Involvement of IL-4, IL-13 and Their Receptors in Pancreatic Cancer

Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are known as pleiotropic Th2 cytokines with a wide range of biological properties and functions especially in immune responses. In addition, increasing activities have also been determined in oncogenesis and tumor progression of several malignancies. It is now generally accepted that IL-4 and IL-13 can exert effects on epithelial tumor cells through corresponding receptors. Type II IL-4 receptor (IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1), predominantly expressed in non-hematopoietic cells, is identified to be the main target for both IL-4 and IL-13 in tumors. Moreover, IL-13 can also signal by binding to the IL-13Rα2 receptor. Structural similarity due to the use of the same receptor complex generated in response to IL-4/IL-13 results in overlapping but also distinct signaling pathways and functions. The aim of this review was to summarize knowledge about IL-4 and IL-13 and their receptors in pancreatic cancer in order understand the implication of IL-4 and IL-13 and their receptors for pancreatic tumorigenesis and progression and for developing possible new diagnostic and therapeutic targets.     

NOM removal by adsorption onto granular ferric hydroxide: Equilibrium, kinetics, filter and regeneration studies

Adsorption onto granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) with subsequent in-situ regeneration is studied as a new process for natural organic matter (NOM) removal from groundwater. Adsorbent equilibrium loadings of 10-30 mgDOC g(-1)GFH(-1) are obtained, whereas the non-adsorbable DOC fraction amounts to 1.5 mgL(-1) for all investigated groundwaters. The larger and UV-active NOM fractions (mainly fulvic acids) are well adsorbed while the smaller molecular fractions are poorly or not adsorbed. However, kinetic studies show that the smaller and medium-sized fulvic acids are removed first. The equilibrium is strongly dependent on pH but only weakly on ionic strength, pointing to ligand exchange as the dominant adsorption mechanism. With regard to NOM structure, prerequisites for adsorption onto GFH are both a minimum number of functional groups and a molecular size small enough to enter the GFH pores. NOM breakthrough curves are successfully simulated using the LDF model (homogeneous surface diffusion model (HSDM) with linear driving force approach for surface diffusion) and experimentally determined mass transfer coefficients. Regeneration of loaded GFH is possible either by use of NaOH or oxidatively by H(2)O(2). The optimal quantities and concentrations are determined.     

Electrical Coupling Between Cells and Graphene Transistors

In this work, both experimental data and a model are presented on the coupling between living cells and graphene solution‐gated field‐effect transistors. Modified HEK 293 cells are successfully cultured on graphene transistor arrays and electrically accessed by the patch clamp method. Transistor recordings are presented, showing the opening and closing of voltage‐gated potassium ion channels in the cell membrane. The experimental data is compared with the broadly used standard point‐contact model. The ion dynamics in the cell–transistor cleft are analyzed to account for the differences between the model and the experimental data revealing a significant increase in the total ionic strength in the cleft. In order to describe the influence of the ion concentration resulting from the cell activity, the ion‐sensitivity of graphene solution‐gated field‐effect transistors is investigated experimentally and modelled by considering the screening effect of the ions on the surface potential at the graphene/electrolyte interface. Finally, the model of the cell–transistor coupling is extended to include the effect of ion accumulation and ion sensitivity. The experimental data shows a very good agreement with this extended model, emphasizing the importance of considering the ion concentration in the cleft to properly understand the cell‐transistor coupling.     

Fame in the sciences: a culturomics approach

Scientometrics - Although scientists, like many other professionals, aspire to fame and recognition, research in the emergent field of fame and celebrity has as yet neglected to explore their fame...     

Cycling reliability of RF-MEMS switches with Gold–Platinum multilayers as contact material

Microsystem Technologies - Contact resistance is the main parameter used for assessing the high cycling reliability of RF microelectromechanical (RF-MEMS) switches. In this paper the use of a...     

In situ Characterization of SiO2 Nanoparticle Biointeractions Using BrightSilica

By adding a gold core to silica nanoparticles (BrightSilica), silica‐like nanoparticles are generated that, unlike unmodified silica nanoparticles, provide three types of complementary information to investigate the silica nano‐biointeraction inside eukaryotic cells in situ. Firstly, organic molecules in proximity of and penetrating into the silica shell in live cells are monitored by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The SERS data show interaction of the hybrid silica particles with tyrosine, cysteine and phenylalanine side chains of adsorbed proteins. Composition of the biomolecular corona of BrightSilica nanoparticles differs in fibroblast and macrophage cells. Secondly, quantification of the BrightSilica nanoparticles using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) micromapping indicates a different interaction of silica nanoparticles compared to gold nanoparticles under the same experimental conditions. Thirdly, the metal cores allow the investigation of particle distribution and interaction in the cellular ultrastructure by cryo nanoscale X‐ray tomography (cryo‐XT). In 3D reconstructions the assumption is confirmed that BrightSilica nanoparticles enter cells by an endocytotic mechanism. The high SERS intensities are explained by the beneficial plasmonic properties due to agglomeration of BrightSilica. The results have implications for the development of multi‐modal qualitative and quantitative characterization in comparative nanotoxicology and bionanotechnology.     

Intrinsic isotopic C labelling of polyphenols

The intrinsic isotopic labelling of plants with ¹³CO₂ is an effective method to generate highly labelled compounds using photosynthesis and avoiding labour-intensive complex organic syntheses. In this study, the intrinsic isotopic labelling of polyphenols in parsley, spinach and peppermint is shown for the first time. The plants were grown in an atmosphere where ¹²CO₂ was replaced by ¹³CO₂, in order to generate highly labelled compounds. The total content of ¹³C as well as the individual polyphenols were analysed by Isotopic Ratio-MS and HPLC–Iontrap-MSⁿ.     

Energy polarization and popular representation: Evidence from the Russian Duma

In this article we introduce the term “energy polarization” to explain the politics of energy market reform in the Russian Duma. Our model tests the impact of regional energy production, party cohesion and ideology, and electoral mandate on the energy policy decisions of the Duma deputies (oil, gas, and electricity bills and resolution proposals) between 1994 and 2003. We find a strong divide between Single-Member District (SMD) and Proportional Representation (PR) deputies High statistical significance of gas production is demonstrated throughout the three Duma terms and shows Gazprom's key position in the post-Soviet Russian economy. Oil production is variably significant in the two first Dumas, when the main legislative debates on oil privatization occur. There is no constant left–right continuum, which is consistent with the deputies' proclaimed party ideology. The pro- and anti-reform poles observed in our Poole-based single dimensional scale are not necessarily connected with liberal and state-oriented regulatory policies, respectively. Party switching is a solid indicator of Russia's polarized legislative dynamics when it comes to energy sector reform.