β\beta-deformation for matrix model of M-theory

A new class of deformation of the matrix model of M-theory is considered. The deformation is analogous to the so-called \b-deformation of $D=3+1$, \mN=4 Super Yang-Mills theory, which preserves the conformal symmetry. It is shown that the deformed matrix model can be considered as a matrix model of M-theory on a certain curved background in eleven-dimensional supergravity, under a scaling limit involving the deformation parameter and $N$ (the size of the matrices). The background belongs to the so-called pp-wave type metric with a non-constant four-form flux depending linearly on transverse coordinates. Some stable solutions of the deformed model are studied, which correspond to membranes with the torus topology. In particular, it is found that apparently distinct configurations of membranes, having different winding numbers, are indistinguishable in the matrix model. Simultaneous introduction of both \b-deformation and mass-deformation is also considered, and, in particular, a situation is found in which the stable membrane configuration interpolates between a torus and a sphere, depending on the values of the deformation parameters.Comment: 36 page

A Novel ATM/TP53/p21-Mediated Checkpoint Only Activated by Chronic γ-Irradiation

Different levels or types of DNA damage activate distinct signaling pathways that elicit various cellular responses, including cell-cycle arrest, DNA repair, senescence, and apoptosis. Whereas a range of DNA-damage responses have been characterized, mechanisms underlying subsequent cell-fate decision remain elusive. Here we exposed cultured cells and mice to different doses and dose rates of γ-irradiation, which revealed cell-type-specific sensitivities to chronic, but not acute, γ-irradiation. Among tested cell types, human fibroblasts were associated with the highest levels of growth inhibition in response to chronic γ-irradiation. In this context, fibroblasts exhibited a reversible G1 cell-cycle arrest or an irreversible senescence-like growth arrest, depending on the irradiation dose rate or the rate of DNA damage. Remarkably, when the same dose of γ-irradiation was delivered chronically or acutely, chronic delivery induced considerably more cellular senescence. A similar effect was observed with primary cells isolated from irradiated mice. We demonstrate a critical role for the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)/tumor protein p53 (TP53)/p21 pathway in regulating DNA-damage-associated cell fate. Indeed, blocking the ATM/TP53/p21 pathway deregulated DNA damage responses, leading to micronucleus formation in chronically irradiated cells. Together these results provide insights into the mechanisms governing cell-fate determination in response to different rates of DNA damage

Altered Expression of MicroRNAs in Radiation-induced Rat Mammary Carcinoma.

Gordon Research Conference - Mammary Gland Biolog

Aberrant microRNA expression in radiation-induced rat mammary cancer: the potential role of miR-194 overexpression in cancer cell proliferation

Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is frequently associated with a variety ofcancers, including breast cancer. We and others have demonstrated that radiation-induced rat mammary cancer exhibits a characteristic gene expression profile and a random increase in aberrant DNA copy number; however, the role of aberrant miRNA expression is unclear. We performed a microarray analysis of frozen samples of eight mammary cancers induced by gamma irradiation (2 Gy), eight spontaneous mammary cancers, and seven normal mammary samples. We found that a small set of miRNAs was characteristically overexpressed in radiation-induced cancer. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed that miR-135b, miR-192, miR-194, and miR-211 were significantly upregulated in radiation-induced mammary cancer compared with spontaneous cancer and normal mammary tissue. The expression of miR-192 and miR-194 also was upregulated in human breast cancer cell lines compared with non-cancer cells. Manipulation of the miR-194 expression level using a synthetic inhibiting RNA produced a small but significant suppression of cell proliferation and upregulation in the expression of several genes that are suggested to act as tumor suppressors in MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells. Thus, the induction of rat mammary cancer by radiation involves aberrant expression of miRNAs, which may favor cell proliferation

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy-Assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery for Superficial Cancer of the Uvula

Previous studies reported that endoscopic resection is effective for the treatment of superficial pharyngeal cancers, as for digestive tract cancers. However, the optimal treatment for superficial cancer of the uvula has not been established because of the rarity of this condition. We present two male patients in their 70s with superficial cancer of the uvula, detected with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Both patients underwent surgical resection of the uvula under general anesthesia. The extent of the lesions was determined by means of gastrointestinal endoscopy by using magnifying observation with narrow-band imaging, enabling the performance of minimally invasive surgery. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed to achieve en bloc resection of the intramucosal carcinoma that had infiltrated the area adjacent to the uvula. Gastrointestinal endoscopists should carefully examine the laryngopharynx to avoid missing superficial cancers. Our minimally invasive treatment for superficial cancer of the uvula had favorable postoperative outcomes, and prevented postoperative loss of breathing, swallowing, and articulation functions

Altered expression of microRNAs in radiation-induced rat mammary carcinoma

KIDS workshop 2009 in NIRS - IAEA NIRS Joint Workshop & NIRS Symposium on Radiation Protection for Childre