Calibration of a 32 channel electron cyclotron emission radiometer on the HL-2A tokamak

A novel 32-channel electron cyclotron emission radiometer has been designed and tested for the measurement of electron temperature profiles on the HL-2A tokamak. This system is based on the intermediate frequency filter detection technique, and has the features of wide working frequency range and high spatial resolution. Two relative calibration methods have been investigated: sweeping the toroidal magnetic field and hopping the output frequency of the local oscillator. Preliminary results show that both methods can ensure reasonable profiles.

MicroRNA-155 controls Toll-like receptor 3- and hepatitis C virus-induced immune responses in the liver

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) establishes persistent infections despite strong activation of the innate immune system through TLR3 and other sensors. Therefore, we analysed regulatory mechanisms of TLR3-induced immune responses in nonparenchymal liver cells (NPCs). Effects of Interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and immunoregulatory miR-155 on poly I:C-activated murine (C57BL/6) Kupffer cells (KC) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) were assessed in vitro. NPCs were assayed for inflammatory and antiviral cytokines and T-cell (Balb/c)-activating factors. Gene expression of miR-155, IL-10, TGF-β and interferon sensitive genes (ISGs) in biopsies of patients with HCV was determined by qrt-PCR. TLR3-induced antiviral activity in murine NPCs was potently suppressed by IL-10 and TGF-β which correlated with decreased TLR3 expression and inhibition of NF-κB and IRF-3 activation. T-cell activation, induced by TLR3-activated NPCs, was also suppressed by IL-10 and TGF-β, which was associated with a down-regulation of CD80 and CD86. Pretreatment with IL-10 or TGF-β suppressed TLR3-induced miR-155 expression, which itself positively regulated poly I:C-mediated immune responses, thus counteracting IL-10 or TGF-β-induced immunosuppression. In addition, hepatic expression of miR-155 was elevated in chronically infected patients with HCV, was associated with an IL-28B SNP (rs12979860) and was inversely correlated with HCV serum load and ISG expression levels. As miR-155 is a key regulator of anti-inflammatory mechanisms that control innate and adaptive hepatic immune responses during HCV infection, miR-155 based therapies may represent a novel mechanism to control HCV in the future.

Development of frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometer for electron density profile measurement on the HL-2A tokamak

The frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometer was developed for the first time on the HL-2A tokamak. The system utilizes a voltage controlled oscillator and an active multiplier for broadband coverage and detects as heterodyne mode. Three reflectometers have been installed and operated in extraordinary mode polarization on HL-2A to measure density profiles at low field side, covering the Q-band (33-50 GHz), V-band (50-75 GHz), and W-band (75-110 GHz). For density profile reconstruction from the phase shift of the probing wave, a corrected phase unwrapping method is introduced in this article. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated. The density profile behavior of a fast plasma event is presented and it demonstrates the capability of the reflectometer. These diagnostics will be contributed to the routine density profile measurements and the plasma physics study on HL-2A.

Superposed pulse amplitude modulation for visible light communication

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel modulation scheme called superposed pulse amplitude modulation (SPAM) which is low-cost, insensitive to non-linearity of light emitting diode (LED). Multiple optical pulses transmit parallelly from different spatial position in the LED array and overlap linearly in free space to realize SPAM. With LED arrangement, the experimental results show that using the modulation we proposed the data rate of 120 Mbit/s with BER 1 × 10(-3) can be achieved with an optical blue filter and RC post-equalization.

Abstract P2-09-21: Teriflunomide, an immunomodulatory drug, exerts anticancer activity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells via modulation of multiple cell signal pathways

Background: Breast cancer is the most diagnosed female cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a special subtype, defined as breast cancer lacking estrogen, progesterone and HER-2 receptors, showed clinically aggressive features and was associated with poor prognosis. TNBC is resistant to endocrine or HER-2 targeted therapies, and only conventional chemotherapeutic regimens were accepted as the treatment guidelines. Therefore, searching for novel pharmaceutical agents for TNBC is urgent and a hot spot in present clinical research. Teriflunomide, an orally available immunomodulatory drug, approved for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) by FDA, has demonstrated the potential application in cancer therapy, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), prostate cancer and melanoma. Therefore, we assessed the therapeutic value of teriflunomide in TNBC cells.

Methodology/Principal Findings: In this study, we showed that teriflunomide treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of proliferation in three TNBC cell lines: MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and BT549. Meanwhile, the agent could also induce loss of clonogenic survival in dose-dependent fashion in TNBC cells. The analysis of cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry revealed that teriflunomide for 48 h entrapped TNBC cells in S-phase with concomitant reduction in both G1- and G2/M-phase. Furthermore, by Annexin-V/PI staining, we showed high doses of teriflunomide for 2 days led to significant necrosis and minor apoptosis in TNBC cells. Additionally, the effect of teriflunomide on TNBC cell migration and invasion was also tested using Boyden chamber assays. Short-term treatment of teriflunomide decreased the cell motility and invasiveness considerably in a concentration-dependent manner. When evaluated for underlying mechanisms, teriflunomide was found to modulate multiple cell signaling pathways in three TNBC cell lines. First, teriflunomide inhibited expression of proteins linked to cell proliferation, such as cyclin D1 and c-Myc. Second, teriflumomide delayed cell cycle transition by up-regulating cyclin A, along with p27 down-regulation and unchanged cyclin B1. Third, teriflunomide regulated the cell survival proteins, such as up-regulation of BAX and down-regulation of Bcl-Xl, by activation of MAPK pathway. Fourth, teriflunomide suppressed the marker signals involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition(EMT) and invasion and inhibited activation of FAK/Src complex. Fifth, teriflunomide down-regulated growth factor receptors involved in TNBC growth maintenance, such as EGFR, IGF1R and FGFR4.

Conclusion/Significance: Teriflunomide, although an anti-inflammatory agent, is a potent inhibitor of TNBC cells through modulation of multiple signaling pathways and may be of therapeutic benefit for TNBC in clinical practice.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-09-21.

Development of electron cyclotron emission imaging system on the HL-2A tokamak

A 2D electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI) system has been developed for measurement of electron temperature fluctuations in the HL-2A tokamak. It is comprised of a front-end 24 channel heterodyne imaging array with a tunable RF range spanning 75-110 GHz, and a set of back-end ECEI electronics that together generate 24 × 8 = 192 channel images of the 2nd harmonic X-mode electron cyclotron emission from the HL-2A plasma. The simulated performance of the local oscillator (LO) optics and radio frequency (RF) optics is presented, together with the laboratory characterization results. The Gaussian beams from the LO optics are observed to properly cover the entire detector array. The ECE signals from the plasma are mixed with the LO signal in the array box, then delivered to the electronics system by low-loss microwave cables, and finally to the digitizers. The ECEI system can achieve temporal resolutions of ~μs, and spatial resolutions of 1 cm (radially) and 2 cm (poloidally).

Characterization of statin dose response in electronic medical records

Efforts to define the genetic architecture underlying variable statin response have met with limited success, possibly because previous studies were limited to effect based on a single dose. We leveraged electronic medical records (EMRs) to extract potency (ED50) and efficacy (Emax) of statin dose-response curves and tested them for association with 144 preselected variants. Two large biobanks were used to construct dose-response curves for 2,026 and 2,252 subjects on simvastatin and atorvastatin, respectively. Atorvastatin was more efficacious, was more potent, and demonstrated less interindividual variability than simvastatin. A pharmacodynamic variant emerging from randomized trials (PRDM16) was associated with Emax for both. For atorvastatin, Emax was 51.7 mg/dl in subjects homozygous for the minor allele vs. 75.0 mg/dl for those homozygous for the major allele. We also identified several loci associated with ED50. The extraction of rigorously defined traits from EMRs for pharmacogenetic studies represents a promising approach to further understand the genetic factors contributing to drug response.

Identification of osteoarthritis biomarkers by proteomic analysis of synovial fluid

OBJECTIVE

To use proteomic analysis to identify novel candidate biomarker proteins in synovial fluid for the differential diagnosis of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

Synovial fluid samples were analysed using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS). Data were used to generate an artificial neural network (ANN). The identification of one protein peak was confirmed via Western blotting.

RESULTS

Fluid samples were analysed from 36 patients with osteoarthritis and 24 with rheumatoid arthritis. In total, three protein peaks (mass-to-charge ratio [m/z] 3893, 10,576 and 14,175 Da) were identified as potential biomarkers for osteoarthritis. The ANN differentiated between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis with a sensitivity of 89.4% and a specificity of 91.2%. The protein peak at m/z 10 576 was identified as S100 calcium binding protein A12 (S100A12).

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of SELDI-TOF-MS and ANN identified osteoarthritis biomarkers. SELDI-TOF-MS may be a useful tool in the screening of synovial fluid for osteoarthritis diagnosis.

Modeling and Characterization of the Relationship between Cell Size and Mechanical Behavior of Microcellular PP/Mica Composites

The microcellular foamed polypropylene (PP)/mica composites were prepared through chemical microcellular injection to investigate the relationship between the mechanical behavior and the cell size. The mechanical behavior model of the microcellular foams is built based on the elastic stress/strain field. The mechanical behavior of the microcellular composites coincides well with the theoretical model. Under loading the large and non uniform cells are in a state of plane strain, which leads to low tensile and impact strengths, whereas small and uniform cells are in a state of plane stress, which contributes to the transition from brittle to tough fracture behavior in the microcellular PP/mica composite.

Acute endurance exercise induces changes in vasorelaxation responses that are vessel-specific

The dynamic adjustment and amplitude of the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of the carotid, aorta, iliac, and femoral vessels were measured in response to acute low- (LI) or high-intensity (HI) endurance exercise. Vasorelaxation to 10(-4) M ACh was evaluated in 10 control, 10 LI, and 10 HI rats. Two-millimeter sections of carotid, aorta, iliac, and femoral arteries were mounted onto a myography system. Vasorelaxation responses were modeled as a monoexponential function. The overall τ (control, 10.5 ± 6.0 s; LI, 10.4 ± 5.7 s; HI, 11.0 ± 6.9 s) and time-to-steady-state (control, 47.6 ± 24.0 s; LI, 46.2 ± 22.8 s; HI, 49.1 ± 28.3 s) was similar in LI, HI, and control (P > 0.05). The overall (average of four vessel-type) % vasorelaxation was larger in LI (73 ± 16%) and HI (73 ± 16%) than in control (66 ± 19%) (P < 0.05). The overall rate of vasorelaxation was greater in LI (1.9 ± 0.9%·s(-1)) and HI (1.9 ± 1.1%·s(-1)) compared with control (1.6 ± 0.7%·s(-1)) (P < 0.05). The vessel-specific responses (average response for the three conditions) showed that carotid displayed a slower adjustment (τ, 18.9 ± 4.4 s; time-to-steady-state, 80.4 ± 18.4 s) compared with the aorta (τ, 10.3 ± 3.8 s; time-to-steady-state, 46.3 ± 15.2 s), the iliac (τ, 6.3 ± 2.1 s; time-to-steady-state, 30.3 ± 9.0 s), and the femoral (τ, 6.0 ± 1.9 s; time-to-steady-state, 29.3 ± 8.4 s). The % vasorelaxation was larger in the carotid (82 ± 14%) than in the aorta (67 ± 16%), iliac (61 ± 13%), and femoral (71 ± 19%) (P > 0.05). The rate of vasorelaxation was carotid (1.1 ± 0.2%·s(-1)), aorta (1.5 ± 0.4%·s(-1)), iliac (2.2 ± 0.8%·s(-1)), and femoral (2.6 ± 1.0%·s(-1)). In conclusion, an acute bout of endurance exercise increased vascular responsiveness. The dynamic and percent adjustments were vessel-specific with vessel function likely determining the response.

Thrombospondin-1 and transforming growth factor-β1 levels in prolactinoma and their clinical significance

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the roles of angiogenesis, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in invasive and noninvasive prolactinoma.

METHODS

TSP-1 and TGF-β1 protein were examined using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting in 81 prolactinomas. Angiogenesis was assessed by measuring microvessel density via CD34 immunostaining.

RESULTS

Microvessel density was significantly higher in invasive prolactinomas than in noninvasive prolactinomas. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that significantly fewer invasive prolactinomas were positive for TSP-1 compared with noninvasive prolactinomas (17.9% versus 50.0%, respectively), and significantly higher numbers of invasive prolactinomas were positive for TGF-β1 compared with noninvasive prolactinomas (82.1% versus 42.9%, respectively). Microvessel density was significantly lower in TSP-1-positive prolactinomas than in TSP-1-negative prolactinomas, and significantly higher in TGF-β1-positive prolactinomas than in TGF-β1-negative prolactinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a close relationship between angiogenesis and tumour invasiveness in prolactinoma. TSP-1 and TGF-β1 may play important roles in the progression of prolactinoma, by affecting angiogenesis.

Magnetic control of the pair creation in spatially localized supercritical fields

We examine the impact of a perpendicular magnetic field on the creation mechanism of electron-positron pairs in a supercritical static electric field, where both fields are localized along the direction of the electric field. In the case where the spatial extent of the magnetic field exceeds that of the electric field, quantum field theoretical simulations based on the Dirac equation predict a suppression of pair creation even if the electric field is supercritical. Furthermore, an arbitrarily small magnetic field outside the interaction zone can bring the creation process even to a complete halt, if it is sufficiently extended. The mechanism for this magnetically induced complete shutoff can be associated with a reopening of the mass gap and the emergence of electrically dressed Landau levels.

Grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) inhibits keratinocyte differentiation through epigenetic mechanism

We recently identified Grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2), a mammalian homolog of Grainyhead in Drosophila, to be a novel transcription factor that regulates hTERT gene expression and enhances proliferation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). In the current study, we show that GRHL2 impairs keratinocyte differentiation through transcriptional inhibition of the genes clustered at the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC), located at chromosome 1q21. Gene expression profiling and subsequent in vitro assays revealed consistent downregulation of EDC genes, for example, IVL, KRT1, FLG, LCEs, and SPRRs, in NHEK expressing exogenous GRHL2. In vivo binding assay by chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed GRHL2 association at the promoter regions of its target genes, many of which belong to EDC. Exogenous GRHL2 expression also inhibited recruitment of histone demethylase Jmjd3 to the EDC gene promoters and enhanced the level of histone 3 Lys 27 trimethylation enrichment at these promoters. Survey of GRHL2 expression in human skin tissues demonstrated enhanced protein and mRNA levels in chronic skin lesions with impaired keratinocyte differentiation, for example, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, compared with normal epidermis. These data indicate that GRHL2 impairs epidermal differentiation by inhibiting EDC gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms and support its role in the hyperproliferative skin diseases.

PPARγ isoforms differentially regulate metabolic networks to mediate mouse prostatic epithelial differentiation

Recent observations indicate prostatic diseases are comorbidities of systemic metabolic dysfunction. These discoveries revealed fundamental questions regarding the nature of prostate metabolism. We previously showed that prostate-specific ablation of PPARγ in mice resulted in tumorigenesis and active autophagy. Here, we demonstrate control of overlapping and distinct aspects of prostate epithelial metabolism by ectopic expression of individual PPARγ isoforms in PPARγ knockout prostate epithelial cells. Expression and activation of either PPARγ 1 or 2 reduced de novo lipogenesis and oxidative stress and mediated a switch from glucose to fatty acid oxidation through regulation of genes including Pdk4, Fabp4, Lpl, Acot1 and Cd36. Differential effects of PPARγ isoforms included decreased basal cell differentiation, Scd1 expression and triglyceride fatty acid desaturation and increased tumorigenicity by PPARγ1. In contrast, PPARγ2 expression significantly increased basal cell differentiation, Scd1 expression and AR expression and responsiveness. Finally, in confirmation of in vitro data, a PPARγ agonist versus high-fat diet (HFD) regimen in vivo confirmed that PPARγ agonization increased prostatic differentiation markers, whereas HFD downregulated PPARγ-regulated genes and decreased prostate differentiation. These data provide a rationale for pursuing a fundamental metabolic understanding of changes to glucose and fatty acid metabolism in benign and malignant prostatic diseases associated with systemic metabolic stress.

CURB-65 score predicted mortality in community-acquired pneumonia better than IDSA/ATS minor criteria in a low-mortality-rate setting

The CURB-65 scoring system performs well at identifying patients with pneumonia who have a low risk of death. Whether it predicts mortality in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) better than the 2007 Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA)/American Thoracic Society (ATS) minor criteria in low-mortality-rate settings is not clear. The purpose of this study was to determine the hypothesis.A total of 1,230 adult inpatients admitted to our hospital from 2005 to 2009 for CAP were reviewed retrospectively.The hospital mortality was 1.3 %. Percentage mortality increased significantly with CURB-65 score and the increasing number of IDSA/ATS minor criteria present. The number of CURB-65 criteria or IDSA/ATS minor criteria present had significant increased odds ratios for mortality of 7.547 and 2.711, respectively. The sensitivities of a CURB-65 score of ≥ 3 and the presence of ≥ 3 minor criteria in predicting mortality was 25 % and 37.5 %, which increased to 75 % and 62.5 %, while the cut-off values reduced to ≥ 2 criteria, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for CURB-65 was greater than the corresponding area for IDSA/ATS minor criteria in predicting hospital mortality (0.915 vs. 0.805, p = 0.0091).CURB-65 score predicted hospital mortality better than IDSA/ATS minor criteria, and a CURB-65 score of ≥ 2 or the presence of ≥ 2 minor criteria might be more valuable cut-off values for "severe" CAP in a low-mortality-rate setting.