Monitoring of transcriptional dynamics of HIF and NFκB activities

Genetic experiments over the last few decades have identified many regulatory proteins critical for DNA transcription. The dynamics of their transcriptional activities shape the differential expression of the genes they control. Here we describe a simple method, based on the secreted luciferase, to measure the activities of two transcription factors NF?B and HIF. This technique can effectively monitor dynamics of transcriptional events in a population of cells and be up-scaled for high-throughput screening and promoter analysis, making it ideal for data-demanding applications such as mathematical modelling.

Commutants of the Dunkl Operators in C(R)

2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 44A35; 42A75; 47A16, 47L10, 47L80

Using Problems to Introduce some Tools and Technologies for Implementation of Graphics and Animation in C#

This paper is devoted to the learning of event programming by using Visual C# in specialized training in Informatics in high schools. Some basic tools and technologies for the implementation of graphics and animation in C# are discussed. Two example problems are proposed.

Selection of conserved epitopes from hepatitis C virus for pan-populational stimulation of T-cell responses

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is able to persist as a chronic infection, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. There is evidence that clearance of HCV is linked to strong responses by CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), suggesting that eliciting CTL responses against HCV through an epitope-based vaccine could prove an effective means of immunization. However, HCV genomic plasticity as well as the polymorphisms of HLA I molecules restricting CD8 T-cell responses challenges the selection of epitopes for a widely protective vaccine. Here, we devised an approach to overcome these limitations. From available databases, we first collected a set of 245 HCV-specific CD8 T-cell epitopes, all known to be targeted in the course of a natural infection in humans. After a sequence variability analysis, we next identified 17 highly invariant epitopes. Subsequently, we predicted the epitope HLA I binding profiles that determine their potential presentation and recognition. Finally, using the relevant HLA I-genetic frequencies, we identified various epitope subsets encompassing 6 conserved HCV-specific CTL epitopes each predicted to elicit an effective T-cell response in any individual regardless of their HLA I background. We implemented this epitope selection approach for free public use at the EPISOPT web server. © 2013 Magdalena Molero-Abraham et al.

One of the first Consciousness Raising (C.R.) group meetings at the first women's center in New York

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Clergy in support of gays, Left-right: Rev. C. Edward Egan Jr., Rev. Roy Birchard, Rev. Robert E. Carter S.J., Rev. Gerad Lee, O.F.M., Rev. John D. Carnwale, O.F.M.

General note: Title and date provided by Bettye Lane.

Church of the Blessed Sacrament (R.C)

Inscriptions: Verso: [stamped] Photograph by Freda Leinwand. [463 West Street, Studio 229G, New York, NY 10014].

The Rotational Evolution and Magnetospheric Emission of the Magnetic Early B-type Stars

How do the magnetic fields of massive stars evolve over time? Are their gyrochronological ages consistent with ages inferred from evolutionary tracks? Why do most stars predicted to host Centrifugal Magnetospheres (CMs) display no H$\alpha$ emission? Does plasma escape from CMs via centrifugal breakout events, or by a steady-state leakage mechanism? This thesis investigates these questions via a population study with a sample of 51 magnetic early B-type stars. The longitudinal magnetic field \bz~was measured from Least Squares Deconvolution profiles extracted from high-resolution spectropolarimetric data. New rotational periods $P_{\rm rot}$ were determined for 15 stars from \bz, leaving only 3 stars for which $P_{\rm rot}$ is unknown. Projected rotational velocities \vsini~were measured from multiple spectral lines. Effective temperatures and surface gravities were measured via ionization balances and line profile fitting of H Balmer lines. Fundamental physical parameters, \bz, \vsini, and $P_{\rm rot}$ were then used to determine radii, masses, ages, dipole oblique rotator model, stellar wind, magnetospheric, and spindown parameters using a Monte Carlo approach that self-consistently calculates all parameters while accounting for all available constraints on stellar properties. Dipole magnetic field strengths $B_{\rm d}$ follow a log-normal distribution similar to that of Ap stars, and decline over time in a fashion consistent with the expected conservation of fossil magnetic flux. $P_{\rm rot}$ increases with fractional main sequence age, mass, and $B_{\rm d}$, as expected from magnetospheric braking. However, comparison of evolutionary track ages to maximum spindown ages $t_{\rm S,max}$ shows that initial rotation fractions may be far below critical for stars with $M_*>10 M_\odot$. Computing $t_{\rm S,max}$ with different mass-loss prescriptions indicates that the mass-loss rates of B-type stars are likely much lower than expected from extrapolation from O-type stars. Stars with H$\alpha$ in emission and absorption occupy distinct regions in the updated rotation-magnetic confinement diagram: H$\alpha$-bright stars are found to be younger, more rapidly rotating, and more strongly magnetized than the general population. Emission strength is sensitive both to the volume of the CM and to the mass-loss rate, favouring leakage over centrifugal breakout.

Enhancement of the Cytotoxic Effect of Anticancer Agent by Cytochrome c Functionalised Hybrid Nanoparticles in Hepatocellular Cancer Cells

Treatment of hepatocellular cancer with chemotherapeutic agents has limited successin clinical practice and their efficient IC50 concentration would require extremely highdoses of drug administration which could not be tolerated due to systemic side effects.In order to potentiate the efficacy of anticancer agents we explored the potentialof co-treatment with pro-apoptotic Cytochrome c which activates the apoptoticpathway downstream of p53 that is frequently mutated in cancer. To this end weused hybrid iron oxide-gold nanoparticles as a drug delivery system to facilitate theinternalisation of Cytochrome c into cultured HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells.Our results showed that Cytochrome c can be easily conjugated to the gold shell ofthe nanoparticles which are readily taken up by the cells. We used Cytochrome cin concentration (0.2μgmL-1) below the threshold required to induce apoptosis onits own. When the conjugate was administered to cells treated by doxorubicin, itsignificantly reduced its IC50 concentration from 9μgmL-1 to 3.5μgmL-1 as detectedby cell viability assay, and the efficiency of doxorubicin on decreasing viability ofHepG2 cells was significantly enhanced in the lower concentration range between0.01μgmL-1 to 5μgmL-1. The results demonstrate the potential of the application oftherapeutic proteins in activating the apoptotic pathway to complement conventionalchemotherapy to increase its efficacy. The application of hybrid iron oxide-goldnanoparticles can also augment the specificity of drug targeting and could serve as amodel drug delivery system for pro-apoptotic protein targeting and delivery.

Preliminary Notes on Two Seasons of Research at Oplontis B (2014-2015)

The complex known as Oplontis B lies in the shadow of Vesuvius, about 3 kilometers west of Pompeii and 300 meters from the well-known Villa A. Since its first excavation and reconstruction in the 1970s and 1980s, Oplontis B has languished in abandonment ―virtually unstudied. The Oplontis Project, led by John Clarke and Michael Thomas, began investigating the site in 2012 after completing its work on Villa A. The documentation of the complex is a primary task. In the past few years members of the Project team have cataloged the previously excavated materials, recording over 1200 wine amphorae as well as a variety of other artifacts. At the same time, Marcus Abbott has laser-scanned the building to produce a detailed plan of the site. The excavations have similar aims: to record the 79 CE level of the complex and to investigate its development. This paper discusses the preliminary results of the last two seasons of excavations and cataloging efforts which build on our previous work conducted in 2012 and 2013.

Stability of Reconstituted and Diluted Mitomycin C Solutions in Polypropylene Syringes and Glass VialsAbstract

International audience

Genetic Suppressors of mrp-5 Lethality in C. elegans

Heme is an essential cofactor in numerous proteins, but is also cytotoxic. Thus, directed pathways must exist for regulating heme homeostasis. C. elegans is a powerful genetic animal model for elucidating these pathways because it is a heme auxotroph. Worms acquire dietary heme though HRG-1-related importers, and intestinal export was demonstrated to be mediated by the ABC transporter MRP-5. Loss of mrp-5 results in embryonic lethality. Although heme transporters have been identified, there are significant gaps in our understanding for the heme trafficking beyond HRG-1 and MRP-5. To identify additional components, we conducted a forward genetic screen utilizing the null allele mrp-5(ok2067). Screening of 160,000 haploid genomes yielded thirty-two mrp-5(ok2067) suppressor mutants. Deep-sequencing variant analysis revealed three of the suppressors subunits of adapter protein complex 3 (AP-3). We now seek to identify mechanisms for how adaptor protein deficiencies bypass a defect in MRP-5-mediated heme export.

Map of National Zoological Park, D.C. /

Relief shown by contours and hachures.