Endoglin and squamous cell carcinomas

Despite the fact that the role of endoglin on endothelial cells has been extensively described, its expression and biological role on (epithelial) cancer cells is still debatable. Especially its function on squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated SCC endoglin expression and function in three types of SCCs; head and neck (HNSCC), esophageal (ESCC) and vulvar (VSCC) cancers. Endoglin expression was evaluated in tumor specimens and 14 patient-derived cell lines. Next to being expressed on angiogenic endothelial cells, endoglin is selectively expressed by individual SCC cells in tumor nests. Patient derived HNSCC, ESCC and VSCC cell lines express varying levels of endoglin with high interpatient variation. To assess the function of endoglin in signaling of TGF-β ligands, endoglin was overexpressed or knocked out or the signaling was blocked using TRC105, an endoglin neutralizing antibody. The endoglin ligand BMP-9 induced strong phosphorylation of SMAD1 independent of expression of the type-I receptor ALK1. Interestingly, we observed that endoglin overexpression leads to strongly increased soluble endoglin levels, which in turn decreases BMP-9 signaling. On the functional level, endoglin, both in a ligand dependent and independent manner, did not influence proliferation or migration of the SCC cells. In conclusion, these data show endoglin expression on individual cells in the tumor nests in SCCs and a role for (soluble) endoglin in paracrine signaling, without directly affecting proliferation or migration in an autocrine manner.</p

New approach in determining absorption coefficients of strongly absorbing liquids: optothermal studies on sunflower oil, oleic acid (and its chloroform solutions) at 3.39 microns.

Large values (nearly 3000 cm-1) of absorption coefficients β (unaccessible by conventional spectrometric methods), were measured for pure monounsaturated oleic acid (C18 : l) at 3.39 µm (C-H stretch vibration) using He-Ne laser in combination with a novel, compact optothermal sensor. Failure (except in a low concentration range) of C-H stretch vibration to follow Lambert-Beer's law was observed for solutions of C18 : 1 in chloroform. At 3.39 µm minimum detectable concentration of C18 : 1 in chloroform is 0.35 %

New approach in determining absorption coefficients of strongly absorbing liquids : optothermal studies on sunflower oil, oleic acid (and its chloroform solutions) at 3.39 microns

Large values (nearly 3000 cm-1) of absorption coefficients β (unaccessible by conventional spectrometric methods), were measured for pure monounsaturated oleic acid (C18 : l) at 3.39 µm (C-H stretch vibration) using He-Ne laser in combination with a novel, compact optothermal sensor. Failure (except in a low concentration range) of C-H stretch vibration to follow Lambert-Beer's law was observed for solutions of C18 : 1 in chloroform. At 3.39 µm minimum detectable concentration of C18 : 1 in chloroform is 0.35 %

The Green Computing Continuum: the OPERA Perspective

Cloud computing is an emerging paradigm in which users’ access to a shared pool of computing resources is dynamically allocated (i.e. ubiquitous computing service), depending on their specific needs. Such paradigm exploits the infrastructural capabilities of modern data centers to provide computational power and storage space required to satisfy modern application demands. The seamless integration of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and Cloud infrastructures allows the effective processing of the huge amount of data collected by smart embedded systems, towards the creation of new services for the end users. However, trying to continuously increase data center capabilities comes at the cost of an increased energy consumption. The OPERA project aims at bringing innovative solutions to increase the energy efficiency of Cloud infrastructures, by leveraging on modular, high-density, heterogeneous and low-power computing systems, spanning data center servers and remote CPS. The effectiveness of the proposed solutions is demonstrated with key scenarios: a road traffic monitoring application, the deployment of a virtual desktop infrastructure, and the deployment of a compact data center on a truck

Small States and the Creation of EMU: Belgium and the Netherlands, Pace-setters and Gate-keepers

It is often argued that economic and monetary union (EMU) was created due to the efforts and interests of larger Member States. This article argues that the Belgian and Dutch contributions indicate that small countries played a significant role in the creation of EMU. Both countries wanted to create a zone of monetary stability in Europe and as such have led the process by example. However, their conceptions of monetary stability were different. Belgium, as a close ally of the Commission, played a pace-setting role, especially through creative and diplomatic proposals, whilst the Netherlands played the role of gate-keeper and important ally of the Germans. Following a framework developed by Helen Wallace, the article analyses how, and under what conditions, Belgium and the Netherlands played a role in the creation of EMU. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2005.