Measurement of muon antineutrino quasielastic scattering on a hydrocarbon target at Eν ~ 3.5 GeV

We have isolated ν(μ) charged-current quasielastic (QE) interactions occurring in the segmented scintillator tracking region of the MINERvA detector running in the NuMI neutrino beam at Fermilab. We measure the flux-averaged differential cross section, dσ/dQ², and compare to several theoretical models of QE scattering. Good agreement is obtained with a model where the nucleon axial mass, M(A), is set to 0.99 GeV/c² but the nucleon vector form factors are modified to account for the observed enhancement, relative to the free nucleon case, of the cross section for the exchange of transversely polarized photons in electron-nucleus scattering. Our data at higher Q² favor this interpretation over an alternative in which the axial mass is increased.

ER stress-mediated apoptosis induced by celastrol in cancer cells and important role of glycogen synthase kinase-3β in the signal network

HeLa cells treated with celastrol, a natural compound with inhibitive effect on proteasome, exhibited increase in apoptotic rate and characteristics of apoptosis. To clarify the signal network activated by celastrol to induce apoptosis, both the direct target proteins and undirect target proteins of celastrol were searched in the present study. Proteasome catalytic subunit β1 was predicted by computational analysis to be a possible direct target of celastrol and confirmed by checking direct effect of celastrol on the activity of recombinant human proteasome subunit β1 in vitro. Undirect target-related proteins of celastrol were searched using proteomic studies including two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis and iTRAQ-based LC-MS analysis. Possible target-related proteins of celastrol such as endoplasmic reticulum protein 29 (ERP29) and mitochondrial import receptor Tom22 (TOM22) were found by 2-DE analysis of total cellular protein expression profiles. Further study showed that celastrol induced ER stress and ER stress inhibitor could ameliorate cell death induced by celastrol. Celastrol induced translocation of Bax into the mitochondria, which might be related to the upregulation of BH-3-only proteins such as BIM and the increase in the expression level of TOM22. To further search possible target-related proteins of celastrol in ER and ER-related fractions, iTRAQ-based LC-MS method was use to analyze protein expression profiles of ER/microsomal vesicles-riched fraction of cells with or without celastrol treatment. Based on possible target-related proteins found in both 2-DE analysis and iTRAQ-based LC-MS analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was established using bioinformatic analysis. The important role of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) in the signal cascades of celastrol was suggested. Pretreatment of LiCL, an inhibitor of GSK3β, could significantly ameliorate apoptosis induced by celastrol. On the basis of the results of the present study, possible signal network of celastrol activated by celastrol leading to apoptosis was predicted.

Active thrombopoiesis is associated with worse severity and activity of chronic GVHD

Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic SCT. Post transplant thrombocytopenia in patients with cGVHD has been associated with poor outcome and its etiology is unclear. We investigated whether thrombopoiesis, assessed via measurement of the absolute immature platelet number (AIPN) in the blood, is impaired in cGVHD, and whether the level of thrombopoiesis correlates with the severity and activity of cGVHD as assessed via the National Institutes of Health (NIH) organ scoring system. We used a cohort of 110 well-characterized cGVHD patients, including 83 (75%) with severe cGVHD per NIH global score. Higher AIPN was associated with active therapeutic intent (P=0.026), lower Karnofsky score (P=0.0013), worse joint/fascia cGVHD (P=0.0005) and worse skin cGVHD (P=0.0044). AIPN correlated with platelet counts and was not correlated with ANC, WBC, C-reactive protein (CRP), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), albumin, total and average NIH scores, or number of prior systemic therapies. AIPN values for cGVHD patients substantially overlapped those of the normal population. Higher AIPN, as marker of active thrombopoiesisis, was associated with worse severity and activity of cGVHD, especially skin and joints/fascia manifestations. Among patients with stable moderate or severe cGVHD, there was no evidence of hypoproduction of platelets. Future studies should further investigate the role of thrombopoiesis in cGVHD.

Fine mapping of qhir1 influencing in vivo haploid induction in maize

Production of haploids by the in vivo haploid induction method has now become routine for generating new inbred lines in maize. In previous studies, a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) (qhir1) located in bin 1.04 was detected, explaining up to 66 % of the genotypic variance for haploid induction rate (HIR). Our objectives were to (1) fine-map qhir1 and (2) identify closely linked markers useful for marker-assisted breeding of new inducers. For this purpose, we screened a mapping population of 14,375 F2 plants produced from a cross between haploid inducer UH400 and non-inducer line 1680 to identify recombinants. Based on sequence information from the B73 reference genome, markers polymorphic between the two parents were developed to conduct fine mapping with these recombinants. A progeny test mapping strategy was applied to accurately determine the HIR of the 14 recombinants identified. Furthermore, F3 progeny of recombinant F2 plants were genotyped and in parallel evaluated for HIR. We corroborated earlier studies in that qhir1 has both a significantly positive effect on HIR but also a strong selective disadvantage, as indicated by significant segregation distortion. Altogether, we were able to narrow down the qhir1 locus to a 243 kb region flanked by markers X291 and X263.

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, Stoebe M, 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, Soh DA, 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, Sánchez J, 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, 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, Turra R, Tuts PM, Tykhonov A, Tylmad M, Tyndel M, Tzanakos G, Uchida K, Ueda I, Ueno R, Ughetto M, Ugland M, Uhlenbrock M, Ukegawa F, Unal G, Undrus A, Unel G, Ungaro FC, Unno Y, Urbaniec D, Urquijo P, Usai G, Vacavant L, Vacek V, Vachon B, Vahsen S, Valentinetti S, Valero A, Valery L, 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 Nieuwkoop J, 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, 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, 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, Williams S, 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, Yamauchi K, Yamazaki T, Yamazaki Y, Yan Z, Yang H, Yang H, Yang UK, Yang Y, Yang Z, Yanush S, Yao L, Yasu Y, Yatsenko E, Ye J, Ye S, Yen AL, Yilmaz M, Yoosoofmiya R, Yorita K, Yoshida R, Yoshihara K, Young C, Young CJ, Youssef S, Yu D, Yu DR, Yu J, Yu J, Yuan L, Yurkewicz A, Zabinski B, Zaidan R, Zaitsev AM, Zanello L, Zanzi D, Zaytsev A, Zeitnitz C, Zeman M, Zemla A, Zenin O, Ženiš T, Zinonos Z, 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, Ziolkowski M, Zitoun R, Živković L, Zmouchko VV, Zobernig G, Zoccoli A, zur Nedden M, Zutshi V, Zwalinski L. Search for a light charged Higgs boson in the decay channel [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] events using pp collisions at [Formula: see text] with the ATLAS detector

A search for a charged Higgs boson (H+) in [Formula: see text] decays is presented, where one of the top quarks decays via t→H+b, followed by H+→ two jets ([Formula: see text]). The other top quark decays to Wb, where the W boson then decays into a lepton (e/μ) and a neutrino. The data were recorded in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] by the ATLAS detector at the LHC in 2011, and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 4.7 fb-1. With no observation of a signal, 95 % confidence level (CL) upper limits are set on the decay branching ratio of top quarks to charged Higgs bosons varying between 5 % and 1 % for H+ masses between 90 GeV and 150 GeV, assuming [Formula: see text].

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, Stoebe M, 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, Swiatlowski M, 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, Tam JYC, 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, Tomlinson L, 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, Tran HL, Trefzger T, Tremblet L, Tricoli A, Trigger IM, Trincaz-Duvoid S, Tripiana MF, Triplett N, Trischuk W, Trocmé B, Troncon C, Trottier-McDonald M, Trovatelli 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, Turra R, Tuts PM, Tykhonov A, Tylmad M, Tyndel M, Tzanakos G, Uchida K, Ueda I, Ueno R, Ughetto M, Ugland M, Uhlenbrock M, Ukegawa F, Unal G, Undrus A, Unel G, Ungaro FC, Unno Y, Urbaniec D, Urquijo P, Usai G, Vacavant L, Vacek V, Vachon B, Vahsen S, Valencic N, Valentinetti S, Valero A, Valery L, 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 Nieuwkoop J, 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, Veloso F, 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, 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, Vykydal Z, 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 K, Wang R, Wang SM, Wang T, Wang X, 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, 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, Williams S, Willis W, Willocq S, Wilson JA, Wilson MG, Wilson A, Wingerter-Seez I, Winkelmann S, Winklmeier F, Wittgen M, Wittig T, Wittkowski J, 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, Yamaguchi Y, Yamamoto A, Yamamoto K, Yamamoto S, Yamamura T, Yamanaka T, Yamauchi K, Yamazaki T, Yamazaki Y, Yan Z, Yang H, Yang H, Yang UK, Yang Y, Yang Z, Yanush S, Yao L, Yasu Y, Yatsenko E, Ye J, Ye S, Yen AL, 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, Zambito S, Zanello L, Zanzi D, Zaytsev A, Zeitnitz C, Zeman M, Zemla A, Zenin O, Ženiš T, Zerwas D, Zevi della Porta G, Zhang D, Zhang H, Zhang J, Zhang L, 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 kT splitting scales in W→ℓν events at [Formula: see text] with the ATLAS detector

A measurement of splitting scales, as defined by the kT clustering algorithm, is presented for final states containing a W boson produced in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. The measurement is based on the full 2010 data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36 pb-1 which was collected using the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. Cluster splitting scales are measured in events containing W bosons decaying to electrons or muons. The measurement comprises the four hardest splitting scales in a kT cluster sequence of the hadronic activity accompanying the W boson, and ratios of these splitting scales. Backgrounds such as multi-jet and top-quark-pair production are subtracted and the results are corrected for detector effects. Predictions from various Monte Carlo event generators at particle level are compared to the data. Overall, reasonable agreement is found with all generators, but larger deviations between the predictions and the data are evident in the soft regions of the splitting scales.

Methylation of γ-carboxylated Glu (Gla) allows detection by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and the identification of Gla residues in the γ-glutamyl carboxylase

γ-Carboxylated Glu (Gla) is a post-translational modification required for the activity of vitamin K-dependent (VKD) proteins that has been difficult to study by mass spectrometry due to the properties of this negatively charged residue. Gla is generated by a single enzyme, the γ-glutamyl carboxylase, which has broad biological impact because VKD proteins have diverse functions that include hemostasis, apoptosis, and growth control. The carboxylase also contains Glas, of unknown function, and is an integral membrane protein with poor sequence coverage. To locate these Glas, we first established methods that resulted in high coverage (92%) of uncarboxylated carboxylase. Subsequent analysis of carboxylated carboxylase identified a Gla peptide (729-758) and a missing region (625-647) that was detected in uncarboxylated carboxylase. We therefore developed an approach to methylate Gla, which efficiently neutralized Gla and improved mass spectrometric analysis. Methylation eliminated CO2 loss from Gla, increased the ionization of Gla-containing peptide, and appeared to facilitate trypsin digestion. Methylation of a carboxylated carboxylase tryptic digest identified Glas in the 625-647 peptide. These studies provide valuable information for testing the function of carboxylase carboxylation. The methylation approach for studying Gla by mass spectrometry is an important advance that will be broadly applicable to analyzing other VKD proteins.

Development of amorphous solid dispersion formulations of a poorly water-soluble drug, MK-0364

The goal of this study was to demonstrate that MK-0364 solid dispersions can be developed as a means to increase the solubility and bioavailability of a poorly water-soluble drug, MK-0364. The potential solid dispersions would enable an oral solid dosage form as a monotherapy or combination product of MK-0364. Preliminary screening included sample preparation via a solvent casting method, physical characterization, and in vitro dissolution testing. Lead formulations were subsequently manufactured using hot melt extrusion (HME) and spray-drying (SD). All HME (without polyvinyl pyrrolidone) and SD formulations exhibit characteristics of a single phase glass including an amorphous halo when analyzed with X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), a single glass transition temperature (Tg) measured with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and supersaturation when dissolved in dissolution media. The oral absorption of MK-0364 from selected HME and SD formulations in monkeys results in marginally greater exposure with a consistently longer Tmax relative to a liquid filled capsule reference. Based on the processability, physical characterization, in vitro dissolution, and animal pharmacokinetic results, copovidone- and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS)-based solid dispersion formulations are viable product concepts. The physical stability of both the solid dispersion formulations was also evaluated for 54 weeks under different conditions. The copovidone-based solid dispersion requires protection from moisture.

Observation of associated near-side and away-side long-range correlations in sqrt[s(NN)]=5.02 TeV proton-lead collisions with the ATLAS detector

Two-particle correlations in relative azimuthal angle (Δø) and pseudorapidity (Δη) are measured in sqrt[s(NN)] = 5.02 TeV p+Pb collisions using the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The measurements are performed using approximately 1 μb(-1) of data as a function of transverse momentum (p(T)) and the transverse energy (ΣE(T)(Pb)) summed over 3.1 < η < 4.9 in the direction of the Pb beam. The correlation function, constructed from charged particles, exhibits a long-range (2 < |Δ η | < 5) "near-side" (Δø ~ 0) correlation that grows rapidly with increasing ΣE(T)(Pb). A long-range "away-side" (Δø ~ π) correlation, obtained by subtracting the expected contributions from recoiling dijets and other sources estimated using events with small ΣE(T)(Pb), is found to match the near-side correlation in magnitude, shape (in Δη and Δø) and ΣE(T)(Pb) dependence. The resultant Δø correlation is approximately symmetric about π/2, and is consistent with a dominant cos2Δø modulation for all ΣE(T)(Pb) ranges and particle p(T).

Molecular characterization and population genetic diversity of Limonium sinense based on nuclear ribosomal DNA and ISSR

The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) have been applied to authenticate Limonium species and their corresponding herb samples. One species specific primer was designed and the amplification product is 200 bp (Limonium sinense) by using this primer. No band was observed with other Limonium species. The phylogenetic relationship of Limonium species were studied using ribosomal DNA ITS and the adulterants (L. bicolor, L. aureum and L. wrightii) were clustered with L. sinense in NJ tree. Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) was used to assess genetic diversity and population structure of L. sinense and a high level of genetic diversity was detected (H(E) = 0.2573, PPB = 85.71%) with POPGENE. Based on AMOVA analysis, there was moderate variation between pairs of populations with phi(ST) from 0.1744 to 0.5131 and on average 28.81% of the genetic variation occurred among populations. Five main clusters were shown in UPGMA dendrogram using TFPGA. The results showed that SNP and ARMS could be used to authenticate not only Limonium species but related herbs on rDNA internal transcribed spacer region. Possible strategies should be implemented for conservation of this endemic herb.

Emerging understanding of the ΔI=1/2 rule from lattice QCD

There has been much speculation as to the origin of the ΔI=1/2 rule (ReA0/ReA2≃22.5). We find that the two dominant contributions to the ΔI=3/2, K→ππ correlation functions have opposite signs, leading to a significant cancelation. This partial cancelation occurs in our computation of ReA2 with physical quark masses and kinematics (where we reproduce the experimental value of A2) and also for heavier pions at threshold. For ReA0, although we do not have results at physical kinematics, we do have results for pions at zero momentum with mπ≃420  MeV [ReA0/ReA2=9.1(2.1)] and mπ≃330  MeV [ReA0/ReA2=12.0(1.7)]. The contributions which partially cancel in ReA2 are also the largest ones in ReA0, but now they have the same sign and so enhance this amplitude. The emerging explanation of the ΔI=1/2 rule is a combination of the perturbative running to scales of O(2  GeV), a relative suppression of ReA2 through the cancelation of the two dominant contributions, and the corresponding enhancement of ReA0. QCD and electroweak penguin operators make only very small contributions at such scales.

Controllable Self-organization of Polyphenylene Oxide Honeycomb Microstructure

Polymer films with patterned microstructure have been widely applied in various industrial areas such as micro reactors, chemical sensors and micro-molded template etc. In this paper, a self-supporting polymer film with regular honeycomb microstructure is fabricated by self-organization via evaporation of polyphenylene oxide (PPO) solution in which carbon disulfide is used as solvent under humid ambience. Apart from investigation of self-organization mechanism of PPO honeycomb including nucleation, growth of water droplets condensed upon liquid supporting substrate, the quantitative relationship between honeycomb microstructure and ambient conditions is built through tremendous self-organization experiments. The controllable formation of honeycomb microstructure with desirable hydrophobicity was achieved by use of built quantitative relationship. Moreover, hydrophobicity mathematical model of self-organized honeycomb thin film was proposed, and its validation was experimentally verified.

Utilizing Processing Parameters for Evaluating Polymer Viscosity during Plastication in Injection Molding

This paper investigates the viscosity behavior of melt polymer during the plastication stage in an injection molding machine (IMM). The objective of this paper is to develop theoretical viscosity-based models for evaluating and predicting the bulk viscosity of the melt polymer near the tip of the screw during the plastication stage. The uniqueness of these models is that they include the effects of material properties and machine processing parameters, such as screw rotational speed, hydraulic back pressure, barrel pressure drop, melt pressure and melt temperature. Several open loop tests were conducted on an industrial IMM in order to quantify process parameter effects on the plastication cycle. The derived model was used to predict bulk viscosity using the open loop tests data. The viscosity-based models in this work will be used for developing future optimal controllers for controlling the polymer viscosity during the plastication stage of the injection molding cycle.

Multi-channel search for squarks and gluinos in [Formula: see text]pp collisions with the ATLAS detector at the LHC

A search for supersymmetric particles in final states with zero, one, and two leptons, with and without jets identified as originating from b-quarks, in 4.7 fb-1 of [Formula: see text]pp collisions produced by the Large Hadron Collider and recorded by the ATLAS detector is presented. The search uses a set of variables carrying information on the event kinematics transverse and parallel to the beam line that are sensitive to several topologies expected in supersymmetry. Mutually exclusive final states are defined, allowing a combination of all channels to increase the search sensitivity. No deviation from the Standard Model expectation is observed. Upper limits at 95 % confidence level on visible cross-sections for the production of new particles are extracted. Results are interpreted in the context of the constrained minimal supersymmetric extension to the Standard Model and in supersymmetry-inspired models with diverse, high-multiplicity final states.

Sensory organs of the antenna of two Fannia species (Diptera: Fanniidae)

The latrine fly (Fannia scalaris) and lesser house fly (Fannia canicularis) are ubiquitous fanniid species of forensic and medical importance. The external morphology of sensilla on the antennae is studied using a stereoscopic microscope and scanning electron microscope, and the internal structure of the antennae is revealed by paraffin sections under the light microscope and laser scanning confocal microscope. Only grooved bristles are found on the scape and pedicel. Four major types of surface sensilla are found on the antennal funiculus and are classified as: (a) trichoid sensilla, (b) two subtypes of basiconic sensilla, (c) clavate sensilla, and (d) coeloconic sensilla. Density of each sensilla type of the two species is calculated. A remarkable difference is observed that the higher density of clavate sensilla occurs on the posteroventral surface in F. scalaris, whereas they are on the anterodorsal surface in F. canicularis. Several cuticular depressions that were previously known as "olfactory pits" are observed on the funiculus of both species. Combining with previous studies, they are suggested to be classified into two types: pit and sacculus. Pit is single-chambered and filled with one type of sensilla, whereas the sacculus is a multi-chambered pit organ containing several types of sensilla. Surprisingly, the pits observed in our study are mostly situated at the lateral region of the antennal funiculus, whereas in other flies, they are found on the posteroventral or anterodorsal surface of antennal funiculus. In addition, the sacculus found in our study houses only basiconic-like sensilla, which is remarkably different from other findings. Moreover, observation under light microscope indicates that previous data of the complexity and the number of the "olfactory pits," which are an important type of efficient sensory convergence, could be underestimated. Thus, more precise methods such as paraffin section or transmission electron microscope are suggested for further study.