Boundary Value Problems for a Family of Domains in the Sierpinski Gasket

For a family of domains in the Sierpinski gasket, we study harmonic functions of finite energy, characterizing them in terms of their boundary values, and study their normal derivatives on the boundary. We characterize those domains for which there is an extension operator for functions of finite energy. We give an explicit construction of the Green’s function for these domains

Role of Inflammation in 20-HETE Regulation of Ischemia-Induced Angiogenesis

Objective: 20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), an important bioactive lipid metabolite, has recently been identified to be a novel contributor of angiogenesis secondary to ischemia. Moreover, an inflammatory response is required for the initiation of ischemic angiogenesis, in response to ischemic tissue injury. The goal of this study is to investigate the role of inflammation in 20-HETE regulation of ischemia-induced angiogenesis. Methods: We first established a mouse hind limb ischemia model for immunocompetent Balb/C mice and immunodeficient NOD-SCID mice by femoral artery ligation. Groups of Balb/C and NOD-SCID mice were administered a 20-HETE synthesis inhibitor, DDMS, or saline as a solvent control. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) was used to visualize and quantify blood perfusion on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 post ligation, confirmed by microvessel density analysis. LC/MS/MS analysis was performed on day 3 post ligation on ischemic and non-ischemic control gracilis muscles to measure 20-HETE levels. Additionally, an antibody to lymphocyte antigen 6 complex (Ly6G/C) was administered to neutralize the infiltration of neutrophils, macrophages, and monocytes. 20-HETE levels were again measured on day 3 post ligation in these mice. Results: Quantification of the compensatory blood perfusion recovery post ischemia by LDPI showed that immunocompetent Balb/C control mice demonstrated a normal course of the compensatory angiogenic response while NOD-SCID immunodeficient mice showed a significantly decreased response. Additionally, DDMS was shown to inhibit the compensatory response in Balb/C mice, while no inhibitory effect was observed in immunodeficient NOD-SCID mice. This observation is confirmed by a marked decrease in microvessel density in SCID mice (1.5±0.2) post ischemia compared to immunocompetent Balb/C mice (2.65±0.32). As expected, ischemia markedly increased 20-HETE levels in the ischemic gracilis muscle of Balb/C mice by 6-fold (6±2 in non-ischemic vs 27±5 pg/mg in ischemic), while levels in NOD-SCID mice showed no change between the ischemic and non-ischemic control. Lastly, Balb/C mice that were treated with Ly6G/C neutralizing antibody exhibited significantly decreased 20-HETE levels in their ischemic gracilis muscle compared to the non-ischemic control. Conclusion: Inflammation may be an essential contributor in 20-HETE regulation of the ischemia-induced angiogenic response

Microstructural characterisation of creep tested 9CR welds for MarBN steel

Creep properties of 9Cr heat resistant steels can be improved by the addition of boron and nitrogen to produce martensitic boron-nitrogen strengthened steels (MarBN). The joining of this material is a crucial consideration in the material design since welds can introduce relatively weak points in the structural material. In the present study, creep tests of a number of MarBN weld filler metals have been carried out to determine the effect of chemistry on the creep life of weld metal. The creep life of the weld metals was analysed, and the evolution of creep damage was investigated. Significant differences in the rupture life during creep have been observed as a function of boron, nitrogen and molybdenum concentrations in the weld consumable composition. Although the creep lives differed, the particle size and number in the failed creep tested specimens were similar, which indicates that there is a possible critical point for MarBN weld filler metal creep failure

Bone morphogenetic proteins, breast cancer, and bone metastases: striking the right balance

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) belong to the TGF-β super family, and are essential for regulation of foetal development, tissue differentiation and homeostasis, and a multitude of cellular functions. Naturally, this has led to the exploration of aberrance in this highly regulated system as a key factor in tumourigenesis. Originally identified for their role in osteogenesis and bone turnover, attention has been turned to the potential role of BMPs in tumour metastases to, and progression within, the bone niche. This is particularly pertinent to breast cancer, which commonly metastasises to bone, and in which studies have revealed aberrations of both BMP expression and signalling which correlate clinically with breast cancer progression. Ultimately a BMP profile could provide new prognostic disease markers. As the evidence suggests a role for BMPs in regulating breast tumour cellular function, in particular interactions with tumour stroma and the bone metastatic microenvironment, there may be novel therapeutic potential in targeting BMP signalling in breast cancer. This review provides an update on the current knowledge of BMP abnormalities and their implication in the development and progression of breast cancer, particularly in the disease specific bone metastasis

Catalog of Chromium, Cobalt, and Nickel Abundances in Globular Clusters and Dwarf Galaxies

We present measurements of the abundances of chromium, cobalt, and nickel in 4113 red giants, including 2277 stars in globular clusters (GCs), 1820 stars in the Milky Way's dwarf satellite galaxies, and 16 field stars. We measured the abundances from mostly archival Keck/DEIMOS medium-resolution spectroscopy with a resolving power of R ~ 6500 and a wavelength range of approximately 6500–9000 Å. The abundances were determined by fitting spectral regions that contain absorption lines of the elements under consideration. We used estimates of temperature, surface gravity, and metallicity that we previously determined from the same spectra. We estimated systematic error by examining the dispersion of abundances within mono-metallic GCs. The median uncertainties for [Cr/Fe], [Co/Fe], and [Ni/Fe] are 0.20, 0.20, and 0.13, respectively. Finally, we validated our estimations of uncertainty through duplicate measurements, and we evaluated the accuracy and precision of our measurements through comparison to high-resolution spectroscopic measurements of the same stars