Macrophage-Hitchhiked Orally Administered β-Glucans-Functionalized Nanoparticles as "Precision-Guided Stealth Missiles" for Targeted Pancreatic Cancer Therapy

The prognosis in cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with current treatment modalities is poor owing to the highly desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, a β-glucans-functionalized zinc-doxorubicin nanoparticle system (βGlus-ZnD NPs) that can be orally administered, is developed for targeted PDAC therapy. Following oral administration in PDAC-bearing mice, βGlus-ZnD NPs actively target/transpass microfold cells, overcome the intestinal epithelial barrier, and then undergo subsequent phagocytosis by endogenous macrophages (βGlus-ZnD@Mϕ). As hitchhiking cellular vehicles, βGlus-ZnD@Mϕ transits through the intestinal lymphatic system and enters systemic circulation, ultimately accumulating in the tumor tissue as a result of the tumor-homing and "stealth" properties that are conferred by endogenous Mϕ. Meanwhile, the Mϕ that hitchhikes βGlus-ZnD NPs is activated to produce matrix metalloproteinases, destroying the desmoplastic stromal barrier, and differentiates toward the M1 -like phenotype, modulating the TME and recruiting effector T cells, ultimately inducing apoptosis of the tumor cells. The combination of βGlus-ZnD@Mϕ and immune checkpoint blockade effectively inhibits the growth of the primary tumor and suppresses the development of metastasis. It thus represents an appealing approach to targeted PDAC therapy.

Ultrasound-Activated, Tumor-Specific In Situ Synthesis of a Chemotherapeutic Agent Using ZIF-8 Nanoreactors for Precision Cancer Therapy

The in situ transformation of low-toxicity precursors into a chemotherapeutic agent at a tumor site to enhance the efficacy of its treatment has long been an elusive goal. In this work, a zinc-based zeolitic imidazolate framework that incorporates pharmaceutically acceptable precursors is prepared as a nanoreactor (NR) system for the localized synthesis of an antitumor drug. The as-prepared NRs are administered intratumorally in a tumor-bearing mouse model and then irradiated with ultrasound (US) to activate the chemical synthesis. The US promotes the penetration of the administered NRs into the tumor tissue to cover the lesion entirely, although some NRs leak into the surrounding normal tissue. Nevertheless, only the tumor tissue, where the H₂O₂ concentration is high, is adequately exposed to the as-synthesized antitumor drug, which markedly impedes development of the tumor. No significant chemical synthesis is detected in the surrounding normal tissue, where the local H₂O₂ concentration is negligible and the US irradiation is not directly applied. The as-proposed tumor-specific in situ synthesis of therapeutic molecules induces hardly any significant in vivo toxicity and, thus, is potentially a potent biocompatible approach to precision chemotherapy.

Characterizing propagation-dependent spatial entanglement for structured laser beams generated by an astigmatic mode converter

The propagation-dependent spatial entanglement for the structured laser beams generated by an arbitrary incident Hermite-Gaussian (HG) mode passing through an astigmatic mode converter (AMC) is theoretically explored. The structured output beams are analytically decomposed into the expansion of HG modes for any given rotation angle of the AMC. Based on the Schmidt decomposition, the propagation-dependent spatial entanglements of the structured output modes are quantified with the von Neumann entropy. To manifest the propagation-dependent entropy, the probability distribution of the expanded HG modes in the structured output beam is quantitatively analyzed.

Engineering Nano- and Microparticles as Oral Delivery Vehicles to Promote Intestinal Lymphatic Drug Transport

Targeted oral delivery of a drug via the intestinal lymphatic system (ILS) has the advantages of protecting against hepatic first-pass metabolism of the drug and improving its pharmacokinetic performance. It is also a promising route for the oral delivery of vaccines and therapeutic agents to induce mucosal immune responses and treat lymphatic diseases, respectively. This article describes the anatomical structures and physiological characteristics of the ILS, with an emphasis on enterocytes and microfold (M) cells, which are the main gateways for the transport of particulate delivery vehicles across the intestinal epithelium into the lymphatics. A comprehensive overview of recent advances in the rational engineering of particulate vehicles, along with the challenges and opportunities that they present for improving ILS drug delivery, is provided, and the mechanisms by which such vehicles target and transport through enterocytes or M cells are discussed. The use of naturally sourced materials, such as yeast microcapsules and their derived polymeric β-glucans, as novel ILS-targeting delivery vehicles is also reviewed. Such use is the focus of an emerging field of research. Their potential use in the oral delivery of nucleic acids, such as mRNA vaccines, is proposed.

Quantum entanglement by a beam splitter analogous to laser mode transformation by a cylindrical lens

Quantum entanglement by a beam splitter (BS) is shown to be analogous to laser mode transformation by an astigmatic mode converter (AMC). Schmidt decomposition is used to characterize the entanglement by an AMC for generating orbital angular momentum and by a BS for creating quantum photon interference. The probability distributions of Schmidt decomposition are calculated to manifest the sameness and difference between AMC and BS in generating entanglement. Finally, the theoretical patterns of mode transformations by an AMC are confirmed with experimental results to validate the present analysis.

[Association of hyperuricemia with risk of incident chronic kidney disease in adult in Songjiang district, Shanghai: a follow-up study]

Objective: To evaluate the association of hyperuricemia with the risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in community adults. Methods: A community-based follow-up study comprising of 7 276 adults aged 20-74 years who attended the natural population cohort in Eastern China and had no CKD at baseline survey was performed in the Songjiang district, Shanghai. CKD was diagnosed according to the National Kidney Foundation Practice Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease criteria. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid level >420 μmol/L for men and >360 μmol/L for women. Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the association of hyperuricemia with the risk for CKD. Results: During a median follow-up period of 2.65 year, 301 participants were newly diagnosed with CKD. The cumulative incidence rate and incidence density of CKD were 4.14%, and 16.01/1 000 person-years (95%CI: 14.20-17.82), respectively. A higher prevalence of hyperuricemia was observed in subjects with CKD compared with those without CKD. Multivariate Cox regression model analysis showed that hyperuricemia was associated with the increased risk for CKD, with an adjusted HR of 1.92 (95%CI: 1.46-2.53). Their positive associations remained in almost all the subgroups, including sex, age (<60, ≥60 years), BMI (<25.0, ≥25.0 kg/m²), type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. A significant synergistic effect of the interaction between age and hyperuricemia on CKD was found, and the synergy index was 1.78 (95%CI: 1.18-2.68). Conclusion: The incidence of CKD in adults in Songjiang district was relatively high. Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for the development of CKD.

Characterizing the spatial entanglement from laser modes analogous to quantum wave functions

The Schmidt decomposition is exploited to study the spatial entanglement of laser transverse modes analogous to quantum Lissajous states. Based on the inverse Fourier transform, the stationary Lissajous state can be analytically derived as a coherent superposition of degenerate Hermite-Gaussian eigenmodes. With the derived stationary state, the Schmidt modes and the participation number N can be employed to evaluate the spatial localization and the quantum entanglement. The larger the participation number, the more localized is the stationary coherent state on the Lissajous figure. Moreover, the larger the participation number, the higher is the spatial entanglement.

Powerful Q-switched Raman laser at 589 nm with a repetition rate between 200 and 500 kHz

We demonstrate a highly powerful acousto-optically Q-switched Nd:YVO₄ yellow laser at 589 nm by using a N_p-cut KGW crystal and a phase-matching lithium triborate crystal to performance the intracavity stimulated Raman scattering and second-harmonic generation, respectively. We experimentally verify that the design of the separate cavity is superior to the conventional design of the shared cavity. By using the separate cavity, the optical-to-optical efficiency can be generally higher than 32% for the repetition rate within 200-500 kHz. The maximum output power at 589 nm can be up to 15.1 W at an incident pump power of 40 W and a repetition rate of 400 kHz.

Pedagogically fast model to evaluate and optimize passively Q-switched Nd-doped solid-state lasers

The coupled rate equations with the spatial overlap effect for four-level passively Q-switched lasers are fully considered. A transcendental equation is derived for the residual fraction of the inversion density after the finish of the Q-switched pulse. Comprehensive calculations for the transcendental equation were executed to attain an analytical function for precisely fitting the residual fraction of the inversion density. With the fitting function, a pedagogical model with the correction for high output coupling is developed to straightforwardly analyze the output pulse energy and peak power. Detailed experiments are carried out to validate the model.

Propagation-dependent evolution of interfering multiple beams and kaleidoscopic vortex lattices

In this Letter, we experimentally explore the propagation-dependent evolution of generating the pseudo-nondiffracting quasi-crystalline (crystalline) beams based on the multibeam interference. We originally derived an analytical formula to exactly manifest the propagation evolution of interfering multiple beams. With the analytical formula, the formation of quasi-crystalline structures in the focal plane can be explicitly verified. Furthermore, the distance of the effective propagation-invariant region can be verified in terms of experimental parameters. More importantly, we employed the developed formula to confirm the formation of kaleidoscopic vortex lattices by means of numerically computing the propagation-dependent phase singularities.

A bubble bursting-mediated oral drug delivery system that enables concurrent delivery of lipophilic and hydrophilic chemotherapeutics for treating pancreatic tumors in rats

The therapeutic outcome of pancreatic cancer remains unsatisfactory, despite many attempts to improve it. To address this challenge, an oral drug delivery system that spontaneously initiates an effervescent reaction to form gas-bubble carriers is proposed. These carriers concurrently deliver lipophilic paclitaxel (PTX) and hydrophilic gemcitabine (GEM) in the small intestine. The bursting of the bubbles promotes the intestinal absorption of the drugs. The antitumor efficacy of this proposed oral drug delivery system is evaluated in rats with experimentally created orthotopic pancreatic tumors. The combined administration of equivalent amounts of PTX and GEM via the intravenous (i.v.) route, which is clinically used for treating pancreatic cancer, serves as a control. Following oral administration, the lipophilic PTX is initially absorbed through the intestinal lymphatic system and then enters systemic circulation, whereas the hydrophilic GEM is directly taken up into the blood circulation, ultimately accumulating in the tumorous pancreatic tissues. A pharmacokinetic study reveals that the orally delivered formulation has none of the toxic side-effects that are associated with the i.v. injected formulation; changes the pharmacokinetic profiles of the drugs; and increases the bioavailability of PTX. The oral formulation has a greater impact than the i.v. formulation on tumor-specific stromal depletion, resulting in greater inhibition of tumor growth with no evidence of metastatic spread. As well as enhancing the therapeutic efficacy, this unique approach of oral chemotherapy has potential for use on outpatients, greatly improving their quality of life.

Integral-based parallel algorithm for the fast generation of the Zernike polynomials

The integral representation of the Zernike radial functions is well approximated by applying the Riemann sums with a surprisingly rapid convergence. The errors of the Riemann sums are found to averagely be not exceed 3 ×10^-14, 3.3×10^-14, and 1.8×10^-13 for the radial order up to 30, 50, and 100, respectively. Moreover, a parallel algorithm based on the Riemann sums is proposed to directly generate a set of radial functions. With the aid of the graphics processing units (GPUs), the algorithm shows an acceleration ratio up to 200-fold over the traditional CPU computation. The fast generation for a set of Zernike radial polynomials is expected to be valuable in further applications, such as the aberration analysis and the pattern recognition.

Exploring the formation of thermally detuned transverse patterns in a broad-area square VCSEL

The formation of thermally detuned transverse patterns of a broad-area square-aperture vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) via cryogenic cooling is explored. It is found that the transverse wave vector gradually rotates from the horizontal or vertical direction to the diagonal direction of the square boundary as the transverse mode order increases. A model based on the quantum billiards with a finite potential well is developed to emulate the transition behavior of lasing modes. Combining the effective modal gain analysis with the response wave function of driven finite potential billiards, all experimental lasing patterns under different operation temperatures are well reconstructed.

[Epidemiological features of adult chronic kidney diseases in a community-based population in Songjiang district, Shanghai]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in adult residents living in a community of Songjiang district, Shanghai. Methods: A total of 9 257 residents aged 20-75 years old in Xinqiao township of Songjiang district were selected by random cluster sampling. All the participants were interviewed to complete a set of personal questionnaire and undergo physical examinations. Urine and blood tests including markers of kidney damage and related associated factors with CKD, were carried out. Results: Eligible data from 8 207 subjects were enrolled in the study. After adjustment for age and gender, the prevalence of CKD was 8.4% (95%CI: 7.8%-9.0%), with majority of the patients (76.5%) appeared in the early stage (Ⅰ and Ⅱ) of the disease. The prevalence of CKD increased with age and higher prevalence was seen in females than in males (P<0.001). Results from logistic regression analysis showed that factors as: being elderly or female, having hypertension, hyperuricemia, and hyperlipidemia were all independently associated with CKD. Conclusions: The prevalence of CKD appeared relatively high in adult residents of Xinqiao township, Songjiang district where CKD had become a public health problem. Factors as: being female or elderly, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and hyperlipidemia were found to be associated with CKD. Our findings suggested that early prevention and control on CKD to reduce the incidence of end-stage renal diseases and related complications had called for more urgent attention.

Modeling and Simulation of A Microchannel Cooling System for Vitrification of Cells and Tissues

BACKGROUND

The microchannel heat exchange system has several advantages and can be used to enhance heat transfer for vitrification.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the microchannel cooling method and to analyze the effects of key parameters such as channel structure, flow rate and sample size.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A computational flow dynamics model is applied to study the two-phase flow in microchannels and its related heat transfer process. The fluid-solid coupling problem is solved with a whole field solution method (i.e., flow profile in channels and temperature distribution in the system being simulated simultaneously).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Simulation indicates that a cooling rate >10⁴ C/min is easily achievable using the microchannel method with the high flow rate for a board range of sample sizes. Channel size and material used have significant impact on cooling performance. Computational flow dynamics is useful for optimizing the design and operation of the microchannel system.

Extracting trajectory equations of classical periodic orbits from the quantum eigenmodes in two-dimensional integrable billiards

The trajectory equations for classical periodic orbits in the equilateral-triangular and circular billiards are systematically extracted from quantum stationary coherent states. The relationship between the phase factors of quantum stationary coherent states and the initial positions of classical periodic orbits is analytically derived. In addition, the stationary coherent states with noncoprime parametric numbers are shown to correspond to the multiple periodic orbits, which cannot be explicable in the one-particle picture. The stationary coherent states are further verified to be linked to the resonant modes that are generally observed in the experimental wave system excited by a localized and unidirectional source. The excellent agreement between the resonant modes and the stationary coherent states not only manifests the importance of classical features in experimental systems but also paves the way to manipulate the mesoscopic wave functions localized on the periodic orbits for applications.

Characterizing classical periodic orbits from quantum Green's functions in two-dimensional integrable systems: Harmonic oscillators and quantum billiards

A general method is developed to characterize the family of classical periodic orbits from the quantum Green's function for the two-dimensional (2D) integrable systems. A decomposing formula related to the beta function is derived to link the quantum Green's function with the individual classical periodic orbits. The practicality of the developed formula is demonstrated by numerically analyzing the 2D commensurate harmonic oscillators and integrable quantum billiards. Numerical analyses reveal that the emergence of the classical features in quantum Green's functions principally comes from the superposition of the degenerate states for 2D harmonic oscillators. On the other hand, the damping factor in quantum Green's functions plays a critical role to display the classical features in mesoscopic regime for integrable quantum billiards, where the physical function of the damping factor is to lead to the coherent superposition of the nearly degenerate eigenstates.

Exploiting broad-area surface emitting lasers to manifest the path-length distributions of finite-potential quantum billiards

Broad-area vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) with different cavity sizes are experimentally exploited to manifest the influence of the finite confinement strength on the path-length distribution of quantum billiards. The subthreshold emission spectra of VCSELs are measured to obtain the path-length distributions by using the Fourier transform. It is verified that the number of the resonant peaks in the path-length distribution decreases with decreasing the confinement strength. Theoretical analyses for finite-potential quantum billiards are numerically performed to confirm that the mesoscopic phenomena of quantum billiards with finite confinement strength can be analogously revealed by using broad-area VCSELs.

Exploring the resonant vibration of thin plates: Reconstruction of Chladni patterns and determination of resonant wave numbers

The Chladni nodal line patterns and resonant frequencies for a thin plate excited by an electronically controlled mechanical oscillator are experimentally measured. Experimental results reveal that the resonant frequencies can be fairly obtained by means of probing the variation of the effective impedance of the exciter with and without the thin plate. The influence of the extra mass from the central exciter is confirmed to be insignificant in measuring the resonant frequencies of the present system. In the theoretical aspect, the inhomogeneous Helmholtz equation is exploited to derive the response function as a function of the driving wave number for reconstructing experimental Chladni patterns. The resonant wave numbers are theoretically identified with the maximum coupling efficiency as well as the maximum entropy principle. Substituting the theoretical resonant wave numbers into the derived response function, all experimental Chladni patterns can be excellently reconstructed. More importantly, the dispersion relationship for the flexural wave of the vibrating plate can be determined with the experimental resonant frequencies and the theoretical resonant wave numbers. The determined dispersion relationship is confirmed to agree very well with the formula of the Kirchhoff-Love plate theory.

Exploring the influence of boundary shapes on emission angular distributions and polarization states of broad-area vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

We design the stadium-shaped and rectangular vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) to investigate the influence of boundary shapes on the emission angular distributions and polarization states. For the stadium-shaped VCSELs, the emission angular distribution prefers to be almost omnidirectional because the lasing mode with purely scarred structure is seldom to be excited. On the contrary, the rectangular VCSELs usually generate dominant lasing modes with the morphology of quasi-periodic linear ridges, which can make emission angular distribution to be concentrated on the certain direction. From the polarization-resolved light-current curves, the stadium-shaped VCSEL is quite prone to exhibit numerous abrupt changes (kinks) associated with polarization switching with increasing current, whereas for rectangular VCSEL there is no conspicuous kink to be seen during a wide range of current changing from near to far above lasing threshold.

Identification of a major quantitative trait locus for ear size induced by space flight in sweet corn

The development of molecular markers has contributed to progress in identifying the gene(s) responsible for favorable variations in maize studies. In this study, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was conducted using simple sequence repeat markers in an F2 sweet corn population from a cross between parental line 1132 and space flight-induced mutant line 751 to identify the loci contributing to an increase in some yield traits. A primary mutated genomic region was located on chromosome 9. In total, 26 QTL were detected for eight yield-related traits and assembled into three clusters on chromosome 9. The largest QTL cluster at bin 9.02/03, primarily contributing to >10% of the phenotypic variation in ear and cob diameters, was likely due to a major QTL. Desired alleles of these QTL were provided by the mutant line 751. The primary action of the major mutant allele was an additive effect. Another mutant locus, which was induced in bin 9.01, increased cob and ear diameters by dominant genetic action.

Exploring the distinction between experimental resonant modes and theoretical eigenmodes: from vibrating plates to laser cavities

Experimentally resonant modes are commonly presumed to correspond to eigenmodes in the same bounded domain. However, the one-to-one correspondence between theoretical eigenmodes and experimental observations is never reached. Theoretically, eigenmodes in numerous classical and quantum systems are the solutions of the homogeneous Helmholtz equation, whereas resonant modes should be solved from the inhomogeneous Helmholtz equation. In the present paper we employ the eigenmode expansion method to derive the wave functions for manifesting the distinction between eigenmodes and resonant modes. The derived wave functions are successfully used to reconstruct a variety of experimental results including Chladni figures generated from the vibrating plate, resonant patterns excited from microwave cavities, and lasing modes emitted from the vertical cavity.

Efficient continuous-wave self-Raman Yb:KGW laser with a shift of 89 cm⁻¹

We demonstrated a continuous-wave (CW) self-Raman laser with high conversion efficiency by using Yb:KGW as the Raman crystal. The first Stokes line of wavelength centered at 1095.2 nm with spectral bandwidth of 8 nm and the cascaded Raman conversion wavelength at 1109.5 nm with spectral bandwidth of 3.4 nm were observed with a Raman shift of 89 cm⁻¹ with respect to the fundamental laser wavelength at 1085.0 nm with spectral bandwidth of 10 nm. The CW Raman output power of 1.7 W was attained under the diode pump power of 7.8 W which corresponds to the slope efficiency and the diode-to-Stokes optical conversion efficiency of 26.6% and 21.8%, respectively.

Exploration of water jet generated by Q-switched laser induced water breakdown with different depths beneath a flat free surface

The dynamics of a water jet on a flat free surface are investigated using a nanosecond pulsed laser for creating an oscillating bubble with different depths beneath the free surface. A thin jet is shown to deform a crater surface resulted from surface depression and cause a circular ring-shaped crater on the connection surface between the crater of surface depression and the thin jet. The collapse of this circular ring-shaped crater is proposed to the crown-like formation around a thick jet. The evolution of the bubble depth suggests a classification of four distinctive ranges of the bubble depths: non-crown formation when the parameter of bubble depth over the maximum bubble radius γ ≤ 0.5, unstable crown formation when 0.5 ≤ γ ≤ 0.6, crown-like structure with a complete crown wall when 0.6 ≤ γ ≤ 1.1, and non-crown formation when 1.1 ≤ γ. Furthermore, the orientation of the crown wall gradually turns counterclockwise to vertical direction with increasing γ from 0.5 to 1.1, implying a high correlation between the orientation of the crown wall and the depth of the bubble. This correlation is explained and discussed by the directional change of the jet eruption from the collapse of circular ring-shaped crater.

Level statistics and eigenfunctions of square torus billiards: manifesting the transition from regular to chaotic behaviors

We thoroughly analyze the level statistics and eigenfunctions in concentric as well as nonconcentric square torus billiards. We confirm the characteristics of quantum and classical correspondence and the existence of scarred and superscarred modes in concentric square torus billiards. Furthermore, we not only verify that the transition from regular to chaotic behaviors can be manifested in nonconcentric square torus billiards, but also develop an analytical distribution to excellently fit the numerical level statistics. Finally, we intriguingly observe that numerous eigenstates commonly exhibit the wave patterns to be an ensemble of classical diamond trajectories, as the effective wavelengths are considerably shorter than the size of internal hole.

Wave pattern and weak localization of chaotic versus scarred modes in stadium-shaped surface-emitting lasers

We explore the lasing mode selection between the chaotic and scarred modes in stadium-shaped vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). Experimental results reveal that the spatial gain distribution in the active layer of a VCSEL can be modified via the aperture size to favor the generation of either the chaotic or the scarred modes. Experimentally obtained chaotic and scarred modes are further employed to perform statistical analysis of wave function intensities for making a comparison with predictions based on the nonlinear σ model. We verify that the scarring effect can be quantitatively relevant to the weak-localization correction in the intensity probability distribution.

Manifestation of quantum-billiard eigenvalue statistics from subthreshold emission of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

We report that the subthreshold emission spectra of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) can be analogously used to manifest the quantum-billiard energy spectra. The Fourier-transformed distributions of the subthreshold emission spectra are demonstrated to display various peak structures that are in good agreement with the results of the quantum-billiard model. We also verify that the statistical analyses of the nearest-neighbor eigenvalue spacing distributions obey a Poisson distribution for an equilateral-triangular device and a Wigner distribution for a stadium-shaped device.

Exploring the origin of the directional emission from a microcavity with a large-aperture surface-emitting laser

The origin of the direction emission from a microcavity is investigated with a large-aperture surface-emitting laser with an equilateral-triangular shape. Experimental results reveal that a wide-spread eigenmode and a localized superscar mode can display quite similar far-field directional emissions. This experimental finding is theoretically confirmed with the quantum-billiard wave function and the approximation of the paraxial propagation.

Transient dynamics of coherent waves released from quantum billiards and analogous observation from free-space propagation of laser modes

The transient dynamics of the eigenstates and coherent states released from a square quantum billiard is analytically and numerically investigated. It is experimentally verified that this transient dynamic can be analogously observed with the free-space propagation of the lasing modes emitted from the laterally confined, vertically emitted cavities. Furthermore, we exploit a chaotically shaped cavity to originally demonstrate the diffraction-in-time characteristics of the chaotic wave functions. It is found that the transient patterns of chaotic wave functions exhibit a striking feature of random branching behavior with the appearance of intricate interference fringes.

[Adsorption of TNF alpha onto the amino acid-modified NK-110 resin]

It is a effective way to remove Tumor Necrosis Factor(TNF alpha) from plasma by adsorbent. In the present study, NK-110 was modified by 8 amino acids to prepare the adsorbents to be used in the static adsorption experiments of TNF alpha. We have studied the adsorption capacity, kinetic profiles and adsorption isoterm of Cys modified NK-110, and some comparison were made between Cys modified NK-110 and unmodified one. The experimental results show that the Cys modified NK-110 exhibited superior adsorption capacity which is 7683.80 u/mL, and the adsorption percentage is 85.38% at 120 min in stable adsorption. Compared with unmodified NK-110, the Cys-modified one with high adsorption velocity. Furthermore, adsorption isotherms were also studied on Cys-modified and bare NK-110, bot showed to be of "L" shape at 37 degrees C. The adsorption amount increased as the concentration of TNF alpha increased, however, the adsorption percentage is stable adsorbed by Cys-modified NK-110, whereas it is decreased by bare one. The results demonstrating that Cys can significantly raised the adsorption capacity.

Interactions of an Arg-rich region of transcription elongation protein NusA with NUT RNA: implications for the order of assembly of the lambda N antitermination complex in vivo

The E. coli NusA transcription elongation protein (NusA(Ec)), identified because of its requirement for transcription antitermination by the N protein, has an Arg-rich S1 RNA-binding domain. A complex of N and NusA with other host factors binding at NUT sites in the RNA renders RNA polymerase termination-resistant. An E. coli haploid for nusA944, having nine different codons replacing four normally found in the Arg-rich region, is defective in support of N action. Another variant, haploid for the nusAR199A allele, with a change in a highly conserved Arg codon in the S1 domain, effectively supports N-mediated antitermination. However, nusAR199A is recessive to nusA944, while nusA(Ec) is dominant to nusA944 for support of N-mediated antitermination, suggesting a competition between NusA944 and NusAR199A during complex formation. Complex formation with the variant NusA proteins was assessed by mobility gel shifts. NusAR199A, unlike NusA(Ec) and NusA944, fails to form a complex with N and NUT RNA. However, while NusAR199A, like wild-type NusA, forms an enlarged complex with NUT RNA, N, RNA polymerase, and other host proteins required for efficient N-mediated antitermination, NusA944 does not form this enlarged complex. Consistent with the in vivo results, NusA944 prevents NusAR199A but not NusA(Ec) from forming the enlarged complex. The simplest conclusion from these dominance studies is that in the formation of the complete active antitermination complex in vivo, NusA and N binding to the newly synthesized NUT RNA precedes addition of the other factors. Alternative less effective routes to the active complex that allows bypass of this preferred pathway may also exist.

[A new melanoma antigen-encoding gene subfamily in human chromosome X]

A lot of studies have been focused on the tumor-related genes. We have cloned a new melanoma antigen-encoding gene (MAGE) from human fetal liver of third trimester and subsequently found that it represented a new MAGE gene subfamily, named MAGE-D. The MAGE-D subfamily contained three orthologs including human MAGE-D1, rat SNERG-1 and mouse DLXIN-1, and two paralogs including human MAGE-D and human KIAA1114. All human members of MAGE-D subfamily are located in human chromosome Xp11.21-p11.23. Moreover, MAGE-D subfamily stands out from other known subfamilies MAGE-A, -B and -C of MAGE family in view of typical features such as exon/intron organization, absence of tumorspecific antigens, evolutionarily divergent in sequences. The identification of MAGE-D subfamily will be helpful in understanding the genesis of tumor.

Internal modification of U2 small nuclear (sn)RNA occurs in nucleoli of Xenopus oocytes

U2 small nuclear (sn)RNA contains a large number of posttranscriptionally modified nucleotides, including a 5' trimethylated guanosine cap, 13 pseudouridines, and 10 2'-O-methylated residues. Using Xenopus oocytes, we demonstrated previously that at least some of these modified nucleotides are essential for biogenesis of a functional snRNP. Here we address the subcellular site of U2 internal modification. Upon injection into the cytoplasm of oocytes, G-capped U2 that is transported to the nucleus becomes modified, whereas A-capped U2 that remains in the cytoplasm is not modified. Furthermore, by injecting U2 RNA into isolated nuclei or enucleated oocytes, we observe that U2 internal modifications occur exclusively in the nucleus. Analysis of the intranuclear localization of fluorescently labeled RNAs shows that injected wild-type U2 becomes localized to nucleoli and Cajal bodies. Both internal modification and nucleolar localization of U2 are dependent on the Sm binding site. An Sm-mutant U2 is targeted only to Cajal bodies. The Sm binding site can be replaced by a nucleolar localization signal derived from small nucleolar RNAs (the box C/D motif), resulting in rescue of internal modification as well as nucleolar localization. Analysis of additional chimeric U2 RNAs reveals a correlation between internal modification and nucleolar localization. Together, our results suggest that U2 internal modification occurs within the nucleolus.

Regulation of sigma factor activity during Bacillus subtilis development

Progression of Bacillus subtilis through a series of morphological changes is driven by a cascade of sigma (sigma) factors and results in formation of a spore. Recent work has provided new insights into the location and function of proteins that control sigma factor activity, and has suggested that multiple mechanisms allow one sigma factor to replace another in the cascade.

Development of a DNA immunoadsorbent: coupling DNA on sepharose 4FF by an efficient activation method

To remove anti-DNA antibodies from a patient's plasma with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a DNA immunoadsorbent was developed by covalently coupling calf thymus DNA on activated Sepharose 4FF. Sepharose 4FF was activated with 5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximido carbonochloridate (Cl-CO-ONB), which was proven to be a very effective method for preparation of affinity chromatographic adsorbents. The activation was carried out in dry acetone using 4-(dimethylamine)pyridine (DMAP) and triethylamine (TEA) as catalysts at 4 degrees C or at room temperature. The coupling of DNA to the activated support was investigated as a function of pH, temperature, time, concentration of DNA, and activation level. It was found that the pH for optimal coupling is 3.0, and the amount of coupled DNA increases with an increase either in the concentration of DNA or the activation level. The maximum amount of coupled DNA could reach 1.0 mg DNA/ml support. The incubation of 5 to 20 ml of SLE plasma with 1.0 ml of adsorbent resulted in an 80 to 90% decline in the anti-DNA antibody level. Nonspecific adsorption for normal IgG and total protein is less than 15%.

A novel configuration of bioartificial liver support system based on circulating microcarrier culture

The purpose of this investigation is to initiate a new bioartificial liver support system that utilizes circulating microcarrier cultures in the extracapillary space of a hollow fiber cartridge. The material exchange occurs on the membranes of the hollow fiber. Toxins are metabolized by the circulating cells on the microcarriers driven by a centrifugal pump. We inoculated 2-3 x 10E8 Hep G2 cells on 2.5 grams of Cytodex 3 microcarriers, and allowed them flowing in the extracapillary space of a modified plasma filter. 10% FCS Medium was pumped through the capillaries at different rates. Cells keep morphological integrity and functionality during the circulation. These preliminary results suggest that this configuration of a bioartificial liver support system offers a future investigation.

Evidence that SpoIVFB is a novel type of membrane metalloprotease governing intercompartmental communication during Bacillus subtilis sporulation

Processing of pro-sigma(K) in the mother cell compartment of sporulating Bacillus subtilis involves SpoIVFB and is governed by a signal from the forespore. SpoIVFB has an HEXXH motif characteristic of metalloproteases embedded in one of its transmembrane segments. Several conservative single amino acid changes in the HEXXH motif abolished function. However, changing the glutamic acid residue to aspartic acid, or changing the isoleucine residue that precedes the motif to proline, permitted SpoIVFB function. Only one other putative metalloprotease, site 2 protease has been shown to tolerate aspartic acid rather than glutamic acid in its HEXXH sequence. Site 2 protease and SpoIVFB share a second region of similarity with a family of putative membrane metalloproteases. A conservative change in this region of SpoIVFB abolished function. Interestingly, SpoIVFA increased the accumulation of certain mutant SpoIVFB proteins but was unnecessary for accumulation of wild-type SpoIVFB.

[Cloning of human TRAIL cDNA and its expression in COS-7 cells]

The human TRAIL cDNA was amplified with the total RNA from the human acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 by means of RT-PCR, and was cloned into the pGEM-T vector. The DNA sequence analysis showed that it was consistent with the published sequence. Then, the insert of human TRAIL cDNA was subcloned into the mammalian expression vector pcDNA3. The hybrid plasmid pcDNA3-hTRAIL was transformed into COS-7 cells, and transiently expressed in the COS-7 cells. The activity of the expressed product could induce apoptosis in U937 cell line.

Post-translational control of the MEF2A transcriptional regulatory protein

Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcriptional regulatory proteins are key regulators of muscle-specific gene expression and also play a general role in the cellular response to growth factors, cytokines and environmental stressors. To identify signaling pathway components that might mediate these events, the potential role of MAP kinase and PKC signaling in the modulation of MEF2A phosphorylation and transcriptional activity were therefore studied. In transient transfection reporter assays, activated p38 MAP kinase potently increased MEF2A trans -activating potential, PKC[delta] and [epsiv] isotypes enhanced MEF2A transactivation to a lesser extent, while the ERK1/2 and JNK/SAPK pathways were without effect. A GAL4-based assay system showed that p38 MAP kinase and PKC[delta] target the MEF2A transactivation domain. We also observed an increase in p38 MAP kinase activity in congruence with the increase in MEF2A expression in differentiating primary muscle cells. COS cells overexpressing MEF2A alone or with one of the kinases were metabolically labeled with [32P]orthophosphate and MEF2A was immunoprecipitated using specific anti-MEF2A antibodies. MEF2A from cells co-transfected with activated p38 MAP kinase showed a decreased electrophoretic mobility due to phosphorylation. Subsequent phosphopeptide mapping and phosphoamino acid analysis indicated the appearance of several phoshopeptides due to p38 MAP kinase activation of MEF2A which were due to phosphorylation on serine and threonine residues. These studies position MEF2A as a nuclear target for the p38 MAP kinase signaling pathway.

Construction of 4-thiouridine site-specifically substituted RNAs for cross-linking studies

Availability of 4-thiouridine (4-thioU)-containing RNAs is the prerequisite for 4-thioU site-specific cross-linking studies. This paper presents a method for constructing such RNAs. A 5'- and a 3'-RNA are synthesized via phage RNA polymerase transcription and/or RNase H site-specific cleavage directed by 2'-O-methyl-RNA-DNA chimeras. These two half-RNAs in combination correspond to the sequence of full-length RNA, with a single nucleotide gap at the junction that will be filled in with a 4-thiouridylate. A single p4SUp, which is derived from 4SUpN (N can be any nucleotide) via 5'-phosphorylation (therefore, the phosphate can be radioactive) followed by RNase A digestion, is then ligated to the 3' end of the 5'-half RNA with T4 RNA ligase. The 3'-phosphate of the ligated product is subsequently removed by calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase to produce a 3'-hydroxyl group. The resulting 5'-half RNA and the 3'-half RNA with a 5'-phosphate group (which can also be radioactive) are then aligned with a bridging deoxyoligonucleotide and ligated with T4 DNA ligase. This method was previously applied to the P120 pre-mRNA that contains an AT-AC intron, yielding three RNAs each containing a single 4-thioU near the 5'-splice site. Subsequent cross-linking studies with these RNAs yielded detailed information regarding interactions between the 5'-splice site and other spliceosomal snRNAs and between the 5'-splice site and proteins during splicing. Because there is no sequence constraint surrounding the site of 4-thioU substitution, this method should be applicable to many other RNAs.

Control of sigma factor activity during Bacillus subtilis sporulation

When starved, Bacillus subtilis undergoes asymmetric division to produce two cell types with different fates. The larger mother cell engulfs the smaller forespore, then nurtures it and, eventually, lyses to release a dormant, environmentally resistant spore. Driving these changes is a programme of transcriptional gene regulation. At the heart of the programme are sigma factors, which become active at different times, some only in one cell type or the other, and each directing RNA polymerase to transcribe a different set of genes. The activity of each sigma factor in the cascade is carefully regulated by multiple mechanisms. In some cases, novel proteins control both sigma factor activity and morphogenesis, co-ordinating the programme of gene expression with morphological change. These bifunctional proteins, as well as other proteins involved in sigma factor activation, and even precursors of sigma factors themselves, are targeted to critical locations, allowing the mother cell and forespore to communicate with each other and to co-ordinate their programmes of gene expression. This signalling can result in proteolytic sigma factor activation. Other mechanisms, such as an anti-sigma factor and, perhaps, proteolytic degradation, prevent sigma factors from becoming active in the wrong cell type. Accessory transcription factors modulate RNA polymerase activity at specific promoters. Negative feedback loops limit sigma factor production and facilitate the transition from one sigma factor to the next. Together, the mechanisms controlling sigma factor activity ensure that genes are expressed at the proper time and level in each cell type.

A concise promoter region of the heart fatty acid-binding protein gene dictates tissue-appropriate expression

The heart fatty acid-binding protein (HFABP) is a member of a family of binding proteins with distinct tissue distributions and diverse roles in fatty acid metabolism, trafficking, and signaling. Other members of this family have been shown to possess concise promoter regions that direct appropriate tissue-specific expression. The basis for the specific expression of the HFABP has not been previously evaluated, and the mechanisms governing expression of metabolic genes in the heart are not completely understood. We used transient and permanent transfections in ventricular myocytes, skeletal myocytes, and nonmyocytic cells to map regulatory elements in the HFABP promoter, and audited results in transgenic mice. Appropriate tissue-specific expression in cell culture and in transgenic mice was dictated by 1.2 kb of the 5'-flanking sequence of FABP3, the HFABP gene. Comparison of orthologous murine and human genomic sequences demonstrated multiple regions of near-identity within this promoter region, including a CArG-like element close to the TATA box. Binding and transactivation studies demonstrated that this element can function as an atypical myocyte enhancer-binding factor 2 site. Interactions with adjacent sites are likely to be necessary for fully appropriate, tissue-specific, developmental and metabolic regulation.

Broad spectrum antimicrobial biocides target the FabI component of fatty acid synthesis

The broad spectrum antibacterial properties of 2-hydroxydiphenyl ethers have been appreciated for decades, and their use in consumer products is rapidly increasing. We identify the enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (fabI) component of the type II fatty acid synthase system as the specific cellular target for these antibacterials. Biologically active 2-hydroxydiphenyl ethers effectively inhibit fatty acid synthesis in vivo and FabI activity in vitro. Resistant mechanisms include up-regulation of fabI expression and spontaneously arising missense mutations in the fabI gene. These results contradict the view that these compounds directly disrupt membranes and suggest that their widespread use will select for resistant bacterial populations.

Modifications of U2 snRNA are required for snRNP assembly and pre-mRNA splicing

Among the spliceosomal snRNAs, U2 has the most extensive modifications, including a 5' trimethyl guanosine (TMG) cap, ten 2'-O-methylated residues and 13 pseudouridines. At short times after injection, cellularly derived (modified) U2 but not synthetic (unmodified) U2 rescues splicing in Xenopus oocytes depleted of endogenous U2 by RNase H targeting. After prolonged reconstitution, synthetic U2 regenerates splicing activity; a correlation between the extent of U2 modification and U2 function in splicing is observed. Moreover, 5-fluorouridine-containing U2 RNA, a potent inhibitor of U2 pseudouridylation, specifically abolishes rescue by synthetic U2, while rescue by cellularly derived U2 is not affected. By creating chimeric U2 molecules in which some sequences are from cellularly derived U2 and others are from in vitro transcribed U2, we demonstrate that the functionally important modifications reside within the 27 nucleotides at the 5' end of U2. We further show that 2'-O-methylation and pseudouridylation activities reside in the nucleus and that the 5' TMG cap is not necessary for internal modification but is crucial for splicing activity. Native gel analysis reveals that unmodified U2 is not incorporated into the spliceosome. Examination of the U2 protein profile and glycerol-gradient analysis argue that U2 modifications directly contribute to conversion of the 12S to the 17S U2 snRNP particle, which is essential for spliceosome assembly.

Clinical trials of type I and in vitro studies of type II immunoadsorbents for systemic lupus erythematosus therapy

A highly selective immunoadsorbent was prepared by immobilization of DNA on carbonized resin beads (Type I) for the removal of the pathogenic antibodies of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Thirty cases of clinical trials of this SLE therapy were performed at 12 hospitals in China. The levels of anti-DNA antibodies after whole blood perfusion were decreased 40-70%. Almost all the symptoms were relieved, and some patients were freed from medicine administration. A new immunoadsorbent was prepared using aminated cellulose beads (Type II) having a higher DNA immobilization capacity of 0.6 mg/ml than the 0.4 mg/ml capacity for Type I. Stationary adsorption tests with the sera of SLE patients showed that the Type II immunoadsorbent could remove 60% of the pathogenic antibodies, which is much higher than the 30% for the Type I adsorbent.

Malignant fibrous histocytoma of the heart presenting as right ventricular outflow tract obstruction: a case report

Primary malignant fibrous histocytoma (MFH) of the heart is extremely rare. Herein, we report the case of a 17-year-old woman with a primary MFH in the right ventricular outflow tract, presenting with increasing dyspnea on exertion. Wide excision of the tumor, including part of the pulmonary artery and pulmonary valve, was performed under cardiopulmonary bypass. Her postoperative recovery was uneventful.