Ultrafast laser photoinscription of polarization sensitive devices in bulk silica glass

Ultrashort pulsed laser irradiation of bulk fused silica may result under specific energetic conditions in the self-organization of subwavelength material redistribution regions within the laser trace. The modulated structures have birefringent properties and show unusual anisotropic light scattering and reflection characteristics. We report here on the formation of waveguiding structures with remarkable polarization effects for infrared light. The photoinscription process using 800 nm femtosecond laser pulses is accompanied by third harmonic generation and polarization dependent anisotropic scattering of UV photons. The photowritten structures can be arranged in three-dimensional patterns generating complex propagation and polarization effects due to the anisotropic optical properties.

Reduced ghrelin in endothelial cells plays important mechanistic role in aging-related impairment of angiogenesis

Ghrelin, a hormone produced mainly by gastric mucosal cells stimulates growth hormone (GH) release. Ghrelin is also expressed in the endothelial cells of blood vessels suggesting its physiological role and a function in these cells. We recently demonstrated that ghrelin induces angiogenesis--new capillary blood vessel formation- in neonatal human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs). Angiogenesis is impaired in aging individuals both in vitro and in vivo, but the precise mechanism(s) of this phenomenon is unknown. We examined whether HMVECs derived from aging individuals (66 years and 90 years old), 66-HMVECs and 90-HMVECs have reduced ghrelin levels vs. neonatal (Neo) HMVECs and whether treatment with exogenous ghrelin can restore impaired in vitro angiogenesis on matrigel in aged HMVECs. Ghrelin levels were reduced in the aged HMVECs by 3.2-fold (p<0.05) compared to Neo-HMVECs. Angiogenesis was significantly decreased in the aged 66- and 90-HMVECs by 39.7% (p = 0.003) and 62.4% (p = 0.003), respectively compared to Neo-HMVECs. Treatment with exogenous ghrelin significantly reversed impaired angiogenesis in aged HMVECs with the EC(50) 0.05 nM. Ghrelin induced angiogenesis in Neo-HMVECs mainly through ERK2 activation. This study is the first demonstration that reduced ghrelin is one of the factors responsible for aging-related impairment of angiogenesis.

Polymer dimensions in good solvents: crossover from semidilute to concentrated solutions

Using small-angle neutron scattering, we studied the variation of the polymer radius of gyration (R_{g}) as a function of polymer concentration (varphi) for solutions of a flexible-chain poly(methyl methacrylate) in chloroform. We observed for the first time a distinct crossover between swollen coils in the semidilute regime, where R_{g};{2} proportional, variantvarphi;{-0.26+/-0.03}, and unperturbed coils in the concentrated regime, where R_{g} is independent on concentration. The crossover occurs at varphi;{double dagger} approximately 0.15, a value that agrees reasonably well with varphi;{double dagger} approximately 0.21 +/- 0.035, estimated with a scaling relationship between varphi;{double dagger} and the coil overlap concentration varphi;{*}.

Dynamic ultrafast laser spatial tailoring for parallel micromachining of photonic devices in transparent materials

Femtosecond laser processing of bulk transparent materials can generate localized positive changes of the refractive index. Thus, by translation of the laser spot, light-guiding structures are achievable in three dimensions. Increasing the number of laser processing spots can consequently reduce the machining effort. In this paper, we report on a procedure of dynamic ultrafast laser beam spatial tailoring for parallel photoinscription of photonic functions. Multispot operation is achieved by spatially modulating the wavefront of the beam with a time-evolutive periodical binary phase mask. The parallel longitudinal writing of multiple waveguides is demonstrated in fused silica. Using this technique, light dividers in three dimensions and wavelength-division demultiplexing (WDD) devices relying on evanescent wave coupling are demonstrated.

Transient expression of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and human erythropoietin (hEPO) genes in milk after direct introduction into ewe

The ability to deliver nonviral DNA directly into animals would provide major practical and economic benefits. To pursue this potential, as a preliminary approach, the expression in mammary epithelial cells with nonviral DNA ending HBsAg and hEPO was investigated by in vivo delivery directly into mammary gland Either the bovine asl-casein-HBsAg or the WAE-hEPO gene construct was introduced into mammary glands of dm by mammary artery injection. A single injection of 10(11) copies of DNA construct was implemented for a doe. Transient expression of the constructs in milk collected from milk letdown by induction up to 19 d after injection was measured with an hEPO ELISA kit from Boehringer Mannheim (Cat. No. 1 693 417) for rhEPO, and a HBsAg-ELISA kit (Abbott Lab. USA) for rHBsAg. The treated animals showed mean concentration of recombinant molecules at 16 microg/L for rHBsAg, and 2 mg/L for rhEPO in milk.

Urinary levels of RANTES and M-CSF are predictors of lupus nephritis flare

OBJECTIVE

To explore a new predictor of renal flares after successful inductive treatment for diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis(DPGN) in patients with lupus nephritis.

METHODS

A cohort of patents with SLE DPGN who were treated initially with prednisone and cyclophosphamide were studied. Those who responded to inductive treatment were followed up for the occurrence of renal flares. Urinary levels of RANTES, MCP-1 and M-CSF were measured by ELISA. Other clinical and laboratory data were collected. The predictors and outcome of renal flare were analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventy-three qualified patients with SLE DPGN were investigated. After a mean follow-up of 24.5 +/- 6.4 months, 22 patients experienced renal flares. The median time to relapse was 14.1 +/- 4.1 months. The patients experiencing renal flare showed higher urinary RANTES, MCP-1 and M-CSF. However, independent predictors of renal flares were increased urinary RANTES and M-CSF. Eight patents developed doubling of the serum creatinine (CRX2) level. The occurrence of renal flares was the only predictor of CRX2.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistently increased urinary levels of RANTES and M-CSF after initial remission are predictors of renal flare in patients with SLE DPGN. Our results indicate monitoring urinary pro-inflammatory factors may direct us in managing those patients.

Phylogenetic diversity of bacteria isolates from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau permafrost region

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in east Asia is a unique and important permafrost environment. However, its microbiology remains largely unexplored to date. In this study, sediment samples were collected from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau permafrost region, bacteria isolation procedures were performed 8 times, and the samples incubated at 4 degrees C for nearly 3 months. The number of colony forming units (cfu) ranged from 0 to 10(7)/(g dry soil). The quantity of culturable bacteria grew exponentially within the first few weeks, and then slowed gradually to a plateau. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that all the isolates fell into 6 categories: high G+C Gram-positive bacteria, low G+C Gram-positive bacteria, alpha-Proteobacteria, beta-Proteobacteria, gamma-Proteobacteria, and Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides group bacteria. The isolates belong to 19 genera, but the genera Arthrobacter and Pseudomonas were predominant. With the increase in incubation time, the isolated populations changed in terms of both species and their respective quantities. Of the 33 analyzed isolates, 9 isolates related to 8 genera might be new taxa. These results suggest that the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau permafrost region is a specific ecologic niche that accommodates an original microbial assemblage.

Interaction of suplatast tosilate (IPD) with chloride channels in human blood eosinophils: a potential mechanism underlying its anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic effects

INTRODUCTION

Alterations in chloride ion channels have been implicated in the induction of changes in cell shape and volume. Because blood and tissue eosinophilia are hallmarks of bronchial asthma, in this study we examined the role of chloride channels in the underlying effects of suplatast tosilate (IPD), an anti-allergic drug, in human blood eosinophils.

METHODS

Eosinophils were isolated and purified from the blood of allergic asthmatic donors. Chloride ion currents were recorded using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique in freshly isolated eosinophils. The current-voltage relationship of whole-cell currents in human blood eosinophils was calculated and recorded. The effect of chloride channel blockers was examined on superoxide release, eosinophil chemotaxis as measured by the Boyden chamber, and eosinophil adhesion to endothelial cells. Radioligand binding studies with [3H]IPD and competition curves with chloride channel blockers were performed.

RESULTS

IPD increased both inward and outward chloride currents in human blood eosinophils. IPD in 1 ng/mL did not have significant effect on chloride current. However, at 5 ng/mL IPD activated both outward and inward currents in human blood eosinophils. Chloride channel blockers inhibited IPD-induced respiratory burst in eosinophils, eosinophil chemotaxis, and eosinophil adhesion to endothelial cells. All these effects of IPD on chloride current and the resultant functional responses in human blood eosinophils were not due to its basic salt, p-toluenesulphonic acid monohydrate. Human blood eosinophils contained specific binding sites for [3H]IPD with K(D) and B(max) values of 187.7+/-105.8 nm and 58.7+/-18.7 fmol/10(6) cells, respectively. Both NPPB and DIDS competed, in a dose-dependent manner, for the specific binding of [3H]IPD in human blood eosinophils.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic effects of IPD could be due to its interaction with chloride channels in human blood eosinophils.

Social, economic, and ecological impacts of the "Grain for Green" project in China: a preliminary case in Zhangye, Northwest China

This paper provides applications of the integrated assessment (IA) approach in a case study in the Heihe River Basin of Northwest China. Some socio-economic and ecological impact results of forestry land use scenarios are presented in the paper. While seven types of land use scenarios for carbon sequestration purposes were considered for the IA applications, this paper mainly presents impacts of land use scenarios within the Grain for Green (GFG) category [see Yin et al., this volume]. China's national Grain for Green Project was implemented in order to protect and improve ecosystems, while allowing an evolution of agricultural management practices compatible with raising peasants' incomes. Zhangye Prefecture, located in the Heihe River Basin of an arid area in Northwest China, was chosen as the investigation site of the IA case study. Based on fundamental orientation theory, the social sustainability impacts of GFG land use options were assessed. Between 2002 and 2004, the GFG project brought US$23.56 million yuan in net income to the prefecture's peasants. Project implementation resulted in a 1.71 Gg increase in net primary productivity (NPP), as well as a 44.36 Gg rise in net ecosystem productivity (NEP). This suggested that, in Zhangye Prefecture, the Grain for Green Project could enhance the sustainability and stability of the local society, increase peasants' net income, as well as protect and remediate local ecosystems.

Relationship between endothelial dysfunction, oxidant stress and aspirin resistance in patients with stable coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVE

Interindividual variability of platelet inhibition after aspirin administration has been described. Additionally, aspirin resistance occurs in some individuals, but the mechanism for aspirin resistance is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of endothelial dysfunction in aspirin resistance.

METHODS

The antiplatelet effect of aspirin was studied prospectively in 54 consecutive patients with stable coronary heart disease. Platelet aggregation rate was measured and aspirin resistance was defined by a relative inhibition of adenosine diphosphate (5 micromol/L)-induced platelet aggregation of >or=70%. Thrombomodulin (TM) and free tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) were measured as endothelial dysfunction markers. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity, plasma level of vitamin C, vitamin E and lipoperoxide were measured to estimate the oxidative stress.

RESULTS

Platelet aggregation was positively correlated with TM (r = 0.277, P < 0.05) and TFPI (r = 0.288, P < 0.05) respectively. The TFPI level in aspirin-resistant patients (119.5 +/- 13.5 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that in aspirin-sensitive patients (107.8 +/- 18.9 ng/mL; P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences on any indicator of oxidative stress between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Endothelial dysfunction is one of the mechanisms for aspirin resistance, whereas oxidative stress may not involve in the process of aspirin resistance.

Stat3 activation in human endometrial and cervical cancers

The activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) has been implicated in the oncogenesis of cancer and is regarded as a novel target for cancer therapy. Stat3 is classified as a proto-oncogene, because an activated form of Stat3 can mediate oncogenic transformation in cultured cells and tumour formation in nude mice. The constitutive activation of Stat3 has been frequently detected in various types of human cancers. However, the constitutive activation of Stat3 in endometrial and cervical cancers has not been studied. We examined tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat3 (activated form of Stat3) in multiple endometrial and cervical cancer tissues using tissue microarray slides as well as cancer cell lines to explore the possible activation of Stat3. Our results indicated that elevated phosphorylation of Stat3 was detected in cervical and endometrial cancer cell lines. Our results also showed that elevated levels of phosphorylation of Stat3 protein were detected in the endometrial and cervical cancer specimens. This is the first study to demonstrate that Stat3 is activated in human endometrial and cervical cancer tissues. Immunohistochemical staining showed that activated Stat3 is associated with increased expression of downstream antiapoptotic genes, Bcl-xL, survivin, and Mcl-1 in these tissues. Expression of a dominant-negative Stat3 mutant using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cell lines expressing elevated levels of Stat3 phosphorylation. Further, a JAK/Stat3 small molecular inhibitor, JSI-124, induced apoptosis more selectively in HeLa and SiHa cancer cell lines than Ishikawa cell line without elevated levels of Stat3 phosphorylation. These results indicate that Stat3 is activated in human endometrial and cervical cancers and the inhibition of constitutive Stat3 signaling may be an effective target for cancer intervention in these two cancers.

Behavioral, neurochemical and neuroendocrine effects of the ethanolic extract from Curcuma longa L. in the mouse forced swimming test

Curcuma longa L. (turmeric) has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for mental disorders including depression. The studies described here were undertaken to determine the behavioral, neurochemical and neuroendocrine effects of the ethanolic extract from Curcuma longa using the forced swimming test (FST) in male ICR strain of mice. The ethanolic extract was found to reduce the duration of immobility in the mouse FST when orally administered for 21 days. The extract markedly attenuated swim stress-induced decreases in serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations, as well as increases in serotonin turnover. Furthermore, the ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa significantly reversed the swim stress-induced increases in serum corticotropin-releasing factor and cortisol levels. Under these conditions, the ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa was partly different from fluoxetine and amitriptyline. These results suggested that antidepressant properties of the ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa was mediated through regulations of neurochemical and neuroendocrine systems and it may be a useful agent against depression.

Diversity and distribution of alkaliphilic psychrotolerant bacteria in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau permafrost region

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau represents a unique permafrost environment, being a result of high elevation caused by land uplift. And the urgency was that plateau permafrost was degrading rapidly under the current predicted climatic warming scenarios. Hence, the permafrost there was sampled to recover alkaliphilic bacteria populations. The viable bacteria on modified PYGV agar were varied between 10(2) and 10(5 )CFU/g of dry soil. Forty-eight strains were gained from 18 samples. Through amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) and phylogenetic analyses, these isolates fell into three categories: high G + C gram positive bacteria (82.3%), low G + C gram positive bacteria (7.2%), and gram negative alpha-proteobacteria (10.5%). The strains could grow at pH values ranging from 6.5 to 10.5 with optimum pH in the range of 9-9.5. Their growth temperatures were below 37 degrees C and the optima ranging from 10 to 15 degrees C. All strains grew well when NaCl concentration was below 15%. These results indicate that there are populations of nonhalophilic alkaliphilic psychrotolerant bacteria within the permafrost of the Qinhai-Tibet plateau. The abilities of many of the strains to produce extracellular protease, amylase and cellulase suggest that they might be of potential value for biotechnological exploitation.