Construction of Three Dimensional Solutions for the Maxwell Equations

We consider numerical solutions for the three dimensional time dependent Maxwell equations. We construct a fourth order accurate compact implicit scheme and compare it to the Yee scheme for free space in a box

Inhibition of HDAC6 activity through interaction with RanBPM and its associated CTLH complex

Abstract Background Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a microtubule-associated deacetylase that promotes many cellular processes that lead to cell transformation and tumour development. We previously documented an interaction between Ran-Binding Protein M (RanBPM) and HDAC6 and found that RanBPM expression inhibits HDAC6 activity. RanBPM is part of a putative E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, termed the C-terminal to LisH (CTLH) complex. Here, we investigated the involvement of the CTLH complex on HDAC6 inhibition and assessed the outcome of this regulation on the cellular motility induced by HDAC6. Methods Cell lines (Hela, HEK293 and immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts) stably or transiently downregulated for several components of the CTLH complex were employed for the assays used in this study. Interactions of HDAC6, RanBPM and muskelin were assessed by co-immunoprecipitations. Quantifications of western blot analyses were employed to evaluate acetylated α-tubulin levels. Confocal microscopy analyses were used to determine microtubule association of HDAC6 and CTLH complex members. Cell migration was evaluated using wound healing assays. Results We demonstrate that RanBPM-mediated inhibition of HDAC6 is dependent on its association with HDAC6. We show that, while HDAC6 does not require RanBPM to associate with microtubules, RanBPM association with microtubules requires HDAC6. Additionally, we show that Twa1 (Two-hybrid-associated protein 1 with RanBPM) and MAEA (Macrophage Erythroblast Attacher), two CTLH complex members, also associate with α-tubulin and that muskelin, another component of the CTLH complex, is able to associate with HDAC6. Downregulation of CTLH complex members muskelin and Rmnd5A (Required for meiotic nuclear division homolog A) resulted in decreased acetylation of HDAC6 substrate α-tubulin. Finally, we demonstrate that the increased cell migration resulting from downregulation of RanBPM is due to the relief in inhibition of HDAC6 α-tubulin deacetylase activity. Conclusions Our work shows that RanBPM, together with the CTLH complex, associates with HDAC6 and restricts cell migration through inhibition of HDAC6 activity. This study uncovers a novel function for the CTLH complex and suggests that it could have a tumour suppressive role in restricting HDAC6 oncogenic properties

Supplementary Material for: Predictive Value of Second-Trimester Biomarkers and Maternal Features for Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

<i>Objective:</i> To establish the predictive probability for placenta-associated morbidities using second-trimester α-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and maternal features. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> A retrospective database of all singleton deliveries with available second-trimester HCG and AFP results from 2005 to 2012 was built and divided into 0, 1, or 2 elevated markers (defined as ≥2 multiples of the median [MoM]). For each group, we analyzed the risk for adverse obstetric outcome - comprising preeclampsia, placental abruption, and birth weight below the 10th percentile - and the time of delivery in those pregnancies. Additionally, prediction models for adverse obstetric outcome, using logistic regression incorporating AFP, HCG, and other maternal characteristics, were calculated. <i>Results:</i> Among 22,124 women who delivered, 16,197 (73%) had AFP and HCG results. Compared with the group with normal markers, the adverse obstetric outcome rate was mildly increased with elevated HCG or AFP, but it was markedly increased when both markers were elevated (13 vs. 31%, OR 2.9, 95% CI 2.0-4.3). Delivery of newborns with adverse obstetric outcome was earlier with each additional elevated marker. The accuracy of predicting adverse obstetric outcome was improved by using prediction models for women with HCG or AFP ≥1.2 MoM that incorporated maternal age, BMI, parity, and chronic hypertension (C-statistic 61-75%). <i>Conclusion:</i> HCG and AFP combined with other maternal characteristics are useful tools for predicting the risk for adverse obstetric outcome

Modification of deeply buried hydrophobic interfaces by ionic surfactants

Hydrophobicity, the spontaneous segregation of oil and water, can be modified by surfactants. The way this modification occurs is studied at the oil–water interface for a range of alkanes and two ionic surfactants. A liquid interfacial monolayer, consisting of a mixture of alkane molecules and surfactant tails, is found. Upon cooling, it freezes at Ts, well above the alkane’s bulk freezing temperature, Tb. The monolayer’s phase diagram, derived by surface tensiometry, is accounted for by a mixtures-based theory. The monolayer’s structure is measured by high-energy X-ray reflectivity above and below Ts. A solid–solid transition in the frozen monolayer, occurring approximately 3 °C below Ts, is discovered and tentatively suggested to be a rotator-to-crystal transition