Daucus carota Pentane-Based Fractions Suppress Proliferation and Induce Apoptosis in Human Colon Adenocarcinoma HT-29 Cells by Inhibiting the MAPK and PI3K Pathways

Wassim N. Shebaby,K.B. Bodman-Smith,Anthony Mansour,Mohamad Mroueh,Robin I. Taleb,Mirvat El-Sibai,Costantine F. Daher 한국식품영양과학회 2015 Journal of medicinal food Vol.18 No.7

Daucus carota L. ssp. carota (Apiacea, wild carrot, Queen Anne’s lace) has been used in folk medicine throughout the world and recently was shown to possess anticancer and antioxidant activities. This study aims to determine the anticancer activity of the pentane fraction (F1) and the 1:1 pentane:diethyl ether fraction (F2) of the Daucus Carota oil extract (DCOE) against human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2). Treatment of cells with various concentrations of F1 or F2 fractions produced a dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that both fractions induced sub-G1 phase accumulation and increased apoptotic cell death. Western blot revealed the activation of caspase-3, PARP cleavage, and a considerable increase in Bax and p53 levels, and a decrease in Bcl-2 level. Treatment of HT-29 cells with either fraction markedly decreased the levels of both phosphorylated Erk and Akt. Furthermore, the combined treatment of F1 or F2 with wortmannin showed no added inhibition of cell survival suggesting an effect of F1 or F2 through the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. This study proposes that DCOE fractions (F1 and F2) inhibit cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HT-29 cells through the suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/Erk and PI3K/Akt pathways.

Directional Limits on Persistent Gravitational Waves from Advanced LIGO’s First Observing Run

Abbott, B. P.,Abbott, R.,Abbott, T. D.,Abernathy, M. R.,Acernese, F.,Ackley, K.,Adams, C.,Adams, T.,Addesso, P.,Adhikari, R. X.,Adya, V. B.,Affeldt, C.,Agathos, M.,Agatsuma, K.,Aggarwal, N.,Aguiar, O. American Physical Society 2017 Physical Review Letters Vol.118 No.12

<P>We employ gravitational-wave radiometry to map the stochastic gravitational wave background expected from a variety of contributing mechanisms and test the assumption of isotropy using data from the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory's (aLIGO) first observing run. We also search for persistent gravitational waves from point sources with only minimal assumptions over the 20-1726 Hz frequency band. Finding no evidence of gravitational waves from either point sources or a stochastic background, we set limits at 90% confidence. For broadband point sources, we report upper limits on the gravitational wave energy flux per unit frequency in the range F-a circle minus (integral) < (0.1-56) x 10(-8) erg cm(-2) s(-1) Hz(-1) (f/25 Hz(a-1) depending on the sky location Theta and the spectral power index a. For extended sources, we report upper limits on the fractional gravitational wave energy density required to close the Universe of Omega(f,Theta < (0.39-7.6) x 10(-8) sr(-1) (f/25 Hz)(a) depending on Theta and a. Directed searches for narrowband gravitational waves from astrophysically interesting objects (Scorpius X- 1, Supernova 1987 A, and the Galactic Center) yield median frequency- dependent limits on strain amplitude of h(0) < (6.7, 5.5, and 7.0) x 10(-25), respectively, at the most sensitive detector frequencies between 130- 175 Hz. This represents a mean improvement of a factor of 2 across the band compared to previous searches of this kind for these sky locations, considering the different quantities of strain constrained in each case.</P>

Simulation of vibrations of Ting Kau Bridge due to vehicular loading from measurements

Au, F.T.K.,Lou, P.,Li, J.,Jiang, R.J.,Zhang, J.,Leung, C.C.Y.,Lee, P.K.K.,Lee, J.H.,Wong, K.Y.,Chan, H.Y. Techno-Press 2011 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.40 No.4

The Ting Kau Bridge in Hong Kong is a cable-stayed bridge comprising two main spans and two side spans. The bridge deck is supported by three towers, an end pier and an abutment. Each of the three towers consists of a single reinforced concrete mast strengthened by transverse cables and struts. The bridge deck is supported by four inclined planes of cables emanating from anchorages at the tower tops. In view of the heavy traffic on the bridge, and threats from typhoons and earthquakes originated in areas nearby, the dynamic behaviour of long-span cable-supported bridges in the region is always an important consideration in their design. Baseline finite element models of various levels of sophistication have been built not only to match the bridge geometry and cable forces specified on the as-constructed drawings but also to be calibrated using the vibration measurement data captured by the Wind and Structural Health Monitoring System. This paper further describes the analysis of axle loading data, as well as the generation of random axle loads and simulation of vibrations of the bridge using the finite element models. Various factors affecting the vehicular loading on the bridge will also be examined.

Ursolic acid increases the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide in isolated perfused beating rabbit atria

Cui, H.Z.,Wen, J.F.,Choi, H.R.,Li, X.,Cho, K.W.,Kang, D.G.,Lee, H.S. North-Holland ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2011 european journal of pharmacology Vol.653 No.1

Ursolic acid is reported to have beneficial effects on the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis. However, the effects of ursolic acid on cardiac hormone secretion are yet to be defined. The present study was designed to test the effects of ursolic acid on the secretory and contractile functions of the atria. Experiments were conducted in isolated perfused beating rabbit atria. We measured the changes in atrial dynamics, pulse pressure, stroke volume, cAMP efflux, as well as the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Ursolic acid increased ANP secretion and mechanical dynamics in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibition of L-type Ca<SUP>2+</SUP> channels with nifedipine attenuated the ursolic acid-induced increase in ANP secretion but not mechanical dynamics. The inhibition of K<SUP>+</SUP><SUB>ATP</SUB> channels with glibenclamide attenuated the ursolic acid-induced increase in ANP secretion-but not atrial dynamics-in a concentration-dependent manner. The selective Na<SUP>+</SUP>-K<SUP>+</SUP>-ATPase inhibitor ouabain blocked the ursolic acid-induced increase in atrial dynamics but not ANP secretion. These findings show that ursolic acid increases ANP secretion via its activation of K<SUP>+</SUP><SUB>ATP</SUB> channels and subsequent inhibition of Ca<SUP>2+</SUP> entry through L-type Ca<SUP>2+</SUP> channels in rabbit atria. These data also suggest that ursolic acid increases atrial dynamics via its inhibition of Na<SUP>+</SUP>-K<SUP>+</SUP>-ATPase activity.

Final report for the APMP.T-K4: Comparison of realizations of aluminium freezing-point temperatures

Gam, K S,Joung, W,Yamazawa, K,Cheung, C P,Kho, H Y,Wang, L,Tsai, S F,Norranim, U,Hafidzah, O,Gupta, J K Springer-Verlag 2013 Metrologia Vol.50 No.-

<P>The comparison APMP.T-K4 is the regional extension of the CCT-K4: an intercomparison of the realizations of the freezing-points of Al (660.323 °C) and Ag (961.78 °C). The comparison was organized in two loops and four sub-loops with high temperature standard platinum resistance thermometers (HTSPRTs) as transfer thermometers in the freezing-point comparisons. The comparison involved eight APMP NMIs (KRISS, NMIJ, SCL, NMC, CMS, NIMT, SIRIM, NPL), and KRISS and NMIJ acted as linking laboratories to the CCT-K4.</P><P>The transfer HTSPRTs showed a strong drift during the transportation between the NMIs. In the case of the Ag freezing-point comparison, the comparison results were scattered much more than expected. In the APMP meeting held in 2009, the participants agreed that the Ag comparison results would be omitted in the report. It revealed that the measurement results at the Al freezing-point of participants were in agreement with the key comparison reference value of the CCT-K4 within 4 mK except for one laboratory. Details of the comparison results, the uncertainty evaluation and the drift of the HTSPRTs are described in this report.</P><P>Main text.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.</P><P>The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).</P>

Vehicular emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a tunnel study in Hong Kong

Ho, K. F.,Lee, S. C.,Ho, W. K.,Blake, D. R.,Cheng, Y.,Li, Y. S.,Ho, S. S. H.,Fung, K.,Louie, P. K. K.,Park, D. Copernicus GmbH 2009 Atmospheric chemistry and physics Vol.9 No.19

<P>Abstract. Vehicle emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were determined at the Shing Mun Tunnel, Hong Kong in summer and winter of 2003. One hundred and ten VOCs were quantified in this study. The average concentration of the total measured VOCs at the inlet and outlet of the tunnel were 81 250 pptv and 117 850 pptv, respectively. Among the 110 compounds, ethene, ethyne and toluene were the most abundant species in the tunnel. The total measured VOC emission factors ranged from 67 mg veh−1 km−1 to 148 mg veh−1 km−1, with an average of 115 mg veh−1 km−1. The five most abundant VOCs observed in the tunnel were, in decreasing order, ethene, toluene, n-butane, propane and i-pentane. These five most abundant species contributed over 38% of the total measured VOCs emitted. The high propane and n-butane emissions were found to be associated with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-fueled taxis. Fair correlations were observed between marker species (ethene, i-pentane, n-nonane, and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes - BTEX) with fractions of gasoline-fueled or diesel-fueled vehicles. Moreover, ethene, ethyne, and propene are the key species that were abundant in the tunnel but not in gasoline vapors or LPG. The ozone formation potential from the VOCs in Hong Kong was evaluated by the maximum increment reactivity (MIR). It was found to be 568 mg of ozone per vehicle per kilometer traveled. Among them, ethene, propene and toluene contribute most to the ozone-formation reactivity. </P>

Genetic polymorphism in pvmdr1 and pvcrt-o genes in relation to in vitro drug susceptibility of Plasmodium vivax isolates from malaria-endemic countries

Lu, F.,Lim, C.S.,Nam, D.H.,Kim, K.,Lin, K.,Kim, T.S.,Lee, H.W.,Chen, J.H.,Wang, Y.,Sattabongkot, J.,Han, E.T. Verlag für Recht und Gesellschaft ; Elsevier 2011 Acta Tropica Vol.117 No.2

Treatment failure of chloroquine for Plasmodium vivax infection has increased in endemic countries. However, the molecular mechanisms for resistance and in vitro susceptibility of P. vivax to chloroquine remain elusive. We investigated the prevalence of mutations in the pvmdr1 and pvcrt-o genes, and the copy number of the pvmdr1 gene in isolates from the Republic of Korea (ROK), Thailand, the Union of Myanmar (Myanmar), and Papua New Guinea (PNG). We also measured in vitro susceptibility of Korean isolates to antimalarial drugs. The pvmdr1 analysis showed that mutations at amino acid position Y976F of pvmdr1 were found in isolates from Thailand (17.9%), Myanmar (13.3%), and PNG (100%), but none from the ROK, and mutation at position F1076L was present in isolates from the ROK (100%), Thailand (60.7%), and Myanmar (46.7%). One copy of the pvmdr1 gene was observed in most isolates and double copy numbers of the gene were observed in two Thai isolates. In the exons of the pvcrt-o gene that were sequenced, a K10 insertion was present in isolates from Thailand (56.0%) and Myanmar (46.2%), and the wild type was found in all Korean isolates. The results suggest that gene polymorphisms and copy number variation was observed in isolates of P. vivax from Southeast Asian countries. In Korean isolates polymorphism as limited to the F1076L variant, and no isolates with high level of resistance were found by in vitro susceptibility determinations. Moreover, our results provide a baseline for future prospective drug studies in malaria-endemic areas.

Studies of Radiation-Induced Defects in Li2SiO3:Sm Phosphor Material

Singh, N.,Singh, V.,Watanabe, S.,Gundu Rao, T. K.,Chubaci, J. F.,Cano, N. F.,Pathak, M. S.,Singh, P. K.,Dhoble, S. J. Springer Science + Business Media 2017 Journal of electronic materials Vol.46 No.1

<P>Li2SiO3:Sm was synthesized by the solution combustion method. Powder x-ray diffraction technique was used to find the phase formation. Li2SiO3:Sm exhibits thermoluminescence (TL) peaks at approximately 140 degrees C, 155 degrees C, 190 degrees C, 250 degrees C, and 405 degrees C. Three defect centers contribute to the observed electron spin resonance spectrum from the gamma irradiated phosphor. Center I with principal g-values g(parallel to) = 2.0206 and g(perpendicular to) = 2.0028 is identified as an O-2(-) ion while center II, with an isotropic g-factor 2.0039, is assigned to an F+-type center. Center III is assigned to a Ti3+ center. The Ti3+ center is related to the 250 degrees C TL peak while the O-2(-) ion also correlates with the main TL peak at 250 degrees C. An additional defect center is observed during thermal annealing experiments, and the center (assigned to F+ center) seems to originate from an F center. The F center appears to be associated with the high temperature TL peak in a Li2SiO3: Sm phosphor. The luminescence spectrum reveals the dominant emission peaks at 605 ((4)G(5/2) -> H-6(7/2)) nm under the excitation wavelength of 402 nm.</P>

A novel barium oxide-based Iraqi sand glass to attenuate the low gamma-ray energies: Fabrication, mechanical, and radiation protection capacity evaluation

Al-Saeedi F.H.F.,Sayyed M.I.,Kapustin F.L.,Al-Ghamdi Hanan,Kolobkova E.V.,Tashlykov O.L.,Almuqrin Aljawhara H.,Mahmoud K.A. 한국원자력학회 2022 Nuclear Engineering and Technology Vol.54 No.8

In the present work, untreated Iraqi sand with grain sizes varied between 100 and 200 mm was used to produce a colored glass sample that has shielding features against the low gamma-ray energy. Therefore, a weight of 70e60 wt % sand was mixed with 9e14 wt% B2O3, 8e10 wt% Na2O, 4e6 wt% of CaO, 3e6 wt% Al2O3, in addition to 0.3% of Co2O3. After melting and annealing the glass sample, the X-ray diffraction spectrometry was applied to affirm the amorphous phase of the fabricated glass samples. Moreover, the X-ray dispersive energy spectrometry was used to measure the chemical composition, and the MH-300A densimeter was applied to measure the fabricated sample's density. The Makishima-Makinzie model was applied to predict the mechanical properties of the fabricated glass. Besides, the Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate the fabricated glass sample's radiation shielding capacity in the low-energy region between 22.1 and 160.6 keV. Therefore, the simulated linear attenuation coefficient changed between 10.725 and 0.484 cm1 , raising the gamma-ray energy between 22.1 and 160.6 keV. Also, other shielding parameters such as a half-value layer, pure lead equivalent thickness, and buildup factors were calculated

Ambient Vibration measurements and finite element modelling for the Hong Kong Ting Kau Bridge

Au, F.T.K.,Tham, L.G.,Lee, P.K.K.,Su, C.,Han, D.J.,Yan, Q.S.,Wong, K.Y. Techno-Press 2003 Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Jou Vol.15 No.1

The Ting Kau Bridge in Hong Kong is a cable-stayed bridge comprising two main spans and two side spans. The bridge deck is supported by three towers, an end pier and an abutment. Each of the three towers consists of a single reinforced concrete mast which reduces its section in steps, and it is strengthened by transverse cables and struts in the transverse vertical plane. The bridge deck is supported by four inclined planes of cables emanating from anchorages at the tower tops. In view of the threat from typhoons, the dynamic behaviour of long-span cable-supported bridges in the region is always an important consideration in their design. This paper is devoted to the ambient vibration measurements of the bridge for evaluation of dynamic characteristics including the natural frequencies and mode shapes. It also describes the modelling of the bridge. A few finite element models are developed and calibrated to match with the field data and the results of subsequent structural health monitoring of the bridge.