Chromosomal assignment of loci susceptible to replication errors by radiation hybrid mapping

Genetic instability due to a DNA mismatch repair deficiency leads to the replication error (RER) phenotype in cancer cells. Certain loci are more susceptible to replication errors than the genomic average. The mapping of such loci is important, because it could indicate chromosomal domains preferentially affected by RER. Here, we report the radiation hybrid mapping of five markers known to be highly sensitive to RER in carcinomas. They were localized in chromosomes 2q34-q36.1, 6p24.3-25.2, 7q22.1-q13.2, 16q23.2-q23.3 and Xq13.1-q21.2 near genes that could be involved in oncogenesis.     

Investigation of ZnFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanocrystalline screen-printed thick films for application in humidity sensing

Zinc ferrite nanocrystalline powder was obtained by solid state synthesis of starting zinc oxide and hematite nanopowders. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of nanocrystalline zinc-ferrite powder with a mixed spinel structure with small amounts of remaining zinc oxide and hematite as impurities. Thick film paste was formed and screen printed on test interdigitated PdAg electrodes on alumina substrate. Formation of a porous nanocrystalline structure was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and Hg porosimetry. Humidity sensing properties of zinc ferrite thick films were investigated by monitoring the change in impedance in the relative humidity interval 30%-90% in the frequency range 42 Hz-1 MHz at room temperature (25°C) and 50°C. At 42 Hz at both analyzed temperatures the impedance reduced ~46 times in the humidity range 30%-90%. The dominant influence of grain boundaries was confirmed by analysis of complex impedance with an equivalent circuit.     

Nanocrystalline Zn2SnO4/SnO2: Crystal structure and humidity influence on complex impedance

Journal of Electroceramics - Nanocrystalline Zn2SnO4/SnO2 powder was obtained by a solid state reaction of ZnO and SnO2 nanopowders mixed in the molar ratio 1:1. The phase composition of the...     

Molecular Network Approach Reveals Rictor as a Central Target of Cardiac ProtectomiRs

Cardioprotective medications are still unmet clinical needs. We have previously identified several cardioprotective microRNAs (termed ProtectomiRs), the mRNA targets of which may reveal new drug targets for cardioprotection. Here we aimed to identify key molecular targets of ProtectomiRs and confirm their association with cardioprotection in a translational pig model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). By using a network theoretical approach, we identified 882 potential target genes of 18 previously identified protectomiRs. The Rictor gene was the most central and it was ranked first in the protectomiR-target mRNA molecular network with the highest node degree of 5. Therefore, Rictor and its targeting microRNAs were further validated in heart samples obtained from a translational pig model of AMI and cardioprotection induced by pre- or postconditioning. Three out of five Rictor-targeting pig homologue of rat ProtectomiRs showed significant upregulation in postconditioned but not in preconditioned pig hearts. Rictor was downregulated at the mRNA and protein level in ischemic postconditioning but not in ischemic preconditioning. This is the first demonstration that Rictor is the central molecular target of ProtectomiRs and that decreased Rictor expression may regulate ischemic postconditioning-, but not preconditioning-induced acute cardioprotection. We conclude that Rictor is a potential novel drug target for acute cardioprotection.     

Brain inflammatory response induced by intracerebroventricular infusion of lipopolysaccharide: an immunohistochemical study

Turkey meningoencephalitis virus (TMEV) causes paralysis and mortality in turkeys. Because the classical diagnostic methods are complicated, we developed the RT-PCR as a new molecular diagnostic method. Since the nucleic acid sequence of TMEV is unknown, the first step in developing the RT-PCR relied on conserved sequences of viruses belonging to the Flaviviridae family, in which TMEV has been classified serologically. Using primers from the NS5 gene, three amplification products of TMEV RNA were obtained (125 bp, 181 bp and 800 bp). Their sequences were homologous to one another and to the NS5 gene of other flaviviruses.     

Comparative characteristics of thick-film integrated LC filters

The paper describes the design, fabrication, and test of integrated LC filters in thick-film technology. The range of filters was electrically characterized using the HP 8566B network analyzer. We present a scalable analytical model for thick-film integrated LC filters that is suitable for design and circuit simulations. We also provide simple expressions for evaluating the optimum conductor thicknesses.     

Preparation and characterization of Cu and Zn modified nickel manganite NTC powders and thick film thermistors

A simple ball milling/thermal treatment procedure was applied to obtain fine thermistor powders. Three different powder compositions were analyzed–Cu_0.2Ni_0.5Zn_1.0Mn_1.3O₄, Cu_0.25Ni_0.5Zn_1.0Mn_1.25O₄ and Cu_0.4Ni_0.5Mn_2.1O₄. XRD analysis showed that all three powder compositions had a cubic spinel structure. Correlation between the sintering temperature, structure and resulting electrical properties was analyzed on bulk samples. Thick film pastes were composed and segmented thick film thermistors were screen printed on alumina, dried and fired. SEM analysis revealed a typical dendrite structure with small grains and a developed surface area. Thick film sheet resistance was measured on a test matrix and the resistance decreased with increasing Cu content. The temperature dependence of sample resistance was measured in a climatic chamber enabling calculation of the material constant and activation energy. Aging of the obtained segmented thermistors was analyzed and the resistivity drift was 0.23% for the Cu_0.2Ni_0.5Zn_1.0Mn_1.3O₄ NTC thick film thermistor confirming greater stability of thermistors containing Zn and Cu that in combination with the determined good thermistor characteristics make them good candidates for temperature and heat loss sensor applications.     

Coating of intravascular balloon with paclitaxel prevents constrictive remodeling of the dilated porcine femoral artery due to inhibition of intimal and media fibrosis

Here we investigated how a coating of intravascular balloon with paclitaxel (drug-coated balloon; DCB, Freeway?) impacted porcine peripheral artery vascular function and remodeling. Domestic swine (n = 54) underwent percutaneous overstretch balloon dilation of femoral and iliac arteries, controlled by angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Paclitaxel tissue uptake was measured at 1 h and 1, 3, and 9 days post-dilation. At these time-points and at 32 ± 2 days, vascular function of the dilated arteries was assessed using the organ chamber model. Neointimal growth and remodeling indices were determined using OCT and histology at 32 ± 2 days. Intima and media fibrosis were quantified by picrosirius red staining. Post-inflation femoral artery tissue drug levels were 460 ± 214, 136 ± 123, 14 ± 6, and 0.1 ± 0.1 ng/mg at 1 h and 1, 3, and 9 days, respectively. Compared to plain balloon, Freeway? resulted in a significantly smaller neointimal area (P < 0.05), less tunica intima (8.0 ± 5.4 vs 14.2 ± 4.7 %) and media fibrosis (15.6 ± 7.7 vs 24.5 ± 5.4 %), and less femoral artery constrictive remodeling (remodeling index: 1.08 ± 0.08 vs 0.94 ± 0.08). The DCB was associated with significantly increased vasoconstrictor tone and endothelium-dependent vasodilation impairment shortly after post-overstretch injury. Overall, DCB dilation of peripheral arteries resulted in high drug uptake into arterial tissue. Compared with the plain balloon, the DCB was associated with decreased vessel wall fibrosis after balloon overstretch injury, and reduced degrees of constrictive remodeling and neointimal hyperplasia.