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Aurivillius type five-layered V-doped Bi6Fe2(Ti3-xVx)O18+δ (x = 0.00, 0.03, 0.06, and 0.09) thin films were prepared on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) substrates by using a chemical solution deposition method. All the thin films were crystallized in Aurivillius structures, which have been confirmed by using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy studies. On comparing the thin films, the Bi6Fe2(Ti2.94V0.06)O18+δ thin film showed the most enhanced electrical and multiferroic properties, with a leakage current density value about four orders of magnitude lower than that of the Bi6Fe2Ti3O18 thin film, for example. All of these thin films showed anti-ferromagnetic hysteresis loops at room temperature. The significant decrease in the concentration of oxygen vacancies and the formation of a stable structure caused by doping with the donor V5+-ion are related to the improved properties in the V-doped Bi6Fe2(Ti3-xVx)O18+δ thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric brainstem glioma is an incurable malignancy because of its inoperability. As a result of their extensive tropism toward cancer and the possibility of autologous transplantation, human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAT-MSC) are attractive vehicles to deliver therapeutic genes to brainstem gliomas. In this study, in a good manufacturing practice (GMP) facility, we established clinically applicable hAT-MSCs expressing therapeutic genes and investigated their therapeutic efficacy against brainstem glioma in mice. For feasible clinical applications, (1) primary hAT-MSCs were cultured from human subcutaneous fat to make autologous transplantation possible, (2) hAT-MSCs were genetically engineered to express carboxyl esterase (CE) and (3) a secreted form of the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (sTRAIL) expression vector for synergistic effects was delivered by a gene transfer technology that did not result in genomic integration of the vector. (4) Human CE and sTRAIL sequences were utilized to avoid immunological side effects. The hAT-MSCs expressing CE±sTRAIL showed significant therapeutic effects against brainstem gliomas in vitro and in vivo. However, the simultaneous expression of CE and sTRAIL had no synergistic effects in vivo. The results indicate that non-viral transient single sTRAIL gene transfer to autologous hAT-MSCs is a clinically applicable stem cell-based gene therapy for brainstem gliomas in terms of therapeutic effects and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo investigate factors associated with good response to intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 42 eyes of CSC patients of symptom duration more than 3 months who received a single or multiple successive IVBs on an as-needed basis (0.05 ml, 1.25 mg). High responders (HRs) were defined as complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Moderate responders (MRs) were defined as SRF resolution of 50-99% of pretreatment volume and poor responders (PRs) as SRF resolution <50%. Clinical, SD-OCT, fluorescein, and indocyanine green angiography findings were analyzed to find factors associated with HR. Descriptive statistics for all demographic and clinical variables were calculated, and comparisons were made using Wilcoxon's matched-pairs signed-rank test, the Mann-Whitney U-test for means with continuous data, Pearson's χ2 test, and Fisher's exact test for categorical data.ResultsThe mean number of IVB was 1.9. At postoperative 1 month, there were 10 (24%) HRs, 18 (43%) MRs, and 14 (33%) PRs. At the last follow-up (the mean 8.6 months), there were 25 HRs (60%), 9 MRs (21%), and 8 PRs (19%). Thicker subfoveal choroid (P=0.036), smaller lesion diameter (P=0.019), and better baseline best-corrected visual acuity (P=0.002) predicted HRs at postoperative 1 month. HR at the last follow-up was associated with classic pattern fluorescein angiography finding.ConclusionsSuboptimal effects of IVB on persistent CSC suggest primary IVB on selective cases with better vision, smaller lesion, and thicker choroid at baseline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To evaluate the effects of elective nodal irradiation (ENI) in clinical stage II-III breast cancer patients with pathologically negative lymph nodes (LNs) (ypN0) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and radiotherapy (RT).Methods: We retrospectively analysed 260 patients with ypN0 who received NAC followed by BCS and RT. Elective nodal irradiation was delivered to 136 (52.3%) patients. The effects of ENI on survival outcomes were evaluated.Results: After a median follow-up period of 66.2 months (range, 15.6-127.4 months), 26 patients (10.0%) developed disease recurrence. The 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival and disease-free survival (DFS) for all patients were 95.5% and 90.5%, respectively. Pathologic T classification (0-is vs 1 vs 2-4) and the number of LNs sampled (<13 vs ≥13) were associated with DFS (P=0.0086 and 0.0012, respectively). There was no significant difference in survival outcomes according to ENI. Elective nodal irradiation also did not affect survival outcomes in any of the subgroups according to pathologic T classification or the number of LNs sampled.Conclusions: ENI may be omitted in patients with ypN0 breast cancer after NAC and BCS. But until the results of the randomised trials are available, patients should be put on these trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein (CHOP), an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-response factor, is key to cellular survival. Hypoxia is a physiologically important stress that induces cell death in the context of the ER, especially in solid tumors. Although our previous studies have suggested that Cyclophilin B (CypB), a molecular chaperone, has a role in ER stress, currently, there is no direct information supporting its mechanism under hypoxia. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that CypB is associated with p300 E4 ligase, induces ubiquitination and regulates the proteasomal turnover of CHOP, one of the well-known pro-apoptotic molecules under hypoxia. Our findings show that CypB physically interacts with the N-terminal α-helix domain of CHOP under hypoxia and cooperates with p300 to modulate the ubiquitination of CHOP. We also show that CypB is transcriptionally induced through ATF6 under hypoxia. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that CypB prevents hypoxia-induced cell death through modulation of ubiquitin-mediated CHOP protein degradation, suggesting that CypB may have an important role in the tight regulation of CHOP under hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MYC oncogene is not only deregulated in cancer through abnormally high levels of expression, but also through oncogenic lesions in upstream signalling cascades. Modelling MYC deregulation using signalling mutants is a productive research strategy. For example, the MYC threonine-58 to alanine substitution mutant (T58A) within MYC-homology box 1 is more transforming than wild-type (WT) MYC, because of decreased apoptosis and increased protein stability. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms controlling T58 phosphorylation has led to new approaches for the development of MYC inhibitors. In this manuscript, we have extensively characterized a MYC signalling mutant in which six lysine residues near the highly conserved MYC homology box IV and basic region have been substituted to arginines (6KR). Previous literature suggests these lysines can undergo both ubiquitylation and acetylation. We show MYC 6KR is able to fully rescue the slow growth phenotype of HO15.19 MYC-null fibroblasts, and promote cell cycle entry of serum-starved MCF10A cells. Remarkably, 6KR increased anchorage-independent colony growth compared with WT MYC in both SH-EP and MCF10A cells. Moreover, it was also more potent in promoting xenograft tumour growth of Rat1A and SH-EP cells. Combined, our data identify this region and these six lysines as important residues for the negative regulation of MYC-induced transformation. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that, unlike T58A, the increased transformation is not a result of increased protein stability or a reduced capacity for 6KR to induce apoptosis. Through expression analysis and luciferase reporter assays, we show that 6KR has increased transcriptional activity compared with WT MYC. Combined, through a comprehensive evaluation across multiple cell types, we identify an important regulatory region within MYC. A better understanding of the full scope of signalling through these residues will provide further insights into the mechanisms contributing to MYC-induced tumorigenesis and may unveil novel therapeutic strategies to target Myc in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure BiFeO 3 (BFO) and rare earth (RE) ion co-doped (Bi 0.9RE 0.1)(Fe 0.975Mn 0.025)O 3 (RE = Sm, Tb and Ho, denoted by BSFM, BTFM and BHFM) thin films were prepared on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO 2/Si(100) substrates by using a chemical solution deposition method. Formations of distorted rhombohedral perovskite structure for the thin films were confirmed by using an X-ray diffraction and a Raman scattering analysis. Microstructural features for the thin films were examined by using a scanning electron microscopic analysis. Among the thin films, the lowest leakage current density of 1.22 × 10 −6 A/cm 2 (at 100 kV/cm), large remnant polarization (2 Pr) of 72.4 μC/cm 2 and low coercive field (2 Ec) of 689 kV/cm (at 980 kV/cm) were measured for the BTFM thin film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with low-grade chronic inflammation. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is known to reduce insulin resistance. We investigated whether GLP-1 has anti-inflammatory effects on adipose tissue, including adipocytes and adipose tissue macrophages (ATM). Methods: We administered a recombinant adenovirus (rAd) producing GLP-1 (rAd-GLP-1) to an ob/ob mouse model of diabetes. We examined insulin sensitivity, body fat mass, the infiltration of ATM and metabolic profiles. We analysed the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, lipogenic genes, and M1 and M2 macrophage-specific genes in adipose tissue by real-time quantitative PCR. We also examined the activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in vivo and in vitro. Results: Fat mass, adipocyte size and mRNA expression of lipogenic genes were significantly reduced in adipose tissue of rAd-GLP-1-treated ob/ob mice. Macrophage populations (F4/80 and F4/80CD11bCD11c cells), as well as the expression and production of IL-6, TNF-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, were significantly reduced in adipose tissue of rAd-GLP-1-treated ob/ob mice. Expression of M1-specific mRNAs was significantly reduced, but that of M2-specific mRNAs was unchanged in rAd-GLP-1-treated ob/ob mice. NF-κB and JNK activation was significantly reduced in adipose tissue of rAd-GLP-1-treated ob/ob mice. Lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation was reduced by the GLP-1 receptor agonist, exendin-4, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and ATM. Conclusions/interpretation: We suggest that GLP-1 reduces macrophage infiltration and directly inhibits inflammatory pathways in adipocytes and ATM, possibly contributing to the improvement of insulin sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ThO(cr) was dissolved in the solutions containing various carbonate ion concentrations, and the results were compared with thorium solubility in a domestic granitic groundwater having very low ionic strength. The soluble thorium concentration excluding colloids after phase separation increased with increasing carbonate concentration. However, the thorium concentration in the real groundwater was remarkably greater than that in the carbonate-containing solutions with a similar concentration of carbonate and pH condition. This might be attributable to other species as well as Th(OH)(aq) and Th(OH)(CO). These species form colloids or precipitates, and their concentration can be reduced in the ultra-filtered solution by an aging effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimsTo evaluate the relationship of axial length (AXL), intraoperatively assessed posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) status, and surgical outcomes of diabetic vitrectomy.MethodsRetrospective, consecutive case series. Clinical records were reviewed for 115 eyes (50 males, 65 females) with more than a 6-month follow-up who underwent diabetic vitrectomy from a single surgeon. Thirty-three eyes had vitreous haemorrhage, 37 had tractional retinal detachment (TRD) threatening the macula, 43 had TRD involving the macula, and two had neovascular glaucoma. AXL was measured preoperatively by ultrasonography, and PVD status was classified intraoperatively: broad vitreo-retinal adhesion as no PVD, PVD at the macular area with attachment at the disc as incomplete PVD, and complete PVD.ResultsForty-four eyes had no PVD, 23 had incomplete PVD, and 48 had complete PVD. A majority of the no PVD group had macula off TRD (97.7%), whereas vitreous haemorrhage (68.7%) predominated in the complete PVD group. Longer AXLs were noted in the complete PVD group compared with the no PVD and incomplete PVD groups (ANOVA in three groups P=0.0001). Univariate analysis showed that AXL had an influence on anatomical success (P=0.02). Multiple logistic regression analysis yielded that PVD status is a significant predictor of the final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA)>20/100, and BCVA>20/40 (P=0.01, P=0.02).ConclusionsIntraoperatively assessed PVD status is a prognostic factor for functional outcomes of diabetic vitrectomy. Shorter AXL was associated with lesser PVD. In eyes with a lack of PVD, careful timing and decision of surgery are mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorption experiments for radionuclides such as 14C, 99Tc, 137Cs, 90Sr, 63Ni, and 241Am were conducted using two different groundwaters (GM-1 and SS-5) and solid materials (granodiorite and fracture-filling material) sampled from the Wolsong low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste (LILW) repository, Gyeongju, Korea. The distribution coefficients of the radionuclides, Kd’s, were obtained and their sorption properties were discussed for each radionuclide. For all sorbing radionuclides, the Kd values for the fracture-filling material were observed to be higher than those for granodiorite regardless of the groundwater. The Kd values were increased in the sequence 99Tc < 14C < 90Sr < 137Cs < 63Ni < 241Am regardless of sorbent types implying that the sorption of radionuclides onto geological media is affected by their chemical behavior in accordance with geochemical environments. Anionic radionuclides such as 14C and 99Tc showed very low Kd values both for the granodiorite and fracture-filling material. The mineralogical composition of the geological media and groundwater conditions was also observed to be important in the sorption of sorbing radionuclides, especially in the case of strongly sorbing radionuclides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solubilities of NpO2(s) in the KURT (KAERI Underground Research Tunnel) granitic groundwater with low ionic strength were measured experimentally and calculated by a geochemical code. Then these results were compared with each other as well as with foreign results. The concentrations of neptunium were measured as 6·10−8−2·10−8 mol/L at a pH = 9.5–11.1 and Eh = −0.2 V, and less than 5·10−9 mol/L at a pH = 11.8–13.0 and Eh = −0.3–0.44 V. The dominant aqueous species were presumed as Np(OH)x(CO3)y 4−x−2y complexes and Np(OH)4(aq) at pH = 9.5–13 under the Eh<−0.2 V reducing condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indenone KR-62776 acts as an agonist of PPARγ without inducing obesity in animal models and cells. X-ray crystallography reveals that the indenone occupies the binding pocket in a different manner than rosiglitazone. 2-Dimensional gel-electrophoresis showed that the expression of 42 proteins was altered more than 2.0-fold between KR-62776- or rosiglitazone-treated adipocyte cells and control cells. Rosiglitazone down-regulated the expression of ERK1/2 and suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in these cells. However, the expression of ERK1/2 was up-regulated in KR-62776-treated cells. Phosphorylated ERK1/2, activated by indenone, affects the localization of PPARγ, suggesting a mechanism for indenone-inhibition of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells. The preadipocyte cells are treated with ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059, a large amount of the cells are converted to adipocyte cells. These results support the conclusion that the localization of PPARγ is one of the key factors explaining the biological responses of the ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling members, TGF-β receptor type II (TBRII), Smad2, Smad4 and Smad adaptor, embryonic liver fodrin (ELF), are prominent tumor suppressors in gastrointestinal cancers. Here, we show that 40% of elf+/− mice spontaneously develop hepatocellular cancer (HCC) with markedly increased cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4), c-Myc and MDM2 expression. Reduced ELF but not TBRII, or Smad4 was observed in 8 of 9 human HCCs (P<0.017). ELF and TBRII are also markedly decreased in human HCC cell lines SNU-398 and SNU-475. Restoration of ELF and TBRII in SNU-398 cells markedly decreases cyclin D1 as well as hyperphosphorylated-retinoblastoma (hyperphosphorylated-pRb). Thus, we show that TGF-β signaling and Smad adaptor ELF suppress human hepatocarcinogenesis, potentially through cyclin D1 deregulation. Loss of ELF could serve as a primary event in progression toward a fully transformed phenotype and could hold promise for new therapeutic approaches in human HCCs.Oncogene (2007) 26, 7103–7110; doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1210513; published online 4 June 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of equal channel angular pressed (ECAPed) oxygen-free copper was examined in 3.5% NaCl solution. The specimen with two ECAP process cycles was found to have the greatest resistance to corrosion and SCC in 3.5% NaCl solution among the specimens studied, while the resistance varied in a complex manner with different number of ECAP process cycles. Micrographic observation and differential scanning calorimeter study suggested that both corrosion and SCC behavior of ECAPed copper was strongly dependent on the microstructural evolution, including the change in grain size and dislocation density, during ECAP process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:It is well known that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can cause sexual dysfunction, so it is possible that sibutramine, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, could induce sexual dysfunction.Design and subjects:The effect of sibutramine on sexual function was evaluated in 46 overweight and obese (body mass index (BMI) 23 kg/m2) but otherwise healthy married women (28–44 years). Participants were randomly assigned at baseline to either the sibutramine or control group. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was used to assess sexual function at baseline and after treatment with behavioral therapy plus sibutramine 10 mg once daily or behavioral therapy alone (control) for 8 weeks.Results:Mean weight loss from baseline to week 8 was −6.03% in sibutramine group and −0.38% in the control group. There was significant improvement of FSFI total score, arousal domain score and lubrication domain score in the sibutramine group (P<0.05), and significant differences in arousal, orgasm, satisfaction domain score and total score (P<0.05) in favor of sibutramine. Decreases in body weight and BMI were correlated with the improvement of arousal (r=−0.44 and r=−0.48, respectively) and orgasm (r=−0.45 and r=−0.46, respectively) domains.Conclusion:Treatment with sibutramine plus behavioral therapy did not induce sexual dysfunction and sibutramine-induced weight reduction appeared to have a positive impact on sexual function in this small group of overweight and moderately obese women. The degree of improvement in sexual function was correlated with the degree of weight reduction.International Journal of Obesity (2006) 30, 758–763. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803198; published online 10 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neodymium-substituted Bi4Ti3O12 (BNdT) thin films were prepared by a chemical solution deposition technique on platinum- coated silicon substrates. All of the samples were annealed at the relatively low temperature of 600 °C by a rapid thermal annealing process in different atmospheres, such as O2, air, and nitrogen, and vacuum. Irrespective of different annealing atmospheres, all of the BNdT thin films exhibit good ferroelectric properties, such as a saturated hysteresis loop, good fatigue endurance, and low leakage current density. A large remanent polarization (Pr) of ∼48 μC/cm2 with an electric field of 240 kV/cm was observed from the BNdT thin film annealed in O2 atmosphere. The BNdT thin films annealed in nitrogen and vacuum, at reduced oxygen partial pressures, exhibit smaller Pr than that annealed in oxygen. The difference of Pr of the BNdT thin films annealed in different atmospheres may originate from differences in the grain sizes and the number of oxygen vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nd-substituted bismuth titanate Bi3.54Nd0.46Ti3O12 (BNT) thin films were prepared on (111)Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates by a sol–gel method. The BNT thin films processed at a low annealing temperature of ∼600 °C showed good ferroelectric properties. The randomly oriented BNT single phases and the improved ferroelectric properties were confirmed by X-ray diffraction and polarization–electric field hysteresis loops, respectively. The remanent polarization of the BNT thin films is 64 μC/cm2, which is larger than that of Bi3.25La0.75Ti3O12 (BLT) thin films. After 1010 read/write switching cycles, the effective non-volatile charges showed no polarization fatigue. Regardless of the low annealing temperature of 600 °C, the BNT thin films had good ferroelectric properties with high remanent polarizations and strong fatigue resistances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most controversial topics in plasma sprayed ceramic coating systems recently are mechanical properties such as bond strength, cohesive strength and toughness. In our research, critical fracture load ( Pc) and interface toughness ( Kc) of four-coating materials were computed from the applied load, crack length and Young's modulus data that were measured by micro-Vickers and a nano-indentation test. It is reasonable to consider the Pc value as comparison data of bond strength, and the Kc value, considering a trace of indent in the interface, was computed by a modified ( E/ H)I 1/2ratio. Also, we knew that Pc decreased as the hardness of the coating increased. In the case of the high load (9.8 and 19.6N) in the Al2O3+13%TiO2) was found at which the coating was broken. Used by a XRD phase analysis, we checked changes of the coating's properties and predicted a possible change of the phases in plasma-sprayed coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]co) was found at which the coating was broken. Used by a XRD phase analysis, we checked changes of the coating's properties and predicted a possible change of the phases in plasma-sprayed coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective management of shop floor resources is an important factor in achieving the goals of a manufacturing company. The need for effective scheduling is particularly strong in complex manufacturing environments. This paper presents an efficient due date density-based categorising heuristic to minimise the total weighted tardiness (TWT) of a set of tasks with known processing times, due dates, weights and sequence-dependent setup times for parallel machines scheduling. The proposed heuristic is composed of four phases. In the first phase, jobs are listed by the earliest due date (EDD). The second phase computes the due date gaps between listed jobs and categorises the jobs based on the due date density. In the third phase, the sequence of jobs is improved by a tabu search (TS) method. The fourth phase allocates each job to machines. The comprehensive simulation results show that the proposed heuristic performs better than other existing heuristics at a significantly reduced total weighted tardiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, electrokinetic injection has been applied in bioremediation to provide nutrients and TEAs in low permeable soil. However, an effective pH control system and a uniform injection system have yet to be developed. This study investigated an enhanced EK injection system, which is combined with electrolyte circulation and electrode polarity reversal on kaolinite. Soil pH was maintained continuously only by circulation of electrolytes in each chamber without any buffering solutions. Existing ions were distributed more uniformly in soil by electrode polarity reversal. In view of microbiological degradation, the polarity reversal system resulted in better ion injection. Therefore, the novel electrokinetic nutrient and TEAs injection system can be applied to in situ biodegradation more effectively than the conventional technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comprehensive simulation results show that the proposed heuristic performs better than the ATCS and rolling horizon procedure at a significantly reduced total weighted tardiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. The highly conserved encapsidation signal (ℇ) of hepatitis B viral (HBV) pregenomic RNA has been reported as an essential component for encapsidation and protein priming of HBV polymerase. Here, we report that two HBV ℇ RNA-binding host proteins (80 and 43 kDa) and a copurifying protein (100 kDa) were purified and characterized by the combined methods of UV cross-linking analysis with the ℇ RNA and column chromatography. Amino-terminal micro-sequencing showed that 80- and 43-kDa proteins were identified as the heterodimeric nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF90/NF45) and 100 kDa as a molecular chaperone, the GRP94. The heterodimeric factor interacted preferentially with the upper-bulge region of HBV ℇ RNA helping the HBV polymerase bind the lower-bulge region. Using in vitro protein priming analysis, the initial oligonucleotide of the protein-priming product was deduced as 5′-GAAC-3′, which is the complementary sequence of both regions of DR1 and ℇ in the pregenomic RNA. Previously, we also proposed that the GRP94 was associated with HBV polymerase in the human liver cell HepG2. These results suggest that the heterodimeric factor plays an important role in the priming activity of HBV polymerase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary. We here presented evidence that a 94-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP94) was associated with hepatitis B viral (HBV) polymerase in the human liver cell HepG2 and this association could be applied even in Escherichia coli. We investigated the role of GRP94 in the expression and stabilization of HBV polymerase in Escherichia coli by coexpression of the two proteins. The affinity column-purified glutathione S-transferase-tagged HBV polymerase (GST-P, 130 kDa) showed a proper molecular size and reverse transcriptase activity on several exogenous templates and was sensitive to specific inhibitors. The GST-P was associated with the maltose-binding protein-tagged GRP94 (MBP-GRP94, 130 kDa) using analyses by an affinity chromatography, native gel electrophoresis and glycerol gradient centrifugation. However, nondenaturing and partially denaturing activity gel analyses showed two active bands of ∼260 kDa and ∼130 kDa, respectively. Furthermore, in the presence of the encapsidation signal RNA template (HBV ℇ RNA), the ∼260-kDa active band was gradually converted to ∼130 kDa, which implies that HBV polymerase was dissociated from the chaperone GRP94 and bound preferentially to the HBV ℇ RNA. These results suggested that the chaperone GRP94 was necessary for the stabilization and production of HBV polymerase as an active form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that the sympathetic nervous system might play an important role in the development of coronary artery spasm. However, no cardiac imaging modality has been able to demonstrate abnormal sympathetic innervation in patients with coronary artery spasm. The purpose of this study was to assess the presence and location of abnormal sympathetic innervation using iodine 123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and to evaluate the clinical efficacy of 123I-MIBG SPECT as a noninvasive screening test in patients with coronary artery spasm. Coronary arteriography and a provocative test with intravenous administration of ergonovine maleate were performed in 26 patients (20 men, 6 women, mean age 48.2±12.0 years, range 20 to 67 years) who were suspected of having a coronary artery spasm. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n=18) comprised subjects with negative provocative provocative test result, and group 2 (n=8) comprised subjects with negative provocative test results. Ten healthy subjects served as controls. No abnormal MIBG uptake was observed in the control subjects. Abnormal sympathetic nervous innervation using 123I-MIBG SPECT was observed either as a reduced uptake or a defective pattern in the perfused areas in 13 of the 18 regions supplied by vessels of ergonovine-induced vasospasm. Normal sympathetic innervation, as evidenced by normal 123I-MIBG uptake, was noted in all of the 60 segments of normal vessel territories. Reduced uptake of 123I-MIBG was not detected in the perfused areas of 5 vasospasm-induced vessels (perfusion territory of left anterior descending coronary artery [LAD] and the right coronary artery [RCA] in 2 and 3 patients, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity of 123I-MIBG for detection of coronary artery spasm were 72.2% (95% confidence interval, [CI] 55% to 89%) and 100%, respectively. The positive predictive and negative predictive values were 100% and 92.3% (95% CI 91% to 93%), respectively. 123I-MIBG SPECT is a feasible method to evaluate noninvasively and localize the territories of coronary arteries with spasm. Invasive diagnostic coronary arteriography with ergonovine provocation test may be unnecessary for diagnosis of coronary artery spasm in patients with typical resting pain, negative exercise test or normal thallium perfusion scan results, but showing abnormalities in 123I-MIBG SPECT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood meningeal tumours are uncommon and mostly meningiomas. We reviewed the histological and radiological findings in meningeal tumours in six children aged 12 years or less (four benign meningiomas, one malignant meningioma and one haemangiopericytoma). Compared to the adult counterpart, childhood meningiomas showed atypical features: cysts, haemorrhage, aggressiveness and unusual location. MRI features varied according to the site of the tumour, histology, haemorrhage, and presence of intra- or peritumoral cysts. Diagnosis of the extra-axial tumour was relatively easy in two patients with meningiomas, one malignant meningioma and one haemangiopericytoma. MRI findings strongly suggested an intra-axial tumour in two patients with benign meningiomas, because of severe adjacent edema. Awareness of the variable findings of childhood meningiomas and similar tumours may help in differentiation from brain tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Orthopaedics is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We studied the influence of instability of the spondylolisthetic segment upon anterior interbody fusion (AIF) rates. A one-level AIF of the lumbar spine by the modified extraperitoneal Bailey-Badgley fusion construct was performed in 26 patients with chronic or recurring acute low-back pain and/or other symptoms due to grades I and II spondylolisthesis. Sixteen were degenerative type, and 10 were isthmic type. Seventeen were female and 9, male. The average age was 41.2 years. The number of cases of spondylolisthesis at the level of L4-5 and L5-S1 as 18 and 8, respectively. In the 16 cases of degenerative type, 13 were grade I slip, and 3 were grade II slip, while in the 10 cases of isthmic type, 8 were grade I slip, and 2 were grade II slip. The average postoperative follow-up was 6 years (range 2-10 years). Solid fusion was obtained in 15 (93.8%) of the cases of degenerative spondylolisthesis and in 6 of the cases of isthmic type. Thus, the overall fusion rate was 80.7% (21 cases). However, some graft crumbling and redisplacement developed in 1 of the cases of degenerative type and 6 of the cases of isthmic type. Non-union developed in 4 (57.1%) of those 7 cases of graft crumbling (3 isthmic and 1 degenerative type). Fusion took 7 months on average (range 5-9 months). It is hypothesised that the isthmic-type spondylolisthesis had more instability than the degenerative one. Therefore, AIF in the case of degenerative spondylolisthesis is a useful procedure, while in the isthmic type it is not advisable as a routine procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) complex cations, [Mn(bpy)2]2+, have been immobilized in mesoporous Al-MCM-41 (Si/Al=9) and used as a catalyst for the oxidation of styrene by iodosylbenzene, H2O2 and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). The oxidation products included epoxide, diol and aldehyde. Al-MCM-41-immobilized [Mn(bpy)2]2+ exhibited a higher catalytic activity for styrene oxidation than the corresponding homogeneous catalyst and showed no significant loss of catalytic activity when recycled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the tensile behavior of polyethylene fiber composites with polyethylene fiber surface-modified using ion irradiation. Comparison of the tensile strength between surface-modified polyethylene-fiber/vinylester composite specimen and untreated polyethylene-fiber/vinylester composite specimen; Suggestion that the improvement of tensile behavior is attributed to the formation of hydrophilic functional groups on the surfaces of polyethylene fibers.

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A pushout test method was used to quantify effect of thermal cycling temperatures on the delamination toughness of an electron beam physical vapor deposited thermal barrier coating (EB-PVD TBC). The delamination toughness, Gi, was related to the maximum thermal cycling temperature, Th, equal to 1000, 1025, 1050, and 1100 °C. The measured delamination toughness varied from 9 to 95 J/m2. At Th = 1000 °C, Gi attained a maximum value, larger than that of the as-deposited sample and decreasing with increased Th. During the thermal cycling tests, the thermally grown oxide (TGO) was formed between the TBC and the bond coat deposited onto the superalloy substrate. Inside the TGO layer, mixture of Al2O3 and ZrO2 oxides was observed close to the TBC side with nearly pure Al2O3 phases close to the bond-coat side. During the pushout test, delamination occurred at the interface of the mixture and pure Al2O3 layer with an exception for Th = 1100 °C specimens where delamination also occurred at the interface between the TGO and bond-coat layers. The effect of thermal cycling temperatures on the delamination toughness is discussed in terms of the microstructural change and delamination behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]