Improved upper limits on the stochastic gravitational-wave background from 2009-2010 LIGO and Virgo data

Gravitational waves from a variety of sources are predicted to superpose to create a stochastic background. This background is expected to contain unique information from throughout the history of the Universe that is unavailable through standard electromagnetic observations, making its study of fundamental importance to understanding the evolution of the Universe. We carry out a search for the stochastic background with the latest data from the LIGO and Virgo detectors. Consistent with predictions from most stochastic gravitational-wave background models, the data display no evidence of a stochastic gravitational-wave signal. Assuming a gravitational-wave spectrum of Ω_{GW}(f)=Ω_{α}(f/f_{ref})^{α}, we place 95% confidence level upper limits on the energy density of the background in each of four frequency bands spanning 41.5-1726 Hz. In the frequency band of 41.5-169.25 Hz for a spectral index of α=0, we constrain the energy density of the stochastic background to be Ω_{GW}(f)<5.6×10^{-6}. For the 600-1000 Hz band, Ω_{GW}(f)<0.14(f/900  Hz)^{3}, a factor of 2.5 lower than the best previously reported upper limits. We find Ω_{GW}(f)<1.8×10^{-4} using a spectral index of zero for 170-600 Hz and Ω_{GW}(f)<1.0(f/1300  Hz)^{3} for 1000-1726 Hz, bands in which no previous direct limits have been placed. The limits in these four bands are the lowest direct measurements to date on the stochastic background. We discuss the implications of these results in light of the recent claim by the BICEP2 experiment of the possible evidence for inflationary gravitational waves.

Search for gravitational waves associated with γ-ray bursts detected by the interplanetary network

We present the results of a search for gravitational waves associated with 223 γ-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the InterPlanetary Network (IPN) in 2005-2010 during LIGO's fifth and sixth science runs and Virgo's first, second, and third science runs. The IPN satellites provide accurate times of the bursts and sky localizations that vary significantly from degree scale to hundreds of square degrees. We search for both a well-modeled binary coalescence signal, the favored progenitor model for short GRBs, and for generic, unmodeled gravitational wave bursts. Both searches use the event time and sky localization to improve the gravitational wave search sensitivity as compared to corresponding all-time, all-sky searches. We find no evidence of a gravitational wave signal associated with any of the IPN GRBs in the sample, nor do we find evidence for a population of weak gravitational wave signals associated with the GRBs. For all IPN-detected GRBs, for which a sufficient duration of quality gravitational wave data are available, we place lower bounds on the distance to the source in accordance with an optimistic assumption of gravitational wave emission energy of 10(-2)M⊙c(2) at 150 Hz, and find a median of 13 Mpc. For the 27 short-hard GRBs we place 90% confidence exclusion distances to two source models: a binary neutron star coalescence, with a median distance of 12 Mpc, or the coalescence of a neutron star and black hole, with a median distance of 22 Mpc. Finally, we combine this search with previously published results to provide a population statement for GRB searches in first-generation LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors and a resulting examination of prospects for the advanced gravitational wave detectors.

Search for gravitational waves associated with γ-ray bursts detected by the interplanetary network

We present the results of a search for gravitational waves associated with 223 γ-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the InterPlanetary Network (IPN) in 2005-2010 during LIGO's fifth and sixth science runs and Virgo's first, second, and third science runs. The IPN satellites provide accurate times of the bursts and sky localizations that vary significantly from degree scale to hundreds of square degrees. We search for both a well-modeled binary coalescence signal, the favored progenitor model for short GRBs, and for generic, unmodeled gravitational wave bursts. Both searches use the event time and sky localization to improve the gravitational wave search sensitivity as compared to corresponding all-time, all-sky searches. We find no evidence of a gravitational wave signal associated with any of the IPN GRBs in the sample, nor do we find evidence for a population of weak gravitational wave signals associated with the GRBs. For all IPN-detected GRBs, for which a sufficient duration of quality gravitational wave data are available, we place lower bounds on the distance to the source in accordance with an optimistic assumption of gravitational wave emission energy of 10(-2)M⊙c(2) at 150 Hz, and find a median of 13 Mpc. For the 27 short-hard GRBs we place 90% confidence exclusion distances to two source models: a binary neutron star coalescence, with a median distance of 12 Mpc, or the coalescence of a neutron star and black hole, with a median distance of 22 Mpc. Finally, we combine this search with previously published results to provide a population statement for GRB searches in first-generation LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors and a resulting examination of prospects for the advanced gravitational wave detectors.

Bioprocessing of plant in vitro systems for the mass production of pharmaceutically important metabolites: paclitaxel and its derivatives

Taxol (paclitaxel) and its derivatives are microtubule-stabilizing drugs widely used in the treatment of several types of cancer, including mammary, prostate, ovarian and non-small-cell lung carcinoma, as well as AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma and other types of tumor. Taxanes stabilize microtubules by enhancing their polymerization and inhibiting depolymerization. Microtubule dynamics are crucial to mitotic spindle formation and function; therefore, cells exposed to taxanes are unable to undergo chromosomal separation during mitosis, become arrested in the G2/M phases of the cell cycle, and are subsequently targeted for apoptosis. Plant cell cultures are used for industrial-scale biotechnological production of important bioactive plant secondary metabolites, including the anticancer agent paclitaxel. In the last two decades, there have been numerous empirical approaches to improve the biotechnological production of taxanes, leading to the conclusion that treatment of Taxus sp. cells with methyl jasmonate or other elicitors is the most effective strategy. However, little insight has been gained into how the elicitors increase taxane biosynthesis or how this process is regulated. In recent years, with the help of "omics" tools, a rational approach has provided new information about taxane metabolism and its control. Once pathway bottlenecks have been identified, it will be possible to engineer Taxus sp. cell lines with overexpression of genes that control the flux-limiting steps, thus boosting taxane productivity. This review describes the chemical and biological characterization of paclitaxel and its derivatives and discusses future prospects for their biotechnological production.

Metamizol, a non-opioid analgesic, acts via endocannabinoids in the PAG-RVM axis during inflammation in rats

The most commonly used drugs against pain act by inhibiting the cyclooxygenases (COXs). Metamizol (dipyrone) inhibits the COXs and is widely used in Europe and Latin America as a non-opioid analgesic. One target of metamizol and other non-opioid analgesics is the periaqueductal grey matter (PAG), where they trigger descending inhibition of spinal nociceptive transmission. Also, cannabinoids exert an analgesic action at several structures in the peripheral and central nervous system, including the PAG. The present study investigates whether the antinociceptive action of metamizol in the lateral-ventrolateral (LVL) PAG during inflammation is related to endocannabinoids. In anaesthetized rats, unitary action potentials were recorded from spinal nociceptive neurons with receptive fields in the ipsilateral hind paw. Inflammation of the paw induced neuronal hyperexcitability, which was attenuated by intra-LVL-PAG microinjection of metamizol either at the beginning of inflammation or when hyperexcitability was fully established. In both cases, the antinociceptive effect of metamizol was reduced by a microinjection of AM251, an antagonist at the CB1 cannabinoid receptor, either into the LVL-PAG or into the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM). The RVM is a downstream structure that funnels PAG-derived descending inhibition into the spinal cord. These results show that endocannabinoids and their CB1 receptor (1) contribute at the LVL-PAG to the antinociceptive effects of metamizol, and possibly other non-opioid analgesics; and (2) participate in the PAG-derived activation of RVM descending antinociceptive influences.

Seasonality, estrous cycle characterization, estrus synchronization, semen cryopreservation, and artificial insemination in the Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens)

The reproductive physiology of the Pacific white-sided dolphin, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens, was characterized to facilitate the development of artificial insemination (AI) using cryopreserved spermatozoa. Specific objectives were to: 1) describe reproductive seasonality of the Pacific white sided dolphins; 2) describe urinary LH and ovarian steroid metabolites during the estrous cycle; 3) correlate LH and ovarian steroidal metabolite patterns to ultrasound-monitored follicular growth and ovulation; and 4) assess the efficacy of synchronizing estrus, sperm collection/cryopreservation, and intrauterine insemination. Ovulations (64%, n=37) and conceptions (83%, n=18) occurred from August to October. Peak mean serum testosterone (24 ng/ml), cross-sectional testicular area (41.6 cm2), and sperm concentration (144.3×107 sperm/ml) occurred in July, August, and September respectively. Spermatozoa were only found in ejaculates from July to October. Estrous cycles (n=22) were 31 d long and were comprised of a 10 d follicular and 21 d luteal phase. Ovulation occurred 31.2 h after the onset of the LH surge and 19.3 h after the LH peak. Follicular diameter and circumference within 12 h of ovulation were 1.52 and 4.66 cm respectively. Estrus synchronization attempts with altrenogest resulted in 17 (22%) ovulatory cycles with ovulation occurring 21 d post-altrenogest. Ten AI attempts using cryopreserved semen resulted in five pregnancies (50%). The mean gestation length was 356 days (range 348–367). These data provide new information on the Pacific white-sided dolphin's reproductive physiology and collectively enabled the first application of AI in this species.

Pediatric Renal Transplantation: 13 Years of Experience—Report From The Chilean Cooperative Multicenter Group

Between 1989 and 2002, 178 renal transplants were performed in 168 pediatric patients in Chile. The mean age was 10.9 +/- 3.7 years (range 1 to 17.9). End-state renal disease etiologies were: congenital renal hypoplasia/dysplasia, chronic glomerulonephritis, and reflux nephropathy. Seventy received a graft from a living donor (LD), and 108 from a cadaveric donor (CD). Only 9% received antibody induction. Acute rejection episodes were reported in 76 patients: 38% in LD recipients and 48% in CD recipients (P = NS). One-, 3-, and 5-year graft survivals were 88%, 84%, and 76%, respectively, for LD and 86%, 79%, and 68% for CD recipients. Actuarial graft survival was significantly better among those patients with serum creatinine < 1 mg/dL at 1 year posttransplant compared with those with creatinine > 1 mg/dL (P < .05). The graft survival rate has improved from the first period (1989 to 1996) to the second period (1997 to 2002); (P = .05). Patient survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 98%, 98%, and 98%, respectively, for LD, and 95%, 94%, and 94% for CD. Global height/age Z-score decreased from -0.7 at birth to -1.5 when dialysis started, and to -2.4 at the time of transplantation. The Z-score height/age at 1, 3, and 5 years posttransplantation was -2.25, -2.24, and -2.5. No significant differences were observed in transplant outcomes comparing patients younger than 7 years with those older ones. In conclusion, pediatric renal transplant has been performed in Chile with acceptable morbidity. The patient and graft survivals are similar to the reported international experience. In the last period there was a significant improvement in graft survival.

Basiliximab: efficacy and tolerability in adults and children

An open, single arm, prospective clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of basiliximab (Simulect) combined with cyclosporine microemulsion (Neoral), steroids, and azathioprine was performed in four centers in Chile, two adult and two pediatric. The 23 patients who were enrolled were followed for 12 months. There were four acute rejection episodes (three adults and one child) and three graft losses (two adults and one child) during the study. Renal function in both adult and pediatric patients at 6 and 12 months was good. Basiliximab was well tolerated. The incidence of infections was low, with only one CMV infection. There were no deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of acute rejection episodes among renal allograft recipients treated with basiliximab is low, showing that the drug is well tolerated. In particular the number of CMV infections is extremely low.

Endothelial cell apoptosis is inhibited by a soluble factor secreted by human colon cancer cells

In contrast to normal tissues, tumors are exposed to adverse environmental conditions, such as hypoxia and acidity. Despite this caustic environment, tumor cells and supporting vascular structures survive the latter, providing nutrients and oxygen to facilitate tumor growth. Therefore, we hypothesized that cancer cells express factors that protect endothelial cells from apoptosis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were grown in serum-free medium or in medium conditioned by either human colon cancer cells or non-malignant cells. Endothelial cells grown in medium conditioned by colon cancer cells demonstrated a decrease in apoptosis, whereas endothelial cells grown in medium conditioned by non-malignant cells did not. Erk-1/2 phosphorylation increased when endothelial cells were incubated in medium conditioned by colon cancer cells but not when cells were incubated in medium conditioned by non-malignant cells. Protein fractions from medium conditioned by colon cancer cells that were < 3 kDa protected endothelial cells from apoptosis and activated Erk-1/2. Heat-inactivated conditioned media did not protect endothelial cells from apoptosis and did not activate Erk-1/2. Human colon cancer cells secrete a soluble factor or factors that inhibit endothelial cell apoptosis. This factor is likely to be a protein or protein fragment because it loses its activity after heat inactivation. These studies support the hypothesis that tumor cells can alter the phenotype of endothelial cells.

Endothelial cell apoptosis is inhibited by a soluble factor secreted by human colon cancer cells

In contrast to normal tissues, tumors are exposed to adverse environmental conditions, such as hypoxia and acidity. Despite this caustic environment, tumor cells and supporting vascular structures survive the latter, providing nutrients and oxygen to facilitate tumor growth. Therefore, we hypothesized that cancer cells express factors that protect endothelial cells from apoptosis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were grown in serum-free medium or in medium conditioned by either human colon cancer cells or non-malignant cells. Endothelial cells grown in medium conditioned by colon cancer cells demonstrated a decrease in apoptosis, whereas endothelial cells grown in medium conditioned by non-malignant cells did not. Erk-1/2 phosphorylation increased when endothelial cells were incubated in medium conditioned by colon cancer cells but not when cells were incubated in medium conditioned by non-malignant cells. Protein fractions from medium conditioned by colon cancer cells that were < 3 kDa protected endothelial cells from apoptosis and activated Erk-1/2. Heat-inactivated conditioned media did not protect endothelial cells from apoptosis and did not activate Erk-1/2. Human colon cancer cells secrete a soluble factor or factors that inhibit endothelial cell apoptosis. This factor is likely to be a protein or protein fragment because it loses its activity after heat inactivation. These studies support the hypothesis that tumor cells can alter the phenotype of endothelial cells.

Painless pediatric local anesthesia

This clinical report presents a technique for painless palatal/lingual infiltrations for pediatric patients. When treating a young child, pain control is very important in order to gain the patient's cooperation. Procedures such as clamp placement, operative techniques, pulp therapy, and extractions cause discomfort, some more than others, requiring profound anesthesia. However, achieving profound anesthesia painlessly in the palatal and lingual aspects is difficult.

Markedly elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in malignant ascites

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor that also has the ability to increase vascular permeability. Malignant ascites has significant morbidity, but the mechanism of its development is unknown. Because of the permeability-inducing properties of VEGF, we hypothesized that malignant ascites formation is associated with high levels of VEGF. The purpose of our study was to determine the role of VEGF in malignant ascites formation.

METHODS

Ascites from 25 patients with gastric (n = 6), colon (n = 7), or ovarian (n = 12) cancers was collected by paracentesis or surgery. VEGF protein levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of ascites on endothelial cell permeability was assessed by evaluating propidium iodide uptake by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to ascites. Neutralizing antibodies to VEGF added to ascites were used to determine the causal effect of VEGF in permeability induction.

RESULTS

VEGF protein levels were markedly increased in malignant ascites compared with levels in nonmalignant cirrhotic ascites (controls). VEGF protein levels in ovarian, gastric, and colon cancer ascites were found to be increased 45, 23, and 12 times, respectively, compared with levels in cirrhotic ascites. Malignant ascites from patients with colon and gastric cancer caused an increase in permeability in HUVECs in all cases. Neutralizing VEGF activity in colon cancer ascites decreased in-vitro HUVEC permeability in three of four cases.

CONCLUSIONS

VEGF protein levels are markedly elevated in malignant ascites. VEGF may play a role in malignant ascites formation by increasing endothelial cell permeability.

Vascular endothelial growth factor gene expression in human fetal lung in vitro

Neonatal respiratory function depends on the development of a well-formed pulmonary capillary bed. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent inducer of endothelial cell growth and angiogenesis. High levels of VEGF protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) have been detected in the developing lung, suggesting that VEGF plays a role in the development of the pulmonary capillary bed. To begin to understand the role of VEGF in human lung development, we explored the regulation of VEGF gene expression and the localization of VEGF protein and mRNA in a model of the developing human lung. VEGF protein and mRNA were detected in midtrimester human fetal lung tissue, and their levels increased with time in explant culture. VEGF protein and mRNA were increased by the maintenance of human fetal lung explants in 2% O2 environments compared with 20% O2 environments. VEGF mRNA levels were found to be increased by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in explants that were incubated in 20% O2, but not in those incubated in 2% O2. Immunostaining for VEGF protein demonstrated localization primarily in airway epithelial cells in midtrimester human fetal lung tissue. Immunostaining for VEGF increased with incubation of human fetal lung explants in 2% and 20% O2. Interestingly, VEGF protein was localized primarily in the basement membrane subjacent to airway epithelial cells after 4 d of incubation in 20% O2. Incubation of tissues in the presence of dibutyryl cAMP resulted in an increase in immunostaining for VEGF, primarily in the basement membranes of prealveolar ducts in 20% O2-treated tissues. In situ hybridization studies indicated that VEGF mRNA was present in both mesenchymal cells and airway epithelial cells. These data suggest that VEGF gene expression is regulated by both oxygen and cAMP in the developing human lung. The detection of VEGF mRNA and protein in distal airway epithelial cells and the detection of VEGF protein in the basement membrane subjacent to the airway epithelial cells suggest that translocation of VEGF protein occurs after its synthesis in the epithelium. Localization of VEGF to the basement membrane of airway epithelial cells may be important for directing capillary development in the human lung.

Distinct patterns of Fas cell surface expression during development of T- or B-lymphocyte lineages in normal, scid, and mutant mice lacking or overexpressing p53, bcl-2, or rag-2 genes

Fas is a cell membrane protein involved in programmed cell death. In normal young mice, Fas was expressed on pluripotent stem cells, multipotent progenitors, pro-T and pre-T cells, most thymocytes, and a subset of CD4 and CD8 mature T lymphocytes. In contrast, Fas expression was switched off in B-cell and myelocytic progenitors and most pro-B and a proportion of pre-B cells and was switched on again later, but this occurred only in a subset of mature B lymphocytes. A lack of bcl-2 increased the proportion of Fas+ B-lymphocyte lineage cells and Fas+ CD4+ cells and decreased the percentage of Fas- CD8+ mature T-cell subsets. Overexpression of bcl-2 reversed this pattern of Fas cell surface expression. Interestingly, lack of p53 increased the proportions of Fas-expressing CD4 and CD8 mature T-cell subsets and of Fas- B-cell precursors but decreased that of Fas- mature B-lymphocyte populations. We conclude that the expression of Fas is regulated distinctly during the development of T and B lymphocytes. Although the products of neither bcl-2 nor p53 genes are essential for Fas cell surface expression on hematopoietic cells, these repressor and effector genes, respectively, of programmed cell death affect distinct subsets of lymphoid lineage cells at different stages of lymphopoiesis. Our results suggest that distinct combinations of effector and suppressor genes of programmed cell death act on distinct cell populations and at different stages of differentiation within the same cell lineage in the hematopoietic system.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is not an index of seminiferous tubular function

Epidermal growth factor concentrations and amounts per ejaculate were determined in 162 infertile men and in a control group of 50 pregnancy-proven fertile men. No differences were found between those groups. The group of infertile patients was divided into sub-groups according to their sperm density. EGF values in those sub-groups were not significantly different. There was no correlation between EGF concentrations and the variables of the sperm analysis that were measured. All these data suggest that EGF is not an index of gonadal function. This may be due to the fact that probably most EGF in seminal plasma is of prostatic origin.