37 research outputs found
Loop Equations for + and - Loops in c = 1/2 Non-Critical String Theory
New loop equations for all genera in non-critical string
theory are constructed. Our loop equations include two types of loops, loops
with all Ising spins up (+ loops) and those with all spins down ( loops).
The loop equations generate an algebra which is a certain extension of
algebra and are equivalent to the constraints derived before in the
matrix-model formulation of 2d gravity. Application of these loop equations to
construction of Hamiltonian for string field theory is
considered.Comment: 21 pages, LaTex file, no figure
Calcium ion currents mediating oocyte maturation events
During maturation, the last phase of oogenesis, the oocyte undergoes several changes which prepare it to be ovulated and fertilized. Immature oocytes are arrested in the first meiotic process prophase, that is morphologically identified by a germinal vesicle. The removal of the first meiotic block marks the initiation of maturation. Although a large number of molecules are involved in complex sequences of events, there is evidence that a calcium increase plays a pivotal role in meiosis re-initiation. It is well established that, during this process, calcium is released from the intracellular stores, whereas less is known on the role of external calcium entering the cell through the plasma membrane ion channels. This review is focused on the functional role of calcium currents during oocyte maturation in all the species, from invertebrates to mammals. The emerging role of specific L-type calcium channels will be discussed
Use of green fluorescent protein in visualisation of pneumococcal invasion of broncho-epithelial cells in vivo
The pneumococcus is the principle cause of bacterial pneumonia and also a major cause of bacterial meningitis. The mechanisms and sites of pneumococcal adherence and invasion of the respiratory tract in vivo are not clear however. We have made pneumococci expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and used it to trace pneumococcal adherence and invasion in vivo. By using GFP pneumococci we have shown bacterial adherence and invasion of broncho-epithelial cells in vivo by 4 h post-infection, with increases in pneumococcal invasiveness by 24 h. Using confocal image analysis we have shown varying levels of pneumococcal penetration and internalisation into host cells, as well as translocation through epithelial layers. To our knowledge this is the first report of pneumococcal invasion and cellular translocation in vivo