Chronic treatment with the mood-stabilizing drug lithium up-regulates nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells in vitro

The mood-stabilizing drug lithium is the most commonly used treatment for bipolar disorder. Previous studies have shown that chronic treatment with lithium produces a protective effect against oxidative stress. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a gene transcription factor that binds to the electrophile response element (EpRE) and triggers expression of various genes with antioxidant properties. Nrf2 contributes significantly to cytoprotection against oxidative stress. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of Nrf2 in the protective effect of lithium against oxidative stress. We found, using immunoblotting analysis, that chronic, but not acute treatment with lithium increased nuclear levels of Nrf2 in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. DNA pull-down assay has shown that Nrf2 can bind to a double-strained oligonucleotide containing an EpRE site from glutathione s-transferase A4. Electrophorectic gel shift analysis further showed that chronic treatment with lithium increased Nrf-2-EpRE binding activity. We also found that knocking down Nrf2 with its short hairpin RNA inhibited lithium-increased expression of Nrf2 and suppressed the protective effect of lithium against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-reduced cell viability and H₂O₂-increased DNA fragmentation. Because Nrf2 can induce expression of various genes that play important roles in cytoprotection, the current findings suggest that Nrf2 may mediate the neuroprotective effect of lithium against oxidative stress.

Association of NPP1 polymorphism with postoperative progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in Chinese patients

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a condition of the spine that can cause paralysis by compressing the spinal cord. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of nucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase 1 gene (NPP1) polymorphism in the etiology and pathology of the OPLL in Chinese patients. DNA from patients with OPLL (N = 95) and without OPLL (N = 90) were genotyped for 4 NPP1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): A533C, C973T, IVS15-14T→C, and IVS20-11delT. An association study evaluated the relationship between specific SNP genotypes and susceptibility. We also evaluated whether genotypes of these SNPs were associated with disease severity and the probability of disease progression after surgery. The C973T and IVS15-14T SNPs were associated with the existence of the disease. The TT genotypes of C973T and IVS15→14T as well wild-type IVS20 (lack of deletion) were associated with more severe disease. Patients with the T deletion of IVS20 or the AA genotype of A533C had an approximately 3 times greater chance of not having than having disease progression after surgery. We concluded that the 4 SNPs analyzed appeared to have different effects on the etiology and pathology of OPLL. To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the relationship between these SNPs and disease progression after surgery. Our findings suggest that the presence of specific genotypes of the IVS20-11delT and A533C SNPs may predict disease outcome after surgical intervention.

J/ψ elliptic flow in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

We report on the first measurement of inclusive J/ψ elliptic flow v2 in heavy-ion collisions at the LHC. The measurement is performed with the ALICE detector in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV in the rapidity range 2.5<y<4.0. The dependence of the J/ψ v2 on the collision centrality and on the J/ψ transverse momentum is studied in the range 0≤p(T)<10 GeV/c. For semicentral Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV, an indication of nonzero v2 is observed with a largest measured value of v2=0.116±0.046(stat)±0.029(syst) for J/ψ in the transverse momentum range 2≤p(T)<4 GeV/c. The elliptic flow measurement complements the previously reported ALICE results on the inclusive J/ψ nuclear modification factor and favors the scenario of a significant fraction of J/ψ production from charm quarks in a deconfined partonic phase.

The function of Msx1 gene in promoting meiosis of dairy goat male germline stem cells (mGSCs)

During sequential stages of meiosis, numerous cytoplasmic and nuclear events take place in which many germline and non-germline genes involved. It is demonstrated that the germline gene Stra8 and synaptonemal complex protein 3 (Scp3) play an important role in the meiosis. Recently, studies showed Msx1, a DNA-binding protein taking part in the skeletal development, also having a functional attractive factor to Stra8 and Scp3 in the meiosis. In this study, we cloned the gene Msx1 then transfected the Msx1 constructed recombination plasmid, pMsx1-Ires2-AcGFP, into the dairy goat germline stem cells (male germline stem cells) and analysed the effects of Msx1 on the expression of Stra8 and Scp3. The results showed that Msx1 could enhance the expression of Stra8 and Scp3 and promote the meiosis in goat testicular cells. Bmp4 activated the expression of Msx1 and Stra8. This study suggests that Msx1 plays an important role in spermatogenesis and meiosis.

Measurement of the azimuthal angle dependence of inclusive jet yields in Pb+Pb collisions at √(sNN)=2.76 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Measurements of the variation of inclusive jet suppression as a function of relative azimuthal angle, Δφ, with respect to the elliptic event plane provide insight into the path-length dependence of jet quenching. ATLAS has measured the Δφ dependence of jet yields in 0.14 nb(-1) of √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV Pb+Pb collisions at the LHC for jet transverse momenta p(T)>45 GeV in different collision centrality bins using an underlying event subtraction procedure that accounts for elliptic flow. The variation of the jet yield with Δφ was characterized by the parameter, v(2)(jet), and the ratio of out-of-plane (Δφ~π/2) to in-plane (Δφ~0) yields. Nonzero v(2)(jet) values were measured in all centrality bins for p(T)<160 GeV. The jet yields are observed to vary by as much as 20% between in-plane and out-of-plane directions.

Characterization of embryonic stem-like cells derived from HEK293T cells through miR302/367 expression and their potentiality to differentiate into germ-like cells

Human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have great value for regenerative medicine, but are facing problems of low efficiency. MicroRNAs are a recently discovered class of 19-25 nt small RNAs that negatively target mRNAs. miR302/367 cluster has been demonstrated to reprogram mouse and human somatic cells to iPS cells without exogenous transcription factors, however, the repetition and differentiation potentiality of miR302/367-induced pluripotent stem (mirPS) cells need to be improved. Here, we showed overexpression of miR302/367 cluster reprogrammed human embryonic kidney 293T cells into mirPS cells in serum-free N2B27-based medium. The mirPS cells had similar morphology with embryonic stem cells, and expressed pluripotent markers including Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and Nanog. In addition, through formation of embryoid bodies, various cells and tissues from three germ layers could be determined. Moreover, we examined the potential of mirPS cells differentiating into germ cells both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these data might provide a new source of cells and technique for the investigation of the mechanisms underlying reprogramming and pluripotency.

Prognostic value of the IASLC/ATS/ERS classification in stage I lung adenocarcinoma patients--based on a hospital study in China

AIMS

We investigated the relationship between predominant subtype, according to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer/American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society International Multidisciplinary Lung Adenocarcinoma Classification, and prognosis in stage I lung adenocarcinoma in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital.

METHODS

Two hundred and sixty-one patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma, operated in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, were identified between 2000 and 2010. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

None of the cases were adenocarcinoma in situ and six were minimally invasive adenocarcinomas. Two hundred and fifty-five cases were invasive adenocarcinoma. Of those, 80, 76, 42, 34, 19, and 4 were papillary predominant, acinar predominant, micropapillary predominant, solid predominant, lepidic predominant subtypes, and variants of invasive adenocarcinoma, respectively. Patients with micropapillary and solid predominant tumors had a significantly worse disease-free survival as compared to those with other subtypes predominant tumors (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the new classification was an independent predictor of the disease-free and overall survival (p = 0.002 and 0.015).

CONCLUSION

The predominant subtype in the primary tumor was associated with prognosis in resected stage I lung adenocarcinoma.

D meson elliptic flow in noncentral Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[sNN]=2.76 Tev

Azimuthally anisotropic distributions of D0, D+, and D*+ mesons were studied in the central rapidity region (|y|<0.8) in Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[sNN]=2.76  TeV per nucleon-nucleon collision, with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The second Fourier coefficient v2 (commonly denoted elliptic flow) was measured in the centrality class 30%-50% as a function of the D meson transverse momentum pT, in the range 2-16  GeV/c. The measured v2 of D mesons is comparable in magnitude to that of light-flavor hadrons. It is positive in the range 2<pT<6  GeV/c with 5.7σ significance, based on the combination of statistical and systematic uncertainties.

Denis RD, Stahlman J, Stamen R, Stanecka E, Stanek RW, Stanescu C, Stanescu-Bellu M, Stanitzki MM, Stapnes S, Starchenko EA, Stark J, Staroba P, Starovoitov P, Staszewski R, Staude A, Stavina P, Steele G, Steinbach P, Steinberg P, Stekl I, Stelzer B, Stelzer HJ, Stelzer-Chilton O, Stenzel H, Stern S, Stewart GA, Stillings JA, Stockton MC, Stoerig K, Stoicea G, Stonjek S, Strachota P, Stradling AR, Straessner A, Strandberg J, Strandberg S, Strandlie A, Strang M, Strauss E, Strauss M, Strizenec P, Ströhmer R, Strom DM, Strong JA, Stroynowski R, Strube J, Stugu B, Stumer I, Stupak J, Sturm P, Styles NA, Su D, Subramania HS, Succurro A, Sugaya Y, Suhr C, Suk M, Sulin VV, Sultansoy S, Sumida T, Sun X, Sundermann JE, Suruliz K, Susinno G, Sutton MR, Suzuki Y, Suzuki Y, Svatos M, Swedish S, Sykora I, Sykora T, Ta D, Tackmann K, Taffard A, Tafirout R, Taiblum N, Takahashi Y, Takai H, Takashima R, Takeda H, Takeshita T, Takubo Y, Talby M, Talyshev A, Tamsett MC, Tan KG, Tanaka J, Tanaka R, Tanaka S, Tanaka S, Tanasijczuk AJ, Tani K, Tannoury N, Tapprogge S, Tardif D, Tarem S, Tarrade F, Tartarelli GF, Tas P, Tasevsky M, Tassi E, Tatarkhanov M, Tayalati Y, Taylor C, Taylor FE, Taylor GN, Taylor W, Teinturier M, Teischinger FA, Teixeira Dias Castanheira M, Teixeira-Dias P, Temming KK, Ten Kate H, Teng PK, Terada S, Terashi K, Terron J, Testa M, Teuscher RJ, Therhaag J, Theveneaux-Pelzer T, Thoma S, Thomas JP, Thompson EN, Thompson PD, Thompson PD, Thompson AS, Thomsen LA, Thomson E, Thomson M, Thong WM, Thun RP, Tian F, Tibbetts MJ, Tic T, Tikhomirov VO, Tikhonov YA, Timoshenko S, Tipton P, Tisserant S, Todorov T, Todorova-Nova S, Toggerson B, Tojo J, Tokár S, Tokushuku K, Tollefson K, Tomlinson L, Tomoto M, Tompkins L, Toms K, Tonoyan A, Topfel C, Topilin ND, Torchiani I, Torrence E, Torres H, Torró Pastor E, Toth J, Touchard F, Tovey DR, Trefzger T, Tremblet L, Tricoli A, Trigger IM, Trincaz-Duvoid S, Tripiana MF, Triplett N, Trischuk W, Trocmé B, Troncon C, Trottier-McDonald M, Trzebinski M, Trzupek A, Tsarouchas C, Tseng JCL, Tsiakiris M, Tsiareshka PV, Tsionou D, Tsipolitis G, Tsiskaridze S, Tsiskaridze V, Tskhadadze EG, Tsukerman II, Tsulaia V, Tsung JW, Tsuno S, Tsybychev D, Tua A, Tudorache A, Tudorache V, Tuggle JM, Turala M, Turecek D, Turk Cakir I, Turlay E, Turra R, Tuts PM, Tykhonov A, Tylmad M, Tyndel M, Tzanakos G, Uchida K, Ueda I, Ueno R, Ugland M, Uhlenbrock M, Uhrmacher M, Ukegawa F, Unal G, Undrus A, Unel G, Unno Y, Urbaniec D, Usai G, Uslenghi M, Vacavant L, Vacek V, Vachon B, Vahsen S, Valenta J, Valentinetti S, Valero A, Valkar S, Valladolid Gallego E, Vallecorsa S, Valls Ferrer JA, Van Berg R, Van Der Deijl PC, van der Geer R, van der Graaf H, Van Der Leeuw R, van der Poel E, van der Ster D, van Eldik N, van Gemmeren P, van Vulpen I, Vanadia M, Vandelli W, Vaniachine A, Vankov P, Vannucci F, Vari R, Varnes EW, Varol T, Varouchas D, Vartapetian A, Varvell KE, Vassilakopoulos VI, Vazeille F, Vazquez Schroeder T, Vegni G, Veillet JJ, Veloso F, Veness R, Veneziano S, Ventura A, Ventura D, Venturi M, Venturi N, Vercesi V, Verducci M, Verkerke W, Vermeulen JC, Vest A, Vetterli MC, Vichou I, Vickey T, Vickey Boeriu OE, Viehhauser GHA, Viel S, Villa M, Villaplana Perez M, Vilucchi E, Vincter MG, Vinek E, Vinogradov VB, Virchaux M, Virzi J, Vitells O, Viti M, Vivarelli I, Vives Vaque F, Vlachos S, Vladoiu D, Vlasak M, Vogel A, Vokac P, Volpi G, Volpi M, Volpini G, von der Schmitt H, von Radziewski H, von Toerne E, Vorobel V, Vorwerk V, Vos M, Voss R, Vossebeld JH, Vranjes N, Vranjes Milosavljevic M, Vrba V, Vreeswijk M, Vu Anh T, Vuillermet R, Vukotic I, Wagner W, Wagner P, Wahlen H, Wahrmund S, Wakabayashi J, Walch S, Walder J, Walker R, Walkowiak W, Wall R, Waller P, Walsh B, Wang C, Wang H, Wang H, Wang J, Wang J, Wang R, Wang SM, Wang T, Warburton A, Ward CP, Warsinsky M, Washbrook A, Wasicki C, Watanabe I, Watkins PM, Watson AT, Watson IJ, Watson MF, Watts G, Watts S, Waugh AT, Waugh BM, Weber MS, Weber P, Weidberg AR, Weigell P, Weingarten J, Weiser C, Wells PS, Wenaus T, Wendland D, Weng Z, Wengler T, Wenig S, Wermes N, Werner M, Werner P, Werth M, Wessels M, Wetter J, Weydert C, Whalen K, Wheeler-Ellis SJ, White A, White MJ, White S, Whitehead SR, Whiteson D, Whittington D, Wicek F, Wicke D, Wickens FJ, Wiedenmann W, Wielers M, Wienemann P, Wiglesworth C, Wiik-Fuchs LAM, Wijeratne PA, Wildauer A, Wildt MA, Wilhelm I, Wilkens HG, Will JZ, Williams E, Williams HH, Willis W, Willocq S, Wilson JA, Wilson MG, Wilson A, Wingerter-Seez I, Winkelmann S, Winklmeier F, Wittgen M, Wollstadt SJ, Wolter MW, Wolters H, Wong WC, Wooden G, Wosiek BK, Wotschack J, Woudstra MJ, Wozniak KW, Wraight K, Wright M, Wrona B, Wu SL, Wu X, Wu Y, Wulf E, Wynne BM, Xella S, Xiao M, Xie S, Xu C, Xu D, Yabsley B, Yacoob S, Yamada M, Yamaguchi H, Yamamoto A, Yamamoto K, Yamamoto S, Yamamura T, Yamanaka T, Yamaoka J, Yamazaki T, Yamazaki Y, Yan Z, Yang H, Yang UK, Yang Y, Yang Z, Yanush S, Yao L, Yao Y, Yasu Y, Ybeles Smit GV, Ye J, Ye S, Yilmaz M, Yoosoofmiya R, Yorita K, Yoshida R, Young C, Young CJ, Youssef S, Yu D, Yu DR, Yu J, Yu J, Yuan L, Yurkewicz A, Zabinski B, Zaidan R, Zaitsev AM, Zajacova Z, Zanello L, Zanzi D, Zaytsev A, Zeitnitz C, Zeman M, Zemla A, Zendler C, Zenin O, Ženiš T, Zenz S, Zerwas D, Zevi della Porta G, Zhan Z, Zhang D, Zhang H, Zhang J, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Zhao L, Zhao T, Zhao Z, Zhemchugov A, Zhong J, Zhou B, Zhou N, Zhou Y, Zhu CG, Zhu H, Zhu J, Zhu Y, Zhuang X, Zhuravlov V, Zieminska D, Zimin NI, Zimmermann R, Zimmermann S, Zimmermann S, Zinonos Z, Ziolkowski M, Zitoun R, Živković L, Zmouchko VV, Zobernig G, Zoccoli A, zur Nedden M, Zutshi V, Zwalinski L. Improved luminosity determination in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] using the ATLAS detector at the LHC

The luminosity calibration for the ATLAS detector at the LHC during pp collisions at [Formula: see text] in 2010 and 2011 is presented. Evaluation of the luminosity scale is performed using several luminosity-sensitive detectors, and comparisons are made of the long-term stability and accuracy of this calibration applied to the pp collisions at [Formula: see text]. A luminosity uncertainty of [Formula: see text] is obtained for the 47 pb-1 of data delivered to ATLAS in 2010, and an uncertainty of [Formula: see text] is obtained for the 5.5 fb-1 delivered in 2011.

Pharmacometabolomics of statin response

Statins reduce risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by decreasing plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations, as well as reducing inflammation and improving endothelial function. Despite their documented efficacy, there is considerable interindividual variation in effects of statins on CVD biomarkers. In the studies summarized here, we used complementary metabolomics platforms to define global effects of a statin (simvastatin) on metabolism and to identify markers indicative of mechanisms that contribute to variation in plasma LDL response to statin treatment.

Intra-abdominal fibromatosis: differentiation from gastrointestinal stromal tumour based on biphasic contrast-enhanced CT findings

AIM

To identify the computed tomography (CT) criteria that differentiate intra-abdominal fibromatosis (IAF) from gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CT images of 34 pathologically proven cases of IAF (n = 15) and GIST (n = 19) were retrospectively reviewed. Location, contour, border, enhancement pattern, presence of necrosis, vessels, and air within the lesion were analysed. Long diameter (LD), short diameter (SD), LD/SD ratio, degree of enhancement, and lesion/aorta (L/A) CT attenuation ratio were measured and calculated. Significant CT criteria were identified using Fisher's exact test, grouped t-test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Sensitivity and specificity values were calculated when single or multiple CT criteria were used.

RESULTS

Extra-gastrointestinal location, ovoid or irregular contour, homogeneous enhancement, absence of intra-lesional necrosis, lower degree of enhancement, and L/A CT attenuation ratio differentiated IAF from GIST (p < 0.05). When any three of these eight criteria were combined, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing IAF were 100% (15 of 15) and 89.5% (17 of 19), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The following eight CT criteria are helpful to differentiate IAF from GIST: extra-gastrointestinal location, ovoid or irregular contour, homogeneous enhancement, absence of intra-lesional necrosis, a degree of enhancement of less than 40.5 HU in the arterial phase versus 46.5 HU in the portal venous phase, and an L/A CT attenuation ratio <0.315 in the arterial phase versus 0.525 in the portal phase.

Crosstalk between PKCα and Notch-4 in endocrine-resistant breast cancer cells

The Notch pathway is functionally important in breast cancer. Notch-1 has been reported to maintain an estrogen-independent phenotype in estrogen receptor α (ERα)+ breast cancer cells. Notch-4 expression correlates with Ki67. Notch-4 also plays a key role in breast cancer stem-like cells. Estrogen-independent breast cancer cell lines have higher Notch activity than estrogen-dependent lines. Protein kinase Cα (PKCα) overexpression is common in endocrine-resistant breast cancers and promotes tamoxifen (TAM)-resistant growth in breast cancer cell lines. We tested whether PKCα overexpression affects Notch activity and whether Notch signaling contributes to endocrine resistance in PKCα-overexpressing breast cancer cells.Analysis of published microarray data from ERα+ breast carcinomas shows that PKCα expression correlates strongly with Notch-4. Real-time reverse transcription PCR and immunohistochemistry on archival specimens confirmed this finding. In a PKCα-overexpressing, TAM-resistant T47D model, PKCα selectively increases Notch-4, but not Notch-1, expression in vitro and in vivo. This effect is mediated by activator protein-1 (AP-1) occupancy of the Notch-4 promoter. Notch-4 knockdown inhibits estrogen-independent growth of PKCα-overexpressing T47D cells, whereas Notch-4IC expression stimulates it. Gene expression profiling shows that multiple genes and pathways associated with endocrine resistance are induced in Notch-4IC- and PKCα-expressing T47D cells. In PKCα-overexpressing T47D xenografts, an orally active γ-secretase inhibitor at clinically relevant doses significantly decreased estrogen-independent tumor growth, alone and in combination with TAM. In conclusion, PKCα overexpression induces Notch-4 through AP-1. Notch-4 promotes estrogen-independent, TAM-resistant growth and activates multiple pathways connected with endocrine resistance and chemoresistance. Notch inhibitors should be clinically evaluated in PKCα- and Notch-4-overexpressing, endocrine-resistant breast cancers.

Denis RD, Stahlman J, Stamen R, Stanecka E, Stanek RW, Stanescu C, Stanescu-Bellu M, Stanitzki MM, Stapnes S, Starchenko EA, Stark J, Staroba P, Starovoitov P, Staszewski R, Staude A, Stavina P, Steele G, Steinbach P, Steinberg P, Stekl I, Stelzer B, Stelzer HJ, Stelzer-Chilton O, Stenzel H, Stern S, Stewart GA, Stillings JA, Stockton MC, Stoerig K, Stoicea G, Stonjek S, Strachota P, Stradling AR, Straessner A, Strandberg J, Strandberg S, Strandlie A, Strang M, Strauss E, Strauss M, Strizenec P, Ströhmer R, Strom DM, Strong JA, Stroynowski R, Stugu B, Stumer I, Stupak J, Sturm P, Styles NA, Su D, Subramania HS, Subramaniam R, Succurro A, Sugaya Y, Suhr C, Suk M, Sulin VV, Sultansoy S, Sumida T, Sun X, Sundermann JE, Suruliz K, Susinno G, Sutton MR, Suzuki Y, Suzuki Y, Svatos M, Swedish S, Sykora I, Sykora T, Ta D, Tackmann K, Taffard A, Tafirout R, Taiblum N, Takahashi Y, Takai H, Takashima R, Takeda H, Takeshita T, Takubo Y, Talby M, Talyshev AA, Tamsett MC, Tan KG, Tanaka J, Tanaka R, Tanaka S, Tanaka S, Tanasijczuk AJ, Tani K, Tannoury N, Tapprogge S, Tardif D, Tarem S, Tarrade F, Tartarelli GF, Tas P, Tasevsky M, Tassi E, Tayalati Y, Taylor C, Taylor FE, Taylor GN, Taylor W, Teinturier M, Teischinger FA, Teixeira Dias Castanheira M, Teixeira-Dias P, Temming KK, Ten Kate H, Teng PK, Terada S, Terashi K, Terron J, Testa M, Teuscher RJ, Therhaag J, Theveneaux-Pelzer T, Thoma S, Thomas JP, Thompson EN, Thompson PD, Thompson PD, Thompson AS, Thomsen LA, Thomson E, Thomson M, Thong WM, Thun RP, Tian F, Tibbetts MJ, Tic T, Tikhomirov VO, Tikhonov YA, Timoshenko S, Tiouchichine E, Tipton P, Tisserant S, Todorov T, Todorova-Nova S, Toggerson B, Tojo J, Tokár S, Tokushuku K, Tollefson K, Tomoto M, Tompkins L, Toms K, Tonoyan A, Topfel C, Topilin ND, Torrence E, Torres H, Torró Pastor E, Toth J, Touchard F, Tovey DR, Trefzger T, Tremblet L, Tricoli A, Trigger IM, Trincaz-Duvoid S, Tripiana MF, Triplett N, Trischuk W, Trocmé B, Troncon C, Trottier-McDonald M, True P, Trzebinski M, Trzupek A, Tsarouchas C, Tseng JCL, Tsiakiris M, Tsiareshka PV, Tsionou D, Tsipolitis G, Tsiskaridze S, Tsiskaridze V, Tskhadadze EG, Tsukerman II, Tsulaia V, Tsung JW, Tsuno S, Tsybychev D, Tua A, Tudorache A, Tudorache V, Tuggle JM, Turala M, Turecek D, Turk Cakir I, Turlay E, Turra R, Tuts PM, Tykhonov A, Tylmad M, Tyndel M, Uchida K, Ueda I, Ueno R, Ugland M, Uhlenbrock M, Uhrmacher M, Ukegawa F, Unal G, Undrus A, Unel G, Unno Y, Urbaniec D, Urquijo P, Usai G, Uslenghi M, Vacavant L, Vacek V, Vachon B, Vahsen S, Valenta J, Valentinetti S, Valero A, Valkar S, Valladolid Gallego E, Vallecorsa S, Valls Ferrer JA, Van Berg R, Van Der Deijl PC, van der Geer R, van der Graaf H, Van Der Leeuw R, van der Poel E, van der Ster D, van Eldik N, van Gemmeren P, van Vulpen I, Vanadia M, Vandelli W, Vaniachine A, Vankov P, Vannucci F, Vardanyan G, Vari R, Varnes EW, Varol T, Varouchas D, Vartapetian A, Varvell KE, Vassilakopoulos VI, Vazeille F, Vazquez Schroeder T, Vegni G, Veillet JJ, Veloso F, Veness R, Veneziano S, Ventura A, Ventura D, Venturi M, Venturi N, Vercesi V, Verducci M, Verkerke W, Vermeulen JC, Vest A, Vetterli MC, Vichou I, Vickey T, Vickey Boeriu OE, Viehhauser GHA, Viel S, Villa M, Villaplana Perez M, Vilucchi E, Vincter MG, Vinek E, Vinogradov VB, Virchaux M, Virzi J, Vitells O, Viti M, Vivarelli I, Vives Vaque F, Vlachos S, Vladoiu D, Vlasak M, Vogel A, Vokac P, Volpi G, Volpi M, Volpini G, von der Schmitt H, von Radziewski H, von Toerne E, Vorobel V, Vorwerk V, Vos M, Voss R, Vossebeld JH, Vranjes N, Vranjes Milosavljevic M, Vrba V, Vreeswijk M, Vu Anh T, Vuillermet R, Vukotic I, Wagner W, Wagner P, Wahrmund S, Wakabayashi J, Walch S, Walder J, Walker R, Walkowiak W, Wall R, Waller P, Walsh B, Wang C, Wang H, Wang H, Wang J, Wang J, Wang R, Wang SM, Wang T, Warburton A, Ward CP, Wardrope DR, Warsinsky M, Washbrook A, Wasicki C, Watanabe I, Watkins PM, Watson AT, Watson IJ, Watson MF, Watts G, Watts S, Waugh AT, Waugh BM, Weber MS, Webster JS, Weidberg AR, Weigell P, Weingarten J, Weiser C, Wells PS, Wenaus T, Wendland D, Weng Z, Wengler T, Wenig S, Wermes N, Werner M, Werner P, Werth M, Wessels M, Wetter J, Weydert C, Whalen K, White A, White MJ, White S, Whitehead SR, Whiteson D, Whittington D, Wicek F, Wicke D, Wickens FJ, Wiedenmann W, Wielers M, Wienemann P, Wiglesworth C, Wiik-Fuchs LAM, Wijeratne PA, Wildauer A, Wildt MA, Wilhelm I, Wilkens HG, Will JZ, Williams E, Williams HH, Willis W, Willocq S, Wilson JA, Wilson MG, Wilson A, Wingerter-Seez I, Winkelmann S, Winklmeier F, Wittgen M, Wollstadt SJ, Wolter MW, Wolters H, Wong WC, Wooden G, Wosiek BK, Wotschack J, Woudstra MJ, Wozniak KW, Wraight K, Wright M, Wrona B, Wu SL, Wu X, Wu Y, Wulf E, Wynne BM, Xella S, Xiao M, Xie S, Xu C, Xu D, Xu L, Yabsley B, Yacoob S, Yamada M, Yamaguchi H, Yamamoto A, Yamamoto K, Yamamoto S, Yamamura T, Yamanaka T, Yamazaki T, Yamazaki Y, Yan Z, Yang H, Yang UK, Yang Y, Yang Z, Yanush S, Yao L, Yao Y, Yasu Y, Ybeles Smit GV, Ye J, Ye S, Yilmaz M, Yoosoofmiya R, Yorita K, Yoshida R, Yoshihara K, Young C, Young CJS, Youssef S, Yu D, Yu DR, Yu J, Yu J, Yuan L, Yurkewicz A, Zabinski B, Zaidan R, Zaitsev AM, Zajacova Z, Zanello L, Zanzi D, Zaytsev A, Zeitnitz C, Zeman M, Zemla A, Zendler C, Zenin O, Ženiš T, Zerwas D, Zevi della Porta G, Zhang D, Zhang H, Zhang J, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Zhao L, Zhao Z, Zhemchugov A, Zhong J, Zhou B, Zhou N, Zhou Y, Zhu CG, Zhu H, Zhu J, Zhu Y, Zhuang X, Zhuravlov V, Zibell A, Zieminska D, Zimin NI, Zimmermann R, Zimmermann S, Zimmermann S, Zinonos Z, Ziolkowski M, Zitoun R, Živković L, Zmouchko VV, Zobernig G, Zoccoli A, zur Nedden M, Zutshi V, Zwalinski L. Measurement of the inclusive jet cross-section in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] and comparison to the inclusive jet cross-section at [Formula: see text] using the ATLAS detector

The inclusive jet cross-section has been measured in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] in a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of [Formula: see text] collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider in 2011. Jets are identified using the anti-kt algorithm with two radius parameters of 0.4 and 0.6. The inclusive jet double-differential cross-section is presented as a function of the jet transverse momentum pT and jet rapidity y, covering a range of 20≤pT<430 GeV and |y|<4.4. The ratio of the cross-section to the inclusive jet cross-section measurement at [Formula: see text], published by the ATLAS Collaboration, is calculated as a function of both transverse momentum and the dimensionless quantity [Formula: see text], in bins of jet rapidity. The systematic uncertainties on the ratios are significantly reduced due to the cancellation of correlated uncertainties in the two measurements. Results are compared to the prediction from next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations corrected for non-perturbative effects, and next-to-leading order Monte Carlo simulation. Furthermore, the ATLAS jet cross-section measurements at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are analysed within a framework of next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations to determine parton distribution functions of the proton, taking into account the correlations between the measurements.

A stigmatic ultraviolet-visible monochromator for use with a high brightness laser driven plasma light source

Laser driven plasma light sources offer highly intense output in the UV-visible region combined with a source size as small as 100 μm. In order to effectively use the small source size in high brightness applications, a stigmatic monochromator and focusing system must be used. Here we describe a simple brightness preserving optical system that should be useful across a broad range of applications. The output flux of this system is between 6 × 10(11) ph∕s and 4 × 10(12) ph∕s with a spectra resolution of 1.7 nm and field spot size of 0.1 mm from the UV to the VIS spectra range.

Controllable transition of silk fibroin nanostructures: an insight into in vitro silk self-assembly process

Silk fiber is one of the strongest and toughest biological materials with hierarchical structures, where nanofibril with size <20nm is a critical factor in determining its excellent mechanical properties. Although silk nanofibrils have been found in natural and regenerated silk solutions, there is no way to actively control nanofibril formation in aqueous solution. This study shows a simple but effective method of preparing silk nanofibrils by regulating the silk self-assembly process. Through a repeated drying-dissolving process, a silk fibroin solution composed of metastable nanoparticles was first prepared and then used to reassemble nanofibrils with different sizes and secondary conformations under various temperatures and concentrations. These nanofibrils have a similar size to that of natural fibers, providing a suitable unit to further assemble the hierarchical structure in vitro. Several important issues, such as the relationships between silk nanofibrils, secondary conformations and viscosity, are also investigated, giving a new insight into the self-assembly process. In summary, besides rebuilding silk nanofibrils in aqueous solution, this study provides an important model for furthering the understanding of silk structures, properties and forming mechanisms, making it possible to regenerate silk materials with exceptional properties in the future.

Porcine satellite cells are restricted to a phenotype resembling their muscle origin

Muscles in most domestic animals differ in function and growth potential based largely on muscle fiber type composition. Though much is known about satellite cells (SC), information is limited regarding how populations of SC differ with muscle fiber type, especially in pigs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to isolate and culture SC from red (RST) and white (WST) portions of the semitendinosus muscle of neonatal and adult pigs and determine their capacity to proliferate, differentiate, and express various myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms in vitro. Porcine satellite cells were isolated from RST and WST muscles of 6-wk-old and adult (>6-mo-old) pigs and cultured under standard conditions. Muscle from neonatal pigs yielded nearly 10 times more (P < 0.001) presumptive satellite cells as those from adult pigs, with fusion percentages close to 60% for the former. The RST yielded more (P < 0.001) SC per gram muscle compared to WST, 8.1 ± 0.2 × 10(4) cells versus 6.7 ± 0.1 × 10(4) cells/gram muscle in young pigs, and 9.7 ± 0.4 × 10(3) cells versus 5.5 ± 0.4 × 10(3) cells/gram muscle in adult pigs, respectively. Likewise, satellite cells from RST proliferated faster (P < 0.001) than those from WST across both ages, as indicated by a shorter cell doubling time, 18.6 ± 0.8 h versus 21.3 ± 0.9 h in young pigs, and 23.2 ± 0.7 h versus 26.7 ± 0.9 h in adult pigs, respectively. As a result of shorter times to confluence, satellite cells from RST also formed myotubes earlier than those SC originating from WST. Once induced, however, SC from WST differentiated and fused faster (P < 0.05) as evidenced by fusion percentage within the first 24 h, 41.6% versus 34.3%, respectively; but reached similar ultimate fusion percentages similar to WST by 48 h. Over 90% of MyHC expressed in maximally fused SC cultures from both RST and WST was restricted to the embryonic isoform. Type IIX MyHC mRNA was not detected in any culture. Myotube cultures from RST expressed more (P < 0.01) Type I MyHC isoform mRNA than those from WST, whereas those cultures from WST expressed more (P < 0.05) Type II (including Types IIA and IIB) MyHC transcripts. These data show SC cultures from porcine fast and slow muscles express MyHC profiles largely reflective of their muscle of origin and suggest satellite cells are partially restricted to a particular muscle phenotype in which they are juxtapositioned. Understanding the molecular nature of these intrinsic control mechanisms may lead to improved strategies for augmenting meat animal growth or muscle regeneration.

Resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors conferred by an R292K mutation in a human influenza virus H7N9 isolate can be masked by a mixed R/K viral population

We characterized the A/Shanghai/1/2013 virus isolated from the first confirmed human case of A/H7N9 disease in China. The A/Shanghai/1/2013 isolate contained a mixed population of R (65%; 15/23 clones) and K (35%; 8/23 clones) at neuraminidase (NA) residue 292, as determined by clonal sequencing. A/Shanghai/1/2013 with mixed R/K at residue 292 exhibited a phenotype that is sensitive to zanamivir and oseltamivir carboxylate by the enzyme-based NA inhibition assay. The plaque-purified A/Shanghai/1/2013 with dominant K292 (94%; 15/16 clones) showed sensitivity to zanamivir that had decreased by >30-fold and to oseltamivir carboxylate that had decreased by >100-fold compared to its plaque-purified wild-type counterpart possessing dominant R292 (93%, 14/15 clones). In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, the plaque-purified A/Shanghai/1/2013-NAK292 virus exhibited no reduction in viral titer under conditions of increasing concentrations of oseltamivir carboxylate (range, 0 to 1,000 µM) whereas the replication of the plaque-purified A/Shanghai/1/2013-NAR292 and the A/Shanghai/2/2013 viruses was completely inhibited at 250 µM and 31.25 µM of oseltamivir carboxylate, respectively. Although the plaque-purified A/Shanghai/1/2013-NAK292 virus exhibited lower NA enzyme activity and a higher Km for 2'-(4-methylumbelliferryl)-α-d-N-acetylneuraminic acid than the wild-type A/Shanghai/1/2013-NAR292 virus, the A/Shanghai/1/2013-NAK292 virus formed large plaques and replicated efficiently in vitro. Our results confirmed that the NA R292K mutation confers resistance to oseltamivir, peramivir, and zanamivir in the novel human H7N9 viruses. Importantly, detection of the resistance phenotype may be masked in the clinical samples containing a mixed population of R/K at NA residue 292 in the enzyme-based NA inhibition assay.

IMPORTANCE

The neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors oseltamivir and zanamivir are currently the front-line therapeutic options against the novel H7N9 influenza viruses, which possess an S31N mutation that confers resistance to the M2 ion channel blockers. It is therefore important to evaluate the sensitivity of the clinical isolates to NA inhibitors and to monitor for the emergence of resistant variants. We characterized the A/Shanghai/1/2013 (H7N9) isolate which contained a mixed population of R/K at NA residue 292. While the clinical isolate exhibited a phenotype of sensitivity to NA inhibitors using the enzyme-based NA inhibition assay, the plaque-purified A/Shanghai/1/2013 virus with dominant K292 was resistant to zanamivir, peramivir, and oseltamivir. Resistance to NA inhibitors conferred by the R292K mutation in a human influenza virus H7N9 isolate can be masked by a mixed R/K viral population, and this should be taken into consideration while monitoring antiviral resistance in patients with H7N9 infection.

Infectivity, transmission, and pathology of human-isolated H7N9 influenza virus in ferrets and pigs

The emergence of the H7N9 influenza virus in humans in Eastern China has raised concerns that a new influenza pandemic could occur. Here, we used a ferret model to evaluate the infectivity and transmissibility of A/Shanghai/2/2013 (SH2), a human H7N9 virus isolate. This virus replicated in the upper and lower respiratory tracts of the ferrets and was shed at high titers for 6 to 7 days, with ferrets showing relatively mild clinical signs. SH2 was efficiently transmitted between ferrets via direct contact, but less efficiently by airborne exposure. Pigs were productively infected by SH2 and shed virus for 6 days but were unable to transmit the virus to naïve pigs or ferrets. Under appropriate conditions, human-to-human transmission of the H7N9 virus may be possible.

Concurrent erlotinib and radiotherapy for chemoradiotherapy-intolerant esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients: results of a pilot study

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, a number of patients present intolerance to chemoradiotherapy because of advanced age or malnutrition. Erlotinib, an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, was shown to be effective in treating esophageal carcinoma, with mild toxicities. In this pilot study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of concurrent erlotinib and radiotherapy as an alternative treatment modality for esophageal carcinoma patients who are intolerant to chemoradiotherapy. Pathologically diagnosed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients who could not tolerate concurrent chemoradiotherapy were enrolled. All patients were treated with concurrent erlotinib and intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Erlotinib was given orally for 60 days (150 mg per day). Radiotherapy (total dose, 60 Gy) was given at dosages of 2 Gy for a total of 30 times. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess epidermal growth factor receptor expression. Toxicities were evaluated according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 3.0). The overall survival, progression-free survival, and local-regional relapse-free survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Between December 2007 and March 2011, 18 patients were enrolled. The median age was 71.5 years. Primary disease was stages II, III, and IV in 3, 8, and 4 patients, respectively. There were three patients with recurrent disease after radical surgery. The median follow-up time was 17.2 months. Grade 3 esophagitis and skin rash were observed in five (27.8%) and two (11.1%) patients, respectively. Radiation pneumonitis of grades 2 and 5 was observed in one patient each. No grade 3/4 impaired liver function or hematological toxicity was observed. At 1 month after radiotherapy, two (11.1%) patients achieved complete response, 11 (61.1%) patients achieved partial response, and 5 (27.8%) patients had stable disease. The median time of overall survival and progression-free survival was 21.1 and 12 months, respectively. Two-year overall survival, progression-free survival, and local-regional relapse-free survival were 44.4%, 38.9%, and 66.7%, respectively. Five of six patients examined for epidermal growth factor receptor had high expression levels (3+). The relationship between epidermal growth factor receptor expression and treatment outcomes could not be concluded. For esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients who cannot tolerate chemoradiotherapy, concurrent erlotinib and radiotherapy are tolerable and effective. Valuable markers to predict the effect of erlotinib should be exploited in future studies.

On the roles of dopants in LiF:Mg,Cu,Si thermoluminescent material

The 3D thermoluminescent spectra and glow curves of LiF:Mg,Cu,Si with various Mg, Cu and Si concentrations were measured. The shapes of the glow curves in LiF:Mg,Cu,Si, LiF:Mg,Cu and LiF:Mg,Si are similar and the glow curves have peaks at approximately the same temperatures, but with significantly different intensities. Neither the temperature of the glow peak nor the wavelength of the emission maximum changes with variation of dopants concentrations when Cu is more than 0.01 mol % in LiF:Mg,Cu,Si. The spectrum structure in LiF:Mg,Cu,Si, LiF:Mg,Cu and LiF:Mg,Si is similar in the 300-550 nm range. Some weak emissions around 610 nm are shown in LiF:Mg,Cu,Si with a Cu concentration of 0.01 mol % and in LiF:Mg,Si. It is concluded that Mg dopant mainly plays a role in the formation of trapping centres, both Cu and Si play a role in the main emission process and Cu also plays a role in reducing the emission around 610 nm.