Direct observation of broken time-reversal symmetry on the surface of a magnetically doped topological insulator

We study interference patterns of a magnetically doped topological insulator Bi(2-x)Fe(x)Te(3+d) by using Fourier transform scanning tunneling spectroscopy and observe several new scattering channels. A comparison with angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy allows us to unambiguously ascertain the momentum-space origin of distinct dispersing channels along high-symmetry directions and identify those originating from time-reversal symmetry breaking. Our analysis also reveals that the surface state survives far above the energy where angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy finds the onset of continuum bulk bands.

Absence of a holelike fermi surface for the iron-based K0.8F1.7Se2 superconductor revealed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy

We have performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of the new iron-based superconductor K(0.8)Fe(1.7)Se(2) (T(c)∼30 K). Clear band dispersion is observed with the overall bandwidth renormalized by a factor of 2.5 compared to our local density approximation calculations, indicating relatively strong correlation effects. Only an electronlike band crosses the Fermi energy, forming a nearly circular Fermi surface (FS) at M (π, 0). The holelike band at Γ sinks ∼90 meV below the Fermi energy, with an indirect band gap of 30 meV, to the bottom of the electronlike band. The observed FS topology in this superconductor favors (π, π) inter-FS scattering between the electronlike FSs at the M points, in sharp contrast to other iron-based superconductors which favor (π, 0) inter-FS scattering between holelike and electronlike FSs.

Electronic structure of optimally doped pnictide Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2: a comprehensive angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy investigation

The electronic structure of the Fe-based superconductor Ba(0.6)K(0.4)Fe(2)As(2) is studied by means of angle-resolved photoemission. We identify dispersive bands crossing the Fermi level forming hole-like (electron-like) Fermi surfaces (FSs) around Γ (M) with nearly nested FS pockets connected by the antiferromagnetic wavevector. Compared to band structure calculation findings, the overall bandwidth is reduced by a factor of 2 and the low energy dispersions display even stronger mass renormalization. Using an effective tight banding model, we fitted the band structure and the FSs to obtain band parameters reliable for theoretical modeling and calculation of physical quantities.

A precise method for visualizing dispersive features in image plots

In order to improve the advantages and the reliability of the second derivative method in tracking the position of extrema from experimental curves, we develop a novel analysis method based on the mathematical concept of curvature. We derive the formulas for the curvature in one and two dimensions and demonstrate their applicability to simulated and experimental angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy data. As compared to the second derivative, our new method improves the localization of the extrema and reduces the peak broadness for a better visualization on intensity image plots.

Significance and relationship between DJ-1 gene and surviving gene expression in laryngeal carcinoma

This study aimed at exploring the correlation between DJ-1 gene and survivin gene in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by analyzing their gene expression levels and their relationship with clinicopathologic parameters. The expression of DJ-1 gene and survivin gene in 82 laryngeal carcinoma tissues from patients and 82 negative surgical margin tissue samples were detected by immunohistochemistry, respectively. The correlation of their expression levels and patients' clinical parameters were then analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. The positive detection rates of DJ-1 and survivin in laryngeal carcinoma tissues were 71.95% and 60.98%, which were higher than those of the normal control that were 29.27% and 0.00%, respectively (P<0.01). The positive detection rates of DJ-1 and survivin were found associated with tumor stages (P<0.05), but not with lymph node metastasis. The DJ-1 gene expression level was related to cell differentiation (P<0.05). Finally, a positive correlation between DJ-1 and survivin gene expression in laryngeal carcinoma was found. The overall survival rate of patients was 51.2%, and disease-free survival (DFS) was 39.0%. DFS in DJ-1 negative-expression group was 87.0%, and 20.3% in DJ-1 positive-expression group. The negative expression of DJ-1 was associated with a shorter mean patient DFS time (44.643±1.417 months), whereas positive expression of DJ-1 was associated with a longer mean DSF time (25.943±;1.297 months). DJ-1 and survivin play a vital role in the occurrence and development of laryngeal carcinoma. DJ-1 may promote the carcinogenesis of laryngeal cells by up-regulating the survivin gene expression.

Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of the iron-chalcogenide superconductor Fe1.03Te0.7Se0.3: strong coupling behavior and the universality of interband scattering

We have performed angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of the iron-chalcogenide superconductor Fe1.03Te0.7Se0.3 to investigate the electronic structure relevant to superconductivity. We observed a holelike Fermi surface (FS) and an electronlike FS at the Brillouin zone center and corner, respectively, which are nearly nested by the Q∼(π,π) wave vector. We do not find evidence for the nesting instability with Q∼(π+δ,0) reminiscent of the antiferromagnetic order in the parent compound Fe1+yTe. We have observed an isotropic superconducting (SC) gap along the holelike FS with the gap size Δ of ∼4 meV (2Δ/kBTc ∼ 7), demonstrating the strong-coupling superconductivity. The observed similarity of low-energy electronic excitations between iron-chalcogenides and iron-arsenides strongly suggests that common interactions which involve Q∼(π,π) scattering are responsible for the SC pairing.

Observation of Dirac cone electronic dispersion in BaFe2As2

We performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of BaFe2As2, which is the parent compound of the so-called 122 phase of the iron-pnictide high-temperature superconductors. We reveal the existence of a Dirac cone in the electronic structure of this material below the spin-density-wave temperature, which is responsible for small spots of high photoemission intensity at the Fermi level. Our analysis suggests that the cone is slightly anisotropic and its apex is located very near the Fermi level, leading to tiny Fermi surface pockets. The bands forming the cone show an anisotropic leading edge gap away from the cone that suggests a nodal spin-density-wave description.

Generation and analysis of 10 000 ESTs from the half-smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis and identification of microsatellite and SNP markers

Three normalized cDNA libraries were constructed, two of which were constructed from reproductive tissues ovary and testis, and the other one from pooled immune tissues including head kidney, intestine, liver and spleen. A total of 10 542 clones were sequenced generating 10 128 expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Cluster analysis indicated a total of 5808 unique sequences including 1712 contigs and 4096 singletons. A total of 4249 (73%) of the unique ESTs had significant hits to the non-redundant protein database, 2253 of which were annotated using Gene Ontology (GO) terms. A total of 311 microsatellites (with 246 having sufficient flanking sequences for primer design) and 6294 putative SNPs were identified. These genome resources provide the material basis for future microarray development, marker validation and genetic linkage and QTL analysis.

Hand osteoarthritis and pinch grip strength among middle-aged female dentists and teachers

OBJECTIVES

Among female dentists and teachers, we investigated the relationship of pinch grip strength with radiographic hand osteoarthritis (OA) and hand joint pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 295 female dentists and 248 female teachers aged 45-63 years for pinch grip strength using the Martin Vigorimeter. Hand radiographs were examined for the presence of OA in the wrist and each joint of the first, second, and third fingers. Joint pain and tasks with high hand loading during leisure were assessed by questionnaire. Glove size was used as proxy for hand size.

RESULTS

Symptomatic hand OA (jointwise co-occurrence of radiological findings and pain) increased the risk of low pinch grip strength in both hands, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.3 (95% CI 1.8-6.2) for the right and 2.0 (95% CI 1.1-3.8) for the left hand, allowing for age, occupation, body mass index (BMI), hand size, and hand-loading leisure-time activity. The occurrence of findings and pain in non-corresponding joints was also associated with pinch grip strength in the right hand, but not in the left. Having only radiographic findings or pain was not associated with pinch grip strength.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the view that hand function is related to the severity of hand OA.

Glucose enhances expression of TRPC1 and calcium entry in endothelial cells

Hyperglycemia is a major risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease, and in the current study, the link to glucose-induced abnormal intracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(i)(2+)) homeostasis was explored in bovine aortic endothelial cells in high glucose (HG; 25 mmol/l) versus low glucose (LG; 5.5 mmol/l; control). Transient receptor potential 1 (TRPC1) ion channel protein, but not TRPC3, TRPC4, or TRPC6 expression, was significantly increased in HG versus LG at 72 h. HG for 4, 24, and 72 h did not change basal Ca(i)(2+) or ATP-induced Ca(i)(2+) release; however, the amplitude of sustained Ca(i)(2+) was significantly increased at 24 and 72 h and reduced by low concentration of the putative, but nonspecific, TRPC blockers, gadolinium, SKF-96365, and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate. Treatment with TRPC1 antisense significantly reduced TRPC1 protein expression and ATP-induced Ca(2+) entry in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Although the link between HG-induced changes in TRPC1 expression, enhanced Ca(2+) entry, and endothelial dysfunction require further study, the current data are suggestive that targeting these pathways may reduce the impact of HG on endothelial function.

Observation of a novel orbital selective Mott transition in Ca(1.8)Sr(0.2)RuO(4)

We observed a novel orbital selective Mott transition in Ca(1.8)Sr(0.2)RuO(4) by angle-resolved photoemission. While two sets of dispersing bands and the Fermi surface associated with the doubly degenerate d(yz) and d(zx) orbitals are identified, the Fermi surface associated with the wider d(xy) band is missing as a consequence of selective Mott localization. Our theoretical calculations demonstrate that this orbital selective Mott transition is mainly driven by the combined effects of interorbital carrier transfer, superlattice potential, and orbital degeneracy, whereas the bandwidth difference plays a less important role.

Gas phase electronic spectrum of T-shaped AlC2 radical

Gas phase electronic transitions for the C 2B2<--X 2A1 and D 2B1<--X 2A1 band systems of T-shaped AlC2 (C2v) radical have been measured in the 345-475 nm range. Vibrational analyses of both band systems are reported. Simulation of several rotationally resolved bands confirms previously obtained rotational parameters for the C 2B2 state. The radical is produced by ablating an aluminum rod in the presence of acetylene gas. The resulting supersonic molecular beam is probed using both mass-selective resonant two-color two-photon ionization and laser induced fluorescence. Ab initio calculations and vertical electronic excitation energies help the assignment. Vibrational frequencies for the X 2A1, C 2B2, and D 2B1 states have been determined. Rotational analysis of a number of bands yields spectroscopic constants for one vibronic state in the C 2B2 manifold and the origin band of the D 2B1<--X 2A1 system.

Heart pump system in "heart-mural coronary artery-myocardial bridge" simulative device

The myocardial tissue covering the artery is termed a myocardial bridge. But so far many researches on the myocardial bridge have been involved with clinical patients or animals, which have some limitations (e.g. lack of systematicness, difficulties in measuring the flow in the mural coronary artery and so on). Designing a "Heart-Mural coronary artery-Myocardial Bridge" Simulative Device provides a good approach to solve above problems; however, documents on this subject have seldom been reported until now. The heart pump as the key part of the whole simulative device should be able to simulate the waveform of blood pressure, adjust blood flow and regulate heart rate. Our experimental results basically met above requirements. The heart pump proposed in the paper presented an alternative experimental method to go further into other issues about the cardiovascular circulation system.

Band structure and fermi surface of an extremely overdoped iron-based superconductor KFe2As2

We have performed high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy on heavily overdoped KFe_{2}As_{2} (transition temperature T_{c} = 3 K). We observed several renormalized bands near the Fermi level with a renormalization factor of 2-4. While the Fermi surface around the Brillouin-zone center is qualitatively similar to that of optimally doped Ba_{1-x}K_{x}Fe_{2}As_{2} (x = 0.4; T_{c} = 37 K), the Fermi surface topology around the zone corner (M point) is markedly different: the two electron Fermi surface pockets are completely absent due to an excess of hole doping. This result indicates that the electronic states around the M point play an important role in the high-T_{c} superconductivity of Ba_{1-x}K_{x}Fe_{2}As_{2} and suggests that the interband scattering via the antiferromagnetic wave vector essentially controls the T_{c} value in the overdoped region.

Fermi surface nesting induced strong pairing in iron-based superconductors

The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in iron pnictides raised the possibility of an unconventional superconducting mechanism in multiband materials. The observation of Fermi-surface (FS)-dependent nodeless superconducting gaps suggested that inter-FS interactions may play a crucial role in superconducting pairing. In the optimally hole-doped Ba(0.6)K(0.4)Fe(2)As(2), the pairing strength is enhanced simultaneously (2Delta/T(c) approximately 7) on the nearly nested FS pockets, i.e., the inner hole-like (alpha) FS and the 2 hybridized electron-like FSs, whereas the pairing remains weak (2Delta/T(c) approximately 3.6) in the poorly nested outer hole-like (beta) FS. Here, we report that in the electron-doped BaFe(1.85)Co(0.15)As(2), the FS nesting condition switches from the alpha to the beta FS due to the opposite size changes for hole- and electron-like FSs upon electron doping. The strong pairing strength (2Delta/T(c) approximately 6) is also found to switch to the nested beta FS, indicating an intimate connection between FS nesting and superconducting pairing, and strongly supporting the inter-FS pairing mechanism in the iron-based superconductors.

Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of the Fe-Based Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 high temperature superconductor: evidence for an orbital selective electron-mode coupling

We have performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study of the new superconductor Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 in the low energy range. We report the observation of an anomaly around 25 meV in the dispersion of superconducting Ba0.6K0.4Fe2As2 samples that nearly vanishes above T_{c}. The energy scale of the related mode (13+/-2 meV) and its strong dependence on orbital and temperature indicates that it is unlikely related to phonons. Moreover, the momentum locations of the kink can be connected by the antiferromagnetic wave vector. Our results point towards an unconventional electronic origin of the mode and the superconducting pairing in the Fe-based superconductors, and strongly support the antiphase s-wave pairing symmetry.

Endophytes influence protection and growth of an invasive plant

We investigated the symbiotic activities of fungal endophytes isolated from spotted knapweed, Centaurea stoebe. Previously, an analysis of community similarity had demonstrated differences in the endophyte communities of C. stoebe in its native and invaded ranges. Here, we found that specific endophytes can exert positive effects on their host, whereas others exert negative effects. Endophytes produced metabolites that inhibited germination of a competitor of C. stoebe. Endophytes also repelled a specialist insect herbivore, perhaps by producing biologically active volatiles. Yet other endophytes acted as cryptic pathogens of C. stoebe, suppressing its germination, reducing its growth, increasing the abundance of a generalist insect herbivore, and delaying or suppressing its flowering. Since, as reported here, endophytes are not functionally interchangeable, previously reported community differences could be contributing to the invasiveness of C. stoebe.

Coexistence of competing orders with two energy gaps in real and momentum space in the high temperature superconductor Bi_{2}Sr_{2-x}La_{x}CuO_{6+delta}

Through a combined scanning tunneling microscopy and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study, we report the observation of two distinct gaps (a small and a large gap) that coexist both in real space and in the antinodal region of momentum space, below the superconducting transition temperature (T_{c}) of Bi_{2}Sr_{2-x}La_{x}CuO_{6+delta}. We show that the small gap is associated with superconductivity. The large-gap persists above T_{c}, and seems linked to observed charge ordering. We find a strong correlation between the large and small gaps suggesting that they are affected by similar physical processes.

Recombinant human growth hormone increases albumin and prolongs survival in patients with chronic liver failure: a pilot open, randomized, and controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in the treatment of patients with chronic liver failure.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

One hundred and fourteen patients with chronic liver failure were randomly divided into two groups: (1) 56 patients in the rhGH treatment group received 4.5IU of rhGH intramuscularly daily for 4 weeks and (2) 58 patients in the control-treatment group. Fifteen healthy subjects served as normal controls. Symptoms and complications were recorded. The prognosis was analysed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The serum GH, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and insulin levels were determined using ELISA.

RESULTS

The efficacy of rhGH treatment was 87.5% (vs. 38.1% in the controls-treatment group, p<0.01). The serum GH, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and insulin levels in patients with chronic liver failure were significantly different than the levels in the normal controls (5.50+/-4.21 vs. 1.57+/-1.27, 80.45+/-69.99 vs. 172.97+/-78.12, 109.93+/-87.53 vs. 373.41+/-119.07, and 31.99+/-49.87 vs. 6.72+/-1.09, respectively, p<0.05-0.001). The serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3, albumin, proalbumin, and cholesterol levels were significantly increased after rhGH treatment; however, the serum GH and insulin levels were decreased. The survival rate of the rhGH treatment and control-treatment groups after 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months of treatment was 98.21% vs.75.86%, 91.07% vs.62.07%, 66.07% vs.22.41%, and 55.36% vs.13.79%, respectively. Cox regression analysis showed that rhGH was an independent factor in predicting the survival of patients after 3 and 6 months of treatment with rhGH.

CONCLUSIONS

rhGH replacement therapy increased albumin and tended to improve survival in adult patients with chronic liver failure.

Heparanase induces a differential loss of heparan sulphate domains in overt diabetic nephropathy

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Recent studies suggest that loss of heparan sulphate in the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) of the kidney with diabetic nephropathy is due to the increased production of heparanase, a heparan sulphate-degrading endoglycosidase. Our present study addresses whether heparan sulphate with different modifications is differentially reduced in the GBM and whether heparanase selectively cleaves heparan sulphate with different domain specificities.

METHODS

The heparan sulphate content of renal biopsies (14 diabetic nephropathy, five normal) were analysed by immunofluorescence staining with four anti-heparan sulphate antibodies: JM403, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) recognising N-unsubstituted glucosamine residues; two phage display-derived single chain antibodies HS4C3 and EW3D10, defining sulphated heparan sulphate domains; and anti-K5 antibody, an mAb recognising unmodified heparan sulphate domains.

RESULTS

We found that modified heparan sulphate domains (JM403, HS4C3 and EW3D10), but not unmodified domains (anti-K5) and agrin core protein were reduced in the GBM of kidneys from patients with diabetic nephropathy, compared with controls. Glomerular heparanase levels were increased in diabetic nephropathy kidneys and inversely correlated with the amounts of modified heparan sulphate domains. Increased heparanase production and loss of JM403 staining in the GBM correlated with the severity of proteinuria. Loss of modified heparan sulphate in the GBM as a result of degradation by heparanase was confirmed by heparan sulphate staining of heparanase-treated normal kidney biopsy specimens.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our data suggest that loss of modified heparan sulphate in the GBM is mediated by an increased heparanase presence and may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes-induced proteinuria.

Competition between antiferromagnetism and superconductivity in the electron-doped cuprates triggered by oxygen reduction

We have performed a systematic angle-resolved photoemission study of as-grown and oxygen-reduced Pr(2-x)CexCuO4 and Pr(1-x)LaCexCuO4 electron-doped cuprates. In contrast with the common belief, neither the band filling nor the band parameters are significantly affected by the oxygen reduction process. Instead, we show that the main electronic role of the reduction process is to remove an anisotropic leading edge gap around the Fermi surface. While the nodal leading edge gap is induced by long-range antiferomagnetic order, the origin of the antinodal one remains unclear.

Finger joint pain in relation to radiographic osteoarthritis and joint location--a study of middle-aged female dentists and teachers

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the associations of radiographic finger joint osteoarthritis (ROA), hand laterality (right/left) and anatomical location within the hand, with finger joint pain.

METHODS

Radiographs of both hands of 295 female dentists and 248 female teachers were examined for the presence of osteoarthritis in each finger joint, using grades 0 = no OA, 1 = doubtful OA, 2 = mild OA, 3 = moderate OA, 4 = severe OA. Information on the occurrence of pain in each finger joint during the past 30 days and hand laterality was obtained by questionnaire.

RESULTS

Compared with subjects with no ROA, the prevalence ratio (PR) of finger joint pain was 1.92 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.61-2.34] among those with mild ROA and 5.34 (4.51-6.54) among those with at least moderate ROA, based on a multivariate log-binomial regression model. Pain was slightly more common in the right than in the left hand (1.27; 1.15-1.40). Compared with the little finger, more pain occurred in the thumb (2.67; 2.25-3.16), the index finger (1.76; 1.50-2.07) and the middle finger (1.47; 1.24-1.74). Further, pain was more common in the proximal interphalangeal (1.77; 1.56-2.00) and the distal interphalangeal (1.51; 1.29-1.76) joints than in the metacarpophalangeal joints. The strength of the association between ROA and finger joint pain increased with the severity of pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that ROA, anatomic localization within the hand, and hand laterality have independent effects on finger joint pain.

Widespread vascular production of C-reactive protein (CRP) and a relationship between serum CRP, plaque CRP and intimal hypertrophy

OBJECTIVES

Evidence of local vascular production and a relationship between serum hsCRP levels and tissue expression of CRP in subjects with vascular disease would support a direct role for CRP in atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Vascular tissue from subjects undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABGS) (n=28) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) (n=25) were studied. Histological samples were assessed for intima-media ratio (IMR) and CRP by immunohistochemistry. CRP mRNA was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. CRP mRNA was seen in all plaques, non-atherosclerotic artery and atrium but no difference in mRNA expression was seen between plaque and non-atherosclerotic tissue. Serum hsCRP correlated with IMR (r=0.64, p=0.001) in non-atherosclerotic arteries and with plaque CRP staining (r=0.57, p=0.009) independent of age, BMI, lipids, diabetes and blood pressure. In a separate patient series, serum hsCRP was measured in aortic and coronary sinus blood from subjects undergoing CABGS or angiography (n=54). There was a coronary circulation hsCRP gradient ([mean+/-S.E.M.] aortic CRP 4.3mg/l+/-0.8 versus coronary sinus 5.8+/-1.2mg/l, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Widespread vascular CRP mRNA expression, a correlation between serum hsCRP, intimal hypertrophy and plaque CRP, and a coronary hsCRP gradient suggest vascular secretion may contribute to serum CRP levels.

Inhibition of hepatitis C virus replication and expression by small interfering RNA targeting host cellular genes

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a powerful tool for functional genomics and gene therapy. Viral replication and gene expression are strongly inhibited by siRNA treatment of infected mammalian cells. However, the high sequence specificity of siRNAs, combined with prolonged treatment, promote the emergence of siRNA-resistant virus variants, especially among viruses that encode a polymerase lacking proofreading capabilities, indicating that the antiviral properties of specific siRNAs are not as effective as expected. To investigate the silencing effect of siRNAs against selected host cellular proteins that promote replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV), several siRNAs against human VAMP-associated protein (hVAP-A), La antigen and polypyrimidine-tract-binding protein (PTB) were evaluated. The data show that several siRNAs markedly decreased the expression levels of corresponding cellular genes that inhibited HCV replication in Huh-7 cells. These treatments were also shown to have no impact upon cell viability. These findings provide an alternative approach for blocking HCV replication. Hence, combination therapies with siRNAs against both the virus and host genes that support virus replication are likely to be a potent approach in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Cytotoxic benzo[j]fluoranthene metabolites from Hypoxylon truncatum IFB-18, an endophyte of Artemisia annua

Two new benzo[j]fluoranthene-based secondary metabolites named daldinone C (1) and daldinone D (2), along with two known metabolites, altechromone A and (4S)-5,8-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-alpha-tetralone, were isolated from the CHCl3/MeOH (1:1) extract of a solid culture of the endophyte Hypoxylon truncatum IFB-18 harbored inside the symptomless stem tissue of Artemisia annua. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by MS and 1D and 2D NMR spectra and by X-ray diffraction analysis. Their absolute configurations were determined unambiguously by a combination of their CD data and the established exciton chirality rule. Compounds 1 and 2 were substantially cytotoxic against SW1116 cells, with IC50 values of 49.5 and 41.0 microM, respectively, comparable to that (37.0 microM) of 5-fluorouracil. The biosynthetic pathway for 1 and 2 was postulated with the natural occurrence of benzo[j]fluoranthene analogues discussed in brief.

A dose escalating, placebo controlled, double blind, single dose and multidose, safety and tolerability study of fontolizumab, a humanised anti-interferon gamma antibody, in patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease

INTRODUCTION

This study was designed to evaluate the safety of fontolizumab, a humanised anti-interferon gamma antibody, in patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease (CD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty five patients with a CD activity index (CDAI) of 250-450 were randomised in a double blind, placebo controlled, dose escalating fashion to receive single doses of fontolizumab (0.1, 1.0, and 4.0 mg/kg) or placebo. By day 29, patients with clinical response were re-randomised to receive three additional doses of one half their initial fontolizumab dose or placebo at four weekly intervals. Primary objectives were safety and tolerability. Secondary outcomes included assessments of immunogenicity, clinical activity, and potential pharmacodynamic surrogates.

RESULTS

Treatment was generally well tolerated. There were slightly more reports of chills, flu-like syndrome, asthenia, nausea, and vomiting in the 1.0 mg and 4.0 mg/kg fontolizumab cohorts. Two serious adverse events rated as worsening of CD occurred under fontolizumab. Antibodies to fontolizumab were confirmed in one patient. No differences in clinical activity parameters were noted between any of the active treatment groups and placebo, with the placebo group having a particularly favourable outcome (60% response and 40% remission). By day 29, a more enhanced decrease in median Crohn's disease endoscopic index of severity (p = 0.02) and serum C reactive protein (p<0.001) was observed in the 4.0 mg/kg (n = 14) fontolizumab cohort compared with placebo (n = 10). Pharmacodynamic effects were observed by immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS

Fontolizumab was well tolerated with minimal immunogenicity at doses of up to 4.0 mg/kg in patients with CD. A biological activity of fontolizumab is suggested.

An apparatus for studying the response of cultured endothelial cells to stresses

In order to simulate the hemodynamic environment of human arteries in vivo, we designed a laminar flow apparatus which can precisely simulate the normal stress and shear stress to which cultured endothelial cells are exposed. Under both normal and abnormal physiological conditions, this apparatus can accurately control and adjust the values of normal stress and shear stress and the frequency of pulse waves, as well as the amplitude of pulsatile flow. This in vitro apparatus provides an experimental platform for studying the response of the biological characteristics of cultured endothelial cells in a hemodynamic environment.

Dopant-induced nanoscale electronic inhomogeneities in Ca(2-x)Sr(x)RuO4

Ca(2-x)Sr(x)RuO4 single crystals with 0.1 < or = x < or = 2.0 have been studied systematically using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, and angle resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES). In contrast with the well-ordered lattice structure, the local density of states at the surface clearly shows a strong doping dependent nanoscale electronic inhomogeneity, regardless of the fact of isovalent substitution. Remarkably, the surface electronic roughness measured by STM and the inverse spectral weight of quasiparticle states determined by ARPES are found to vary with x in the same manner as the bulk in-plane residual resistivity, following the Nordheim rule. For the first time, the surface measurements--especially those with STM--are shown to be in good agreement with the bulk transport results, all clearly indicating a doping-induced electronic disorder in the system.