Sample records for ubicacion anexo 4b

  1. Sociopolitical contexts for addiction recovery: Anexos in U.S. Latino communities.

    PubMed

    Pagano, Anna; García, Victor; Recarte, Carlos; Lee, Juliet P

    2016-11-01

    Anexos are community-based recovery houses that were created in Mexico to serve people struggling with addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Brought to the U.S. by Mexican migrants, anexos provide residential care to primarily male Latino migrants and immigrants who are unable or unwilling to access formal treatment. While some Mexican anexos have come under fire for coercion, confrontational treatment methods, and corporal punishment, little is known about treatment practices in U.S. anexos. We conducted a two-year ethnographic study of three anexos in urban Northern California. The study included over 150h of participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 42 residents, 3 directors, 2 assistant directors, and 3 former directors (N=50). Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti software. The anexos in our study differed in important ways from Mexican anexos described in the scientific literature. First, we found no evidence of corporal punishment or coercive internment. Second, the anexos were open, allowing residents to leave the premises for work and other approved activities. Third, the anexos were self-supported through residents' financial contributions. Fourth, collective decision-making processes observed in the California anexos more closely resembled sober living houses than their authoritarian counterparts in Mexico. Anexos may operate differently in the U.S. versus Mexico due to variations in sociopolitical context. This exploratory study suggests that anexos are addressing unmet need for addiction treatment in U.S. Latino immigrant and migrant communities. As a community-created, self-sustained, culturally appropriate recovery resource, anexos provide important insights into Latino migrants' and immigrants' experiences with substance abuse, help-seeking trajectories, and treatment needs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Sociopolitical Contexts for Addiction Recovery: Anexos in U.S. Latino Communities

    PubMed Central

    García, Victor; Recarte, Carlos; Lee, Juliet P.

    2016-01-01

    Background Anexos are community-based recovery houses that were created in Mexico to serve people struggling with addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Brought to the U.S. by Mexican migrants, anexos provide residential care to primarily male Latino migrants and immigrants who are unable or unwilling to access formal treatment. While some Mexican anexos have come under fire for coercion, confrontational treatment methods, and corporal punishment, little is known about treatment practices in U.S. anexos. Methods We conducted a two-year ethnographic study of three anexos in urban Northern California. The study included over 150 hours of participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 42 residents, 3 directors, 2 assistant directors, and 3 former directors (N = 50). Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti software. Results The anexos in our study differed in important ways from Mexican anexos described in the scientific literature. First, we found no evidence of corporal punishment or coercive internment. Second, the anexos were open, allowing residents to leave the premises for work and other approved activities. Third, the anexos were self-supported through residents’ financial contributions. Fourth, collective decision-making processes observed in the California anexos more closely resembled sober living houses than their authoritarian counterparts in Mexico. Conclusion Anexos may operate differently in the U.S. versus Mexico due to variations in sociopolitical context. This exploratory study suggests that anexos are addressing unmet need for addiction treatment in U.S. Latino immigrant and migrant communities. As a community-created, self-sustained, culturally appropriate recovery resource, anexos provide important insights into Latino migrants’ and immigrants’ experiences with substance abuse, help-seeking trajectories, and treatment needs. PMID:27588569

  3. Violence, addiction, recovery: An anthropological study of Mexico's anexos.

    PubMed

    Garcia, Angela; Anderson, Brian

    2016-08-01

    Informal, coercive residential centers for the treatment of addiction are widespread and growing throughout Latin America. In Mexico these centers are called "anexos" and they are run and utilized by low-income individuals and families with problems related to drugs and alcohol. This article draws on findings from a 3-year anthropological study of anexos in Mexico City. Participant observation and in-depth interviews were used to describe and analyze anexos, their therapeutic practices, and residents' own accounts of addiction and recovery. Our findings indicate that poverty, addiction, and drug-related violence have fueled the proliferation of anexos They also suggest that anexos offer valuable health, social, and practical support, but risk exacerbating the suffering of residents through coercive rehabilitation techniques. Emphasizing this tension, this article considers the complex relationship between coercion and care, and poses fundamental questions about what drug recovery consists of in settings of poverty and violence. © The Author(s) 2016.

  4. Violence, addiction, recovery: An anthropological study of Mexico’s anexos

    PubMed Central

    Garcia, Angela; Anderson, Brian

    2017-01-01

    Informal, coercive residential centers for the treatment of addiction are widespread and growing throughout Latin America. In Mexico these centers are called “anexos” and they are run and utilized by low-income individuals and families with problems related to drugs and alcohol. This article draws on findings from a 3-year anthropological study of anexos in Mexico City. Participant observation and in-depth interviews were used to describe and analyze anexos, their therapeutic practices, and residents’ own accounts of addiction and recovery. Our findings indicate that poverty, addiction, and drug-related violence have fueled the proliferation of anexos. They also suggest that anexos offer valuable health, social, and practical support, but risk exacerbating the suffering of residents through coercive rehabilitation techniques. Emphasizing this tension, this article considers the complex relationship between coercion and care, and poses fundamental questions about what drug recovery consists of in settings of poverty and violence. PMID:27535824

  5. The Anexo in Northern California: An Alcoholics Anonymous-Based Recovery Residence in Latino Communities.

    PubMed

    Garcia, Victor; Pagano, Anna; Recarte, Carlos; Lee, Juliet P

    2017-01-01

    Our ethnographic study on help-seeking pathways of Latino immigrants in northern California reveals that they turn to anexos in their treatment and recovery quest. Anexos are linguistically- and culturally-specific recovery houses with origins in Mexico and Alcoholics Anonymous and a long history in Latino communities across the United States. Drawing on the findings of our study, we characterize the anexos and compare them to other recovery residences using National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) criteria. The description and comparison reveal that anexos cannot be placed into a single NARR residence category. We discuss why this is the case.

  6. Qatar Exoplanet Survey : Qatar-3b, Qatar-4b, and Qatar-5b

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alsubai, Khalid; Mislis, Dimitris; Tsvetanov, Zlatan I.; Latham, David W.; Bieryla, Allyson; Buchhave, Lars A.; Esquerdo, Gilbert A.; Bramich, D. M.; Pyrzas, Stylianos; Vilchez, Nicolas P. E.; Mancini, Luigi; Southworth, John; Evans, Daniel F.; Henning, Thomas; Ciceri, Simona

    2017-04-01

    We report the discovery of Qatar-3b, Qatar-4b, and Qatar-5b, three new transiting planets identified by the Qatar Exoplanet Survey. The three planets belong to the hot Jupiter family, with orbital periods of {P}{{Q}3{{b}}} = 2.50792 days, {P}{{Q}4{{b}}} = 1.80539 days, and {P}{{Q}5{{b}}} = 2.87923 days. Follow-up spectroscopic observations reveal the masses of the planets to be {M}{{Q}3{{b}}} = 4.31 ± 0.47 {M}{{J}}, {M}{{Q}4{{b}}} = 6.10 ± 0.54 {M}{{J}}, and {M}{{Q}5{{b}}} = 4.32 ± 0.18 {M}{{J}}, while model fits to the transit light curves yield radii of {R}{{Q}3{{b}}} = 1.096 ± 0.14 {R}{{J}}, {R}{{Q}4{{b}}} = 1.135 ± 0.11 {R}{{J}}, and {R}{{Q}5{{b}}} = 1.107 ± 0.064 {R}{{J}}. The host stars are low-mass main sequence stars with masses and radii M Q3 = 1.145 ± 0.064 M ⊙, M Q4 = 0.896 ± 0.048 M ⊙, M Q5 = 1.128 ± 0.056 M ⊙ and R Q3 = 1.272 ± 0.14 R ⊙, R Q4 = 0.849 ± 0.063 R ⊙, and R Q5 = 1.076 ± 0.051 R ⊙ for Qatar-3, 4, and 5 respectively. The V magnitudes of the three host stars are V Q3 = 12.88, V Q4 = 13.60, and V Q5 = 12.82. All three new planets can be classified as heavy hot Jupiters (M > 4 M J).

  7. 75 FR 27956 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-05-19

    ... B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively...-203, and B4-203 airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4- 603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4...

  8. 75 FR 60611 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-01

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model A300 C4...; Model A300 B4-601, B4- 603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F...-- Dated-- A300 series airplanes......... A300-32A0447..... April 22, 2004. A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4...

  9. 17 CFR 260.11b-4 - Definition of “cash transaction” in section 311(b)(4).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 17 Commodity and Securities Exchanges 3 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Definition of âcash transactionâ in section 311(b)(4). 260.11b-4 Section 260.11b-4 Commodity and Securities Exchanges SECURITIES... securities sold is made within 7 days after delivery of the goods or securities in currency or in checks or...

  10. 76 FR 441 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-01-05

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R...-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes, certificated in any category...

  11. 75 FR 76926 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-10

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R... airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes; Model A300 C4...

  12. Acousto-optic interaction in alpha-BaB(2)O(4)and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals.

    PubMed

    Martynyuk-Lototska, Irina; Mys, Oksana; Dudok, Taras; Adamiv, Volodymyr; Smirnov, Yevgen; Vlokh, Rostyslav

    2008-07-01

    Experimental studies and analysis of acousto-optic diffraction in alpha-BaB(2)O(4) and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals are given. Ultrasonic wave velocity, elastic compliance and stiffness coefficients, and piezo-optic and photoelastic coefficients of alpha-BaB(2)O(4) and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals are determined. The acousto-optic figure of merit has been estimated for different possible geometries of acousto-optic interaction. It is shown that the acousto-optic figures of merit for alpha-BaB(2)O(4) crystals reach the value M(2)=(270 +/- 70) x 10(-15) s(3)/kg for the case of interaction with the slowest ultrasonic wave. The directions of propagation and polarization of those acoustic waves are obtained on the basis of construction of acoustic slowness surfaces. The acousto-optic diffraction is experimentally studied for alpha-BaB(2)O(4) and Li(2)B(4)O(7) crystals.

  13. Exploiting Weaknesses: An Approach to Counter Cartel Strategy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-12-01

    AnimalPolitco, September 24, 2011, http://www.animalpolitico.com/2011/09/tranquilidad- en -frontera-de-tamaulipas-por- construccion -de-base-militar...activities. 140 “Informacion de Ubicaciones Casas de Seguridad , Halcones, Etc. Nuevo Laredo en Vivo,” Mapa nuevolaredoenvivo.es.tl, http...148 “Informacion de Ubicaciones Casas de Seguridad , Halcones, Etc. Nuevo Laredo en Vivo,” Mapa nuevolaredoenvivo.es.tl, http

  14. HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 genes are downregulated in the cadmium-induced omphalocele in the chick model.

    PubMed

    Doi, Takashi; Puri, Prem; Bannigan, John; Thompson, Jennifer

    2010-10-01

    In the chick embryo, administration of cadmium (Cd) induces omphalocele phenotype. HoxB2 and HoxB4, expressed in cell types that contribute to ventral body wall (VBW) formation, act together to mediate proper closure of the VBW, involving a key downstream transcription factor, Alx4. HoxB2 and HoxB4 knockout mice display VBW defects with specific downregulation of Alx4 gene expression, while homozygous Alx4 knockouts show omphalocele phenotype. Although the earliest histological changes in the Cd chick model occur commencing at 4H post treatment, the exact timing and molecular mechanism by which Cd acts is still unclear. We hypothesized that HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 genes are downregulated during the critical timing of very early embryogenesis in the Cd-induced omphalocele chick model. After 60H incubation, chick embryos were harvested at 1H, 4H and 8H after treatment with saline or Cd and divided into controls and Cd group (n = 24 for each group). RT-PCR was performed to investigate the gene expression of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 and statistically analyzed (significance was accepted at p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining was also performed to evaluate the protein expression/distribution of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 in the chick embryo. The expression levels of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 gene at 4H were significantly downregulated in the Cd group as compared to controls, whereas there were no significant differences at the other time points. Immunoreactivity of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 at 4H is also markedly decreased in the ectoderm and the dermomyotome in the Cd chick model as compared to controls. Downregulation of HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 expression during the narrow window of early embryogenesis may cause omphalocele in the Cd chick model by interfering with molecular signaling required for proper VBW formation. Furthermore, these results support the concept that HoxB2, HoxB4 and Alx4 genes work together to mediate proper VBW formation.

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

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

    Okazaki, Shogo; Nakatani, Fumi; Masuko, Kazue

    2016-01-29

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

  16. Combustion of Na 2B 4O 7 + Mg + C to synthesis B 4C powders

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guojian, Jiang; Jiayue, Xu; Hanrui, Zhuang; Wenlan, Li

    2009-09-01

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

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

    PubMed Central

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

    2015-01-01

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

  18. An update on 11B,10B fractionation in the fundamental reaction: 10B(OH)3 + 11B(OH)4- = 11B(OH)3 + 10B(OH)4-

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Klochko, K.; Tossell, J. A.

    2007-12-01

    It has recently been demonstrated experimentally by Byrne, et al. (2006) and Klochko, et al. (2006) that the equilibrium constant for the isotopic exchange reaction: 10B(OH)3 + 11B(OH)4- = 11B(OH)3 + 10B(OH)4- (1) has a value around 1.027 for seawater at 25°C, for total B concentrations from 0.01 to 0.05 molal. These experimental studies involved essentially the accurate determination of the small pKa difference between the 11B and 10B isotopomers of boric acid. This new equilibrium constant value is significantly higher than the traditional value of 1.0194 from Kakihana, et al. (1977). This result has been obscured in recent controversies (Honisch, et al., 2007). The new value agrees well with the ab initio quantum cluster calculated values of Liu and Tossell (2005) and with the ab initio MD harmonic values of Rustad and Bylaska (2007). We will present additional calculations supporting and extending the study of Liu and Tossell (2005) and will discuss the general unsuitability of methods such as Sanchez-Valle, et al. (2005) which employ experimental spectral data. We have also established that polyborate formation in solutions as concentrated as 0.50 molal total B has little effect on the equilibrium constant. A mechanism is also presented for the interaction of B(OH)3 and B(OH)4- with HCO3- species occurring on the calcite surface. References: Byrne, et al. Deep-Sea Research I (2006) 53, 684-688. Honisch, et al. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta (2007) 71, 1636-1641. Kakihana, et al. Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. (1977) 50, 158-163. Klochko, et al. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. (2006) 248, 276-285. Liu and Tossell Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta (2005) 69, 3995-4006. Rustad and Bylaska J. Am. Chem. Soc. (2007) 129, 2222-2223. Sanchez-Valle, et al. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta (2005) 69, 4301-4313.

  19. 7 CFR 15b.4 - Discrimination prohibited.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Discrimination prohibited. 15b.4 Section 15b.4... ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE General Provisions § 15b.4 Discrimination prohibited. (a... in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or...

  20. 7 CFR 15b.4 - Discrimination prohibited.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Discrimination prohibited. 15b.4 Section 15b.4... ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE General Provisions § 15b.4 Discrimination prohibited. (a... in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or...

  1. 7 CFR 15b.4 - Discrimination prohibited.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Discrimination prohibited. 15b.4 Section 15b.4... ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE General Provisions § 15b.4 Discrimination prohibited. (a... in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or...

  2. 7 CFR 15b.4 - Discrimination prohibited.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Discrimination prohibited. 15b.4 Section 15b.4... ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE General Provisions § 15b.4 Discrimination prohibited. (a... in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or...

  3. 18 CFR 3b.4 - Government contractors.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Government contractors. 3b.4 Section 3b.4 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION... PERSONAL INFORMATION General § 3b.4 Government contractors. Systems of records operated by a contractor...

  4. 18 CFR 3b.4 - Government contractors.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Government contractors. 3b.4 Section 3b.4 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION... PERSONAL INFORMATION General § 3b.4 Government contractors. Systems of records operated by a contractor...

  5. Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial and enzymatic activity of 4b,9b-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydro-4bH-indeno[1,2-b]benzofuran-9,10(6H,9bH)-dione

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mehdi, Sayed Hasan; Hashim, Rokiah; Ghalib, Raza Murad; Fátima C. Guedes da Silva, M.; Sulaiman, Othman; Rahman, Syed Ziaur; Murugaiyah, Vikneswaran; Marimuthu, Mani Maran

    2011-12-01

    The crystal structure of the title compound, 4b,9b-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydro-4bH-indeno[1,2-b]benzofuran-9,10(6H,9bH)-dione has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1/c with Z = 4. The FTIR as well as the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the compound were also recorded and briefly discussed. The compound showed potential antimicrobial activity comparable to that of clinically used antimicrobial agents against selected microorganisms. It has selective and moderate inhibitory activity on butyryl cholinesterase enzyme and could serve as potential lead compound for synthesis of more bioactive derivatives.

  6. 26 CFR 1.50B-4 - Partnerships.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 true Partnerships. 1.50B-4 Section 1.50B-4 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY INCOME TAX INCOME TAXES Rules for Computing Credit for Expenses of Work Incentive Programs § 1.50B-4 Partnerships. (a) General rule—(1) In general...

  7. 76 FR 19724 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-08

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

  8. 26 CFR 1.167(b)-4 - Other methods.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

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

  9. 26 CFR 1.167(b)-4 - Other methods.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 2 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Other methods. 1.167(b)-4 Section 1.167(b)-4...) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Itemized Deductions for Individuals and Corporations § 1.167(b)-4 Other methods. (a) Under section 167(b)(4) a taxpayer may use any consistent method of computing depreciation, such...

  10. 26 CFR 1.167(b)-4 - Other methods.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 2 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Other methods. 1.167(b)-4 Section 1.167(b)-4...) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Itemized Deductions for Individuals and Corporations § 1.167(b)-4 Other methods. (a) Under section 167(b)(4) a taxpayer may use any consistent method of computing depreciation, such...

  11. 26 CFR 1.167(b)-4 - Other methods.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 2 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Other methods. 1.167(b)-4 Section 1.167(b)-4...) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Itemized Deductions for Individuals and Corporations § 1.167(b)-4 Other methods. (a) Under section 167(b)(4) a taxpayer may use any consistent method of computing depreciation, such...

  12. 26 CFR 1.167(b)-4 - Other methods.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 2 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Other methods. 1.167(b)-4 Section 1.167(b)-4...) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Itemized Deductions for Individuals and Corporations § 1.167(b)-4 Other methods. (a) Under section 167(b)(4) a taxpayer may use any consistent method of computing depreciation, such...

  13. 45 CFR 73b.4 - Proceedings.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

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

  14. 32 CFR 242b.4 - Quorum.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Quorum. 242b.4 Section 242b.4 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (CONTINUED) MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL PROCEDURES AND DELEGATIONS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITY OF THE HEALTH...

  15. 32 CFR 242b.4 - Quorum.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Quorum. 242b.4 Section 242b.4 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (CONTINUED) MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL PROCEDURES AND DELEGATIONS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITY OF THE HEALTH...

  16. 32 CFR 242b.4 - Quorum.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Quorum. 242b.4 Section 242b.4 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE (CONTINUED) MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL PROCEDURES AND DELEGATIONS OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIVERSITY OF THE HEALTH...

  17. EphB4 as a therapeutic target in mesothelioma

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) often develops decades following exposure to asbestos. Current best therapy produces a response in only half of patients, and the median survival with this therapy remains under a year. A search for novel targets and therapeutics is underway, and recently identified targets include VEGF, Notch, and EphB4-Ephrin-B2. Each of these targets has dual activity, promoting tumor cell growth as well as tumor angiogenesis. Methods We investigated EphB4 expression in 39 human mesothelioma tissues by immunohistochemistry. Xenograft tumors established with human mesothelioma cells were treated with an EphB4 inhibitor (monomeric soluble EphB4 fused to human serum albumin, or sEphB4-HSA). The combinatorial effect of sEphB4-HSA and biologic agent was also studied. Results EphB4 was overexpressed in 72% of mesothelioma tissues evaluated, with 85% of epithelioid and 38% of sarcomatoid subtypes demonstrating overexpression. The EphB4 inhibitor sEphB4-HSA was highly active as a single agent to inhibit tumor growth, accompanied by tumor cell apoptosis and inhibition of PI3K and Src signaling. Combination of sEphB4-HSA and the anti-VEGF antibody (Bevacizumab) was superior to each agent alone and led to complete tumor regression. Conclusion EphB4 is a potential therapeutic target in mesothelioma. Clinical investigation of sEphB4-HSA as a single agent and in combination with VEGF inhibitors is warranted. PMID:23721559

  18. 76 FR 6581 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-02-07

    ... B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes) AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of... design review against explosion risks. During improvement of the protection of fuel pump wiring against...

  19. 76 FR 27242 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-11

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes) AGENCY: Federal Aviation... required to conduct a design review against explosion risks. During improvement of the protection of fuel...

  20. 76 FR 28914 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-19

    ... of the rudder system design. Rudder pedal sensitivity on Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes is... B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Series Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation...

  1. 49 CFR 173.4b - De minimis exceptions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false De minimis exceptions. 173.4b Section 173.4b Transportation Other Regulations Relating to Transportation PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY... SHIPMENTS AND PACKAGINGS General § 173.4b De minimis exceptions. (a) Packing Group II and III materials in...

  2. 18 CFR 1b.4 - Types of investigations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Types of investigations. 1b.4 Section 1b.4 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES RULES RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS § 1b.4 Types of investigations...

  3. 18 CFR 1b.4 - Types of investigations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Types of investigations. 1b.4 Section 1b.4 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES RULES RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS § 1b.4 Types of investigations...

  4. 18 CFR 1b.4 - Types of investigations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Types of investigations. 1b.4 Section 1b.4 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES RULES RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS § 1b.4 Types of investigations...

  5. 18 CFR 1b.4 - Types of investigations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Types of investigations. 1b.4 Section 1b.4 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES RULES RELATING TO INVESTIGATIONS § 1b.4 Types of investigations...

  6. Co-Targeting HER2 and EphB4 Pathways

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-07-01

    progress has been made toward the clinic. An IND has been obtained for sEphbB4- HSA, an albumin stabilized soluble EphB4 decoy receptor that efficiently...for activated HER2/HER family receptors , angiogenic markers (EphrinB2, EphB1,2,3,4,6, VEGF, VEGFR-1, 2, 3 and PDGFR), vessel density, signal...ABOVE ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE 2. REPORT TYPE 3 . DATES COVERED 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Co-Targeting HER2 and EphB4 Pathways 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b

  7. 49 CFR 173.4b - De minimis exceptions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... “Scientific research specimens, 49 CFR 173.4b applies.” (6) Documentation. (i) For transportation by highway... “Scientific research specimens, 49 CFR 173.4b applies” and the number of packages indicated. (iii) For... the statement “Scientific research specimens, 49 CFR 173.4b applies” and the number of packages...

  8. 32 CFR 806b.4 - Privacy Act complaints.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 6 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Privacy Act complaints. 806b.4 Section 806b.4 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY ACT PROGRAM Overview of the Privacy Act Program § 806b.4 Privacy Act complaints. (a) Process Privacy Act...

  9. 32 CFR 806b.4 - Privacy Act complaints.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 6 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Privacy Act complaints. 806b.4 Section 806b.4 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY ACT PROGRAM Overview of the Privacy Act Program § 806b.4 Privacy Act complaints. (a) Process Privacy Act...

  10. 32 CFR 806b.4 - Privacy Act complaints.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 6 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Privacy Act complaints. 806b.4 Section 806b.4 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY ACT PROGRAM Overview of the Privacy Act Program § 806b.4 Privacy Act complaints. (a) Process Privacy Act...

  11. 32 CFR 806b.4 - Privacy Act complaints.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 6 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Privacy Act complaints. 806b.4 Section 806b.4 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY ACT PROGRAM Overview of the Privacy Act Program § 806b.4 Privacy Act complaints. (a) Process Privacy Act...

  12. 32 CFR 806b.4 - Privacy Act complaints.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Privacy Act complaints. 806b.4 Section 806b.4 National Defense Department of Defense (Continued) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY ACT PROGRAM Overview of the Privacy Act Program § 806b.4 Privacy Act complaints. (a) Process Privacy Act...

  13. 7 CFR 1b.4 - Exclusion of agencies.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Exclusion of agencies. 1b.4 Section 1b.4 Agriculture Office of the Secretary of Agriculture NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT § 1b.4 Exclusion of agencies. (a... activities that have been found to have no individual or cumulative effect on the human environment. The USDA...

  14. 7 CFR 1b.4 - Exclusion of agencies.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Exclusion of agencies. 1b.4 Section 1b.4 Agriculture Office of the Secretary of Agriculture NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT § 1b.4 Exclusion of agencies. (a... activities that have been found to have no individual or cumulative effect on the human environment. The USDA...

  15. 42 CFR 52b.4 - How to apply.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false How to apply. 52b.4 Section 52b.4 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH CONSTRUCTION GRANTS § 52b.4 How to apply. Applications for construction grants under this part shall be made at...

  16. 42 CFR 52b.4 - How to apply.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false How to apply. 52b.4 Section 52b.4 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH CONSTRUCTION GRANTS § 52b.4 How to apply. Applications for construction grants under this part shall be made at...

  17. 42 CFR 52b.4 - How to apply.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false How to apply. 52b.4 Section 52b.4 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH CONSTRUCTION GRANTS § 52b.4 How to apply. Applications for construction grants under this part shall be made at...

  18. 42 CFR 52b.4 - How to apply.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false How to apply. 52b.4 Section 52b.4 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH CONSTRUCTION GRANTS § 52b.4 How to apply. Applications for construction grants under this part shall be made at...

  19. 42 CFR 52b.4 - How to apply.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 42 Public Health 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false How to apply. 52b.4 Section 52b.4 Public Health PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GRANTS NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH CONSTRUCTION GRANTS § 52b.4 How to apply. Applications for construction grants under this part shall be made at...

  20. 12 CFR Appendix B to Subpart B of... - Article 4A, Funds Transfers

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Article 4A, Funds Transfers B Appendix B to...—Article 4A, Funds Transfers Part 1—Subject Matter and Definitions Section 4A-101. Short Title This Article... otherwise provided in section 4A-108, this Article applies to funds transfers defined in section 4A-104...

  1. 12 CFR Appendix B to Subpart B of... - Article 4A, Funds Transfers

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Article 4A, Funds Transfers B Appendix B to...—Article 4A, Funds Transfers Part 1—Subject Matter and Definitions Section 4A-101. Short Title This Article... otherwise provided in section 4A-108, this Article applies to funds transfers defined in section 4A-104...

  2. 12 CFR Appendix B to Subpart B of... - Article 4A, Funds Transfers

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Article 4A, Funds Transfers B Appendix B to...—Article 4A, Funds Transfers Part 1—Subject Matter and Definitions Section 4A-101. Short Title This Article... otherwise provided in section 4A-108, this Article applies to funds transfers defined in section 4A-104...

  3. 12 CFR Appendix B to Subpart B of... - Article 4A, Funds Transfers

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Article 4A, Funds Transfers B Appendix B to...—Article 4A, Funds Transfers Part 1—Subject Matter and Definitions Section 4A-101. Short Title This Article... otherwise provided in section 4A-108, this Article applies to funds transfers defined in section 4A-104...

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

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

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

  5. Co-Targeting HER2 and EphB4 Pathways

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-09-01

    soluble EphB4 decoy receptor that efficiently blocks EphB4/EphB2 signaling. A phase I study for solid tumors using this agent given intravenously...June 2013 3 . DATES COVERED 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Co-Targeting HER2 and EphB4 Pathways 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER W81XWH-11-1-0471 5b. GRANT...13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT Multiple receptor pathways allow for redundancy in growth pathways that are dysregulated in cancer and lead to

  6. 15 CFR 8b.4 - Discrimination prohibited.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Discrimination prohibited. 8b.4 Section 8b.4 Commerce and Foreign Trade Office of the Secretary of Commerce PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE HANDICAPPED IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE General...

  7. 18 CFR 3b.4 - Government contractors.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Government contractors. 3b.4 Section 3b.4 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES COLLECTION, MAINTENANCE, USE, AND DISSEMINATION OF RECORDS OF IDENTIFIABLE...

  8. 18 CFR 3b.4 - Government contractors.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Government contractors. 3b.4 Section 3b.4 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES COLLECTION, MAINTENANCE, USE, AND DISSEMINATION OF RECORDS OF IDENTIFIABLE...

  9. 18 CFR 3b.4 - Government contractors.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 18 Conservation of Power and Water Resources 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Government contractors. 3b.4 Section 3b.4 Conservation of Power and Water Resources FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY GENERAL RULES COLLECTION, MAINTENANCE, USE, AND DISSEMINATION OF RECORDS OF IDENTIFIABLE...

  10. The Novel α4B Murine α4 Integrin Protein Splicing Variant Inhibits α4 Protein-dependent Cell Adhesion*

    PubMed Central

    Kouro, Hitomi; Kon, Shigeyuki; Matsumoto, Naoki; Miyashita, Tomoe; Kakuchi, Ayaka; Ashitomi, Dai; Saitoh, Kodai; Nakatsuru, Takuya; Togi, Sumihito; Muromoto, Ryuta; Matsuda, Tadashi

    2014-01-01

    Integrins affect the motility of multiple cell types to control cell survival, growth, or differentiation, which are mediated by cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. We reported previously that the α9 integrin splicing variant, SFα9, promotes WT α9 integrin-dependent adhesion. In this study, we introduced a new murine α4 integrin splicing variant, α4B, which has a novel short cytoplasmic tail. In inflamed tissues, the expression of α4B, as well as WT α4 integrin, was up-regulated. Cells expressing α4B specifically bound to VCAM-1 but not other α4 integrin ligands, such as fibronectin CS1 or osteopontin. The binding of cells expressing WT α4 integrin to α4 integrin ligands is inhibited by coexpression of α4B. Knockdown of α4B in metastatic melanoma cell lines results in a significant increase in lung metastasis. Expression levels of WT α4 integrin are unaltered by α4B, with α4B acting as a regulatory subunit for WT α4 integrin by a dominant-negative effect or inhibiting α4 integrin activation. PMID:24755217

  11. 40 CFR Table B-4 to Subpart B of... - Line Voltage and Room Temperature Test Conditions

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... Conditions B Table B-4 to Subpart B of Part 53 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Testing Performance Characteristics of Automated Methods for SO2, CO, O3, and NO2 Pt. 53, Subpt. B, Table B-4 Table B-4 to Subpart B of Part 53—Line Voltage and Room Temperature Test Conditions Test day...

  12. 40 CFR Table B-4 to Subpart B of... - Line Voltage and Room Temperature Test Conditions

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... Conditions B Table B-4 to Subpart B of Part 53 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Testing Performance Characteristics of Automated Methods for SO2, CO, O3, and NO2 Pt. 53, Subpt. B, Table B-4 Table B-4 to Subpart B of Part 53—Line Voltage and Room Temperature Test Conditions Test day...

  13. 40 CFR Table B-4 to Subpart B of... - Line Voltage and Room Temperature Test Conditions

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... Conditions B Table B-4 to Subpart B of Part 53 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY... Testing Performance Characteristics of Automated Methods for SO2, CO, O3, and NO2 Pt. 53, Subpt. B, Table B-4 Table B-4 to Subpart B of Part 53—Line Voltage and Room Temperature Test Conditions Test day...

  14. Phase and Physicochemical Properties Diagrams of Quaternary System Li2B4O7 + Na2B4O7 + Mg2B6O11 + H2O

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Shi-qiang; Du, Xue-min; Jing, Yan; Guo, Ya-fei; Deng, Tian-long

    2017-12-01

    The phase and physicochemical properties diagrams of the quaternary system (Li2B4O7 + Na2B4O7 + Mg2B6O11) at 288.15 K and 0.1 MPa were constructed using the solubilities, densities, and refractive indices measured. In the phase diagrams of the system there are one invariant point, three univariant isothermic dissolution curves, and three crystallization regions corresponding to Li2B4O7 · 3H2O, Na2B4O7 · 10H2O, and Mg2B6O11 · 15H2O, respectively. The solution density, refractive index of the quaternary system changes regularly with the increasing of Li2B4O7 concentration. The calculated values of density and refractive index using empirical equations of the quaternary system are in good agreement with the experimental values.

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

    PubMed

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

    1999-03-15

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

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

    PubMed

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

    2012-06-01

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

  17. Dimeric procyanidins: screening for B1 to B8 and semisynthetic preparation of B3, B4, B6, And B8 from a polymeric procyanidin fraction of white willow bark (Salix alba).

    PubMed

    Esatbeyoglu, Tuba; Wray, Victor; Winterhalter, Peter

    2010-07-14

    Fifty-seven samples have been analyzed with regard to the occurrence of dimeric procyanidins B1-B8 as well as the composition of polymeric procyanidins. Fifty-two samples were found to contain polymeric procyanidins. In most of the samples, (-)-epicatechin was the predominant unit present. In white willow bark (Salix alba), however, large amounts of (+)-catechin (81.0%) were determined by means of phloroglucinolysis. White willow bark has therefore been used for the semisynthetic formation of dimeric procyanidins B3 [(+)-C-4alpha --> 8-(+)-C)], B4 [(+)-C-4alpha --> 8-(-)-EC)], B6 [(+)-C-4alpha --> 6-(+)-C)], and B8 [(+)-C-4alpha --> 6-(-)-EC)]. The reaction mixtures of the semisynthesis were successfully fractionated with high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC), and dimeric procyanidins B3, B4, B6, and B8 were obtained on a preparative scale.

  18. 26 CFR 54.4980B-4 - Qualifying events.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 17 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Qualifying events. 54.4980B-4 Section 54.4980B... EXCISE TAXES (CONTINUED) PENSION EXCISE TAXES § 54.4980B-4 Qualifying events. The determination of what constitutes a qualifying event is addressed in the following questions and answers: Q-1: What is a qualifying...

  19. 26 CFR 54.4980B-4 - Qualifying events.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 17 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Qualifying events. 54.4980B-4 Section 54.4980B... EXCISE TAXES (CONTINUED) PENSION EXCISE TAXES § 54.4980B-4 Qualifying events. The determination of what constitutes a qualifying event is addressed in the following questions and answers: Q-1: What is a qualifying...

  20. 26 CFR 54.4980B-4 - Qualifying events.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 17 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Qualifying events. 54.4980B-4 Section 54.4980B... EXCISE TAXES (CONTINUED) PENSION EXCISE TAXES § 54.4980B-4 Qualifying events. The determination of what constitutes a qualifying event is addressed in the following questions and answers: Q-1: What is a qualifying...

  1. 26 CFR 54.4980B-4 - Qualifying events.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 17 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Qualifying events. 54.4980B-4 Section 54.4980B... EXCISE TAXES (CONTINUED) PENSION EXCISE TAXES § 54.4980B-4 Qualifying events. The determination of what constitutes a qualifying event is addressed in the following questions and answers: Q-1: What is a qualifying...

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

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

    Todorov, Kamen O.; Deming, Drake; Knutson, Heather A.

    2013-06-20

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

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

    PubMed

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

    2015-04-07

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

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

    PubMed

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

    2016-08-01

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

  5. 26 CFR 48.4161(b)-4 - Tax-free sales.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

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

  6. Airflow-aligned helical nanofilament (B4) phase in topographic confinement

    PubMed Central

    Gim, Min-Jun; Kim, Hanim; Chen, Dong; Shen, Yongqiang; Yi, Youngwoo; Korblova, Eva; Walba, David M.; Clark, Noel A.; Yoon, Dong Ki

    2016-01-01

    We investigated a controlled helical nanofilament (HNF: B4) phase under topographic confinement with airflow that can induce a shear force and temperature gradient on the sample. The resulting orientation and ordering of the B4 phase in this combinational effort was directly investigated using microscopy. The structural freedom of the complex B7 phase, which is a higher temperature phase than the B4 phase, can result in relatively complex microscopic arrangements of HNFs compared with the B4 phase generated from the simple layer structure of the B2 phase. This interesting chiral/polar nanofilament behaviour offers new opportunities for further exploration of the exotic physical properties of the B4 phase. PMID:27384747

  7. 75 FR 79988 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and EC130 B4 Helicopters

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-21

    ... Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and EC130 B4 Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA..., 2009, for the Model AS350 B, BA, BB, B1, B2, and B3 helicopters (ASB 80.00.07); and ASB No. 80A003... authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39...

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

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

    2015-04-01

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

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

    PubMed Central

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

    1999-01-01

    For T cells to become functionally activated they require at least two signals. The B7 costimulatory molecules B7-1 and B7-2 provide the “second signal” pivotal for T cell activation. In this report, we studied the relative roles of B7-1 and B7-2 molecules in the induction of antitumor immunity to the T cell thymoma, EL4. We generated EL4 tumor cells that expressed B7-1, B7-2, and B7-1+B7-2 by transfecting murine cDNAs. Our results demonstrate that EL4B7-1 cells are completely rejected in syngeneic mice. Unlike EL4B7-1 cells, we find that EL4B7-2 cells are not rejected but progressively grow in the mice. A B7-1– and B7-2–EL4 double transfectant was generated by introducing B7-2 cDNA into the EL4B7-1 tumor line that regressed in vivo. The EL4B7-1+B7-2 double transfectant was not rejected when implanted into syngeneic mice but progressively grew to produce tumors. The double transfectant EL4 cells could costimulate T cell proliferation that could be blocked by anti–B7-1 antibodies, anti–B7-2 antibodies, or hCTLA4 immunoglobulin, showing that the B7-1 and B7-2 molecules expressed on the EL4 cells were functional. In vivo, treatment of mice implanted with double-transfected EL4 cells with anti–B7-2 monoclonal antibody resulted in tumor rejection. Furthermore, the EL4B7-2 and EL4B7-1+B7-2 cells, but not the wild-type EL4 cells, were rejected in interleukin 4 (IL-4) knockout mice. Our data suggests that B7-2 expressed on some T cell tumors inhibits development of antitumor immunity, and IL-4 appears to play a critical role in abrogation of the antitumor immune response. PMID:10075975

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

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

    Todorov, Kamen O.; Deming, Drake; Knutson, Heather A.

    2012-02-10

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

  11. 26 CFR 48.4161(b)-4 - Tax-free sales.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 16 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Tax-free sales. 48.4161(b)-4 Section 48.4161(b... EXCISE TAXES MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS EXCISE TAXES Sporting Goods § 48.4161(b)-4 Tax-free sales. For provisions relating to tax-free sales of articles referred to in section 4161(b) see: (a) Section 4221...

  12. Endocrine resistance in breast cancer: new roles for ErbB3 and ErbB4.

    PubMed

    Sutherland, Robert L

    2011-05-20

    Endocrine resistance is a major limitation to the successful treatment of estrogen receptor-positive (ER(+)) breast cancer, and the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and ErbB-2 receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in this process. A recent study now implicates the other two ErbB family members, ErbB-3 and -4. Exposure of ER+ breast cancer cells to the pure antiestrogen, fulvestrant, increased levels of ErbB-3 or ErbB-4 and sensitivity to the growth-stimulatory effects of heregulin β1, a potent ligand for these receptors. Thus, the initial growth-inhibitory effects of fulvestrant appear compromised by cellular plasticity that allows rapid compensatory growth stimulation via ErbB-3/4. Further evaluation of pan-ErbB receptor inhibitors in endocrine-resistant disease appears warranted.

  13. Clinical features of patients with homozygous complement C4A or C4B deficiency.

    PubMed

    Liesmaa, Inka; Paakkanen, Riitta; Järvinen, Asko; Valtonen, Ville; Lokki, Marja-Liisa

    2018-01-01

    Homozygous deficiencies of complement C4A or C4B are detected in 1-10% of populations. In genome-wide association studies C4 deficiencies are missed because the genetic variation of C4 is complex. There are no studies where the clinical presentation of these patients is analyzed. This study was aimed to characterize the clinical features of patients with homozygous C4A or C4B deficiency. Thirty-two patients with no functional C4A, 87 patients with no C4B and 120 with normal amount of C4 genes were included. C4A and C4B numbers were assessed with genomic quantitative real-time PCR. Medical history was studied retrospectively from patients' files. Novel associations between homozygous C4A deficiency and lymphoma, coeliac disease and sarcoidosis were detected. These conditions were present in 12.5%, (4/32 in patients vs. 0.8%, 1/120, in controls, OR = 17.00, 95%CI = 1.83-158.04, p = 0.007), 12.5% (4/32 in patients vs. 0%, 0/120 in controls, OR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.00-1.30, p = 0.002) and 12.5%, respectively (4/32 in patients vs. 2.5%, 3/120 in controls, OR = 5.571, 95%CI = 1.79-2.32, p = 0.036). In addition, C4A and C4B deficiencies were both associated with adverse drug reactions leading to drug discontinuation (34.4%, 11/32 in C4A-deficient patients vs. 14.2%, 17/120 in controls, OR = 3.174, 95%CI = 1.30-7.74, p = 0.009 and 28.7%, 25/87 in C4B-deficient patients, OR = 2.44, 95%CI = 1.22-4.88, p = 0.010). This reported cohort of homozygous deficiencies of C4A or C4B suggests that C4 deficiencies may have various unrecorded disease associations. C4 gene should be considered as a candidate gene in studying these selected disease associations.

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

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

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

    2012-07-01

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

  15. Measurement of the branching fraction of Gamma(4S) --> B0B0.

    PubMed

    Aubert, B; Barate, R; Boutigny, D; Couderc, F; Karyotakis, Y; Lees, J P; Poireau, V; Tisserand, V; Zghiche, A; Grauges-Pous, E; Palano, A; Pappagallo, M; Pompili, A; Chen, J C; Qi, N D; Rong, G; Wang, P; Zhu, Y S; Eigen, G; Ofte, I; Stugu, B; Abrams, G S; Borgland, A W; Breon, A B; Brown, D N; Button-Shafer, J; Cahn, R N; Charles, E; Day, C T; Gill, M S; Gritsan, A V; Groysman, Y; Jacobsen, R G; Kadel, R W; Kadyk, J; Kerth, L T; Kolomensky, Yu G; Kukartsev, G; Lynch, G; Mir, L M; Oddone, P J; Orimoto, T J; Pripstein, M; Roe, N A; Ronan, M T; Wenzel, W A; Barrett, M; Ford, K E; Harrison, T J; Hart, A J; Hawkes, C M; Morgan, S E; Watson, A T; Fritsch, M; Goetzen, K; Held, T; Koch, H; Lewandowski, B; Pelizaeus, M; Peters, K; Schroeder, T; Steinke, M; Boyd, J T; Burke, J P; Chevalier, N; Cottingham, W N; Kelly, M P; Cuhadar-Donszelmann, T; Hearty, C; Knecht, N S; Mattison, T S; McKenna, J A; Thiessen, D; Khan, A; Kyberd, P; Teodorescu, L; Blinov, A E; Blinov, V E; Bukin, A D; Druzhinin, V P; Golubev, V B; Ivanchenko, V N; Kravchenko, E A; Onuchin, A P; Serednyakov, S I; Skovpen, Yu I; Solodov, E P; Yushkov, A N; Best, D; Bondioli, M; Bruinsma, M; Chao, M; Eschrich, I; Kirkby, D; Lankford, A J; Mandelkern, M; Mommsen, R K; Roethel, W; Stoker, D P; Buchanan, C; Hartfiel, B L; Weinstein, A J R; Foulkes, S D; Gary, J W; Long, O; Shen, B C; Wang, K; Zhang, L; Del Re, D; Hadavand, H K; Hill, E J; MacFarlane, D B; Paar, H P; Rahatlou, Sh; Sharma, V; Berryhill, J W; Campagnari, C; Cunha, A; Dahmes, B; Hong, T M; Lu, A; Mazur, M A; Richman, J D; Verkerke, W; Beck, T W; Eisner, A M; Flacco, C J; Heusch, C A; Kroseberg, J; Lockman, W S; Nesom, G; Schalk, T; Schumm, B A; Seiden, A; Spradlin, P; Williams, D C; Wilson, M G; Albert, J; Chen, E; Dubois-Felsmann, G P; Dvoretskii, A; Hitlin, D G; Narsky, I; Piatenko, T; Porter, F C; Ryd, A; Samuel, A; Yang, S; Jayatilleke, S; Mancinelli, G; Meadows, B T; Sokoloff, M D; Blanc, F; Bloom, P; Chen, S; Ford, W T; Nauenberg, U; Olivas, A; Rankin, P; Ruddick, W O; Smith, J G; Ulmer, K A; Zhang, J; Chen, A; Eckhart, E A; Harton, J L; Soffer, A; Toki, W H; Wilson, R J; Zeng, Q; Spaan, B; Altenburg, D; Brandt, T; Brose, J; Dickopp, M; Feltresi, E; Hauke, A; Lacker, H M; Maly, E; Nogowski, R; Otto, S; Petzold, A; Schott, G; Schubert, J; Schubert, K R; Schwierz, R; Sundermann, J E; Bernard, D; Bonneaud, G R; Grenier, P; Schrenk, S; Thiebaux, Ch; Vasileiadis, G; Verderi, M; Bard, D J; Clark, P J; Gradl, W; Muheim, F; Playfer, S; Xie, Y; Andreotti, M; Azzolini, V; Bettoni, D; Bozzi, C; Calabrese, R; Cibinetto, G; Luppi, E; Negrini, M; Piemontese, L; Sarti, A; Anulli, F; Baldini-Ferroli, R; Calcaterra, A; de Sangro, R; Finocchiaro, G; Patteri, P; Peruzzi, I M; Piccolo, M; Zallo, A; Buzzo, A; Capra, R; Contri, R; Lo Vetere, M; Macri, M; Monge, M R; Passaggio, S; Patrignani, C; Robutti, E; Santroni, A; Tosi, S; Bailey, S; Brandenburg, G; Chaisanguanthum, K S; Morii, M; Won, E; Dubitzky, R S; Langenegger, U; Marks, J; Uwer, U; Bhimji, W; Bowerman, D A; Dauncey, P D; Egede, U; Gaillard, J R; Morton, G W; Nash, J A; Nikolich, M B; Taylor, G P; Charles, M J; Grenier, G J; Mallik, U; Cochran, J; Crawley, H B; Meyer, W T; Prell, S; Rosenberg, E I; Rubin, A E; Yi, J; Arnaud, N; Davier, M; Giroux, X; Grosdidier, G; Höcker, A; Le Diberder, F; Lepeltier, V; Lutz, A M; Petersen, T C; Pierini, M; Plaszczynski, S; Rodier, S; Roudeau, P; Schune, M H; Stocchi, A; Wormser, G; Cheng, C H; Lange, D J; Simani, M C; Wright, D M; Bevan, A J; Chavez, C A; Coleman, J P; Forster, I J; Fry, J R; Gabathuler, E; Gamet, R; George, K A; Hutchcroft, D E; Parry, R J; Payne, D J; Touramanis, C; Cormack, C M; Di Lodovico, F; Brown, C L; Cowan, G; Flack, R L; Flaecher, H U; Green, M G; Jackson, P S; McMahon, T R; Ricciardi, S; Salvatore, F; Winter, M A; Brown, D; Davis, C L; Allison, J; Barlow, N R; Barlow, R J; Hodgkinson, M C; Lafferty, G D; Naisbit, M T; Williams, J C; Chen, C; Farbin, A; Hulsbergen, W D; Jawahery, A; Kovalskyi, D; Lae, C K; Lillard, V; Roberts, D A; Blaylock, G; Dallapiccola, C; Hertzbach, S S; Kofler, R; Koptchev, V B; Moore, T B; Saremi, S; Staengle, H; Willocq, S; Cowan, R; Koeneke, K; Sciolla, G; Sekula, S J; Taylor, F; Yamamoto, R K; Patel, P M; Robertson, S H; Lazzaro, A; Lombardo, V; Palombo, F; Bauer, J M; Cremaldi, L; Eschenburg, V; Godang, R; Kroeger, R; Reidy, J; Sanders, D A; Summers, D J; Zhao, H W; Brunet, S; Côté, D; Taras, P; Nicholson, H; Cavallo, N; De Nardo, G; Fabozzi, F; Gatto, C; Lista, L; Monorchio, D; Paolucci, P; Piccolo, D; Sciacca, C; Baak, M; Bulten, H; Raven, G; Snoek, H L; Wilden, L; Jessop, C P; Losecco, J M; Allmendinger, T; Benelli, G; Gan, K K; Honscheid, K; Hufnagel, D; Kagan, H; Kass, R; Pulliam, T; Rahimi, A M; Ter-Antonyan, R; Wong, Q K; Brau, J; Frey, R; Igonkina, O; Lu, M; Potter, C T; Sinev, N B; Strom, D; Torrence, E; Colecchia, F; Dorigo, A; Galeazzi, F; Margoni, M; Morandin, M; Posocco, M; Rotondo, M; Simonetto, F; Stroili, R; Voci, C; Benayoun, M; Briand, H; Chauveau, J; David, P; Del Buono, L; de la Vaissière, Ch; Hamon, O; John, M J J; Leruste, Ph; Malclès, J; Ocariz, J; Roos, L; Therin, G; Behera, P K; Gladney, L; Guo, Q H; Panetta, J; Biasini, M; Covarelli, R; Pioppi, M; Angelini, C; Batignani, G; Bettarini, S; Bucci, F; Calderini, G; Carpinelli, M; Forti, F; Giorgi, M A; Lusiani, A; Marchiori, G; Morganti, M; Neri, N; Paoloni, E; Rama, M; Rizzo, G; Simi, G; Walsh, J; Haire, M; Judd, D; Paick, K; Wagoner, D E; Danielson, N; Elmer, P; Lau, Y P; Lu, C; Olsen, J; Smith, A J S; Telnov, A V; Bellini, F; Cavoto, G; D'Orazio, A; Di Marco, E; Faccini, R; Ferrarotto, F; Ferroni, F; Gaspero, M; Li Gioi, L; Mazzoni, M A; Morganti, S; Piredda, G; Polci, F; Tehrani, F Safai; Voena, C; Christ, S; Schröder, H; Wagner, G; Waldi, R; Adye, T; De Groot, N; Franek, B; Gopal, G P; Olaiya, E O; Wilson, F F; Aleksan, R; Emery, S; Gaidot, A; Ganzhur, S F; Giraud, P-F; Graziani, G; de Monchenault, G Hamel; Kozanecki, W; Legendre, M; London, G W; Mayer, B; Vasseur, G; Yèche, Ch; Zito, M; Purohit, M V; Weidemann, A W; Wilson, J R; Yumiceva, F X; Abe, T; Allen, M; Aston, D; Bartoldus, R; Berger, N; Boyarski, A M; Buchmueller, O L; Claus, R; Convery, M R; Cristinziani, M; Dingfelder, J C; Dong, D; Dorfan, J; Dujmic, D; Dunwoodie, W; Fan, S; Field, R C; Glanzman, T; Gowdy, S J; Hadig, T; Halyo, V; Hast, C; Hryn'ova, T; Innes, W R; Kelsey, M H; Kim, P; Kocian, M L; Leith, D W G S; Libby, J; Luitz, S; Luth, V; Lynch, H L; Marsiske, H; Messner, R; Mohapatra, A K; Muller, D R; O'Grady, C P; Ozcan, V E; Perazzo, A; Perl, M; Ratcliff, B N; Roodman, A; Salnikov, A A; Schindler, R H; Schwiening, J; Snyder, A; Soha, A; Stelzer, J; Strube, J; Su, D; Sullivan, M K; Thompson, J; Va'vra, J; Wagner, S R; Weaver, M; Wisniewski, W J; Wittgen, M; Wright, D H; Yarritu, A K; Young, C C; Burchat, P R; Edwards, A J; Majewski, S A; Petersen, B A; Roat, C; Ahmed, M; Ahmed, S; Alam, M S; Ernst, J A; Saeed, M A; Saleem, M; Wappler, F R; Bugg, W; Krishnamurthy, M; Spanier, S M; Eckmann, R; Kim, H; Ritchie, J L; Satpathy, A; Schwitters, R F; Izen, J M; Kitayama, I; Lou, X C; Ye, S; Bianchi, F; Bona, M; Gallo, F; Gamba, D; Bomben, M; Bosisio, L; Cartaro, C; Cossutti, F; Ricca, G Della; Dittongo, S; Grancagnolo, S; Lanceri, L; Poropat, P; Vitale, L; Vuagnin, G; Martinez-Vidal, F; Panvini, R S; Banerjee, Sw; Bhuyan, B; Brown, C M; Fortin, D; Hamano, K; Jackson, P D; Kowalewski, R; Roney, J M; Sobie, R J; Back, J J; Harrison, P F; Latham, T E; Mohanty, G B; Band, H R; Chen, X; Cheng, B; Dasu, S; Datta, M; Eichenbaum, A M; Flood, K T; Graham, M; Hollar, J J; Johnson, J R; Kutter, P E; Li, H; Liu, R; Mellado, B; Mihalyi, A; Pan, Y; Prepost, R; Tan, P; von Wimmersperg-Toeller, J H; Wu, J; Wu, S L; Yu, Z; Greene, M G; Neal, H

    2005-07-22

    We report the first measurement of the branching fraction f(00) for Gamma(4S) --> B(0)B(0). The data sample consists of 81.7 fb(-1) collected at the Gamma(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) storage ring. Using partial reconstruction of the decay B(0) --> D(*+) l(-)nu(l) in which only the charged lepton and the soft pion from the decay D(*+) --> D(0)pi(+) are reconstructed, we obtain f(00) = 0.487 +/- 0.010(stat) +/- 0.008(syst). Our result does not depend on the branching fractions of B(0) --> D(*+)l(-)nu(l) and D(*+) --> D(0)pi(+) decays, on the ratio of the charged and neutral B meson lifetimes, nor on the assumption of isospin symmetry.

  16. 76 FR 28637 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and EC130 B4 Helicopters

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-18

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and EC130 B4 Helicopters AGENCY... Register as of June 22, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http... available data, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as...

  17. B7-H4 overexpression in ovarian tumors.

    PubMed

    Tringler, Barbara; Liu, Wenhui; Corral, Laura; Torkko, Kathleen C; Enomoto, Takayuki; Davidson, Susan; Lucia, M Scott; Heinz, David E; Papkoff, Jackie; Shroyer, Kenneth R

    2006-01-01

    Despite great advances in therapeutic management, the mortality rate for ovarian cancer has remained relatively stable over the past 50 years. This study was designed to evaluate the expression of B7-H4 protein, recently identified as a potential molecular marker of breast and ovarian cancer by quantitative PCR analysis, in benign tumors, tumors of low malignant potential and malignant tumors of the ovary. Archival formalin-fixed tissue blocks from serous, mucinous, endometrioid and clear cell ovarian tumors were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for the distribution of B7-H4 expression, and staining intensity was measured by automated image analysis. Univariate analyses were used to test for statistically significant relationships. B7-H4 cytoplasmic and membranous expression was detected in all primary serous (n = 32), endometrioid (n = 12), and clear cell carcinomas (n = 15), and in all metastatic serous (n = 23) and endometrioid (n = 7) ovarian carcinomas. By contrast, focal B7-H4 expression was detected in only 1/11 mucinous carcinomas. The proportion of positive cells and median staining intensity was greater in serous carcinomas than in serous cystadenomas or serous tumors of low malignant potential, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.034, respectively). The median staining intensity was also significantly greater in endometrioid carcinomas than in endometriosis (P = 0.005). The consistent overexpression of B7-H4 in serous, endometrioid and clear cell ovarian carcinomas and the relative absence of expression in most normal somatic tissues indicates that B7-H4 should be further investigated as a potential diagnostic marker or therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

  18. EphB4 localises to the nucleus of prostate cancer cells

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

    Mertens-Walker, Inga, E-mail: inga.mertenswalker@qut.edu.au; Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre—Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD; Lisle, Jessica E.

    2015-04-10

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

  19. 26 CFR 1.410(b)-4 - Nondiscriminatory classification test.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... unsafe harbor percentage, as defined in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section, and (B) The classification... 26 Internal Revenue 5 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Nondiscriminatory classification test. 1.410(b.... § 1.410(b)-4 Nondiscriminatory classification test. (a) In general. A plan satisfies the...

  20. Effect of increased HoxB4 on human megakaryocytic development

    PubMed Central

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

    2010-01-01

    In order to ex vivo produce clinically useful quantity of platelets, we may need to firstly enhance early self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and/or megakaryocyte (Mk) progenitors. The homeodomain transcription factor HoxB4 has been shown to be an important regulator of stem cell renewal and hematopoiesis; however, its effect on megakaryopoiesis is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of HoxB4 overexpression or RNA silencing on megakaryocytic development in the human TF1 progenitor cell line; we then used recombinant tPTD-HoxB4 fusion protein to study the effect of exogenous HoxB4 on megakaryocytic development of human CD34 positively-selected cord blood cells. We found that ectopic HoxB4 in TF1 cells increased the antigen expression of CD61and CD41a, increased the gene expression of thrombopoietin receptor (TpoR), Scl-1, Cyclin D1, Fog-1 and Fli-1 while it decreased c-Myb expression. HoxB4 RNA silencing in TF1 cells decreased the expression of CD61 and CD41a and decreased Fli-1 expression while it increased the expression of c-Myb. Recombinant tPTD-HoxB4 fusion protein increased the percentages and absolute numbers of CD41a and CD61 positive cells during megakaryocytic differentiation of CD34 positively-selected cord blood cells and increased the numbers of colony forming unit-megakaryocyte (CFU-Mk). Adding tPTD-HoxB4 fusion protein increased the gene expression of TpoR, Cyclin D1, Fog-1 and Fli-1 while it inhibited c-Myb expression. Our data indicate that increased HoxB4 enhanced early megakaryocytic development in human TF1 cells and CD34 positively-selected cord blood cells primarily by upregulating Tpo R and Fli-1 expression and downregulating c-Myb expression. Increasing HoxB4 expression or adding recombinant HoxB4 protein might be a way to expand Mks for the production of platelets for use in transfusion medicine. PMID:20599537

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

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

    Mill, Christopher P.; Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn, AL 36849-5501; Gettinger, Kathleen L.

    2011-02-15

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

  2. Meningococcal B Vaccination (4CMenB) in Infants and Toddlers

    PubMed Central

    Esposito, Susanna; Tagliabue, Claudia; Bosis, Samantha

    2015-01-01

    Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative pathogen that actively invades its human host and leads to the development of life-threatening pathologies. One of the leading causes of death in the world, N. meningitidis can be responsible for nearly 1,000 new infections per 100,000 subjects during an epidemic period. The bacterial species are classified into 12 serogroups, five of which (A, B, C, W, and Y) cause the majority of meningitides. The three purified protein conjugate vaccines currently available target serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Serogroup B has long been a challenge but the discovery of the complete genome sequence of an MenB strain has allowed the development of a specific four-component vaccine (4CMenB). This review describes the pathogenetic role of N. meningitidis and the recent literature concerning the new meningococcal vaccine. PMID:26351647

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

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

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

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

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

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

  5. Infiltration sintering properties of Ni-4B-4Si(wt.%) alloy powders

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Q.; Zhang, X. C.; Wang, F. L.; Zou, J. T.

    2018-01-01

    The Ni-4B-4Si(wt.%) alloy powders were infiltrated into the nickel skeletons, the effects of sintering temperatures (1050-1150 °C) and skeletons (loose and compact nickel powders) on the microstructures and hardness of the sintered alloys were investigated. The Ni-B-Si alloy sintered at 1100 °C consisted of γ-Ni and Ni3B, and Si mainly solid soluted in the γ-Ni. The loose nickel powders favored to the infiltration of Ni-B-Si liquid alloy into the nickel skeletons, the sintered alloys exhibited dense microstructures and good interfacial bonding with Ni substrates. The interfacial hardness was equal to that of the sintered alloys and Ni substrates. Loose nickel powders ensured the density and interfacial bonding of the sintered alloys, the infiltration sintering process can be simplified and easily applied to practice.

  6. Calculation of boron-isotope fractionation between B(OH) 3(aq) and B(OH)4-(aq)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rustad, James R.; Bylaska, Eric J.; Jackson, Virgil E.; Dixon, David A.

    2010-05-01

    Density functional and correlated molecular orbital calculations (MP2) are carried out on B(OH) 3· nH 2O clusters ( n = 0, 6, 32), and B(OH)4-· nH 2O ( n = 0, 8, 11, 32) to estimate the equilibrium distribution of 10B and 11B isotopes between boric acid and borate in aqueous solution. For the large 32-water clusters, multiple conformations are generated from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to account for the effect of solvent fluctuations on the isotopic fractionation. We provide an extrapolated value of the equilibrium constant α34 for the isotope exchange reaction 10B(OH) 3(aq) + 11B(OH)4- (aq) = 11B(OH) 3(aq) + 11B(OH)4- (aq) of 1.026-1.028 near the MP2 complete basis set limit with 32 explicit waters of solvation. With some exchange-correlation functionals we find potentially important contributions from a tetrahedral neutral B(OH) 3·H 2O Lewis acid-base complex. The extrapolations presented here suggest that DFT calculations give a value for 10 3ln α34 about 15% higher than the MP2 calculations.

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

    PubMed

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

    2009-08-01

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

  8. 12 CFR 261b.4 - Meetings open to public observation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 4 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Meetings open to public observation. 261b.4... RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED) RULES REGARDING PUBLIC OBSERVATION OF MEETINGS § 261b.4 Meetings open to public observation. (a) Except as provided in § 261b.5, every portion of every meeting of the agency shall be open to...

  9. 12 CFR 261b.4 - Meetings open to public observation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 4 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Meetings open to public observation. 261b.4... RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED) RULES REGARDING PUBLIC OBSERVATION OF MEETINGS § 261b.4 Meetings open to public observation. (a) Except as provided in § 261b.5, every portion of every meeting of the agency shall be open to...

  10. 12 CFR 261b.4 - Meetings open to public observation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 4 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Meetings open to public observation. 261b.4... RESERVE SYSTEM (CONTINUED) RULES REGARDING PUBLIC OBSERVATION OF MEETINGS § 261b.4 Meetings open to public observation. (a) Except as provided in § 261b.5, every portion of every meeting of the agency shall be open to...

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

    PubMed

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

    2017-09-15

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

  12. Comparative Analysis of Glycoprotein B (gB) of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 and Type 4 (EHV-1 and EHV-4) in Cellular Tropism and Cell-to-Cell Transmission

    PubMed Central

    Spiesschaert, Bart; Osterrieder, Nikolaus; Azab, Walid

    2015-01-01

    Glycoprotein B (gB) plays an important role in alphaherpesvirus cellular entry and acts in concert with gD and the gH/gL complex. To evaluate whether functional differences exist between gB1 and gB4, the corresponding genes were exchanged between the two viruses. The gB4-containing-EHV-1 (EHV-1_gB4) recombinant virus was analyzed for growth in culture, cell tropism, and cell entry rivaling no significant differences when compared to parental virus. We also disrupted a potential integrin-binding motif, which did not affect the function of gB in culture. In contrast, a significant reduction of plaque sizes and growth kinetics of gB1-containing-EHV-4 (EHV-4_gB1) was evident when compared to parental EHV-4 and revertant viruses. The reduction in virus growth may be attributable to the loss of functional interaction between gB and the other envelope proteins involved in virus entry, including gD and gH/gL. Alternatively, gB4 might have an additional function, required for EHV-4 replication, which is not fulfilled by gB1. In conclusion, our results show that the exchange of gB between EHV-1 and EHV-4 is possible, but results in a significant attenuation of virus growth in the case of EHV-4_gB1. The generation of stable recombinant viruses is a valuable tool to address viral entry in a comparative fashion and investigate this aspect of virus replication further. PMID:25654240

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

    PubMed

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

    2016-09-06

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

  14. 26 CFR 48.4216(b)-4 - Constructive sale price; affiliated corporations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... corporations. 48.4216(b)-4 Section 48.4216(b)-4 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE... Applicable to Manufacturers Taxes § 48.4216(b)-4 Constructive sale price; affiliated corporations. (a) In... under section 4216(b)(1)(C) for sales between corporations that are members of the same “affiliated...

  15. 26 CFR 48.4216(b)-4 - Constructive sale price; affiliated corporations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... corporations. 48.4216(b)-4 Section 48.4216(b)-4 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE... Applicable to Manufacturers Taxes § 48.4216(b)-4 Constructive sale price; affiliated corporations. (a) In... under section 4216(b)(1)(C) for sales between corporations that are members of the same “affiliated...

  16. 26 CFR 48.4216(b)-4 - Constructive sale price; affiliated corporations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... corporations. 48.4216(b)-4 Section 48.4216(b)-4 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE... Applicable to Manufacturers Taxes § 48.4216(b)-4 Constructive sale price; affiliated corporations. (a) In... under section 4216(b)(1)(C) for sales between corporations that are members of the same “affiliated...

  17. An ErbB2-Muc4 complex in rat ocular surface epithelia.

    PubMed

    Swan, Jeremy S; Arango, Maria E; Carothers Carraway, Coralie A; Carraway, Kermit L

    2002-05-01

    To show the presence and localization of type 1 growth factor receptors (ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4) in rat corneal and conjunctival epithelia and investigate the association of ErbB2 with its intramembrane ligand Muc4. Methacarn-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of corneas and eyelids from female adult rats were immunocytochemically stained using antibodies against the ErbB receptors and Muc4. Sequential immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analyses were performed on epithelial lysates to investigate the presence of a complex of Muc4 and ErbB2 in corneal and conjunctival epithelia. Immunocytochemical staining demonstrated the presence of ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4 growth factor receptors throughout the rat corneal and conjunctival epithelia. Co-immunoprecipitation of the epithelial lysates demonstrated that Muc4 and ErbB2 are present as a complex. The three type 1 growth factor receptors (ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4) are present in the rat corneal and conjunctival epithelia, and ErbB2 is at least partly associated with Muc4. This demonstration of the presence and localization of these three type 1 growth factor receptors may help in understanding how these receptors contribute to ocular epithelial behavior and functions.

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

    PubMed

    Shak, S; Goldstein, I M

    1984-09-17

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

  19. Expression of human inducible nitric oxide synthase in a tetrahydrobiopterin (H4B)-deficient cell line: H4B promotes assembly of enzyme subunits into an active dimer.

    PubMed Central

    Tzeng, E; Billiar, T R; Robbins, P D; Loftus, M; Stuehr, D J

    1995-01-01

    Murine inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) is catalytically active only in dimeric form. Assembly of its purified subunits into a dimer requires H4B. To understand the structure-activity relationships of human iNOS, we constitutively expressed recombinant human iNOS in NIH 3T3 cells by using a retroviral vector. These cells are deficient in de novo H4B biosynthesis and the role of H4B in the expression and assembly of active iNOS in an intact cell system could be studied. In the absence of added H4B, NO synthesis by the cells was minimal, whereas cells grown with supplemental H4B or the H4B precursor sepiapterin generated NO (74.1 and 63.3 nmol of nitrite per 10(6) cells per 24 h, respectively). NO synthesis correlated with an increase in intracellular H4B but no increase in iNOS protein. Instead, an increased percentage of dimeric iNOS was observed, rising from 20% in cytosols from unsupplemented cells to 66% in H4B-supplemented cell cytosols. In all cases, only dimeric iNOS displayed catalytic activity. Cytosols prepared from H4B-deficient cells exhibited little iNOS activity but acquired activity during a 60- to 120-min incubation with H4B, reaching final activities of 60-72 pmol of citrulline per mg of protein per min. Reconstitution of cytosolic NO synthesis activity was associated with conversion of monomers into dimeric iNOS during the incubation. Thus, human iNOS subunits dimerize to form an active enzyme, and H4B plays a critical role in promoting dimerization in intact cells. This reveals a post-translational mechanism by which intracellular H4B can regulate iNOS expression. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5 PMID:8524846

  20. Functional role of human NK cell receptor 2B4 (CD244) isoforms.

    PubMed

    Mathew, Stephen O; Rao, Krithi K; Kim, Jong R; Bambard, Nowland D; Mathew, Porunelloor A

    2009-06-01

    2B4 (CD244), a member of the signaling lymphocyte-activation molecule (SLAM/CD150), is expressed on all NK cells, a subpopulation of T cells, monocytes and basophils. Human NK cells express two isoforms of 2B4, h2B4-A and h2B4-B that differ in a small portion of the extracellular domain. In the present investigation, we have studied the functions of h2B4-A and h2B4-B. Our study demonstrated that these two isoforms differ in their binding affinity for CD48, which results in differential cytotoxic activity as well as intracellular calcium release by NK cells upon target cell recognition. Analysis of the predicted 3-D structure of the two isoforms showed conformational differences that could account for their differences in binding affinity to CD48. h2B4-A was able to mediate natural cytotoxicity against CD48-expressing K562 target cells and induce intracellular calcium release, whereas h2B4-B showed no effects. NK-92MI, U937, THP-1, KU812, primary monocytes, basophils and NK cells showed expression of both h2B4-A and h2B4-B whereas YT and IL-2-activated NK cells did not show any h2B4-B expression. Stimulation of NK cells through 2B4 resulted in decreased mRNA levels of both h2B4-A and h2B4-B indicating that down-regulation of 2B4 isoforms may be an important factor in controlling NK cell activation during immune responses.

  1. Aminoglycoside acetyltransferase 3-IV (aacC4) and hygromycin B 4-I phosphotransferase (hphB) in bacteria isolated from human and animal sources.

    PubMed

    Salauze, D; Otal, I; Gomez-Lus, R; Davies, J

    1990-10-01

    Members of the family Enterobacteriaceae harboring an enzyme of the aminoglycoside acetyltransferase 3 class (AAC-3-IV) (apramycin and gentamicin resistance) and hygromycin B phosphotransferase 4 (HPH-4-I) (hygromycin B resistance) have been isolated from human clinical sources in Europe. A cluster of genes containing IS140, aacC4, and hphB was found in these strains. We demonstrate by Southern hybridization that this cluster is identical to the operon found in animals that also contains insertion sequences belonging to the ISO family. This provides another example of presumptive transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria of animal and human origin.

  2. Synthesis of Substituted 2,3,5,6-tetraarylbenzo(1,2-b:5,4-b')difurans

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Abdul-Aziz, Mahmoud; Auping, Judith V.; Meador, Michael A.

    1995-01-01

    A series of substituted 2,3,5,6-tetraarylbenzo(l,2-b:5,4-b')difurans 1 was synthesized. This synthesis is based upon the photocyclization of 2,5-dibenzoylresorcinol dibenzyl ethers to the corresponding tetrahydrobenzo(1,2-b:5,4-b')difurans. Treatment of the photoproducts with methanesulfonyl chloride in pyridine afforded 1 in overall yields ranging from 30-72%. A number of these compounds have high fluorescence quantum yields (of phi(sub f) = 0.76-0.90), and their fluorescence spectra exhibit large solvatochromic shifts. These compounds may be suitable for use as fluorescent probes.

  3. NF-κB signaling participates in both Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand- (RANKL) and interleukin-4- (IL-4) induced macrophage fusion: Receptor cross-talk leads to alterations in NF-κB pathways

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Minjun; Qi, Xiulan; Moreno, Jose L.; Farber, Donna L.; Keegan, Achsah D.

    2011-01-01

    NF-κB activation is essential for RANKL-induced osteoclast formation. IL-4 is known to inhibit the RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, while at the same time promote macrophage fusion to form multinucleated giant cells (MNG). Several groups have proposed that IL-4 inhibition of osteoclastogenesis is mediated by suppressing the RANKL-induced activation of NF-κB. However, we found that IL-4 did not block proximal, canonical NF-κB signaling. Instead, we found that IL-4 inhibited alternative NF-κB signaling and induced p105/50 expression. Interestingly, in nfκb1−/− bone marrow macrophages (BMM), the formation of both multinucleated osteoclast and MNG induced by RANKL or IL-4 respectively was impaired. This suggests that NF-κB signaling also plays an important role in IL-4-induced macrophage fusion. Indeed, we found that the RANKL-induced and IL-4-induced macrophage fusion were both inhibited by the NF-κB inhibitors IKK2 inhibitor, and NEMO inhibitory peptide. Furthermore, overexpression of p50, p65, p52 and RelB individually in nfκb1−/− or nfκb1+/+ BMM enhanced both giant osteoclast and MNG formation. Interestingly, knockdown of nfκb2 in wild type BMM dramatically enhanced both osteoclast and MNG formation. In addition, both RANKL- and IL-4-induced macrophage fusion were impaired in NIK−/− BMM. These results suggest IL-4 influences NF-κB pathways by increasing p105/p50 and suppressing RANKL-induced p52 translocation, and that NF-κB pathways participate in both RANKL- and IL-4- induced giant cell formation. PMID:21734075

  4. Identification of Substituted Pyrimido[5,4-b]indoles as Selective Toll-Like Receptor 4 Ligands

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    A cell-based high-throughput screen to identify small molecular weight stimulators of the innate immune system revealed substituted pyrimido[5,4-b]indoles as potent NFκB activators. The most potent hit compound selectively stimulated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in human and mouse cells. Synthetic modifications of the pyrimido[5,4-b]indole scaffold at the carboxamide, N-3, and N-5 positions revealed differential TLR4 dependent production of NFκB and type I interferon associated cytokines, IL-6 and interferon γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10) respectively. Specifically, a subset of compounds bearing phenyl and substituted phenyl carboxamides induced lower IL-6 release while maintaining higher IP-10 production, skewing toward the type I interferon pathway. Substitution at N-5 with short alkyl substituents reduced the cytotoxicity of the leading hit compound. Computational studies supported that active compounds appeared to bind primarily to MD-2 in the TLR4/MD-2 complex. These small molecules, which stimulate innate immune cells with minimal toxicity, could potentially be used as adjuvants or immune modulators. PMID:23656327

  5. B7-H4 as a Target for Breast Cancer Immunotherapy

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-06-01

    lymphoma and leukemia cell lines. CEM, Karpas 299, and TLBR -1, cell lines derived from acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia, large cell anaplastic...Accomplishments  Generation of human B7-H4-Fc fusion protein (antigen).  Discovery of a B7-H4 receptor on CEM, Karpas 299, and TLBR -1 cell lines...CEM Karpas 299 TLBR -1 Jurkat B7-H4R Figure 3. B7-H4 binding to human T-cell lymphoma cell lines. Red

  6. A phosphodiesterase 4B-dependent interplay between tumor cells and the microenvironment regulates angiogenesis in B-cell lymphoma

    PubMed Central

    Suhasini, Avvaru N.; Lin, An-Ping; Bhatnagar, Harshita; Kim, Sang-Woo; Moritz, August W.; Aguiar, Ricardo C. T.

    2015-01-01

    Angiogenesis associates with poor outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but the contribution of the lymphoma cells to this process remains unclear. Addressing this knowledge gap may uncover unsuspecting proangiogenic signaling nodes and highlight alternative antiangiogenic therapies. Here we identify the second messenger cyclic-AMP (cAMP) and the enzyme that terminates its activity, phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B), as regulators of B-cell lymphoma angiogenesis. We first show that cAMP, in a PDE4B-dependent manner, suppresses PI3K/AKT signals to down-modulate VEGF secretion and vessel formation in vitro. Next, we create a novel mouse model that combines the lymphomagenic Myc transgene with germline deletion of Pde4b. We show that lymphomas developing in a Pde4b-null background display significantly lower microvessel density in association with lower VEGF levels and PI3K/AKT activity. We recapitulate these observations by treating lymphoma-bearing mice with the FDA-approved PDE4 inhibitor Roflumilast. Lastly, we show that primary human DLBCLs with high PDE4B expression display significantly higher microvessel density. Here, we defined an unsuspected signaling circuitry in which the cAMP generated in lymphoma cells downmodulates PI3K/AKT and VEGF secretion to negatively influence vessel development in the microenvironment. These data identify PDE4 as an actionable antiangiogenic target in DLBCL. PMID:26503641

  7. Photoelectron spectroscopy of B{sub 4}O{sub 4}{sup −}: Dual 3c-4e π hyperbonds and rhombic 4c-4e o-bond in boron oxide clusters

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

    Tian, Wen-Juan; Chen, Qiang; Ou, Ting

    2015-04-07

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

  8. Dynamic properties of porous B sub 4 C. Interim report

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

    Brar, N.S.; Rosenberg, Z.; Bless, S.J.

    1990-01-25

    The sound speed in porous B4C (Boron Carbide) was measured and predicted on the basis of a spherical void model and a penny crack model. Neither model does well for porosity exceeding 10 percent. Measured values of Hugoniot elastic limit for porous B4C agree well with those predicted by the Steinberg's model. Measured transverse stress in the elastic range of B4C under 1-d strain condition agrees with the predictions.

  9. High-Resolution Synchrotron Infrared Spectroscopy of Thiophosgene: the νb{1}, νb{5}, 2νb{4}, and νb{2} + 2νb{6} bands

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McKellar, Bob; Billinghurst, Brant E.

    2015-06-01

    Thiophosgene (Cl_2CS) is a favorite model system for studies of photophysics, vibrational dynamics, and intersystem interactions. But at high resolution its infrared spectrum is very congested due to hot bands and multiple isotopic species. Previously, we reported the first high resolution IR study of this molecule, analyzing the νb{2} (504 wn) and νb{4} (471 wn) fundamental bands. Here we continue, with analysis of the νb{1} (1139 wn) and νb{5} (820 wn) fundamentals for the two most abundant isotopologues, 35Cl2CS and 35Cl37ClCS, based on spectra with a resolution of about 0.001 wn obtained at the Canadian Light Source far-infrared beamline using synchrotron radiation and a Bruker IFS125 Fourier transform spectrometer. The νb{2} + νb{4} (942 wn) and νb{2} + 2νb{6} (1104 wn) bands are also studied here. But so far the νb{2} + νb{6} combination band (795 wn) resists analysis, as do the weak νb{3} (292.9 wn) and νb{6} (≈300? wn) fundamentals. A.R.W. McKellar, B.E.Billinghurst, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 260, 66 (2010).

  10. f-electron dependence of the physical properties of REAlB4; an AlB2-type analogous "tiling" compound

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mori, T.; Kudou, K.; Shishido, T.; Okada, S.

    2011-04-01

    α-HoAlB4 and α-ErAlB4 were synthesized, and their magnetic properties and specific heat investigated in comparison with other known rare-earth analogs. Recent developments in rare-earth aluminoboride compounds with two-dimensional boron layers have attracted interest due to the heavy fermion superconductivity in β-YbAlB4, multiple anomalies manifesting below the Néel temperatures in α-TmAlB4 attributed to intrinsic building defects, and field stable state in Tm2 AlB6. Strikingly, α-HoAlB4 and α-ErAlB4 were discovered to exhibit superparamagnetic or spin glass behavior in contrast to the magnetic ordering or nonordering observed for the other rare-earth element compounds. The magnetic field dependence of the irreversibility was consistent with the de Almeida Thouless (AT) line versus the quadratic suppression typically observed for antiferromagnetic systems. The specific heat exhibited behavior indicative of a multilevel Schottky anomaly and four states of the 5 I8 Hund's rule multiplet of Ho3+ are indicated to lie below 20 K. While building defects are not evident, it is indicated that disorder is strong in α-HoAlB4 and α-ErAlB4 and possible ferromagnetic interactions can be giving rise to frustration.

  11. 12 CFR 261b.4 - Meetings open to public observation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Meetings open to public observation. 261b.4... RESERVE SYSTEM RULES REGARDING PUBLIC OBSERVATION OF MEETINGS § 261b.4 Meetings open to public observation. (a) Except as provided in § 261b.5, every portion of every meeting of the agency shall be open to...

  12. 12 CFR 261b.4 - Meetings open to public observation.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Meetings open to public observation. 261b.4... RESERVE SYSTEM RULES REGARDING PUBLIC OBSERVATION OF MEETINGS § 261b.4 Meetings open to public observation. (a) Except as provided in § 261b.5, every portion of every meeting of the agency shall be open to...

  13. ErbB4 deletion predisposes to development of metabolic syndrome in mice.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Fenghua; Wang, Yinqiu; Kloepfer, Lance A; Wang, Suwan; Harris, Raymond C

    2018-06-26

    ErbB4, a member of the EGF receptor family, plays a variety of roles in physiologic and pathologic states. Genetic studies have indicated linkage of ErbB4 and type II diabetes and obesity, but its role in metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been reported. In the current study, we found that compared to wild-type, mice with ErbB4 deletion developed MetS after 24 weeks on a medium-fat diet (MFD) as indicated by development of obesity, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. ErbB4 deletion mice also had increased amounts of subcutaneous and visceral fat with increased serum leptin levels, whereas levels of adiponectin were not significantly different. Histologically, severe inflammation, indicated by F4/80 immunostaining and M1 macrophage polarization, was detected in both inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) and epididymal WAT (eWAT) in ErbB4 deletion mice. ErbB4 expression decreased during 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Administration to 3T3-L1 adipocytes of NRG4, a specific ligand for ErbB4, had no effect on adipogenesis and lipolysis, but significantly inhibited lipogenesis, promoted browning, induced GLUT4 redistribution to cell membrane, and increased glucose uptake. NRG4 treatment also significantly increased glucose uptake in adipocytes isolated from wild-type mice, while those effects were significantly decreased in adipocytes isolated from ErbB4 deletion mice. In conclusion, our results indicate that ErbB4 may play an important role in glucose homeostasis and lipogenesis. ErbB4 deficiency-related obesity and adipose tissue inflammation may contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome.

  14. Discovery of Dengue Virus NS4B Inhibitors

    PubMed Central

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

    2015-01-01

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

  15. Identification and Characterization of Functionally Critical, Conserved Motifs in the Internal Repeats and N-terminal Domain of Yeast Translation Initiation Factor 4B (yeIF4B)*

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Fujun; Walker, Sarah E.; Mitchell, Sarah F.; Lorsch, Jon R.; Hinnebusch, Alan G.

    2014-01-01

    eIF4B has been implicated in attachment of the 43 S preinitiation complex (PIC) to mRNAs and scanning to the start codon. We recently determined that the internal seven repeats (of ∼26 amino acids each) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae eIF4B (yeIF4B) compose the region most critically required to enhance mRNA recruitment by 43 S PICs in vitro and stimulate general translation initiation in yeast. Moreover, although the N-terminal domain (NTD) of yeIF4B contributes to these activities, the RNA recognition motif is dispensable. We have now determined that only two of the seven internal repeats are sufficient for wild-type (WT) yeIF4B function in vivo when all other domains are intact. However, three or more repeats are needed in the absence of the NTD or when the functions of eIF4F components are compromised. We corroborated these observations in the reconstituted system by demonstrating that yeIF4B variants with only one or two repeats display substantial activity in promoting mRNA recruitment by the PIC, whereas additional repeats are required at lower levels of eIF4A or when the NTD is missing. These findings indicate functional overlap among the 7-repeats and NTD domains of yeIF4B and eIF4A in mRNA recruitment. Interestingly, only three highly conserved positions in the 26-amino acid repeat are essential for function in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we identified conserved motifs in the NTD and demonstrate functional overlap of two such motifs. These results provide a comprehensive description of the critical sequence elements in yeIF4B that support eIF4F function in mRNA recruitment by the PIC. PMID:24285537

  16. Pharmacophore Based Virtual Screening Approach to Identify Selective PDE4B Inhibitors

    PubMed Central

    Gaurav, Anand; Gautam, Vertika

    2017-01-01

    Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) has been established as a promising target in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. PDE4B subtype selective inhibitors are known to reduce the dose limiting adverse effect associated with non-selective PDE4B inhibitors. This makes the development of PDE4B subtype selective inhibitors a desirable research goal. To achieve this goal, ligand based pharmacophore modeling approach is employed. Separate pharmacophore hypotheses for PDE4B and PDE4D inhibitors were generated using HypoGen algorithm and 106 PDE4 inhibitors from literature having thiopyrano [3,2-d] Pyrimidines, 2-arylpyrimidines, and triazines skeleton. Suitable training and test sets were created using the molecules as per the guidelines available for HypoGen program. Training set was used for hypothesis development while test set was used for validation purpose. Fisher validation was also used to test the significance of the developed hypothesis. The validated pharmacophore hypotheses for PDE4B and PDE4D inhibitors were used in sequential virtual screening of zinc database of drug like molecules to identify selective PDE4B inhibitors. The hits were screened for their estimated activity and fit value. The top hit was subjected to docking into the active sites of PDE4B and PDE4D to confirm its selectivity for PDE4B. The hits are proposed to be evaluated further using in-vitro assays. PMID:29201082

  17. Interleukin-4-dependent innate collaboration between iNKT cells and B-1 B cells controls adaptative contact sensitivity

    PubMed Central

    Campos, Regis A; Szczepanik, Marian; Itakura, Atsuko; Lisbonne, Mariette; Dey, Neelendu; Leite-de-Moraes, Maria C; Askenase, Philip W

    2006-01-01

    We showed that hepatic Vα14+ invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, via their rapid interleukin (IL)-4 production, activate B-1 cells to initiate contact sensitivity (CS). This innate collaboration was absent in IL-4–/– and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-6–/– mice and was inhibited by anti-IL-4 treatment. These mice have defective CS because they fail to locally recruit the sensitized effector T cells of acquired immunity. Their CS is reconstituted by transfer of downstream-acting 1-day immune B-1 cells from wild-type mice. Responses were not reconstituted with B-1 cells from IL-4 receptor-α–/– or STAT-6–/– mice, nor by IL-4 treatment of B cell-deficient mice at immunization. Finally, IL-4 was preferentially and transiently produced by hepatic iNKT cells within 7 min after sensitization to mediate collaboration between innate-like iNKT cells and the B-1 B cells that participate in the recruitment of effector T cells in vivo. PMID:16556268

  18. 4. CONTROL BUILDING B, VIEW TOWARDS SOUTHEAST. Glenn L. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    4. CONTROL BUILDING B, VIEW TOWARDS SOUTHEAST. - Glenn L. Martin Company, Titan Missile Test Facilities, Control Building B, Waterton Canyon Road & Colorado Highway 121, Lakewood, Jefferson County, CO

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

    PubMed

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

    1990-07-01

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

  20. Logarithmic phase Escherichia coli K1 efficiently avoids serum killing by promoting C4bp-mediated C3b and C4b degradation

    PubMed Central

    Wooster, David G; Maruvada, Ravi; Blom, Anna M; Prasadarao, Nemani V

    2006-01-01

    Meningitis caused by Escherichia coli K1 is a serious illness in neonates with neurological sequelae in up to 50% of survivors. A high degree of bacteremia is required for E. coli K1 to cross the blood–brain barrier, which suggests that the bacterium must evade the host defence mechanisms and survive in the bloodstream. We previously showed that outer membrane protein A (OmpA) of E. coli binds C4b-binding protein (C4bp), an inhibitor of complement activation via the classical pathway. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism by which E. coli K1 survives in serum remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that log phase (LP) OmpA+E. coli K1 avoids serum bactericidal activity more effectively than postexponential phase bacteria. OmpA–E. coli cannot survive in serum grown to either phase. The increased serum resistance of LP OmpA+E. coli is the result of increased binding of C4bp, with a concomitant decrease in the deposition of C3b and the downstream complement proteins responsible for the formation of the membrane attack complex. C4bp bound to E. coli K1 acts as a cofactor to factor I in the cleavage of both C3b and C4b, which shuts down the ensuing complement cascade. Accordingly, a peptide corresponding to the complement control protein domain 3 of C4bp sequence, was able to compete with C4bp binding to OmpA and cause increased deposition of C3b. Thus, binding of C4bp appears to be responsible for survival of E. coli K1 in human serum. PMID:16556262

  1. Revisiting the biology of infant t(4;11)/MLL-AF4+ B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

    PubMed Central

    Bueno, Clara; Prieto, Cristina; Acha, Pamela; Stam, Ronald W.; Marschalek, Rolf; Menéndez, Pablo

    2015-01-01

    Infant B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) accounts for 10% of childhood ALL. The genetic hallmark of most infant B-ALL is chromosomal rearrangements of the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene. Despite improvement in the clinical management and survival (∼85-90%) of childhood B-ALL, the outcome of infants with MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) B-ALL remains dismal, with overall survival <35%. Among MLL-r infant B-ALL, t(4;11)+ patients harboring the fusion MLL-AF4 (MA4) display a particularly poor prognosis and a pro-B/mixed phenotype. Studies in monozygotic twins and archived blood spots have provided compelling evidence of a single cell of prenatal origin as the target for MA4 fusion, explaining the brief leukemia latency. Despite its aggressiveness and short latency, current progress on its etiology, pathogenesis, and cellular origin is limited as evidenced by the lack of mouse/human models recapitulating the disease phenotype/latency. We propose this is because infant cancer is from an etiologic and pathogenesis standpoint distinct from adult cancer and should be seen as a developmental disease. This is supported by whole-genome sequencing studies suggesting that opposite to the view of cancer as a “multiple-and-sequential-hit” model, t(4;11) alone might be sufficient to spawn leukemia. The stable genome of these patients suggests that, in infant developmental cancer, one “big-hit” might be sufficient for overt disease and supports a key contribution of epigenetics and a prenatal cell of origin during a critical developmental window of stem cell vulnerability in the leukemia pathogenesis. Here, we revisit the biology of t(4;11)+ infant B-ALL with an emphasis on its origin, genetics, and disease models. PMID:26463423

  2. Synchrotron Infrared Spectroscopy of νb{4}, νb{10}, νb{11} and νb{14} States of Thiirane

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Evans, Corey; Carter, Jason P.; McNaughton, Don; Wong, Andy; Appadoo, Dominique

    2015-06-01

    The high-resolution (0.001 cm-1) spectrum of thiirane has been recorded using the infrared beamline at the Australian synchrotron facility. Spectra have been recorded between 750 cm-1 to 1120 cm-1 and ro-vibrational transitions associated with four bands have been observed and assigned. Coriolis coupling was observed between the νb{4} (1024 cm-1) and the νb{14}(1050 cm-1) fundamentals as well as between νb{11} (825 cm-1) and the νb{8} (895 cm-1) fundamentals. The νb{10} (945 cm-1) fundamental was also observed and was found to have no significant perturbations associated with it. For each of the observed bands rotational, centrifugal distortion and Coriolis interaction parameters have been determined. The ground state constants have also been further refined.

  3. 7 CFR Exhibit B-4 to Subpart B of... - Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... Used in Cases Involving Farmer Program Primary Loan Servicing Actions) B Exhibit B-4 to Subpart B of... AGRICULTURE PROGRAM REGULATIONS GENERAL Adverse Decisions and Administrative Appeals Pt. 1900, Subpt. B, Exh. B-4 Exhibit B-4 to Subpart B of Part 1900—Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and...

  4. 7 CFR Exhibit B-4 to Subpart B of... - Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... Used in Cases Involving Farmer Program Primary Loan Servicing Actions) B Exhibit B-4 to Subpart B of... AGRICULTURE PROGRAM REGULATIONS GENERAL Adverse Decisions and Administrative Appeals Pt. 1900, Subpt. B, Exh. B-4 Exhibit B-4 to Subpart B of Part 1900—Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and...

  5. 7 CFR Exhibit B-4 to Subpart B of... - Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... Used in Cases Involving Farmer Program Primary Loan Servicing Actions) B Exhibit B-4 to Subpart B of... AGRICULTURE PROGRAM REGULATIONS GENERAL Adverse Decisions and Administrative Appeals Pt. 1900, Subpt. B, Exh. B-4 Exhibit B-4 to Subpart B of Part 1900—Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and...

  6. 7 CFR Exhibit B-4 to Subpart B of... - Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and Borrowers of Unfavorable Decision...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... Used in Cases Involving Farmer Program Primary Loan Servicing Actions) B Exhibit B-4 to Subpart B of... AGRICULTURE PROGRAM REGULATIONS GENERAL Adverse Decisions and Administrative Appeals Pt. 1900, Subpt. B, Exh. B-4 Exhibit B-4 to Subpart B of Part 1900—Letter for Notifying Applicants, Lenders and Holders and...

  7. Identification of breast cancer cell subtypes sensitive to ATG4B inhibition.

    PubMed

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

    2016-10-11

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

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

    PubMed

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

    2012-10-01

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

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

    PubMed

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

    2017-08-30

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

  10. Pressure- and Additive-Mediated Sintering of B4C at Relatively Low Temperatures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Goswami, Ramasis; Qadri, Syed B.; Wollmershauser, James; Kolel-Veetil, Manoj K.; Feygelson, Boris

    2017-03-01

    A significant improvement in sinterability of B4C was achieved at a relatively low temperature by applying high pressure (2 GPa) and adding a small amount (5 wt pct) of Ni. The sintered B4C and Ni powder mixture showed improved hardness in the range of 21 to 32 GPa and improved modulus as compared to the sintered B4C powder without additive. This is mostly attributed to the formation of Ni4B3, as characterized by Reitveld refinement method and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which enhances the bonding between B4C particles. These results provide a new avenue toward the development of sintering of B4C at relatively low temperatures (<0.5 T m of B4C).

  11. Study the Pathogenic Role of ErbB-3, ErbB-4 and their Ligand Heregulin in Human Breast Cancer Cells.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1997-07-01

    characterizing the role of ErbB-4 in breast cancer, we generated three specific hammerhead ribozymes targeted to the ErbB-4 mRNA. These ribozymes , Rz6...proposal we plan to utilize hammerhead ribozymes which target HRG and its receptors (ErbB-3, ErbB-4) to interrupt their signaling. We will then study...cancer. Results: To assist in characterizing the role of ErbB-4 in breast cancer, we have generated three specific hammerhead ribozymes (Rz6, Rz2 1

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

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

    2018-03-01

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

  13. Origin of modulated phases and magnetic hysteresis in TmB 4

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

    Wierschem, Keola; Sunku, Sai Swaroop; Kong, Tai

    In this study, we investigate the low-temperature magnetic phases in TmB 4, a metallic quantum magnet on the geometrically frustrated Shastry-Sutherland lattice, using coordinated experimental and theoretical studies. Our results provide an explanation for the appearance of the intriguing fractional plateau in TmB 4 and accompanying magnetic hysteresis. Together with observation of the bump in the half plateau, our results support the picture that the magnetization plateau structure in TmB 4 is strongly influenced by the zero-field modulated phases. We present a phenomenological model to explain the appearance of the modulated phases and a microscopic Hamiltonian that captures the completemore » magnetic behavior of TmB 4.« less

  14. Origin of modulated phases and magnetic hysteresis in TmB 4

    DOE PAGES

    Wierschem, Keola; Sunku, Sai Swaroop; Kong, Tai; ...

    2015-12-23

    In this study, we investigate the low-temperature magnetic phases in TmB 4, a metallic quantum magnet on the geometrically frustrated Shastry-Sutherland lattice, using coordinated experimental and theoretical studies. Our results provide an explanation for the appearance of the intriguing fractional plateau in TmB 4 and accompanying magnetic hysteresis. Together with observation of the bump in the half plateau, our results support the picture that the magnetization plateau structure in TmB 4 is strongly influenced by the zero-field modulated phases. We present a phenomenological model to explain the appearance of the modulated phases and a microscopic Hamiltonian that captures the completemore » magnetic behavior of TmB 4.« less

  15. Structural basis of recognition of farnesylated and methylated KRAS4b by PDEδ.

    PubMed

    Dharmaiah, Srisathiyanarayanan; Bindu, Lakshman; Tran, Timothy H; Gillette, William K; Frank, Peter H; Ghirlando, Rodolfo; Nissley, Dwight V; Esposito, Dominic; McCormick, Frank; Stephen, Andrew G; Simanshu, Dhirendra K

    2016-11-01

    Farnesylation and carboxymethylation of KRAS4b (Kirsten rat sarcoma isoform 4b) are essential for its interaction with the plasma membrane where KRAS-mediated signaling events occur. Phosphodiesterase-δ (PDEδ) binds to KRAS4b and plays an important role in targeting it to cellular membranes. We solved structures of human farnesylated-methylated KRAS4b in complex with PDEδ in two different crystal forms. In these structures, the interaction is driven by the C-terminal amino acids together with the farnesylated and methylated C185 of KRAS4b that binds tightly in the central hydrophobic pocket present in PDEδ. In crystal form II, we see the full-length structure of farnesylated-methylated KRAS4b, including the hypervariable region. Crystal form I reveals structural details of farnesylated-methylated KRAS4b binding to PDEδ, and crystal form II suggests the potential binding mode of geranylgeranylated-methylated KRAS4b to PDEδ. We identified a 5-aa-long sequence motif (Lys-Ser-Lys-Thr-Lys) in KRAS4b that may enable PDEδ to bind both forms of prenylated KRAS4b. Structure and sequence analysis of various prenylated proteins that have been previously tested for binding to PDEδ provides a rationale for why some prenylated proteins, such as KRAS4a, RalA, RalB, and Rac1, do not bind to PDEδ. Comparison of all four available structures of PDEδ complexed with various prenylated proteins/peptides shows the presence of additional interactions due to a larger protein-protein interaction interface in KRAS4b-PDEδ complex. This interface might be exploited for designing an inhibitor with minimal off-target effects.

  16. CTLA4 Promotes Tyk2-STAT3-Dependent B-cell Oncogenicity.

    PubMed

    Herrmann, Andreas; Lahtz, Christoph; Nagao, Toshikage; Song, Joo Y; Chan, Wing C; Lee, Heehyoung; Yue, Chanyu; Look, Thomas; Mülfarth, Ronja; Li, Wenzhao; Jenkins, Kurt; Williams, John; Budde, Lihua E; Forman, Stephen; Kwak, Larry; Blankenstein, Thomas; Yu, Hua

    2017-09-15

    CTL-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) is a well-established immune checkpoint for antitumor immune responses. The protumorigenic function of CTLA4 is believed to be limited to T-cell inhibition by countering the activity of the T-cell costimulating receptor CD28. However, as we demonstrate here, there are two additional roles for CTLA4 in cancer, including via CTLA4 overexpression in diverse B-cell lymphomas and in melanoma-associated B cells. CTLA4-CD86 ligation recruited and activated the JAK family member Tyk2, resulting in STAT3 activation and expression of genes critical for cancer immunosuppression and tumor growth and survival. CTLA4 activation resulted in lymphoma cell proliferation and tumor growth, whereas silencing or antibody-blockade of CTLA4 in B-cell lymphoma tumor cells in the absence of T cells inhibits tumor growth. This inhibition was accompanied by reduction of Tyk2/STAT3 activity, tumor cell proliferation, and induction of tumor cell apoptosis. The CTLA4-Tyk2-STAT3 signal pathway was also active in tumor-associated nonmalignant B cells in mouse models of melanoma and lymphoma. Overall, our results show how CTLA4-induced immune suppression occurs primarily via an intrinsic STAT3 pathway and that CTLA4 is critical for B-cell lymphoma proliferation and survival. Cancer Res; 77(18); 5118-28. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

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

    PubMed

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

    2010-11-01

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

  18. 32 CFR 147.4 - Guideline B-Foreign influence.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Guideline B-Foreign influence. 147.4 Section 147... CIVILIAN ADJUDICATIVE GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED INFORMATION Adjudication § 147.4 Guideline B—Foreign influence. (a) The concern. A security risk may exist when an...

  19. A region rich in aspartic acid, arginine, tyrosine, and glycine (DRYG) mediates eukaryotic initiation factor 4B (eIF4B) self-association and interaction with eIF3.

    PubMed Central

    Méthot, N; Song, M S; Sonenberg, N

    1996-01-01

    The binding of mRNA to the ribosome is mediated by eukaryotic initiation factors eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F), eIF4B, eIF4A, and eIF3, eIF4F binds to the mRNA cap structure and, in combination with eIF4B, is believed to unwind the secondary structure in the 5' untranslated region to facilitate ribosome binding. eIF3 associates with the 40S ribosomal subunit prior to mRNA binding. eIF4B copurifies with eIF3 and eIF4F through several purification steps, suggesting the involvement of a multisubunit complex during translation initiation. To understand the mechanism by which eIF4B promotes 40S ribosome binding to the mRNA, we studied its interactions with partner proteins by using a filter overlay (protein-protein [far Western]) assay and the two-hybrid system. In this report, we show that eIF4B self-associates and also interacts directly with the p170 subunit of eIF3. A region rich in aspartic acid, arginine, tyrosine, and glycine, termed the DRYG domain, is sufficient for self-association of eIF4B, both in vitro and in vivo, and for interaction with the p170 subunit of eIF3. These experiments suggest that eIF4B participates in mRNA-ribosome binding by acting as an intermediary between the mRNA and eIF3, via a direct interaction with the p170 subunit of eIF3. PMID:8816444

  20. 8 CFR 343b.4 - Applicant outside of United States.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 8 Aliens and Nationality 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Applicant outside of United States. 343b.4... CERTIFICATE OF NATURALIZATION FOR RECOGNITION BY A FOREIGN STATE § 343b.4 Applicant outside of United States. If the application is received by a DHS office outside the United States, an officer will, when...

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

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

    2017-12-01

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

  2. 75 FR 63052 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS350B3 and EC130 B4 Helicopters

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-10-14

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS350B3 and EC130 B4 Helicopters AGENCY: Federal... directive (AD) for the Eurocopter France Model AS350B3 and EC130 B4 helicopters. This amendment is prompted... autorotation training making it impossible to execute a power recovery and compelling the pilot to continue the...

  3. 15 CFR 8b.4 - Discrimination prohibited.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... Provisions § 8b.4 Discrimination prohibited. (a) General. No qualified handicapped individual shall, on the... perpetuate discrimination against a qualified handicapped individual by providing significant assistance to...: (i) That have the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped individuals to discrimination on the...

  4. 15 CFR 8b.4 - Discrimination prohibited.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... Provisions § 8b.4 Discrimination prohibited. (a) General. No qualified handicapped individual shall, on the... perpetuate discrimination against a qualified handicapped individual by providing significant assistance to...: (i) That have the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped individuals to discrimination on the...

  5. 15 CFR 8b.4 - Discrimination prohibited.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... Provisions § 8b.4 Discrimination prohibited. (a) General. No qualified handicapped individual shall, on the... perpetuate discrimination against a qualified handicapped individual by providing significant assistance to...: (i) That have the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped individuals to discrimination on the...

  6. 15 CFR 8b.4 - Discrimination prohibited.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... Provisions § 8b.4 Discrimination prohibited. (a) General. No qualified handicapped individual shall, on the... perpetuate discrimination against a qualified handicapped individual by providing significant assistance to...: (i) That have the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped individuals to discrimination on the...

  7. 46 CFR 153.352 - B/3 and 4 m venting system outlets.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false B/3 and 4 m venting system outlets. 153.352 Section 153.352 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES... Cargo Venting Systems § 153.352 B/3 and 4 m venting system outlets. A B/3 or 4 m venting system outlet...

  8. 46 CFR 153.352 - B/3 and 4 m venting system outlets.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false B/3 and 4 m venting system outlets. 153.352 Section 153.352 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) CERTAIN BULK DANGEROUS CARGOES... Cargo Venting Systems § 153.352 B/3 and 4 m venting system outlets. A B/3 or 4 m venting system outlet...

  9. Structure and function of APH(4)-Ia, a hygromycin B resistance enzyme.

    PubMed

    Stogios, Peter J; Shakya, Tushar; Evdokimova, Elena; Savchenko, Alexei; Wright, Gerard D

    2011-01-21

    The aminoglycoside phosphotransferase (APH) APH(4)-Ia is one of two enzymes responsible for bacterial resistance to the atypical aminoglycoside antibiotic hygromycin B (hygB). The crystal structure of APH(4)-Ia enzyme was solved in complex with hygB at 1.95 Å resolution. The APH(4)-Ia structure adapts a general two-lobe architecture shared by other APH enzymes and eukaryotic kinases, with the active site located at the interdomain cavity. The enzyme forms an extended hydrogen bond network with hygB primarily through polar and acidic side chain groups. Individual alanine substitutions of seven residues involved in hygB binding did not have significant effect on APH(4)-Ia enzymatic activity, indicating that the binding affinity is spread across a distributed network. hygB appeared as the only substrate recognized by APH(4)-Ia among the panel of 14 aminoglycoside compounds. Analysis of the active site architecture and the interaction with the hygB molecule demonstrated several unique features supporting such restricted substrate specificity. Primarily the APH(4)-Ia substrate-binding site contains a cluster of hydrophobic residues that provides a complementary surface to the twisted structure of the substrate. Similar to APH(2″) enzymes, the APH(4)-Ia is able to utilize either ATP or GTP for phosphoryl transfer. The defined structural features of APH(4)-Ia interactions with hygB and the promiscuity in regard to ATP or GTP binding could be exploited for the design of novel aminoglycoside antibiotics or inhibitors of this enzyme.

  10. Quantum critical scaling in beta-YbAlB4 and theoretical implications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nevidomskyy, Andriy

    2012-02-01

    Emergent phenomena in quantum materials are subject of intense experimental and theoretical research at present. A wonderful example thereof are the sister phases of YbAlB4 - a newly discovered heavy fermion material [1]. While one phase (α-YbAlB4) is a heavy Fermi liquid, its sibling β-YbAlB4 is quantum critical, supporting an unconventional superconductivity with a tiny transition temperature of ˜80 mK. Latest experiments [2] uncover the quantum critical T/B-scaling in β-YbAlB4 and prove that superconductivity emerges from a strange metal governed by an extremely fragile quantum criticality, which apparently occurs at zero field, without any external tuning. Here, we will present a theoretical perspective on the quantum critical scaling in β-YbAlB4 and will show that the critical exponents can be derived from the nodal structure of the hybridization matrix between Yb f-band and the conduction electrons. It follows that the free energy at low temperatures can be written in a scaling form F[(kBT)^2 + (gμBB)^2]^3/4, which predicts the divergent Sommerfeld coefficient γ and quasi-particle effective mass as B->0: γ˜m^*/m B-1/2. This is indeed observed in the experiment [1,2], which places a tiny upper bound on the critical magnetic field Bc<0.2 mT. We will discuss theoritical implications of this fragile intrinsic quantum criticality in β-YbAlB4 and discuss the possibility of a quantum critical phase, rather than a quantum critical point, in this material. [1] S. Nakatsuji et al., Nature Physics 4, 603 (2008). [2] Y. Matsumoto, S. Nakatsuji, K. Kuga, Y. Karaki, Y. Shimura, T. Sakakibara, A. H. Nevidomskyy, and P. Coleman, Science 331, 316 (2011).

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

    PubMed

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

    2013-12-01

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

  12. The Semaphorin 4D- Plexin-B1- RhoA signaling axis recruits pericytes and regulates vascular permeability through endothelial production of PDGF-B and ANGPTL4

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Hua; Yang, Ying-Hua; Basile, John R.

    2013-01-01

    Semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D) is a member of a family of transmembrane and secreted proteins that have been shown to act through its receptor Plexin-B1 to regulate axon growth cone guidance, lymphocyte activation, and bone density. SEMA4D is also overexpressed by some malignancies and plays a role in tumor-induced angiogenesis similar to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that has been targeted as part of some cancer therapies. In an attempt to examine the different effects on tumor growth and vascularity for these two pro-angiogenic factors, we previously noted that while inhibition of both VEGF and SEMA4D restricted tumor vascularity and size, vessels forming under conditions of VEGF blockade retained their association with pericytes while those arising in a background of SEMA4D/ Plexin-B1 deficiency did not, an intriguing finding considering that alteration in pericyte association with endothelial cells is an emerging aspect of anti-angiogenic intervention in the treatment of cancer. Here we show through array analysis, immunoblots, migration and co-culture assays and VE-cadherin immunohistochemistry that SEMA4D production by head and neck carcinoma tumor cells induces expression of platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) and angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) from endothelial cells in a Plexin-B1/ Rho-dependent manner, thereby influencing proliferation and differentiation of pericytes and vascular permeability, whereas VEGF lacks these effects. These results partly explain the differences observed between SEMA4D and VEGF in pathological angiogenesis and suggest that targeting SEMA4D function along with VEGF could represent a novel anti-angiogenic therapeutic strategy for the treatment of solid tumors. PMID:24114199

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

    PubMed

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

    2017-12-01

    Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is one of the smallest DNA viruses and shows great resistance to most disinfectants. Therefore, it is one of the common contaminant pathogens present in blood and plasma products. Parvovirus 4 (PARV4) is a newly identified parvovirus, which is also prevalent in parenteral transmission. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of B19V and PARV4 DNA among patients with hemophilia in Birjand County in eastern Iran. This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study comprising nearly all people with hemophilia in this region. Whole blood samples were taken after patient registration and sent for plasma isolation. After nucleic acid extraction, B19V was detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction, PARV4 DNA was then detected using sensitive semi-nested PCR. In total, there were 86 patients with hemophilia, with mean age 28.5±1.5 years. Of these, 90.7% were men and 9.3% women; 84.9% had hemophilia A and 7.0% had hemophilia B. We found 11 patients (12.8%) were positive for B19V DNA and 8 were positive (9.3%) for PARV4 DNA. The prevalence of B19V was higher in middle-aged groups rather than younger people, whereas PARV4 infection was more common in younger patients ( P <0.05). There was a high prevalence of B19V and PARV4 infection in this high-risk group of patients with hemophilia. Due to the clinical significance of the B19 virus, imposing more precautionary measures for serum and blood products is recommended.

  14. Stem cells with FGF4-bFGF fused gene enhances the expression of bFGF and improves myocardial repair in rats

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

    Chen, Xiang-Qi; Chen, Liang-Long, E-mail: xhzlyx@126.com; Fan, Lin

    Highlights: • BFGF exists only in the cytoplasm of live cells. • BFGF cannot be secreted into the extracellular space to promote cell growth. • We combine the secretion-promoting signal peptide of FGF4. • We successfully modified BMSCs with the fused genes of FGF4-bFGF. • We promoted the therapeutic effects of transplanted BMSCs in myocardial infarction. - Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the modification of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with the fused FGF4 (fibroblast growth factor 4)-bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) gene could improve the expression and secretion of BFGF, and increase themore » efficacies in repairing infarcted myocardium. We used In-Fusion technique to construct recombinant lentiviral vectors containing the individual gene of bFGF, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), or genes of FGF4-bFGF and EGFP, and then transfected these lentiviruses into rat BMSCs. We conducted an in vitro experiment to compare the secretion of bFGF in BMSCs infected by these lentiviruses and also examined their therapeutic effects in the treatment of myocardial infraction in a rodent study. Sixty rats were tested in the following five conditions: Group-SHAM received only sham operation as controls; Group-AMI received only injection of placebo PBS buffer; Group-BMSC, Group-bFGF and Group-FGF4-bFGF received implantation of BMSCs with empty lentivirus, bFGF lentivirus, and FGF4-bFGF lentivirus, respectively. Our results found out that the transplanted FGF4-bFGF BMSCs had the highest survival rate, and also the highest myocardial expression of bFGF and microvascular density as evidenced by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. As compared to other groups, the Group-FGF4-BFGF rats had the lowest myocardial fibrotic fraction, and the highest left ventricular ejection fraction. These results suggest that the modification of BMSCs with the FGF4-bFGF fused gene can not only increase the

  15. 48 CFR 47.305-4 - F.o.b. destination solicitations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false F.o.b. destination... CONTRACT MANAGEMENT TRANSPORTATION Transportation in Supply Contracts 47.305-4 F.o.b. destination solicitations. (a) When preparing f.o.b destination solicitations, the contracting officer shall refer to 47.303...

  16. 48 CFR 47.305-4 - F.o.b. destination solicitations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... CONTRACT MANAGEMENT TRANSPORTATION Transportation in Supply Contracts 47.305-4 F.o.b. destination solicitations. (a) When preparing f.o.b destination solicitations, the contracting officer shall refer to 47.303... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false F.o.b. destination...

  17. Tumor Regression and Delayed Onset Toxicity Following B7-H4 CAR T Cell Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Smith, Jenessa B; Lanitis, Evripidis; Dangaj, Denarda; Buza, Elizabeth; Poussin, Mathilde; Stashwick, Caitlin; Scholler, Nathalie; Powell, Daniel J

    2016-01-01

    B7-H4 protein is frequently overexpressed in ovarian cancer. Here, we engineered T cells with novel B7-H4-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that recognized both human and murine B7-H4 to test the hypothesis that B7-H4 CAR T cell therapy can be applied safely in preclinical models. B7-H4 CAR T cells specifically secreted IFN-γ and lysed B7-H4(+) targets. In vivo, B7-H4 CAR T cells displayed antitumor reactivity against B7-H4(+) human ovarian tumor xenografts. Unexpectedly, B7-H4 CAR T cell treatment reproducibly showed delayed, lethal toxicity 6–8 weeks after therapy. Comprehensive assessment of murine B7-H4 protein distribution uncovered expression in ductal and mucosal epithelial cells in normal tissues. Postmortem analysis revealed the presence of widespread histologic lesions that correlated with B7-H4(+) expression, and were inconsistent with graft versus host disease. Lastly, expression patterns of B7-H4 protein in normal human tissue were comparable to distribution in mice, advancing our understanding of B7-H4. We conclude that B7-H4 CAR therapy mediates control of cancer outgrowth. However, long-term engraftment of B7-H4 CAR T cells mediates lethal, off-tumor toxicity that is likely due to wide expression of B7-H4 in healthy mouse organs. This model system provides a unique opportunity for preclinical evaluation of safety approaches that limit CAR-mediated toxicity after tumor destruction in vivo. PMID:27439899

  18. ErbB4 signaling stimulates pro-inflammatory macrophage apoptosis and limits colonic inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Schumacher, Michael A; Hedl, Matija; Abraham, Clara; Bernard, Jessica K; Lozano, Patricia R; Hsieh, Jonathan J; Almohazey, Dana; Bucar, Edie B; Punit, Shivesh; Dempsey, Peter J; Frey, Mark R

    2017-01-01

    Efficient clearance of pro-inflammatory macrophages from tissues after resolution of a challenge is critical to prevent prolonged inflammation. Defects in clearance can contribute to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, and thus may be therapeutically targetable. However, the signaling pathways that induce termination of pro-inflammatory macrophages are incompletely defined. We tested whether the ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinase, previously not known to have role in macrophage biology, is involved in this process. In vitro, pro-inflammatory activation of cultured murine and human macrophages induced ErbB4 expression; in contrast, other ErbB family members were not induced in pro-inflammatory cells, and other innate immune lineages (dendritic cells, neutrophils) did not express detectable ErbB4 levels. Treatment of activated pro-inflammatory macrophages with the ErbB4 ligand neuregulin-4 (NRG4) induced apoptosis. ErbB4 localized to the mitochondria in these cells. Apoptosis was accompanied by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and was dependent upon the proteases that generate the cleaved ErbB4 intracellular domain fragment, suggesting a requirement for this fragment and mitochondrial pathway apoptosis. In vivo, ErbB4 was highly expressed on pro-inflammatory macrophages but not neutrophils during experimental DSS colitis in C57Bl/6 mice. Active inflammation in this model suppressed NRG4 expression, which may allow for macrophage persistence and ongoing inflammation. Consistent with this notion, NRG4 levels rebounded during the recovery phase, and administration of exogenous NRG4 during colitis reduced colonic macrophage numbers and ameliorated inflammation. These data define a novel role for ErbB4 in macrophage apoptosis, and outline a mechanism of feedback inhibition that may promote resolution of colitis. PMID:28230865

  19. New functional materials AC3B4O12 (Review)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vasil'ev, A. N.; Volkova, O. S.

    2007-11-01

    The physical properties of perovskites of the type AC3B4O12, whose structure derives from simple perovskites ABO3, are reviewed. The A position is subject to strong structural distortions and splits into two new positions A and C. In the structure of AC3B4O12 vacancies and any cations with a large radius, irrespective of their charge state, can be present in the icosahedral environment of A: Na +, Cd2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Y3+, Ln3+, and Nd4+. The C position in the square environment of oxygen can be occupied only by the Jahn-Teller cations Cu2+ and Mn3+. Transition and nontransition metal ions—Mn3+, Fe3+, Al3+, Cr3+, Ti4+, Mn4+, Ge4+, Ru4+, Ir4+, Ta5+, Nb5+, Ta5+, Sb5+—can occupy the B position in an octahedral environment. Some members of the family of complex perovskites possess properties which are characteristic for systems with heavy fermions; collinear and noncollinear magnetic structures with high ordering temperatures occur in these materials; tunneling magnetoresistance and high permittivity are observed. The diversity and unique properties make these materials attractive for practical applications.

  20. Enhancing radiosensitization in EphB4 receptor-expressing Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas

    PubMed Central

    Bhatia, Shilpa; Hirsch, Kellen; Sharma, Jaspreet; Oweida, Ayman; Griego, Anastacia; Keysar, Stephen; Jimeno, Antonio; Raben, David; Krasnoperov, Valery; Gill, Parkash S.; Pasquale, Elena B.; Wang, Xiao-Jing; Karam, Sana D.

    2016-01-01

    Members of the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases have been implicated in a wide array of human cancers. The EphB4 receptor is ubiquitously expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and has been shown to impart tumorigenic and invasive characteristics to these cancers. In this study, we investigated whether EphB4 receptor targeting can enhance the radiosensitization of HNSCC. Our data show that EphB4 is expressed at high to moderate levels in HNSCC cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors. We observed decreased survival fractions in HNSCC cells following EphB4 knockdown in clonogenic assays. An enhanced G2 cell cycle arrest with activation of DNA damage response pathway and increased apoptosis was evident in HNSCC cells following combined EphB4 downregulation and radiation compared to EphB4 knockdown and radiation alone. Data using HNSCC PDX models showed significant reduction in tumor volume and enhanced delay in tumor regrowth following sEphB4-HSA administration with radiation compared to single agent treatment. sEphB4-HSA is a protein known to block the interaction between the EphB4 receptor and its ephrin-B2 ligand. Overall, our findings emphasize the therapeutic relevance of EphB4 targeting as a radiosensitizer that can be exploited for the treatment of human head and neck carcinomas. PMID:27941840

  1. Study the Pathogenic Role of ErbB-3, ErbB-4 and their Ligand Heregulin in Human Breast Cancer Cell

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-07-01

    implicated in human breast cancers. To delineate the biological function of ErbB-4 receptors in breast cancer, we employed a hammerhead ribozyme strategy to...receptors for neuregulin (23, 24). Activation cancer, we generated three specific hammerhead ribozymes targeted to of ErbB-2 by NRGI-a is thought to...generated three specific hammerhead ribozymes targeted to specific sites within ErbB-4 mRNA. These ErbB-4 ribozymes (Rz6, INTRODUCTION Rz2I, and Rz29

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

    PubMed

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

    2017-10-24

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

  3. Regulation of synapse development by Vgat deletion from ErbB4-positive interneurons.

    PubMed

    Lin, Thiri W; Tan, Zhibing; Barik, Arnab; Yin, Dong-Min; Brudvik, Egil; Wang, Hongsheng; Xiong, Wen-Cheng; Mei, Lin

    2018-02-05

    GABA signaling has been implicated in neural development; however, in vivo genetic evidence is missing because mutant mice lacking GABA activity die prematurely. Here, we studied synapse development by ablating vesicular GABA transporter Vgat in in ErbB4-positive (ErbB4+) interneurons. We show that inhibitory axo-somatic synapses onto pyramidal neurons vary from one cortical layer to another; however, inhibitory synapses on axon initial segments (AISs) were similar across layers. On the other hand, PV-positive (PV+)/ErbB4+ interneurons and PV-only interneurons receive a higher number of inhibitory synapses from PV+ErbB4+ interneurons, compared with ErbB4-only interneurons. Notably, Vgat deletion from ErbB4+ interneurons reduced axo-somatic or axo-axonic synapses from PV+ErbB4+ interneurons onto excitatory neurons. This effect was associated with corresponding changes in neurotransmission. However, the Vgat mutation seemed to have little effect on inhibitory synapses onto PV+ and/or ErbB4+ interneurons. Interestingly, perineuronal nets (PNNs), extracellular matrix structures implicated in maturation, survival, protection and plasticity of PV+ interneurons, were increased in the cortex of ErbB4-Vgat-/- mice. No apparent difference was observed between males and females. These results demonstrate that Vgat of ErbB4+ interneurons is essential for the development of inhibitory synapses onto excitatory neurons and suggest a role of GABA in circuit assembly. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT GABA has been implicated in neural development; however, in vivo genetic evidence is missing because mutant mice lacking GABA die prematurely. To this end, we ablated Vgat in ErbB4+ interneurons in an inducible manner. We provide evidence that the formation of inhibitory as well as excitatory synapses onto excitatory neurons requires Vgat in interneurons. In particular, inhibitory axo-somatic and axo-axonic synapses are more vulnerable. Our results suggest a role of GABA in circuit assembly

  4. Conózcanos

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Principal de la EPA: información sobre el Administrador o la Administradora, los altos directivos; ubicaciones y direcciones de las oficinas; presupuesto, la planificación y los resultados de rendimiento

  5. Category 4b - A Regulatory Alternative to TMDLs

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The paper describes the extent to which states have successfully employed TMDL alternatives to address impaired waters and assigned these waters to Category 4b, and includes several Washington State examples.

  6. Inhibition of EphB4-ephrin-B2 signaling enhances response to Cetuximab-radiation therapy in head and neck cancers.

    PubMed

    Bhatia, Shilpa; Sharma, Jaspreet; Bukkapatnam, Sanjana; Oweida, Ayman; Lennon, Shelby; Phan, Andy V; Milner, Dallin; Uyanga, Nomin; Jimeno, Antonio; Raben, David; Somerset, Hilary; Heasley, Lynn; Karam, Sana D

    2018-05-30

    The clinical success of targeted therapies such as cetuximab and radiation (RT) is hampered by the low response rates and development of therapeutic resistance. In the current study, we investigated the involvement of EphB4-ephrin-B2 pro-tumorigenic signaling in mediating resistance to EGFR inhibition and radiation therapy in head and neck cancers. We used patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and HNSCC cell lines to test our hypothesis. Tumor tissues were subjected to PhosphoRTK array, and western blotting to detect changes in EphB4-ephrin-B2 targets. mRNA sequencing and microarray data analysis was performed on PDX tumors and HNSCC cell lines respectively to determine differences in gene expression of molecules involved in tumor cell growth, proliferation, and survival pathways. Effects on cell growth were determined by MTT assay on HNSCC cells downregulated for EphB4/ephrin-B2 expression, with and without EGFR inhibitor and radiation. Our data from locally-advanced HNSCC patients treated with standard of care definitive chemo-RT show elevated EphB4 and ephrin-B2 levels after failure of treatment. We observed significant response towards cetuximab and radiation therapy following EphB4-ephrin-B2 inhibition resulting in improved survival in tumor-bearing mice. Tumor growth inhibition was accompanied by decrease in the levels of proliferation and pro-survival molecules and increased apoptosis. Our findings underscore the importance of adopting rational drug combinations to enhance therapeutic effect. Our study documenting enhanced response of HNSCC to cetuximab-RT therapy with EphB4-ephrin-B2 blockade has the potential to translate into clinic to benefit this patient population. Copyright ©2018, American Association for Cancer Research.

  7. Electronic structure of α-SrB4O7: experiment and theory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

    2013-02-01

    The investigation of valence band structure and electronic parameters of constituent element core levels of α-SrB4O7 has been carried out with x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Optical-quality crystal α-SrB4O7 has been grown by the Czochralski method. Detailed photoemission spectra of the element core levels have been recorded from the powder sample under excitation by nonmonochromatic Al Kα radiation (1486.6 eV). The band structure of α-SrB4O7 has been calculated by ab initio methods and compared to XPS measurements. It has been found that the band structure of α-SrB4O7 is weakly dependent on the Sr-related states.

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

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

    2016-02-01

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

  9. Neutron absorption of Al-Si-Mg-B{sub 4}C composite

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

    Abdullah, Yusof, E-mail: yusofabd@nuclearmalaysia.gov.my; Yusof, Mohd Reusmaazran; Ibrahim, Anis Syukriah

    2016-01-22

    Al-Si-Mg-B{sub 4}C composites containing 2-8 wt% of B{sub 4}C were prepared by stir casting technique. Homogenization treatment was carried out at temperatures of 540°C for 4 houra and followed by ageing at 180°C for 2 houra. Microstructure and phase identification were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) respectively. Neutron absorption study was investigated using neutron source Am/Be{sup 241}. The result indicated that higher B{sub 4}C content improved the neutron absorption property. Meanwhile homogeneity of the composite was increased by ageing processes. This composite is potential to be used as neutron shielding material especially for nuclear reactormore » application.« less

  10. Classical autophagy proteins LC3B and ATG4B facilitate melanosome movement on cytoskeletal tracks.

    PubMed

    Ramkumar, Amrita; Murthy, Divya; Raja, Desingu Ayyappa; Singh, Archana; Krishnan, Anusha; Khanna, Sangeeta; Vats, Archana; Thukral, Lipi; Sharma, Pushkar; Sivasubbu, Sridhar; Rani, Rajni; Natarajan, Vivek T; Gokhale, Rajesh S

    2017-08-03

    Macroautophagy/autophagy is a dynamic and inducible catabolic process that responds to a variety of hormonal and environmental cues. Recent studies highlight the interplay of this central pathway in a variety of pathophysiological diseases. Although defective autophagy is implicated in melanocyte proliferation and pigmentary disorders, the mechanistic relationship between the 2 pathways has not been elucidated. In this study, we show that autophagic proteins LC3B and ATG4B mediate melanosome trafficking on cytoskeletal tracks. While studying melanogenesis, we observed spatial segregation of LC3B-labeled melanosomes with preferential absence at the dendritic ends of melanocytes. This LC3B labeling of melanosomes did not impact the steady-state levels of these organelles but instead facilitated their intracellular positioning. Melanosomes primarily traverse on microtubule and actin cytoskeletal tracks and our studies reveal that LC3B enables the assembly of microtubule translocon complex. At the microtubule-actin crossover junction, ATG4B detaches LC3B from melanosomal membranes by enzymatic delipidation. Further, by live-imaging we show that melanosomes transferred to keratinocytes lack melanocyte-specific LC3B. Our study thus elucidates a new role for autophagy proteins in directing melanosome movement and reveal the unconventional use of these proteins in cellular trafficking pathways. Such crosstalk between the central cellular function and housekeeping pathway may be a crucial mechanism to balance melanocyte bioenergetics and homeostasis.

  11. 26 CFR 48.4216(b)-4 - Constructive sale price; affiliated corporations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 16 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 true Constructive sale price; affiliated corporations... Applicable to Manufacturers Taxes § 48.4216(b)-4 Constructive sale price; affiliated corporations. (a) In general. Sections 4216(b) (3), (4), and (5) establish procedures for determining a constructive sale price...

  12. Prostaglandin E2 regulates B cell proliferation through a candidate tumor suppressor, Ptger4.

    PubMed

    Murn, Jernej; Alibert, Olivier; Wu, Ning; Tendil, Simon; Gidrol, Xavier

    2008-12-22

    B cell receptor (BCR) signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of B cell malignancies, and most B cell lymphomas depend on BCR signals for survival. Identification of genes that restrain BCR-mediated proliferation is therefore an important goal toward improving the therapy of B cell lymphoma. Here, we identify Ptger4 as a negative feedback regulator of proliferation in response to BCR signals and show that its encoded EP4 receptor is a principal molecule conveying the growth-suppressive effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Stable knockdown of Ptger4 in B cell lymphoma markedly accelerated tumor spread in mice, whereas Ptger4 overexpression yielded significant protection. Mechanistically, we show that the intrinsic activity of Ptger4 and PGE2-EP4 signaling target a similar set of activating genes, and find Ptger4 to be significantly down-regulated in human B cell lymphoma. We postulate that Ptger4 functions in B cells as a candidate tumor suppressor whose activity is regulated by PGE2 in the microenvironment. These findings suggest that targeting EP4 receptor for prostaglandin may present a novel strategy for treatment of B cell malignancies.

  13. Prostaglandin E2 regulates B cell proliferation through a candidate tumor suppressor, Ptger4

    PubMed Central

    Murn, Jernej; Alibert, Olivier; Wu, Ning; Tendil, Simon; Gidrol, Xavier

    2008-01-01

    B cell receptor (BCR) signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of B cell malignancies, and most B cell lymphomas depend on BCR signals for survival. Identification of genes that restrain BCR-mediated proliferation is therefore an important goal toward improving the therapy of B cell lymphoma. Here, we identify Ptger4 as a negative feedback regulator of proliferation in response to BCR signals and show that its encoded EP4 receptor is a principal molecule conveying the growth-suppressive effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Stable knockdown of Ptger4 in B cell lymphoma markedly accelerated tumor spread in mice, whereas Ptger4 overexpression yielded significant protection. Mechanistically, we show that the intrinsic activity of Ptger4 and PGE2–EP4 signaling target a similar set of activating genes, and find Ptger4 to be significantly down-regulated in human B cell lymphoma. We postulate that Ptger4 functions in B cells as a candidate tumor suppressor whose activity is regulated by PGE2 in the microenvironment. These findings suggest that targeting EP4 receptor for prostaglandin may present a novel strategy for treatment of B cell malignancies. PMID:19075289

  14. B7-H4 as a protective shield for pancreatic islet beta cells.

    PubMed

    Sun, Annika C; Ou, Dawei; Luciani, Dan S; Warnock, Garth L

    2014-12-15

    Auto- and alloreactive T cells are major culprits that damage β-cells in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and islet transplantation. Current immunosuppressive drugs can alleviate immune-mediated attacks on islets. T cell co-stimulation blockade has shown great promise in autoimmunity and transplantation as it solely targets activated T cells, and therefore avoids toxicity of current immunosuppressive drugs. An attractive approach is offered by the newly-identified negative T cell co-signaling molecule B7-H4 which is expressed in normal human islets, and its expression co-localizes with insulin. A concomitant decrease in B7-H4/insulin co-localization is observed in human type 1 diabetic islets. B7-H4 may play protective roles in the pancreatic islets, preserving their function and survival. In this review we outline the protective effect of B7-H4 in the contexts of T1D, islet cell transplantation, and potentially type 2 diabetes. Current evidence offers encouraging data regarding the role of B7-H4 in reversal of autoimmune diabetes and donor-specific islet allograft tolerance. Additionally, unique expression of B7-H4 may serve as a potential biomarker for the development of T1D. Future studies should continue to focus on the islet-specific effects of B7-H4 with emphasis on mechanistic pathways in order to promote B7-H4 as a potential therapy and cure for T1D.

  15. 12 CFR 264b.4 - Gifts of minimal value.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

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

  16. 76 FR 63177 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2-1C, A300 B2-203, A300 B2K-3C, A300-B4-103, A300 B4...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-12

    ... available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation... DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2011... B4-2C Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT...

  17. THE TRANSIT LIGHT-CURVE PROJECT. XIV. CONFIRMATION OF ANOMALOUS RADII FOR THE EXOPLANETS TrES-4b, HAT-P-3b, AND WASP-12b

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

    Chan, Tucker; Ingemyr, Mikael; Winn, Joshua N.

    2011-06-15

    We present transit photometry of three exoplanets, TrES-4b, HAT-P-3b, and WASP-12b, allowing for refined estimates of the systems' parameters. TrES-4b and WASP-12b were confirmed to be 'bloated' planets, with radii of 1.706 {+-} 0.056R{sub Jup} and 1.736 {+-} 0.092R{sub Jup}, respectively. These planets are too large to be explained with standard models of gas giant planets. In contrast, HAT-P-3b has a radius of 0.827 {+-} 0.055R{sub Jup}, smaller than a pure hydrogen-helium planet and indicative of a highly metal-enriched composition. Analyses of the transit timings revealed no significant departures from strict periodicity. For TrES-4, our relatively recent observations allow formore » improvement in the orbital ephemerides, which is useful for planning future observations.« less

  18. Li{sub 2}Sr{sub 4}B{sub 12}O{sub 23}: A new alkali and alkaline-earth metal mixed borate with [B{sub 10}O{sub 18}]{sup 6-} network and isolated [B{sub 2}O{sub 5}]{sup 4-} unit

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

    Zhang Min; Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049; Pan Shilie, E-mail: slpan@ms.xjb.ac.cn

    2012-06-15

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

  19. Simple theory for the dependence of the electrical resistance of the magnetic superconductors TmRh/sub 4/B/sub 4/ and ErRh/sub 4/B/sub 4/ on temperature and field

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

    Meijer, H.C.; Andriessen, J.; Postma, H.

    1986-04-01

    A phenomenological description for the temperature and magnetic field dependence of the electrical resistance R of polycrystalline samples of the reentrant superconductors TmRh/sub 4/B/sub 4/ and ErRh/sub 4/B/sub 4/ is given on the basis of two assumptions: (1) Due to the anisotropic values of the rare-earth ions the critical field of the crystallites depends on the direction of the externally applied field, which leads to an increasing number of normal crystallites with increasing field. For the dependence of the magnetization M on temperature, a molecular field model is used. (2) The bulk resistance R of the sample depends in amore » linear way on the fraction of normal crystallites. There is a qualitative agreement with the experimental results of Hamaker et al. and of Ott et al. It is also shown that an applied field H/sub e/ is equal to the orbital critical field H(/sub c//sub 2/ for the temperature at which R(H/sub e/, T) starts deviating from the resistance of the normal sample.« less

  20. Reticulon 4B (Nogo-B) is necessary for macrophage infiltration and tissue repair.

    PubMed

    Yu, Jun; Fernández-Hernando, Carlos; Suarez, Yajaira; Schleicher, Michael; Hao, Zhengrong; Wright, Paulette L; DiLorenzo, Annarita; Kyriakides, Themis R; Sessa, William C

    2009-10-13

    Blood vessel formation during ischemia and wound healing requires coordination of the inflammatory response with genes that regulate blood vessel assembly. Here we show that the reticulon family member 4B, aka Nogo-B, is upregulated in response to ischemia and is necessary for blood flow recovery secondary to ischemia and wound healing. Mice lacking Nogo-B exhibit reduced arteriogenesis and angiogenesis that are linked to a decrease in macrophage infiltration and inflammatory gene expression in vivo. Bone marrow-derived macrophages isolated from Nogo knock-out mice have reduced spreading and chemotaxis due to impaired Rac activation. Bone marrow reconstitution experiments show that Nogo in myeloid cells is necessary to promote macrophage homing and functional recovery after limb ischemia. Thus, endogenous Nogo coordinates macrophage-mediated inflammation with arteriogenesis, wound healing, and blood flow control.

  1. 19 CFR 4.66b - Pollution of coastal and navigable waters.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Pollution of coastal and navigable waters. 4.66b Section 4.66b Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY... coastal and navigable waters. (a) If any Customs officer has reason to believe that any refuse matter is...

  2. 19 CFR 4.66b - Pollution of coastal and navigable waters.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Pollution of coastal and navigable waters. 4.66b Section 4.66b Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY... coastal and navigable waters. (a) If any Customs officer has reason to believe that any refuse matter is...

  3. 19 CFR 4.66b - Pollution of coastal and navigable waters.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Pollution of coastal and navigable waters. 4.66b Section 4.66b Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY... coastal and navigable waters. (a) If any Customs officer has reason to believe that any refuse matter is...

  4. 19 CFR 4.66b - Pollution of coastal and navigable waters.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Pollution of coastal and navigable waters. 4.66b Section 4.66b Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY... coastal and navigable waters. (a) If any Customs officer has reason to believe that any refuse matter is...

  5. 19 CFR 4.66b - Pollution of coastal and navigable waters.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Pollution of coastal and navigable waters. 4.66b Section 4.66b Customs Duties U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY... coastal and navigable waters. (a) If any Customs officer has reason to believe that any refuse matter is...

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

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

    Gündoğdu, Gülsüm; Aytaç, Sevim Peri; Müller, Melanie

    Two novel compounds, 3-[1-(2-fluoro-4-biphenyl)ethyl]-6-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole (C 23H 16F 2N 4S) (1) and 3-[1-(2-fluoro-4-biphenyl)ethyl]-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole (C 23H 16ClFN 4S) (2), have been designed and synthesized as cytotoxic agents. The compounds were characterized by infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectral data, elemental analysis and X-ray powder diffraction. The present study comprises spectral data and crystal structures of these novel compounds determined from synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data. The structure solutions were obtained by simulated annealing. The final structures were achieved by Rietveld refinement using soft restraints for all bond lengths, bond angles, and planar groups. Both compounds crystallize in space groupmore » $$P\\bar 1$$,Z= 2, with the unit-cell parametersa= 6.37433(9),b= 11.3641(2),c= 14.09115(19) Å,α= 80.1740(8)°,β= 85.1164(8)°,γ= 80.9831(10)°,V= 991.55(3) Å 3of compound (1) anda= 6.53736(6),b= 11.55725(15),c= 14.01373(13) Å,α= 80.3323(7)°,β= 84.8939(6)°,γ= 79.3954(8)°,V= 1024.08(2) Å 3of compound (2). Structural analyses reveal that the title compounds are isostructural.« less

  7. Rendomab B4, a monoclonal antibody that discriminates the human endothelin B receptor of melanoma cells and inhibits their migration

    PubMed Central

    Borrull, Aurélie; Allard, Bertrand; Wijkhuisen, Anne; Herbet, Amaury; Lamourette, Patricia; Birouk, Wided; Leiber, Denis; Tanfin, Zahra; Ducancel, Frédéric; Boquet, Didier; Couraud, Jean-Yves; Robin, Philippe

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognostic, and the design of new targeted drugs to treat melanoma is a therapeutic challenge. A promising approach is to produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the endothelin B receptor (ETB), which is known to be overexpressed in melanoma and to contribute to proliferation, migration and vasculogenic mimicry associated with invasiveness of this cancer. We previously described rendomab-B1, a mAb produced by DNA immunization. It is endowed with remarkable characteristics in term of affinity, specificity and antagonist properties against human ETB expressed by the endothelial cells, but, surprisingly, had poor affinity for ETB expressed by melanoma cells. This characteristic strongly suggested the existence of a tumor-specific ETB form. In the study reported here, we identified a new mAb, rendomab-B4, which, in contrast to rendomab-B1, binds ETB expressed on UACC-257, WM-266-4 and SLM8 melanoma cells. Moreover, after binding to UACC-257 cells, rendomab-B4 is internalized and colocalizes with the endosomal protein EEA-1. Interestingly, rendomab-B4, despite its inability to compete with endothelin binding, is able to inhibit phospholipase C pathway and migration induced by endothelin. By contrast, rendomab-B4 fails to decrease ERK1/2 phosphorylation induced by endothelin, suggesting a biased effect on ETB. These particular properties make rendomab-B4 an interesting tool to analyze ETB-structure/function and a promising starting point for the development of new immunological tools in the field of melanoma therapeutics. PMID:27390909

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

    PubMed

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

    2015-08-14

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

  9. Zebrafish Foxi1 provides a neuronal ground state during inner ear induction preceding the Dlx3b/4b-regulated sensory lineage.

    PubMed

    Hans, Stefan; Irmscher, Anne; Brand, Michael

    2013-05-01

    Vertebrate inner ear development is a complex process that involves the induction of a common territory for otic and epibranchial precursors and their subsequent segregation into otic and epibranchial cell fates. In zebrafish, the otic-epibranchial progenitor domain (OEPD) is induced by Fgf signaling in a Foxi1- and Dlx3b/4b-dependent manner, but the functional differences of Foxi1 and Dlx3b/4b in subsequent cell fate specifications within the developing inner ear are poorly understood. Based on pioneer tracking (PioTrack), a novel Cre-dependent genetic lineage tracing method, and genetic data, we show that the competence to embark on a neuronal or sensory fate is provided sequentially and very early during otic placode induction. Loss of Foxi1 prevents neuronal precursor formation without affecting hair cell specification, whereas loss of Dlx3b/4b inhibits hair cell but not neuronal precursor formation. Consistently, in Dlx3b/4b- and Sox9a-deficient b380 mutants almost all otic epithelial fates are absent, including sensory hair cells, and the remaining otic cells adopt a neuronal fate. Furthermore, the progenitors of the anterior lateral line ganglia also arise from the OEPD in a Foxi1-dependent manner but are unaffected in the absence of Dlx3b/4b or in b380 mutants. Thus, in addition to otic fate Foxi1 provides neuronal competence during OEPD induction prior to and independently of the Dlx3b/4b-mediated sensory fate of the developing inner ear.

  10. INPP4B promotes cell survival via SGK3 activation in NPM1-mutated leukemia.

    PubMed

    Jin, Hongjun; Yang, Liyuan; Wang, Lu; Yang, Zailin; Zhan, Qian; Tao, Yao; Zou, Qin; Tang, Yuting; Xian, Jingrong; Zhang, Shuaishuai; Jing, Yipei; Zhang, Ling

    2018-01-17

    Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with mutated nucleophosmin (NPM1) has been recognized as a distinct leukemia entity in the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The genetic events underlying oncogenesis in NPM1-mutated AML that is characterized by a normal karyotype remain unclear. Inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase type II (INPP4B), a new factor in the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) pathway-associated cancers, has been recently found a clinically relevant role in AML. However, little is known about the specific mechanistic function of INPP4B in NPM1-mutated AML. The INPP4B expression levels in NPM1-mutated AML primary blasts and AML OCI-AML3 cell lines were determined by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The effect of INPP4B knockdown on OCI-AML3 leukemia cell proliferation was evaluated, using the Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assay. After INPP4B overexpression or knockdown, the activation of serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 3 (SGK3) and AKT was assessed. The effects of PI3K signaling pathway inhibitors on the levels of p-SGK3 in OCI-AML3 cells were tested. The mass of PI (3,4) P 2 and PI (3) P was analyzed by ELISA upon INPP4B overexpression. Knockdown of SGK3 by RNA interference and a rescue assay were performed to confirm the critical role of SGK3 in INPP4B-mediated cell survival. In addition, the molecular mechanism underlying INPP4B expression in NPM1-mutated leukemia cells was explored. Finally, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted on the NPM1-mutated AML cohort stratified into quartiles for INPP4B expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. High expression of INPP4B was observed in NPM1-mutated AML. Knockdown of INPP4B repressed cell proliferation in OCI-AML3 cells, whereas recovered INPP4B rescued this inhibitory effect in vitro. Mechanically, INPP4B enhanced phosphorylated SGK3 (p-SGK3) status, but did not affect AKT activation. SGK3 was required for INPP4B-induced cell proliferation in OCI-AML3 cells

  11. Involvement of Semaphorin (Sema4D) in T-Dependent Activation of B Cells.

    PubMed

    Kuklina, Е М; Nekrasova, I V; Valieva, Yu V

    2017-08-01

    The involvement of endogenous semaphorin (Sema4D) into the key stage of T-dependent differentiation of B cells, formation of plasmoblasts, was demonstrated in vitro in T/B cell co-culture under conditions of polyclonal activation of T cells. The effect of semaphorin was not associated with activation of high-affinity Sema4D receptor plexin B1, but involves lowaffinity receptor CD72. These data indicate that Sema4D-dependent signal regulates not only the initial stage of B-cell activation, proliferative response to the antigen, but also further differentiation of B cells into plasma cells.

  12. Second-harmonic generation studies in the B2 and B4 phases of a banana-shaped liquid crystal.

    PubMed

    Ortega, J; Pereda, N; Folcia, C L; Etxebarria, J; Ros, M B

    2001-01-01

    Second-harmonic generation (SHG) measurements have been performed in the B2 phase of the achiral banana-shaped molecule with n=12 alkoxy end chains (P-12-O-PIMB). A quantitative value of the nonlinear efficiency has been obtained from SHG curves at oblique incidences, taking into account that the signal is generated by a random orientation of different domains. In the B4 phase, circular dichroism, optical absorption and SHG studies have been carried out. It has been found that there are no simple helical arrangements giving rise to selective reflection in the visible region of the spectrum. In addition, some unusual features of the SHG behavior are pointed out. It is concluded that the phase is intrinsically inactive for the SHG process. The detected signal is due to the presence of some birefringent inclusions that are created at the B2 to B4 transition and slowly disappear while the sample is maintained within the B4 phase. A structural model for these inclusions is presented.

  13. Second-harmonic generation studies in the B2 and B4 phases of a banana-shaped liquid crystal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ortega, J.; Pereda, N.; Folcia, C. L.; Etxebarria, J.; Ros, M. B.

    2001-01-01

    Second-harmonic generation (SHG) measurements have been performed in the B2 phase of the achiral banana-shaped molecule with n=12 alkoxy end chains (P-12-O-PIMB). A quantitative value of the nonlinear efficiency has been obtained from SHG curves at oblique incidences, taking into account that the signal is generated by a random orientation of different domains. In the B4 phase, circular dichroism, optical absorption and SHG studies have been carried out. It has been found that there are no simple helical arrangements giving rise to selective reflection in the visible region of the spectrum. In addition, some unusual features of the SHG behavior are pointed out. It is concluded that the phase is intrinsically inactive for the SHG process. The detected signal is due to the presence of some birefringent inclusions that are created at the B2 to B4 transition and slowly disappear while the sample is maintained within the B4 phase. A structural model for these inclusions is presented.

  14. ErbB4 in Laminated Brain Structures: A Neurodevelopmental Approach to Schizophrenia

    PubMed Central

    Perez-Garcia, Carlos G.

    2015-01-01

    The susceptibility genes for schizophrenia Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and ErbB4 have critical functions during brain development and in the adult. Alterations in the ErbB4 signaling pathway cause a variety of neurodevelopmental defects including deficiencies in neuronal migration, synaptic plasticity, and myelination. I have used the ErbB4-/- HER4heart KO mice to study the neurodevelopmental insults associated to deficiencies in the NRG1-ErbB4 signaling pathway and their potential implication with brain disorders such as schizophrenia, a chronic psychiatric disease affecting 1% of the population worldwide. ErbB4 deletion results in an array of neurodevelopmental deficits that are consistent with a schizophrenic model. First, similar defects appear in multiple brain structures, from the cortex to the cerebellum. Second, these defects affect multiple aspects of brain development, from deficits in neuronal migration to impairments in excitatory/inhibitory systems, including reductions in brain volume, cortical and cerebellar heterotopias, alterations in number and distribution of specific subpopulations of interneurons, deficiencies in the astrocytic and oligodendrocytic lineages, and additional insults in major brain structures. This suggests that alterations in specific neurodevelopmental genes that play similar functions in multiple neuroanatomical structures might account for some of the symptomatology observed in schizophrenic patients, such as defects in cognition. ErbB4 mutation uncovers flaws in brain development that are compatible with a neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia, and it establishes a comprehensive model to study the basis of the disorder before symptoms are detected in the adult. PMID:26733804

  15. 15 CFR 744.9 - Restrictions on certain exports and reexports of cameras controlled by ECCN 6A003.b.4.b.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... reexports of cameras controlled by ECCN 6A003.b.4.b. 744.9 Section 744.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade... on certain exports and reexports of cameras controlled by ECCN 6A003.b.4.b. (a) General prohibitions... license is required to export or reexport to any destination other than Canada cameras described in ECCN...

  16. 15 CFR 744.9 - Restrictions on certain exports and reexports of cameras controlled by ECCN 6A003.b.4.b.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... reexports of cameras controlled by ECCN 6A003.b.4.b. 744.9 Section 744.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade... on certain exports and reexports of cameras controlled by ECCN 6A003.b.4.b. (a) General prohibitions... license is required to export or reexport to any destination other than Canada cameras described in ECCN...

  17. 15 CFR 744.9 - Restrictions on certain exports and reexports of cameras controlled by ECCN 6A003.b.4.b.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... reexports of cameras controlled by ECCN 6A003.b.4.b. 744.9 Section 744.9 Commerce and Foreign Trade... on certain exports and reexports of cameras controlled by ECCN 6A003.b.4.b. (a) General prohibitions... license is required to export or reexport to any destination other than Canada cameras described in ECCN...

  18. 4. Historic American Buildings Survey James F. and Jean B. ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    4. Historic American Buildings Survey James F. and Jean B. O'Gorman, Photographers October 1963 LATE 19th-CENTURY MANTELPIECE IN FIRST FLOOR ROOM Gift of James F. and Jean B. O'Gorman - Stephen Higginson Jr. House, 7 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, Middlesex County, MA

  19. The leukotriene B4-leukotriene B4 receptor axis promotes cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by modulating neutrophil recruitment.

    PubMed

    Deng, Bo; Lin, Yuli; Ma, Shuai; Zheng, Yin; Yang, Xuguang; Li, Bingji; Yu, Wenyan; Xu, Qingqing; Liu, Tingyan; Hao, Chuanming; He, Rui; Ding, Feng

    2017-07-01

    Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent and widely used in treatment of various solid organ malignancies, including head and neck, ovarian, and testicular cancers. However, the induction of acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of its main side effects. Leukotriene B 4 receptor 1 (BLT1) mediates the majority of physiological effects of leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ), a potent lipid chemoattractant generated at inflammation sites, but the role of the LTB 4 -BLT1 axis in cisplatin-induced AKI remains unknown. Here we found upregulated LTB 4 synthesis and BLT1 expression in the kidney after cisplatin administration. Cisplatin was found to directly upregulate gene expression of leukotriene A 4 hydrolase and stimulate LTB 4 production in renal tubular epithelial cells. Reduced kidney structural/functional damage, inflammation, and apoptosis were observed in BLT1 -/- mice, as well as in wild-type mice treated with the LTA4H inhibitor SC-57461A and the BLT1 antagonist U-75302. Neutrophils were likely the target of this pathway, as BLT1 absence induced a significant decrease in infiltrating neutrophils in the kidney. Adoptive transfer of neutrophils from wild-type mice restored kidney injury in BLT1 -/- mice following cisplatin challenge. Thus, the LTB 4 -BLT1 axis contributes to cisplatin-induced AKI by mediating kidney recruitment of neutrophils, which induce inflammation and apoptosis in the kidney. Hence, the LTB 4 -BLT1 axis could be a potential therapeutic target in cisplatin-induced AKI. Copyright © 2017 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Diastereoselective intramolecular Ritter reaction: generation of a cis-fused hexahydro-4aH-indeno[1,2-b]pyridine ring system with 4a,9b-diangular substituents.

    PubMed

    Van Emelen, K; De Wit, T; Hoornaert, G J; Compernolle, F

    2000-10-05

    Indanol intermediates 5, prepared via Michael addition of 1-indanone beta-ketoester and acrylonitrile followed by reduction or Grignard reaction of the ketone group, were submitted to intramolecular Ritter reaction using various acid reaction conditions to produce tricyclic lactams 4. This cis-fused hexahydro-4aH-indeno[1,2-b]pyridine ring system, substituted at both angular positions 4a and 9b, provides access to constrained analogues of non-peptide NK(1)-antagonists with monocyclic piperidine structure.

  1. An ATP2B4 polymorphism protects against malaria in pregnancy.

    PubMed

    Bedu-Addo, George; Meese, Stefanie; Mockenhaupt, Frank P

    2013-05-15

    Polymorphisms of ATP2B4 encoding an ubiquitous Ca(2+) pump protect against severe childhood malaria. We assessed the influence of a main polymorphism (rs10900585) on malaria among 834 delivering Ghanaian women. In homozygous primiparae, the odds of placental Plasmodium falciparum infection were reduced by 64%. No influence of the polymorphism on parasite density, low birth weight, or preterm delivery was discernible. However, malarial anemia was greatly reduced in primiparous carriers of the variant allele, paralleling the reduced impact of malaria on hemoglobin levels in this group. A common ATP2B4 polymorphism protects against malaria in pregnancy and related maternal anemia, suggesting ATP2B4 variant associated protection not to be limited to severe childhood malaria.

  2. Meningococcal Carriage Following a Vaccination Campaign With MenB-4C and MenB-FHbp in Response to a University Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease Outbreak-Oregon, 2015-2016.

    PubMed

    McNamara, Lucy A; Thomas, Jennifer Dolan; MacNeil, Jessica; Chang, How Yi; Day, Michael; Fisher, Emily; Martin, Stacey; Poissant, Tasha; Schmink, Susanna E; Steward-Clark, Evelene; Jenkins, Laurel T; Wang, Xin; Acosta, Anna

    2017-11-27

    Limited data exist on the impact of the serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines MenB-FHbp and MenB-4C on meningococcal carriage and herd protection. We therefore assessed meningococcal carriage following a MenB vaccination campaign in response to a university serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak in 2015. A convenience sample of students recommended for vaccination provided oropharyngeal swab specimens and completed questionnaires during 4 carriage surveys over 11 months. Isolates were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, slide agglutination, and whole-genome sequencing. Vaccination history was verified via university records and the state immunization registry. A total of 4225 oropharyngeal swab specimens from 3802 unique participants were analyzed. Total meningococcal and genotypically serogroup B carriage prevalence among sampled students were stable, at 11%-17% and 1.2%-2.4% during each round, respectively; no participants carried the outbreak strain. Neither 1-3 doses of MenB-FHbp nor 1-2 doses of MenB-4C was associated with decreased total or serogroup B carriage prevalence. While few participants completed the full MenB vaccination series, limiting analytic power, these data suggest that MenB-FHbp and MenB-4C do not have a large, rapid impact on meningococcal carriage and are unlikely to provide herd protection in the context of an outbreak response. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2017. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.

  3. Gravity Probe B Number 4 Gyro Inspected

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2000-01-01

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

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

    PubMed

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

    2011-01-18

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

  5. The differential expression of EphB2 and EphB4 receptor kinases in normal bladder and in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

    PubMed

    Li, Xiuqing; Choi, Wesley W; Yan, Rui; Yu, Haiyang; Krasnoperov, Valery; Kumar, S Ram; Schuckman, Anne; Klumpp, David J; Pan, Chong-Xian; Quinn, David; Gill, Inderbir S; Gill, Parkash S; Liu, Ren

    2014-01-01

    Effective treatment of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder requires early diagnosis. Identifying novel molecular markers in TCC would guide the development of diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Ephrins mediate signals via tyrosine kinase activity that modulates diverse physiologic and developmental processes, and ephrins are increasingly implicated in carcinogenesis. The aim of our study was to examine the differential regulation of EphB4 and EphB2 in normal bladder and in TCC of the bladder in 40 patients undergoing radical cystectomy for curative intent. Immunostaining and Western blotting revealed that normal urothelium expresses EphB2 (20 of 24 cases, 83% of the time) not EphB4 (0 of 24 cases, 0%). In sharp contrast, TCC specimens show loss of EphB2 expression (0 of 34 cases, 0%) and gain of EphB4 expression (32 of 34, 94%). Furthermore, EphB4 signal strength statistically correlated with higher tumor stage, and trended toward the presence of carcinoma in situ (CIS). These results are confirmed by analysis of normal urothelial and tumor cell lines. EphB2 is not a survival factor in normal urothelium, while EphB4 is a survival factor in TCC. Treatment of bladder tumor xenograft with an EphB4 inhibitor sEphB4-HSA leads to 62% tumor regression and complete remission when combined with Bevacizumab. Furthermore, tissue analysis revealed that sEphB4-HSA led to increased apoptosis, decreased proliferation, and reduced vessel density, implicating direct tumor cell targeting as well as anti-angiogenesis effect. In summary loss of EphB2 and gain of EphB4 expression represents an inflection point in the development, growth and possibly progression of TCC. Therapeutic compounds targeting EphB4 have potential for diagnosing and treating TCC.

  6. 45 CFR 5b.4 - Maintenance of records.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... Welfare DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES GENERAL ADMINISTRATION PRIVACY ACT REGULATIONS § 5b.4... record may result in a determination about the subject individual's rights, benefits or privileges under... Department which describes how an individual exercises rights guaranteed by the First Amendment unless...

  7. Mitotic MELK-eIF4B signaling controls protein synthesis and tumor cell survival

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Yubao; Begley, Michael; Li, Qing; Huang, Hai-Tsang; Lako, Ana; Eck, Michael J.; Gray, Nathanael S.; Mitchison, Timothy J.; Cantley, Lewis C.; Zhao, Jean J.

    2016-01-01

    The protein kinase maternal and embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is critical for mitotic progression of cancer cells; however, its mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. By combined approaches of immunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry and peptide library profiling, we identified the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4B (eIF4B) as a MELK-interacting protein during mitosis and a bona fide substrate of MELK. MELK phosphorylates eIF4B at Ser406, a modification found to be most robust in the mitotic phase of the cell cycle. We further show that the MELK–eIF4B signaling axis regulates protein synthesis during mitosis. Specifically, synthesis of myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1), an antiapoptotic protein known to play a role in cancer cell survival during cell division, depends on the function of MELK-elF4B. Inactivation of MELK or eIF4B results in reduced protein synthesis of MCL1, which, in turn, induces apoptotic cell death of cancer cells. Our study thus defines a MELK–eIF4B signaling axis that regulates protein synthesis during mitosis, and consequently influences cancer cell survival. PMID:27528663

  8. Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in Ta|Co{sub 40}Fe{sub 40}B{sub 20}|MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} structures and perpendicular CoFeB|MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}|CoFeB magnetic tunnel junction

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

    Tao, B. S.; Li, D. L.; Yuan, Z. H.

    2014-09-08

    Magnetic properties of Co{sub 40}Fe{sub 40}B{sub 20} (CoFeB) thin films sandwiched between Ta and MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} layers have been systematically studied. For as-grown state, Ta/CoFeB/MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} structures exhibit good perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) with interface anisotropy K{sub i} = 1.22 erg/cm{sup 2}, which further increases to 1.30 erg/cm{sup 2} after annealing, while MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}/CoFeB/Ta multilayer shows in-plane magnetic anisotropy and must be annealed in order to achieve PMA. For bottom CoFeB layer, the thickness window for PMA is from 0.6 to 1.0 nm, while that for top CoFeB layer is between 0.8 and 1.4 nm. Perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (p-MTJs) with a coremore » structure of CoFeB/MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}/CoFeB have also been fabricated and tunneling magnetoresistance ratio of about 36% at room temperature and 63% at low temperature have been obtained. The intrinsic excitations in the p-MTJs have been identified by inelastic electron-tunneling spectroscopy.« less

  9. 4. Corridor B. Perspective of west side as viewed from ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    4. Corridor B. Perspective of west side as viewed from roof of Building No. 9982. The flat-roof building that joins Corridor B is Building No. 9981, Receiving and Evacuation Building. - Madigan Hospital, Corridors & Ramps, Bounded by Wilson & McKinley Avenues & Garfield & Lincoln Streets, Tacoma, Pierce County, WA

  10. 48 CFR 47.303-4 - F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false F.o.b. origin, freight... CONTRACT MANAGEMENT TRANSPORTATION Transportation in Supply Contracts 47.303-4 F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid. (a) Explanation of delivery term. F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid means— (1) Free of expense to...

  11. 48 CFR 47.303-4 - F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false F.o.b. origin, freight... CONTRACT MANAGEMENT TRANSPORTATION Transportation in Supply Contracts 47.303-4 F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid. (a) Explanation of delivery term. F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid means— (1) Free of expense to...

  12. 48 CFR 47.303-4 - F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false F.o.b. origin, freight... CONTRACT MANAGEMENT TRANSPORTATION Transportation in Supply Contracts 47.303-4 F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid. (a) Explanation of delivery term. F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid means— (1) Free of expense to...

  13. 48 CFR 47.303-4 - F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false F.o.b. origin, freight... CONTRACT MANAGEMENT TRANSPORTATION Transportation in Supply Contracts 47.303-4 F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid. (a) Explanation of delivery term. F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid means— (1) Free of expense to...

  14. 48 CFR 47.303-4 - F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 48 Federal Acquisition Regulations System 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false F.o.b. origin, freight... CONTRACT MANAGEMENT TRANSPORTATION Transportation in Supply Contracts 47.303-4 F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid. (a) Explanation of delivery term. F.o.b. origin, freight prepaid means— (1) Free of expense to...

  15. Synthesis of Some Novel Fused Pyrimido[4″,5″:5',6']-[1,2,4]triazino[3',4':3,4] [1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indoles with Expected Anticancer Activity.

    PubMed

    Ali, Rania S; Saad, Hosam A

    2018-03-19

    Our current goal is the synthesis of polyheterocyclic compounds starting from 3-amino-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6- b ]indole 1 and studying their anticancer activity to determine whether increasing of the size of the molecules increases the anticancer activity or not. 1-Amino[1,2,4]triazino[3',4':3,4]-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6- b ]indole-2-carbonitrile ( 4 ) was prepared by the diazotization of 3-amino[1,2,4]-triazino[5,6- b ]indole 1 followed by coupling with malononitrile in basic medium then cyclization under reflux to get 4 . Also, new fused pyrimido[4″,5″:5',6'][1,2,4]triazino-[3',4':3,4][1,2,4]triazino[5,6- b ]indole derivative 6 was prepared and used to obtain polycyclic heterocyclic systems. Confirmation of the synthesized compounds' structures was carried out using elemental analyses and spectral data (IR, ¹H-NMR and 13 C-NMR and mass spectra). The anticancer activity of some of the synthesized compounds was tested against HepG2, HCT-116 and MCF-7 cell lines. The anticancer screening results showed that some derivatives display good activity which was more potent than that of the reference drug used. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding between some of the synthesized compounds and the prostate cancer 2q7k hormone and breast ‎cancer 3hb5 receptors.

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

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barbieri, Riccardo; Tesi, Andrea

    2018-03-01

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

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

    PubMed Central

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

    2008-01-01

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

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

    PubMed Central

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

    2011-01-01

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

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

    Cancer.gov

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

  20. Effect of Osmotic Shock and Low Salt Concentration on Survival and Density of Bacteriophages T4B and T4Bo1

    PubMed Central

    Leibo, Stanley P.; Mazur, Peter

    1966-01-01

    Measurements of survival and buoyant densities of bacteriophages T4B, T4Bo1, and T4D have demonstrated the following: (a) After suspension in a concentrated salt solution, T4B and T4D are sensitive both to osmotic shock and to subsequent exposure to low monovalent salt concentrations. (b) Sensitivity of T4B to dilution from a concentrated salt solution is dependent on dilution rate, that of T4D is less dependent, and that of T4Bo1 is independent. (c) Sensitivity of all three phages to low salt concentrations depends on initial salt concentrations to a variable extent. (d) Density gradient profiles indicate that nearly half of osmotically shocked T4B retain their DNA. Similar analysis demonstrates that few, if any, T4Bo1 lose DNA when subjected to a treatment causing 90% loss of infectivity. (e) The effective buoyant densities of T4B and T4Bo1 depend significantly on the dilution treatments to which the phages are subjected prior to centrifugation in CsCl gradients. These data are explicable in terms of the different relative permeabilities of the phages to water and solutes, and of alterations in the counterion distribution surrounding the DNA within the phage heads. PMID:5972376

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

    PubMed

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

    2010-09-01

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

  2. Inhibition of PDE4B suppresses inflammation by increasing expression of the deubiquitinase CYLD

    PubMed Central

    Komatsu, Kensei; Lee, Ji-Yun; Miyata, Masanori; Hyang Lim, Jae; Jono, Hirofumi; Koga, Tomoaki; Xu, Haidong; Yan, Chen; Kai, Hirofumi; Li, Jian-Dong

    2013-01-01

    The deubiquitinase CYLD acts as a key negative regulator to tightly control overactive inflammation. Most anti-inflammatory strategies have focused on directly targeting the positive regulator, which often results in significant side effects such as suppression of the host defence response. Here, we show that inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) markedly enhances upregulation of CYLD expression in response to bacteria, thereby suggesting that PDE4B acts as a negative regulator for CYLD. Interestingly, in Cyld-deficient mice, inhibition of PDE4B no longer suppresses inflammation. Moreover, PDE4B negatively regulates CYLD via specific activation of JNK2 but not JNK1. Importantly, ototopical post-inoculation administration of a PDE4 inhibitor suppresses inflammation in this animal model, thus demonstrating the therapeutic potential of targeting PDE4. These studies provide insights into how inflammation is tightly regulated via the inhibition of its negative regulator and may also lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory therapeutics that upregulate CYLD expression. PMID:23575688

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

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guo, Q. J.; Zhao, P.; Li, L.; Zhou, Q. J.; Ni, G. H.; Meng, Y. D.

    2018-02-01

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

  4. IL-4Rα-Associated Antigen Processing by B Cells Promotes Immunity in Nippostrongylus brasiliensis Infection

    PubMed Central

    Hoving, Jennifer C.; Nieuwenhuizen, Natalie; McSorley, Henry J.; Ndlovu, Hlumani; Bobat, Saeeda; Kimberg, Matti; Kirstein, Frank; Cutler, Anthony J.; DeWals, Benjamin; Cunningham, Adam F.; Brombacher, Frank

    2013-01-01

    In this study, B cell function in protective TH2 immunity against N. brasiliensis infection was investigated. Protection against secondary infection depended on IL-4Rα and IL-13; but not IL-4. Protection did not associate with parasite specific antibody responses. Re-infection of B cell-specific IL-4Rα−/− mice resulted in increased worm burdens compared to control mice, despite their equivalent capacity to control primary infection. Impaired protection correlated with reduced lymphocyte IL-13 production and B cell MHC class II and CD86 surface expression. Adoptive transfer of in vivo N. brasiliensis primed IL-4Rα expressing B cells into naïve BALB/c mice, but not IL-4Rα or IL-13 deficient B cells, conferred protection against primary N. brasiliensis infection. This protection required MHC class II compatibility on B cells suggesting cognate interactions by B cells with CD4+ T cells were important to co-ordinate immunity. Furthermore, the rapid nature of these protective effects by B cells suggested non-BCR mediated mechanisms, such as via Toll Like Receptors, was involved, and this was supported by transfer experiments using antigen pulsed Myd88−/− B cells. These data suggest TLR dependent antigen processing by IL-4Rα-responsive B cells producing IL-13 contribute significantly to CD4+ T cell-mediated protective immunity against N. brasiliensis infection. PMID:24204255

  5. 22 CFR 9b.4 - Department of State building press pass for technical crews.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 22 Foreign Relations 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Department of State building press pass for technical crews. 9b.4 Section 9b.4 Foreign Relations DEPARTMENT OF STATE GENERAL REGULATIONS GOVERNING DEPARTMENT OF STATE PRESS BUILDING PASSES § 9b.4 Department of State building press pass for technical crews...

  6. DISC1, PDE4B, and NDE1 at the centrosome and synapse

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

    Bradshaw, Nicholas J.; Ogawa, Fumiaki; Antolin-Fontes, Beatriz

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

  7. 4. Credit WCT. Photographic copy of photograph, test Stand 'B' ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    4. Credit WCT. Photographic copy of photograph, test Stand 'B' set up for shock tube and research on ship-to-ship fueling problems for the U.S. Coast Guard. (JPL negative no. 344-3743-A, October or November 1980) - Jet Propulsion Laboratory Edwards Facility, Test Stand B, Edwards Air Force Base, Boron, Kern County, CA

  8. Initial operation of the Lockheed Martin T4B experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Garrett, M. L.; Blinzer, A.; Ebersohn, F.; Gucker, S.; Heinrich, J.; Lohff, C.; McGuire, T.; Montecalvo, N.; Raymond, A.; Rhoads, J.; Ross, P.; Sommers, B.; Strandberg, E.; Sullivan, R.; Walker, J.

    2017-10-01

    The T4B experiment is a linear, encapsulated ring cusp confinement device, designed to develop a physics and technology basis for a follow-on high beta (β 1) machine. The experiment consists of 13 magnetic field coils (11 external, 2 internal), to produce a series of on-axis field nulls surrounded by modest magnetic fields of up to 0.3 T. The primary plasma source used on T4B is a lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) cathode, capable of coupling over 100 kW into the plasma. Initial testing focused on commissioning of components and integration of diagnostics. Diagnostics include both long and short wavelength interferometry, bolometry, visible and X-ray spectroscopy, Langmuir and B-dot probes, Thomson scattering, flux loops, and fast camera imagery. Low energy discharges were used to begin validation of physics models and simulation efforts. Following the initial machine check-out, neutral beam injection (NBI) was integrated onto the device. Detailed results will be presented. 2017 Lockheed Martin Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Lu; Huang, Rong; Yang, Ruiqi

    2017-01-01

    Introduction. Infection and apoptosis are combined triggers for inflammation in dental tissues. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4-B1 (OCT4B1), a novel spliced variant of OCT4 family, could respond to the cellular stress and possess antiapoptotic property. However, its specific role in dental pulpitis remains unknown. Methods. To investigate the effect of OCT4B1 on inflammation of dental pulp cells (DPCs), its expression in inflamed dental pulp tissues and DPCs was examined by in situ hybridization, real-time PCR, and FISH assay. OCT4B1 overexpressed DPCs model was established, confirmed by western blot and immunofluorescence staining, and then stimulated with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Apoptotic rate was determined by Hoechst/PI staining and FACS. Cell survival rate was calculated by CCK8 assay. Results. In situ hybridization, real-time PCR, and FISH assay revealed that OCT4B1 was extensively expressed in inflamed dental pulp tissues and DPCs with LPS stimulation. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining showed the expression of OCT4B1 and OCT4B increased after OCT4B1 transfection. Hoechst/PI staining and FACS demonstrated that less red/blue fluorescence was detected and apoptotic percentage decreased (3.45%) after transfection. CCK8 demonstrated that the survival rate of pCDH-OCT4B1-flag cells increased. Conclusions. OCT4B1 plays an essential role in inflammation and apoptosis of DPCs. OCT4B might operate synergistically with OCT4B1 to reduce apoptosis. PMID:28473980

  10. Mechanistic and signaling analysis of Muc4-ErbB2 signaling module: new insights into the mechanism of ligand-independent ErbB2 activity.

    PubMed

    Kozloski, Goldi A; Carraway, Coralie A Carothers; Carraway, Kermit L

    2010-09-01

    The membrane mucin Muc4 is aberrantly expressed in numerous epithelial carcinomas and is currently used as a cancer diagnostic and prognostic tool. Muc4 can also potentiate signal transduction by modulating differential ErbB2 phosphorylation in the absence and in the presence of the ErbB3 soluble ligand heregulin (HRG-beta1). These features of Muc4 suggest that Muc4 is not merely a cancer marker, but an oncogenic factor with a unique-binding/activation relationship with the receptor ErbB2. In the present study, we examined the signaling mechanisms that are associated with the Muc4-ErbB2 module by analyzing ErbB2 differential signaling in response to Muc4 expression. Our study was carried out in the A375 human melanoma and BT-474 breast cancer cell lines as our model systems. Quantitative and comparative signaling modulations were evaluated by immunoblot using phospho-specific antibodies, and densitometry analysis. Signaling complex components were identified by chemical cross-linking, fractionation by gel filtration, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting. Activated downstream signaling pathways were analyzed by an antibody microarray screen and immunoblot analyses. Our results indicate that Muc4 modulates ErbB2 signaling potential significantly by stabilizing and directly interacting with the ErbB2-ErbB3 heterodimer. Further analyses indicate that Muc4 promotes ErbB2 autocatalysis, but it has no effect on ErbB3 phosphorylation, although the chemical cross-linking data indicated that the signaling module is composed of Muc4, ErbB2, and ErbB3. Our microarray analysis indicates that Muc4 expression promotes cell migration by increasing the phosphorylation of the focal adhesion kinase and also through an increase in the levels of beta-catenin. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  11. Negative Regulation of NF-κB by the ING4 Tumor Suppressor in Breast Cancer

    PubMed Central

    Byron, Sara A.; Min, Elizabeth; Thal, Tanya S.; Hostetter, Galen; Watanabe, Aprill T.; Azorsa, David O.; Little, Tanya H.; Tapia, Coya; Kim, Suwon

    2012-01-01

    Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a key mediator of normal immune response but contributes to aggressive cancer cell phenotypes when aberrantly activated. Here we present evidence that the Inhibitor of Growth 4 (ING4) tumor suppressor negatively regulates NF-κB in breast cancer. We surveyed primary breast tumor samples for ING4 protein expression using tissue microarrays and a newly generated antibody. We found that 34% of tumors expressed undetectable to low levels of the ING4 protein (n = 227). Tumors with low ING4 expression were frequently large in size, high grade, and lymph node positive, suggesting that down-regulation of ING4 may contribute to breast cancer progression. In the same tumor set, we found that low ING4 expression correlated with high levels of nuclear phosphorylated p65/RelA (p-p65), an activated form of NF-κB (p = 0.018). Fifty seven percent of ING4-low/p-p65-high tumors were lymph node-positive, indicating a high metastatic tendency of these tumors. Conversely, ectopic expression of ING4 inhibited p65/RelA phosphorylation in T47D and MCF7 breast cancer cells. In addition, ING4 suppressed PMA-induced cell invasion and NF-κB-target gene expression in T47D cells, indicating that ING4 inhibited NF-κB activity in breast cancer cells. Supportive of the ING4 function in the regulation of NF-κB-target gene expression, we found that ING4 expression levels inversely correlated with the expression of NF-κB-target genes in primary breast tumors by analyzing public gene expression datasets. Moreover, low ING4 expression or high expression of the gene signature composed of a subset of ING4-repressed NF-κB-target genes was associated with reduced disease-free survival in breast cancer patients. Taken together, we conclude that ING4 negatively regulates NF-κB in breast cancer. Consequently, down-regulation of ING4 leads to activation of NF-κB, contributing to tumor progression and reduced disease-free patient survival in breast cancer. PMID

  12. Interfacial microstructure in a B{sub 4}C/Al composite fabricated by pressureless infiltration.

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

    Luo, Z.; Song, Y.; Zhang, S.

    In this work, B{sub 4}C particulate-reinforced Al composite was fabricated by a pressureless infiltration technique, and its interfacial microstructure was studied in detail by X-ray diffraction as well as by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The B{sub 4}C phase was unstable in Al melt during the infiltration process, forming AlB{sub 10}-type AlB{sub 24}C{sub 4} or Al{sub 2.1}B{sub 51}C{sub 8} as a major reactant phase. The Al matrix was large grains (over 10 {micro}m), which had no definite orientation relationships (ORs) with the randomly orientated B{sub 4}C or its reactant particles, except for possible nucleation sites with {l_brace}011{r_brace}{sub B{sub 4}C} almostmore » parallel to {l_brace}111{r_brace}{sub Al} at a deviation angle of 1.5 deg. Both B{sub 4}C-Al and reactant-Al interfaces are semicoherent and free of other phases. A comparison was made with the SiC/Al composite fabricated similarly by the pressureless infiltration. It was suggested that the lack of ORs between the Al matrix and reinforced particles, except for possible nucleation sites, is the common feature of the composites prepared by the infiltration method.« less

  13. GHRS Ech-B Wavelength Monitor -- Cycle 4

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Soderblom, David

    1994-01-01

    This proposal defines the spectral lamp test for Echelle B. It is an internal test which makes measurements of the wavelength lamp SC2. It calibrates the carrousel function, Y deflections, resolving power, sensitivity, and scattered light. The wavelength calibration dispersion constants will be updated in the PODPS calibration data base. It will be run every 4 months. The wavelengths may be out of range according to PEPSI or TRANS. Please ignore the errors.

  14. Non-canonical Wnt4 prevents skeletal aging and inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Bo; Chang, Jia; Liu, Yunsong; Li, Jiong; Kevork, Kareena; Al-Hezaimi, Khalid; Graves, Dana T; Park, No-Hee; Wang, Cun-Yu

    2014-01-01

    Aging-related bone loss and osteoporosis affect millions of patients worldwide. Chronic inflammation associated with aging and arthritis promotes bone resorption and impairs bone formation. Here we show that Wnt4 attenuated bone loss in osteoporosis and skeletal aging by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) via non-canonical Wnt signaling. Transgenic mice expressing Wnt4 from osteoblasts were significantly protected from bone loss and chronic inflammation induced by ovariectomy, tumor necrosis factor or natural aging. In addition to promoting bone formation, Wnt4 could inhibit osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Mechanistically, Wnt4 inhibited transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1-mediated NF-κB activation in macrophages and osteoclast precursors independent of β-catenin. Moreover, recombinant Wnt4 proteins were able to alleviate osteoporotic bone loss and inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB in vivo. Taken together, our results suggest that Wnt4 might be used as a therapeutic agent for treating osteoporosis by attenuating NF-κB. PMID:25108526

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

    PubMed

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

    2002-01-01

    Ras gene plays an important role in the extra- and intra-cellular signal transduction pathway. It mediates series cascade reactions, and eventually actives transcriptional factors in nucleus. It is unknown on the mechanism of carcinogenesis of Ras gene in endometrial carcinoma, though K-ras mutant is very common in endometrial atypical hyperplasia and carcinoma. On basis of discovering the mutation in 12th codon of K-ras in endometrial carcinoma cell line, HEC-1A, we explored the carcinogenesis and molecular mechanism of mutant-type [12Asp] K-ras4B gene. (1) Full-length [12Asp]K-ras4B cDNA was amplified with RT-PCR, then inserted into pcDI eukaryotic expressive vector. (2) Morphological change, growth kinetics in vitro and tumorigencity in nude mice in vivo after-before transfection were observed. (3) To test the cell growth kinetics by methyl thiazolium tetrazolium (MTT) and [3H]thymidine incorporation method. (1) The authors have successfully constructed eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDI-[12Asp] K-ras4B; (2) To confirm that [12Asp] K-ras4B mutant can trigger the neoplastic transformation of NIH3T3 cells by test in vitro and in vivo. (3) After pMCV-RasN17 plasmid, a Ras mutant were transfected into pcDI-[12Asp] K-ras4B cells, the growth of this cell were restrained significantly in comparison with control group. (4) These findings indicate the expression of RafS621A resulted in remarkable inhibition in proliferation of pcDI-[12Asp]K-ras4B cell (P < 0.05). However, RafCAAX mutant can enhance pcDI-[12Asp]K-ras4B cell growth (P < 0.05). (1) [12Asp]K-ras4B gene alone is able to cause neoplastic transformation in NIH3T3 cells in vitro and in vivo. (2) [12Asp]K-ras4B-induced NIH3T3 cells neoplastic transformation required Raf signaling pathway.

  16. KDM4B and KDM4A promote endometrial cancer progression by regulating androgen receptor, c-myc, and p27kip1

    PubMed Central

    Kwan, Suet-Ying; Chen, Limo; Chen, Jin-Hong; Ying, Zuo-Lin; Zhou, Ye; Gu, Wei; Wang, Li-Hua; Cheng, Wei-Wei; Zeng, Jianfang; Wan, Xiao-Ping; Mok, Samuel C.; Wong, Kwong-Kwok; Bao, Wei

    2015-01-01

    Epidemiological evidence suggests that elevated androgen levels and genetic variation related to the androgen receptor (AR) increase the risk of endometrial cancer (EC). However, the role of AR in EC is poorly understood. We report that two members of the histone demethylase KDM4 family act as major regulators of AR transcriptional activityin EC. In the MFE-296 cell line, KDM4B and AR upregulate c-myc expression, while in AN3CA cells KDM4A and AR downregulate p27kip1. Additionally, KDM4B expression is positively correlated with AR expression in EC cell lines with high baseline AR expression, while KDM4A and AR expression are positively correlated in low-AR cell lines. In clinical specimens, both KDM4B and KDM4A expression are significantly higher in EC tissues than that in normal endometrium. Finally, patients with alterations in AR, KDM4B, KDM4A, and c-myc have poor overall and disease-free survival rates. Together, these findings demonstrate that KDM4B and KDM4A promote EC progression by regulating AR activity. PMID:26397136

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

    PubMed

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

    2018-07-02

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

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

    PubMed

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

    2012-11-01

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

  19. Molecular design of new nitramine explosives: 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-8-(nitromethyl)-4-imidazolino[4,5-b]4-imidazolino-[4,5-e] pyridine and its N-oxide.

    PubMed

    Liu, Hui; Du, Hongchen; Wang, Guixiang; Liu, Yan; Gong, Xuedong

    2012-04-01

    Two new nitramine compounds containing pyridine, 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-8-(nitromethyl) -4-imidazolino[4,5-b]4-imidazolino-[4,5-e]pyridine and its N-oxide 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-8- (nitromethyl)-4-imidazolino[4,5-b]4-imidazolino-[4,5-e]pyridine-4-ol were proposed. Density functional theory (DFT) has been employed to study the molecular geometries, electronic structures, infrared spectra, and thermodynamic properties at the B3LYP/6-31G* level. Their detonation performances evaluated using the Kamlet-Jacobs equations with the calculated densities and heats of formation are superior to those of HMX. The predicted densities of them were ca. 2 g cm(-3), detonation velocities were over 9 km s(-1), and detonation pressures were about 40 GPa, showing that they may be potential candidates of high energy density materials (HEDMs). The natural bond orbital analysis indicated that N-NO(2) bond is the trigger bond during thermolysis process. The stability of the title compounds is slightly lower than that of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10,12- hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20). The results of this study may provide basic information for the molecular design of new HEDMs.

  20. Impacts of the Glucuronidase Genotypes UGT1A4, UGT2B7, UGT2B15 and UGT2B17 on Tamoxifen Metabolism in Breast Cancer Patients

    PubMed Central

    Romero-Lorca, Alicia; Novillo, Apolonia; Gaibar, María; Bandrés, Fernando; Fernández-Santander, Ana

    2015-01-01

    Tamoxifen is used to prevent and treat estrogen-dependent breast cancer. It is described as a prodrug since most of its antiestrogen effects are exerted through its hydroxylated metabolites 4-OH-tamoxifen and endoxifen. In prior work, we correlated optimal plasma levels of these metabolites with certain genotypes of CYP2D6 and SULT1A2. This descriptive study examines correlations between concentrations of tamoxifen's glucuronide metabolites and genotypes UGT1A4 Pro24Thr, UGT1A4 Leu48Val, UGT2B7 His268Tyr, UGT2B15 Asp85YTyr UGT2B15 Lys523Thr and UGT2B17del in 132 patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer under treatment with tamoxifen. Patients were genotyped by real-time and conventional PCR-RFLP. The glucuronides 4-OH-tamoxifen-N-glucuronide, 4-OH-tamoxifen-O-glucuronide and endoxifen-O-glucuronide were isolated from blood plasma and quantified using a high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system. Individuals who were homozygous for UGT1A448VAL showed significantly lower mean concentrations of both glucuronide metabolites compared to subjects genotyped as wt/wt plus wt/48Val (p=0.037 and p=0.031, respectively). Women homozygous for UGT2B7268Tyr also showed mean substrate/product ratios of 4-OH-tamoxifen/4-OH-tamoxifen-O-glucuronide and 4-OH-tamoxifen/4-OH-tamoxifen-N-glucuronide indicative of reduced glucuronidase activity compared to wt homozygotes or to heterozygotes for the polymorphism (p=0.005 and p=0.003, respectively). In contrast, UGT2B15 Lys523Thr and UGT2B17del were associated with possibly increased enzyme activity. Patients with at least one variant allele UGT2B15523Thr showed significantly higher 4-OH-tamoxifen-O-glucuronide and endoxifen-glucuronide levels (p=0.023 and p=0.025, respectively) indicating a variant gene-dose effect. Higher 4-OH-tamoxifen-N-glucuronide levels observed in UGT2B17del genotypes (p=0.042) could be attributed to a mechanism that compensates for the greater expression of other genes in UGT2B

  1. Phosphodiesterase 4 regulates the migration of B16-F10 melanoma cells.

    PubMed

    Watanabe, Yoshihiro; Murata, Taku; Shimizu, Kasumi; Morita, Hiroshi; Inui, Madoka; Tagawa, Toshiro

    2012-08-01

    Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are important regulators of signal transduction processes. Eleven PDE gene families (PDE1-11) have been identified and several PDE isoforms are selectively expressed in various cell types. PDE4 family members specifically hydrolyze cyclic AMP (cAMP). Four genes (PDE4A-D) are known to encode PDE4 enzymes, with additional diversity generated by the use of alternative mRNA splicing and the use of different promoters. While PDE4 selective inhibitors show therapeutic potential for treating major diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, little is known concerning the role of PDE4 in malignant melanoma. In this study, we examined the role of PDE4 in mouse B16-F10 melanoma cells. In these cells, PDE4 activity was found to be ∼60% of total PDE activity. RT-PCR detected only PDE4B and PDE4D mRNA. Cell growth was inhibited by the cAMP analog, 8-bromo-cAMP, but not by the specific PDE4 inhibitors, rolipram and denbufylline, which increased intracellular cAMP concentrations. Finally, migration of the B16-F10 cells was inhibited by the PDE4 inhibitors and 8-bromo-cAMP, while migration was increased by a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, PKI(14-22), and was not affected by 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP, which is an analog of exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac). The inhibitory effect of rolipram on migration was reversed by PKI(14-22). Based on these results, PDE4 appears to play an important role in the migration of B16-F10 cells, and therefore may be a novel target for the treatment of malignant melanoma.

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

    PubMed

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

    2017-06-01

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

  3. Self-reactive VH4-34–expressing IgG B cells recognize commensal bacteria

    PubMed Central

    Glauzy, Salomé; Ng, Yen-Shing; Chamberlain, Nicolas; Massad, Christopher; Isnardi, Isabelle; Uzel, Gulbu; Holland, Steven M.; Picard, Capucine

    2017-01-01

    The germline immunoglobulin (Ig) variable heavy chain 4–34 (VH4-34) gene segment encodes in humans intrinsically self-reactive antibodies that recognize I/i carbohydrates expressed by erythrocytes with a specific motif in their framework region 1 (FWR1). VH4-34–expressing clones are common in the naive B cell repertoire but are rarely found in IgG memory B cells from healthy individuals. In contrast, CD27+IgG+ B cells from patients genetically deficient for IRAK4 or MYD88, which mediate the function of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) except TLR3, contained VH4-34–expressing clones and showed decreased somatic hypermutation frequencies. In addition, VH4-34–encoded IgGs from IRAK4- and MYD88-deficient patients often displayed an unmutated FWR1 motif, revealing that these antibodies still recognize I/i antigens, whereas their healthy donor counterparts harbored FWR1 mutations abolishing self-reactivity. However, this paradoxical self-reactivity correlated with these VH4-34–encoded IgG clones binding commensal bacteria antigens. Hence, B cells expressing germline-encoded self-reactive VH4-34 antibodies may represent an innate-like B cell population specialized in the containment of commensal bacteria when gut barriers are breached. PMID:28500047

  4. Phosphodiesterase 4B plays a role in benzophenone-3-induced phototoxicity in normal human keratinocytes.

    PubMed

    Kim, Hyoung-June; Lee, Eunyoung; Lee, Moonyoung; Ahn, Sungjin; Kim, Jungmin; Liu, Jingjing; Jin, Sun Hee; Ha, Jaehyoun; Bae, Il Hong; Lee, Tae Ryong; Noh, Minsoo

    2018-01-01

    Benzophenone-3 (BP-3), which is extensively used in organic sunscreen, has phototoxic potential in human skin. Phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) has a well-established role in inflammatory responses in immune cells. Currently, it is unknown if PDE4B is associated with BP-3-induced phototoxicity in normal human keratinocytes (NHKs). We found that BP-3 significantly increased PDE4B expression in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated NHKs. Notably, BP-8, a sunscreen agent that shares the 2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl methanone moiety with BP-3, also upregulated PDE4B expression in NHKs. Upon UVB irradiation, BP-3 upregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, such as prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 8, and S100A7, and downregulated the level of cornified envelope associated proteins, which are important in the development of the epidermal permeability barrier. The additive effects of UVB-activated BP-3 on the expression of both pro-inflammatory mediators and cornified envelope associated proteins were antagonized by treatment with the PDE4 inhibitor rolipram. The BP-3 and UVB co-stimulation-induced PDE4B upregulation and its association with the upregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators and the downregulation of epidermal differentiation markers were confirmed in a reconstituted three dimensional human epidermis model. Therefore, PDE4B has a role in the mechanism of BP-3-induced phototoxicity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline Al 2024-B4C composite powders by mechanical alloying

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Varol, T.; Canakci, A.

    2013-06-01

    In the present work, the effect of milling parameters on the morphology and microstructure of nanostructure Al2024-B4C composite powders obtained by mechanical alloying (MA) was studied. The effects of milling time and B4C content on the morphology, microstructure and particle size of nanostructure Al2024-B4C composite powders have been investigated. Different amounts of B4C particles (0, 5, 10 and 20 wt.%) were mixed with Al2024 powders and milled in a planetary ball mill for 30, 60, 120, 300, 420 and 600 min. Al 2024-B4C composite powders were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), laser particle-size analyzer, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and the Vickers microhardness test. The results showed that the nanostructure Al2024-B4C composite powders were produced when they were milled for 600 min. The size of composite powder in the milled powder mixture was affected by the milling time and content of B4C particles. Moreover, it was observed that when MA reached a steady state, the properties of composite powders were stabilized.

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

    PubMed

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

    2007-11-01

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

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

    PubMed Central

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

    2000-01-01

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

  8. Magnetic anisotropy on the single crystal UNi4B probed by 11B NMR

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kishimoto, Yasuki; Matsuno, Haruki; Kotegawa, Hisashi; Tou, Hideki; Saito, Hiraku; Amitsuka, Hiroshi; Homma, Yoshiya; Nakamura, Ai; Li, Dexin; Honda, Fuminori; Aoki, Dai

    2018-05-01

    We have performed a susceptibility M / H and 11B NMR measurements to investigate the static magnetic anisotropy of a single crystal UNi4B. The Knight shift 11K and the hyperfine coupling constant Ahf evaluated by 11K- M / H plot show anisotropic behavior between H ∥ [ 11 2 bar 0 ] and H ∥ [ 0001 ] , reflecting the bulk susceptibility. The evaluated transferred term Atr of Ahf for H ∥ [ 11 2 bar 0 ] is much larger than the one for H ∥ [ 0001 ] . The strong hybridization in the [0001]-plane due to a itinerant 5f-electron is strongly associated with the unique magnetic structure in this compound.

  9. Mutation of Putative N-Glycosylation Sites on Dengue Virus NS4B Decreases RNA Replication.

    PubMed

    Naik, Nenavath Gopal; Wu, Huey-Nan

    2015-07-01

    Dengue virus (DENV) nonstructural protein 4B (NS4B) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane-associated protein, and mutagenesis studies have revealed its significance in viral genome replication. In this work, we demonstrated that NS4B is an N-glycosylated protein in virus-infected cells as well as in recombinant protein expression. NS4B is N glycosylated at residues 58 and 62 and exists in two forms, glycosylated and unglycosylated. We manipulated full-length infectious RNA clones and subgenomic replicons to generate N58Q, N62Q, and N58QN62Q mutants. Each of the single mutants had distinct effects, but the N58QN62Q mutation resulted in dramatic reduction of viral production efficiency without affecting secretion or infectivity of the virion in mammalian and mosquito C6/36 hosts. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), subgenomic replicon, and trans-complementation assays indicated that the N58QN62Q mutation affected RNA replication possibly by the loss of glycans. In addition, four intragenic mutations (S59Y, S59F, T66A, and A137T) were obtained from mammalian and/or mosquito C6/36 cell culture systems. All of these second-site mutations compensated for the replication defect of the N58QN62Q mutant without creating novel glycosylation sites. In vivo protein stability analyses revealed that the N58QN62Q mutation alone or plus a compensatory mutation did not affect the stability of NS4B. Overall, our findings indicated that mutation of putative N-glycosylation sites affected the biological function of NS4B in the viral replication complex. This is the first report to identify and reveal the biological significance of dengue virus (DENV) nonstructural protein 4B (NS4B) posttranslation N-glycosylation to the virus life cycle. The study demonstrated that NS4B is N glycosylated in virus-infected cells and in recombinant protein expression. NS4B is modified by glycans at Asn-58 and Asn-62. Functional characterization implied that DENV NS4B utilizes the glycosylation

  10. Multifunctional ion transport properties of human SLC4A11: comparison of the SLC4A11-B and SLC4A11-C variants.

    PubMed

    Kao, Liyo; Azimov, Rustam; Shao, Xuesi M; Frausto, Ricardo F; Abuladze, Natalia; Newman, Debra; Aldave, Anthony J; Kurtz, Ira

    2016-11-01

    Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED), Harboyan syndrome (CHED with progressive sensorineural deafness), and potentially a subset of individuals with late-onset Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy are caused by mutations in the SLC4A11 gene that results in corneal endothelial cell abnormalities. Originally classified as a borate transporter, the function of SLC4A11 as a transport protein remains poorly understood. Elucidating the transport function(s) of SLC4A11 is needed to better understand how its loss results in the aforementioned posterior corneal dystrophic disease processes. Quantitative PCR experiments demonstrated that, of the three known human NH 2 -terminal variants, SLC4A11-C is the major transcript expressed in human corneal endothelium. We studied the expression pattern of the three variants in mammalian HEK-293 cells and demonstrated that the SLC4A11-B and SLC4A11-C variants are plasma membrane proteins, whereas SLC4A11-A is localized intracellularly. SLC4A11-B and SLC4A11-C were shown to be multifunctional ion transporters capable of transporting H + equivalents in both a Na + -independent and Na + -coupled mode. In both transport modes, SLC4A11-C H + flux was significantly greater than SLC4A11-B. In the presence of ammonia, SLC4A11-B and SLC4A11-C generated inward currents that were comparable in magnitude. Chimera SLC4A11-C-NH 2 -terminus-SLC4A11-B experiments demonstrated that the SLC4A11-C NH 2 -terminus functions as an autoactivating domain, enhancing Na + -independent and Na + -coupled H + flux without significantly affecting the electrogenic NH 3 -H (n) + cotransport mode. All three modes of transport were significantly impaired in the presence of the CHED causing p.R109H (SLC4A11-C numbering) mutation. These complex ion transport properties need to be addressed in the context of corneal endothelial disease processes caused by mutations in SLC4A11. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

  11. UBE4B targets phosphorylated p53 at serines 15 and 392 for degradation

    PubMed Central

    Du, Cheng; Wu, Hong; Leng, Roger P.

    2016-01-01

    Phosphorylation of p53 is a key mechanism responsible for the activation of its tumor suppressor functions in response to various stresses. In unstressed cells, p53 is rapidly turned over and is maintained at a low basal level. After DNA damage or other forms of cellular stress, the p53 level increases, and the protein becomes metabolically stable. However, the mechanism of phosphorylated p53 regulation is unclear. In this study, we studied the kinetics of UBE4B, Hdm2, Pirh2, Cop1 and CHIP induction in response to p53 activation. We show that UBE4B coimmunoprecipitates with phosphorylated p53 at serines 15 and 392. Notably, the affinity between UBE4B and Hdm2 is greatly decreased after DNA damage. Furthermore, we observe that UBE4B promotes endogenous phospho-p53(S15) and phospho-p53(S392) degradation in response to IR. We demonstrate that UBE4B and Hdm2 repress p53S15A, p53S392A, and p53-2A(S15A, S392A) functions, including p53-dependent transactivation and growth inhibition. Overall, our results reveal that UBE4B plays an important role in regulating phosphorylated p53 following DNA damage. PMID:26673821

  12. 75 FR 48615 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS350B3 and EC130 B4 Helicopters

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-08-11

    .... Related Service Information ECF has issued Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 05.00.61 for the Model AS350B3... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS350B3 and EC130 B4 Helicopters AGENCY: Federal... adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified ECF model helicopters. This proposed AD...

  13. Prognostic significance of B7-H4 expression in matched primary pancreatic cancer and liver metastases.

    PubMed

    Qian, Yun; Sang, Yiwen; Wang, Frederick X C; Hong, Bo; Wang, Qi; Zhou, Xinhui; Weng, Tianhao; Wu, Zhigang; Zheng, Min; Zhang, Hong; Yao, Hangping

    2016-11-01

    Liver metastasis development in pancreatic cancer patients is common and confers a poor prognosis. Clinical relevance of biomarker analysis in metastatic tissue is necessary. B7-H4 has an inhibitory effect on T cell mediated response and may be involved in tumor development. Although B7-H4 expression has been detected in pancreatic cancer, its expression in liver metastases from pancreatic cancer is still unknown. In this study, overall 43 pancreatic cancer liver metastases (with matched primaries in 15/43 cases) and 57 pancreatic cancer cases without liver metastases or other distant metastases were analyzed for their expression of B7-H4 by immunohistochemistry. Survival curves and log-rank tests were used to test the association of B7-H4 expression with survival. B7-H4 was highly expressed in 28 (65.1%) of the 43 liver metastases and 9 (60.0%) of the 15 matched primary tumors. The expression of B7-H4 in liver metastases was significantly higher than in the matched primary tumors (p < 0.05). Patients with high B7-H4 expression in their primary pancreatic cancer had higher risk of developing liver metastases (p < 0.05). In univariate analysis, B7-H4 expression was significantly associated with the risk of death (p < 0.05). And the multivariate analysis identified that B7-H4 was an independent prognostic indicator (p < 0.05). Our results revealed B7-H4 to be associated with poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer liver metastasis. B7-H4 may promote pancreatic cancer metastasis and was promising to be a potential prognostic indicator of pancreatic cancer.

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

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

    Mane, Anil U., E-mail: amane@anl.gov; Elam, Jeffrey W.; Goldberg, Alexander

    2016-01-15

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

  15. NF-κB Regulates Caspase-4 Expression and Sensitizes Neuroblastoma Cells to Fas-Induced Apoptosis

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Hai-Jie; Wang, Mian; Wang, Lei; Cheng, Bin-Feng; Lin, Xiao-Yu; Feng, Zhi-Wei

    2015-01-01

    Found in neurons and neuroblastoma cells, Fas-induced apoptosis and accompanied activation of NF-κB signaling were thought to be associated with neurodegenerative diseases. However, the detailed functions of NF-κB activation in Fas killing and the effect of NF-κB activation on its downstream events remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that agonistic Fas antibody induces cell death in a dose-dependent way and NF-κB signaling is activated as well, in neuroblastoma cells SH-EP1. Unexpectedly, NF-κB activation was shown to be pro-apoptotic, as suggested by the reduction of Fas-induced cell death with either a dominant negative form of IκBα (DN-IκBα) or an IκB kinase-specific inhibitor. To our interest, when analyzing downstream events of NF-κB signaling, we found that DN-IκBα only suppressed the expression of caspase-4, but not other caspases. Vice versa, enhancement of NF-κB activity by p65 (RelA) overexpression increased the expression of caspase-4 at both mRNA and protein levels. More directly, results from dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated the regulation of caspase-4 promoter activity by NF-κB. When caspase-4 activity was blocked by its dominant negative (DN) form, Fas-induced cell death was substantially reduced. Consistently, the cleavage of PARP and caspase-3 induced by Fas was also reduced. In contrast, the cleavage of caspase-8 remained unaffected in caspase-4 DN cells, although caspase-8 inhibitor could rescue Fas-induced cell death. Collectively, these data suggest that caspase-4 activity is required for Fas-induced cell apoptosis and caspase-4 may act upstream of PARP and caspase-3 and downstream of caspase-8. Overall, we demonstrate that NF-κB can mediate Fas-induced apoptosis through caspase-4 protease, indicating that caspase-4 is a new mediator of NF-κB pro-apoptotic pathway in neuroblastoma cells. PMID:25695505

  16. Effect of a hepatitis B virus inhibitor, NZ-4, on capsid formation.

    PubMed

    Yang, Li; Wang, Ya-Juan; Chen, Hai-Jun; Shi, Li-Ping; Tong, Xian-Kun; Zhang, Yang-Ming; Wang, Gui-Feng; Wang, Wen-Long; Feng, Chun-Lan; He, Pei-Lan; Xu, Yi-Bin; Lu, Meng-Ji; Tang, Wei; Nan, Fa-Jun; Zuo, Jian-Ping

    2016-01-01

    During the hepatitis B virus (HBV) life cycle, nucleocapsid assembly is essential for HBV replication. Both RNA reverse transcription and DNA replication occur within the HBV nucleocapsid. HBV nucleocapsid is consisted of core protein (HBcAg), whose carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) contains an Arg-rich domain (ARD). The ARD of HBcAg does contribute to the encapsidation of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA). Previously, we reported a small-molecule, NZ-4, which dramatically reduced the HBV DNA level in an in vitro cell setting. Here, we explore the possible mechanisms by which NZ-4 inhibits HBV function. As an HBV inhibitor, NZ-4 leads to the formation of genome-free capsids, including a new population of capsid that runs faster on agarose gels. NZ-4's activity was dependent on the presence of the ARD I, containing at least one positively charged amino acid. NZ-4 might provide a new option for further development of HBV therapeutics for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

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

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

    2018-05-01

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

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

    PubMed

    Lin, Wei; Jin, Lixia; Chen, Hua; Wu, Qingjun; Fei, Yunyun; Zheng, Wenjie; Wang, Qian; Li, Ping; Li, Yongzhe; Zhang, Wen; Zhao, Yan; Zeng, Xiaofeng; Zhang, Fengchun

    2014-05-29

    IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a multisystem-involved autoimmune disease. Abnormally activated and differentiated B cells may play important roles. Regulatory B cells (Breg) are newly defined B cell subgroups with immunosuppressive functions. In this study, we investigated the differences of B cell subsets, the expressions of co-stimulatory molecules on B cells, and the function of Breg cells in patients with IgG4-RD, primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) as well as in healthy controls (HC). Newly diagnosed IgG4-RD patients (n = 48) were enrolled, 38 untreated pSS patients and 30 healthy volunteers were recruited as disease and healthy controls. To analyze B cell subsets and B cell activity, PBMCs were surface stained and detected by flow cytometry. The function of Breg cells was tested by coculturing isolated CD19 + CD24(hi)CD38(hi) Breg cells with purified CD4 + CD25- T cells. Serum cytokines were measured by ELISA and cytometric bead array. Relationship between clinical data and laboratory findings were analyzed as well. Compared with pSS patients and HC, IgG4-RD patients had a lower frequency of peripheral Breg cells. Interestingly, CD19 + CD24-CD38(hi) B cell subsets were significantly higher in peripheral B cells from IgG4-RD patients than in pSS patients and HC, which correlated with serum IgG4 levels. The expression of BAFF-R and CD40 on B cells was significantly lower in IgG4-RD patients compared with those in pSS patients and HC. Unlike HC, Breg cells from pSS patients lacked suppressive functions. B cells in patients with IgG4-RD and pSS display a variety of abnormalities, including disturbed B cell subpopulations, abnormal expression of key signaling molecules, co-stimulatory molecules, and inflammatory cytokines. In addition, a significantly increased B cell subset, CD19 + CD24-CD38(hi) B cells, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD.

  19. Engineered fusokine GIFT4 licenses the ability of B cells to trigger a tumoricidal T cell response

    PubMed Central

    Deng, Jiusheng; Yuan, Shala; Pennati, Andrea; Murphy, Jordan; Wu, Jian Hui; Lawson, David; Galipeau, Jacques

    2014-01-01

    Engineered chimeric cytokines can generate gain-of-function activity in immune cells. Here we report potent antitumor activity for a novel fusion cytokine generated by N-terminal coupling of GM-CSF to IL-4, generating a fusokine termed GIFT4. B cells treated with GIFT4 clustered GM-CSF and IL-4 receptors on the cell surface and displayed a pan-STAT hyperphosphorylation associated with acquisition of a distinct phenotype and function described to date. In C57BL/6J mice, administration of GIFT4 expanded endogenous B cells and suppressed the growth of B16F0 melanoma cells. Further, B16F0 melanoma cells engineered to secrete GIFT4 were rejected immunologically in a B cell-dependent manner. This effect was abolished when GIFT4-expressing B16F0 cells were implanted in B cell-deficient mice, confirming a B cell-dependent antitumor effect. Human GIFT4-licensed B cells primed cytotoxic T cells and specifically killed melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our results demonstrated that GIFT4 could mediate expansion of B cells with potent antigen-specific effector function. GIFT4 may offer a novel immunotherapeutic tool and define a previously unrecognized potential for B cells in melanoma immunotherapy. PMID:24938765

  20. Epithelial reticulon 4B (Nogo-B) is an endogenous regulator of Th2-driven lung inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Wright, Paulette L.; Yu, Jun; Di, Y.P. Peter; Homer, Robert J.; Chupp, Geoffrey; Elias, Jack A.; Cohn, Lauren

    2010-01-01

    Nogo-B is a member of the reticulon family of proteins (RTN-4B) that is highly expressed in lung tissue; however, its function remains unknown. We show that mice with Th2-driven lung inflammation results in a loss of Nogo expression in airway epithelium and smooth muscle compared with nonallergic mice, a finding which is replicated in severe human asthma. Mice lacking Nogo-A/B (Nogo-KO) display an exaggerated asthma-like phenotype, and epithelial reconstitution of Nogo-B in transgenic mice blunts Th2-mediated lung inflammation. Microarray analysis of lungs from Nogo-KO mice reveals a marked reduction in palate lung and nasal clone (PLUNC) gene expression, and the levels of PLUNC are enhanced in epithelial Nogo-B transgenic mice. Finally, transgenic expression of PLUNC into Nogo-KO mice rescues the enhanced asthmatic-like responsiveness in these KO mice. These data identify Nogo-B as a novel protective gene expressed in lung epithelia, and its expression regulates the levels of the antibacterial antiinflammatory protein PLUNC. PMID:20975041

  1. Photocatalytic degradation of RhB with microwave prepared PbMoO4.

    PubMed

    Hernández-Uresti, Diana B; Aguilar-Garib, Juan A; Martínez-de la Cruz, Azael

    2012-01-01

    Synthesized PbMoO4 from H2MoO4 and Pb(NO3)2 with microwaves was compared, in terms of its photocatalytic activity as catalyzer for decomposing rhodamine B (RhB), against samples prepared by hydrothermal and sonochemical methods from the same precursors. Microwave synthesis lasted 20 minutes; hydrothermal, 10 minutes and sonochemical method, 1 hour. Xrays diffraction patterns show that PbMoO4 prepared by these three routes is compounded by the same phase. It is found that microwave synthesized PbMoO4 particles are rounder, in an intermediate size (250 nm), compared to sonochemical (100 nm) and hydrothermal (500 nm) routes; microwave particles also exhibit higher photocatalytic activity for degradation of RhB under a xenon lamp. This difference is not explicable in terms of surface area measurements, but could be explained by UV Light scattering by the rounder particles produced by means of the microwave processing, which are about one half size compared to the wavelength.

  2. Collaboration between tumor-specific CD4+ T cells and B cells in anti-cancer immunity.

    PubMed

    Guy, Thomas V; Terry, Alexandra M; Bolton, Holly A; Hancock, David G; Zhu, Erhua; Brink, Robert; McGuire, Helen M; Shklovskaya, Elena; Fazekas de St. Groth, Barbara

    2016-05-24

    The role of B cells and antibodies in anti-tumor immunity is controversial, with both positive and negative effects reported in animal models and clinical studies. We developed a murine B16.F10 melanoma model to study the effects of collaboration between tumor-specific CD4+ T cells and B cells on tumor control. By incorporating T cell receptor transgenic T cells and B cell receptor isotype switching B cells, we were able to track the responses of tumor-reactive T and B cells and the development of anti-tumor antibodies in vivo. In the presence of tumor-specific B cells, the number of tumor-reactive CD4+ T cells was reduced in lymphoid tissues and the tumor itself, and this correlated with poor tumor control. B cells had little effect on the Th1 bias of the CD4+ T cell response, and the number of induced FoxP3+ regulatory cells (iTregs) generated from within the original naive CD4+ T cell inoculum was unrelated to the degree of B cell expansion. In response to CD4+ T cell help, B cells produced a range of isotype-switched anti-tumor antibodies, principally IgG1, IgG2a/c and IgG2b. In the absence of CD4+ T cells, B cells responded to agonistic anti-CD40 administration by switching to production of IgG2a/c and, to a lesser extent, IgG1, IgG3, IgA and IgE, which reduced the number of lung metastases after i.v. tumor inoculation but had no effect on the growth of subcutaneous tumors.

  3. COX-2 Elevates Oncogenic miR-526b in Breast Cancer by EP4 Activation.

    PubMed

    Majumder, Mousumi; Landman, Erin; Liu, Ling; Hess, David; Lala, Peeyush K

    2015-06-01

    MicroRNAs (miRs) are small regulatory molecules emerging as potential biomarkers in cancer. Previously, it was shown that COX-2 expression promotes breast cancer progression via multiple mechanisms, including induction of stem-like cells (SLC), owing to activation of the prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 (PTGER4). COX-2 overexpression also upregulated microRNA-526b (miR-526b), in association with aggressive phenotype. Here, the functional roles of miR-526b in breast cancer and the mechanistic role of EP4 signaling in miR-526b upregulation were examined. A positive correlation was noted between miR-526b and COX-2 mRNA expression in COX-2 disparate breast cancer cell lines. Stable overexpression of miR-526b in poorly metastatic MCF7 and SKBR3 cell lines resulted in increased cellular migration, invasion, EMT phenotype and enhanced tumorsphere formation in vitro, and lung colony formation in vivo in immunodeficient mice. Conversely, knockdown of miR-526b in aggressive MCF7-COX-2 and SKBR3-COX-2 cells reduced oncogenic functions and reversed the EMT phenotype, in vitro. Furthermore, it was determined that miR-526b expression is dependent on EP4 receptor activity and downstream PI3K-AKT and cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling pathways. PI3K-AKT inhibitors blocked EP4 agonist-mediated miR-526b upregulation and tumorsphere formation in MCF7 and SKBR3 cells. NF-κB inhibitor abrogates EP agonist-stimulated miRNA expression in MCF7 and T47D cells, indicating that the NF-κB pathway is also involved in miR-526b regulation. In addition, inhibition of COX-2, EP4, PI3K, and PKA in COX-2-overexpressing cells downregulated miR-526b and its functions in vitro. Finally, miR-526b expression was significantly higher in cancerous than in noncancerous breast tissues and associated with reduced patient survival. In conclusion, miR-526b promotes breast cancer progression, SLC-phenotype through EP4-mediated signaling, and correlates with breast cancer patient survival. This study presents novel

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

    PubMed

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

    2018-04-18

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

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

    PubMed

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

    2017-12-01

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

  6. Structure- and Modeling-based Identification of the Adenovirus E4orf4 Binding Site in the Protein Phosphatase 2A B55α Subunit*

    PubMed Central

    Horowitz, Ben; Sharf, Rakefet; Avital-Shacham, Meirav; Pechkovsky, Antonina; Kleinberger, Tamar

    2013-01-01

    The adenovirus E4orf4 protein regulates the progression of viral infection and when expressed outside the context of the virus it induces nonclassical, cancer cell-specific apoptosis. All E4orf4 functions known to date require an interaction between E4orf4 and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which is mediated through PP2A regulatory B subunits. Specifically, an interaction with the B55α subunit is required for induction of cell death by E4orf4. To gain a better insight into the E4orf4-PP2A interaction, mapping of the E4orf4 interaction site in PP2A-B55α has been undertaken. To this end we used a combination of bioinformatics analyses of PP2A-B55α and of E4orf4, which led to the prediction of E4orf4 binding sites on the surface of PP2A-B55α. Mutation analysis, immunoprecipitation, and GST pulldown assays based on the theoretical predictions revealed that the E4orf4 binding site included the α1 and α2 helices described in the B55α structure and involved at least three residues located in these helices facing each other. Loss of E4orf4 binding was accompanied by reduced contribution of the B55α mutants to E4orf4-induced cell death. The identified E4orf4 binding domain lies above the previously described substrate binding site and does not overlap it, although its location could be consistent with direct or indirect effects on substrate binding. This work assigns for the first time a functional significance to the α1,α2 helices of B55α, and we suggest that the binding site defined by these helices could also contribute to interactions between PP2A and some of its cellular regulators. PMID:23530045

  7. γδ T cells affect IL-4 production and B-cell tolerance

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Yafei; Heiser, Ryan A.; Detanico, Thiago O.; Getahun, Andrew; Kirchenbaum, Greg A.; Casper, Tamara L.; Aydintug, M. Kemal; Carding, Simon R.; Ikuta, Koichi; Huang, Hua; Cambier, John C.; Wysocki, Lawrence J.; O’Brien, Rebecca L.; Born, Willi K.

    2015-01-01

    γδ T cells can influence specific antibody responses. Here, we report that mice deficient in individual γδ T-cell subsets have altered levels of serum antibodies, including all major subclasses, sometimes regardless of the presence of αβ T cells. One strain with a partial γδ deficiency that increases IgE antibodies also displayed increases in IL-4–producing T cells (both residual γδ T cells and αβ T cells) and in systemic IL-4 levels. Its B cells expressed IL-4–regulated inhibitory receptors (CD5, CD22, and CD32) at diminished levels, whereas IL-4–inducible IL-4 receptor α and MHCII were increased. They also showed signs of activation and spontaneously formed germinal centers. These mice displayed IgE-dependent features found in hyper-IgE syndrome and developed antichromatin, antinuclear, and anticytoplasmic autoantibodies. In contrast, mice deficient in all γδ T cells had nearly unchanged Ig levels and did not develop autoantibodies. Removing IL-4 abrogated the increases in IgE, antichromatin antibodies, and autoantibodies in the partially γδ-deficient mice. Our data suggest that γδ T cells, controlled by their own cross-talk, affect IL-4 production, B-cell activation, and B-cell tolerance. PMID:25535377

  8. γδ T cells affect IL-4 production and B-cell tolerance.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yafei; Heiser, Ryan A; Detanico, Thiago O; Getahun, Andrew; Kirchenbaum, Greg A; Casper, Tamara L; Aydintug, M Kemal; Carding, Simon R; Ikuta, Koichi; Huang, Hua; Cambier, John C; Wysocki, Lawrence J; O'Brien, Rebecca L; Born, Willi K

    2015-01-06

    γδ T cells can influence specific antibody responses. Here, we report that mice deficient in individual γδ T-cell subsets have altered levels of serum antibodies, including all major subclasses, sometimes regardless of the presence of αβ T cells. One strain with a partial γδ deficiency that increases IgE antibodies also displayed increases in IL-4-producing T cells (both residual γδ T cells and αβ T cells) and in systemic IL-4 levels. Its B cells expressed IL-4-regulated inhibitory receptors (CD5, CD22, and CD32) at diminished levels, whereas IL-4-inducible IL-4 receptor α and MHCII were increased. They also showed signs of activation and spontaneously formed germinal centers. These mice displayed IgE-dependent features found in hyper-IgE syndrome and developed antichromatin, antinuclear, and anticytoplasmic autoantibodies. In contrast, mice deficient in all γδ T cells had nearly unchanged Ig levels and did not develop autoantibodies. Removing IL-4 abrogated the increases in IgE, antichromatin antibodies, and autoantibodies in the partially γδ-deficient mice. Our data suggest that γδ T cells, controlled by their own cross-talk, affect IL-4 production, B-cell activation, and B-cell tolerance.

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

    PubMed

    Bernhardt, Eduard; Finze, Maik; Willner, Helge

    2011-10-17

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

  10. Immunosuppressive Effect of B7-H4 Pathway in a Murine Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Model.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Ze Xiu; Zheng, Xu; Hu, Li; Wang, Julie; Olsen, Nancy; Zheng, Song Guo

    2017-01-01

    B7-H4, one of the co-stimulatory molecules of the B7 family, has been shown to play an important role in negatively regulating the adaptive immune response by inhibiting the proliferation, activation, and cytokine production of T cells. In this study, we investigate the role of B7-H4 in development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated a murine model of SLE using transfer of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) that were incubated with activated syngeneic lymphocyte-derived DNA. The recipient mouse produced anti-ds-DNA antibodies as well as displayed splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy as shown by significantly increased weights, and the kidneys showed lupus-like pathological changes include urine protein and glomerulonephritis with hyperplasia in glomeruli and increased mesangial cells and vasculitis with perivascular cell infiltration, glomerular deposition of IgG and complement C3. We showed that B7-H4 deficiency in BMDCs could cause greater production of anti-ds-DNA antibodies in transferred mice, and the lymph tissue swelling and the kidney lesions were also exacerbated with B7-H4 deficiency. Treatment with a B7-H4 antagonist antibody also aggravated the lupus model. Conversely, B7-H4 Ig alleviated the lupus manifestations. Therefore, we conclude that B7-H4 is a negative check point for the development of SLE in this murine model. These results suggest that this approach may have a clinical potential in treating human SLE.

  11. Immunosuppressive Effect of B7-H4 Pathway in a Murine Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Model

    PubMed Central

    Xiao, Ze Xiu; Zheng, Xu; Hu, Li; Wang, Julie; Olsen, Nancy; Zheng, Song Guo

    2017-01-01

    B7-H4, one of the co-stimulatory molecules of the B7 family, has been shown to play an important role in negatively regulating the adaptive immune response by inhibiting the proliferation, activation, and cytokine production of T cells. In this study, we investigate the role of B7-H4 in development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated a murine model of SLE using transfer of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) that were incubated with activated syngeneic lymphocyte-derived DNA. The recipient mouse produced anti-ds-DNA antibodies as well as displayed splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy as shown by significantly increased weights, and the kidneys showed lupus-like pathological changes include urine protein and glomerulonephritis with hyperplasia in glomeruli and increased mesangial cells and vasculitis with perivascular cell infiltration, glomerular deposition of IgG and complement C3. We showed that B7-H4 deficiency in BMDCs could cause greater production of anti-ds-DNA antibodies in transferred mice, and the lymph tissue swelling and the kidney lesions were also exacerbated with B7-H4 deficiency. Treatment with a B7-H4 antagonist antibody also aggravated the lupus model. Conversely, B7-H4 Ig alleviated the lupus manifestations. Therefore, we conclude that B7-H4 is a negative check point for the development of SLE in this murine model. These results suggest that this approach may have a clinical potential in treating human SLE. PMID:29321778

  12. Engineered fusokine GIFT4 licenses the ability of B cells to trigger a tumoricidal T-cell response.

    PubMed

    Deng, Jiusheng; Yuan, Shala; Pennati, Andrea; Murphy, Jordan; Wu, Jian Hui; Lawson, David; Galipeau, Jacques

    2014-08-01

    Engineered chimeric cytokines can generate gain-of-function activity in immune cells. Here, we report potent antitumor activity for a novel fusion cytokine generated by N-terminal coupling of GM-CSF to IL4, generating a fusokine termed GIFT4. B cells treated with GIFT4 clustered GM-CSF and IL4 receptors on the cell surface and displayed a pan-STAT hyperphosphorylation associated with acquisition of a distinct phenotype and function described to date. In C57BL/6J mice, administration of GIFT4 expanded endogenous B cells and suppressed the growth of B16F0 melanoma cells. Furthermore, B16F0 melanoma cells engineered to secrete GIFT4 were rejected immunologically in a B-cell-dependent manner. This effect was abolished when GIFT4-expressing B16F0 cells were implanted in B-cell-deficient mice, confirming a B-cell-dependent antitumor effect. Human GIFT4-licensed B cells primed cytotoxic T cells and specifically killed melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our results demonstrated that GIFT4 could mediate expansion of B cells with potent antigen-specific effector function. GIFT4 may offer a novel immunotherapeutic tool and define a previously unrecognized potential for B cells in melanoma immunotherapy. ©2014 American Association for Cancer Research.

  13. Effect of the content of B4C on microstructural evolution and wear behaviors of the laser-clad coatings fabricated on Ti6Al4V

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bai, L. L.; Li, J.; Chen, J. L.; Song, R.; Shao, J. Z.; Qu, C. C.

    2016-01-01

    TiNi/Ti2Ni-based composite coatings reinforced by TiC and TiB2 were produced on Ti6Al4V by laser cladding the mixture of a Ni-based alloy and different contents of B4C (0 wt%, 5 wt%, 15 wt%, and 25 wt%). The macromorphologies and microstructures of the coatings were examined through optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometry. The microhardness, fracture toughness, and wear behaviors of the coatings were also investigated by using a microhardness tester and an ultra-functional wear testing machine. Results showed that the coatings were mainly composed of TiNi/Ti2Ni and TiC/TiB2 as the matrix and reinforcement particles, respectively. The phase constituents of the coatings were not influenced by addition of different contents of B4C. The microstructure of the reinforcements in the coatings presented the following evolution: hypereutectic consisting of blocky (TiC+TiB2)e eutectic and primary TiCp cellular dendrites (0 wt% B4C), mixture of hypereutectic and willow-shaped (TiB2+TiC)p pseudoeutectic (5 wt% B4C), and pseudoeutectic (15 and 25 wt% B4C). With increasing B4C content, the volume fraction and size of the pseudoeutectic structures as well as the average microhardness of the coatings (850, 889, 969, and 1002 HV0.2) were increased. By contrast, the average fracture toughness of the coatings was gradually decreased (4.47, 4.21, 4.06, and 3.85 Mpa m1/2) along with their wear volumes (0 wt%, 5 wt%, and 15 wt% B4C). The increase in B4C content to 25 wt% did not further reduce wear loss. The wear mechanism transformed from micro-cutting (0 wt% B4C) into a combination of micro-cutting and brittle debonding (5 wt% B4C) and finally led to brittle debonding (15 wt% and 25 wt% B4C). Coatings with suitable contents of B4C (less than 15 wt%) showed excellent comprehensive mechanical properties.

  14. Expansion of blood IgG4+ B, TH2, and regulatory T cells in patients with IgG4-related disease.

    PubMed

    Heeringa, Jorn J; Karim, A Faiz; van Laar, Jan A M; Verdijk, Robert M; Paridaens, Dion; van Hagen, P Martin; van Zelm, Menno C

    2018-05-01

    IgG 4 -related disease (IgG 4 -RD) is a systemic fibroinflammatory condition affecting various organs and has a diverse clinical presentation. Fibrosis and accumulation of IgG 4 + plasma cells in tissue are hallmarks of the disease, and IgG 4 -RD is associated with increased IgG 4 serum levels. However, disease pathogenesis is still unclear, and these cellular and molecular parameters are neither sensitive nor specific for the diagnosis of IgG 4 -RD. Here we sought to develop a flow cytometric gating strategy to reliably identify blood IgG 4 + B cells to study their cellular and molecular characteristics and investigate their contribution in disease pathogenesis. Sixteen patients with histologically confirmed IgG 4 -RD, 11 patients with sarcoidosis, and 30 healthy subjects were included for 11-color flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood for IgG 4 -expressing B cells and T H subsets. In addition, detailed analysis of activation markers and chemokine receptors was performed on IgG 4 -expressing B cells, and IgG 4 transcripts were analyzed for somatic hypermutations. Cellular and molecular analyses revealed increased numbers of blood IgG 4 + memory B cells in patients with IgG 4 -RD. These cells showed reduced expression of CD27 and CXCR5 and increased signs of antibody maturation. Furthermore, patients with IgG 4 -RD, but not patients with sarcoidosis, had increased numbers of circulating plasmablasts and CD21 low B cells, as well as T H 2 and regulatory T cells, indicating a common disease pathogenesis in patients with IgG 4 -RD. These results provide new insights into the dysregulated IgG 4 response in patients with IgG 4 -RD. A specific "peripheral lymphocyte signature" observed in patients with IgG 4 -RD, could support diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. 19 CFR 4.80b - Coastwise transportation of merchandise.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Coastwise transportation of merchandise. 4.80b... transportation of merchandise. (a) Effect of manufacturing or processing at intermediate port or place. A coastwise transportation of merchandise takes place, within the meaning of the coastwise laws, when...

  16. 19 CFR 4.80b - Coastwise transportation of merchandise.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Coastwise transportation of merchandise. 4.80b... transportation of merchandise. (a) Effect of manufacturing or processing at intermediate port or place. A coastwise transportation of merchandise takes place, within the meaning of the coastwise laws, when...

  17. 19 CFR 4.80b - Coastwise transportation of merchandise.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Coastwise transportation of merchandise. 4.80b... transportation of merchandise. (a) Effect of manufacturing or processing at intermediate port or place. A coastwise transportation of merchandise takes place, within the meaning of the coastwise laws, when...

  18. 19 CFR 4.80b - Coastwise transportation of merchandise.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Coastwise transportation of merchandise. 4.80b... transportation of merchandise. (a) Effect of manufacturing or processing at intermediate port or place. A coastwise transportation of merchandise takes place, within the meaning of the coastwise laws, when...

  19. 19 CFR 4.80b - Coastwise transportation of merchandise.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 19 Customs Duties 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Coastwise transportation of merchandise. 4.80b... transportation of merchandise. (a) Effect of manufacturing or processing at intermediate port or place. A coastwise transportation of merchandise takes place, within the meaning of the coastwise laws, when...

  20. 26 CFR 1.410(b)-4 - Nondiscriminatory classification test.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

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

  1. ERBB4 mutations that disrupt the neuregulin-ErbB4 pathway cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 19.

    PubMed

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

    2013-11-07

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurological disorder characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons and typically results in death within 3-5 years from onset. Familial ALS (FALS) comprises 5%-10% of ALS cases, and the identification of genes associated with FALS is indispensable to elucidating the molecular pathogenesis. We identified a Japanese family affected by late-onset, autosomal-dominant ALS in which mutations in genes known to be associated with FALS were excluded. A whole- genome sequencing and parametric linkage analysis under the assumption of an autosomal-dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance revealed the mutation c.2780G>A (p. Arg927Gln) in ERBB4. An extensive mutational analysis revealed the same mutation in a Canadian individual with familial ALS and a de novo mutation, c.3823C>T (p. Arg1275Trp), in a Japanese simplex case. These amino acid substitutions involve amino acids highly conserved among species, are predicted as probably damaging, and are located within a tyrosine kinase domain (p. Arg927Gln) or a C-terminal domain (p. Arg1275Trp), both of which mediate essential functions of ErbB4 as a receptor tyrosine kinase. Functional analysis revealed that these mutations led to a reduced autophosphorylation of ErbB4 upon neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) stimulation. Clinical presentations of the individuals with mutations were characterized by the involvement of both upper and lower motor neurons, a lack of obvious cognitive dysfunction, and relatively slow progression. This study indicates that disruption of the neuregulin-ErbB4 pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of ALS and potentially paves the way for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies such using NRGs or their agonists to upregulate ErbB4 functions. Copyright © 2013 The American Society of Human Genetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

    PubMed Central

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

    2013-01-01

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

  3. Immunogenicity, Reactogenicity, and Safety of a P1.7b,4 Strain-Specific Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine Given to Preteens▿

    PubMed Central

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

    2007-01-01

    New Zealand (NZ) has experienced a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B epidemic since 1991. MeNZB, a strain-specific outer membrane vesicle vaccine made using an NZ epidemic strain isolate, NZ98/254 (B:4:P1.7b,4), from two manufacturing sites, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) and Chiron Vaccines (CV; now Novartis), was evaluated for safety, immunogenicity, and reactogenicity in this observer-blind trial with 8- to 12-year-old children. In year 1, cohort A (n = 302) was randomized 4:1 for receipt of NIPH-MeNZB or MenBvac (Norwegian parent vaccine strain 44/76; B:15:P1.7,16). In year 2, cohort B (n = 313) was randomized 4:1 for receipt of CV-MeNZB or NIPH-MeNZB. Participants all received three vaccinations 6 weeks apart. Local and systemic reactions were monitored for 7 days. Seroresponse was defined as a fourfold or greater rise in the serum bactericidal antibody titer from the baseline titer as measured by a serum bactericidal assay. Those with baseline titers of <1:4 required titers of ≥1:8 to serorespond. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses are presented. In cohort A, 74% (ITT) and 73% (PP) of NIPH-MeNZB recipients demonstrated seroresponses against NZ98/254 after three doses, versus 32% (ITT and PP) of MenBvac recipients. In cohort B, seroresponses against NZ98/254 after three doses occurred in 79% (ITT and PP) of CV-MeNZB versus 75% (ITT) and 76% (PP) of NIPH-MeNZB recipients. Vaccines were tolerable, with no vaccine-related serious adverse events. In conclusion, the NZ strain meningococcal B vaccine (MeNZB) from either manufacturing site was immunogenic against New Zealand epidemic vaccine strain meningococci with no safety concerns when given in three doses to these 8- to 12-year-old children. PMID:17898183

  4. Biochemical basis of 4-hydroxyanisole induced cell toxicity towards B16-F0 melanoma cells.

    PubMed

    Moridani, Majid Y

    2006-11-18

    In the current work we investigated for the first time the biochemical basis of 4-hydroxyanisole (4-HA) induced toxicity in B16-F0 melanoma cells. It was found that dicoumarol, a diaphorase inhibitor, and 1-bromoheptane, a GSH depleting agent, increased 4-HA induced toxicity towards B16-F0 cells whereas dithiothreitol, a thiol containing agent, and ascorbic acid (AA), a reducing agent, largely prevented 4-HA toxicity. TEMPOL and pyrogallol, free radical scavengers, did not significantly prevent 4-HA toxicity towards B16-F0 cells. GSH>AA>NADH prevented the o-quinone formation when 4-HA was metabolized by tyrosinase/O(2). 4-HA metabolism by horseradish peroxidase/H(2)O(2) was prevented more effectively by AA than NADH>GSH. We therefore concluded that quinone formation was the major pathway for 4-HA induced toxicity in B16-F0 melanoma cells whereas free radical formation played a negligible role in the 4-HA induced toxicity.

  5. Loss of the tumor suppressor p15Ink4b enhances myeloid progenitor formation from common myeloid progenitors.

    PubMed

    Rosu-Myles, Michael; Taylor, Barbara J; Wolff, Linda

    2007-03-01

    The tumor suppressor p15Ink4b (Ink4b) is a cell-cycle inhibitor that is inactivated in a high percentage of acute myeloid leukemia and myeloid dysplasia syndrome cases. Despite this, the role of Ink4b in hematopoiesis remains unclear. Here we examined the role of Ink4b in blood cell formation using Ink4b-deficient (Ink4b(-/-)) mice. We compared the bone marrow (BM) of Ink4b(-/-) and wild-type mice using flow cytometric, colony-forming unit and competitive repopulating assays (CRA). The proliferation, differentiation, self-renewal, and apoptosis of progenitor cells were further compared by in vitro and in vivo methods. BM from Ink4b(-/-) mice contained increased numbers of granulocyte-monocyte progenitors and Gr-1(+) cells and showed a competitive advantage over wild-type cells in myeloid cell formation by CRA. Ink4b(-/-) progenitors did not demonstrate increased proliferation, self-renewing potential, or reduced apoptosis. Instead, Ink4b(-/-) common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) showed increased myeloid progenitor formation concomitant with reduced erythroid potential. This work establishes a role for Ink4b in regulating the differentiation of CMPs and indicates that loss of Ink4b enhances the formation of myeloid progenitors.

  6. The role of anti-NHba antibody in bactericidal activity elicited by the meningococcal serogroup B vaccine, MenB-4C.

    PubMed

    Partridge, Elizabeth; Lujan, Eduardo; Giuntini, Serena; Vu, David M; Granoff, Dan M

    2017-07-24

    MenB-4C (Bexsero®) is a multicomponent serogroup B meningococcal vaccine. For vaccine licensure, efficacy was inferred from serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) against three antigen-specific indicator strains. The bactericidal role of antibody to the fourth vaccine antigen, Neisserial Heparin binding antigen (NHba), is incompletely understood. We identified nine adults immunized with two or three doses of MenB-4C who had sufficient volumes of sera and >3-fold increases in SBA titer against a strain with high NHba expression, which was mismatched with the other three MenB-4C antigens that elicit SBA. Using 1month-post-immunization sera we measured the effect of depletion of anti-NHba and/or anti-Factor H binding protein (FHbp) antibodies on SBA. Against three strains matched with the vaccine only for NHba, depletion of anti-NHba decreased SBA titers by an average of 43-79% compared to mock-adsorbed sera (P<0.05). Despite expression of sub-family A FHbp (mismatched with the sub-family B vaccine antigen), depletion of anti-FHbp antibodies also decreased SBA by 45-64% (P<0.05). Depletion of both antibodies decreased SBA by 84-100%. Against a strain with sub-family B FHbp and expression of NHba with 100% identity to the vaccine antigen, depletion of anti-NHba decreased SBA by an average of 26%, compared to mock-adsorbed sera (P<0.0001), and depletion of anti-FHbp antibody decreased SBA by 92% (P<0.0001). Anti-NHba antibody can contribute to SBA elicited by MenB-4C, particularly in concert with anti-FHbp antibody. However, some high NHba-expressing strains are resistant, even with an exact match between the amino acid sequence of the vaccine and strain antigens. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Condensed bridgehead nitrogen heterocyclic system: synthesis and pharmacological activities of 1,2,4-triazolo-[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives of ibuprofen and biphenyl-4-yloxy acetic acid.

    PubMed

    Amir, Mohd; Kumar, Harish; Javed, S A

    2008-10-01

    Several 3,6-disubstituted-1,2,4-triazolo-[3,4-b]-1,3,4-thiadiazoles were prepared by condensation of 4-amino-5-substituted-3-mercapto-(4H)-1,2,4-triazoles (3a,b) with various substituted aromatic acids and aryl/alkyl isothiocyanates through a one-pot reaction. These compounds were investigated for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, ulcerogenic, lipid peroxidation, antibacterial and antifungal activities. Some of the synthesized compounds showed potent anti-inflammatory activity along with minimal ulcerogenic effect and lipid peroxidation, compared to those of ibuprofen and flurbiprofen. Some of the tested compounds also showed moderate antimicrobial activity against tested bacterial and fungal strains.

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

    PubMed

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

    2010-09-01

    To study the clinical significance of determination of serum B7-H4 in patients with malignant hematologic diseases. Serum B7-H4 levels were determined in 65 patients with leucemia, 34 patients with lymphoma, 12 patients with multiple myeloma as well as in 50 healthy controls. The serum B7-H4 levels in patients with lymphoma [(38.81+/-10.34) kappag/L] were significantly higher than healthy controls [(31.62+/-9.850) kappag/L] (P<0.01). But there are no significant difference of B7-H4 levels in serum among patients with leucemia, patients with multiple myeloma and healthy controls. These results suggest that the B7-H4 may correlated with lymphoma, but uncorrelated with leucemia and multiple myeloma. Measurement of serum B7-H4 level provide useful information for distinctive diagnosis of different kinds of malignant hematologic diseases.

  9. Molecular Basis of 9G4 B Cell Autoreactivity in Human Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

    PubMed Central

    Richardson, Christopher; Chida, Asiya Seema; Adlowitz, Diana; Silver, Lin; Fox, Erin; Jenks, Scott A.; Palmer, Elise; Wang, Youliang; Heimburg-Molinaro, Jamie; Li, Quan-Zhen; Mohan, Chandra; Cummings, Richard; Tipton, Christopher

    2013-01-01

    9G4+ IgG Abs expand in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a disease-specific fashion and react with different lupus Ags including B cell Ags and apoptotic cells. Their shared use of VH4-34 represents a unique system to understand the molecular basis of lupus autoreactivity. In this study, a large panel of recombinant 9G4+ mAbs from single naive and memory cells was generated and tested against B cells, apoptotic cells, and other Ags. Mutagenesis eliminated the framework-1 hydrophobic patch (HP) responsible for the 9G4 idiotype. The expression of the HP in unselected VH4-34 cells was assessed by deep sequencing. We found that 9G4 Abs recognize several Ags following two distinct structural patterns. B cell binding is dependent on the HP, whereas anti-nuclear Abs, apoptotic cells, and dsDNA binding are HP independent and correlate with positively charged H chain third CDR. The majority of mutated VH4-34 memory cells retain the HP, thereby suggesting selection by Ags that require this germline structure. Our findings show that the germline-encoded HP is compulsory for the anti–B cell reactivity largely associated with 9G4 Abs in SLE but is not required for reactivity against apoptotic cells, dsDNA, chromatin, anti-nuclear Abs, or cardiolipin. Given that the lupus memory compartment contains a majority of HP+ VH4-34 cells but decreased B cell reactivity, additional HP-dependent Ags must participate in the selection of this compartment. This study represents the first analysis, to our knowledge, of VH-restricted autoreactive B cells specifically expanded in SLE and provides the foundation to understand the antigenic forces at play in this disease. PMID:24108696

  10. Protective Effect of Procyanidin B2 against CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice.

    PubMed

    Yang, Bing-Ya; Zhang, Xiang-Yu; Guan, Sheng-Wen; Hua, Zi-Chun

    2015-07-03

    Procyanidin B2 has demonstrated several health benefits and medical properties. However, its protective effects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity have not been clarified. The present study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of procyanidin B2 in CCl4-treated mice. Our data showed that procyanidin B2 significantly decreased the CCl4-induced elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase activities, as well as improved hepatic histopathological abnormalities. Procyanidin B2 also significantly decreased the content of MDA but enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH-Px. Further research demonstrated that procyanidin B2 decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as inhibited the translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 from the cytosol to the nuclear fraction in mouse liver. Moreover, CCl4-induced apoptosis in mouse liver was measured by (terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling) TUNEL assay and the cleaved caspase-3. Meanwhile, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-xL was analyzed by Western blot. Results showed that procyanidin B2 significantly inhibited CCl4-induced hepatocyte apoptosis, markedly suppressed the upregulation of Bax expression and restored the downregulation of Bcl-xL expression. Overall, the findings indicated that procyanidin B2 exhibited a protective effect on CCl4-induced hepatic injury by elevating the antioxidative defense potential and consequently suppressing the inflammatory response and apoptosis of liver tissues.

  11. Antibodies to human neutrophil antigen HNA-4b implicated in a case of neonatal alloimmune neutropenia.

    PubMed

    Mraz, G A; Crighton, G L; Christie, D J

    2016-05-01

    Maternal alloantibodies directed against human neutrophil antigens (HNAs) can cause moderate-severe neutropenia in the newborn in a condition known as neonatal alloimmune neutropenia (NAIN). Neonates with NAIN can present with sepsis or be asymptomatic. NAIN has previously been reported as caused by antibodies against HNA-1a, -1b, and -1c; CD16b, -2, -3a, -4a, and -5a; and HLA, but not by antibodies against HNA-4b. We report a case of NAIN due to anti- HNA-4b alloimmunization in a term neonate. An infant with persistent and marked neutropenia was suspected of having neonatal alloimmune neutropenia. Blood samples from both parents were investigated for HNA and HLA incompatibilities by molecular typing techniques and the mother for the presence of HNA and HLA antibodies by serologic techniques. Initial results indicated the presence of granulocyte antibodies in the maternal serum, the specificity of which were shown to be anti-HNA-4b. Subsequently, the mother was genotyped as HNA-4b negative and the father as heterozygous HNA-4ab. The child was shown to have inherited the incompatible HNA-4b allele. We have demonstrated the first case of NAIN due to maternal alloimmunization against HNA-4b, pending ratification by the International Granulocyte Immunobiology Workshop. © 2016 AABB.

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

    PubMed

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

    2016-06-01

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

  13. CD4+CD25+ T-Cells Control Autoimmunity in the Absence of B-Cells

    PubMed Central

    Mariño, Eliana; Villanueva, Jeanette; Walters, Stacey; Liuwantara, David; Mackay, Fabienne; Grey, Shane T.

    2009-01-01

    OBJECTIVE Tumor necrosis factor ligand family members B-cell–activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) can exert powerful effects on B-cell activation and development, type 1 T-helper cell (Th1) immune responses, and autoimmunity. We examined the effect of blocking BAFF and APRIL on the development of autoimmune diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Female NOD mice were administered B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-Fc from 9 to 15 weeks of age. Diabetes incidence, islet pathology, and T- and B-cell populations were examined. RESULTS BCMA-Fc treatment reduced the severity of insulitis and prevented diabetes development in NOD mice. BCMA-Fc–treated mice showed reduced follicular, marginal-zone, and T2MZ B-cells. B-cell reduction was accompanied by decreased frequencies of pathogenic CD4+CD40+ T-cells and reduced Th1 cytokines IL-7, IL-15, and IL-17. Thus, T-cell activation was blunted with reduced B-cells. However, BCMA-Fc–treated mice still harbored detectable diabetogenic T-cells, suggesting that regulatory mechanisms contributed to diabetes prevention. Indeed, BCMA-Fc–treated mice accumulated increased CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) with age. CD4+CD25+ cells were essential for maintaining euglycemia because their depletion abrogated BCMA-Fc–mediated protection. BCMA-Fc did not directly affect Treg homeostasis given that CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T-cells did not express TACI or BR3 receptors and that CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T-cell frequencies were equivalent in wild-type, BAFF−/−, TACI−/−, BCMA−/−, and BR3−/− mice. Rather, B-cell depletion resulted in CD4+CD25+ T-cell–mediated protection from diabetes because anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody treatment precipitated diabetes in both diabetes-resistant NOD.μMT−/− and BCMA-Fc–treated mice. CONCLUSIONS BAFF/APRIL blockade prevents diabetes. BCMA-Fc reduces B-cells, subsequently blunting autoimmune activity and allowing endogenous regulatory mechanisms to preserve a

  14. Formation of MgO-B{sub 4}C composite via a thermite-based combustion reaction

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

    Wang, L.L.; Munir, Z.A.; Holt, J.B.

    1995-03-01

    The combustion synthesis of MgO-B{sub 4}C composites was investigated by coupling a highly exothermic Mg-B{sub 2}O{sub 3} thermite reaction with a weakly exothermic B{sub 4}C formation reaction. Unlike the case of using Al as the reducing agent, the interaction between Mg and B{sub 2}O{sub 3} depends on the surrounding inert gas pressure due to the high vapor pressure of Mg. The interaction changes from one involving predominantly gaseous Mg and liquid B{sub 2}O{sub 3} to one involving liquid Mg and liquid B{sub 2}O{sub 3} as the pressure increases. At low inert gas pressure, the initiation temperature is found to bemore » just below the melting point of Mg (650 C). As the inert gas pressure increases, the vaporization loss of reactants is reduced, and this in turn increases the combustion temperature, which promotes greater grain growth of the product phases, MgO and B{sub 4}C. The particle size of B{sub 4}C increased from about 0.2 to 5 {mu}m as the pressure changed from 1 to 30 atm.« less

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

    PubMed

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

    2016-11-01

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

  16. High CHMP4B expression is associated with accelerated cell proliferation and resistance to doxorubicin in hepatocellular carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Hu, Baoying; Jiang, Dawei; Chen, Yuyan; Wei, Lixian; Zhang, Shusen; Zhao, Fengbo; Ni, Runzhou; Lu, Cuihua; Wan, Chunhua

    2015-04-01

    Charged multivesicular body protein 4B (CHMP4B), a subunit of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-III complex, plays an important part in cytokinetic membrane abscission and the late stage of mitotic cell division. In this study, we explored the prognostic significance of CHMP4B in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its impact on the physiology of HCC cells. Western blot and immunohistochemistrical analyses showed that CHMP4B was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues, compared with adjacent non-tumorous tissues. Meanwhile, clinicopathological analysis revealed that high CHMP4B expression was correlated with multiple clinicopathological variables, including AFP, cirrhosis, AJCC stage, Ki-67 expression, and poor prognosis. More importantly, univariate and multivariate survival analyses demonstrated that CHMP4B served as an independent prognostic factor for survival of HCC patients. Using HCC cell cultures, we found that the expression of CHMP4B was progressively upregulated after the release from serum starvation. To verify whether CHMP4B could regulate the proliferation of HCC cells, CHMP4B was knocked down through the transfection of CHMP4B-siRNA oligos. Flow cytometry and CCK-8 assays indicated that interference of CHMP4B led to cell cycle arrest and proliferative impairment of HCC cells. Additionally, depletion of CHMP4B expression could increase the sensitivity to doxorubicin in HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Taken together, our results implied that CHMP4B could be a promising prognostic biomarker as well as a potential therapeutic target of HCC.

  17. Polarized neutron scattering study of the multiple order parameter system NdB 4 [Polarized neutron scattering study on multiple order parameter system NdB 4

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

    Metoki, Naoto; Yamauchi, Hiroki; Matsuda, Masaaki

    Neutron polarization analysis has been carried out in order to clarify the magnetic structures of multiple order parameter f-electron system NdB 4. We confirmed the noncollinear “all-in all-out” structure (Γ 4) of the in-plane moment, which is in good agreement with our previous neutron powder diffraction study. We found that the magnetic moment along the c-axis m c showed diagonally antiferromagnetic structure (Γ 10), inconsistent with previously reported “vortex” structure (Γ 2). The microscopic mixture of these two structures with →q 0=(0,0,0) appears in phase II and remains stable in phases III and IV, where an incommensurate modulation coexists. Themore » unusual magnetic ordering is phenomenologically understood via Landau theory with the primary order parameter Γ 4 coupled with higher-order secondary order parameter Γ 10. The magnetic moments were estimated to be 1.8 ± 0.2 and 0.2 ± 0.05μ B at T = 7.5K for Γ 4 and Γ 10, respectively. We also found a long-period incommensurate modulation of the →q 1=(0,0,1/2) antiferromagnetic structure of mc with the propagation →q s1=(0.14,0.14,0.1) and →q s2=(0.2,0,0.1) in phase III and IV, respectively. The amplitude of sinusoidal modulation was about m c=1.0 ± 0.2μ B at T=1.5 K. The local (0,0,1/2) structure consists of in-plane ferromagnetic and out-of-plane antiferromagnetic coupling of m c, opposite to the coexisting Γ 10. The mc of Γ 10 is significantly enhanced up to 0.6μ B at T=1.5 K, which is accompanied by the incommensurate modulations. As a result, the Landau phenomenological approach indicates that the higher-order magnetic and/or multipole interactions based on the pseudoquartet f-electron state play important roles.« less

  18. Polarized neutron scattering study of the multiple order parameter system NdB 4 [Polarized neutron scattering study on multiple order parameter system NdB 4

    DOE PAGES

    Metoki, Naoto; Yamauchi, Hiroki; Matsuda, Masaaki; ...

    2018-05-17

    Neutron polarization analysis has been carried out in order to clarify the magnetic structures of multiple order parameter f-electron system NdB 4. We confirmed the noncollinear “all-in all-out” structure (Γ 4) of the in-plane moment, which is in good agreement with our previous neutron powder diffraction study. We found that the magnetic moment along the c-axis m c showed diagonally antiferromagnetic structure (Γ 10), inconsistent with previously reported “vortex” structure (Γ 2). The microscopic mixture of these two structures with →q 0=(0,0,0) appears in phase II and remains stable in phases III and IV, where an incommensurate modulation coexists. Themore » unusual magnetic ordering is phenomenologically understood via Landau theory with the primary order parameter Γ 4 coupled with higher-order secondary order parameter Γ 10. The magnetic moments were estimated to be 1.8 ± 0.2 and 0.2 ± 0.05μ B at T = 7.5K for Γ 4 and Γ 10, respectively. We also found a long-period incommensurate modulation of the →q 1=(0,0,1/2) antiferromagnetic structure of mc with the propagation →q s1=(0.14,0.14,0.1) and →q s2=(0.2,0,0.1) in phase III and IV, respectively. The amplitude of sinusoidal modulation was about m c=1.0 ± 0.2μ B at T=1.5 K. The local (0,0,1/2) structure consists of in-plane ferromagnetic and out-of-plane antiferromagnetic coupling of m c, opposite to the coexisting Γ 10. The mc of Γ 10 is significantly enhanced up to 0.6μ B at T=1.5 K, which is accompanied by the incommensurate modulations. As a result, the Landau phenomenological approach indicates that the higher-order magnetic and/or multipole interactions based on the pseudoquartet f-electron state play important roles.« less

  19. 4. GENERAL VIEW OF LAUNCH PAD B FROM LAUNCH PAD ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    4. GENERAL VIEW OF LAUNCH PAD B FROM LAUNCH PAD A MOBILE SERVICE STRUCTURE; VIEW TO SOUTH. - Cape Canaveral Air Station, Launch Complex 17, Facility 28402, East end of Lighthouse Road, Cape Canaveral, Brevard County, FL

  20. B cells and TCR avidity determine distinct functions of CD4+ T cells in retroviral infection1

    PubMed Central

    Ploquin, Mickaël J-Y; Eksmond, Urszula; Kassiotis, George

    2011-01-01

    The T-cell-dependent B-cell response relies on cognate interaction between B cells and CD4+ Th cells. However, the consequences of this interaction for CD4+ T cells are not entirely known. B cells generally promote CD4+ T-cell responses to pathogens, albeit to a variable degree. In contrast, CD4+ T-cell responses to self or tumor antigens are often suppressed by B cells. Here we demonstrated that interaction with B cells dramatically inhibited the function of virus-specific CD4+ T cells in retroviral infection. We have used Friend virus (FV) infection of mice as a model for retroviral infection, in which the behavior of virus-specific CD4+ T cells was monitored according to their TCR avidity. We report that avidity for antigen and interaction with B cells determine distinct aspects of the primary CD4+ T-cell response to FV infection. Virus-specific CD4+ T cells followed exclusive Th1 and T follicular helper (Tfh) differentiation. High avidity for antigen facilitated expansion during priming and enhanced the capacity for IFN-γ and IL-21 production. In contrast, Tfh differentiation was not affected by avidity for antigen. By reducing or preventing B-cell interaction we found that B cells promoted Tfh differentiation, induced programmed death 1 (PD-1) expression and inhibited IFN-γ production by virus-specific CD4+ T cells. Ultimately, B cells protected hosts from CD4+ T-cell-mediated immune pathology, at the detriment of CD4+ T-cell-mediated protective immunity. Our results suggest that B-cell presentation of vaccine antigens could be manipulated to direct the appropriate CD4+ T-cell response. PMID:21841129

  1. A vitamin B12 conjugate of exendin-4 improves glucose tolerance without associated nausea or hypophagia in rodents.

    PubMed

    Mietlicki-Baase, Elizabeth G; Liberini, Claudia G; Workinger, Jayme L; Bonaccorso, Ron L; Borner, Tito; Reiner, David J; Koch-Laskowski, Kieran; McGrath, Lauren E; Lhamo, Rinzin; Stein, Lauren M; De Jonghe, Bart C; Holz, George G; Roth, Christian L; Doyle, Robert P; Hayes, Matthew R

    2018-05-01

    While pharmacological glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, a major side effect is nausea/malaise. We recently developed a conjugate of vitamin B12 (B12) bound to the GLP-1R agonist exendin-4 (Ex4), which displays enhanced proteolytic stability and retention of GLP-1R agonism. Here, we evaluate whether the conjugate (B12-Ex4) can improve glucose tolerance without producing anorexia and malaise. We evaluated the effects of systemic B12-Ex4 and unconjugated Ex4 on food intake and body weight change, oral glucose tolerance and nausea/malaise in male rats, and on intraperitoneal glucose tolerance in mice. To evaluate whether differences in the profile of effects of B12-Ex4 vs unconjugated Ex4 are the result of altered CNS penetrance, rats received systemic injections of fluorescein-Ex4 (Flex), Cy5-B12 or Cy5-B12-Ex4 and brain penetrance was evaluated using confocal microscopy. Uptake of systemically administered Cy5-B12-Ex4 in insulin-containing pancreatic beta cells was also examined. B12-Ex4 conjugate improves glucose tolerance, but does not elicit the malaise and anorexia produced by unconjugated Ex4. While Flex robustly penetrates into the brain (dorsal vagal complex, paraventricular hypothalamus), Cy5-B12 and Cy5-B12-Ex4 fluorescence were not observed centrally, supporting an absence of CNS penetrance, in line with observed reduction in CNS-associated Ex4 side effects. Cy5-B12-Ex4 colocalizes with insulin in the pancreas, suggesting direct pancreatic action as a potential mechanism underlying the hypoglycaemic effects of B12-Ex4. These novel findings highlight the potential clinical utility of B12-Ex4 conjugates as possible future T2DM therapeutics with reduced incidence of adverse effects. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  2. N(4)-[B-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan)methyl]-2'-deoxycytidine as a potential boron delivery agent with respect to glioblastoma.

    PubMed

    Uram, Łukasz; Nizioł, Joanna; Maj, Piotr; Sobich, Justyna; Rode, Wojciech; Ruman, Tomasz

    2017-11-01

    Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a central nervous system tumor of grade IV, according to the WHO classification, extremely resistant to all currently used forms of therapy, including resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or combined therapy. Therefore, more effective treatment strategies of this tumor are needed, with boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) being a potential solution, provided a proper cancer cells-targeted 10B delivery agent is found. In search of such an agent, toxicity and capacity to target DNA of a boronated derivative of 2'-deoxycytidine, N(4)-[B-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan)methyl]-2'-deoxycytidine (1), was tested against human tumor vs. normal cells. The present in vitro results revealed 1 to show low toxicity for human U-118 MG glioma cells (in the mM range) and even by 3-4 - fold lower against normal human fibroblasts. In accord, induction of apoptosis dependent on caspase-3 and caspase-7 was detected at high (>20mM) concentration of 1. Although demonstrated to be susceptible to phosphorylation by human deoxycytidine kinase and to undergo incorporation in cellular DNA, the boron analogue did not disturb cell proliferation when applied at non-toxic concentrations and showed low toxicity to a model metazoan organism, Caenorhabditis elegans. Thus, N(4)-[B-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan)methyl]-2'-deoxycytidine appears a promising candidate for a 10B delivery agent to be used in BNCT, with C. elegans indicated as a good model for in vivo studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  3. B7-H4 expression is correlated with tumor progression and clinical outcome in urothelial cell carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Fan, Min; Zhuang, Qianfeng; Chen, Yiming; Ding, Tao; Yao, Hongwei; Chen, Lujun; He, Xiaozhou; Xu, Xianlin

    2014-01-01

    To investigate the mRNA and protein levels of B7-H4, a B7 family molecule, in human urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC), to analyze the relationship between B7-H4 protein expression level and pathological stage of UCC, and to examine the potential of B7-H4 as a prognostic factor in UCC. mRNA and protein levels of B7-H4 were measured in pairs of tumor tissues and matched adjacent nontumor tissue obtained from patients with UCC by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Association of the protein level of B7-H4 with pathological tumor stage and the overall survival of UCC patients were also analyzed. B7-H4 mRNA and protein level were significantly higher in UCC tumor tissues compared with adjacent nontumor tissues as assessed by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Higher B7-H4 protein levels were observed in patients with more advanced pathological stage of UCC and were also associated with decreased overall survival of patients with UCC. The findings from this study indicate that B7-H4 has the potential to be an independent prognostic indicator for UCC.

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

    PubMed

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

    2018-03-01

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

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

    PubMed Central

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

    2007-01-01

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

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

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

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

    1996-10-01

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

  7. Fabrication of MPEG-b-PMAA capped YVO4:Eu nanoparticles with biocompatibility for cell imaging.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yue; Li, Xiao-Shuang; Hu, Jia; Guo, Miao; Liu, Wei-Jun; Feng, Yi-Mei; Xie, Jing-Ran; Du, Gui-Xiang

    2015-12-01

    A novel nanoparticle with multilayer core-shell architecture for cell imaging is designed and synthesized by coating a fluorescent YVO4:Eu core with a diblock copolymer, MPEG-b-PMAA. The synthesis of YVO4:Eu core, which further makes MPEG-b-PMAA-YVO4:Eu NPs adapt for cell imaging, is guided by the model determined upon the evaluation of pH and CEu%. The PMAA block attached tightly on the YVO4:Eu core forms the inner shell and the MPEG block forms the biocompatible outermost shell. Factors including reaction time, reaction temperature, CEu% and pH are optimized for the preparation of the YVO4:Eu NPs. A precise defined model is established according to analyzing the coefficients of pH and CEu% during the synthesis. The MPEG-b-PMAA-YVO4:Eu NPs, with an average diameter of 24 nm, have a tetragonal structure and demonstrate luminescence in the red region, which lies in a biological window (optical imaging). Significant enhancement in luminescence intensity by MPEG-b-PMAA-YVO4:Eu NPs formation is observed. The capping copolymer MPEG-b-PMAA improves the dispersibility of hydrophobic YVO4:Eu NPs in water, making the NPs stable under different conditions. In addition, the biocompatibility MPEG layer reduces the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles effectively. 95% cell viability can be achieved at the NPs concentration of 800 mgL(-1) after 24h of culture. Cellular uptake of the MPEG-b-PMAA-YVO4:Eu NPs is evaluated by cell imaging assay, indicating that the NPs can be taken up rapidly and largely by cancerous or non-cancerous cells through an endocytosis mechanism. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

    PubMed

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

    2018-01-01

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

  9. Effect of β-glucan on MUC4 and MUC5B expression in human airway epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Kim, Yong-Dae; Bae, Chang Hoon; Song, Si-Youn; Choi, Yoon Seok

    2015-08-01

    β-Glucan is found in the cell walls of fungi, bacteria, and some plant tissues, and is detected by the innate immune system. Furthermore, this recognition is known to worsen respiratory symptoms in patients with allergic and inflammatory airway diseases. However, the means by which β-glucan affects the secretion of major mucins by human airway epithelial cells has not been elucidated. Therefore, in this study, the effect and signaling pathway of β-glucan on mucins MUC4 and MUC5B were investigated in human airway epithelial cells. In NCI-H292 cells and human normal nasal epithelial cells, the effect and signaling pathway of β-glucan on MUC4 and MUC5B expression were investigated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time PCR, enzyme immunoassay, and immunoblot analysis with specific inhibitors and small interfering RNA (siRNA). β-Glucan increased MUC4 and MUC5B expression and activated the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC; a NF-κB inhibitor) inhibited β-glucan-induced MUC4 and MUC5B expression. In addition, siRNA knockdown of p38 MAPK blocked β-glucan-induced MUC4 and MUC5B mRNA expression and β-glucan-activated phosphorylation of NF-κB. Furthermore, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mRNA expression was increased by β-glucan, and siRNA knockdown of TLR4 blocked β-glucan-induced MUC4 and MUC5B mRNA expression and β-glucan-activated phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB. These results demonstrate that in human airway epithelial cells β-glucan induces MUC4 and MUC5B expression via the TLR4-p38 MAPK-NF-κB signaling pathway. © 2015 ARS-AAOA, LLC.

  10. Theoretical Prediction of the Heats of Formation, Densities, and Relative Sensitivities for 1,7-dinitro-3,4,5,8-tetra N-oxide-bis([1,2,3]triazolo)[4,5-b:5’,4’ e]pyrazine, 1,7-dinitro-3,5,8-tri N-oxide bis([1,2,3]triazolo)[4,5-b:5’,4’ e]pyrazine, 1,7-dinitro 3,5-bis N-oxide bis([1,2,3]triazolo)[4,5-b:5’,4’ e]pyrazine, 1,7-dinitro 1,7-dihydrobis([1,2,3]triazolo)[4,5-b:4’,5’-e]pyrazine

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-09-01

    2 Fig. 2 Electrostatic potential map of 1, without a) and with b) molecule overlay...3 Fig. 3 Electrostatic potential map of 2, without a) and with b) molecule overlay...3 Fig. 4 Electrostatic potential map of 3, without a) and

  11. Coordination of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 and seven-up controls insect counter-defense cathepsin B expression.

    PubMed

    Ahn, Ji-Eun; Guarino, Linda A; Zhu-Salzman, Keyan

    2010-02-26

    CmCatB, a cathepsin B-type cysteine protease, is insensitive to inhibition by the soybean cysteine protease inhibitor (scN). Cowpea bruchids dramatically induce CmCatB expression when major digestive proteases are inactivated by dietary scN, which is presumably an adaptive strategy that insects use to minimize effects of nutrient deficiency. In this study, we cloned the cowpea bruchid hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (CmHNF-4) and demonstrated its involvement in transcriptional activation of CmCatB in the digestive tract of scN-adapted bruchids. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that CmHNF-4 binds to a CmCatB promoter region containing two tandem chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter (COUP) sites, which is also the cis-element for Seven-up (CmSvp), a previously identified transcriptional repressor of CmCatB. Although CmSvp is predominantly expressed in unadapted insect midgut, CmHNF-4 is more abundant in adapted bruchids. When transiently expressed in Drosophila S2 cells, CmHNF-4 substantially increased CmCatB expression through COUP binding. CmSvp inhibited CmHNF-4-mediated transcriptional activation even in the absence of its DNA-binding domain. Thus antagonism resulted, at least in part, from protein-protein interactions between CmSvp and CmHNF-4. Association of the two transcription factors was subsequently confirmed by glutathione S-transferase pulldown assays. Interestingly, anti-CmHNF-4 serum caused a supershift not only with nuclear extracts of scN-adapted insect midgut but with that of unadapted control insects as well. The presence of CmHNF-4 in unadapted insects further supported the idea that interplay between CmSvp and CmHNF-4 controls CmCatB transcription activation. Together, these results suggest that coordination between CmHNF-4 and CmSvp is important in counter-defense gene regulation in insects.

  12. TLR4 signaling shapes B cell dynamics via MyD88-dependent pathways and Rac GTPases.

    PubMed

    Barrio, Laura; Saez de Guinoa, Julia; Carrasco, Yolanda R

    2013-10-01

    B cells use a plethora of TLR to recognize pathogen-derived ligands. These innate signals have an important function in the B cell adaptive immune response and modify their trafficking and tissue location. The direct role of TLR signaling on B cell dynamics nonetheless remains almost entirely unknown. In this study, we used a state-of-the-art two-dimensional model combined with real-time microscopy to study the effect of TLR4 stimulation on mouse B cell motility in response to chemokines. We show that a minimum stimulation period is necessary for TLR4 modification of B cell behavior. TLR4 stimulation increased B cell polarization, migration, and directionality; these increases were dependent on the MyD88 signaling pathway and did not require ERK or p38 MAPK activity downstream of TLR4. In addition, TLR4 stimulation enhanced Rac GTPase activity and promoted sustained Rac activation in response to chemokines. These results increase our understanding of the regulation of B cell dynamics by innate signals and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

  13. Electrochemical Behavior of Al-B4C Metal Matrix Composites in NaCl Solution

    PubMed Central

    Han, Yu-Mei; Chen, X.-Grant

    2015-01-01

    Aluminum based metal matrix composites (MMCs) have received considerable attention in the automotive, aerospace and nuclear industries. One of the main challenges using Al-based MMCs is the influence of the reinforcement particles on the corrosion resistance. In the present study, the corrosion behavior of Al-B4C MMCs in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution were investigated using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Results indicated that the corrosion resistance of the composites decreased when increasing the B4C volume fraction. Al-B4C composite was susceptible to pitting corrosion and two types of pits were observed on the composite surface. The corrosion mechanism of the composite in the NaCl solution was primarily controlled by oxygen diffusion in the solution. In addition, the galvanic couples that formed between Al matrix and B4C particles could also be responsible for the lower corrosion resistance of the composites. PMID:28793574

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

    PubMed

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

    2010-06-01

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

  15. An erythroid-specific ATP2B4 enhancer mediates red blood cell hydration and malaria susceptibility

    PubMed Central

    Lessard, Samuel; Gatof, Emily Stern; Schupp, Patrick G.; Sher, Falak; Ali, Adnan; Prehar, Sukhpal; Kurita, Ryo; Nakamura, Yukio; Baena, Esther; Oceandy, Delvac; Bauer, Daniel E.

    2017-01-01

    The lack of mechanistic explanations for many genotype-phenotype associations identified by GWAS precludes thorough assessment of their impact on human health. Here, we conducted an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping analysis in erythroblasts and found erythroid-specific eQTLs for ATP2B4, the main calcium ATPase of red blood cells (rbc). The same SNPs were previously associated with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and susceptibility to severe malaria infection. We showed that Atp2b4–/– mice demonstrate increased MCHC, confirming ATP2B4 as the causal gene at this GWAS locus. Using CRISPR-Cas9, we fine mapped the genetic signal to an erythroid-specific enhancer of ATP2B4. Erythroid cells with a deletion of the ATP2B4 enhancer had abnormally high intracellular calcium levels. These results illustrate the power of combined transcriptomic, epigenomic, and genome-editing approaches in characterizing noncoding regulatory elements in phenotype-relevant cells. Our study supports ATP2B4 as a potential target for modulating rbc hydration in erythroid disorders and malaria infection. PMID:28714864

  16. An erythroid-specific ATP2B4 enhancer mediates red blood cell hydration and malaria susceptibility.

    PubMed

    Lessard, Samuel; Gatof, Emily Stern; Beaudoin, Mélissa; Schupp, Patrick G; Sher, Falak; Ali, Adnan; Prehar, Sukhpal; Kurita, Ryo; Nakamura, Yukio; Baena, Esther; Ledoux, Jonathan; Oceandy, Delvac; Bauer, Daniel E; Lettre, Guillaume

    2017-08-01

    The lack of mechanistic explanations for many genotype-phenotype associations identified by GWAS precludes thorough assessment of their impact on human health. Here, we conducted an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping analysis in erythroblasts and found erythroid-specific eQTLs for ATP2B4, the main calcium ATPase of red blood cells (rbc). The same SNPs were previously associated with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and susceptibility to severe malaria infection. We showed that Atp2b4-/- mice demonstrate increased MCHC, confirming ATP2B4 as the causal gene at this GWAS locus. Using CRISPR-Cas9, we fine mapped the genetic signal to an erythroid-specific enhancer of ATP2B4. Erythroid cells with a deletion of the ATP2B4 enhancer had abnormally high intracellular calcium levels. These results illustrate the power of combined transcriptomic, epigenomic, and genome-editing approaches in characterizing noncoding regulatory elements in phenotype-relevant cells. Our study supports ATP2B4 as a potential target for modulating rbc hydration in erythroid disorders and malaria infection.

  17. Crystal structure of a cytochrome P450 2B6 genetic variant in complex with the inhibitor 4-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazole at 2.0-A resolution.

    PubMed

    Gay, Sean C; Shah, Manish B; Talakad, Jyothi C; Maekawa, Keiko; Roberts, Arthur G; Wilderman, P Ross; Sun, Ling; Yang, Jane Y; Huelga, Stephanie C; Hong, Wen-Xu; Zhang, Qinghai; Stout, C David; Halpert, James R

    2010-04-01

    The structure of the K262R genetic variant of human cytochrome P450 2B6 in complex with the inhibitor 4-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazole (4-CPI) has been determined using X-ray crystallography to 2.0-A resolution. Production of diffraction quality crystals was enabled through a combination of protein engineering, chaperone coexpression, modifications to the purification protocol, and the use of unique facial amphiphiles during crystallization. The 2B6-4-CPI complex is virtually identical to the rabbit 2B4 structure bound to the same inhibitor with respect to the arrangement of secondary structural elements and the placement of active site residues. The structure supports prior P450 2B6 homology models based on other mammalian cytochromes P450 and is consistent with the limited site-directed mutagenesis studies on 2B6 and extensive studies on P450 2B4 and 2B1. Although the K262R genetic variant shows unaltered binding of 4-CPI, altered binding affinity, kinetics, and/or product profiles have been previously shown with several other ligands. On the basis of new P450 2B6 crystal structure and previous 2B4 structures, substitutions at residue 262 affect a hydrogen-bonding network connecting the G and H helices, where subtle differences could be transduced to the active site. Docking experiments indicate that the closed protein conformation allows smaller ligands such as ticlopidine to bind to the 2B6 active site in the expected orientation. However, it is unknown whether 2B6 undergoes structural reorganization to accommodate bulkier molecules, as previously inferred from multiple P450 2B4 crystal structures.

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

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

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

  19. Simulations in support of the T4B experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qerushi, Artan; Ross, Patrick; Lohff, Chriss; Raymond, Anthony; Montecalvo, Niccolo

    2017-10-01

    Simulations in support of the T4B experiment are presented. These include a Grad-Shafranov equilibrium solver and equilibrium reconstruction from flux-loop measurements, collision radiative models for plasma spectroscopy (determination of electron density and temperature from line ratios) and fast ion test particle codes for neutral beam - plasma coupling. ©2017 Lockheed Martin Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

  20. 26 CFR 1.851-3 - Rules applicable to section 851(b)(4).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment... investment in the securities of any one issuer, for the purposes of subparagraph (B) of section 851(b)(4), there shall be included its proper proportion of the investment of any other corporation, a member of a...

  1. 26 CFR 1.851-3 - Rules applicable to section 851(b)(4).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment... investment in the securities of any one issuer, for the purposes of subparagraph (B) of section 851(b)(4), there shall be included its proper proportion of the investment of any other corporation, a member of a...

  2. 26 CFR 1.851-3 - Rules applicable to section 851(b)(4).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment... investment in the securities of any one issuer, for the purposes of subparagraph (B) of section 851(b)(4), there shall be included its proper proportion of the investment of any other corporation, a member of a...

  3. 26 CFR 1.851-3 - Rules applicable to section 851(b)(4).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED) Regulated Investment Companies and Real Estate Investment... investment in the securities of any one issuer, for the purposes of subparagraph (B) of section 851(b)(4), there shall be included its proper proportion of the investment of any other corporation, a member of a...

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

    PubMed

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

    2016-12-01

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

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

    PubMed

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

    2004-08-01

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

  6. B4C as a stable non-carbon-based oxygen electrode material for lithium-oxygen batteries

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

    Song, Shidong; Xu, Wu; Cao, Ruiguo

    Lithium-oxygen (Li-O 2) batteries have extremely high theoretical specific capacities and energy densities when compared with Li-ion batteries. However, the instability of both electrolyte and carbon-based oxygen electrode related to the nucleophilic attack of reduced oxygen species during oxygen reduction reaction and the electrochemical oxidation during oxygen evolution reaction are recognized as the major challenges in this field. Here we report the application of boron carbide (B 4C) as the non-carbon based oxygen electrode material for aprotic Li-O 2 batteries. B 4C has high resistance to chemical attack, good conductivity, excellent catalytic activity and low density that are suitable formore » battery applications. The electrochemical activity and chemical stability of B4C are systematically investigated in aprotic electrolyte. Li-O 2 cells using B4C based air electrodes exhibit better cycling stability than those used TiC based air electrode in 1 M LiTf-Tetraglyme electrolyte. The degradation of B 4C based electrode is mainly due to be the loss of active sites on B 4C electrode during cycles as identified by the structure and composition characterizations. These results clearly demonstrate that B 4C is a very promising alternative oxygen electrode material for aprotic Li-O 2 batteries. It can also be used as a standard electrode to investigate the stability of electrolytes.« less

  7. Intracavitary 'T4 immunotherapy' of malignant mesothelioma using pan-ErbB re-targeted CAR T-cells.

    PubMed

    Klampatsa, Astero; Achkova, Daniela Y; Davies, David M; Parente-Pereira, Ana C; Woodman, Natalie; Rosekilly, James; Osborne, Georgina; Thayaparan, Thivyan; Bille, Andrea; Sheaf, Michael; Spicer, James F; King, Juliet; Maher, John

    2017-05-01

    Malignant mesothelioma remains an incurable cancer. We demonstrated that mesotheliomas expressed EGFR (79.2%), ErbB4 (49.0%) and HER2 (6.3%), but lacked ErbB3. At least one ErbB family member was expressed in 88% of tumors. To exploit ErbB dysregulation in this disease, patient T-cells were engineered by retroviral transduction to express a panErbB-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), co-expressed with a chimeric cytokine receptor that allows interleukin (IL)-4 mediated CAR T-cell proliferation. This combination is referred to as T4 immunotherapy. T-cells from mesothelioma patients were uniformly amenable to T4 genetic modification and expansion/enrichment thereafter using IL-4. Patient-derived T4 + T-cells were activated upon contact with a panel of four mesothelioma cell lines, leading to cytotoxicity and cytokine release in all cases. Adoptive transfer of T4 immunotherapy to SCID Beige mice with an established bioluminescent LO68 mesothelioma xenograft was followed by regression or eradication of disease in all animals. Despite the established ability of T4 immunotherapy to elicit cytokine release syndrome in SCID Beige mice, therapy was very well tolerated. These findings provide a strong rationale for the clinical evaluation of intracavitary T4 immunotherapy to treat mesothelioma. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Effects of pharmacological and genetic disruption of CXCR4 chemokine receptor function in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

    PubMed

    Randhawa, Shubhchintan; Cho, Byung S; Ghosh, Dipanjan; Sivina, Mariela; Koehrer, Stefan; Müschen, Markus; Peled, Amnon; Davis, Richard E; Konopleva, Marina; Burger, Jan A

    2016-08-01

    B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) cells express high levels of CXCR4 chemokine receptors for homing and retention within the marrow microenvironment. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) secrete CXCL12, the ligand for CXCR4, and protect B-ALL cells from cytotoxic drugs. Therefore, the therapeutic use of CXCR4 antagonists has been proposed to disrupt cross talk between B-ALL cells and the protective stroma. Because CXCR4 antagonists can have activating agonistic function, we compared the genetic and pharmacological deletion of CXCR4 in B-ALL cells, using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and CXCR4 antagonists that are in clinical use (plerixafor, BKT140). Both genetic and pharmacological CXCR4 inhibition significantly reduced B-ALL cell migration to CXCL12 gradients and beneath BMSC, and restored drug sensitivity to dexamethasone, vincristine and cyclophosphamide. NOD/SCID/IL-2rγnull mice injected with CXCR4 gene-deleted B-ALL cells had significant delay in disease progression and superior survival when compared to control mice injected with CXCR4 wild-type B-ALL cells. These findings indicate that anti-leukaemia activity of CXCR4 antagonists is primarily due to CXCR4 inhibition, rather than agonistic activity, and corroborate that CXCR4 is an important target to overcome stroma-mediated drug resistance in B-ALL. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  9. Boron uptake in tumors, cerebrum and blood from [10B]NA4B24H22S2

    DOEpatents

    Slatkin, Daniel N.; Micca, Peggy L.; Fairchild, Ralph G.

    1988-08-02

    A stable boronated (.sup.10 B-labeled) compound, sodium mercaptoundecahydrododecaborate is infused in the form of the disulfide dimer, [.sup.10 B]Na.sub.4 B.sub.24 H.sub.22 S.sub.2, at a dose of about 200 .mu.g .sup.10 B per gm body weight. The infusion is performed into the blood or peritoneal cavity of the patient slowly over a period of many days, perhaps one week or more, at the rate of roughly 1 .mu.g .sup.10 B per gm body weight per hour. Use of this particular boronated dimer in the manner or similarly to the manner so described permits radiotherapeutically effective amounts of boron to accumulate in tumors to be treated by boron neutron capture radiation therapy and also permits sufficient retention of boron in tumor after the cessation of the slow infusion, so as to allow the blood concentration of .sup.10 B to drop or to be reduced artificially to a radiotherapeutically effective level, less than one-half of the concentration of .sup.10 B in the tumor.

  10. Boron uptake in tumors, cerebrum and blood from [10B]NA4B24H22S2

    DOEpatents

    Slatkin, Daniel N.; Micca, Peggy L.; Fairchild, Ralph G.

    1988-01-01

    A stable boronated (.sup.10 B-labeled) compound, sodium mercaptoundecahydrododecaborate is infused in the form of the disulfide dimer, [.sup.10 B]Na.sub.4 B.sub.24 H.sub.22 S.sub.2, at a dose of about 200 .mu.g .sup.10 B per gm body weight. The infusion is performed into the blood or peritoneal cavity of the patient slowly over a period of many days, perhaps one week or more, at the rate of roughly 1 .mu.g .sup.10 B per gm body weight per hour. Use of this particular boronated dimer in the manner or similarly to the manner so described permits radiotherapeutically effective amounts of boron to accumulate in tumors to be treated by boron neutron capture radiation therapy and also permits sufficient retention of boron in tumor after the cessation of the slow infusion, so as to allow the blood concentration of .sup.10 B to drop or to be reduced artificially to a radiotherapeutically effective level, less than one-half of the concentration of .sup.10 B in the tumor.

  11. A low band-gap polymer based on unsubstituted benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene for high performance organic photovoltaics

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

    Woong Jung, Jae; Woong Jo, Jea; Liu, Feng

    2012-01-01

    A low band-gap conjugated polymer, PBDTDPP, composed of unsubstituted benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene and diketopyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole was synthesized. The deep HOMO level of PBDTDPP enhances the VOC of a PSC up to 0.82 V and exhibits a PCE of 5.16%, while alkoxy substituted PBDTDPP-OR yields a PCE of 2.24% with a VOC of 0.61 V.

  12. Persistence of antibodies in adolescents 18−24 months after immunization with one, two, or three doses of 4CMenB meningococcal serogroup B vaccine

    PubMed Central

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

    2013-01-01

    We previously demonstrated the immunogenicity and tolerability of the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine, 4CMenB (Bexsero®), in 11−17 y-olds randomized to receive 1, 2, or 3 doses at 1, 2, or 6 mo intervals. Participants in this extension study provided an additional blood sample 18−24 mo after last vaccine dose, to assess persistence of serum bactericidal activity with human complement (hSBA), and to compare with age-matched 4CMenB-naïve controls. In the original study, one month after one 4CMenB dose, 93% of subjects had seroprotective hSBA titers (≥4) against indicator serogroup B strains for individual vaccine antigens (fHbp, NadA and NZOMV), increasing to ~100% after two or three doses. After 18−24 mo, 62−73% of subjects given one dose had titers ≥4 against the three antigens, significantly lower rates than after two (77−94%) or three (86−97%) doses. Only proportions with titers ≥ 4 against NZOMV were significantly different between the two (77%) and three (90%, p < 0.0001) dose groups. These results confirm that two doses of 4CMenB, administered 1 to 6 mo apart, provide good levels of bactericidal activity against serogroup B meningococci, which were sustained at least 18−24 mo in over 64% of adolescents for all three tested vaccine-related antigens. PMID:23811804

  13. CUL4B ubiquitin ligase in mouse development: a model for human X-linked mental retardation syndrome?

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yongchao; Sun, Yi

    2012-08-01

    CUL4B, a member of the cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase family, is frequently mutated in X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) patients. The study by Liu et al. showed that Cul4b plays an essential developmental role in the extra-embryonic tissues, while it is dispensable in the embryo proper during mouse embryogenesis. Viable Cul4b-null mice provide the first animal model to study neuronal and behavioral deficiencies seen in human CUL4B XLMR patients.

  14. Ligand design, synthesis and biological anti-HCV evaluations for genotypes 1b and 4a of certain 4-(3- & 4-[3-(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propylamino]phenyl) butyric acids and 3-(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propylamino-acetamidobenzoic acid esters.

    PubMed

    Ismail, Mohamed Abdel Hamid; Abouzid, Khaled A M; Mohamed, Nasser Saad; Dokla, Eman Mahmoud Elawady

    2013-12-01

    4-(4-[N-1-carboxy-3-(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-oxo-propylamino]phenyl)-4-oxo-butyric acid (V), 4-(3- & 4-[N-1-carboxy-3-(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-oxo-propylaminophenyl]-2-aryl-4-oxo-butyric acids (Xa-e) and 4-(2-alkyl-2-[N-3-(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-carboxy-3-oxo-propylamino]acetamido) benzoate esters (XVa-e) were designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated as anti-HCV for genotypes 1b and 4a. The design was based on their docking scores with HCV NS3/4A protease-binding site of the genotype 1b (1W3C), which is conserved in the genotype 4a structure. The docking scores predicted that most of these molecules have higher affinity to the HCV NS3/4A enzyme more than Indoline lead. These compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their cytopathic inhibitory activity against RAW HCV cell cultures of genotype 4a and also examined against Huh 5-2 HCV cell culture of genotype 1b, utilizing Luciferase and MTS assays. Compounds Xa and Xb have 95 and 80% of the activity of Ribavirin against genotype 4a and compounds XVa, XVb and XVd exerted high percentage inhibitory activity against genotype 1b equal 87.7, 84.3 and 82.8%, respectively, with low EC50 doses.

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

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

    Li, Yu-Li

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

  16. Epstein-Barr Virus BGLF4 Kinase Downregulates NF-κB Transactivation through Phosphorylation of Coactivator UXT

    PubMed Central

    Chang, Ling-Shih; Wang, Jiin-Tarng; Doong, Shin-Lian; Lee, Chung-Pei; Chang, Chou-Wei; Tsai, Ching-Hwa; Yeh, Sheng-Wen; Hsieh, Ching-Yueh

    2012-01-01

    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BGLF4 is a member of the conserved herpesvirus kinases that regulate multiple cellular and viral substrates and play an important role in the viral lytic cycles. BGLF4 has been found to phosphorylate several cellular and viral transcription factors, modulate their activities, and regulate downstream events. In this study, we identify an NF-κB coactivator, UXT, as a substrate of BGLF4. BGLF4 downregulates not only NF-κB transactivation in reporter assays in response to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and poly(I·C) stimulation, but also NF-κB-regulated cellular gene expression. Furthermore, BGLF4 attenuates NF-κB-mediated repression of the EBV lytic transactivators, Zta and Rta. In EBV-positive NA cells, knockdown of BGLF4 during lytic progression elevates NF-κB activity and downregulates the activity of the EBV oriLyt BHLF1 promoter, which is the first promoter activated upon lytic switch. We show that BGLF4 phosphorylates UXT at the Thr3 residue. This modification interferes with the interaction between UXT and NF-κB. The data also indicate that BGLF4 reduces the interaction between UXT and NF-κB and attenuates NF-κB enhanceosome activity. Upon infection with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) lentivirus to knock down UXT, a spontaneous lytic cycle was observed in NA cells, suggesting UXT is required for maintenance of EBV latency. Overexpression of wild-type, but not phosphorylation-deficient, UXT enhances the expression of lytic proteins both in control and UXT knockdown cells. Taking the data together, transcription involving UXT may also be important for EBV lytic protein expression, whereas BGLF4-mediated phosphorylation of UXT at Thr3 plays a critical role in promoting the lytic cycle. PMID:22933289

  17. Pivotal Advance: Peritoneal cavity B-1 B cells have phagocytic and microbicidal capacities and present phagocytosed antigen to CD4+ T cells

    PubMed Central

    Parra, David; Rieger, Aja M.; Li, Jun; Zhang, Yong-An; Randall, Louise M.; Hunter, Christopher A.; Barreda, Daniel R.; Sunyer, J. Oriol

    2012-01-01

    Breaking the long-held paradigm that primary B cells are not phagocytic, several studies have demonstrated recently that B cells from fish, amphibians, and reptilians have a significant phagocytic capacity. Whether such capacity has remained conserved in certain mammalian B cell subsets is presently an enigma. Here, we report a previously unrecognized ability of PerC B-1a and B-1b lymphocytes to phagocytose latex beads and bacteria. In contrast, B-2 lymphocytes had an almost negligible ability to internalize these particles. Upon phagocytosis, B-1a and B-1b cells were able to mature their phagosomes into phagolysosomes and displayed the ability to kill internalized bacteria. Importantly, B-1a and B-1b cells effectively present antigen recovered from phagocytosed particles to CD4+ T cells. However, these cells showed a much lower competence to present soluble antigen or antigen from large, noninternalized particles. B-1 B cells presented particulate and soluble antigen to CD4+ T cells more efficiently than macrophages, whereas DCs were the most potent APCs. The novel phagocytic and microbicidal abilities identified in B-1 B lymphocytes strengthen the innate nature that has long been attributed to these cells. In the context of adaptive immunity, we show that these innate immune processes are relevant, as they enable B-1 B cells to present phagocytosable particulate antigen. These capacities position these cells at the crossroads that link innate with adaptive immune processes. In a broader context, these newly identified capacities of B-1 B cells further support the previously recognized functional, developmental, and evolutionary relationships between these cells and macrophages. PMID:22058420

  18. Pivotal advance: peritoneal cavity B-1 B cells have phagocytic and microbicidal capacities and present phagocytosed antigen to CD4+ T cells.

    PubMed

    Parra, David; Rieger, Aja M; Li, Jun; Zhang, Yong-An; Randall, Louise M; Hunter, Christopher A; Barreda, Daniel R; Sunyer, J Oriol

    2012-04-01

    Breaking the long-held paradigm that primary B cells are not phagocytic, several studies have demonstrated recently that B cells from fish, amphibians, and reptilians have a significant phagocytic capacity. Whether such capacity has remained conserved in certain mammalian B cell subsets is presently an enigma. Here, we report a previously unrecognized ability of PerC B-1a and B-1b lymphocytes to phagocytose latex beads and bacteria. In contrast, B-2 lymphocytes had an almost negligible ability to internalize these particles. Upon phagocytosis, B-1a and B-1b cells were able to mature their phagosomes into phagolysosomes and displayed the ability to kill internalized bacteria. Importantly, B-1a and B-1b cells effectively present antigen recovered from phagocytosed particles to CD4(+) T cells. However, these cells showed a much lower competence to present soluble antigen or antigen from large, noninternalized particles. B-1 B cells presented particulate and soluble antigen to CD4(+) T cells more efficiently than macrophages, whereas DCs were the most potent APCs. The novel phagocytic and microbicidal abilities identified in B-1 B lymphocytes strengthen the innate nature that has long been attributed to these cells. In the context of adaptive immunity, we show that these innate immune processes are relevant, as they enable B-1 B cells to present phagocytosable particulate antigen. These capacities position these cells at the crossroads that link innate with adaptive immune processes. In a broader context, these newly identified capacities of B-1 B cells further support the previously recognized functional, developmental, and evolutionary relationships between these cells and macrophages.

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

    PubMed

    Engelhard, V H; Powers, G A; Moore, L C; Holterman, M J; Correa-Freire, M C

    1984-01-01

    HLA-A2 and -B7 antigens were introduced into EL4 (H-2b) cells by cell-liposome fusion and were used as targets or stimulators for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) generated in C57B1/6 (H-2b) mice. It was found that such EL4-HLA cells were not recognized by CTL that had been raised against either a human cell line bearing these HLA antigens or the purified HLA-A2 and -B7 antigens reconstituted into liposomes. In addition, EL4-HLA cells were not capable of inducing CTL that could recognize a human cell line bearing HLA-A2 and -B7 antigens. Instead, EL4-HLA cells induced CTL that specifically lysed EL4-HLA cells and not human cells expressing HLA-A2 and -B7. CTL recognition required the presence of HLA antigens on the EL4 cell surface and was inhibited by antibodies against either H-2b or HLA-A/B. Monoclonal antibody binding studies showed that the expected polymorphic determinants of the HLA-A2 and -B7 antigens were still present on EL4-HLA cells. However, the specificity of CTL or their precursors that are capable of recognizing HLA-A2 or -B7 was altered after these antigens became associated with the EL4 surface. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.

  20. Development of Fluorescent Substrates and Assays for the Key Autophagy-Related Cysteine Protease Enzyme, ATG4B

    PubMed Central

    Nguyen, Thanh G.; Honson, Nicolette S.; Arns, Steven; Davis, Tara L.; Dhe-Paganon, Sirano; Kovacic, Suzana; Kumar, Nag S.; Pfeifer, Tom A.

    2014-01-01

    Abstract The cysteine protease ATG4B plays a role in key steps of the autophagy process and is of interest as a potential therapeutic target. At an early step, ATG4B cleaves proLC3 isoforms to form LC3-I for subsequent lipidation to form LC3-II and autophagosome membrane insertion. ATG4B also cleaves phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) from LC3-II to regenerate LC3-I, enabling its recycling for further membrane biogenesis. Here, we report several novel assays for monitoring the enzymatic activity of ATG4B. An assay based on mass spectrometric analysis and quantification of cleavage of the substrate protein LC3-B was developed and, while useful for mechanistic studies, was not suitable for high throughput screening (HTS). A doubly fluorescent fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) ligand YFP-LC3B-EmGFP (FRET-LC3) was constructed and shown to be an excellent substrate for ATG4B with rates of cleavage similar to that for LC3B itself. A HTS assay to identify candidate inhibitors of ATG4B utilizing FRET-LC3 as a substrate was developed and validated with a satisfactory Z′ factor and high signal-to-noise ratio suitable for screening small molecule libraries. Pilot screens of the 1,280-member library of pharmacologically active compounds (LOPAC™) and a 3,481-member library of known drugs (KD2) gave hit rates of 0.6% and 0.5% respectively, and subsequent titrations confirmed ATG4B inhibitory activity for three compounds, both in the FRET and mass spectrometry assays. The FRET- and mass spectrometry–based assays we have developed will allow for both HTS for inhibitors of ATG4B and mechanistic approaches to study inhibition of a major component of the autophagy pathway. PMID:24735444

  1. 32 CFR 2004.12 - Reviews by ISOO [102(b)(4)].

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 32 National Defense 6 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Reviews by ISOO [102(b)(4)]. 2004.12 Section 2004.12 National Defense Other Regulations Relating to National Defense INFORMATION SECURITY OVERSIGHT OFFICE, NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY PROGRAM DIRECTIVE NO. 1...

  2. SOCS2 overexpression alleviates diabetic nephropathy in rats by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Suxia; Zhang, Junwei; Wang, Shiying; Zhao, Xinxin; Shi, Jun

    2017-01-01

    Suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) was reported to be involved in the development of Diabetic Nephropathy (DN). However, its underlying mechanism remains undefined. Western blot was carried out to determine the expressions of SOCS2, Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway-related proteins in DN patients, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN rats and high glucose (HG)-stimulated podocytes. The effects of SOCS2 overexpression on renal injury, the inflammatory cytokines production, renal pathological changes, apoptosis and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in DN rats or HG-stimulated podocytes were investigated. TLR4 antagonist TAK-242 and NF-κB inhibitor PDTC were used to confirm the functional mechanism of SOCS2 overexpression in HG-stimulated podocytes. SOCS2 was down-regulated, while TLR4 and NF-κB were up-regulated in renal tissues of DN patients and DN rats. Ad-SOCS2 infection alleviated STZ-induced renal injury and pathological changes and inhibited STZ-induced IL-6, IL-1β and MCP-1 generation and activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in DN rats. SOCS2 overexpression attenuated apoptosis, suppressed the inflammatory cytokines expression, and inactivated the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in HG-stimulated podocytes. Suppression of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway enhanced the inhibitory effect of SOCS2 overexpression on apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines expressions in HG-stimulated podocytes. SOCS2 overexpression alleviated the development of DN by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, contributing to developing new therapeutic strategies against DN. PMID:29207635

  3. Low-pressure RF remote plasma cleaning of carbon-contaminated B4C-coated optics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moreno Fernández, H.; Thomasset, M.; Sauthier, G.; Rogler, D.; Dietsch, R.; Barrett, R.; Carlino, V.; Pellegrin, E.

    2017-05-01

    Boron carbide (B4C) - due to its exceptional mechanical properties - is one of the few existing materials that can withstand the extremely high brilliance of the photon beam from free electron lasers (FELs) and is thus of considerable interest for optical applications in this field. However, as in the case of many other optics operated at modern accelerator-, plasma-, or laser-based light source facilities, B4C-coated optics are subject to ubiquitous carbon contaminations. These contaminations - that are presumably produced via cracking of CHx and CO2 molecules by photoelectrons emitted from the optical components - represent a serious issue for the operation of the pertinent high performance beamlines due to a severe reduction of photon flux and beam coherence, not necessarily restricted to the photon energy range of the carbon K-edge. Thus, a variety of B4C cleaning technologies have been developed at different laboratories with varying success [1]. Here, we present a study regarding the low-pressure RF plasma cleaning of a series of carbon-contaminated B4C test samples via an inductively coupled O2/Ar and Ar/H2 remote RF plasma produced using the IBSS GV10x plasma source following previous studies using the same RF plasma source [2, 3]. Results regarding the chemistry, morphology as well as other aspects of the B4C optical coatings and surfaces before and after the plasma cleaning process are reported.

  4. Experimental and theoretical study of topology and electronic correlations in PuB4

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Choi, Hongchul; Zhu, Wei; Cary, S. K.; Winter, L. E.; Huang, Zhoushen; McDonald, R. D.; Mocko, V.; Scott, B. L.; Tobash, P. H.; Thompson, J. D.; Kozimor, S. A.; Bauer, E. D.; Zhu, Jian-Xin; Ronning, F.

    2018-05-01

    We synthesize single crystals of PuB4 using an Al-flux technique. Single-crystal diffraction data provide structural parameters for first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. By computing the density of states, the Z2 topological invariant using the Wilson loop method, and the surface electronic structure from slab calculations, we find that PuB4 is a nonmagnetic strong topological insulator with a band gap of 254 meV. Our magnetic susceptibility, heat capacity, and resistivity measurements are consistent with this analysis, albeit with a smaller gap of 35 meV. DFT plus dynamical mean-field theory calculations show that electronic correlations reduce the size of the band gap, and provide better agreement with the value determined by resistivity. These results demonstrate that PuB4 is a promising actinide material to investigate the interplay of electronic correlations and nontrivial topology.

  5. Participation of CD11b and F4/80 molecules in the conjunctival eosinophilia of experimental allergic conjunctivitis.

    PubMed

    Fukushima, Atsuki; Ishida, Waka; Ojima, Ayako; Kajisako, Mina; Sumi, Tamaki; Yamada, Jun; Tsuru, Emi; Miyazaki, Jun-ichi; Tominaga, Akira; Yagita, Hideo

    2010-01-01

    CD11b and F4/80 are macrophage surface markers. How these molecules participate in allergic eosinophil infiltration remains unclear. We examined the roles CD11b and F4/80 play in the conjunctival eosinophil infiltration associated with experimental allergic conjunctivitis. Ragweed-immunized BALB/c mice were challenged with ragweed in eye drops to induce conjunctival eosinophil infiltration. The effect of challenge on conjunctival CD11b+ and F4/80+ cell numbers was determined by immunohistochemistry. In the same model, blocking anti-CD11b and anti-F4/80 Abs were injected intraperitoneally during the induction or the effector phase, or subconjunctivally 2 h before challenge, to determine their effect on challenge-induced conjunctival eosinophilia. To examine whether eosinophils express CD11b and F4/80 molecules, splenocytes from IL-5 gene-electroporated mice were subjected to flow cytometric analysis. To clarify the involvement of CD11b and F4/80 in conjunctival eosinophil infiltration, mice were intraperitoneally injected with anti-CD11b and anti-F4/80 Abs and then subconjunctivally injected with eotaxin to induce conjunctival eosinophilia. Ragweed challenge elevated conjunctival CD11b+ and F4/80+ cell numbers. Systemic anti-CD11b and anti-F4/80 Ab treatments during the effector phase, but not in either the induction phase or the local injection of Ab, suppressed conjunctival eosinophil infiltration in ragweed-induced conjunctivitis. Most splenic eosinophils from IL-5 gene-introduced mice expressed CD11b and F4/80. Systemic anti-CD11b and anti-F4/80 Ab treatment suppressed conjunctival eosinophilia induced by subconjunctival eotaxin injection. CD11b and F4/80 appear to participate in conjunctival eosinophil infiltration in allergic conjunctivitis. Their involvement in conjunctival eosinophilia appears to be due to their expression on eosinophils rather than on macrophages. 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  6. C4B gene influences intestinal microbiota through complement activation in patients with paediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease.

    PubMed

    Nissilä, E; Korpela, K; Lokki, A I; Paakkanen, R; Jokiranta, S; de Vos, W M; Lokki, M-L; Kolho, K-L; Meri, S

    2017-12-01

    Complement C4 genes are linked to paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD), but the mechanisms have remained unclear. We examined the influence of C4B gene number on intestinal microbiota and in-vitro serum complement activation by intestinal microbes in PIBD patients. Complement C4A and C4B gene numbers were determined by genomic reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from 64 patients with PIBD (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis). The severity of the disease course was determined from faecal calprotectin levels. Intestinal microbiota was assessed using the HITChip microarray. Complement reactivity in patients was analysed by incubating their sera with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Akkermansia muciniphila and determining the levels of C3a and soluble terminal complement complex (SC5b-9) using enzyme immunoassays. The microbiota diversity was wider in patients with no C4B genes than in those with one or two C4B genes, irrespective of intestinal inflammation. C4B and total C4 gene numbers correlated positively with soluble terminal complement complex (TCC, SC5b-9) levels when patient serum samples were stimulated with bacteria. Our results suggest that the C4B gene number associates positively with inflammation in patients with PIBD. Multiple copies of the C4B gene may thus aggravate the IBD-associated dysbiosis through escalated complement reactivity towards the microbiota. © 2017 British Society for Immunology.

  7. 17 CFR 240.19b-4 - Filings with respect to proposed rule changes by self-regulatory organizations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... proposed rule changes by self-regulatory organizations. 240.19b-4 Section 240.19b-4 Commodity and... organizations. Preliminary Note: A self-regulatory organization also must refer to Form 19b-4 (17 CFR 249.819... to proposed rule changes by a self-regulatory organization, except filings with respect to proposed...

  8. 17 CFR 240.19b-4 - Filings with respect to proposed rule changes by self-regulatory organizations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... proposed rule changes by self-regulatory organizations. 240.19b-4 Section 240.19b-4 Commodity and... organizations. Preliminary Note: A self-regulatory organization also must refer to Form 19b-4 (17 CFR 249.819... to proposed rule changes by a self-regulatory organization, except filings with respect to proposed...

  9. 17 CFR 240.19b-4 - Filings with respect to proposed rule changes by self-regulatory organizations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... proposed rule changes by self-regulatory organizations. 240.19b-4 Section 240.19b-4 Commodity and... organizations. Preliminary Note: A self-regulatory organization also must refer to Form 19b-4 (17 CFR 249.819... respect to proposed rule changes by a self-regulatory organization, except filings with respect to...

  10. PSMB4 promotes multiple myeloma cell growth by activating NF-κB-miR-21 signaling

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

    Zheng, Peihao; Guo, Honggang; Li, Guangchao

    2015-03-06

    Proteasomal subunit PSMB4, was recently identified as potential cancer driver genes in several tumors. However, the regulatory mechanism of PSMB4 on carcinogenesis process remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression and roles of PSMB4 in multiple myeloma (MM). We found a significant up-regulation of PSMB4 in MM plasma and cell lines. Ectopic overexpression of PSMB4 promoted cell growth and colony forming ability of MM cells, whereas inhibition of PSMB4 led to a decrease of such events. Furthermore, our results demonstrated the up-regulation of miR-21 and a positive correlation between the levels of miR-21 and PSMB4 in MM. Re-expressionmore » of miR-21 markedly rescued PSMB4 knockdown-mediated suppression of cell proliferation and clone-formation. Additionally, while enforced expression of PSMB4 profoundly increased NF-κB activity and the level of miR-21, PSMB4 knockdown or NF-κB inhibition suppressed miR-21 expression in MM cells. Taken together, our results demonstrated that PSMB4 regulated MM cell growth in part by activating NF-κB-miR-21 signaling, which may represent promising targets for novel specific therapies. - Highlights: • First reported upregulation of PSMB4 in MM plasma and cell lines. • PSMB4 promoted MM cell growth and colony forming ability. • Further found miR-21 was up-regulated by PSMB4 in MM plasma and cell lines. • PSMB4-induced miR-21 expression was modulated by NF-κB. • PSMB4-NF-κB-miR-21 axis may be potential therapeutic targets of MM.« less

  11. Synthesis and activity of phenyl derivatives containing 5,6-dimethylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(1H)-one or 4H-pyrimido[5,4-b]indol-4-one heterocyclic system as potential nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

    PubMed

    Santagati, Andrea; Granata, Giuseppe; Santagati, Maria; Cutuli, Vincenza; Mangano, Nunzio Guido; Caruso, Antonina

    2002-01-01

    The synthesis, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of two series of phenyl derivatives containing 5,6-dimethyl-thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(1H)-one and 4H-pyrimido[5,4-b]indol-4-one system, respectively, are reported. Two of these derivatives, 6A and 9B, showed interesting activities. The results of the pharmacological assays are discussed.

  12. Integron-Associated DfrB4, a Previously Uncharacterized Member of the Trimethoprim-Resistant Dihydrofolate Reductase B Family, Is a Clinically Identified Emergent Source of Antibiotic Resistance.

    PubMed

    Toulouse, Jacynthe L; Edens, Thaddeus J; Alejaldre, Lorea; Manges, Amee R; Pelletier, Joelle N

    2017-05-01

    Whole-genome sequencing of trimethoprim-resistant Escherichia coli clinical isolates identified a member of the trimethoprim-resistant type II dihydrofolate reductase gene family ( dfrB ). The dfrB4 gene was located within a class I integron flanked by multiple resistance genes. This arrangement was previously reported in a 130.6-kb multiresistance plasmid. The DfrB4 protein conferred a >2,000-fold increased trimethoprim resistance on overexpression in E. coli Our results are consistent with the finding that dfrB4 contributes to clinical trimethoprim resistance. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

  13. Recurrent DUX4 fusions in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia of adolescents and young adults.

    PubMed

    Yasuda, Takahiko; Tsuzuki, Shinobu; Kawazu, Masahito; Hayakawa, Fumihiko; Kojima, Shinya; Ueno, Toshihide; Imoto, Naoto; Kohsaka, Shinji; Kunita, Akiko; Doi, Koichiro; Sakura, Toru; Yujiri, Toshiaki; Kondo, Eisei; Fujimaki, Katsumichi; Ueda, Yasunori; Aoyama, Yasutaka; Ohtake, Shigeki; Takita, Junko; Sai, Eirin; Taniwaki, Masafumi; Kurokawa, Mineo; Morishita, Shinichi; Fukayama, Masashi; Kiyoi, Hitoshi; Miyazaki, Yasushi; Naoe, Tomoki; Mano, Hiroyuki

    2016-05-01

    The oncogenic mechanisms underlying acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adolescents and young adults (AYA; 15-39 years old) remain largely elusive. Here we have searched for new oncogenes in AYA-ALL by performing RNA-seq analysis of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-negative AYA-ALL specimens (n = 73) with the use of a next-generation sequencer. Interestingly, insertion of D4Z4 repeats containing the DUX4 gene into the IGH locus was frequently identified in B cell AYA-ALL, leading to a high level of expression of DUX4 protein with an aberrant C terminus. A transplantation assay in mice demonstrated that expression of DUX4-IGH in pro-B cells was capable of generating B cell leukemia in vivo. DUX4 fusions were preferentially detected in the AYA generation. Our data thus show that DUX4 can become an oncogenic driver as a result of somatic chromosomal rearrangements and that AYA-ALL may be a clinical entity distinct from ALL at other ages.

  14. Down-Regulation of Neuregulin1/ErbB4 Signaling in the Hippocampus Is Critical for Learning and Memory.

    PubMed

    Tian, Jia; Geng, Fei; Gao, Feng; Chen, Yi-Hua; Liu, Ji-Hong; Wu, Jian-Lin; Lan, Yu-Jie; Zeng, Yuan-Ning; Li, Xiao-Wen; Yang, Jian-Ming; Gao, Tian-Ming

    2017-08-01

    Hippocampal function is important for learning and memory, and dysfunction of the hippocampus has been linked to the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia. Neuregulin1 (NRG1) and ErbB4, two susceptibility genes for schizophrenia, reportedly modulate long-term potentiation (LTP) at hippocampal Schaffer collateral (SC)-CA1 synapses. However, little is known regarding the contribution of hippocampal NRG1/ErbB4 signaling to learning and memory function. Here, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to assess the mRNA and protein levels of NRG1 and ErbB4. Pharmacological and genetic approaches were used to manipulate NRG1/ErbB4 signaling, following which learning and memory behaviors were evaluated using the Morris water maze, Y-maze test, and the novel object recognition test. Spatial learning was found to reduce hippocampal NRG1 and ErbB4 expression. The blockade of NRG1/ErbB4 signaling in hippocampal CA1, either by neutralizing endogenous NRG1 or inhibiting/ablating ErbB4 receptor activity, enhanced hippocampus-dependent spatial learning, spatial working memory, and novel object recognition memory. Accordingly, administration of exogenous NRG1 impaired those functions. More importantly, the specific ablation of ErbB4 in parvalbumin interneurons also improved learning and memory performance. The manipulation of NRG1/ErbB4 signaling in the present study revealed that NRG1/ErbB4 activity in the hippocampus is critical for learning and memory. These findings might provide novel insights on the pathophysiological mechanisms of schizophrenia and a new target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function.

  15. Role of T cells in the B-cell response: glutaraldehyde-fixed T-helper hybridoma cells synergize with the lymphokine IL-4 to induce B-cell activation and proliferation.

    PubMed

    Kubota, E; McKenzie, D T; Dutton, R W; Swain, S L

    1991-01-01

    Antigen-unselected helper T-cell hybridomas (Th) which activate normal resting B cells to RNA synthesis and proliferation in the presence of concanavalin A (Con A) have been developed. The response is completely Th cell dependent, and not restricted by the haplotype of the B-cell major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Culture supernatants from the Con A-stimulated Th hybridomas contain interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-2, but undetectable level of IL-5. The supernatant alone, however, does not induce B-cell activation or proliferation. Although the Con A-mediated Th cell-dependent B-cell response occurs in an MHC-unrestricted manner, the response of resting B cells can be blocked by monoclonal Ia antibody specific for the surface class II molecules of the responding B cell. The response is also blocked by monoclonal antibody to L3T4. Significant activation and proliferation of resting B cells can also be triggered by glutaraldehyde-fixed Th hybridomas and Con A when exogenous IL-4 is added. The stimulation with fixed Th hybridomas plus IL-4 can be inhibited by monoclonal anti-L3T4 or anti-Ia. These results suggest that maximal B-cell activation requires a direct helper T cell-B cell interaction which depends on availability of Ia on the B cell and L3T4 on the T cell, even when Con A overcomes the requirement for MHC-restricted T-cell recognition. We suggest that this signal, in conjunction with T-cell produced lymphokine IL-4, is responsible for the activation and subsequent proliferation of the B cells which occurs following interaction with T cells.

  16. Transcriptional regulation of germinal center B and plasma cell fates by dynamical control of IRF4

    PubMed Central

    Ochiai, Kyoko; Maienschein-Cline, Mark; Simonetti, Giorgia; Chen, Jianjun; Rosenthal, Rebecca; Brink, Robert; Chong, Anita S.; Klein, Ulf; Dinner, Aaron R.; Singh, Harinder; Sciammas, Roger

    2013-01-01

    Summary The transcription factor IRF4 regulates immunoglobulin class switch recombination and plasma cell differentiation. Its differing concentrations appear to regulate mutually antagonistic programs of B and plasma cell gene expression. We show IRF4 to be also required for generation of germinal center (GC) B cells. Its transient expression in vivo induced the expression of key GC genes including Bcl6 and Aicda. In contrast, sustained and higher concentrations of IRF4 promoted the generation of plasma cells while antagonizing the GC fate. IRF4 co-bound with the transcription factors PU.1 or BATF to Ets or AP-1 composite motifs, associated with genes involved in B cell activation and the GC response. At higher concentrations IRF4 binding shifted to interferon sequence response motifs; these enriched for genes involved in plasma cell differentiation. Our results support a model of “kinetic control” in which signaling induced dynamics of IRF4 in activated B cells control their cell fate outcomes. PMID:23684984

  17. Two cases of maternal alloimmunization against human neutrophil alloantigen-4b, one causing severe alloimmune neonatal neutropenia.

    PubMed

    Curtis, Brian R; Roman, Ashley S; Sullivan, Mia J; Raven, Cindy S; Larison, Judy; Weitekamp, Lee Ann

    2016-01-01

    Human neutrophil antigen (HNA)-4a/4bw is encoded by 230G>A in ITGAM, which results in an Arg61His substitution of the αM chain (CD11b) of complement receptor 3 (CR3; CD11b/18 or Mac-1). HNA-4a antibodies have been detected in the sera of female blood donors and in maternal sera that caused alloimmune neonatal neutropenia (ANN), in which maternal immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies against a paternally inherited HNA cross the placenta and destroy fetal and neonatal neutrophils. However, to date, antibodies specific for HNA-4b have not been reported. Here, we report the first two examples of HNA-4b antibodies. The two sera studied were both from previously pregnant females, one a multiparous female blood donor implicated in two separate transfusion reactions and the second a mother whose first pregnancy resulted in the birth of a severely neutropenic (0 × 10(6) neutrophils/L) infant affected with ANN. Serum neutrophil antibody testing was by flow cytometry and CD11b/18 monoclonal antibody immobilization of granulocyte antigens assay, and HNA genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific priming and allele-specific 5' exonuclease assays. Sera from both women contained IgG antibodies reactive only with HNA-4b+ neutrophils and both typed HNA-4a/a. Both were immunized through pregnancy since their husbands and children all typed HNA-4a/b. The serologic results, together with the genotype results, confirm that these are the first reported cases of neutrophil antibodies specific for HNA-4b. © 2015 AABB.

  18. Spin dynamics and magnetoelectric coupling mechanism of C o4N b2O9

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deng, Guochu; Cao, Yiming; Ren, Wei; Cao, Shixun; Studer, Andrew J.; Gauthier, Nicolas; Kenzelmann, Michel; Davidson, Gene; Rule, Kirrily C.; Gardner, Jason S.; Imperia, Paolo; Ulrich, Clemens; McIntyre, Garry J.

    2018-02-01

    Neutron powder diffraction experiments reveal that C o4N b2O9 forms a noncollinear in-plane magnetic structure with C o2 + moments lying in the a b plane. The spin-wave excitations of this magnet were measured by using inelastic neutron scattering and soundly simulated by a dynamic model involving nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor exchange interactions, in-plane anisotropy, and the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. The in-plane magnetic structure of C o4N b2O9 is attributed to the large in-plane anisotropy, while the noncollinearity of the spin configuration is attributed to the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. The high magnetoelectric coupling effect of C o4N b2O9 in fields can be explained by its special in-plane magnetic structure.

  19. eIF4B stimulates translation of long mRNAs with structured 5′ UTRs and low closed-loop potential but weak dependence on eIF4G

    PubMed Central

    Sen, Neelam Dabas; Zhou, Fujun; Harris, Michael S.; Ingolia, Nicholas T.

    2016-01-01

    DEAD-box RNA helicases eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) and Ded1 promote translation by resolving mRNA secondary structures that impede preinitiation complex (PIC) attachment to mRNA or scanning. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4B (eIF4B) is a cofactor for eIF4A but also might function independently of eIF4A. Ribosome profiling of mutants lacking eIF4B or with impaired eIF4A or Ded1 activity revealed that eliminating eIF4B reduces the relative translational efficiencies of many more genes than does inactivation of eIF4A, despite comparable reductions in bulk translation, and few genes display unusually strong requirements for both factors. However, either eliminating eIF4B or inactivating eIF4A preferentially impacts mRNAs with longer, more structured 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs). These findings reveal an eIF4A-independent role for eIF4B in addition to its function as eIF4A cofactor in promoting PIC attachment or scanning on structured mRNAs. eIF4B, eIF4A, and Ded1 mutations also preferentially impair translation of longer mRNAs in a fashion mitigated by the ability to form closed-loop messenger ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNPs) via eIF4F–poly(A)-binding protein 1 (Pab1) association, suggesting cooperation between closed-loop assembly and eIF4B/helicase functions. Remarkably, depleting eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G (eIF4G), the scaffold subunit of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4F (eIF4F), preferentially impacts short mRNAs with strong closed-loop potential and unstructured 5′ UTRs, exactly the opposite features associated with hyperdependence on the eIF4B/helicases. We propose that short, highly efficient mRNAs preferentially depend on the stimulatory effects of eIF4G-dependent closed-loop assembly. PMID:27601676

  20. Giant magnetic coercivity in YNi4B-type SmNi3TB (T=Mn-Cu) solid solutions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yao, Jinlei; Yan, Chang; Yapaskurt, V. O.; Morozkin, A. V.

    2016-12-01

    The effects of transition metal substitution for Ni on the magnetic properties of the YNi4B-type SmNi4B via SmNi3TB (T=Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) solid solutions have been investigated. SmNi4B, SmNi3MnB, SmNi3FeB, SmNi3CoB and SmNi3CuB show ferromagnetic ordering at 40 K, 210 K, 322 K, 90 K and 57 K and field sensitive metamagnetic-like transitions at 15 K, 100 K, 185 K, 55 K and 15 K in a magnetic field of 10 kOe, respectively. The magnetocaloric effects of SmNi3TB (T=Mn-Cu) were calculated in terms of isothermal magnetic entropy change (ΔSm). The magnetic entropy ΔSm reaches value of -0.94 J/kg K at 40 K for SmNi4B, -1.5 J/kg K at 205 K for SmNi3MnB, -0.54 J/kg K at 320 K for SmNi3FeB, -0.49 J/kg K at 90 K for SmNi3CoB and -0.54 J/kg K at 60 K for SmNi3CuB in field change of 0-50 kOe around the Curie temperature. They show positive ΔSm of +0.71 J/kg K at ~10 K for SmNi4B, +1.69 J/kg K at 30 K for SmNi3MnB, +0.89 J/kg K at 110 K for SmNi3FeB, +1.08 J/kg K at 25 K for SmNi3CoB and +1.12 J/kg K at 10 K for SmNi3CuB in field change of 0-50 kOe around the low temperature metamagnetic-like transition. Below the field induced transition temperature (change of magnetic structure), SmNi3TB (T=Mn-Cu) exhibits giant magnetic coercivity of 74 kOe at 5 K for SmNi4B, 69 kOe at 20 K (90 kOe at 10 K) for SmNi3MnB, 77 kOe at 60 K for SmNi3FeB, 88 kOe at 20 K for SmNi3CoB and 52 kOe at 5 K for SmNi3CuB.

  1. Cell Surface Trafficking of TLR1 Is Differentially Regulated by the Chaperones PRAT4A and PRAT4B*

    PubMed Central

    Hart, Bryan E.; Tapping, Richard I.

    2012-01-01

    The subcellular localization of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is critical to their ability to function as innate immune sensors of microbial infection. We previously reported that an I602S polymorphism of human TLR1 is associated with aberrant trafficking of the receptor to the cell surface, loss of responses to TLR1 agonists, and differential susceptibility to diseases caused by pathogenic mycobacteria. Through an extensive analysis of receptor deletion and point mutants we have discovered that position 602 resides within a short 6 amino acid cytoplasmic region that is required for TLR1 surface expression. This short trafficking motif, in conjunction with the adjacent transmembrane domain, is sufficient to direct TLR1 to the cell surface. A serine at position 602 interrupts this trafficking motif and prevents cell surface expression of TLR1. Additionally, we have found that ER-resident TLR chaperones, PRAT4A and PRAT4B, act as positive and negative regulators of TLR1 surface trafficking, respectively. Importantly, either over-expression of PRAT4A or knock-down of PRAT4B rescues cell surface expression of the TLR1 602S variant. We also report that IFN-γ treatment of primary human monocytes derived from homozygous 602S individuals rescues TLR1 cell surface trafficking and cellular responses to soluble agonists. This event appears to be mediated by PRAT4A whose expression is strongly induced in human monocytes by IFN-γ. Collectively, these results provide a mechanism for the differential trafficking of TLR1 I602S variants, and highlight the distinct roles for PRAT4A and PRAT4B in the regulation of TLR1 surface expression. PMID:22447933

  2. Combined total deficiency of C7 and C4B with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

    PubMed Central

    Segurado, O G; Arnaiz-Villena, A A; Iglesias-Casarrubios, P; Martinez-Laso, J; Vicario, J L; Fontan, G; Lopez-Trascasa, M

    1992-01-01

    The first inherited combined total deficiency of C7 and C4B complement components associated with SLE is described in a young female. Functional C7 assays showed a homozygous C7 deficiency in the propositus and her sister, and an heterozygous one in their parents. C4 molecular analyses showed that both the propositus and her mother had two HLA haplotypes carrying only C4A-specific DNA sequences and a normal C4 gene number. Thus, only C4A proteins could be expressed, with resultant normal C4 serum levels. The coexistence of a combined complete C7 and C4B deficiency may therefore abrogate essential functions of the complement cascade presumably related to immune complex handling and solubilization despite an excess of circulating C4A. These findings challenge the putative pathophysiological roles of C4A and C4B and stress the need to perform both functional assays and C4 allotyping in patients with autoimmune pathology and low haemolytic activity without low serum levels of a classical pathway complement component. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 PMID:1347491

  3. Elasticity of superhydrous phase, B, Mg10Si3O14(OH)4

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mookherjee, Mainak; Tsuchiya, Jun

    2015-01-01

    We have used first principles simulation based on density functional theory to calculate the equation of state and elasticity of superhydrous phase B, Mg10Si3O14(OH)4. The pressure-volume results for superhydrous phase B is well represented by a third order Birch-Murnaghan formulation, with K0 = 161.8 (±0.2) GPa and K0‧ = 4.4 (±0.01). The calculated full elastic tensor at 0 GPa is in good agreement with Brillouin scattering results, with the compressional elastic constants: c11 = 329.5 GPa, c22 = 294.9 GPa, c33 = 306.8 GPa, the shear elastic constants - c44 = 99.8 GPa, c55 = 98 GPa, and c66 = 99 GPa; the off-diagonal elastic constants c12 = 82.5 GPa, c13 = 84.6 GPa, and c23 = 98.7 GPa. At the depths corresponding to the mantle transition zone, the aggregate sound wave velocities for superhydrous phase B is slower compared to dry ringwoodite which is the dominant mineral phase. However, hydrous ringwoodite bulk sound velocities are comparable to that of superhydrous phase B. Majoritic garnet, the second most abundant mineral in the transition zone, has bulk sound wave velocities slower than superhydrous phase B. An assemblage consisting of hydrous ringwoodite, superhydrous phase B, and majorite garnet could account for the low velocities observed in certain subduction zone settings at depths corresponding to the base of the transition zone and upper mantle. Superhydrous phase B exhibits moderate single-crystal elastic anisotropy with AVP ∼ 3% and AVS ∼ 5% at the base of the transition zone. Single-crystal elastic anisotropy of other dense hydrous magnesium silicate phases phase such as hydrous phase D is significantly larger at these conditions and might play a major role in explaining the observed mid mantle seismic anisotropy.

  4. Genome-first approach diagnosed Cabezas syndrome via novel CUL4B mutation detection.

    PubMed

    Okamoto, Nobuhiko; Watanabe, Miki; Naruto, Takuya; Matsuda, Keiko; Kohmoto, Tomohiro; Saito, Masako; Masuda, Kiyoshi; Imoto, Issei

    2017-01-01

    Cabezas syndrome is a syndromic form of X-linked intellectual disability primarily characterized by a short stature, hypogonadism and abnormal gait, with other variable features resulting from mutations in the CUL4B gene. Here, we report a clinically undiagnosed 5-year-old male with severe intellectual disability. A genome-first approach using targeted exome sequencing identified a novel nonsense mutation [NM_003588.3:c.2698G>T, p.(Glu900*)] in the last coding exon of CUL4B , thus diagnosing this patient with Cabezas syndrome.

  5. Co5In(BTC)4[B2O4(OH)]2: the first MOF material constructed by borate polyanions and carboxylate mixed ligands.

    PubMed

    Li, Sa-Ying; Liu, Zhi-Hong

    2016-01-07

    A novel heterometallic organic-inorganic hybrid MOF material, Co5In(BTC)4[B2O4(OH)]2, has been synthesized under ionothermal conditions. Its structure is characterized as a 3D open framework constructed by the Co2.5In0.5[B2O4(OH)] cluster and the 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate ligand. Furthermore, its fluorescent and adsorption properties have also been studied.

  6. 4. JOB NO. 1347B, SHEET 1, 1927, OIL HOUSE; FORD ...

    Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

    4. JOB NO. 1347-B, SHEET 1, 1927, OIL HOUSE; FORD MOTOR COMPANY; FLOOR PLAN, ELEVATIONS AND SECTIONS - Ford Motor Company Long Beach Assembly Plant, Oil House, 700 Henry Ford Avenue, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, CA

  7. PREPARATION OF FLOWER-LIKE Co3O4/Fe3O4 MAGNETIC MICROSPHERES FOR PHOTODEGRADATION OF RhB UNDER UV LIGHT

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Baoliang; Zhang, Hepeng; Zhou, Lunwei; Ali, Nisar; Geng, Wangchang; Zhang, Qiuyu

    2013-07-01

    Flower-like Co3O4/Fe3O4 magnetic microspheres were prepared by coprecipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in presence of flower-like Co3O4 microspheres as template. The preparation process included three steps: preparation of flower-like Co3O4 microspheres by hydrothermal method; immersion of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions; coprecipitation in the presence of OH-. Rhodamine B (RhB) was chosen as model pollutants to investigate the photodegradation capacities of Co3O4/Fe3O4 magnetic microspheres. The results showed that the microspheres exhibited excellent degradation property and can be recycled to use again. After four times use the degradation efficiency was still above 90%.

  8. Meis3 synergizes with Pbx4 and Hoxb1b in promoting hindbrain fates in the zebrafish.

    PubMed

    Vlachakis, N; Choe, S K; Sagerström, C G

    2001-04-01

    Many Hox proteins are thought to require Pbx and Meis co-factors to specify cell identity during embryogenesis. Here we demonstrate that Meis3 synergizes with Pbx4 and Hoxb1b in promoting hindbrain fates in the zebrafish. We find that Hoxb1b and Pbx4 act together to induce ectopic hoxb1a expression in rhombomere 2 of the hindbrain. In contrast, Hoxb1b and Pbx4 acting together with Meis3 induce hoxb1a, hoxb2, krox20 and valentino expression rostrally and cause extensive transformation of forebrain and midbrain fates to hindbrain fates, including differentiation of excess rhombomere 4-specific Mauthner neurons. This synergistic effect requires that Hoxb1b and Meis3 have intact Pbx-interaction domains, suggesting that their in vivo activity is dependent on binding to Pbx4. In the case of Meis3, binding to Pbx4 is also required for nuclear access. Our results are consistent with Hoxb1b and Meis3 interacting with Pbx4 to form complexes that regulate hindbrain development during zebrafish embryogenesis.

  9. Relative Contributions of B Cells and Dendritic Cells from Lupus-Prone Mice to CD4+ T Cell Polarization.

    PubMed

    Choi, Seung-Chul; Xu, Zhiwei; Li, Wei; Yang, Hong; Roopenian, Derry C; Morse, Herbert C; Morel, Laurence

    2018-05-01

    Mouse models of lupus have shown that multiple immune cell types contribute to autoimmune disease. This study sought to investigate the involvement of B cells and dendritic cells in supporting the expansion of inflammatory and regulatory CD4 + T cells that are critical for lupus pathogenesis. We used lupus-prone B6.NZM2410.Sle1.Sle2.Sle3 (TC) and congenic C57BL/6J (B6) control mice to investigate how the genetic predisposition of these two cell types controls the activity of normal B6 T cells. Using an allogeneic in vitro assay, we showed that TC B1-a and conventional B cells expanded Th17 cells significantly more than their B6 counterparts. This expansion was dependent on CD86 and IL-6 expression and mapped to the Sle1 lupus-susceptibility locus. In vivo, TC B cells promoted greater differentiation of CD4 + T cells into Th1 and follicular helper T cells than did B6 B cells, but they limited the expansion of Foxp3 regulatory CD4 + T cells to a greater extent than did B6 B cells. Finally, when normal B6 CD4 + T cells were introduced into Rag1 -/- mice, TC myeloid/stromal cells caused their heightened activation, decreased Foxp3 regulatory CD4 + T cell differentiation, and increased renal infiltration of Th1 and Th17 cells in comparison with B6 myeloid/stromal cells. The results show that B cells from lupus mice amplify inflammatory CD4 + T cells in a nonredundant manner with myeloid/stromal cells. Copyright © 2018 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  10. First-principles study of elastic and thermodynamic properties of orthorhombic OsB4 under high pressure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yan, Hai-Yan; Zhang, Mei-Guang; Huang, Duo-Hui; Wei, Qun

    2013-04-01

    The first-principles study on the elastic properties, elastic anisotropy and thermodynamic properties of the orthorhombic OsB4 is reported using density functional theory method with the ultrasoft pseudopotential scheme in the frame of the generalized gradient approximation. The calculated equilibrium parameters are in good agreement with the available theoretical data. A complete elastic tensor and crystal anisotropies of the ultra-incompressible OsB4 are determined in the pressure range of 0-50 GPa. By the elastic stability criteria, it is predicted that the orthorhombic OsB4 is stable below 50 GPa. By using the quasi-harmonic Debye model, the heat capacity, the coefficient of thermal expansion, and the Grüneisen parameter of OsB4 are also successfully obtained in the present work.

  11. Outbreak of Coxsackie B4 arthritis among newborns and staff of a neonatal unit.

    PubMed

    Bhambhani, Vikas; Abraham, Jacob; Sahni, Mohit; Harit, A K; Khare, Shashi; Puliyel, Jacob M

    2007-07-01

    We investigated an outbreak of Coxsackie B4 arthritis in a neonatal unit involving 20 neonates and 12 staff members, over an eight-month period. Laboratory investigations, serology tests, indicate that the outbreak was caused by Coxsackie B4 virus. Contamination of one of the overhead water reservoirs, supplying the nursery, was responsible. After the water tanks were cleaned out, no new cases were reported over five years.

  12. Genome-first approach diagnosed Cabezas syndrome via novel CUL4B mutation detection

    PubMed Central

    Okamoto, Nobuhiko; Watanabe, Miki; Naruto, Takuya; Matsuda, Keiko; Kohmoto, Tomohiro; Saito, Masako; Masuda, Kiyoshi; Imoto, Issei

    2017-01-01

    Cabezas syndrome is a syndromic form of X-linked intellectual disability primarily characterized by a short stature, hypogonadism and abnormal gait, with other variable features resulting from mutations in the CUL4B gene. Here, we report a clinically undiagnosed 5-year-old male with severe intellectual disability. A genome-first approach using targeted exome sequencing identified a novel nonsense mutation [NM_003588.3:c.2698G>T, p.(Glu900*)] in the last coding exon of CUL4B, thus diagnosing this patient with Cabezas syndrome. PMID:28144446

  13. Heat capacity, resistivity, and angular dependent magnetization studies of single crystal Nd 1 + ϵ Fe 4 B 4 for ϵ ≈ 1 7

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

    Conner, Benjamin S.; Susner, Michael A.; UES Inc., Beavercreek, OH

    Advances in crystal growth have allowed for synthesis of large single crystals of Nd 1+ϵFe 4B 4, a well-known phase with a modulated structure. As a result we are able to report heat capacity and resistivity measurements on a single crystal Nd 1+ϵFe 4B 4 sample with a distribution of ϵ that skews towards the solubility limit of Nd near ϵ ≈ 17. Heat capacity measurements show evidence of crystal field splitting at temperatures higher than the long-range ferromagnetic Curie temperature. Heat capacity, resistivity, and magnetization measurements all confirm a Curie temperature of 7 K which is lower than previouslymore » reported values in the Nd 1+ϵFe 4B 4 system. Here, we also perform measurements of the angular dependence of the magnetization and discover behavior associated with the magnetic anisotropy that is inconsistent with the simple description previously proposed.« less

  14. Heat capacity, resistivity, and angular dependent magnetization studies of single crystal Nd 1 + ϵ Fe 4 B 4 for ϵ ≈ 1 7

    DOE PAGES

    Conner, Benjamin S.; Susner, Michael A.; UES Inc., Beavercreek, OH; ...

    2017-04-04

    Advances in crystal growth have allowed for synthesis of large single crystals of Nd 1+ϵFe 4B 4, a well-known phase with a modulated structure. As a result we are able to report heat capacity and resistivity measurements on a single crystal Nd 1+ϵFe 4B 4 sample with a distribution of ϵ that skews towards the solubility limit of Nd near ϵ ≈ 17. Heat capacity measurements show evidence of crystal field splitting at temperatures higher than the long-range ferromagnetic Curie temperature. Heat capacity, resistivity, and magnetization measurements all confirm a Curie temperature of 7 K which is lower than previouslymore » reported values in the Nd 1+ϵFe 4B 4 system. Here, we also perform measurements of the angular dependence of the magnetization and discover behavior associated with the magnetic anisotropy that is inconsistent with the simple description previously proposed.« less

  15. Interaction of Muc4 and ErbB2 in a transgenic mouse model of gallbladder carcinoma: potential pathobiological implications.

    PubMed

    Miyahara, Naoki; Shoda, Junichi; Kawamoto, Toru; Ishida, Hiroyasu; Ueda, Tetsuya; Akimoto, Yoshihiro; Kawakami, Hayato; Irimura, Tatsuro

    2014-11-01

    The molecular mechanism of gallbladder carcinogenesis and cancer growth remains unknown. BK5.erbB2 transgenic mice in which erbB2 is overexpressed and activated in the biliary epithelia develop adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder at a high incidence. Although it has been reported that erbB2 plays an important role in tumorigenesis, little is known about the involvement of its ligand(s). The expression level of Muc4, a potential functional ligand for erbB2, and its interaction with erbB2 in the gallbladder of BK5.erbB2 mice were determined. By immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, both Muc4 mRNA and protein levels were strongly expressed in the cancerous epithelia of gallbladder from BK5.erbB2 mice. Also, in the hyperplastic (precancerous) epithelia, the protein levels were modestly expressed. Immunostaining with Muc4 (ASGP2) Ab overlapped with that with erbB2 Ab in the apical membranous components of the cancerous epithelia, indicating the co-localization of Muc4 and erbB2. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed an interaction between Muc4 and erbB2 in the gallbladders. The interaction was associated with the hyperphosphorylation of erbB2, MAPK and Akt, and also with the overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2. However, in other organs that overexpressed erbB2 (trachea, esophagus and forestomach), Muc4 was expressed in only trace or modest amounts, and erbB2 was not hyperphosphorylated. Collectively, Muc4 is upregulated and interacts with erbB2 in gallbladders from BK5.erbB2 mice. It is likely that Muc4 plays an important role during gallbladder carcinogenesis and/or cancer growth by potentiating erbB2 signaling.

  16. Fabrication and Tribological Behavior of Stir Cast Mg/B4C Metal Matrix Composites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Amandeep; Bala, Niraj

    2017-10-01

    Magnesium-based metal matrix composites (MMMCs) have emerged as good alternative material to conventional materials due to their promising advanced properties. In the present work, magnesium-based metal matrix composites (MMMCs) reinforced with B4C particles were successfully fabricated by cost-effective conventional stir casting technique. MMMCs with an average particle size of 63 µm and different weight percent (wt pct) of B4C between 3 and 12 were fabricated. Wear tests were carried out using a pin-on-disk against a steel disk under dry sliding condition at loads that varied between 1 and 5 kg at fixed sliding velocity of 1 m/s. The wear data clearly showed that wear resistance of cast composites is better than that of unreinforced magnesium, which is attributed to dispersion hardening caused by carbide particles. An increase in wt pct of B4C showed the wear resistance and hardness to increase significantly. The wear rate and coefficient of friction increased with an increase in applied load. The SEM and EDS analysis of the worn surfaces delineated the dominant wear mechanisms to be abrasion, adhesion, and oxidation under the different sliding conditions. At lower loads, the wear mechanism transformed from severe abrasive wear in pure magnesium (Mg) to mild abrasion, slight delamination, and oxidation in the Mg/12 wt pct B4C fabricated composite. At higher loads, severe abrasion, adhesion, delamination, and oxidation were found to be the major wear mechanisms in pure Mg, whereas in the Mg/12 wt pct B4C fabricated composites the corresponding mechanisms were mild abrasion, mild adhesion, slight delamination, and oxidation.

  17. 49 CFR 178.55 - Specification 4B240ET welded or brazed cylinders.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    .... (a) Type, spinning process, size and service pressure. A DOT 4B240ET cylinder is a brazed type... process are authorized. (b) Steel. Open-hearth, basic oxygen, or electric steel of uniform quality must be... manufactured using equipment and processes adequate to ensure that each cylinder produced conforms to the...

  18. 49 CFR 178.55 - Specification 4B240ET welded or brazed cylinders.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    .... (a) Type, spinning process, size and service pressure. A DOT 4B240ET cylinder is a brazed type... process are authorized. (b) Steel. Open-hearth, basic oxygen, or electric steel of uniform quality must be... manufactured using equipment and processes adequate to ensure that each cylinder produced conforms to the...

  19. 49 CFR 178.55 - Specification 4B240ET welded or brazed cylinders.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    .... (a) Type, spinning process, size and service pressure. A DOT 4B240ET cylinder is a brazed type... process are authorized. (b) Steel. Open-hearth, basic oxygen, or electric steel of uniform quality must be... manufactured using equipment and processes adequate to ensure that each cylinder produced conforms to the...

  20. 49 CFR 178.55 - Specification 4B240ET welded or brazed cylinders.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    .... (a) Type, spinning process, size and service pressure. A DOT 4B240ET cylinder is a brazed type... process are authorized. (b) Steel. Open-hearth, basic oxygen, or electric steel of uniform quality must be... manufactured using equipment and processes adequate to ensure that each cylinder produced conforms to the...

  1. LAPTM4b recruits the LAT1-4F2hc Leu transporter to lysosomes and promotes mTORC1 activation.

    PubMed

    Milkereit, Ruth; Persaud, Avinash; Vanoaica, Liviu; Guetg, Adriano; Verrey, Francois; Rotin, Daniela

    2015-05-22

    Mammalian target of rapamycin 1 (mTORC1), a master regulator of cellular growth, is activated downstream of growth factors, energy signalling and intracellular essential amino acids (EAAs) such as Leu. mTORC1 activation occurs at the lysosomal membrane, and involves V-ATPase stimulation by intra-lysosomal EAA (inside-out activation), leading to activation of the Ragulator, RagA/B-GTP and mTORC1 via Rheb-GTP. How Leu enters the lysosomes is unknown. Here we identified the lysosomal protein LAPTM4b as a binding partner for the Leu transporter, LAT1-4F2hc (SLC7A5-SLAC3A2). We show that LAPTM4b recruits LAT1-4F2hc to lysosomes, leading to uptake of Leu into lysosomes, and is required for mTORC1 activation via V-ATPase following EAA or Leu stimulation. These results demonstrate a functional Leu transporter at the lysosome, and help explain the inside-out lysosomal activation of mTORC1 by Leu/EAA.

  2. Hit generation and exploration: imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine derivatives as inhibitors of Aurora kinases.

    PubMed

    Bavetsias, Vassilios; Sun, Chongbo; Bouloc, Nathalie; Reynisson, Jóhannes; Workman, Paul; Linardopoulos, Spiros; McDonald, Edward

    2007-12-01

    A hit generation and exploration approach led to the discovery of 31 (2-(4-(6-chloro-2-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-7-yl)piperazin-1-yl)-N-(thiazol-2-yl)acetamide), a potent, novel inhibitor of Aurora-A, Aurora-B and Aurora-C kinases with IC(50) values of 0.042, 0.198 and 0.227microM, respectively. Compound 31 inhibits cell proliferation and has good microsomal stability.

  3. Glutathione peroxidase 4 overexpression inhibits ROS-induced cell death in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

    PubMed

    Kinowaki, Yuko; Kurata, Morito; Ishibashi, Sachiko; Ikeda, Masumi; Tatsuzawa, Anna; Yamamoto, Masahide; Miura, Osamu; Kitagawa, Masanobu; Yamamoto, Kouhei

    2018-02-20

    Regulation of oxidative stress and redox systems has important roles in carcinogenesis and cancer progression, and for this reason has attracted much attention as a new area of cancer therapeutic targets. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), an antioxidant enzyme, has biological important functions such as signaling cell death by suppressing peroxidation of membrane phospholipids. However, few studies exist on the expression and clinical relevance of GPX4 in malignant lymphomas such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In this study, we assessed the expression of GPX4 immunohistochemically. GPX4 was expressed in 35.5% (33/93) cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The GPX4-positive group had poor overall survival (P = 0.0032) and progression-free survival (P = 0.0004) compared with those of the GPX4-negative group. In a combined analysis of GPX4 and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidative stress marker, there was a negative correlation between GPX4 and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (P = 0.0009). The GPX4-positive and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine-negative groups had a significantly worse prognosis than the other groups in both overall survival (P = 0.0170) and progression-free survival (P = 0.0005). These results suggest that the overexpression of GPX4 is an independent prognostic predictor in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Furthermore, in vitro analysis demonstrated that GPX4-overexpressing cells were resistant to reactive oxygen species-induced cell death (P = 0.0360). Conversely, GPX4-knockdown cells were sensitive to reactive oxygen species-induced cell death (P = 0.0111). From these data, we conclude that GPX4 regulates reactive oxygen species-induced cell death. Our results suggest a novel therapeutic strategy using the mechanism of ferroptosis, as well as a novel prognostic predictor of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

  4. Enhancement of the in-field Jc of MgB2 via SiCl4 doping

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xiao-Lin; Dou, S. X.; Hossain, M. S. A.; Cheng, Z. X.; Liao, X. Z.; Ghorbani, S. R.; Yao, Q. W.; Kim, J. H.; Silver, T.

    2010-06-01

    We present the following results. (1) We introduce a doping source for MgB2 , liquid SiCl4 , which is free of C, to significantly enhance the irreversibility field (Hirr) , the upper critical field (Hc2) , and the critical current density (Jc) with a little reduction in the critical temperature (Tc) . (2) Although Si can not be incorporated into the crystal lattice, a significant reduction in the a -axis lattice parameter was found, to the same extent as for carbon doping. (3) Based on the first-principles calculation, it is found that it is reliable to estimate the C concentration just from the reduction in the a -lattice parameter for C-doped MgB2 polycrystalline samples that are prepared at high sintering temperatures, but not for those prepared at low sintering temperatures. Strain effects and magnesium deficiency might be reasons for the a -lattice reduction in non-C or some of the C-added MgB2 samples. (4) The SiCl4 -doped MgB2 shows much higher Jc with superior field dependence above 20 K compared to undoped MgB2 and MgB2 doped with various carbon sources. (5) We introduce a parameter, RHH (Hc2/Hirr) , which can clearly reflect the degree of flux-pinning enhancement, providing us with guidance for further enhancing Jc . (6) It was found that spatial variation in the charge-carrier mean free path is responsible for the flux-pinning mechanism in the SiCl4 treated MgB2 with large in-field Jc .

  5. Listeria monocytogenes Source Distribution Analysis Indicates Regional Heterogeneity and Ecological Niche Preference among Serotype 4b Clones.

    PubMed

    Lee, Sangmi; Chen, Yi; Gorski, Lisa; Ward, Todd J; Osborne, Jason; Kathariou, Sophia

    2018-04-17

    Biodiversity analysis of the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes recently revealed four serotype 4b major hypervirulent clonal complexes (CCs), i.e., CC1, CC2, CC4, and CC6. Hypervirulence was indicated by overrepresentation of these clones, and serotype 4b as a whole, among human clinical isolates in comparison to food. However, data on potential source-dependent partitioning among serotype 4b clones in diverse regions are sparse. We analyzed a panel of 347 serotype 4b isolates, primarily from North America, to determine the distribution of clones in humans, other animals, food, and water. CC1, CC2, CC4, and CC6 predominated, but surprisingly, only three clones, i.e., CC2 and the singleton sequence types (STs) ST382 and ST639, exhibited significant source-dependent associations, with higher propensity for food (CC2) or water (ST382 and ST639) than other sources. Pairwise comparisons between human and food isolates identified CC4 as the only serotype 4b clone significantly overrepresented among human isolates. Our analysis also revealed several serotype 4b clones emerging in North America. Two such emerging clones, ST382 (implicated in several outbreaks since 2014) and ST639, were primarily encountered among human and water isolates. Findings suggest that in spite of the ubiquity of CC1, CC2, CC4, and CC6, regional heterogeneity in serotype 4b is substantially larger than previously surmised. Analysis of even large strain panels from one region may not adequately predict clones unique to, and emerging in, other areas. Serotype 4b clonal complexes may differ in ecological niche preference, suggesting the need to further elucidate reservoirs and vehicles, especially for emerging clones. IMPORTANCE In Listeria monocytogenes , serotype 4b strains are leading contributors to human disease, but intraserotype distributions among different sources and regions remain poorly elucidated. Analysis of 347 serotype 4b isolates from four different sources, mostly from North

  6. [The value of B7-H4 and carcinoembryonic antigen in diagnosing the benign and malignant pleural effusion].

    PubMed

    Wei, F; Wei, Y; Li, L F; Li, G L; Wang, G J

    2017-07-23

    Objective: To evaluate the value of combined detection of negative costimulatory molecule B7-H4 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in diagnosing malignant and benign pleural effusion. Methods: Ninety-seven pleural effusion specimen were collected, 55 of which were diagnosed as malignant pleural effusion and 42 were benign pleural effusion. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to examine the concentration of B7-H4 and CEA in pleural effusion. Electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay was used to detect the CEA level in pleural effusion. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established to analyze and evaluate the single or combined detection of B7-H4 and CEA in diagnosing malignant and benign pleural effusion. Results: The concentrations of B7-H4 and CEA in malignant pleural effusion (MPE) group were (60.08±35.04) ng/ml and (41.49±37.16) ng/ml, respectively, obviously higher than (27.26±9.55) ng/ml and (2.41±0.94) ng/ml of benign pleural effusion (BPE) group (both P <0.01). Area under curve (AUC) of B7-H4 was 0.884 in MPE groupand the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 81.8% and 90.5%, respectively, at the optimized cut off value of 37.25 ng/ml. Likewise, area under curve (AUC) of CEA was 0.954 and the sensitivity and specificity were 87.3% and 95.2%, respectively, at the cut off value of 4.18 ng/ml. When B7-H4 >37.25 ng/ml or CEA>4.18 ng/ml, the sensitivity of diagnosis as MPE was down-regulated to 90.9% and the specificity was elevated to 88.1%. When B7-H4 >37.25 ng/ml and CEA>4.18 ng/ml, the sensitivity of diagnosis as MPE was down-regulated to 78.2% and the specificity was elevated to 97.6%. The sensitivity and specificity of combined detection of B7-H4 and CEA to diagnose MPE were elevated to 90.9% and 97.6%, respectively. The level of B7-H4 in MPE and BPE were both positively correlated with CEA ( r =0.670, P =0.001 in MPE and r =0.002, P =0.001 in BEP). Conclusions: B7-H4 is a potential tumor marker in diagnosing the benign

  7. Utilization Chitosan-p-t-Butylcalix[4]Arene for Red MX 8B Adsorbent

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Handayani, D. S.; Kusumaningsih, T.; Hak, L. A.

    2017-02-01

    Adsorption of Procion Red MX 8B using chitosan dan chitosan-linked p-t-butylcalix[4]arene has been done. The research aimed to understand the adsorption of Procion Red MX 8B using chitosan p-t-butylcalix[4]arene compared to ordinary chitosan. The research was conducted in a batch process varying in pH, contact time and initial concentration of the Procion Red MX 8B. The amount of dye adsorbed was determined using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and the adsorben was characterized using FTIR and SEM-EDX spectrophotometer. The result showed that the optimum condition was achieved when the pH was set at 4, contact time 135 minutes and initial concentration at 200 ppm. The kinetic analysis showed that the adsorption followed Ho kinetic model and pseudo second order with the adsorption rate constant was 3.69×10-3 g/mg.minute and 2.03×10-3 g/mg.minute. The isotherm analysis showed that the adsorption process tend to occur following the Langmuir model with maximum capacity for chitosan and chitosan-linked p-t-butylcalix[4]arene 136.09 mg/g and 147.35 mg/g respectively. The adsorption energy of chitosan and chitosan-linked p-t-butylcalix[4]arene at 30.53 kJ/mole and 33.65 kJ/mole.

  8. 29 CFR 2550.408b-4 - Statutory exemption for investments in deposits of banks or similar financial institutions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... similar financial institutions. 2550.408b-4 Section 2550.408b-4 Labor Regulations Relating to Labor....408b-4 Statutory exemption for investments in deposits of banks or similar financial institutions. (a... in deposits bearing a reasonable rate of interest in a bank or similar financial institution...

  9. Synthesis and photovoltaic properties of 2,6-bis(2-thienyl) benzobisazole and 4,8-bis(thienyl)-benzo[1,2- B :4,5- B' ]dithiophene copolymers

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

    Bhuwalka, Achala; Ewan, Monique D.; Elshobaki, Moneim

    2015-08-22

    In an effort to design efficient low-cost polymers for use in organic photovoltaic cells the easily prepared donor–acceptor–donor triad of a either cis-benzobisoxazole, trans-benzobisoxazole or trans-benzobisthiazole flanked by two thiophene rings was combined with the electron-rich 4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)-thien-2-yl)-benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene. The electrochemical, optical, morphological, charge transport, and photovoltaic properties of the resulting terpolymers were investigated. Although the polymers differed in the arrangement and/or nature of the chalcogens, they all had similar highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels (-5.2 to -5.3 eV) and optical band gaps (2.1–2.2 eV). However, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels ranged from -3.1 to -3.5 eV. When themore » polymers were used as electron donors in bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices with PC71BM ([6,6]-phenyl C71-butyric acid methyl ester) as the acceptor, the trans-benzobisoxazole polymer had the best performance with a power conversion efficiency of 2.8%.« less

  10. Prolactin Regulatory Element Binding Protein Is Involved in Hepatitis C Virus Replication by Interaction with NS4B

    PubMed Central

    Kong, Lingbao; Fujimoto, Akira; Nakamura, Mariko; Aoyagi, Haruyo; Matsuda, Mami; Watashi, Koichi; Suzuki, Ryosuke; Arita, Minetaro; Yamagoe, Satoshi; Dohmae, Naoshi; Suzuki, Takehiro; Sakamaki, Yuriko; Ichinose, Shizuko; Suzuki, Tetsuro; Wakita, Takaji

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT It has been proposed that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS4B protein triggers the membranous HCV replication compartment, but the underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we screened for NS4B-associated membrane proteins by tandem affinity purification and proteome analysis and identified 202 host proteins. Subsequent screening of replicon cells with small interfering RNA identified prolactin regulatory element binding (PREB) to be a novel HCV host cofactor. The interaction between PREB and NS4B was confirmed by immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and proximity ligation assays. PREB colocalized with double-stranded RNA and the newly synthesized HCV RNA labeled with bromouridine triphosphate in HCV replicon cells. Furthermore, PREB shifted to detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs), where HCV replication complexes reside, in the presence of NS4B expression in Huh7 cells. However, a PREB mutant lacking the NS4B-binding region (PREBd3) could not colocalize with double-stranded RNA and did not shift to the DRM in the presence of NS4B. These results indicate that PREB locates at the HCV replication complex by interacting with NS4B. PREB silencing inhibited the formation of the membranous HCV replication compartment and increased the protease and nuclease sensitivity of HCV replicase proteins and RNA in DRMs, respectively. Collectively, these data indicate that PREB promotes HCV RNA replication by participating in the formation of the membranous replication compartment and by maintaining its proper structure by interacting with NS4B. Furthermore, PREB was induced by HCV infection in vitro and in vivo. Our findings provide new insights into HCV host cofactors. IMPORTANCE The hepatitis C virus (HCV) protein NS4B can induce alteration of the endoplasmic reticulum and the formation of a membranous web structure, which provides a platform for the HCV replication complex. The molecular mechanism by which NS4B induces the membranous HCV replication

  11. A-type voltage-gated K+ currents influence firing properties of isolectin B4-positive but not isolectin B4-negative primary sensory neurons.

    PubMed

    Vydyanathan, Amaresh; Wu, Zi-Zhen; Chen, Shao-Rui; Pan, Hui-Lin

    2005-06-01

    Voltage-gated K+ channels (Kv) in primary sensory neurons are important for regulation of neuronal excitability. The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are heterogeneous, and the types of native Kv currents in different groups of nociceptive DRG neurons are not fully known. In this study, we determined the difference in the A-type Kv current and its influence on the firing properties between isolectin B4 (IB4)-positive and -negative DRG neurons. Whole cell voltage- and current-clamp recordings were performed on acutely dissociated small DRG neurons of rats. The total Kv current density was significantly higher in IB+-positive than that in IB(4)-negative neurons. Also, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) produced a significantly greater reduction in Kv currents in IB4-positive than in IB4-negative neurons. In contrast, IB4-negative neurons exhibited a larger proportion of tetraethylammonium-sensitive Kv currents. Furthermore, IB4-positive neurons showed a longer latency of firing and required a significantly larger amount of current injection to evoke action potentials. 4-AP significantly decreased the latency of firing and increased the firing frequency in IB4-positive but not in IB4-negative neurons. Additionally, IB4-positive neurons are immunoreactive to Kv1.4 but not to Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 subunits. Collectively, this study provides new information that 4-AP-sensitive A-type Kv currents are mainly present in IB4-positive DRG neurons and preferentially dampen the initiation of action potentials of this subpopulation of nociceptors. The difference in the density of A-type Kv currents contributes to the distinct electrophysiological properties of IB4-positive and -negative DRG neurons.

  12. Suppression of Rotational Twins in Epitaxial B 12P 2 on 4H-SiC

    DOE PAGES

    Frye, C. D.; Saw, C. K.; Padavala, Balabalaji; ...

    2017-12-22

    B 12P2 was grown epitaxially on (0001) 4H-SiC using two different substrate miscuts: a standard 4° miscut toward the [more » $$11\\bar{20}$$] and a custom miscut 4° toward the [$$1\\bar{10}0$$]. Epitaxy on substrates miscut to the [$$11\\bar{20}$$] resulted in highly twinned B 12P 2 films with a rotational twin density of approximately 70% twin orientation I and 30% twin orientation II. In contrast, epitaxy on substrates tilted toward the [$$1\\bar{10}0$$] produced films of >99% twin orientation I. A H 2 etch model is used to explain the 4H-SiC surface morphology for each miscut prior to epitaxy and demonstrate how the surface steps influence the nucleation of B 12P 2 twin orientations. Surface steps on substrates miscut to the [$$11\\bar{20}$$] tend to be zig-zagged with steps rotated 60° from one another producing B 12P 2 crystals that nucleate in orientations rotated by 60°, hence forming rotationally twinned films. In conclusion, steps on substrates tilted to the [$$1\\bar{10}0$$] tend to be parallel resulting in crystallographically aligned B 12P 2 nucleation.« less

  13. Suppression of Rotational Twins in Epitaxial B 12P 2 on 4H-SiC

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

    Frye, C. D.; Saw, C. K.; Padavala, Balabalaji

    B 12P2 was grown epitaxially on (0001) 4H-SiC using two different substrate miscuts: a standard 4° miscut toward the [more » $$11\\bar{20}$$] and a custom miscut 4° toward the [$$1\\bar{10}0$$]. Epitaxy on substrates miscut to the [$$11\\bar{20}$$] resulted in highly twinned B 12P 2 films with a rotational twin density of approximately 70% twin orientation I and 30% twin orientation II. In contrast, epitaxy on substrates tilted toward the [$$1\\bar{10}0$$] produced films of >99% twin orientation I. A H 2 etch model is used to explain the 4H-SiC surface morphology for each miscut prior to epitaxy and demonstrate how the surface steps influence the nucleation of B 12P 2 twin orientations. Surface steps on substrates miscut to the [$$11\\bar{20}$$] tend to be zig-zagged with steps rotated 60° from one another producing B 12P 2 crystals that nucleate in orientations rotated by 60°, hence forming rotationally twinned films. In conclusion, steps on substrates tilted to the [$$1\\bar{10}0$$] tend to be parallel resulting in crystallographically aligned B 12P 2 nucleation.« less

  14. Normal-incidence reflectance of optimized W/B4C x-ray multilayers in the range 1.4 nm < λ < 2.4 nm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Windt, David L.; Gullikson, Eric M.; Walton, Christopher C.

    2002-12-01

    We have fabricated W/B4C multilayers having periods in the range d = 0.8-1.2 nm and measured their soft-x-ray performance near normal incidence in the wavelength range 1.4 < λ < 2.4 nm. By adjusting the fractional layer thickness of W we have produced structures having interface widths σ ~ 0.29 nm (i.e., as determined from normal-incidence reflectometry), thus having optimal soft-x-ray performance. We describe our results and discuss their implications, particularly with regard to the development of short-wavelength normal-incidence x-ray optics.

  15. Blockade of the interaction of leukotriene b4 with its receptor prevents development of autoimmune uveitis.

    PubMed

    Liao, Tianjiang; Ke, Yan; Shao, Wen-Hai; Haribabu, Bodduluri; Kaplan, Henry J; Sun, Deming; Shao, Hui

    2006-04-01

    To investigate the role of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and its receptor BLT1 in the pathogenesis of mouse uveitis. Experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) was induced in B10RIII mice by immunization of interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP; peptide sequence 161-180) or in C57BL/6 (B6) mice by transfer of activated T cells specific for IRBP1-20. The animals were then treated with and without the BLT1 receptor antagonist, CP105696, at the disease onset after immunization or at day 0 or day 6 after T-cell transfer. EAU was also induced in wild-type B6 (WT) and BLT1-deficient (BLT1-/-) mice by reciprocal transfer of the T cells from B6 to BLT1-deficient mice and vise versa. Clinical signs of inflammation and ocular histology were compared. The chemotactic activity of LTB4 on naïve and IRBP-specific autoreactive T cells as well as effector leukocytes was examined. The treatment of CP105696, greatly reduced the intensity of ongoing disease. IRBP1-20-specific T cells derived from wild-type B6 mice induced only mild uveitis in syngeneic BLT1-deficient mice and that IRBP1-20-specific T cells derived from BLT1-/- mice induced milder disease in wild-type B6 mice than those derived from wild-type B6 mice, suggesting that expression of the LTB4 receptor on both activated autoreactive T cells and effector leukocytes was necessary for ocular inflammation to occur. Consistent with these data, transfer of autoreactive T cells from B6 mice to 5-lipoxygenase-deficient (5-LO-/-) mice, which have a functional defect in LTB4 expression, also failed to induce uveitis in the recipient mice. The results demonstrate a critical role for LTB4 in ocular inflammation and in the development and progression of EAU and suggest a new potential target for therapeutic intervention in this disease.

  16. The development of the Ariane-4 adaptor 937B

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jimenez, A.; Pascual, J.; Lechon, J.; Aceituna, J.

    1990-06-01

    The Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) sandwich shell Ariane 4 payload adapter 937B is described. Two interface metallic end rings are incorporated in the design. The overall dimensions of the adapter are described. The main feature of the adapter is the use of cocuring technology in manufacturing the entire adapter sandwich shell in one piece. Manufacturing cost reductions are described. Qualification test results are presented. Mathematical models used in design analysis of the adapter are outlined.

  17. Face-capping μ3-BO in B6(BO)7-: boron oxide analogue of B6H7- with rhombic 4c-2e bonds.

    PubMed

    Guo, Jin-Chang; Lu, Hai-Gang; Zhai, Hua-Jin; Li, Si-Dian

    2013-11-14

    Using the first-principle approaches, we predict a B6(BO)7(-) cluster with a face-capping μ(3)-BO, which is the boron oxide analogue of closo-B6H7(-) with a face-capping μ(3)-H. Detailed topological analysis of electron density clearly reveals the existence of three rhombic 4c-2e bonds around the B/H apex in both C3v B6(BO)7(-) and C3v B6H7(-), which possesses similar electron densities at their bond and ring critical points. The adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP) analysis provides a direct and visual picture of the B-B-B-B/H 4c-2e bonds for the first time. Adiabatic and vertical electron detachment energies of the concerned monoanions are calculated to facilitate their future photoelectron spectroscopy measurements and characterizations. The presence of the B6(BO)7(-) and B6H7(-) clusters extends the BO/H isolobal analogy to the whole μ(n)-BO/H series (n = 1, 2, and 3) and enriches the chemistry of boronyl.

  18. INPP4B-mediated tumor resistance is associated with modulation of glucose metabolism via hexokinase 2 regulation in laryngeal cancer cells

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

    Min, Joong Won; Kim, Kwang Il; Kim, Hyun-Ah

    2013-10-11

    Highlights: •HIF-1α-regulated INPP4B enhances glycolysis. •INPP4B regulates aerobic glycolysis by inducing HK2 via Akt-mTOR pathway. •Blockage of INPP4B and HK2 sensitizes radioresistant laryngeal cancer cells to radiation and anticancer drug. •INPP4B is associated with HK2 in human laryngeal cancer tissues. -- Abstract: Inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase type II (INPP4B) was recently identified as a tumor resistance factor in laryngeal cancer cells. Herein, we show that INPP4B-mediated resistance is associated with increased glycolytic phenotype. INPP4B expression was induced by hypoxia and irradiation. Intriguingly, overexpression of INPP4B enhanced aerobic glycolysis. Of the glycolysis-regulatory genes, hexokinase 2 (HK2) was mainly regulated by INPP4B andmore » this regulation was mediated through the Akt-mTOR pathway. Notably, codepletion of INPP4B and HK2 markedly sensitized radioresistant laryngeal cancer cells to irradiation or anticancer drug. Moreover, INPP4B was significantly associated with HK2 in human laryngeal cancer tissues. Therefore, these results suggest that INPP4B modulates aerobic glycolysis via HK2 regulation in radioresistant laryngeal cancer cells.« less

  19. Use of B4C powder for preparing in situ Al-Ti-B-C inoculant in Al-Ti melt and its refining effect on A356 alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Shuiqing; Cui, Chunxiang; Wang, Xin; Zhao, Lichen; Sun, Yijiao; Shi, Jiejie; Cui, Sen; Ding, Jinhua

    2018-01-01

    A novel preparation technology of Al-Ti-B-C inoculant with uniform microstructure is prepared using B4C powder instead of graphite in Al-Ti melt reaction method in this study. It is found that the addition of B4C powder improves the wettability between carbon element and liquid aluminum and reduce the tendency to the gravity segregation simultaneously. The result shows that Al-Ti-B-C inoculant using B4C powder presents excellent grain refinement performance than the conventional approach. After T6 heat treatment, the ultimate tensile strength, the yield strength and elongation of A356 alloy are increased to 292 ± 6 MPa, 238 ± 7 MPa and 8.2% ± 0.5% from 260 ± 7 MPa, 218 ± 5 MPa and 4.9% ± 0.6% by addition of Al-Ti-B-C inoculant with a very small ratio of 0.3% in weight. The increase of strength in Al-Ti-B-C refined alloy is attributed to the grain refinement of primary α-Al, while the increase of ductility results from the submicron particles in Al-Ti-B-C inoculant adsorb impurity atoms as well as decreased grain size.

  20. 77 FR 73302 - Extension of Dates for Certain Requirements and Amendment of Form 19b-4

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-10

    ... amending section A of the General Instructions for Form 19b-4 to state that blank electronic and PDF.... An electronic version of Form 19b-4 is available in EFFS. A PDF version of the Form is also available...

  1. Immunogenicity and safety of concomitant administration of meningococcal serogroup B (4CMenB) and serogroup C (MenC-CRM) vaccines in infants: A phase 3b, randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    P Safadi, Marco Aurelio; Martinon-Torres, Federico; Weckx, Lily Yin; Moreira, Edson Duarte; da Fonseca Lima, Eduardo Jorge; Mensi, Ilhem; Calabresi, Marco; Toneatto, Daniela

    2017-04-11

    After implementation of routine infant MenC vaccination, MenB remains a serious cause of meningococcal disease, yet to be targeted by vaccination programs in several countries. This study (NCT01339923) investigated the immunogenicity and safety of MenC CRM-conjugated vaccine (MenC-CRM) concomitantly administered with MenB vaccine (4CMenB). Infants (N=251) were randomised 1:1 to receive 4CMenB and MenC-CRM (Group 1) or MenC-CRM alone (Group 2) at 3 and 5months (M3, M5) and a booster at 12months of age (M12), and pneumococcal vaccine at M3, M5, M7, M12. Antibody responses to meningococcal vaccines were measured at M3, M6, M12, and M13. Non-inferiority of MenC-CRM response in Group 1 vs Group 2 was demonstrated at M6 and M13, if the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (LL95%CI) of the difference in percentage of infants with hSBA titres ≥1:8 was >-10%. Sufficiency of MenB response was achieved if LL95%CI of the percentage of infants with hSBA titres ≥1:4 against fHbp, NadA and PorA strains was ≥70% at M6 or ≥75% at M13. Adverse events (AEs) were collected for 7days post-vaccination, and serious AEs (SAEs) and medically attended AEs throughout the study. Non-inferiority of MenC response in Group 1 vs Group 2 (LL95%CI -6.4% [M6]; -5.2% [M13]) and sufficiency of MenB response in Group 1 (LL95%CI 92%, 90%, 89% [M6]; 97%, 92%, 93% [M13] against fHbp, NadA, PorA, respectively) were demonstrated. Higher rates of mild to moderate solicited AEs were reported in Group 1. Unsolicited AEs and SAEs incidences were similar across groups. Concomitant administration of MenC-CRM and 4CMenB in infants was immunogenic, resulting in non-inferior responses against MenC compared to MenC-CRM alone and demonstration of sufficient immune response to MenB, after primary and booster vaccination. Reactogenicity was higher for concomitant vaccines administration, but no safety concerns were identified. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  2. 40 CFR 174.526 - Hygromycin B phosphotransferase (APH4) marker protein in all plants; exemption from the...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Hygromycin B phosphotransferase (APH4... the Hygromycin B phosphotransferase (APH4) enzyme in all plants are exempt from the requirement of a... REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANT-INCORPORATED PROTECTANTS Tolerances and Tolerance Exemptions § 174.526 Hygromycin B...

  3. 40 CFR 174.526 - Hygromycin B phosphotransferase (APH4) marker protein in all plants; exemption from the...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Hygromycin B phosphotransferase (APH4... the Hygromycin B phosphotransferase (APH4) enzyme in all plants are exempt from the requirement of a... REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANT-INCORPORATED PROTECTANTS Tolerances and Tolerance Exemptions § 174.526 Hygromycin B...

  4. 40 CFR 174.526 - Hygromycin B phosphotransferase (APH4) marker protein in all plants; exemption from the...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Hygromycin B phosphotransferase (APH4... the Hygromycin B phosphotransferase (APH4) enzyme in all plants are exempt from the requirement of a... REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANT-INCORPORATED PROTECTANTS Tolerances and Tolerance Exemptions § 174.526 Hygromycin B...

  5. Cr/B 4C multilayer mirrors: Study of interfaces and X-ray reflectance

    DOE PAGES

    Burcklen, C.; Soufli, R.; Gullikson, E.; ...

    2016-03-24

    Here, we present an experimental study of the effect of layer interfaces on the x-ray reflectance in Cr/B 4C multilayer interference coatings with layer thicknesses ranging from 0.7 nm to 5.4 nm. The multilayers were deposited by magnetron sputtering and by ion beam sputtering. Grazing incidence x-ray reflectometry, soft x-ray reflectometry, and transmission electron microscopy reveal asymmetric multilayer structures with a larger B 4C-on-Cr interface, which we modeled with a 1–1.5 nm thick interfacial layer. Reflectance measurements in the vicinity of the Cr L 2,3 absorption edge demonstrate fine structure that is not predicted by simulations using the currently tabulatedmore » refractive index (optical constants) values for Cr.« less

  6. IRF4 controls the positioning of mature B cells in the lymphoid microenvironments by regulating NOTCH2 expression and activity

    PubMed Central

    Simonetti, Giorgia; Carette, Amanda; Silva, Kathryn; Wang, Haowei; De Silva, Nilushi S.; Heise, Nicole; Siebel, Christian W.; Shlomchik, Mark J.

    2013-01-01

    The transcription factor interferon regulatory factor-4 (IRF4) is expressed in B cells at most developmental stages. In antigen-activated B cells, IRF4 controls germinal center formation, class-switch recombination, and the generation of plasma cells. Here we describe a novel function for IRF4 in the homeostasis of mature B cells. Inducible deletion of irf4 specifically in B cells in vivo led to the aberrant accumulation of irf4-deleted follicular B cells in the marginal zone (MZ) area. IRF4-deficient B cells showed elevated protein expression and activation of NOTCH2, a transmembrane receptor and transcriptional regulator known to be required for MZ B cell development. Administration of a NOTCH2-inhibitory antibody abolished nuclear translocation of NOTCH2 in B cells within 12 h and caused a rapid and progressive disintegration of the MZ that was virtually complete 48 h after injection. The disappearance of the MZ was accompanied by a transient increase of MZ-like B cells in the blood rather than increased B cell apoptosis, demonstrating that continued NOTCH2 activation is critical for the retention of B cells in the MZ. Our results suggest that IRF4 controls the positioning of mature B cells in the lymphoid microenvironments by regulating NOTCH2 expression. These findings may have implications for the understanding of B cell malignancies with dysregulated IRF4 and NOTCH2 activity. PMID:24323359

  7. 2,4-Dihydroxychalcone derivatives as novel potent cell division cycle 25B phosphatase inhibitors and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Xie, Chao; Sun, Yuan; Pan, Cheng-Yan; Tang, Li-Ming; Guan, Li-Ping

    2014-04-01

    Eleven 2,4-dihydroxychalcone compounds were synthesized and identified as reversible and competitive cell division cycle 25 (CDC25) B and protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) 1B inhibitors with inhibition values in the micromolar range. The results showed that nine compounds significantly inhibited CDC25B phosphatase, whereas seven compounds inhibited the activity against PTP1B in vitro. Compound 8 had the greatest inhibition activity against CDC25B and PTP1B in vitro, with percentage inhibition values of 97.5% and 96.3% at a dose of 20 microg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxic activity assays revealed that compound 8 was the most potent against HCT116, HeLa, and A549 cells. Furthermore, compound 8 exhibited potent antitumor activity in a colo205 xenograft model.

  8. Diagnostic value of soluble B7-H4 and carcinoembryonic antigen in distinguishing malignant from benign pleural effusion.

    PubMed

    Jing, Xiaogang; Wei, Fei; Li, Jing; Dai, Lingling; Wang, Xi; Jia, Liuqun; Wang, Huan; An, Lin; Yang, Yuanjian; Zhang, Guojun; Cheng, Zhe

    2018-03-01

    To explore the diagnostic value of joint detection of soluble B7-H4 (sB7-H4) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in identifying malignant pleural effusion (MPE) from benign pleural effusion (BPE). A total of 97 patients with pleural effusion specimens were enrolled from The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between June 2014 and December 2015. All cases were categorized into malignant pleural effusion group (n = 55) and benign pleural effusion group (n = 42) according to etiologies. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to examine the levels of sB7-H4 in pleural effusion and meanwhile CEA concentrations were detected by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassays. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established to assess the diagnostic value of sB7-H4 and CEA in pleural effusion. The correlation between sB7-H4 and CEA levels was analyzed by Pearson's product-moment. The concentrations of sB7-H4 and CEA in MPE exhibited obviously higher than those of BPE ([60.08 ± 35.04] vs. [27.26 ± 9.55] ng/ml, P = .000; [41.49 ± 37.16] vs. [2.41 ± 0.94] ng/ml, P = .000). The AUC area under ROC curve of sB7-H4 and CEA was 0.884 and 0.954, respectively. Two cutoff values by ROC curve analysis of sB7-H4 36.5 ng/ml and CEA 4.18 ng/ml were obtained, with a corresponding sensitivity (81.82%, 87.28%), specificity (90.48%, 95.24%), accuracy (85.57%, 90.72%), positive predictive value (PPV) (91.84%, 96.0%), negative predictive value (NPV) (79.17%, 85.11%), positive likelihood ratio (PLR) (8.614, 18.327), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) (0.201, 0.134). When sB7-H4 and CEA were combined to detect pleural effusion, it obtained a higher sensitivity 90.91% and specificity 97.62%. Furthermore, correlation analysis result showed that the level of sB7-H4 was correlated with CEA level (r = .770, P = .000). sB7-H4 was a potentially valuable tumor marker in the differentiation between BPE and MPE. The combined detection of sB7-H4 and

  9. Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit prevents autoimmune arthritis through induction of regulatory CD4+ T cells.

    PubMed

    Luross, Jeffrey A; Heaton, Tricia; Hirst, Timothy R; Day, Michael J; Williams, Neil A

    2002-06-01

    The receptor-binding B subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (EtxB) is a highly stable, nontoxic protein that is capable of modulating immune responses. This study was conducted to determine whether mucosal administration of EtxB can block collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and to investigate the mechanisms involved. Clinical arthritis in DBA/1 mice was monitored following mucosal administration of EtxB on 4 occasions. The dependence of disease prevention on receptor binding by EtxB and the associated alterations to the immune response to type II collagen (CII) were assessed. Adoptive transfer experiments and lymph node cell cocultures were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Both intranasal and intragastric delivery of EtxB were effective in preventing CIA; a 1-microg dose of EtxB was protective after intranasal administration. A non-receptor-binding mutant of EtxB failed to prevent disease. Intranasal EtxB lowered both the incidence and severity of arthritis when given either at the time of disease induction or 25 days later. EtxB markedly reduced levels of anti-CII IgG2a antibodies and interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) production while not affecting levels of IgG1, interleukin-4 (IL-4), or IL-10. Disease protection could be transferred by CD4+ T cells from treated mice, an effect that was abrogated upon depletion of the CD25+ population. In addition, CD4+CD25+ T cells from treated mice were able to suppress anti-CII IFNgamma production by CII-primed lymph node cells. Mucosal administration of EtxB can be used to prevent or treat CIA. Modulation of the anti-CII immune response by EtxB is associated with a reduction in Th1 cell reactivity without a concomitant shift toward Th2. Instead, EtxB mediates its effects through enhancing the activity of a population of CD4+ regulatory T cells.

  10. In silico targeting of non-structural 4B protein from dengue virus 4 with spiropyrazolopyridone: study of molecular dynamics simulation, ADMET and virtual screening.

    PubMed

    Hussain, Waqar; Qaddir, Iqra; Mahmood, Sajid; Rasool, Nouman

    2018-06-01

    Dengue fever is one of the most prevalent disease in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 3.5 billion people have been affected with dengue fever. Four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV) i.e. DENV1, DENV2, DENV3 and DENV4 have up to 65% genetic variations among themselves. dengue virus 4 (DENV4) was first reported from Amazonas, Brazil and is spreading perilously due to lack of awareness of preventive measures, as it is the least targeted serotype. In this study, non-structural protein 4B of dengue virus 4 (DENV4-NS4B) is computationally characterised and simulations are performed including solvation, energy minimizations and neutralisation for the refinement of predicted model of the protein. The spiropyrazolopyridone is considered as an effective drug against NS4B of DENV2, therefore, a total of 91 different analogues of spiropyrazolopyridone are used to analyse their inhibitory action against DENV4-NS4B. These compounds are docked at the binding site with various binding affinities, representing their efficacy to block the binding pocket of the protein. Pharmacological and pharmacokinetic assessment performed on these inhibitors shows that these are suitable candidates to be used as a drug against the dengue fever. Among all these 91 compounds, Analogue-I and Analogue-II are analysed to be the most effective inhibitor having potential to be used as drugs against dengue virus.

  11. Epstein-Barr virus EBNA2 directs doxorubicin resistance of B cell lymphoma through CCL3 and CCL4-mediated activation of NF-κB and Btk.

    PubMed

    Kim, Joo Hyun; Kim, Won Seog; Hong, Jung Yong; Ryu, Kung Ju; Kim, Seok Jin; Park, Chaehwa

    2017-01-17

    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded nuclear antigen, EBNA2, expressed in EBV-infected B lymphocytes is critical for lymphoblastoid cell growth. Microarray profiling and cytokine array screening revealed that EBNA2 is associated with upregulation of the chemokines CCL3 and CCL4 in lymphoma cells. Depletion or inactivation of CCL3 or CCL4 sensitized DLBCL cells to doxorubicin. Our results indicate that EBV influences cell survival via an autocrine mechanism whereby EBNA2 increases CCL3 and CCL4, which in turn activate the Btk and NF-κB pathways, contributing to doxorubicin resistance of B lymphoma cells. Western blot data further confirmed that CCL3 and CCL4 direct activation of Btk and NF-κB. Based on these findings, we propose that a pathway involving EBNA2/Btk/NF-κB/CCL3/CCL4 plays a key role in doxorubicin resistance, and therefore, inhibition of specific components of this pathway may sensitize lymphoma cells to doxorubicin. Evaluation of the relationship between CCL3 expression and EBV infection revealed high CCL3 levels in EBV-positive patients. Our data collectively suggest that doxorubicin treatment for EBNA2-positive DLBCL cells may be effectively complemented with a NF-κB or Btk inhibitor. Moreover, evaluation of the CCL3 and CCL4 levels may be helpful for selecting DLBCL patients likely to benefit from doxorubicin treatment in combination with the velcade or ibrutinib.

  12. Computational-Experimental Processing of Boride/Carbide Composites by Reactive Infusion of Hf Alloy Melts into B4C

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-09-16

    AFRL-AFOSR-VA-TR-2015-0314 Computational -Experimental Processing of Boride /Carbide Composites by Reactive Infusion of Hf Alloy Melts into B4C...Computational -Experimental Processing of Boride /Carbide Composites by Reactive Infusion of Hf Alloy Melts into B4C 5a.  CONTRACT NUMBER 5b.  GRANT...with a packed bed of B4C to form boride - carbide precipitates. Although the ultimate goal of the research endeavor is to enhance significantly the

  13. B{sub 4}C-SiC reaction-sintered coatings on graphite plasma facing components

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

    Valentine, P.G.; Trester, P.W.; Winter, J.

    1994-05-01

    Boron carbide plus silicon carbide (B{sub 4}C-SiC) reaction-sintered coatings for use on graphite plasma-facing components were developed. Such coatings are of interest in TEXTOR tokamak limiter-plasma interactions as a means of reducing carbon erosion, of providing a preferred release of boron for oxygen gettering, and of investigating silicon`s effect on radiative edge phenomena. Specimens evaluated had (a) either Ringsdorfwerke EK 98 graphite or Le Carbon Lorraine felt-type AEROLOR A05 CFC substrates; (b) multiphase coatings, comprised of B{sub 4}C, Sic, and graphite; (c) nominal coating compositions of 69 wt.-% B{sub 4}C + 31 wt.-% SiC; and (d) nominal coating thicknesses betweenmore » 250 and 775 {mu}m. Coated coupons were evaluated by high heat flux experiments in the JUDITH (electron beam) test facility at KFA. Simulated disruptions, with energy densities up to 10 MJm{sup {minus}2}, and normal operation simulations, with power densities up to 12 MWm{sup {minus}2}, were conducted. The coatings remained adherent; at the highest levels tested, minor changes occurred, including localized remelting, modification of the crystallographic phases, occasional microcracking, and erosion.« less

  14. The CYP3A4 *1B polymorphism and prostate cancer susceptibility in a Portuguese population.

    PubMed

    Nogal, Ana; Coelho, Ana; Catarino, Raquel; Morais, António; Lobo, Francisco; Medeiros, Rui

    2007-09-01

    Testosterone exposure has been implicated in prostate carcinogenesis, and genes that alter its metabolism, such as CYP3A4, have been associated with prostate cancer susceptibility. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between the CYP3A4 *1B polymorphism and its possible role in the development of prostate cancer. DNA samples obtained from the peripheral blood cells of 414 individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer and 337 healthy male donors were used in this case-control study. The CYP3A4*1B polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. We found no statistically significant differences in the distribution of the CYP3A4*1B genotypes between cases and controls (P = 0.470; odds ratio = 1.191; 95% confidence interval=0.740-1.918), as well as after the stratification of our analysis, according to important clinicopathologic parameters of prostate cancer. Our results suggest that the CYP3A4*1B polymorphism is not associated with prostate cancer risk within the Portuguese population.

  15. The plasma membrane Ca2+ pump PMCA4b inhibits the migratory and metastatic activity of BRAF mutant melanoma cells.

    PubMed

    Hegedũs, Luca; Garay, Tamás; Molnár, Eszter; Varga, Karolina; Bilecz, Ágnes; Török, Szilvia; Padányi, Rita; Pászty, Katalin; Wolf, Matthias; Grusch, Michael; Kállay, Enikõ; Döme, Balázs; Berger, Walter; Hegedũs, Balázs; Enyedi, Agnes

    2017-06-15

    Oncogenic mutations of BRAF lead to constitutive ERK activity that supports melanoma cell growth and survival. While Ca 2+ signaling is a well-known regulator of tumor progression, the crosstalk between Ca 2+ signaling and the Ras-BRAF-MEK-ERK pathway is much less explored. Here we show that in BRAF mutant melanoma cells the abundance of the plasma membrane Ca 2+ ATPase isoform 4b (PMCA4b, ATP2B4) is low at baseline but markedly elevated by treatment with the mutant BRAF specific inhibitor vemurafenib. In line with these findings gene expression microarray data also shows decreased PMCA4b expression in cutaneous melanoma when compared to benign nevi. The MEK inhibitor selumetinib-similarly to that of the BRAF-specific inhibitor-also increases PMCA4b levels in both BRAF and NRAS mutant melanoma cells suggesting that the MAPK pathway is involved in the regulation of PMCA4b expression. The increased abundance of PMCA4b in the plasma membrane enhances [Ca 2+ ] i clearance from cells after Ca 2+ entry. Moreover we show that both vemurafenib treatment and PMCA4b overexpression induce marked inhibition of migration of BRAF mutant melanoma cells. Importantly, reduced migration of PMCA4b expressing BRAF mutant cells is associated with a marked decrease in their metastatic potential in vivo. Taken together, our data reveal an important crosstalk between Ca 2+ signaling and the MAPK pathway through the regulation of PMCA4b expression and suggest that PMCA4b is a previously unrecognized metastasis suppressor. © 2016 UICC.

  16. Outcome of breast lesions diagnosed as lesion of uncertain malignant potential (B3) or suspicious of malignancy (B4) on needle core biopsy, including detailed review of epithelial atypia.

    PubMed

    Rakha, Emad A; Ho, Bernard C; Naik, Veena; Sen, Soumadri; Hamilton, Lisa J; Hodi, Zsolt; Ellis, Ian O; Lee, Andrew H S

    2011-03-01

    To provide updated evidence of the outcome of breast lesions of uncertain malignant potential (B3) and suspicious of malignancy (B4) diagnosed on needle core biopsy (NCB) and analyse the outcome of the different types of intraductal epithelial atypia. One-hundred and forty-nine B3 and 26 B4 NCBs diagnosed over a 2-year period (2007-2008) were compared with those diagnosed over a previous 2-year period (1998-2000). The proportion of B3 diagnoses increased from 3.1% to 4.5%, and the positive predictive value (PPV) of malignancy of a B3 core decreased from 25% to 10%. Increased diagnosis of radial scar and reductions in the PPV of lobular neoplasia and of atypical intraductal proliferation may explain the reduction in the PPV of the B3 group as a whole. There were no significant changes in the proportion of B4 diagnosis (1.1% and 0.8%) or the PPV of B4 (83% and 88%). Review of cores with intraductal atypia showed a wide range of PPVs, from 100% for suspicious of ductal carcinoma in situ, to 40% for atypical ductal hyperplasia categorized as B3, and 14% for isolated flat epithelial atypia. The study has found a decrease in the PPV for a B3 diagnosis and suggests possible explanations. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Limited.

  17. UBE4B Protein Couples Ubiquitination and Sorting Machineries to Enable Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Degradation*

    PubMed Central

    Sirisaengtaksin, Natalie; Gireud, Monica; Yan, Qing; Kubota, Yoshihisa; Meza, Denisse; Waymire, Jack C.; Zage, Peter E.; Bean, Andrew J.

    2014-01-01

    The signaling of plasma membrane proteins is tuned by internalization and sorting in the endocytic pathway prior to recycling or degradation in lysosomes. Ubiquitin modification allows recognition and association of cargo with endosomally associated protein complexes, enabling sorting of proteins to be degraded from those to be recycled. The mechanism that provides coordination between the cellular machineries that mediate ubiquitination and endosomal sorting is unknown. We report that the ubiquitin ligase UBE4B is recruited to endosomes in response to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation by binding to Hrs, a key component of endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) 0. We identify the EGFR as a substrate for UBE4B, establish UBE4B as a regulator of EGFR degradation, and describe a mechanism by which UBE4B regulates endosomal sorting, affecting cellular levels of the EGFR and its downstream signaling. We propose a model in which the coordinated action of UBE4B, ESCRT-0, and the deubiquitinating enzyme USP8 enable the endosomal sorting and lysosomal degradation of the EGFR. PMID:24344129

  18. 76 FR 37129 - International Conference on Harmonisation; Guidance on Q4B Evaluation and Recommendation of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-24

    ... General Chapter'' (Q4B Annex 7). The revised guidance specifies additional dissolution apparatuses to... Canada consideration. This second revision, Q4B Annex 7(R2), specifies additional dissolution apparatuses to which interchangeability applies in the three ICH regions: The Basket Apparatus (Apparatus 1), the...

  19. GATA4 promotes hepatoblastoma cell proliferation by altering expression of miR125b and DKK3.

    PubMed

    Pei, Yihua; Yao, Qin; Yuan, Sibo; Xie, Bozhen; Liu, Yan; Ye, Chunsheng; Zhuo, Huiqin

    2016-11-22

    GATA4 is a zinc finger DNA-binding protein that plays an important role in mammalian liver development. However, the effects of GATA4 in hepatoblastoma (HB), a common liver cancer in pediatric patients, remain largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that GATA4 promotes growth and survival in the Huh6 human hepatoblastoma cell line. GATA4 expression was high in Huh6 cells, and its knockdown decreased expression of Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3), a gene that may contribute to premature or undifferentiated phenotypes in HB. GATA4 also directly bound to the promoter regions of the miRNA miR125b and inhibited its expression in Huh6 cells. DKK3 was a direct target of miR125b in Huh6 cells. Inhibition of miR125b or overexpression of DKK3 promoted proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion in Huh6 cells. This is the first report to demonstrate that GATA4 promotes oncogenesis by inhibiting miR125b-dependent suppression of DKK3 expression. This GATA4/miR125b/DKK3 axis may be a major regulator of growth, migration, invasion, and survival in hepatoma cells, and is therefore a potential therapeutic target or biomarker for progression in HB patients.

  20. Oct1 and OCA-B are selectively required for CD4 memory T cell function

    PubMed Central

    Shakya, Arvind; Goren, Alon; Shalek, Alex; German, Cody N.; Snook, Jeremy; Kuchroo, Vijay K.; Yosef, Nir; Chan, Raymond C.; Regev, Aviv

    2015-01-01

    Epigenetic changes are crucial for the generation of immunological memory. Failure to generate or maintain these changes will result in poor memory responses. Similarly, augmenting or stabilizing the correct epigenetic states offers a potential method of enhancing memory. Yet the transcription factors that regulate these processes are poorly defined. We find that the transcription factor Oct1 and its cofactor OCA-B are selectively required for the in vivo generation of CD4+ memory T cells. More importantly, the memory cells that are formed do not respond properly to antigen reencounter. In vitro, both proteins are required to maintain a poised state at the Il2 target locus in resting but previously stimulated CD4+ T cells. OCA-B is also required for the robust reexpression of multiple other genes including Ifng. ChIPseq identifies ∼50 differentially expressed direct Oct1 and OCA-B targets. We identify an underlying mechanism involving OCA-B recruitment of the histone lysine demethylase Jmjd1a to targets such as Il2, Ifng, and Zbtb32. The findings pinpoint Oct1 and OCA-B as central mediators of CD4+ T cell memory. PMID:26481684

  1. Oct1 and OCA-B are selectively required for CD4 memory T cell function.

    PubMed

    Shakya, Arvind; Goren, Alon; Shalek, Alex; German, Cody N; Snook, Jeremy; Kuchroo, Vijay K; Yosef, Nir; Chan, Raymond C; Regev, Aviv; Williams, Matthew A; Tantin, Dean

    2015-11-16

    Epigenetic changes are crucial for the generation of immunological memory. Failure to generate or maintain these changes will result in poor memory responses. Similarly, augmenting or stabilizing the correct epigenetic states offers a potential method of enhancing memory. Yet the transcription factors that regulate these processes are poorly defined. We find that the transcription factor Oct1 and its cofactor OCA-B are selectively required for the in vivo generation of CD4(+) memory T cells. More importantly, the memory cells that are formed do not respond properly to antigen reencounter. In vitro, both proteins are required to maintain a poised state at the Il2 target locus in resting but previously stimulated CD4(+) T cells. OCA-B is also required for the robust reexpression of multiple other genes including Ifng. ChIPseq identifies ∼50 differentially expressed direct Oct1 and OCA-B targets. We identify an underlying mechanism involving OCA-B recruitment of the histone lysine demethylase Jmjd1a to targets such as Il2, Ifng, and Zbtb32. The findings pinpoint Oct1 and OCA-B as central mediators of CD4(+) T cell memory. © 2015 Shakya et al.

  2. Effects of configurational disorder on the elastic properties of icosahedral boron-rich alloys based on B6O, B13C2, and B4C, and their mixing thermodynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ektarawong, A.; Simak, S. I.; Hultman, L.; Birch, J.; Tasnádi, F.; Wang, F.; Alling, B.

    2016-04-01

    The elastic properties of alloys between boron suboxide (B6O) and boron carbide (B13C2), denoted by (B6O)1-x(B13C2)x, as well as boron carbide with variable carbon content, ranging from B13C2 to B4C are calculated from first-principles. Furthermore, the mixing thermodynamics of (B6O)1-x(B13C2)x is studied. A superatom-special quasirandom structure approach is used for modeling different atomic configurations, in which effects of configurational disorder between the carbide and suboxide structural units, as well as between boron and carbon atoms within the units, are taken into account. Elastic properties calculations demonstrate that configurational disorder in B13C2, where a part of the C atoms in the CBC chains substitute for B atoms in the B12 icosahedra, drastically increase the Young's and shear modulus, as compared to an atomically ordered state, B12(CBC). These calculated elastic moduli of the disordered state are in excellent agreement with experiments. Configurational disorder between boron and carbon can also explain the experimentally observed almost constant elastic moduli of boron carbide as the carbon content is changed from B4C to B13C2. The elastic moduli of the (B6O)1-x(B13C2)x system are also practically unchanged with composition if boron-carbon disorder is taken into account. By investigating the mixing thermodynamics of the alloys, in which the Gibbs free energy is determined within the mean-field approximation for the configurational entropy, we outline the pseudo-binary phase diagram of (B6O)1-x(B13C2)x. The phase diagram reveals the existence of a miscibility gap at all temperatures up to the melting point. Also, the coexistence of B6O-rich as well as ordered or disordered B13C2-rich domains in the material prepared through equilibrium routes is predicted.

  3. Immune tolerance negatively regulates B cells in knock-in mice expressing broadly neutralizing HIV antibody 4E10.

    PubMed

    Doyle-Cooper, Colleen; Hudson, Krystalyn E; Cooper, Anthony B; Ota, Takayuki; Skog, Patrick; Dawson, Phillip E; Zwick, Michael B; Schief, William R; Burton, Dennis R; Nemazee, David

    2013-09-15

    A major goal of HIV research is to develop vaccines reproducibly eliciting broadly neutralizing Abs (bNAbs); however, this has proved to be challenging. One suggested explanation for this difficulty is that epitopes seen by bNAbs mimic self, leading to immune tolerance. We generated knock-in mice expressing bNAb 4E10, which recognizes the membrane proximal external region of gp41. Unlike b12 knock-in mice, described in the companion article (Ota et al. 2013. J. Immunol. 191: 3179-3185), 4E10HL mice were found to undergo profound negative selection of B cells, indicating that 4E10 is, to a physiologically significant extent, autoreactive. Negative selection occurred by various mechanisms, including receptor editing, clonal deletion, and receptor downregulation. Despite significant deletion, small amounts of IgM and IgG anti-gp41 were found in the sera of 4E10HL mice. On a Rag1⁻/⁻ background, 4E10HL mice had virtually no serum Ig of any kind. These results are consistent with a model in which B cells with 4E10 specificity are counterselected, raising the question of how 4E10 was generated in the patient from whom it was isolated. This represents the second example of a membrane proximal external region-directed bNAb that is apparently autoreactive in a physiological setting. The relative conservation in HIV of the 4E10 epitope might reflect the fact that it is under less intense immunological selection as a result of B cell self-tolerance. The safety and desirability of targeting this epitope by a vaccine is discussed in light of the newly described bNAb 10E8.

  4. Berberine ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Liping; Han, Jiakai; Yuan, Rongrong; Xue, Lei; Pang, Wuyan

    2018-03-31

    Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure, contributing to severe morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Berberine (BBR) has been well characterized to exert renoprotective effects in DN progression. However, the action mechanism of BBR in DN remains to be fully understood. The DN rat model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg body weight) while 30 mM high glucose (HG)-treated podocytes were used as an in vitro DN model. The fasting blood glucose level and ratio of kidney weight to body weight were measured after BBR treatment (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) in STZ-induced DN rats. The renal injury parameters including 24-h urinary protein, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were assessed. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the transcript amounts of inflammatory factors. The concentrations of inflammatory factors were evaluated by ELISA kits. Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the amounts of TLR4/NF-κB-related proteins. The apoptotic rate of podocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry using Annexin V/propidium iodide. Berberine reduced renal injury in STZ-induced DN rat model, as evidenced by the decrease in fasting blood glucose, ratio of kidney weight to body weight, 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, and blood urine nitrogen. BBR attenuated the systemic and renal cortex inflammatory response and inhibited TLR4/NF-κB pathway in STZ-induced DN rats and HG-induced podocytes. Also, HG-induced apoptosis of podocytes was lowered by BBR administration. Furthermore, blockade of TLR4/NF-κB pathway by resatorvid (TAK-242) or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate aggravated the inhibitory effect of BBR on HG-induced inflammatory response and apoptosis in podocytes. Berberine ameliorated DN through relieving STZ-induced renal injury, inflammatory response, and podocyte HG-induced apoptosis via inactivating TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

  5. 75 FR 53973 - International Conference on Harmonisation; Guidance on Q4B Evaluation and Recommendation of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-09-02

    ...] International Conference on Harmonisation; Guidance on Q4B Evaluation and Recommendation of Pharmacopoeial Texts... and Recommendation of Pharmacopoeial Texts for Use in the ICH Regions; Annex 12: Analytical Sieving... provides the results of the ICH Q4B evaluation of the Analytical Sieving General Chapter harmonized text...

  6. 78 FR 31944 - International Conference on Harmonisation; Guidance on Q4B Evaluation and Recommendation of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-28

    ...] International Conference on Harmonisation; Guidance on Q4B Evaluation and Recommendation of Pharmacopoeial Texts... ``Q4B Evaluation and Recommendation of Pharmacopoeial Texts for Use in the International Conference on... evaluation of the Bulk Density and Tapped Density of Powders General Chapter harmonized text from each of the...

  7. Tracing Donor-MHC Class II Reactive B cells in Mouse Cardiac Transplantation: Delayed CTLA4-Ig Treatment Prevents Memory Alloreactive B-Cell Generation.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jinghui; Chen, Jianjun; Young, James S; Wang, Qiang; Yin, Dengping; Sciammas, Roger; Chong, Anita S

    2016-08-01

    The dual role of B cells as drivers and suppressors of the immune responses have underscored the need to trace the fate of B cells recognizing donor major histocompatibility complex class I and class II after allograft transplantation. In this study, we used donor class II tetramers to trace the fate of I-E-specific B cells after immunization with BALB/c spleen cells or cardiac transplantation, in naive or sensitized C57BL/6 recipients. We combined this approach with genetic lineage tracing of memory B cells in activation-induced cytidine deaminase regulated Cre transgenic mice crossed to the ROSA26-enhanced yellow fluorescent protein reporter mice to track endogenous I-E-specific memory B cell generation. Immunization with BALB/c splenocytes or heart transplantation induced an expansion and differentiation of I-E-specific B cells into germinal center B cells, whereas BALB/c heart transplantation into sensitized recipients induced the preferential differentiation into antibody-secreting cells. A 10.8-fold increase in the frequency of I-E-specific memory B cells was observed by day 42 postimmunization. Treatment with CTLA4-Ig starting on day 0 or day 7 postimmunization abrogated I-E-specific memory B cell generation and sensitized humoral responses, but not if treatment commenced on day 14. The majority of donor-specific memory B cells are generated between days 7 and 14 postimmunization, thus revealing a flexible timeframe whereby delayed CTLA4-Ig administration can inhibit sensitization and the generation of memory graft-reactive B cells.

  8. 2B4-SAP signaling is required for the priming of naive CD8+ T cells by antigen-expressing B cells and B lymphoma cells

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Mutations in SH2D1A gene that encodes SAP (SLAM-associated protein) result in X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP), a rare primary immunodeficiency disease defined by exquisite sensitivity to the B-lymphotropic Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and B cell lymphomas. However, the precise mechanism of how the loss of SAP function contributes to extreme vulnerability to EBV and the development of B cell lymphomas remains unclear. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that SAP is critical for CD8+ T cell immune surveillance of antigen (Ag)-expressing B cells or B lymphoma cells under conditions of defined T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Sh2d1a−/− CD8+ T cells exhibited greatly diminished proliferation relative to wild type when Ag-presenting-B cells or -B lymphoma cells served as the primary Ag-presenting cell (APC). By contrast, Sh2d1a−/− CD8+ T cells responded equivalently to wild-type CD8+ T cells when B cell-depleted splenocytes, melanoma cells or breast carcinoma cells performed Ag presentation. Through application of signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family receptor blocking antibodies or SLAM family receptor-deficient CD8+ T cells and APCs, we found that CD48 engagement on the B cell surface by 2B4 is crucial for initiating SAP-dependent signaling required for the Ag-driven CD8+ T cell proliferation and differentiation. Altogether, a pivotal role for SAP in promoting the expansion and differentiation of B cell-primed viral-specific naive CD8+ T cells may explain the selective immune deficiency of XLP patients to EBV and B cell lymphomas. PMID:28344876

  9. 2B4-SAP signaling is required for the priming of naive CD8+ T cells by antigen-expressing B cells and B lymphoma cells.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yu-Hsuan; Tsai, Kevin; Tan, Sara Y; Kang, Sohyeong; Ford, Mandy L; Harder, Kenneth W; Priatel, John J

    2017-01-01

    Mutations in SH2D1A gene that encodes SAP (SLAM-associated protein) result in X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP), a rare primary immunodeficiency disease defined by exquisite sensitivity to the B-lymphotropic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and B cell lymphomas. However, the precise mechanism of how the loss of SAP function contributes to extreme vulnerability to EBV and the development of B cell lymphomas remains unclear. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that SAP is critical for CD8 + T cell immune surveillance of antigen (Ag)-expressing B cells or B lymphoma cells under conditions of defined T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Sh2d1a - / - CD8 + T cells exhibited greatly diminished proliferation relative to wild type when Ag-presenting-B cells or -B lymphoma cells served as the primary Ag-presenting cell (APC). By contrast, Sh2d1a - / - CD8 + T cells responded equivalently to wild-type CD8 + T cells when B cell-depleted splenocytes, melanoma cells or breast carcinoma cells performed Ag presentation. Through application of signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family receptor blocking antibodies or SLAM family receptor-deficient CD8 + T cells and APCs, we found that CD48 engagement on the B cell surface by 2B4 is crucial for initiating SAP-dependent signaling required for the Ag-driven CD8 + T cell proliferation and differentiation. Altogether, a pivotal role for SAP in promoting the expansion and differentiation of B cell-primed viral-specific naive CD8 + T cells may explain the selective immune deficiency of XLP patients to EBV and B cell lymphomas.

  10. Experimental Determination of the Effect of the Ratio of B/Al on Glass Dissolution along the Nepheline (NaAlSiO 4) – Malinkoite (NaBSiO 4) Join

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

    Pierce, Eric M; Reed, Lunde R; Shaw, Wendy J

    2010-03-27

    The dissolution kinetics of five glasses along the NaAlSiO 4-NaBSiO 4 join were used to evaluate how the structural variations associated with boron-aluminum substitution affect the rate of dissolution. The composition of each glass varied inversely in mol% of Al 2O 3 (5 to 25 mol%) and B 2O 3 (20 to 0 mol%) with Na 2O (25 mol%) and SiO 2 (50 mol%) making up the remaining amount, in every case Na/(Al+B) = 1.0. Single-pass flow-through experiments (SPFT) were conducted under dilute conditions as a function of solution pH (from 7.0 to 12.0) and temperature (from 23° to 90°C).more » Analysis by 27Al and 29Si MAS-NMR suggests Al (~98% [4]Al) and Si atoms (~100% [4]Si) occupy a tetrahedral coordination whereas, B atoms occupy both tetrahedral ([4]B) and trigonal ( [3]B) coordination. The distribution of [3]B fractionated between [3]B(ring) and [3]B(non-ring) moieties, with the [3]B(ring)/ [3]B(non-ring) ratio increases with the B/Al ratio. The MAS-NMR results also indicated an increase in the fraction of [4]B with an increase in the B/Al ratio. But despite the changes in the B/Al ratio and B coordination, the 29Si spectra maintain a chemical shift between -88 to -84 ppm for each glass. Unlike the 29Si spectra, the 27Al resonances shift to more positive values with an increase in the B/Al ratio which suggests mixing between the [4]Al and [3]B sites, assuming avoidance between tetrahedral trivalent cations ( [4]Al-O- [4]B avoidance). Raman spectroscopy was use to augment the results collected from MAS-NMR and demonstrated that NeB4 (glass sample with the highest B content) was glass-glass phase separated (e.g., heterogeneous glass). Results from SPFT experiments suggest a forward rate of reaction and pH power law coefficients,η, that are independent of B/Al under these neutral to alkaline test conditions for all homogeneous glasses. The temperature dependence shows an order of magnitude increase in the dissolution rate with a 67°C increase in temperature and

  11. Na+/H+ and Na+/NH4+ exchange activities of zebrafish NHE3b expressed in Xenopus oocytes

    PubMed Central

    Ito, Yusuke; Kato, Akira; Hirata, Taku; Hirose, Shigehisa

    2014-01-01

    Zebrafish Na+/H+ exchanger 3b (zNHE3b) is highly expressed in the apical membrane of ionocytes where Na+ is absorbed from ion-poor fresh water against a concentration gradient. Much in vivo data indicated that zNHE3b is involved in Na+ absorption but not leakage. However, zNHE3b-mediated Na+ absorption has not been thermodynamically explained, and zNHE3b activity has not been measured. To address this issue, we overexpressed zNHE3b in Xenopus oocytes and characterized its activity by electrophysiology. Exposure of zNHE3b oocytes to Na+-free media resulted in significant decrease in intracellular pH (pHi) and intracellular Na+ activity (aNai). aNai increased significantly when the cytoplasm was acidified by media containing CO2-HCO3− or butyrate. Activity of zNHE3b was inhibited by amiloride or 5-ethylisopropyl amiloride (EIPA). Although the activity was accompanied by a large hyperpolarization of ∼50 mV, voltage-clamp experiments showed that Na+/H+ exchange activity of zNHE3b is electroneutral. Exposure of zNHE3b oocytes to medium containing NH3/NH4+ resulted in significant decreases in pHi and aNai and significant increase in intracellular NH4+ activity, indicating that zNHE3b mediates the Na+/NH4+ exchange. In low-Na+ (0.5 mM) media, zNHE3b oocytes maintained aNai of 1.3 mM, and Na+-influx was observed when pHi was decreased by media containing CO2-HCO3− or butyrate. These results provide thermodynamic evidence that zNHE3b mediates Na+ absorption from ion-poor fresh water by its Na+/H+ and Na+/NH4+ exchange activities. PMID:24401990

  12. Immunogenicity and safety of an investigational multicomponent, recombinant, meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) administered concomitantly with routine infant and child vaccinations: results of two randomised trials.

    PubMed

    Vesikari, Timo; Esposito, Susanna; Prymula, Roman; Ypma, Ellen; Kohl, Igor; Toneatto, Daniela; Dull, Peter; Kimura, Alan

    2013-03-09

    Meningococcal serogroup B disease disproportionately affects infants. We assessed lot-to-lot consistency, safety and immunogenicity, and the effect of concomitant vaccination on responses to routine vaccines of an investigational multicomponent vaccine (4CMenB) in this population. We did primary and booster phase 3 studies between March 31, 2008, and Aug 16, 2010, in 70 sites in Europe. We used two series of sponsor-supplied, computer-generated randomisation envelopes to allocate healthy 2 month-old infants to receive routine vaccinations (diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis, inactivated poliovirus, hepatitis B plus Haemophilus influenzae type b, and seven-valent pneumococcal vaccine) at 2, 4, and 6 months of age alone, or concomitantly with 4CMenB or serogroup C conjugate vaccine (MenC) in: 1) an open-label, lot-to-lot immunogenicity and safety substudy of three 4CMenB lots compared with routine vaccines alone (1:1:1:1, block size eight); or 2) an observer-blind, lot-to-lot safety substudy of three 4CMenB lots compared with MenC (1:1:1:3, block size six). At 12 months, 4CMenB-primed children from either substudy were randomised (1:1, block size two) to receive 4CMenB booster, with or without measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine. Immunogenicity was assessed by serum bactericidal assay with human complement (hSBA) against serogroup B test strains, and on randomly selected subsets of serum samples for routine vaccines; laboratory personnel were masked to assignment. The first coprimary outcome was lot-to-lot consistency (hSBA geometric mean ratio of all lots between 0·5 and 2·0), and the second was an immune response (hSBA titre ≥5) for each of the three strains. The primary outcome for the booster study was immune response to booster dose. Immunogenicity data for 4CMenB were for the modified intention-to-treat population, including all infants from the open-label substudy who provided serum samples. The safety population included all participants

  13. [Ru(dpp)(3)][(4-Clph)(4)B](2) nanoislands directly assembled on an ITO electrode surface and its electrogenerated chemiluminescence.

    PubMed

    Chen, Ying; Mao, Jianfei; Liu, Chunhua; Yuan, Hongyan; Xiao, Dan; Choi, Martin M F

    2009-01-20

    In this work, solid-state tris(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) ruthenium(II) ditetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)borate ([Ru(dpp)(3)][(4-Clph)(4)B](2)) nanoislands are assembled spontaneously and simultaneously on an indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) glass electrode surface via a facile dewetting procedure. The fabrication process is very simple and also amenable to mass production. The as-prepared ruthenium complex nanoislands exhibit useful properties. The electrode is more electrochemically active and can produce strong, stable, reproducible solid-state electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signals using oxalate as the coreactant. The self-assembled nanoislands exhibit semiconductor-like broad, red-shift ECL spectrum. More importantly, they extend the application of the ruthenium complex ECL system from the usual alkaline to acidic conditions. The pH turn-off behavior of the ECL is observed for the first time and can serve as an ultrasensitive pH sensor around physiological pH 7.0. The solid-state [Ru(dpp)(3)][(4-Clph)(4)B](2) ECL signal is efficiently inhibited by phenol even at a very low concentration (i.e., 20 nM), thus providing the potential for the determination of phenolic compounds in practical applications.

  14. 75 FR 17148 - International Conference on Harmonisation; Guidance on Q4B Evaluation and Recommendation of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-05

    ...] International Conference on Harmonisation; Guidance on Q4B Evaluation and Recommendation of Pharmacopoeial Texts... Recommendation of Pharmacopoeial Texts for Use in the ICH Regions; Annex 7: Dissolution Test General Chapter... results of the ICH Q4B evaluation of the Dissolution Test General Chapter harmonized text from each of the...

  15. 75 FR 17147 - International Conference on Harmonisation; Guidance on Q4B Evaluation and Recommendation of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-05

    ...] International Conference on Harmonisation; Guidance on Q4B Evaluation and Recommendation of Pharmacopoeial Texts... Recommendation of Pharmacopoeial Texts for Use in the ICH Regions; Annex 9: Tablet Friability General Chapter... results of the ICH Q4B evaluation of the Tablet Friability General Chapter harmonized text from each of...

  16. The Iminosugar UV-4 is a Broad Inhibitor of Influenza A and B Viruses ex Vivo and in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Warfield, Kelly L.; Barnard, Dale L.; Enterlein, Sven G.; Smee, Donald F.; Khaliq, Mansoora; Sampath, Aruna; Callahan, Michael V.; Ramstedt, Urban; Day, Craig W.

    2016-01-01

    Iminosugars that are competitive inhibitors of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) α-glucosidases have been demonstrated to have antiviral activity against a diverse set of viruses. A novel iminosugar, UV-4B, has recently been shown to provide protection against lethal infections with dengue and influenza A (H1N1) viruses in mice. In the current study, the breadth of activity of UV-4B against influenza was examined ex vivo and in vivo. Efficacy of UV-4B against influenza A and B viruses was shown in primary human bronchial epithelial cells, a principal target tissue for influenza. Efficacy of UV-4B against influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes) and influenza B was demonstrated using multiple lethal mouse models with readouts including mortality and weight loss. Clinical trials are ongoing to demonstrate safety of UV-4B and future studies to evaluate antiviral activity against influenza in humans are planned. PMID:27072420

  17. A structural and vibrational study on the first condensed borosulfate K5[B(SO4)4] by using the FTIR-Raman spectra and DFT calculations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Höppe, Henning Alfred; Kazmierczak, Karolina; Romano, Elida; Brandán, Silvia Antonia

    2013-04-01

    The first borosulfate, K5[B(SO4)4] (recently synthesized by Henning A. Höppe, Karolina Kazmierczak, Michael Daub, Katharina Förg, Franziska Fuchs, Harald Hillebrecht, 2012) was characterized by infrared and Raman spectroscopies. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to study the structure and vibrational properties of the compound. Employing the B3P86 and B3LYP levels of theory, the molecular structures of the compound were theoretically determined in gas phase and the harmonic vibrational frequencies were evaluated at the same levels. The calculated harmonic vibrational frequencies for the borosulfate compound are consistent with the experimental IR and Raman spectra. These calculations gave us a precise knowledge of the normal modes of vibration taking into account the type of coordination adopted by sulfate groups of this compound as ligands with C3v and C2v symmetries. A complete assignment of all the observed bands in the IR and Raman spectra for K5[B(SO4)4] was performed. Here, the infrared and Raman spectra of K5[B(SO4)4] were interpreted, discussed and completely assigned. The nature of the Ksbnd O, Ksbnd S, Bsbnd O, and Ssbnd O bonds and the topological properties of the compound were investigated and analyzed by means of Natural Bond Order (NBO) and Bader's Atoms in Molecules theory (AIM), respectively.

  18. The Influence of CuFe2O4 Nanoparticles on Superconductivity of MgB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Novosel, Nikolina; Pajić, Damir; Skoko, Željko; Mustapić, Mislav; Babić, Emil; Zadro, Krešo; Horvat, Joseph

    The influence of CuFe2O4 nanoparticle doping on superconducting properties of Fe-sheated MgB2 wires has been studied. The wires containing 0, 3 and 7.5 wt.% of monodisperse superparamagnetic nanoparticles (˜7 nm) were sintered at 650°C or 750°C for 1 hour in the pure argon atmosphere. X-ray diffraction patterns of doped samples showed very small maxima corresponding to iron boride and an increase in the fraction of MgO phase indicating some interaction of nanoparticles with Mg and B. Both magnetic and transport measurements (performed in the temperature range 2-42 K and magnetic field up to 16 T) showed strong deterioration of the superconducting properties upon doping with CuFe2O4. The transition temperatures, Tc, of doped samples decreased for about 1.4 K per wt.% of CuFe2O4. Also, the irreversibility fields Birr(T) decreased progressively with increasing doping. Accordingly, also the suppression of Jc with magnetic field became stronger. The observed strong deterioration of superconducting properties of MgB2 wires is at variance with reported enhancement of critical currents at higher temperatures (determined from magnetization) in bulk MgB2 samples doped with Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The probable reason for this discrepancy is briefly discussed

  19. Procyanidin dimer B2-mediated IRAK-M induction negatively regulates TLR4 signaling in macrophages

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

    Sung, Nak-Yun; Yang, Mi-So; Song, Du-Sub

    Highlights: •Pro B2 elevated the expression of IRAK-M, a negative regulator of TLR signaling. •LPS-induced expression of cell surface molecules was inhibited by Pro B2. •LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines was inhibited by Pro B2. •Pro B2 inhibited LPS-induced activation of MAPKs and NF-κB through IRAK-M. •Pro B2 inactivated naïve T cells by inhibiting LPS-induced cytokines via IRAK-M. -- Abstract: Polyphenolic compounds have been found to possess a wide range of physiological activities that may contribute to their beneficial effects against inflammation-related diseases; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this anti-inflammatory activity are not completely characterized, and many features remain tomore » be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis for the down-regulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal transduction by procyanidin dimer B2 (Pro B2) in macrophages. Pro B2 markedly elevated the expression of the interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)-M protein, a negative regulator of TLR signaling. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of cell surface molecules (CD80, CD86, and MHC class I/II) and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12p70) were inhibited by Pro B2, and this action was prevented by IRAK-M silencing. In addition, Pro B2-treated macrophages inhibited LPS-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase and the translocation of nuclear factor κB and p65 through IRAK-M. We also found that Pro B2-treated macrophages inactivated naïve T cells by inhibiting LPS-induced interferon-γ and IL-2 secretion through IRAK-M. These novel findings provide new insights into the understanding of negative regulatory mechanisms of the TLR4 signaling pathway and the immune-pharmacological role of Pro B2 in the immune response against the

  20. The nuclear factor κB inhibitor (E)-2-fluoro-4'-methoxystilbene inhibits firefly luciferase.

    PubMed

    Braeuning, Albert; Vetter, Silvia

    2012-12-01

    Photinus pyralis (firefly) luciferase is widely used as a reporter system to monitor alterations in gene promoter and/or signalling pathway activities in vitro. The enzyme catalyses the formation of oxyluciferin from D-luciferin in an ATP-consuming reaction involving photon emission. The purpose of the present study was to characterize the luciferase-inhibiting potential of (E)-2-fluoro-4'-methoxystilbene, which is known as a potent inhibitor of the NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) signalling pathway that is used to modulate the NF-κB signalling pathway in vitro. Results show that (E)-2-fluoro-4'-methoxystilbene effectively inhibits firefly luciferase activity in cell lysates and living cells in a non-competitive manner with respect to the luciferase substrates D-luciferin and ATP. By contrast, the compound has no effect on Renilla and Gaussia luciferases. The mechanism of firefly luciferase inhibition by (E)-2-fluoro-4'-methoxystilbene, as well as its potency is comparable to its structure analogue resveratrol. The in vitro use of trans-stilbenes such as (E)-2-fluoro-4'-methoxystilbene or resveratrol compromises firefly luciferase reporter assays as well as ATP/luciferase-based cell viability assays.

  1. Novel role of prostate apoptosis response-4 tumor suppressor in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

    PubMed

    McKenna, Mary K; Noothi, Sunil K; Alhakeem, Sara S; Oben, Karine Z; Greene, Joseph T; Mani, Rajeswaran; Perry, Kathryn L; Collard, James P; Rivas, Jacqueline R; Hildebrandt, Gerhard; Fleischman, Roger; Durbin, Eric B; Byrd, John C; Wang, Chi; Muthusamy, Natarajan; Rangnekar, Vivek M; Bondada, Subbarao

    2018-04-25

    Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4), a pro-apoptotic tumor suppressor protein, is down regulated in many cancers including renal cell carcinoma, glioblastoma, endometrial and breast cancer. Par-4 induces apoptosis selectively in various types of cancer cells but not normal cells. We found that chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells from human patients and from the Eµ-Tcl1 mice constitutively express Par-4 in greater amounts than normal B-1 or B-2 cells. Interestingly, knockdown of Par-4 in human CLL derived Mec-1 cells results in a robust increase in p21/WAF1 expression and decreased growth due to delayed G1 to S cell cycle transition. Lack of Par-4 also increased the expression of p21 and delayed CLL growth in Eμ-Tcl1 mice. Par-4 expression in CLL cells required constitutively active B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling, as inhibition of BCR signaling with FDA approved drugs caused a decrease in Par-4 mRNA and protein, and an increase in apoptosis. In particular, activities of Lyn, a Src family kinase, spleen tyrosine kinase and Bruton's tyrosine kinase are required for Par-4 expression in CLL cells, suggesting a novel regulation of Par-4 through BCR signaling. Together, these results suggest that Par-4 may play a novel pro-growth rather than pro-apoptotic role in CLL and could be targeted to enhance the therapeutic effects of BCR signaling inhibitors. Copyright © 2018 American Society of Hematology.

  2. Complementary functions of the flippase ATP8B1 and the floppase ABCB4 in maintaining canalicular membrane integrity.

    PubMed

    Groen, Annemiek; Romero, Marta Rodriguez; Kunne, Cindy; Hoosdally, Sarah J; Dixon, Peter H; Wooding, Carol; Williamson, Catherine; Seppen, Jurgen; Van den Oever, Karin; Mok, Kam S; Paulusma, Coen C; Linton, Kenneth J; Oude Elferink, Ronald P J

    2011-11-01

    Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis can be caused by mutations in ABCB4 or ATP8B1; each encodes a protein that translocates phospholipids, but in opposite directions. ABCB4 flops phosphatidylcholine from the inner to the outer leaflet, where it is extracted by bile salts. ATP8B1, in complex with the accessory protein CDC50A, flips phosphatidylserine in the reverse direction. Abcb4(-/-) mice lack biliary secretion of phosphatidylcholine, whereas Atp8b1-deficient mice have increased excretion of phosphatidylserine into bile. Each system is thought to have a role protecting the canalicular membrane from bile salts. To investigate the relationship between the mechanisms of ABCB4 and ATP8B1, we expressed the transporters separately and together in cultured cells and studied viability and phospholipid transport. We also created mice with disruptions in ABCB4 and ATP8B1 (double knockouts) and studied bile formation and hepatic damage in mice fed bile salts. Overexpression of ABCB4 was toxic to HEK293T cells; the toxicity was counteracted by coexpression of the ATP8B1-CDC50A complex. In Atp8b1-deficient mice, bile salts induced extraction of phosphatidylserine and ectoenzymes from the canalicular membrane; this process was not observed in the double-knockout mice. ATP8B1 is required for hepatocyte function, particularly in the presence of ABCB4. This is most likely because the phosphatidylserine flippase complex of ATP8B1-CDC50A counteracts the destabilization of the membrane that occurs when ABCB4 flops phosphatidylcholine. Lipid asymmetry is therefore important for the integrity of the canalicular membrane; ABCB4 and ATP8B1 cooperate to protect hepatocytes from bile salts. Copyright © 2011 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. B4GALT3 up-regulation by miR-27a contributes to the oncogenic activity in human cervical cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Sun, Yanrui; Yang, Xi; Liu, Min; Tang, Hua

    2016-06-01

    β-1,4-Galactosyltransferase III (B4GALT3) is an enzyme responsible for the generation of poly-N-acetyllactosamine and is involved in tumorigenesis. However, B4GALT3-dysregulation and its role in cervical cancer cells are unknown. Herein, we found that B4GALT3 was upregulated in cervical cancer tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues. B4GALT3-overexpression promoted, whereas B4GALT3-knockdown suppressed the cellular migration, invasion and EMT of HeLa and C33A cervical cancer cells. To explore the mechanism of dysregulation, B4GALT3 was predicted to be a target of miR-27a. EGFP and pGL3-promoter reporter assay showed miR-27a binds to B4GALT3 3'UTR region but enhanced its expression. RT-qPCR showed miR-27a was also upregulated and presented positive correlation with B4GALT3-expression in cervical cancer tissues. miR-27a-overexpression promoted, but blocking-miR-27a repressed these malignancies in HeLa and C33A cells. Furthermore, shR-B4GALT3 counteracted the promotion of malignancies induced by miR-27a, suggesting miR-27a upregulates B4GALT3 to enhance tumorigenic activities. In addition, we found that B4GALT3 significantly enhances β1-integrin stability, thus mediating promotion of B4GALT3 on malignancy in cervical cancer cells. Altogether, our findings evidenced that B4GALT3 upregulated by miR-27a contributes to the tumorigenic activities by β1-integrin pathway and might provide potential biomarkers for cervical cancer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Comparison of the Pharmacological Profiles of Selective PDE4B and PDE4D Inhibitors in the Central Nervous System

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Chong; Xu, Ying; Zhang, Han-Ting; Gurney, Mark E.; O’Donnell, James M.

    2017-01-01

    Inhibition of cyclic AMP (cAMP)-specific phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) has been proposed as a potential treatment for a series of neuropsychological conditions such as depression, anxiety and memory loss. However, the specific involvement of each of the PDE4 subtypes (PDE4A, 4B and 4C) in different categories of behavior has yet to be elucidated. In the present study, we compared the possible pharmacological effects of PDE4B and PDE4D selective inhibitors, A-33 and D159687, in mediating neurological function in mice. Both compounds were equally potent in stimulating cAMP signaling in the mouse hippocampal cell line HT-22 leading to an increase in CREB phosphorylation. In contrast, A-33 and D159687 displayed distinct neuropharmacological effects in mouse behavioral tests. A-33 has an antidepressant-like profile as indicated by reduced immobility time in the forced swim and tail suspension tasks, as well as reduced latency to feed in the novelty suppressed feeding test. D159687, on the other hand, had a procognitive profile as it improved memory in the novel object recognition test but had no antidepressant or anxiolytic benefit. The present data suggests that inhibitors targeting specific subtypes of PDE4 may exhibit differential pharmacological effects and aid a more efficient pharmacotherapy towards neuropsychological conditions. PMID:28054669

  5. Estrogen responsiveness of the TFIID subunit TAF4B in the normal mouse ovary and in ovarian tumors.

    PubMed

    Wardell, Jennifer R; Hodgkinson, Kendra M; Binder, April K; Seymour, Kimberly A; Korach, Kenneth S; Vanderhyden, Barbara C; Freiman, Richard N

    2013-11-01

    Estrogen signaling in the ovary is a fundamental component of normal ovarian function, and evidence also indicates that excessive estrogen is a risk factor for ovarian cancer. We have previously demonstrated that the gonadally enriched TFIID subunit TAF4B, a paralog of the general transcription factor TAF4A, is required for fertility in mice and for the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells following hormonal stimulation. However, the relationship between TAF4B and estrogen signaling in the normal ovary or during ovarian tumor initiation and progression has yet to be defined. Herein, we show that Taf4b mRNA and TAF4B protein, but not Taf4a mRNA or TAF4A protein, are increased in whole ovaries and granulosa cells of the ovary after exposure to 17beta-estradiol or the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol and that this response occurs within hours after stimulation. Furthermore, this increase occurs via nuclear estrogen receptors both in vivo and in a mouse granulosa cancer cell line, NT-1. We observe a significant increase in Taf4b mRNA in estrogen-supplemented mouse ovarian tumors, which correlates with diminished survival of these mice. These data highlight the novel response of the general transcription factor TAF4B to estrogen in the normal ovary and during ovarian tumor progression in the mouse, suggesting its potential role in regulating actions downstream of estrogen stimulation.

  6. A Methyl 4-Oxo-4-phenylbut-2-enoate with in Vivo Activity against MRSA that Inhibits MenB in the Bacterial Menaquinone Biosynthesis Pathway

    PubMed Central

    Matarlo, Joe S.; Lu, Yang; Daryaee, Fereidoon; Daryaee, Taraneh; Ruzsicska, Bela; Walker, Stephen G.; Tonge, Peter J.

    2016-01-01

    4-Oxo-4-phenyl-but-2-enoates inhibit MenB, the 1,4-dihydroxyl-2-naphthoyl-CoA synthase in the bacterial menaquinone (MK) biosynthesis pathway, through the formation of an adduct with coenzyme A (CoA). Here, we show that the corresponding methyl butenoates have MIC values as low as 0.35–0.75 µg/mL against drug sensitive and resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Mode of action studies on the most potent compound, methyl 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-oxobut-2-enoate (1), reveal that 1 is converted into the corresponding CoA adduct in S. aureus cells, and that this adduct binds to the S. aureus MenB (saMenB) with a Kd value of 2 µM. The antibacterial spectrum of 1 is limited to bacteria that utilize MK for respiration, and the activity of 1 can be complemented with exogenous MK or menadione. Finally, treatment of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) with 1 results in the small colony variant phenotype and thus 1 phenocopies knockout of the menB gene. Taken together the data indicate that the antibacterial activity of 1 results from a specific effect on MK biosynthesis. We also evaluated the in vivo efficacy of 1 using two mouse models of MRSA infection. Notably, compound 1 increased survival in a systemic infection model and resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in bacterial load in a thigh infection model, validating MenB as a target for the development of new anti-MRSA candidates. PMID:27294200

  7. Nonylphenol regulates cyclooxygenase-2 expression via Ros-activated NF-κB pathway in sertoli TM4 cells.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiaozhen; Nie, Shaoping; Huang, Danfei; Xie, Mingyong

    2015-09-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the signaling pathways involved in the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 regulation induced by nonylphenol (NP) in mouse testis Sertoli TM4 cells. Our results showed that treatment of TM4 cells with NP increased COX-2 protein expression and interleukin-6 (IL)-6 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), attenuated NP-induced ROS production, COX-2 expression, and IL-6 and PGE2 release in TM4 cells. Exposure to NP stimulated activation of NF-κB, whereas the NF-κB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, attenuated NP-enhanced COX-2 expression and IL-6 and PGE2 release in TM4 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, NAC blocked NP-induced activation of NF-κB. In addition, inhibition of COX-2 mitigated NP-induced IL-6 release. In conclusion, NP induced ROS generation, activation of NF-κB pathway, COX-2 upregulation, and IL-6 and PGE2 secretion in TM4 cells. NP may regulate COX-2 expression via ROS-activated NF-κB pathway in Sertoli TM4 cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. 77 FR 74775 - Extension of Dates for Certain Requirements and Amendment of Form 19b-4

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-12-18

    ...] RIN 3235-AK87 Extension of Dates for Certain Requirements and Amendment of Form 19b-4 AGENCY... security-based swap submissions with the Commission in an electronic format to dedicated email addresses to December 10, 2013, and amend the General Instructions to Form 19b-4 to clarify the process for submitting...

  9. Decreased calcium pump expression in human erythrocytes is connected to a minor haplotype in the ATP2B4 gene.

    PubMed

    Zámbó, Boglárka; Várady, György; Padányi, Rita; Szabó, Edit; Németh, Adrienn; Langó, Tamás; Enyedi, Ágnes; Sarkadi, Balázs

    2017-07-01

    Plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPases are key calcium exporter proteins in most tissues, and PMCA4b is the main calcium transporter in the human red blood cells (RBCs). In order to assess the expression level of PMCA4b, we have developed a flow cytometry and specific antibody binding method to quantitatively detect this protein in the erythrocyte membrane. Interestingly, we found several healthy volunteers showing significantly reduced expression of RBC-PMCA4b. Western blot analysis of isolated RBC membranes confirmed this observation, and indicated that there are no compensatory alterations in other PMCA isoforms. In addition, reduced PMCA4b levels correlated with a lower calcium extrusion capacity in these erythrocytes. When exploring the potential genetic background of the reduced PMCA4b levels, we found no missense mutations in the ATP2B4 coding regions, while a formerly unrecognized minor haplotype in the predicted second promoter region closely correlated with lower erythrocyte PMCA4b protein levels. In recent GWA studies, SNPs in this ATP2B4 haplotype have been linked to reduced mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations (MCHC), and to protection against malaria infection. Our data suggest that an altered regulation of gene expression is responsible for the reduced RBC-PMCA4b levels that is probably linked to the development of human disease-related phenotypes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Structure-Based Discovery of 4-(6-Methoxy-2-methyl-4-(quinolin-4-yl)-9 H -pyrimido[4,5- b ]indol-7-yl)-3,5-dimethylisoxazole (CD161) as a Potent and Orally Bioavailable BET Bromodomain Inhibitor

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

    Zhao, Yujun; Bai, Longchuan; Liu, Liu

    We have designed and synthesized 9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole-containing compounds to obtain potent and orally bioavailable BET inhibitors. By incorporation of an indole or a quinoline moiety to the 9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indole core, we identified a series of small molecules showing high binding affinities to BET proteins and low nanomolar potencies in inhibition of cell growth in acute leukemia cell lines. One such compound, 4-(6-methoxy-2-methyl-4-(quinolin-4-yl)-9H-pyrimido[4,5-b]indol-7-yl)-3,5-dimethylisoxazole (31) has excellent microsomal stability and good oral pharmacokinetics in rats and mice. Orally administered, 31 achieves significant antitumor activity in the MV4;11 leukemia and MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer xenograft models in mice. Determination of the cocrystal structure of 31more » with BRD4 BD2 provides a structural basis for its high binding affinity to BET proteins. Testing its binding affinities against other bromodomain-containing proteins shows that 31 is a highly selective inhibitor of BET proteins. Our data show that 31 is a potent, selective, and orally active BET inhibitor.« less

  11. Let-7i-Induced Atg4B Suppression Is Essential for Autophagy of Placental Trophoblast in Preeclampsia.

    PubMed

    Xu, Yinyan; Huang, Xinyan; Xie, Juan; Chen, Yanni; Fu, Jing; Wang, Li

    2017-09-01

    Autophagy, identified as type II programmed cell death, has already been known to be involved in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE), which is a gestational disease with high morbidity. The present study aims to investigate the functional role of let-7i, a miRNA, in trophoblastic autophagy. Placental tissue used in this study was collected from patients with severe preeclampsia (SPE) or normal pregnant women. A decreased level of let-7i was found in placenta of SPE. In addition, autophagic vacuoles were observed in SPE and the expression of microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) II/I was elevated. In vitro, let-7i mimics suppressed the autophagic activities in human HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cell line (HTR-8) and human placental choriocarcinoma cell line JEG-3, whereas let-7i inhibitor enhanced the activities. As a potential target of let-7i, autophagy-related 4B cysteine peptidase (Atg4B) had an increased expression level in SPE. As expected, the increased expression of Atg4B was negatively regulated by let-7i using dual luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, these trophoblast-like cells transfected with the let-7i mimic or inhibitors resulted in a significant change of Atg4B in both mRNA and protein level. More importantly, Atg4B overexpression could partly reverse let-7i mimic-reduced LC3II/I levels; whereas Atg4B silencing partly attenuated let-7i inhibitor-induced the level of LC3II/I expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that let-7i is able to regulate autophagic activity via regulating Atg4B expression, which might contribute to the pathogenesis of PE. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2581-2589, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. Newly isolated Penicillium oxalicum A592-4B secretes enzymes that degrade milled rice straw with high efficiency.

    PubMed

    Aoyama, Akihisa; Kurane, Ryuichiro; Matsuura, Akira; Nagai, Kazuo

    2015-01-01

    An enzyme producing micro-organism, which can directly saccharify rice straw that has only been crushed without undergoing the current acid or alkaline pretreatment, was found. From the homology with the ITS, 28S rDNA sequence, the strain named A592-4B was identified as Penicillium oxalicum. Activities of the A592-4B enzymes and commercial enzyme preparations were compared by Novozymes Cellic CTec2 and Genencore GC220. In the present experimental condition, activity of A592-4B enzymes was 2.6 times higher than that of CTec2 for degrading milled rice straw. Furthermore, even when a quarter amount of A592-4B enzyme was applied to the rice straw, the conversion rate was still higher than that by CTec2. By utilizing A592-4B enzymes, improved lignocellulose degradation yields can be achieved without pre-treatment of the substrates; thus, contributing to cost reduction as well as reducing environmental burden.

  13. Pharmacological Inhibition of Macrophage Toll-like Receptor 4/Nuclear Factor-kappa B Alleviates Rhabdomyolysis-induced Acute Kidney Injury.

    PubMed

    Huang, Rong-Shuang; Zhou, Jiao-Jiao; Feng, Yu-Ying; Shi, Min; Guo, Fan; Gou, Shen-Ju; Salerno, Stephen; Ma, Liang; Fu, Ping

    2017-09-20

    Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most common and life-threatening systemic complication of rhabdomyolysis. Inflammation plays an important role in the development of rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI. This study aimed to investigate the kidney model of AKI caused by rhabdomyolysis to verify the role of macrophage Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B (TLR4/NF-κB) signaling pathway. C57BL/6 mice were injected with a 50% glycerin solution at bilateral back limbs to induce rhabdomyolysis, and CLI-095 or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) was intraperitoneally injected at 0.5 h before molding. Serum creatinine levels, creatine kinase, the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, and hematoxylin and eosin stainings of kidney tissues were tested. The infiltration of macrophage, mRNA levels, and protein expression of TLR4 and NF-κB were investigated by immunofluorescence double-staining techniques, reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting, respectively. In vitro, macrophage RAW264.7 was stimulated by ferrous myoglobin; the cytokines, TLR4 and NF-κB expressions were also detected. In an in vivo study, using CLI-095 or PDTC to block TLR4/NF-κB, functional and histologic results showed that the inhibition of TLR4 or NF-κB alleviated glycerol-induced renal damages (P < 0.01). CLI-095 or PDTC administration suppressed proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) production and macrophage infiltration into the kidney (P < 0.01). Moreover, in an in vitro study, CLI-095 or PDTC suppressed myoglobin-induced expression of TLR4, NF-κB, and proinflammatory cytokine levels in macrophage RAW264.7 cells (P < 0.01). The pharmacological inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB exhibited protective effects on rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI by the regulation of proinflammatory cytokine production and macrophage infiltration.

  14. Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L.: a potential halophyte for the degradation of toxic textile dye, Green HE4B.

    PubMed

    Patil, Asmita V; Lokhande, Vinayak H; Suprasanna, Penna; Bapat, Vishwas A; Jadhav, Jyoti P

    2012-05-01

    Sesuvium portulacastrum is a common halophyte growing well in adverse surroundings and is exploited mainly for the environmental protection including phytoremediation, desalination and stabilization of contaminated soil. In the present investigation, attempts have been made on the decolorization of a toxic textile dye Green HE4B (GHE4B) using in vitro grown Sesuvium plantlets. The plantlets exhibited significant (70%) decolorization of GHE4B (50 mg l(-1)) that sustain 200 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) within 5 days of incubation. The enzymatic analysis performed on the root and shoot tissues of the in vitro plantlets subjected to GHE4B decolorization in the presence of 200 mM NaCl showed a noteworthy induction of tyrosinase, lignin peroxidase and NADH-DCIP reductase activities, indicating the involvement of these enzymes in the metabolism of the dye GHE4B. The UV-visible spectrophotometer, HPLC and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses of the samples before and after decolorization of the dye confirmed the efficient phytotransformation of GHE4B in the presence of 200 mM NaCl. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis of the products revealed the formation of three metabolites such as p -amino benzene, p -amino toluene and 1, 2, 7-amino naphthalene after phytotransformation of GHE4B. Based on the FTIR and GC-MS results, the possible pathway for the biodegradation of GHE4B in the presence of 200 mM NaCl has been proposed. The phytotoxicity experiments confirmed the non-toxicity of the degraded products. The present study demonstrates for the first time the potential of Sesuvium for the efficient degradation of textile dyes and its efficacy on saline soils contaminated with toxic compounds.

  15. Polarized neutron scattering study of the multiple order parameter system NdB4

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Metoki, N.; Yamauchi, H.; Matsuda, M.; Fernandez-Baca, J. A.; Watanuki, R.; Hagihala, M.

    2018-05-01

    Neutron polarization analysis has been carried out in order to clarify the magnetic structures of multiple order parameter f -electron system NdB4. We confirmed the noncollinear "all-in all-out" structure (Γ4) of the in-plane moment, which is in good agreement with our previous neutron powder diffraction study. We found that the magnetic moment along the c -axis mc showed diagonally antiferromagnetic structure (Γ10), inconsistent with previously reported "vortex" structure (Γ2). The microscopic mixture of these two structures with q⃗0=(0 ,0 ,0 ) appears in phase II and remains stable in phases III and IV, where an incommensurate modulation coexists. The unusual magnetic ordering is phenomenologically understood via Landau theory with the primary order parameter Γ4 coupled with higher-order secondary order parameter Γ10. The magnetic moments were estimated to be 1.8 ±0.2 and 0.2 ±0.05 μB at T =7.5 K for Γ4 and Γ10, respectively. We also found a long-period incommensurate modulation of the q⃗1=(0 ,0 ,1 /2 ) antiferromagnetic structure of mc with the propagation q⃗s 1=(0.14 ,0.14 ,0.1 ) and q⃗s 2=(0.2 ,0 ,0.1 ) in phase III and IV, respectively. The amplitude of sinusoidal modulation was about mc=1.0 ±0.2 μB at T =1.5 K. The local (0 ,0 ,1 /2 ) structure consists of in-plane ferromagnetic and out-of-plane antiferromagnetic coupling of mc, opposite to the coexisting Γ10. The mc of Γ10 is significantly enhanced up to 0.6 μB at T =1.5 K, which is accompanied by the incommensurate modulations. The Landau phenomenological approach indicates that the higher-order magnetic and/or multipole interactions based on the pseudoquartet f -electron state play important roles.

  16. Divergent Total Syntheses of (-)-Huperzine Q, (+)-Lycopladine B, (+)-Lycopladine C, and (-)-4-epi-Lycopladine D.

    PubMed

    Hong, Benke; Hu, Dachao; Wu, Jinbao; Zhang, Jing; Li, Houhua; Pan, Yingming; Lei, Xiaoguang

    2017-07-04

    We report herein our synthetic efforts towards the divergent syntheses of (-)-huperzine Q (1), (+)-lycopladine B (2), (+)-lycopladine C (3), and (-)-lycopladine D (4). The 10-step total synthesis of (-)-huperzine Q (1) and the first total syntheses of (+)-lycopladines B (2) and C (3) were accomplished through a series of cascade reactions. Our approach involved a Michael addition/aldol/intramolecular C-alkylation sequence to forge the 6/9 spirocycle ring, and this was followed by an ethylene-accelerated carbonyl-olefin metathesis to construct the common 6/5/9 ring system. Finally, late-stage enamine bromofunctionalization enabled us to access (-)-huperzine Q (1), (+)-lycopladine B (2), and (+)-lycopladine C (3), and a tandem C4-epimerization/retro-Claisen condensation furnished (-)-4-epi-lycopladine D (63). © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Methylation of CpG island of p14(ARK), p15(INK4b) and p16(INK4a) genes in coke oven workers.

    PubMed

    Zhang, H; Li, X; Ge, L; Yang, J; Sun, J; Niu, Q

    2015-02-01

    To detect the blood genomic DNA methylation in coke oven workers and find a possible early screening index for occupational lung cancer, 74 coke oven workers as the exposed group and 47 water pump workers as the controls were surveyed, and urine samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected. Airborne benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) levels in workplace and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-Py) levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. DNA damage of PBMCs and the p14(ARK), p15(INK4b) and p16(INK4a) gene CpG island methylation in the promoter region were detected by comet assay and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction techniques, respectively. Results show that compared with the controls, concentration of airborne B[a]Ps was elevated in the coke plant, and urinary 1-OH-Py's level and DNA olive tail moment in comet assay were significantly increased in the coke oven workers, and p14(ARK), p15(INK4b) and p16(INK4a) gene methylation rates were also significantly increased. With the working years and urinary 1-OH-Py's level, the rates of p14(ARK) and p16(INK4a) gene methylation were significantly increased while that of p15(INK4b) gene methylation displayed no statistical change. We conclude that PBMCs' p14(ARK) and p16(INK4a) gene methylation may be used for screening and warning lung cancer in coke oven workers. © The Author(s) 2015.

  18. Different patterns of supramolecular assembly in constitutionally similar 6-arylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles.

    PubMed

    Praveen, Aletti S; Yathirajan, Hemmige S; Kaur, Manpreet; Narayana, Badiadka; Hosten, Eric C; Betz, Richard; Glidewell, Christopher

    2014-09-01

    Four imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles containing a simply-substituted 6-aryl group have been synthesized by reaction of 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazoles with bromoacetylarenes using microwave irradiation and brief reaction times. 6-(2-Chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole, C(10)H(6)ClN(3)S, (I), 6-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-methylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole, C(11)H(8)ClN(3)S, (II), 6-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole, C(10)H(5)Cl(2)N(3)S, (III), and 6-(4-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole, C(12)H(10)FN(3)OS, (IV), crystallize with Z' values of 2, 1, 1 and 2 respectively. The molecular skeletons are all nearly planar and the dihedral angles between the imidazole and aryl rings are 1.51 (8) and 7.28 (8)° in (I), 9.65 (7)° in (II), 10.44 (8)° in (III), and 1.05 (8) and 7.21 (8)° in (IV). The molecules in (I) are linked by three independent C-H...N hydrogen bonds to form ribbons containing alternating R2(2)(8) and R4(4)(18) rings, and these ribbons are linked into a three-dimensional array by three independent π-stacking interactions. Both (II) and (III) contain centrosymmetric dimers formed by π-stacking interactions but hydrogen bonds are absent, and the molecules of (IV) are linked into centrosymmetric R2(2)(8) dimers by C-H...N hydrogen bonds. Comparisons are made with a number of related compounds.

  19. Phase Variation of NadA in Invasive Neisseria meningitidis Isolates Impacts on Coverage Estimates for 4C-MenB, a MenB vaccine.

    PubMed

    Green, Luke R; Lucidarme, Jay; Dave, Neelam; Chan, Hannah; Clark, Stephen; Borrow, Ray; Bayliss, Christopher D

    2018-06-27

    A recombinant NadA protein is one of the four major protective antigens of 4C-MenB (Bexsero®), a vaccine developed for serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis (MenB). The Meningococcal Antigen Typing System (MATS) is utilised as a high throughput assay for assessing the invasive MenB strain coverage of 4C-MenB. Where present, the nadA gene is subject to phase variable changes in transcription due to a 5'TAAA repeat tract located in a regulatory region. The promoter-containing intergenic region sequences (IGR) and 5'TAAA repeat numbers were determined for 906 invasive meningococcal disease isolates possessing the nadA gene. Exclusion of the 5'TAAA repeats reduced the number of IGR alleles from 82 to 23. Repeat numbers were associated with low and high levels of NadA expression by Western blotting and ELISA. Low expression repeat numbers were present in 83% of 179 MenB isolates with NadA-2/3 or Nad-1 peptide variants and 68% of 480 MenW ST-11 complex isolates with Nad-2/3 peptide variants. For isolates with vaccine-compatible NadA variants, 93% of MATS negative isolates were associated with low expression repeat numbers whereas 63% of isolates with MATS RP scores above the 95% confidence interval for the positive bactericidal threshold had high expression repeat numbers. Analysis of the 5'TAAA repeat number has potential as a rapid, high throughput method for assessing strain coverage for the NadA-component of 4C-MenB. A key application will be assessing coverage in meningococcal disease cases where confirmation is by PCR only and MATS cannot be applied. Copyright © 2018 Green et al.

  20. ORELA data acquisition system hardware. Vol. 5. SEL 810B/PDP-4/PDP-9 intercomputer link

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

    Reynolds, J.W.; Holladay, J.H.

    1977-01-01

    A report is given describing the IOT assignments and programming for the PDP-4 and PDP-9, the ground isolation wiring, the connector pin assignments, a simplified theory of operation for the SEL 810B link interface, a detailed theory of operation for the link interfaces at the PDP-4 and the PDP-9, and the use of the PDP-4 and PDP-9 link interfaces as an input to the SEL 810B Four-Channel Priority Multiplexer.

  1. MEN4 and CDKN1B mutations: the latest of the MEN syndromes.

    PubMed

    Alrezk, Rami; Hannah-Shmouni, Fady; Stratakis, Constantine A

    2017-10-01

    Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) refers to a group of autosomal dominant disorders with generally high penetrance that lead to the development of a wide spectrum of endocrine and non-endocrine manifestations. The most frequent among these conditions is MEN type 1 (MEN1), which is caused by germline heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the tumor suppressor gene MEN1 MEN1 is characterized by primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and functional or nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and pituitary adenomas. Approximately 10% of patients with familial or sporadic MEN1-like phenotype do not have MEN1 mutations or deletions. A novel MEN syndrome was discovered, initially in rats (MENX), and later in humans (MEN4), which is caused by germline mutations in the putative tumor suppressor CDKN1B The most common phenotype of the 19 established cases of MEN4 that have been described to date is PHPT followed by pituitary adenomas. Recently, somatic or germline mutations in CDKN1B were also identified in patients with sporadic PHPT, small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors, lymphoma and breast cancer, demonstrating a novel role for CDKN1B as a tumor susceptibility gene for other neoplasms. In this review, we report on the genetic characterization and clinical features of MEN4. © 2017 Society for Endocrinology.

  2. Comparison of Dextran Perfusion and GSI-B4 Isolectin Staining in a Mouse Model of Oxygen-induced Retinopathy.

    PubMed

    Huang, Shaofen; Liang, Jiajian; Yam, Gary Hin-Fai; Lu, Zhihao; Pang, Chi Pui; Chen, Haoyu

    2015-06-01

    Oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) is a robust and widely used animal model for the study of retinal neovascularization (NV). Dextran perfusion and Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4 (GSI-B4) staining are two common methods for examining the occurrence and extent of OIR. This study provides a quantitative comparison of the two for OIR detection. At postnatal day 7 (PN7), fifteen C57BL/6J mice were exposed to a 75% hyperoxic condition for 5 days and then returned to room air conditions. At PN17, the mice received intravitreal injection of GSI-B4 Alexa Fluor 568 conjugate. After 10 hours, they were infused with FITC-dextran conjugate via the left ventricle. Retinal flat mounts were photographed by confocal microscopy. Areas with fluorescent signals and the total retinal areas were quantified by Image J software. Both GSI-B4 and dextran detected the peripheral neovascular area. The mean hyper fluorescence area was 0.33 ± 0.14% of whole retinal area determined by GSI-B4 staining and 0.25 ± 0.28% determined by dextran perfusion. The difference between the two measures was 0.08% (95% CI:-0.59%, 0.43%). The Pearson correlation coefficient between the two methods was 0.386,P =0.035. The mean coincidence rates were 14.3 ± 13.4% and 24.9 ± 18.5% for GSI-B4 and dextran staining, respectively. Both methods can complement each other in demonstrating and quantitatively evaluating retinal NV. A poor agreement was found between the two methods; GSI-B4 isolectin was more effective than FITC-dextran perfusion in evaluating the extent of retinal NV in a mouse model of OIR.

  3. Immunogenicity and Safety of Three Doses of a Bivalent (B:4:P1.19,15 and B:4:P1.7-2,4) Meningococcal Outer Membrane Vesicle Vaccine in Healthy Adolescents▿

    PubMed Central

    Boutriau, Dominique; Poolman, Jan; Borrow, Ray; Findlow, Jamie; Domingo, Javier Diez; Puig-Barbera, Joan; Baldó, José María; Planelles, Victoria; Jubert, Angels; Colomer, Julia; Gil, Angel; Levie, Karin; Kervyn, Anne-Diane; Weynants, Vincent; Dominguez, Francisco; Barberá, Ramon; Sotolongo, Franklin

    2007-01-01

    An experimental bivalent meningococcal outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccine (B:4:P1.19,15 and B:4:P1.7-2,4) has been developed to provide wide vaccine coverage particularly of the circulating strains in Europe. A randomized, controlled phase II study (study identification number, 710158/002; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier number, NCT00137917) to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of three doses of the OMV vaccine when given to healthy 12- to 18-year-olds on a 0-2-4 month (n = 162) or 0-1-6 month schedule (n = 159). A control group received two doses of hepatitis A and one of conjugated meningococcal serogroup C vaccine on a 0-1-6 month schedule (n = 157). Immune response, defined as a fourfold increase in serum bactericidal titer using a range of vaccine-homologous or PorA-related and heterologous strains, was determined for samples taken before and 1 month after vaccination; assays were performed at two laboratories. As measured at the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) laboratory, the OMV vaccine induced an immune response against homologous or PorA-related strains (in at least 51% of subjects against strains of serosubtype P1.19,15 and at least 66% against strains of serosubtype P1.7-2,4) and against a set of three heterologous strains (in 28% to 46% of subjects). Both laboratories showed consistent results for immune response rates. The OMV vaccine had a similar reactogenicity profile for each schedule. Pain preventing normal activities occurred in approximately one-fifth of the subjects; this was significantly higher than in the control group. The immune responses induced by the bivalent OMV vaccine demonstrated the induction of bactericidal antibodies against the vaccine-homologous/PorA-related strains but also against heterologous strains, indicating the presence of protective antigens in OMVs and confirming the potential of clinical cross-protection. PMID:17065257

  4. Antitumor Activity of Portulaca Oleracea L. Polysaccharide on HeLa Cells Through Inducing TLR4/NF-κB Signaling.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Rui; Zhang, Tao; Ma, Baoling; Li, Xing

    2017-01-01

    Abstarct We have previously shown that Portulaca oleracea L. polysaccharide (POL-P3b) possesses the ability to inhibit cervical cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we explored how toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling correlated with the antitumor mechanism of POL-P3b. Western blotting was utilized to detect the expression of TLR4 and the downstream signaling pathway. The level of inflammatory mediator was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The effects of POL-P3b on the proliferation and apoptosis in HeLa cells were determined by WST-8 assay and Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) assay. Our results demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding to TLR4 on tumor cells could enhance HeLa cell proliferation and increase the expression of TLR4 and the downstream molecules. Treating HeLa cells with POL-P3b could decrease the proliferation of HeLa cells, and upregulate Bax level and downregulate Bcl-2 level in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, POL-P3b inhibited the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunit P65 in HeLa cells. Furthermore, POL-P3b also reduced the production of cytokine/chemokine. Taken together, the present work suggested the antitumor mechanism of POL-P3b by downregulating TLR4 downstream signaling pathway and inducing cell apoptosis. Our results may provide direct evidence to suggest that POL-P3b should be considered as a potent nutrient supplement for oncotherapy.

  5. Imaging B. anthracis heme catabolism in mice using the IFP1.4 gene reporter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Banghe; Robinson, Holly; Wilganowski, Nathaniel; Nobles, Christopher L.; Sevick-Muraca, Eva; Maresso, Anthony

    2012-03-01

    B. anthracis is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium which likes all pathogenic bacteria, survive by sequestering heme from its host. To image B. anthracis heme catabolism in vivo, we stably transfect new red excitable fluorescent protein, IFP1.4, that requires the heme catabolism product biliverdin (BV). IFP1.4 reporter has favorable excitation and emission characteristics, which has an absorption peak at 685 nm and an emission peak at 708 nm. Therefore, IFP1.4 reporter can be imaged deeply into the tissue with less contamination from tissue autofluorescence. However, the excitation light "leakage" through optical filters can limit detection and sensitivity of IFP1.4 reporter due to the small Stoke's shift of IFP1.4 fluorescence. To minimize the excitation light leakage, an intensified CCD (ICCD) based infrared fluorescence imaging device was optimized using two band pass filters separated by a focus lens to increase the optical density at the excitation wavelength. In this study, a mouse model (DBA/J2) was first injected with B. anthracis bacteria expressing IFP1.4, 150 μl s.c., on the ventral side of the left thigh. Then mouse was given 250 μl of a 1mM BV solution via I.V. injection. Imaging was conducted as a function of time after infection under light euthanasia, excised tissues were imaged and IFP1.4 fluorescence correlated with standard culture measurements of colony forming units (CFU). The work demonstrates the use of IFP1.4 as a reporter of bacterial utilization of host heme and may provide an important tool for understanding the pathogenesis of bacterial infection and developing new anti-bacterial therapeutics.

  6. A cross-sectional study examining the expression of splice variants K-RAS4A and K-RAS4B in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients.

    PubMed

    Aran, Veronica; Masson Domingues, Pedro; Carvalho de Macedo, Fabiane; Moreira de Sousa, Carlos Augusto; Caldas Montella, Tatiane; de Souza Accioly, Maria Theresa; Ferreira, Carlos Gil

    2018-02-01

    Mammalian cells differently express 4 RAS isoforms: H-RAS, N-RAS, K-RAS4A and K-RAS4B, which are important in promoting oncogenic processes when mutated. In lung cancer, the K-RAS isoform is the most frequently altered RAS protein, being also a difficult therapeutic target. Interestingly, there are two K-RAS splice variants (K-RAS4A and K-RAS4B) and little is known about the role of K-RAS4A. Most studies targeting K-RAS, or analysing it as a prognostic factor, have not taken into account the two isoforms. Consequently, the in-depth investigation of them is needed. The present study analysed 98 specimens from advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) adenocarcinoma patients originated from Brazil. The alterations present in K-RAS at the DNA level (Sanger sequencing) as well as the expression of the splicing isoforms at the RNA (qRT-PCR) and protein levels (immunohistochemistry analysis), were evaluated. Possible associations between clinicopathological features and the molecular findings were also investigated. Our results showed that in the non-smoking population, the cancer incidence was higher among women. In contrast, in smokers and former smokers, the incidence was higher among men. Regarding sequencing results, 10.5% of valid samples presented mutations in exon 2, being all wild-type for exon 3, and the most frequently occurring base change was the transversion G → T. Our qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical analysis showed that both, K-RAS4A and K-RAS4B, were differently expressed in NSCLC tumour samples. For example, tumour specimens showed higher K-RAS4A mRNA expression in relation to commercial normal lung control than did K-RAS4B. In addition, K-RAS4B protein expression was frequently stronger than K-RAS4A in the patients analysed. Our results highlight the differential expression of K-RAS4A and K-RAS4B in advanced adenocarcinoma NSCLC patients and underline the need to further clarify the enigma behind their biological significance in various cancer

  7. Dual function of the UNC-45b chaperone with myosin and GATA4 in cardiac development

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Daisi; Li, Shumin; Singh, Ram; Spinette, Sarah; Sedlmeier, Reinhard; Epstein, Henry F.

    2012-01-01

    Summary Cardiac development requires interplay between the regulation of gene expression and the assembly of functional sarcomeric proteins. We report that UNC-45b recessive loss-of-function mutations in C3H and C57BL/6 inbred mouse strains cause arrest of cardiac morphogenesis at the formation of right heart structures and failure of contractile function. Wild-type C3H and C57BL/6 embryos at the same stage, E9.5, form actively contracting right and left atria and ventricles. The known interactions of UNC-45b as a molecular chaperone are consistent with diminished accumulation of the sarcomeric myosins, but not their mRNAs, and the resulting decreased contraction of homozygous mutant embryonic hearts. The novel finding that GATA4 accumulation is similarly decreased at the protein but not mRNA levels is also consistent with the function of UNC-45b as a chaperone. The mRNAs of known downstream targets of GATA4 during secondary cardiac field development, the cardiogenic factors Hand1, Hand2 and Nkx-2.5, are also decreased, consistent with the reduced GATA4 protein accumulation. Direct binding studies show that the UNC-45b chaperone forms physical complexes with both the alpha and beta cardiac myosins and the cardiogenic transcription factor GATA4. Co-expression of UNC-45b with GATA4 led to enhanced transcription from GATA promoters in naïve cells. These novel results suggest that the heart-specific UNC-45b isoform functions as a molecular chaperone mediating contractile function of the sarcomere and gene expression in cardiac development. PMID:22553207

  8. E1B and E4 oncoproteins of adenovirus antagonize the effect of apoptosis inducing factor

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

    Turner, Roberta L.; Wilkinson, John C., E-mail: john.wilkinson@ndsu.edu; Ornelles, David A., E-mail: ornelles@wakehealth.edu

    2014-05-15

    Adenovirus inundates the productively infected cell with linear, double-stranded DNA and an abundance of single-stranded DNA. The cellular response to this stimulus is antagonized by the adenoviral E1B and E4 early genes. A mutant group C adenovirus that fails to express the E1B-55K and E4ORF3 genes is unable to suppress the DNA-damage response. Cells infected with this double-mutant virus display significant morphological heterogeneity at late times of infection and frequently contain fragmented nuclei. Nuclear fragmentation was due to the translocation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) from the mitochondria into the nucleus. The release of AIF was dependent on active poly(ADP-ribose)more » polymerase-1 (PARP-1), which appeared to be activated by viral DNA replication. Nuclear fragmentation did not occur in AIF-deficient cells or in cells treated with a PARP-1 inhibitor. The E1B-55K or E4ORF3 proteins independently prevented nuclear fragmentation subsequent to PARP-1 activation, possibly by altering the intracellular distribution of PAR-modified proteins. - Highlights: • E1B-55K or E4orf3 prevents nuclear fragmentation. • Nuclear fragmentation requires AIF and PARP-1 activity. • Adenovirus DNA replication activates PARP-1. • E1B-55K or E4orf3 proteins alter the distribution of PAR.« less

  9. Systems Biology Reveals NS4B-Cyclophilin A Interaction: A New Target to Inhibit YFV Replication.

    PubMed

    Vidotto, Alessandra; Morais, Ana T S; Ribeiro, Milene R; Pacca, Carolina C; Terzian, Ana C B; Gil, Laura H V G; Mohana-Borges, Ronaldo; Gallay, Philippe; Nogueira, Mauricio L

    2017-04-07

    Yellow fever virus (YFV) replication is highly dependent on host cell factors. YFV NS4B is reported to be involved in viral replication and immune evasion. Here interactions between NS4B and human proteins were determined using a GST pull-down assay and analyzed using 1-DE and LC-MS/MS. We present a total of 207 proteins confirmed using Scaffold 3 Software. Cyclophilin A (CypA), a protein that has been shown to be necessary for the positive regulation of flavivirus replication, was identified as a possible NS4B partner. 59 proteins were found to be significantly increased when compared with a negative control, and CypA exhibited the greatest difference, with a 22-fold change. Fisher's exact test was significant for 58 proteins, and the p value of CypA was the most significant (0.000000019). The Ingenuity Systems software identified 16 pathways, and this analysis indicated sirolimus, an mTOR pathway inhibitor, as a potential inhibitor of CypA. Immunofluorescence and viral plaque assays showed a significant reduction in YFV replication using sirolimus and cyclosporine A (CsA) as inhibitors. Furthermore, YFV replication was strongly inhibited in cells treated with both inhibitors using reporter BHK-21-rep-YFV17D-LucNeoIres cells. Taken together, these data suggest that CypA-NS4B interaction regulates YFV replication. Finally, we present the first evidence that YFV inhibition may depend on NS4B-CypA interaction.

  10. Laboratory verification respiratory measurements. IMBLMS phase B.4, appendix C, section 13

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1970-01-01

    The B-4 IMBLMS preliminary design of the respiratory measurement element includes certain techniques and apparatus which are quite different from those included in the B-3 version previously delivered to NASA-MSC. A working model was constructed in the laboratory to prove the feasibility of certain key features. The most critical of these is the capability of switching sample gases into the mass spectrometer from two different sources during a single breath cycle. Results proved the feasibility of all of the concepts which were tested, and certain refinements and improvements were included, as well.

  11. E1B-55K mediated regulation of RNF4 STUbL promotes HAdV gene expression.

    PubMed

    Müncheberg, Sarah; Hay, Ron T; Ip, Wing H; Meyer, Tina; Weiß, Christina; Brenke, Jara; Masser, Sawinee; Hadian, Kamyar; Dobner, Thomas; Schreiner, Sabrina

    2018-04-25

    HAdV E1B-55K is a multifunctional regulator of productive viral replication and oncogenic transformation in non-permissive mammalian cells. These functions depend on E1B-55K's posttranslational modification with the SUMO protein and its binding to HAdV E4orf6. Both early viral proteins recruit specific host factors to form an E3 Ubiquitin ligase complex that targets antiviral host substrates for proteasomal degradation. Recently, we reported that the PML-NB-associated factor Daxx represses efficient HAdV productive infection and is proteasomally degraded via a SUMO-E1B-55K-dependent, E4orf6-independent pathway, the details of which remained to be established.RNF4, a cellular SUMO-targeted Ubiquitin ligase (STUbL), induces ubiquitinylation of specific SUMOylated proteins and plays an essential role during DNA repair. Here, we show that E1B-55K recruits RNF4 to the insoluble nuclear matrix fraction of the infected cell to support RNF4/Daxx association, promoting Daxx PTM, and thus inhibiting this antiviral factor. Removing RNF4 from infected cells using RNAi resulted in blocking the proper establishment of viral replication centers and significantly diminished viral gene expression. These results provide a model for how HAdV antagonize the antiviral host responses by exploiting the functional capacity of cellular STUbLs. Thus, RNF4 and its STUbL function represent a positive factor during lytic infection and a novel candidate for future therapeutic antiviral intervention strategies. IMPORTANCE Daxx is a PML-NB-associated transcription factor, which was recently shown to repress efficient HAdV productive infection. To counteract this antiviral measurement during infection, Daxx is degraded via a novel pathway including viral E1B-55K and host proteasomes. This virus-mediated degradation is independent of the classical HAdV E3 Ubiquitin ligase complex, which is essential during viral infection to target other host antiviral substrates. To maintain productive viral life

  12. Dehydrogenation reactions of cyclic C(2)B(2)N(2)H(12) and C(4)BNH(12) isomers.

    PubMed

    Matus, Myrna H; Liu, Shih-Yuan; Dixon, David A

    2010-02-25

    The energetics for different dehydrogenation pathways of C(2)B(2)N(2)H(12) and C(4)BNH(12) cycles were calculated at the B3LYP/DGDZVP2 and G3(MP2) levels with additional calculations at the CCSD(T)/complete basis set level. The heats of formation of the different isomers were calculated from the G3(MP2) relative energies and the heats of formation of the most stable isomers of c-C(2)B(2)N(2)H(6), c-C(2)B(2)N(2)H(12), and c-C(4)BNH(12) at the CCSD(T)/CBS including additional corrections together with the previously reported value for c-C(4)BNH(6). Different isomers were analyzed for c-C(2)B(2)N(2)H(x) and c-C(4)BNH(x) (x = 6 and 12), and the most stable cyclic structures were those with C-C-B-N-B-N and C-C-C-C-B-N sequences, respectively. The energetics for the stepwise loss of three H(2) were predicted, and the most feasible thermodynamic pathways were found. Dehydrogenation of the lowest energy c-C(2)B(2)N(2)H(12) isomer (6-H(12)) is almost thermoneutral with DeltaH(3dehydro) = 3.4 kcal/mol at the CCSD(T)/CBS level and -0.6 kcal/mol at the G3(MP2) level at 298 K. Dehydrogenation of the lowest energy c-C(4)BNH(12) isomer (7-H(12)) is endothermic with DeltaH(3dehydro) = 27.9 kcal/mol at the CCSD(T)/CBS level and 23.5 kcal/mol at the G3(MP2) level at 298 K. Dehydrogenation across the B-N bond is more favorable as opposed to dehydrogenation across the B-C, N-C, and C-C bonds. Resonance stabilization energies in relation to that of benzene are reported as are NICS NMR chemical shifts for correlating with the potential aromatic character of the rings.

  13. Noncytopathogenic Pestivirus Strains Generated by Nonhomologous RNA Recombination: Alterations in the NS4A/NS4B Coding Region

    PubMed Central

    Gallei, Andreas; Orlich, Michaela; Thiel, Heinz-Juergen; Becher, Paul

    2005-01-01

    Several studies have demonstrated that cytopathogenic (cp) pestivirus strains evolve from noncytopathogenic (noncp) viruses by nonhomologous RNA recombination. In addition, two recent reports showed the rapid emergence of noncp Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) after a few cell culture passages of cp BVDV strains by homologous recombination between identical duplicated viral sequences. To allow the identification of recombination sites from noncp BVDV strains that evolve from cp viruses, we constructed the cp BVDV strains CP442 and CP552. Both harbor duplicated viral sequences of different origin flanking the cellular insertion Nedd8*; the latter is a prerequisite for their cytopathogenicity. In contrast to the previous studies, isolation of noncp strains was possible only after extensive cell culture passages of CP442 and CP552. Sequence analysis of 15 isolated noncp BVDVs confirmed that all recombinant strains lack at least most of Nedd8*. Interestingly, only one strain resulted from homologous recombination while the other 14 strains were generated by nonhomologous recombination. Accordingly, our data suggest that the extent of sequence identity between participating sequences influences both frequency and mode (homologous versus nonhomologous) of RNA recombination in pestiviruses. Further analyses of the noncp recombinant strains revealed that a duplication of 14 codons in the BVDV nonstructural protein 4B (NS4B) gene does not interfere with efficient viral replication. Moreover, an insertion of viral sequences between the NS4A and NS4B genes was well tolerated. These findings thus led to the identification of two genomic loci which appear to be suited for the insertion of heterologous sequences into the genomes of pestiviruses and related viruses. PMID:16254361

  14. 3.6 and 4.5 μm Spitzer Phase Curves of the Highly Irradiated Hot Jupiters WASP-19b and HAT-P-7b

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wong, Ian; Knutson, Heather A.; Kataria, Tiffany; Lewis, Nikole K.; Burrows, Adam; Fortney, Jonathan J.; Schwartz, Joel; Shporer, Avi; Agol, Eric; Cowan, Nicolas B.; Deming, Drake; Désert, Jean-Michel; Fulton, Benjamin J.; Howard, Andrew W.; Langton, Jonathan; Laughlin, Gregory; Showman, Adam P.; Todorov, Kamen

    2016-06-01

    We analyze full-orbit phase curve observations of the transiting hot Jupiters WASP-19b and HAT-P-7b at 3.6 and 4.5 μm, obtained using the Spitzer Space Telescope. For WASP-19b, we measure secondary eclipse depths of 0.485%+/- 0.024% and 0.584%+/- 0.029% at 3.6 and 4.5 μm, which are consistent with a single blackbody with effective temperature 2372 ± 60 K. The measured 3.6 and 4.5 μm secondary eclipse depths for HAT-P-7b are 0.156%+/- 0.009% and 0.190%+/- 0.006%, which are well described by a single blackbody with effective temperature 2667 ± 57 K. Comparing the phase curves to the predictions of one-dimensional and three-dimensional atmospheric models, we find that WASP-19b’s dayside emission is consistent with a model atmosphere with no dayside thermal inversion and moderately efficient day-night circulation. We also detect an eastward-shifted hotspot, which suggests the presence of a superrotating equatorial jet. In contrast, HAT-P-7b’s dayside emission suggests a dayside thermal inversion and relatively inefficient day-night circulation; no hotspot shift is detected. For both planets, these same models do not agree with the measured nightside emission. The discrepancies in the model-data comparisons for WASP-19b might be explained by high-altitude silicate clouds on the nightside and/or high atmospheric metallicity, while the very low 3.6 μm nightside planetary brightness for HAT-P-7b may be indicative of an enhanced global C/O ratio. We compute Bond albedos of 0.38 ± 0.06 and 0 (\\lt 0.08 at 1σ ) for WASP-19b and HAT-P-7b, respectively. In the context of other planets with thermal phase curve measurements, we show that WASP-19b and HAT-P-7b fit the general trend of decreasing day-night heat recirculation with increasing irradiation.

  15. AGR-3/4 Final Data Qualification Report for ATR Cycles 151A through 155B-1

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

    Pham, Binh T.

    2015-03-01

    This report provides the qualification status of experimental data for the entire Advanced Gas Reactor 3/4 (AGR 3/4) fuel irradiation. AGR-3/4 is the third in a series of planned irradiation experiments conducted in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for the AGR Fuel Development and Qualification Program, which supports development of the advanced reactor technology under the INL ART Technology Development Office (TDO). The main objective of AGR-3/4 irradiation is to provide a known source of fission products for subsequent transport through compact matrix and structural graphite materials due to the presence of designed-to-fail fuel particles.more » Full power irradiation of the AGR 3/4 test began on December 14, 2011 (ATR Cycle 151A), and was completed on April 12, 2014 (end of ATR Cycle 155B) after 369.1 effective full power days of irradiation. The AGR-3/4 test was in the reactor core for eight of the ten ATR cycles between 151A and 155B. During the unplanned outage cycle, 153A, the experiment was removed from the ATR northeast flux trap (NEFT) location and stored in the ATR canal. This was to prevent overheating of fuel compacts due to higher than normal ATR power during the subsequent Powered Axial Locator Mechanism cycle, 153B. The AGR 3/4 test was inserted back into the ATR NEFT location during the outage of ATR Cycle 154A on April 26, 2013. Therefore, the AGR-3/4 irradiation data received during these 2 cycles (153A and 153B) are irrelevant and their qualification status isnot included in this report. Additionally, during ATR Cycle 152A the ATR core ran at low power for a short enough duration that the irradiation data are not used for physics and thermal calculations. However, the qualification status of irradiation data for this cycle is still covered in this report. As a result, this report includes data from 8 ATR Cycles: 151A, 151B, 152A, 152B, 154A, 154B, 155A, and 155B, as recorded in the Nuclear Data Management and

  16. Effects of hepatitis C virus core protein and nonstructural protein 4B on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Xiao-Hua; Xie, Yu-Tao; Cai, Ya-Ping; Ren, Jing; Ma, Tao

    2017-05-25

    Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein and nonstructural protein 4B (NS4B) are potentially oncogenic. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is closely associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. We investigated the effects of HCV type 1b core protein and NS4B on Wnt/β-catenin signaling in various liver cells, and explored the molecular mechanism underlying HCV-related hepatocarcinogenesis. Compared with the empty vector control, HCV core protein and NS4B demonstrated the following characteristics in the Huh7 cells: significantly enhanced β-catenin/Tcf-dependent transcriptional activity (F = 40.87, P < 0.01); increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin (F = 165.26, P < 0.01); upregulated nuclear β-catenin, cytoplasmic β-catenin, Wnt1, c-myc, and cyclin D1 protein expression (P < 0.01); and promoted proliferation of Huh7 cells (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Neither protein enhanced β-catenin/Tcf-dependent transcriptional activity in the LO2 cells (F = 0.65, P > 0.05), but they did significantly enhance Wnt3a-induced β-catenin/Tcf-dependent transcriptional activity (F = 64.25, P < 0.01), and promoted the nuclear translocation of β-catenin (F = 66.54, P < 0.01) and the Wnt3a-induced proliferation of LO2 cells (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Moreover, activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was greater with the core protein than with NS4B (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). HCV core protein and NS4B directly activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in Huh7 cells and LO2 cells induced by Wnt3a. These data suggest that HCV core protein and NS4B contribute to HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinogenesis.

  17. LPS enhances TLR4 expression and IFN‑γ production via the TLR4/IRAK/NF‑κB signaling pathway in rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells.

    PubMed

    Wang, Pengyan; Han, Xuhui; Mo, Biwen; Huang, Guojin; Wang, Changming

    2017-09-01

    The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the Toll‑like receptor (TLR)4 signaling pathway in cellular response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rats were established with passive inhaling cigarette smoke plus injection of LPS. The TLR4 protein in lung tissues was determined with immunohistochemical staining and protein levels of the components of the TLR4 pathway in PASMCs were analyzed with western blotting. The production of interferon (IFN)‑γ upon LPS stimulation in PASMCs was measured with ELISA. TLR4 expression in lung tissue from COPD rats was increased obviously compared with that in normal group. LPS enhances TLR4 expression in rat PASMCs and induced production of IFN‑γ dramatically. LPS treatment resulted in increased phosphor‑interleukin‑1 receptor‑associated kinase (IRAK), IκB and IκB kinase, as well as the total protein of nuclear factor (NF)‑κB p65. TLR4 inhibitor TAK‑242, IRAK1/4 inhibitor and NF‑κB inhibitor Bay 117082 were capable of suppressing the effects of LPS. TLR4 signaling pathway is functional in PASMCs, and may be involved in the inflammatory response during the pathogenesis of COPD.

  18. Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4H Is under Transcriptional Control of p65/NF-κB

    PubMed Central

    Fiume, Giuseppe; Rossi, Annalisa; de Laurentiis, Annamaria; Falcone, Cristina; Pisano, Antonio; Vecchio, Eleonora; Pontoriero, Marilena; Scala, Iris; Scialdone, Annarita; Masci, Francesca Fasanella; Mimmi, Selena; Palmieri, Camillo; Scala, Giuseppe; Quinto, Ileana

    2013-01-01

    Protein synthesis is mainly regulated at the initiation step, allowing the fast, reversible and spatial control of gene expression. Initiation of protein synthesis requires at least 13 translation initiation factors to assemble the 80S ribosomal initiation complex. Loss of translation control may result in cell malignant transformation. Here, we asked whether translational initiation factors could be regulated by NF-κB transcription factor, a major regulator of genes involved in cell proliferation, survival, and inflammatory response. We show that the p65 subunit of NF-κB activates the transcription of eIF4H gene, which is the regulatory subunit of eIF4A, the most relevant RNA helicase in translation initiation. The p65-dependent transcriptional activation of eIF4H increased the eIF4H protein content augmenting the rate of global protein synthesis. In this context, our results provide novel insights into protein synthesis regulation in response to NF-κB activation signalling, suggesting a transcription-translation coupled mechanism of control. PMID:23776612

  19. ErbB2 Pathway Activation upon Smad4 Loss Promotes Lung Tumor Growth and Metastasis.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jian; Cho, Sung-Nam; Akkanti, Bindu; Jin, Nili; Mao, Jianqiang; Long, Weiwen; Chen, Tenghui; Zhang, Yiqun; Tang, Ximing; Wistub, Ignacio I; Creighton, Chad J; Kheradmand, Farrah; DeMayo, Francesco J

    2015-03-03

    Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death. Genome sequencing of lung tumors from patients with squamous cell carcinoma has identified SMAD4 to be frequently mutated. Here, we use a mouse model to determine the molecular mechanisms by which Smad4 loss leads to lung cancer progression. Mice with ablation of Pten and Smad4 in airway epithelium develop metastatic adenosquamous tumors. Comparative transcriptomic and in vivo cistromic analyses determine that loss of PTEN and SMAD4 results in ELF3 and ErbB2 pathway activation due to decreased expression of ERRFI1, a negative regulator of ERBB2 in mouse and human cells. The combinatorial inhibition of ErbB2 and Akt signaling attenuate tumor progression and cell invasion, respectively. Expression profile analysis of human lung tumors substantiated the importance of the ErbB2/Akt/ELF3 signaling pathway as both a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic drug target for treating lung cancer. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Exposure of a distinct PDCA-1+ (CD317) B cell population to agonistic anti-4-1BB (CD137) inhibits T and B cell responses both in vitro and in vivo.

    PubMed

    Vinay, Dass S; Lee, Seung J; Kim, Chang H; Oh, Ho Sik; Kwon, Byoung S

    2012-01-01

    4-1BB (CD137) is an important T cell activating molecule. Here we report that it also promotes development of a distinct B cell subpopulation co-expressing PDCA-1. 4-1BB is expressed constitutively, and its expression is increased when PDCA-1(+) B cells are activated. We found that despite a high level of surface expression of 4-1BB on PDCA-1(+) B cells, treatment of these cells with agonistic anti-4-1BB mAb stimulated the expression of only a few activation markers (B7-2, MHC II, PD-L2), cytokines (IL-12p40/p70), and chemokines (MCP-1, RANTES), as well as sTNFR1, and the immunosuppressive enzyme, IDO. Although the PDCA-1(+) B cells stimulated by anti-4-1BB expressed MHC II at high levels and took up antigens efficiently, Ig class switching was inhibited when they were pulsed with T-independent (TI) or T-dependent (TD) Ags and adoptively transferred into syngeneic recipients. Furthermore, when anti-4-1BB-treated PDCA-1(+) B cells were pulsed with OVA peptide and combined with Vα2(+)CD4(+) T cells, Ag-specific cell division was inhibited both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that the 4-1BB signal transforms PDCA-1(+) B cells into propagators of negative immune regulation, and establish an important role for 4-1BB in PDCA-1(+) B cell development and function.