Gypsum Board: Comparison of Ergosterol and Beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidase as Mold Biomass Parameters

PubMed Central

Reeslev, M.; Miller, M.; Nielsen, K. F.

2003-01-01

Two mold species, Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus versicolor, were inoculated onto agar overlaid with cellophane, allowing determination of a direct measurement of biomass density by weighing. Biomass density, ergosterol content, and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase (3.2.1.52) activity were monitored from inoculation to stationary phase. Regression analysis showed a good linear correlation to biomass density for both ergosterol content and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity. The same two mold species were inoculated onto wallpapered gypsum board, from which a direct biomass measurement was not possible. Growth was measured as an increase in ergosterol content and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity. A good linear correlation was seen between ergosterol content and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity. From the experiments performed on agar medium, conversion factors (CFs) for estimating biomass density from ergosterol content and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity were determined. The CFs were used to estimate the biomass density of the molds grown on gypsum board. The biomass densities estimated from ergosterol content and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase activity data gave similar results, showing significantly slower growth and lower stationary-phase biomass density on gypsum board than on agar. PMID:12839773

Role of astrocytes in reproduction and neuroprotection.

PubMed

Mahesh, Virendra B; Dhandapani, Krishnan M; Brann, Darrell W

2006-02-26

Hypothalamic astrocytes secrete TGF-beta and 3 alpha,5 alpha-tetrahydro progesterone (3 alpha,5 alpha-THP) in culture. When the astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM) was incubated with the hypothalamic cell line GT1-7, it resulted in the secretion of GnRH. Immunoneutralization with TGF-beta antibody or ultra-filteration with a 10 kDa cut off filter resulted in attenuation of the GnRH releasing ability of ACM, indicating that TGF-beta was a major factor involved with GnRH release. Treatment with estrogens increases TGF-beta secretion. These observations indicate a significant role of astrocytes in GnRH secretion. Serum-deprivation results in the death of GT1-7 neurons in culture and addition of ACM or TGF-beta to the culture, attenuates cell death. The mechanism of protection from cell death appears to involve phosphorylation of MKK4, JNK, c-Jun(Ser63), and enhancement of AP-1 binding. Co-administration of JNK inhibitors, but not MEK inhibitors attenuated ACM or TGF-beta-induced c-Jun(Ser63) phosphorylation and their neuroprotective effects. These studies suggest that astrocytes can protect neurons, at least in part, by the release of TGF-beta and activation of a c-Jun/AP-1 protective pathway.

Natural derivatives of curcumin attenuate the Wnt/{beta}-catenin pathway through down-regulation of the transcriptional coactivator p300

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ryu, Min-Jung; Cho, Munju; Song, Jie-Young

2008-12-26

Curcumin, a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been reported to suppress {beta}-catenin response transcription (CRT), which is aberrantly activated in colorectal cancer. However, the effects of its natural analogs (demethoxycurcumin [DMC] and bisdemethoxycurcumin [BDMC]) and metabolite (tetrahydrocurcumin [THC]) on the Wnt/{beta}-catenin pathway have not been investigated. Here, we show that DMC and BDMC suppressed CRT that was activated by Wnt3a conditioned-medium (Wnt3a-CM) without altering the level of intracellular {beta}-catenin, and inhibited the growth of various colon cancer cells, with comparable potency to curcumin. Additionally, DMC and BDMC down-regulated p300, which is a positive regulator of the Wnt/{beta}-catenin pathway. Notably,more » THC also inhibited CRT and cell proliferation, but to a much lesser degree than curcumin, DMC, or BDMC, indicating that the conjugated bonds in the central seven-carbon chain of curcuminoids are essential for the inhibition of Wnt/{beta}-catenin pathway and the anti-proliferative activity of curcuminoids. Thus, our findings suggest that curcumin derivatives inhibit the Wnt/{beta}-catenin pathway by decreasing the amount of the transcriptional coactivator p300.« less

Differential responses of soil microbial biomass, diversity, and compositions to altitudinal gradients depend on plant and soil characteristics.

PubMed

Ren, Chengjie; Zhang, Wei; Zhong, ZeKun; Han, Xinhui; Yang, Gaihe; Feng, Yongzhong; Ren, Guangxin

2018-01-01

Alt'itudinal gradients strongly affect plant biodiversity, but the effects on microbial patterns remain unclear, especially in the large scale. We therefore designed an altitudinal gradient experiment that covered three climate zones to monitor soil microbial community dynamics and to compare those with plant and soil characteristics. Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and ITS gene was used to analyze soil microbial (bacterial and fungal) diversity and composition, and fumigation-extraction was used to determine microbial biomass; the plant community metrics (i.e., percent cover, Shannon-Wiener, grass biomass, and carbon/nitrogen in leaf and biomass) and soil properties (i.e., soil moisture, soil temperature, bulk density, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available nitrogen) were determined. The results showed that carbon/nitrogen in microbial biomass was higher at medium altitude and was positively related to carbon and nitrogen in both soil and grass biomass along the altitudinal gradients. Soil bacterial alpha diversity was significantly higher at medium altitude but fungal alpha diversity did not affected by altitudinal gradients; the effect of altitudinal gradients on bacterial beta diversity was larger than that on fungal beta diversity, although both groups were significantly affected by altitudinal gradients. Moreover, Alpha-proteobacteria, Beta-proteobacteria, and Gemmatimonadetes were significantly more abundant in higher altitude than in lower altitude, both Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria significantly declined with increasing altitude; other bacterial taxa such as Chloroflexi, Nitrospirae, Gamma-proteobacteria, and Delta-proteobacteria were significantly higher at medium altitudes. For fungal taxa, Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were the dominant phyla and responded insignificantly to the altitudinal gradients. The responses of microbial alpha diversity were mostly associated with plant Shannon index, organic carbon, and total nitrogen, whereas microbial beta diversity and composition mainly depended on soil moisture and temperature. Overall, these results suggest that soil bacteria rather than fungi can reflect changes in plant and soil characteristics along altitudinal gradients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Nutritional value of daily diets prepared in several regions of the country. Part VI. Value of retinol, beta-carotene and vitamin E].

PubMed

Nadolna, I; Okolska, G; Kunachowicz, H

1992-01-01

Determinations of retinol, beta-carotene and vitamin E were carried out in daily diets of manual and mental workers with medium incomes. The diets were prepared on the basis of the analysis of the Central Statistical Office in 1986 under laboratory conditions in five regions of Poland (Warszawa, Lublin, Olsztyn, Poznań, Wrocław). It was found that these diets contained respectively: vitamin A (retinol and beta-carotene) 844 and 859 micrograms, retinol 466 and 496 micrograms, beta-carotene 2267 and 2167 micrograms and vitamin E 4.82 and 5.12 mg per day. In relation to the realization of daily recommended dietary allowances by these diets, for vitamin A were met respectively 102 and 104% and for vitamin E 58 and 61%. There were considerable differences in the content of beta-carotene and vitamin E between diets prepared in all five regions of Poland.

Cloning and characterization of the nagA gene that encodes beta-n-acetylglucosaminidase from Aspergillus nidulans and its expression in Aspergillus oryzae.

PubMed

Kim, Sunhwa; Matsuo, Ichiro; Ajisaka, Katsumi; Nakajima, Harushi; Kitamoto, Katsuhiko

2002-10-01

We isolated a beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase encoding gene and its cDNA from the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, and designated it nagA. The nagA gene contained no intron and encoded a polypeptide of 603 amino acids with a putative 19-amino acid signal sequence. The deduced amino acid sequence was very similar to the sequence of Candida albicans Hex1 and Trichoderma harzianum Nag1. Yeast cells containing the nagA cDNA under the control of the GAL1 promoter expressed beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity. The chromosomal nagA gene of A. nidulans was disrupted by replacement with the argB marker gene. The disruptant strains expressed low levels of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase activity and showed poor growth on a medium containing chitobiose as a carbon source. Aspergillus oryzae strain carrying the nagA gene under the control of the improved glaA promoter produced large amounts of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase in a wheat bran solid culture.

Synthesis, (1-->3)-beta-D-glucanase-binding ability, and phytoalexin-elicitor activity of a mixture of 3,4-epoxybutyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides.

PubMed

Huang, Gang-Liang; Liu, Man-Xi; Mei, Xin-Ya

2004-06-01

We describe a approach for the synthesis of a mixture of 3,4-epoxybutyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides. The particular (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan isolated from the cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was recovered from the aqueous medium as water-insoluble particles by the spray drying (GS) method, and it was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. The acid-solubilized (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides were prepared by partial acid hydrolysis of glucan particles, which were qualitatively analyzed by fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). The peracetylated 3-butenyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides were synthesized by treating peracetylated (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides with the 3-butenyl alcohols and a Lewis acid (SnCl4) catalyst. Epoxidation of the peracetylated 3-butenyl oligoglucosides took place with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (m-CPBA). NaOMe in dry methanol was used for the deacetylation of the blocked derivatives, to give the 3,4-epoxybutyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucoside mixture in an overall yield of 21%. The sample was analyzed by positive-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS). In a 3,4-epoxybutyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucoside-binding (1-->3)-beta-D-glucanase assay, we found that the (1-->3)-beta-D-glucanase was obviously inactivated by the 3,4-epoxybutyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides. At the same time, we found the 3,4-epoxybutyl (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucoside mixture was more active as compared to the underivatized oligoglucoside mixture in eliciting phytoalexin accumulation in tobacco cotyledon tissue. Furthermore, it could be kept for a longer time than a (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucoside mixture, which indicated it is much more stable than (1-->3)-beta-D-oligoglucosides. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Ltd.

Suppression of proliferation and neurite extension of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells on immobilized Psathyrella velutina lectin.

PubMed

Kitamura, Noriaki; Ikekita, Masahiko; Hayakawa, Satoru; Funahashi, Hisayuki; Furukawa, Kiyoshi

2004-02-01

Glycoproteins from mammalian brain tissues contain unique N-linked oligosaccharides terminating with beta-N-acetylglucosamine residues. Lectin blot analysis of membrane glycoprotein samples from human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells showed that several protein bands bind to Psathylera velutina lectin (PVL), which interacts with beta-N-acetylglucosamine-terminating oligosaccharides. No lectin positive bands were detected by digestion with jack bean beta-N-acetyl-hexosaminidase or N-glycanase before incubation with the lectin, indicating that the cells contain beta-N-acetylglucosamine-terminating N-linked oligosaccharides. When cells were cultured in dishes with different concentrations of PVL, the cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, the neurite extension, which was stimulated with nerve growth factor, was also inhibited in a manner dependent on the lectin dose. Cell proliferation and neurite extension were recovered by the addition of 10 mM N-acetylglucosamine into the medium. Immunoblot analysis of the activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases and protein kinase C revealed that phosphorylation of 42-kDa and 44-kDa MAP kinases and 80-kDa protein kinase C are inhibited when SH-SY5Y cells are cultured in PVL-coated dishes, but are restored by the addition of the haptenic sugar into the medium, indicating that MAP kinase and protein kinase C pathways are inhibited by interaction with immobilized PVL. These results indicate that beta-N-acetylglucosamine-terminating N-linked oligosaccharides expressed on neural cells can induce intracellular signals upon binding to extracellular receptors, and are important for growth regulation of neural cells. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

TGF-beta in human milk is associated with wheeze in infancy.

PubMed

Oddy, Wendy H; Halonen, Marilyn; Martinez, F D; Lohman, I Carla; Stern, Debra A; Kurzius-Spencer, Margaret; Guerra, Stefano; Wright, Anne L

2003-10-01

Cytokines secreted in human milk might play important roles in newborn health and in the development of infant immune responses. We investigated the relationship of the concentration and dose of cytokines in human milk to infant wheeze at 1 year of age. Our objective was to test whether the cytokines in milk could account for some of the apparent protective effect of breast-feeding against wheeze in the first year of life. Data on breast-feeding and infant wheeze were collected prospectively from birth to 1 year from 243 mothers participating in the Infant Immune Study in Tucson, Arizona. Breast milk samples obtained at a mean age of 11 days postpartum were assayed by means of ELISA for concentrations of TGF-beta1, IL-10, TNF-alpha, and the soluble form of CD14. The dose of each cytokine was assessed for a relationship with wheeze in bivariate and logistic regression analyses. Increasing duration of breast-feeding was significantly associated with a decreased prevalence of wheeze (P =.039). There was wide variability in levels of each cytokine in milk, as well as variability between women in the amount of each cytokine produced. There was a significant inverse association between the dose of TGF-beta1 received through milk with the percentage of wheeze (P =.017), and the relationship was linear (P =.006). None of the other cytokines showed a linear relationship with wheeze. In multivariate analyses the risk of wheeze was significantly decreased (odds ratio, 0.22; 95% CI 0.05-0.89; P =.034) with increasing TGF-beta1 dose (long breast-feeding and medium-high TGF-beta1 level compared with short breast-feeding and low TGF-beta. This analysis shows that the dose of TGF-beta1 received from milk has a significant relationship with infant wheeze, which might account for at least some of the protective effect of breast-feeding against wheeze.

Acyl CoA profiles of transgenic plants that accumulate medium-chain fatty acids indicate inefficient storage lipid synthesis in developing oilseeds.

PubMed

Larson, Tony R; Edgell, Teresa; Byrne, James; Dehesh, Katayoon; Graham, Ian A

2002-11-01

Several Brassica napus lines transformed with genes responsible for the synthesis of medium- or long-chain fatty acids were examined to determine limiting factor(s) for the subsequent accumulation of these fatty acids in seed lipids. Examination of a decanoic acid (10:0) accumulating line revealed a disproportionately high concentration of 10:0 CoA during seed development compared to long-chain acyl CoAs isolated from the same tissues, suggesting that poor incorporation of 10:0 CoA into seed lipids limits 10:0 fatty acid accumulation. This relationship was also seen for dodecanoyl (12:0) CoA and fatty acid in a high 12:0 line, but not for octadecanoic (18:0) CoA and fatty acid in a high 18:0 line. Comparison of 10:0 CoA and fatty acid proportions from seeds at different developmental stages for transgenic B. napus and Cuphea hookeriana, the source plant for the medium-chain thioesterase and 3-ketoacyl-ACP synthase transgenes, revealed that C. hookeriana incorporates 10:0 CoA into seed lipids more efficiently than transgenic B. napus. Furthermore, beta-oxidation and glyoxylate cycle activities were not increased above wild type levels during seed development in the 8:0/10:0 line, suggesting that lipid catabolism was not being induced in response to the elevated 10:0 CoA concentrations. Taken together, these data suggest that transgenic plants that are engineered to synthesize medium-chain fatty acids may lack the necessary mechanisms, such as specific acyltransferases, to incorporate these fatty acids efficiently into seed lipids.

Growth of Pleurotus ostreatus on wheat straw and wheat-grain-based media: Biochemical aspects and preparation of mushroom inoculum.

PubMed

Sainos, E; Díaz-Godínez, G; Loera, O; Montiel-González, A M; Sánchez, C

2006-10-01

Mycelial growth, intracellular activity of proteases, laccases and beta-1,3-glucanases, and cytoplasmic protein were evaluated in the vegetative phase of Pleurotus ostreatus grown on wheat straw and in wheat-grain-based media in Petri dishes and in bottles. The productivity of the wheat straw and wheat-grain-based spawn in cylindrical polyethylene bags containing 5 kg of chopped straw was also determined. We observed high activity of proteases and high content of intracellular protein in cultures grown on wheat straw. This suggests that the proteases are not secreted into the medium and that the protein is an important cellular reserve. On the contrary, cultures grown on wheat straw secreted laccases into the medium, which could be induced by this substrate. P. ostreatus grown on media prepared with a combination of wheat straw and wheat grain showed a high radial growth rate in Petri dishes and a high level of mycelial growth in bottles. The productivities of wheat straw and wheat-grain-based spawn were similar. Our results show that cheaper and more productive mushroom spawn can be prepared by developing the mycelium on wheat straw and wheat-grain-based substrates.

Chromosome localization of human genes for clathrin adaptor polypeptides AP2{beta} and AP50 and the clathrin-binding protein, VCP

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Druck, T.; Gu, Y.; Prabhala, G.

1995-11-01

Clathrin-coated vesicles, involved in endocytosis and Golgi processing, have a surface lattice containing clathrin triskelia and stoichiometric amounts of additional components termed {open_quotes}assembly proteins,{close_quotes} or APs. The AP form at the plasma membrane, AP2, is composed of two large subunits of 100-115 kDa, denoted AP2{alpha} and AP2{beta}, a medium chain of 50 kDa, designated AP50, and a small chain. We have determined human chromosomal locations of genes for a large AP2{beta} (CLAPB1) and a medium (CLAPM1) AP subunit and of a novel clathrin-binding protein, VCP, that binds clathrin simultaneously with A1`s. Chromosomal in situ hybridization of a human genomic clonemore » demonstrated that the CLAPM1 gene mapped to chromosome region 3q28. The gene for the CLAPB1 large subunit was mapped to 17q11.2-q12 by PCR amplification of an AP2{beta} fragment from a panel of rodent-human hybrid DNAs. To map the human VCP sequence, a human-specific probe was made by RT-PCR of human mRNA using oligonucleotide primers from conserved regions of the porcine sequence. The amplified human fragment served as probe on Southern blots of hybrid DNAs to determine that the human VCP locus maps to chromosome region 9pter-q34. 13 refs., 2 figs.« less

Oxidative phosphorylation. Halide-dependent and halide-independent effects of triorganotin and trioganolead compounds on mitochondrial functions.

PubMed Central

Aldridge, W N; Street, B W; Skilleter, D N

1977-01-01

1. Each of five triorganotin and five triorganolead compounds was shown to perturb mithochondrial functions in three different ways. One is dependent and two are independent of Cl- in the medium. 2. Structure-activity relationships for the three interactions are described, and compounds suitable as tools for the separate study of each process are defined. 3. In a Cl- -containing medium trimethyltin, triethyltin, trimethyl-lead, triethyl-lead and tri-n-propyl-lead all produce the same maximum rate of ATP hydrolysis and O2 uptake; this rate is much less than that produced by uncoupling agents such as 2,4-dinitrophenol. 4. Increase in ATP hydrolysis and O2 uptake are measures on energy ultilization when triogranotin and triorganolead compounds bring about an exchange of external C1- for intramitochondrial OH- ions. Possible rate-limiting steps in this process are discussed. 5. In a C1- -containing medium ATP synthesis linked to the oxidation of beta-hydroxybutyrate or reduced cytochrone c is less inhibited by triethyltin or triethyl-lead than is ATP synthesis linked to the oxidation of succinate, pyruvate or L-glutamate. 6. The inhibition of ATP synthesis linked to the oxidation of both beta-hydroxybutyrate and reduced cytochrome c consists of two processes: one is a limited uncoupling and is C1- -dependent and the other is a C1- -independent inhibition of the energy-conservation system. 7. The different sensitivities to inhibition by triethyltin of mitochondrial functions involving the oxidation of beta-hydroxybutyrate and succinate are compared and discussed. PMID:24436

Chondrogenesis, osteogenesis and adipogenesis of canine mesenchymal stem cells: a biochemical, morphological and ultrastructural study.

PubMed

Csaki, C; Matis, U; Mobasheri, A; Ye, H; Shakibaei, M

2007-12-01

Musculoskeletal diseases with osteochondrotic articular cartilage defects, such as osteoarthritis, are an increasing problem for humans and companion animals which necessitates the development of novel and improved therapeutic strategies. Canine mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs) offer significant promise as a multipotent source for cell-based therapies and could form the basis for the differentiation and cultivation of tissue grafts to replace damaged tissue. However, no comprehensive analysis has been undertaken to characterize the ultrastructure of in vitro differentiated cMSCs. The main goal of this paper was to focus on cMSCs and to analyse their differentiation capacity. To achieve this aim, bone marrow cMSCs from three canine patients were isolated, expanded in monolayer culture and characterized with respect to their ability for osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation capacities. cMSCs showed proliferative potential and were capable of osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. cMSCs treated with the osteogenic induction medium differentiated into osteoblasts, produced typical bone matrix components, beta1-integrins and upregulated the osteogenic specific transcription factor Cbfa-1. cMSCs treated with the adipogenic induction medium showed typical adipocyte morphology, produced adiponectin, collagen type I and beta1-integrins, and upregulated the adipogenic specific transcription factor PPAR-gamma. cMSCs treated with the chondrogenic induction medium exhibited a round to oval shape, produced a cartilage-specific extracellular matrix, beta1-integrins and upregulated the chondrogenic specific transcription factor Sox9. These results demonstrate, at the biochemical, morphological and ultrastructural levels, the multipotency of cMSCs and thus highlight their potential therapeutic value for cell-based tissue engineering.

Pseudo-thermosetting chitosan hydrogels for biomedical application.

PubMed

Berger, J; Reist, M; Chenite, A; Felt-Baeyens, O; Mayer, J M; Gurny, R

2005-01-20

To prepare transparent chitosan/beta-glycerophosphate (betaGP) pseudo-thermosetting hydrogels, the deacetylation degree (DD) of chitosan has been modified by reacetylation with acetic anhydride. Two methods (I and II) of reacetylation have been compared and have shown that the use of previously filtered chitosan, dilution of acetic anhydride and reduction of temperature in method II improves efficiency and reproducibility. Chitosans with DD ranging from 35.0 to 83.2% have been prepared according to method II under homogeneous and non-homogeneous reacetylation conditions and the turbidity of chitosan/betaGP hydrogels containing homogeneously or non-homogeneously reacetylated chitosan has been investigated. Turbidity is shown to be modulated by the DD of chitosan and by the homogeneity of the medium during reacetylation, which influences the distribution mode of the chitosan monomers. The preparation of transparent chitosan/betaGP hydrogels requires a homogeneously reacetylated chitosan with a DD between 35 and 50%.

Pseudo-thermosetting chitosan hydrogels for biomedical application.

PubMed

Berger, J; Reist, M; Chenite, A; Felt-Baeyens, O; Mayer, J M; Gurny, R

2005-01-06

To prepare transparent chitosan/beta-glycerophosphate (betaGP) pseudo-thermosetting hydrogels, the deacetylation degree (DD) of chitosan has been modified by reacetylation with acetic anhydride. Two methods (I and II) of reacetylation have been compared and have shown that the use of previously filtered chitosan, dilution of acetic anhydride and reduction of temperature in method II improves efficiency and reproducibility. Chitosans with DD ranging from 35.0 to 83.2% have been prepared according to method II under homogeneous and non-homogeneous reacetylation conditions and the turbidity of chitosan/betaGP hydrogels containing homogeneously or non-homogeneously reacetylated chitosan has been investigated. Turbidity is shown to be modulated by the DD of chitosan and by the homogeneity of the medium during reacetylation, which influences the distribution mode of the chitosan monomers. The preparation of transparent chitosan/betaGP hydrogels requires a homogeneously reacetylated chitosan with a DD between 35 and 50%.

From the rat to the beta cell: a fast and effective technique of separation of Langerhans islets and direct purification of pancreatic beta cells.

PubMed

Tamagno, Gianluca; Vigolo, Simonetta; Olivieri, Massimiliano; Martini, Chiara; De Carlo, Eugenio

2014-01-01

Isolated Langerhans islets represent a useful model for the study of the endocrine pancreas. The possibility to purify pancreatic beta cells from a mixed Langerhans islet cell population may lead towards a dedicated focus on beta cell research. We describe an effective and rapid immunomagnetic technique for the direct purification of beta cells from isolated Langerhans islets of rat. After the sacrifice of the rat, the Langerhans islets were separated by ductal injection of the pancreas with collagenase, altered to a mixed Langerhans islet cell population and incubated with conditioned immunomagnetic beads targeted to the beta cell surface. The beads were previously coated with a specific antibody against the surface of the beta cell, namely K14D10. The suspension of mixed Langerhans islet cells and immunomagnetic K14D10-conditioned beads was pelleted by a magnetic particle concentrator to isolate the bead-bound cells, which were finally suspended in a culture medium. The purified cells were immunoreactive for insulin and no glucagon-positive cells were detected at immunocytochemistry. Real Time PCR confirmed the purification of the pancreatic beta cells. This immunomagnetic technique allows a rapid, effective and consistent purification of beta cells from isolated Langerhans islets in a direct manner by conditioning the immunomagnetic beads only. This technique is easy, fast and reproducible. It promises to be a reliable method for providing purified beta cells for in vitro research.

Quantitative ‘Omics Analyses of Medium Chain Length Polyhydroxyalkanaote Metabolism in Pseudomonas putida LS46 Cultured with Waste Glycerol and Waste Fatty Acids

PubMed Central

Fu, Jilagamazhi; Sharma, Parveen; Spicer, Vic; Krokhin, Oleg V.; Zhang, Xiangli; Fristensky, Brian; Cicek, Nazim; Sparling, Richard; Levin, David. B.

2015-01-01

Transcriptomes and proteomes of Pseudomonas putida LS46 cultured with biodiesel-derived waste glycerol or waste free fatty acids, as sole carbon sources, were compared under conditions that were either permissive or non-permissive for synthesis of medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHA). The objectives of this study were to elucidate mechanisms that influence activation of biopolymer synthesis, intra-cellular accumulation, and monomer composition, and determine if these were physiologically specific to the carbon sources used for growth of P. putida LS46. Active mcl-PHA synthesis by P. putida LS46 was associated with high expression levels of key mcl-PHA biosynthesis genes and/or gene products including monomer-supplying proteins, PHA synthases, and granule-associated proteins. ‘Omics data suggested that expression of these genes were regulated by different genetic mechanisms in P. putida LS46 cells in different physiological states, when cultured on the two waste carbon sources. Optimal polymer production by P. putida LS46 was primarily limited by less efficient glycerol metabolism during mcl-PHA synthesis on waste glycerol. Mapping the ‘Omics data to the mcl-PHA biosynthetic pathway revealed significant variations in gene expression, primarily involved in: 1) glycerol transportation; 2) enzymatic reactions that recycle reducing equivalents and produce key mcl-PHA biosynthesis pathway intermediates (e.g. NADH/NADPH, acetyl-CoA). Active synthesis of mcl-PHAs was observed during exponential phase in cultures with waste free fatty acids, and was associated with the fatty acid beta-oxidation pathway. A putative Thioesterase in the beta-oxidation pathway that may regulate the level of fatty acid beta-oxidation intermediates, and thus carbon flux to mcl-PHA biosynthesis, was highly up-regulated. Finally, the data suggested that differences in expression of selected fatty acid metabolism and mcl-PHA monomer-supplying enzymes may play a role in determining the monomer composition of mcl-PHA polymers. Understanding the relationships between genome content, gene and gene product expression, and how these factors influence polymer synthesis, will aid in optimization of mcl-PHA production by P. putida LS46 using biodiesel waste streams. PMID:26544181

1H, 13C and 15N assignment of the C-terminal domain of GNA2132 from Neisseria meningitidis.

PubMed

Esposito, Veronica; Musi, Valeria; Veggi, Daniele; Pastore, Annalisa; Pizza, Mariagrazia

2010-04-01

GNA2132 (Genome-derived Neisseria Antigen 2132) is a surface-exposed lipoprotein discovered by reverse vaccinology and expressed by genetically diverse Neisseria meningitidis strains (Pizza et al. 2000). The protein induces bactericidal antibodies against most strains of Meningococccus and has been included in a multivalent recombinant vaccine against N. meningitidis serogroup B. Structure determination of GNA2132 is important for understanding the antigenic properties of the protein in view of increased efficiency vaccine development. We report practically complete (1)H, (13)C and (15)N assignment of the detectable spectrum of a highly conserved C-terminal region of GNA2132 (residues 245-427) in micellar solution, a medium used to improve the spectral quality. The first 32 residues of our construct up to residue 277 were not visible in the spectrum, presumably because of line broadening due to solvent and/or conformational exchange. Secondary structure predictions based on chemical shift information indicate the presence of an all beta-protein with eight beta strands.

Levels of a terpenoid glycoside (blumenin) and cell wall-bound phenolics in some cereal mycorrhizas.

PubMed Central

Maier, W; Peipp, H; Schmidt, J; Wray, V; Strack, D

1995-01-01

Four cereals, Hordeum vulgare (barley), Triticum aestivum (wheat), Secale cereal (rye), and Avena sativa (oat), were grown in a defined nutritional medium with and without the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices. Levels of soluble and cell wall-bound secondary metabolites in the roots of mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal plants were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography during the first 6 to 8 weeks of plant development. Whereas there was no difference in the levels of the cell wall-bound hydroxycinnamic acids, 4-coumaric and ferulic acids, there was a fungus-induced change of the soluble secondary root metabolites. The most obvious effect observed in all four cereals was the induced accumulation of a terpenoid glycoside. This compound was isolated and identified by spectroscopic methods (nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry) to be a cyclohexenone derivative, i.e. blumenol C 9-O-(2'-O-beta-glucuronosyl)-beta-glucoside. The level of this compound was found to be directly correlated with the degree of root colonization. PMID:7480342

Common cause evaluations in applied risk analysis of nuclear power plants. [PWR

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taniguchi, T.; Ligon, D.; Stamatelatos, M.

1983-04-01

Qualitative and quantitative approaches were developed for the evaluation of common cause failures (CCFs) in nuclear power plants and were applied to the analysis of the auxiliary feedwater systems of several pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Key CCF variables were identified through a survey of experts in the field and a review of failure experience in operating PWRs. These variables were classified into categories of high, medium, and low defense against a CCF. Based on the results, a checklist was developed for analyzing CCFs of systems. Several known techniques for quantifying CCFs were also reviewed. The information provided valuable insights inmore » the development of a new model for estimating CCF probabilities, which is an extension of and improvement over the Beta Factor method. As applied to the analysis of the PWR auxiliary feedwater systems, the method yielded much more realistic values than the original Beta Factor method for a one-out-of-three system.« less

Equation of state and pressure induced amorphization of beta-boron from X-ray measurements up to 100 GPa.

PubMed

Sanz, Delia Nieto; Loubeyre, Paul; Mezouar, Mohamed

2002-12-09

The equation of state of boron has been measured up to 100 GPa by single-crystal x-ray diffraction with helium as the pressure transmitting medium. Rhombohedral beta-boron is the stable structure up to 100 GPa under hydrostatic conditions. Nonhydrostatic stress stabilizes a different rhombohedral structure. At about 100 GPa a pressure-induced amorphization is observed. The amorphous phase can be quenched to ambient pressure. An explanation is proposed based on the different stability under pressure between intraicosahedra and intericosahedra bonds.

Comparison of osteoblast-like cell responses to calcium silicate and tricalcium phosphate ceramics in vitro.

PubMed

Ni, Siyu; Chang, Jiang; Chou, Lee; Zhai, Wanyin

2007-01-01

Calcium silicate ceramics have been proposed as new bone repair biomaterials, since they have proved to be bioactive, degradable, and biocompatible. Beta-tricalcium phosphate ceramic is a well-known degradable material for bone repair. This study compared the effects of CaSiO3 (alpha-, and beta-CaSiO3) and beta-Ca3(PO4)2 (beta-TCP) ceramics on the early stages of rat osteoblast-like cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Osteoblast-like cells were cultured directly on CaSiO3 (alpha-, and beta-CaSiO3) and beta-TCP ceramics. Attachment of a greater number of cells was observed on CaSiO3 (alpha-, and beta-CaSiO3) ceramics compared with beta-TCP ceramics after incubation for 6 h. SEM observations showed an intimate contact between cells and the substrates, significant cells adhesion, and that the cells spread and grew on the surfaces of all the materials. In addition, the proliferation rate and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the cells on the CaSiO3 (alpha-, and beta-CaSiO3) ceramics were improved when compared with the beta-TCP ceramics. In the presence of CaSiO3, elevated levels of calcium and silicon in the culture medium were observed throughout the 7-day culture period. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that CaSiO3 ceramics showed greater ability to support cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation than beta-TCP ceramic. 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A cluster of diagnostic Hsp68 amino acid sites that are identified in Drosophila from the melanogaster species group are concentrated around beta-sheet residues involved with substrate binding.

PubMed

Kellett, Mark; McKechnie, Stephen W

2005-04-01

The coding region of the hsp68 gene has been amplified, cloned, and sequenced from 10 Drosophila species, 5 from the melanogaster subgroup and 5 from the montium subgroup. When the predicted amino acid sequences are compared with available Hsp70 sequences, patterns of conservation suggest that the C-terminal region should be subdivided according to predominant secondary structure. Conservation levels between Hsp68 and Hsp70 proteins were high in the N-terminal ATPase and adjacent beta-sheet domains, medium in the alpha-helix domain, and low in the C-terminal mobile domain (78%, 72%, 41%, and 21% identity, respectively). A number of amino acid sites were found to be "diagnostic" for Hsp68 (28 of approximately 635 residues). A few of these occur in the ATPase domain (385 residues) but most (75%) are concentrated in the beta-sheet and alpha-helix domains (34% of the protein) with none in the short mobile domain. Five of the diagnostic sites in the beta-sheet domain are clustered around, but not coincident with, functional sites known to be involved in substrate binding. Nearly all of the Hsp70 family length variation occurs in the mobile domain. Within montium subgroup species, 2 nearly identical hsp68 PCR products that differed in length are either different alleles or products of an ancestral hsp68 duplication.

Beta-phenylethylamine stimulates striatal acetylcholine release through activation of the AMPA glutamatergic pathway.

PubMed

Ishida, Kota; Murata, Mikio; Kato, Masatoshi; Utsunomiya, Iku; Hoshi, Keiko; Taguchi, Kyoji

2005-09-01

Using an in vivo intra-striatal microdialysis technique, we examined the effects of systemically administered beta-phenylethylamine (beta-PEA), a psychomotor stimulating trace amine, on striatal acetylcholine release in freely moving rats. Infusion of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA; 10(-5) M) significantly increased acetylcholine release. In addition, locally applied amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisozasole-4-propionic acid (AMPA; 10(-5) M) significantly increased acetylcholine release in the striatum. Intra-striatal application of 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX; 10(-5) M), an AMPA-type glutamatergic receptor antagonist, had little effect on acetylcholine release, while application of MK-801 (10(-5) M, 10(-6) M), an NMDA-type glutamatergic receptor antagonist, significantly reduced acetylcholine release. Acetylcholine within striatal perfusate was significantly increased by intraperitoneal administration of beta-PEA in a dose-dependent manner. This increase in acetylcholine release was completely blocked by application of CNQX (10(-5) M) through the microdialysis probe into the striatum. However, increased acetylcholine response to systemic beta-PEA was unaltered by addition of MK-801 to the perfusion medium. These results suggest a regulatory function of beta-PEA, mediated by AMPA-type glutamatergic receptors, on the release of acetylcholine in the rat striatum.

Suppression of Electron Thermal Conduction in the Intracluster Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberg-Clark, Gareth; Drake, James; Swisdak, M.; Reynolds, Christopher S.

2017-08-01

The Intracluster Medium (ICM) contains high-temperature dilute plasma in which the quantity beta, defined as the ratio of the thermal pressure of the gas to the local magnetic field pressure, is much larger than unity. In addition, the collisional mean free path of particles in the ICM is typically large compared to the magnetic gyro-radius of individual particles. These conditions allow for the growth of robust microinstabilities that can significantly alter the transport of particles and heat along the local magnetic field line. Here we explore such an instability using driven two-dimensional Particle-In-Cell simulations of a magnetized plasma with a temperature gradient imposed at the boundaries. The system is highly unstable and develops large-amplitude magnetic fluctuations that effectively scatter the orbits of electrons crossing the simulation domain, resulting in a collisionless suppression of thermal conduction across the temperature gradient and magnetic field. The results suggest that the spontaneous development of small-scale plasma turbulence in the ICM may play a pivotal role in determining the thermal conductivity of ICM-like plasmas.

Improved human islet preparations using Glucocorticoid and Exendin-4

PubMed Central

Miki, Atsushi.; Ricordi, Camillo.; Yamamoto, Toshiyuki.; Sakuma, Yasunaru.; Misawa, Ryosuke.; Mita, Atsuyoshi.; Inverardi, Luca.; Alejandro, Rodolfo; Ichii, Hirohito.

2014-01-01

Objectives The effects of Glucocorticoid during culture on human islet cells have been controversial. Exendin-4 (EX) enhances the insulin secretion and significantly improves clinical outcomes in islet cell transplantation. In this study, we examined the effects of Glucocorticoids and exendin-4 on human islet cells during pre-transplant culture. Methods Methylprednisolone (MP) and/or EX were added to the standard culture medium for clinical islet cell transplantation. Islets were cultured for 24 hours with three different conditions (Control: no additives, MP alone, MP+EX). Beta cell fractional viability, cellular composition, multiple cytokine/chemokine production, multiple phosphorylation proteins and glucose induced insulin secretion were evaluated. Results Viable beta cell survival in MP and MP+EX group was significantly higher than in the control group. EX prevented MP induced reduction of insulin secretion. MP supplementation to the culture medium decreased cytokine and chemokine production. Moreover, Erk1/2 phosphorylation was significantly increased by MP and MP+EX. Conclusions Glucocorticoid supplementation into culture media significantly decreased the cytokine/chemokine production and increased the Erk1/2 phosphorylation, resulting in the improvement of human beta cell survival. In addition, EX maintained the insulin secretion suppressed by MP. The supplementation of MP and EX together could be a useful strategy to create suitable human islets for transplantation. PMID:25036907

A theoretical case study of type I and type II beta-turns.

PubMed

Czinki, Eszter; Császár, Attila G; Perczel, András

2003-03-03

NMR chemical shielding anisotropy tensors have been computed by employing a medium size basis set and the GIAO-DFT(B3LYP) formalism of electronic structure theory for all of the atoms of type I and type II beta-turn models. The models contain all possible combinations of the amino acid residues Gly, Ala, Val, and Ser, with all possible side-chain orientations where applicable in a dipeptide. The several hundred structures investigated contain either constrained or optimized phi, psi, and chi dihedral angles. A statistical analysis of the resulting large database was performed and multidimensional (2D and 3D) chemical-shift/chemical-shift plots were generated. The (1)H(alpha-13)C(alpha), (13)C(alpha-1)H(alpha-13)C(beta), and (13)C(alpha-1)H(alpha-13)C' 2D and 3D plots have the notable feature that the conformers clearly cluster in distinct regions. This allows straightforward identification of the backbone and side-chain conformations of the residues forming beta-turns. Chemical shift calculations on larger For-(L-Ala)(n)-NH(2) (n=4, 6, 8) models, containing a single type I or type II beta-turn, prove that the simple models employed are adequate. A limited number of chemical shift calculations performed at the highly correlated CCSD(T) level prove the adequacy of the computational method chosen. For all nuclei, statistically averaged theoretical and experimental shifts taken from the BioMagnetic Resonance Bank (BMRB) exhibit good correlation. These results confirm and extend our previous findings that chemical shift information from selected multiple-pulse NMR experiments could be employed directly to extract folding information for polypeptides and proteins.

Arabidopsis alcohol dehydrogenase expression in both shoots and roots is conditioned by root growth environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chung, H. J.; Ferl, R. J.

1999-01-01

It is widely accepted that the Arabidopsis Adh (alcohol dehydrogenase) gene is constitutively expressed at low levels in the roots of young plants grown on agar media, and that the expression level is greatly induced by anoxic or hypoxic stresses. We questioned whether the agar medium itself created an anaerobic environment for the roots upon their growing into the gel. beta-Glucuronidase (GUS) expression driven by the Adh promoter was examined by growing transgenic Arabidopsis plants in different growing systems. Whereas roots grown on horizontal-positioned plates showed high Adh/GUS expression levels, roots from vertical-positioned plates had no Adh/GUS expression. Additional results indicate that growth on vertical plates closely mimics the Adh/GUS expression observed for soil-grown seedlings, and that growth on horizontal plates results in induction of high Adh/GUS expression that is consistent with hypoxic or anoxic conditions within the agar of the root zone. Adh/GUS expression in the shoot apex is also highly induced by root penetration of the agar medium. This induction of Adh/GUS in shoot apex and roots is due, at least in part, to mechanisms involving Ca2+ signal transduction.

Modulation of interleukin-1 secretion by immunosuppressive drugs, alone and in combination.

PubMed

Reisman, L; Lin, W G; Martinelli, G P

1995-03-01

This study evaluates the ability of the immunosuppressive drugs dexamethasone, cyclosporine, FK506 and rapamycin, alone and in combination to suppress interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) secretion in vitro by THP-1 cells when stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. All four drugs, when added to cell culture medium at therapeutic concentrations, significantly decrease secretion of the monokine to well below control levels. However, only dexamethasone completely suppresses IL-1 beta secretion in a dose-dependent fashion. Cyclosporine, FK506 and rapamycin only partially suppress secretion of IL-1 beta at concentrations within their therapeutic ranges and increasing concentrations of the drugs do not result in further suppression of secretion. Likewise, the combination of any two of these three drugs does not provide any additional suppressive effect. Dexamethasone, however, when added in increasing concentrations in combination with any of the other drugs, results in further suppression of IL-1 secretion in a dose-dependent fashion. These data suggest that cyclosporine, FK506 and rapamycin all share a common effect on the production of IL-1 beta, different from that of dexamethasone.

Regulation of adhesion and growth of fibrosarcoma cells by NF-kappa B RelA involves transforming growth factor beta.

PubMed Central

Perez, J R; Higgins-Sochaski, K A; Maltese, J Y; Narayanan, R

1994-01-01

The NF-kappa B transcription factor is a pleiotropic activator that participates in the induction of a wide variety of cellular genes. Antisense oligomer inhibition of the RelA subunit of NF-kappa B results in a block of cellular adhesion and inhibition of tumor cell growth. Investigation of the molecular basis for these effects showed that in vitro inhibition of the growth of transformed fibroblasts by relA antisense oligonucleotides can be reversed by the parental-cell-conditioned medium. Cytokine profile analysis of these cells treated with relA antisense oligonucleotides revealed inhibition of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1 to the transformed fibroblasts reversed the inhibitory effects of relA antisense oligomers on soft agar colony formation and cell adhesion to the substratum. Direct inhibition of TGF-beta 1 expression by antisense phosphorothioates to TGF-beta 1 mimicked the in vitro effects of blocking cell adhesion that are elicited by antisense relA oligomers. These results may explain the in vitro effects of relA antisense oligomers on fibrosarcoma cell growth and adhesion. Images PMID:8035811

Localization of beta and gamma subunits of ENaC in sensory nerve endings in the rat foot pad.

PubMed

Drummond, H A; Abboud, F M; Welsh, M J

2000-11-24

The molecular mechanisms underlying mechanoelectrical transduction and the receptors that detect light touch remain uncertain. Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans suggest that members of the DEG/ENaC cation channel family may be mechanoreceptors. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that subunits of the mammalian epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) family are expressed in touch receptors in rat hairless skin. We detected betaENaC and gammaENaC, but not alphaENaC transcripts in cervical and lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Using immunofluorescence, we found betaENaC and gammaENaC expressed in medium to large lumbar DRG neurons. Moreover, we detected these two subunits in Merkel cell-neurite complexes, Meissner-like corpuscles, and small lamellated corpuscles, specialized mechanosensory structures of the skin. Within these structures, betaENaC and gammaENaC were localized in the nerve fibers believed to contain the sensors responsive to mechanical stress. Thus beta and gammaENaC subunits are good candidates as components of the molecular sensor that detects touch.

Can we induce spermatogenesis in the domestic cat using an in vitro tissue culture approach?

PubMed Central

Amaral, Sandra; Tavares, Renata S.; Schlatt, Stefan; Ramalho-Santos, João

2018-01-01

The reduced number of animals in most wild felid populations implies a loss of genetic diversity. The death of juveniles, prior to the production of mature sperm, represents a loss of potential genetic contribution to future populations. Since 2011 mouse testicular organ culture has introduced an alternative mechanism to produce sperm in vitro from immature tissue. However, extension of this technology to other species has remained limited. We have used the domestic cat (Felis catus) as a model for wild felids to investigate spermatogenesis initiation and regulation, with the mouse serving as a control species. Testicular tissue fragments were cultured in control medium or medium supplemented with knockout serum replacement (KSR), AlbuMax, beta-estradiol or AlbuMax plus beta-estradiol. Contrary to expectations, and unlike results obtained in mouse controls, no germ cell differentiation could be detected. The only germ cells observed after six weeks of culture were spermatogonia regardless of the initial stage of tubule development in the donor tissue. Moreover, the number of spermatogonia decreased with time in culture in all media tested, especially in the medium supplemented with KSR, while AlbuMax had a slight protective effect. The combination of AlbuMax and beta-estradiol led to an increase in the area occupied by seminiferous tubules, and thus to an increase in total number of spermatogonial cells. Considering all the media combinations tested the stimulus for felid germ cell differentiation in this type of system seems to be different from the mouse. Studies using other triggers of differentiation and tissue survival factors should be performed to pursue this technology for the genetic diversity preservation in wild felids. PMID:29414992

Inhibition of pancreatic stellate cell activity by adipose-derived stem cells.

PubMed

Yu, Fu-Xiang; Su, Long-Feng; Dai, Chun-Lei; Wang, Yang; Teng, Yin-Yan; Fu, Jun-Hui; Zhang, Qi-Yu; Tang, Yin-He

2015-04-01

Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a critical role in the development of pancreatic fibrosis. In this study we used a novel method to isolate and culture rat PSCs and then investigated the inhibitory effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on activation and proliferation of PSCs. Pancreatic tissue was obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats for PSCs isolation. Transwell cell cultures were adopted for co-culture of ADSCs and PSCs. PSCs proliferation and apoptosis were determined using CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. alpha-SMA expressions were analyzed using Western blotting. The levels of cytokines [nerve growth factor (NGF), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)] in conditioned medium were detected by ELISA. Gene expression (MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1) was analyzed using qRT-PCR. This method produced 17.6+/-6.5X10(3) cells per gram of the body weight with a purity of 90%-95% and a viability of 92%-97%. Co-culture of PSCs with ADSCs significantly inhibited PSCs proliferation and induced PSCs apoptosis. Moreover, alpha-SMA expression was significantly reduced in PSCs+ADSCs compared with that in PSC-only cultures, while expression of fibrinolytic proteins (e.g., MMP-2 and MMP-9) was up-regulated and anti-fibrinolytic protein (TIMP-1) was down-regulated. In addition, NGF expression was up-regulated, but IL-10 and TGF-beta1 expressions were down-regulated in the co-culture conditioned medium compared with those in the PSC-only culture medium. This study provided an easy and reliable technique to isolate PSCs. The data demonstrated the inhibitory effects of ADSCs on the activation and proliferation of PSCs in vitro.

Toxicity and metabolism of 2,4-dichlorophenol by the aquatic angiosperm Lemna gibba

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ensley, H.E.; Barber, J.T.; Polito, M.A.

1994-02-01

The toxicity and metabolism of 2,4-dichlorophenol with regard to the aquatic macrophyte Lemna gibba (duckweed), have been studied. Toxicity is described in terms of the effect of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) on the vegetative reproduction of duckweed over a 10-d growth period; the EC10 and EC50 were 2.5 and 9.2 [mu]M, respectively. Metabolism of 2,4-dichlorophenol was monitored by incubation of the plants with radiolabeled substrate, and periodic sampling and analysis by reversed-phase HPLC of the plant growth medium. Depending on the growth conditions, up to 95% of the 2,4-DCP was metabolized over a 6-d growth period. To analyze the metabolites, the plantsmore » were grown in the presence of sublethal concentrations of [U-[sup 14]C]-2,4-DCP. The growth medium was lyophilized and then mixed with the plants, extracted, and analyzed using reversed-phase HPLC, followed by scintillation counting of the fractions. The major metabolite was isolated and identified as 2,4-dichlorophenol-[beta]-D-glucopyranoside by high-field NMR and MS. The structure of the metabolite was confirmed by synthesis and by enzymatic cleavage of the [beta]-glucosidic linkage to afford 2,4-DCP. An important consequence of conjugate formation is the masking of the presence of 2,4-DCP to the usual analytical techniques used for its detection and quantitation. This finding is probably applicable to other contaminants and organisms.« less

Experiments with microcomputer-based artificial intelligence environments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Summers, E.G.; MacDonald, R.A.

1988-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has been experimenting with the use of relatively inexpensive microcomputers as artificial intelligence (AI) development environments. Several AI languages are available that perform fairly well on desk-top personal computers, as are low-to-medium cost expert system packages. Although performance of these systems is respectable, their speed and capacity limitations are questionable for serious earth science applications foreseen by the USGS. The most capable artificial intelligence applications currently are concentrated on what is known as the "artificial intelligence computer," and include Xerox D-series, Tektronix 4400 series, Symbolics 3600, VAX, LMI, and Texas Instruments Explorer. The artificial intelligence computer runs expert system shells and Lisp, Prolog, and Smalltalk programming languages. However, these AI environments are expensive. Recently, inexpensive 32-bit hardware has become available for the IBM/AT microcomputer. USGS has acquired and recently completed Beta-testing of the Gold Hill Systems 80386 Hummingboard, which runs Common Lisp on an IBM/AT microcomputer. Hummingboard appears to have the potential to overcome many of the speed/capacity limitations observed with AI-applications on standard personal computers. USGS is a Beta-test site for the Gold Hill Systems GoldWorks expert system. GoldWorks combines some high-end expert system shell capabilities in a medium-cost package. This shell is developed in Common Lisp, runs on the 80386 Hummingboard, and provides some expert system features formerly available only on AI-computers including frame and rule-based reasoning, on-line tutorial, multiple inheritance, and object-programming. ?? 1988 International Association for Mathematical Geology.

Fungal degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates and a semiquantitative assay for screening their degradation by terrestrial fungi.

PubMed

Matavulj, M; Molitoris, H P

1992-12-01

The current problems with decreasing fossile resources and increasing environmental pollution by petrochemical-based plastics have stimulated investigations to find biosynthetic materials which are also biodegradable. Bacterial reserve materials such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) have been discovered to possess thermoplastic properties and can be synthesized from renewable resources. Poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid (PHB) is at present the most promising PHA; and BIOPOL, its copolymer with poly-beta-hydroxy-valerate (PHV), is already industrially produced (ICI, UK), and used as packaging material (WELLA, FRG). According to the literature, PHA degradation has so far mainly been observed in bacteria; only under certain environmental conditions has fungal degradation of PHAs been indicated. Since fungi constitute an important part of microbial populations participating in degradation processes, a simple screening method for fungal degradation of BIOPOL, a PHA-based plastic, was developed. Several media with about 150 fungal strains from different terrestrial environments and belonging to different systematic and ecological groups were used. PHA depolymerization was tested on three PHB-based media, each with 0.1% BIOPOL or PHB homopolymer causing turbidity of the medium. The media contained either a comparatively low or high content of organic carbon (beside PHA) or were based on mineral medium with PHA as the principal source of carbon. The degradation activity was detectable due to formation of a clear halo around the colony (Petri plates) or a clear zone under the colony (test tubes).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nicergoline, a drug used for age-dependent cognitive impairment, protects cultured neurons against beta-amyloid toxicity.

PubMed

Caraci, Filippo; Chisari, Mariangela; Frasca, Giuseppina; Canonico, Pier Luigi; Battaglia, Angelo; Calafiore, Marco; Battaglia, Giuseppe; Bosco, Paolo; Nicoletti, Ferdinando; Copani, Agata; Sortino, Maria Angela

2005-06-14

Nicergoline, a drug used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, was tested for its ability to protect neurons against beta-amyloid toxicity. Pure cultures of rat cortical neurons were challenged with a toxic fragment of beta-amyloid peptide (betaAP(25-35)) and toxicity was assessed after 24 h. Micromolar concentrations of nicergoline or its metabolite, MDL, attenuated betaAP(25-35)-induced neuronal death, whereas MMDL (another metabolite of nicergoline), the alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, prazosin, or the serotonin 5HT-2 receptor antagonist, methysergide, were inactive. Nicergoline increased the basal levels of Bcl-2 and reduced the increase in Bax levels induced by beta-amyloid, indicating that the drug inhibits the execution of an apoptotic program in cortical neurons. In mixed cultures of rat cortical cells containing both neurons and astrocytes, nicergoline and MDL were more efficacious than in pure neuronal cultures in reducing beta-amyloid neurotoxicity. Experiments carried out in pure cultures of astrocytes showed that a component of neuroprotection was mediated by a mechanism of glial-neuronal interaction. The conditioned medium of cultured astrocytes treated with nicergoline or MDL for 72-96 h (collected 24 h after drug withdrawal) was neuroprotective when transferred to pure neuronal cultures challenged with beta-amyloid. In cultured astrocytes, nicergoline increased the intracellular levels of transforming-growth factor-beta and glial-derived neurotrophic factor, two trophic factors that are known to protect neurons against beta-amyloid toxicity. These results raise the possibility that nicergoline reduces neurodegeneration in the Alzheimer's brain.

Apical electrolyte concentration modulates barrier function and tight junction protein localization in bovine mammary epithelium.

PubMed

Quesnell, Rebecca R; Erickson, Jamie; Schultz, Bruce D

2007-01-01

In vitro mammary epithelial cell models typically fail to form a consistently tight barrier that can effectively separate blood from milk. Our hypothesis was that mammary epithelial barrier function would be affected by changes in luminal ion concentration and inflammatory cytokines. Bovine mammary epithelial (BME-UV cell line) cells were grown to confluence on permeable supports with a standard basolateral medium and either high-electrolyte (H-elec) or low-electrolyte (L-elec) apical medium for 14 days. Apical media were changed to/from H-elec medium at predetermined times prior to assay. Transepithelial electrical resistance (R(te)) was highest in monolayers continuously exposed to apical L-elec. A time-dependent decline in R(te) began within 24 h of H-elec medium exposure. Change from H-elec medium to L-elec medium time-dependently increased R(te). Permeation by FITC-conjugated dextran was elevated across monolayers exposed to H-elec, suggesting compromise of a paracellular pathway. Significant alteration in occludin distribution was evident, concomitant with the changes in R(te), although total occludin was unchanged. Neither substitution of Na(+) with N-methyl-d-glucosamine (NMDG(+)) nor pharmacological inhibition of transcellular Na(+) transport pathways abrogated the effects of apical H-elec medium on R(te). Tumor necrosis factor alpha, but not interleukin-1beta nor interleukin-6, in the apical compartment caused a significant decrease in R(te) within 8 h. These results indicate that mammary epithelium is a dynamic barrier whose cell-cell contacts are acutely modulated by cytokines and luminal electrolyte environment. Results not only demonstrate that BME-UV cells are a model system representative of mammary epithelium but also provide critical information that can be applied to other mammary model systems to improve their physiological relevance.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Testa, U.; Hinard, N.; Beuzard, Y.

During incubation of reticulocytes from patients with beta-thalassemia, after labeling of the hemoglobin with radioactive amino acids, the excess alpha chains are gradually lost from the cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of this phenomenon. A system was developed in which reticulocytes from beta-thalassemia patients are labeled with (3H)leucine, washed several times in nonradioactive medium, and then incubated in the same medium containing puromycin added in order to stop further protein synthesis. The results have clearly shown that excess alpha chains are gradually degraded by proteolysis. N-ethylmaleimide or epsilon-aminocaproic acid inhibited the proteolysis of freemore » alpha chains. The addition of either ATP or hemin did not change the rate of alpha chain degradation. The time required to degrade 50% of the pool of free alpha chains was directly dependent on the initial value of this pool. This finding suggests the absence of a significant individual variation in the ability to proteolyse free alpha chains.« less

Treatment of acetone waste gases using slurry-phase airlift embedded with polyacrylamide-entrapped cell beads.

PubMed

Hwang, Sz-Chwun John; Lin, Yun-Huin; Huang, Ku Shu; Lyuu, Jyuhn-Yih; Hou, Cheng-Ting; Chen, Hsin-Hua; He, Sin-Yi

2009-10-01

Acetone is the most common chemical used in the Hsin-chu Science Park in Taiwan. The three-phase airlift bioreactor was designed to absorb acetone into the 39 L of medium solution and then degraded by 2-L polyacrylamide (PAA)-entrapped Thiosphaera pantotropha cell beads. The airlift medium was successfully regenerated and circulated for more than 5 months. The elimination capacity of 350-part per million (ppm) acetone at 10 L x min(-1) was 258.4 g x m(-3) hr(-1) (160.4 g-C x m(-3) hr(-1)) with 100% removal efficiency in Stage II, higher than previously reported biofiltration results. The maximum chemical oxygen demand:nitrogen ratio of 100:2.9 is achieved, and a balanced nutrient state was indicated by the change in redox potential. The pH of the system was maintained at neutral because of the strong buffer agent added to the medium (final buffer intensity, beta = 1.18 x 10(-2) M). The PAA-entrapped cell beads could also provide a good barrier for high salinity gradient environment and the inoculum source to maintain steady operation of the system.

E. coli and water quality: Reevaluation of mug tests and development of radical new indole test. Final technical report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chang, G.W.

1992-12-01

The project was undertaken to address the problem of MUG (4-methylumbelliferyl-B-D-glucuronide)-negative E. coli in water testing, and to develop a new, more reliable indole-based test for E. coli. In a study involving 39 healthy human volunteers, it was found that 1/3 of E. coli isolated from fresh human fecal samples tested MUG-negative in lauryl tryptose broth with MUG. It was further discovered: (1) The presence of simple sugars can cause catabolite repression of beta-GUR in a small percentage of E coli. (2) In gene probe studies, almost all E. coli isolates have portions of the uidA (GUR) gene sequence. Basedmore » on these two findings, catabolite repression can only be a partial explanation for the high-rate of GUR-negative E. coli. The authors improved the E. coli confirmatory medium, EC + MUG by removing the lactose, which allows for a stronger MUG test and the inclusion of the more reliable indole test. They called this newly improved medium INDEC, for Indole and EC medium. They later developed Colitag 3, a one-day, single tube indole-based test for E. coli.« less

Effect of iodinated low-osmolar contrast media on the hemostatic system after intraarterial and intravenous contrast administration.

PubMed

Lukasiewicz, A; Lebkowska, U; Galar, M

2012-01-01

Some of the adverse clinical effects of intravascular radiological contrast agents include the interference of these contrast media with normal hemostatic processes. The aim of this report was to investigate in vivo whether a non-ionic iodinated contrast agent possess prothrombotic or anticoagulant properties. Hemostatic parameters: vWF (von Willebrand factor), F1+2 (prothrombin fragments 1+2), TAT (thrombin-antithrombin complexes), D-Dimer, β-TG (beta-thromboglobulin) were measured in a group of 35 patients. Blood samples for laboratory investigations were collected before and 30 min after the administration of a iodine contrast agent. There was observed statistically highly significant contrast-induced increase in TAT and F1+2 (p = 0.005 and p = 0.008, respectively). D-Dimer increase and decrease of β-TG and vWF after contrast medium administration were non significant. The volume of contrast medium has no influence on the assessed hemostatic parameters, while the type of contrast medium and/or the route of the contrast administration may significantly affect hemostatic parameters. We found significant effects of non-ionic agents on hemostatic activation. These effects may be important for adverse reactions and for thromboembolic complications.

Reduced growth factor requirement of keloid-derived fibroblasts may account for tumor growth

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Russell, S.B.; Trupin, K.M.; Rodriguez-Eaton, S.

Keloids are benign dermal tumors that form during an abnormal wound-healing process is genetically susceptible individuals. Although growth of normal and keloid cells did not differ in medium containing 10% (vol/vol) fetal bovine serum, keloid culture grew to significantly higher densities than normal cells in medium containing 5% (vol/vol) fetal bovine serum, keloid cultures grew to significantly higher densities than normal cells in medium containing 5% (vol/vol) plasma or 1% fetal bovine serum. Conditioned medium from keloid cultures did not stimulate growth of normal cells in plasma nor did it contain detectable platelet-derived growth factor or epidermal growth factor. Keloidmore » fibroblasts responded differently than normal adult fibroblasts to transforming growth factor ..beta... Whereas transforming growth factor ..beta.. reduced growth stimulation by epidermal growth factor in cells from normal adult skin or scars, it enhanced the activity of epidermal growth factor in cells from normal adult skin or scars, it enhanced the activity of epidermal growth factor in cells from keloids. Normal and keloid fibroblasts also responded differently to hydrocortisone: growth was stimulated in normal adult cells and unaffected or inhibited in keloid cells. Fetal fibroblasts resembled keloid cells in their ability to grow in plasma and in their response to hydrocortisone. The ability of keloid fibroblasts to grow to higher cell densities in low-serum medium than cells from normal adult skin or from normal early or mature scars suggests that a reduced dependence on serum growth factors may account for their prolonged growth in vivo. Similarities between keloid and fetal cells suggest that keloids may result from the untimely expression of growth-control mechanism that is developmentally regulated.« less

Chloride-dependency of amyloid beta protein-induced enhancement of glutamate neurotoxicity in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

PubMed

Zhang, Nan-Yan; Kitagawa, Kaori; Wu, Bo; Xiong, Zheng-Mei; Otani, Hitomi; Inagaki, Chiyoko

2006-05-15

In our previous studies, pathophysiological concentrations of amyloid-beta (Abeta) proteins increased intracellular Cl(-) concentration ([Cl(-)]i) and enhanced glutamate neurotoxicity in primary cultured neurons, suggesting Cl(-)-dependent changes in glutamate signaling. To test this possibility, we examined the effects of isethionate-replaced low Cl(-) medium on the Abeta-induced enhancement of glutamate neurotoxicity in the primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons. In a normal Cl(-) (135 mM) medium, treatment with 10 nM Abeta25-35 for 2 days increased neuronal [Cl(-)]i to a level three times higher than that of control as assayed using a Cl(-)-sensitive fluorescent dye, while in a low Cl(-) (16 mM) medium such an Abeta25-35-induced increase in [Cl(-)]i was not observed. The Abeta treatment aggravated glutamate neurotoxicity in a normal Cl(-) medium as measured by mitochondrial reducing activity and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, while in a low Cl(-) medium the Abeta treatment did not enhance glutamate toxicity. Upon such Abeta plus glutamate treatment under a normal Cl(-) condition, activated anti-apoptotic molecule Akt (Akt-pS473) level monitored by Western blot significantly decreased to 74% of control. Under a low Cl(-) condition, a resting Akt-pS473 level was higher than that under a normal Cl(-) condition and did not significantly change upon Abeta plus glutamate treatment. Tyrosine phosphorylation levels of 110 and 60 kDa proteins (pp110 and pp60) increased upon Abeta plus glutamate treatment under a normal Cl(-), but not low Cl(-), condition. These findings indicated that Abeta-induced enhancement of glutamate neurotoxicity is Cl(-)-dependent. Chloride-sensitive Akt pathway and tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins (pp110 and pp60) may be involved in this process.

In vivo and in vitro evaluation of sterols from Gymnema sylvestrte R. Br.

PubMed

Vats, Sharad; Kamal, Raka

2013-12-01

Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. is an important medicinal plant known for its antidiabetic potential. In the present study, phytosterols from G. sylvestre was identified and quantified in vivo and in vitro. Maximum callus induction was observed in MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L(-1) of 2, 4-D. The protein content was significantly high both in aerial plant parts and callus tissue. Phytosterols were identified using chromatographic and spectral studies. beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol were identified both in vivo and in vitro. Lanosterol was identified only in callus culture. Phytosterols have reported for the first time in callus culture of G. sylvestre.

Release of lysosomal enzymes in Candida albicans phagocytosis by rat peritoneal macrophages.

PubMed

Fontenla de Petrino, S E; Sirena, A

1984-02-15

The present paper reports the in vitro release of lysosomal enzymes in the supernatant of cultures of rat peritoneal macrophages, with the addition of Candida albicans cells. Macrophages were taken from the rat peritoneal cavity 72 hr after non-specific activation with Brain-Heart-Infusion (B.H.I.) broth containing 10% proteose-peptone No. 3. They were then cultured in Parker medium No. 199 (TC 199). After 24 hr a suspension of Candida albicans cells, in a determined concentration, was added to the peritoneal macrophage cultures. At that time, and during pre-determined periods, the following enzymes in the culture supernatants were studied using colorimetric methods: beta-glucuronidase, beta-galactosidase and acid phosphatase. It is concluded that, under identical conditions, the release of beta-galactosidase and acid phosphatase is higher than for beta-glucuronidase. The release rate of all three enzymes is the highest at a 6 hr incubation period, after which, a gradual decrease leads to the rate down to 50% at 24 hr.

Capillary liquid chromatographic analysis of fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene in combination with in-tube solid-phase microextraction.

PubMed

Xu, Hui; Jia, Li

2009-01-01

A capillary liquid chromatography (CLC) system with UV/vis detection was coupled with an in-tube solid-phase microextraction (SPME) device for the analysis of fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene. A monolithic silica-ODS column was used as the extraction medium. An optical-fiber flow cell with a long light path in the UV/vis detector was utilized to further enhance the detection sensitivity. In the in-tube SPME/CLC system, the pre-condition of the extraction column and the effect of the injection volume were investigated. The detection limits (LOD) for the fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene were in the range from 1.9 to 173 ng/mL based on the signal-to-noise ratio of 3 (S/N=3). The relative standard deviations of migration time and peak area for each analyte were less than 5.0%. The method was applied to the analysis of fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene contents in corns.

The electric potential of particles in interstellar space released from a nuclear waste payload

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, A. C.

1980-01-01

Mechanisms for charging a grain in the interplanetary medium include: (1) capture of solar wind electrons; (2) capture of solar wind protons; (3) ejection of electrons through the photoelectric effect due to the solar radiation; (4) escape of beta particles from beta emitters in the grain; and (5) escape of alpha particles from alpha emitters in the grain. The potentials on both nonradioactive and radioactive grains are considered with relation to particle size and time, and the distance from the Sun. Numerical results are presented where the waste mix is assumed to be PW-4b.

A novel accelerometer-based method to describe day-to-day exposure to potentially osteogenic vertical impacts in older adults: findings from a multi-cohort study.

PubMed

Hannam, K; Deere, K C; Hartley, A; Clark, E M; Coulson, J; Ireland, A; Moss, C; Edwards, M H; Dennison, E; Gaysin, T; Cooper, R; Wong, A; McPhee, J S; Cooper, C; Kuh, D; Tobias, J H

2017-03-01

This observational study assessed vertical impacts experienced in older adults as part of their day-to-day physical activity using accelerometry and questionnaire data. Population-based older adults experienced very limited high-impact activity. The accelerometry method utilised appeared to be valid based on comparisons between different cohorts and with self-reported activity. We aimed to validate a novel method for evaluating day-to-day higher impact weight-bearing physical activity (PA) in older adults, thought to be important in protecting against osteoporosis, by comparing results between four cohorts varying in age and activity levels, and with self-reported PA levels. Participants were from three population-based cohorts, MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD), Hertfordshire Cohort Study (HCS) and Cohort for Skeletal Health in Bristol and Avon (COSHIBA), and the Master Athlete Cohort (MAC). Y-axis peaks (reflecting the vertical when an individual is upright) from a triaxial accelerometer (sampling frequency 50 Hz, range 0-16 g) worn at the waist for 7 days were classified as low (0.5-1.0 g), medium (1.0-1.5 g) or higher (≥1.5 g) impacts. There were a median of 90, 41 and 39 higher impacts/week in NSHD (age 69.5), COSHIBA (age 76.8) and HCS (age 78.5) participants, respectively (total n = 1512). In contrast, MAC participants (age 68.5) had a median of 14,322 higher impacts/week. In the three population cohorts combined, based on comparison of beta coefficients, moderate-high-impact activities as assessed by PA questionnaire were suggestive of stronger association with higher impacts from accelerometers (0.25 [0.17, 0.34]), compared with medium (0.18 [0.09, 0.27]) and low impacts (0.13 [0.07,0.19]) (beta coefficient, with 95 % CI). Likewise in MAC, reported moderate-high-impact activities showed a stronger association with higher impacts (0.26 [0.14, 0.37]), compared with medium (0.14 [0.05, 0.22]) and low impacts (0.03 [-0.02, 0.08]). Our new accelerometer method appears to provide valid measures of higher vertical impacts in older adults. Results obtained from the three population-based cohorts indicate that older adults generally experience very limited higher impact weight-bearing PA.

Preimplantation embryo development in vitro: cooperative interactions among embryos and role of growth factors.

PubMed Central

Paria, B C; Dey, S K

1990-01-01

We have established a model that shows cooperative interaction among preimplantation embryos and the role of growth factors on their development and growth. Two-cell mouse embryos cultured singly in 25-microliters microdrops had inferior development to blastocysts and lower cell numbers per blastocyst compared with those cultured in groups of 5 or 10. The inferior development of singly cultured embryos was markedly improved by addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) or transforming growth factor alpha or beta 1 (TGF-alpha or TGF-beta 1) to the culture medium. The stage of embryonic development, primarily affected by these treatments, was between eight-cell/morula and blastocyst. Furthermore, blastocysts developed from eight-cell embryos cultured in groups or singly in the presence of EGF showed a higher incidence of zona hatching compared with those cultured singly in the absence of EGF. Detection of EGF receptors on the embryonic cell surface at eight-cell/morula and blastocyst stages suggests beneficial effects of EGF or TGF-alpha on preimplantation embryo development and blastocyst functions. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) had no influence on embryo development. To further document the cooperative interactions among embryos, the volume of the culture medium was doubled to 50 microliters. This increase in culture volume was even more detrimental to the development of singly cultured embryos. However, this detrimental effect was significantly reversed by EGF and reversed even more markedly by a combination of EGF and TGF-beta 1 but not by TGF-beta 1 alone. Although TGF-beta 1 plus IGF-I caused a modest improvement of embryo development, the response was not as great as shown by EGF alone. Furthermore, IGF-I had no additive effect on EGF-induced embryonic development. The study presents clear evidence that specific growth factors of embryonic and/or reproductive tract origin participate in preimplantation embryo development and blastocyst functions in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Images PMID:2352946

The lethal effects of cytokine-induced nitric oxide on cardiac myocytes are blocked by nitric oxide synthase antagonism or transforming growth factor beta.

PubMed Central

Pinsky, D J; Cai, B; Yang, X; Rodriguez, C; Sciacca, R R; Cannon, P J

1995-01-01

Inducible nitric oxide (NO) produced by macrophages is cytotoxic to invading organisms and has an important role in host defense. Recent studies have demonstrated inducible NO production within the heart, and that cytokine-induced NO mediates alterations in cardiac contractility, but the cytotoxic potential of nitric oxide with respect to the heart has not been defined. To evaluate the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on cardiac myocyte cytotoxicity, we exposed adult rat cardiac myocytes to either cytokines alone or to activated J774 macrophages in coculture. Increased expression of both iNOS message and protein was seen in J774 macrophages treated with IFN gamma and LPS and cardiac myocytes treated with TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IFN gamma. Increased NO synthesis was confirmed in both the coculture and isolated myocyte preparations by increased nitrite production. Increased NO synthesis was associated with a parallel increase in myocyte death as measured by CPK release into the culture medium as well as by loss of membrane integrity, visualized by trypan blue staining. Addition of the competitive NO synthase inhibitor L-NMMA to the culture medium prevented both the increased nitrite production and the cytotoxicity observed after cytokine treatment in both the isolated myocyte and the coculture experiments. Because transforming growth-factor beta modulates iNOS expression in other cell types, we evaluated its effects on cardiac myocyte iNOS expression and NO-mediated myocyte cytotoxicity. TGF-beta reduced expression of cardiac myocyte iNOS message and protein, reduced nitrite production, and reduced NO-mediated cytotoxicity in parallel. Taken together, these experiments show the cytotoxic potential of endogenous NO production within the heart, and suggest a role for TGF-beta or NO synthase antagonists to mute these lethal effects. These findings may help explain the cardiac response to sepsis or allograft rejection, as well as the progression of dilated cardiomyopathies of diverse etiologies. Images PMID:7532189

Evidence for a role of TGF-beta1 in the expression and regulation of alpha-SMA in fetal growth restricted placentae.

PubMed

Todros, T; Marzioni, D; Lorenzi, T; Piccoli, E; Capparuccia, L; Perugini, V; Cardaropoli, S; Romagnoli, R; Gesuita, R; Rolfo, A; Paulesu, L; Castellucci, M

2007-01-01

There is evidence that alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) is a protein that plays a pivotal role in the production of contractile forces and it is induced by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). We have analysed the expression of alpha-SMA, TGF-beta1, its receptor RI and the activator phospho-Smad2 in (a) fetal growth restriction pre-eclamptic placentae characterised by early onset and absence of end diastolic velocities in the umbilical arteries (FGR-AED) and (b) control placentae accurately matched for gestational age. The study was performed by immunohistochemical, quantitative Western blotting, ELISA, RT-PCR and in vitro analyses. We found that TGF-beta1 stimulates alpha-SMA production in chorionic villi cultured in vitro. In addition, we observed that in vivo TGF-beta1 concentration is significantly higher in FGR-AED placental samples than in control placentae and that this growth factor could have a paracrine action on villous stroma myofibroblasts expressing TGF-beta1 receptors and phospho-Smad2. Indeed, we report that alpha-SMA undergoes a redistribution in FGR-AED placental villous tree, i.e. we show that alpha-SMA is enhanced in medium and small stem villi and significantly decreased in the peripheral villi. Our data allow us to consider TGF-beta1 and alpha-SMA as key molecules related to FGR-AED placental villous tree phenotypic changes responsible for increased impedance to blood flow observable in this pathology.

Effect of beta-carotene-rich tomato lycopene beta-cyclase ( tlcy-b) on cell growth inhibition in HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma cells.

PubMed

Palozza, Paola; Bellovino, Diana; Simone, Rossella; Boninsegna, Alma; Cellini, Francesco; Monastra, Giovanni; Gaetani, Sancia

2009-07-01

Lycopene beta-cyclase (tlcy-b) tomatoes, obtained by modulating carotenogenesis via genetic engineering, contain a large amount of beta-carotene, as clearly visible by their intense orange colour. In the present study we have subjected tlcy-b tomatoes to an in vitro simulated digestion and analysed the effects of digestate on cell proliferation. To this aim we used HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells, grown in monolayers, as a model. Digested tomatoes were diluted (20 ml, 50 ml and 100 ml/l) in culture medium and added to the cells for different incubation times (24 h, 48 h and 72 h). Inhibition of cell growth by tomato digestate was dose-dependent and resulted from an arrest of cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 and G2/M phase and by apoptosis induction. A down-regulation of cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl expression was observed. We also found that heat treatment of samples before digestion enhanced beta-carotene release and therefore cell growth inhibition. To induce with purified beta-carotene solubilised in tetrahydrofuran the same cell growth inhibition obtained with the tomato digestate, a higher amount of the carotenoid was necessary, suggesting that beta-carotene micellarised during digestion is utilised more efficiently by the cells, but also that other tomato molecules, reasonably made available during digestion, may be present and cooperate with beta-carotene in promoting cell growth arrest.

Effects of nutrient deprivation and differentiation on the expression of growth-arrest genes (gas and gadd) in F9 embryonal carcinoma cells.

PubMed Central

Fleming, J V; Hay, S M; Harries, D N; Rees, W D

1998-01-01

The growth-arrest genes (gas and gadd) are widely expressed during mammalian embryogenesis and may be useful as markers of nutritional stress in the embryo. F9 embryonal carcinoma cells have been used to characterize the effect of serum or amino acid deficiency on growth-arrest gene expression in a differentiating embryonic cell. The differentiation markers, homeobox B2 (HoxB2), collagen type IV and laminin B2, were not induced by growth arrest. Treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (RA) produced a dose-dependent increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, which was unchanged in lysine-deficient medium and reduced in low-serum medium. Low-serum medium also reduced HoxB2 expression. There was a transient 2-6-fold increase in mRNAs for C/EBP-beta, gadd153/CHOP-10 and gas5 genes 24 h after transfer to amino-acid-deficient media. The mRNAs for the gas2 and gas6 genes began to rise slowly by 5-10-fold after a delay of approx. 24 h. The transient increases did not occur in low-serum medium where there was a much smaller and slower increase. Differentiation caused 1-2-fold increases in gas2, gas3 and gas6 mRNA levels. The transient overexpression of gas5, gadd153/CHOP-10 and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein-beta, and the later expression of gas6 mRNAs in response to amino acid deficiency, were not affected by differentiation. RA treatment increased the expression of gas3 and caused gas2 to be transiently overexpressed in amino-acid-deficient medium. Differentiation in serum-deficient medium did not significantly alter the levels of the growth-arrest gene mRNAs. These results show that in F9 cells the growth-arrest genes are expressed sequentially as a result of nutrient stress. PMID:9461558

Effects of nutrient deprivation and differentiation on the expression of growth-arrest genes (gas and gadd) in F9 embryonal carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Fleming, J V; Hay, S M; Harries, D N; Rees, W D

1998-02-15

The growth-arrest genes (gas and gadd) are widely expressed during mammalian embryogenesis and may be useful as markers of nutritional stress in the embryo. F9 embryonal carcinoma cells have been used to characterize the effect of serum or amino acid deficiency on growth-arrest gene expression in a differentiating embryonic cell. The differentiation markers, homeobox B2 (HoxB2), collagen type IV and laminin B2, were not induced by growth arrest. Treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (RA) produced a dose-dependent increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, which was unchanged in lysine-deficient medium and reduced in low-serum medium. Low-serum medium also reduced HoxB2 expression. There was a transient 2-6-fold increase in mRNAs for C/EBP-beta, gadd153/CHOP-10 and gas5 genes 24 h after transfer to amino-acid-deficient media. The mRNAs for the gas2 and gas6 genes began to rise slowly by 5-10-fold after a delay of approx. 24 h. The transient increases did not occur in low-serum medium where there was a much smaller and slower increase. Differentiation caused 1-2-fold increases in gas2, gas3 and gas6 mRNA levels. The transient overexpression of gas5, gadd153/CHOP-10 and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein-beta, and the later expression of gas6 mRNAs in response to amino acid deficiency, were not affected by differentiation. RA treatment increased the expression of gas3 and caused gas2 to be transiently overexpressed in amino-acid-deficient medium. Differentiation in serum-deficient medium did not significantly alter the levels of the growth-arrest gene mRNAs. These results show that in F9 cells the growth-arrest genes are expressed sequentially as a result of nutrient stress.

Characterization of Medium Conditioned by Irradiated Cells Using Proteome-Wide, High-Throughput Mass Spectrometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Springer, David L.; Ahram, Mamoun; Adkins, Joshua N.

Shedding, the release of cell surface proteins by regulated proteolysis, is a general cellular response to injury and is responsible for generating numerous bioactive molecules including growth factors and cytokines. The purpose of our work is to determine whether low doses of low-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation induce shedding of bioactive molecules. Using a mass spectrometry-based global proteomics method, we tested this hypothesis by analyzing for shed proteins in medium from irradiated human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC). Several hundred proteins were identified, including transforming growth factor beta (TGFB); however, no changes in protein abundances attributable to radiation exposure, based onmore » immunoblotting methods, were observed. These results demonstrate that our proteomic-based approach has the sensitivity to identify the kinds of proteins believed to be released after low-dose radiation exposure but that improvements in mass spectrometry-based protein quantification will be required to detect the small changes in abundance associated with this type of insult.« less

Observation of the hot electron interchange instability in a high beta dipolar confined plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortiz, Eugenio Enrique

In this thesis the first study of the high beta, hot electron interchange (HEI) instability in a laboratory, dipolar confined plasma is presented. The Levitated Dipole Experiment (LDX) is a new research facility that explores the confinement and stability of plasma created within the dipole field produced by a strong superconducting magnet. In initial experiments long-pulse, quasi-steady state microwave discharges lasting more than 10 sec have been produced with equilibria having peak beta values of 20%. Creation of high-pressure, high beta plasma is possible only when intense HEI instabilities are stabilized by sufficiently high background plasma density. LDX plasma exist within one of three regimes characterized by its response to heating and fueling. The observed HEI instability depends on the regime and can take one of three forms: as quasiperiodic bursts during the low density, low beta plasma regime, as local high beta relaxation events in the high beta plasma regime, and as global, intense energy relaxation bursts, both in the high beta and afterglow plasma regimes. Measurements of the HEI instability are made using high-impedance, floating potential probes and fast Mirnov coils. Analysis of these signals reveals the extent of the transport during high beta plasmas. During intense high beta HEI instabilities, fluctuations at the edge significantly exceed the magnitude of the equilibrium field generated by the high beta electrons and energetic electron confinement ends in under 100 musec. For heated plasmas, one of the consequences of the observed high beta transport is the presence of hysteresis in the neutral gas fueling required to stabilize and maintain the high beta plasma. Finally, a nonlinear, self-consistent numerical simulation of the growth and saturation of the HEI instability has been adapted for LDX and compared to experimental observations.

Interaction between two discontiguous chain segments from the beta-sheet of Escherichia coli thioredoxin suggests an initiation site for folding.

PubMed

Tasayco, M L; Fuchs, J; Yang, X M; Dyalram, D; Georgescu, R E

2000-09-05

The approach of comparing folding and folding/binding processes is exquisitely poised to narrow down the regions of the sequence that drive protein folding. We have dissected the small single alpha/beta domain of oxidized Escherichia coli thioredoxin (Trx) into three complementary fragments (N, residues 1-37; M, residues 38-73; and C, residues 74-108) to study them in isolation and upon recombination by far-UV CD and NMR spectroscopy. The isolated fragments show a minimum of ellipticity of ca. 197 nm in their far-UV CD spectra without concentration dependence, chemical shifts of H(alpha) that are close to the random coil values, and no medium- and long-range NOE connectivities in their three-dimensional NMR spectra. These fragments behave as disordered monomers. Only the far-UV CD spectra of binary or ternary mixtures that contain N- and C-fragments are different from the sum of their individual spectra, which is indicative of folding and/or binding of these fragments. Indeed, the cross-peaks corresponding to the rather hydrophobic beta(2) and beta(4) regions of the beta-sheet of Trx disappear from the (1)H-(15)N HSQC spectra of isolated labeled N- and C-fragments, respectively, upon addition of the unlabeled complementary fragments. The disappearing cross-peaks indicate interactions between the beta(2) and beta(4) regions, and their reappearance at lower temperatures indicates unfolding and/or dissociation of heteromers that are predominantly held by hydrophobic forces. Our results argue that the folding of Trx begins by zippering two discontiguous and rather hydrophobic chain segments (beta(2) and beta(4)) corresponding to neighboring strands of the native beta-sheet.

Acylcarnitines activate pro-inflammatory signaling pathways

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Incomplete beta-oxidation of fatty acids in mitochondria is a feature of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the resulting metabolic by-products, medium- and long-chain acylcarnitines are shown to be elevated. In preliminary studies, mixed isomers of C12- or C14-carnitine act...

Abrogation of E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell contact in mouse embryonic stem cells results in reversible LIF-independent self-renewal.

PubMed

Soncin, Francesca; Mohamet, Lisa; Eckardt, Dominik; Ritson, Sarah; Eastham, Angela M; Bobola, Nicoletta; Russell, Angela; Davies, Steve; Kemler, Rolf; Merry, Catherine L R; Ward, Christopher M

2009-09-01

We have previously demonstrated that differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells is associated with downregulation of cell surface E-cadherin. In this study, we assessed the function of E-cadherin in mouse ES cell pluripotency and differentiation. We show that inhibition of E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell contact in ES cells using gene knockout (Ecad(-/-)), RNA interference (EcadRNAi), or a transhomodimerization-inhibiting peptide (CHAVC) results in cellular proliferation and maintenance of an undifferentiated phenotype in fetal bovine serum-supplemented medium in the absence of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Re-expression of E-cadherin in Ecad(-/-), EcadRNAi, and CHAVC-treated ES cells restores cellular dependence to LIF supplementation. Although reversal of the LIF-independent phenotype in Ecad(-/-) ES cells is dependent on the beta-catenin binding domain of E-cadherin, we show that beta-catenin null (betacat(-/-)) ES cells also remain undifferentiated in the absence of LIF. This suggests that LIF-independent self-renewal of Ecad(-/-) ES cells is unlikely to be via beta-catenin signaling. Exposure of Ecad(-/-), EcadRNAi, and CHAVC-treated ES cells to the activin receptor-like kinase inhibitor SB431542 led to differentiation of the cells, which could be prevented by re-expression of E-cadherin. To confirm the role of transforming growth factor beta family signaling in the self-renewal of Ecad(-/-) ES cells, we show that these cells maintain an undifferentiated phenotype when cultured in serum-free medium supplemented with Activin A and Nodal, with fibroblast growth factor 2 required for cellular proliferation. We conclude that transhomodimerization of E-cadherin protein is required for LIF-dependent ES cell self-renewal and that multiple self-renewal signaling networks subsist in ES cells, with activity dependent upon the cellular context.

Increased flow of fatty acids toward beta-oxidation in developing seeds of Arabidopsis deficient in diacylglycerol acyltransferase activity or synthesizing medium-chain-length fatty acids.

PubMed

Poirier, Y; Ventre, G; Caldelari, D

1999-12-01

Synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from intermediates of fatty acid beta-oxidation was used as a tool to study fatty acid degradation in developing seeds of Arabidopsis. Transgenic plants expressing a peroxisomal PHA synthase under the control of a napin promoter accumulated PHA in developing seeds to a final level of 0. 06 mg g(-1) dry weight. In plants co-expressing a plastidial acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterase from Cuphea lanceolata and a peroxisomal PHA synthase, approximately 18-fold more PHA accumulated in developing seeds. The proportion of 3-hydroxydecanoic acid monomer in the PHA was strongly increased, indicating a large flow of capric acid toward beta-oxidation. Furthermore, expression of the peroxisomal PHA synthase in an Arabidopsis mutant deficient in the enzyme diacylglycerol acyltransferase resulted in a 10-fold increase in PHA accumulation in developing seeds. These data indicate that plants can respond to the inadequate incorporation of fatty acids into triacylglycerides by recycling the fatty acids via beta-oxidation and that a considerable flow toward beta-oxidation can occur even in a plant tissue primarily devoted to the accumulation of storage lipids.

Micro-power dissipation device described

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, X.; Zhou, L.; Zhou, J.

1985-11-01

The common-emitter current gain beta of a common two-pole transistor is generally below 250. They are referred to as high-beta or high gain transistors when the beta of such transistors exceeds 300. When the beta of a transistor is higher than 1,000, it is called a super-beta transistor (SBT) or supergain transistor. The micropower dissipation type has the widest applications among the high-beta. Micropower dissipation high-beta means that there is a high gain or a superhigh gain under a microcurrent. The device is widely used in small signal-detection systems and stereo audio equipment because of their characteristics of high gain, low frequency and low noise under small signals.

Regulation of human nitric oxide synthase 2 expression by Wnt beta-catenin signaling.

PubMed

Du, Qiang; Park, Kyung Soo; Guo, Zhong; He, Peijun; Nagashima, Makoto; Shao, Lifang; Sahai, Rohit; Geller, David A; Hussain, S Perwez

2006-07-15

Nitric oxide (NO.), an important mediator of inflammation, and beta-catenin, a component of the Wnt-adenomatous polyposis coli signaling pathway, contribute to the development of cancer. We have identified two T-cell factor 4 (Tcf-4)-binding elements (TBE1 and TBE2) in the promoter of human inducible NO synthase 2 (NOS2). We tested the hypothesis that beta-catenin regulates human NOS2 gene. Mutation in either of the two TBE sites decreased the basal and cytokine-induced NOS2 promoter activity in different cell lines. The promoter activity was significantly reduced when both TBE1 and TBE2 sites were mutated (P < 0.01). Nuclear extract from HCT116, HepG2, or DLD1 cells bound to NOS2 TBE1 or TBE2 oligonucleotides in electrophoretic mobility shift assays and the specific protein-DNA complexes were supershifted with anti-beta-catenin or anti-Tcf-4 antibody. Overexpression of beta-catenin and Tcf-4 significantly increased both basal and cytokine-induced NOS2 promoter activity (P < 0.01), and the induction was dependent on intact TBE sites. Overexpression of beta-catenin or Tcf-4 increased NOS2 mRNA and protein expression in HCT116 cells. Lithium chloride (LiCl), an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta, increased cytosolic and nuclear beta-catenin level, NOS2 expression, and NO. production in primary human and rat hepatocytes and cancer cell lines. Treatment with Wnt-3A-conditioned medium increased beta-catenin and NOS2 expression in fetal human hepatocytes. When administered in vivo, LiCl increased hepatic beta-catenin level in a dose-dependent manner with simultaneous increase in NOS2 expression. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that beta-catenin up-regulates NOS2 and suggest a novel mechanism by which the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway may contribute to cancer by increasing NO. production.

Engineering aspects of the HT-6M Tokamak

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1986-05-01

The HT-6M is a medium-sized tokamak being built in China. The principal aim of the project is to study high-power auxiliary heating (1-MW neutral beam injection, 1-MW ion cyclotron resonance heating, and 100-kW electron cyclotron resonance heating), high-..beta.. experiments, the transport process, and the formation and diffusion process of impurities. The main device parameters are: major plasma radius R = 65 cm, minor plasma radius a = 20 cm, plasma current I/subP/ = 150 kA, discharge time tau = 150 ms, toroidal field B/subT/ = 15 kG. Simplicity of construction, accessibility to the plasma, reliability in operation, and convenience formore » maintenance were particularly emphasized in the design. The important design features of the device and power supply system are described.« less

Gamma-ray line afterglow from burst environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fencl, H. S.; Boyd, R. N.; Hartmann, Dieter

1992-01-01

We consider photoerosion and direct pair production in a medium surrounding a gamma-ray burst. The resulting secondary gamma-rays may provide diagnostic tools of these environments and, in turn, of the nature of the bursters themselves. In some instances short-lived nuclides are formed; the beta-delayed gamma-rays produced from their decays provide the signatures of the photoerosion. In addition, annihilation radiation produced from positrons resulting from direct pair production is related to the plasma conditions in the medium. We investigate the plausibility of detecting the various radiations. Under extremely favorable conditions, the photoerosion afterglow might be detectable with the present generation of detectors. However, the positron annihilation line should be detectable under a fairly wide range in the conditions of the medium.

Two rapid pigmentation tests for identification of Cryptococcus neoformans.

PubMed Central

Kaufmann, C S; Merz, W G

1982-01-01

Two tests were developed for the rapid identification of Cryptococcus neoformans based on pigment produced by the organism's phenoloxidase activity. Caffeic acid was incorporated into cornmeal agar, a medium used routinely for yeast identification. When tested on this medium, only C. neoformans isolates produced brown pigment. All other yeasts maintained their normal morphology and did not produce the reaction product. A non-medium-based test was developed for same-day identification of C. neoformans isolates. Paper strips saturated with a buffered L-beta-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine-ferric citrate solution were inoculated with isolates and incubated at 37 degrees C. Pigment production occurred only with C. neoformans isolates, many within 60 to 90 min. All other yeasts remained negative. PMID:7040452

Relative quantification of beta-casein expression in primary goat mammary epithelial cell lines.

PubMed

Ogorevc, J; Dovč, P

2015-04-15

Primary mammary epithelial cell cultures were established from mammary tissue of lactating and non-lactating goats to assess the expression of beta-casein (CSN2) in vitro. Primary cell cultures were established by enzymatic digestion of mammary tissue and characterized using antibodies against cytokeratin 14, cytokeratin 18, and vimentin. The established primary cell lines in the second passage were grown in basal medium on plastic and in hormone-supplemented (lactogenic) medium on plastic and on an extracellular matrix-covered surface, respectively. CSN2 gene expression was evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The presence of CSN2 transcripts was detected in all samples, including cells originating from non-lactating goat, grown in basal medium. The presence of CSN2 protein was confirmed using immunofluorescence. Response to the hormonal treatment and cell morphology differed between the cell lines and treatments. In 2 cell lines supplemented with lactogenic hormones in the medium, CSN2 expression was increased, while CSN2 levels in one of the cell lines remained constant, regardless of the treatment. Addition of extracellular matrix showed positive effects on CSN2 transcription activity in 1 of the cell lines, while in the other 2 showed no statistically significant effects. CSN2 expression appeared to depend on subtle differences in physiological state of the starting tissue material, growth conditions, cell types present in the culture, and methods used for cell culture establishment. Further studies are necessary to identify factors that determine hormone-responsiveness and transcriptional activity of milk protein genes in goat primary mammary cell cultures.

Effects of ß-TCP scaffolds on neurogenic and osteogenic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Arpornmaeklong, Premjit; Pressler, Michael J

2018-01-01

Extracellular matrix (ECM) and adhesion molecules play crucial roles in regulating growth and differentiation of stem cells. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) scaffolds on differentiation and expression of ECM and adhesion molecules of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Undifferentiated hESCs were seeded on ß-TCP scaffolds and cell culture plates and cultured in growth and osteogenic medium for 21 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) displayed adhesion and growth of hESCs on the porous ß-TCP scaffolds. Histological analysis, immunohistochemical staining and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) demonstrated that the scaffolds supported growth and differentiation of hESCs. Expression levels of neural crest related genes (AP2a, FoxD3, HNK1, P75, Sox1, Sox10) and osteoblast-related genes (Runx2, SPP1 and BGLA) on the scaffolds in osteogenic medium were significantly higher than on the scaffolds in growth and cell culture plates in osteogenic medium, respectively (p<0.05). Polymerase chain reaction array experiments demonstrated increased expression of ECM and adhesion molecule-related genes on the scaffolds. In conclusion, osteoconductive scaffolds such as ß-TCP scaffolds promoted differentiation of hESCs, particularly expression of genes related to neural crest stem cell and osteoblastic differentiations. Beta-TCP scaffolds could be an alternative cell culture substrate for neural crest and osteogenic differentiation of hESCs. Optimization of culture medium may be necessary to enhance lineage restriction of hESCs on the ß-TCP scaffolds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Heavy isotope labeling study of the turnover of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in BC/sup 3/H1 cell line

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bouhelal, R.; Bockaert, J.; Mermet-Bouvier, R.

1987-06-25

We have used the method of heavy isotope labeling to study the metabolic turnover of adenylate cyclase in a nonfusing muscle cell line, the BC/sup 3/H1 cells. These cells contains an adenylate cyclase coupled to beta-adrenergic receptors and highly stimulated by forskolin, a potent activator of the enzyme. After transfer of the cells from normal medium to heavy medium (a medium containing heavy labeled amino acids, /sup 3/H, /sup 13/C, /sup 15/N), heavy isotope-labeled adenylate cyclase molecules progressively replace pre-existing light molecules. In sucrose gradient differential sedimentation, after a 5-day switch in heavy medium, the enzyme exhibited a higher massmore » (s = 8.40 +/- 0.03 S, n = 13) compared to the control enzyme. Indeed, the increase in the sedimentation coefficient of the heavy molecules was due to the synthesis of new molecules of adenylate cyclase labeled with heavy isotope amino acids since in the presence of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, no change in the sedimentation pattern of the forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase occurred. After incorporation of heavy isotope amino acids in the adenylate cyclase molecules, the kinetics parameters of the enzyme did not change. However, adenylate cyclase from cells incubated with heavy medium exhibits an activity about 2-fold lower than control. After switching the cells to the heavy medium, the decrease of the activity of the enzyme occurred during the first 24 h and thereafter remained at a steady state for at least 4 days. In contrast, 24 h after the switch, the sedimentation coefficient of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase was progressively shifted to a higher value.« less

Outdoor cultivation of Dunaliella salina KU 11 using brine and saline lake water with raceway ponds in northeastern Thailand.

PubMed

Wu, Zhe; Dejtisakdi, Wipawee; Kermanee, Prasart; Ma, Chunhong; Arirob, Wallop; Sathasivam, Ramaraj; Juntawong, Niran

2017-11-01

To evaluate the potential of algal biotechnology to replace traditional agriculture in northeastern Thailand, an open raceway cultivation system was developed to produce biomass and beta-carotene. Dunaliella salina KU 11 isolated from local saline soil was cultured in open raceway tanks using brine and saline lake water. Grown in modified Johnson's medium (with 2-3.5 M NaCl), the algae reached a maximum cell density on the fourth day (1.8 × 10 6 cells mL -1 ). Increasing KNO 3 and NaHCO 3 from 0.5 and 0.043 g L -1 to 1 and 2.1 g L -1 , respectively, significantly improved the yields of biomass (0.33 g L -1 ) and beta-carotene (19 mg L -1 ). Expected profits for algal production were evaluated, and it was found that this strain was suitable for outdoor cultivation and the developing algal industry in northeastern Thailand could produce high economic benefits (at least $64,120 per year per 0.16 ha). © 2016 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Possible involvement of G-proteins and cAMP in the induction of progesterone hydroxylating enzyme system in the vascular wilt fungus Fusarium oxysporum.

PubMed

Poli, Anna; Di Pietro, Antonio; Zigon, Dusan; Lenasi, Helena

2009-02-01

Fungi present the ability to hydroxylate steroids. In some filamentous fungi, progesterone induces an enzyme system which converts the compound into a less toxic hydroxylated product. We investigated the progesterone response in the vascular wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum, using mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Progesterone was mainly transformed into 15alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, which was found predominantly in the extracellular medium. The role of two conserved fungal signaling cascades in the induction of the progesterone-transforming enzyme system was studied, using knockout mutants lacking the mitogen-activated protein kinase Fmk1 or the heterotrimeric G-protein beta subunit Fgb1 functioning upstream of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway. No steroid hydroxylation was induced in the Deltafgb1 strain, suggesting a role for the G-protein beta subunit in progesterone signaling. Exogenous cAMP restored the induction of progesterone-transforming activity in the Deltafgb1 strain, suggesting that steroid signaling in F. oxysporum is mediated by the cAMP-PKA pathway.

Prostaglandins, steroids and reception (an attempt to model the structure of the active centers of adrenoreception).

PubMed

Podymov, V K; Piruzyan, L A; Gladkikh, S P; Kats, M M; Nizhnii, S V

1980-01-01

On the basis of numerous results of investigations on adrenergic systems, an orientational model of the adrenoreceptor (AR) is postulated. Its active center includes low-molecular-weight components--prostaglandins (PGE, PGF), steroids (cortisone, hydrocortisone), S+-adenosylmethionine, Ca, Mg, and Mn ions. Appraisal of the stereospecific characteristics of such a functional unit of AR explains the difference in the nature and magnitude of the effects of interaction of the catecholamines, their agonists and antagonists will the so-called alpha- and beta-AR. Depending on the organ or tissue in which the AR is located, its protein subunits comprise adenylcyclase (beta-AR) or Na,K-ATPase (alpha-AR). An obligatory component of the AR is catechol-O-methyltransferase. The model elaborated describes satisfactorily the molecular mechanisms of action of many pharmacological agents, explains why attempts to isolate and reconstruct the AR have proved fruitless, and gives grounds for rejecting the hypothesis that there exist steroid, prostaglandin, and purinergic receptors, linking the exceptionally high and diverse activity of these biologically active substances with their participation in adrenoreception among other reasons. A conception of the active centers of the AR as low-molecular-weight entities permits the explanation of such phenomena as the desensitization of the AR, the "interconversion" of beta-AR into alpha-AR with a change in the parameters of the medium, and certain components of the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma, etc.

Quantitative EEG during REM and NREM sleep in combat-exposed veterans with and without Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

PubMed Central

Cohen, Daniel J.; Begley, Amy; Alman, Jennie J.; Cashmere, J. David; Pietrone, Regina N.; Seres, Robert J.; Germain, Anne

2012-01-01

Summary Sleep disturbances are a hallmark feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and associated with poor clinical outcomes. Few studies have examined sleep quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), a technique able to detect subtle differences polysomnography does not capture. We hypothesized greater high-frequency qEEG would reflect “hyperarousal” in in combat veterans with PTSD (n=16) compared to veterans without PTSD (n=13). EEG power in traditional EEG frequency bands was computed for artifact-free sleep epochs across an entire night. Correlations were performed between qEEG and ratings of PTSD symptoms and combat exposure. The groups did not differ significantly in whole night qEEG measures for either REM or NREM. Non-significant medium effect sizes suggest less REM beta (opposite to our hypothesis), less REM and NREM sigma, and more NREM gamma in combat veterans with PTSD. Positive correlations were found between combat exposure and NREM beta (PTSD group only), and REM and NREM sigma (non-PTSD group only). Results did not support global hyperarousal in PTSD as indexed by increased beta qEEG activity. The correlation of sigma activity with combat exposure in those without PTSD, and the non-significant trend towards less sigma activity during both REM and NREM sleep in combat veterans with PTSD suggests that differential information processing during sleep may characterize combat-exposed military veterans with and without PTSD. PMID:22845675

Sulphation of secreted phosphoprotein I (SPPI, osteopontin) is associated with mineralized tissue formation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nagata, T.; Todescan, R.; Goldberg, H.A.

Secreted phosphoprotein I (SPPI) is a prominent structural protein in mineralized connective tissues. Rat bone cells in culture produce several forms of SPPI that differ in post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and sulphation. To determine the significance of protein sulphation in bone formation, the synthesis of SPPI was studied in vitro using rat bone marrow cells (RBMC) which form bone-like tissue when grown in the presence of dexamethasone (Dex) and beta-glycerophosphate (beta-GP). In the presence of 10(-7) M Dex SPPI expression was stimulated 4-5-fold. Radiolabelling multilayered RBMCs for 48 h with (35S)-methionine, Na2(35SO4), or Na3(32PO4) revealed that two major phosphorylatedmore » forms of SPPI were secreted into the culture medium: a highly phosphorylated form migrating at 44 kDa on 15% SDS-PAGE and a less phosphorylated 55 kDa form. In the mineralized tissue formed in the presence of Dex and beta-GP, both forms of SPPI, in addition to proteoglycans and a 67 kDa protein, incorporated significant amounts of (35SO4). Sulphation of SPPI was not observed in the absence of mineral formation, indicating that the sulphation of SPPI is closely associated with mineralization and that it can be used as a sensitive and specific marker for the osteoblastic phenotype.« less

Source analysis of beta-synchronisation and cortico-muscular coherence after movement termination based on high resolution electroencephalography.

PubMed

Muthuraman, Muthuraman; Tamás, Gertrúd; Hellriegel, Helge; Deuschl, Günther; Raethjen, Jan

2012-01-01

We hypothesized that post-movement beta synchronization (PMBS) and cortico-muscular coherence (CMC) during movement termination relate to each other and have similar role in sensorimotor integration. We calculated the parameters and estimated the sources of these phenomena.We measured 64-channel EEG simultaneously with surface EMG of the right first dorsal interosseus muscle in 11 healthy volunteers. In Task1, subjects kept a medium-strength contraction continuously; in Task2, superimposed on this movement, they performed repetitive self-paced short contractions. In Task3 short contractions were executed alone. Time-frequency analysis of the EEG and CMC was performed with respect to the offset of brisk movements and averaged in each subject. Sources of PMBS and CMC were also calculated.High beta power in Task1, PMBS in Task2-3, and CMC in Task1-2 could be observed in the same individual frequency bands. While beta synchronization in Task1 and PMBS in Task2-3 appeared bilateral with contralateral predominance, CMC in Task1-2 was strictly a unilateral phenomenon; their main sources did not differ contralateral to the movement in the primary sensorimotor cortex in 7 of 11 subjects in Task1, and in 6 of 9 subjects in Task2. In Task2, CMC and PMBS had the same latency but their amplitudes did not correlate with each other. In Task2, weaker PMBS source was found bilaterally within the secondary sensory cortex, while the second source of CMC was detected in the premotor cortex, contralateral to the movement. In Task3, weaker sources of PMBS could be estimated in bilateral supplementary motor cortex and in the thalamus. PMBS and CMC appear simultaneously at the end of a phasic movement possibly suggesting similar antikinetic effects, but they may be separate processes with different active functions. Whereas PMBS seems to reset the supraspinal sensorimotor network, cortico-muscular coherence may represent the recalibration of cortico-motoneuronal and spinal systems.

Nuclear spin-isospin excitations from covariant quasiparticle-vibration coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robin, Caroline; Litvinova, Elena

2016-09-01

Methods based on the relativistic Lagrangian of quantum hadrodynamics and nuclear field theory provide a consistent framework for the description of nuclear excitations, naturally connecting the high- and medium-energy scales of mesons to the low-energy domain of nucleonic collective motion. Applied in the neutral channel, this approach has been quite successful in describing the overall transition strength up to high excitation energies, as well as fine details of the low-lying distribution. Recently, this method has been extended to the description of spin-isospin excitations in open-shell nuclei. In the charge-exchange channel, the coupling between nucleons and collective vibrations generates a time-dependent proton-neutron effective interaction, in addition to the static pion and rho-meson exchange, and introduces complex configurations that induce fragmentation and spreading of the resonances. Such effects have a great impact on the quenching of the strength and on the computing of weak reaction rates that are needed for astrophysics modeling. Gamow-Teller transitions in medium-mass nuclei and associated beta-decay half-lives will be presented. Further developments aiming to include additional ground-state correlations will also be discussed. This work is supported by US-NSF Grants PHY-1404343 and PHY-1204486.

Finite-Temperature Relativistic Time-Blocking Approximation for Nuclear Strength Functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wibowo, Herlik; Litvinova, Elena

2017-09-01

This work presents an extension of the relativistic nuclear field theory (RNFT) developed throughout the last decade as an approach to the nuclear many-body problem, based on QHD meson-nucleon Lagrangian and relativistic field theory. The unique feature of RNFT is a consistent connection of the high-energy scale of heavy mesons, the medium-energy range of pion, and the low-energy domain of emergent collective vibrations (phonons). RNFT has demonstrated a very good performance in various nuclear structure calculations across the nuclear chart and, in particular, provides a consistent input for description of the two phases of r-process nucleosynthesis: neutron capture and beta decay. Further inclusion of finite temperature effects presented here allows for an extension of the method to highly excited compound nuclei. The covariant response theory in the relativistic time-blocking approximation (RTBA) is generalized for thermal effects, adopting the Matsubara Green's function formalism to the RNFT framework. The finite-temperature RTBA is implemented numerically to calculate multipole strength functions in medium-mass and heavy nuclei. The obtained results will be discussed in comparison to available experimental data and in the context of possible consequences for astrophysics.

Esculin-based medium for isolation and identification of Cryptococcus neoformans.

PubMed Central

Edberg, S C; Chaskes, S J; Alture-Werber, E; Singer, J M

1980-01-01

A simple medium was developed, using esculin as the substrate, for the isolation and identification of Cryptococcus neoformans. C. neoformans produced a brown-black pigment on the medium; all other yeasts produced no pigment or were light yellow. Esculin is beta-glucose-6,7-dihydroxycoumarin. C. neoformans produced pigment because the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin component of the esculin molecule was converted to a melanin-like pigment. We think the reaction was similar to the conversion of diphenols, aminophenols, and diaminobenzenes to melanin. Laboratory studies with isolates of C. neoformans, C. albidus, C. luteolus, and C. terreus and representatives of the genera Candida, Torulopsis, Geotrichum, and Rhodotorula, plus environmental field studies, demonstrated that over 95% of C. neoformans isolates were correctly identified, whereas all other fungi were excluded. Esculin agar was a sensitive, specific medium for the isolation and identification of C. neoformans. It was inexpensive and had a long storage life. Images PMID:7012169

Production of beta-glucan and related glucan-hydrolases by Botryosphaeria rhodina.

PubMed

Crognale, S; Bruno, M; Fidaleo, M; Moresi, M; Petruccioli, M

2007-03-01

Characterization of beta-glucan production from Botryosphaeria rhodina DABAC-P82 by detecting simultaneously glucan-hydrolytic enzymes and their localization, culture medium rheology and oxygen transfer. Mycelium growth, beta-glucan production, substrate consumption and glucan-hydrolytic enzymes were monitored both in shaken flasks and in a 3-l stirred-tank bioreactor. Glucan production (19.7 and 15.2 g l(-1), in flask and bioreactor, respectively) was accompanied by extra-cellular and cell-bound beta-glucanase and beta-glucosidase activities. In the bioreactor scale, in the time interval of 0-78 h the apparent viscosity of the culture broth exhibited a general increase; thereafter, it began to reduce, probably because of the above glucan-hydrolytic activities. Moreover, the culture media collected after 45 h behaved as solid-like materials at shear rates smaller than 0.001 s(-1), as pseudo-plastic liquids in the middle shear rate range and as Newtonian ones at shear rates greater than 1000 s(-1). The greatest beta-glucan accumulation in the bioreactor was found to be associated with nitrogen and dissolved oxygen concentrations smaller than 0.15 g l(-1) and 25%, respectively, and with the peak points of the glucan-degrading enzymes. A careful analysis of the critical factors (such as, culture broth rheology, oxygen mass transfer and glucan-hydrolytic enzymes) limiting the beta-glucan production by B. rhodina is a prerequisite to maximize beta-glucan yield and production, as well as to define the process flow sheet capable of maximizing biopolymer recovery, solvent re-utilization and glucose consumption.

Fermentation of soluble cello-oligosaccharides by yeasts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lastick, S.M.; Spindler, D.D.; Grohmann, K.

1983-02-01

Yeast strains that ferment cellobiose were examined with respect to fermentation on soluble cellodextrin preparations. Hydrolysis of the fermentation products was followed using thin layer chromatography. Candida and Brettanomyces sp. hydrolyze cellobiose and, at a much lower rate, cellotriose, indicating the presence of ..beta..-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) activity. Enzyme assays conducted on B. clausenii fermentations indicated that the ..beta..-glucosidase remained cell-associated during fermentation. Torulopsis sp. hydrolyzed all of the cello-oligo-saccharides, indicating exoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.91) activity. The exogluconanase, a glycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of 8.4 x 10/sup 4/ daltons, is exported into the culture medium.

Interactive effects of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene and methoxychlor on hormone synthesis in largemouth bass ovarian cultures.

PubMed

Borgert, Christopher J; Gross, Timothy S; Guiney, Patrick D; Osimitz, Tomas G; Price, Bertram; Wells, Christopher

2004-08-01

p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and methoxychlor were tested alone and in combination to assess the similarity of their actions on hormone synthesis in gonadal tissue from largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus), a species whose reproductive fitness has relevance to ecosystem health in Florida (USA). Gonads were harvested from adult female bass (age, two to three years) during the peak reproductive season (January-May), minced, and incubated in culture medium with or without test agents for 48 h. Duplicates of each treatment were performed in each of three experiments using tissue from a different female. Both 17beta-estradiol and testosterone were measured in aliquots of culture medium by validated radioimmunoassay procedures. Dose-response relationships of individual agents were characterized over a 6-log concentration range (1 X 10(-2) to 1 X 10(4) ppb). Both DDE and methoxychlor, tested individually, produced a dose-dependent decrease in testosterone levels. 17beta-Estradiol levels were unaffected. Mixtures of the agents were tested at all concentration combinations of 0.01, 1, 100, and 10,000 ppb in culture medium. Statistical tests indicated that of 16 dose combinations tested, 15 were antagonistic, and only 1 was additive based on the Loewe additivity model of no interaction. These results imply that methoxychlor and DDE inhibit testosterone production by different mechanisms in bass ovaries.

Laterality of Temporoparietal Causal Connectivity during the Prestimulus Period Correlates with Phonological Decoding Task Performance in Dyslexic and Typical Readers

PubMed Central

Liederman, Jacqueline; McGraw Fisher, Janet; Wu, Meng-Hung

2012-01-01

We examined how effective connectivity into and out of the left and right temporoparietal areas (TPAs) to/from other key cortical areas affected phonological decoding in 7 dyslexic readers (DRs) and 10 typical readers (TRs) who were young adults. Granger causality was used to compute the effective connectivity of the preparatory network 500 ms prior to presentation of nonwords that required phonological decoding. Neuromagnetic activity was analyzed within the low, medium, and high beta and gamma subbands. A mixed-model analysis determined whether connectivity to or from the left and right TPAs differed across connectivity direction (in vs. out), brain areas (right and left inferior frontal and ventral occipital–temporal and the contralateral TPA), reading group (DR vs. TR), and/or task performance. Within the low beta subband, better performance was associated with increased influence of the left TPA on other brain areas across both reading groups and poorer performance was associated with increased influence of the right TPA on other brain areas for DRs only. DRs were also found to have an increase in high gamma connectivity between the left TPA and other brain areas. This study suggests that hierarchal network structure rather than connectivity per se is important in determining phonological decoding performance. PMID:21980019

Preliminary Test Results from 650 MHz Single Cell Medium Beta Cavities for Project X

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marhauser, Frank; Kneisel, Peter; Burrill, Andrew

We have fabricated two single cell 650 MHz {beta}=0.61 cavities of a JLab design, which possibly can be used for the proposed Project X proton linac application. Both cavities were manufactured at JLab from RRR>250 niobium sheet of 4 mm thickness using standard techniques such as deep drawing, electron beam welding, buffered chemical polishing, hydrogen degassing heat treatment, high pressure ultrapure water rinsing and clean room assembly. Initially cavity no. 1 was -- after final surface treatment by buffered chemical polishing (BCP) -- measured without any provisions for stiffening. As expected, the pressure sensitivity and the Lorentz Force detuning coefficientsmore » were relatively high; however, the RF performance was very encouraging: the cavity exhibited a Q-value > 10{sup 11} at 1.6K, corresponding to a residual resistance of < 1.5 n{Omega} The initial gradient was limited to E{sub acc} ~ 18 MV/m, limited by field emission. In a subsequent test, the cavity was re-rinsed and stiffened up, resulting in a somewhat improved mechanical behavior, but no improvement in rf performance. The second cavity was also tested twice, before and after low temperature baking. The results from all tests are reported in this contribution.« less

Growth hormone aggregates in the rat adenohypophysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farrington, M.; Hymer, W. C.

1990-01-01

Although it has been known for some time that GH aggregates are contained within the rat anterior pituitary gland, the role that they might play in pituitary function is unknown. The present study examines this issue using the technique of Western blotting, which permitted visualization of 11 GH variants with apparent mol wt ranging from 14-88K. Electroelution of the higher mol wt variants from gels followed by their chemical reduction with beta-mercaptoethanol increased GH immunoassayability by about 5-fold. With the blot procedure we found 1) that GH aggregates greater than 44K were associated with a 40,000 x g sedimentable fraction; 2) that GH aggregates were not present in glands from thyroidectomized rats, but were in glands from the thyroidectomized rats injected with T4; 3) that GH aggregates were uniquely associated with a heavily granulated somatotroph subpopulation isolated by density gradient centrifugation; and 4) that high mol wt GH forms were released from the dense somatotrophs in culture, since treatment of the culture medium with beta-mercaptoethanol increased GH immunoassayability by about 5-fold. Taken together, the results show that high mol wt GH aggregates are contained in secretory granules of certain somatotrophs and are also released in aggregate form from these cells in vitro.

New regioselective derivatives of sucrose with amino acid and acrylic groups.

PubMed

Anders, Jan; Buczys, Rachel; Lampe, Elmar; Walter, Martin; Yaacoub, Emile; Buchholz, Klaus

2006-02-27

We report here a range of new sucrose derivatives obtained from '3-ketosucrose' in aqueous medium with few reaction steps. As an intermediate, 3-amino-3-deoxy-alpha-D-allopyranosyl beta-D-fructofuranoside (1) was obtained via the classical route of reductive amination with much improved yield and high stereoselectivity. Building blocks for polymerization were synthesized by introduction of acrylic-type side chains, for example, with methacrylic anhydride. Corresponding polymers were synthesized. Aminoacyl and peptide conjugates were obtained through conventional peptide synthesis with activated and protected amino acids. Deprotection yielded new glycoderivatives having an unconventional substitution pattern, namely 3-(aminoacylamino) allosaccharides. Both mono- and di-peptide conjugates of allosucrose have been synthesized.

GENETIC VARIATION IN THE BETA-3-ADRENORECEPTOR GENE (TRP64ARG POLYMORPHISM) AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS AND INSULIN RESISTANCE AFTER A HIGH PROTEIN/LOW CARBOHYDRATE VERSUS A STANDARD HYPOCALORIC DIET.

PubMed

de Luis, Daniel Antonio; Aller, Rocío; Izaola, Olatz; de la Fuente, Beatriz; Romero, Enrique

2015-08-01

the Trp64Arg variant in Beta receptor has been reported to be associated with increased body weight and insulin resistance Objective: the aim of our study was to investigate the influence of polymorphism (rs 4994) in Beta-3-adrenergic receptor gene on metabolic response and weight loss in a medium-term intervention study secondary's to a high protein/low carbohydrate vs. a standard hypocaloric diets (1000 kcal/day). a population of 284 obese subjects was analyzed in a randomized trial. A nutritional evaluation was performed at the beginning and at the end of a 9-month period in which subjects received 1 of 2 diets (diet HP: high protein/low carbohydrate vs diet S: standard diet). there were no significant differences between the positive effects (on weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, systolic blood pressure and leptin levels) in either genotype group with both diets. With both diets and only in wild genotype (diet HP vs diet S), total cholesterol (-10.1 ± 3.9 mg/dl vs -10.1 ± 2.2 mg/dl;p>0.05), LDL cholesterol (-9.5 ± 2.1 mg/dl vs -8.5 ± 2.3 mg/dl;p>0.05) and triglycerides (-19.1 ± 2.1 mg/dl vs -14.3 ± 2.1 mg/dl;p>0.05) decreased. The improvement in these parameters was similar in subjects with diet HP than HS. With diet HP and only in wild genotype, insulin levels (-3.7 ± 1.9 UI/L;p<0.05) and HOMA-R (-0.7 ± 0.1 units;p<0.05) decreased. metabolic effect of weight reduction by two hypocaloric diets is the greatest in subjects with normal homozygous beta 3-AR gene. Improvement in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, insulin and HOMA-R levels is better than in the heterozygous group. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Analysis of different beta-lactams antibiotics in pharmaceutical preparations using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography.

PubMed

Pérez, M I Bailón; Rodríguez, L Cuadros; Cruces-Blanco, C

2007-01-17

The potential of micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC) for analyzing nine beta-lactams antibiotics (cloxacillin, dicloxacillin, oxacillin, penicillin G, penicillin V, ampicillin, nafcillin, piperacillin, amoxicillin) in different pharmaceutical preparations, have been demonstrated. An experimental design strategy has been applied to optimize the main variables: pH and buffer concentration, concentration of the micellar medium, separation voltage and capillary temperature. Borate buffer (26mM) at pH 8.5 containing 100mM sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) was used as the background electrolyte. The method was validated. Linearity, limit of detection and quantitation and precision were established for each compound. The analysis of some of the beta-lactams in Orbenin capsules, Britapen tables and in Veterin-Micipen injectable, all used in human and veterinary medicine, have demonstrated the applicability of these technique for quality control in the pharmaceutical industry.

TWEAK Appears as a Modulator of Endometrial IL-18 Related Cytotoxic Activity of Uterine Natural Killers

PubMed Central

Petitbarat, Marie; Rahmati, Mona; Sérazin, Valérie; Dubanchet, Sylvie; Morvan, Corinne; Wainer, Robert; de Mazancourt, Philippe; Chaouat, Gérard; Foidart, Jean-Michel; Munaut, Carine; Lédée, Nathalie

2011-01-01

Background TWEAK (Tumor necrosis factor like WEAK inducer of apoptosis) is highly expressed by different immune cells and triggers multiple cellular responses, including control of angiogenesis. Our objective was to investigate its role in the human endometrium during the implantation window, using an ex-vivo endometrial microhistoculture model. Indeed, previous results suggested that basic TWEAK expression influences the IL-18 related uNK recruitment and local cytotoxicity. Methodology/Principal Findings Endometrial biopsies were performed 7 to 9 days after the ovulation surge of women in monitored natural cycles. Biopsies were cut in micro-pieces and cultured on collagen sponge with appropriate medium. Morphology, functionality and cell death were analysed at different time of the culture. We used this ex vivo model to study mRNA expressions of NKp46 (a uNK cytotoxic receptor) and TGF-beta1 (protein which regulates uNK cytokine production) after adjunction of excess of recombinant IL-18 and either recombinant TWEAK or its antibody. NKp46 protein expression was also detailed by immunohistochemistry in selected patients with high basic mRNA level of IL-18 and either low or high mRNA level of TWEAK. The NKp46 immunostaining was stronger in patients with an IL-18 over-expression and a low TWEAK expression, when compared with patients with both IL-18 and TWEAK high expressions. We did not observe any difference for TWEAK expression when recombinant protein IL-18 or its antibody was added, or conversely, for IL-18 expression when TWEAK or its antibody was added in the culture medium. In a pro-inflammatory environment (obtained by an excess of IL-18), inhibition of TWEAK was able to increase significantly NKp46 and TGF-beta1 mRNA expressions. Conclusions/Significance TWEAK doesn't act on IL-18 expression but seems to control IL-18 related cytotoxicity on uNK cells when IL-18 is over-expressed. Thus, TWEAK appears as a crucial physiological modulator to prevent endometrial uNK cytotoxicity in human. PMID:21249128

The effect of substrate, ADP and uncoupler on the respiration of tomato pollen during incubation in vitro at moderately high temperature.

PubMed

Karapanos, I C; Akoumianakis, K A; Olympios, C M; Passam, H C

2009-09-01

Pollen of tomato cv. Supermarmande was collected from greenhouse-grown plants at various intervals throughout the year and arbitrarily classified as of high, medium or low respiratory activity on the basis of CO(2) production during 8 h incubation in vitro at 30 degrees C, a temperature that is considered to be moderately high for tomato fruit set. After an initial burst of respiration during the first stage of hydration at 30 degrees C (>1 h), the respiration rate of pollen of all three categories declined, the decrease being greater in the lots with a low or medium respiratory activity than in the high category. During hydration (10 min after the start of incubation), the addition of succinate or reduced beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) to the substrate increased the respiratory rate of slowly-respiring pollen more than that of fast-respiring pollen, but carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) and adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) had less effect. After 1-4 h incubation, the respiration rate of the slow- or medium-respiring pollen lots had decreased, but was stimulated by succinate or NADH, and to a lesser degree by ADP. By 7 h, the respiration rate of all pollen lots had declined and was stimulated less by substrate, ADP or CCCP. The oxidation of NADH by tomato pollen contrasts with the failure of other pollen species to utilize this substrate; moreover, a synergistic effect of NADH and succinate was consistently observed. We conclude that the decline in respiration during incubation for up to 4 h at 30 degrees C may reflect a lack of respiratory substrate. After 7 h, however, the decreased response to substrate indicates a loss of mitochondrial integrity or an accumulation of metabolic inhibitors. It is concluded that at 30 degrees C (a moderately high temperature for tomato pollen), the initially high rate of respiration leads to exhaustion of the endogenous respiratory substrates (particularly in pollen with low to medium respiratory activity), but subsequently to ageing and a loss of mitochondrial activity.

Estradiol coupling to human monocyte nitric oxide release is dependent on intracellular calcium transients: evidence for an estrogen surface receptor.

PubMed

Stefano, G B; Prevot, V; Beauvillain, J C; Fimiani, C; Welters, I; Cadet, P; Breton, C; Pestel, J; Salzet, M; Bilfinger, T V

1999-10-01

We tested the hypothesis that estrogen acutely stimulates constitutive NO synthase (cNOS) activity in human peripheral monocytes by acting on an estrogen surface receptor. NO release was measured in real time with an amperometric probe. 17beta-estradiol exposure to monocytes stimulated NO release within seconds in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas 17alpha-estradiol had no effect. 17beta-estradiol conjugated to BSA (E2-BSA) also stimulated NO release, suggesting mediation by a membrane surface receptor. Tamoxifen, an estrogen receptor inhibitor, antagonized the action of both 17beta-estradiol and E2-BSA, whereas ICI 182,780, a selective inhibitor of the nuclear estrogen receptor, had no effect. We further showed, using a dual emission microfluorometry in a calcium-free medium, that the 17beta-estradiol-stimulated release of monocyte NO was dependent on the initial stimulation of intracellular calcium transients in a tamoxifen-sensitive process. Leeching out the intracellular calcium stores abolished the effect of 17beta-estradiol on NO release. RT-PCR analysis of RNA obtained from the cells revealed a strong estrogen receptor-alpha amplification signal and a weak beta signal. Taken together, a physiological dose of estrogen acutely stimulates NO release from human monocytes via the activation of an estrogen surface receptor that is coupled to increases in intracellular calcium.

Does milk increase mucus production?

PubMed

Bartley, Jim; McGlashan, Susan Read

2010-04-01

Excessive milk consumption has a long association with increased respiratory tract mucus production and asthma. Such an association cannot be explained using a conventional allergic paradigm and there is limited medical evidence showing causality. In the human colon, beta-casomorphin-7 (beta-CM-7), an exorphin derived from the breakdown of A1 milk, stimulates mucus production from gut MUC5AC glands. In the presence of inflammation similar mucus overproduction from respiratory tract MUC5AC glands characterises many respiratory tract diseases. beta-CM-7 from the blood stream could stimulate the production and secretion of mucus production from these respiratory glands. Such a hypothesis could be tested in vitro using quantitative RT-PCR to show that the addition of beta-CM-7 into an incubation medium of respiratory goblet cells elicits an increase in MUC5AC mRNA and by identifying beta-CM-7 in the blood of asthmatic patients. This association may not necessarily be simply cause and effect as the person has to be consuming A1 milk, beta-CM-7 must pass into the systemic circulation and the tissues have to be actively inflamed. These prerequisites could explain why only a subgroup of the population, who have increased respiratory tract mucus production, find that many of their symptoms, including asthma, improve on a dairy elimination diet. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of in vitro degradation of poly(D,L-lactide)/beta-tricalcium composite on its shape-memory properties.

PubMed

Zheng, Xiaotong; Zhou, Shaobing; Yu, Xiongjun; Li, Xiaohong; Feng, Bo; Qu, Shuxin; Weng, Jie

2008-07-01

The in vitro degradation characteristic and shape-memory properties of poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA)/beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) composites were investigated because of their wide application in biomedical fields. In this article, PDLLA and crystalline beta-TCP were compounded and interesting shape-memory behaviors of the composite were first investigated. Then, in vitro degradation of the PDLLA/beta-TCP composites with weight ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 was performed in phosphate buffer saline solution (PBS) (154 mM, pH 7.4) at 37 degrees C. The effect of in vitro degradation time for PDLLA/beta-TCP composites on shape-memory properties was studied by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The changes of structural morphology, glass transition temperature (T(g)), molecular weight, and weight loss of composites matrix and pH change of degradation medium indicated that shape-memory effects at different degradation time were nonlinearly influenced because of the breaking down of polymer chain and the formation of degradation products. Furthermore, the results from XRD and FTIR implied that the degradation products, for example, hydroxyapatite (HA), calcium hydrogen phosphate (CaHPO(4)), and calcium pyrophosphate (Ca(2)P(2)O(7)) phases also had some effects on shape-memory properties during the degradation. 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Exopolysaccharides produced by a clinical strain of Burkholderia cepacia isolated from a cystic fibrosis patient.

PubMed

Cescutti, Paola; Impallomeni, Giuseppe; Garozzo, Domenico; Sturiale, Luisa; Herasimenka, Yury; Lagatolla, Cristina; Rizzo, Roberto

2003-11-14

Burkholderia cepacia is an opportunistic pathogen involved in pulmonary infections related to cystic fibrosis. A clinical strain, BTS13, was isolated and the production of exopolysaccharides was tested growing the bacteria on two different media, one of which was rich in mannitol as carbon source. The primary structure of the polysaccharides was determined using mostly mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. On both media an exopolysaccharide having the following repeating unit was produced: -->5)-beta-Kdop-(2-->3)-beta-D-Galp2Ac-(1-->4)-alpha-D-Galp-(1-->3)-beta-D-Galp-(1--> This polysaccharide has already been described as the biosynthetic product of another Burkholderia species, B. pseudomallei, the microbial agent causing melioidosis. In addition to this, when grown on the mannitol-rich medium, B. cepacia strain BTS13 produced another polysaccharide that was established to be levan: -->6)-beta-D-Fruf-(2-->. The content of levan was about 20% (w/w) of the total amount of polymers. The ability of B. cepacia to produce these two exopolysaccharides opens new perspectives in the investigation of the role of polysaccharides in lung infections.

Incretin Receptor Null Mice Reveal Key Role of GLP-1 but Not GIP in Pancreatic Beta Cell Adaptation to Pregnancy

PubMed Central

Moffett, R. Charlotte; Vasu, Srividya; Thorens, Bernard; Drucker, Daniel J.; Flatt, Peter R.

2014-01-01

Islet adaptations to pregnancy were explored in C57BL6/J mice lacking functional receptors for glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). Pregnant wild type mice and GIPRKO mice exhibited marked increases in islet and beta cell area, numbers of medium/large sized islets, with positive effects on Ki67/Tunel ratio favouring beta cell growth and enhanced pancreatic insulin content. Alpha cell area and glucagon content were unchanged but prohormone convertases PC2 and PC1/3 together with significant amounts of GLP-1 and GIP were detected in alpha cells. Knockout of GLP-1R abolished these islet adaptations and paradoxically decreased pancreatic insulin, GLP-1 and GIP. This was associated with abolition of normal pregnancy-induced increases in plasma GIP, L-cell numbers, and intestinal GIP and GLP-1 stores. These data indicate that GLP-1 but not GIP is a key mediator of beta cell mass expansion and related adaptations in pregnancy, triggered in part by generation of intra-islet GLP-1. PMID:24927416

Mitochondrial oxidative stress contributes differently to rat pancreatic islet cell apoptosis and insulin secretory defects after prolonged culture in a low non-stimulating glucose concentration.

PubMed

Roma, L P; Pascal, S M; Duprez, J; Jonas, J-C

2012-08-01

Pancreatic beta cells chronically exposed to low glucose concentrations show signs of oxidative stress, loss of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and increased apoptosis. Our aim was to confirm the role of mitochondrial oxidative stress in rat islet cell apoptosis under these culture conditions and to evaluate whether its reduction similarly improves survival and GSIS. Apoptosis, oxidative stress-response gene mRNA expression and glucose-induced stimulation of mitochondrial metabolism, intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and insulin secretion were measured in male Wistar rat islets cultured for 1 week in RPMI medium containing 5-10 mmol/l glucose with or without manganese(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin (MnTBAP) or N-acetyl-L-: cysteine (NAC). Oxidative stress was measured in islet cell clusters cultured under similar conditions using cytosolic and mitochondrial redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein (roGFP1/mt-roGFP1). Prolonged culture in 5 vs 10 mmol/l glucose increased mt-roGFP1 (but not roGFP1) oxidation followed by beta cell apoptosis and loss of GSIS resulting from reduced insulin content, mitochondrial metabolism, Ca(2+) influx and Ca(2+)-induced secretion. Tolbutamide-induced, but not high K(+)-induced, Ca(2+) influx was also suppressed. Under these conditions, MnTBAP, but not NAC, triggered parallel ~50-70% reductions in mt-roGFP1 oxidation and beta cell apoptosis, but failed to protect against the loss of GSIS despite significant improvement in glucose-induced and tolbutamide-induced Ca(2+) influx. Mitochondrial oxidative stress contributes differently to rat pancreatic islet cell apoptosis and insulin secretory defects during culture in a low glucose concentration. Thus, targeting beta cell survival may not be sufficient to restore insulin secretion when beta cells suffer from prolonged mitochondrial oxidative stress, e.g. in the context of reduced glucose metabolism.

Fast fission neutron detection using the Cherenkov effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Millard, Matthew James

The Cherenkov effect in optically clear media of varying indices of refraction and composition was investigated for quantification of fast neutrons. The ultimate application of the proposed detection system is criticality monitoring. The optically clear medium, composed of select target nuclei, was coupled to a photomultiplier tube. Neutron reaction products of the target nuclei contained within the optical medium emit beta particles and gamma rays that produce Cherenkov photons within the medium which can be detected. Assessed media include quartz (SiO2), sapphire (Al2O3), spinel (MgAl2O4), and zinc sulfide (ZnS), which were irradiated with un-moderated 252Cf. Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) code simulations were conducted to quantify the neutron flux incident on the media. High resolution gamma-ray spectroscopic measurements of the samples were conducted to verify the MCNP estimate. The threshold reactions of interest were 28Si (n, p) 28Al, 27 Al (n, p) 27Mg, 24Mg(n, p)24 Na, and 64Zn(n, p)64Cu which have neutron reaction cross sections in the 1 to 10 MeV range on the order of 0.1 barn. The detection system offers a unique way to measure a criticality event; it can count in place, making retrieval by emergency personnel unnecessary.

Beta Emission and Bremsstrahlung

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karpius, Peter Joseph

2017-11-13

Bremsstrahlung is continuous radiation produced by beta particles decelerating in matter; different beta emitters have different endpoint energies; high-energy betas interacting with high-Z materials will more likely produce bremsstrahlung; depending on the data, sometimes all you can say is that a beta emitter is present.

Determination of beta-carboline alkaloids in foods and beverages by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection at a glassy carbon electrode modified with carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Agüí, Lourdes; Peña-Farfal, Carlos; Yáñez-Sedeño, Paloma; Pingarrón, José M

2007-03-07

Simple and sensitive methods for the separation and quantification of beta-carboline alkaloids in foods and beverages by HPLC with electrochemical detection at carbon nanotubes-modified glassy carbon electrodes (CNTs-GCE) are reported. Electrode modification with multi-wall CNTs produced an improved amperometric response to beta-carbolines, in spite of the working medium consisting of methanol:acetonitrile: 0.05 mol L(-1) Na(2)HPO(4) solution of pH 9.0 (20:20:60). On the contrary to that observed at a bare GCE, a good repeatability of the amperometric measurements carried out at +900 mV versus Ag/AgCl (R.S.D. of 3.2% for i(p), n=20) was achieved at the CNTs-GCE. Using an Ultrabase C(18) column and isocratic elution with the above mentioned mobile phase, a complete resolution of the chromatographic peaks for harmalol, harmaline, norharmane, harmane and harmine, was achieved. Calibration graphs over the 0.25-100 microM range with detection limits ranging between 4 and 19 ng mL(-1), were obtained. The HPLC-ED at CNTs-GCE method was applied to the analysis of beer, coffee and cheese samples, spiked with beta-carbolines at concentration levels corresponding to those may be found in the respective samples. The steps involved in sample treatment, such as extraction and clean-up, were optimized for each type of sample. Recoveries ranging between 92 and 102% for beer, 92 and 101% for coffee, and 88 and 100% for cheese, at sub-microg mL(-1) or g(-1) analytes concentration levels were achieved.

A new platelet cryoprecipitate glue promoting bone formation after ectopic mesenchymal stromal cell-loaded biomaterial implantation in nude mice.

PubMed

Trouillas, Marina; Prat, Marie; Doucet, Christelle; Ernou, Isabelle; Laplace-Builhé, Corinne; Blancard, Patrick Saint; Holy, Xavier; Lataillade, Jean-Jacques

2013-01-04

This study investigated the promising effect of a new Platelet Glue obtained from Cryoprecipitation of Apheresis Platelet products (PGCAP) used in combination with Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC) loaded on ceramic biomaterials to provide novel strategies enhancing bone repair. PGCAP growth factor content was analyzed by ELISA and compared to other platelet and plasma-derived products. MSC loaded on biomaterials (65% hydroxyapatite/35% beta-TCP or 100% beta-TCP) were embedded in PGCAP and grown in presence or not of osteogenic induction medium for 21 days. Biomaterials were then implanted subcutaneously in immunodeficient mice for 28 days. Effect of PGCAP on MSC was evaluated in vitro by proliferation and osteoblastic gene expression analysis and in vivo by histology and immunohistochemistry. We showed that PGCAP, compared to other platelet-derived products, allowed concentrating large amount of growth factors and cytokines which promoted MSC and osteoprogenitor proliferation. Next, we found that PGCAP improves the proliferation of MSC and osteogenic-induced MSC. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PGCAP up-regulates the mRNA expression of osteogenic markers (Collagen type I, Osteonectin, Osteopontin and Runx2). In vivo, type I collagen expressed in ectopic bone-like tissue was highly enhanced in biomaterials embedded in PGCAP in the absence of osteogenic pre-induction. Better results were obtained with 65% hydroxyapatite/35% beta-TCP biomaterials as compared to 100% beta-TCP. We have demonstrated that PGCAP is able to enhance in vitro MSC proliferation, osteoblastic differentiation and in vivo bone formation in the absence of osteogenic pre-induction. This clinically adaptable platelet glue could be of interest for improving bone repair.

A new platelet cryoprecipitate glue promoting bone formation after ectopic mesenchymal stromal cell-loaded biomaterial implantation in nude mice

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Introduction This study investigated the promising effect of a new Platelet Glue obtained from Cryoprecipitation of Apheresis Platelet products (PGCAP) used in combination with Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC) loaded on ceramic biomaterials to provide novel strategies enhancing bone repair. Methods PGCAP growth factor content was analyzed by ELISA and compared to other platelet and plasma-derived products. MSC loaded on biomaterials (65% hydroxyapatite/35% beta-TCP or 100% beta-TCP) were embedded in PGCAP and grown in presence or not of osteogenic induction medium for 21 days. Biomaterials were then implanted subcutaneously in immunodeficient mice for 28 days. Effect of PGCAP on MSC was evaluated in vitro by proliferation and osteoblastic gene expression analysis and in vivo by histology and immunohistochemistry. Results We showed that PGCAP, compared to other platelet-derived products, allowed concentrating large amount of growth factors and cytokines which promoted MSC and osteoprogenitor proliferation. Next, we found that PGCAP improves the proliferation of MSC and osteogenic-induced MSC. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PGCAP up-regulates the mRNA expression of osteogenic markers (Collagen type I, Osteonectin, Osteopontin and Runx2). In vivo, type I collagen expressed in ectopic bone-like tissue was highly enhanced in biomaterials embedded in PGCAP in the absence of osteogenic pre-induction. Better results were obtained with 65% hydroxyapatite/35% beta-TCP biomaterials as compared to 100% beta-TCP. Conclusions We have demonstrated that PGCAP is able to enhance in vitro MSC proliferation, osteoblastic differentiation and in vivo bone formation in the absence of osteogenic pre-induction. This clinically adaptable platelet glue could be of interest for improving bone repair. PMID:23290259

Energy-confinement scaling for high-beta plasmas in the W7-AS stellarator.

PubMed

Preuss, R; Dinklage, A; Weller, A

2007-12-14

High-beta energy-confinement data are subjected to comparisons of scaling invariant, first-principles physical models. The models differ in the inclusion of basic equations indicating the nature of transport. The result for high-beta data of the W7-AS stellarator is that global transport is described best with a collisional high-beta model, which is different from previous outcomes for low-beta data. Model predictive calculations indicate the validation of energy-confinement prediction with respect to plasma beta and collisionality nu*. The finding of different transport behaviors in distinct beta regimes is important for the development of fusion energy based on magnetic confinement and for the assessment of different confinement concepts.

[Induction of PBP2' by antibiotics and disinfectants in MRSE].

PubMed

Hen, Karen; Imafuku, Yuji; Yoshida, Hiroshi

2008-11-01

Methicilllin-resitant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is still the most important bacterium for hospital infection control, and is known to exhibit beta-lactam resistance. Moreover, the increase in PBP2'-producing methicillin-resistant coagulase-negaive Staphylococcus (MR-CNS), especially methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE) has been problematic. In this study, we investigated the induction of PBP2' by MPIPC, other antibiotics and disinfectants in MRSE. The bacterial strains used were MRSE isolated in our clinical laboratory. MRSA-LA 'Seiken' was used for the detection of PBP2'. To investigate induction of PBP2' by MPIPC in MRSE, MRSE was cultured on the medium containing MPIPC at 11 different concentrations from 0.0001 to 6 microg/ml, and PBP2' induction was investigated. Strains in which no induction was noted at a low MPIPC concentration were cultured with other antibiotic discs and discs impregnated with various disinfectants, and PBP2' was detected in colonies that grew around the disc and PBP2' induction was investigated. In the culture on MPIPC-supplemented medium, PBP2' was detected in all strains at 0.01-6 microg/ml. At 0.001 and 0.0001 microg/ml, 8/10 and 4/10 were positive, respectively. Addition of another beta-lactam, particularly cephem antibiotics, induced PBP2' in some strains that were negative at 0.0001 microg/ml. In cultures with disinfectants, inhibition zones were noted, but no PBP2' was induced. PBP2' was induced by a low beta-lactam and was not by disinfectants in MRSE.

Pentacyanoiron(II) as an electron donor group for nonlinear optics: medium-responsive properties and comparisons with related pentaammineruthenium(II) complexes.

PubMed

Coe, Benjamin J; Harries, Josephine L; Helliwell, Madeleine; Jones, Lathe A; Asselberghs, Inge; Clays, Koen; Brunschwig, Bruce S; Harris, James A; Garín, Javier; Orduna, Jesús

2006-09-20

In this article, we describe a series of complex salts in which electron-rich {Fe(II)(CN)(5)}(3)(-) centers are coordinated to pyridyl ligands with electron-accepting N-methyl/aryl-pyridinium substituents. These compounds have been characterized by using various techniques including electronic absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Molecular quadratic nonlinear optical (NLO) responses have been determined by using hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS) at 1064 nm, and also via Stark (electroabsorption) spectroscopic studies on the intense, visible d --> pi* metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) bands. The relatively large static first hyperpolarizabilities, beta(0), increase markedly on moving from aqueous to methanol solutions, accompanied by large red-shifts in the MLCT transitions. Acidification of aqueous solutions allows reversible switching of the linear and NLO properties, as shown via both HRS and Stark experiments. Time-dependent density functional theory and finite field calculations using a polarizable continuum model yield relatively good agreement with the experimental results and confirm the large decrease in beta(0) on protonation. The Stark-derived beta(0) values are generally larger for related {Ru(II)(NH(3))(5)}(2+) complexes than for their {Fe(II)(CN)(5)}(3)(-) analogues, consistent with the HRS data in water. However, the HRS data in methanol show that the stronger solvatochromism of the Fe(II) complexes causes their NLO responses to surpass those of their Ru(II) counterparts upon changing the solvent medium.

The effects of dan-shen root on cardiomyogenic differentiation of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Kun; Li, Shi-zheng, E-mail: ychozon@yahoo.com.cn; Zhang, Yun-li

2011-11-11

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Conditional medium and dan-shen root were used for cardiomyogenic differentiation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer They all could induce hPDMSCs to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The induction effect of the latter was slightly higher compared to that of the former. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Dan-shen root could be a good inducer for cardiomyogenic differentiation. -- Abstract: The aim of this study was to search for a good inducer agent using for cardiomyogenic differentiation of stem cells. Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPDMSCs) were isolated and incubated in enriched medium. Fourth passaged cells were treated with 10 mg/L dan-shen root for 20 days. Morphologic characteristics weremore » analyzed by confocal and electron microscopy. Expression of {alpha}-sarcomeric actin was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Expression of cardiac troponin-I (TnI) was analyzed by immunohistofluorescence. Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and beta-myocin heavy chain ({beta}-MHC) were detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). hPDMSCs treated with dan-shen root gradually formed a stick-like morphology and connected with adjoining cells. On the 20th day, most of the induced cells stained positive with {alpha}-sarcomeric actin and TnI antibody. ANF and {beta}-MHC were also detected in the induced cells. Approximately 80% of the cells were successfully transdifferentiated into cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, dan-shen root is a good inducer agent used for cardiomyogenic differentiation of hPDMSCs.« less

Sulphation of proteochondroitin and 4-methylumbelliferyl beta-D-xyloside-chondroitin formed by mouse mastocytoma cells cultured in sulphate-deficient medium.

PubMed Central

Silbert, J E; Sugumaran, G; Cogburn, J N

1993-01-01

Mouse mastocytoma cells were cultured in medium containing [3H]GlcN and concentrations of [35S]sulphate varying from 0.01 to 0.5 mM. Intracellular [35S]sulphate incorporation increased severalfold from the lowest concentrations, reaching a maximum at 0.1-0.2 mM, whereas incorporation of [3H]hexosamine remained constant at all sulphate concentrations. Proteo[3H]-chondroitin [35S]sulphate was isolated and incubated with chondroitin ABC lyase, yielding 35S-labelled and/or 3H-labelled delta Di-0S and delta Di-4S disaccharide products. The increasing percentage of delta Di-4S was consistent with the increasing sulphate incorporation at each higher [35S]sulphate concentration. Examination of proteochondroitin [35S]sulphate size by Sepharose CL-6B chromatography indicated a range consistent with various numbers of glycosaminoglycan chains on the protease-resistant serglycin core protein. Alkali-cleaved chondroitin [35S]sulphate products indicated similar size distributions at all sulphate concentrations with no indication of preferential sulphation being related to smaller or larger size. DEAE-cellulose chromatography of [3H]chondroitin [35S]sulphate glycosaminoglycans indicated a random undersulphation as [35S]sulphate concentration was lowered. Addition of 4-methylumbelliferyl beta-D-xyloside to the cultures resulted in a 2-2.5-fold stimulation of [3H]chondroitin [35S]sulphate synthesis with formation of beta-xyloside-[3H]chondroitin [35S]sulphate which was much smaller, as estimated by Sepharose CL-6B chromatography, than the decreased amount of [3H]chondroitin [35S]sulphate derived from proteo[3H]chondroitin [35S]sulphate. Much higher concentrations of sulphate were necessary to produce sulphation of the beta-xyloside-[3H]chondroitin comparable with that of proteo[3H]-chondroitin, as indicated by chondroitin ABC lyase products and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The specific radioactivities of the [3H]GalN in the proteo[3H]chondroitin [35S]sulphate and beta-xyloside-[3H]chondroitin [35S]sulphate were calculated from the 3H and 35S c.p.m. of isolated dual-labelled delta Di-4S from each, and indicated that the presence of the beta-xyloside resulted in a dilution of the [3H]GlcN by endogenous GlcN that was 4 times higher than that of cultures lacking the beta-xyloside. The higher sulphate concentrations needed for sulphation of beta-xyloside-chondroitin suggests that the membrane-bound nature of the proteochondroitin acceptor in juxtaposition to a chondroitin sulphate-synthesizing enzyme complex effectively reduces the apparent Km for adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulphate. PMID:8250831

Effects of administration of beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, persimmons, and pods on antioxidative ability in UV-irradiated ODS rats.

PubMed

Hosotani, Keisuke; Yoshida, Minoru; Kitagawa, Masahiro

2005-07-01

To evaluate the effects of supplementing diets with carotenoid and ascorbic acid (AsA) on the antioxidative ability of Osteogenic Disorder-Shionogi (ODS) rats, we added synthetic beta-carotene (betaC), AsA, and powders of persimmon (Ka) and pods (Po) containing betaC and AsA to the diet and obtained the following results. The urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentration was low in the -betaC.AsA and +AsA groups but high in the +betaC.AsA, +Ka, and +Po groups. The thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in both the liver and skin were higher in the -betaC.AsA group than in the +betaC.AsA group and were low in the +Ka and +Po groups. As antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was high in the +betaC.AsA group, low in the -beta3C.AsA group in both the skin and liver, and also high in the + Ka and +Po group in the liver. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was high in the -betaC.AsA group and low in the +betaC.AsA and +Ka groups in both the skin and liver. Catalase (CAT) activity in the liver was low in the -betaC.AsA, +AsA, and +betaC groups and high in the +betaC.AsA and +Po groups. These results confirmed that the administration of betaC, AsA, and persimmons and pods increases antioxidative ability in the skin and liver of ultraviolet-b(UV-B)-irradiated ODS rats.

Influence of beta-cyclodextrin and chitosan in the formulation of a colon-specific drug delivery system.

PubMed

Rehman, K; Amin, M C I M; Muda, S

2013-12-01

The increase in diseases of the colon underscores the need to develop cost-effective site-directed therapies. We formulated a polysaccharide-based matrix system that could release ibuprofen under conditions simulating those in the colon by employing a wet granulation method. Tablets were prepared in a series of formulations containing a polysaccharide (beta-cyclodextrin and chitosan) matrix system along with ethylcellulose. We characterized physicochemical properties and performed an in vitro drug release assay in the absence and presence of digestive enzymes to assess the ability of the polysaccharides to function as a protective barrier against the upper gastrointestinal environment. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies revealed no chemical interaction between ibuprofen and polysaccharides; however, spectrum analysis suggested the formation of an inclusion complex of beta-cyclodextrin with ibuprofen. The formulations contained 50% ethylcellulose and 50% beta-cyclodextrins (1:1) were proven to be the better formulation that slowly released the drug until 24 h (101.04 ± 0.65% maximum drug release in which 83.08 ± 0.89% drug was released in colonic medium) showed better drug release profiles than the formulations containing chitosan. We conclude that a beta-cyclodextrin drug carrier system may represent an effective approach for treatment of diseases of the colon. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Sequential Coating of Insulin Secreting Beta Cells within Multilayers of Polysaccharide Nanogels.

PubMed

Bal, Tugba; Oran, Dilem Ceren; Sasaki, Yoshihiro; Akiyoshi, Kazunari; Kizilel, Seda

2018-05-01

Pancreatic islet transplantation has emerged as a promising treatment for type-1 diabetes (T1D); however, its clinical application is still limited by the life-long use of immunosuppressive drugs, insufficient number of islets to achieve normoglycemia, and large transplantation volume. This paper reports a unique approach for nanothin coating of insulin secreting beta cell aggregates. The coating is based on hydrophobic and covalent interactions between natural acrylate modified cholesterol bearing pullulan (CHPOA) nanogels and MIN6 beta cell aggregates. Beta cell aggregates are prepared as spheroids through hanging drop method, which is optimized with respect to hanging drop volume and initial number of beta cells. These aggregates, defined as pseudoislets, are coated with sequential layers of nanogels and are evaluated as viable and functional for insulin secretion. Coating experiments are carried out using physiologically compatible medium, where pseudoislets are not brought in contact with toxic prepolymer solutions used in existing approaches. This study offers new opportunities through coating of islets with advanced functional materials under completely physiological conditions for clinical translation of cell transplantation technology. The technique developed here will establish a new paradigm for creating tolerable grafts for other chronic diseases such as anemia, cancer, central nervous system (CNS) diseases. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Beta Vulgaris and Easter Egg Radish Growth in Varying Mediums and Locations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brittingham, P.; Figueroa, A.

2016-12-01

The purpose of this experiment is to study the harvest yield and taste of Beta Vulgaris and Easter Egg Radish microgreens in different growing mediums and locations at the Stanford Farm. They are grown in three different mediums: compost, potting mix, and a 50/50 mix of both. We hypothesized that the even mixture of compost and potting mix would have a larger harvest yield and greater nutrient content while being grown in the lath house. The experiment begins with two sets of three planting trays, one in the greenhouse and one in the lath house, filled with the former growing mediums. Next, the seeds of the microgreens are sprinkled evenly in their designated halves of the tray, then covered with a thin layer of their growing medium to allow for germination. The trays in the lath house are watered 1-2 times a day while the greenhouse trays must be watered thrice. The progress of the microgreens are observed everyday and the weight, height, root length and width of the plant is measured. Once harvested, 9-11 days after planting, the microgreens are weighed and tested for taste and consistency. Because each microgreen variety is planted in only half of a tray, the weight of the full tray is calculated to estimate the value and yield of a single species on a larger scale. Upon collecting data from both the lath house and greenhouse, we found that the plants perform better in the 50/50 mixture and potting mix, but grow very poorly in the compost because it requires a lot of water and does not hold the moisture it receives. We also had a higher yield of Easter Egg Radish due to its height and water content. In the greenhouse, both species had a richer flavor. The farm plans to start a microgreen business to provide an added source of income and utilize the results of this experiment in an applied business model focused on efficiency and profit.

Pressure determination in Hydrothermal Diamond Anvil Cell via laser interferometry: Investigation of hydrothermal melting of haplogranitic glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solferino, G.; Anderson, A. J.

2012-12-01

Pressure determination in HDAC experiments of hydrothermal melting of a haplogranitic glass at 130-830 MPa and 600-800 °C were performed employing in-situ visualization of alpha to beta quartz via laser interferometry. Hitherto, Raman spectroscopy of ruby, quartz, 13C and zircon has been used for the same purpose, with a best resolution of 40-50 MPa. Our method average uncertainty is just 3.4 MPa. This augmented precision is critical in estimate of the emplacement depth of mid to upper crustal magmatic bodies, e.g., intermediate-felsic intrusions, or definition of formation conditions of magmatic ores, like rare metal pegmatites. Moreover, thanks to this improved resolution on pressure measurements, we observed that actual run pressure, named Pα/β, is smaller than pressure computed using the equation of state (EOS) of pure water, here labeled PH2O for an ample range of pressures, up to 400 MPa. The absolute value of ΔP = Pα/β- PH2O decrease at higher pressure, and switches from negative to positive at P > 800 MPa. Since dissolution of the glass/melt into the pressure medium (water) leads to increment of the medium compressibility (density), then the medium should be able to impose a larger pressure than pure water for every observed temperature of alpha to beta transition (i.e., steeper isochor). A possible explanation of this discrepancy is found in the differential density between the pressure medium and the melt, and in the change of the volume occupied by the fluid for increasing temperature, as it emerges from a simplified model of dissolution of albite feldspar / albite melt in water, prepared for this study on the base of solubility data available in literature.

rRNA and poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate dynamics in bioreactors subjected to feast and famine cycles.

PubMed

Frigon, Dominic; Muyzer, Gerard; van Loosdrecht, Mark; Raskin, Lutgarde

2006-04-01

Feast and famine cycles are common in activated sludge wastewater treatment systems, and they select for bacteria that accumulate storage compounds, such as poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB). Previous studies have shown that variations in influent substrate concentrations force bacteria to accumulate high levels of rRNA compared to the levels in bacteria grown in chemostats. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that bacteria accumulate more rRNA when they are subjected to feast and famine cycles. However, PHB-accumulating bacteria can form biomass (grow) throughout a feast and famine cycle and thus have a lower peak biomass formation rate during the cycle. Consequently, PHB-accumulating bacteria may accumulate less rRNA when they are subjected to feast and famine cycles than bacteria that are not capable of PHB accumulation. These hypotheses were tested with Wautersia eutropha H16 (wild type) and W. eutropha PHB-4 (a mutant not capable of accumulating PHB) grown in chemostat and semibatch reactors. For both strains, the cellular RNA level was higher when the organism was grown in semibatch reactors than when it was grown in chemostats, and the specific biomass formation rates during the feast phase were linearly related to the cellular RNA levels for cultures. Although the two strains exhibited maximum uptake rates when they were grown in semibatch reactors, the wild-type strain responded much more rapidly to the addition of fresh medium than the mutant responded. Furthermore, the chemostat-grown mutant culture was unable to exhibit maximum substrate uptake rates when it was subjected to pulse-wise addition of fresh medium. These data show that the ability to accumulate PHB does not prevent bacteria from accumulating high levels of rRNA when they are subjected to feast and famine cycles. Our results also demonstrate that the ability to accumulate PHB makes the bacteria more responsive to sudden increases in substrate concentrations, which explains their ecological advantage.

Variable clinical spectrum of the most common inborn error of bile acid metabolism--3beta-hydroxy-Delta 5-C27-steroid dehydrogenase deficiency.

PubMed

Subramaniam, Pushpa; Clayton, Peter T; Portmann, Bernard C; Mieli-Vergani, Giorgina; Hadzić, Nedim

2010-01-01

We studied the clinical features of children with 3beta-hydroxy-Delta 5-C27-steroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSDH) deficiency presenting to King's College and Great Ormond Street hospitals between 1989 and 2005. The diagnosis was made biochemically by detection of sulphated dihydroxycholenoic acids and trihydroxycholenoic acids in urine by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry or electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrophotometry and a plasma bile acid profile showing absent or low cholic and chenodeoxycholic acid levels and high concentrations of 3beta-7 alpha-dihydroxy-5-cholenoic acid and 3beta-7 alpha-12 alpha-trihydroxy-5-cholenoic acid. Eighteen children (12 male) with 3beta-HSDH deficiency were identified and diagnosed at a median age of 1.35 years (range 8 weeks-11 years). The presenting features included neonatal cholestasis (n = 11), rickets (n = 8, 1 of whom also had hypocalcaemic tetany, seizures, and normal liver biochemical markers), hepatomegaly (n = 7), pruritus (n = 3), and steatorrhoea and failure to thrive (n = 3). Ten children had low serum 25-OH vitamin D levels, of whom 8 also had low vitamin E and 6 had low vitamin A serum levels. Liver histology showed giant cell change and hepatocyte disarray in all with added features of cholestasis in 11, bridging fibrosis in 6, micronodular cirrhosis in 1, fatty change in 1, and active lobular and portal inflammation in 1. Five patients were treated with cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid (7 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1) of each), 7 with chenodeoxycholic acid only (7-18 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)), and 1 with cholic acid (8 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) only. Repeated liver biopsies performed in 4 patients 6 months after starting replacement therapy showed improved histological changes. Three children died untreated before 5 years of age. After a median follow-up of 5.5 years (range 1-17 years) 12 out of 13 treated children have no clinical signs of liver disease or of fat-soluble vitamin deficiency. 3beta-HSDH deficiency is a rare inborn error of metabolism with diverse clinical features. Early replacement treatment leads to clinical and biochemical control and prevents chronic liver and bone disease, at least in the medium term.

Efficient triple helix formation by oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing alpha- or beta-2-amino-5-(2-deoxy-D-ribofuranosyl) pyridine residues.

PubMed

Bates, P J; Laughton, C A; Jenkins, T C; Capaldi, D C; Roselt, P D; Reese, C B; Neidle, S

1996-11-01

Triple helices containing C+xGxC triplets are destabilised at physiological pH due to the requirement for base protonation of 2'-deoxycytidine (dC), which has a pKa of 4.3. The C nucleoside 2-amino-5-(2'-deoxy-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)pyridine (beta-AP) is structurally analogous to dC but is considerably more basic, with a pKa of 5.93. We have synthesised 5'-psoralen linked oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) containing thymidine (dT) and either beta-AP or its alpha-anomer (alpha-AP) and have assessed their ability to form triplexes with a double-stranded target derived from standard deoxynucleotides (i.e. beta-anomers). Third strand ODNs derived from dT and beta-AP were found to have considerably higher binding affinities for the target than the corresponding ODNs derived from dT and either dC or 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Me-dC). ODNs containing dT and alpha-AP also showed enhanced triplex formation with the duplex target and, in addition are more stable in serum-containing medium than standard oligopyrimidine-derived ODNs or ODNs derived from dT and beta-AP. Molecular modelling studies showed that an alpha-anomeric AP nucleotide can be accommodated within an otherwise beta-anomeric triplex with only minor perturbation of the triplex structure. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on triplexes containing either the alpha- or beta-anomer of (N1-protonated) AP showed that in both cases the base retained two standard hydrogen bonds to its associated guanine when the 'A-type' model of the triplex was used as the start-point for the simulation, but that bifurcated hydrogen bonds resulted when the alternative 'B-type' triplex model was used. The lack of a differential stability between alpha-AP- and beta-AP-containing triplexes at pH >7, predicted from the behaviour of the B-type models, suggests that the A-type models are more appropriate.

Differential regulation of immature articular cartilage compressive moduli and Poisson's ratios by in vitro stimulation with IGF-1 and TGF-beta1.

PubMed

Williams, Gregory M; Dills, Kristin J; Flores, Christian R; Stender, Michael E; Stewart, Kevin M; Nelson, Lauren M; Chen, Albert C; Masuda, Koichi; Hazelwood, Scott J; Klisch, Stephen M; Sah, Robert L

2010-09-17

Mechanisms of articular cartilage growth and maturation have been elucidated by studying composition-function dynamics during in vivo development and in vitro culture with stimuli such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1). This study tested the hypothesis that IGF-1 and TGF-beta1 regulate immature cartilage compressive moduli and Poisson's ratios in a manner consistent with known effects on tensile properties. Bovine calf articular cartilage from superficial-articular (S) and middle-growth (M) regions were analyzed fresh or following culture in medium with IGF-1 or TGF-beta1. Mechanical properties in confined (CC) and unconfined (UCC) compression, cartilage matrix composition, and explant size were assessed. Culture with IGF-1 resulted in softening in CC and UCC, increased Poisson's ratios, substantially increased tissue volume, and accumulation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen (COL). Culture with TGF-beta1 promoted maturational changes in the S layer, including stiffening in CC and UCC and increased concentrations of GAG, COL, and pyridinoline crosslinks (PYR), but little growth. Culture of M layer explants with TGF-beta1 was nearly homeostatic. Across treatment groups, compressive moduli in CC and UCC were positively related to GAG, COL, and PYR concentrations, while Poisson's ratios were negatively related to concentrations of these matrix components. Thus, IGF-1 and TGF-beta1 differentially regulate the compressive mechanical properties and size of immature articular cartilage in vitro. Prescribing tissue growth, maturation, or homeostasis by controlling the in vitro biochemical environment with such growth factors may have applications in cartilage repair and tissue engineering.

Supplementation of a high-carbohydrate breakfast with barley beta-glucan improves postprandial glycaemic response for meals but not beverages.

PubMed

Poppitt, Sally D; van Drunen, Jenneke D E; McGill, Anne-Thea; Mulvey, Tom B; Leahy, Fiona E

2007-01-01

There is growing support for the protective role of soluble fibre in type II diabetes. Soluble fibre beta-glucan found in cereal products including oats and barley may be the active component. There is evidence of postprandial blunting of blood glucose and insulin responses to dietary carbohydrates when oat soluble fibre is supplemented into the diet but few trials have been carried out using natural barley or enriched barley beta-glucan products. The aim of this trial was to investigate the postprandial effect of a highly enriched barley beta -glucan product on blood glucose, insulin and lipids when given with a high-CHO food and a high-CHO drink. 18 lean, healthy men completed a 4 treatment intervention trial comprising (i) high-CHO(food control), (ii) high-CHO(food+fibre), (iii) high-CHO(drink control), (iv) high-CHO(drink+fibre) where a 10g dose of barley beta-glucan fibre supplement (Cerogen) containing 6.31g beta-glucan was added to food and drink controls. There was an increase of glucose and insulin following all 4 treatments. Addition of the beta -glucan supplement significantly blunted the glycaemic and insulinaemic responses on the food (p<0.05) but not drink (p>0.05) treatments when compared to controls. The high-CHO breakfasts decreased total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol from baseline to 60 mins postprandially but there were no differential effects of beta-glucan treatment on circulating lipids. We conclude that a high dose barley beta-glucan supplement can improve glucose control when added to a high-CHO starchy food, probably due to increased gastro-intestinal viscosity, but not when added to a high-CHO beverage where rapid absorption combined with decreased beta-glucan concentration and viscosity may obviate this mechanism.

Characterization of a beta-glycosidase highly active on disaccharides and of a beta-galactosidase from Tenebrio molitor midgut lumen.

PubMed

Ferreira, Alexandre H P; Terra, Walter R; Ferreira, Clélia

2003-02-01

The midgut of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae has four beta-glycosidases. The properties of two of these enzymes (betaGly1 and betaGly2) have been described elsewhere. In this paper, the characterization of the other two glycosidases (betaGly3 and betaGly4) is described. BetaGly3 has one active site, hydrolyzes disaccharides, cellodextrins, synthetic substrates and beta-glucosides produced by plants. The enzyme is inhibited by amygdalin, cellotriose, cellotetraose and cellopentaose in high concentrations, probably due to transglycosylation. betaGly3 hydrolyzes beta 1,4-glycosidic linkages with a catalytic rate independent of the substrate polymerization degree (k(int)) of 11.9 s(-1). Its active site is formed by four subsites, where subsites +1 and -1 bind glucose residues with higher affinity than subsite +2. The main role of betaGly3 seems to be disaccharide hydrolysis. BetaGly4 is a beta-galactosidase, since it has highest activity against beta-galactosides. It can also hydrolyze fucosides, but not glucosides, and has Triton X-100 as a non-essential activator (K(a)=15 microM, pH 4.5). betaGly4 has two active sites that can hydrolyze p-nitrophenyl beta-galactoside (NPbetaGal). The one hydrolyzing NPbetaGal with more efficiency is also active against methylumbellipheryl beta-D-galactoside and lactose. The other active site hydrolyzes NPbetaFucoside and binds NPbetaGal weakly. BetaGly4 hydrolyzes hydrophobic substrates with high catalytical efficiency and is able to bind octyl-beta-thiogalactoside in its active site with high affinity. The betaGly4 physiological role is supposed to be the hydrolysis of galactolipids that are found in membranes from vegetal tissues. As the enzyme has a hydrophobic site where Triton X-100 can bind, it might be activated by membrane lipids, thus becoming fully active only at the surface of cell membranes.

Carbon nanotubes buckypaper radiation studies for medical physics applications.

PubMed

Alanazi, Abdulaziz; Alkhorayef, Mohammed; Alzimami, Khalid; Jurewicz, Izabela; Abuhadi, Nouf; Dalton, Alan; Bradley, D A

2016-11-01

Graphite ion chambers and semiconductor diode detectors have been used to make measurements in phantoms but these active devices represent a clear disadvantage when considered for in vivo dosimetry. In such circumstance, dosimeters with atomic number similar to human tissue are needed. Carbon nanotubes have properties that potentially meet the demand, requiring low voltage in active devices and an atomic number similar to adipose tissue. In this study, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) buckypaper has been used to measure the beta particle dose deposited from a strontium-90 source, the medium displaying thermoluminescence at potentially useful sensitivity. As an example, the samples show a clear response for a dose of 2Gy. This finding suggests that carbon nanotubes can be used as a passive dosimeter specifically for the high levels of radiation exposures used in radiation therapy. Furthermore, the finding points towards further potential applications such as for space radiation measurements, not least because the medium satisfies a demand for light but strong materials of minimal capacitance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantitative electroencephalography during rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep in combat-exposed veterans with and without post-traumatic stress disorder.

PubMed

Cohen, Daniel J; Begley, Amy; Alman, Jennie J; Cashmere, David J; Pietrone, Regina N; Seres, Robert J; Germain, Anne

2013-02-01

Sleep disturbances are a hallmark feature of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and associated with poor clinical outcomes. Few studies have examined sleep quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), a technique able to detect subtle differences that polysomnography does not capture. We hypothesized that greater high-frequency qEEG would reflect 'hyperarousal' in combat veterans with PTSD (n = 16) compared to veterans without PTSD (n = 13). EEG power in traditional EEG frequency bands was computed for artifact-free sleep epochs across an entire night. Correlations were performed between qEEG and ratings of PTSD symptoms and combat exposure. The groups did not differ significantly in whole-night qEEG measures for either rapid eye movement (REM) or non-REM (NREM) sleep. Non-significant medium effect sizes suggest less REM beta (opposite to our hypothesis), less REM and NREM sigma and more NREM gamma in combat veterans with PTSD. Positive correlations were found between combat exposure and NREM beta (PTSD group only), and REM and NREM sigma (non-PTSD group only). Results did not support global hyperarousal in PTSD as indexed by increased beta qEEG activity. The correlation of sigma activity with combat exposure in those without PTSD and the non-significant trend towards less sigma activity during both REM and NREM sleep in combat veterans with PTSD suggests that differential information processing during sleep may characterize combat-exposed military veterans with and without PTSD. © 2012 European Sleep Research Society.

[The mechanism of vasculogenesis: the critical role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in the formation of vessel-like structures during the differentiation in vitro of murine embryonic stem cells].

PubMed

Tsung, H C; Yao, Z

1996-09-01

When ES-5 cells were transfected with an exogenous porcine TGF-beta 1 gene, one can obtain clones of genetically modified ES cells with over-expression of the transfected gene. We called the genetically modified ES-5 cells as ES-T cells. When ES-T cells were used to study their differentiation in vitro by all trans-retinoic acid (RA), it was soon noticed that embryoid bodies of ES-T cells can exclusively differentiate into endothelial cells and vessel-like structures, but not in their parent ES-5 cells. The above result is the first indication that the differentiation of tubular structures in embryoid bodies of ES-T cells may somehow be related to TGF-beta 1. To demonstrate further the role of TGF-beta 1 in the formation of vessel-like structures, the cultured ES-5 cells in the presence of added rhTGF-beta 1 were closely followed in the course of their differentiation. We have, thus, demonstrated the promoting effects of exogenous rhTGF-beta 1 in the formation of vessel-like structures, morphologically similar to those structures derived from ES-T6 cells, during the differentiation of ES-5 cells, both in monolayer culture, in three dimensional collagen gel and in embryoid bodies cultured on gelatin-coated tissue culture wells. Addition of suitable amount of anti-TGF-beta 1 monoclonal antibody IgG (TB21) to the culture medium of embryoid bodies of ES-T6 cells could effectively abolish the formation of vessel-like structures induced by retinoic acid. The percentage of the inhibition was very high, giving a figure comparable to that of atypical vessel-like structures formed in the control embryoid bodies from their parent ES-5 cells. The flat epithelial-like cells and round cells differentiated from embryoid bodies of ES-T6 cells were stained rather strongly for laminin and type IV collagen by immunofluorescent procedure. The above results indicate clearly that TGF-beta 1 is a crucial factor in organizing the differentiated derivatives (endothelial-like cells and their immediate progenitor cells) from ES-T6 cells to form vessel-like structures, and that the role of TGF-beta 1 in vasculogenesis might be performed, in part, through the modulation of the composition and organization of the extracellular matrix. In addition, the enhanced expression of bFGF mRNA in derivatives differentiated from both ES-5 cells treated with rhTGF-beta 1 and ES-T6 cells were detected by Northern blot analysis. Thus, aside from its effects on extracellular matrix, TGF-beta 1 might also modulate the bioactivity of bFGF in relation to the growth of vascular endothelial cells in the present system.

Selective production of sealed plasma membrane vesicles from red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) storage tissue.

PubMed

Giannini, J L; Gildensoph, L H; Briskin, D P

1987-05-01

Modification of our previous procedure for the isolation of microsomal membrane vesicles from red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) storage tissue allowed the recovery of sealed membrane vesicles displaying proton transport activity sensitive to both nitrate and orthovanadate. In the absence of a high salt concentration in the homogenization medium, contributions of nitrate-sensitive (tonoplast) and vanadate-sensitive (plasma membrane) proton transport were roughly equal. The addition of 0.25 M KCl to the homogenization medium increased the relative amount of nitrate-inhibited proton transport activity while the addition of 0.25 M KI resulted in proton pumping vesicles displaying inhibition by vanadate but stimulation by nitrate. These effects appeared to result from selective sealing of either plasma membrane or tonoplast membrane vesicles during homogenization in the presence of the two salts. Following centrifugation on linear sucrose gradients it was shown that the nitrate-sensitive, proton-transporting vesicles banded at low density and comigrated with nitrate-sensitive ATPase activity while the vanadate-sensitive, proton-transporting vesicles banded at a much higher density and comigrated with vanadate-sensitive ATPase. The properties of the vanadate-sensitive proton pumping vesicles were further characterized in microsomal membrane fractions produced by homogenization in the presence of 0.25 M KI and centrifugation on discontinuous sucrose density gradients. Proton transport was substrate specific for ATP, displayed a sharp pH optimum at 6.5, and was insensitive to azide but inhibited by N'-N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, diethylstilbestrol, and fluoride. The Km of proton transport for Mg:ATP was 0.67 mM and the K0.5 for vanadate inhibition was at about 50 microM. These properties are identical to those displayed by the plasma membrane ATPase and confirm a plasma membrane origin for the vesicles.

Embryotrophic factor-3 from human oviductal cells enhances proliferation, suppresses apoptosis and stimulates the expression of the beta1 subunit of sodium-potassium ATPase in mouse embryos.

PubMed

Xu, J S; Lee, Y L; Lee, K F; Kwok, K L; Lee, W M; Luk, J M; Yeung, W S B

2004-12-01

Embrytrophic factor-3 (ETF-3) from human oviductal cells enhanced the development of mouse preimplantation embryos. This report studied the embryotrophic mechanisms of the molecule. Mouse embryos were incubated with ETF-3 for 24 h at different stages of development. ETF-3 treatment between 96 and 120 h post-HCG increased the cell count of blastocysts, whilst treatment between 72 and 96 h post-HCG enhanced the expansion and hatching of the blastocysts. ETF-3 increased the cell number of the embryos by suppressing apoptosis and increasing proliferation as determined by TUNEL and bromodeoxyuridine uptake assays, respectively. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that the in vivo developed and ETF-3-treated blastocysts had a significantly higher mRNA copy number of Na/K-ATPase-beta1, but not of hepsin, than that of blastocysts cultured in medium alone. The former gene was associated with cavitation of blastocysts while the latter was related to hatching of blastocyst. The beneficial effect of ETF-3 on blastocyst hatching was also seen when ETF-3-supplemented commercially available sequential culture medium for human embryo culture was used to culture mouse embryos. ETF-3 improves embryo development by enhancing proliferation, suppressing apoptosis and stimulating expression of genes related to blastocyst cavitation. Supplementating human embryo culture medium with ETF-3 may improve the success rate in clinical assisted reproduction.

Induction of insulin-producing cells from human pancreatic progenitor cells.

PubMed

Noguchi, H; Naziruddin, B; Shimoda, M; Fujita, Y; Chujo, D; Takita, M; Peng, H; Sugimoto, K; Itoh, T; Tamura, Y; Olsen, G S; Kobayashi, N; Onaca, N; Hayashi, S; Levy, M F; Matsumoto, S

2010-01-01

We previously established a mouse pancreatic stem cell line without genetic manipulation. In this study, we sought to identify and isolate human pancreatic stem/progenitor cells. We also tested whether growth factors and protein transduction of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor-1 (PDX-1) and BETA2/NeuroD into human pancreatic stem/progenitor cells induced insulin or pancreas-related gene expressions. Human pancreata from brain-dead donors were used for islet isolation with the standard Ricordi technique modified by the Edmonton protocol. The cells from a duct-rich population were cultured in several media, based on those designed for mouse pancreatic or for human embryonic stem cells. To induce cell differentiation, cells were cultured for 2 weeks with exendin-4, nicotinamide, keratinocyte growth factor, PDX-1 protein, or BETA2/NeuroD protein. The cells in serum-free media showed morphologies similar to a mouse pancreatic stem cell line, while the cells in the medium for human embryonic stem cells formed fibroblast-like morphologies. The nucleus/cytoplasm ratios of the cells in each culture medium decreased during the culture. The cells stopped dividing after 30 days, suggesting that they had entered senescence. The cells treated with induction medium differentiated into insulin-producing cells, expressing pancreas-related genes. Duplications of cells from a duct-rich population were limited. Induction therapy with several growth factors and transduction proteins might provide a potential new strategy for induction of transplantable insulin-producing cells. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

L-asparaginase induced complete remission in Epstein-Barr virus positive, multidrug resistant, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

PubMed

Obama, K; Tara, M; Niina, K

1999-06-01

A 30-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with subcutaneous tumors and a high fever. Based on biomicroscopic findings of the tumor, the patient was diagnosed as having diffuse, medium, well-differentiated malignant lymphoma. Immunochemical analysis showed that CD3, CD4, CD25, and TCR beta were positive, and in situ hybridization revealed Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNAs in the nuclei of the lymphoma cells. Despite the patient's resistance to multidrug therapy, complete remission was achieved using L-asparaginase. This case is unique because of its peculiar clinical course and a possible association with the Epstein-Barr virus. L-asparaginase may be an important treatment in other patients who exhibit some of these characteristics.

The influence of co-cultivation on expression of the antifungal protein in Aspergillus giganteus.

PubMed

Meyer, Vera; Stahl, Ulf

2003-01-01

The afp gene of Aspergillus giganteus encodes a small, highly basic polypeptide with antifungal activity, named Antifungal Protein (AFP). The protein is secreted by the mould and inhibits the growth of various filamentous fungi. In this paper we report that co-cultivation of A. giganteus with various microorganisms alters afp expression. It was found that co-cultivation modulates afp expression on the level of transcription, using a reporter system based on the beta-glucuronidase gene. The presence of Fusarium oxysporum triggered afp transcription whereas dual cultures of A. giganteus and A. niger resulted in suppression of afp transcription. Growth tests performed with several carbon and nitrogen sources, revealed that the influence of co-cultivation is strongly dependent on the medium composition.

Triacylglycerol synthesis in goat mammary gland. The effect of ATP, Mg2+ and glycerol 3-phosphate on the esterification of fatty acids synthesized de novo.

PubMed Central

Hansen, H O; Grunnet, I; Knudsen, J

1984-01-01

Goat mammary-gland microsomal fraction by itself induces synthesis of medium-chain-length fatty acids by goat mammary fatty acid synthetase and incorporates short- and medium-chain fatty acids into triacylglycerol. Addition of ATP in the absence or presence of Mg2+ totally inhibits triacylglycerol synthesis from short- and medium-chain fatty acids, and severely inhibits synthesis de novo of medium-chain fatty acids. The inhibition by ATP of fatty acid synthesis and triacylglycerol synthesis de novo can be relieved by glycerol 3-phosphate. The effect of ATP could not be mimicked by the non-hydrolysable ATP analogue, adenosine 5'-[beta,gamma-methylene]triphosphate and could not be shown to be caused by inhibition of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase by a phosphorylation reaction. Possible explanations for the mechanism of the inhibition by ATP are discussed, and a hypothetical model for its action is outlined. PMID:6547605

[Solid-state fermentation with Penicillium sp. PT95 for carotenoid production].

PubMed

Han, J; Xu, J

1999-04-01

A preliminary study on solid-state fermentation (SSF) with Penicillium sp PT95 for carotenoid production was performed. The results showed that the production of carotenoid in sclerotia of PT95 was more efficient in corn meal medium than in either wheat bran medium or cottonseed hull medium. Addition of nitrogen and carbon sources as well as vegetable oil to media was required for increasing the dry weight of sclerotia and carotenoid yield. Among several tested compounds for nitrogen and carbon sources, sodium nitrate and maltose were the best. Through orthogonal experiments, the optimum culture medium was obtained by supplement of NaNO3 3g, maltose 10 g, soybean oil 2.5 g to per liter of salt solution. Under the optimum culture conditions, the sclerotia dry weight increased from 5.36 g to 9.70 g per 100 g dry substrate, the carotenoid yield from 2149 micrograms to 5260 micrograms per 100 g dry substrate, the proportion of beta-carotene in carotenoids from 61.4% to 71.3%.

Identification of a 170-kDa protein associated with the vacuolar Na+/H+ antiport of Beta vulgaris.

PubMed Central

Barkla, B J; Blumwald, E

1991-01-01

The effect of the addition of amiloride to the growth medium was tested on the Na+/H+ antiport activity of tonoplast vesicles isolated from sugar beet (beta vulgaris L.) cell suspensions. Cells grown in the presence of NaCl and amiloride displayed an increased antiport activity. Analysis of the kinetic data showed that while the affinity of the antiport for Na+ ions did not change, the maximal velocity of the Na+/H+ exchange increased markedly. These results suggest the addition of more antiport molecules to the tonoplast and/or an increase in the turnover rate of the Na+/H+ exchange. The increase in activity of the antiport by the presence of amiloride was correlated with the enhanced synthesis of a tonoplast 170-kDa polypeptide. The increased synthesis of this polypeptide was detected not only upon exposure of the cells to amiloride but also when the cells were exposed to high NaCl concentrations. Polyclonal antibodies against the 170-kDa polypeptide almost completely inhibited the antiport activity. These results suggest the association of the 170-kDa polypeptide with the vacuolar Na+/H+ antiport. Images PMID:1662387

Identification of a 170-kDa protein associated with the vacuolar Na+/H+ antiport of Beta vulgaris.

PubMed

Barkla, B J; Blumwald, E

1991-12-15

The effect of the addition of amiloride to the growth medium was tested on the Na+/H+ antiport activity of tonoplast vesicles isolated from sugar beet (beta vulgaris L.) cell suspensions. Cells grown in the presence of NaCl and amiloride displayed an increased antiport activity. Analysis of the kinetic data showed that while the affinity of the antiport for Na+ ions did not change, the maximal velocity of the Na+/H+ exchange increased markedly. These results suggest the addition of more antiport molecules to the tonoplast and/or an increase in the turnover rate of the Na+/H+ exchange. The increase in activity of the antiport by the presence of amiloride was correlated with the enhanced synthesis of a tonoplast 170-kDa polypeptide. The increased synthesis of this polypeptide was detected not only upon exposure of the cells to amiloride but also when the cells were exposed to high NaCl concentrations. Polyclonal antibodies against the 170-kDa polypeptide almost completely inhibited the antiport activity. These results suggest the association of the 170-kDa polypeptide with the vacuolar Na+/H+ antiport.

The Low Energy Neutrino Spectrometry (LENS) Experiment and LENS prototype, μLENS, initial results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokley, Zachary

2012-03-01

LENS is a low energy solar neutrino detector that will measure the solar neutrino spectrum above 115 keV, >95% of the solar neutrino flux, in real time. The fundamental neutrino reaction in LENS is charged-current based capture on 115-In detected in a liquid scintillator medium. The reaction yields the prompt emission of an electron and the delayed emission of 2 gamma rays that serve as a time & space coincidence tag. Sufficient spatial resolution is used to exploit this signature and suppress background, particularly due to 115-In beta decay. A novel design of optical segmentation (Scintillation Lattice or SL) channels the signal light along the three primary axes. The channeling is achieved via total internal reflection by suitable low index gaps in the segmentation. The spatial resolution of a nuclear event is obtained digitally, much more precisely than possible by common time of flight methods. Advanced Geant4 analysis methods have been developed to suppress adequately the severe background due to 115-In beta decay, achieving at the same time high detection efficiency. LENS physics and detection methods along with initial results characterizing light transport in the as built μLENS prototype will be presented.

Estradiol therapy in adulthood reverses glial and neuronal alterations caused by perinatal asphyxia.

PubMed

Saraceno, Gustavo Ezequiel; Bertolino, María Laura Aón; Galeano, Pablo; Romero, Juan Ignacio; Garcia-Segura, Luis Miguel; Capani, Francisco

2010-06-01

The capacity of the ovarian hormone 17beta-estradiol to prevent neurodegeneration has been characterized in several animal models of brain and spinal cord pathology. However, the potential reparative activity of the hormone under chronic neurodegenerative conditions has received less attention. In this study we have assessed the effect of estradiol therapy in adulthood on chronic glial and neuronal alterations caused by perinatal asphyxia (PA) in rats. Four-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats submitted to PA just after delivery, and their control littermates, were injected for 3 consecutive days with 17beta estradiol or vehicle. Animals subjected to PA and treated with vehicle showed an increased astrogliosis, focal swelling and fragmented appearance of MAP-2 immunoreactive dendrites, decreased MAP-2 immunoreactivity and decreased phosphorylation of high and medium molecular weight neurofilaments in the hippocampus, compared to control animals. Estradiol therapy reversed these alterations. These findings indicate that estradiol is able to reduce, in adult animals, chronic reactive astrogliosis and neuronal alterations caused by an early developmental neurodegenerative event, suggesting that the hormone might induce reparative actions in the Central Nervous System (CNS). Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and IGFBP-5 mediate TGF-{beta}- and myostatin-induced suppression of proliferation in porcine embryonic myogenic cell cultures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kamanga-Sollo, E.; Pampusch, M.S.; White, M.E.

2005-11-15

We have previously shown that cultured porcine embryonic myogenic cells (PEMC) produce both insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and IGFBP-5 and secrete these proteins into their media. Exogenously added recombinant porcine (rp) IGFBP-3 and rpIGFBP-5 act via IGF-dependent and IGF-independent mechanisms to suppress proliferation of PEMC cultures. Furthermore, immunoneutralization of endogenous IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 in the PEMC culture medium results in increased DNA synthesis rate suggesting that endogenous IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 suppress PEMC proliferation. TGF-{beta} superfamily members myostatin and TGF-{beta}{sub 1} have also been shown to suppress proliferation of myogenic cells, and treatment of cultured PEMC with either TGF-{beta}{submore » 1} or myostatin significantly (P < 0.01) increases levels of IGFBP-3 and -5 mRNA. We have previously shown that immunoneutralization of IGFBP-3 decreases the proliferation-suppressing activity of TGF-{beta}{sub 1} and myostatin. Here, we show that immunoneutralization of IGFBP-5 also significantly (P < 0.05) decreases the DNA synthesis-suppressing activity of these molecules. Simultaneous immunoneutralization of both IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 in TGF-{beta}{sub 1} or myostatin-treated PEMC cultures restores Long-R3-IGF-I-stimulated DNA synthesis rates to 90% of the levels observed in control cultures receiving no TGF-{beta}{sub 1} or myostatin treatment (P < 0.05). Even though immunoneutralization of IGFBP-3 and -5 increased DNA synthesis rates in TGF-{beta}{sub 1} or myostatin-treated PEMC cultures, phosphosmad2 levels in these cultures were not affected. These findings strongly suggest that IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 affect processes downstream from receptor-mediated Smad phosphorylation that facilitate the ability of TGF-{beta} and myostatin to suppress proliferation of PEMC.« less

Relative stability of major types of beta-turns as a function of amino acid composition: a study based on Ab initio energetic and natural abundance data.

PubMed

Perczel, András; Jákli, Imre; McAllister, Michael A; Csizmadia, Imre G

2003-06-06

Folding properties of small globular proteins are determined by their amino acid sequence (primary structure). This holds both for local (secondary structure) and for global conformational features of linear polypeptides and proteins composed from natural amino acid derivatives. It thus provides the rational basis of structure prediction algorithms. The shortest secondary structure element, the beta-turn, most typically adopts either a type I or a type II form, depending on the amino acid composition. Herein we investigate the sequence-dependent folding stability of both major types of beta-turns using simple dipeptide models (-Xxx-Yyy-). Gas-phase ab initio properties of 16 carefully selected and suitably protected dipeptide models (for example Val-Ser, Ala-Gly, Ser-Ser) were studied. For each backbone fold most probable side-chain conformers were considered. Fully optimized 321G RHF molecular structures were employed in medium level [B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)//RHF/3-21G] energy calculations to estimate relative populations of the different backbone conformers. Our results show that the preference for beta-turn forms as calculated by quantum mechanics and observed in Xray determined proteins correlates significantly.

X-ray and Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect Measurements of the Gas Mass Fraction in Galaxy Clusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaRoque, Samuel J.; Bonamente, Massimiliano; Carlstrom, John E.; Joy, Marshall K.; Nagai, Daisuke; Reese, Erik D.; Dawson, Kyle S.

2006-01-01

We present gas mass fractions of 38 massive galaxy clusters spanning redshifts from 0.14 to 0.89, derived from Chandra X-ray data and OVRO/BIMA interferometric Sunyaev-Zel' dovich Effect (SZE) measurements. We use three models for the gas distribution: (1) an isothermal Beta-model fit jointly to the X-ray data at radii beyond 100 kpc and to all of the SZE data, (2) a nonisothermal double Beta-model fit jointly to all of the X-ray and SZE data, and (3) an isothermal Beta-model fit only to the SZE spatial data. We show that the simple isothermal model well characterizes the intracluster medium (ICM) outside of the cluster core, and provides consistently good fits to clusters spanning a wide range of morphological properties. The agreement in the results shows that the core can be satisfactorily accounted for by either excluding the core in fits to the X-ray data (the 100 kpc-cut model) or modeling the intracluster gas with a non-isothermal double Beta-model. We find that the SZE is largely insensitive to structure in the core.

Physical state of interstellar atoms. [from Copernicus satellite UV data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

York, D. G.

1974-01-01

Brief survey of the physical conditions along the lines of sight to reddened and unreddened stars, as determined from Copernicus observation of interstellar lines between 95 and 300 nm. Differences in ionization structure and density between clouds and the local intercloud medium are discussed. Some new data for beta Centauri is used to supplement the previously available data.

Durangite from the Black Range, New Mexico, and new data on durangite from Durango and Cornwall.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Foord, E.E.; Oakman, M.R.; Maxwell, C.H.

1985-01-01

Durangite, associated with cassiterite, hematite, quartz, tridymite, cristobalite and clinopyroxene, occurs in small veinlets within flows, ash-flow tuffs and lithic tuffs in a tin mine near Boiler Peak, New Mexico. It is clear to semi-translucent, pale yellow-orange to medium orange-red with a vitreous lustre, pale yellow streak; H. 5-5.5%; irregular to conchoidal fracture and a good (110) cleavage; elongate along c with (110), (010), (021) and (111) the prominent forms; Dmeas 3.90, Dcalc 3.92 g/cm3; alpha medium yellow orange 1.634(3), beta pale yellow orange 1.663(3), gamma colourless 1.685(3); weak to moderate dispersion r < v. The structural formula is: (Na0.93Li0.07)SIGMA 1.00(Al0.89Fe0.07Mn0.06)SIGMA 1.02As0.99O4(F0.90(OH)0.07)SIGMA 0.97. Indexed XRD powder data are tabulated; a 6.574(1), b 8.505(2), c 7.019(1) A, beta 115.34o; space group C2/c; Z = 4. Additional X-ray and chemical data on durangite from Durango and Cornwall are also included.-L.T.T.

Modification of mitochondrial function, cytoplasmic lipid content and cryosensitivity of bovine embryos by resveratrol.

PubMed

Abe, Takahito; Kawahara-Miki, Ryouka; Hara, Tomotaka; Noguchi, Tatsuo; Hayashi, Takeshi; Shirasuna, Koumei; Kuwayama, Takehito; Iwata, Hisataka

2017-10-18

Resveratrol is a potent activator of NAD-dependent deacetyltransferase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) and affects lipid metabolism and ATP generation in somatic cells. In the present study, the effects of supplementing culture medium with resveratrol on lipid metabolism, ATP generation, and cryosensitivity of bovine in vitro produced embryos were investigated. Bovine early cleaved-stage embryos were cultured in medium containing 0 or 0.5 µM resveratrol for 1 or 5 days. Resveratrol treatment for both 1 day and 5 days increased the expression levels of SIRT1 and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) in the embryos. Furthermore, resveratrol treatment was effective to increase ATP generation and reduce lipid content of the embryos. The effects of resveratrol treatment were diminished by the SIRT1 inhibitor "EX527", and the reduced lipid content was reversed by treatment with etomoxir (a potent inhibitor of beta-oxidation). Blastocysts developed after resveratrol treatment showed low levels reactive oxygen species and increased cryotolerance. These results demonstrate that resveratrol improves in vitro development of bovine embryos, while reducing cytoplasmic lipid content through activation of beta-oxidation, thereby effective for production of bovine blastocysts with enhanced cryotolerance.

Anti-angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) proteins from mycelia of Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Ganoderma lucidum has been purported as a potent remedy in the treatment and prevention of several ailments, including hypertension. This study aimed to explore the anti-ACE potential of protein fractions from the mycelia of G. lucidum. Methods Ganoderma lucidum mycelia were cultivated by submerged fermentation in a liquid medium containing brown sugar and spent brewer’s yeast. Intracellular proteins were fractionated from mycelia crude water extract by ammonium sulphate precipitation, and their angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activity was evaluated. The potential anti-ACE protein fractions were further separated by RP-HPLC and characterised using proteomics platforms. Results Preliminary result demonstrated that the mycelia crude water extract inhibited ACE at IC50 value of 1.134 ± 0.036 mg/mL. Following protein fractionation and HPLC purification, the presence of highly potential anti-ACE proteins with the IC50 values less than 200 μg/mL was detected. Characterisation of these proteins demonstrated the presence of four different antihypertensive-related proteins involved in the regulation of blood pressure through different mechanisms. Conclusions This study suggests that the mycelia of G. lucidum has high potential in lowering blood pressure level due to the presence of several antihypertensive-related proteins such as cystathionine beta synthase-like protein, DEAD/DEAH box helicase-like protein, paxillin-like protein, and alpha/beta hydrolase-like protein. PMID:24093919

Formation of proteoglycan and collagen-rich scaffold-free stiff cartilaginous tissue using two-step culture methods with combinations of growth factors.

PubMed

Miyazaki, Tatsuya; Miyauchi, Satoshi; Matsuzaka, Satoshi; Yamagishi, Chie; Kobayashi, Kohei

2010-05-01

Tissue-engineered cartilage may be expected to serve as an alternative to autologous chondrocyte transplantation treatment. Several methods for producing cartilaginous tissue have been reported. In this study, we describe the production of scaffold-free stiff cartilaginous tissue of pig and human, using allogeneic serum and growth factors. The tissue was formed in a mold using chondrocytes recovered from alginate bead culture and maintained in a medium with transforming growth factor-beta and several other additives. In the case of porcine tissue, the tear strength of the tissue and the contents of proteoglycan (PG) and collagen per unit of DNA increased dose-dependently with transforming growth factor-beta. The length of culture was significantly and positively correlated with thickness, tear strength, and PG and collagen contents. Tear strength showed positive high correlations with both PG and collagen contents. A positive correlation was also seen between PG content and collagen content. Similar results were obtained with human cartilaginous tissue formed from chondrocytes expanded in monolayer culture. Further, an in vivo pilot study using pig articular cartilage defect model demonstrated that the cartilaginous tissue was well integrated with surrounding tissue at 13 weeks after the implantation. In conclusion, we successfully produced implantable scaffold-free stiff cartilaginous tissue, which characterized high PG and collagen contents.

Epidemiology, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Clinical Bovine Mastitis in Tunisia.

PubMed

Saidani, Mariem; Messadi, Lilia; Soudani, Alya; Daaloul-Jedidi, Monia; Châtre, Pierre; Ben Chehida, Faten; Mamlouk, Aymen; Mahjoub, Wassim; Madec, Jean-Yves; Haenni, Marisa

2018-05-14

Bovine mastitis is a major disease in dairy cattle that causes high economic losses annually. Staphylococci, streptococci, and coliforms are among the major pathogens responsible for such infections. While data on bovine mastitis are numerous in Europe where the efficacy of farm management was monitored, those are scarce in African countries. In this study, we reported the occurrence of Escherichia coli (118/372, 31.7%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (77/372, 20.7%), two environmental pathogens known to cause bovine mastitis. Resistance phenotypes were frequently identified for tetracycline (E. coli, 46.6%/K. pneumoniae, 20.8%), sulfonamides-trimethoprim (17.8%/11.7%), gentamicin (19.5%/14.3%), and enrofloxacin (11.0%/6.5%). No carbapenem-resistant isolate was detected. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) were detected on selective medium in three E. coli and six K. pneumoniae, all carrying the bla CTX-M-15 gene. The K. pneumoniae belonged to two highly uncommon sequence types (ST471 and ST1083), while E. coli clustered in the ST167/617 clones, which have been widely reported in humans, animals, and the environment. These data point out the necessity to improve farm management in Tunisia to reduce the occurrence of coliform-induced mastitis and to avoid the dissemination in this sector of ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae, which are of public health concern.

Regulation of tyramine oxidase synthesis in Klebsiella aerogenes.

PubMed Central

Okamura, H; Murooka, Y; Harada, T

1976-01-01

Tyramine oxidase in Klebsiella aerogenes is highly specific for tyramine, dopamine, octopamine, and norepinephrine, and its synthesis is induced specifically by these compounds. The enzyme is present in a membrane-bound form. The Km value for tyramine is 9 X 10(-4) M. Tyramine oxidase synthesis was subjected to catabolite repression by glucose in the presence of ammonium salts. Addition of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) overcame the catabolite repression. A mutant strain, K711, which can produce a high level of beta-galactosidase in the presence of glucose and ammonium chloride, can also synthesize tyramine oxidase and histidase in the presence of inducer in glucose ammonium medium. Catabolite repression of tyramine oxidase synthesis was relieved when the cells were grown under conditions of nitrogen limitation, whereas beta-galactosidase was strongly repressed under these conditions. A cAMP-requiring mutant, MK54, synthesized tyramine oxidase rapidly when tyramine was used as the sole source of nitrogen in the absence of cAMP. However, a glutamine synthetase-constitutive mutant, MK94, failed to synthesize tyramine oxidase in the presence of glucose and ammonium chloride, although it synthesized histidase rapidly under these conditions. These results suggest that catabolite repression of tyramine oxidase synthesis in K. aerogenes is regulated by the intracellular level of cAMP and an unknown cytoplasmic factor that acts independently of cAMP and is formed under conditions of nitrogen limitation. PMID:179974

Inhibition of HSP70 and a Collagen-Specific Molecular Chaperone (HSP47) Expression in Rat Osteoblasts by Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumei, Yasuhiro; Morita, Sadao; Shimokawa, Hitoyata; Ohya, Kei'ichi; Akiyama, Hideo; Hirano, Masahiko; Sams, Clarence F.; Whitson, Peggy A.

2003-01-01

Rat osteoblasts were cultured aboard a space shuttle for 4 or 5 days. Cells were exposed to 1alpha, 25 dihydroxyvitamin D(3) during the last 20 h and then solubilized by guanidine solution. The mRNA levels for molecular chaperones were analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. ELISA was used to quantify TGF-beta1 in the conditioned medium. The HSP70 mRNA levels in the flight cultures were almost completely suppressed, as compared to the ground (1 x g) controls. The inducible HSP70 is known as the major heat shock protein that prevents stress-induced apoptosis. The mean mRNA levels for the constitutive HSC73 in the flight cultures were reduced to 69%, approximately 60% of the ground controls. HSC73 is reported to prevent the pathological state that is induced by disruption of microtubule network. The mean HSP47 mRNA levels in the flight cultures were decreased to 50% and 19% of the ground controls on the 4th and 5th days. Concomitantly, the concentration of TGF-beta1 in the conditioned medium of the flight cultures was reduced to 37% and 19% of the ground controls on the 4th and 5th days. HSP47 is the collagen-specific molecular chaperone that controls collagen processing and quality and is regulated by TGF-beta1. Microgravity differentially modulated the expression of molecular chaperones in osteoblasts, which might be involved in induction and/or prevention of osteopenia in space.

[Morphological characteristics and physiological properties of aflatoxin B1 producing and non-producing Aspergillus flavus strains].

PubMed

Kogbo, W; Lemarinier, S; Boutibonnes, P

1985-09-01

Comparison between about 80 strains of Aspergillus flavus, belonging to the series flavus and oryzae, obtained from international collections but also isolated from French or African substrates revealed the following observations: 1. Cultural and morphological characteristics of toxicogenic and atoxicogenic strains of A. flavus are similar. However, the former produce a diffusible yellow pigment in 83% of isolates. 2. The two groups of conidiospores have the same resistance to UV irradiation (254 nm, 5 and 10 min). All the strains are equally sensitive to 4 antifungal antibiotics: nystatine, ketoconazole, clotrimazole and amphotericine. 3. A difference was seen in the capacity to produce enzymes as alpha-galactosidase, beta-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase, implicated in the glucid metabolism. The specific hydrolytic activity has been confirmed by the characterization of a large amount of beta-galactosidase and by a diauxic growth on glucose medium supplemented by lactose. Possible relationship between these characters and aflatoxin B1 production by A. flavus strains is discussed.

Fluid Mechanics of the Vascular Basement Membrane in the Brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coloma, Mikhail; Hui, Jonathan; Chiarot, Paul; Huang, Peter; Carare, Roxana; McLeod, Kenneth; Schaffer, David

2013-11-01

Beta-amyloid is a normal product of brain metabolic function and is found within the interstitial fluid of the brain. Failure of the clearance of beta-amyloid from the aging brain leads to its accumulation within the walls of arteries and to Alzheimer's disease. The vascular basement membrane (VBM) within the walls of cerebral arteries surrounds the spirally arranged smooth muscle cells and represents an essential pathway for removal of beta-amyloid from the brain. This process fails with the stiffening of arterial walls associated with aging. In this study we hypothesize that the deformation of the VBM associated with arterial pulsations drives the interstitial fluid to drain in the direction opposite of the arterial blood flow. This hypothesis is theoretically investigated by modeling the VBM as a thin, coaxial, fluid-filled porous medium surrounding a periodically deforming cylindrical tube. Flow and boundary conditions required to achieve such a backward clearance are derived through a control volume analysis of mass, momentum, and energy.

Reduced and high molecular weight barley beta-glucans decrease plasma total and non-HDL-cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic Syrian golden hamsters.

PubMed

Wilson, Thomas A; Nicolosi, Robert J; Delaney, Bryan; Chadwell, Kim; Moolchandani, Vikas; Kotyla, Timothy; Ponduru, Sridevi; Zheng, Guo-Hua; Hess, Richard; Knutson, Nathan; Curry, Leslie; Kolberg, Lore; Goulson, Melanie; Ostergren, Karen

2004-10-01

Consumption of concentrated barley beta-glucan lowers plasma cholesterol because of its soluble dietary fiber nature. The role of molecular weight (MW) in lowering serum cholesterol is not well established. Prior studies showed that enzymatic degradation of beta-glucan eliminates the cholesterol-lowering activity; however, these studies did not evaluate the MW of the beta-glucan. The current study was conducted to evaluate whether barley beta-glucan concentrates, partially hydrolyzed to reduce MW, possess cholesterol-lowering and antiatherogenic activities. The reduced MW fraction was compared with a high MW beta-glucan concentrate from the same barley flour. Concentrated beta-glucan preparations were evaluated in Syrian Golden F(1)B hamsters fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD) with cholesterol, hydrogenated coconut oil, and cellulose. After 2 wk, hamsters were fed HCD or diets that contained high or reduced MW beta-glucan at a concentration of 8 g/100 g at the expense of cellulose. Decreases in plasma total cholesterol (TC) and non-HDL-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) concentrations occurred in the hamsters fed reduced MW and high MW beta-glucan diets. Plasma HDL-C concentrations did not differ. HCD-fed hamsters had higher plasma triglyceride concentrations. Liver TC, free cholesterol, and cholesterol ester concentrations did not differ. Aortic cholesterol ester concentrations were lower in the reduced MW beta-glucan-fed hamsters. Consumption of either high or reduced MW beta-glucan increased concentrations of fecal total neutral sterols and coprostanol, a cholesterol derivative. Fecal excretion of cholesterol was greater than in HCD-fed hamsters only in those fed the reduced MW beta-glucan. Study results demonstrate that the cholesterol-lowering activity of barley beta-glucan may occur at both lower and higher MW.

Correlation of beta-catenin localization with cyclooxygenase-2 expression and CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) in colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Kawasaki, Takako; Nosho, Katsuhiko; Ohnishi, Mutsuko; Suemoto, Yuko; Kirkner, Gregory J; Dehari, Reiko; Meyerhardt, Jeffrey A; Fuchs, Charles S; Ogino, Shuji

2007-07-01

The WNT/beta-catenin (CTNNB1) pathway is commonly activated in the carcinogenic process. Cross-talks between the WNT and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2 or PTGS2)/prostaglandin pathways have been suggested. The relationship between beta-catenin activation and microsatellite instability (MSI) in colorectal cancer has been controversial. The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP or CIMP-high) with widespread promoter methylation is a distinct epigenetic phenotype in colorectal cancer, which is associated with MSI-high. However, no study has examined the relationship between beta-catenin activation and CIMP status. Using 832 population-based colorectal cancer specimens, we assessed beta-catenin localization by immunohistochemistry. We quantified DNA methylation in eight CIMP-specific promoters [CACNA1G, CDKN2A(p16), CRABP1, IGF2, MLH1, NEUROG1, RUNX3, and SOCS1] by real-time polymerase chain reaction (MethyLight). MSI-high, CIMP-high, and BRAF mutation were associated inversely with cytoplasmic and nuclear beta-catenin expressions (i.e., beta-catenin activation) and associated positively with membrane expression. The inverse relation between beta-catenin activation and CIMP was independent of MSI. COX-2 overexpression correlated with cytoplasmic beta-catenin expression (even after tumors were stratified by CIMP status), but did not correlate significantly with nuclear or membrane expression. In conclusion, beta-catenin activation is inversely associated with CIMP-high independent of MSI status. Cytoplasmic beta-catenin is associated with COX-2 overexpression, supporting the role of cytoplasmic beta-catenin in stabilizing PTGS2 (COX-2) mRNA.

Preadipocyte 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 is a keto-reductase and contributes to diet-induced visceral obesity in vivo.

PubMed

De Sousa Peixoto, R A; Turban, S; Battle, J H; Chapman, K E; Seckl, J R; Morton, N M

2008-04-01

Glucocorticoid excess promotes visceral obesity and cardiovascular disease. Similar features are found in the highly prevalent metabolic syndrome in the absence of high levels of systemic cortisol. Although elevated activity of the glucocorticoid-amplifying enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) within adipocytes might explain this paradox, the potential role of 11beta-HSD1 in preadipocytes is less clear; human omental adipose stromal vascular (ASV) cells exhibit 11beta-dehydrogenase activity (inactivation of glucocorticoids) probably due to the absence of cofactor provision by hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. To clarify the depot-specific impact of 11beta-HSD1, we assessed whether preadipocytes in ASV from mesenteric (as a representative of visceral adipose tissue) and sc tissue displayed 11beta-HSD1 activity in mice. 11beta-HSD1 was highly expressed in freshly isolated ASV cells, predominantly in preadipocytes. 11beta-HSD1 mRNA and protein levels were comparable between ASV and adipocyte fractions in both depots. 11beta-HSD1 was an 11beta-reductase, thus reactivating glucocorticoids in ASV cells, consistent with hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA expression. Unexpectedly, glucocorticoid reactivation was higher in intact mesenteric ASV cells despite a lower expression of 11beta-HSD1 mRNA and protein (homogenate activity) levels than sc ASV cells. This suggests a novel depot-specific control over 11beta-HSD1 enzyme activity. In vivo, high-fat diet-induced obesity was accompanied by increased visceral fat preadipocyte differentiation in wild-type but not 11beta-HSD1(-/-) mice. The results suggest that 11beta-HSD1 reductase activity is augmented in mouse mesenteric preadipocytes where it promotes preadipocyte differentiation and contributes to visceral fat accumulation in obesity.

Separation of cell survival, growth, migration, and mesenchymal transdifferentiation effects of fibroblast secretome on tumor cells of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Metzler, Veronika Maria; Pritz, Christian; Riml, Anna; Romani, Angela; Tuertscher, Raphaela; Steinbichler, Teresa; Dejaco, Daniel; Riechelmann, Herbert; Dudás, József

2017-11-01

Fibroblasts play a central role in tumor invasion, recurrence, and metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of tumor cell self-produced factors and paracrine fibroblast-secreted factors in comparison to indirect co-culture on cancer cell survival, growth, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition using the cell lines SCC-25 and human gingival fibroblasts. Thereby, we particularly focused on the participation of the fibroblast-secreted transforming growth factor beta-1.Tumor cell self-produced factors were sufficient to ensure tumor cell survival and basic cell growth, but fibroblast-secreted paracrine factors significantly increased cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related phenotype changes in tumor cells. Transforming growth factor beta-1 generated individually migrating disseminating tumor cell groups or single cells separated from the tumor cell nest, which were characterized by reduced E-cadherin expression. At the same time, transforming growth factor beta-1 inhibited tumor cell proliferation under serum-starved conditions. Neutralizing transforming growth factor beta antibody reduced the cell migration support of fibroblast-conditioned medium. Transforming growth factor beta-1 as a single factor was sufficient for generation of disseminating tumor cells from epithelial tumor cell nests, while other fibroblast paracrine factors supported tumor nest outgrowth. Different fibroblast-released factors might support tumor cell proliferation and invasion, as two separate effects.

Development of highly regenerable callus lines and biolistic transformation of turf-type common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.].

PubMed

Li, L; Qu, R

2004-01-01

Common bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon, is a widely used warm-season turf and forage species in the temperate and tropical regions of the world. Improvement of bermudagrass via biotechnology depends on improved tissue culture responses, especially in plant regeneration, and a successful scheme to introduce useful transgenes. When the concentration of 6-benzylaminopurine was adjusted in the culture medium, yellowish, compact calluses were observed from young inflorescence tissue culture of var. J1224. Nine long-term, highly regenerable callus lines (including a suspension-cultured line) were subsequently established, of which six were used for biolistic transformation. Five independent transgenic events, with four producing green plants, were obtained following hygromycin B selection from one callus line. Three transgenic events displayed resistance to the herbicide glufosinate, and one of these showed beta-glucuronidase activity since the co-transformation vector used in the experiments contained both the gusA and bar genes.

Retinoic acid stimulation of human dermal fibroblast proliferation is dependent on suboptimal extracellular Ca2+ concentration.

PubMed Central

Varani, J.; Shayevitz, J.; Perry, D.; Mitra, R. S.; Nickoloff, B. J.; Voorhees, J. J.

1990-01-01

Human dermal fibroblasts failed to proliferate when cultured in medium containing 0.15 mmol/l (millimolar) Ca2+ (keratinocyte growth medium [KGM]) but did when the external Ca2+ concentration was raised to 1.4 mmol/l. All-trans retinoic acid (retinoic acid) stimulated proliferation in KGM but did not further stimulate growth in Ca2(+)-supplemented KGM. The ability of retinoic acid to stimulate proliferation was inhibited in KGM prepared without Ca2+ or prepared with 0.03 mmol/l Ca2+ and in KGM treated with 1 mmol/l ethylene-glycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)N,N'-tetra acetic acid. Using 45Ca2+ to measure Ca2+ influx and efflux, it was found that retinoic acid minimally increased Ca2+ uptake into fibroblasts. In contrast, retinoic acid treatment of fibroblasts that had been pre-equilibrated for 1 day with 45Ca2+ inhibited release of intracellular Ca2+ into the extracellular fluid. Retinoic acid also stimulated 35S-methionine incorporation into trichloroacetic acid-precipitable material but in contrast to its effect on proliferation, stimulation of 35S-methionine incorporation occurred in both high-Ca2+ and low-Ca2+ medium. These data indicate that retinoic acid stimulation of proliferation, but not protein synthesis, is dependent on the concentration of Ca2+ in the extracellular environment. PMID:2356860

Mechanism of the pH-Induced Conformational Change in the Sensor Domain of the DraK Histidine Kinase via the E83, E105, and E107 Residues

PubMed Central

Jee, Jun-Goo; Lee, Jae Kyoung; Kim, Hyo Jeong; Park, Jin-Wan; Kim, Eun-Hee; Hwang, Eunha; Kim, Sang-Yoon; Lee, Eun-Gyeong; Kwon, Ohsuk; Cheong, Hae-Kap

2014-01-01

The DraR/DraK two-component system was found to be involved in the differential regulation of antibiotic biosynthesis in a medium-dependent manner; however, its function and signaling and sensing mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we describe the solution structure of the extracellular sensor domain of DraK and suggest a mechanism for the pH-dependent conformational change of the protein. The structure contains a mixed alpha-beta fold, adopting a fold similar to the ubiquitous sensor domain of histidine kinase. A biophysical study demonstrates that the E83, E105, and E107 residues have abnormally high pKa values and that they drive the pH-dependent conformational change for the extracellular sensor domain of DraK. We found that a triple mutant (E83L/E105L/E107A) is pH independent and mimics the low pH structure. An in vivo study showed that DraK is essential for the recovery of the pH of Streptomyces coelicolor growth medium after acid shock. Our findings suggest that the DraR/DraK two-component system plays an important role in the pH regulation of S. coelicolor growth medium. This study provides a foundation for the regulation and the production of secondary metabolites in Streptomyces. PMID:25203403

Mechanism of the pH-induced conformational change in the sensor domain of the DraK Histidine kinase via the E83, E105, and E107 residues.

PubMed

Yeo, Kwon Joo; Hong, Young-Soo; Jee, Jun-Goo; Lee, Jae Kyoung; Kim, Hyo Jeong; Park, Jin-Wan; Kim, Eun-Hee; Hwang, Eunha; Kim, Sang-Yoon; Lee, Eun-Gyeong; Kwon, Ohsuk; Cheong, Hae-Kap

2014-01-01

The DraR/DraK two-component system was found to be involved in the differential regulation of antibiotic biosynthesis in a medium-dependent manner; however, its function and signaling and sensing mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we describe the solution structure of the extracellular sensor domain of DraK and suggest a mechanism for the pH-dependent conformational change of the protein. The structure contains a mixed alpha-beta fold, adopting a fold similar to the ubiquitous sensor domain of histidine kinase. A biophysical study demonstrates that the E83, E105, and E107 residues have abnormally high pKa values and that they drive the pH-dependent conformational change for the extracellular sensor domain of DraK. We found that a triple mutant (E83L/E105L/E107A) is pH independent and mimics the low pH structure. An in vivo study showed that DraK is essential for the recovery of the pH of Streptomyces coelicolor growth medium after acid shock. Our findings suggest that the DraR/DraK two-component system plays an important role in the pH regulation of S. coelicolor growth medium. This study provides a foundation for the regulation and the production of secondary metabolites in Streptomyces.

High power beta electron device - Beyond betavoltaics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ayers, William M.; Gentile, Charles A.

Developing watt level power sources with beta emitting radioisotopes has been limited by the inability to utilize high energy (> 100 KeV) beta emitters at high radioisotope loadings without damaging the energy conversion materials. A new type of beta electron power source is described that removes those restrictions. This approach contains the radioisotope in a beta transparent titanium tube and confines beta electrons emitted through the tube wall to spiral trajectories around the tube with an axial magnetic field. The confined beta electrons dissipate energy though multiple interactions with surrounding excimer precursor gas atoms to efficiently generate photons. Photovoltaic cellsmore » convert the photons to electrical power. Since the beta electrons dissipate energy in the excimer precursor gas, the device can be loaded with more than 10 13 Bq of radioisotope to generate 100 milliwatt to watt levels of electrical power without damaging the device materials or degrading its performance. Furthermore, the power source can use a variety of beta radioisotopes and scales by stacking the devices.« less

High power beta electron device - Beyond betavoltaics

DOE PAGES

Ayers, William M.; Gentile, Charles A.

2017-11-10

Developing watt level power sources with beta emitting radioisotopes has been limited by the inability to utilize high energy (> 100 KeV) beta emitters at high radioisotope loadings without damaging the energy conversion materials. A new type of beta electron power source is described that removes those restrictions. This approach contains the radioisotope in a beta transparent titanium tube and confines beta electrons emitted through the tube wall to spiral trajectories around the tube with an axial magnetic field. The confined beta electrons dissipate energy though multiple interactions with surrounding excimer precursor gas atoms to efficiently generate photons. Photovoltaic cellsmore » convert the photons to electrical power. Since the beta electrons dissipate energy in the excimer precursor gas, the device can be loaded with more than 10 13 Bq of radioisotope to generate 100 milliwatt to watt levels of electrical power without damaging the device materials or degrading its performance. Furthermore, the power source can use a variety of beta radioisotopes and scales by stacking the devices.« less

High power beta electron device - Beyond betavoltaics.

PubMed

Ayers, William M; Gentile, Charles A

2018-01-01

Developing watt level power sources with beta emitting radioisotopes has been limited by the inability to utilize high energy (> 100KeV) beta emitters at high radioisotope loadings without damaging the energy conversion materials. A new type of beta electron power source is described that removes those restrictions. The approach contains the radioisotope in a beta transparent titanium tube and confines beta electrons emitted through the tube wall to spiral trajectories around the tube with an axial magnetic field. The confined beta electrons dissipate energy though multiple interactions with surrounding excimer precursor gas atoms to efficiently generate photons. Photovoltaic cells convert the photons to electrical power. Since the beta electrons dissipate energy in the excimer precursor gas, the device can be loaded with more than 10 13 Bq of radioisotope to generate 100 milliwatt to watt levels of electrical power without damaging the device materials or degrading its performance. The power source can use a variety of beta radioisotopes and scales by stacking the devices. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Whole organism high content screening identifies stimulators of pancreatic beta-cell proliferation.

PubMed

Tsuji, Naoki; Ninov, Nikolay; Delawary, Mina; Osman, Sahar; Roh, Alex S; Gut, Philipp; Stainier, Didier Y R

2014-01-01

Inducing beta-cell mass expansion in diabetic patients with the aim to restore glucose homeostasis is a promising therapeutic strategy. Although several in vitro studies have been carried out to identify modulators of beta-cell mass expansion, restoring endogenous beta-cell mass in vivo has yet to be achieved. To identify potential stimulators of beta-cell replication in vivo, we established transgenic zebrafish lines that monitor and allow the quantification of cell proliferation by using the fluorescent ubiquitylation-based cell cycle indicator (FUCCI) technology. Using these new reagents, we performed an unbiased chemical screen, and identified 20 small molecules that markedly increased beta-cell proliferation in vivo. Importantly, these structurally distinct molecules, which include clinically-approved drugs, modulate three specific signaling pathways: serotonin, retinoic acid and glucocorticoids, showing the high sensitivity and robustness of our screen. Notably, two drug classes, retinoic acid and glucocorticoids, also promoted beta-cell regeneration after beta-cell ablation. Thus, this study establishes a proof of principle for a high-throughput small molecule-screen for beta-cell proliferation in vivo, and identified compounds that stimulate beta-cell proliferation and regeneration.

Movement-related beta oscillations show high intra-individual reliability.

PubMed

Espenhahn, Svenja; de Berker, Archy O; van Wijk, Bernadette C M; Rossiter, Holly E; Ward, Nick S

2017-02-15

Oscillatory activity in the beta frequency range (15-30Hz) recorded from human sensorimotor cortex is of increasing interest as a putative biomarker of motor system function and dysfunction. Despite its increasing use in basic and clinical research, surprisingly little is known about the test-retest reliability of spectral power and peak frequency measures of beta oscillatory signals from sensorimotor cortex. Establishing that these beta measures are stable over time in healthy populations is a necessary precursor to their use in the clinic. Here, we used scalp electroencephalography (EEG) to evaluate intra-individual reliability of beta-band oscillations over six sessions, focusing on changes in beta activity during movement (Movement-Related Beta Desynchronization, MRBD) and after movement termination (Post-Movement Beta Rebound, PMBR). Subjects performed visually-cued unimanual wrist flexion and extension. We assessed Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) and between-session correlations for spectral power and peak frequency measures of movement-related and resting beta activity. Movement-related and resting beta power from both sensorimotor cortices was highly reliable across sessions. Resting beta power yielded highest reliability (average ICC=0.903), followed by MRBD (average ICC=0.886) and PMBR (average ICC=0.663). Notably, peak frequency measures yielded lower ICC values compared to the assessment of spectral power, particularly for movement-related beta activity (ICC=0.386-0.402). Our data highlight that power measures of movement-related beta oscillations are highly reliable, while corresponding peak frequency measures show greater intra-individual variability across sessions. Importantly, our finding that beta power estimates show high intra-individual reliability over time serves to validate the notion that these measures reflect meaningful individual differences that can be utilised in basic research and clinical studies. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In vivo nuclear magnetic resonance study of the osmoregulation of phosphocholine-substituted beta-1,3;1,6 cyclic glucan and its associated carbon metabolism in Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110.

PubMed Central

Pfeffer, P E; Bécard, G; Rolin, D B; Uknalis, J; Cooke, P; Tu, S

1994-01-01

A phosphocholine-substituted beta-1,3;1,6 cyclic glucan (PCCG), an unusual cyclic oligosaccharide, has been isolated from Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110 (D. B. Rolin, P. E. Pfeffer, S. F. Osman, B. S. Swergold, F. Kappler, and A. J. Benesi, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1116:215-225, 1992). Data presented here suggest that PCCG synthesis is dependent on the carbon metabolism and that osmotic regulation of its biosynthesis parallels regulation of membrane-derived oligosaccharide biosynthesis observed in Escherichia coli (E. P. Kennedy, M. K. Rumley, H. Schulman, and L. M. G. van Golde, J. Biol. Chem. 251:4208-4213, 1976) and Agrobacterium tumefaciens (G. A. Cangelosi, G. Martinetti, and E. W. Nester, J. Bacteriol. 172:2172-2174, 1990). Growth of B. japonicum USDA 110 cells in the reference medium at relatively low osmotic pressures (LO) (65 mosmol/kg of H2O) caused a large accumulation of PCCG and unsubstituted beta-1,3;1,6 cyclic glucans (CG). Sucrose and polyethylene glycol, nonionic osmotica, reduce all growth rates and inhibit almost completely the production of PCCG at high osmotic pressures (HO) above 650 and 400 mosmol/kg of H2O), respectively. We used in vivo 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to identify the active osmolytes implicated in the osmoregulation process. The level of alpha,alpha-trehalose in B. japonicum cells grown in autoclaved or filter-sterilized solutions remained constant in HO (0.3 M sucrose or 250 g of polyethylene glycol 6000 per liter) medium. Significant amounts of glycogen and extracellular polysaccharides were produced only when glucose was present in the autoclaved HO 0.3 M sucrose media. The results of hypo- and hyperosmotic shocking of B. japonicum USDA 110 cells were monitored by using in vivo 31P and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The first observed osmoregulatory response of glycogen-containing cells undergoing hypoosmotic shock was release of P(i) into the medium. Within 7 h, reabsorption of P(i) was complete and production of PCCG was initiated. After 12 h, the PCCG content had increased by a factor of 7. Following the same treatment, cells containing little or no glycogen released trehalose and failed to produce PCCG. Thus the production of PCCG/CG in response to hypoosmotic shocking of stationary-phase cells was found to be directly linked to the interconversion of stored glycogen. Hyperosmotic shocking of LO-grown stationary-phase cells with sucrose had no effect on the content of previously synthesized CG/PCCG. The PCCG/CG content and its osmotically induced biosynthesis are discussed in terms of carbon metabolism and a possible role in hypoosmotic adaptation in B. japonicum USDA 110. Images PMID:8031100

Impaired activation of adenylyl cyclase in lung of the Basenji-greyhound model of airway hyperresponsiveness: decreased numbers of high affinity beta-adrenoceptors.

PubMed Central

Emala, C. W.; Aryana, A.; Hirshman, C. A.

1996-01-01

1. To evaluate mechanisms involved in the impaired beta-adrenoceptor stimulation of adenylyl cyclase in tissues from the Basenji-greyhound (BG) dog model of airway hyperresponsiveness, we compared agonist and antagonist binding affinity of beta-adrenoceptors, beta-adrenoceptor subtypes, percentage of beta-adrenoceptors sequestered, and coupling of the beta-adrenoceptor to Gs alpha in lung membranes from BG and control mongrel dogs. We found that lung membranes from the BG dog had higher total numbers of beta-adrenoceptors with a greater percentage of receptors of the beta 2 subtype as compared to mongrel lung membranes. 2. Agonist and antagonist binding affinity and the percentage of beta-adrenoceptors sequestered were not different in BG and mongrel dog lung membranes. However, the percentage of beta-adrenoceptors in the high affinity state for agonist was decreased in BG lung membranes suggesting an uncoupling of the receptor from Gs alpha. 3. Impaired coupling between the beta-adrenoceptor and G protein documented by the decreased numbers of beta-adrenoceptors in the high affinity state in BG lung membranes, is a plausible explanation for the reduced stimulation of adenylyl cyclase and the resultant reduction in airway smooth muscle relaxation in this model. PMID:8864536

Comparison of different methods for erythroid differentiation in the K562 cell line.

PubMed

Shariati, Laleh; Modaress, Mehran; Khanahmad, Hossein; Hejazi, Zahra; Tabatabaiefar, Mohammad Amin; Salehi, Mansoor; Modarressi, Mohammad Hossein

2016-08-01

To compare methods for erythroid differentiation of K562 cells that will be promising in the treatment of beta-thalassemia by inducing γ-globin synthesis. Cells were treated separately with: RPMI 1640 medium without glutamine, RPMI 1640 medium without glutamine supplemented with 1 mM sodium butyrate, RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 1 mM sodium butyrate, 25 µg cisplatin/ml, 0.1 µg cytosine arabinoside/ml. The highest differentiation (84 %) with minimum toxicity was obtained with cisplatin at 15 µg /ml. Real-time RT-PCR showed that expression of the γ-globin gene was significantly higher in the cells differentiated with cisplatin compared to undifferentiated cells (P < 0.001). Cisplatin is useful in the experimental therapy of ß-globin gene defects and can be considered for examining the basic mechanism of γ-reactivation.

Transforming growth factor-β stimulates the expression of eotaxin/CC chemokine ligand 11 and its promoter activity through binding site for nuclear factor-κβ in airway smooth muscle cells.

PubMed

Matsukura, S; Odaka, M; Kurokawa, M; Kuga, H; Homma, T; Takeuchi, H; Notomi, K; Kokubu, F; Kawaguchi, M; Schleimer, R P; Johnson, M W; Adachi, M

2010-05-01

Chemokines ligands of CCR3 including eotaxin/CC chemokine ligand 11 (CCL11) may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. These chemokines and a growth factor (TGF-beta) may be involved in the process of airway remodelling. We analysed the effects of TGF-beta on the expression of CCR3 ligands in human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells and investigated the mechanisms. HASM cells were cultured and treated with TGF-beta and Th2 cytokines IL-4 or IL-13. Expression of mRNA was analysed by real-time PCR. Secretion of CCL11 into the culture medium was analysed by ELISA. Transcriptional regulation of CCL11 was analysed by luciferase assay using CCL11 promoter-luciferase reporter plasmids. IL-4 or IL-13 significantly up-regulated the expression of mRNAs for CCL11 and CCL26. TGF-beta alone did not increase the expression of chemokine mRNAs, but enhanced the induction of only CCL11 by IL-4 or IL-13 among CCR3 ligands. Activity of the CCL11 promoter was stimulated by IL-4, and this activity was enhanced by TGF-beta. Activation by IL-4 or IL-4 plus TGF-beta was lost by mutation of the binding site for signal transducers and activators of transcription-6 (STAT6) in the promoter. Cooperative activation by IL-4 and TGF-beta was inhibited by mutation of the binding site for nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in the promoter. Pretreatment with an inhibitor of NF-kappaB and glucocorticoid fluticasone propionate significantly inhibited the expression of CCL11 mRNA induced by IL-4 plus TGF-beta, indicating the importance of NF-kappaB in the cooperative activation of CCL11 transcription by TGF-beta and IL-4. These results indicate that Th2 cytokines and TGF-beta may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma by stimulating expression of CCL11. The transcription factors STAT6 and NF-kappaB may play pivotal roles in this process.

[High non-specific binding of the beta(1) -selective radioligand 2-(125)I-ICI-H].

PubMed

Riemann, B; Law, M P; Kopka, K; Wagner, St; Luthra, S; Pike, V W; Neumann, J; Kirchhefer, U; Schmitz, W; Schober, O; Schäfers, M

2003-08-01

As results of cardiac biopsies suggest, myocardial beta(1) -adrenoceptor density is reduced in patients with chronic heart failure. However, changes in cardiac beta(2)-adrenoceptors vary. With suitable radiopharmaceuticals single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) offer the opportunity to assess beta-adrenoceptors non-invasively. Among the novel racemic analogues of the established beta(1)-selective adrenoceptor antagonist ICI 89.406 the iodinated 2-I-ICI-H showed high affinity and selectivity to beta(1)-adrenoceptors in murine ventricular membranes. The aim of this study was its evaluation as a putative sub-type selective beta(1)-adrenergic radioligand in cardiac imaging. Competition studies in vitro and in vivo were used to investigate the kinetics of 2-I-ICI-H binding to cardiac beta-adrenoceptors in mice and rats. In addition, the radiosynthesis of 2-(125)I-ICI-H from the silylated precursor 2-SiMe(3)-ICI-H was established. The specific activity was 80 GBq/ micro mol, the radiochemical yield ranged from 70 to 80%. The unlabelled compound 2-I-ICI-H showed high beta(1)-selectivity and -affinity in the in vitro competition studies. In vivo biodistribution studies apparently showed low affinity to cardiac beta-adrenoceptors. The radiolabelled counterpart 2-(125)I-ICI-H showed a high degree of non-specific binding in vitro and no specific binding to cardiac beta(1)-adrenoceptors in vivo. Because of its high non-specific binding 2-(125)I-ICI-H is no suitable radiotracer for imaging in vivo.

The Escherichia coli O157:H7 cattle immunoproteome includes outer membrane protein A (OmpA), a modulator of adherence to bovine rectoanal junction squamous epithelial (RSE) cells

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Building on previous studies, we defined the repertoire of proteins comprising the antigenome of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagles Medium (DMEM) supplemented with norepinephrine (NE; O157 protein-antigenome), a beta-adrenergic hormone that regulates E. coli O157 ...

Effect of medium osmolarity and taurine on neuritic outgrowth from goldfish retinal explants.

PubMed

Cubillán, Lisbeth; Obregón, Francisco; Lima, Lucimey

2009-01-01

Taurine stimulates outgrowth of goldfish retinal explants in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, an effect related to calcium movement and protein phosphorylation. Since taurine is an osmoregulator in the central nervous system, and osmolality might influence regeneration, the purpose of this work was to evaluate the possible effect of hypo-osmolality on basal outgrowth and on the trophic action of the amino acid. Accordingly, goldfish retinal explants obtained after crushing the optic nerve were cultured in iso- and hypo-osmotic medium, the latter achieved by diluting the medium 10% 24 and 72 h after plating. The length and density of the neurites, measured after 5 days in culture, were significantly lower in the hypo- than in the iso-osmotic medium. Taurine stimulated the outgrowth under both conditions, but the percentage of increase was greater in iso-osmotic medium. Taurine concentration, determined by HPLC, did not significantly change in explants. Co-administration of beta-alanine and taurine impaired the trophic effect of taurine to a greater extent in the iso- than in hypo-osmotic medium, indicating a possible differential interaction with the taurine transporter which could be altered by osmotic stress. The exact mechanism of outgrowth regulation by hypotonicity requires further clarification, taking into considering possible modification of the taurine transporter.

Analysis of betaS and betaA genes in a Mexican population with African roots.

PubMed

Magaña, María Teresa; Ongay, Zoyla; Tagle, Juan; Bentura, Gilberto; Cobián, José G; Perea, F Javier; Casas-Castañeda, Maricela; Sánchez-López, Yoaly J; Ibarra, Bertha

2002-01-01

To investigate the origin of the beta(A) and beta(S) genes in a Mexican population with African roots and a high frequency of hemoglobin S, we analyzed 467 individuals (288 unrelated) from different towns in the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca in the Costa Chica region. The frequency of the sickle-cell trait was 12.8%, which may represent a public health problem. The frequencies of the beta-haplotypes were determined from 350 nonrelated chromosomes (313 beta(A) and 37 beta(S)). We observed 15 different beta(A) haplotypes, the most common of which were haplotypes 1 (48.9%), 2 (13.4%), and 3 (13.4%). The calculation of pairwise distributions and Nei's genetic distance analysis using 32 worldwide populations showed that the beta(A) genes are more closely related to those of Mexican Mestizos and North Africans. Bantu and Benin haplotypes and haplotype 9 were related to the beta(S) genes, with frequencies of 78.8, 18.2, and 3.0%, respectively. Comparison of these haplotypes with 17 other populations revealed a high similitude with the population of the Central African Republic. These data suggest distinct origins for the beta(A) and beta(S) genes in Mexican individuals from the Costa Chica region.

Effect of norepinephrine on swelling-induced potassium transport in duck red cells. Evidence against a volume-regulatory decrease under physiological conditions

PubMed Central

1985-01-01

Duck red cells exhibit specific volume-sensitive ion transport processes that are inhibited by furosemide, but not by ouabain. Swelling cells in a hypotonic synthetic medium activates a chloride- dependent, but sodium-independent, potassium transport. Shrinking cells in a hypertonic synthetic medium stimulates an electrically neutral co- transport of [Na + K + 2 Cl] with an associated 1:1 K/K (or K/Rb) exchange. These shrinkage-induced modes can also be activated in both hypo- and hypertonic solutions by beta-adrenergic catecholamines (e.g., norepinephrine). Freshly drawn cells spontaneously shrink approximately 4-5% when removed from the influence of endogenous plasma catecholamines, either by incubation in a catecholamine-free, plasma- like synthetic medium, or in plasma to which a beta-receptor blocking dose of propranolol has been added. This spontaneous shrinkage resembles the response of hypotonically swollen cells in that it is due to a net loss of KCl with no change in cell sodium. Norepinephrine abolishes the net potassium transport seen in both fresh and hypotonically swollen cells. Moreover, cells swollen in diluted plasma, at physiological pH and extracellular potassium, show no net loss of KCl and water ("volume-regulatory decrease") unless propranolol is added. Examination of the individual cation fluxes in the presence of catecholamines demonstrates that activation of [Na + K + 2Cl] co- transport with its associated K/Rb exchange prevents, or overrides, swelling-induced [K + Cl] co-transport. These results, therefore, cast doubt on whether the swelling-induced [K + Cl] system can serve a volume-regulatory function under in vivo conditions. PMID:3998706

Analytic, High-beta Solutions of the Helical Grad-Shafranov Equation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

D.R. Smith; A.H. Reiman

We present analytic, high-beta ({beta} {approx} O(1)), helical equilibrium solutions for a class of helical axis configurations having large helical aspect ratio, with the helix assumed to be tightly wound. The solutions develop a narrow boundary layer of strongly compressed flux, similar to that previously found in high beta tokamak equilibrium solutions. The boundary layer is associated with a strong localized current which prevents the equilibrium from having zero net current.

A Tc-99m-labeled long chain fatty acid derivative for myocardial imaging.

PubMed

Magata, Yasuhiro; Kawaguchi, Takayoshi; Ukon, Misa; Yamamura, Norio; Uehara, Tomoya; Ogawa, Kazuma; Arano, Yasushi; Temma, Takashi; Mukai, Takahiro; Tadamura, Eiji; Saji, Hideo

2004-01-01

C-11- and I-123-labeled long chain fatty acid derivatives have been reported as useful radiopharmaceuticals for the estimation of myocardial fatty acid metabolism. We have reported that Tc-99m-labeled N-[[[(2-mercaptoethyl)amino]carbonyl]methyl]-N-(2-mercaptoethyl)-6-aminohexanoic acid ([(99m)Tc]MAMA-HA), a medium chain fatty acid derivative, is metabolized by beta-oxidation in the liver and that the MAMA ligand is useful for attaching to the omega-position of fatty acid derivatives as a chelating group for Tc-99m. On the basis of these findings, we focused on developing a Tc-99m-labeled long chain fatty acid derivative that reflected fatty acid metabolism in the myocardium. In this study, we synthesized a dodecanoic acid derivative, MAMA-DA, and a hexadecanoic acid derivative, MAMA-HDA, and performed radiolabeling and biodistribution studies. [(99m)Tc]MAMA-DA and [(99m)Tc]MAMA-HDA were prepared using a ligand-exchange reaction. Biodistribution studies were carried out in normal mice and rats. Then, a high initial uptake of Tc-99m was observed, followed by a rapid clearance from the heart. The maximum heart/blood ratio was 3.6 at 2 min postinjection of [(99m)Tc]MAMA-HDA. These kinetics were similar to those with postinjection of p-[(125)I]iodophenylpentadecanoic acid. Metabolite analysis showed [(99m)Tc]MAMA-HDA was metabolized by beta-oxidation in the body. In conclusion, [(99m)Tc]MAMA-HDA is a promising compound as a long chain fatty acid analogue for estimating beta-oxidation of fatty acid in the heart.

Miglustat (NB-DNJ) works as a chaperone for mutated acid beta-glucosidase in cells transfected with several Gaucher disease mutations.

PubMed

Alfonso, Pilar; Pampín, Sandra; Estrada, Jorge; Rodríguez-Rey, José Carlos; Giraldo, Pilar; Sancho, Javier; Pocoví, Miguel

2005-01-01

Gaucher disease (GD) is a disorder of glycosphinglipid metabolism caused by deficiency of lysosomal acid beta-glucosidase (GC), resulting in progressive deposition of glucosylceramide in macrophages. The glucose analogue, N-butyl-deoxynojirimycin (NB-DNJ, Miglustat), is an inhibitor of the ceramide-specific glucosyltransferase (CSG) which catalyzes the first step of glycosphingolipids biosynthesis and is currently approved for the oral treatment of type 1 GD. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we constructed plasmids containing wild-type and several mutations in glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene. The plasmids were transfected into COS-7 cells and stable transfected cell lines were obtained by geneticin (G418) selection. Cells were cultured during 6 days with medium with or without 10 microM NB-DNJ. The addition of NB-DNJ to COS-7 cell medium leads to 1.3-, 2.1-, 2.3-, 3.6-, and 9.9-fold increase in the activity of S364R, wild-type, N370S, V15M, and M123T GC, respectively. However, no significant changes were observed in the activity of the L444P, L336P, and S465del mutated proteins, but a small decrease in the rare P266L variant was observed. These results suggest that NB-DNJ, in addition to the inhibitory effect on CSG, also works as a "chemical chaperone", increasing the activity of acid beta-glucosidase of wild-type and several GC mutated proteins, including the most frequent N370S mutation. The specific location of the Miglustat binding site in GC is unknown. Potential binding sites in the enzyme have been searched for using computational molecular docking. The searching strategy identified three potential GC binding sites for Miglustat, one being the substrate-binding site of the enzyme, which was the best-ranked site by AutoDock program. Therefore, it is possible that Miglustat exerts its chaperoning activity on acid beta-glucosidase by acting as an inhibitor bound at the active site. This increase on the activity of the acid beta-glucosidase would imply that Miglustat is not only a substrate reducer but also an inhibitor of the GC degradation, with very promising clinical implications for the treatment of GD patients.

Boundary Electron and Beta Dosimetry-Quantification of the Effects of Dissimilar Media on Absorbed Dose

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nunes, Josane C.

1991-02-01

This work quantifies the changes effected in electron absorbed dose to a soft-tissue equivalent medium when part of this medium is replaced by a material that is not soft -tissue equivalent. That is, heterogeneous dosimetry is addressed. Radionuclides which emit beta particles are the electron sources of primary interest. They are used in brachytherapy and in nuclear medicine: for example, beta -ray applicators made with strontium-90 are employed in certain ophthalmic treatments and iodine-131 is used to test thyroid function. More recent medical procedures under development and which involve beta radionuclides include radioimmunotherapy and radiation synovectomy; the first is a cancer modality and the second deals with the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the possibility of skin surface contamination exists whenever there is handling of radioactive material. Determination of absorbed doses in the examples of the preceding paragraph requires considering boundaries of interfaces. Whilst the Monte Carlo method can be applied to boundary calculations, for routine work such as in clinical situations, or in other circumstances where doses need to be determined quickly, analytical dosimetry would be invaluable. Unfortunately, few analytical methods for boundary beta dosimetry exist. Furthermore, the accuracy of results from both Monte Carlo and analytical methods has to be assessed. Although restricted to one radionuclide, phosphorus -32, the experimental data obtained in this work serve several purposes, one of which is to provide standards against which calculated results can be tested. The experimental data also contribute to the relatively sparse set of published boundary dosimetry data. At the same time, they may be useful in developing analytical boundary dosimetry methodology. The first application of the experimental data is demonstrated. Results from two Monte Carlo codes and two analytical methods, which were developed elsewhere, are compared with experimental data. Monte Carlo results compare satisfactory with experimental results for the boundaries considered. The agreement with experimental results for air interfaces is of particular interest because of discrepancies reported previously by another investigator who used data obtained from a different experimental technique. Results from one of the analytical methods differ significantly from the experimental data obtained here. The second analytical method provided data which approximate experimental results to within 30%. This is encouraging but it remains to be determined whether this method performs equally well for other source energies.

Development of a flexible circuit board for low-background experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poon, Alan; Barton, Paul; Dhar, Ankur; Larsen, Joern; Loach, James

2017-01-01

Future underground rare-event search experiments, such as neutrinoless double-beta decay searches, have stringent requirements for the radiopurity of materials placed near the active detector medium. Parylene is a polymer that has a high chemical purity and the vapor deposition process by which it is laid down tends to purify it further. In this talk the technique to fabricate a low-mass, flexible circuit board, with conductive traces photoligthographically patterned on a parylene substrate, is discussed. The performance of a proof-of-principle temperature sensor is presented. This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231 and by the Shanghai Key Lab for Particle Physics and Cosmology (SKLPPC), Grant No. 15DZ2272100.

PB1-F2 influenza A virus protein adopts a beta-sheet conformation and forms amyloid fibers in membrane environments.

PubMed

Chevalier, Christophe; Al Bazzal, Ali; Vidic, Jasmina; Février, Vincent; Bourdieu, Christiane; Bouguyon, Edwige; Le Goffic, Ronan; Vautherot, Jean-François; Bernard, Julie; Moudjou, Mohammed; Noinville, Sylvie; Chich, Jean-François; Da Costa, Bruno; Rezaei, Human; Delmas, Bernard

2010-04-23

The influenza A virus PB1-F2 protein, encoded by an alternative reading frame in the PB1 polymerase gene, displays a high sequence polymorphism and is reported to contribute to viral pathogenesis in a sequence-specific manner. To gain insights into the functions of PB1-F2, the molecular structure of several PB1-F2 variants produced in Escherichia coli was investigated in different environments. Circular dichroism spectroscopy shows that all variants have a random coil secondary structure in aqueous solution. When incubated in trifluoroethanol polar solvent, all PB1-F2 variants adopt an alpha-helix-rich structure, whereas incubated in acetonitrile, a solvent of medium polarity mimicking the membrane environment, they display beta-sheet secondary structures. Incubated with asolectin liposomes and SDS micelles, PB1-F2 variants also acquire a beta-sheet structure. Dynamic light scattering revealed that the presence of beta-sheets is correlated with an oligomerization/aggregation of PB1-F2. Electron microscopy showed that PB1-F2 forms amorphous aggregates in acetonitrile. In contrast, at low concentrations of SDS, PB1-F2 variants exhibited various abilities to form fibers that were evidenced as amyloid fibers in a thioflavin T assay. Using a recombinant virus and its PB1-F2 knock-out mutant, we show that PB1-F2 also forms amyloid structures in infected cells. Functional membrane permeabilization assays revealed that the PB1-F2 variants can perforate membranes at nanomolar concentrations but with activities found to be sequence-dependent and not obviously correlated with their differential ability to form amyloid fibers. All of these observations suggest that PB1-F2 could be involved in physiological processes through different pathways, permeabilization of cellular membranes, and amyloid fiber formation.

EFFECT OF THE LEVEL AND TYPE OF DIETARY FAT ON THE METABOLISM OF CHOLESTEROL AND BETA LIPOPROTEINS IN THE CEBUS MONKEY

PubMed Central

Portman, Oscar W.; Hegsted, D. Mark; Stare, Fredrick J.; Bruno, Dorothy; Murphy, Robert; Sinisterra, Leonardo

1956-01-01

A study was carried out to determine the effect of the level and type of dietary fat on the concentration of cholesterol and beta lipoproteins in the sera of Cebus monkeys. Three groups of monkeys were fed isocaloric diets containing a fixed ratio of alpha protein and cholesterol to calories but with different amounts of corn oil and sucrose. Corn oil provided 10, 32, and 45 per cent of the calories in the three diets, and the level of sucrose was varied inversely. After 8 weeks the serum cholesterol and Sf 12 to 100 beta lipoprotein concentrations were significantly greater in the medium and high fat groups. When corn oil was decreased from 45 to 10 per cent of dietary calories and sucrose was increased, the serum cholesterol fell in all cases, and when the reverse change was made, the concentration of serum cholesterol increased. Variation in dietary sucrose had no specific effect. Substitution of starch for sucrose with diets otherwise constant did not cause significant change in the concentration of serum cholesterol. When monkeys fed corn oil diets at any of three levels were changed to hydrogenated cottonseed oil diets at the same level, the serum cholesterol and Sf 12 to 100 beta lipoproteins rose. However, hydrogenated cottonseed oil had no greater hypercholesteremic effect than did corn oil in the absence of dietary cholesterol. Diets containing lard with cholesterol also produced strikingly greater serum lipide responses than did diets based on corn oil and cholesterol. Hydrogenated cottonseed oil had a greater hypercholesteremic effect than an unhydrogenated cottonseed oil from the same lot. Preliminary studies indicated that the saturated fats (hydrogenated cottonseed oil) produced the most striking elevation of serum cholesterol values (above controls fed corn oil) when casein was the dietary protein. PMID:13376806

Reticulocyte parameters of delta beta thalassaemia trait, beta thalassaemia trait and iron deficiency anaemia.

PubMed

Velasco-Rodríguez, Diego; Alonso-Domínguez, Juan-Manuel; González-Fernández, Fernando-Ataúlfo; Villarrubia, Jesús; Sopeña, María; Abalo, Lorena; Ropero, Paloma; Martínez-Nieto, Jorge; de la Fuente Gonzalo, Félix; Cava, Fernando

2016-02-01

To analyse the differences in reticulocyte indices between delta beta thalassaemia trait (δβ-TT), beta thalassaemia trait (β-TT) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), and to correlate those differences with the physiopathological features of these three types of microcytoses. We performed a descriptive study of 428 samples (43 δβ-TT, 179 β-TT and 206 IDA) that were run on Advia 2120 analyser (Siemens). The following reticulocyte indices were assessed: absolute reticulocyte count (ARC), percentage of reticulocytes, mean corpuscular volume of reticulocytes (MCVr), haemoglobin content of reticulocytes (CHr), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration of reticulocytes, red blood cell distribution width of reticulocytes (RDWr), haemoglobin distribution width of reticulocytes (HDWr) and reticulocyte subpopulations based on their fluorescence according to mRNA (low (L-R), medium (M-R) and high (H-R)), MCV ratio and MCHC ratio. Correlation between fetal haemoglobin (HbF) and RDWr in patients with thalassaemia was evaluated. RDWr was significantly higher in δβ-TT compared with β-TT (15.03% vs 13.82%, p<0.001), and so were HDWr (3.65% vs 3.27%, p<0.001), CHr (23.68 vs 22.66 pg, p<0.001) and MCVr (88.3 vs 85.5 fL, p<0.001). A good correlation was observed between HbF and RDWr (r=0.551, p<0.001). IDA subjects have more immature reticulocytes, but less ARC than β-TT, suggesting a certain degree of inefficient erythropoiesis in IDA in comparison with β-TT. Previously described differences between δβ-TT, β-TT and IDA in the corpuscular indices of mature red blood cell can also be observed in reticulocytes. The degree of anisocytosis in reticulocytes from patients with thalassaemia is correlated with HbF. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Carriage of ESBL- and AmpC-positive Enterobacteriaceae in the gastrointestinal tract of community subjects and hospitalized patients in the Czech Republic.

PubMed

Husickova, Vendula; Cekanova, Luboslava; Chroma, Magdalena; Htoutou-Sedlakova, Miroslava; Hricova, Kristyna; Kolar, Milan

2012-12-01

The study aimed at analyzing ESBL- and AmpC-positive Enterobacteriaceae in the gastrointestinal tracts of university hospital inpatients and persons from the Olomouc Region community, and comparing the results with data from 2007. Bacteria were isolated from rectal swabs inoculated onto the ChromID(TM) ESBL selective medium (bioMérieux). Production of ESBL-type beta-lactamases was confirmed by the modified double-disk synergy test and AmpC enzyme production was detected by the AmpC disk test. ESBL- and AmpC-positive isolates were subjected to basic genetic analysis aimed at detecting the bla(TEM), bla(SHV), bla(CTX-M) and bla(AmpC) genes. Over the study period (1 March 2010 - 1 May 2010), a total of 1,279 rectal swabs (70.4% of community subjects) were analyzed on the above medium. The prevalence rates of ESBL-positive Enterobacteriaceae were 8.2% in hospitalized patients and 3.2% in community subjects. Production of the AmpC enzyme was detected in 1.1% of bacterial isolates from the community and in one (0.3%) hospital isolate. Among ESBL, the most frequent genes encoding enzymes were from the CTX-M-1-like genes. Detected AmpC beta-lactamases belonged to the CIT, DHA and EBC groups. When compared with the year 2007, the rates of carriers of ESBL-positive bacteria increased in both hospitalized patients (from 3% to 8%) and community subjects (from 1% to 3%) in 2010. Given the fact that production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases is clinically significant, knowing the epidemiological situation is very important for selecting adequate antibiotic therapy.

Brain activity during a lower limb functional task in a real and virtual environment: A comparative study.

PubMed

Pacheco, Thaiana Barbosa Ferreira; Oliveira Rego, Isabelle Ananda; Campos, Tania Fernandes; Cavalcanti, Fabrícia Azevedo da Costa

2017-01-01

Virtual Reality (VR) has been contributing to Neurological Rehabilitation because of its interactive and multisensory nature, providing the potential of brain reorganization. Given the use of mobile EEG devices, there is the possibility of investigating how the virtual therapeutic environment can influence brain activity. To compare theta, alpha, beta and gamma power in healthy young adults during a lower limb motor task in a virtual and real environment. Ten healthy adults were submitted to an EEG assessment while performing a one-minute task consisted of going up and down a step in a virtual environment - Nintendo Wii virtual game "Basic step" - and in a real environment. Real environment caused an increase in theta and alpha power, with small to large size effects mainly in the frontal region. VR caused a greater increase in beta and gamma power, however, with small or negligible effects on a variety of regions regarding beta frequency, and medium to very large effects on the frontal and the occipital regions considering gamma frequency. Theta, alpha, beta and gamma activity during the execution of a motor task differs according to the environment that the individual is exposed - real or virtual - and may have varying size effects if brain area activation and frequency spectrum in each environment are taken into consideration.

Phenotypic Characterization of Multidrug-resistant Escherichia Coli with Special Reference to Extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases and Metallo-beta-lactamases in a Tertiary Care Center.

PubMed

Shrestha, B; Shrestha, S; Mishra, S K; Kattel, H P; Tada, T; Ohara, H; Kirikae, T; Rijal, B P; Sherchand, J B; Pokhrel, B M

2015-01-01

The increasing reports on extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase and metallo-beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli have addressed a potential threat to global health since it is found to be highly resistance to most of the currently available antibiotics including carbapenems. The present study was aimed to determine the antibiogram of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase and metallo-beta-lactamase producing MDR E. coli isolates from various clinical samples. This was a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of seven months from December 2013 to July 2014 at bacteriology laboratory of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. A total of 250 clinical specimens (urine, pus, sputum, blood, body fluid, bile, tissue and central venous pressure line tip) were processed from inpatients, with multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli infections. Standard microbiological techniques were used for isolation and identification of the isolates. The presence of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase was detected by phenotypic confirmatory test recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and imipenem (IMP) /EDTA combined disc method was performed to detect metallo-beta-lactamase mediated resistance mechanism. We found high level of beta lactamase mediated resistance mechanism as part of multidrug resistance. Among 250 MDR isolates, 60% isolates were extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase producers and 17.2% isolates were metallo-beta-lactamase producers. Co-existence of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase and metallo-beta-lactamase identified in 6.8% isolates. Beta-lactamase mediated resistance mechanisms are accounting very high in the multidrug resistant isolates of E. coli. Therefore, early detection of beta lactamase mediated resistant strains and their current antibiotic susceptibility pattern is necessary to avoid treatment failure and prevent the spread of MDR.

Consequences of Laughter Upon Trunk Compression and Cortical Activation: Linear and Polynomial Relations

PubMed Central

Svebak, Sven

2016-01-01

Results from two studies of biological consequences of laughter are reported. A proposed inhibitory brain mechanism was tested in Study 1. It aims to protect against trunk compression that can cause health hazards during vigorous laughter. Compression may be maximal during moderate durations and, for protective reasons, moderate in enduring vigorous laughs. Twenty-five university students volunteered to see a candid camera film. Laughter responses (LR) and the superimposed ha-responses were operationally assessed by mercury-filled strain gauges strapped around the trunk. On average, the thorax compression amplitudes exceeded those of the abdomen, and greater amplitudes were seen in the males than in the females after correction for resting trunk circumference. Regression analyses supported polynomial relations because medium LR durations were associated with particularly high thorax amplitudes. In Study 2, power changes were computed in the beta and alpha EEG frequency bands of the parietal cortex from before to after exposure to the comedy “Dinner for one” in 56 university students. Highly significant linear relations were calculated between the number of laughs and post-exposure cortical activation (increase of beta, decrease of alpha) due to high activation after frequent laughter. The results from Study 1 supported the hypothesis of a protective brain mechanism that is activated during long LRs to reduce the risk of harm to vital organs in the trunk cavity. The results in Study 2 supported a linear cortical activation and, thus, provided evidence for a biological correlate to the subjective experience of mental refreshment after laughter. PMID:27547260

Clonal population of adult stem cells: life span and differentiation potential.

PubMed

Seruya, Mitchel; Shah, Anup; Pedrotty, Dawn; du Laney, Tracey; Melgiri, Ryan; McKee, J Andrew; Young, Henry E; Niklason, Laura E

2004-01-01

Adult stem cells derived from bone marrow, connective tissue, and solid organs can exhibit a range of differentiation potentials. Some controversy exists regarding the classification of mesenchymal stem cells as bona fide stem cells, which is in part derived from the limited ability to propagate true clonal populations of precursor cells. We isolated putative mesenchymal stem cells from the connective tissue of an adult rat (rMSC), and generated clonal populations via three rounds of dilutional cloning. The replicative potential of the clonal rMSC line far exceeded Hayflick's limit of 50-70 population doublings. The high capacity for self-renewal in vitro correlated with telomerase activity, as demonstrated by telomerase repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay. Exposure to nonspecific differentiation culture medium revealed multilineage differentiation potential of rMSC clones. Immunostaining confirmed the appearance of mesodermal phenotypes, including adipocytes possessing lipid-rich vacuoles, chondrocytes depositing pericellular type II collagen, and skeletal myoblasts expressing MyoD1. Importantly, the spectrum of differentiation capability was sustained through repeated passaging. Furthermore, serum-free conditions that led to high-efficiency smooth muscle differentiation were identified. rMSCs plated on collagen IV-coated surfaces and exposed to transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) differentiated into a homogeneous population expressing alpha-actin and calponin. Hence, clonogenic analysis confirmed the presence of a putative MSC population derived from the connective tissue of rat skeletal muscle. The ability to differentiate into a smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype, combined with a high proliferative capacity, make such a connective tissue-derived MSC population ideal for applications in vascular tissue construction.

Molecular characterization of the Serratia marcescens OmpF porin, and analysis of S. marcescens OmpF and OmpC osmoregulation.

PubMed

Hutsul, J A; Worobec, E

1997-08-01

Serratia marcescens is a nosocomial pathogen with a high incidence of beta-lactam resistance. Reduced amounts of outer-membrane porins have been correlated with increased resistance to beta-lactams but only one porin, OmpC, has been characterized at the molecular level. In this study we present the molecular characterization of a second porin, OmpF, and an analysis of the expression of S. marcescens porins in response to various environmental changes. Two porins were isolated from the outer membrane using urea-SDS-PAGE and the relative amounts were shown to be influenced by the osmolarity of the medium and the presence of salicylate. From a S. marcescens genomic DNA library an 8 kb EcoRI fragment was isolated that hybridized with an oligonucleotide encoding the published N-terminal amino acid sequence of the S. marcescens 41 kDa porin. A 41 kDa protein was detected in the outer membrane of Escherichia coli NM522 carrying the cloned S. marcescens DNA. The cloned gene was sequenced and shown to code for a protein that shared 60-70% identity with other known OmpF and OmpC sequences. The upstream DNA sequence of the S. marcescens gene was similar to the corresponding E. coli ompF sequence; however, a regulatory element important in repression of E. coli ompF at high osmolarity was absent. The cloned S. marcescens OmpF in E. coli increased in expression in conditions of high osmolarity. The potential involvement of micF in the observed osmoregulation of S. marcescens porins is discussed.

Reduced glutathione enhances fertility of frozen/thawed C57BL/6 mouse sperm after exposure to methyl-beta-cyclodextrin.

PubMed

Takeo, Toru; Nakagata, Naomi

2011-11-01

Sperm cryopreservation is useful for the effective storage of genomic resources derived from genetically engineered mice. However, freezing the sperm of C57BL/6 mice, the most commonly used genetic background for genetically engineered mice, considerably reduces its fertility. We previously reported that methyl-beta-cyclodextrin dramatically improved the fertility of frozen/thawed C57BL/6 mouse sperm. Recently, it was reported that exposing sperm to reduced glutathione may alleviate oxidative stress in frozen/thawed mouse sperm, thereby enhancing in vitro fertilization (IVF); however, the mechanism underlying this effect is poorly understood. In the present study, we examined the combined effects of methyl-beta-cyclodextrin and reduced glutathione on the fertilization rate of IVF with frozen/thawed C57BL/6 mouse sperm and the characteristic changes in the zona pellucida induced by reduced glutathione. Adding reduced glutathione to the fertilization medium increased the fertilization rate. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin and reduced glutathione independently increased fertilization rates, and their combination produced the strongest effect. We found that reduced glutathione increased the amount of free thiols in the zona pellucida and promoted zona pellucida enlargement. Finally, 2-cell embryos produced by IVF with the addition of reduced glutathione developed normally and produced live offspring. In summary, we have established a novel IVF method using methyl-beta-cyclodextrin during sperm preincubation and reduced glutathione during the IVF procedure to enhance fertility of frozen/thawed C57BL/6 mouse sperm.

The reduction of CrVI to CrIII by the alpha and beta anomers of D-glucose in dimethyl sulfoxide. A comparative kinetic and mechanistic study.

PubMed

Signorella, S; Lafarga, R; Daier, V; Sala, L F

2000-02-11

The reduction of CrVI by alpha-D-glucose and beta-D-glucose was studied in dimethyl sulfoxide in the presence of pyridinium p-toluensulfonate, a medium where mutarotation is slower than the redox reaction. The two anomers reduce CrVI by formation of an intermediate CrVI ester precursor of the slow redox step. The equilibrium constant for the formation of the intermediate chromic ester and the rate of the redox steps are different for each anomer. alpha-D-Glucose forms the CrVI-Glc ester with a higher equilibrium constant than beta-D-glucose, but the electron transfer within this complex is slower than for the beta anomer. The difference is attributed to the better chelating ability of the 1,2-cis-diolate moiety of the alpha anomer. The CrV species, generated in the reaction mixture, reacts with the two anomers at a rate comparable with that of CrVI. The EPR spectra show that the alpha anomer forms several linkage isomers of the five-coordinate CrV bis-chelate, while beta-D-glucose affords a mixture of six-coordinate CrV monochelate and five-coordinate CrV bis-chelate. The conversion of the CrV mono- to bis-chelate is discussed in terms of the ability of the 1,2-cis- versus 1,2-trans-diolate moieties of the glucose anomers to bind CrV.

Neutrino mass hierarchy and precision physics with medium-baseline reactors: Impact of energy-scale and flux-shape uncertainties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capozzi, F.; Lisi, E.; Marrone, A.

2015-11-01

Nuclear reactors provide intense sources of electron antineutrinos, characterized by few-MeV energy E and unoscillated spectral shape Φ (E ). High-statistics observations of reactor neutrino oscillations over medium-baseline distances L ˜O (50 ) km would provide unprecedented opportunities to probe both the long-wavelength mass-mixing parameters (δ m2 and θ12) and the short-wavelength ones (Δ mee 2 and θ13), together with the subtle interference effects associated with the neutrino mass hierarchy (either normal or inverted). In a given experimental setting—here taken as in the JUNO project for definiteness—the achievable hierarchy sensitivity and parameter accuracy depend not only on the accumulated statistics but also on systematic uncertainties, which include (but are not limited to) the mass-mixing priors and the normalizations of signals and backgrounds. We examine, in addition, the effect of introducing smooth deformations of the detector energy scale, E →E'(E ), and of the reactor flux shape, Φ (E )→Φ'(E ), within reasonable error bands inspired by state-of-the-art estimates. It turns out that energy-scale and flux-shape systematics can noticeably affect the performance of a JUNO-like experiment, both on the hierarchy discrimination and on precision oscillation physics. It is shown that a significant reduction of the assumed energy-scale and flux-shape uncertainties (by, say, a factor of 2) would be highly beneficial to the physics program of medium-baseline reactor projects. Our results also shed some light on the role of the inverse-beta decay threshold, of geoneutrino backgrounds, and of matter effects in the analysis of future reactor oscillation data.

Transport modeling of the DIII-D high $${{\\beta}_{p}}$$ scenario and extrapolations to ITER steady-state operation

DOE PAGES

McClenaghan, Joseph; Garofalo, Andrea M.; Meneghini, Orso; ...

2017-08-03

In this study, transport modeling of a proposed ITER steady-state scenario based on DIII-D high poloidal-beta (more » $${{\\beta}_{p}}$$ ) discharges finds that ITB formation can occur with either sufficient rotation or a negative central shear q-profile. The high $${{\\beta}_{p}}$$ scenario is characterized by a large bootstrap current fraction (80%) which reduces the demands on the external current drive, and a large radius internal transport barrier which is associated with excellent normalized confinement. Modeling predictions of the electron transport in the high $${{\\beta}_{p}}$$ scenario improve as $${{q}_{95}}$$ approaches levels similar to typical existing models of ITER steady-state and the ion transport is turbulence dominated. Typical temperature and density profiles from the non-inductive high $${{\\beta}_{p}}$$ scenario on DIII-D are scaled according to 0D modeling predictions of the requirements for achieving a $Q=5$ steady-state fusion gain in ITER with 'day one' heating and current drive capabilities. Then, TGLF turbulence modeling is carried out under systematic variations of the toroidal rotation and the core q-profile. A high bootstrap fraction, high $${{\\beta}_{p}}$$ scenario is found to be near an ITB formation threshold, and either strong negative central magnetic shear or rotation in a high bootstrap fraction are found to successfully provide the turbulence suppression required to achieve $Q=5$.« less

Structural design of Stirling engine with free pistons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matusov, Jozef; Gavlas, Stanislav; Malcho, Milan

2014-08-01

Stirling engine is a device that converts thermal energy to mechanical work, which is mostly used to drive a generator of electricity. Advantage of Stirling engine is that it works with closed-cycle, where working medium is regularly cooled and heated, which acts on the working piston. This engine can be made in three modifications - alpha, beta, gamma. This paper discusses the design of the gamma Stirling engine with free pistons.

Salt-induction of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase mRNA, protein, and enzymatic activity in sugar beet. [Beta vulgaris L

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McCue, K.F.; Hanson, A.D.

1991-05-01

In Chenopodiaceae such as sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), glycine betaine (betaine) accumulates in response to drought or salinity stress and functions in the cytoplasm as a compatible osmolyte. The last enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway, betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH), increases as much as 4-fold in response to rising salinity in the external medium. This increase is accompanied by an increase in both protein and mRNA levels. The steady state increases in BADH were examined at a series of NaCl concentrations from 100 to 500 mM NaCl. BADH protein levels were examined by native PAGE, and by western blot analysismore » using antibodies raised against BADH purified from spinach. mRNA levels were examined by northern plot analysis of total RNA isolated from the leaves and hybridized with a sugar beet BADH cDNA clone. The time course for BADH mRNA induction was determined in a salt shock experiment utilizing 400 mM NaCl added to the external growth medium. Disappearance of BADH was examined in a salt relief experiment using plants step-wise salinized to 500 mM NaCl and then returned to 0 mM NaCl.« less

Collagen degradation by interleukin-1beta-stimulated gingival fibroblasts is accompanied by release and activation of multiple matrix metalloproteinases and cysteine proteinases.

PubMed

Cox, S W; Eley, B M; Kiili, M; Asikainen, A; Tervahartiala, T; Sorsa, T

2006-01-01

Several collagenolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have recently been identified in gingival fibroblasts, while secreted cysteine proteinases could also participate in connective tissue destruction in periodontitis. To clarify their involvement, we examined enzyme release during collagen breakdown by cultured cytokine-stimulated fibroblasts. Gingival fibroblasts were derived from four chronic periodontitis patients and cultured on collagen gels in serum-free medium for 1-4 days. Collagenolysis was measured by hydroxyproline release into the medium. Proteinases were assessed by electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Adding interleukin-1beta resulted in progressive gel breakdown. This was associated particularly with a shift in MMP-1 band position from proenzyme to active enzyme and the appearance of active as well as proenzyme forms of cathepsin B. There was also partial processing of pro-MMP-13 and increased immunoreactivity for active cathepsin L. In addition, both pro-forms and active forms of MMP-8, membrane-type-1-MMP and MMP-2 were present in control and treated cultures. Fibroblast MMP-1 was most likely responsible for collagen dissolution in the culture model, while cathepsin B may have been part of an activation pathway. All studied proteinases contribute to extracellular matrix destruction in inflamed gingival tissue, where they probably activate each other in proteolytic cascades.

Gaseous time projection chambers for rare event detection: results from the T-REX project. I. Double beta decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irastorza, I. G.; Aznar, F.; Castel, J.; Cebrián, S.; Dafni, T.; Galán, J.; Garcia, J. A.; Garza, J. G.; Gómez, H.; Herrera, D. C.; Iguaz, F. J.; Luzon, G.; Mirallas, H.; Ruiz, E.; Seguí, L.; Tomás, A.

2016-01-01

As part of the T-REX project, a number of R&D and prototyping activities have been carried out during the last years to explore the applicability of gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) with Micromesh Gas Structures (Micromegas) in rare event searches like double beta decay, axion research and low-mass WIMP searches. In both this and its companion paper, we compile the main results of the project and give an outlook of application prospects for this detection technique. While in the companion paper we focus on axions and WIMPs, in this paper we focus on the results regarding the measurement of the double beta decay (DBD) of 136Xe in a high pressure Xe (HPXe) TPC. Micromegas of the microbulk type have been extensively studied in high pressure Xe and Xe mixtures. Particularly relevant are the results obtained in Xe + trimethylamine (TMA) mixtures, showing very promising results in terms of gain, stability of operation, and energy resolution at high pressures up to 10 bar. The addition of TMA at levels of ~ 1% reduces electron diffusion by up to a factor of 10 with respect to pure Xe, improving the quality of the topological pattern, with a positive impact on the discrimination capability. Operation with a medium size prototype of 30 cm diameter and 38 cm of drift (holding about 1 kg of Xe at 10 bar in the fiducial volume, enough to contain high energy electron tracks in the detector volume) has allowed to test the detection concept in realistic experimental conditions. Microbulk Micromegas are able to image the DBD ionization signature with high quality while, at the same time, measuring its energy deposition with a resolution of at least a ~ 3% FWHM @ Qββ. This value was experimentally demonstrated for high-energy extended tracks at 10 bar, and is probably improvable down to the ~ 1% FWHM levels as extrapolated from low energy events. In addition, first results on the topological signature information (one straggling track ending in two blobs) show promising background discrimination capabilities out of reach of other experimental implementations. Moreover, microbulk Micromegas have very low levels of intrinsic radioactivity, and offer cost-effective scaling-up options. All these results demonstrate that Micromegas-read HPXe TPC remains a very competitive technique for the next generation DBD experiments.

High-beta spherical tokamak startup in TS-4 merging experiment by use of toroidal field ramp-up

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaminou, Yasuhiro; , Toru, II; Kato, Joji; Inomoto, Michiaki; Ono, Yasushi; TS Group Team; National InstituteFusion Science Collaboration

2014-10-01

We demonstrated the formation method of an ultrahigh-beta spherical tokamak by use of a field-reversed configuration and a spheromak in TS-4 device (R ~ 0.5 m, A ~ 1.5, Ip ~ 30-100 kA, B ~ 100 mT). This method is composed of the following steps: 1. Two spheromaks are merged together and a high-beta spheromak or FRC is formed by reconnection heating. 2. External toroidal magnetic field is added (current rising time ~50 μs), and spherical tokamak-like configuration is formed. In this way, the ultrahigh-beta ST is formed. The ultrahigh-beta ST formed by FRC has a diamagnetic toroidal field, and it presumed to be in a second-stable state for ballooning stability, and the one formed by spheromak has a weak paramagnetic toroidal magnetic field, while a spheormak has a strong paramagnetic toroidal magnetic field. This diamagnetic current derives from inductive electric field by ramping up the external toroidal magnetic field, and the diamagnetic current sustains high thermal pressure of the ultrahigh-beta spherical tokamak. And the beta of the ultrahigh-beta ST formed by FRC reaches about 50%. To sustain the high-beta state, 0.6 MW neutral beam injection and center solenoid coils are installed to the TS-4 device. In the poster, we report the experimental results of ultrahigh-beta spherical tokamak startup and sustainment by NBI and CS current driving experiment.

Assessment of Mycosphaerella graminicola resistance to azoxystrobin.

PubMed

Siah, A; Deweer, C; Morand, E; Reignault, Ph; Halama, P

2008-01-01

Azoxystrobin resistance levels of twenty two strains sampled from ten French locations and two reference isolates (IPO323 and IPO94269) of the wheat pathogen Mycosphaerella graminicola were investigated in vitro. French strains assayed were selected from twenty two genetic groups determined from three hundred sixty three strains previously characterised using microsatellites, actine and beta-tubuline markers. For the first time, the evaluation was carried out using four distinct methods: spotting on PDA medium, spore germination on PDA medium and using microtitre plates with and without Alamar blue, a growth indicator. From dose-response curve, half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined for each strain. The results obtained using microtitre plates with the addition of Alamar blue displayed high standard deviations from the growth averages observed. Therefore, we suggest that this method is inadequate to assess M. graminicolo resistance to fungicides. However, a good correlation was observed between the rankings of strains according to their IC50 values with the three other methods used. The two reference isolates, as expected, were inhibited by low azoxystrobin concentrations. On the other hand, the IC50 values obtained showed presence of a threshold between sensitive and resistant strains that corroborates the disruptive resistance of M. graminicola against strobilurin fungicides. In addition, the strains showing resistance were those sampled mainly from northern France, where a high frequency of strobilurin resistant isolates among M. graminicola populations was reported by several studies.

Osteocalcin protects pancreatic beta cell function and survival under high glucose conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kover, Karen, E-mail: kkover@cmh.edu; University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108; Yan, Yun

Diabetes is characterized by progressive beta cell dysfunction and loss due in part to oxidative stress that occurs from gluco/lipotoxicity. Treatments that directly protect beta cell function and survival in the diabetic milieu are of particular interest. A growing body of evidence suggests that osteocalcin, an abundant non-collagenous protein of bone, supports beta cell function and proliferation. Based on previous gene expression data by microarray, we hypothesized that osteocalcin protects beta cells from glucose-induced oxidative stress. To test our hypothesis we cultured isolated rat islets and INS-1E cells in the presence of normal, high, or high glucose ± osteocalcin for up tomore » 72 h. Oxidative stress and viability/mitochondrial function were measured by H{sub 2}O{sub 2} assay and Alamar Blue assay, respectively. Caspase 3/7 activity was also measured as a marker of apoptosis. A functional test, glucose stimulated insulin release, was conducted and expression of genes/protein was measured by qRT-PCR/western blot/ELISA. Osteocalcin treatment significantly reduced high glucose-induced H{sub 2}O{sub 2} levels while maintaining viability/mitochondrial function. Osteocalcin also significantly improved glucose stimulated insulin secretion and insulin content in rat islets after 48 h of high glucose exposure compared to untreated islets. As expected sustained high glucose down-regulated gene/protein expression of INS1 and BCL2 while increasing TXNIP expression. Interestingly, osteocalcin treatment reversed the effects of high glucose on gene/protein expression. We conclude that osteocalcin can protect beta cells from the negative effects of glucose-induced oxidative stress, in part, by reducing TXNIP expression, thereby preserving beta cell function and survival. - Highlights: • Osteocalcin reduces glucose-induced oxidative stress in beta cells. • Osteocalcin preserves beta cell function and survival under stress conditions. • Osteocalcin reduces glucose-induced TXNIP expression in beta cells.« less

AE activity during transient beta drops in high poloidal beta discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, J.; Gong, X. Z.; Ren, Q. L.; Ding, S. Y.; Qian, J. P.; Pan, C. K.; Li, G. Q.; Heidbrink, W. W.; Garofalo, A. M.; McClenaghan, J.

2016-10-01

Enhanced AE activity has been observed during transient beta drops in high poloidal beta DIII-D discharges with internal transport barriers (ITBs). These drops in beta are believed to be caused by n=1 external kink modes. In some discharges, beta recovers within 200 ms but, in others, beta stays suppressed. A typical discharge has βP 3, qmin 3, and q95 12. The drop in beta affects both fast ions and thermal particles, and a drop is also observed in the density and rotation. The enhanced AE activity follows the instability that causes the beta drop, is largest at the lowest beta, and subsides as beta recovers. MHD stability analysis is planned. A database study of the plasma conditions associated with the collapse will be also presented. Supported in part by the US Department of Energy under DE-FC02-04ER54698, DE-AC05-06OR23100, and by the National Natural Science Foundation of China 11575249, and the National Magnetic Confinement Fusion Program of China No. 2015GB110005.

Mixed submerged fermentation with two filamentous fungi for cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzyme production.

PubMed

Garcia-Kirchner, O; Muñoz-Aguilar, M; Pérez-Villalva, R; Huitrón-Vargas, C

2002-01-01

The efficient saccharification of lignocellulosic materials requires the cooperative actions of different cellulase enzyme activities: exoglucanase, endoglucanase, beta-glucosidase, and xylanase. Previous studies with the fungi strains Aureobasidium sp. CHTE-18, Penicillium sp. CH-TE-001, and Aspergillus terreus CH-TE-013, selected mainly because of their different cellulolytic and xylanolytic activities, have demonstrated the capacity of culture filtrates of cross-synergistic action in the saccharification of native sugarcane bagasse pith. In an attempt to improve the enzymatic hydrolysis of different cellulosic materials, we investigated a coculture fermentation with two of these strains to enhance the production of cellulases and xylanases. The 48-h batch experimental results showed that the mixed culture of Penicillium sp. CH-TE-001 and A. terreus CH-TE-013 produced culture filtrates with high protein content, cellulase (mainly beta-glucosidase), and xylanase activities compared with the individual culture of each strain. The same culture conditions were used in a simple medium with mineral salts, corn syrup liquor, and sugarcane bagasse pith as the sole carbon source with moderate shaking at 29 degrees C. Finally, we compared the effect of the cell-free culture filtrates obtained from the mixed and single fermentations on the saccharification of different kinds of cellulosic materials.

Synthesis and function of polyhydroxyalkanoates in anaerobic syntrophic bacteria

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McInerney, M.J.; Amos, D.A.; Kealy, K.S.

1992-12-31

Anaerobic syntrophic bacteria degrade fatty acids and some aromatic compounds which are important intermediates in the degradation of organic matter to CO{sub 2} and CH{sub 4} in methanogenic environments. Several of the described syntrophic species produce poly-{beta}-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) suggesting that the synthesis and use of PHA is important in their physiology. In the fatty acid-degrading, syntrophic bacterium, Syntrophomonas wolfei, PHA is made during exponential phase of growth and used after growth has stopped and substrate levels are low. Altering the carbon to nitrogen ratio of the medium does not affect the amount of PHA made or its monomeric composition. Itmore » is hypothesized that PHA serves as an endogenous energy source for syntrophic bacteria when the concentrations of hydrogen or acetate are too high for the degradation of the growth substrate to be thermodynamically favorable. In S. wolfei, PHA is synthesized by two routes, the direct incorporation of 3-ketoacyl-coenzyme A (CoA) generated in {beta}-oxidation without cleavage of a C-C bond, and by the condensation and subsequent reduction of two acetyl-CoA molecules. Genes that encode for the synthesis of PHA in S. wolfei have been cloned into Escherichia coli in order to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate PHA synthesis. 61 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs.« less

Liquid Crystal Enabled Early Stage Detection of Beta Amyloid Formation on Lipid Monolayers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sadati, Monirosadat; Apik, Aslin Izmitli; Armas-Perez, Julio C.

2015-09-09

Liquid crystals (LCs) can serve as sensitive reporters of interfacial events, and this property has been used for sensing of synthetic or biological toxins. Here it is demonstrated that LCs can distinguish distinct molecular motifs and exhibit a specific response to beta-sheet structures. That property is used to detect the formation of highly toxic protofibrils involved in neurodegenerative diseases, where it is crucial to develop methods that probe the early-stage aggregation of amyloidogenic peptides in the vicinity of biological membranes. In the proposed method, the amyloid fibrils formed at the lipid-decorated LC interface can change the orientation of LCs andmore » form elongated and branched structures that are amplified by the mesogenic medium; however, nonamyloidogenic peptides form ellipsoidal domains of tilted LCs. Moreover, a theoretical and computational analysis is used to reveal the underlying structure of the LC, thereby providing a detailed molecular-level view of the interactions and mechanisms responsible for such motifs. The corresponding signatures can be detected at nanomolar concentrations of peptide by polarized light microscopy and much earlier than the ones that can be identified by fluorescence-based techniques. As such, it offers the potential for early diagnoses of neurodegenerative diseases and for facile testing of inhibitors of amyloid formation.« less

Effects of exendin-4 on glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and beta-cell proliferation depend on treatment dose, treatment duration and meal contents

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arakawa, Masayuki; Ebato, Chie; Mita, Tomoya

2009-12-18

Beta-cell proliferation is regulated by various metabolic demands including peripheral insulin resistance, obesity, and hyperglycemia. In addition to enhancement of glucose-induced insulin secretion, agonists for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) stimulate proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of beta-cells, thereby probably preserve beta-cell mass. To evaluate the beta-cell preserving actions of GLP-1R agonists, we assessed the acute and chronic effects of exendin-4 on beta-cell proliferation, mass and glucose tolerance in C57BL/6J mice under various conditions. Short-term administration of high-dose exendin-4 transiently stimulated beta-cell proliferation. Comparative transcriptomic analysis showed upregulation of IGF-1 receptor and its downstream effectors in islets. Treatment of mice with exendin-4more » daily for 4 weeks (long-term administration) and feeding high-fat diet resulted in significant inhibition of weight gain and improvement of glucose tolerance with reduced insulin secretion and beta-cell mass. These findings suggest that long-term GLP-1 treatment results in insulin sensitization of peripheral organs, rather than enhancement of beta-cell proliferation and function, particularly when animals are fed high-fat diet. Thus, the effects of exendin-4 on glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and beta-cell proliferation largely depend on treatment dose, duration of treatment and meal contents. While GLP-1 enhances proliferation of beta-cells in some diabetic mice models, our results suggest that GLP-1 stimulates beta-cell growth only when expansion of beta-cell mass is required to meet metabolic demands.« less

Carbonic anhydrase activators: activation of the archaeal beta-class (Cab) and gamma-class (Cam) carbonic anhydrases with amino acids and amines.

PubMed

Innocenti, Alessio; Zimmerman, Sabrina A; Scozzafava, Andrea; Ferry, James G; Supuran, Claudiu T

2008-12-01

Activation of the archaeal beta-class (Cab) and gamma-class (Cam) carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) with a series of natural and non-natural amino acids and aromatic/heterocyclic amines has been investigated. Cab, Zn-Cam and Co-Cam showed an activation profile with natural, L- and D-amino acids very different of those of the alpha-class enzymes CA I, II and III. Most of these compounds showed medium efficacy as archaeal CA activators, except for D-Phe and L-Tyr which were effective Cab activators (K(A)s of 10.3-10.5 microM), 2-pyridylmethylamine and 1-(2-aminoethyl)-piperazine which effectively activated Zn-Cam (K(A)s of 10.1-11.4 microM) and serotonin, L-adrenaline and 2-pyridylmethylamine which were the best Co-Cam activators (K(A)s of 0.97-8.9 microM). We prove here that the activation mechanisms of the alpha-, beta-, and gamma-class CAs are similar, although the activation profiles with various compounds differ dramatically between these diverse enzymes.

Glycosidases induced in Aspergillus tamarii. Secreted alpha-D-galactosidase and beta-D-mannanase.

PubMed Central

Civas, A; Eberhard, R; Le Dizet, P; Petek, F

1984-01-01

An alpha-D-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.22) and a beta-D-mannanase (EC 3.2.1.78), which were secreted into the growth medium when Aspergillus tamarii was cultivated in the presence of galactomannan, were purified by a procedure including chromatography on hydroxyapatite and DEAE-cellulose columns. Each of these enzymes showed a single protein band, corresponding to their respective activities, on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Both enzymes were shown to be glycoproteins containing N-acetylglucosamine, mannose and galactose, with molar proportions of 1:6:1.5 for alpha-D-galactosidase and 1:13:8 for beta-D-mannanase. Mr values as determined by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate and by the electrophoretic method of Hedrick & Smith [(1968) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 126, 155-164] were 56000 and 53000 respectively. The alpha-D-galactosidase differed markedly from the mycelial forms I and II studied in the preceding paper [Civas, Eberhard, Le Dizet & Petek (1984) Biochem. J. 219, 849-855] with regard to both its kinetic and structural properties. Images Fig. 1. PMID:6331399

[Effect of resveratrol on expression of TLR4 and inflammatory factors in gingival epithelial cells under high glucose environment].

PubMed

Lv, Jia-Shu; Jiang, Xue-Wei; Zhang, Yan; Zhen, Lei

2017-02-01

Through a study of the molecular mechanism of the effect of resveratrol(RSV) on expression of TLR4 and inflammatory factors in gingival epithelial cells under high glucose environment, the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of resveratrol on periodontitis in patients with diabetes mellitus was investigated. Gingival epithelial cells were cultured in vitro; according to the way of action, the cultured cells were divided into control group, high glucose group(HG) and HG+RSV group. The mRNA expression of TLR4 was detected by PCR; The third generation of gingival epithelial cells were pre-treated with or without RSV for 24 h under high glucose conditions, and subsequently treated with LPS at 100 ng/mL for 2 h. ELISA was used to detect the secretion of IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF- alpha; the activation of TLR4 downstream signaling molecules NF-κB p65, p38 MAPK, and STAT3 was determined by Western blot. SPSS17.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RSV could reverse the increase of TLR4 level in gingival epithelial cells in high glucose medium.LPS markedly increased the expression and secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in GECs cultured in high glucose medium, which was partly blocked in the presence of RSV. Furthermore, Western blot results showed that RSV significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of TLR4 downstream factors NF-κB p65, p38MAPK, and STAT3. RSV reduces inflammatory cytokine secretion in gingival epithelial cells, through negative regulation of TLR4 signaling pathway.

The potential contribution of bread buns fortified with beta-carotene-rich sweet potato in Central Mozambique.

PubMed

Low, Jan W; van Jaarsveld, Paul J

2008-06-01

Orange-fleshed sweet potato is an efficacious source of vitamin A. Substituting wheat flour with orange-fleshed sweet potato in processed products could reduce foreign exchange outlays, create new markets for producers, and result in increased vitamin A consumption among consumers provided there is adequate retention of beta-carotene during processing. To explore whether substituting 38% of wheat flour (by weight) in bread buns ("golden bread") with boiled and mashed orange-fleshed sweet potato from fresh roots or rehydrated chips would produce economically viable beta-carotene-rich products acceptable to Mozambican rural consumers. Modified local recipes maximized sweet potato content within the limits of consumer acceptability. Sensitivity analysis determined parameters underlying economic viability. Two samples each of buns from five varieties of orange-fleshed sweet potato were analyzed for beta-carotene content. Processed products with at least 15 microg/g product of trans-beta-carotene were considered good sources of vitamin A. Golden bread made from fresh roots of medium-intensity orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties met the good source criterion, but bread from lighter-intensity sweet potato varieties did not. Bread from rehydrated dried chips was not economically viable. Consumers strongly preferred golden bread over pure wheat flour bread because of its heavier texture and attractive appearance. The ratio of the price of wheat flour to that of raw sweet potato root varied from 3.1 to 3.5 among the bakers, whose increase in profit margins ranged from 54% to 92%. Golden bread is a good source of beta-carotene and is economically viable when the price ratio of wheat flour to raw orange-fleshed sweet potato root is at least 1.5. Widespread adoption during sweet potato harvesting periods is feasible; year-round availability requires storage.

Partial deletion of beta9 loop in pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 reduces enzyme activity with a larger effect on long acyl chain substrates.

PubMed

Dridi, Kaouthar; Amara, Sawsan; Bezzine, Sofiane; Rodriguez, Jorge A; Carrière, Frédéric; Gaussier, Hélène

2013-07-01

Structural studies on pancreatic lipase have revealed a complex architecture of surface loops surrounding the enzyme active site and potentially involved in interactions with lipids. Two of them, the lid and beta loop, expose a large hydrophobic surface and are considered as acyl chain binding sites based on their interaction with an alkyl phosphonate inhibitor. While the role of the lid in substrate recognition and selectivity has been extensively studied, the implication of beta9 loop in acyl chain stabilization remained hypothetical. The characterization of an enzyme with a natural deletion of the lid, guinea pig pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (GPLRP2), suggests however an essential contribution of the beta9 loop in the stabilization of the acyl enzyme intermediate formed during the lipolysis reaction. A GPLRP2 mutant with a seven-residue deletion of beta9 loop (GPLRP2-deltabeta9) was produced and its enzyme activity was measured using various substrates (triglycerides, monoglycerides, galactolipids, phospholipids, vinyl esters) with short, medium and long acyl chains. Whatever the substrate tested, GPLRP2-deltabeta9 activity is drastically reduced compared to that of wild-type GPLRP2 and this effect is more pronounced as the length of substrate acyl chain increases. Changes in relative substrate selectivity and stereoselectivity remained however weak. The deletion within beta9 loop has also a negative effect on the rate of enzyme inhibition by alkyl phosphonates. All these findings indicate that the reduced enzyme turnover observed with GPLRP2-deltabeta9 results from a weaker stabilization of the acyl enzyme intermediate due to a loss of hydrophobic interactions.

Transfection effect of microbubbles on cells in superposed ultrasound waves and behavior of cavitation bubble.

PubMed

Kodama, Tetsuya; Tomita, Yukio; Koshiyama, Ken-Ichiro; Blomley, Martin J K

2006-06-01

The combination of ultrasound and ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) is able to induce transient membrane permeability leading to direct delivery of exogenous molecules into cells. Cavitation bubbles are believed to be involved in the membrane permeability; however, the detailed mechanism is still unknown. In the present study, the effects of ultrasound and the UCAs, Optison on transfection in vitro for different medium heights and the related dynamic behaviors of cavitation bubbles were investigated. Cultured CHO-E cells mixed with reporter genes (luciferase or beta-gal plasmid DNA) and UCAs were exposed to 1 MHz ultrasound in 24-well plates. Ultrasound was applied from the bottom of the well and reflected at the free surface of the medium, resulting in the superposition of ultrasound waves within the well. Cells cultured on the bottom of 24-well plates were located near the first node (displacement node) of the incident ultrasound downstream. Transfection activity was a function determined with the height of the medium (wave traveling distance), as well as the concentration of UCAs and the exposure time was also determined with the concentration of UCAs and the exposure duration. Survival fraction was determined by MTT assay, also changes with these values in the reverse pattern compared with luciferase activity. With shallow medium height, high transfection efficacy and high survival fraction were obtained at a low concentration of UCAs. In addition, capillary waves and subsequent atomized particles became significant as the medium height decreased. These phenomena suggested cavitation bubbles were being generated in the medium. To determine the effect of UCAs on bubble generation, we repeated the experiments using crushed heat-treated Optison solution instead of the standard microbubble preparation. The transfection ratio and survival fraction showed no additional benefit when ultrasound was used. These results suggested that cavitation bubbles created by the collapse of UCAs were a key factor for transfection, and their intensities were enhanced by the interaction of the superpose ultrasound with the decreasing the height of the medium. Hypothesizing that free cavitation bubbles were generated from cavitation nuclei created by fragmented UCA shells, we carried out numerical analysis of a free spherical bubble motion in the field of ultrasound. Analyzing the interaction of the shock wave generated by a cavitation bubble and a cell membrane, we estimated the shock wave propagation distance that would induce cell membrane damage from the center of the cavitation bubble.

Biosynthesis of the Osmoprotectant Ectoine, but Not Glycine Betaine, Is Critical for Survival of Osmotically Stressed Vibrio parahaemolyticus Cells

PubMed Central

Ongagna-Yhombi, Serge Y.

2013-01-01

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a halophile present in marine and estuarine environments, ecosystems characterized by fluctuations in salinity and temperature. One strategy to thrive in such environments is the synthesis and/or uptake of compatible solutes. The V. parahaemolyticus genome contains biosynthesis systems for both ectoine and glycine betaine, which are known to act as compatible solutes in other species. We showed that V. parahaemolyticus had a 6% NaCl tolerance when grown in M9 minimal medium with 0.4% glucose (M9G) with a >5-h lag phase. By using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) analysis, we determined that cells synthesized ectoine and glutamate in a NaCl-dependent manner. The most effective compatible solutes as measured by a reduction in lag-phase growth in M9G with 6% NaCl (M9G 6% NaCl) were in the order glycine betaine > choline > proline = glutamate > ectoine. However, V. parahaemolyticus could use glutamate or proline as the sole carbon source, but not ectoine or glycine betaine, which suggests that these are bona fide compatible solutes. Expression analysis showed that the ectA and betA genes were more highly expressed in log-phase cells, and expression of both genes was induced by NaCl up-shock. Under all conditions examined, the ectA gene was more highly expressed than the betA gene. Analysis of in-frame deletions in betA and ectB and in a double mutant showed that the ectB mutant was defective for growth, and this defect was rescued by the addition of glycine betaine, proline, ectoine, and glutamate, indicating that these compounds are compatible solutes for this species. The presence of both synthesis systems was the predominant distribution pattern among members of the Vibrionaceae family, suggesting this is the ancestral state. PMID:23770911

Highly mesoporous single-crystalline zeolite beta synthesized using a nonsurfactant cationic polymer as a dual-function template.

PubMed

Zhu, Jie; Zhu, Yihan; Zhu, Liangkui; Rigutto, Marcello; van der Made, Alexander; Yang, Chengguang; Pan, Shuxiang; Wang, Liang; Zhu, Longfeng; Jin, Yinying; Sun, Qi; Wu, Qinming; Meng, Xiangju; Zhang, Daliang; Han, Yu; Li, Jixue; Chu, Yueying; Zheng, Anmin; Qiu, Shilun; Zheng, Xiaoming; Xiao, Feng-Shou

2014-02-12

Mesoporous zeolites are useful solid catalysts for conversion of bulky molecules because they offer fast mass transfer along with size and shape selectivity. We report here the successful synthesis of mesoporous aluminosilicate zeolite Beta from a commercial cationic polymer that acts as a dual-function template to generate zeolitic micropores and mesopores simultaneously. This is the first demonstration of a single nonsurfactant polymer acting as such a template. Using high-resolution electron microscopy and tomography, we discovered that the resulting material (Beta-MS) has abundant and highly interconnected mesopores. More importantly, we demonstrated using a three-dimensional electron diffraction technique that each Beta-MS particle is a single crystal, whereas most previously reported mesoporous zeolites are comprised of nanosized zeolitic grains with random orientations. The use of nonsurfactant templates is essential to gaining single-crystalline mesoporous zeolites. The single-crystalline nature endows Beta-MS with better hydrothermal stability compared with surfactant-derived mesoporous zeolite Beta. Beta-MS also exhibited remarkably higher catalytic activity than did conventional zeolite Beta in acid-catalyzed reactions involving large molecules.

High LET Radiation Can Enhance TGF(Beta) Induced EMT and Cross-Talk with ATM Pathways

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Minli; Hada, Megumi; Huff, Janice; Pluth, Janice M.; Anderson, Janniffer; ONeill, Peter; Cucinotta, Francis A.

2010-01-01

The TGF(Beta) pathway has been shown to regulate or directly interact with the ATM pathway in the response to radiation in mammary epithelial cells. We investigated possible interactions between the TGF(Beta) and ATM pathways following simulated space radiation using hTERT immortalized human esophageal epithelial cells (EPC-hTERT), mink lung epithelial cells (Mv1lu), and several human fibroblast cell lines. TGF(Beta) is a key modulator of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), important in cancer progression and metastasis. The implication of EMT by radiation also has several lines of developing evidence, however is poorly understood. The identification of TGF(Beta) induced EMT can be shown in changes to morphology, related gene over expression or down regulation, which can be detected by RT-PCR, and immunostaining and western blotting. In this study, we have observed morphologic and molecular alternations consistent with EMT after Mv1lu cells were treated with TGF(Beta) High LET radiation enhanced TGF(Beta) mediated EMT with a dose as low as 0.1Gy. In order to consider the TGF(Beta) interaction with ATM we used a potent ATM inhibitor Ku55933 and investigated gene expression changes and Smad signaling kinetics. Ku559933 was observed to reverse TGF(Beta) induced EMT, while this was not observed in dual treated cells (radiation+TGF(Beta)). In EPC-hTERT cells, TGF(Beta) alone was not able to induce EMT after 3 days of application. A combined treatment with high LET, however, significantly caused the alteration of EMT markers. To study the function of p53 in the process of EMT, we knocked down P53 through RNA interference. Morphology changes associated with EMT were observed in epithelial cells with silenced p53. Our study indicates: high LET radiation can enhance TGF(Beta) induced EMT; while ATM is triggering the process of TGF(Beta)-induced EMT, p53 might be an essential repressor for EMT phenotypes.

Atorvastatin inhibits insulin synthesis by inhibiting the Ras/Raf/ERK/CREB pathway in INS-1 cells

PubMed Central

Sun, Hongxi; Li, Yu; Sun, Bei; Hou, Ningning; Yang, Juhong; Zheng, Miaoyan; Xu, Jie; Wang, Jingyu; Zhang, Yi; Zeng, Xianwei; Shan, Chunyan; Chang, Bai; Chen, Liming; Chang, Baocheng

2016-01-01

Abstract Backround: Type 2 diabetes has become a global epidemic disease. Atorvastatin has become a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. However, increasing evidence showed that statins can dose-dependently increase the risk of diabetes mellitus. The mechanism is not clear. Objective: The Ras complex pathway (Ras/Raf/extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK]/cAMP response element-binding protein [CREB]) is the major pathway that regulates the gene transcription. Except for the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-COA) reductase, statins can also downregulate the phosphorylation of a series of downstream substrates including the key proteins of the Ras complex pathway, therefore may inhibit the insulin syntheses in pancreatic beta cells. In our study, we investigated the inhibitory effect and the underlying mechanism of atorvastatin on insulin synthesis in rat islets. Methods: Islets were isolated from Wistar rats and cultured in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI)-1640 medium. The insulin content in the medium was measured by radioimmunoassay before and after the treatment of 50 μM atorvastatin. Effect of atorvastatin on the expression of insulin message Ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in pancreatic islet beta cells was also detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to explore the possible role of the Ras complex pathway (Ras/Raf/ERK/CREB) in atorvastatin-inhibited insulin synthesis. The effects of atorvastatin on the binding of nuclear transcription factor p-CREB with CRE in INS-1 cells were examined via chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Results: Compared with the control group, the insulin level decreased by 27.1% at 24 hours after atorvastatin treatment. Atorvastatin inhibited insulin synthesis by decreasing insulin mRNA expression of pancreatic islet beta cells. The activities of Ras, Raf-1, and p-CREB in the Ras complex pathway were inhibited by 50 μM atorvastatin in INS-1 cells in vitro. Moreover, 50 μM atorvastatin reduced the binding of p-CREB with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in INS-1 cells in vitro. Conclusion: Atorvastatin inhibits insulin synthesis in beta cells by inhibiting the activation of the Ras complex pathway. PMID:27684825

Specific beta1-adrenergic receptor silencing with small interfering RNA lowers high blood pressure and improves cardiac function in myocardial ischemia.

PubMed

Arnold, Anne-Sophie; Tang, Yao Liang; Qian, Keping; Shen, Leping; Valencia, Valery; Phillips, Michael Ian; Zhang, Yuan Clare

2007-01-01

Beta-blockers are widely used and effective for treating hypertension, acute myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure, but they present side-effects mainly due to antagonism of beta2-adrenergic receptor (AR). Currently available beta-blockers are at best selective but not specific for beta1 or beta2-AR. To specifically inhibit the expression of the beta1-AR, we developed a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted to beta1-AR. Three different sequences of beta1 siRNA were delivered into C6-2B cells with 90% efficiency. One of the three sequences reduced the level of beta1-AR mRNA by 70%. The siRNA was highly specific for beta1-AR inhibition with no overlap with beta2-AR. To test this in vivo, systemic injection of beta1 siRNA complexed with liposomes resulted in efficient delivery into the heart, lung, kidney and liver, and effectively reduced beta1-AR expression in the heart without altering beta2-AR. beta1 siRNA significantly lowered blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) for at least 12 days and reduced cardiac hypertrophy following a single injection. Pretreatment with beta1 siRNA 3 days before induction of MI in Wistar rats significantly improved cardiac function, as demonstrated by dP/dt and electrocardiogram following the MI. The protective mechanism involved reduction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the beta1 siRNA-treated hearts. The present study demonstrates the possibility of using siRNA for treating cardiovascular diseases and may represent a novel beta-blocker specific for beta1-AR.

Penning trap mass spectrometry Q-value determinations for highly forbidden β-decays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandler, Rachel; Bollen, Georg; Eibach, Martin; Gamage, Nadeesha; Gulyuz, Kerim; Hamaker, Alec; Izzo, Chris; Kandegedara, Rathnayake; Redshaw, Matt; Ringle, Ryan; Valverde, Adrian; Yandow, Isaac; Low Energy Beam Ion Trap Team

2017-09-01

Over the last several decades, extremely sensitive, ultra-low background beta and gamma detection techniques have been developed. These techniques have enabled the observation of very rare processes, such as highly forbidden beta decays e.g. of 113Cd, 50V and 138La. Half-life measurements of highly forbidden beta decays provide a testing ground for theoretical nuclear models, and the comparison of calculated and measured energy spectra could enable a determination of the values of the weak coupling constants. Precision Q-value measurements also allow for systematic tests of the beta-particle detection techniques. We will present the results and current status of Q value determinations for highly forbidden beta decays. The Q values, the mass difference between parent and daughter nuclides, are measured using the high precision Penning trap mass spectrometer LEBIT at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory.

High beta-N experiments at JET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Challis, Clive

2007-11-01

JET has investigated the performance potential and limitations of highly triangular plasmas relevant to fully non-inductive tokamak operation. The q-profile shape has been varied from cases with highly negative core magnetic shear to low shear with q0 close to 1, allowing the effect on confinement and stability to be studied. Operation with beta-N above the no-wall `limit' has been demonstrated for durations comparable with the resistive time and direct measurements of the no-wall beta have been developed as a tool for systematic performance optimization. Regimes have been developed with ITBs at reduced plasma current and toroidal field (1.2-1.5MA/2.3-2.7T) to obtain high values of beta-N and beta-P with either impurity seeding or quasi-double-null plasma configurations used to mitigate ELMs. The importance of the q-profile shape for performance optimization has been demonstrated in plasmas without ITBs (1.2MA/1.8T) with low values of minimum q (1-2) providing access to the highest beta-N (above 3).

Interleukin-1beta may mediate insulin resistance in liver-derived cells in response to adipocyte inflammation.

PubMed

Nov, Ori; Kohl, Ayelet; Lewis, Eli C; Bashan, Nava; Dvir, Irit; Ben-Shlomo, Shani; Fishman, Sigal; Wueest, Stephan; Konrad, Daniel; Rudich, Assaf

2010-09-01

Central obesity is frequently associated with adipose tissue inflammation and hepatic insulin resistance. To identify potential individual mediators in this process, we used in vitro systems and assessed if insulin resistance in liver cells could be induced by secreted products from adipocytes preexposed to an inflammatory stimulus. Conditioned medium from 3T3-L1 adipocytes pretreated without (CM) or with TNFalpha (CM-TNFalpha) was used to treat Fao hepatoma cells. ELISAs were used to assess the concentration of several inflammatory mediators in CM-TNFalpha. CM-TNFalpha-treated Fao cells exhibited about 45% diminution in insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate proteins, protein kinase B, and glycogen synthase kinase-3 as compared with CM-treated cells, without changes in the total abundance of these protein. Insulin increased glycogenesis by 2-fold in CM-treated Fao cells but not in cells exposed to CM-TNFalpha. Expression of IL-1beta mRNA was elevated 3-fold in TNFalpha-treated adipocytes, and CM-TNFalpha had 10-fold higher concentrations of IL-1beta but not TNFalpha or IL-1alpha. IL-1beta directly induced insulin resistance in Fao, HepG2, and in primary rat hepatocytes. Moreover, when TNFalpha-induced secretion/production of IL-1beta from adipocytes was inhibited by the IL-1 converting enzyme (ICE-1) inhibitor II (Ac-YVAD-CMK), insulin resistance was prevented. Furthermore, liver-derived cells treated with IL-1 receptor antagonist were protected against insulin resistance induced by CM-TNFalpha. Finally, IL-1beta secretion from human omental fat explants correlated with body mass index (R(2) = 0.639, P < 0.01), and the resulting CM induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cells, inhibitable by IL-1 receptor antagonist. Our results suggest that adipocyte-derived IL-1beta may constitute a mediator in the perturbed cross talk between adipocytes and liver cells in response to adipose tissue inflammation.

Effect of mitomycin C on IL-1R expression, IL-1-related hepatocyte growth factor secretion and corneal epithelial cell migration.

PubMed

Chen, Tsan-Chi; Chang, Shu-Wen

2010-03-01

To investigate how mitomycin C (MMC) modulates hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) secretions in human corneal fibroblasts and regulates human corneal epithelial (HCE) cell migration. Primary human corneal fibroblasts were treated with MMC (0.05, 0.1, or 0.2 mg/mL for 5 minutes) and were cultivated with or without interleukin (IL)-1beta. Transcript and secretion of HGF and KGF were determined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The effect of MMC-treated fibroblasts on HCE cell migration was evaluated using a transwell migration assay. The influence of MMC on HGF expression/secretion and HCE cell migration was further confirmed by RNA interference. The number of IL-1 receptors (IL-1R) on the fibroblast surface was analyzed by flow cytometry. MMC alone did not affect endogenous HGF expression, whereas IL-1beta alone significantly upregulated HGF transcripts and secretion. By modifying IL-1R numbers, MMC further upregulated IL-1beta-related HGF expression at a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL but to a lesser extent at 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL. KGF transcripts and intracellular expression were suppressed by MMC dose dependently in the presence or absence of IL-1beta, whereas KGF secretion was not affected. Conditioned medium from MMC-treated fibroblasts exerted a similar concentration-dependent effect on HCE cell migration, enhancing migration most significantly at 0.05 mg/mL MMC in the presence of IL-1beta. The MMC dose-dependent modulation of HCE cell migration was abolished in HGF-silenced fibroblasts. MMC differentially modulated IL-1R expression at various concentrations and regulated HGF and KGF differently. MMC alone did not alter HGF expression. In the presence of IL-1beta, MMC-treated corneal fibroblasts modified HCE cell migration through IL-1beta-induced HGF secretion.

Kinetics of beta-haematin formation from suspensions of haematin in aqueous benzoic acid.

PubMed

Egan, Timothy J; Tshivhase, Mmboneni G

2006-11-14

Kinetics of beta-haematin (synthetic malaria pigment) formation from haematin have been studied in the presence of aqueous benzoic acid and derivatives of benzoic acid. Formation of the beta-haematin product is demonstrated by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. Reactions were followed by determining the fraction of unreacted haematin at various time points during the process via reaction of extracted aliquots with pyridine. The kinetics can be fitted to the Avrami equation, indicating that the process involves nucleation and growth. Reaction kinetics in stirred benzoic acid are similar to those previously observed in acetic acid, except that benzoic acid is far more active in promoting the reaction than acetic acid. The reaction reaches completion within 2 h in the presence of 0.050 M benzoic acid (pH 4.5, 60 degrees C). This compares with 1 h in the presence of 4.5 M acetic acid and 4 h in the presence of 2 M acetic acid. The reaction rate in benzoic acid is not affected if the stirring rate is decreased to zero, but very vigorous stirring appears to disrupt nucleation. The rate constant for beta-haematin formation in benzoic acid has a linear dependence on benzoic acid concentration and follows Arrhenius behaviour with temperature. There is a bell-shaped dependence on pH. This suggests that the haematin species in which one propionate group is protonated and the other is deprotonated is optimal for beta-haematin formation. When the reaction is conducted in para-substituted benzoic acid derivatives, the log of the rate constant increases linearly with the Hammett constant. These findings suggest that the role of the carboxylic acid may be to disrupt hydrogen bonding and pi-stacking in haematin, facilitating conversion to beta-haematin. The large activation energy for conversion of precipitated haematin to beta-haematin suggests that the reaction in vivo most likely involves direct nucleation from solution and probably does not occur in aqueous medium.

Fragrant dioxane derivatives identify beta1-subunit-containing GABAA receptors.

PubMed

Sergeeva, Olga A; Kletke, Olaf; Kragler, Andrea; Poppek, Anja; Fleischer, Wiebke; Schubring, Stephan R; Görg, Boris; Haas, Helmut L; Zhu, Xin-Ran; Lübbert, Hermann; Gisselmann, Günter; Hatt, Hanns

2010-07-30

Nineteen GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R) subunits are known in mammals with only a restricted number of functionally identified native combinations. The physiological role of beta1-subunit-containing GABA(A)Rs is unknown. Here we report the discovery of a new structural class of GABA(A)R positive modulators with unique beta1-subunit selectivity: fragrant dioxane derivatives (FDD). At heterologously expressed alpha1betaxgamma2L (x-for 1,2,3) GABA(A)R FDD were 6 times more potent at beta1- versus beta2- and beta3-containing receptors. Serine at position 265 was essential for the high sensitivity of the beta1-subunit to FDD and the beta1N286W mutation nearly abolished modulation; vice versa the mutation beta3N265S shifted FDD sensitivity toward the beta1-type. In posterior hypothalamic neurons controlling wakefulness GABA-mediated whole-cell responses and GABAergic synaptic currents were highly sensitive to FDD, in contrast to beta1-negative cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Immunostaining for the beta1-subunit and the potency of FDD to modulate GABA responses in cultured hypothalamic neurons was drastically diminished by beta1-siRNA treatment. In conclusion, with the help of FDDs we reveal a functional expression of beta1-containing GABA(A)Rs in the hypothalamus, offering a new tool for studies on the functional diversity of native GABA(A)Rs.

Osteoblastic phenotype of rat marrow stromal cells cultured in the presence of dexamethasone, beta-glycerolphosphate, and L-ascorbic acid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peter, S. J.; Liang, C. R.; Kim, D. J.; Widmer, M. S.; Mikos, A. G.; McIntire, L. V. (Principal Investigator)

1998-01-01

We investigated the effects of the time course of addition of osteogenic supplements dexamethasone, beta-glycerolphosphate, and L-ascorbic acid to rat marrow stromal cells, and the exposure time on the proliferation and differentiation of the cells. It was the goal of these experiments to determine the time point for supplement addition to optimize marrow stromal cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation. To determine this, two studies were performed; one study was based on the age of the cells from harvest, and the other study was based on the duration of exposure to supplemented medium. Cells were seen to proliferate rapidly at early time points in the presence and absence of osteogenic supplements as determined by 3H-thymidine incorporation into the DNA of replicating cells. These results were supported by cell counts ascertained through total DNA analysis. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin production at 21 days were highest for both experimental designs when the cells were exposed to supplemented medium immediately upon harvest. The ALP levels at 21 days were six times greater for cells maintained in supplements throughout than for control cells cultured in the absence of supplements for both studies, reaching an absolute value of 75 x 10(-7) micromole/min/cell. Osteocalcin production reached 20 x 10(-6) ng/cell at 21 days in both studies for cells maintained in supplemented medium throughout the study, whereas the control cells produced an insignificant amount of osteocalcin. These results suggest that the addition of osteogenic supplements to marrow-derived cells early in the culture period did not inhibit proliferation and greatly enhanced the osteoblastic phenotype of cells in a rat model.

Histamine Induces Bovine Rumen Epithelial Cell Inflammatory Response via NF-κB Pathway.

PubMed

Sun, Xudong; Yuan, Xue; Chen, Liang; Wang, Tingting; Wang, Zhe; Sun, Guoquan; Li, Xiaobing; Li, Xinwei; Liu, Guowen

2017-01-01

Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is a common disease in high-producing lactating cows. Rumenitis is the initial insult of SARA and is associated with the high concentrations of histamine produced in the rumen of dairy cows during SARA. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. The objective of the current study is to investigate whether histamine induces inflammation of rumen epithelial cells and the underlying mechanism of this process. Bovine rumen epithelial cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of histamine and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC, an NF-κB inhibitor) cultured in different pH medium (pH 7.2 or 5.5). qRT-PCR, Western-blotting, ELISA and immunocytofluorescence were used to evaluate whether histamine activated the NF-κB pathway and inflammatory cytokines. The results showed that histamine significantly increased the activity of IKK β and the phosphorylation levels of IκB α, as well as upregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65 in the rumen epithelial cells cultured in neutral (pH=7.2) and acidic (pH=5.5) medium. Furthermore, histamine treatment also significantly increased the transcriptional activity of NF-κB p65. High expression and transcriptional activity of NF-κB p65 significantly increased the mRNA expressions and concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), thereby inducing the inflammatory response in bovine rumen epithelial cells. However, inhibition of NF-κB p65 by PDTC significantly decreased the expressions and concentrations of the inflammatory cytokines induced by histamine in the rumen epithelial cells cultured in the neutral and acidic medium. The present data indicate that histamine induces the inflammatory response of bovine rumen epithelial cells through the NF-κB pathway. © 2017 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Subthalamic nucleus phase–amplitude coupling correlates with motor impairment in Parkinson’s disease

PubMed Central

van Wijk, Bernadette C.M.; Beudel, Martijn; Jha, Ashwani; Oswal, Ashwini; Foltynie, Tom; Hariz, Marwan I.; Limousin, Patricia; Zrinzo, Ludvic; Aziz, Tipu Z.; Green, Alexander L.; Brown, Peter; Litvak, Vladimir

2016-01-01

Objective High-amplitude beta band oscillations within the subthalamic nucleus are frequently associated with Parkinson’s disease but it is unclear how they might lead to motor impairments. Here we investigate a likely pathological coupling between the phase of beta band oscillations and the amplitude of high-frequency oscillations around 300 Hz. Methods We analysed an extensive data set comprising resting-state recordings obtained from deep brain stimulation electrodes in 33 patients before and/or after taking dopaminergic medication. We correlated mean values of spectral power and phase–amplitude coupling with severity of hemibody bradykinesia/rigidity. In addition, we used simultaneously recorded magnetoencephalography to look at functional interactions between the subthalamic nucleus and ipsilateral motor cortex. Results Beta band power and phase–amplitude coupling within the subthalamic nucleus correlated positively with severity of motor impairment. This effect was more pronounced within the low-beta range, whilst coherence between subthalamic nucleus and motor cortex was dominant in the high-beta range. Conclusions We speculate that the beta band might impede pro-kinetic high-frequency activity patterns when phase–amplitude coupling is prominent. Furthermore, results provide evidence for a functional subdivision of the beta band into low and high frequencies. Significance Our findings contribute to the interpretation of oscillatory activity within the cortico-basal ganglia circuit. PMID:26971483

Double Beta Decays and Neutrinos - Experiments and MOON

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ejiri, H.; National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, 263-8555

2008-01-24

This is a brief review of the present and future experiments of neutrino-less double beta decays (0{nu}{beta}{beta}) and the MOON (Mo Observatory Of Neutrinos) project. High sensitivity 0{nu}{beta}{beta} experiments are unique and realistic probes for studying the Majorana nature of neutrinos and the absolute mass scale as suggested by neutrino oscillation experiments. MOON aims at spectroscopic 0{nu}{beta}{beta} studies with the {nu}-mass sensitivity of 100-30 meV by means of a super ensemble of multilayer modules of scintillator plates and tracking detector planes.

Medium-{beta} free-boundary equilibria of a quasi-isodynamic stellarator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mikhailov, M. I.; Drevlak, M.; Nuehrenberg, J.

Free-boundary MHD equilibria with magnetic surfaces in the vacuum region surrounding the plasma [E. Strumberger, Nucl. Fusion 37, 19 (1997); M. Drevlak, D. Monticello, and A. Reiman, Nucl. Fusion 45, 731 (2005)] are obtained for a quasi-isodynamic stellarator [A. A. Subbotin, M. I. Mikhailov, V. D. Shafranov et al., Nucl. Fusion 46, 921 (2006); M. I. Mikhailov, J. Nuhrenberg, and V. D. Shafranov, Plasma Phys. Rep. 35, 529 (2009)].

Low dose radiation interactions with the transformation growth factor (TFG)-beta pathway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maslowski, Amy Jesse

A major limiting factor for long-term, deep-space missions is the radiation dose to astronauts. Because the dose to the astronauts is a mixed field of low- and high-LET radiation, there is a need to understand the effects of both radiation types on whole tissue; however, there are limited published data on the effects of high-LET (linear-energy-transfer) radiation on tissue. Thus, we designed a perfusion chamber system for rat trachea in order to mimic in vivo respiratory tissue. We successfully maintained the perfused tracheal tissue ex vivo in a healthy and viable condition for up to three days. In addition, this project studied the effects of high-LET Fe particles on the overall transformation growth factor (TGF)-beta response after TGF-beta inactivation and compared the results to the TGF-beta response post x-ray irradiation. It was found that a TGF-beta response could be measured in the perfused tracheal tissue, for x-ray and Fe particle irradiations, despite the high autofluorescent background intrinsic to tissue. However, after comparing the TGF-beta response of x-ray irradiation to High-Z-High-energy (HZE) irradiation, there was not a significant difference in radiation types. The TGF-beta response in x-ray and HZE irradiated perfusion chambers was also measured over time post irradiation. It was found that for 6 hour and 8 hour post irradiation, the TGF-beta response was higher for lower doses of radiation than for higher doses. This is in contrast to the 0 hour fixation which found the TGF-beta response to increase with increased dose. The inverse relationship found for 6 hour and 8 hour fixation times may indicate a threshold response for TGF-beta response; i.e., for low doses, a threshold of dose must be reached for an immediate TGF-beta response, otherwise the tissue responds more slowly to the irradiation damage. This result was unexpected and will require further investigation to determine if the threshold can be determined for the 250 kVp x-rays and 1 Gev Fe particles.

Classical sickle beta-globin haplotypes exhibit a high degree of long-range haplotype similarity in African and Afro-Caribbean populations.

PubMed

Hanchard, Neil; Elzein, Abier; Trafford, Clare; Rockett, Kirk; Pinder, Margaret; Jallow, Muminatou; Harding, Rosalind; Kwiatkowski, Dominic; McKenzie, Colin

2007-08-10

The sickle (betas) mutation in the beta-globin gene (HBB) occurs on five "classical" betas haplotype backgrounds in ethnic groups of African ancestry. Strong selection in favour of the betas allele - a consequence of protection from severe malarial infection afforded by heterozygotes - has been associated with a high degree of extended haplotype similarity. The relationship between classical betas haplotypes and long-range haplotype similarity may have both anthropological and clinical implications, but to date has not been explored. Here we evaluate the haplotype similarity of classical betas haplotypes over 400 kb in population samples from Jamaica, The Gambia, and among the Yoruba of Nigeria (Hapmap YRI). The most common betas sub-haplotype among Jamaicans and the Yoruba was the Benin haplotype, while in The Gambia the Senegal haplotype was observed most commonly. Both subtypes exhibited a high degree of long-range haplotype similarity extending across approximately 400 kb in all three populations. This long-range similarity was significantly greater than that seen for other haplotypes sampled in these populations (P < 0.001), and was independent of marker choice and marker density. Among the Yoruba, Benin haplotypes were highly conserved, with very strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) extending a megabase across the betas mutation. Two different classical betas haplotypes, sampled from different populations, exhibit comparable and extensive long-range haplotype similarity and strong LD. This LD extends across the adjacent recombination hotspot, and is discernable at distances in excess of 400 kb. Although the multi-centric geographic distribution of betas haplotypes indicates strong subdivision among early Holocene sub-Saharan populations, we find no evidence that selective pressures imposed by falciparum malaria varied in intensity or timing between these subpopulations. Our observations also suggest that cis-acting loci, which may influence outcomes in sickle cell disease, could lie considerable distances away from beta-globin.

Numerical study of surface plasmon enhanced nonlinear absorption and refraction.

PubMed

Kohlgraf-Owens, Dana C; Kik, Pieter G

2008-07-07

Maxwell Garnett effective medium theory is used to study the influence of silver nanoparticle induced field enhancement on the nonlinear response of a Kerr-type nonlinear host. We show that the composite nonlinear absorption coefficient, beta(c), can be enhanced relative to the host nonlinear absorption coefficient near the surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles. This enhancement is not due to a resonant enhancement of the host nonlinear absorption, but rather due to a phase shifted enhancement of the host nonlinear refractive response. The enhancement occurs at the expense of introducing linear absorption, alpha(c), which leads to an overall reduced figure of merit beta(c)/alpha(c) for nonlinear absorption. For thin (< 1 microm) composites, the use of surface plasmons is found to result in an increased nonlinear absorption response compared to that of the host material.

Isomorphic Properties of Atoms, Molecules, Water, DNA, Crystals, Earth, SolarSystem and Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gareev, F. A.; Gareeva, G. F.; Zhidkova, I. E.

2009-03-01

We discuss the cooperative resonance synchronization enhancement mechanisms of Low Energy Nuclear Reactions (LENR). Some of the low energy external fields can be used as triggers for starting and enhancing exothermic LENR. Any external field shortening distances between protons in nuclei and electrons in atoms should enhance beta-decay (capture) or double-beta decay (capture). We have proposed a new mechanism of LENR: cooperative resonance synchronization processes in the whole system nuclei+atoms+condensed matter+gaseuos+plasma medium, which we suggest can occur at a smaller threshold than the corresponding ones on free constituents. The cooperative processes can be induced and enhanced by low energy external fields. The excess heat is the emission of internal energy, and transmutations at LENR are the result of redistribution inner energy of the whole system.

Multiple polypeptides immunologically related to beta-poly(L-malate) hydrolase (polymalatase) in the plasmodium of the slime mold Physarum polycephalum.

PubMed

Karl, M; Holler, E

1998-01-15

Plasmodia of Physarum polycephalum contain large amounts of the cell-type-specific polyanion beta-poly(L-malate) and of a corresponding specific hydrolase (polymalatase), both expressed in the plasmodial form of the organism. We have partially purified polymalatase, the preparation consisting of several polypeptides, which could not be separated without destroying the hydrolase activity. Polypeptides of 68 kDa and 97 kDa were identified as polymalatases. Both were glycosylated, the 68-kDa form giving rise to a 54-kDa form when deglycosylated, and the 97-kDa form giving rise to an 88-kDa polypeptide that was indistinguishable from an 88-kDa inactive species also contained in the enzyme preparation. Antisera against each of these proteins were used to detect the intracellular distribution of the proteins. We found that the antisera crossreacted with the three proteins and, furthermore, with a multiplicity of polypeptides ubiquitously distributed over the plasmodium. Results of a two-dimensional non-denaturing in the first dimension and SDS-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the second dimension suggested that the proteins were derived from a 200-kDa 'precursor' protein by proteolytic fragmentation. Polymalatase activity could be generated from a high molecular-mass precursor. According to several pieces of evidence, the proteolytic nicking occurred within plasmodia. The fragments were sticky and gave rise to preferred sizes of nicked macromolecules. The observed multiplicity varied as a function of the age of the cultures. The cellular distribution and the intracellular pH value were not compatible with an in situ polymalatase activity and suggested other, presently unknown, function(s) such as in the transportation of beta-poly(L-malate) from the nucleus to the culture medium.

Morphological characterisation of the cell-growth inhibitory activity of rooperol and pharmacokinetic aspects of hypoxoside as an oral prodrug for cancer therapy.

PubMed

Albrecht, C F; Theron, E J; Kruger, P B

1995-09-01

Hypoxoside is the major diglucoside isolated from the corms of the plant family Hypoxidaceae. It contains an unusual E-pent-1-en-4-yne 5-carbon bridging unit with two distal catechol groups to which the glucose moieties are attached. It is non-toxic for BL6 mouse melanoma cells in tissue culture on condition that the fetal calf serum in the medium is heat-inactivated for 1 hour at 56 degrees C in order to destroy endogenous beta-glucosidase activity. The latter catalyses hypoxoside conversion to its cytotoxic aglucone, rooperol, which, when tested as a pure chemical, caused 50% inhibition of BL6 melanoma cell growth at 10 micrograms/ml. Light and electron microscopy revealed that the cytotoxic effect of rooperol manifested as vacuolisation of the cytoplasm and formation of pores in the plasma membrane. Indications of apoptosis were also found. Pharmacokinetic studies on mice dosed intragastrically with hypoxoside showed that it was deconjugated by bacterial beta-glucosidase to form rooperol in the colon. Surprisingly, no hypoxoside or rooperol was detectable in the serum. Only phase II biotransformation products (sulphates and glucuronides) were present in the portal blood and bile. In contrast, however, in human serum after oral ingestion of hypoxoside, the metabolites can reach relatively high concentrations. Rooperol metabolites isolated from human urine were non-toxic for BL6 melanoma cells in culture up to a concentration of 200 micrograms/ml. In the presence of beta-glucuronidase, which released rooperol from the metabolites, 50% growth inhibition was achieved at a 75 micrograms/ml metabolite concentration. The supernatant of a human melanoma homogenate could also cause deconjugation of the metabolites to form rooperol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Zn(II)- and Cu(II)-induced non-fibrillar aggregates of amyloid-beta (1-42) peptide are transformed to amyloid fibrils, both spontaneously and under the influence of metal chelators.

PubMed

Tõugu, Vello; Karafin, Ann; Zovo, Kairit; Chung, Roger S; Howells, Claire; West, Adrian K; Palumaa, Peep

2009-09-01

Aggregation of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides is a central phenomenon in Alzheimer's disease. Zn(II) and Cu(II) have profound effects on Abeta aggregation; however, their impact on amyloidogenesis is unclear. Here we show that Zn(II) and Cu(II) inhibit Abeta(42) fibrillization and initiate formation of non-fibrillar Abeta(42) aggregates, and that the inhibitory effect of Zn(II) (IC(50) = 1.8 micromol/L) is three times stronger than that of Cu(II). Medium and high-affinity metal chelators including metallothioneins prevented metal-induced Abeta(42) aggregation. Moreover, their addition to preformed aggregates initiated fast Abeta(42) fibrillization. Upon prolonged incubation the metal-induced aggregates also transformed spontaneously into fibrils, that appear to represent the most stable state of Abeta(42). H13A and H14A mutations in Abeta(42) reduced the inhibitory effect of metal ions, whereas an H6A mutation had no significant impact. We suggest that metal binding by H13 and H14 prevents the formation of a cross-beta core structure within region 10-23 of the amyloid fibril. Cu(II)-Abeta(42) aggregates were neurotoxic to neurons in vitro only in the presence of ascorbate, whereas monomers and Zn(II)-Abeta(42) aggregates were non-toxic. Disturbed metal homeostasis in the vicinity of zinc-enriched neurons might pre-dispose formation of metal-induced Abeta aggregates, subsequent fibrillization of which can lead to amyloid formation. The molecular background underlying metal-chelating therapies for Alzheimer's disease is discussed in this light.

Loop III region of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) B-chain mediates binding to PDGF receptors and heparin.

PubMed Central

Schilling, D; Reid IV, J D; Hujer, A; Morgan, D; Demoll, E; Bummer, P; Fenstermaker, R A; Kaetzel, D M

1998-01-01

Site-directed mutagenesis of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) B-chain was conducted to determine the importance of cationic amino acid residues (Arg160-Lys161-Lys162; RKK) located within the loop III region in mediating the biological and cell-association properties of the molecule. Binding to both PDGF alpha-and beta-receptors was inhibited by the conversion of all three cationic residues into anionic glutamates (RKK-->EEE), whereas an RKK-->SSS mutant also exhibited a modest loss in affinity for beta-receptors. Replacements with serine at either Arg160 (RKK-->SKK) or at all three positions (RKK-->SSS) had little effect on binding to alpha-receptors. Replacements with either glutamic or serine residues at any of the three positions also resulted in significant inhibition of heparin-binding activity. Furthermore, the RKK-->EEE mutant exhibited decreased association with the cell surface and accumulated in the culture medium as 29-32 kDa forms. Stable transfection of U87 astrocytoma cells with RKK-->EEE mutants of either the A-chain or the B-chain inhibited malignant growth in athymic nude mice. Despite altered receptor-binding activities, each of the loop III mutants retained full mitogenic activity when applied to cultured Swiss 3T3 cells. CD spectrophotometric analysis of the RKK-->EEE mutant revealed a secondary structure indistinguishable from the wild type, with a high degree of beta-sheet structure and random coil content (50% and 43% respectively). These findings indicate an important role of the Arg160-Lys161-Lys162 sequence in mediating the biological and cell-associative activities of the PDGF-BB homodimer, and reveal that the mitogenic activity of PDGF-BB is insufficient to mediate its full oncogenic properties. PMID:9677323

Flexible responses to visual and olfactory stimuli by foraging Manduca sexta: larval nutrition affects adult behaviour.

PubMed

Goyret, Joaquín; Kelber, Almut; Pfaff, Michael; Raguso, Robert A

2009-08-07

Here, we show that the consequences of deficient micronutrient (beta-carotene) intake during larval stages of Manduca sexta are carried across metamorphosis, affecting adult behaviour. Our manipulation of larval diet allowed us to examine how developmental plasticity impacts the interplay between visual and olfactory inputs on adult foraging behaviour. Larvae of M. sexta were reared on natural (Nicotiana tabacum) and artificial laboratory diets containing different concentrations of beta-carotene (standard diet, low beta-carotene, high beta-carotene and cornmeal). This vitamin-A precursor has been shown to be crucial for photoreception sensitivity in the retina of M. sexta. After completing development, post-metamorphosis, starved adults were presented with artificial feeders that could be either scented or unscented. Regardless of their larval diet, adult moths fed with relatively high probabilities on scented feeders. When feeders were unscented, moths reared on tobacco were more responsive than moths reared on beta-carotene-deficient artificial diets. Strikingly, moths reared on artificial diets supplemented with increasing amounts of beta-carotene (low beta and high beta) showed increasing probabilities of response to scentless feeders. We discuss these results in relationship to the use of complex, multi-modal sensory information by foraging animals.

Results from the NEXT Protogypes

DOE PAGES

Oliveira, C A.B.

2013-10-04

NEXT-100 is an electroluminescent high pressure Time Projection Chamber currently under construction. It will search for the neutrino-less double beta decay in 136Xe at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory. NEXT-100 aims to achieve nearly intrinsic energy resolution and to highly suppress background events by taking advantage of the unique properties of xenon in the gaseous phase as the detection medium. In order to prove the principle of operation and to study which are the best operational conditions, two prototypes were constructed: NEXT-DEMO and NEXT-DBDM. In this study we present the latest results from both prototypes. We report the improvement in termsmore » of light collection (~ 3x) achieved by coating the walls of NEXT-DEMO with tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB), the outstanding energy resolution of 1% (Full Width Half Maximum) from NEXT-DBDM as well as the tracking capabilities of this prototype (2.1 mm RMS error for point-like depositions) achieved by using a square array of 8 x 8 SiPMs.« less

Boldenone, testosterone and 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione determination in faeces from horses, untreated and after administration of androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (boldione).

PubMed

Popot, M A; Boyer, S; Menaut, L; Garcia, P; Bonnaire, Y; Lesage, D

2008-06-01

Faeces, which could be a potential alternative medium for doping control, have been used for the detection of 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione administration to the horse. Semi-quantitative analyses of 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione, testosterone, 17alpha- and 17beta-boldenone have been conducted in pre- and post-administration faeces, and in controls (untreated stallions, geldings and mares). Sample preparation comprised diethyl ether extraction, lipid removal, HPLC purification and derivatisation. 1,4-Androstadiene-3,17-dione, testosterone, 17alpha- and 17beta-boldenone were analysed by GC-EI/MS/MS. Quantitative limits of detection were 0.1 ng/g for 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione, and 0.025 ng/g for testosterone, 17alpha- and 17beta-testosterone. In post-administration samples from geldings and mares, peak levels of 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione, 17alpha-, 17beta-boldenone and testosterone were attained 24 h after administration. In untreated geldings and mares (in di- or anoestrus), 17alpha- and 17beta-boldenone and testosterone were not detected. Faeces from females in oestrus had detectable levels of boldenone isomers and testosterone. 1,4-Androstadiene-3,17-dione was undetectable in faeces collected from untreated horses, but the presence of this androgen was recently reported in faeces from untreated swine and it would therefore be advisable to check for its possible presence in a larger number of individual faecal samples. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Standard Nutrient Agar 1 as a substitute for blood-supplemented Müller-Hinton agar for antibiograms in developing countries.

PubMed

Niederstebruch, N; Sixt, D

2013-02-01

In the industrial world, the agar diffusion test is a standard procedure for the susceptibility testing of bacteria isolates. Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. are tested with Müller-Hinton agar supplemented with 5 % blood, a so-called blood agar. The results are interpreted using standardized tables, which only exist for this type of nutrient matrix. Because of a number difficulties, both with respect to technical issues and to manual skills, blood agar is not a feasible option in many developing countries. Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. also grow on Standard Nutrient Agar 1 (StNA1). This suggests using that type of nutrient medium for running agar diffusion tests. However, there are no standardized tables that can be used for interpreting the diameters of the zones of inhibition on StNA1 1. Using the existing standardized tables for blood agar to interpret cultures on StNA1 1 would be of great benefit under such circumstances where blood agar is not available. With this in mind, we conducted comparative tests to evaluate the growth characteristics of beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. on StNA1 1 compared to Müller-Hinton agar supplemented with 5 % sheep blood. In this study, we were able to show that beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. develop similar zones of inhibition on blood agar and on StNA1 1. Therefore, it is suggested that, for the interpretation of antibiograms of beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. performed on StNA1 1, the standard tables for blood agar can be used.

beta-Endorphin-induced analgesia is inhibited by synthetic analogs of beta-endorphin.

PubMed

Nicolas, P; Hammonds, R G; Li, C H

1984-05-01

Competitive antagonism of human beta-endorphin (beta h-EP)-induced analgesia by synthetic beta h-EP analogs with high in vitro opiate receptor binding to in vivo analgesic potency ratio has been demonstrated. A parallel shift of the dose-response curve for analgesia to the right was observed when either beta h-EP or [ Trp27 ] -beta h-EP was coinjected with various doses of [Gln8, Gly31 ]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2, [Arg9,19,24,28,29]-beta h-EP, or [ Cys11 ,26, Phe27 , Gly31 ]-beta h-EP. It was estimated that the most potent antagonist, [Gln8, Gly31 ]-beta h-EP-Gly-NH2, is at least 200 times more potent than naloxone.

Occurrence of high-beta superthermal plasma events in the close environment of Jupiter's bow shock as observed by Ulysses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marhavilas, P. K.; Sarris, E. T.; Anagnostopoulos, G. C.

2011-01-04

The ratio of the plasma pressure to the magnetic field pressure (or of their energy densities) which is known as the plasma parameter 'beta'({beta}) has important implications to the propagation of energetic particles and the interaction of the solar wind with planetary magnetospheres. Although in the scientific literature the contribution of the superthermal particles to the plasma pressure is generally assumed negligible, we deduced, by analyzing energetic particles and magnetic field measurements recorded by the Ulysses spacecraft, that in a series of events, the energy density contained in the superthermal tail of the particle distribution is comparable to or evenmore » higher than the energy density of the magnetic field, creating conditions of high-beta plasma. More explicitly, in this paper we analyze Ulysses/HI-SCALE measurements of the energy density ratio (parameter {beta}{sub ep}) of the energetic ions'(20 keV to {approx}5 MeV) to the magnetic field's in order to find occurrences of high-beta ({beta}{sub ep}>1) superthermal plasma conditions in the environment of the Jovian magnetosphere, which is an interesting plasma laboratory and an important source of emissions in our solar system. In particular, we examine high-beta ion events close to Jupiter's bow shock, which are produced by two processes: (a) bow shock ion acceleration and (b) ion leakage from the magnetosphere.« less

Characterization of hydrocortisone biometabolites and 18S rRNA gene in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cultures.

PubMed

Ghasemi, Younes; Rasoul-Amini, Sara; Morowvat, Mohammad Hossein; Raee, Mohammad Javad; Ghoshoon, Mohammad Bagher; Nouri, Fatemeh; Negintaji, Narges; Parvizi, Rezvan; Mosavi-Azam, Seyed Bagher

2008-10-31

A unicellular microalga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, was isolated from rice paddy-field soil and water samples and used in the biotransformation of hydrocortisone (1). This strain has not been previously tested for steroid bioconversion. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium supplemented with 0.05% substrate at 25 degrees C for 14 days of incubation. The products obtained were chromatographically purified and characterized using spectroscopic methods. 11b,17 beta-Dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (2), 11 beta-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione (3), 11 beta,17 alpha,20 beta,21-tetrahydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (4) and prednisolone (5) were the main products of the bioconversion. The observed bioreaction features were the side chain degradation of the substrate to give compounds 2 and 3 and the 20-ketone reduction and 1,2-dehydrogenation affording compounds 4 and 5, respectively. A time course study showed the accumulation of product 2 from the second day of the fermentation and of compounds 3, 4 and 5 from the third day. All the metabolites reached their maximum concentration in seven days. Microalgal 18S rRNA gene was also amplified by PCR. PCR products were sequenced to confirm their authenticity as 18S rRNA gene of microalgae. The result of PCR blasted with other sequenced microalgae in NCBI showed 100% homology to the 18S small subunit rRNA of two Chlamydomonas reinhardtii spp.

Force-free magnetic fields - The magneto-frictional method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, W. H.; Sturrock, P. A.; Antiochos, S. K.

1986-01-01

The problem under discussion is that of calculating magnetic field configurations in which the Lorentz force j x B is everywhere zero, subject to specified boundary conditions. We choose to represent the magnetic field in terms of Clebsch variables in the form B = grad alpha x grad beta. These variables are constant on any field line so that each field line is labeled by the corresponding values of alpha and beta. When the field is described in this way, the most appropriate choice of boundary conditions is to specify the values of alpha and beta on the bounding surface. We show that such field configurations may be calculated by a magneto-frictional method. We imagine that the field lines move through a stationary medium, and that each element of magnetic field is subject to a frictional force parallel to and opposing the velocity of the field line. This concept leads to an iteration procedure for modifying the variables alpha and beta, that tends asymptotically towards the force-free state. We apply the method first to a simple problem in two rectangular dimensions, and then to a problem of cylindrical symmetry that was previously discussed by Barnes and Sturrock (1972). In one important respect, our new results differ from the earlier results of Barnes and Sturrock, and we conclude that the earlier article was in error.

TMG-chitotriomycin, an enzyme inhibitor specific for insect and fungal beta-N-acetylglucosaminidases, produced by actinomycete Streptomyces anulatus NBRC 13369.

PubMed

Usuki, Hirokazu; Nitoda, Teruhiko; Ichikawa, Misato; Yamaji, Nahoko; Iwashita, Takashi; Komura, Hajime; Kanzaki, Hiroshi

2008-03-26

A novel beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (GlcNAcase) inhibitor named TMG-chitotriomycin (1) was isolated from the culture filtrate of Streptomyces anulatus NBRC13369. The strain produced 1 only when colloidal chitin was used as the sole carbon source in the production medium. The structure of 1 was determined by spectral and constitutive sugar analyses of the corresponding alditol derivatives to be an equilibrated mixture of alpha-d-N,N,N-triMeGlcNH2-(1,4)-beta-d-GlcNAc-(1,4)-beta-d-GlcNAc-(1,4)-d-GlcNAc and its C-2 epimer of the reducing end residue. TMG-chitotriomycin (1) showed potent and selective inhibition of insect and fungal GlcNAcases with no inhibition of mammalian and plant GlcNAcases. In contrast, the known GlcNAcase inhibitor nagstatin potently inhibited all GlcNAcases. It should be emphasized that synthesized d-N,N,N-triMeGlcNH2, which is the component sugar of 1, showed no inhibition of the insect Spodoptera litura GlcNAcase. These results suggest that the (GlcNAc)3 unit positioned at the reducing end of 1 is essential for its enzyme inhibitory activity. The unique inhibitory spectrum of 1 will be useful to study chitinolytic systems and to develop selective fungicides or pesticides.

PhytoBeta imager: a positron imager for plant biology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weisenberger, Andrew G.; Kross, Brian; Lee, Seungjoon; McKisson, John; McKisson, J. E.; Xi, Wenze; Zorn, Carl; Reid, Chantal D.; Howell, Calvin R.; Crowell, Alexander S.; Cumberbatch, Laurie; Fallin, Brent; Stolin, Alexander; Smith, Mark F.

2012-07-01

Several positron emitting radioisotopes such as 11C and 13N can be used in plant biology research. The 11CO2 tracer is used to facilitate plant biology research toward optimization of plant productivity, biofuel development and carbon sequestration in biomass. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has been used to study carbon transport in live plants using 11CO2. Because plants typically have very thin leaves, little medium is present for the emitted positrons to undergo an annihilation event. The emitted positrons from 11C (maximum energy 960 keV) could require up to approximately 4 mm of water equivalent material for positron annihilation. Thus many of the positrons do not annihilate inside the leaf, resulting in limited sensitivity for PET imaging. To address this problem we have developed a compact beta-positive, beta-minus particle imager (PhytoBeta imager) for 11CO2 leaf imaging. The detector is based on a Hamamatsu H8500 position sensitive photomultiplier tube optically coupled via optical grease to a 0.5 mm thick Eljen EJ-212 plastic scintillator. The detector is equipped with a flexible arm to allow its placement and orientation over or under the leaf to be studied while maintaining the leaf's original orientation. To test the utility of the system the detector was used to measure carbon translocation in a leaf of the spicebush (Lindera benzoin) under two transient light conditions.

PhytoBeta imager: a positron imager for plant biology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weisenberger, Andrew G; Lee, Seungjoon; McKisson, John

2012-06-01

Several positron emitting radioisotopes such as 11C and 13N can be used in plant biology research. The 11CO2 tracer is used to facilitate plant biology research toward optimization of plant productivity, biofuel development and carbon sequestration in biomass. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has been used to study carbon transport in live plants using 11CO2. Because plants typically have very thin leaves, little medium is present for the emitted positrons to undergo an annihilation event. The emitted positrons from 11C (maximum energy 960 keV) could require up to approximately 4 mm of water equivalent material for positron annihilation. Thus manymore » of the positrons do not annihilate inside the leaf, resulting in limited sensitivity for PET imaging. To address this problem we have developed a compact beta-positive, beta-minus particle imager (PhytoBeta imager) for 11CO2 leaf imaging. The detector is based on a Hamamatsu H8500 position sensitive photomultiplier tube optically coupled via optical grease to a 0.5 mm thick Eljen EJ-212 plastic scintillator. The detector is equipped with a flexible arm to allow its placement and orientation over or under the leaf to be studied while maintaining the leaf's original orientation. To test the utility of the system the detector was used to measure carbon translocation in a leaf of the spicebush (Lindera benzoin) under two transient light conditions.« less

Mechanistic studies of cancer cell mitochondria- and NQO1-mediated redox activation of beta-lapachone, a potentially novel anticancer agent

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Jason Z.; Ke, Yuebin; Misra, Hara P.

Beta-lapachone (beta-Lp) derived from the Lapacho tree is a potentially novel anticancer agent currently under clinical trials. Previous studies suggested that redox activation of beta-Lp catalyzed by NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) accounted for its killing of cancer cells. However, the exact mechanisms of this effect remain largely unknown. Using chemiluminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin-trapping techniques, this study for the first time demonstrated the real-time formation of ROS in the redox activation of beta-lapachone from cancer cells mediated by mitochondria and NQO1 in melanoma B16–F10 and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cancer cells. ES936, a highly selective NQO1 inhibitor, and rotenone,more » a selective inhibitor of mitochondrial electron transport chain (METC) complex I were found to significantly block beta-Lp meditated redox activation in B16–F10 cells. In HepG2 cells ES936 inhibited beta-Lp-mediated oxygen radical formation by ∼ 80% while rotenone exerted no significant effect. These results revealed the differential contribution of METC and NQO1 to beta-lapachone-induced ROS formation and cancer cell killing. In melanoma B16–F10 cells that do not express high NQO1 activity, both NOQ1 and METC play a critical role in beta-Lp redox activation. In contrast, in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells expressing extremely high NQO1 activity, redox activation of beta-Lp is primarily mediated by NQO1 (METC plays a minor role). These findings will contribute to our understanding of how cancer cells are selectively killed by beta-lapachone and increase our ability to devise strategies to enhance the anticancer efficacy of this potentially novel drug while minimizing its possible adverse effects on normal cells. - Highlights: • Both isolated mitochondria and purified NQO1 are able to generate ROS by beta-Lp. • The differential roles of mitochondria and NQO1 in mediating redox activation of beta-Lp • In cancer cells with low NQO1 expression, mitochondria play a critical role in beta-Lp redox activation. • In cancer cells with high NQO1 activity, redox activation of beta-Lp is primarily mediated by NQO1.« less

[Increase of beta 2-microglobulin in drug addicts with anti-HIV antibodies and high risk of AIDS].

PubMed

D'Angelo, G; Giardini, C; Zanco, M D; Calvano, D; Crovetti, G; De Filippo, C

1991-01-01

The beta 2-Microglobulin is a polypeptide present on the surface membrane of both B and T cells and is integrated into the structure of HLA antigenes. The beta 2-Microglobulin concentration have been used as a reliable indicator of glomerular and tubular function of the kidney. Increased serum concentration of beta 2-Microglobulin are observed also in lymphoproliferative disorders with high cell proliferation rates. More recently, increased concentration of beta 2-Microglobulin was shown in patients with anti-HIV antibodies with or without symptomatic AIDS. We have determined beta 2-Microglobulin in 61 subjects: 40 between the ages of 25 and 35 and seemingly healthy, 21 patients between the ages of 22 and 32 and intravenous drug abuser with anti-HIV antibodies and at high-risk for AIDS. In all subjects we have tested: BUN, creatinine, beta 2-Microglobulin and T4/T8 ratio. In 40 subjects as normal controls, beta 2-Microglobulin average was means = 1.07 mg/L (SD = 0.39), T4/T8 ratio average: means = 1.06 (SD = 0.119). In 21 patients drug abuser with anti-HIV antibodies, the beta 2-Microglobulin average was cleanly increased: means = 4.72 mg/L (SD = 2.23), the T4/T8 ratio average cleanly decreased: means = 0.54 (SD = 0.21). We believe the beta 2-Microglobulin quantitation, even if not specific for patient with symptomatic AIDS, used in conjunction with other laboratory tests, principally T4/T8 ratio, will be a useful marker for recognizing persons with possible asymptomatic AIDS who are members of populations known to be at high-risk for AIDS.

Expression of class III beta tubulin in cervical cancer patients administered preoperative radiochemotherapy: correlation with response to treatment and clinical outcome.

PubMed

Ferrandina, Gabriella; Martinelli, Enrica; Zannoni, Gian Franco; Distefano, Mariagrazia; Paglia, Amelia; Ferlini, Cristiano; Scambia, Giovanni

2007-02-01

Alterations of the beta subunit of tubulin have been reported to be predictive of resistance to radiation and antitubulin agents in several solid tumors. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical role of beta III tubulin expression as prognostic factor for survival and as a predictive parameter of response to preoperative radiochemotherapy in a single institutional series of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients. The study included 98 LACC patients admitted to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Catholic University of Rome and Campobasso between January 1998 and January 2005. Immunohistochemistry was performed by using the polyclonal rabbit anti-beta III tubulin antibody (Covance, Princeton, NJ, USA). The value of 10% immunostained tumor cells was arbitrarily chosen as cut-off value to distinguish cases with high versus low beta III tubulin content. In the whole series, beta III tubulin immunoreaction was detectable in 66/98 cases (67.3%), and the percentage of positively stained cells ranged from 0 to 100% (median=10%). The percentages of cases with high beta III tubulin expression were shown not to be differently distributed according to clinico-pathological characteristics. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of cases with high beta III tubulin expression according to clinical and pathological response to treatment. During the follow-up period, recurrence and death of disease occurred in 15 and 13 cases, respectively. There was no difference in disease-free and overall survival in cases with high versus low beta III tubulin expression. The assessment of class III beta tubulin status seems of little usefulness in order to identify LACC patients with poor chance of response to concomitant radiochemotherapy and unfavorable prognosis.

Transportation fuel production by combination of LDPE thermal cracking and catalytic hydroreforming

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Escola, J.M., E-mail: josemaria.escola.saez@urjc.es; Aguado, J.; Serrano, D.P.

2014-11-15

Highlights: • h-Beta samples were impregnated with Ni nitrate to achieve Ni contents of 1.5%, 4%, 7% and 10%. • Larger and more easily reducible metal particles were obtained on Ni 7%/h-Beta and Ni 10%/h-Beta. • Higher Ni contents increased the amount of gases at the expenses of diesel fractions. • Maximum selectivity to automotive fuels (∼81%) was obtained with Ni 7%/h-Beta. • Ni loading also enhanced olefins saturation up to Ni 7%/h-Beta. - Abstract: Fuel production from plastics is a promising way to reduce landfilling rates while obtaining valuable products. The usage of Ni-supported hierarchical Beta zeolite (h-Beta) formore » the hydroreforming of the oils coming from LDPE thermal cracking has proved to produce high selectivities to gasoline and diesel fuels (>80%). In the present work, the effect of the Ni loading on Ni/h-Beta is investigated in the hydroreforming of the oils form LDPE thermal cracking. h-Beta samples were impregnated with Ni nitrate, calcined and reduced in H{sub 2} up to 550 °C to achieve different Ni contents: 1.5%, 4%, 7% and 10%. Larger and more easily reducible metal particles were obtained on Ni 7%/h-Beta and Ni 10%/h-Beta. Hydroreforming tests were carried out in autoclave reactor at 310 °C, under 20 bar H{sub 2}, for 45 min. Ni content progressively increased the amount of gases at the expenses of diesel fractions, while gasoline remained approximately constant about 52–54%. Maximum selectivity to automotive fuels (∼81%) was obtained with Ni 7%/h-Beta. Ni loading also enhanced olefins saturation up to Ni 7%/h-Beta. High cetane indices (71–86) and octane numbers (89–91) were obtained over all the catalysts. Regarding the different studied Ni contents, Ni 7%/h-Beta constitutes a rather promising catalyst for obtaining high quality fuels from LDPE thermal cracking oils.« less

New precursors for direct synthesis of single phase Na- and K-{beta}{double_prime}-aluminas for use in AMTEC systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cook, R.L.; MacQueen, D.B.; Bader, K.E.

1997-12-31

Alkali Metal Thermoelectric Converters (AMTEC) are efficient direct energy conversion devices that depend on the use of highly conductive beta-alumina membranes for their operation. The key component of the AMTEC system is a highly conductive Na-{beta}{double_prime}-alumina solid electrolyte which conducts sodium ions from the high to low temperature zone, thereby generating electricity. AMTEC cells convert thermal to electrical energy by using heat to produce and maintain an alkali metal concentration gradient across the ion transporting BASE membrane. They have developed a method for producing pure phase Na-{beta}{double_prime}-alumina and K-{beta}{double_prime}-alumina powders from single phase nano-sized carboxylato-alumoxanes precursors. Sodium or potassium ionsmore » (the mobile ions) and either Mg{sup 2+} or Li{sup +} ions (which stabilize the {beta}{double_prime}-alumina structure) can be atomically dispersed into the carboxylato-alumoxane lattice at low (< 100 C) temperature. Calculation of the carboxylato-alumoxane precursors at 1,200--1,500 C produces pure phase {beta}{double_prime}-alumina powders.« less

A simple approach for assessing equilibrated Kt/V beta 2-M on a routine basis.

PubMed

Casino, Francesco G; Pedrini, Luciano A; Santoro, Antonio; Mandolfo, Salvatore; David, Salvatore; De Cristofaro, Vincenzo; Teatini, Ugo; Lomonte, Carlo; Lopez, Teodoro

2010-09-01

Large observational studies have shown a reduction in morbidity and mortality in patients on high-flux haemodialysis (HD) or convective techniques, compared with low-flux HD. An index to evaluate treatment efficiency in middle molecule (MM) removal would be recommended. Since beta-2-microglobulin (beta2-M) is a recognized MM marker, we evaluated an easy approach for Kt/V(beta2-M) assessment on a routine basis, avoiding other complex methods. An equation that estimates single-pool (sp) Kt/V(beta2-M) was derived from Leypoldt's formula, which calculates beta2-M dialyser clearance (K(beta2-M)) from the post/pre-dialysis beta2-M concentration (C(t)/C(0)) ratio and the weight loss/end-dialysis weight (Delta W/W) ratio. Our equation, spKt/V(beta2-M) = 6.12 Delta W/W [1 - ln(C(t)/C(0))/ln(1 + 6.12 Delta W/W)], was derived by assuming urea distribution volume (V(u)) as 49% of W and beta2-M volume (V(beta2-M)) as V(u)/3, in agreement with the average patient values in the HEMO Study. The spKt/V(beta2-M) values calculated with our equation (F) in 129 patients on 407 sessions of different high-flux treatments were compared with those calculated with the method applied in the HEMO Study (HM). Equilibrated beta2-M concentration (C(eq)) of the same sessions was also estimated with the equation for C(eq) by Tattersall, and equilibrated Kt/V (eKt/V(beta2-M)) was calculated by introducing Tattersall's equation into our simplified spKt/V(beta2-M) formula. Mean results of our spKt/V(beta2-M) equation (F) were very close to those of the HM method (1.48 +/- 0.38 vs 1.47 +/- 0.37). The difference was less than +/-0.1 in 95% of cases. A mean end-session beta2-M rebound of 44 +/- 14% was predicted, which caused a mean reduction in actual Kt/V(beta2-M) of ~27% (eKt/V(beta2-M) = 1.08 +/- 0.26). The method proposed to estimate spKt/V(beta2-M) and eKt/V(beta2-M) could become a simple tool to monitor the efficiency of high-flux HD and convective techniques and to evaluate the adequacy of treatments in terms of MM removal. Moreover, it might help to better understand the effects of different dialysis schedules. Validation on a larger dialysis population is required.

HES6 reverses nuclear reprogramming of insulin-producing cells following cell fusion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ball, Andrew J.; Abrahamsson, Annelie E.; Tyrberg, Bjoern

2007-04-06

To examine the mechanism by which growth-stimulated pancreatic {beta}-cells dedifferentiate, somatic cell fusions were performed between MIN6, a highly differentiated mouse insulinoma, and {beta}lox5, a cell line derived from human {beta}-cells which progressively dedifferentiated in culture. MIN6/{beta}lox5 somatic cells hybrids underwent silencing of insulin expression and a marked decline in PDX1, NeuroD, and MafA, indicating that {beta}lox5 expresses a dominant transacting factor(s) that represses {beta}-cell differentiation. Expression of Hes1, which inhibits endocrine differentiation was higher in hybrid cells than in parental MIN6 cells. Hes6, a repressor of Hes1, was highly expressed in primary {beta}-cells as well as MIN6, but wasmore » repressed in hybrids. Hes6 overexpression using a retroviral vector led to a decrease in Hes1 levels, an increase in {beta}-cell transcription factors and partial restoration of insulin expression. We conclude that the balance of Notch activators and inhibitors may play an important role in maintaining the {beta}-cell differentiated state.« less

Circulating form of beta-2-microglobulin in dialysis patients.

PubMed

Gagnon, R F; Somerville, P; Thomson, D M

1988-01-01

The circulating profile of beta-2-microglobulin (beta 2M) was determined in 8 end-stage renal disease patients on long-term dialysis (6 on hemodialysis, 2 on CAPD) by measuring beta 2M in different fraction after molecular sieve separation of their sera. Four patients had carpal tunnel syndrome with demonstrated amyloid in excised wrist tissues of which 2 were positive for beta 2M. In all patients despite very high blood levels (34.3-63.1 mg/l), beta 2M eluted exclusively as a single peak in the molecular weight region of about 12,000 daltons on a calibrated Sephacryl S-200 column. Recoveries from within the peak accounted for 96% of the applied beta 2M serum concentrations. These results were confirmed by molecular sieve separation of the enriched beta 2M-containing fractions by high-pressure liquid chromatography. We conclude that immunoreactive beta 2M in dialysis patients circulates as an intact monomer without evidence for the formation of aggregates or fragments. The pathogenesis of tissue deposition of this low-molecular-weight protein and its polymerisation to form a specific amyloid remains to be defined.

The activity of hydrolases of larval stages of Anisakis simplex (Nematoda).

PubMed

Lopieńska-Biernat, Elzbieta; Zółtowska, Krystyna; Rokicki, Jerzy

2004-01-01

Activity of hydrolases during the third and fourth larval stage of Anisakis simplex was identified by applying the API ZYM test method. In A. simplex larvae the activity of phosphatases was high, particularly that of acid phosphatase (40 nmol/mg(-1)). Among esterases lack of activity of lipase (C14) is worth noticing while the activity of esterases (C4) and (C8) was high. The activity of those later two enzymes was higher in L3 larvae than in L4 larvae. The highest activity in the subclass of glucosidases was recorded for beta-fucosidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase. A higher activity in L3 larvae than in L4 larvae was recorded for: beta-glucuronidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (2-fold) and beta-fucosidase (3-fold). Differently the activity of beta-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase was higher in L4 larvae than in L3 larvae. The tests did not show activity of alpha-galactosidase, beta-glucosidase and alpha-mannosidase on both larval forms.

The rate of transient beta frequency events predicts behavior across tasks and species

PubMed Central

Law, Robert; Tsutsui, Shawn; Moore, Christopher I; Jones, Stephanie R

2017-01-01

Beta oscillations (15-29Hz) are among the most prominent signatures of brain activity. Beta power is predictive of healthy and abnormal behaviors, including perception, attention and motor action. In non-averaged signals, beta can emerge as transient high-power 'events'. As such, functionally relevant differences in averaged power across time and trials can reflect changes in event number, power, duration, and/or frequency span. We show that functionally relevant differences in averaged beta power in primary somatosensory neocortex reflect a difference in the number of high-power beta events per trial, i.e. event rate. Further, beta events occurring close to the stimulus were more likely to impair perception. These results are consistent across detection and attention tasks in human magnetoencephalography, and in local field potentials from mice performing a detection task. These results imply that an increased propensity of beta events predicts the failure to effectively transmit information through specific neocortical representations. PMID:29106374

Evaluation of the DIRAMIC system for detection of urinary tract infections and for Escherichia coli identification.

PubMed

Travieso Ruiz, Fernando; Roura Carmona, Gloria; Romay Penabad, Cheyla; Contreras Alarcón, Rolando

2004-01-01

The use of the DIRAMIC system for the detection of urinary tract infections (UTI) and the possibility to identify Escherichia coli in the same culture media was evaluated. The results from DIRAMIC detection system were compared to counts of colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml) of urine inoculated in CLED Medium; 884 urine specimens were processed taking > or =10(4) CFU/ml as criteria of positive urine culture counts. For E. coli identification, substrates for the determination of beta-glucuronidase and tryptophanase were incorporated to the culture medium and named DETID-Ec. Outputs were compared to those from API RAPIDEC-ur strips. The DIRAMIC system can detect UTI, with a sensitivity and specificity of 82.25 and 94.49%, respectively. It was possible to identify E. coli during detection with 87.50% of sensitivity and 95.96% of specificity. The small volumes of culture medium used in the DIRAMIC system as well as the short times for the detection make the system a rapid and economical method for screening UTI. Furthermore, by using DETID-Ec culture medium the time and the number of biochemical tests necessary for the E. coli identification are lowered.

Putting Beta-Diversity on the Map: Broad-Scale Congruence and Coincidence in the Extremes

PubMed Central

McKnight, Meghan W; White, Peter S; McDonald, Robert I; Lamoreux, John F; Sechrest, Wes; Ridgely, Robert S; Stuart, Simon N

2007-01-01

Beta-diversity, the change in species composition between places, is a critical but poorly understood component of biological diversity. Patterns of beta-diversity provide information central to many ecological and evolutionary questions, as well as to conservation planning. Yet beta-diversity is rarely studied across large extents, and the degree of similarity of patterns among taxa at such scales remains untested. To our knowledge, this is the first broad-scale analysis of cross-taxon congruence in beta-diversity, and introduces a new method to map beta-diversity continuously across regions. Congruence between amphibian, bird, and mammal beta-diversity in the Western Hemisphere varies with both geographic location and spatial extent. We demonstrate that areas of high beta-diversity for the three taxa largely coincide, but areas of low beta-diversity exhibit little overlap. These findings suggest that similar processes lead to high levels of differentiation in amphibian, bird, and mammal assemblages, while the ecological and biogeographic factors influencing homogeneity in vertebrate assemblages vary. Knowledge of beta-diversity congruence can help formulate hypotheses about the mechanisms governing regional diversity patterns and should inform conservation, especially as threat from global climate change increases. PMID:17927449

Grape seed procyanidin extract modulates proliferation and apoptosis of pancreatic beta-cells.

PubMed

Cedó, Lídia; Castell-Auví, Anna; Pallarès, Victor; Blay, Mayte; Ardévol, Anna; Arola, Lluís; Pinent, Montserrat

2013-05-01

Grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE) modulates glucose homeostasis and insulinemia in several animal models. Under pathological conditions, insulin levels are dependent on pancreatic beta-cell functionality, as well as on the beta-cell mass expansion or apoptosis in the pancreas. In this study, we analysed the effects of GSPE on modulating apoptosis and proliferation in beta-cells. We tested the effects of GSPE in the INS-1E pancreatic beta-cell line, either under basal or altered conditions with high glucose, insulin or palmitate levels. GSPE enhanced the pro-apoptotic effect of high glucose and showed clear antiproliferative effects under high glucose, insulin and palmitate conditions. These antiproliferative effects are likely due to high molecular weight compounds contained in the extract. GSPE also modulated pro- and anti-apoptotic markers in the pancreas of rats fed a cafeteria diet, with the effect depending on the dose of GSPE and duration of treatment. Thus, GSPE is able to modulate apoptosis and proliferation of beta-cells under altered, but not basal, conditions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Beta Pictoris Phenomenon in A-Shell Stars: Detection of Accreting Gas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grady, C. A.; Perez, Mario R.; Talavera, A.; McCollum, B.; Rawley, L. A.; England, M. N.; Schlegel, M.

1996-01-01

We present the results of an expanded survey of A-shell stars using IUE high-dispersion spectra and find accreting, circumstellar gas in the line of sight to nine stars, in addition to the previously identified beta Pic, HR 10, and 131 Tau, which can be followed to between +70 and 100 km/s relative to the star. Two of the program stars, HD 88195 and HD 148283, show variable high-velocity gas. Given the small number of IUE spectra for our program stars, detection of high-velocity, accreting gas in 2/3 of the A-shell stars sampled indicates that accretion is an intrinsic part of the A-shell phenomenon and that beta Pic is not unique among main-sequence A stars in exhibiting such activity. Our program stars, as a group, have smaller column densities of high-velocity gas and smaller near-IR excesses compared with beta Pic. These features are consistent with greater central clearing of a remnant debris disk, compared with beta Pic, and suggest that the majority of field A-shell stars are older than beta Pic.

The influence of auxins on the biosynthesis of isoprene derivatives in callus cultures of Vaccinium corymbosum var. bluecrop.

PubMed

Migas, Piotr; Luczkiewicz, Maria; Cisowski, Wojciech

2006-01-01

Callus cultures of Vaccinium corymbosum var. bluecrop were optimized for their isoprene derivatives production by supplementing Schenk-Hildebrandt (SH) medium with constant concentration of kinetin (2.32 microM) and two different amounts of selected auxins. Every auxin, except for IBA, used in 10-time higher concentration (2,4D, NAA, IAA, NOA) stimulated biosynthesis of beta-sitosterol and inhibited triterpene synthesis. Quantitative analysis of isoprene derivatives in callus biomass collected on the 25th day of the experiment proved that the analyzed callus of Vaccinium corymbosum var. bluecrop synthesized the highest amount of isoprene derivatives after subculturing on SH medium modified with 22.6 microM of 2,4D and 2.32 microM of kinetin.

Anodic Aluminum Oxide Membrane-Assisted Fabrication of beta-In(2)S(3) Nanowires.

PubMed

Shi, Jen-Bin; Chen, Chih-Jung; Lin, Ya-Ting; Hsu, Wen-Chia; Chen, Yu-Cheng; Wu, Po-Feng

2009-06-06

In this study, beta-In(2)S(3) nanowires were first synthesized by sulfurizing the pure Indium (In) nanowires in an AAO membrane. As FE-SEM results, beta-In(2)S(3) nanowires are highly ordered, arranged tightly corresponding to the high porosity of the AAO membrane used. The diameter of the beta-In(2)S(3) nanowires is about 60 nm with the length of about 6-8 mum. Moreover, the aspect ratio of beta-In(2)S(3) nanowires is up to 117. An EDS analysis revealed the beta-In(2)S(3) nanowires with an atomic ratio of nearly S/In = 1.5. X-ray diffraction and corresponding selected area electron diffraction patterns demonstrated that the beta-In(2)S(3) nanowire is tetragonal polycrystalline. The direct band gap energy (E(g)) is 2.40 eV from the optical measurement, and it is reasonable with literature.

beta-Endorphin-induced analgesia is inhibited by synthetic analogs of beta-endorphin.

PubMed Central

Nicolas, P; Hammonds, R G; Li, C H

1984-01-01

Competitive antagonism of human beta-endorphin (beta h-EP)-induced analgesia by synthetic beta h-EP analogs with high in vitro opiate receptor binding to in vivo analgesic potency ratio has been demonstrated. A parallel shift of the dose-response curve for analgesia to the right was observed when either beta h-EP or [ Trp27 ] -beta h-EP was coinjected with various doses of [Gln8, Gly31 ]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2, [Arg9,19,24,28,29]-beta h-EP, or [ Cys11 ,26, Phe27 , Gly31 ]-beta h-EP. It was estimated that the most potent antagonist, [Gln8, Gly31 ]-beta h-EP-Gly-NH2, is at least 200 times more potent than naloxone. PMID:6328494

High Temperature Stability of Potassium Beta Alumina

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, R. M.; Kisor, A.; Ryan, M. A.

1996-01-01

None. From Objectives section: Evaluate the stability of potassium beta alumina under potassium AMTEC operating conditions. Evaluate the stability regime in which potassium beta alumina can be fabricated.

Activation of Beta-Catenin Signaling in Androgen Receptor–Negative Prostate Cancer Cells

PubMed Central

Wan, Xinhai; Liu, Jie; Lu, Jing-Fang; Tzelepi, Vassiliki; Yang, Jun; Starbuck, Michael W.; Diao, Lixia; Wang, Jing; Efstathiou, Eleni; Vazquez, Elba S.; Troncoso, Patricia; Maity, Sankar N.; Navone, Nora M.

2012-01-01

Purpose To study Wnt/beta-catenin in castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and understand its function independently of the beta-catenin–androgen receptor (AR) interaction. Experimental Design We performed beta-catenin immunocytochemical analysis, evaluated TOP-flash reporter activity (a reporter of beta-catenin–mediated transcription), and sequenced the beta-catenin gene in MDA PCa 118a, MDA PCa 118b, MDA PCa 2b, and PC-3 prostate cancer (PCa) cells. We knocked down beta-catenin in AR-negative MDA PCa 118b cells and performed comparative gene-array analysis. We also immunohistochemically analyzed beta-catenin and AR in 27 bone metastases of human CRPCs. Results Beta-catenin nuclear accumulation and TOP-flash reporter activity were high in MDA PCa 118b but not in MDA PCa 2b or PC-3 cells. MDA PCa 118a and 118b cells carry a mutated beta-catenin at codon 32 (D32G). Ten genes were expressed differently (false discovery rate, 0.05) in MDA PCa 118b cells with downregulated beta-catenin. One such gene, hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), synthesizes hyaluronan, a core component of the extracellular matrix. We confirmed HAS2 upregulation in PC-3 cells transfected with D32G-mutant beta-catenin. Finally, we found nuclear localization of beta-catenin in 10 of 27 human tissue specimens; this localization was inversely associated with AR expression (P = 0.056, Fisher’s exact test), suggesting that reduced AR expression enables Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. Conclusion We identified a previously unknown downstream target of beta-catenin, HAS2, in PCa, and found that high beta-catenin nuclear localization and low or no AR expression may define a subpopulation of men with bone-metastatic PCa. These findings may guide physicians in managing these patients. PMID:22298898

Development of a Phenotypic Method for Detection of Fecal Carriage of OXA-48-Producing Enterobacteriaceae after Incidental Detection from Clinical Specimen▿

PubMed Central

Ruppé, Etienne; Armand-Lefèvre, Laurence; Lolom, Isabelle; El Mniai, Assiya; Muller-Serieys, Claudette; Ruimy, Raymond; Woerther, Paul-Louis; Bilariki, Kalliopi; Marre, Michel; Massin, Philippe; Andremont, Antoine; Lucet, Jean-Christophe

2011-01-01

We report incidental isolation of an OXA-48-producing Escherichia coli strain in urine of a 62-year-old woman recently returning from a 2-month vacation in Morocco. Commercially available extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-targeting medium failed to detect it in the patient's stools, although a locally developed and easy-to-implement method using ertapenem-supplemented brain heart infusion (BHI) broths could. PMID:21562103

Hydrostatic pressure enhances chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells in osteochondrogenic medium.

PubMed

Wagner, Diane R; Lindsey, Derek P; Li, Kelvin W; Tummala, Padmaja; Chandran, Sheena E; Smith, R Lane; Longaker, Michael T; Carter, Dennis R; Beaupre, Gary S

2008-05-01

This study demonstrated the chondrogenic effect of hydrostatic pressure on human bone marrow stromal cells (MSCs) cultured in a mixed medium containing osteogenic and chondrogenic factors. MSCs seeded in type I collagen sponges were exposed to 1 MPa of intermittent hydrostatic pressure at a frequency of 1 Hz for 4 h per day for 10 days, or remained in identical culture conditions but without exposure to pressure. Afterwards, we compared the proteoglycan content of loaded and control cell/scaffold constructs with Alcian blue staining. We also used real-time PCR to evaluate the change in mRNA expression of selected genes associated with chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation (aggrecan, type I collagen, type II collagen, Runx2 (Cbfa-1), Sox9, and TGF-beta1). With the hydrostatic pressure loading regime, proteoglycan staining increased markedly. Correspondingly, the mRNA expression of chondrogenic genes such as aggrecan, type II collagen, and Sox9 increased significantly. We also saw a significant increase in the mRNA expression of type I collagen, but no change in the expression of Runx2 or TGF-beta1 mRNA. This study demonstrated that hydrostatic pressure enhanced differentiation of MSCs in the presence of multipotent differentiation factors in vitro, and suggests the critical role that this loading regime may play during cartilage development and regeneration in vivo.

Selective, high-energy beta scintillation sensor for real-time, in situ characterization of uranium-238 and strontium-90

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schilk, A. J.; Abel, K. H.; Brown, D. P.; Thompson, R. C.; Knopf, M. A.; Hubbard, C. W.

1994-04-01

A novel scintillating-fiber sensor for detecting high-energy beta particles has been designed and built at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory to characterize U-238 and Sr-90 in surface soils. High-energy betas generate unique signals as they pass through multiple layers of scintillating fibers that make up the active region of the detector. Lower-energy beta particles, gamma rays, and cosmic-ray-generated particles comprise the majority of the background interferences. The resulting signals produced by these latter phenomena are effectively discriminated against due to the combination of the sensor's multilayer configuration and its interlayer coincidence/anticoincidence circuitry.

Practice advisory: The utility of EEG theta/beta power ratio in ADHD diagnosis

PubMed Central

Gloss, David; Varma, Jay K.; Pringsheim, Tamara; Nuwer, Marc R.

2016-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the evidence for EEG theta/beta power ratio for diagnosing, or helping to diagnose, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: We identified relevant studies and classified them using American Academy of Neurology criteria. Results: Two Class I studies assessing the ability of EEG theta/beta power ratio and EEG frontal beta power to identify patients with ADHD correctly identified 166 of 185 participants. Both studies evaluated theta/beta power ratio and frontal beta power in suspected ADHD or in syndromes typically included in an ADHD differential diagnosis. A bivariate model combining the diagnostic studies shows that the combination of EEG frontal beta power and theta/beta power ratio has relatively high sensitivity and specificity but is insufficiently accurate. Conclusions: It is unknown whether a combination of standard clinical examination and EEG theta/beta power ratio increases diagnostic certainty of ADHD compared with clinical examination alone. Recommendations: Level B: Clinicians should inform patients with suspected ADHD and their families that the combination of EEG theta/beta power ratio and frontal beta power should not replace a standard clinical evaluation. There is a risk for significant harm to patients from ADHD misdiagnosis because of the unacceptably high false-positive diagnostic rate of EEG theta/beta power ratio and frontal beta power. Level R: Clinicians should inform patients with suspected ADHD and their families that the EEG theta/beta power ratio should not be used to confirm an ADHD diagnosis or to support further testing after a clinical evaluation, unless such diagnostic assessments occur in a research setting. PMID:27760867

Protective effects of melittin on transforming growth factor-{beta}1 injury to hepatocytes via anti-apoptotic mechanism

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Woo-Ram; Park, Ji-Hyun; Kim, Kyung-Hyun

Melittin is a cationic, hemolytic peptide that is the main toxic component in the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). Melittin has multiple effects, including anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, in various cell types. However, the anti-apoptotic mechanisms of melittin have not been fully elucidated in hepatocytes. Apoptosis contributes to liver inflammation and fibrosis. Knowledge of the apoptotic mechanisms is important to develop new and effective therapies for treatment of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, liver cancer, and other liver diseases. In the present study, we investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of melittin on transforming growth factor (TGF)-{beta}1-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes. TGF-{beta}1-treated hepatocytesmore » were exposed to low doses (0.5 and 1 {mu}g/mL) and high dose (2 {mu}g/mL) of melittin. The low doses significantly protected these cells from DNA damage in TGF-{beta}1-induced apoptosis compared to the high dose. Also, melittin suppressed TGF-{beta}1-induced apoptotic activation of the Bcl-2 family and caspase family of proteins, which resulted in the inhibition of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. These results demonstrate that TGF-{beta}1 induces hepatocyte apoptosis and that an optimal dose of melittin exerts anti-apoptotic effects against TGF-{beta}1-induced injury to hepatocytes via the mitochondrial pathway. These results suggest that an optimal dose of melittin can serve to protect cells against TGF-{beta}1-mediated injury. - Highlights: > We investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of melittin on TGF-{beta}1-induced hepatocyte. > TGF-{beta}1 induces hepatocyte apoptosis. > TGF-{beta}1-treated hepatocytes were exposed to low doses and high dose of melittin. > Optimal dose of melittin exerts anti-apoptotic effects to hepatocytes.« less

HMGB1-stimulated human primary cardiac fibroblasts exert a paracrine action on human and murine cardiac stem cells.

PubMed

Rossini, Alessandra; Zacheo, Antonella; Mocini, David; Totta, Pierangela; Facchiano, Antonio; Castoldi, Raffaella; Sordini, Paolo; Pompilio, Giulio; Abeni, Damiano; Capogrossi, Maurizio C; Germani, Antonia

2008-04-01

High Mobility Box 1 Protein (HMGB1) is a cytokine released into the extracellular space by necrotic cells and activated macrophages in response to injury. We recently demonstrated that HMGB1 administration into the mouse heart during acute myocardial infarction induces cardiac tissue regeneration by activating resident cardiac c-kit+ cells (CSCs) and significantly enhances left ventricular function. In the present study it was analyzed the hypothesis that human cardiac fibroblasts (cFbs) exposed to HMGB1 may exert a paracrine effect on mouse and human CSCs. Human cFbs expressed the HMGB1 receptor RAGE. Luminex technology and ELISA assays revealed that HMGB1 significantly enhanced VEGF, PlGF, Mip-1alpha, IFN-gamma, GM-CSF, Il-10, Il-1beta, Il-4, Il-1ra, Il-9 and TNF-alpha in cFbs cell culture medium. HMGB1-stimulated cFbs conditioned media induced CSC migration and proliferation. These effects were significantly higher to those obtained when HMGB1 was added directly to the culture medium. In conclusion, we provide evidence that HMGB1 may act in a paracrine manner stimulating growth factor, cytokine and chemokine release by cFbs which, in turn, modulate CSC function. Via this mechanism HMGB1 may contribute to cardiac tissue regeneration.

Effect of cobalt on Escherichia coli metabolism and metalloporphyrin formation

PubMed Central

Majtan, Tomas; Frerman, Frank E.

2011-01-01

Toxicity in Escherichia coli resulting from high concentrations of cobalt has been explained by competition of cobalt with iron in various metabolic processes including Fe–S cluster assembly, sulfur assimilation, production of free radicals and reduction of free thiol pool. Here we present another aspect of increased cobalt concentrations in the culture medium resulting in the production of cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPPIX), which was incorporated into heme proteins including membrane-bound cytochromes and an expressed human cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS). The presence of CoPPIX in cytochromes inhibited their electron transport capacity and resulted in a substantially decreased respiration. Bacterial cells adapted to the increased cobalt concentration by inducing a modified mixed acid fermentative pathway under aerobiosis. We capitalized on the ability of E. coli to insert cobalt into PPIX to carry out an expression of CoPPIX-substituted heme proteins. The level of CoPPIX-substitution increased with the number of passages of cells in a cobalt-containing medium. This approach is an inexpensive method to prepare cobalt-substituted heme proteins compared to in vitro enzyme reconstitution or in vivo replacement using metalloporphyrin heme analogs and seems to be especially suitable for complex heme proteins with an additional coenzyme, such as human CBS. PMID:21184140

Binding of the human "electron transferring flavoprotein" (ETF) to the medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) involves an arginine and histidine residue.

PubMed

Parker, Antony R

2003-10-01

The interaction between the "electron transferring flavoprotein" (ETF) and medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) enables successful flavin to flavin electron transfer, crucial for the beta-oxidation of fatty acids. The exact biochemical determinants for ETF binding to MCAD are unknown. Here we show that binding of human ETF, to MCAD, was inhibited by 2,3-butanedione and diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) and reversed by incubation with free arginine and hydroxylamine respectively. Spectral analyses of native ETF vs modified ETF suggested that flavin binding was not affected and that the loss of ETF activity with MCAD involved modification of one ETF arginine residue and one ETF histidine residue respectively. MCAD and octanoyl-CoA protected ETF against inactivation by both 2,3-butanedione and DEPC indicating that the arginine and histidine residues are present in or around the MCAD binding site. Comparison of exposed arginine and histidine residues among different ETF species, however, indicates that arginine residues are highly conserved but that histidine residues are not. These results lead us to conclude that this single arginine residue is essential for the binding of ETF to MCAD, but that the single histidine residue, although involved, is not.

Reduction of high-energy shock-wave-induced renal tubular injury by selenium.

PubMed

Strohmaier, W L; Lahme, S; Weidenbach, P M; Bichler, K H

1999-10-01

In shock-wave-induced renal injury cavitation-generated free radicals play an important role. Using an in vitro model with Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, we investigated the influence of selenium, a free radical scavenger, in shock-wave-induced tubular cell injury. Suspensions of MDCK cells (33 x 10(6) cells/ml) were placed in small containers (volume 1.1 ml) for shock wave exposure. Two groups of 12 containers each were examined: (1) control (no medication), (2) selenium (0.4 microg/ml nutrient medium). Six containers in each group were exposed to shock waves (impulse rate 256, frequency 60 Hz, generator voltage 18 kV), while the other six containers in each group served as a control. After shock wave exposure, the concentration of cellular enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate lactate dehydrogenase (GLDH) in the nutrient medium was examined. Following shock wave exposure there was a significant rise in LDH, NAG, GOT and GLDH concentrations. Selenium reduced this enzyme leakage significantly. Thus we conclude that selenium protects renal tubular cells against shock-wave-induced injury. Since selenium is an essential part of glutathione peroxidase, this effect seems to be mediated by a reduction in reactive oxygen species.

Free fatty acids-sensing G protein-coupled receptors in drug targeting and therapeutics.

PubMed

Yonezawa, Tomo; Kurata, Riho; Yoshida, Kaori; Murayama, Masanori A; Cui, Xiaofeng; Hasegawa, Akihiko

2013-01-01

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) (also known as seven-transmembrane domain receptor) superfamily represents the largest protein family in the human genome. These receptors respond to various physiological ligands such as photons, odors, pheromones, hormones, ions, and small molecules including amines, amino acids to large peptides and steroids. Thus, GPCRs are involved in many diseases and the target of around half of all conventional drugs. The physiological roles of free fatty acids (FFAs), in particular, long-chain FFAs, are important for the development of many metabolic disease including obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. In the past half decade, deorphanization of several GPCRs has revealed that GPR40, GPR41, GPR43, GPR84 and GPR120 sense concentration of extracellular FFAs with various carbon chain lengths. GPR40 and GPR120 are activated by medium- and long-chain FFAs. GPR84 is activated by medium- chain, but not long-chain, FFAs. GPR41 and GPR43 are activated by short-chain FFAs. GPR40 is highly expressed in pancreatic beta cells and plays a crucial role in FFAs-induced insulin secretion. GPR120 is mainly expressed in enteroendocrine cells and plays an important role for FFAs-induced glucagon-like peptide-1. GPR43 is abundant in leukocytes and adipose tissue, whilst GPR41 is highly expressed in adipose tissue, the pancreas and leukocytes. GPR84 is expressed in leukocytes and monocyte/macrophage. This review aims to shed light on the physiological roles and development of drugs targeting these receptors.

Fisk-Gloeckler Suprathermal Proton Spectrum in the Heliosheath and the Local Interstellar Medium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cooper, John F.; Kasprzak, W. T.; Mahaffy, P. R.; Niemann, H. B.; Hartle, R. E.; Paschalidis, N.; Chornay, D.; Coplan, M.; Johnson, R. E.

2010-01-01

Convergence of suprathermal keV-MeV proton and ion spectra approximately to the Fisk-Gloeckler (F-G) form j(E) = j(sub 0) E(sup -1.5) in Voyager land 2 heliosheath measurements is suggestive of distributed acceleration in Kolmogorov turbulence which may extend well beyond the heliopause into the local interstellar medium (LISM). Turbulence of this type is already indicated by interstellar radio scintillation measurements of electron density power spectra. Previously published extrapolations (Cooper et al., 2003, 2006) of the LISM proton spectrum from eV to GeV energies are highly consistent with the F-G power-law and further indicative of such turbulence and LISM effectiveness of the F-G cascade acceleration process. The LISM pressure computed from this spectrum well exceeds that from current estimates for the LISM magnetic field, so exchange of energy between the protons and the magnetic field would likely have a strong role in evolution of the turbulence as per the F-G theory and as long ago proposed for cosmic ray energies by Parker and others. Pressure-dependent estimates of the LISM field strength should not ignore this potentially strong and even dominant contribution from the plasma. Presence of high-beta suprathermal plasma on LISM field lines could significantly affect interactions with the heliospheric outer boundary region and might potentially account for distributed and more discrete features in ongoing measurements of energetic neutral emission from the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission.

Determination of pharmacological levels of harmane, harmine and harmaline in mammalian brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid and plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection.

PubMed

Moncrieff, J

1989-11-24

Increased blood aldehyde levels, as occur in alcohol intoxication, could lead to the formation of beta-carbolines such as harmane by condensation with indoleamines. Endogenous beta-carbolines, therefore, should occur in specific brain areas where indoleamine concentrations are high, whilst exogenous beta-carbolines should exhibit an even distribution. The author presents direct and sensitive methods for assaying the beta-carbolines harmane, harmine and harmaline in brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid and plasma at picogram sample concentrations using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection and minimal sample preparation. Using these assay methods, it was found that the distribution of beta-carbolines from a source exogenous to the brain results in a relatively even distribution within the brain tissue.

Determination of the efficiency of commercially available dose calibrators for beta-emitters.

PubMed

Valley, Jean-François; Bulling, Shelley; Leresche, Michel; Wastiel, Claude

2003-03-01

The goals of this investigation are to determine whether commercially available dose calibrators can be used to measure the activity of beta-emitting radionuclides used in pain palliation and to establish whether manufacturer-supplied calibration factors are appropriate for this purpose. Six types of commercially available dose calibrators were studied. Dose calibrator response was controlled for 5 gamma-emitters used for calibration or typically encountered in routine use. For the 4 most commonly used beta-emitters ((32)P, (90)Sr, (90)Y, and (169)Er) dose calibrator efficiency was determined in the syringe geometry used for clinical applications. Efficiency of the calibrators was also measured for (153)Sm and (186)Re, 2 beta-emitters with significant gamma-contributions. Source activities were traceable to national standards. All calibrators measured gamma-emitters with a precision of +/-10%, in compliance with Swiss regulatory requirements. For beta-emitters, dose calibrator intrinsic efficiency depends strongly on the maximal energy of the beta-spectrum and is notably low for (169)Er. Manufacturer-supplied calibration factors give accurate results for beta-emitters with maximal beta-energy in the middle-energy range (1 MeV) but are not appropriate for use with low-energy ((169)Er) or high-energy ((90)Y) beta-emitters. beta-emitters with significant gamma-contributions behave like gamma-emitters. Commercially available dose calibrators have an intrinsic efficiency that is sufficient for the measurement of beta-emitters, including beta-emitters with a low maximum beta-energy. Manufacturer-supplied calibration factors are reliable for gamma-emitters and beta-emitters in the middle-energy range. For low- and high-energy beta-emitters, the use of manufacturer-supplied calibration factors introduces significant measurement inaccuracy.

beta2-Microglobulin production by highly purified human T and B lymphocytes in cell culture stimulated with various mitogens.

PubMed

Kin, K; Kasahara, T; Itoh, Y; Sakurabayashi, I; Kawai, T; Morita, M

1979-01-01

This study attempts to evaluate beta2-microglobulin production by highly purified (greater than 98%) peripheral and tonsil T and B lymphocytes cultured with various mitogens. beta2-Microglobulin was measured by the radioimmunoassay method. It was found that PHA and Con A markedly stimulated beta2-microglobulin production in cultures of T but not B lymphocytes. B lymphocytes were greatly activated, on the other hand, by Staphylococcus aureau Cowan I organisms cSpA), though the level of beta2-microglobulin production was less than that observed in PHA- and Con A-stimulated T lymphocytes. PWM only slightly increased beta2-microglobulin production of T lymphocytes, although the incorporation of [3H]-thymidine was highly enhanced. The highest level of beta2-microglobulin obtained with PHA or Con A was observed when the T/B lymphocyte ratio was between 90/10 and 80/20. These results lead to the conclusion that: (1) SpA is a specific mitogen for B lymphocytes, and its mitogenicity is independent of the presence of T lymphocytes, while PHA, Con A, and PWM are ineffective as stimulants of B lymphocytes; (2) the beta2-microglobulin producing ability of B lymphocytes is less than that of T lymphocytes, even when the lymphocytes are markedly activated; (3) the beta2-microglobulin production and DNA synthesis by T lymphocytes is markedly enhanced by the helper effect of B lymphocytes; (4) the level of beta2-microglobulin production reflects lymphocyte activation, especially in T lymphocytes stimulated with PHA or Con A.

Role of beta-alanine supplementation on muscle carnosine and exercise performance.

PubMed

Artioli, Guilherme Giannini; Gualano, Bruno; Smith, Abbie; Stout, Jeffrey; Lancha, Antonio Herbert

2010-06-01

In this narrative review, we present and discuss the current knowledge available on carnosine and beta-alanine metabolism as well as the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on exercise performance. Intramuscular acidosis has been attributed to be one of the main causes of fatigue during intense exercise. Carnosine has been shown to play a significant role in muscle pH regulation. Carnosine is synthesized in skeletal muscle from the amino acids l-histidine and beta-alanine. The rate-limiting factor of carnosine synthesis is beta-alanine availability. Supplementation with beta-alanine has been shown to increase muscle carnosine content and therefore total muscle buffer capacity, with the potential to elicit improvements in physical performance during high-intensity exercise. Studies on beta-alanine supplementation and exercise performance have demonstrated improvements in performance during multiple bouts of high-intensity exercise and in single bouts of exercise lasting more than 60 s. Similarly, beta-alanine supplementation has been shown to delay the onset of neuromuscular fatigue. Although beta-alanine does not improve maximal strength or VO2max, some aspects of endurance performance, such as anaerobic threshold and time to exhaustion, can be enhanced. Symptoms of paresthesia may be observed if a single dose higher than 800 mg is ingested. The symptoms, however, are transient and related to the increase in plasma concentration. They can be prevented by using controlled release capsules and smaller dosing strategies. No important side effect was related to the use of this amino acid so far. In conclusion, beta-alanine supplementation seems to be a safe nutritional strategy capable of improving high-intensity anaerobic performance.

Folding control in cyclic peptides through N-methylation pattern selection: formation of antiparallel beta-sheet dimers, double reverse turns and supramolecular helices by 3alpha,gamma cyclic peptides.

PubMed

Amorín, Manuel; Castedo, Luis; Granja, Juan R

2008-01-01

Peptide foldamers constitute a growing class of nanomaterials with potential applications in a wide variety of chemical, medical and technological fields. Here we describe the preparation and structural characteristics of a new class of cyclic peptide foldamers (3alpha,gamma-CPs) that, depending on their backbone N-methylation patterns and the medium, can either remain as flat rings that dimerize through arrays of hydrogen bonds of antiparallel beta-sheet type, or can fold into twisted double reverse turns that, in the case of double gamma-turns, associate in nonpolar solvents to form helical supramolecular structures. A 3alpha,gamma-CP consists of a number of multiples of a repeat unit made up of four amino acid residues of alternating chirality: three corresponding to alpha-amino acids and one to a gamma-amino acid (a cis-3-aminocycloalkanecarboxylic acid).

Three-Dimensional Hybrid-Kinetic Simulations of Alfvénic Turbulence in the Solar Wind

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arzamasskiy, Lev; Kunz, Matthew; Chandran, Benjamin; Quataert, Eliot

2017-10-01

The interplanetary medium hosts a solar wind, which contains a broadband turbulent spectrum of large-amplitude Alfvén waves. In this talk, we present results from hybrid-kinetic simulations of this turbulent and essentially collisionless system. We confirm power-law indices obtained in previous analytical and numerical (e.g., gyrokinetic) studies, and carefully explore the location of the spectral break and physics occurring at the ion-Larmor scale. In the low-beta regime, we find evidence of perpendicular ion heating, which we interpret as stochastic heating arising from interactions between ions and strong fluctuations at wavelengths comparable to the ion-Larmor scale. We explore the dependence of ion heating on plasma beta. Finally, we discuss the interpretation of spacecraft measurements of this turbulence by testing the Taylor hypothesis with synthetic spacecraft measurements of our simulation data. This work was supported by NASA Grant NNX16AK09G.

Exopolysaccharide production by filamentous fungi: the example of Botryosphaeria rhodina.

PubMed

Selbmann, Laura; Stingele, Francesca; Petruccioli, Maurizio

2003-01-01

One-hundred and five fungal strains, belonging to 46 different species, were screened for exopolysaccharide production. Phytopathogenicity and, in particular, inability to produce conidia, were physiological characteristics positively associated and correlated with the fungal ability to produce polysaccharides. Among the 29 positive strains, Botryosphaeria rhodina DABAC-P82 was the most interesting reaching, when grown on optimal nitrogen source and concentration (NaNO3 and 2.0 g l(-1), respectively) and culture medium pH (3.7), 17.7 g l(-1) of exopolysaccharide production after only 24 h of fermentation; yield and productivity were 0.69 g g(-1) and 0.73 g l(-1)h(-1), respectively. The purified polysaccharide was characterised as a homopolysaccharide of glucose with a molecular weight of 4.875 x 10(6) Da. Studies of structural analysis indicated the presence of beta-1,3 and beta-1,6 linkages; the EPS structure was very similar to that of scleroglucan.

Pixel detectors in double beta decay experiments, a new approach for background reduction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jose, J. M.; Čermák, P.; Štekl, I.

Double beta decay (ββ) experiments are challenging frontiers in contemporary physics. These experiments have the potential to investigate more about neutrinos (eg. nature and mass). The main challenge for these experiments is the reduction of background. The group at IEAP, CTU in Prague is investigating a new approach using pixel detectors Timepix. Pixel detector offer background reduction capabilities with its ability to identify the particle interaction (from the 2D signature it generates). However, use of pixel detectors has some challenges such as the presence of readout electronics near the sensing medium and heat dissipation. Different aspects of pixel setup (identificationmore » of radio-impurities, selection of radio-pure materials) and proposed experimental setup are presented. Also, results of preliminary background measurements (performed on the surface and in the underground laboratories) using the prototype setups are presented.« less

Knockdown of Lmo7 inhibits chick myogenesis.

PubMed

Possidonio, Ana C B; Soares, Carolina P; Fontenele, Marcio; Morris, Eduardo R; Mouly, Vincent; Costa, Manoel L; Mermelstein, Claudia

2016-02-01

The multifunctional protein Lmo7 has been implicated in some aspects of myogenesis in mammals. Here we studied the distribution and expression of Lmo7 and the effects of Lmo7 knockdown in primary cultures of chick skeletal muscle cells. Lmo7 was localized within the nuclei of myoblasts and at the perinuclear region of myotubes. Knockdown of Lmo7 using siRNA specific to chick reduces the number and width of myotubes and the number of MyoD positive-myoblasts. Both Wnt3a enriched medium and Bio, activators of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, could rescue the effects of the Lmo7 knockdown suggesting a crosstalk between the Wnt/beta-catenin and Lmo7-mediated signaling pathways. Our data shows a role of Lmo7 during the initial events of chick skeletal myogenesis, particularly in myoblast survival. © 2016 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

17betaE2 promotes cell proliferation in endometriosis by decreasing PTEN via NFkappaB-dependent pathway.

PubMed

Zhang, Hui; Zhao, Xingbo; Liu, Shu; Li, Jijun; Wen, Zeqing; Li, Mingjiang

2010-04-12

The objective of this study was to explore the mechanism of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) loss in endometriosis. We found that aberrant PTEN expression and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/ERK, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKt, and nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB) signaling overactivities coexisted in endometriosis. In vitro, 17beta-estradiol rapidly activated the 3 pathways in endometriotic cells and specific inhibitions on the 3 pathways respectively blocked 17beta-estradiol-induced cell proliferation. 17beta-estradiol suppressed PTEN transcription and expression in endometriotic cells which was abolished by specific NFkappaB inhibition. Total/nuclear PTEN-loss and MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKt, and NFkappaB signal overactivities coexist in endometriosis. In vitro, 17beta-estradiol can promotes cell proliferation in endometriosis by activating PI3K/AKt pathway via an NFkappaB/PTEN-dependent pathway. For the first time we propose the possibility of the presence of a positive feedback-loop: 17beta-estradiol-->high NFkappaB-->low PTEN-->high PI3K-->high NFkappaB, in endometriosis, which may finally promote the proliferation of ectopic endometrial epithelial cells and in turn contributes to the progression of the disease.

Engineering ..beta..-Oxidation in Yarrowia lipolytica for Methyl Ketone Production

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sanchez i Nogue, Violeta; Ramirez, Kelsey J; Singer, Christine

Medium- and long-chain methyl ketones are fatty acid-derived compounds that can be used as biofuel blending agents, flavors and fragrances. However, their large-scale production from sustainable feedstocks is currently limited due to the lack of robust microbial biocatalysts. The oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is a promising biorefinery platform strain for the production of methyl ketones from renewable lignocellulosic biomass due to its natively high flux towards fatty acid biosynthesis. In this study, we report the metabolic engineering of Y. lipolytica to produce long- and very long-chain methyl ketones. Truncation of peroxisomal ..beta..-oxidation by chromosomal deletion of pot1 resulted in themore » biosynthesis of saturated, mono-, and diunsaturated methyl ketones in the C13-C23 range. Additional overexpression and peroxisomal targeting of a heterologous bacterial methyl ketone biosynthesis pathway yielded an initial titer of 151.5 mg/L of saturated methyl ketones. Dissolved oxygen concentrations in the cultures were found to substantially impact cell morphology and methyl ketone biosynthesis. Bioreactor cultivation under optimized conditions resulted in a titer of 314.8 mg/L of total methyl ketones, representing more than a 6000-fold increase over the parental strain. This work highlights the potential of Y. lipolytica to serve as chassis organism for the biosynthesis of acyl-thioester derived long- and very long-chain methyl ketones.« less

Influence of reaction medium during synthesis of Gantrez AN 119 nanoparticles for oral vaccination.

PubMed

Vandamme, Katrien; Melkebeek, Vesna; Cox, Eric; Deforce, Dieter; Lenoir, Joke; Adriaens, Els; Vervaet, Chris; Remon, Jean Paul

2010-02-01

Two synthesis methods of poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic anhydride) (Gantrez AN 119) nanoparticles (NP) (used for oral vaccination) were compared. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) was used as ligand to enhance the bioadhesive properties of NP and beta-galactosidase as antigen. The first method encapsulated beta-galactosidase in NP by co-precipitation in an acetone/water mixture containing 44% acetone. In the second method, antigen addition occurred in 100% acetone. To improve stability, NP were crosslinked with 1,3-diaminopropane. The stability of WGA-conjugated NP with encapsulated antigen diminished at lower pH and when decreasing the amount of crosslinker. The binding type between WGA and polymer depended on the synthesis method: predominantly ionic bonds were formed using the 44% acetone method, whereas synthesis via the 100% acetone method resulted in covalent bonds. The biological activity of the WGA coating, evaluated via a pig gastric mucin binding test, was lower in NP prepared via the 100% acetone method. No release of native antigen was detected after hydrolysis of NP, due to the covalent antigen binding during antigen encapsulation and the high reactivity of the polymer. Moreover, the mucosal irritation capacity was evaluated upon nanoparticle hydrolysis using a slug mucosal irritation assay. Herein, hydrolysed NP of the 44% acetone method were classified as mild irritative. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cloning and characterization of a DNA polymerase beta gene from Trypanosoma cruzi.

PubMed

Venegas, Juan A; Aslund, Lena; Solari, Aldo

2009-06-01

A gene coding for a DNA polymerase beta from the Trypanosoma cruzi Miranda clone, belonging to the TcI lineage, was cloned (Miranda Tcpol beta), using the information from eight peptides of the T. cruzi beta-like DNA polymerase purified previously. The gene encodes for a protein of 403 amino acids which is very similar to the two T. cruzi CL Brener (TcIIe lineage) sequences published, but has three different residues in highly conserved segments. At the amino acid level, the identity of TcI-pol beta with mitochondrial pol beta and pol beta-PAK from other trypanosomatids was between 68-80% and 22-30%, respectively. Miranda Tc-pol beta protein has an N-terminal sequence similar to that described in the mitochondrial Crithidia fasciculata pol beta, which suggests that the TcI-pol beta plays a role in the organelle. Northern and Western analyses showed that this T. cruzi gene is highly expressed both in proliferative and non-proliferative developmental forms. These results suggest that, in addition to replication of kDNA in proliferative cells, this enzyme may have another function in non-proliferative cells, such as DNA repair role similar to that which has extensively been described in a vast spectrum of eukaryotic cells.

Persistent suppression of subthalamic beta-band activity during rhythmic finger tapping in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Joundi, Raed A; Brittain, John-Stuart; Green, Alex L; Aziz, Tipu Z; Brown, Peter; Jenkinson, Ned

2013-03-01

The function of synchronous oscillatory activity at beta band (15-30Hz) frequencies within the basal ganglia is unclear. Here we sought support for the hypothesis that beta activity has a global function within the basal ganglia and is not directly involved in the coding of specific biomechanical parameters of movement. We recorded local field potential activity from the subthalamic nuclei of 11 patients with Parkinson's disease during a synchronized tapping task at three different externally cued rates. Beta activity was suppressed during tapping, reaching a minimum that differed little across the different tapping rates despite an increase in velocity of finger movements. Thus beta power suppression was independent of specific motor parameters. Moreover, although beta oscillations remained suppressed during all tapping rates, periods of resynchronization between taps were markedly attenuated during high rate tapping. As such, a beta rebound above baseline between taps at the lower rates was absent at the high rate. Our results demonstrate that beta desynchronization in the region of the subthalamic nucleus is independent of motor parameters and that the beta resynchronization is differentially modulated by rate of finger tapping, These findings implicate consistent beta suppression in the facilitation of continuous movement sequences. Copyright © 2012 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Constitution of pseudobinary hypoeutectic beta-NiAl + alpha-V alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cotton, J. D.; Kaufman, M. J.; Noebe, R. D.

1991-01-01

The formation of pseudobinary eutectics between NiAl (beta) and V (alpha) at high temperatures was investigated as a possible way of improving the ductility and toughness of the alloy. It is found that a pseudobinary eutectic, characterized by a large beta+alpha field, is formed in the Ni-Al-V ternary system below about 1370 C. The high-temperature solubility of V in beta is about 14 percent, decreasing markedly with decreasing temperature and increasing Al content above 50 at. pct Al. The pseudobinary hypoeutectic exibits crack resistance under indentation loading.

Comparative molecular field analysis of fenoterol derivatives: A platform towards highly selective and effective beta(2)-adrenergic receptor agonists.

PubMed

Jozwiak, Krzysztof; Woo, Anthony Yiu-Ho; Tanga, Mary J; Toll, Lawrence; Jimenez, Lucita; Kozocas, Joseph A; Plazinska, Anita; Xiao, Rui-Ping; Wainer, Irving W

2010-01-15

To use a previously developed CoMFA model to design a series of new structures of high selectivity and efficacy towards the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor. Out of 21 computationally designed structures 6 compounds were synthesized and characterized for beta(2)-AR binding affinities, subtype selectivities and functional activities. the best compound is (R,R)-4-methoxy-1-naphthylfelnoterol with K(i)beta(2)-AR=0.28microm, K(i)beta(1)-AR/K(i)beta(2)-AR=573, EC(50cAMP)=3.9nm, EC(50cardio)=16nm. The CoMFA model appears to be an effective predictor of the cardiomocyte contractility of the studied compounds which are targeted for use in congestive heart failure. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transportation fuel production by combination of LDPE thermal cracking and catalytic hydroreforming.

PubMed

Escola, J M; Aguado, J; Serrano, D P; Briones, L

2014-11-01

Fuel production from plastics is a promising way to reduce landfilling rates while obtaining valuable products. The usage of Ni-supported hierarchical Beta zeolite (h-Beta) for the hydroreforming of the oils coming from LDPE thermal cracking has proved to produce high selectivities to gasoline and diesel fuels (>80%). In the present work, the effect of the Ni loading on Ni/h-Beta is investigated in the hydroreforming of the oils form LDPE thermal cracking. h-Beta samples were impregnated with Ni nitrate, calcined and reduced in H2 up to 550°C to achieve different Ni contents: 1.5%, 4%, 7% and 10%. Larger and more easily reducible metal particles were obtained on Ni 7%/h-Beta and Ni 10%/h-Beta. Hydroreforming tests were carried out in autoclave reactor at 310°C, under 20 bar H2, for 45 min. Ni content progressively increased the amount of gases at the expenses of diesel fractions, while gasoline remained approximately constant about 52-54%. Maximum selectivity to automotive fuels (∼81%) was obtained with Ni 7%/h-Beta. Ni loading also enhanced olefins saturation up to Ni 7%/h-Beta. High cetane indices (71-86) and octane numbers (89-91) were obtained over all the catalysts. Regarding the different studied Ni contents, Ni 7%/h-Beta constitutes a rather promising catalyst for obtaining high quality fuels from LDPE thermal cracking oils. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of 6-mercaptopurine nucleotide derivatives on the growth and survival of 6-mercaptopurine-sensitive and -resistant cell culture lines.

PubMed

Johnston, H P; Hawley, P; White, S E; Gibson, I; Tidd, D M

1985-04-01

6-Mercaptopurine (MP)-sensitive and -resistant cell culture lines were used to further characterize the apparent ability of MP nucleotide derivatives to overcome resistance to the parent drug. 6-Mercaptopurine-9-beta-D-ribofuranoside 5'-monophosphate [MPRP], bis(6-mercaptopurine-9-beta-D-ribofuranoside)-5', 5"'-monophosphate [bis(MPR)P], bis(O2',O3'-dibutyryl-6-mercaptopurine-9-beta-D-ribofuranoside)-5', 5"'-monophosphate [bis(dibut.MPR)P], and O2',O3'-dibutyryl-6-mercaptopurine-9-beta-D-ribofuranoside 5'-monophosphate [dibut.MPRP] were tested for cytotoxic and/or growth inhibitory effects against MP-resistant sublines of V79 Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (CH/TG) and L1210 mouse leukaemia cells (L1210/MPR) in which deficiencies of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase, and hence drug nucleotide forming capacity were the basis of resistance. L1210/MPR cells were totally resistant to 1 mM 6-mercaptopurine-9-beta-D-ribofuranoside [MPR] and 2 mM MPRP, but were inhibited by high concentrations (greater than 0.25 mM) of bis(MPR)P. These results suggested that bis(MPR)P was taken up by cells as the intact molecule since MPR and MPRP were its extracellular breakdown products. L1210/MPR cells were much more sensitive to the lipophilic bis(dibut.MPR)P derivative which had a predominantly cytotoxic action as judged by trypan blue staining and the ability of treated cells to produce macroscopic colonies in soft agar medium. However, cells killed by bis(dibut.MPR)P did not disintegrate appreciably over periods of up to 10 days. The effects of bis(dibut.MPR)P were probably the result of cellular uptake of the intact molecule. Dibut.MPRP showed minimal ability to inhibit L1210/MPR cells although this compound was a possible breakdown product of bis(dibut.MPR)P and a source of the same extracellular degradation products. The median cell size decreased in L1210/MPR cultures during exposure to both bis(MPR)P and bis(dibut.MPR)P. This effect was elicited more rapidly and at lower concentration by bis(dibut.MPR)P than by bis(MPR)P. In contrast, sodium butyrate, a breakdown product of bis(dibut.MPR)P induced increases in cell size at high concentration. Bis (dibut.MPR)P was also cytotoxic to MP-resistant CH/TG cells and was approximately 300 times more effective than bis(MRP)P and MPR which exhibited similar activity against this cell line. Bis(dibut.MPR)P and dibut.MPRP were equivalent and less active than MPR in their effects on MP-sensitive L1210/0 cells where their predominant mechanism of action was via degradation to release MPR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The effects of 6-mercaptopurine nucleotide derivatives on the growth and survival of 6-mercaptopurine-sensitive and -resistant cell culture lines.

PubMed Central

Johnston, H. P.; Hawley, P.; White, S. E.; Gibson, I.; Tidd, D. M.

1985-01-01

6-Mercaptopurine (MP)-sensitive and -resistant cell culture lines were used to further characterize the apparent ability of MP nucleotide derivatives to overcome resistance to the parent drug. 6-Mercaptopurine-9-beta-D-ribofuranoside 5'-monophosphate [MPRP], bis(6-mercaptopurine-9-beta-D-ribofuranoside)-5', 5"'-monophosphate [bis(MPR)P], bis(O2',O3'-dibutyryl-6-mercaptopurine-9-beta-D-ribofuranoside)-5', 5"'-monophosphate [bis(dibut.MPR)P], and O2',O3'-dibutyryl-6-mercaptopurine-9-beta-D-ribofuranoside 5'-monophosphate [dibut.MPRP] were tested for cytotoxic and/or growth inhibitory effects against MP-resistant sublines of V79 Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (CH/TG) and L1210 mouse leukaemia cells (L1210/MPR) in which deficiencies of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase, and hence drug nucleotide forming capacity were the basis of resistance. L1210/MPR cells were totally resistant to 1 mM 6-mercaptopurine-9-beta-D-ribofuranoside [MPR] and 2 mM MPRP, but were inhibited by high concentrations (greater than 0.25 mM) of bis(MPR)P. These results suggested that bis(MPR)P was taken up by cells as the intact molecule since MPR and MPRP were its extracellular breakdown products. L1210/MPR cells were much more sensitive to the lipophilic bis(dibut.MPR)P derivative which had a predominantly cytotoxic action as judged by trypan blue staining and the ability of treated cells to produce macroscopic colonies in soft agar medium. However, cells killed by bis(dibut.MPR)P did not disintegrate appreciably over periods of up to 10 days. The effects of bis(dibut.MPR)P were probably the result of cellular uptake of the intact molecule. Dibut.MPRP showed minimal ability to inhibit L1210/MPR cells although this compound was a possible breakdown product of bis(dibut.MPR)P and a source of the same extracellular degradation products. The median cell size decreased in L1210/MPR cultures during exposure to both bis(MPR)P and bis(dibut.MPR)P. This effect was elicited more rapidly and at lower concentration by bis(dibut.MPR)P than by bis(MPR)P. In contrast, sodium butyrate, a breakdown product of bis(dibut.MPR)P induced increases in cell size at high concentration. Bis (dibut.MPR)P was also cytotoxic to MP-resistant CH/TG cells and was approximately 300 times more effective than bis(MRP)P and MPR which exhibited similar activity against this cell line. Bis(dibut.MPR)P and dibut.MPRP were equivalent and less active than MPR in their effects on MP-sensitive L1210/0 cells where their predominant mechanism of action was via degradation to release MPR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) PMID:3838480

Effect of cyclodextrin complexation on the aqueous solubility and solubility/dose ratio of praziquantel.

PubMed

Maragos, Stratos; Archontaki, Helen; Macheras, Panos; Valsami, Georgia

2009-01-01

Praziquantel (PZQ), the primary drug of choice in the treatment of schistosomiasis, is a highly lipophilic drug that possesses high permeability and low aqueous solubility and is, therefore, classified as a Class II drug according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS). In this work, beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) were used in order to determine whether increasing the aqueous solubility of a drug by complexation with CDs, a BCS-Class II compound like PZQ could behave as BCS-Class I (highly soluble/highly permeable) drug. Phase solubility and the kneading and lyophilization techniques were used for inclusion complex preparation; solubility was determined by UV spectroscopy. The ability of the water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP) to increase the complexation and solubilization efficiency of beta-CD and HP-beta-CD for PZQ was examined. Results showed significant improvement of PZQ solubility in the presence of both cyclodextrins but no additional effect in the presence of PVP. The solubility/dose ratios values of PZQ-cyclodextrin complexes calculated considering the low (150 mg) and the high dose (600 mg) of PZQ, used in practice, indicate that PZQ complexation with CDs may result in drug dosage forms that would behave as a BCS-Class I depending on the administered dose.

Expression of beta-expansins is correlated with internodal elongation in deepwater rice.

PubMed

Lee, Y; Kende, H

2001-10-01

Fourteen putative rice (Oryza sativa) beta-expansin genes, Os-EXPB1 through Os-EXPB14, were identified in the expressed sequence tag and genomic databases. The DNA and deduced amino acid sequences are highly conserved in all 14 beta-expansins. They have a series of conserved C (cysteine) residues in the N-terminal half of the protein, an HFD (histidine-phenylalanine-aspartate) motif in the central region, and a series of W (tryptophan) residues near the carboxyl terminus. Five beta-expansin genes are expressed in deepwater rice internodes, with especially high transcript levels in the growing region. Expression of four beta-expansin genes in the internode was induced by treatment with gibberellin and by wounding. The wound response resulted from excising stem sections or from piercing pinholes into the stem of intact plants. The level of wound-induced beta-expansin transcripts declined rapidly 5 h after cutting of stem sections. We conclude that the expression of beta-expansin genes is correlated with rapid elongation of deepwater rice internodes, it is induced by gibberellin and wounding, and wound-induced beta-expansin mRNA appears to turn over rapidly.

BETA (Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bates, Evan M.; Birmingham, William J.; Rivera, William F.; Romero-Talamas, Carlos A.

2017-10-01

The Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus (BETA) is a 1-Tesla (T) prototype of the 10-T Adjustable Long Pulse High-Field Apparatus (ALPHA). These water-cooled resistive magnets use high DC currents to produce strong uniform magnetic fields. Presented here is the successful completion of the BETA project and experimental results validating analytical magnet designing methods developed at the Dusty Plasma Laboratory (DPL). BETA's final design specifications will be highlighted which include electromagnetic, thermal and stress analyses. The magnet core design will be explained which include: Bitter Arcs, helix starters, and clamping annuli. The final version of the magnet's vessel and cooling system are also presented, as well as the electrical system of BETA, which is composed of a unique solid-state breaker circuit. Experimental results presented will show the operation of BETA at 1 T. The results are compared to both analytical design methods and finite element analysis calculations. We also explore the steady state maximums and theoretical limits of BETA's design. The completion of BETA validates the design and manufacturing techniques that will be used in the succeeding magnet, ALPHA.

Rapid model building of beta-sheets in electron-density maps.

PubMed

Terwilliger, Thomas C

2010-03-01

A method for rapidly building beta-sheets into electron-density maps is presented. beta-Strands are identified as tubes of high density adjacent to and nearly parallel to other tubes of density. The alignment and direction of each strand are identified from the pattern of high density corresponding to carbonyl and C(beta) atoms along the strand averaged over all repeats present in the strand. The beta-strands obtained are then assembled into a single atomic model of the beta-sheet regions. The method was tested on a set of 42 experimental electron-density maps at resolutions ranging from 1.5 to 3.8 A. The beta-sheet regions were nearly completely built in all but two cases, the exceptions being one structure at 2.5 A resolution in which a third of the residues in beta-sheets were built and a structure at 3.8 A in which under 10% were built. The overall average r.m.s.d. of main-chain atoms in the residues built using this method compared with refined models of the structures was 1.5 A.

Methods and computer readable medium for improved radiotherapy dosimetry planning

DOEpatents

Wessol, Daniel E.; Frandsen, Michael W.; Wheeler, Floyd J.; Nigg, David W.

2005-11-15

Methods and computer readable media are disclosed for ultimately developing a dosimetry plan for a treatment volume irradiated during radiation therapy with a radiation source concentrated internally within a patient or incident from an external beam. The dosimetry plan is available in near "real-time" because of the novel geometric model construction of the treatment volume which in turn allows for rapid calculations to be performed for simulated movements of particles along particle tracks therethrough. The particles are exemplary representations of alpha, beta or gamma emissions emanating from an internal radiation source during various radiotherapies, such as brachytherapy or targeted radionuclide therapy, or they are exemplary representations of high-energy photons, electrons, protons or other ionizing particles incident on the treatment volume from an external source. In a preferred embodiment, a medical image of a treatment volume irradiated during radiotherapy having a plurality of pixels of information is obtained.

Heart Failure Update: Chronic Disease Management Programs.

PubMed

Fountain, Lorna B

2016-03-01

With high mortality and readmission rates among patients with heart failure (HF), multiple disease management models have been and continue to be tested, with mixed results. Early postdischarge care improves outcomes for patients. Telemonitoring also can assist in reducing mortality and HF-related hospitalizations. Office-based team care improves patient outcomes, with important components including rapid access to physicians, partnerships with clinical pharmacists, education, monitoring, and support. Pay-for-performance measures developed for HF, primarily use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta blockers, also improve patient outcomes, but the influence of adherence to other measures has been minimal. Evaluating comorbid conditions, including diabetes and hypertension, and making drug adjustments for patients with HF to include blood pressure control and use of metformin, when possible, can reduce mortality and morbidity. Written permission from the American Academy of Family Physicians is required for reproduction of this material in whole or in part in any form or medium.

Photospheric soft X-ray emission from hot DA white dwarfs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wesemael, F.; Raymond, J. C.; Kahn, S. M.; Liebert, J.; Steiner, J. E.; Shipman, H. L.

1984-01-01

The Einstein Observatory's imaging proportional counter has detected 150-eV soft X-ray radiation from the four hot DA white dwarfs EG 187, Gr 288 and 289, and LB 1663. The observed pulse height spectra suggest that the emission is generated by hot photospheres whose T(eff) lie in the 30,000-60,000 K range. The IUE spacecraft UV spectra and H-beta line profiles for the four stars have been fitted, along with the X-ray fluxes, with a grid of hot, high gravity, homogeneous model atmospheres of mixed H-He composition. In all cases, the data require the presence of some X-ray opacity in the photosphere. Attention is given to the implications of this result in the context of white dwarf surface layer diffusion theories. Also noted are the limits imposed on the hot white dwarf population by the Einstein Medium Sensitivity Survey.

Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect Derived Distance to the High Redshift Clusters MS 0451.6-0305 and CL 0016+16

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reese, E. D.; Mohr, J. J.; Carlstrom, J. E.; Grego, L.; Holder, G. P.; Holzapfel, W. L.; Hughes, J. P.; Patel, S. K.

2000-01-01

We determine the distances to the z approximately equal to 0.55 galaxy clusters MS 0451.6-0305 and CL 0016+16 from a maximum likelihood joint fit to interferometric Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect (SZE) and X-ray observations. We model the intracluster medium (ICM) using a spherical isothermal beta-model. We quantify the statistical and systematic uncertainties inherent to these direct distance measurements, and we determine constraints on the Hubble parameter for three different cosmologies. For an OmegaM = 0.3, OmegaL = 0.7 cosmology, these distances imply a Hubble constant of 63(exp 12)(sub -9)(exp +21)(sub -21) km/s/Mpc, where the uncertainties correspond to statistical followed by systematic at 68% confidence. The best fit H(sub o) is 57 km/sec/Mpc for an open OmegaM = 0.3 universe and 52 km/s/Mpc for a flat Omega = 1 universe.

Sunyaev-Zeldovich Effect-Derived Distances to the High-Redshift Clusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reese, Erik D.; Mohr, Joseph J.; Carlstrom, John E.; Joy, Marshall; Grego, Laura; Holder, Gilbert P.; Holzapfel, William L.; Hughes, John P.; Patel, Sandeep K.; Donahue, Megan

2000-01-01

We determine the distances to the z approximately equals 0.55 galaxy clusters MS 0451.6 - 0305 and Cl 0016 + 16 from a maximum-likelihood joint fit to interferometric Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect (SZE) and X-ray observations. We model the intracluster medium (ICM) using a spherical isothermal beta model. We quantify the statistical and systematic uncertainties inherent to these direct distance measurements, and we determine constraints on the Hubble parameter for three different cosmologies. For an Omega(sub M) = 0.3, Omega(sub lambda) = 0.7 cosmology, these distances imply a Hubble constant of 63(sup +12) (sub -9) (sup + 21) (sub -21) km/s Mp/c, where the uncertainties correspond to statistical followed by systematic at 68% confidence. The best-fit H(sub 0) is 57 km/s Mp/c for an open (Omega(sub M) = 0.3) universe and 52 km/s Mp/c for a flat (Omega(sub M) = 1) universe.

Enhanced rectal absorption and reduced local irritation of the anti-inflammatory drug ethyl 4-biphenylylacetate in rats by complexation with water-soluble beta-cyclodextrin derivatives and formulation as oleaginous suppository.

PubMed

Arima, H; Kondo, T; Irie, T; Uekama, K

1992-11-01

To improve the rectal delivery of ethyl 4-biphenylylacetate (EBA), a prodrug of the anti-inflammatory drug 4-biphenylylacetic acid (BPAA), the use of highly water-soluble 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CyD) and heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (DM-beta-CyD) was investigated and compared with the use of the parent beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CyD). Among the three beta-CyDs, HP-beta-CyD was best at improving the rectal bioavailability of EBA in rats after single and multiple administrations of oleaginous suppositories (Witepsol H-5) containing the complexes. To gain insight into the enhancing effect of beta-CyDs, the absorption behaviors of EBA (observed by monitoring BPAA as an active metabolite of EBA) and beta-CyDs themselves were examined in vitro, in situ, and in vivo. The in situ recirculation study revealed that the complexed form of EBA was less absorbable from the rectal lumen in the solution state, but this disadvantageous effect of beta-CyDs was compensated in part by the inhibition of the bioconversion of EBA to BPAA. When beta-CyDs were coadministered with EBA in vivo, however, rather high amounts of HP-beta-CyD (approximately 26% of dose) and DM-beta-CyD (approximately 21% of dose), compared with beta-CyD (approximately 5% of dose), were absorbed from the rat rectum. Thus, the enhancement of rectal absorption of EBA in vivo can be explained by the facts that the hydrophilic beta-CyDs increased the release rate of EBA from the vehicle and stabilized EBA in the rectal lumen and that the drug was partly absorbed in the form of the complex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Vegetation ecology and carbon sequestration potential of shrubs in tropics of Chhattisgarh, India.

PubMed

Jhariya, Manoj Kumar

2017-09-25

Tropical forests are well known to have great species diversity and contribute substantial share in terrestrial carbon (C) stocks worldwide. Shrubs are long-neglected life form in the forest ecosystem, playing many roles in the forest and human life. Shrub has great impact on vegetation attributes which in turn modify the C storage and capture. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to explore the dynamics of shrub species in four fire regimes, viz. high, medium, low, and no fire zones of Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary of Kawardha forest division (Chhattisgarh), India. The variations in structure, diversity, biomass, productivity, and C sequestration potential in all the sites were quantified. The density and basal area of shrub varied from 1250 to 3750 individuals ha -1 and 2.79 to 4.92 m 2  ha -1 , respectively. The diversity indices showed that the value of Shannon index was highest in medium fire zone (3.77) followed by high, low, and no fire zones as 3.25, 3.12, and 2.32, respectively. The value of Simpson's index or concentration of dominance (Cd) ranged from 0.08 to 0.20, species richness from 0.56 to 1.58, equitability from 1.41 to 1.44, and beta diversity from 1.50 to 4.20, respectively. The total biomass and C storage ranged from 6.82 to 15.71 and from 2.93 to 6.76 t ha -1 , respectively. The shrub density, importance value index (IVI), and abundance to frequency ratio (A/F) significantly correlated between high fire and medium fire zone. The basal area was found to be significantly positively correlated between high fire and medium fire, and low and no fire zones, respectively. Two-way cluster analysis reflected various patterns of clustering due to influence of the forest fire which showed that some species have distant clustering while some have smaller cluster. Principal component analysis (PCA) reflects variable scenario with respect to shrub layer. Ventilago calyculata and Zizyphus rotundifolia showed higher correlation between themselves in terms of basal area (BA). The total shrub production was 1.59-3.53 t ha -1  year -1 while the C sequestration potential of 0.71-1.57 t ha -1  year -1 under different fire regimes. Shrub community in the medium fire zone reflected higher productivity and higher C sequestration in comparison to other fire zone. Among the different plant parts, the biomass accumulation ratio was highest in the root of shrub community among various fire regimes. Screening of species for restoration and different land-use pattern on the basis of biomass accumulation and carbon sequestering potential would be an effective strategy for decision-making in sustainable forest management.

Gaseous time projection chambers for rare event detection: results from the T-REX project. I. Double beta decay

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Irastorza, I.G.; Aznar, F.; Castel, J., E-mail: igor.irastorza@cern.ch, E-mail: faznar@unizar.es, E-mail: jfcastel@unizar.es

2016-01-01

As part of the T-REX project, a number of R and D and prototyping activities have been carried out during the last years to explore the applicability of gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) with Micromesh Gas Structures (Micromegas) in rare event searches like double beta decay, axion research and low-mass WIMP searches. In both this and its companion paper, we compile the main results of the project and give an outlook of application prospects for this detection technique. While in the companion paper we focus on axions and WIMPs, in this paper we focus on the results regarding the measurementmore » of the double beta decay (DBD) of {sup 136}Xe in a high pressure Xe (HPXe) TPC. Micromegas of the microbulk type have been extensively studied in high pressure Xe and Xe mixtures. Particularly relevant are the results obtained in Xe + trimethylamine (TMA) mixtures, showing very promising results in terms of gain, stability of operation, and energy resolution at high pressures up to 10 bar. The addition of TMA at levels of ∼ 1% reduces electron diffusion by up to a factor of 10 with respect to pure Xe, improving the quality of the topological pattern, with a positive impact on the discrimination capability. Operation with a medium size prototype of 30 cm diameter and 38 cm of drift (holding about 1 kg of Xe at 10 bar in the fiducial volume, enough to contain high energy electron tracks in the detector volume) has allowed to test the detection concept in realistic experimental conditions. Microbulk Micromegas are able to image the DBD ionization signature with high quality while, at the same time, measuring its energy deposition with a resolution of at least a ∼ 3% FWHM @ Q{sub ββ}. This value was experimentally demonstrated for high-energy extended tracks at 10 bar, and is probably improvable down to the ∼ 1% FWHM levels as extrapolated from low energy events. In addition, first results on the topological signature information (one straggling track ending in two blobs) show promising background discrimination capabilities out of reach of other experimental implementations. Moreover, microbulk Micromegas have very low levels of intrinsic radioactivity, and offer cost-effective scaling-up options. All these results demonstrate that Micromegas-read HPXe TPC remains a very competitive technique for the next generation DBD experiments.« less

Daclizumab in active relapsing multiple sclerosis (CHOICE study): a phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, add-on trial with interferon beta.

PubMed

Wynn, Daniel; Kaufman, Michael; Montalban, Xavier; Vollmer, Timothy; Simon, Jack; Elkins, Jacob; O'Neill, Gilmore; Neyer, Lauri; Sheridan, James; Wang, Chungchi; Fong, Alice; Rose, John W

2010-04-01

Daclizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody, reduced multiple sclerosis disease activity in previous non-randomised studies. We aimed to assess whether daclizumab reduces disease activity in patients with active relapsing multiple sclerosis who are receiving interferon beta treatment. We did a phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study at 51 centres in the USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Patients with active relapsing multiple sclerosis who were taking interferon beta were randomly assigned to receive add-on subcutaneous daclizumab 2 mg/kg every 2 weeks (interferon beta and high-dose daclizumab group), daclizumab 1 mg/kg every 4 weeks (interferon beta and low-dose daclizumab group), or interferon beta and placebo for 24 weeks. The randomisation scheme was generated by Facet Biotech. All patients and assessors were masked to treatment with the exception of Facet Biotech bioanalysts who prepared data for the data safety monitoring board or generated pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic data, a drug accountability auditor, and the site pharmacist. The primary endpoint was total number of new or enlarged gadolinium contrast-enhancing lesions measured on brain MRI scans every 4 weeks between weeks 8 and 24. Effects of daclizumab on prespecified subsets of lymphocytes and quantitative T-cell proliferative response were assessed in an exploratory pharmacodynamic substudy. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00109161. From May, 2005, to March, 2006, 288 patients were assessed for eligibility, and 230 were randomly assigned to receive interferon beta and high-dose daclizumab (n=75), interferon beta and low-dose daclizumab (n=78), or interferon beta and placebo (n=77). The adjusted mean number of new or enlarged gadolinium contrast-enhancing lesions was 4.75 in the interferon beta and placebo group compared with 1.32 in the interferon beta and high-dose daclizumab group (difference 72%, 95% CI 34% to 88%; p=0.004) and 3.58 in the interferon beta and low-dose daclizumab group (25%, -76% to 68%; p=0.51). In the pharmacodynamic substudy, daclizumab was not associated with significant changes in absolute numbers of T cells, B cells, or natural killer cells, or T-cell proliferative response compared with interferon beta alone. The number of CD56(bright) natural killer cells was seven to eight times higher in both daclizumab groups than in the interferon beta and placebo group (interferon beta and low-dose daclizumab group p=0.002; interferon beta and high-dose daclizumab group p<0.0001). Common adverse events were equally distributed across groups. Add-on daclizumab treatment reduced the number of new or enlarged gadolinium contrast-enhancing lesions compared with interferon beta alone and might reduce multiple sclerosis disease activity to a greater extent than interferon beta alone. Facet Biotech and Biogen Idec. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Considerations on the calibration of small thermoluminescent dosimeters used for measurement of beta particle absorbed doses in liquid environments.

PubMed

Demidecki, A J; Williams, L E; Wong, J Y; Wessels, B W; Yorke, E D; Strandh, M; Strand, S E

1993-01-01

An investigation has been carried out on the factors which affect the absolute calibration of thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) used in beta particle absorbed dose evaluations. Four effects on light output (LO) were considered: decay of detector sensitivity with time, finite TLD volume, dose linearity, and energy dependence. Most important of these was the decay of LO with time in culture medium, muscle tissue, and gels. This permanent loss of sensitivity was as large as an order of magnitude over a 21-day interval for the nominally 20-microns-thick disc-shaped CaSO4(Dy) TLDs in gel. Associated leaching of the dosimeter crystals out of the Teflon matrix was observed using scanning electron microscopy. Large channels leading from the outside environment into the TLDs were identified using SEM images. A possibility of batch dependence of fading was indicated. The second most important effect was the apparent reduction of light output due to finite size and increased specific gravity of the dosimeter (volume effect). We estimated this term by calculations as 10% in standard "mini" rods for beta particles from 90Y, but nearly a factor of 3 for 131I beta particles in the same geometry. No significant nonlinearity of the log (light output) with log (absorbed dose) over the range 0.05-20.00 Gy was discovered. Energy dependence of the LO was found to be not detectable, within measurement errors, over the range of 0.60-6.0 MeV mean energy electrons. With careful understanding of these effects, calibration via gel phantom would appear to be an acceptable strategy for mini TLDs used in beta absorbed dose evaluations in media.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of hydrostatic pressure on cytoskeleton and BMP-2, TGF-beta, SOX-9 production in rat temporomandibular synovial fibroblasts.

PubMed

Wu, M-J; Gu, Z-Y; Sun, W

2008-01-01

Recent experimental evidence has suggested that pressure may play an important role in the pathogenesis of arthritic diseases such as temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), rheumatic diseases and osteoarthritis. This study examines the effects of hydrostatic pressure (HP) on cytoskeleton and protein production of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and the SRY HMG box related gene 9 (SOX-9) in synovial fibroblasts (SFs) of rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ). SFs derived from rat TMJ were grown to confluence in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium supplemented with 15% fetal calf serum. The monolayer of SFs was subjected to different HPs (0, 30, 60, and 90kPa) by an in-house designed pressure chamber for 12h. Changes of cell morphology were observed by fluorescent microscope. Production of TGF-beta, BMP-2 and SOX-9 was examined by immunocytochemical assay and western blot. Compared with the untreated control, the cellular actin configuration of SFs became elongated and more intense F-actin stress fiber staining was observed after HP loading. Exposure of SFs to HP for 12h resulted in significant up-regulation of BMP-2 by 46, 54, and 66% at 30, 60, and 90kPa, respectively, whilst TGF-beta increased by 11, 19, and 28% at 30, 60, and 90kPa, respectively. HP also induced the increase of SOX-9 by 72% at 30kPa and 83% at 60kPa, but only 54% at 90kPa. The obtained data suggest that HP induced the alteration of cytoskeleton and bone-morphogenetic-related proteins' production of SFs, which may influence the pathological condition of TMDs.

An endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis derived from a transitional cell carcinoma: clipped beta2-glycoprotein-I.

PubMed

Beecken, Wolf-Dietrich C; Engl, Tobias; Ringel, Eva M; Camphausen, Kevin; Michaelis, Martin; Jonas, Dietger; Folkman, Judah; Shing, Yuen; Blaheta, Roman A

2006-09-01

Invasive cell carcinoma of the bladder often develops after complete transurethral excision of superficial transitional cell carcinoma. It has been postulated that primary tumors release angiogenesis-blocking proteins which suppress distant metastases. We have identified an endogenous protein which might be responsible for tumor dormancy. A transitional cell carcinoma cell line was developed (UMUC-3i) which inhibits the growth of a tumor implant at a distant site in SCID mice. Conditioned media of UMUC-3i cultured cells was first pooled and then fractioned, and the capacity of individual components to block endothelial cell growth was tested. The protein fraction responsible for blocking endothelial cell growth was identified by N-terminal amino acid sequencing as well as by mass-spectrometry. The effects of the purified protein in preventing endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation in an in vitro angiogenesis assay was investigated. The plasma protein beta(2)-glycoprotein-I (beta(2)gpI) was isolated and identified from conditioned medium of UMUC-3i cultured cells. Based on the in vitro angiogenesis assay, beta(2)gpI strongly inhibited endothelial cell growth and tube formation, whereby the inhibitory activity corresponded to the clipped version of beta(2)gpI (cbeta(2)gpI). Clipping was induced by adding plasmin at a molar ratio 1:15 (plasmin:substrate). Further analysis indicated that cbeta(2)gpI effects were mediated by annexin II surface receptors expressed on endothelial cells. cbeta2gpI may be involved in blocking angiogenic processes and bladder cancer progression. In this case, cbeta2gpI may be a promising tool in bladder cancer therapy.

[6]-shogaol induces Ca²⁺ signals by activating the TRPV1 channels in the rat insulinoma INS-1E cells.

PubMed

Rebellato, Paola; Islam, Md Shahidul

2014-01-10

[6]-shogaol is a vanilloid compound present in steamed ginger (Zingiber officinale), a commonly used spice. Pancreatic beta-cells respond to nutrients like glucose, amino acids and fatty acids, by an increase in the cytoplasmic free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺](i)), which mediates diverse cellular processes in these cells. Some vanilloid compounds activate the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor type 1 (TRPV1) channel. We investigated whether [6]-shogaol could trigger Ca²⁺ signals in the beta-cell. [Ca²⁺](i) was measured from single INS-1E cells by microscope-based fluorometry using fura-2 as the Ca²⁺ indicator. In fura-2 loaded single rat insulinoma INS-1E cells, a widely used model of beta-cell, [6]-shogaol increased [Ca²⁺](i) in a concentration-dependent manner. [Ca²⁺](i) increase by [6]-shogaol was completely blocked when Ca²⁺ was omitted from the extracellular medium. Capsazepine, an inhibitor of the TRPV1 ion channel completely inhibited the [6]-shogaol-induced [Ca²⁺](i) increase. [Ca²⁺](i) increase obtained by 1 µM [6]-shogaol was greater than that obtained by 10 mM glucose. Moreover, a sub-stimulatory concentration of [6]-shogaol (300 nM), significantly enhanced the glucose-induced [Ca²⁺](i) increase in these cells. We conclude that [6]-shogaol induces Ca²⁺ signals in the beta-cell by activating the TRPV1 channels, and it sensitizes the beta-cells to stimulation by glucose.

Norrin mediates neuroprotective effects on retinal ganglion cells via activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway and the induction of neuroprotective growth factors in Muller cells.

PubMed

Seitz, Roswitha; Hackl, Simon; Seibuchner, Thomas; Tamm, Ernst R; Ohlmann, Andreas

2010-04-28

Norrin is a secreted protein that binds to frizzled 4 and controls development of capillaries in retina and inner ear. We provide evidence that Norrin has distinct neuroprotective properties that are independent from its effects on vascular development. The function of Norrin was investigated in a mouse model of excitotoxic retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage after intravitreal injection of NMDA, and in cultured Müller glia or immortalized RGC-5 cells. Intravitreal injection of Norrin significantly increased the number of surviving RGC axons in the optic nerve and decreased apoptotic death of retinal neurons following NMDA-mediated damage. This effect could be blocked by adding dickkopf (DKK)-1, an inhibitor of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. Treatment of eyes with combined Norrin/NMDA activated Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and increased the retinal expression of leukemia inhibitory factor and endothelin-2, as well as that of neurotrophic growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor-2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, lens epithelium-derived growth factor, and ciliary neurotrophic factor. A similar activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and an increased expression of neurotrophic factors was observed in cultured Müller cells after treatment with Norrin, effects that again could be blocked by adding DKK-1. In addition, conditioned cell culture medium of Norrin-treated Müller cells increased survival of differentiated RGC-5 cells. We conclude that Norrin has pronounced neuroprotective properties on retinal neurons with the distinct potential to decrease the damaging effects of NMDA-induced RGC loss. The effects of Norrin involve activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and subsequent induction of neurotrophic growth factors in Müller cells.

Parallel formation and synergism of hydrolytic enzymes and peptaibol antibiotics, molecular mechanisms involved in the antagonistic action of Trichoderma harzianum against phytopathogenic fungi.

PubMed Central

Schirmböck, M; Lorito, M; Wang, Y L; Hayes, C K; Arisan-Atac, I; Scala, F; Harman, G E; Kubicek, C P

1994-01-01

Chitinase, beta-1,3-glucanase, and protease activities were formed when Trichoderma harzianum mycelia, grown on glucose as the sole carbon source, were transferred to fresh medium containing cell walls of Botrytis cinerea. Chitobiohydrolase, endochitinase, and beta-1,3-glucanase activities were immunologically detected in culture supernatants by Western blotting (immunoblotting), and the first two were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Under the same conditions, exogenously added [U-14C]valine was incorporated in acetone-soluble compounds with an apparent M(r) of < 2,000. These compounds comigrated with the peptaibols trichorzianines A1 and B1 in thin-layer chromatography and released [U-14C]valine after incubation in 6N HCl. Incorporation of radioactive valine into this material was stimulated by the exogenous supply of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid, a rare amino acid which is a major constituent of peptaibols. The obtained culture supernatants inhibited spore germination as well as hyphal elongation of B. cinerea. Culture supernatants from mycelia placed in fresh medium without cell walls of B. cinerea did not show hydrolase activities, incorporation of [U-14C]valine into peptaibol-like compounds, and inhibition of fungal growth. Purified trichorzianines A1 and B1 as well as purified chitobiohydrolase, endochitinase, or beta-1,3-glucanase inhibited spore germination and hyphal elongation, but at concentrations higher than those observed in the culture supernatants. However, when the enzymes and the peptaibols were tested together, an antifungal synergistic interaction was observed and the 50% effective dose values obtained were in the range of those determined in the culture supernatants. Therefore, the parallel formation and synergism of hydrolytic enzymes and antibiotics may have an important role in the antagonistic action of T. harzianum against fungal phytopathogens. Images PMID:7811076

beta-endorphin: synthesis of analogs with extension at the carboxyl terminus with high radioreceptor binding activity.

PubMed

Yamashiro, D; Ferrara, P; Li, C H

1980-07-01

Four analogs of human beta-endorphin (beta h-EP) have been synthesized: [Gly31]-Beta h-EP-Gly-NH2, [CH3(CH2)4NH231]-beta h-EP, [Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2, and [Gln8, Gly31]-betah-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2. All are more active than beta h-EP in an opiate receptor binding assay. Stepwise extension at the COOH-terminus shows a progressive increase in binding activity. The last analog, which combines extension at the COOH-terminus with elimination of the remaining anionic charge in beta h-EP, is nine times more active than the parent molecule.

The first armadillo repeat is involved in the recognition and regulation of beta-catenin phosphorylation by protein kinase CK1.

PubMed

Bustos, Victor H; Ferrarese, Anna; Venerando, Andrea; Marin, Oriano; Allende, Jorge E; Pinna, Lorenzo A

2006-12-26

Multiple phosphorylation of beta-catenin by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) in the Wnt pathway is primed by CK1 through phosphorylation of Ser-45, which lacks a typical CK1 canonical sequence. Synthetic peptides encompassing amino acids 38-64 of beta-catenin are phosphorylated by CK1 on Ser-45 with low affinity (K(m) approximately 1 mM), whereas intact beta-catenin is phosphorylated at Ser-45 with very high affinity (K(m) approximately 200 nM). Peptides extended to include a putative CK1 docking motif (FXXXF) at 70-74 positions or a F74AA mutation in full-length beta-catenin had no significant effect on CK1 phosphorylation efficiency. beta-Catenin C-terminal deletion mutants up to residue 181 maintained their high affinity, whereas removal of the 131-181 fragment, corresponding to the first armadillo repeat, was deleterious, resulting in a 50-fold increase in K(m) value. Implication of the first armadillo repeat in beta-catenin targeting by CK1 is supported in that the Y142E mutation, which mimics phosphorylation of Tyr-142 by tyrosine kinases and promotes dissociation of beta-catenin from alpha-catenin, further improves CK1 phosphorylation efficiency, lowering the K(m) value to <50 nM, approximating the physiological concentration of beta-catenin. In contrast, alpha-catenin, which interacts with the N-terminal region of beta-catenin, prevents Ser-45 phosphorylation of CK1 in a dose-dependent manner. Our data show that the integrity of the N-terminal region and the first armadillo repeat are necessary and sufficient for high-affinity phosphorylation by CK1 of Ser-45. They also suggest that beta-catenin association with alpha-catenin and beta-catenin phosphorylation by CK1 at Ser-45 are mutually exclusive.

Improving documentation of a beta-blocker quality measure through an anesthesia information management system and real-time notification of documentation errors.

PubMed

Nair, Bala G; Peterson, Gene N; Newman, Shu-Fang; Wu, Wei-Ying; Kolios-Morris, Vickie; Schwid, Howard A

2012-06-01

Continuation of perioperative beta-blockers for surgical patients who are receiving beta-blockers prior to arrival for surgery is an important quality measure (SCIP-Card-2). For this measure to be considered successful, name, date, and time of the perioperative beta-blocker must be documented. Alternately, if the beta-blocker is not given, the medical reason for not administering must be documented. Before the study was conducted, the institution lacked a highly reliable process to document the date and time of self-administration of beta-blockers prior to hospital admission. Because of this, compliance with the beta-blocker quality measure was poor (-65%). To improve this measure, the anesthesia care team was made responsible for documenting perioperative beta-blockade. Clear documentation guidelines were outlined, and an electronic Anesthesia Information Management System (AIMS) was configured to facilitate complete documentation of the beta-blocker quality measure. In addition, real-time electronic alerts were generated using Smart Anesthesia Messenger (SAM), an internally developed decision-support system, to notify users concerning incomplete beta-blocker documentation. Weekly compliance for perioperative beta-blocker documentation before the study was 65.8 +/- 16.6%, which served as the baseline value. When the anesthesia care team started documenting perioperative beta-blocker in AIMS, compliance was 60.5 +/- 8.6% (p = .677 as compared with baseline). Electronic alerts with SAM improved documentation compliance to 94.6 +/- 3.5% (p < .001 as compared with baseline). To achieve high compliance for the beta-blocker measure, it is essential to (1) clearly assign a medical team to perform beta-blocker documentation and (2) enhance features in the electronic medical systems to alert the user concerning incomplete documentation.

Preparation of powders suitable for conversion to useful .beta.-aluminas

DOEpatents

Morgan, Peter E. D.

1982-01-01

A process for forming a precursor powder which, when suitably pressed and sintered forms highly pure, densified .beta.- or .beta."-alumina, comprising the steps of: (1) forming a suspension (or slurry) of Bayer-derived Al(OH).sub.3 in a water-miscible solvent; (2) adding an aqueous solution of a Mg compound, a Li compound, a Na compound or mixtures thereof to the Bayer-derived Al(OH).sub.3 suspension while agitating the mixture formed thereby, to produce a gel; (3) drying the gel at a temperature above the normal boiling point of water to produce a powder material; (4) lightly ball milling and sieving said powder material; and (5) heating the ball-milled and sieved powder material at a temperature of between 350.degree. to 900.degree. C. to form the .beta.- or .beta."-alumina precursor powder. The precursor powder, thus formed, may be subsequently isopressed at a high pressure and sintered at an elevated temperature to produce .beta.- or .beta."-alumina. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

P-Soccer: Soccer Games Application using Kinect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasir, Mohamad Fahim Mohamed; Suparjoh, Suriawati; Razali, Nazim; Mustapha, Aida

2018-05-01

This paper presents a soccer game application called P-Soccer that uses Kinect as the interaction medium between users and the game characters. P-Soccer focuses on training penalty kicks with one character who is taking the kick. This game is developed based on the Game Development Life Cycle (GDLC) methodology. Results for alpha and beta testing showed that the target users are satisfied with overall game design and theme as well as the interactivity with the main character in the game.

Radionuclide development at BNL for nuclear medicine therapy.

PubMed

Mausner, L F; Kolsky, K L; Joshi, V; Srivastava, S C

1998-04-01

Radionuclides with medium energy beta emission and a several day half-life have often been viewed as attractive candidates for radioimmunotherapy. Among the most promising in this category are 47Sc, 67Cu, 153Sm, 188Re, and 199Au. The production of 67Cu, 153Sm, 199Au at BNL is summarized and the development of the latest candidate for this application, 47Sc, is described in detail. We also summarize the development of another important therapeutic radionuclide, 117mSn for bone pain palliation.

The Gum Nebula and Related Problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

Proceedings of a symposium concerning the Gum Nebula (GN) and related topics are reported. Papers presented include: Colin Gum and the discovery of the GN; identification of the GN as the fossil Stromgren sphere of Vela X Supernova; size and shape of GN; formation of giant H-2 regions following supernova explosions; radio astronomy Explorer 1 observations of GN; cosmic ray effects in the GN; low intensity H beta emission from the interstellar medium; and how to recognize and analyze GN. Astronomical charts and diagrams are included.

High-beta extended MHD simulations of stellarators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bechtel, T. A.; Hegna, C. C.; Sovinec, C. R.; Roberds, N. A.

2016-10-01

The high beta properties of stellarator plasmas are studied using the nonlinear, extended MHD code NIMROD. In this work, we describe recent developments to the semi-implicit operator which allow the code to model 3D plasma evolution with better accuracy and efficiency. The configurations under investigation are an l=2, M=5 torsatron with geometry modeled after the Compact Toroidal Hybrid (CTH) experiment and an l=2, M=10 torsatron capable of having vacuum rotational transform profiles near unity. High-beta plasmas are created using a volumetric heating source and temperature dependent anisotropic thermal conduction and resistivity. To reduce computation expenses, simulations are initialized from stellarator symmetric pseudo-equilibria by turning on symmetry breaking modes at finite beta. The onset of MHD instabilities and nonlinear consequences are monitored as a function of beta as well as the fragility of the magnetic surfaces. Research supported by US DOE under Grant No. DE-FG02-99ER54546.

A (1)H-NMR study on the effect of high pressures on beta-lactoglobulin.

PubMed

Belloque, J; López-Fandiño, R; Smith, G M

2000-09-01

1H NMR was used to study the effect of high pressure on changes in the structure of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-Lg), particularly the strongly bonded regions, the "core". beta-Lg was exposed to pressures ranging from 100 to 400 MPa at neutral pH. After depressurization and acidification to pH 2.0, (1)H NMR spectra were taken. Pressure-induced unfolding was studied by deuterium exchange. Refolding was also evaluated. Our results showed that the core was unaltered at 100 MPa but increased its conformational flexibility at >/=200 MPa. Even though the core was highly flexible at 400 MPa, its structure was found to be identical to the native structure after equilibration back to atmospheric pressure. It is suggested that pressure-induced aggregates are formed by beta-Lg molecules maintaining most of their structure, and the intermolecular -SS- bonds, formed by -SH/-SS- exchange reaction, are likely to involve C(66)-C(160) rather than C(106)-C(119). In addition, the beta-Lg variants A and B could be distinguished in a (1)H NMR spectrum from a solution made with the AB mixed variant, by the differences in chemical shifts of M(107) and C(106); structural implications are discussed. Under pressure, the core of beta-Lg A seemed to unfold faster than that of beta-LgB. The structural recovery of the core was full for both variants.

Characterization of hydrocortisone bioconversion and 16S RNA gene in Synechococcus nidulans cultures.

PubMed

Rasoul-Amini, S; Ghasemi, Y; Morowvat, M H; Ghoshoon, M B; Raee, M J; Mosavi-Azam, S B; Montazeri-Najafabady, N; Nouri, F; Parvizi, R; Negintaji, N; Khoubani, S

2010-01-01

A unicellular cyanobacterium, Synechococcus nidulans (Pringsheim) Komárek, was isolated from paddy-fields and applied in the biotransformation experiment of hydrocortisone (1). This strain has not been previously tested for steroid bioconversion. Fermentation was carried out in BG-11 medium supplemented with 0.05% substrate at 25 degrees C for 14 days of incubation. The obtained products were chromatographically purified followed by their characterization using spectroscopic methods. 11beta,17beta-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (2), 11beta-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione (3), and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (4) were the main bioproducts in the hydrocortisone bioconversion. The observed bioreaction characteristics were the side chain degradation of the substrate to prepare compounds (2) and (3) following the 11beta-dehydroxylation for accumulation of the compound (4). Time course study showed the accumulation of the product (2) from the second day of the fermentation and compounds (3) and (4) from the third day. All the metabolites reached their maximum concentration in seven days. Cyanobacterial 16S rRNA gene was also amplified by PCR. Sequences were amplified using the universal prokaryotic primers which amplify a approximately 400-bp region of the 16S rRNA gene. PCR products were sequenced to confirm their authenticity as 16S rRNA gene of cyanobacteria. The result of PCR blasted with other sequenced cyanobacteria in NCBI showed 99% identity to the 16S small subunit rRNA of seven Synechococcus species.

Comparison of GEANT4 Physics Models with Measured Beta Particle Data in Aluminum using a Strontium-90 Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Everett, Samantha

2010-10-01

A transmission curve experiment was carried out to measure the range of beta particles in aluminum in the health physics laboratory located on the campus of Texas Southern University. The transmission count rate through aluminum for varying radiation lengths was measured using beta particles emitted from a low activity (˜1 μCi) Sr-90 source. The count rate intensity was recorded using a Geiger Mueller tube (SGC N210/BNC) with an active volume of 61 cm^3 within a systematic detection accuracy of a few percent. We compared these data with a realistic simulation of the experimental setup using the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit (version 9.3). The purpose of this study was to benchmark our Monte Carlo for future experiments as part of a more comprehensive research program. Transmission curves were simulated based on the standard and low-energy electromagnetic physics models, and using the radioactive decay module for the electrons primary energy distribution. To ensure the validity of our measurements, linear extrapolation techniques were employed to determine the in-medium beta particle range from the measured data and was found to be 1.87 g/cm^2 (˜0.693 cm), in agreement with literature values. We found that the general shape of the measured data and simulated curves were comparable; however, a discrepancy in the relative count rates was observed. The origin of this disagreement is still under investigation.

Susceptibility of Legionella pneumophila to twenty antimicrobial agents.

PubMed Central

Edelstein, P H; Meyer, R D

1980-01-01

Thirty-three isolates of Legionella pneumophila, all except one of which were clinical isolates, were tested against 20 antimicrobial agents by using an agar dilution technique. Erythromycin, rifamp]in, and rosaramycin were the most active agents tested. Aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, and cefoxitin also inhibited the organisms at low concentrations. Other agents, including moxalactam, cefoperazone, and cephalosporins, exhibited moderate to little activity. Tetracycline, doxycycline and minocyeline were apparently inactivated by charcoal-yeast extract medium. There was slight inoculum dependence noted with most of the antimicrobials tested, particularly the beta-lactam agents. There was no consistent difference in susceptibility between Center for Disease Control-supplied stock strains and recent clinical isolates, but there were marked differences with some agents. Susceptibility testing needs to be standardized in view of the influence of inoculum size, strain variation, and the medium used. PMID:7425611

Single Crystal Membranes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stormont, R. W.; Morrison, A.

1974-01-01

Single crystal a- and c-axis tubes and ribbons of sodium beta-alumina and sodium magnesium beta-alumina were grown from sodium oxide rich melts. Additional experiments grew ribbon crystals containing sodium magnesium beta, beta double prime, beta triple prime, and beta quadruple prime. A high pressure crystal growth chamber, sodium oxide rich melts, and iridium for all surfaces in contact with the melt were combined with the edge-defined, film-fed growth technique to grow the single crystal beta-alumina tubes and ribbons. The crystals were characterized using metallographic and X-ray diffraction techniques, and wet chemical analysis was used to determine the sodium, magnesium, and aluminum content of the grown crystals.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McNamara, B.

Tandem and stellarator equilibria at high ..beta.. have proved hard to compute and the relaxation methods of Bauer et al., Chodura and Schluter, Hirshman, Strauss, and Pearlstein et al. have been slow to converge. This paper reports an extension of the low-..beta.. analytic method of Pearlstein, Kaiser, and Newcomb to arbitrary ..beta.. for tandem mirrors which converges in 10 to 20 iterations. Extensions of the method to stellarator equilibria are proposed and are very close to the analytic method of Johnson and Greene - the stellarator expansion. Most of the results of all these calculations can be adequately described bymore » low-..beta.. approximations since the MHD stability limits occur at low ..beta... The tandem mirror, having weak curvature and a long central cell, allows finite Larmor radius effects to eliminate most ballooning modes and offers the possibility of really high average ..beta... This is the interest in developing such three-dimensional numerical algorithms.« less

Hb Molfetta [beta126(H4)Val-->Leu, GTG-->CTG]: a new, silent, neutral beta chain variant found in an Italian woman.

PubMed

Qualtieri, Antonio; Le, Pera Maria; Pedace, Vera; Magariello, Angela; Brancati, Carlo

2002-02-01

We have identified a new neutral hemoglobin variant in a pregnant Italian woman, that resulted from a GTG-->CTG replacement at codon 126 of the beta chain, corresponding to a Val-->Leu amino acid change at position beta126(H4). Thermal and isopropanol stability tests were normal and there were no abnormal clinical features. Routine electrophoretic and ion exchange chromatographic methods for hemoglobin separation failed to show this variant, but reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography revealed an abnormal peak eluting near the normal beta chain. No abnormal tryptic peptide was revealed on the high performance liquid chromatographic elution pattern of the total globin digest. The mutation was determined at the DNA level by amplification of the three beta exons by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing of one exon that showed an abnormal migration on single strand conformational polymorphism analysis.

Effects of physiological versus pharmacological beta-carotene supplementation on cell proliferation and histopathological changes in the lungs of cigarette smoke-exposed ferrets.

PubMed

Liu, C; Wang, X D; Bronson, R T; Smith, D E; Krinsky, N I; Russell, R M

2000-12-01

There remains a remarkable discordance between the results of observational epidemiological studies and intervention trials using beta-carotene as a potential chemopreventive agent. One question that needs to be examined is whether the adverse outcomes of human beta-carotene trials are related to the large doses of beta-carotene that were administered. In the present study, ferrets were given a physiological (low) dose or a pharmacological (high) dose of beta-carotene supplementation (0.43 mg versus 2.4 mg/kg body wt/day, which is equivalent to 6 mg versus 30 mg/day in humans) and exposed to cigarette smoke for 6 months. We investigated the effects of these doses of beta-carotene on retinoid concentrations, expression of retinoic acid receptors (RARs), activator protein 1 (AP-1; c-Jun and c-Fos), cyclin D1, proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA), and histopathological changes in the lungs of both normal and cigarette smoke-exposed ferrets. Thirty-six male ferrets were treated in six groups-control, smoke-exposed (SM), low-dose beta-carotene (LBC), high-dose beta-carotene (HBC), low-dose beta-carotene plus smoke exposure (LBC+SM) or high-dose beta-carotene plus smoke exposure (HBC+SM)-for 6 months. Retinoic acid concentration and RAR beta gene expression, but not expression of RAR alpha and RAR gamma, was reduced in the lung tissue of HBC+SM, HBC, SM and LBC+SM ferrets, but not in that of LBC ferrets, as compared with the control group. Expression of AP-1 and PCNA was greater in HBC+SM, HBC, SM and LBC+SM ferrets, but not in the LBC ferrets, as compared with the control group. Increased amounts of cyclin D1 and keratinized squamous metaplasia were observed in the lung tissue of HBC+SM, HBC and SM groups but not in that of the LBC+SM, LBC or control groups. These data suggest that, in contrast with a pharmacological dose of beta-carotene, a physiological dose of beta-carotene in smoke-exposed ferrets has no potentially detrimental effects and may afford weak protection against lung damage induced by cigarette smoke.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anderson, G.F.; Marks, B.H.

This study examines the beta adrenergic receptors of the rabbit detrusor smooth muscle, employing (/sup 125/I)iodocyanopindolol (ICYP) as a ligand for the binding of beta adrenergic receptors. Saturation binding experiments on the isolated membrane fraction yielded a KD for ICYP of 14.7 pM and a maximum binding of 147.6 fmol/mg of protein. Displacement of labeled ICYP by a series of beta adrenergic agents yielded the following KD values for the combined high and low affinity binding sites: I-propranolol, 0.76 nM; ICI 118,551, 1.7 nM; zinterol, 38.0 nM; metoprolol, 3.5 microM; and practolol, 61.4 microM. When these displacement experimental results weremore » compared to KD values from other reported binding studies with ICYP for beta adrenoreceptors, both the order of potency and the KD values indicated primarily beta-2 adrenergic receptor subtypes. Computer program Scatfit analysis of the displacement curves indicated a single slope and affinity constant for all five beta adrenergic agents. Hofstee plots for zinterol, ICI 118,551 and metoprolol, however, were not linear and indicated that minor populations of beta-1 adrenoreceptors were also present as both high and low affinity binding sites could be defined. It is concluded that the primary receptor population is beta-2 and that this tissue is heterogenous with a small population of beta-1 adrenoreceptors representing approximately 13 to 23% of the total beta adrenoreceptor population.« less

Highly stereoselective three-component reactions of phenylselenomagnesium bromide, acetylenic sulfones, and saturated aldehydes/ketones or alpha,beta-unsaturated enals or enones.

PubMed

Huang, Xian; Xie, Meihua

2002-12-13

beta-Phenylseleno-alpha-tolylsulfonyl-substituted alkenes were synthesized via the three-component conjugate-nucleophilic addition of acetylenic sulfones, phenylselenomagnesium bromide, and carbonyl compounds, such as aldehydes, aliphatic ketones, or alpha,beta-unsaturated enals or enones. The reaction is highly regio- and stereoselective with moderate to good yields. Functionalized allylic alcohols were obtained in the case of aldehydes and aliphatic ketones. In the case of alpha,beta-unsaturated enones, functionalized allylic alcohols or functionalized gamma,delta-unsaturated ketones were obtained, depending on the structures of the ketones.

Reduction of high-affinity beta2-adrenergic receptor binding by hyperforin and hyperoside on rat C6 glioblastoma cells measured by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

PubMed

Prenner, Lars; Sieben, Anne; Zeller, Karin; Weiser, Dieter; Häberlein, Hanns

2007-05-01

Beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-AR) are potential targets for antidepressants. Desensitization and downregulation of beta-AR are discussed as possible modes of action for antidepressants. We have investigated the effects of hyperforin and hyperoside, compounds with potentially antidepressant activity from St. John's Wort, on the binding behavior and dynamics of beta2-AR in living rat C6 glioblastoma cells, compared to desipramine (desmethylimipramine; DMI) by means of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and fluorescence microscopy. FCS-binding studies with the fluorescently labeled ligand Alexa532-noradrenaline (Alexa532-NA) binding to beta2-AR of C6 cells showed a significant reduction in total beta2-AR binding after preincubation with hyperforin and hyperoside for 3 days, respectively, which was also found for DMI. This was mainly observed in high-affinity receptor-ligand complexes with hindered lateral mobility (D2 = 1.1 (+/-0.4) microm2/s) in the biomembrane. However, internalization of beta2-AR was found neither in z-scans of these C6 cells nor in HEK 293 cells stably transfected with GFP-tagged beta2-adrenergic receptors (beta2AR-GFP) after incubation up to 6 days with either DMI, hyperforin, or hyperoside. Thus, under these conditions reduction of beta2-AR binding was not mediated by receptor internalization. Additionally, preincubation of C6 cells with DMI, hyperforin, and hyperoside led to a loss of second messenger cAMP after beta2-adrenergic stimulating conditions with terbutaline. Our current results indicate that hyperforin and hyperoside from St. John's Wort, as well as DMI, reduce beta2-adrenergic sensitivity in C6 cells, emphasizing the potential usefulness of St. John's Wort dry extracts in clinical treatment of depressive symptoms.

High-resolution melting analysis for prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia in northern Thailand.

PubMed

Charoenkwan, Pimlak; Sirichotiyakul, Supatra; Phusua, Arunee; Suanta, Sudjai; Fanhchaksai, Kanda; Sae-Tung, Rattika; Sanguansermsri, Torpong

2017-12-01

High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis is a rapid mutation analysis which assesses the pattern of reduction of fluorescence signal after subjecting the amplified PCR product with saturated fluorescence dye to an increasing temperature. We used HRM analysis for prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia disease in northern Thailand. Five PCR-HRM protocols were used to detect point mutations in five different segments of the beta-globin gene, and one protocol to detect the 3.4 kb beta-globin deletion. We sought to characterize the mutations in carriers and to enable prenatal diagnosis in 126 couples at risk of having a fetus with beta-thalassemia disease. The protocols identified 18 common mutations causing beta-thalassemia, including the rare codon 132 (A-T) mutation. Each mutation showed a specific HRM pattern and all results were in concordance with those from direct DNA sequencing or gap-PCR methods. In cases of beta-thalassemia disease resulting from homozygosity for a mutation or compound heterozygosity for two mutations on the same amplified segment, the HRM patterns were different to those of a single mutation and were specific for each combination. HRM analysis is a simple and useful method for mutation identification in beta-thalassemia carriers and prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia in northern Thailand.

Temporally variable environments maintain more beta-diversity in Mediterranean landscapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, Beatriz; Ferrer, Miguel

2015-10-01

We examined the relationships between different environmental factors and the alpha and beta-diversity of terrestrial vertebrates (birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles) in a Mediterranean region at the landscape level. We investigated whether the mechanisms underlying alpha and beta-diversity patterns are influenced by energy availability, habitat heterogeneity and temporal variability and if the drivers of the diversity patterns differed between both components of diversity. We defined alpha-diversity as synonym of species richness whereas beta-diversity was measured as distinctiveness. We evaluated a total of 13 different predictors using generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis. Habitat spatial heterogeneity increased alpha-diversity, but contrastingly, it did not significantly affect beta-diversity among sites. Disturbed landscapes may show higher habitat spatial variation and higher alpha-diversity due to the contribution of highly generalist species that are wide-distributed and do not differ in composition (beta-diversity) among different sites within the region. Contrastingly, higher beta-diversity levels were negatively related to more stable sites in terms of temporal environmental variation. This negative relationship between environmental stability and beta-diversity levels is explained in terms of species adaptation to the local environmental conditions. Our study highlights the importance of temporal environmental variability in maintaining beta-diversity patterns under highly variable environmental conditions.

Characterization of a family of structurally related glycoproteins expressing beta 1-6-branched asparagine-linked oligosaccharides in human colon carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Laferté, S; Loh, L C

1992-04-01

Previous studies have established that metastatic tumour cells express high levels of beta 1-6-branched Asn-linked oligosaccharides which can be detected with the lectin leucoagglutinin (L-PHA) [Dennis, Laferté, Waghorne, Breitman & Kerbel (1987) Science 236, 582-585]. In order to identify L-PHA-binding glycoproteins which may play a role specifically in colon cancer, we have prepared monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the moderately well-differentiated human colon carcinoma cell line HT29. In this paper we present the initial characterization of a family of structurally related L-PHA-binding glycoproteins detected by MAb 1H9 which are differentially expressed and processed by HT29 cells and by two other human colon carcinoma cell lines, SW480 and SW620. In contrast to HT29, the SW480 and SW620 cell lines were established from a poorly differentiated grade III/IV primary tumour and one of its lymph node metastases respectively. MAb 1H9 detects in HT29 cells a conformational determinant present on three L-PHA-binding glycoproteins of 100, 70 and 25kDa, as well as a 74 kDa glycoprotein with high-mannose-type Asn-linked oligosaccharides. Pulse-chase experiments and peptide mapping analyses revealed that the 74 kDa and 100 kDa species are related by carbohydrate processing and are probably derived from a common 76 kDa precursor. On the other hand, the 70 kDa glycoprotein is synthesized from an endoglycosidase H-sensitive precursor of 56 kDa which is structurally related to, but distinct from, the aforementioned 76 kDa precursor. In addition, the 100 kDa species is secreted into the culture medium, whereas the 70 kDa glycoprotein is retained intracellularly. SW480 and SW620 cells showed qualitative and quantitative differences from HT29 cells, including increased secretion of a smaller L-PHA-binding glycoprotein of 92 kDa into the culture medium, as well as apparent differences in glycosylation of the intracellular 66 kDa glycoprotein. These results suggested that the expression, glycosylation and subcellular localization of this family of L-PHA-binding glycoproteins may correlate with the differentiation status of colon cancer cells and/or reflect biochemical changes. characteristic of more progressive metastatic tumours.

High-pressure-induced interactions between milk fat globule membrane proteins and skim milk proteins in whole milk.

PubMed

Ye, A; Anema, S G; Singh, H

2004-12-01

The association of beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) and alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), when whole milk was treated by high pressure in the range 100 to 800 MPa, was investigated using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-PAGE under reducing and nonreducing conditions. In SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions, beta-LG was observed in the MFGM material isolated from milk treated at 100 to 800 MPa for 30 min, and small amounts of alpha-LA and kappa-casein were also observed at pressures >600 MPa for 30 min. However, these proteins were not observed in SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions. These results indicate that beta-LG and alpha-LA associated with MFGM proteins via disulfide bonds during the high-pressure treatment of whole milk. The amount of beta-LG associated with the MFGM increased with an increase in pressure up to 800 MPa and with increasing time of pressure treatment. The maximum value for beta-LG association with the MFGM was approximately 0.75 mg/g of fat. Of the major original MFGM proteins, no change in butyrophilin was observed during the high-pressure treatment of whole milk, whereas xanthine oxidase was reduced to some extent beyond 400 MPa. In contrast to the behavior during heat treatment, PAS 6 and PAS 7 were stable during high-pressure treatment, and they remained associated with the MFGM.

Specific radioimmunoassay of human. beta. -endorphin in unextracted plasma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wiedemann, E.; Saito, T.; Linfoot, J.A.

1979-09-01

With an antiserum against human ..beta..-endorphin (..beta..-EP) crossreacting <2% with human ..beta..-lipotropin (..beta..-LPH) by weight we have developed a radioimmunoassay that can detect 1 pg ..beta..-EP in diluted raw plasma. In a.m. fasting plasma of 14 normal subjects ..beta..-EP ranged from <5 to 45 pg/ml. ..beta..-EP was elevated in untreated, but normal in successfully treated Cushing's disease; undetectable in a patient with adrenal adenoma; extremely high in Nelson's syndrome; and elevated in a patient with bronchogenic carcinoma before, but undetectable after tumor resection. In subjects with intact hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, ..beta..-EP was undectectable after dexamethasone and increased after metyrapone administration andmore » insulin-induced hypoglycemia. ..beta..-EP concentration was considerably lower in serum than in simultaneously collected plasma, but increased in serum left unfrozen for several hours after clot removal. Thus, ..beta..-EP behaves like a hormone responding to the same stimuli as ACTH and ..beta..-LPH and blood appears to contain enzymes both generating and destroying immunoreactive ..beta..-EP.« less

Asymmetric conjugate 1,4-addition of arylboronic acids to alpha, beta-unsaturated esters catalyzed by Rhodium(I)/(S)-binap

PubMed

Sakuma; Sakai; Itooka; Miyaura

2000-09-22

Arylboronic acids underwent the conjugate 1,4-addition to alpha, beta-unsaturated esters to give beta-aryl esters in high yields in the presence of a rhodium(I) catalyst. The addition of arylboronic acids to isopropyl crotonate resulted in high yields and high enantioselectivity exceeding 90% ee in the presence of 3 mol % of Rh(acac)(C(2)H(4))(2) and (S)-binap at 100 degrees C. The rhodium/(S)-binap complex provided (R)-3-phenylbutanoate in the addition of phenylboronic acid to benzyl crotonate. The effects on the enantioselectivity of chiral phosphine ligands, rhodium precursors, and substituents on alpha,beta-unsaturated esters are discussed, as well as the mechanistic aspect of the catalytic cycle.

Species replacement dominates megabenthos beta diversity in a remote seamount setting.

PubMed

Victorero, Lissette; Robert, Katleen; Robinson, Laura F; Taylor, Michelle L; Huvenne, Veerle A I

2018-03-07

Seamounts are proposed to be hotspots of deep-sea biodiversity, a pattern potentially arising from increased productivity in a heterogeneous landscape leading to either high species co-existence or species turnover (beta diversity). However, studies on individual seamounts remain rare, hindering our understanding of the underlying causes of local changes in beta diversity. Here, we investigated processes behind beta diversity using ROV video, coupled with oceanographic and quantitative terrain parameters, over a depth gradient in Annan Seamount, Equatorial Atlantic. By applying recently developed beta diversity analyses, we identified ecologically unique sites and distinguished between two beta diversity processes: species replacement and changes in species richness. The total beta diversity was high with an index of 0.92 out of 1 and was dominated by species replacement (68%). Species replacement was affected by depth-related variables, including temperature and water mass in addition to the aspect and local elevation of the seabed. In contrast, changes in species richness component were affected only by the water mass. Water mass, along with substrate also affected differences in species abundance. This study identified, for the first time on seamount megabenthos, the different beta diversity components and drivers, which can contribute towards understanding and protecting regional deep-sea biodiversity.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matsumura, Yasuo; Kawazoe, Shinka; Ichihara, Toshio

Extracellular high potassium inhibits renin release in vitro by increasing calcium concentrations in the juxtaglomerular cells. The authors found that the decreased response of renin release from rat kidney cortical slices in high potassium solution changed to a strikingly increased one in the presence of nifedipine at doses over 10{sup {minus}6} M. They then examined the stimulatory effect of extracellular high potassium in the presence of nifedipine on renin release. The enhancement of release was significantly suppressed either by propranolol or by metoprolol but not by prazosin. High potassium plus nifedipine-induced increase in renin release was markedly attenuated by renalmore » denervation. The enhancing effect was not observed when the slices were incubated in calcium-free medium. Divalent cations such as Cd{sup 2+}, Co{sup 2+}, and Mn{sup 2+} blocked this enhancement in a concentration-dependent manner. High potassium elicited an increase in {sup 3}H efflux from the slices preloaded with ({sup 3}H)-norepinephrine. The increasing effect was not influenced by nifedipine but was abolished by the removal of extracellular calcium or by the addition of divalent cations. These observations suggest to us that the high potassium plus nifedipine-induced increase in renin release from the slices is mediated by norepinephrine derived from renal sympathetic nerves and that this neuronally released norepinephrine stimulates renin release via activation of {beta}-adrenoceptors.« less

[Rapid identification of micro-constituents in monoammonium glycyrrhizinate raw materials by high-pressure solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Yang, Xue-Dong; Tang, Xu-Yan; Sang, Lin

2012-11-01

To establish a method for rapid identification of micro-constituents in monoammonium glycyrrhizinate by high-pressure solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. HPLC preparative chromatograph was adopted for determining the optimal method for high-pressure solid phase extraction under optimal conditions. 5C18-MS-II column (20.0 mm x 20.0 mm) was used as the extraction column, with 35% acetonitrile-acetic acid solution (pH 2. 20) as eluent at the speed of 16 mL x min(-1). The sample size was 0.5 mL, and the extraction cycle was 4.5 min. Then, extract liquid was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) after being concentrated by 100 times. Under the optimal condition of high-pressure solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, 10 components were rapidly identified from monoammonium glycyrrhizinate raw materials. Among them, the chemical structures of six micro-constituents were identified as 3-O-[beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-30-0-beta-D-apiopyranosylglycyrrhetic/3-O- [P-D-glucuronopyranosyl-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-30-O-beta-D-arabinopyranosylglycyrrhetic, glycyrrhizic saponin F3, 22-hydroxyglycyrrhizin/18alpha-glycyrrhizic saponin G2, 3-O-[beta-D-rhamnopyranosyl]-24-hydroxyglycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic saponin J2, and glycyrrhizic saponin B2 by MS(n) spectra analysis and reference to literatures. Four main chemical components were identified as glycyrrhizic saponin G2, 18beta-glycyrrhizic acid, uralglycyrrhizic saponin B and 18alpha-glycyrrhizic acid by liquid chromatography, MS(n) and ultraviolet spectra information and comparison with reference substances. The method can be used to identify chemical constituents in monoammonium glycyrrhizinate quickly and effectively, without any reference substance, which provides basis for quality control and safe application of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate-related products.

High-fat, carbohydrate-free diet markedly aggravates obesity but prevents beta-cell loss and diabetes in the obese, diabetes-susceptible db/db strain.

PubMed

Mirhashemi, Farshad; Kluth, Oliver; Scherneck, Stephan; Vogel, Heike; Kluge, Reinhart; Schurmann, Annette; Joost, Hans-Georg; Neschen, Susanne

2008-01-01

We have previously reported that a high-fat, carbohydrate-free diet prevents diabetes and beta-cell destruction in the New Zealand Obese (NZO) mouse strain. Here we investigated the effect of diets with and without carbohydrates on obesity and development of beta-cell failure in a second mouse model of type 2 diabetes, the db/db mouse. When kept on a carbohydrate-containing standard (SD; with (w/w) 5.1, 58.3, and 17.6% fat, carbohydrates and protein, respectively) or high-fat diet (HFD; 14.6, 46.7 and 17.1%), db/db mice developed severe diabetes (blood glucose >20 mmol/l, weight loss, polydipsia and polyurea) associated with a selective loss of pancreatic beta-cells, reduced GLUT2 expression in the remaining beta-cells, and reduced plasma insulin levels. In contrast, db/db mice kept on a high-fat, carbohydrate-free diet (CFD; with 30.2 and 26.4% (w/w) fat or protein) did not develop diabetes and exhibited near-normal, hyperplastic islets in spite of a morbid obesity (fat content >60%) associated with hyperinsulinaemia. These data indicate that in genetically different mouse models of obesity-associated diabetes, obesity and dietary fat are not sufficient, and dietary carbohydrates are required, for beta-cell destruction.

Down-regulation of connective tissue growth factor by inhibition of transforming growth factor beta blocks the tumor-stroma cross-talk and tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

PubMed

Mazzocca, Antonio; Fransvea, Emilia; Dituri, Francesco; Lupo, Luigi; Antonaci, Salvatore; Giannelli, Gianluigi

2010-02-01

Tumor-stroma interactions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are of key importance to tumor progression. In this study, we show that HCC invasive cells produce high levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and generate tumors with a high stromal component in a xenograft model. A transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptor inhibitor, LY2109761, inhibited the synthesis and release of CTGF, as well as reducing the stromal component of the tumors. In addition, the TGF-beta-dependent down-regulation of CTGF diminished tumor growth, intravasation, and metastatic dissemination of HCC cells by inhibiting cancer-associated fibroblast proliferation. By contrast, noninvasive HCC cells were found to produce low levels of CTGF. Upon TGF-beta1 stimulation, noninvasive HCC cells form tumors with a high stromal content and CTGF expression, which is inhibited by treatment with LY2109761. In addition, the acquired intravasation and metastatic spread of noninvasive HCC cells after TGF-beta1 stimulation was blocked by LY2109761. LY2109761 interrupts the cross-talk between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, leading to a significant reduction of HCC growth and dissemination. Interestingly, patients with high CTGF expression had poor prognosis, suggesting that treatment aimed at reducing TGF-beta-dependent CTGF expression may offer clinical benefits. Taken together, our preclinical results indicate that LY2109761 targets the cross-talk between HCC and the stroma and provide a rationale for future clinical trials.

The antifibrotic effects of TGF-{beta}1 siRNA on hepatic fibrosis in rats

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lang, Qing; Liu, Qi; Xu, Ning

2011-06-10

Highlights: {yields} We constructed CCL4 induced liver fibrosis model successfully. {yields} We proofed that the TGF-{beta}1 siRNA had a definite therapy effect to CCL4 induced liver fibrosis. {yields} The therapy effect of TGF-{beta}1 siRNA had dose-dependent. -- Abstract: Background/aims: Hepatic fibrosis results from the excessive secretion of matrix proteins by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which proliferate during fibrotic liver injury. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-{beta}1 is the dominant stimulus for extracellular matrix (ECM) production by stellate cells. Our study was designed to investigate the antifibrotic effects of using short interference RNA (siRNA) to target TGF-{beta}1 in hepatic fibrosis and its mechanismmore » in rats exposed to a high-fat diet and carbon tetrachloride (CCL4). Methods: A total of 40 healthy, male SD (Sprague-Dawley) rats were randomly divided into five even groups containing of eight rats each: normal group, model group, TGF-{beta}1 siRNA 0.125 mg/kg treatment group, TGF-{beta}1 siRNA 0.25 mg/kg treatment group and TGF-{beta}1 siRNA negative control group (0.25 mg/kg). CCL4 and a high-fat diet were used for 8 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis. All the rats were then sacrificed to collect liver tissue samples. A portion of the liver samples were soaked in formalin for Hematoxylin-Eosin staining, classifying the degree of liver fibrosis, and detecting the expression of type I and III collagen and TGF-{beta}1; the remaining liver samples were stored in liquid nitrogen to be used for detecting TGF-{beta}1 by Western blotting and for measuring the mRNA expression of type I and III collagen and TGF-{beta}1 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Comparing the TGF-{beta}1 siRNA 0.25 mg/kg treatment group to the model group, the TGF-{beta}1 siRNA negative control group and the TGF-{beta}1 siRNA 0.125 mg/kg treatment group showed significantly reduced levels of pathological changes, protein expression and the mRNA expression of TGF-{beta}1, type I collagen and type III collagen (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Using siRNA to target TGF-{beta}1 can inhibit the expression of TGF-{beta}1 and attenuate rat hepatic fibrosis induced by a high-fat diet and CCL4. A possible mechanism is through the down-regulation of TGF-{beta}1 expression, which could inhibit HSC activation, as well as the proliferation and collagen production of collagen reducing, so that collagen deposition in the liver is reduced.« less

The Promiscuity of [beta]-Strand Pairing Allows for Rational Design of [beta]-Sheet Face Inversion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Makabe, Koki; Koide, Shohei

2009-06-17

Recent studies suggest the dominant role of main-chain H-bond formation in specifying {beta}-sheet topology. Its essentially sequence-independent nature implies a large degree of freedom in designing {beta}-sheet-based nanomaterials. Here we show rational design of {beta}-sheet face inversions by incremental deletions of {beta}-strands from the single-layer {beta}-sheet of Borrelia outer surface protein A. We show that a {beta}-sheet structure can be maintained when a large number of native contacts are removed and that one can design large-scale conformational transitions of a {beta}-sheet such as face inversion by exploiting the promiscuity of strand-strand interactions. High-resolution X-ray crystal structures confirmed the success ofmore » the design and supported the importance of main-chain H-bonds in determining {beta}-sheet topology. This work suggests a simple but effective strategy for designing and controlling nanomaterials based on {beta}-rich peptide self-assemblies.« less

Beta-blockers for hypertension

PubMed Central

Wiysonge, Charles S; Bradley, Hazel A; Volmink, Jimmy; Mayosi, Bongani M; Opie, Lionel H

2017-01-01

Background Beta-blockers refer to a mixed group of drugs with diverse pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. They have shown long-term beneficial effects on mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) when used in people with heart failure or acute myocardial infarction. Beta-blockers were thought to have similar beneficial effects when used as first-line therapy for hypertension. However, the benefit of beta-blockers as first-line therapy for hypertension without compelling indications is controversial. This review is an update of a Cochrane Review initially published in 2007 and updated in 2012. Objectives To assess the effects of beta-blockers on morbidity and mortality endpoints in adults with hypertension. Search methods The Cochrane Hypertension Information Specialist searched the following databases for randomized controlled trials up to June 2016: the Cochrane Hypertension Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2016, Issue 6), MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), and ClinicalTrials.gov. We checked reference lists of relevant reviews, and reference lists of studies potentially eligible for inclusion in this review, and also searched the the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform on 06 July 2015. Selection criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of at least one year of duration, which assessed the effects of beta-blockers compared to placebo or other drugs, as first-line therapy for hypertension, on mortality and morbidity in adults. Data collection and analysis We selected studies and extracted data in duplicate, resolving discrepancies by consensus. We expressed study results as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and conducted fixed-effect or random-effects meta-analyses, as appropriate. We also used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. GRADE classifies the certainty of evidence as high (if we are confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of effect), moderate (if the true effect is likely to be close to the estimate of effect), low (if the true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of effect), and very low (if we are very uncertain about the estimate of effect). Main results Thirteen RCTs met inclusion criteria. They compared beta-blockers to placebo (4 RCTs, 23,613 participants), diuretics (5 RCTs, 18,241 participants), calcium-channel blockers (CCBs: 4 RCTs, 44,825 participants), and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors (3 RCTs, 10,828 participants). These RCTs were conducted between the 1970s and 2000s and most of them had a high risk of bias resulting from limitations in study design, conduct, and data analysis. There were 40,245 participants taking beta-blockers, three-quarters of them taking atenolol. We found no outcome trials involving the newer vasodilating beta-blockers (e.g. nebivolol). There was no difference in all-cause mortality between beta-blockers and placebo (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.11), diuretics or RAS inhibitors, but it was higher for beta-blockers compared to CCBs (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.14). The evidence on mortality was of moderate-certainty for all comparisons. Total CVD was lower for beta-blockers compared to placebo (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.97; low-certainty evidence), a reflection of the decrease in stroke (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.96; low-certainty evidence) since there was no difference in coronary heart disease (CHD: RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.07; moderate-certainty evidence). The effect of beta-blockers on CVD was worse than that of CCBs (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.29; moderate-certainty evidence), but was not different from that of diuretics (moderate-certainty) or RAS inhibitors (low-certainty). In addition, there was an increase in stroke in beta-blockers compared to CCBs (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.40; moderate-certainty evidence) and RAS inhibitors (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.53; moderate-certainty evidence). However, there was little or no difference in CHD between beta-blockers and diuretics (low-certainty evidence), CCBs (moderate-certainty evidence) or RAS inhibitors (low-certainty evidence). In the single trial involving participants aged 65 years and older, atenolol was associated with an increased CHD incidence compared to diuretics (RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.32). Participants taking beta-blockers were more likely to discontinue treatment due to adverse events than participants taking RAS inhibitors (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.54; moderate-certainty evidence), but there was little or no difference with placebo, diuretics or CCBs (low-certainty evidence). Authors' conclusions Most outcome RCTs on beta-blockers as initial therapy for hypertension have high risk of bias. Atenolol was the beta-blocker most used. Current evidence suggests that initiating treatment of hypertension with beta-blockers leads to modest CVD reductions and little or no effects on mortality. These beta-blocker effects are inferior to those of other antihypertensive drugs. Further research should be of high quality and should explore whether there are differences between different subtypes of beta-blockers or whether beta-blockers have differential effects on younger and older people. Beta-blockers for hypertension What is the aim of this review? The aim of this Cochrane Review was to assess whether beta-blockers decrease the number of deaths, strokes, and heart attacks associated with high blood pressure in adults. We collected and analysed all relevant studies to answer this question and found 13 relevant studies. Are beta-blockers as good as other medicines when used for treatment of adults with high blood pressure? Beta-blockers were not as good at preventing the number of deaths, strokes, and heart attacks as other classes of medicines such as diuretics, calcium-channel blockers, and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors. Most of these findings come from one type of beta-blocker called atenolol. However, beta-blockers are a diverse group of medicines with different properties, and we need more well-conducted research in this area. What was studied in the review? Millions of people with high blood pressure have strokes, heart attacks, and other diseases, and many of them die. This situation could be prevented with appropriate treatment. Researchers have tried different medicines for treating high blood pressure. What are the main results of the review? We found 13 studies from high-income countries, mainly Western Europe and North America. In the studies, the people receiving beta-blockers were compared to people who received no treatment or other medicines. The studies showed the following. Beta-blockers probably make little or no difference in the number of deaths among people on treatment for high blood pressure. This effect appears to be similar to that of diuretics and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, but beta-blockers are probably not as good at preventing deaths from high blood pressure as calcium-channel blockers. Beta-blockers may reduce the number of strokes, an effect which appears to be similar to that of diuretics. However, beta-blockers may not be as good at preventing strokes as renin-angiotensin system inhibitors or calcium-channel blockers. Beta-blockers may make little or no difference to the number of heart attacks among people with high blood pressure. The evidence suggests that this effect may not be different from that of diuretics, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, or calcium-channel blockers. However, among people aged 65 years and older, the evidence suggests that beta-blockers may not be as good at reducing heart attacks as diuretics. People given beta-blockers are more likely to have side effects and stop treatment than people taking renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, but there may be little or no difference in side effects between beta-blockers and diuretics or calcium-channel blockers. How up-to-date is this review? The review authors searched for studies that had been published up to June 2016. PMID:28107561

Molecular cloning and characterization of two mouse peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha)-regulated peroxisomal acyl-CoA thioesterases.

PubMed

Westin, Maria A K; Alexson, Stefan E H; Hunt, Mary C

2004-05-21

Peroxisomes are organelles that function in the beta-oxidation of long- and very long-chain acyl-CoAs, bile acid-CoA intermediates, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, dicarboxylic fatty acids, pristanic acid, and xenobiotic carboxylic acids. The very long- and long-chain acyl-CoAs are mainly chain-shortened and then transported to mitochondria for further metabolism. We have now identified and characterized two peroxisomal acyl-CoA thioesterases, named PTE-Ia and PTE-Ic, that hydrolyze acyl-CoAs to the free fatty acid and coenzyme A. PTE-Ia and PTE-Ic show 82% sequence identity at the amino acid level, and a putative peroxisomal type 1 targeting signal of -AKL was identified at the carboxyl-terminal end of both proteins. Localization experiments using green fluorescent fusion protein showed PTE-Ia and PTE-Ic to be localized in peroxisomes. Despite their high level of sequence identity, we show that PTE-Ia is mainly active on long-chain acyl-CoAs, whereas PTE-Ic is mainly active on medium-chain acyl-CoAs. Lack of regulation of enzyme activity by free CoASH suggests that PTE-Ia and PTE-Ic regulate intraperoxisomal levels of acyl-CoA, and they may have a function in termination of beta-oxidation of fatty acids of different chain lengths. Tissue expression studies revealed that PTE-Ia is highly expressed in kidney, whereas PTE-Ic is most highly expressed in spleen, brain, testis, and proximal and distal intestine. Both PTE-Ia and PTE-Ic were highly up-regulated in mouse liver by treatment with the peroxisome proliferator WY-14,643 and by fasting in a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha-dependent manner. These data show that PTE-Ia and PTE-Ic have different functions based on different substrate specificities and tissue expression.

Inclusion complexes of azadirachtin with native and methylated cyclodextrins: solubilization and binding ability.

PubMed

Liu, Yu; Chen, Guo-Song; Chen, Yong; Lin, Jun

2005-06-02

The inclusion complexation behavior of azadirachtin with several cyclodextrins and their methylated derivatives has been investigated in both solution and the solid state by means of XRD, TG-DTA, DSC, NMR, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The results show that the water solubility of azadirachtin was obviously increased after resulting inclusion complex with cyclodextrins. Typically, beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD), dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DMbetaCD), permethyl-beta-cyclodextrin (TMbetaCD), and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD) are found to be able to solubilize azadirachtin to high levels up to 2.7, 1.3, 3.5, and 1.6 mg/mL (calculated as azadirachtin), respectively. This satisfactory water solubility and high thermal stability of the cyclodextrin-azadirachtin complexes, will be potentially useful for their application as herbal medicine or healthcare products.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gibeault, J.D.; Cravens, R.B. Jr.; Chvapil, M.

A lathyrogen, ({sup 14}C)aminopropionitrile (beta APN), was administered to 34 rats either in K-Y jelly or saline vehicles onto intact shaven skin or onto a healed splinted deep excision wound. The dynamics of beta APN transport and content in the skin or repair tissue was observed after 2, 5, 8, and 24 hr of topical administration. The repair tissue quickly absorbed the lathyrogen and reached maximum at the 2-hr sampling. The content of beta APN in the repair tissue was twice as high as that in K-Y jelly vehicle and remained high and stable for at least 24 hr onlymore » when beta APN was administered through a saline vehicle. The transport of beta APN through intact skin, irrespective of the vehicle tested, was slow and continuously increased. The study showed that almost 20% of the beta APN administered onto the wounded skin area was transported into the repair tissue within 2 hr. We suggest that, due to the absence of epidermal stratum corneum from the repair tissue, drugs, such as beta APN, penetrate quickly into the wound.« less

I. The design, synthesis, and structure of antiparallel beta-sheet and beta-strand mimics. II. The design of a scripted chemistry outreach program to high schools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waldman, Amy Sue

I. Protein structure is not easily predicted from the linear sequence of amino acids. An increased ability to create protein structures would allow researchers to develop new peptide-based therapeutics and materials, and would provide insights into the mechanisms of protein folding. Toward this end, we have designed and synthesized two-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet mimics containing conformationally biased scaffolds and semicarbazide, urea, and hydrazide linker groups that attach peptide chains to the scaffold. The mimics exhibited populations of intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded beta-sheet-like conformers as determined by spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, sp1H NMR, and ROESY studies. During our studies, we determined that a urea-hydrazide beta-strand mimic was able to tightly hydrogen bond to peptides in an antiparallel beta-sheet-like configuration. Several derivatives of the urea-hydrazide beta-strand mimic were synthesized. Preliminary data by electron microscopy indicate that the beta-strand mimics have an effect on the folding of Alzheimer's Abeta peptide. These data suggest that the urea-hydrazide beta-strand mimics and related compounds may be developed into therapeutics which effect the folding of the Abeta peptide into neurotoxic aggregates. II. In recent years, there has been concern about the low level of science literacy and science interest among Americans. A declining interest in science impacts the abilities of people to make informed decisions about technology. To increase the interest in science among secondary students, we have developed the UCI Chemistry Outreach Program to High Schools. The Program features demonstration shows and discussions about chemistry in everyday life. The development and use of show scripts has enabled large numbers of graduate and undergraduate student volunteers to demonstrate chemistry to more than 12,000 local high school students. Teachers, students, and volunteers have expressed their enjoyment of The UCI Chemistry Outreach Program to High Schools.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Takata, Takumi; Shimo-Oka, Tadashi; Kojima, Masami

Although proteins are generally composed of L-{alpha}-amino acids, D-{beta}-aspartic acid (Asp)-containing proteins have been reported in various elderly tissues. Our previous study detected several D-{beta}-Asp-containing proteins in a rabbit lens derived from epithelial cell line by Western blot analysis of a 2D-gel using a polyclonal antibody that is highly specific for D-{beta}-Asp-containing proteins. The identity of each spot was subsequently determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and the Ms-Fit online database searching algorithm. In this study, we discovered novel D-{beta}-Asp-containing proteins from rabbit lens. The results indicate that {beta}-crystallin A3, {beta}-crystallin A4, {beta}-crystallin B1, {beta}-crystallin B2, {beta}-crystallin B3,more » {gamma}-crystallin C, {gamma}-crystallin D, and {lambda}-crystallin in rabbit lens contain D-{beta}-Asp residues. Furthermore, the occurrence of D-{beta}-Asp residues increases with infrared ray (IR) irradiation. Additionally, some D-{beta}-Asp-containing proteins only appear after IR irradiation. One such protein is the {alpha}-enolase, which shows homology to {tau}-crystallin.« less

Species differences in the localization and number of CNS beta adrenergic receptors: Rat versus guinea pig

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Booze, R.M.; Crisostomo, E.A.; Davis, J.N.

1989-06-01

The localization and number of beta adrenergic receptors were directly compared in the brains of rats and guinea pigs. The time course of association and saturability of (125I)cyanopindolol (CYP) binding to slide-mounted tissue sections was similar in rats (Kd = 17 pM) and guinea pigs (Kd = 20 pM). The beta-1 and beta-2 receptor subtypes were examined through the use of highly selective unlabeled receptor antagonists, ICI 118,551 (50 nM) and ICI 89,406 (70 nM). Dramatic species differences between rats and guinea pigs were observed in the neuroanatomical regional localization of the beta adrenergic receptor subtypes. For example, in themore » thalamus prominent beta-1 and beta-2 receptor populations were identified in the rat; however, the entire thalamus of the guinea pig had few, if any, beta adrenergic receptors of either subtype. Hippocampal area CA1 had high levels of beta-2 adrenergic receptors in both rats and guinea pigs but was accompanied by a widespread distribution of beta-2 adrenergic receptors only in rats. Quantitative autoradiographic analyses of 25 selected neuroanatomical regions (1) confirmed the qualitative differences in CNS beta adrenergic receptor localization, (2) determined that guinea pigs had significantly lower levels of beta adrenergic receptors than rats and (3) indicated a differential pattern of receptor subtypes between the two species. Knowledge of species differences in receptor patterns may be useful in designing effective experiments as well as in exploring the relationships between receptor and innervation patterns. Collectively, these data suggest caution be used in extrapolation of the relationships of neurotransmitters and receptors from studies of a single species.« less

Triterpenoid glycosides from Bacopa monnieri.

PubMed

Sivaramakrishna, Chillara; Rao, Chirravuri V; Trimurtulu, Golakoti; Vanisree, Mulabagal; Subbaraju, Gottumukkala V

2005-12-01

Two triterpenoid glycosides have been isolated along with 10 known saponins from Bacopa monnieri. Structures of the compounds have been elucidated as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] jujubogenin (1) and 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] pseudojujubogenin (2) by high resolution NMR spectral data and chemical correlations. Further, the chemical compositions of bacosides A and B have been delineated.

Beta-cryptoxanthin: A vitamin A-forming carotenoid

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Beta-cryptoxanthin is a common carotenoid. It is generally the fourth most abundant in human blood but can achieve high concentrations especially in Japanese and Spanish populations. Its richest food sources include mandarin oranges, persimmons, oranges, papayas, pumpkin, and red sweet peppers. Beta...

Expression of {beta}{sub 1} integrins in human endometrial stromal and decidual cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shiokawa, Shigetatsu; Yoshimura, Yasunori; Nakamura, Yukio

The present study was undertaken to investigate the expression of {beta}{sub 1} integrins in human endometrium and decidua using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation. Fluorescence-activated flow cytometry demonstrated the greater expression of the {beta}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 2}, and {alpha}{sub 5} subunits of the {beta}{sub 1} integrin family in cultured stromal cells from the midsecretory phase, than in those of the early proliferative phase. The addition of estradiol (E{sub 2}) and progesterone (P) to cultured stromal cells in the early proliferative phase increased the expression of {beta}{sub 1} integrins in vitro. Flow cytometry also demonstrated the expression of themore » {beta}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 1}, {alpha}{sub 2}, {alpha}{sub 3}, {alpha}{sub 5}, and {alpha}{sub 6} subunits of {beta}{sub 1} integrin family in cultured decidual cells, and the enriched-fraction of prolactin (PRL)-producing decidual cells isolated by Percoll gradients showed high levels of {beta}{sub 1} integrins expression. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the {beta}{sub 1} integrin cell surface phenotypes in cultured decidual cells observed by flow cytometry. In summary, the present study demonstrated that endometrial stromal and decidual cells expressed {beta}{sub 1} integrin subunits at their surfaces. The expression exhibited a variability throughout the menstrual cycles, being predominantly detected in the secretory phase, and was maintained highly in the decidua. Thus, {beta}{sub 1} integrins in human endometrium and decidua may be important in mediating the organization of extracellular matrix proteins derived from embryos during the early stage of implantation. 43 refs., 7 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Functional properties of an isolated. cap alpha beta. heterodimeric human placenta insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor complex

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Feltz, S.M.; Swanson, M.L.; Wemmie, J.A.

1988-05-03

Treatment of human placenta membranes at pH 8.5 in the presence of 2.0 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) for 5 min, followed by the simultaneous removal of the DTT and pH adjustment of pH 7.6, resulted in the formation of a functional ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor complex from the native ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric disulfide-linked state. The membrane-bound ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric complex displayed similar curvilinear /sup 125/I-IGF-1 equilibrium binding compared to the ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric complex. /sup 125/I-IGF-1 binding to both the isolated ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric and ..cap alpha beta..more » heterodimeric complexes demonstrated a marked straightening of the Scatchard plots, compared to the placenta membrane-bound IGF-1 receptors, with a 2-fold increase in the high-affinity binding component. IGF-1 stimulation of IGF-1 receptor autophosphorylation indicated that the ligand-dependent activation of ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric protein kinase activity occurred concomitant with the reassociation into a covalent ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric state. These data demonstrate that (i) a combination of alkaline pH and DTT treatment of human placenta membranes results in the formation of an ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric IGF-1 receptor complex, (ii) unlike the insulin receptor, high-affinity homogeneous IGF-1 binding occurs in both the ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric and ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric complexes, and (iii) IGF-1-dependent autophosphorylation of the ..cap alpha beta.. heterodimeric IGF-1 receptor complex correlates wit an IGF-1 dependent covalent reassociation into an ..cap alpha../sub 2/..beta../sub 2/ heterotetrameric disulfide-linked state.« less

Comprehensive analysis of all triple helical repeats in beta-spectrins reveals patterns of selective evolutionary conservation.

PubMed

Baines, Anthony J

2003-01-01

The spectrin superfamily (spectrin, alpha-actinin, utrophin and dystrophin) has in common a triple helical repeating unit of ~106 amino acid residues. In spectrin, alpha and beta chains contain multiple copies of this repeat. beta-spectrin chains contain the majority of binding activities in spectrin and are essential for animal life. Canonical beta-spectrins have 17 repeats; beta-heavy spectrins have 30. Here, the repeats of five human beta-spectrins, plus beta-spectrins from several other vertebrates and invertebrates, have been analysed. Repeats 1, 2, 14 and 17 in canonical beta are highly conserved between invertebrates and vertebrates, and repeat 8 in some isoforms. This is consistent with conservation of critical functions, since repeats 1, 2 and 17 bind alpha-spectrin. Repeats 1 of beta-spectrins are not always detected by SMART or Pfam tools. A profile hidden Markov model of beta-spectrin repeat 1 detects alpha-actinins, but not utrophin or dystrophin. Novel examples of repeat 1 were detected in the spectraplakins MACF1, BPAG1 and plectin close to the actin-binding domain. Ankyrin binds to the C-terminal portion of repeat 14; the high conservation of this entire repeat may point to additional, undiscovered ligand-binding activities. This analysis indicates that the basic triple helical repeat pattern was adapted early in the evolution of the spectrin superfamily to encompass essential binding activities, which characterise individual repeats in proteins extant today.

Topologically heterogeneous beta cell adaptation in response to high-fat diet in mice.

PubMed

Ellenbroek, Johanne H; Töns, Hendrica A; de Graaf, Natascha; Loomans, Cindy J; Engelse, Marten A; Vrolijk, Hans; Voshol, Peter J; Rabelink, Ton J; Carlotti, Françoise; de Koning, Eelco J

2013-01-01

Beta cells adapt to an increased insulin demand by enhancing insulin secretion via increased beta cell function and/or increased beta cell number. While morphological and functional heterogeneity between individual islets exists, it is unknown whether regional differences in beta cell adaptation occur. Therefore we investigated beta cell adaptation throughout the pancreas in a model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance in mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed a HFD to induce insulin resistance, or control diet for 6 weeks. The pancreas was divided in a duodenal (DR), gastric (GR) and splenic (SR) region and taken for either histology or islet isolation. The capacity of untreated islets from the three regions to adapt in an extrapancreatic location was assessed by transplantation under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin-treated mice. SR islets showed 70% increased beta cell proliferation after HFD, whereas no significant increase was found in DR and GR islets. Furthermore, isolated SR islets showed twofold enhanced glucose-induced insulin secretion after HFD, as compared with DR and GR islets. In contrast, transplantation of islets isolated from the three regions to an extrapancreatic location in diabetic mice led to a similar decrease in hyperglycemia and no difference in beta cell proliferation. HFD-induced insulin resistance leads to topologically heterogeneous beta cell adaptation and is most prominent in the splenic region of the pancreas. This topological heterogeneity in beta cell adaptation appears to result from extrinsic factors present in the islet microenvironment.

Allosteric modulation of alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by HEPES✩

PubMed Central

Weltzin, Maegan M; Huang, Yanzhou; Schulte, Marvin K

2013-01-01

A number of new positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) have been reported that enhance responses of neuronal alpha7 and alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes to orthosteric ligands. PAMs represent promising new leads for the development of therapeutic agents for disorders involving alterations in nicotinic neurotransmission including Autism, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. During our recent studies of alpha4beta2 PAMs, we identified a novel effect of 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES). The effects of HEPES were evaluated in a phosphate buffered recording solution using two-electrode voltage clamp techniques and alpha4beta2 and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Acetylcholine induced responses of high-sensitivity alpha4beta2 receptors were potentiated 190% by co-exposure to HEPES. Responses were inhibited at higher concentrations (bell-shaped concentration/response curve). Coincidentally, at concentrations of HEPES typically used in oocyte recording (5–10 mM), the potentiating effects of HEPES are matched by its inhibitory effects, thus producing no net effect. Mutagenesis results suggest HEPES potentiates the high-sensitivity stoichiometry of the alpha4beta2 receptors through action at the beta2+/beta2− interface and is dependent on residue beta2D218. HEPES did not potentiate low-sensitivity alpha4beta2 receptors and did not produce any observable effect on acetylcholine induced responses on alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. PMID:22732654

Allosteric modulation of alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by HEPES.

PubMed

Weltzin, Maegan M; Huang, Yanzhou; Schulte, Marvin K

2014-06-05

A number of new positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) have been reported that enhance responses of neuronal alpha7 and alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes to orthosteric ligands. PAMs represent promising new leads for the development of therapeutic agents for disorders involving alterations in nicotinic neurotransmission including Autism, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. During our recent studies of alpha4beta2 PAMs, we identified a novel effect of 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES). The effects of HEPES were evaluated in a phosphate buffered recording solution using two-electrode voltage clamp techniques and alpha4beta2 and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Acetylcholine induced responses of high-sensitivity alpha4beta2 receptors were potentiated 190% by co-exposure to HEPES. Responses were inhibited at higher concentrations (bell-shaped concentration/response curve). Coincidentally, at concentrations of HEPES typically used in oocyte recording (5-10mM), the potentiating effects of HEPES are matched by its inhibitory effects, thus producing no net effect. Mutagenesis results suggest HEPES potentiates the high-sensitivity stoichiometry of the alpha4beta2 receptors through action at the beta2+/beta2- interface and is dependent on residue beta2D218. HEPES did not potentiate low-sensitivity alpha4beta2 receptors and did not produce any observable effect on acetylcholine induced responses on alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of two minor saponins from Cordia piauhiensis by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Santos, Renata P; Silveira, Edilberto R; Lemos, Telma Leda G; Viana, Francisco Arnaldo; Braz-Filho, Raimundo; Pessoa, Otília Deusdênia L

2005-06-01

A careful NMR analysis with full assignment of the 1H and 13C spectral data for two minor saponins isolated from stems of Cordia piauhiensis is reported. These saponins were isolated by high-performance liquid chromatography and characterized as 3beta-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]pomolic acid 28-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (1) and 3beta-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]oleanolic acid 28-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] ester (2). Their structures were established using a combination of 1D and 2D (1H, 1H-COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, gs-HMQC and gs-HMBC) NMR techniques, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and chemical evidence. Copyright 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Preparation of novel beta-cyclodextrin functionalized monolith and its application in chiral separation.

PubMed

Lv, Yongqin; Mei, Danping; Pan, Xinxin; Tan, Tianwei

2010-09-15

A novel beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) functionalized organic polymer monolith was prepared by covalently bonding ethylenediamine-beta-CD (EDA-beta-CD) to poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly(GMA-co-EGDMA)) monolith via ring opening reaction of epoxy groups. SEM characterization was performed to confirm the homogeneity of the monolithic polymer. The resulting monolith was then characterized by DSC and XPS elemental analysis to study the thermal stability of the monolith, and to prove the successful immobilization of beta-CD on the polymer substrate. The beta-CD ligand density of 0.68 mmol g(-1) was obtained for the modified monolith, indicating the high reactivity and efficiency of the EDA-beta-CD modifier. The ethylenediamine-beta-CD functionalized monoliths were used for the chiral separation of ibuprofen racemic mixture and showed promising results. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-pressure liquid chromatographic determination of chlorphenesin carbamate and the beta-isomeric carbamate.

PubMed

Beyer, W F

1976-12-01

A high-pressure liquid chromatographic assay was developed for the determination of chlorphenesin carbamate and its beta-isomeric carbamate. A single 4-mm i.d. X 30-cm column, prepacked with 10 micrometer fully porous silica gel particles, is used with 3% methanol in 50% water-saturated butyl chloride as the mobile phase. The procedure separates chlorphenesin carbamate from several possible impurities in addition to the beta-isomeric carbamate. The assay was applied to bulk drug and compressed tablets. The relative standard deviations for the assays of chlorphenesin carbamate and the beta-isomer are approximately 1 and 2%, respectively.

Characterization and inhibition of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase in intact myocytes.

PubMed

Laugwitz, K L; Kronsbein, K; Schmitt, M; Hoffmann, K; Seyfarth, M; Schömig, A; Ungerer, M

1997-08-01

beta-Adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARK) phosphorylates and thereby inactivates agonist-occupied beta-adrenergic receptors (beta AR). beta ARK is thought to play an important role in the regulation of cardiac function. Therefore, we studied beta ARK activation and its inhibition in intact smooth muscle cells and in cardiomyoblasts. beta AR agonist-stimulated translocation of beta ARK was monitored by immunofluorescence labelling with specific antibodies and confocal laser scanning microscopy in DDT-MF 2 hamster smooth muscle cells and in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts. In unstimulated cells. beta ARK was mainly located in the cytosol. After beta AR agonist stimulation, the beta ARK signal was partially translocated to the membranes. Liposomal gene transfer of the COOH-terminus of beta ARK ('beta ARKmini') as a beta ARK inhibitor led to functional expression of this protein in both cell lines with high efficiency. Western blots with beta ARK antibodies showed a gene concentration-dependent immunoreactivity of the 'beta ARKmini' protein. 'beta ARKmini'-transfected myocytes demonstrated reduced membrane targeting of the beta ARK immuno-fluorescence signal. Additionally, the effect of 'beta ARKmini' on beta AR-induced desensitization of myocytic cAMP accumulation was investigated. In control cells, desensitization with isoproterenol led to a subsequent reduction of beta AR-induced cAMP accumulation. In 'beta ARKmini'-transfected myocytes, this beta AR-induced desensitization was significantly diminished, whereas normal beta AR-induced cAMP accumulation was unaffected. A gene concentration of 2 micrograms 'beta ARKmini' DNA/100,000 cardiomyoblasts, and of 0.7 microgram 'beta ARKmini' DNA/100,000 DDT-MF2 smooth muscle cells led to approximately 5.9- and approximately 5.6-fold overexpressions of 'beta ARKmini' vs. native beta ARK, respectively. These gene doses proved sufficient to attenuate beta-adrenergic desensitization significantly. (1) beta ARK translocation was evidenced in DDT-MF2 smooth muscle cells and in cardiomyoblasts by confocal laser scanning microscopy. (2) Feasibility of 'beta ARKmini' gene transfer to myocytes was demonstrated, and necessary gene doses for beta ARK inhibition were titered. (3) Overexpression of 'beta ARKmini' functionally interacted with endogenous beta-adrenergic signal transduction, leading to sustained cAMP accumulation after prolonged beta-adrenergic stimulation.

Fenoterol inhibits superoxide anion generation by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes via beta-adrenoceptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

PubMed

Mirza, Zafar Nazir; Kato, Masahiko; Kimura, Hirokazu; Tachibana, Atsushi; Fujiu, Toru; Suzuki, Masato; Mochizuki, Hiroyuki; Tokuyama, Kenichi; Morikawa, Akihiro

2002-05-01

Beta2-adrenoceptor agonists, used widely as bronchodilator in treating bronchial asthma, may have anti-inflammatory activity. We examined whether various widely prescribed beta2-adrenoceptor agonists differ in anti-inflammatory mechanisms. We investigated effects of these drugs on superoxide anion generation by stimulated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro using chemiluminescence. At high concentrations, fenoterol significantly inhibited both N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine- and phorbol myristate acetate-induced superoxide generation by neutrophils. In contrast, salbutamol or procaterol partially inhibited generation with the former stimulus but not the latter. Inhibition by salbutamol or procaterol was completely reversed by either propranolol, a nonselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, or ICI-118551, a beta2-adrenoceptor-selective antagonist. In contrast, the effect of fenoterol at concentrations exceeding 10(-6) M against superoxide generation with the former stimulus was only partially reversed by antagonists, and the effect of high concentrations of fenoterol against generation with the latter stimulus was not reversed. No drugs scavenged superoxide at the highest concentration used (10(-5) M). Fenoterol at high concentrations has an inhibitory effect on superoxide generation that includes a component not mediated via beta2-adrenoceptors. Direct inhibition at or downstream from protein kinase C may be involved.

High-Resolution Structure of a Self-Assembly-Competent Form of a Hydrophobic Peptide Captured in a Soluble [beta]-Sheet Scaffold

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Makabe, Koki; Biancalana, Matthew; Yan, Shude

2010-02-08

{beta}-Rich self-assembly is a major structural class of polypeptides, but still little is known about its atomic structures and biophysical properties. Major impediments for structural and biophysical studies of peptide self-assemblies include their insolubility and heterogeneous composition. We have developed a model system, termed peptide self-assembly mimic (PSAM), based on the single-layer {beta}-sheet of Borrelia outer surface protein A. PSAM allows for the capture of a defined number of self-assembly-like peptide repeats within a water-soluble protein, making structural and energetic studies possible. In this work, we extend our PSAM approach to a highly hydrophobic peptide sequence. We show that amore » penta-Ile peptide (Ile{sub 5}), which is insoluble and forms {beta}-rich self-assemblies in aqueous solution, can be captured within the PSAM scaffold in a form capable of self-assembly. The 1.1-{angstrom} crystal structure revealed that the Ile{sub 5} stretch forms a highly regular {beta}-strand within this flat {beta}-sheet. Self-assembly models built with multiple copies of the crystal structure of the Ile5 peptide segment showed no steric conflict, indicating that this conformation represents an assembly-competent form. The PSAM retained high conformational stability, suggesting that the flat {beta}-strand of the Ile{sub 5} stretch primed for self-assembly is a low-energy conformation of the Ile{sub 5} stretch and rationalizing its high propensity for self-assembly. The ability of the PSAM to 'solubilize' an otherwise insoluble peptide stretch suggests the potential of the PSAM approach to the characterization of self-assembling peptides.« less

Measurement of active constitutive beta-D-glucosidase (esculinase) in the presence of sodium desoxycholate.

PubMed Central

Edberg, S C; Trepeta, R W; Kontnick, C M; Torres, A R

1985-01-01

The hydrolysis of esculin in the presence of bile has been utilized for many years for the identification of bacteria. It is especially useful in differentiating species of the genus Streptococcus. The procedure is a two-step one. First, the bacterium must grow in a particular concentration of bile, and second, it must hydrolyze esculin. The hydrolysis of esculin has traditionally been determined by the brown-black color that results when one of the hydrolysate products, esculetin, reacts with iron in the medium. The procedure requires incubation for 24 h or more. A method was developed based on the measurement of constitutive beta-glucosidase (esculinase) with the repression of this enzyme by bile equivalent (sodium desoxycholate) that required only 30 min. p-Nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside was the esculinase substrate, and sodium desoxycholate was substituted for bile salts. After inoculation, a yellow color was equivalent to the brown-black seen in the 40% bile-esculin reaction. The reagent was dispensed in test tubes and was stable for 6 months. The 30-min procedure correlated well with the conventional 24-h bile-esculin agar tube. Streptococcus pneumoniae could also be identified because of the rapid lysis it exhibited in the substrate solution. PMID:3920240

In vitro biocorrosion of Co-Cr-Mo implant alloy by macrophage cells.

PubMed

Lin, Hsin-Yi; Bumgardner, Joel D

2004-11-01

We hypothesized that macrophage cells and their released reactive chemical species (RCS) affect Co-Cr-Mo alloy's corrosion properties and that alloy corrosion products change macrophage cell behavior. A custom cell culture corrosion cell was used to evaluate how culture medium, cells, and RCS altered alloy corrosion in 3-day tests. Corrosion was evaluated by measuring total charge transfer at a constant potential using a potentiostat and metal ion release by atomic emission spectroscopy. Viability, proliferation, and NO (nitric oxide) and IL-1beta (interlukin-1beta) release were used to assess cellular response to alloy corrosion products. In the presence of activated cells, total charge transfers and Co ion release were the lowest (p < 0.05). This was attributed to an enhancement of the surface oxide by RCS. Cr and Mo release were not different between cells and activated cells. Low levels of metal ions did not affect cell viability, proliferation, or NO release, though IL-1beta released from the activated cells was higher on the alloy compared to the controls. These data support the hypothesis that macrophage cells and their RCS affect alloy corrosion. Changes in alloy corrosion by cells may be important to the development of host responses to the alloy and its corrosion products.

Use of a mixture of n-dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside and sodium dodecyl sulfate in poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchips to suppress adhesion and promote separation of proteins.

PubMed

Huang, Bo; Kim, Samuel; Wu, Hongkai; Zare, Richard N

2007-12-01

Dynamic modification of poly(dimethylsiloxane) channels using a mixture of n-dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside (DDM) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is able to suppress analyte adsorption and control electroosmotic flow (EOF). In this mixed surfactant system, the nonionic surfactant DDM functions as a surface blocking reagent, whereas the anionic surfactant SDS introduces negative charges to the channel walls. Changing the DDM/SDS mixing ratio tunes the surface charge density and the strength of EOF. Using 0.1% (w/v) DDM and 0.03% (w/v) SDS, Alexa Fluor 647 labeled streptavidin can be analyzed according to the charges added by the fluorophores. Protein molecules with different numbers of fluorophores are well resolved. DDM and SDS also form negatively charged mixed micelles, which act as a separation medium. The low critical micellar concentration of DDM/SDS mixed micelles also allows the use of SDS at a nondenaturing concentration, which enables the analysis of proteins in their native state. The immunocomplex between a membrane protein, beta2 adrenergic receptor, and anti-FLAG antibody has been fully separated using 0.1% (w/v) DDM and 0.03% (w/v) SDS. We have also analyzed the composition of light-harvesting protein-chromophore complexes in cyanobacteria.

Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of Excel alloy pressure tube material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sattari, Mohammad

Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of Excel (Zr-3.5%Sn-0.8%Mo-0.8%Nb), a dual phase alphaZr -hcp and betaZr-bcc pressure tube material, is discussed in the current study which is presented in manuscript format. Chapter 3 discusses phase transformation temperatures using different techniques such as quantitative metallography, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and electrical resistivity. It was found that the alphaZr → alphaZr+beta Zr and alphaZr+betaZr → betaZr transformation temperatures are in the range of 600-690°C and 960-970°C respectively. Also it was observed that upon quenching from temperatures below ˜860°C the martensitic transformation of betaZr to alpha'--hcp is halted and instead the microstructure transforms into retained Zr with o hexagonal precipitates inside betaZr grains. Chapter 4 deals with aging response of Excel alloy. Precipitation hardening was observed in samples water-quenched from high in the alphaZr+beta Zr or betaZr regions followed by aging. The optimum aging conditions were found to be 450°C for 1 hour. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed dispersion of fine precipitates (˜10nm) inside the martensitic phase. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the chemical composition of precipitates to be Zr-30wt%Mo-25wt%Nb-2wt%Fe. Electron crystallography using whole pattern symmetry of the convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) patterns together with selected area diffraction (SAD) polycrystalline ring patterns, suggests the -6m2 point group for the precipitates belonging to hexagonal crystal structure, with a= 2.936 A and c=4.481 A, i.e. c/a =1.526. Crystallographic texture and high temperature tensile properties as well as creep-rupture properties of different microstructures are discussed in Chapter 5. Texture analysis showed that solution treatment high in the alpha Zr+betaZr or betaZr regions followed by water quenching or air cooling results in a more random texture compared to typical pressure tube texture. Variant selection was observed upon water quenching while partial memory effect and some transformation texture with variant selection was observed in the air-cooled sample. The results of creep-rupture tests suggest that fully martensitic and aged microstructure has better creep properties at high stress levels (>700 MPa) while the microstructure from air cooling from high in the alphaZr+betaZr region is less sensitive to stress and shows better creep properties compared to the as-received annealed microstructure at lower stresses (<560 MPa).

Hydrogen-bonded turns in proteins: the case for a recount.

PubMed

Panasik, Nick; Fleming, Patrick J; Rose, George D

2005-11-01

Beta-turns are sites at which proteins change their overall chain direction, and they occur with high frequency in globular proteins. The Protein Data Bank has many instances of conformations that resemble beta-turns but lack the characteristic N-H(i) --> O=C(i - 3) hydrogen bond of an authentic beta-turn. Here, we identify potential hydrogen-bonded beta-turns in the coil library, a Web-accessible database utility comprised of all residues not in repetitive secondary structure, neither alpha-helix nor beta-sheet (http://www.roselab.jhu.edu/coil). In particular, candidate turns were identified as four-residue segments satisfying highly relaxed geometric criteria but lacking a strictly defined hydrogen bond. Such candidates were then subjected to a minimization protocol to determine whether slight changes in torsion angles are sufficient to shift the conformation into reference-quality geometry without deviating significantly from the original structure. This approach of applying constrained minimization to known structures reveals a substantial population of previously unidentified, stringently defined, hydrogen-bonded beta-turns. In particular, 33% of coil library residues were classified as beta-turns prior to minimization. After minimization, 45% of such residues could be classified as beta-turns, with another 8% in 3(10) helixes (which closely resemble type III beta-turns). Of the remaining coil library residues, 37% have backbone dihedral angles in left-handed polyproline II structure.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patrick, N.; Miyakawa, F.; Hunt, J.A.

The distribution of {beta}-thalassemia [{beta}{sup Th}] mutations is unique to each ethnic group. Most mutations affect one or a few bases; large deletions have been rare. Among families screened in Hawaii, [{beta}{sup Th}] heterozygotes were diagnosed by microcytosis, absence of abnormal hemoglobins on isoelectric focusing, and raised Hb A{sub 2} by chromatography. Gene frequency for {beta}{sup Th} was 0.02 in Filipinos. In Filipinos, polymerase chain reaction [PCR] with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis for {beta}{sup Th} mutations detected a mutation in only 6 of 42 {beta}{sup Th} heterozygotes; an IVS2-666 C/T polymorphism showed non-heterozygosity in 37 and heterozygosity in only 5more » of these {beta}{sup Th} heterozygotes. One {beta}{sup Th}/{beta}{sup Th} major patient and his mother had no mutation detected by allele-specific oligomer hybridization; PCR failed to amplify any DNA from his {beta}-globin gene. After a total {beta}-globin gene deletion [{beta}{sup Del}] was found in a Filipino family in Ontario, specific PCR amplification for {beta}{sup Del} detected this in 43 of 53 {beta}{sup Th} Filipino samples tested; the above {beta}{sup Th}/{beta}{sup Th} patient was a ({beta}{sup Del}/{beta}{sup Del}) homozygote. The {beta}{sup Del} may account for over 60% of all {beta}{sup Th} alleles in Filipinos; this is the highest proportion of a deletion {beta}{sup Th} mutation reported from any population. Most but not all {beta}{sup Del} heterozygotes had high Hb F [5.13 {plus_minus} 3.94 mean {plus_minus} 1 s.d.] compared to the codon 41/42 four base deletion common in Chinese [2.30 {plus_minus} 0.86], or to {beta}{sup Th} heterozygotes with normal {alpha}-globin genes [2.23 {plus_minus} 0.80].« less

Beta-lactamase induction and cell wall metabolism in Gram-negative bacteria

PubMed Central

Zeng, Ximin; Lin, Jun

2013-01-01

Production of beta-lactamases, the enzymes that degrade beta-lactam antibiotics, is the most widespread and threatening mechanism of antibiotic resistance. In the past, extensive research has focused on the structure, function, and ecology of beta-lactamases while limited efforts were placed on the regulatory mechanisms of beta-lactamases. Recently, increasing evidence demonstrate a direct link between beta-lactamase induction and cell wall metabolism in Gram-negative bacteria. Specifically, expression of beta-lactamase could be induced by the liberated murein fragments, such as muropeptides. This article summarizes current knowledge on cell wall metabolism, beta-lactam antibiotics, and beta-lactamases. In particular, we comprehensively reviewed recent studies on the beta-lactamase induction by muropeptides via two major molecular mechanisms (the AmpG–AmpR–AmpC pathway and BlrAB-like two-component regulatory system) in Gram-negative bacteria. The signaling pathways for beta-lactamase induction offer a broad array of promising targets for the discovery of new antibacterial drugs used for combination therapies. Therefore, to develop effective mitigation strategies against the widespread beta-lactam resistance, examination of the molecular basis of beta-lactamase induction by cell wall fragment is highly warranted. PMID:23734147

[Effects of soil, climate, and their interaction on some neutral volatile aroma components in flue-cured tobacco leaves from high quality tobacco planting regions of Hunan Province].

PubMed

Deng, Xiao-Hua; Xie, Peng-Fei; Peng, Xin-Hui; Yi, Jian-Hua; Zhou, Ji-Heng; Zhou, Qing-Ming; Pu, Wen-Xuan; Dai, Yuan-Gang

2010-08-01

A pot experiment with the soils from Yongzhou, Liuyang, and Sangzhi, the high-quality tobacco planting regions of Hunan Province, was conducted to study the effects of climate, soil, and their interaction on some neutral volatile aroma components in flue-cured tobacco leaves. The contents of test neutral volatile aroma components in the flue-cured tobacco leaves were of medium variation, and the variation intensity was decreased in the order of dihydroactinolide, damascenone, furfural, total megastigmatrienone, and beta-ionone. Climate, soil, and their interaction affected the neutral volatile aroma components in different degrees. The furfural content was most affected by climate, the damascenone content was most affected by climate and by soil, the total megastigmatrienone and beta-ionone contents were most affected by the interaction of soil and climate, while the dihydroactinolide content was less affected by soil, climate, and their interaction. The contribution of climate, soil, and their interaction to the contents of the five aroma components was 40.82%, 20.67%, and 38.51%, respectively. During different growth periods of tobacco, different climate factors had different effects on the neutral volatile aroma components. The rainfall, cloudiness, and mean air temperature at rooting stage, the diurnal temperature amplitude, sunshine time, and evaporation at vigorous growth stage, and the rainfall, evaporation, and mean air temperature at maturing stage were the top three climate factors affecting the contents of the neutral volatile aroma components in flue-tobacco leaves. For the soil factors, the available potassium, available phosphorus, and pH were the top three factors affecting the contents of the five components.

Canine serum protein patterns using high-resolution electrophoresis (HRE).

PubMed

Abate, O; Zanatta, R; Malisano, T; Dotta, U

2000-03-01

Serum protein values were determined in 26 healthy dogs using agarose gel electrophoresis (SPE), splitting the electrophoretic separation into six regions: albumin, alpha(1), alpha(2), beta(1), beta(2)and gamma globulins. High-resolution electrophoresis (HRE) was used to separate single proteins. Serum proteins from dogs (26 healthy and 20 affected by various diseases) were then characterized by electrophoretic immunofixation (IFE) and Sudan black staining on HRE film. Haemoglobin and normal canine plasma and serum were used to identify haptoglobin and fibrinogen, respectively. In the standard pattern, determined by HRE, the following proteins were identified: albumin, alpha(1)-lipoprotein (alpha(1)-region), haptoglobin and alpha(2)-macroglobulin (alpha(2)-region), beta -lipoprotein and C3 (beta(1)-region), transferrin and IgM (beta(2)-region), IgG (mostly in gamma -region and partly in beta(2)-region). The HRE pattern shown by healthy dogs could be compared with those of dogs affected by various diseases to obtain clinical information. Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.

Early Stages of Microstructure and Texture Evolution during Beta Annealing of Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilchak, A. L.; Sargent, G. A.; Semiatin, S. L.

2018-03-01

The early stages of microstructure evolution during annealing of Ti-6Al-4V in the beta phase field were established. For this purpose, a series of short-time heat treatments was performed using sheet samples that had a noticeable degree of alpha-phase microtexture in the as-received condition. Reconstruction of the beta-grain structure from electron-backscatter-diffraction measurements of the room-temperature alpha-phase texture revealed that microstructure evolution at short times was controlled not by general grain growth, but rather by nucleation-and-growth events analogous to discontinuous recrystallization. The nuclei comprised a small subset of beta grains that were highly misoriented relative to those comprising the principal texture component of the beta matrix. From a quantitative standpoint, the transformation kinetics were characterized by an Avrami exponent of approximately unity, thus suggestive of metadynamic recrystallization. The recrystallization process led to the weakening and eventual elimination of the initial beta texture through the growth of a population of highly misoriented grains.

The Suppression of Beta Oscillations in the Primate Supplementary Motor Complex Reflects a Volatile State During the Updating of Action Sequences.

PubMed

Hosaka, Ryosuke; Nakajima, Toshi; Aihara, Kazuyuki; Yamaguchi, Yoko; Mushiake, Hajime

2016-08-01

The medial motor areas play crucial but flexible roles in the temporal organizations of multiple movements. The beta oscillation of local field potentials is the predominant oscillatory activity in the motor areas, but the manner in which increases and decreases in beta power contribute to updating of multiple action plans is not yet fully understood. In the present study, beta and high-gamma activities in the supplementary motor area (SMA) and pre-SMA of monkeys were analyzed during performance of a bimanual motor sequence task that required updating and maintenance of the memory of action sequences. Beta power was attenuated during early delay periods of updating trials but was increased during maintenance trials, while there was a reciprocal increase in high-gamma power during updating trials. Moreover, transient attenuation of beta power during maintenance trials resulted in the erroneous selection of an action sequence. Therefore, it was concluded that the suppression of beta power during the early delay period reflects volatility of neural representation of the action sequence. This neural representation would be properly updated to the appropriate instructed action sequence via increases in high-gamma power in updating trials whereas it would be erroneously updated without the appropriate updating signal in maintenance trials. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Serum concentrations of micronutrient antioxidants in an adult Arab population.

PubMed

Abiaka, Clifford; Olusi, Samuel; Simbeye, Amos

2002-01-01

Serum concentrations of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and lycopene were measured by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (r-P HPLC) in 260 randomly selected healthy adult Kuwaitis (159 men and 101 women) aged 18-63 years (mean 33.3 years) to established reference ranges of the micronutrient antioxidants. Total cholesterol concentrations were assayed by an enzymatic method to determine alpha-tocopherol: cholesterol ratios. The mean +/- SEM (micromol/L) for retinol, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and lycopene were 1.76+/-0.02, 20.0+/-0.5, 0.52+/-0.03, 0.95+/-0.05, respectively. Compared to other populations, these data showed, on the whole, ordinary concentrations of beta-carotene, comparatively low concentrations of retinol and alpha-tocopherol and high concentrations of lycopene. Retinol concentrations were similar for both sexes, whereas alpha-tocopherol concentration was significantly (P < 0.0001) lower and the carotenoid levels (beta-carotene and lycopene) significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in women. Of the micronutrient antioxidants, alpha-tocopherol was most correlated with cholesterol (r = 0.492, P < 0.0001). beta-Carotene and lycopene were highly correlated with each other (r =0.744, P< 0.0001). Age was positively associated with beta-carotene (r = 0.214, P = 0.001) and lycopene (r = 239, P< 0.0001). Our data enabled us to establish a gender non-specific reference range for retinol and gender-specific reference ranges for alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and lycopene.

Interaction of the Local Interstellar Medium with the Heliosphere: Role of the Interior and Exterior Magnetic Fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, Aaron; DeVincenzi, Donald (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

A complete model of the global interaction between the solar wind and the local interstellar medium must take account of interstellar neutral atoms, interstellar ionized gas, solar and galactic magnetic fields, galactic and anomalous cosmic rays. For now, however, in view of the many uncertainties about conditions in the interstellar medium, etc., all models must be regarded as highly idealized and incomplete. In the present review I concentrate on the role of magnetic fields of solar and interstellar origin. The former, the interior field, has negligible influence on the unshocked solar wind; the immediate post-shock solar wind is probably low-beta, so that the interior magnetic field is still unimportant, but this situation changes as the plasma flows through the heliosheath, and a ridge of strong magnetic field may form to separate materials of polar and equatorial origin. The exterior (interstellar) field is likely to play an important role in determining the global morphology of the system outside the termination shock. If the exterior field is strong enough, it can compress the heliosphere (although exterior neutral and/or ionized hydrogen may play the dominant role). Even if the interstellar magnetic field does not provide the dominant pressure, its orientation can substantially affect the configuration of the heliosphere, especially the location and orientation of the heliospheric discontinuities. The configurations can be quite different for the situations in which the field and flow are (a) aligned or (b) transverse. Obliquity of the field produces asymmetry in the geometry of the system; in particular the noses of heliopause and interstellar bow shock are shifted away from the interstellar flow direction, and in opposite directions, due to the asymmetric draping of the magnetic field.

Tissue-specific regulation of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase gene by thyroid hormones in the developing rat.

PubMed

Djouadi, F; Riveau, B; Merlet-Benichou, C; Bastin, J

1997-05-15

During development, gene expression of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD), a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial enzyme that catalyses the first step of medium-chain fatty acid beta-oxidation, is highly regulated in tissues in accordance with fatty acid utilization, but the factors involved in this regulation are largely unknown. To investigate a possible role of thyroid hormones, rat pups were made hypothyroid by the administration of propylthiouracyl to the mother from day 12 of gestation, and their kidneys, heart and liver were removed on postnatal day 16 to determine MCAD mRNA abundance, protein level and enzyme activity. Similar experiments were run in 3,3',5-tri-iodothyronine (T3)-replaced hypothyroid (1 microg of T3/100 g body weight from postnatal day 5 to 15) and euthyroid pups. Hypothyroidism led to an increase in MCAD mRNA abundance in kidney and a decrease in abundance in heart, but had no effect in liver. The protein levels and enzyme activity were lowered in hypothyroid heart and kidney, suggesting that hypothyroidism affects post-transcriptional steps of gene expression in the kidney. All the effects of hypothyroidism were completely reversed in both heart and kidney by T3 replacement. Injection of a single T3 dose into 16-day-old euthyroid rats also led to tissue-specific changes in mRNA abundance. Nuclear run-on assays performed from hypothyroid and hypothyroid plus T3 rats showed that T3 stimulates MCAD gene transcription in heart and represses it in the kidney. These results indicate that the postnatal rise in circulating T3 is essential to the developmental regulation of the MCAD gene in vivo.

A class-A beta-lactamase from Pseudomonas stutzeri that is highly active against monobactams and cefotaxime.

PubMed Central

Franceschini, N; Galleni, M; Frère, J M; Oratore, A; Amicosante, G

1993-01-01

A beta-lactamase produced by Pseudomonas stutzeri was purified to protein homogeneity, and its physicochemical and catalytic properties were determined. Its profile was unusual since, in addition to penicillins, the enzyme hydrolysed second- and third-generation 'beta-lactamase-stable' cephalosporins and monobactams with similar efficiencies. On the basis of the characteristics of the interaction with beta-iodopenicillanic acid, the enzyme could be classified as a class-A beta-lactamase. However, when compared with most class-A beta-lactamases, it exhibited significantly lower kcat./Km values for the compounds usually considered to be the best substrates of these enzymes. PMID:8318000

Design and experimental results of the 1-T Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus (BETA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bates, E. M.; Birmingham, W. J.; Romero-Talamás, C. A.

2018-05-01

The Bitter Electromagnet Testing Apparatus (BETA) is a 1-Tesla (T) technical prototype of the 10 T Adjustable Long Pulsed High-Field Apparatus. BETA's final design specifications are highlighted in this paper which include electromagnetic, thermal, and stress analyses. We discuss here the design and fabrication of BETA's core, vessel, cooling, and electrical subsystems. The electrical system of BETA is composed of a scalable solid-state DC breaker circuit. Experimental results display the stable operation of BETA at 1 T. These results are compared to both analytical design and finite element calculations. Experimental results validate analytical magnet designing methods developed at the Dusty Plasma Laboratory. The theoretical steady state maxima and the limits of BETA's design are explored in this paper.