Growth and differentiation potentials in confluent state of culture of human skeletal muscle myoblasts

The transitional behaviors of myoblasts toward differentiation were investigated in the cultures at the low and high seeding densities (respectively, X₀ = 1.0 × 10³ and 2.0 × 10⁵ cells/cm²). In the culture at the low seeding density, an increase in confluence degree accompanied a decrease in growth potential (R_p), being R_p = 0.85 and 0.11 at t = 48 and 672 h, respectively. Myoblasts seeded at the high density resulted in the immediate cessation of growth with keeping the low range of R_p = 0.02–0.09 throughout the culture. The reduction of R_p led to the generation of three subpopulations of cells in proliferative, quiescent and differentiated states. Close cell contacts in the confluent state of high seeding culture induced cell quiescence to a higher extent with suppressing differentiation.     

Behavior analysis in intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have deficits in adaptive behavior, slow rates of learning, and behavior disorders that interfere with learning or place them or others at risk. Since the 1960s, researchers and clinicians in the field of applied behavior analysis have used methods based on principles of learning to increase adaptive behavior and decrease the occurrence of behavior disorders of individuals with IDD. This article provides an overview of assessment and treatment strategies used in behavior analysis to effect positive changes in the quality of life for individuals with IDD and presents an illustrative case study. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Involvement of cytochrome P450 in hydroxylation of propylbenzene by Fusarium moniliforme strain MS31

Fusarium moniliforme strain MS31 can oxidize propylbenzene to (R)-1-phenylpropanol with what may be a cytochrome P450. Hydroxylation of propylbenzene needed molecular oxygen, and NADPH as a coenzyme gave a higher yield than NADH. The hydroxylation proceeded further when FAD and FMN were added than in their absence, suggesting that the enzyme was a flavo-protein. Carbon monoxide inhibited the hydroxylation, as did other cytochrome P450 inhibitors such as SKF 525A and miconazole. These characteristics matched those of a microsomal cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system that contained NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase.     

A New Slip Frequncy Detector of an Induction Motor Utilizing Rotor Slot Harmonics

A method to detect slip frequency from rotor slot harmonics of a three-phase squirrel-cage induction motor is proposed. The rotor slot harmonic voltage Is obtained by summing the three phase voltages, and after being sampled with a multiple of the stator frequency, it is changed into slip frequency waves, from which a voltage proportional to the slip frequency is obtained. Sophisticated sampling techniques allow elimination of the third harmonic voltage induced in the sum of the three-phase voltages and also allow reduction of time constant of the slip frequency detector. Expenmental results show that the slip frequency detector has a good linearity in the range of slip frequency of about -50 to +30 percent of the stator frequency.     

Guided-mode resonant grating filter with an antireflection structured surface

We describe a new structure of guided-mode resonant grating (GMRG) filters with low sideband reflectance. This GMRG filter consists of a high-index thin film on an antireflective structured surface called "moth-eye structure." Since the high-index film undulates along the surface structure, the film acts as a modulated optical waveguide. An incident light wave satisfying a resonant condition is reflected by the GMRG filter, and nonresonant light waves pass through the filter. This GMRG filter is valid for reducing reflection of nonresonant light waves in a wide spectral range. The resonant reflection of this new filter was investigated by numerical calculation based on an electromagnetic grating analysis. In the case of a triangular antireflective surface structure whose thickness is 2x greater than its period, the sideband reflectance for nonresonant light waves was lower than 0.5% for TM-polarized light in a wide range of wavelengths.     

Human placental amino acid transporter genes: expression and function

Recent findings on amino acid transporter genes are reviewed with particular focus on matching previously described transport systems to individual genes. Functional studies using cloned and expressed transporters are considered as the critical tool allowing identification of the functional properties of individual genes. Specifically, these experiments allow identification of the transported substrate amino acids and of the transport mechanism. We focus on the very recent discovery and properties of the heterodimeric family of amino acid transport proteins where two subunits encoded in different genes are required. For these transporters, co-expression of both subunits is mandatory for functional studies. The field of placental amino acid transport is further complicated by complexities arising from both gestational age-specific and species-specific gene expression. The function of the transporter also depends on its cellular localization in the trophoblast. In addition, for transporters that are coupled to ion gradients, both membrane potential and ion pumping will contribute to the rate of amino acid delivery to the fetus. Regulation of function is important not only for fetal nutrition but also for specific additional aspects of placental biology.     

Simulation of a zero-dispersion filter monochromator for image-spectroscopic measurements

I propose a novel filter monochromator for image spectroscopic measurements. An aberration-corrected double monochromator that I reported on previously [Appl. Opt. 36, 7114-7118 (1997)] is modified for use in a zero-dispersion mode. An incident image on the entrance aperture is focused onto an imaging detector attached on the exit focal plane with a spectral bandwidth determined by the width of the intermediate slit. Unlike a conventional interference filter, the spectral bandwidth and its center wavelength are determined arbitrarily while both a low stray-light level and the sharp cutoff characteristics of the wavelength are maintained. To demonstrate the real capabilities, ray-tracing simulations are carried out. I also discuss the problem of wavelength purity in the spectroscopic image.     

Small polypoid lesions of the gallbladder: differential diagnosis and surgical indications by helical computed tomography

We report the case of a 16-year-old girl who experienced sudden cardiac arrest from ventricular fibrillation, complicating an arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, a rare heart muscle disorder, occurring typically in young adults, characterized by a fibrofatty replacement of the right ventricular myocardium. Symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias are frequent, and sudden death has been reported. In our case, diagnosis of arrhythmogenic dysplasia was based on the association of one major criterion and two minor criteria as suggested by the relevant task force. In contrast with most other reports, the chest ECG did not display the typical features. An automatic transvenous pectoral cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted. The authors emphasise that juvenile forms are more exposed to ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death, and consequently require the early detection of the disease. Family cases have been described and the occurrence in one individual must lead to investigations in the relatives.