Extratropical cyclone climatology across eastern Canada

Plante, Mathieu,Son, Seok‐,Woo,Atallah, Eyad,Gyakum, John,Grise, Kevin John Wiley Sons, Ltd 2015 International journal of climatology Vol.35 No.10

<P><B>ABSTRACT</B></P><P>Extratropical cyclone (ETC) tracks across eastern Canada are examined by applying a Lagrangian tracking algorithm to the lower‐tropospheric relative vorticity field of reanalysis data. Both the seasonal cycle and the interannual variability of ETCs are quantified in terms of overall cyclone frequency, intensity, and regions of development and decay. We find that ETCs travelling to eastern Canada tend to develop over the Rockies, the Great Lakes and the US East Coast. The ETCs are most intense over Newfoundland and the North Atlantic Ocean, confirming previous findings. While ETCs at cities along the Atlantic coastline (e.g. St. John's) are dominated by East Coast cyclones (which are intense in winter), those inland (e.g. Toronto) track primarily from the Great Lakes. ETCs that develop over the Gulf of Mexico affect eastern Canada infrequently, but those that do tend to be intense. The interannual variability of the wintertime ETCs is influenced by the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Significant ENSO‐related variability is found over most regions of southern Canada, except on the east coast. Although ETCs at Toronto are significantly modulated by ENSO, no visible changes are found at St. John's. These ENSO‐related ETC changes are mostly due to the shifts in ETC development regions, with minor changes in the travelling direction of ETCs.</P>

Enhanced two-photon luminescence from nanoporous gold capped with microcontact-printed salts

Wi, J. S.,Park, J. H.,Tominaka, S.,Lee, J. Y. John Wiley Sons, Ltd 2014 Physica Status Solidi. Rapid Research Letters Vol.8 No.1

We report that a nanoporous Au film capped with a dielectric surface layer enables the effective absorption of near-infrared light and intense emission of two-photon luminescence. In this approach, nanoscale pores in Au are incorporated by chemical dissolution and microscale surface patterns are added on the nanoporous Au by microcontact print lithography. Electromagnetic simulation shows that the strong local electric fields are concentrated in the vicinity of nanopores in the Au film and are further increased by the surface dielectric patterns, which leads to a 40-fold increase in the intensity of the two-photon luminescence, as verified by photoemission measurement. ((c) 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Transcription profile in mouse four-cell, morula, and blastocyst: Genes implicated in compaction and blastocoel formation

Cui, Xiang-Shun,Li, Xing-Yu,Shen, Xing-Hui,Bae, Yong-Ju,Kang, Jason-Jongho,Kim, Nam-Hyung JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD 2007 MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT Vol.74 No.2

<P>To gain insight into early embryo development, we utilized microarray technology to compare gene expression profiles in four-cell (4C), morula (MO), and blastocyst (BL) stage embryos. Differences in spot intensities were normalized, and grouped by using Avadis Prophetic software platform (version 3.3, Strand Genomics Ltd.) and categories were based on the PANTHER and gene ontology (GO) classification system. This technique identified 622 of 7,927 genes as being more highly expressed in MO when compared to 4C (P < 0.05); similarly, we identified 654 of 9,299 genes as being more highly expressed in BL than in MO (P < 0.05). Upregulation of genes for cytoskeletal, cell adhesion, and cell junction proteins were identified in the MO as compared to the 4C stage embryos, this means they could be involved in the cell compaction necessary for the development to the MO. Genes thought to be involved in ion channels, membrane traffic, transfer/carrier proteins, and lipid metabolism were also identified as being expressed at a higher level in the BL stage embryos than in the MO. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to confirm differential expression of selected genes. The identification of the genes being expressed in here will provide insight into the complex gene regulatory networks effecting compaction and blastocoel formation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.</P>

Cell cycle analysis and interspecies nuclear transfer of in vitro cultured skin fibroblasts of the Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris Altaica)

Hashem, Md. Abul,Bhandari, Dilip P.,Kang, Sung Keun,Lee, Byeong Chun JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD 2007 Molecular Reproduction and Development Vol.74 No.4

<P>The present study was conducted to examine the effect of cell culture conditions, antioxidants, protease inhibitors (PI), and different levels of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for the promotion of synchronization of different cell cycles of Siberian tiger skin fibroblasts. We also compared the ability of somatic cell nuclei of the Siberian tiger in pig cytoplasts and to support early development after reconstruction. Cell cycle synchronization between nuclear donor and recipient cells is considered to be one of the most crucial factors for successful cloning. Five experiments were performed each with a one-way completely randomized design involving three replicates of all treatments. Least significant difference (LSD) was used to determine variation among treatment groups. Experiment I focused in the effects of cycling, serum starved and fully confluent stages of Siberian tiger cells on different cell cycles. In Experiment II, the effects of different antioxidants like β-Mercaptoethanol (β-ME, 10 µM), cysteine (2 mM), and glutathione (2 mM) were examined after cells were fully confluent without serum starvation for 4 hr. In Experiment III, three PI, namely 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP, 2 mM), cycloheximide (7.5 µg/ml) and cytochalasin B (7.5 µg/ml) were used in the sane manner as in Experiment II. In Experiment IV, different levels of DMSO at 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.5% were tested on different cell cycle stages of Siberian tiger examined by Flowcytometry (FACS). In Experiment I, 67.2% of the Siberian tiger skin fibroblasts reached the G<SUB>0</SUB>/G<SUB>1</SUB> stage (2C DNA content) in fully confluent conditions which was more than the cycling (49.8%) and serum starved (SS) medium (65.5%; P < 0.05). Among the chemically treated group, glutathione (72.6%) and cycloheximide (71.3%) had little bit better results for the synchronization of G<SUB>0</SUB> + G<SUB>1</SUB> phases than serum starved and fully confluent. After nuclear transfer we did not see any significant differences on the development of tiger-porcine reconstructed embryos at cycling, SS and fully confluent. Data indicate that prolonged culture of cells in the absence of serum as well as using different chemicals for this experiment does not imply a shift in the percentage of cells that enter G<SUB>0</SUB>/G<SUB>1</SUB> and that confluency is sufficient to induce quiescence. This finding can be beneficial in nuclear transfer programs in Siberian tiger, because there are negative effects, such as apoptosis associated with serum starvation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 403–411, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.</P>

Cdc42 is implicated in polarity during meiotic resumption and blastocyst formation in the mouse

Cui, Xiang-Shun,Li, Xing-Yu,Kim, Nam-Hyung JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD 2007 MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT Vol.74 No.6

<P>Cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42), a member of the Rho family of small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) proteins, regulates multiple cell functions, including: motility, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell morphology. In order to obtain insight into the role of Cdc42 in meiotic resumption and embryo development, we first evaluated its gene expression levels in mouse oocytes and embryos during in vitro development. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed high-expression levels in GV stage oocytes that steadily decreased up to the 2-cell (2C) stage embryo, and then expression increased during morulae and blastocyst formation. Indirect Immunocytochemistry also showed protein synthesis of CDC42 in the mouse oocytes and early embryos. Introducing small interference RNA (siRNA) of Cdc42 into germinal vesicle stage oocytes or zygotes specifically reduced both mRNA expression and protein synthesis of CDC42 in in vitro developed metaphase II oocytes and early embryos. Meiotic maturation and cytoskeleton assembly were significantly altered following siRNA injection into germinal vesicle stage oocytes. Injection of siRNA into the zygote did not affect cleavage or cell numbers in morulae, but significantly decreased in vitro development to the morula or blastocyst. These findings suggest that gene expression of Cdc42 is involved in meiotic resumption and blastocyst formation in the mouse, possibly through maintaining polarity. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 785–794, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.</P>

Effects of calcitonin and parathyroid hormone on the regulation of cabindin-D_9k in the uterus, placenta, and fetal membrane of rats related to blood calcium level during late gestation

Hong, Eui-Ju,Choi, Kyung-Chul,Hyun, Sang-Hwan,Jeung, Eui-Bae JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD 2007 MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT Vol.74 No.9

<P>Calbindin-D<SUB>9k</SUB> (CaBP-9k) gene is expressed in the uterus of pregnant rats, which is regulated by steroid hormones during estrous cycle or gestation. We hypothesized that there is a positive correlation between altered CaBP-9k expression and change in one or more of the hormones to provide a clue to the mechanism responsible for the altered calcium levels in the uterus, placenta, and fetal membrane during late gestation. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the effects of the hormones including estradiol (E2), calcitonin (CT), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) on the regulation of CaBP-9k in these tissues. There was an increase in the level of CaBP-9k in the uterus, placenta, and extra-embryonic membrane at late gestation, as blood calcium level increased. The protein level of CaBP-9k remained lower in the uterus at two-thirds of pregnancy, and then it rebounded abruptly during late pregnancy. During late gestation, E2 is postulated to be a dominant factor in the regulation of uterine CaBP-9k gene expression. Furthermore, we assumed that there is a positive correlation between altered expression of CaBP-9k and blood calcium level during pregnancy. The present study demonstrated the regulation of CaBP-9k mRNA in the uterus, placenta, and fetal membrane of rats, implying a role for CaBP-9k gene in the control of blood calcium in placenta and the calcium passing from maternal blood to fetal circulation. Taken together, these results suggest that major alterations in calcium metabolism caused by maternal thyroparathyroidectomy (TPTX), are sufficient to affect the changes in reproductive tissues during late pregnancy. In addition, an increase of blood calcium level is one of the most significant factors in the regulation of CaBP-9k at the transcriptional and/or translational levels in the reproductive tissues during late pregnancy. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1188–1197, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.</P>

Feulgen reaction study of novel threadlike structures (Bonghan ducts) on the surfaces of mammalian organs

Shin, Hak-Soo,Johng, Hyeon-Min,Lee, Byung-Cheon,Cho, Sung-Il,Soh, Kyung-Soon,Baik, Ku-Youn,Yoo, Jung-Sun,Soh, Kwang-Sup JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD 2005 ANATOMICAL RECORD PART B THE NEW ANATOMIST Vol.284 No.1

<P>Threadlike structures on the surfaces of internal organs, which are thought to be part of the Bonghan duct system, were first reported about 40 years ago, but have been largely ignored since then. Recently, they were rediscovered, and in this study we discuss the Feulgen reaction that specifically stains DNA in order to identify these structures on the surface of rabbit livers as part of the Bonghan system. The distribution, shapes, and sizes of their nuclei are found to be similar to those of intravascular threadlike structures. The endothelial nuclei are rod-shaped, 10–20 μm long, and aligned in a broken-line striped fashion. The threadlike structure consists of a bundle of several subducts, which is a characteristic feature of Bonghan ducts and distinguishes them morphologically from lymphatic vessels. In addition, the Feulgen reaction clearly demonstrates that the subducts pass through a corpuscle, which is usually irregular or oval-shaped and is connected to two or several threadlike structures that form a web on the surfaces of organs. Furthermore, spherical granules of about 1 μm in diameter are detected in the subducts. These granules were well stained by using the Feulgen reaction, which implies that they contain DNA. According to previous reports, a granule is a type of microcell and plays an essential role in the physiology and therapeutic effect of the Bonghan system and acupuncture. This role has yet to be elucidated. Anat Rec (Part B: New Anat) 284B:35–40, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.</P>

Tetracycline-inducible gene expression in nuclear transfer embryos derived from porcine fetal fibroblasts transformed with retrovirus vectors

Choi, Bok Ryul,Koo, Bon Chul,Ahn, Kwang Sung,Kwon, Mo Sun,Kim, Jin-Hoi,Cho, Seong-Keun,Kim, Kyoung Mi,Kang, Jee Hyun,Shim, Hosup,Lee, Hyuna,Uhm, Sang Jun,Lee, Hoon Taek,Kim, Teoan JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD 2006 MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT Vol.73 No.10

<P>A critical problem of transgenic livestock production is uncontrollable constitutive expression of the foreign gene, which usually results in serious physiological disturbances in transgenic animals. One of the best solutions for this problem may be use of controllable gene expression system. In this study, using retrovirus vectors designed to express the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene under the control of the tetracycline-inducible promoter, we examined whether the expression of the transgene could be controllable in fibroblast cells and nuclear transfer (NT) embryos of porcine. Transformed fibroblast cells were cultured in medium supplemented with or without doxycycline (a tetracycline analog) for 48 hr, and the induction efficiency was measured by comparing EGFP gene expression using epifluorescence microscopy and Western and Northern blot analyses. After the addition of doxycycline, EGFP expression increased up to 17-fold. The nuclei of transformed fibroblast cells were transferred into enucleated oocytes. Fluorescence emission data revealed strong EGFP gene expression in embryos cultured with doxycycline, but little or no expression in the absence of the antibiotic. Our results demonstrate the successful regulation of transgene expression in porcine nuclear transfer embryos, and support the application of an inducible expression system in transgenic pig production to solve the inherent problems of side-effects due to constitutive expression of the transgene. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.</P>

Development and calcium level changes in pre-implantation porcine nuclear transfer embryos activated with 6-DMAP after fusion

Im, Gi-Sun,Samuel, Melissa,Lai, Liangxue,Hao, Yanhong,Prather, Randall S. JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD 2007 MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT Vol.74 No.9

<P>This study investigated the effect of treatment with 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP) following fusion on in vitro development of porcine nuclear transfer (NT) embryos. Frozen thawed ear skin cells were transferred into the perivitelline space of enucleated oocytes. Reconstructed oocytes were fused and activated with electric pulse in 0.3 M mannitol supplemented with either 0.1 or 1.0 mM CaCl<SUB>2</SUB>. In each calcium concentration, activated oocytes were divided into three groups. Two groups of them were exposed to either ionomycin (I + 6-DMAP or 6-DMAP alone. In experiment 2, fused NT embryos in 0.3 M mannitol containing 1.0 mM CaCl<SUB>2</SUB> were exposed to 6-DMAP either immediately or 20 min after fusion/activation. For 0.1 mM CaCl<SUB>2</SUB>, oocytes activated with either I + 6-DMAP or 6-DMAP alone showed a higher (P < 0.05) developmental rate to the blastocyst stage than those activated with an electric pulse alone (26.7 and 22.5 vs. 12.5%). For 1.0 mM CaCl<SUB>2</SUB>, oocytes activated with either I + 6-DMAP or 6-DMAP alone showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) developmental rate to the blastocyst stage (35.6 and 28.3 vs. 19.8%). Developmental rate to the blastocyst stage was (P < 0.05) increased in NT embryos activated with 6-DMAP 20 min after fusion. 6-DMAP made a higher and wider Ca<SUP>2+</SUP> transient compared to that induced by electric pulses (Fig. 3). The fluctuation lasted during the time that oocytes were cultured in 6-DMAP. Regardless of Ca<SUP>2+</SUP> concentration in fusion medium, activation with 6-DMAP following electric pulses supported more development of porcine NT embryos. Activation of NT embryos with 6-DMAP after fusion in the presence of 1.0 mM CaCl<SUB>2</SUB> could support better developmental rate to the blastocyst stage. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1158–1164, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.</P>

Downregulation of GFAP, TSP-1, and p53 in human glioblastoma cell line, U373MG, by IE1 protein from human cytomegalovirus

Lee, Karim,Jeon, Kipyoung,Kim, Jong-Mook,Kim, Vic Narry,Choi, Dong Hee,Kim, Seung U.,Kim, Sunyoung John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 2005 Glia Vol.51 No.1

<P>Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a member of the β-herpesvirus family, which has tropism for glial cells. It was recently reported that HCMV might play important roles in the pathogenesis of malignant glioma. In this study, we investigated the effects of the HCMV IE1 protein on the gene expression profile in the human glioblastoma cell line, U373MG by employing cDNA microarray technology. Using DNA chips containing approximately 1,000 human cDNAs, RNA samples from U373MG cells stably expressing IE1 were compared with those from the control cells lacking IE1 cDNA. Fluorescence intensities of 13 genes were significantly decreased in IE1-expressing cells, while one gene was found to be upregulated. Among these 14 genes, we chose to work further on glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), and p53, because of their previously known involvement in tumorigenesis. The mRNA levels of all these genes were found to be decreased in IE1-expressing glioblastoma cells by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as well as Northern blot analysis. The decreased expression of these genes was also observed at protein levels as measured by immunocytochemistry or fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Our data strongly suggested that HCMV IE1 could modulate the expression of cellular genes that might play important roles in the pathogenesis of glial tumors. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.</P>