Antimony-resistant but not antimony-sensitive Leishmania donovani up-regulates host IL-10 to overexpress multidrug-resistant protein 1

The molecular mechanism of antimony-resistant Leishmania donovani ((SbLD)-L-R)-driven up-regulation of IL-10 and multidrug-resistant protein 1 (MDR1) in infected macrophages (M phi s) has been investigated. This study showed that both promastigote and amastigote forms of (SbLD)-L-R, but not the antimony-sensitive form of LD, express a unique glycan with N-acetylgalactosamine as a terminal sugar. Removal of it either by enzyme treatment or by knocking down the relevant enzyme, galactosyltransferase in (SbLD)-L-R (KD (SbLD)-L-R), compromises the ability to induce the above effects. Infection of M phi s with KD (SbLD)-L-R enhanced the sensitivity toward antimonials compared with infection with (SbLD)-L-R, and infection of BALB/c mice with KD (SbLD)-L-R caused significantly less organ parasite burden compared with infection induced by (SbLD)-L-R. The innate immune receptor, Toll-like receptor 2/6 heterodimer, is exploited by (SbLD)-L-R to activate ERK and nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B involving p50/c-Rel leading to IL-10 induction, whereas MDR1 up-regulation is mediated by PI3K/Akt and the JNK pathway. Interestingly both recombinant IL-10 and (SbLD)-L-R up-regulate MDR1 in M. with different time kinetics, where phosphorylation of PI3K was noted at 12 h and 48 h, respectively, but M phi s derived from IL-10(-/-) mice are unable to show MDR1 up-regulation on infection with (SbLD)-L-R. Thus, it is very likely that an IL-10 surge is a prerequisite for MDR1 up-regulation. The transcription factor important for IL-10-driven MDR1 up-regulation is c-Fos/c-Jun and not NF-kappa B, as evident from studies with pharmacological inhibitors and promoter mapping with deletion constructs.

k.p based closed form energy band gap and transport electron effective mass model for 100] and 110] relaxed and strained Silicon nanowire

In this paper, we address a physics based closed form model for the energy band gap (E-g) and the transport electron effective mass in relaxed and strained 100] and 110] oriented rectangular Silicon Nanowire (SiNW). Our proposed analytical model along 100] and 110] directions are based on the k.p formalism of the conduction band energy dispersion relation through an appropriate rotation of the Hamiltonian of the electrons in the bulk crystal along 001] direction followed by the inclusion of a 4 x 4 Luttinger Hamiltonian for the description of the valance band structure. Using this, we demonstrate the variation in Eg and the transport electron effective mass as function of the cross-sectional dimensions in a relaxed 100] and 110] oriented SiNW. The behaviour of these two parameters in 100] oriented SiNW has further been studied with the inclusion of a uniaxial strain along the transport direction and a biaxial strain, which is assumed to be decomposed from a hydrostatic deformation along 001] with the former one. In addition, the energy band gap and the effective mass of a strained 110] oriented SiNW has also been formulated. Using this, we compare our analytical model with that of the extracted data using the nearest neighbour empirical tight binding sp(3)d(5)s* method based simulations and has been found to agree well over a wide range of device dimensions and applied strain. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anomalous optical phonons in Cs-0.9(NH4)(0.1)H2AsO4: a temperature-dependent Raman study

We determine the nature of coupled phonons in mixed crystal of Cs-0.9(NH4)(0.1)H2AsO4 using inelastic light scattering studies in the temperature range of 5 K to 300 K covering a spectral range of 60-1100 cm(-1). The phase transition in this system are marked by the splitting of phonon modes, appearance of new modes and anomalies in the frequency as well as linewidth of the phonon modes near transition temperature. In particular, we observed the splitting of symmetric (v(1)) and antisymmetric (v(3)) stretching vibrations associated with AsO4 tetrahedra below transition temperature (T-c(*) similar to 110 K) attributed to the lowering of site symmetry of AsO4 in orthorhombic phase below transition temperature. In addition, the step-up (hardening) and step-down (softening) of the AsO4 bending vibrations (v(4) (S9, S11) and v(2) (S6)) below transition temperature signals the rapid development of long range ferroelectric order and proton ordering. The lowest frequency phonon (S1) mode observed at similar to 92 cm(-1) shows anomalous blue shift (similar to 12 %) from 300 K to 5 K with no sharp transition near T-c(*) unlike other observed phonon modes signaling its potential coupling with the proton tunneling mode. (C) 2013 Author(s).

Micropropagacion de dos clones de caña de azucar (Saccharum sp.) ISA 96-110 e ISA 96-111

El presente estudio se realizó con el objetivo de desarrollar metodología para la micropropagación a partir de ápices caulinares, utilizando la técnica Spinder, y posteriormente aclimatación de las vitroplantas de dos clones de caña de azúcar (Saccharum sp.) (ISA 96-110 e ISA 96- 111). Se estudió el efecto que sobre el establecimiento tendrian 4 variantes del medio de cultivo MS (1962), suplidas con 0.0, 0.2 y 0.6 mg/1 de 6-BAP. Se utilizaron 15 réplicas por tratamiento. Se evaluó el efecto que sobre la brotación tuvieron 4 variantes del medio MS (1962), a las que se les adicionó 0.0, 0.1 y 0.5 mg/1 de 6 BAP durante tres subcultivos sucesivos. Se utilizaron 5 réplicas por variante en estudio. Para inducir el mayor enraizamiento se probaron 4 variantes líquidas del medio MS ( 1962), suplidas con 0.0, 1.0 y 1.6 mg/1 de AlA. Para el estudio de aclimatación se emplearon 30 plantas por cultivar y se establecieron en un sustrato de lombrices Californiana (Eisenia foetida). El clon ISA 96-110 presentó mayor porcentaje de fenolización y menor curvatura que el clon ISA 96-111. El medio de cultivo MS + 0.60 m g/1 de 6-BAP indujo al menor porcentaje de fenolización (33.0) y mayor de curvatura (60.0) en el clon ISA 96-110, el medio MS + 0.20 mg/1 de 6- BAP en el clon ISA 96-111. La sobrevivencia de las plantas del clon ISA- 111 fue de 100 % en todos los medios de cultivo, para el ISA 96-11O sólo los medios MS + 0.20 y MS + 0.00 mg/1 de 6-BAP. No hubo aumento de los valores de las variables altura de la planta, número de brotes y de hojas con el aumento del número de subcultivos. El medio de cultivo que indujo mayor brotación para el clon ISA 96-11 O fue el MS + 0.30 mg/1, mientras que para el clon ISA 96-111 fue el MS + 0.1 mg/1 de 6- BAP. El clon ISA 96-111 reportó resultados superiores en longitud (5.75 cm) y número de raices (7.4) por planta. El medio de cultivo MS + 1.3 mg/1 de AlA indujo los mejores resultados en ambos clones. El comportamiento de las plantas del clon ISA 96-1 11 fueron superiores a las del clon ISA 96-11O al momento de la aclimatación

Quantum Monte Carlo study of the CO interaction with a dimer model surface for Cr(110)

The chemisorption of CO on a Cr( 110) surface is investigated using the quantum Monte Carlo method in the diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) variant and a model Cr2CO cluster. The present results are consistent with the earlier ab initio HF study with this model that showed the tilted/ near-parallel orientation as energetically favoured over the perpendicular arrangement. The DMC energy difference between the two orientations is larger (1.9 eV) than that computed in the previous study. The distribution and reorganization of electrons during CO adsorption on the model surface are analysed using the topological electron localization function method that yields electron populations, charge transfer and clear insight on the chemical bonding that occurs with CO adsorption and dissociation on the model surface.

Contribuições sociais estabelecidas pela Lei Complementar nº 110/2001 : razão da instituição e continuidade de exigência

Já se passaram quase doze anos da instituição das contribuições sociais previstas nos arts. 1º e 2º da Lei complementar n. 110/2001. Tais contribuições visavam repor nas contas vinculadas do FGTS os complementos de atualização monetária devida aos trabalhadores em razão de expurgos inflacionários efetuados após a edição dos planos econômicos de janeiro de 1989 (Plano Verão) e de abril de 1990 (Plano Collor I). O presente estudo pretende avaliar se ainda persistem os fatores que justificaram a cobrança da contribuição prevista no art. 1º da referida Lei, em face das razões que justificaram a sua criação. Pela existência de indícios de que os valores recolhidos já atenderam ao seu pressuposto e, com o intuito de responder a essa indagação, a presente pesquisa buscou embasamento na legislação que dá origem ao instituto do FGTS, bem como sua evolução. Nessa ocasião, procurou-se apresentar os antecedentes históricos do Fundo, sua natureza jurídica, prescrição e outras considerações ao regime do FGTS. Teve, também, como fonte de pesquisa, literatura que discute, objetivamente, os expurgos inflacionários nas contas vinculadas do FGTS. Não foi desprezada dos objetos de estudo a jurisprudência dos tribunais superiores, onde foi possível perceber a dimensão que alcançaram as ações judiciais promovidas pelos trabalhadores. Outra fonte de pesquisa de significado relevante na elaboração deste trabalho diz respeito às Demonstrações Financeiras do FGTS somadas aos Relatórios de Gestão, ambos referentes aos exercícios de 2000 a 2011. Por meio desse instrumental, foi possível fazer uma análise do patrimônio do FGTS e identificar o reflexo das contribuições sociais em sua evolução, assim como verificar que o referido Fundo, no decorrer de 2012, já terá amortizado integralmente as despesas decorrentes do pagamento dos complementos de atualização monetária creditados nas contas vinculadas do FGTS. Na metodologia adotada, foram considerados, também, artigos publicados em revistas e em meio eletrônico, leis específicas sobre a matéria, Manual do FGTS e dispositivos constitucionais. Tudo isso, aliado ao método indutivo, favoreceu a aplicação da pesquisa na elucidação da questão em foco.

Evaluación del rendimiento pesquero potencial de la República Argentina: I. Datos 1

A limnological and fish survey program was developed on 110 lakes and reservoirs of Argentina during the summers of 1984 to 1987. Here we exclude lakes without fish. Lakes and reservoirs were visited once each, except for six situated in Chubut Province that were studied seasonally over the course of two years. Here we present raw data used to evaluate the potential fish yield of Argentinian lakes and reservoirs. (Document contains 56 pages.)

Soviet-American Cooperative Research on Marine Mammals. Volume 1- Pinnipeds: Under Project V.6. Marine Mammals, of the US-USSR Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection

Some 25 to 30 yr ago, when we as students were beginning our respective careers and were developing for the first time our awareness of marine mammals in the waters separating western North America from eastern Asia, we had visions of eventually bridging the communication gap which existed between our two countries at that time. Each of us was anxious to obtain information on the distribution, biology, and ecological relations of "our" seals and walruses on "the other side," beyond our respective political boundari~s where we were not permitted to go to study them. We were concerned that the resource management practices on the other side of the Bering and Chukchi Seas, implemented in isolation, on a purely unilateral basis, might endanger the species which we had come to know and were striving to conserve. At once apparent to both of us was the need for free exchange of biological information between our two countries and, ultimately, joint management of our shared resources. In a small way, we and others made some initial efforts to generate that exchange by personal correspondence and through vocal interchange at the annual meetings of the North Pacific Fur Seal Commission. By the enabling Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection, reached between our two countries in 1972, our earlier visions at last came true. Since that time, within the framework of the Marine Mammal Project under Area V of that Agreement, we and our colleagues have forged a strong bond of professional accord and respect, in an atmosphere of free intercommunication and mutual understanding. The strength and utility of this arrangement from the beginning of our joint research are reflected in the reports contained in this, the first compendium of our work. The need for a series of such a compendia became apparent to us in 1976, and its implementation was agreed on by the regular meeting of the Project in La Jolla, Calif., in January 1977. Obviously, the preparation and publication of this first volume has been excessively delayed, in part by continuing political distrust between our governments but mainly by increasing demands placed on the time of the contributors. In this period of growing environmental concern in both countries, we and our colleagues have been totally immersed in other tasks and have experienced great difficulty in drawing together the works presented here. Much of the support for doing so was provided by the State of Alaska, through funding for Organized Research at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. For its ultimate completion in publishable form we wish to thank Helen Stockholm, Director of Publications, Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska, and her staff, especially Ruth Hand, and the numerous referees narned herein who gave willingly oftheir time to review each ofthe manuscripts critically and to provide a high measure of professionalism to the final product. (PDF file contains 110 pages.)

Investigations into the structure and function of the exocrine pancreas of lampreys. [Translation from: Morph.Jb. 110 245-269, 1967.]

As representatives of the most primitive of recent vertebrate groups, lampreys show fundamental differences in different features of organisation to the species of the remaining classes of vertebrates. The topical distinction between exocrine and endocrine pancreas is also considered among the morphological peculiarities of Petromyzontida. This study aims to contribute to a further explanation of this phenomenon. 50 brook lampreys were histologically examined.

Growth and characterization of ZnO films on (0 0 1), (1 0 0) and (0 1 0) LiGaO2 substrates

ZnO films were fabricated on LiGaO2 (0 0 1), (10 0) and (0 10) planes by RF magnetron sputtering. The structural, morphological and optical properties of as-grown ZnO films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectra and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. It is found that the orientation of ZnO films is strongly dependent on the substrate plane. [0 0 0 11, [1 (1) over bar 00] and [11 (2) over bar0] oriented ZnO films are deposited on LiGaO2 (001), (100) and (010), respectively. AFM shows the (0001) ZnO film consists of well-aligned regular hexagonal grains. Raman spectra reveal a tensile stress in the (0 0 0 1) ZnO film and a compressive stress in (110 0) and (112 0) ZnO films. PL spectra of all ZnO films exhibit only a near-band-edge UV emission peak. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fabrication and transport properties of ZnO/Nb-1 wt %-doped SrTiO3 epitaxial heterojunctions

(110) ZnO/(001) Nb-1 wt %-doped SrTiO3 n-n type heteroepitaxial junctions were fabricated using the pulse laser deposition method. A diodelike current behavior was observed. Different from conventional p-n junctions or Schottky diodes, the diffusion voltage was found to increase with temperature. At all temperatures, the forward current was perfectly fitted on the thermionic emission model. The band bending at the interface can qualitatively explain our results, and the extracted high ideality factor at low temperatures, as well as large saturation currents, is ascribed to the deep-level-assisted tunneling current through the junction. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.

Evolution of surface morphology and photoluminescence characteristics of 1.3-mu m In0.5Ga0.5As/GaAs quantum dots grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Evolution of surface morphology and optical characteristics of 1.3-mu m In0.5Ga0.5As/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) are investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and photoluminescence (PL). After deposition of 16 monolayers (ML) of In0.5Ga0.5As, QDs are formed and elongated along the [110] direction when using sub-ML depositions, while large size InGaAs QDs with better uniformity are formed when using ML or super-ML depositions. It is also found that the larger size QDs show enhanced PL efficiency without optical nonlinearity, which is in contrast to the elongated QDs.

InAs/GaAs quantum-dot superluminescent diodes with 110 nm bandwidth

Broadband superluminescent diodes are fabricated by using InAs/GaAs self-assembled quantum dots as an active region. The devices exhibited properties of 110 run bandwidth with the centre of 1.1 mu m and above 30 mW output under pulse injection at room temperature.

A Multi-Finger Si_(1-x)Ge_x/Si Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor for Wireless Power Amplifier Applications

A large area multi-finger configuration power SiGe HBT device(with an emitter area of about 880μm~2)was fabricated with 2μm double-mesa technology.The maximum DC current gain β is 214.The BV_(CEO) is up to 10V,and the BV_(CBO) is up to 16V with a collector doping concentration of 1×10~(17)cm~(-3) and collector thickness of 400nm.The device exhibits a maximum oscillation frequency f_(max) of 19.3GHz and a cut-off frequency f_T of 18.0GHz at a DC bias point of I_C=30mA and V_(CE)=3V.MSG(maximum stable gain)is 24.5dB,and U(Mason unilateral gain)is 26.6dB at 1GHz.Due to the novel distribution layout,no notable current gain fall-off or thermal effects are observed in the I-V characteristics at high collector current.