Overexpression of cyclin D1 and cdk4 in tumorigenesis of sporadic hepatoblastomas

We have shown previously that normal B cells share, with Epstein-Barr virus-transformed and malignant B cells, the ability to activate the alternative pathway (AP) of complement in vitro, resulting in the deposition of C3 fragments on the cell surface. Complement receptor type 2 (CR2, CD21) has been implicated directly as the site for formation of an AP convertase, which provides nascent C3b for deposition at secondary sites on the B-cell surface. In the present study, we have examined C3 fragment deposition in vitro in more detail by (1) assessing the importance of locally generated C3b for the deposition process, (2) investigating whether CR2 is the sole requirement for conferring AP activation capacity on a cell, and (3) determining whether CR2's function, as an AP activator, has different structural requirements from ligand binding. Increasing the availability of native C3, by increasing the serum (NHS) concentration, resulted in enhanced C3 fragment deposition on the B cells, whereas use of factor 1-depleted NHS, which showed massive fluid phase C3 conversion during the incubation, diminished the deposition. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting of untreated and hydroxylamine-treated lysates from B cells, after in vitro activation, revealed that the majority of C3 fragments (primarily iC3b and C3dg) had been covalently bound to the cell surface. Transfection of COS cells with wild-type CR2 or a deletion mutant lacking 11 of the molecule's 15 homologous domains, but retaining the ligand-binding site, revealed that expression of intact CR2 conferred a 12-fold increase in AP-activating capacity on these cells, while no increase in AP activity was apparent on cells transfected with the mutant CR2.     

Integrated optics waveguide modulator based on surface plasmonresonance

A modulator with micron dimensions, capable of optical modulation and switching in an integrated waveguide, is proposed. The proposed modulator uses surface plasmon resonance and an electro-optic polymer to modulate light which is guided in an integrated waveguide. Theoretical analysis of the modulator is presented for wavelengths of light in the visible and near infrared. Design criteria and dimensions of the modulator are discussed     

Gas-cooled fast breeder reactor fuel bundle irradiations in the BR2 helium loop

In the BR2 helium loop at Mol, Belgium, a 12-pin test fuel element of gas-cooled fast breeder reactor (GCFR) design and materials will be irradiated at a 500 W/cm maximum pin rating and a 700°C maximum cladding temperature to a target burnup of 60 MWd/kg (extension to 100 MWd/kg is intended). The design of the test element and the loop is described in detail. To fabricate the test element, parts of the GCFR fuel development had to be anticipated. Preliminary out-of-pile testing was successfully performed, and irradiation is scheduled to start in early 1977 and will be completed between mid-1978 and mid-1979, depending on the final burnup objective. GCFR operating conditions will be completely simulated except for the full size of the fuel element and the fast neutron flux. In combination with out-of-pile performance testing of full-size dummy elements and fast flux experience from the liquid metal fast breeder reactor program, the helium loop irradiation is regarded as an adequate basis for the design of a fuel element for a GCFR demonstration plant serving as the final test bed.     

Autobiographies of college students as a teaching and research tool in the study of personality development.

Describes an undergraduate psychology project using students' autobiographies. The purpose of the project was to provide materials to illustrate the organization and development of personality. The autobiographies provided a holistic, subjective sketch of the individual more so than did the profile of scores from standardized tests. Implications for personality research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Selective immobilization of fusion proteins on poly(hydroxyalkanoate) microbeads

A novel fusion protein system employing the substrate-binding domain (SBD) of poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) depolymerase was developed for the specific immobilization of proteins on PHA microbeads, and was consequently used for immunoassays. The enhanced green fluorescent protein, red fluorescent protein, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus envelope protein were used as model proteins, and were selectively and functionally immobilized to the PHA microbeads by fusing them to the SBD. Using this PHA microbead system combined with SBD fusion technology, immunoassays could be successfully carried out.     

Analysis of isoflavone concentration and composition in soybean [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Glycine max</Emphasis> (L.)] seeds between the cropping year and storage for 3 years

The objective of this study was to examine the relation between storage period and isoflavone concentration and composition in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] seeds. Total isoflavones varied from 470.0 to 878.1 µg g^–1 over the three cropping years and there were significant differences between the soybean cultivars. Generally, the malonyl conjugates were in higher concentrations than were the other compounds, and the individual isoflavones varied with each cropping year. The Myeongjunamul (1998: 936.7 µg g^–1, 1999: 727.0 µg g^–1, 2000: 807.8 µg g^–1) cultivar had the highest concentration, on average. Regarding changes in isoflavones with storage period, the concentration decreased by 91.7 to 171.1 µg g^–1. Malonyldaidzin and malonylgenistin concentrations also decreased, and the concentration of glucosides increased slightly over the 3 years. Acetyldaidzin, acetylglycitin and glycitein could not be detected or were only found in very small concentrations. Pureun (–66.2 µg g^–1) and Myeongjunamul (–77.4 µg g^–1) cultivars showed little variation in isoflavone levels, whereas the concentration in Muhan (–295.4 µg g^–1) decreased markedly on average over the three storage years. There were also significant differences between the cultivars. Our study suggests that it might be feasible to improve the storage methods of soybeans to preserve them for longer periods, which would have benefits for both their import and their export.S.H. Kim and W.S. Jung contributed equally to this work.     

Ergonomic redesign and evaluation of a clamping tool handle

The handle of a commercial bar clamp was redesigned using ergonomic principles and then compared with an original clamp. Ten male and ten female students participated in simulated clamping tasks under various conditions, including different clamping heights, clamping methods, and handle-gripping methods, with respect to the dependent variables of clamping and handle-squeezing forces. The results showed that the redesigned clamp produced larger clamping force with lower handle-squeezing forces than the original clamp. As expected, males exerted more force than females in both clamping and squeezing forces. A pistol grip method was superior to an upside-down handle-gripping method. Two-handed operation was recommended for this type of clamp by simultaneously pulling the trigger and sliding the bar in order to initially tighten around objects. This study shows that the application of ergonomic guidelines increases the efficiency and usability of manual handtools.