Cold-nuclear-matter effects on heavy-quark production at forward and backward rapidity in d + Au collisions at √sNN = 200 GeV

The PHENIX experiment has measured open heavy-flavor production via semileptonic decay over the transverse momentum range 1 < p(T) < 6  GeV/c at forward and backward rapidity (1.4 < |y| < 2.0) in d+Au and p + p collisions at √sNN = 200  GeV. In central d+Au collisions, relative to the yield in p + p collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions, a suppression is observed at forward rapidity (in the d-going direction) and an enhancement at backward rapidity (in the Au-going direction). Predictions using nuclear-modified-parton-distribution functions, even with additional nuclear-p(T) broadening, cannot simultaneously reproduce the data at both rapidity ranges, which implies that these models are incomplete and suggests the possible importance of final-state interactions in the asymmetric d + Au collision system. These results can be used to probe cold-nuclear-matter effects, which may significantly affect heavy-quark production, in addition to helping constrain the magnitude of charmonia-breakup effects in nuclear matter.

Hanwoo cattle: origin, domestication, breeding strategies and genomic selection

Hanwoo (Korean cattle) is the native, taurine type of cattle breed of Korea and its history as a draft animal dates back to 5000 Years. In earlier times Hanwoo was used extensively for farming, transportation. Over the period of time, Hanwoo has changed to be meat type cattle. Full-scale production of Hanwoo as meat-type cattle has occurred since 1960s with the rapid growth of the Korean economy. Hanwoo is one of the most economically important species in Korea as it is a significant source of nutrition to the Korean people. Hanwoo beef is the most cherished food of Korea. One of the main goals of researchers is to increase the meat quality, quantity and taste of the beef. In this review we describe the origin, domestication of Hanwoo cattle and breeding program initiated from 1980's. Moreover the advent of technological advancement had provided us a platform to perform genome wide selection on economic traits and its implementation into traditional breeding programs.

Medium modification of jet fragmentation in Au+Au collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV measured in direct photon-hadron correlations

The jet fragmentation function is measured with direct photon-hadron correlations in p+p and Au+Au collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV. The p(T) of the photon is an excellent approximation to the initial p(T) of the jet and the ratio z(T)=p(T)(h)/p(T)(γ) is used as a proxy for the jet fragmentation function. A statistical subtraction is used to extract the direct photon-hadron yields in Au+Au collisions while a photon isolation cut is applied in p+p. I(AA), the ratio of hadron yield opposite the photon in Au+Au to that in p+p, indicates modification of the jet fragmentation function. Suppression, most likely due to energy loss in the medium, is seen at high z(T). The associated hadron yield at low z(T) is enhanced at large angles. Such a trend is expected from redistribution of the lost energy into increased production of low-momentum particles.

Effects of electron-cyclotron-resonance-heating-induced internal kink mode on the toroidal rotation in the KSTAR Tokamak

It is observed that the magnitude of the toroidal rotation speed is reduced by the central electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) regardless of the direction of the toroidal rotation. The magnetohydrodynamics activities generally appear with the rotation change due to ECRH. It is shown that the internal kink mode is induced by the central ECRH and breaks the toroidal symmetry. When the magnetohydrodynamics activities are present, the toroidal plasma viscosity is not negligible. The observed effects of ECRH on the toroidal plasma rotation are explained by the neoclassical toroidal viscosity in this Letter. It is found that the neoclassical toroidal viscosity torque caused by the internal kink mode damps the toroidal rotation.

Evolution of π(0) suppression in Au+Au collisions from √(s(NN))=39 to 200 GeV

Neutral-pion π(0) spectra were measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.35) in Au+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=39 and 62.4 GeV and compared with earlier measurements at 200 GeV in a transverse-momentum range of 1<p(T)<10 GeV/c. The high-p(T) tail is well described by a power law in all cases, and the powers decrease significantly with decreasing center-of-mass energy. The change of powers is very similar to that observed in the corresponding spectra for p+p collisions. The nuclear modification factors (R(AA)) show significant suppression, with a distinct energy, centrality, and p(T) dependence. Above p(T)=7 GeV/c, R(AA) is similar for √(s(NN))=62.4 and 200 GeV at all centralities. Perturbative-quantum-chromodynamics calculations that describe R(AA) well at 200 GeV fail to describe the 39 GeV data, raising the possibility that, for the same p(T) region, the relative importance of initial-state effects and soft processes increases at lower energies. The p(T) range where π(0) spectra in central Au+Au collisions have the same power as in p+p collisions is ≈5 and 7 GeV/c for √(s(NN))=200 and 62.4 GeV, respectively. For the √(s(NN))=39 GeV data, it is not clear whether such a region is reached, and the x(T) dependence of the x(T)-scaling power-law exponent is very different from that observed in the √(s(NN))=62 and 200 GeV data, providing further evidence that initial-state effects and soft processes mask the in-medium suppression of hard-scattered partons to higher p(T) as the collision energy decreases.

SPA0355, a thiourea analogue, inhibits inflammatory responses and joint destruction in fibroblast-like synoviocytes and mice with collagen-induced arthritis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

NF-κB has been implicated as a therapeutic target for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. We previously synthesized a thiourea analogue, SPA0355, which suppressed NF-κB activity. Here we have assessed the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of SPA0355.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We evaluated the effects of SPA0355 on human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes in vitro and on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice in vivo.

KEY RESULTS

In vitro experiments demonstrated that SPA0355 suppressed chemokine production, matrix metalloproteinase secretion and cell proliferation induced by TNF-α in rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes. In addition, SPA0355 inhibited osteoclast differentiation induced by macrophage colony-stimulating factor and the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand, in bone marrow macrophages. Mice with CIA that were pretreated with SPA0355 had a lower cumulative disease incidence and severity of arthritis, based on hind paw thickness, radiological and histopathological findings, and inflammatory cytokine levels, than mice treated with vehicle. Mice treated with SPA0355, after the onset of CIA, also showed significantly decreased disease incidence and joint oedema. The in vitro and in vivo protective effects of SPA0355 were mediated by inhibition of the NF-κB signalling pathway.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Taken together, these results suggested that using SPA0355 to block the NF-κB pathway in rheumatoid joints reduced both the inflammatory responses and tissue destruction. Therefore, SPA0355 may have therapeutic value in preventing or delaying joint destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and metabolic syndrome: a nationwide survey in Korea

SETTING

Systemic inflammation has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and metabolic syndrome. However, the association between these two conditions is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between COPD and metabolic syndrome.

DESIGN

Among subjects aged ≥40 years from the 2001 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1215 subjects with two or more acceptable spirometry measurements and complete anthropometric/laboratory examinations were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 133 subjects (11%, 100 men and 33 women) were newly diagnosed with COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ≤ 70%). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome, based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, was significantly higher in COPD subjects compared with non-COPD subjects in both sexes (33.0% vs. 22.2% in men and 48.5% vs. 29.6% in women). In men, the risk of COPD was higher in subjects with metabolic syndrome than in those without (OR 2.03, 95%CI 1.08-3.80), after adjusting for potential confounders. There was a borderline significant association between COPD and abdominal obesity among the individual component of metabolic syndrome (OR 1.95, 95%CI 0.93-4.11).

CONCLUSION

In the Republic of Korea, metabolic syndrome was associated with COPD in men.

Prognostic factors for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: clinical, physiologic, pathologic, and molecular aspects

BACKGROUND

Previous studies identified clinical and physiologic factors of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) that are related to an increased risk of mortality. But there are few studies about histologic and molecular approach.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether the C-reactive protein (CRP), fibroblastic foci, phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3), tumor growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), TGF-beta receptor II (TbetaRII), and the polymorphism of the TGF-beta1 codon 10 are associated with the progression of IPF patients.

DESIGN

Eighty-six IPF patients who underwent surgical lung biopsies were examined. For each patient, clinical and physiologic parameters were investigated, and we performed immunohistochemical staining for p-Smad2/3 and TbetaRII, and genotyping of the TGF-beta1 codon 10 polymorphism.

RESULTS

Age at diagnosis, gender, symptom duration, and smoking status did not show a significant association. However, the amount of smoking (p = 0.002), severe reduction in the percentages of predicted forced vital capacity (p = 0.013) and diffusion lung capacity of carbon monoxide (p = 0.023), CRP (p = 0.009) at diagnosis, and fibroblastic foci (p = 0.026) were associated with a poor prognosis. Cellularity, fibrosis, expression level of p-Smad2/3 and TbetaRII, and genotype of the TGF-beta1 codon 10 polymorphism did not have a statistically significant association with the prognosis.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the amount of smoking, abrupt decrease in follow-up pulmonary function parameters, fibroblastic foci, and increased levels of CRP concentration at diagnosis were significantly associated with poor survival. Larger studies are required to confirm all prognostic factors including CRP.

Cross section and parity-violating spin asymmetries of W± boson production in polarized p + p collisions at sqrt[s] = 500 GeV

Large parity-violating longitudinal single-spin asymmetries A(L)(e+) = -0.86(-0.14) (+0.30) and A(L)(e-) = 0.88(-0.71) (+0.12) are observed for inclusive high transverse momentum electrons and positrons in polarized p+p collisions at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s] = 500 GeV with the PHENIX detector at RHIC. These e± come mainly from the decay of W± and Z0 bosons, and their asymmetries directly demonstrate parity violation in the couplings of the W± to the light quarks. The observed electron and positron yields were used to estimate W± boson production cross sections for the e± channels of σ(pp → W+ X) × BR(W+ → e+ ν(e)) = 144.1 ± 21.2(stat)(-10.3) (+3.4) (syst) ± 21.6(norm)  pb, and σ(pp → W- X) × BR(W- → e- ν[over ¯](e)) = 31.7 ± 12.1(stat)(-8.2) (+10.1) (syst) ± 4.8(norm)  pb.

Deletion of p53 in human mammary epithelial cells causes chromosomal instability and altered therapeutic response

The TP53 tumor suppressor gene is the most commonly mutated gene in human cancers. To evaluate the biological and clinical relevance of p53 loss, human somatic cell gene targeting was used to delete the TP53 gene in the non-tumorigenic epithelial cell line, MCF-10A. In all four p53-/- clones generated, cells acquired the capability for epidermal growth factor-independent growth and were defective in appropriate downstream signaling and cell cycle checkpoints in response to DNA damage. Interestingly, p53 loss induced chromosomal instability leading to features of transformation and the selection of clones with varying phenotypes. For example, p53-deficient clones were heterogeneous in their capacity for anchorage-independent growth and invasion. In addition, and of clinical importance, the cohort of p53-null clones showed sensitivity to chemotherapeutic interventions that varied depending not only on the type of chemotherapeutic agent, but also on the treatment schedule. In conclusion, deletion of the TP53 gene from MCF-10A cells eliminated p53 functions, as well as produced p53-/- clones with varying phenotypes possibly stemming from the distinct chromosomal changes observed. Such a model system will be useful to further understand the cancer-specific phenotypic changes that accompany p53 loss, as well as help to provide future treatment strategies for human malignancies that harbor aberrant p53.

BaTiO3 doped Na0.5K0.5NbO3 thin films deposited by using eclipse shutter enhanced pulsed laser deposition method

We have investigated structural, electrical, and electro-mechanical properties of lead-free piezoelectric BaTiO3 doped Na0.5K0.5NbO3 (BTO-NKN) thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) methods. BTO-NKN thin films have been deposited on La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (LSCO) bottom electrodes with LaAlO3 (LAO) substrates. X-ray diffraction data have shown that all the BTO-NKN and bottom electrodes are highly oriented with their c-axes normal to the substrates. In order to improve the morphology of BTO-NKN thin films, we have located an eclipse shutter between a target and a substrate. Root-mean-square roughness was changed from 91 nm to 21 nm with eclipse shutter enhanced PLD (E-PLD) method. Furthermore, the enhanced surface morphology leads to the improvement in electrical or electro-mechanical properties mainly due to increased density. Typical capacitance and d33 values of a BTO-NKN film deposited by E-PLD method are 1000 pF and 30 pmN, respectively.

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography for quantitative evaluation of drusen and associated structural changes in non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Background/aims:

To demonstrate how spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) can better evaluate drusen and associated anatomical changes in eyes with non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared with time domain optical coherence tomography (TDOCT).

Methods:

Images were obtained from three eyes of three patients with AMD using an experimental SDOCT system. Both a titanium–sapphire (Ti:sapphire) laser and a superluminescent diode (SLD) were used as a broadband light source to achieve cross-sectional images of the retina. A qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed for structural changes associated with non-neovascular AMD. An automated algorithm was developed to analyse drusen area and volume from SDOCT images. TDOCT was performed using the fast macular scan (StratusOCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, California).

Results:

SDOCT images can demonstrate structural changes associated with non-neovascular AMD. A new SDOCT algorithm can determine drusen area, drusen volume and proportion of drusen.

Conclusions:

With new algorithms to determine drusen area and volume and its unprecedented simultaneous ultra-high speed ultra-high resolution imaging, SDOCT can improve the evaluation of structural abnormalities in non-neovascular AMD.

High-speed polarization sensitive optical frequency domain imaging with frequency multiplexing

Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) provides a cross-sectional image of birefringence in biological samples that is complementary in many applications to the standard reflectance-based image. Recent ex vivo studies have demonstrated that birefringence mapping enables the characterization of collagen and smooth muscle concentration and distribution in vascular tissues. Instruments capable of applying these measurements percutaneously in vivo may provide new insights into coronary atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction. We have developed a polarization sensitive optical frequency domain imaging (PS-OFDI) system that enables high-speed intravascular birefringence imaging through a fiber-optic catheter. The novel design of this system utilizes frequency multiplexing to simultaneously measure reflectance of two incident polarization states, overcoming concerns regarding temporal variations of the catheter fiber birefringence and spatial variations in the birefringence of the sample. We demonstrate circular cross-sectional birefringence imaging of a human coronary artery ex vivo through a flexible fiber-optic catheter with an A-line rate of 62 kHz and a ranging depth of 6.2 mm.

Three dimensional tracking for volumetric spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

We present a three-dimensional (3D) tracker for a clinical ophthalmic spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) system that combines depth-tracking with lateral tracking, providing a stabilized reference frame for 3D data recording and post acquisition analysis. The depth-tracking system is implemented through a real-time dynamic feedback mechanism to compensate for motion artifact in the axial direction. Active monitoring of the retina and adapting the reference arm of the interferometer allowed the whole thickness of the retina to be stabilized to within +/-100 mum. We achieve a relatively constant SNR from image to image by stabilizing the image of the retina with respect to the depth dependent sensitivity of SD-OCT. The depth tracking range of our system is 5.2 mm in air and the depth is adjusted every frame.nhancement in the stability of the images with the depth-tracking algorithm is demonstrated on a healthy volunteer.

Effect of postnatal catch-up growth on blood pressure in children at 3 years of age

Size at birth and early postnatal growth rates appear to be important determinants of cardiovascular diseases. We examined whether intrauterine growth restriction or the subsequent catch-up postnatal weight gain leads to higher blood pressure in early life to confirm that size at birth and early postnatal growth rates appear to be important determinants of blood pressure changes in early life. Of 407 children born between December 2001 and November 2002 in hospital based-birth cohorts, 102 were followed up at 3 years of age (24.2%) at Ewha Womans University Hospital in Seoul, Korea. At 3 years of age, those who had a low birth weight still belonged in the lower-weight group than the others. The subjects' systolic blood pressure was correlated with their current weight (r=0.41) and weight gain (r=0.39), but not with their birth weight. Those with a higher current weight and higher weight gain based on birth weight (conditional weight gain) had the highest blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure increased by 0.2 mm Hg for every 100-g increase in weight at 3 years and, independently, by 1.5 mm Hg for every 100-unit increase in conditional weight gain. This study suggests that birth weight is not directly associated with blood pressure, but accelerated growth, which occurs mostly in those born with a low birth weight, seems to affect blood pressure in early life.

Polarization-sensitive spectral-domain optical coherence tomography using a single line scan camera

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography can be used to measure the birefringence of biological tissue such as the human retina. Previous measurements with a time-domain polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography system revealed that the birefringence of the human retinal nerve fiber layer is not constant, but varies as a function of location around the optic nerve head. Here we present a spectral-domain polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography system that uses a spectrometer configuration with a single line scan camera and a Wollaston prism in the detection arm. Since only one camera has to be synchronized with other components in the system, the design is simplified considerably. This system is 60 times faster than a time-domain polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography system. Data was acquired using concentric circular scans around the optic nerve head of a young healthy volunteer and the acquisition time for 12 circular scans was reduced from 72 s to 1.2 s. The acquired data sets demonstrate variations in retinal thickness and double pass phase retardation per unit depth that were similar to data from the same volunteer taken with a time-domain polarization-sensitive system. The double pass phase retardation per unit depth of the retinal nerve fiber layer varied between 0.18 and 0.40 degrees/mum, equivalent to a birefringence of 2.2 * 10(-4) and 4.8 * 10(-4) respectively, measured at 840 nm.

Parathyroid hormone (1-34) augments angiopoietin-1 expression in human osteoblast-like cells

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a major regulatory factor in skeletal physiology. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of PTH on bones has yet to be elucidated in detail. Recently, some reports have demonstrated the crucial role of bone vasculature with regard to bone density. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), along with VEGF, has been established as a primary angiogenic regulatory agent. In this study, we have attempted to characterize the effects of PTH (1-34) on Ang-1 expression and signaling molecules, employing primary-cultured human osteoblast-like cells. Quiescent osteoblasts were exposed to PTH (1-34), after which Ang-1 expression was determined at the mRNA and protein levels. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses indicated that Ang-1 mRNA expression increased as the result of PTH (1-34) treatment. The expression of the Ang-1 protein was also augmented as the result of treatment with PTH (1-34). An adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, was shown to induce Ang-1 mRNA expression, whereas the protein kinase A inhibitor, H-89, blocked the PTH (1-34)-mediated expression of Ang-1 mRNA. These findings indicate that PTH (1-34)-mediated Ang-1 expression involves adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A dependent signaling. Our observations also show that Ang-1 may perform a crucial role in the effects of PTH (1-34) on bones, possibly involving alterations in bone vasculature.

Systemic armed oncolytic and immunologic therapy for cancer with JX-594, a targeted poxvirus expressing GM-CSF

Targeted oncolytic viruses and immunostimulatory therapeutics are being developed as novel cancer treatment platforms. These approaches can be combined through the expression of immunostimulatory cytokines from targeted viruses, including adenoviruses and herpesviruses. Although intratumoral injection of such viruses has been associated with tumor growth inhibition, eradication of distant metastases was not reported. The major limitations for this approach to date have been (1) inefficient intravenous virus delivery to tumors and (2) the lack of predictive, immunocompetent preclinical models. To overcome these hurdles, we developed JX-594, a targeted, thymidine kinase(-) vaccinia virus expressing human GM-CSF (hGM-CSF), for intravenous (i.v.) delivery. We evaluated two immunocompetent liver tumor models: a rabbit model with reproducible, time-dependent metastases to the lungs and a carcinogen-induced rat liver cancer model. Intravenous JX-594 was well tolerated and had highly significant efficacy, including complete responses, against intrahepatic primary tumors in both models. In addition, whereas lung metastases developed in all control rabbits, none of the i.v. JX-594-treated rabbits developed detectable metastases. Tumor-specific virus replication and gene expression, systemically detectable levels of hGM-CSF, and tumor-infiltrating CTLs were also demonstrated. JX-594 holds promise as an i.v.-delivered, targeted virotherapeutic. These two tumor models hold promise for the optimization of this approach.

Persistent mismatch repair deficiency following targeted correction of hMLH1

The use of gene therapy to correct mutated or lost gene function for the treatment of human cancers has been an active, yet problematic area of biomedical research. Many technical difficulties, including efficient tissue-specific delivery, integration site specificity and general toxicity, are being addressed. Little is known, however, about the genetic and phenotypic stability that accompanies a successful gene-specific targeting event in a cancer cell. This question was addressed following the creation of a colon cancer cell line in which a mutated hMLH1 gene was corrected via targeted homologous recombination. This correction resulted in the expression of wild-type hMLH1 protein, restoration of the hPMS2 protein and mismatch repair (MMR) proficiency. One of two hMLH1-corrected clones, however, was found to retain defects in MMR activity. These cells continued to express the corrected hMLH1 protein, but had lost expression of another MMR protein, hMSH6. DNA sequence analysis of the hMSH6 gene revealed biallelic expansions of a cytosine repeat region in exon 5 that result in frameshifts leading to premature stop codons. These findings suggest that, similar to acquired drug resistance, the presence of genetically heterogeneous cancer cell populations or acquisition of compensatory mutations can result in 'resistance' to gene replacement therapy.

Optical frequency domain imaging with a rapidly swept laser in the 815-870 nm range

Optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) in the 800-nm biological imaging window is demonstrated by using a novel wavelength-swept laser source. The laser output is tuned continuously from 815 to 870 nm at a 43.2-kHz repetition rate with 7-mW average power. Axial resolution of 10-mum in biological tissue and peak sensitivity of 96 dB are achieved. In vivo imaging of Xenopus laevis is demonstrated with an acquisition speed of 84 frames per second (512 axial lines per frame). This new imaging technique may prove useful in comprehensive retinal screening for medical diagnosis and contrast-agent-based imaging for biological investigations.

Interleukin-1 alpha mediates the growth proliferative effects of transforming growth factor-beta in p21 null MCF-10A human mammary epithelial cells

Transforming growth factor-beta type 1 (TGF-beta) has been implicated as both a tumor suppressor and a tumor promoter in many solid epithelial cancers. We have previously demonstrated that the cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p21 acts as a molecular switch in determining a growth inhibitory versus growth proliferative response to TGF-beta in the spontaneously immortalized human mammary epithelial cell line MCF-10A. We now demonstrate that this proliferative effect of TGF-beta is mediated through the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha). Using gene expression array analysis, we identified IL-1alpha as a cytokine specifically upregulated only in cells lacking p21 and only upon TGF-beta stimulation. Cell proliferation assays verified that recombinant IL-1alpha was capable of inducing a growth proliferative response in p21 null MCF-10A cells, while neutralizing antibodies against IL-1alpha prevented the growth proliferative effects of TGF-beta. Mechanistically, both the CDK and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) inhibitory functions of p21 were responsible for preventing TGF-beta induced cell proliferation, but only PCNA inhibition by p21 regulated IL-1alpha gene expression. These studies demonstrate a novel role for IL-1alpha in mediating a proliferative response to TGF-beta signaling, and suggest that therapies directed against IL-1alpha could abate the growth proliferative effects of TGF-beta without compromising its tumor suppressive function.