Measurement of branching fractions and mass spectra of B-->Kpipigamma

We present a measurement of the partial branching fractions and mass spectra of the exclusive radiative penguin processes B-->Kpipigamma in the range m(Kpipi)<1.8 GeV/c(2). We reconstruct four final states: K(+)pi(-)pi(+)gamma, K(+)pi(-)pi(0)gamma, K(S)(0)pi(-)pi(+)gamma, and K(S)(0)pi(+)pi(0)gamma, where K(S)(0)-->pi(+)pi(-). Using 232 x 10(6) e(+)e(-)-->BB events recorded by the BABAR experiment at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy storage ring, we measure the branching fractions B(B(+)-->K(+)pi(-)pi(+)gamma)=[2.95+/-0.13(stat)+/-0.20(syst)] x 10(-5), B(B(0)-->K(+)pi(-)pi(0)gamma)=[4.07+/-0.22(stat)+/-0.31(syst)] x 10(-5), B(B(0)-->K(0)pi(+)pi(-)gamma)=[1.85+/-0.21(stat)+/-0.12(syst)] x 10(-5), and B(B(+)-->K(0)pi(+)pi(0)gamma)=[4.56+/-0.42(stat)+/-0.31(syst)] x 10(-5).

Induction and selective accumulation of mutant ubiquitin in CA1 pyramidal neurons after transient global ischemia

Accumulation of mutant ubiquitin-B (UBB(+1)) in neurons is considered the hallmark of proteasomal dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders, however no such evidence in ischemic brain has been reported. We investigated the contribution of UBB(+1) in delayed neuronal death after transient global ischemia. Transient global ischemia was achieved by occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries for 5 min and reperfusion in male Mongolian gerbils (n=6 per each time point). In the CA1 region, UBB(+1) immunoreactivity appeared in the cytoplasm of pyramidal cells at 30 min post-ischemia, and the density of these neurons increased at day 2 (P<0.001) and further increased at day 4 post-ischemia. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive (apoptotic) cells appeared selectively in the CA1 region at day 3 and their density increased further at day 4 post-ischemia (P<0.001). In contrast, UBB(+1) immunoreactivity was only transiently detected from 30 min to 1 day post-ischemia in CA3, dentate gyrus, and frontal cortex, but disappeared at day 2 post-ischemia. No TUNEL-positive cells were observed in these three regions. UBB(+1) mRNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in every region of the hippocampus and frontal cortex of ischemic gerbils and even in the non-ischemic control animals, and its expression level was independent of brain region and time after ischemia. Our results indicate induction and selective accumulation of UBB(+1) protein in dying neurons of the CA1 region and suggest that UBB(+1) expression may be induced by proteasomal dysfunction after transient global ischemia.

Possible mechanism of efferent arteriole (Ef-Art) tubuloglomerular feedback

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is liberated from macula densa cells in response to increased tubular NaCl delivery. However, it is not known whether ATP from the macula densa is broken down to adenosine, or whether this adenosine mediates efferent arteriole (Ef-Art) tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF). We hypothesized that increased macula densa Ca(2+), release of ATP and degradation of ATP to adenosine are necessary for Ef-Art TGF. Rabbit Ef-Arts and adherent tubular segments (with the macula densa) were simultaneously microperfused in vitro while changing the NaCl concentration at the macula densa. The Ef-Art was perfused orthograde through the end of the afferent arteriole (Af-Art). In Ef-Arts preconstricted with norepinephrine (NE), increasing NaCl concentration from 10 to 80 mM at the macula densa dilated Ef-Arts from 7.5+/-0.7 to 11.1+/-0.3 microm. Buffering increases in macula densa Ca(2+) with the cell-permeant Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA-AM diminished Ef-Art TGF from 3.1+/-0.3 to 0.1+/-0.2 microm. Blocking adenosine formation by adding alpha-beta-methyleneadenosine 5'-diphosphate (MADP) blocked Ef-Art TGF from 2.9+/-0.5 to 0.1+/-0.2 microm. Increasing luminal NaCl at the macula densa from 10 to 45 mM caused a moderate Ef-Art TGF response, 1.3+/-0.1 microm. It was potentiated to 4.0+/-0.3 microm by adding hexokinase, which enhances conversion of ATP into adenosine. Our data show that in vitro changes in macula densa Ca(2+) and ATP release are necessary for Ef-Art TGF. ATP is broken down to form adenosine, which mediates signal transmission of Ef-Art TGF.

Gadd45a regulates β-catenin distribution and maintains cell–cell adhesion/contact

Gadd45a, a growth arrest and DNA-damage gene, plays important roles in the control of cell cycle checkpoints, DNA repair and apoptosis. We show here that Gadd45a is involved in the control of cell contact inhibition and cell-cell adhesion. Gadd45a can serve as an adapter to enhance the interaction between beta-catenin and Caveolin-1, and in turn induces beta-catenin translocation to cell membrane for maintaining cell-cell adhesion/contact inhibition. This is coupled with reduction of beta-catenin in cytoplasm and nucleus following Gadd45a induction, which is reflected by the downregulation of cyclin D1, one of the beta-catenin targeted genes. Additionally, Gadd45a facilitates ultraviolet radiation-induced degradation of cytoplasmic and nuclear beta-catenin in a p53-dependent manner via activation of p38 kinase. These findings define a novel link that connects Gadd45a to cell-cell adhesion and cell contact inhibition, which might contribute to the role of Gadd45a in inhibiting tumorigenesis.

Measurement of the pseudoscalar decay constant fDs using charm-tagged events in e+e- collisions at square root s=10.58 GeV

Using 230.2 fb-1 of e+e- annihilation data collected with the BABAR detector at and near the peak of the Upsilon(4S) resonance, 489+/-55 events containing the pure leptonic decay Ds+-->micro;+numicro have been isolated in charm-tagged events. The ratio of partial widths Gamma(D+-->micro+numicro)/Gamma(Ds+-->phipi+) is measured to be 0.143+/-0.018+/-0.006 allowing a determination of the pseudoscalar decay constant fDs=(283+/-17+/-7+/-14) MeV. The errors are statistical, systematic, and from the Ds+-->phipi+ branching ratio, respectively.

Observation of decays B0-->Ds(*)+ pi- and B0-->Ds(*)- K+

We report the observation of decays B{0}-->D{s}{(*)+}pi- and B{0}-->D{s}{(*)-}K+ in a sample of 230 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BB[over] events recorded with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy e+ e- storage ring. We measure the branching fractions B(B{0}-->D{s}{+}pi-)=(1.3+/-0.3(stat)+/-0.2(syst))x10(-5), B(B{0}-->D{s}{-} K+)=(2.5+/-0.4(stat)+/-0.4(syst))x10(-5), B(B{0}-->D{s}{*+}pi-)=(2.8+/-0.6(stat)+/-0.5(syst))x10(-5), and B(B{0}-->D{s}{*-}K+)=(2.0+/-0.5(stat)+/-0.4(syst))x10(-5). The significances of the measurements to differ from zero are 5, 9, 6, and 5 standard deviations, respectively. This is the first observation of B{0}-->D{s}{+}pi-, B{0}-->D{s}{*+}pi-, and B{0}-->D{s}{*-}K+ decays.

Observation of a Charmed Baryon Decaying to D;{0}p at a Mass Near 2.94 GeV/c;{2}

A search for charmed baryons decaying to D(0)p reveals two states: the Lambdac(2880)+ baryon and a previously unobserved state at a mass of [2939.8+/-1.3(stat)+/-1.0(syst)] MeV/c2 and with an intrinsic width of [17.5+/-5.2(stat)+/-5.9(syst)] MeV. Consistent and significant signals are observed for the K(-)pi(+) and K(-)pi(+)pi(-)pi(+) decay modes of the D0 in 287 fb(-1) annihilation data recorded by the BABAR detector at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV. There is no evidence in the D+p spectrum of doubly charged partners. The mass and intrinsic width of the Lambdac(2880)+ baryon and relative yield of the two baryons are also measured.

Sorption of selected endocrine disrupting chemicals to different aquatic colloids

The sorption of seven endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) to aquatic colloids was determined by cross-flow ultrafiltration (CFUF) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results show that the colloidal organic carbon normalized sorption coefficient (Kcoc) of EDCs to different aquatic colloids varies by a factor of 6-12 because such colloids are of different origin. Through characterization of colloidal samples, a significant relationship was established between Kcoc values and the molar extinction coefficient of colloids at 280 nm, whereas no other colloidal properties such as elemental ratios were correlated with Kcoc values. The results are consistent with other reports of the importance of the quality of sorbents such as their aromatic carbon content in sorbing various organic pollutants. The presence of a surfactant was found to increase Kcoc values for estrone (El) and 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2). The method was subsequently applied for determining EDC concentrations in field samples, where both conventional and truly dissolved EDCs showed higher concentrations close to sewage outfalls than either upstream or downstream, confirming the sourceconcentration relationship. In addition, the truly dissolved EDC concentrations were lower than the conventional dissolved concentrations, confirming that there were interactions between aquatic colloids and EDCs. It is estimated that between 10 and 29% of EDCs are associated with aquatic colloids. As colloids are highly abundant in rivers and ocean, they will therefore play a significant role in the environmental behavior and fate of EDCs.

Inhibition of expression of rna polymerase with small interfering RNAs targeting a conserved motif in the respective viral genes in viruses of the family Flaviviridae

The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) in viruses of the family Flaviviridae plays an important role in the viral replication process and in the forming of a replicase complex. We used small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) corresponding to the highly conservative Motif V of RdRp gene of different viruses to examine their role in modulating the expression of RdRp. Evaluation of the expression of RdRps was performed by the fluorescence, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and real-time PCR. We found that Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) siRNA could completely block the transcription and expression of RdRp. Additionally, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) siRNA could cause effective inhibition of RdRp, whereas Japanese encephalitis virus siRNA did not show significant repression of corresponding RdRp. These results demonstrated that siRNAs inhibited the expression of tested RdRps at the transcription level or at the posttranscriptional processing to a different extent.

Stimulative activity of Drynaria fortunei (Kunze) J. Sm. extracts and two of its flavonoids on the proliferation of osteoblastic like cells

The osteoblastic activity of extracts of Drynaria fortunei (Kunze) J. Sm. rhizome was assayed in the UMR106 cell line cultured in vitro. An ethanol extract and its fractions were added to the cell culture at different concentrations. Osteoblastic proliferation stimulating activity was determined using the MTT method. The ethanol extract, and its ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions exhibited stimulating activity. Two active constituents were isolated from n-butanol fraction by bioassay-directed isolation, and identified as naringin and neoeriocitrin. The latter is reported for the first time from this herbal medicine.

Variables which might predict the response to salvage radiotherapy in chinese patients with biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To evaluate the relationship between the variables and the outcomes of salvage radiotherapy (sRT) to find some predictors of sRT.

METHODS

The medical records of 56 patients receiving sRT for biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy (RP) were available for retrospective review. sRT was defined as external beam radiotherapy for patients with a continuous increase in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of >or=0.2 ng/ml after RP. Response was defined as achievement of a PSA nadir of <or=0.1 ng/ml.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period after sRT was 31.6 months. The predictors of response to sRT were PSA doubling time (PSADT) and seminal vesicle invasion. The median PSADT in responders was 6.5 months versus 4.0 months in non-responders (OR=1.66, p=0.006). The patients with a PSADT of >6 months were all responders. The response rate in patients with seminal vesicle invasion was 42.9% (6/14) versus 76.2% (32/42) in patients without seminal vesicle invasion (OR=0.119, p=0.015).

CONCLUSION

PSADT and the state of seminal vesicle invasion were good predictors of response to sRT. sRT was especially effective when the PSADT was >6 months and in patients without seminal vesicle invasion.

Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor is an early response gene to chemotherapy and contributes to chemotherapy resistance

We have shown that one of the principle mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance involves the activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappaB). In an effort to identify NF-kappaB-regulated chemotherapy response genes, we performed a microarray assay and observed that heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) was significantly upregulated by SN38 (a strong inducer of NF-kappaB activity) in colon cancer cells. Further studies revealed that HB-EGF was rapidly induced following a variety of chemotherapy treatments. Using RNA interference, we demonstrated that the chemotherapy-induced HB-EGF was largely dependent on activator protein-1 (AP-1) and NF-kappaB activation. Constitutive HB-EGF expression rescued AP-1/NF-kappaB small interfering RNA (siRNA) cells from chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Meanwhile, we found that the enzymatic shedding of HB-EGF was also regulated by chemotherapy treatment, resulting in the elevated release of soluble HB-EGF from the cellular membrane. Induction of HB-EGF expression and ectodomain shedding synergistically led to robust epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation, whereas inhibition of HB-EGF expression by use of the HB-EGF inhibitor (CRM197) or siRNA resulted in the suppression of chemotherapy-induced EGFR phosphorylation. These results suggest that the chemotherapy-induced EGFR activation is regulated by HB-EGF. Finally, we demonstrated that overexpression of HB-EGF led to apoptotic resistance to chemotherapy, whereas suppression of HB-EGF expression by siRNA resulted in a dramatic increase in cell death. In summary, our study suggests that chemotherapy-induced HB-EGF activation represents a critical mechanism of inducible chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, therapeutic intervention aimed at inhibiting HB-EGF activity may be useful in cancer prevention and treatments.

Preventing renal ischemia-reperfusion injury using small interfering RNA by targeting complement 3 gene

The complement system is one of the important mediators of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). We hypothesized that efficient silencing of C3, which is the central component on which all complement activation pathways converge, could be achieved using small interfering RNA (siRNA), and that this would result in overall inhibition of complement activation, thereby preventing IRI in kidneys. A series of experiments was conducted, using a mouse model of IRI and vector-delivered C3-specific siRNA. We demonstrated the following: (1) renal expression of C3 increases as a result of IRI; (2) by incorporation into a pRNAT U6.1 vector, siRNA can be delivered to renal cells in vivo; (3) systemically delivered siRNA is effective in reducing the expression of C3 in an experimentally induced mouse kidney model of IRI; (4) similarly, siRNA reduces complement-mediated IRI-related effects, both in terms of renal injury (as evidenced by renal function and histopathology examination) and mouse mortality and (5) silencing the production of C3 diminishes in vivo production of TNF-alpha. This study implies that siRNA represents a novel approach to preventing IRI in kidneys and might be used in a variety of clinical settings, including transplantation and acute tubular necrosis.

Observation of B0 meson decay to a 1 +/(1260)pi /+

We present a measurement of the branching fraction of the decay B(0)-->a1 (+/)(1260)pi(/+) with a1 (+/)(1260)-->pi(/+)pi(+/)pi(+/). The data sample corresponds to 218 x 10(6) BB[over ] pairs produced in e+e- annihilation through the Upsilon(4S) resonance. We measure the branching fraction Beta(B(0)-->a1(+/)(1260)pi(/+))Beta(a1(+/)(1260)-->pi(/+)pi(+/)pi(+/)) = (16.6+/1.9+/1.5) x 10(-6), where the first error quoted is statistical and the second is systematic.

Diabetes enhances periodontal bone loss through enhanced resorption and diminished bone formation

Using a ligature-induced model in type-2 Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat and normoglycemic littermates, we investigated whether diabetes primarily affects periodontitis by enhancing bone loss or by limiting osseous repair. Diabetes increased the intensity and duration of the inflammatory infiltrate (P < 0.05). The formation of osteoclasts and percent eroded bone after 7 days of ligature placement was similar, while four days after removal of ligatures, the type 2 diabetic group had significantly higher osteoclast numbers and activity (P < 0.05). The amount of new bone formation following resorption was 2.4- to 2.9-fold higher in normoglycemic vs. diabetic rats (P < 0.05). Diabetes also increased apoptosis and decreased the number of bone-lining cells, osteoblasts, and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (P < 0.05). Thus, diabetes caused a more persistent inflammatory response, greater loss of attachment and more alveolar bone resorption, and impaired new bone formation. The latter may be affected by increased apoptosis of bone-lining and PDL cells.

Heterogeneous decomposition of indoor ammonia in a photoreactor with TiO2-finished cotton fabrics

Addition of urea-based antifreeze admixtures during cement mixing can make it possible to concrete cement in construction of buildings in cold weather. This, however has led to increasing indoor air pollution due to continuous transformation and emission from urea to gaseous ammonia in indoor concrete walls. In order to control ammonia from indoor concrete walls, aqueous dispersion of nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) was prepared and mixed with silicone additive to establish a treating bath. Cotton fabrics were finished with this treating bath by using pad-dry-cure process and then characterized by X-Ray Diffractometer, Infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometer and Scanning Electron Microscope. The gaseous ammonia was derived from an environmental condition simulated chamber. The heterogeneous decomposition of gaseous ammonia by UV/TiO2 process in an annular photoreactor fixed with the TiO2-coated cotton fabric was studied under various dosages of aqueous nano-TiO2 dispersion, initial ammonia concentration, relative humidity and gas flow rate. A design equation of surface catalytic kinetics was developed for describing the decomposition of ammonia in air streams by UV/TiO2 process at given operating conditions. Experimental results indicated that increasing dosage of aqueous nano-TiO2 dispersion improved the ammonia decomposition of cotton fabric, which was prepared. At a constant temperature of 25 degrees C, ammonia in the air stream was effective removed by decreasing initial ammonia concentration and gas flow rate. For moisture in the range of 15-65%, when the relatively humidity level was increased to 45%, the decomposition of ammonia was remarkably enhanced, and the decomposition of ammonia could be inhibited by excessive moisture.

Search for T, CP, and CPT violation in B0-B0 mixing with inclusive dilepton events

We report the results of a search for T, CP, CPT, and violation in B0-B0 mixing using an inclusive dilepton sample collected by the BABAR experiment at the PEP-II factory. Using a sample of 232 x 10(6) BB pairs, we measure the T and CP violation parameter |q/p| - 1 = (-0.8 +/- 2.7(stat) +/- 1.9(syst) x 10(-3), and the CPT and CP parameters Imz = (13.9 +/- 7.3(stat) +/- 3.2(syst)) x 10(-3) and Delta Gamma x Rez = (7.1 +/- 3.9(stat) +/- 2.0(stat)) x 10(-3) ps(-1). The statistical correlation between the measurements of Imz and Delta Gamma x Rez is 76%.

Search for the rare decay B0-->tau+tau- at BABAR

We present the results of a search for the decay B0-->tau+tau- in a data sample of (232+/-3)x10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BB decays using the BABAR detector. Certain extensions of the standard model predict measurable levels of this otherwise rare decay. We reconstruct fully one neutral B meson and seek evidence for the signal decay in the rest of the event. We find no evidence for signal events and obtain Beta(B0->tau+tau-)<4.1x10(-3) at the 90% confidence level.

Observation of Upsilon(4S) decays to pi(+)pi(-)Upsilon(1S) and pi(+)pi(-)Upsilon(2S)

Observation of Upsilon(4S) decays to pi(+)pi(-)C and pi(+)pi(-)Upsilon(2S)We present the first measurement of Upsilon(4S) decays to pi(+)pi(-)Upsilon(1S) based on a sample of 230 x 106(4S) mesons collected with the BABAR detector. We measure the product branching fractions Beta(Upsilon(4S) --> pi(+)pi(-)Upsilon(1S)) x BetaUpsilon(1S) --> mu(+)mu(-) = (2.23 +/- 0.25(stat) +/- 0.27(syst))x 10(-6) and Beta(Upsilon(4S) --> pi(+)pi(-)Upsilon(2S) x Beta(Upsilon(2S) --> mu(+)mu(-))=(1.69 +/-0.26(stat) +/- 0.20(syst)) x 10(-)6, from which we derive the partial widths Gamma(Upsilon(4S) --> pi(+)pi(-)Upsilon(1S))=(1.8 +/-0.4) keV and Gamma(Upsilon(4S) --> pi(+)pi(-)Upsilon(2S))=(2.7 +/- 0.8) keV.

Determinations of from inclusive semileptonic decays with reduced model dependence

We report two novel determinations of /|Vub/ with reduced model dependence, based on measurements of the mass distribution of the hadronic system in semileptonic B decays. Events are selected by fully reconstructing the decay of one B meson and identifying a charged lepton from the decay of the other B meson from Upsilon(4S)-->BB events. In one approach, we combine the inclusive B-->Xulambdav rate, integrated up to a maximum hadronic mass mX<1.67 GeV/c2, with a measurement of the inclusive B-->Xsgamma photon energy spectrum. We obtain /Vub/=(4.43+/-0.38stat+/-0.25syst+/-0.29theo) x 10-3. In another approach we measure the total B-->Xulambdav rate over the full phase space and find /Vub/=(3.84+/-0.70stat+/-0.30syst+/-0.10theo) x 10-3.