Longitudinal double-spin asymmetry and cross section for inclusive jet production in polarized proton collisions at square root of s = 200 GeV

We report a measurement of the longitudinal double-spin asymmetry A(LL) and the differential cross section for inclusive midrapidity jet production in polarized proton collisions at square root of s = 200 GeV. The cross section data cover transverse momenta 5 < pT < 50 GeV/c and agree with next-to-leading order perturbative QCD evaluations. The A(LL) data cover 5 < pT < 17 GeV/c and disfavor at 98% C.L. maximal positive gluon polarization in the polarized nucleon.

Direct observation of dijets in central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[sNN]=200 GeV

The STAR Collaboration at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider reports measurements of azimuthal correlations of high transverse momentum (pT) charged hadrons in Au+Au collisions at higher pT than reported previously. As (pT) is increased, a narrow, back-to-back peak emerges above the decreasing background, providing a clear dijet signal for all collision centralities studied. Using these correlations, we perform a systematic study of dijet production and suppression in nuclear collisions, providing new constraints on the mechanisms underlying partonic energy loss in dense matter.

Identified baryon and meson distributions at large transverse momenta from Au + Au collisions at square root sNN=200 GeV

Transverse momentum spectra of pi+/-, p, and p up to 12 GeV/c at midrapidity in centrality selected Au + Au collisions at square root sNN=200 GeV are presented. In central Au + Au collisions, both pi +/- and p(p) show significant suppression with respect to binary scaling at pT approximately >4 GeV/c. Protons and antiprotons are less suppressed than pi+/-, in the range 1.5 approximately < pT approximately < 6 GeV/c. The pi-/pi+ and p/p ratios show at most a weak pT dependence and no significant centrality dependence. The p/pi ratios in central Au + Au collisions approach the values in p + p and d + Au collisions at pT approximately >5 GeV/c. The results at high pT indicate that the partonic sources of pi+/-, p, and p have similar energy loss when traversing the nuclear medium.

Forward neutral pion production in p + p and d + Au collisions at square root sNN=200 GeV

Measurements of the production of forward pi0 mesons from p + p and d + Au collisions at square root sNN=200 GeV are reported. The p + p yield generally agrees with next-to-leading order perturbative QCD calculations. The d + Au yield per binary collision is suppressed as eta increases, decreasing to approximately 30% of the p + p yield at eta =4.00, well below shadowing expectations. Exploratory measurements of azimuthal correlations of the forward pi0 with charged hadrons at eta approximately 0 show a recoil peak in p + p that is suppressed in d + Au at low pion energy. These observations are qualitatively consistent with a saturation picture of the low-x gluon structure of heavy nuclei.

Impact of dynamic airflow on human thermal response

Airflow fluctuation is an important factor affecting indoor thermal environments and human thermal response. In this study, dynamic airflows with different fluctuation characteristics were generated by a dynamic air supply terminal. The influence of three different kinds of airflows, constant airflow, simulated natural airflow and sinusoidal airflow, on thermal comfort was studied. Subjective experiments indicated that a dynamic airflow can cause a stronger cold sensation, and that air movement with 1/f fluctuations similar to natural wind is more acceptable than other dynamic airflows in warm environments. Moreover, the impact of draughts in dynamic airflows on human thermal response is different in neutral-warm (30 degrees C) and cool-neutral (26 degrees C) thermal environments.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

By means of a dynamic air supply terminal it is possible to generate artificial airflows that simulate natural wind indoors. This kind of airflow with higher velocity is more comfortable and causes less draught sensation than the constant airflows supplied by conventional fans. While the cooling effect of this airflow is utilized in the built environment, the design temperature of air-conditioning system can be increased and the amount of energy consumption can be reduced dramatically.

Strange baryon resonance production in sqrt s NN=200 GeV p+p and Au+Au collisions

We report the measurements of Sigma(1385) and Lambda(1520) production in p+p and Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s{NN}]=200 GeV from the STAR Collaboration. The yields and the p(T) spectra are presented and discussed in terms of chemical and thermal freeze-out conditions and compared to model predictions. Thermal and microscopic models do not adequately describe the yields of all the resonances produced in central Au+Au collisions. Our results indicate that there may be a time span between chemical and thermal freeze-out during which elastic hadronic interactions occur.

Characterization of two parvalbumin genes and their association with growth traits in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)

Parvalbumins are extremely abundant in fish muscle and play an important role in muscle relaxation. In this study, two parvalbumin genes (PVALB1 and PVALB2) were cloned from Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). The cDNAs for PVALB1 and PVALB2 were 840 and 667 bp respectively. Both genes consisted of five exons and four introns, encoded 109 amino acids, and were of beta lineage. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction, expression of PVALB1 was detected in all 10 tissues tested, with expression in brain, kidney, muscle and small intestine being 15- to 322-fold higher than in the other tissues. Expression of PVALB2 was detected only in muscle, brain and intestine, and was up to 10-fold lower than PVALB1 expression. A (CT)(17) microsatellite in the 3'-untranslated region of PVALB1 and three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the third intron of PVALB2 were identified. The microsatellite in PVALB1 was significantly associated with body weight and body length at 90 days post-hatch (P < 0.01), whereas the SNPs in PVALVB2 were not associated with these traits.

Dynamic characteristics of long-wavelength quantum dot vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with light injection

This investigation experimentally demonstrates the dynamic characteristics of quantum dot vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (QD VCSEL) without and with light injection. The QD VCSEL is fully doped structure on GaAs substrate and operates in the 1.3 mum optical communication wavelength. The eye diagram, frequency response, and intermodulation distortion are presented. We also demonstrate that the frequency response enhancement by light injection technique allows us to improve the performance of subcarrier multiplexed system.

Activity of five quinolones, three macrolides and telithromycin against 12 Haemophilus influenzae strains with different resistance phenotypes

Gemifloxacin MICs for 12 Haemophilus influenzae strains with different resistance phenotypes were 0.001-0.015 mg/L. Gemifloxacin was bactericidal against all 12 strains after 24 h at 2 x MIC. Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin had MICs of 0.008-0.03 mg/L and similar kill kinetics. Macrolides and telithromycin had unimodal MICs (1.0-8.0 mg/L), except for two strains without efflux systems (0.0125-0.5 mg/L) and two with efflux systems and ribosomal protein mutations (> 64.0 mg/L), and were bactericidal against eight to ten strains tested at 2 x MIC after 24 h.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence and characterization of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the control region of the Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)

We determined the complete mtDNA nucleotide sequence of Lates calcarifer using the shotgun sequencing method. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was 16,535 base pairs (bp) in length, and contained 13 protein coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs, and one major noncoding control region (CR). The CR was unusually short at only 768 bp. A striking feature of the mitochondrial genome was the high G+C content (46.1%), which is among the highest in fish. The gene order was identical to that of a typical vertebrate. Phylogenetic analyses using concatenated amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes of 30 fish species representing 14 suborders clearly showed Lates calcarifer was located in the cluster of fish species from the order Perciformes, supporting the traditional systematic classification. We characterized single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CR by sequencing the complete CR of 25 individuals obtained from Australia and Singapore. A total of 68 SNPs were detected. Eighteen SNPs were fixed with alternative nucleotides in Australian and Singapore seabass, and these SNPs could be used for differentiating fish from the two countries.

Probing Structure–Function Relationships of Serine Hydrolases and Proteases with Carbamate and Thiocarbamate Inhibitors

Benzene-1,3-di-N-n-octylcarbamate (1), benzene-1-hydroxyl-3-N-n-octylcarbamate (2), benzene-1,3-di-N-n-ocztylthiocarbamate (3), and benzene-1-hydroxyl-3-N-n-octylthiocarbamate (4) are synthesized from 1,3-benzene-diol and are characterized as the pseudo-substrate inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, cholesterol esterase, lipase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. For these six enzyme inhibitions by 1-4, the pKi values are linearly correlated with their log ki values - Brønsted plots. Therefore, 1-4 inhibit these enzymes through a common mechanism. Moreover, both pKi and log ki values for the inhibitions by 1,3, and 4 are linearly correlated with both pKi and log ki values for the inhibitions by 2, respectively. Thus, the pKi values for the inhibitions by 2 are defined as the nucleophilicity constants of these enzymes (nenzyme). The log k2 values for the inhibitions by 1-4 are also linearly correlated with the nenzyme values. Therefore, the nucleophilicity for serine hydrolases and proteases toward 1-4 also applies the Swain-Scott correlations.

Multistrange Baryon elliptic flow in Au+Au collisions at square root of sNN=200 GeV

We report on the first measurement of elliptic flow v2(pT) of multistrange baryons Xi- +Xi+ and Omega- + Omega+ in heavy-ion collisions. In minimum-bias Au+Au collisions at square root of s(NN)=200 GeV, a significant amount of elliptic flow, comparable to other nonstrange baryons, is observed for multistrange baryons which are expected to be particularly sensitive to the dynamics of the partonic stage of heavy-ion collisions. The pT dependence of v2 of the multistrange baryons confirms the number of constituent quark scaling previously observed for lighter hadrons. These results support the idea that a substantial fraction of the observed collective motion is developed at the early partonic stage in ultrarelativistic nuclear collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider.

Multiplicity and pseudorapidity distributions of photons in Au+Au collisions at square root of (S(NN)) = 62.4 GeV

We present the first measurement of pseudorapidity distribution of photons in the region 2.3 < or = eta < or = 3.7 for different centralities in Au+Au collisions at square root of (S(NN)) = 62.4 GeV. We find that the photon yield scales with the number of participating nucleons at all collision centralities studied. The pseudorapidity distribution of photons, dominated by pi0 decays, has been compared to those of charged pions, photons, and inclusive charged particles from heavy-ion and nucleon-nucleon collisions at various energies. The photon production has been shown to be consistent with the energy and centrality independent limiting fragmentation scenario.

Activity of the new quinolone WCK 771 against pneumococci

The activity of WCK 771, a new experimental quinolone being developed to overcome quinolone resistance in staphylococci, against quinolone-susceptible and -resistant pneumococci was determined. Comparative activities of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, clinafloxacin, vancomycin, linezolid, amoxycillin, cefuroxime, azithromycin and clarithromycin were determined with MIC and time-kill experiments. Animal experiments were also performed to test the in-vivo anti-pneumococcal activity of WCK 771 compared to levofloxacin. WCK 771 MIC50/90 values for 300 quinolone-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates (108 penicillin-susceptible, 92 penicillin-intermediate and 100 penicillin-resistant) were 0.5/0.5 mg/L; the MICs of beta-lactams and macrolides rose with those of penicillin G, and all isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid. WCK 771 MIC50/90 values for 25 quinolone-resistant pneumococcal isolates were 4/8 mg/L, compared to 0.5/1 mg/L for clinafloxacin, 2/4 mg/L for gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin, 8/16 mg/L for levofloxacin, and 16/>32 mg/L for ciprofloxacin. Time-kill studies showed that WCK 771 was bactericidal against pneumococci after 24 h at 4 x MIC, as were the other quinolones tested. Animal model studies showed that WCK 771 had efficacy comparable to that of levofloxacin, by both the oral and subcutaneous routes, for systemic infection caused by three quinolone-susceptible isolates of pneumococci. Overall, WCK 771 was potent both in vivo and in vitro against quinolone-susceptible, but not quinolone-resistant, S. pneumoniae, regardless of penicillin susceptibility.

Open charm yields in d+Au collisions at squareroot[sNN]=200 GeV

Midrapidity open charm spectra from direct reconstruction of D0(D0)-->K-/+pi+/- in d+Au collisions and indirect electron-positron measurements via charm semileptonic decays in p+p and d+Au collisions at squareroot[sNN]=200 GeV are reported. The D0(D0) spectrum covers a transverse momentum (pT) range of 0.1<pT<3 GeV/c, whereas the electron spectra cover a range of 1<pT<4 GeV/c. The electron spectra show approximate binary collision scaling between p+p and d+Au collisions. From these two independent analyses, the differential cross section per nucleon-nucleon binary interaction at midrapidity for open charm production from d+Au collisions at BNL RHIC is dsigma(NN)cc/dy=0.30+/-0.04(stat)+/-0.09(syst) mb. The results are compared to theoretical calculations. Implications for charmonium results in A+A collisions are discussed.

The stochastic piston problem

We obtain analytical solutions for the perturbed shock paths induced by time-varying random motions of a piston moving inside an adiabatic tube of constant area. The variance of the shock location grows quadratically with time for early times and switches to linear growth for longer times. The analytical results are confirmed by stochastic numerical simulations, and deviations for large random piston motions are established.

Wogonin suppresses cellular proliferation and expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 in Peyronie's plaque-derived cells

OBJECTIVE

To test the effect of wogonin on cellular proliferation and expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in cells derived from normal and diseased tunica albuginea (TA), as related to Peyronie's disease (PD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cells with characteristics of fibroblasts were isolated from three tissue sources. Those from the plaque of patients with PD were designated as P cells, those from the adjacent, normal-appearing tissue as C cells, and those from the TA of patients without PD as N cells. These cells were treated with wogonin at doses of 0, 10, 20 and 40 micromol/L for 24 h or treated at a fixed dose of 40 micromol/L for 1, 8 and 24 h. Cell proliferation was assayed with a commercial kit, MCP-1 mRNA expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and secreted MCP-1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Wogonin suppressed cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner; the effect was more pronounced against P cells at 8 and 24 h. Wogonin down-regulated MCP-1 mRNA expression, especially in P cells. Wogonin suppressed the level of secreted MCP-1 by 59-88%. P cells, which secreted far more MCP-1 than N and C cells at 1 h, were suppressed by 88%. C cells were the least suppressed at all three times.

CONCLUSIONS

Wogonin suppressed the proliferation, the expression of MCP-1 mRNA, and the expression of secreted MCP-1 in TA-derived cells. In most cases, the effect of wogonin was greatest against cells derived from the plaque. Wogonin appears to be a worthy candidate for preclinical trials in men with PD.

Neurotrophic effects of vascular endothelial growth factor and neurotrophins on cultured major pelvic ganglia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility of using a ganglial culture system to screen various growth factors as potential therapeutic agents for pelvic nerve injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The major pelvic ganglia (MPG) were isolated from male rats and attached to culture dishes with the aid of Matrigel (Becton Dickinson, Mountain View, CA, USA). Alternatively, the dorso-caudal region (DCR) of MPG, from which the cavernous nerves originate, was dissected and then attached to a Matrigel-coated coverslip. The MPG or DCR was cultured in serum-free medium supplemented with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, control), 50 ng/mL of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), 20 ng/mL of a neurotrophin (BDNF, NT3, or NT4), or combinations of these growth factors. After 2 days of incubation, the ganglial tissues with their outgrowing nerve fibres were stained for the expression of NADPH-diaphorase, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The length and staining intensity of nerve fibres were analysed.

RESULTS

The outgrowing fibres were significantly longer in MPG treated with any of the four tested growth factors than in PBS-treated MPG. The combination of VEGF and NT3 induced the best fibre growth. Improvements to the culturing conditions allowed a histological examination of the outgrowing fibres for the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), TH and AChE. VEGF and BDNF were equally capable of inducing NOS- and TH-expressing fibres. BDNF was much weaker than VEGF for inducing AChE-expressing fibres.

CONCLUSIONS

This improved culturing system is potentially useful for screening nerve-regenerating factors; VEGF had neurotrophic effects comparable with BDNF, NT3, or NT4.

Isolation of two isoforms of phosphodiesterase 5 from rat penis

Inhibition of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) has been shown to improve penile erection in patients with erectile dysfunction. We have reported previously the cloning of three PDE5 isoforms from human penile tissues. Here we report the cloning of two PDE5 isoforms from rat penile tissues. The similarity between rat and human PDE5A1-specific sequences were 68 and 88% at the nucleotide and amino-acid levels, respectively. Like the bovine and canine PDE5A1 sequences, the rat PDE5A1 sequence lacks the polyglutamine tract that appears to be unique to the human PDE5A1 sequence. The similarity between rat and human PDE5A2-specific sequences were 64 and 100% at the nucleotide and amino-acid levels, respectively. The equivalent of human PDE5A3-specific sequence was identified in the rat PDE5A gene; however, repeated efforts to clone the putative rat PDE5A3 isoform were not successful. Expression of PDE5A1 and A2 mRNA in various tissues was examined by Northern blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results from the two experimental procedures were largely in good agreement and indicated that PDE5A1 and A2 mRNA were expressed in a tissue-specific manner with PDE5A2 being the dominant isoform. International Journal of Impotence Research (2003) 15, 129-136. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3900983

Intracavernosal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor induces nitric oxide synthase isoforms

OBJECTIVE

To identify genes that are affected by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as an intracavernosal injection with VEGF improved the recovery of erectile function in a rat model of arteriogenic impotence, specifically examining the three nitric oxide synthase (NOS) genes, nNOS, eNOS, and iNOS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male rats had their pudendal arteries ligated or underwent a sham operation. They were then treated by an intracavernosal injection with 4 microg of VEGF in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or PBS alone. At 6 and 24 h after treatment electrostimulation was applied to the cavernosal nerve and the intracorporal pressure measured. The erectile tissue was then harvested for RNA isolation and cryo-sectioning. The isolated RNA was used for microarray and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses, and the tissue sections for immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

Microarray analysis detected nNOS, eNOS and iNOS at very low expression levels in PBS-treated rats; expression levels were higher for eNOS and iNOS in all VEGF-treated rats. These results were further confirmed by RT-PCR analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis identified the cavernosal endothelium and smooth muscle as the tissue types where eNOS and iNOS were up-regulated, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of the induction of both eNOS and iNOS in the penis after intracavernosal VEGF. These events may help support a significant recovery of erectile function after interrupting the blood supply to the penis.

[Retrospective analysis of 102 cycles of intracytoplasmic single sperm injection in treating severe male infertility and fertilization failure]

The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze 102 cycles which received intracytoplasmic single sperm injection (ICSI) in our lab from January 1998 to December 2000. With the improvements of the technique and environment of the microscopic manipulation from February 2000, the survival rate (90.6%). fertilization rate (73.3%) and embryo development rate (97.3%) of the later stage were significantly higher than those of the previous (68.8%, 39.0%, 78.7% respectively). The clinical pregnancy rate reached a higher level (41.3% and 21.4% respectively). The ICSI technique established currently in our lab can effectively treat the severe male infertility and fertilization failure.

Chromatographic analysis of Fritillaria isosteroidal alkaloids, the active ingredients of Beimu, the antitussive traditional Chinese medicinal herb

Bulbus Fritillariae derived from plants of various Fritillaria species is the most commonly used antitussive traditional Chinese medicinal herb and is called Beimu. Herbs derived from similar and/or different species of Fritillaria are also used in Japan and Turkey as traditional or folk medicines. Isosteroidal alkaloids are the main bioactive ingredients in Fritillaria species. As the contents and structure types of these bioactive alkaloids vary in different Fritillaria species, quality control of these active principles in herbal Beimu is very important to ensure its safe and effective clinical use. This review describes the development of chromatographic analyses for the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative determination of the main bioactive Fritillaria isosteroidal alkaloids in herbal and biological samples. The recently developed direct HPLC-evaporative light scattering detection method is the most simple, selective and sensitive assay, and is readily used as a suitable quality control method for the analysis of the active principles of herbal Beimu.

Dependence of papanicolaou gradings of exfoliated urothelial cells upon GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphism in benzidine-exposed workers of the Shanghai dye industry

The distribution of the polymorphic alleles of the genes coding for glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) M1 and T1 was compared with the results of cytological grading of exfoliated urothelial cells (Pap test) in a non-diseased high-risk group of workers formerly exposed to benzidine in the Shanghai dyestuff industry (n = 317). All subjects were genotyped for GSTT1 and M1 gene polymorphism by allele-specific PCR. Individuals were stratified according to their job and duration of exposure. A subgroup of 78 individuals with cytological gradings of grade III or higher in the Pap test showed a significant under-representation of the combination of GSTT1 0/0 and M1 0/0 genotypes compared with 238 subjects with a cytological classification lower than grade III (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.98. P=0.04). These results suggest that neither the GSTM1 0/0 or GSTT1 0/ 0 genotype alone nor their combination had a clear association with cytopathological changes in exfoliated urothelial cells from individuals previously exposed to benzidine in Shanghai. This contradicts the results of studies indicating that the GSTM1 0/0 genotype is associated with an increased risk for bladder cancer in the general population, mostly outside China.

CD4-independent use of Rhesus CCR5 by human immunodeficiency virus Type 2 implicates an electrostatic interaction between the CCR5 N terminus and the gp120 C4 domain

Envelope glycoproteins (Envs) of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) are frequently able to use chemokine receptors, CXCR4 or CCR5, in the absence of CD4. However, while these Envs are commonly dual-tropic, no isolate has been described to date that is CD4 independent on both CXCR4 and CCR5. In this report we show that a variant of HIV-2/NIHz, termed HIV-2/vcp, previously shown to utilize CXCR4 without CD4, is also CD4 independent on rhesus (rh) CCR5, but requires CD4 to fuse with human (hu) CCR5. The critical determinant for this effect was an acidic amino acid at position 13 in the CCR5 N terminus, which is an asparagine in huCCR5 and an aspartic acid in rhCCR5. Transferring the huCCR5 N terminus with an N13D substitution to CCR2b or CXCR2 was sufficient to render these heterologous chemokine receptors permissive for CD4-independent fusion. Chimeric Envs between HIV-2/vcp and a CD4-dependent clone of HIV-2/NIHz as well as site-directed Env mutations implicated a positively charged amino acid (lysine or arginine) at position 427 in the C4 region of the HIV-2/vcp env gene product (VCP) gp120 as a key determinant for this phenotype. Because CD4-independent use of CCR5 mapped to a negatively charged amino acid in the CCR5 N terminus and a positively charged amino acid in the gp120 C4 domain, an electrostatic interaction between these residues or domains is likely. Although not required for CD4-dependent fusion, this interaction may serve to increase the binding affinity of Env and CCR5 and/or to facilitate subsequent conformational changes that are required for fusion. Because the structural requirements for chemokine receptor use by HIV are likely to be more stringent in the absence of CD4, CD4-independent viruses should be particularly useful in dissecting molecular events that are critical for viral entry.

[Resistance of Mycobacterium fortuitum against varied physical factors and its survival in different surroundings]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the resistance of Mycobacterium fortuitum against some physical factors and its survival in different surroundings.

METHODS

Bacterium solution of Mycobacterium fortuitum was added to the carriers, then it was treated in different interval of time and physical surroundings (high temperature, maximum pressure in ultraviolet ray, dry, sunshine). The treated specimen was cultured to observe the resistance of Mycobacterium fortuitum against physical factors. At the same time, some of bacterium solution were mixed into materials in different surroundings (water, wet soil, and dry soil). The specimen was cultured constantly in different time under the room temperature to observe the growth of Mycobacterium fortuitum in different surroundings.

RESULTS

Mycobacterium fortuitum was killed at 60 degrees C in 135 minutes, 80 degrees C in 60 minutes, 100 degrees C in 5 minutes, and high pressure in 5 minutes (6.8 kg at 121 degrees C, 4.5 kg at 115 degrees C). It can also be killed under hot sunshine in one hour and under the ultraviolet ray at 105.5 microW/cm. Mycobacterium fortuitum can exist in water over 27 months, in wet and dry soil and in dry surroundings for more than one and a half year. With the extending of time, quantities of Mycobacterium fortuitum showed a trend of decline.

CONCLUSIONS

Mycobacterium fortuitum possesses low resistance against high temperature, but higher resistance against ultraviolet ray. The germ shows stronger endurance in different surroundings and can exist for a long time.

Miniature heart cell force transducer system implemented in MEMS technology

A fully submersible force transducer system for use with isolated heart cells has been implemented using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. By using integrated circuit fabrication techniques to make mechanical as well as electrical components, the entire low-mass transducer is only a few cubic millimeters in size and is of higher fidelity (approximately 100 nN and 13.3 kHz in solution) than previously available. When chemically activated, demembranated single cells attached to the device contract and slightly deform a strain gauge whose signal is converted to an amplified electrical output. When integrated with a video microscope, the system is capable of optical determination of contractile protein striation periodicity and simultaneous measurement of heart cell forces in the 100-nN to 50-microN range. The average measured maximal force was Fmax = 5.77 +/- 2.38 microN. Normalizing for the cell's cross-sectional area, Fmax/area was 14.7 +/- 7.7 mN/mm2. Oscillatory stiffness data at frequencies up to 1 kHz has also been recorded from relaxed and contracted cells. This novel MEMS force transducer system permits higher fidelity measurements from cardiac myocytes than available from standard macro-sized transducers.

[Preliminary study on application of blastocyst culture and day 5 transfer in patients with low oocyte number]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether blastocyst culture and transfer in patients with low oocyte number can effectively improve the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatment.

METHODS

Retrospectively analyze 59 couples received conventional in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment in our center from January to February 2000. Twenty-one couples had blastocyst culture and day 5 embryo transfer and another 38 couples had day 2 embryo transfer as the control. Their clinical and laboratory results were compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

In day 5 group the mean oocytes retrieved were (6.6 +/- 2.8), the clinical pregnancy rates (PRs) was 43% and the life delivery rate was 38%; while in day 2 group the results were (6.9 +/- 3.7), 37% and 29% respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups. No high-order multiple birth occurred in day 5 group, but in day 2 group there were two cases: one with triplets and another with pentadriplet who had the embryos reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that nonselective blastocyst culture and transfer in patients with low oocyte number seems not effectively to improve the PRs and the delivery rate, but may decrease the occurrence of multiple birth without affecting the final pregnancy results when compared with conventional day 2 transfer.

Essential role for Gab2 in the allergic response

Dos/Gab family scaffolding adapters (Dos, Gab1, Gab2) bind several signal relay molecules, including the protein-tyrosine phosphatase Shp-2 and phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI(3)K); they are also implicated in growth factor, cytokine and antigen receptor signal transduction. Mice lacking Gab1 die during embryogenesis and show defective responses to several stimuli. Here we report that Gab2-/- mice are viable and generally healthy; however, the response (for example, degranulation and cytokine gene expression) of Gab2-/- mast cells to stimulation of the high affinity immunoglobulin-epsilon (IgE) receptor Fc(epsilon)RI is defective. Accordingly, allergic reactions such as passive cutaneous and systemic anaphylaxis are markedly impaired in Gab2-/- mice. Biochemical analyses reveal that signalling pathways dependent on PI(3)K, a critical component of Fc(epsilon)RI signalling, are defective in Gab2-/- mast cells. Our data identify Gab2 as the principal activator of PI(3)K in response to Fc(epsilon)RI activation, thereby providing genetic evidence that Dos/Gab family scaffolds regulate the PI(3)K pathway in vivo. Gab2 and/or its associated signalling molecules may be new targets for developing drugs to treat allergy.

Potential new antitumor agents from an innovative combination of demethylcantharidin, a modified traditional Chinese medicine, with a platinum moiety

A combination of demethylcantharidin, a modified component of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with a platinum moiety has produced a series of TCM-based platinum compounds [Pt(C(8)H(8)O(5))(NH(2)R)(2)] 1-5, which demonstrate selective cytotoxicity toward SK-Hep-1 (human liver) cell line, and circumvention of cross-resistance. The inclusion of demethylcantharidin rendered the compounds highly active as protein phosphatase (PP2A) inhibitors. The new TCM-Pt compounds may possess a novel dual mechanism of antitumor action: inhibition of PP2A and platination of DNA.

Cartilage-like phenomenon in the anterior cruciate ligamenta

OBJECTIVE

To detect histological characteristic of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL).

METHODS

In each of 20 skeletally mature male mongrels and 4 men, the ACL and MCL were examined by standard hematoxylin-eosin procedure and toluidine blue staining for histologic observation.

RESULTS

The fibroblasts in medial collateral are elongated to spindle shape and aligned in a row between the bundles of collagenous fibers. Toluidine blue staining is negative. The anterior cruciate ligament demonstrated more heterogenous cell types and arrangement. It had three major cell forms: spindle, round and ovoid type, which were shorter but greater than the cells in medial collateral ligament. Toluidine blue staining was positive in anterior cruciate ligament. Most cells in anterior cruciate ligament were enclosed within lacunae.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the ACL has different histological characteristics from MCL, and is more cartilage-like in nature.

Extradiol oxidative cleavage of catechols by ferrous and ferric complexes of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane: insight into the mechanism of the extradiol catechol dioxygenases

The major oxygenation product of catechol by dioxygen in the presence of FeCl(2) or FeCl(3), 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACN), and pyridine in methanol is the extradiol cleavage product 2-hydroxymuconic semi-aldehyde methyl ester (Lin, G.; Reid, G.; Bugg, T. D. H. J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun. 2000, 1119--1120). Under these conditions, extradiol cleavage of a range of 3- and 4-substituted catechols with electron-donating substituents is observed. The reaction shows a preference in selectivity and rate for iron(II) rather than iron(III) for the extradiol cleavage, which parallels the selectivity of the extradiol dioxygenase family. The reaction also shows a high selectivity for the macrocyclic ligand, TACN, over a range of other nitrogen- and oxygen-containing macrocycles. Reaction of anaerobically prepared iron-TACN complexes with dioxygen gave the same product as monitored by UV/vis spectroscopy. KO(2) is able to oxidize catechols with both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents, implying a different mechanism for extradiol cleavage. Saturation kinetics were observed for catechols, which fit the Michaelis--Menten equation to give k(cat)(app) = 4.8 x 10(-3) s(-1) for 3-(2',3'-dihydroxyphenyl)propionic acid. The reaction was also found to proceed using monosodium catecholate in the absence of pyridine, but with different product ratios, giving insight into the acid/base chemistry of extradiol cleavage. In particular, extradiol cleavage in the presence of iron(II) shows a requirement for a proton donor, implying a role for an acidic group in the extradiol dioxygenase active site.

The characterization of prepro-Insulin-like growth factor-1 Ea-2 expression and Insulin-like growth factor-1 genes (devoid 81 bp) in the zebrafish ( Danio rerio )

In this study, we cloned zebrafish (Danio rerio) IGF-1 cDNA and gene from zebrafish brain cDNA library and adult zebrafish genomic library, respectively. Based on two cDNAs sequence with different length of 5'- and 3'-untranslated region (5UTR and 3UTR) and one nucleotide difference at glutamine (A9, CAG) of A domain represented at IGF-1 sequence. One of zebrafish IGF-1 genes named as IGF-1a gene. The zebrafish IGF-1a gene spanned approximately 15 kb and is divided into five exons. The results of IGF-1 cDNA and genomic Southern blotting, all indicated that the zebrafish have more than one IGF-1 gene. The genomic organization of zebrafish IGF-1a gene in an exon is devoid of 81 bp segment which is located at 3' end of exon 3 encoded 27 amino acid of E domain. The segment of 27 amino acid exists in known teleost IGF-1 genes but is absent in zebrafish IGF-1 gene. The E domain of zebrafish IGF-1 Ea-2 is encoded by 3' end of exon 3 (16 amino acid), full of exon 4 (12 amino acid) and exon 5 (19 amino acid). The sequence data revealed the zebrafish IGF-1a gene encoded IGF-1a Ea-2 mRNA. In combination RT-PCR with Southern blotting, zebrafish IGF-1 genes abundantly expressed IGF-1 Ea-2 mRNA in all tested adult tissues and developmental stages of embryo. The IGF-1 Ea-2 mRNA was first detected during embryo development from blastula stage to hatching, during yolk absorption and at feeding. All these findings suggest that the expression of pro-IGF-1 Ea-2 is not controlled by alternative splicing but alternative gene usage in the zebrafish.

Stable cell lines expressing baculovirus P35: resistance to apoptosis and nutrient stress, and increased glycoprotein secretion

The baculovirus P35 protein is a caspase inhibitor that prevents the induction of apoptosis during infection of Sf21 cells by Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV). P35 inhibits the induction of apoptosis in a broad range of cells and circumstances. In this study, we examined the effects of constitutive cellular P35 expression on the response of cells to stressful culture conditions and on protein production in AcMNPV infected cells. Sf9 cell lines expressing AcMNPV P35 or an epitope-tagged P35 protein were generated using a double selection technique, involving selection in the antibiotic G418, followed by a second round of selection by exposure to actinomycin D, a potent inducer of apoptosis in Sf9 cells. Clonal cell lines were generated and examined for (1) resistance to actinomycin D induced apoptosis, (2) resistance to nutrient deprivation, and (3) baculovirus expression of intracellular and secreted proteins. When compared with Sf9 cells, two P35-expressing cell lines (Sf9P35AcV5-1 and Sf9P35AcV5-3) showed increased resistance to actinomycin D-induced apoptosis and a profound resistance to nutrient deprivation. When these cell lines were infected with a recombinant baculovirus expressing a secreted glycoprotein (secreted alkaline phosphatase), expression of the glycoprotein from these cells exceeded that from the parental Sf9 cells and was comparable to expression levels obtained from Tn5B1-4 cells, the best available cell line for high-level expression. Increased levels of protein secretion in Sf9P35AcV5-1 and Sf9P35AcV5-3 cells appear to result from a prolonged infection cycle and accumulation of the secreted glycoprotein.

Plant growth in elevated CO2 alters mitochondrial number and chloroplast fine structure

With increasing interest in the effects of elevated atmospheric CO(2) on plant growth and the global carbon balance, there is a need for greater understanding of how plants respond to variations in atmospheric partial pressure of CO(2). Our research shows that elevated CO(2) produces significant fine structural changes in major cellular organelles that appear to be an important component of the metabolic responses of plants to this global change. Nine species (representing seven plant families) in several experimental facilities with different CO(2)-dosing technologies were examined. Growth in elevated CO(2) increased numbers of mitochondria per unit cell area by 1.3-2.4 times the number in control plants grown in lower CO(2) and produced a statistically significant increase in the amount of chloroplast stroma (nonappressed) thylakoid membranes compared with those in lower CO(2) treatments. There was no observable change in size of the mitochondria. However, in contrast to the CO(2) effect on mitochondrial number, elevated CO(2) promoted a decrease in the rate of mass-based dark respiration. These changes may reflect a major shift in plant metabolism and energy balance that may help to explain enhanced plant productivity in response to elevated atmospheric CO(2) concentrations.

Determination of the major isosteroidal alkaloids in bulbs of Fritillaria by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection

A new direct HPLC analytical method using evaporative light scattering detection coupled with a low-temperature adapter for the simultaneous determination of the major biologically active isosteroidal alkaloids in Bulbus Fritillariae, a commonly used antitussive traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) herb, has been developed. The simultaneous separation of eight Fritillaria alkaloids was achieved on a reversed-phase C8 column with an isocratic mobile phase system consisting of acetonitrile-methanol-water (66.5:3.5:30, v/v) containing 0.006% triethylamine. This method provides good reproducibility and sensitivity for the quantification of six major isosteroidal alkaloids, namely peimissine, verticine, verticinone, imperialine, isoverticine and ebeiedine in different Fritillaria species with overall intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy of less than 11% and higher than 90%, respectively. The assay was successfully utilized to quantify the major biologically active alkaloids in five Fritillaria species. The results demonstrate that this method is simple, selective, and suitable for the quality control of this commonly used antitussive TCM herb, Bulbus Fritillariae. reserved.

Plasma hyaluronidase (Hyal-1) promotes tumor cell cycling

Paradoxically, both hyaluronan (HA) and hyaluronidase are involved in malignant transformation and cancer progression. Their mechanisms of action, given the apparent disparities, are not understood. In many malignancies, levels of HA correlate with metastatic behavior while hyaluronidases suppress malignant progression. Hyal-1, product of one of six paralogous hyaluronidase-like sequences, is the predominant circulating hyaluronidase. HYAL1, the gene that codes for Hyal-1, is located on chromosome 3p21.3, a region containing a tumor suppressor gene. Loss of HYAL1 often correlates with tumor progression, particularly in tobacco-related cancers. In other malignancies, however, hyaluronidase functions as a tumor promoter. Testicular hyaluronidase (PH-20), used as an adjuvant in chemotherapy, is assumed to enhance drug permeability. By an unknown mechanism, hyaluronidases recruit tumor cells back into the cycling pool, making these malignancies more sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs. Such contradictory observations might be resolved by assuming that HA and hyaluronidase are required at different times in the multiple steps that lead to malignant transformation. We have undertaken a systematic investigation of their roles in cancer progression. Here, we investigate the effect of Hyal-1 expression on cell cycle kinetics. A tumor cell line was constructed with an ecdysone-inducible promoter located upstream from the cDNA of HYAL1. Fluorescent-activated cell sorting was used to monitor cell cycle kinetics following Hyal-1 induction. Enhanced cell cycling was observed, with a 13.6% increase in S phase and 9.6% decrease in G(1)/G(0) phase cells.

Membrane lipid domains distinct from cholesterol/sphingomyelin-rich rafts are involved in the ABCA1-mediated lipid secretory pathway

Efflux of excess cellular cholesterol mediated by lipid-poor apolipoproteins occurs by an active mechanism distinct from passive diffusion and is controlled by the ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCA1. Here we examined whether ABCA1-mediated lipid efflux involves the selective removal of lipids associated with membrane rafts, plasma membrane domains enriched in cholesterol and sphingomyelin. ABCA1 was not associated with cholesterol and sphingolipid-rich membrane raft domains based on detergent solubility and lack of colocalization with marker proteins associated with raft domains. Lipid efflux to apoA-I was accounted for by decreases in cellular lipids not associated with cholesterol/sphingomyelin-rich membranes. Treating cells with filipin, to disrupt raft structure, or with sphingomyelinase, to digest plasma membrane sphingomyelin, did not impair apoA-I-mediated cholesterol or phosphatidylcholine efflux. In contrast, efflux of cholesterol to high density lipoproteins (HDL) or plasma was partially accounted for by depletion of cholesterol from membrane rafts. Additionally, HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux was partially inhibited by filipin and sphingomyelinase treatment. Apo-A-I-mediated cholesterol efflux was absent from fibroblasts with nonfunctional ABCA1 (Tangier disease cells), despite near normal amounts of cholesterol associated with raft domains and normal abilities of plasma and HDL to deplete cholesterol from these domains. Thus, the involvement of membrane rafts in cholesterol efflux applies to lipidated HDL particles but not to lipid-free apoA-I. We conclude that cholesterol and sphingomyelin-rich membrane rafts do not provide lipid for efflux promoted by apolipoproteins through the ABCA1-mediated lipid secretory pathway and that ABCA1 is not associated with these domains.

Migration-inhibitory factor gene-deficient mice are susceptible to cutaneous Leishmania major infection

To determine the role of endogenous migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) in the development of protective immunity against cutaneous leishmaniasis, we analyzed the course of cutaneous Leishmania major infection in MIF gene-deficient mice (MIF(-/-)) and wild-type (MIF(+/+)) mice. Following cutaneous L. major infection, MIF(-/-) mice were susceptible to disease and developed significantly larger lesions and greater parasite burdens than MIF(+/+) mice. Interestingly, antigen-stimulated lymph node cells from MIF(-/-) mice produced more interleukin-4 (IL-4) and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) than those from MIF(+/+) mice, although the differences were statistically not significant. IFN-gamma-activated resting peritoneal macrophages from MIF(-/-) mice showed impaired macrophage leishmanicidal activity and produced significantly lower levels of nitric oxide and superoxide in vitro. The macrophages from MIF(-/-) mice, however, produced much more IL-6 than macrophages from wild-type mice. These findings demonstrate that endogenous MIF plays an important role in the development of protective immunity against L. major in vivo. Furthermore, they indicate that the susceptibility of MIF(-/-) mice to L. major infection is due to impaired macrophage leishmanicidal activity rather than dysregulation of Th1 and Th2 responses.

Hemoglobin increases endothelin-1 in endothelial cells by decreasing nitric oxide

We determined whether ferrous hemoglobin increases endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion from bovine cerebral artery endothelial cells and the mechanisms involved. Exposure of endothelial cells to hemoglobin caused dose-dependent increases in pre-proET-1 mRNA and peptide. The increase in ET-1 peptide was inhibited by cycloheximide or actinomycin D whereas only cycloheximide decreased basal ET-1 release. N(G)-nitro-l-arginine significantly increased ET-1 concentration and reduced hemoglobin stimulation of ET-1 release. 8-Bromo-cGMP did not alter basal ET-1 concentration but suppressed hemoglobin-induced ET-1 production. Methemoglobin and S-nitrosylated methemoglobin were less potent inducers of ET-1 release. In summary, hemoglobin increases ET-1 in cerebral endothelial cells by mechanisms that involve transcription and translation. Nitric oxide production inhibits ET-1 production. Ferrous hemoglobin increases ET-1 by binding nitric oxide and abolishing this inhibitory pathway although other mechanisms are involved since N(G)-nitro-l-arginine reduces hemoglobin-induced ET-1 release.