Ultrasonic Characterization of Microspherical Inclusions in Zirconia and Crystallized Glass

In high performance ceramic materials the critical flaw size is ≃ 10 µm. Not all inclusions are equally detrimental to the structural properties. Therefore it is necessary to determine their size and composition.</p

Examining, discussing and suggesting the possible contribution and role of Buddhist economics for corporate social responsibility

Key principles of Buddhist economics are discussed in relation to the private sector's role in contributing to sustainable development. It is suggested that many aspects of a Buddhist approach are consistent with recent developments in the field of corporate social responsibility. But a more radical approach to that concept is required if we are to attain anything close to sustainable development. That approach is well informed by notions of Buddhist economics. Copyright © 2007 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

CDNA cloning and expression of autoantigen B0-E2

AIM: To express BO-E2 recombinant fusion protein in Escherichia coli for use in early diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). METHODS: CDNA encoding BCOADC-E2 and OGDC-E2 were obtained by reverse transcription pdymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), confirmed by DNA sequencing, subcloned non-directionally into the bacterial expression plasmid pET28a(+), and then transformed into E. coli BL21(DE3) to express the recombinant fusion protein, which was identified by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. RESULTS: Results of nucleotide sequencing and restriction analysis showed that the recombinant plasmid successfully constructed three species. Three types of fusion protein were expressed by isopropyl-Beta-d-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) induction. The recombinant fusion protein exhibited the antigenic-ity of AMA-M2 by western blotting. CONCLUSION: BO-E2 recombinant fusion protein can be used for in vitro diagnosis of PBC.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Proteome of human T lymphocytes with treatment of cyclosporine and polysaccharopeptide: Analysis of significant proteins that manipulate T cells proliferation and immunosuppression

The aberrant activation of T lymphocyte proliferation is one of the key events in organ transplant recipients and autoimmune disorders. The present study adopted a gel-based proteomics approach to define the proteins representative of the T cell proliferation and to discover the molecules that play critical roles during the suppression of T cell proliferation. Human T lymphocytes were isolated from healthy donors and primed with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) to undergo proliferation. Two medical fungal products with specific T cell activation inhibitory properties, cyclosporine A (CsA) and polysaccharopeptide (PSP), were used to study the proteins that manipulate T cell proliferation. After demonstrating their similar effects on cell proliferation, cell survival and interleuklin-2 (IL-2) secretion, significant quantitative protein alterations were detected between the CsA- and PSP-treated T cell proteome. These altered proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF and classified into 3 categories: (i) proteins affected by both CsA and PSP, (ii) proteins affected by CsA alone, and (iii) proteins affected by PSP alone. Most of these altered proteins have functional significance in protein degradation, the antioxidant pathway, energy metabolism and immune cell regulation. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.link_to_subscribed_fulltex