Liver-specific loss of lipin-1-mediated phosphatidic acid phosphatase activity does not mitigate intrahepatic TG accumulation in mice.

Lipin proteins (lipin 1, 2, and 3) regulate glycerolipid homeostasis by acting as phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase (PAP) enzymes in the TG synthesis pathway and by regulating DNA-bound transcription factors to control gene transcription. Hepatic PAP activity could contribute to hepatic fat accumulation in response to physiological and pathophysiological stimuli. To examine the role of lipin 1 in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism, we generated mice that are deficient in lipin-1-encoded PAP activity in a liver-specific manner (Alb-Lpin1(-/-) mice). This allele of lipin 1 was still able to transcriptionally regulate the expression of its target genes encoding fatty acid oxidation enzymes, and the expression of these genes was not affected in Alb-Lpin1(-/-) mouse liver. Hepatic PAP activity was significantly reduced in mice with liver-specific lipin 1 deficiency. However, hepatocytes from Alb-Lpin1(-/-) mice had normal rates of TG synthesis, and steady-state hepatic TG levels were unaffected under fed and fasted conditions. Furthermore, Alb-Lpin1(-/-) mice were not protected from intrahepatic accumulation of diacylglyerol and TG after chronic feeding of a diet rich in fat and fructose. Collectively, these data demonstrate that marked deficits in hepatic PAP activity do not impair TG synthesis and accumulation under acute or chronic conditions of lipid overload.

El Cascanueces en 3D', versión libre de la adaptación del cuento de Hoffmann

Las navidades pasadas se presentó en las salas de cine El Cascanueces en 3D. Se trata de una adaptación libre del cuento de hadas de Navidad El Cascanueces y el rey de los ratones,2 creado por un escritor, músico, pintor, dramaturgo y jurista alemán llamado Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann3 (1776-1822). Hoffmann, gran admirador de Mozart, cambió su tercer nombre por el del músico austriaco y durante muchos años se ganó la vida como crítico musical,compositor y director de orquesta

Structural and optical properties of high quality zinc-blende/wurtzite GaAs nanowire heterostructures

The structural and optical properties of three different kinds of GaAs nanowires with 100% zinc-blende structure and with an average of 30% and 70% wurtzite are presented. A variety of shorter and longer segments of zinc-blende or wurtzite crystal phases are observed by transmission electron microscopy in the nanowires. Sharp photoluminescence lines are observed with emission energies tuned from 1.515 eV down to 1.43 eV when the percentage of wurtzite is increased. The downward shift of the emission peaks can be understood by carrier confinement at the interfaces, in quantum wells and in random short period superlattices existent in these nanowires, assuming a staggered band offset between wurtzite and zinc-blende GaAs. The latter is confirmed also by time-resolved measurements. The extremely local nature of these optical transitions is evidenced also by cathodoluminescence measurements. Raman spectroscopy on single wires shows different strain conditions, depending on the wurtzite content which affects also the band alignments. Finally, the occurrence of the two crystallographic phases is discussed in thermodynamic terms.

El cervell té mecanismes per a les metàfores

Al cervell li costa entendre i generar metàfores. Comprendre el llenguatge figuratiu implica necessàriament la utilització simultània de diversos circuits neurals, que han d"extreure informació no literal a partir de paraules que tanmateix també tenen un significat concret. Per entendre aquesta facultat exclusivament humana, Nira Mashal i els seus col·laboradors, de la Universitat Ben-Ilan de Ramat Gan i del centre de salut mental Aviv-Brull de Tel Aviv, a Israel, han monitoritzat el funcionament del cervell en un grup de voluntaris mentre comprenien metàfores o expressions literals, i l"han comparat amb el de malalts d"esquizofrènia, una patologia que es caracteritza, entre altres aspectes, per la incapacitat d"entendre-les.

Studies of Eu- and Yb-induced Reconstructions on the Si(100) Surface

This thesis presents experimental studies of rare earth (RE) metal induced structures on Si(100) surfaces. Two divalent RE metal adsorbates, Eu and Yb, are investigated on nominally flat Si(100) and on vicinal, stepped Si(100) substrates. Several experimental methods have been applied, including scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy (SR-PES), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS), and work function change measurements (Δφ). Two stages can be distinguished in the initial growth of the RE/Si interface: the formation of a two-dimensional (2D) adsorbed layer at submonolayer coverage and the growth of a three-dimensional (3D) silicide phase at higher coverage. The 2D phase is studied for both adsorbates in order to discover whether they produce common reconstructions or reconstructions common to the other RE metals. For studies of the 3D phase Yb is chosen due to its ability to crystallize in a hexagonal AlB2 type lattice, which is the structure of RE silicide nanowires, therefore allowing for the possibility of the growth of one-dimensional (1D) wires. It is found that despite their similar electronic configuration, Eu and Yb do not form similar 2D reconstructions on Si(100). Instead, a wealth of 2D structures is observed and atomic models are proposed for the 2×3-type reconstructions. In addition, adsorbate induced modifications on surface morphology and orientational symmetry are observed. The formation of the Yb silicide phase follows the Stranski-Krastanov growth mode. Nanowires with the hexagonal lattice are observed on the flat Si(100) substrate, and moreover, an unexpectedly large variety of growth directions are revealed. On the vicinal substrate the growth of the silicide phase as 3D islands and wires depends drastically on the growth conditions. The conditions under which wires with high aspect ratio and single orientation parallel to the step edges can be formed are demonstrated.

Nanotecnologia: aspectos gerais e potencial de aplicação em catálise

In recent years nanomaterials, such as metallic nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotapes, nanotubes and nanocomposites, have attracted increasing interest for several technological applications. In catalysis, the great potential of nanomaterials is related to the high catalytic activity exhibited by these materials as a function of the high surface/volume ratio when the particles acquire diameter below 5 nm. In this work, a review about concepts and background of nanoscience and nanotechnology is presented with emphasis in catalysis. Special attention is given to gold nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, focusing the properties and characteristics of these materials in several catalytic reactions.

Pilhas de combustíveis microbianas utilizadas na produção de eletricidade a partir de rejeitos orgânicos: uma perspectiva de futuro

In this review is presented an innovative technology for use of animal and vegetable waste with high pollution levels in microbial fuel cell (MFC) as an alternative to waste remediation and simultaneously producing electricity and fertilizer for agriculture. A brief history of MFC, the studies about the electron transfer mechanisms, discussion of the biological nanowires in bacteria and the use of chemical mediators or carriers of electrons are explained. The factors influencing the performance of MFCs, the application in waste and sewage treatment and power generation are also discussed.

A NEW HOMOGENEOUS ELECTROCATALYST FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CARBONYLATION OF METHANOL TO DIMETHYL CARBONATE

Electrosynthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from methanol and carbon monoxide using an Cu(phen)Cl2 catalyst was achieved at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The catalytic activity of the ligand 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and the catalytic system were analyzed. The IR characterization results for the complex catalyst showed that copper ions were coordinated by nitrogen atoms of phen. In addition, the effects of the influencing factors, such as reaction time (t), reaction temperature (T) and the surface area of the working electrode (SWE) were studied.

Ação da l-arginina na evolução de retalhos cutâneos de ratos sob exposição à nicotina

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se o tratamento com L-arginina influencia a cicatrização de retalhos cutâneos em ratos expostos à nicotina. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 40 ratos Wistar pesando 142,4±10,1g separados em quatro grupos: GC- tratamento com solução tampão fosfatos pH 7,4, confecção de retalho cutâneo, observação por 10 dias; GN- exposição à nicotina por quatro semanas, confecção de retalho cutâneo, observação por dez dias; GA- tratamento com solução tampão fosfatos pH 7,4 por quatro semanas, confecção de retalho cutâneo, tratamento com arginina por dez dias; GAN- exposição à nicotina por quatro semanas, confecção de retalho cutâneo, tratamento com arginina por dez dias. Foram avaliadas as áreas de necrose, re-epitelização, reação inflamatória e formação de tecido de granulação, pela coloração HE, a área de deposição total e a diferenciação de colágenos I e III por histometria com a coloração de picrosirius, e, através da marcação imunoistoquímica com anticorpo monoclonal anti-CD34, a densidade vascular cicatricial. RESULTADOS: As porcentagens de áreas de necrose de GN e GNA foram maiores (p<0,001) do que GC e GA. Nos escores histológicos, a deposição de colágeno e a porcentagem de colágeno tipo I, no GC e GA foram similares (p>0,05) e maiores (p<0,001) do que em GA e em GNA e, nas densidades vasculares, GN e GAN foram menores (p<0,001) do que em GC e em GA. CONCLUSÃO: A exposição à nicotina inibiu os efeitos da arginina, e nos ratos não expostos, induziu melhora na angiogênese e na deposição de colágeno total nos retalhos cutâneos.

REGγ is a strong candidate for the regulation of cell cycle, proliferation and the invasion by poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma cells

REGγ is a proteasome activator that facilitates the degradation of small peptides. Abnormally high expression of REGγ has been observed in thyroid carcinomas. The purpose of the present study was to explore the role of REGγ in poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC). For this purpose, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was introduced to down-regulate the level of REGγ in the PDTC cell line SW579. Down-regulation of REGγ at the mRNA and protein levels was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. FACS analysis revealed cell cycle arrest at the G1/S transition, the MTT assay showed inhibition of cell proliferation, and the Transwell assay showed restricted cell invasion. Furthermore, the expression of the p21 protein was increased, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein decreased, and the expression of the p27 protein was unchanged as shown by Western blot analyses. REGγ plays a critical role in the cell cycle, proliferation and invasion of SW579 cells. The alteration of p21 and PCNA proteins related to the down-regulation of REGγ suggests that p21 and PCNA participate in the process of REGγ regulation of cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. Thus, targeting REGγ has a therapeutic potential in the management of PDTC patients.

Attentional bias modulation by reappraisal in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: an event-related potential study

Affective states influence subsequent attention allocation. We evaluated emotional negativity bias modulation by reappraisal in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) relative to normal controls. Event-related potential (ERP) recordings were obtained, and changes in P200 and P300 amplitudes in response to negative or neutral words were noted after decreasing negative emotion or establishing a neutral condition. We found that in GAD patients only, the mean P200 amplitude after negative word presentation was much higher than after the presentation of neutral words. In normal controls, after downregulation of negative emotion, the mean P300 amplitude in response to negative words was much lower than after neutral words, and this was significant in both the left and right regions. In GAD patients, the negative bias remained prominent and was not affected by reappraisal at the early stage. Reappraisal was observed to have a lateralized effect at the late stage.

Computed tomography findings of hepatic veno-occlusive disease caused by Sedum aizoon with histopathological correlation

This study investigated the value of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) caused by Sedum aizoon (SA). The clinical manifestations, treatment results, imaging findings, and histological findings of the liver were analyzed in 39 patients with HVOD caused by SA. Hepatomegaly, liver dysfunction, abdominal effusion, and geographic density changes on liver CT scans were found in all 39 patients. The pathological findings of histological liver examination included swelling and point-like necrosis of liver cells, significant expansion and congestion of the sinuses, endothelial swelling, and wall thickening with incomplete lumen occlusion of small liver vessels. CT geographic density changes were confirmed by histological examination of the liver in 18 patients. Sixteen patients with small amounts of ascites that started within 4 weeks of treatment recovered completely or significantly improved after symptomatic and supportive treatment. However, only 43.75% of the patients with larger amounts of ascites improved following symptomatic and supportive treatment. In conclusion, liver CT examination is a valuable, safe, and noninvasive tool for the diagnosis of HVOD caused by SA. In selected cases, liver CT examination may replace liver biopsy and histological analysis.

今古奇觀Jin gu qi guan.Merveilles de l'antiquité et des temps modernes.

Contient : I, livre 1三孝廉讓產立高名San xiao lian rang chan li gao ming.Les trois licenciés charitables qui acquièrent de la célébrité ; II, livre 2兩縣令競義婚孤女Liang xian ling jing yi hun gu nü.L'orpheline ; III, livre 3滕大尹鬼斷家私Teng da yin gui duan jia si.Le portrait de famille ; IV, livre 4裴晉公義還原配Pei jin gong yi huan yuan phei.Comment le mandarin Dan bi perdit et retrouva sa fiancée ; V, livre 5杜十娘怒沈百寶箱Du shi niang nu chen bai bao xiang.Du Shi niang, de colère, jette dans l'eau la cassette de bijoux ; VI, livre 6李謫仙醉草嚇蠻書Li zhe xian zui cao he man shu.Le poète Li Tai bai ; VII, livre 7賣油郎獨占花魁Mai you lang du zhan hua khoei.Le vendeur d'huile qui seul possède la reine de beauté ; VIII, livre 8灌園叟（alias 吏）晚逢仙女Guan yuan sou (alias li) wan feng xian nü.Les pivoines ; IX, livre 9轉運漢巧遇洞庭紅Zhuan yun han qiao yu dong ting hong.Le couli des transports, adroitement, reçoit la beauté du Dong ting ; X, livre 10看財奴刁買寃家主Kan cai nu diao mai yuan jia zhu.Richesse mal acquise (Comment le ciel donne et reprend les richesses) ; XI, livre 11吳保安棄家贖友Wu bao an qi jia shu you.Véritable amitié ; XII, livre 12羊角哀舍命全交Yang jue ai she ming quan jiao.Yang Jue ai fait le sacrifice do sa vie par dévouement pour un ami ; XIII, livre 13沈小霞相會出師表Shen xiao xia xiang hui chu shi biao.Shen Xiao xia rencontre et présente le modèle des maîtres ; XIV, livre 14宋金郎團圓破氊笠Song jin lang tuan yuan po zhan li.Les tendres époux ; XV, livre 15盧太學詩酒傲公侯Lu tai xue shi jiu ao gong hou.Lu tai xue, poète et ivre, brave les princes ; XVI, livre 16李汧公窮邸遇俠客Li qian gong qiong di yu xie ke.Li Qian gong, dans sa résidence misérable, traite un hôte magnanime ; XVII, livre 17蘇小妹三難新郎Su xiao mei san nan xin lang.La jeune Su trois fois maltraite un nouveau marié ; XVIII, livre 18劉元普雙生貴子Liu yuan pu shuang sheng gui zi.Liu Yuan pu obtient deux beaux enfants ; XIX, livre 19俞伯牙摔琴謝知音Yu bai ya choai qin xie zhi yin.Le luth brisé ; XX, livre 20莊子休鼓盆成大道Zhuang zi xiu gu phen cheng da dao.La matrone du pays de Song ; XXI, livre 21老門生三世報恩Lao men sheng san shi bao en.Le vieil élève montre sa reconnaissance à la troisième génération ; XXII, livre 22鈍秀才一朝交泰Dun xiu cai yi zhao jiao tai.Le bachelier obtus tout d'un coup exerce son influence formatrice ; XXIII, livre 23蔣興哥重會珍珠衫Jiang xing ge chong hui zheng zhu shan.Le négociant ruiné (La tunique de perles) ; XXIV, livre 24陳御史巧勘金釵鈿Chen yu shi qiao kan jin tchhai tian.Une cause célèbre ; XXV, livre 25徐老僕義憤成家Xu lao bu yi fen cheng jia.Un serviteur méritant ; XXVI, livre 26蔡小姐忍辱報讐Cai xiao jie ren ru bao chou .L'héroïsme de la piété filiale ; XXVII, livre 27錢秀才錯占鳳凰儔.Qian xiu cai tsho zhan feng huang chou .Mariage forcé ; XXVIII, livre 28喬太守亂㸃鴛鴦譜.Qiao tai shou luan dian yuan yang pu.Le préfet Qiao pointe à tort le registre des unions ; XXIX, livre 29懷私怨很僕告主Huai si yuan hen bu gao zhu.Le crime puni ; XXX, livre 30念親恩孝女藏兒Nian qin en xiao nü cang er.La calomnie démasquée ; XXXI, livre 31呂大郎還金完骨肉Lü da lang huan jin wan gu ru.Les trois frères ; XXXII, livre 32金玉奴棒打薄情郎.Jin yu nu bang da bai qing lang.Femme et mari ingrats ; XXXIII, livre 33唐解元玩世出奇.Tang jie yuan wan shi chu qi.Le mariage du licencié Tang (Tang le jie yuan) ; XXXIV, livre 34女秀才移花接木.Nü xiu cai yi hua jie mu.La bachelière du pays de Zhu ; XXXV, livre 35王喬鸞百年長恨.Wang qiao luan bai nian chang hen.Le ressentiment perpétuel de Wang Qiao luan ; XXXVI, livre 36十三郎五歲朝天.Shi san lang wu sui chao tian.Shi san lang pendant cinq ans se tourne vers le ciel ; XXXVII, livre 37崔俊臣巧合芙蓉屏.Cui jun chen qiao he fu yong ping.Paravent révélateur ; XXXVIII, livre 38趙縣君喬送黃柑子.Zhao xian jun qiao song huang gan zi.Chantage ; XXXIX, livre 39誇妙術丹容提金.Khoa miao shu dan yong ti jin.Les alchimistes ; XL, livre 40逞多財（alias 錢多） 白丁橫帶Cheng duo cai (qian duo) bai ding heng dai.Cupidité et dérèglement