377 research outputs found
Influence of Addition of Polyols and Food Emulsifiers on the Retrogradation Rate of Starch
The influence of polyols and emulsifiers on hardening of non-glutinous rice starch gels has been investigated. The polyols and emulsifiers were added at concentrations of 6% (w/w) and 0.2% (w/w), respectively , to starch gels (starch content, 30%). The hardening rate and the initial viscoelastic values of gels were computed by analyzing static linear viscoelastic parameters (creep compliance) of the gels stored at 0 C for up to 3,000 minutes.
Hardening of gels, i.e., retrogradation of starch, could be described by a first order kinetic equation. Polyols prevented the retrogradation of starch, and formed rigid and stable gel matrices. Emulsifiers also retarded starch retrogradation and stabilized the gel network.
The use of the two food additives was successful in retarding the retrogradation of starch. It follows that these effects might be attributed to the water-structure formation effect of polyols and the complex-formation of starch chains with emulsifier molecules
Does trampoline or hard surface jumping influence lower extremity alignment?
[Purpose] To determine whether repetitive trampoline or hard surface jumping affects lower extremity alignment on jump landing. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy females participated in this study. All subjects performed a drop vertical jump before and after repeated maximum effort trampoline or hard surface jumping. A three-dimensional motion analysis system and two force plates were used to record lower extremity angles, moments, and vertical ground reaction force during drop vertical jumps. [ Results] Knee extensor moment after trampoline jumping was greater than that after hard surface jumping. There were no significant differences between trials in vertical ground reaction force and lower extremity joint angles following each form of exercise. Repeated jumping on a trampoline increased peak vertical ground reaction force, hip extensor, knee extensor moments, and hip adduction angle, while decreasing hip flexion angle during drop vertical jumps. In contrast, repeated jumping on a hard surface increased peak vertical ground reaction force, ankle dorsiflexion angle, and hip extensor moment during drop vertical jumps. [Conclusion] Repeated jumping on the trampoline compared to jumping on a hard surface has different effects on lower limb kinetics and kinematics. Knowledge of these effects may be useful in designing exercise programs for different clinical presentations
ARG098, a novel anti-human Fas antibody, suppresses synovial hyperplasia and prevents cartilage destruction in a severe combined immunodeficient-HuRAg mouse model
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The anti-human Fas/APO-1/CD95 (Fas) mouse/human chimeric monoclonal IgM antibody ARG098 (ARG098) targets the human Fas molecule. The cytotoxic effects of ARG098 on cells isolated from RA patients, on normal cells <it>in vitro</it>, and on RA synovial tissue and cartilage <it>in vivo </it>using implanted rheumatoid tissues in an SCID mouse model (SCID-HuRAg) were investigated to examine the potential of ARG098 as a therapy for RA.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>ARG098 binding to each cell was analyzed by cytometry. The effects of ARG098 on several cells were assessed by a cell viability assay <it>in vitro</it>. Effects on the RA synovium, lymphocytes, and cartilage were assessed <it>in vivo </it>using the SCID-HuRAg mouse model.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>ARG098 bound to cell surface Fas molecules, and induced apoptosis in Fas-expressing RA synoviocytes and infiltrating lymphocytes in the RA synovium in a dose-dependent manner. However, ARG098 did not affect the cell viability of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of RA patients or normal chondrocytes. ARG098 also induced apoptosis in RA synoviocytes and infiltrating lymphocytes in the RA synovium <it>in vivo</it>. The destruction of cartilage due to synovial invasion was inhibited by ARG098 injection in the modified SCID-HuRAg mouse model.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>ARG098 treatment suppressed RA synovial hyperplasia through the induction of apoptosis and prevented cartilage destruction <it>in vivo</it>. These results suggest that ARG098 might become a new therapy for RA.</p
Fermi-LAT Observation of Supernova Remnant S147
We present an analysis of gamma-ray data obtained with the Large Area
Telescope (LAT) onboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope in the region
around SNR S147 (G180.0-1.7). A spatially extended gamma-ray source detected in
an energy range of 0.2--10 GeV is found to coincide with SNR S147. We confirm
its spatial extension at >5sigma confidence level. The gamma-ray flux is (3.8
\pm 0.6) x 10^{-8} photons cm^{-2} s^{-1}, corresponding to a luminosity of 1.3
x 10^{34} (d/1.3 kpc)^2 erg s^{-1} in this energy range. The gamma-ray emission
exhibits a possible spatial correlation with prominent Halpha filaments of
S147. There is no indication that the gamma-ray emission comes from the
associated pulsar PSR J0538+2817. The gamma-ray spectrum integrated over the
remnant is likely dominated by the decay of neutral pi mesons produced through
the proton--proton collisions in the filaments. Reacceleration of pre-existing
CRs and subsequent adiabatic compression in the filaments is sufficient to
provide the required energy density of high-energy protons.Comment: 12 pages, accepted for publication in Ap
Fermi-LAT Study of Gamma-ray Emission in the Direction of Supernova Remnant W49B
We present an analysis of the gamma-ray data obtained with the Large Area
Telescope (LAT) onboard the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope in the direction of
SNR W49B (G43.3-0.2). A bright unresolved gamma-ray source detected at a
significance of 38 sigma is found to coincide with SNR W49B. The energy
spectrum in the 0.2-200 GeV range gradually steepens toward high energies. The
luminosity is estimated to be 1.5x10^{36} (D/8 kpc)^2 erg s^-1 in this energy
range. There is no indication that the gamma-ray emission comes from a pulsar.
Assuming that the SNR shell is the site of gamma-ray production, the observed
spectrum can be explained either by the decay of neutral pi mesons produced
through the proton-proton collisions or by electron bremsstrahlung. The
calculated energy density of relativistic particles responsible for the LAT
flux is estimated to be remarkably large, U_{e,p}>10^4 eV cm^-3, for either
gamma-ray production mechanism.Comment: 9 pages, 10 figure
Snail and SIP1 increase cancer invasion by upregulating MMP family in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
- …