The binding motifs for Ac transposase are absolutely required for excision of Ds1 in maize

A reverse genetic system for studying excision of the transposable element Ds1 in maize plants has been established previously. In this system, the Ds1 element, as part of the genome of maize streak virus (MSV), is introduced into maize plants via agroinfection. In the presence of the Ac element, excision of Ds1 from the MSV genome results in the appearance of viral symptoms on the maize plants. Here, we used this system to study DNA sequences required in cis for excision of Ds1. The Ds1 element contains the Ac transposase binding motif AAACGG in only one of its subterminal regions (defined here as the 5' subterminal region). We showed that mutation of these motifs abolished completely the excision capacity of Ds1. This is the first direct demonstration that the transposase binding motifs are essential for excision. Mutagenesis with oligonucleotide insertions in the other (3') subterminal region resulted in elements with either a reduced or an increased excision efficiency, indicating that this subterminal region also has an important function.     

Noise modeling for RF CMOS circuit simulation

The RF noise in 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS technology has been measured and modeled. In contrast to some other groups, we find only a moderate enhancement of the drain current noise for short-channel MOSFETs. The gate current noise on the other hand is more significantly enhanced, which is explained by the effects of the gate resistance. The experimental results are modeled with a nonquasi-static RF model, based on channel segmentation, which is capable of predicting both drain and gate current noise accurately. Experimental evidence is shown for two additional noise mechanisms: 1) avalanche noise associated with the avalanche current from drain to bulk and 2) shot noise in the direct-tunneling gate leakage current. Additionally, we show low-frequency noise measurements, which strongly point toward an explanation of the 1/f noise based on carrier trapping, not only in n-channel MOSFETs, but also in p-channel MOSFETs.     

Computer modelling and analysis of the photodegradation effect in a-Si:H p-i-n solar cell

Using a previous model, which was developed to describe the light-induced creation of the defect density in the a-Si:H gap states, we present in this work a numerical modelling of the photodegradation effect in the a-Si:H p-i-n solar cell under continuous illumination. We first considered the simple case of a monochromatic light beam with a wavelength λ between 530-540 nm non uniformly absorbed, then the global standard solar spectrum (AM 1.5) illumination is taken into account. The photodegradation is analysed on the basis of the resulting changes in the free carrier's densities, recombination rate, band structure, electrical potential and field, space charge, and current densities. Changes in the cell's external parameters: the open circuit voltage V_oc, the short circuit current density J_sc, the fill factor FF and the maximum power density P_max are also presented.     

Apoptotic induction in transformed follicular lymphoma cells by Bcl-2 downregulation

The roles of Bcl-2 protein and the protein ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in regulating cell growth in various lymphoma cell lines were examined. A dose-dependent decrease in Bcl-2 protein expression was observed in the different lymphomas incubated with lipid-incorporated bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotides (L-bcl-2). Growth inhibition was observed in a transformed follicular lymphoma (FL) cell line, which has the t(14;18) translocation and Bcl-2 protein overexpression. One of the mechanisms by which L-bcl-2 growth inhibition is mediated in these transformed FL cells might be through apoptotic induction, because the treated cells had an increased apoptotic index and showed the typical DNA fragmentation. These studies indicate that Bcl-2 protein is critical in the growth regulation of transformed FL cells. L-bcl-2 did not induce growth inhibition in lymphoma cells not expressing Bcl-2 or Bax protein. Thus, the protein ratio of Bcl-2/Bax may also be important in regulating the growth of these lymphomas.     

An investigation on plasma progesterone levels during pregnancy and at parturition in the Ivesi sheep

We have investigated the toxicity of dose-escalation of BCNU, etoposide and melphalan ('BEM') chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with haematological malignancies. Seventy-two patients with haematological malignancies were treated with BCNU (600 mg/m2, 450 mg/m2 or 300 mg/m2), etoposide 2 g/m2 and melphalan 140 mg/m2 followed by autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT), n = 51, or autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation (APBPCT), n = 21. Liver and pulmonary function was monitored pretransplant and at regular intervals post-transplant. Mucositis was graded daily during in-patient stay. There was a significantly higher incidence of symptomatic pulmonary toxicity in the patients who received BCNU at 600 mg/m2 than in the other two groups, and there was a significant increase in the incidence of asymptomatic decrease in carbon monoxide (KCO) in the patients who received BCNU 450 mg/m2. There was no significant difference between the three groups in the incidence and severity of mucositis or in the incidence of transiently abnormal liver function. We conclude that etoposide at 2 g/m2 can be used without unacceptable mucositis. BCNU at 600 mg/m2 is associated with an unacceptably high incidence of lung toxicity, but at 450 mg/m2 there is minimal symptomatic lung toxicity.     

Preseasonal intranasal immunotherapy in birch-alder allergic rhinitis. A double-blind study

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out to test the clinical efficacy and safety of local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT) in powder form. Twenty-two patients suffering from allergic rhinitis strictly associated with early spring symptoms, with positive skin prick tests and RAST for birch-alder, all responders to a specific nasal provocation test (NPT), received randomly active or placebo treatment for 4 months. Immunotherapy consisted of administration of a set of capsules containing progressively increasing amounts of birch (Betula pendula) and speckled alder (Alnus incana) allergens in powder form with controlled granulometry. The active (birch-alder) and placebo (lactose) group completed the treatment according to a similar schedule. During the pollen season (March-April), the patients who took the active treatment reported less sneezing and rhinorrhea than the placebo group, on the basis of a symptoms score, and the differences were statistically significant; the need for drugs (terfenadine) was also significantly reduced. These findings agreed well with the results of specific NPT after the treatment; only patients in the active group had a higher threshold dose of nasal specific reactivity to birch-alder allergens than in tests before the LNIT.     

Currently available hypolipidaemic drugs and future therapeutic developments

Dyslipidaemia may be treated with a number of safe and effective pharmacological agents that target specific lipid disorders through a variety of mechanisms. The bile-acid sequestrants--cholestyramine and colestipol--primarily decrease LDL cholesterol by binding bile acids, thereby decreasing intrahepatic cholesterol, and by increasing the activity of LDL receptors. Nicotinic acid lowers LDL cholesterol and triglyceride by decreasing VLDL synthesis and by decreasing free fatty acid mobilization from peripheral adipocytes. The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors--fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin--lower LDL cholesterol by partially inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase (the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis) and by increasing the activity of LDL receptors. The fibric-acid derivatives--bezafibrate, ciprofibrate, clofibrate, fenofibrate and gemfibrozil--primarily decrease triglyceride by increasing lipoprotein lipase activity and by decreasing the release of free fatty acids from peripheral adipose tissue. Probucol decreases LDL cholesterol by increasing non-receptor-mediated LDL clearance; as an anti-oxidant, probucol also decreases LDL oxidation; oxidized LDL which is thought to lead to atherogenesis. Although these agents have been proven safe in clinical trials, like any drug, they carry the risk for adverse effects. The bile-acid sequestrants may cause constipation, reflux oesophagitis, and dyspepsia, and may bind coadministered medications such as digitalis glycosides, beta blockers, warfarin, and exogenous thyroid hormone. Nicotinic acid use is commonly associated with flushing and pruritus and may also cause non-specific gastrointestinal complaints, hepatotoxicity (hepatic necrosis, hepatitis, or elevated liver enzymes), gout, myolysis, decreased glucose tolerance and increased fasting glucose levels, and ophthalmological complications including decreased visual acuity, toxic amblyopia, and cystic maculopathy. The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may produce liver enzyme elevations, creatine kinase elevations and rhabdomyolysis. The combination of a reductase inhibitor and a fibrate increases the risk for rhabdomyolysis. Possible adverse effects of the fibric-acid derivatives include abdominal discomfort, nausea, flatulence, increased lithogenicity of bile, liver enzyme elevations and creatine kinase elevations. Probucol may increase the QTc interval and may cause non-specific gastrointestinal complaints.     

Endothelin receptors mediating vasoconstriction in rat pressurized small arteries

The effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a nonselective ETA and ETB receptor agonist, and sarafotoxin S6c, a selective ETB agonist, were investigated in the presence and absence of BQ123 and BQ788, ETA- and ETB-selective antagonists, respectively, in rat mesenteric small arteries, using a perfusion pressurized arteriograph in which segments of vessels were cannulated and exposed to constant pressure and flow. ET-1 (10(-13)-10(-7) M) induced vasoconstriction in both intact and endothelium-denuded arteries in a concentration-dependent manner. BQ123 (10(-7) and 10(-6) M) inhibited the effect of ET-1, displacing the concentration-response curve to the right in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of ET-1 was not significantly affected by BQ788 (10(-7) and 10(-6) M), a selective antagonist of ETB receptors. Sarafotoxin S6c (10(-11)-10(-7) M) also induced a slight concentration-dependent vasoconstriction. The effect of sarafotoxin S6c (10(-8) M) was inhibited by the ETB-selective antagonist BQ788 (10(-7) M), but was not significantly changed by BQ123 (10(-7) M). Vasoconstriction induced by sarafotoxin S6c (10(-8) M) in a single bolus concentration was significantly greater than the contraction induced by the same concentration as part of a cumulative concentration-response curve, indicating desensitization or downregulation of ETB receptors during the latter. Repeated application of single concentrations of sarafotoxin S6c (10(-8) M) caused progressively smaller contraction of arteries. These results show the existence of both ETA and ETB vasoconstrictor receptors located on smooth muscle of small arteries. They also show that ETB receptors induce a smaller constrictor effect, and rapidly undergo desensitization after sustained or repeated activation.     

Gene expression of syndecans and betaglycan in isolated rat liver cells

Competence as communication skills and as skilled practice of asepsis were studied by observing four nurses while interacting with patients and performing intravenous procedures. Nurses were observed using sterile equipment for methods of intravenous therapy. Asepsis is performed frequently, but through misunderstanding in the learning of asepsis or improper model learning the nurses may establish incorrect routines. When performing procedures, unexpected factors can distract both the expert and the inexperienced, resulting in a failure to apply basic aseptic techniques. The nurses showed an interest in the patient by listening and giving responses. Nurses may control interactions with the patient by using undesirable communication skills which include incomplete sentences, incomplete explanations and closed questions. Asked to evaluate their own behavior, the nurses did not estimate whether or not the appropriate skills were applied in observed situations. To improve the quality of nursing care performance it is recommended to further develop and apply skill training programs.