Light Side Research Articles

Effect of CXC chemokine platelet factor 4 on differentiation and function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells.

Platelet factor 4 (PF4) is a CXC chemokine secreted by activated platelets. PF4 has been shown to promote monocyte survival and induce the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages. However, the effect of PF4 on differentiation of monocytes into dendritic cells (DC) has yet to be determined. As reported previously, monocytes cultured in RPMI medium containing FCS, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor and IL-4 differentiated into CD1a+ DC. When PF4 was added, the expression of CD1a on DC was inhibited. This inhibitory effect was not observed with the other platelet-derived CXC chemokine, beta-thromboglobulin. The relative number of CD1a- DC increased from 17 to 92% when the PF4 concentration was increased from 0 to 10 micro g/ml. The inhibitory effect of PF4 on CD1a expression was reversed by 50 U/ml heparin. DC developed in the PF4-containing media appeared more adhesive to plastic culture wells and had higher light side scatter by flow cytometry. Immunophenotypically, monocyte-derived DC in the presence of increasing concentrations of PF4 proportionally expressed higher CD86 and lower HLA-DR. The levels of CD11c, CD40 and CD80 remained unchanged with or without PF4. Both CD1a+ DC and CD1a- DC were negative for CD14, CD68 and CD83. Functionally, DC developed in the presence of PF4 had their secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-12 reduced by 75 +/- 10 and 79 +/- 13% respectively when they were stimulated by 100 ng/ml lipopolysaccharide and 50 ng/ml IFN-gamma. CD1a- DC developed in the presence of PF4 were not as active as the control CD1a+ DC in stimulating allogeneic T cells to proliferate. In addition, CD1a- DC were less potent in priming naive CD4+ T cells to secrete both type 1 and 2 cytokines. These results indicate that PF4 can influence differentiation and function of monocyte-derived DC.

Inverted hierarchical model of neutrino masses revisited

In this Letter we highlight the inherent problems associated with the inverted hierarchical model of neutrinos with only three generations and then suggest possible solutions within the MSSM. We discuss the new parametrization of the solar mixing angle which can identify the light side and dark side of the data. We then argue whether the inverted hierarchical neutrino mass matrix can explain the large mixing angle (LMA) MSW solution of the solar neutrino anomaly in the presence of an appropriate texture of charged lepton mass matrix. In a model independent way we explore such specific form of the charged lepton mass matrix having a special structure in 1–2 block. The contribution to the solar mass splitting arising out of radiative corrections in MSSM, is calculated, thus making the model stable under radiative corrections.

By gum – a buccal delivery system: Private prescription: A thought-provoking tonic on the lighter side

Rayomd C. Rowe on the history of chewing gum and its potential as a current and future delivery system for active ingredients that provide healthcare benefits.

These Englands, or where does devolution leave the English?*

Abstract. Devolution to Scotland and Wales has not yet led to popular demand for a new constitutional settlement for England, but it has led to renewed debate about who the English are. One reason why the English find this a difficult question is that there is more than one construction of England with which to engage. This paper distinguishes four constructions, each with its distinctive orientation to time and place: Anglo‐British England, Little England, English England and Cosmopolitan England. Each has its light and dark sides. Each also enjoys considerable currency, but none has an exclusive appeal. Cosmopolitan England may be thought to constitute the future, but the uneven cosmopolitanisation of the regions will continue to complicate the collective representation of England.

A novel photodiode array structure for gamma camera applications

Photodiodes coupled to scintillators are more and more used for gamma camera applications in order to improve the efficiency at higher energies. However the coupling of photodiode arrays become difficult when the pixel number is large because of the complicated front and backside connections with read-out electronics. Canberra has developed a photodiode array structure that allows all electrical connections to be taken on one side, while the light entrance side can be directly glued on the scintillator. Using such a photodiode array, the dimensions of the scintillator can be the same as the silicon chip and near 100% of the area will detect light. Furthermore, an array of photodiodes coupled to scintillators can be built without any dead gap in between. To improve the quantum efficiency of the photodiodes, we had to develop a thin ohmic entrance window covered by an anti-reflective coating. A quantum efficiency of more than 80% at 565 nm was achieved. r 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Products of yesteryear – bile beans: Private prescription: A thought-provoking tonic on the lighter side

Products of yesteryear – bile beans: Private prescription: A thought-provoking tonic on the lighter side

Antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of selective neuronal NOS inhibitor 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-imidazole in mice

Various inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) have been shown to possess antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like properties in animal models. The aim of this study was to compare the behavioural effects of NOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) with the more selective neuronal NOS inhibitor 1-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)imidazole (TRIM) in animal models predictive of antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activity in order to clarify the role of distinct isoforms of NOS in the regulation of depression and anxiety. Both TRIM (50 mg/kg) and 7-NI (50 mg/kg) decreased the immobility time in the forced swimming test. The magnitude of the effect was comparable to that of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (15 mg/kg). The antidepressant-like effect of TRIM was counteracted by pretreatment with l-arginine (250 mg/kg). The systemic administration of TRIM (50 mg/kg), but not 7-NI (up to 50 mg/kg) increased the time spent in the light side of the apparatus in the light–dark compartment test. The anxiolytic-like effect of TRIM was antagonised by pretreatment with l-arginine. Both TRIM and 7-NI decreased the locomotion of animals in the open field and caused motor incoordination on rotarod. These motor side effects were more pronounced in the case of 7-NI and were not diminished by pretreatment with l-arginine. We conclude that neuronal NOS seems to play the key role in the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of NOS inhibitors.

農業用閉鎖型施設の多目的利用を目的とした多段式育苗装置の簡易ユニット化

This study developed a multistage transplant culture system that was constructed easily by connecting light and smaller culture units vertically. Its environmental characteristics were then investigated. The culture unit comprises a plastic container box (L : 570× W : 380×H : 340 mm), a light panel with fluorescent lamps, and an ebb-and-flow watering system. Outside air was introduced to the culture space through ventilation windows placed on the sides of the culture space; it was then sent to a space on the light panel with fans installed in the light panel. Finally, the air exhausted from the culture system through ventilation windows placed in the light panel upper side. Air temperature in the culture space was higher than the outside air by about 1.0°C, and a horizontal temperature difference in the culture space was about 1.0°C, when the two florescent lamps (110 W in total) were illuminated. Culture solution was supplied by a pump to the culture system top stage from a water solution tank under culture units. The culture solution was siphoned when the liquid level of the top stage reached the drainpipe height; then, the water solution was supplied to the second stage. Repeating such supply and drainage, the water solution was finally supplied to the whole unit.

Characteristics of the asymmetric mass distribution in proton-induced fission of actinides

To study the correlation between fragment mass distributions and shell structures of fission fragments, fragment mass and energy distributions in proton-induced fission of 232Th and uranium isotopes, 233,235,238U, were precisely measured using a double-TOF method. It was found that the lighter side of the heavier wing of asymmetric mass distributions shifts to larger fragment mass number corresponding to the N/Z value of the fissioning nucleus. The results are explained qualitatively by the change of the most probable mass number of fission fragments of Z = 50 proton-shell.

A COUPLED OSCILLATOR MODEL DESCRIBES NORMAL AND STRANGE ZOOPLANKTON SWIMMING BEHAVIOUR

Normal swimming in marine and freshwater zooplankton is often intermittent with active upward and more passive downward displacements. In the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia, the pattern is sometimes regular enough to demonstrate the presence of a rhythm. Abnormal swimming patterns were also described. For example, large amplitude oscillations occur or animals may stay for a long time at the lighted side of a tube and then move suddenly away from light. A model, consisting of a coupled oscillator, was developed, that describes these normal and abnormal swimming patterns. This could be achieved by varying the strength of the coupling only.

The lighter side of reference points

Applied fisheries science is currently undergoing a fundamental philosophical self-examination. This is due to some spectacular local failures in fish stock management in the recent past, and major international initiatives (ecosystem-based fisheries management, codes of conduct and the precautionary approach) which require interpretation and implementation. There is no shortage of responses to the call for a new collection of fish stock assessment and management systems (paradigm), often in the form of philosophical papers in the sections of scientific journals dedicated to such treatments. In this paper I offer some opinions on the opinions, viewpoints and perspectives which have gained attention over the last few years. It is a practitioner’s opinion. Fish stock assessment should be modeled after medical practice in which the stock is the patient, the biologist is the doctor, and the fishery is the sustainable disease.

The Lighter Side of a Life in Science (Second of two parts)

The Lighter Side of a Life in Science (Second of two parts)

The Mystical Option in a Postmodern Setting: Morphology and Sense

Following Troeltsch, who identified in the Western mystical adventure the fundamental aspects of the autonomy of individual conscience, of tolerance, of the relativity of beliefs and of ethical individualism, the author traces in the postmodern religious landscape, well beyond secularization, the kernel of a widespread mystical trend that appeared at the start of the third millennium. Its characteristics are a nomadic dimension, a hypertrophy of silence, an emotional atmosphere, sensitivity to the environment, and a sense of uncertainty. This trend presents both light and dark sides. According to the author the following elements should be considered: the heretical imperative, the sense of outward responsibility, the practice of paradox, and the plurality of the religious world.

Fluorescence-detected circular dichroism by modulated beam in the wavelength axial direction.

A novel device is described that permits fluorescence-detected circular dichroism (FDCD) detection in a conventional fluorescence spectrophotometer. FDCD is a phenomenon in which the emission intensity of a chiral analyte depends on the polarization state of the excitations. Although FDCD is a sensitive chiral detection technique, measurement of FDCD by using a special CD spectrometer has involved many difficulties. The proposed device consists of a polarizing prism and a retardation plate that fit on the excitation light side in the sample compartment of the fluorescence spectrophotometer. In this method, a FDCD wave superimposed on the fluorescence excitation spectrum of a chiral analyte was detected. We have also demonstrated the possibility of the enantiomeric purity determination of chiral analytes in real samples.

Nonlinear side effects of fs pulses inside corneal tissue during photodisruption

In order to evaluate the potential for refractive surgery, fs laser pulses of 150-fs pulse duration were used to process corneal tissue of dead and living animal eyes. By focusing the laser radiation down to spot sizes of several microns, very precise cuts could be achieved inside the treated cornea, accompanied with minimum collateral damage to the tissue by thermal or mechanical effects. During histo-pathological analysis by light and transmission electron microscopy considerable side effects of fs photodisruption were found. Due to the high intensities at the focal region several nonlinear effects occurred. Self-focusing, photodissociation, UV-light production were observed, leading to streak formation inside the cornea.

Stokes anti-Stokes peak intensity interchange across a first-order phase transition

We discuss the interchange of the acoustical peak intensity between the Stokes and the anti-Stokes side of Brillouin light scattering spectra in an asymmetric Fe(20Å)/Cr(20Å)/Fe(20Å)/Cr(9Å)/Fe(100Å) ferromagnetic trilayer which takes place at a critical applied magnetic field H=0.4 kOe. This sudden interchange is due to a first-order magnetic phase transition involving the outermost Fe layer static magnetization. It is shown that this effect is a consequence of a reversal of the sense of precession of dynamic magnetization in the outermost Fe layer.

Table of Contents

Abstract Add Introductory Brochure To Publication Offerings You Can Make It Happen Writing That Gets Results Messages Challenge Donors to Upgrade Giving Levels Reward Great Ideas Mailing List Tips Overcoming Call Reluctance Broadening Your Donor Base Target Large Groups With Special Offers Funding Opportunities Technology Grants Available for 2002 If You're Considering a Job Change Get a Reading On Your Prospective Employer's CEO Trends In Philanthropy Canadian Giving On the Rise Telesolicitation Stewardship Form Invites Donors to Evaluate Phonathon Callers Donor Retention Techniques Honor Roll ‘Draft’ Gets Lapsed Donors Back Combine Your Request and Response Form Are You Making Adequate Use Of Your Advisory Boards? Websites Should Include Mission Statements Tips For Avoiding Fund‐raising Burnout Fund‐raising Ethics The Ten Rules of ePhilanthropy Useful Reports Help Your Staff Monitor Year‐to‐date Giving Totals On the Lighter Side How To Acknowledge Gifts of Stock How to Remember Names Issues for Member‐driven Organizations Membership Versus The Annual Fund: Explaining Members the Importance of Both Researching Foundations Good Research Determines Best Way To Make Initial Approach Press Conferences That Impact Giving Keep the Media's Needs in Mind During Press Conferences Donor Recognition Ideas Engraved Bowling Balls Honor Donors Envelope Acronyms Effective Retention Techniques First‐time Donors Receive a Special Letter, Invitation to Become Involved

And now a little on the lighter side

And now a little on the lighter side

Private prescription: A thought-provoking tonic on the lighter side

Private prescription: A thought-provoking tonic on the lighter side

Modulation of exploratory behavior in female mice by protein-borne male urinary molecules.

Male pheromones are believed to attract females and repel male mice in open field tests but, when tested in more complex environments, they can attract male mice in usually avoided areas. Females were tested in an apparatus with one dark and one light side, in the absence or presence of male urine or the major urinary proteins (MUPs) bearing the natural ligands. Diestrous females were slower in leaving from the dark area when male urine or MUPs were present in it. Estrogen-primed females showed the opposite behavior, with an increase in the same latency. The light-avoidance behavior of prepubertal females, or females reared without males was not influenced by the presence of male chemosignals. The results show that adult female mice can react to MUP-borne volatiles as to adult male urine and use them as cues of male mice, if they were previously exposed to male cues during infancy. MUP-borne molecules are, thus, the olfactory trace of males in the environment and modulate mice exploratory behavior.