H I observations of the peculiar galaxy NGC 660

The authors present observations of H I emission from the peculiar galaxy NGC 660. H I was detected in the companion galaxy UGC 01195 as well. Sixteen hours of observations were obtained with the VLA telescope of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory during December 1986 and March 1987

Bonus points for maths

Abstract included in tex

Standardizing and Disseminating Knowledge: The Role of the OECD in Global Governance

If ‘knowledge is power’, it is unsurprising that the production, legitimation, and application of social scientific knowledge, not least that which was designed to harness social organization to economic growth, is a potentially contentious process. Coping with, adapting to, or attempting to shape globalization has emerged as a central concern of policy-makers who are, therefore, interested in knowledge to assist their managerial activities. Thus, an organization that can create, synthesize, legitimate, and dissemination useful knowledge can play a significant role in the emerging global governance system. The OECD operates as one important site for the construction, standardization, and dissemination of transnational policy ideas. OECD staff conducts research and produces a range of background studies and reports, drawing on disciplinary knowledge (typically economics) supplemented by their ‘organizational discourses’. This paper probes the contested nature of knowledge production and attempts to evaluate the impact of the OECD’s efforts to produce globally applicable policy advice. Particular attention is paid to important initiatives in the labour market and social policy fields—the Jobs Study and Babies and Bosses

Efficient delivery of small interfering RNA for inhibition of IL-12p40 expression in vivo

Background: RNA interference is an evolutionary conserved immune response mechanism that can be used as a tool to provide novel insights into gene function and structure. The ability to efficiently deliver small interfering RNA to modulate gene expression in vivo may provide new therapeutic approaches to currently intractable diseases. Methods: In vitro, siRNA targeting IL-12p40 was delivered to the murine macrophage cell line (J774A.1) encapsulated in a liposome with an IL-12 inducing agent (LPS/IFN-γ) over a number of time points. Controls included a variety of non-target specific siRNA reagents. Supernatants were analyzed for cytokine production while the cells were removed for mRNA profiling. In vivo, siRNA-targeting IL-12p40 was delivered to the murine peritoneal cavity in a therapeutic fashion, after endotoxin (LPS) challenge. Cells from the peritoneal cavity were removed by lavage and analyzed by flow cytometry. Levels of IL-12 present in lavage and in serum were also examined by ELISA. Results: In this report, we show that IL-12p40 siRNA can specifically silence macrophage expression of IL-12p40 mRNA and IL-12p70 protein in vitro. We extend this finding to demonstrate that delivery of liposome encapsulated siRNA targeting IL-12p40 to the murine peritoneal cavity can modulate an inflammatory stimulus in vivo. Furthermore, specific siRNA can be used therapeutically after endotoxin challenge to reduce both the local and systemic inflammatory response. Thus, the delivery of siRNA can be used to elicit specific non-permanent inhibition of endogenous protein expression. Conclusion: In vitro silencing of IL-12p40 using siRNA at selected doses leads to specific knockdown of IL-12p70 protein production without inducing type I interferons. Furthermore, siRNA targeting murine IL-12p40 can be used therapeutically to counter an inflammatory response in vivo

Efficient delivery of small interfering RNA for inhibition of IL-12p40 expression in vivo

Background: RNA interference is an evolutionary conserved immune response mechanism that can be used as a tool to provide novel insights into gene function and structure. The ability to efficiently deliver small interfering RNA to modulate gene expression in vivo may provide new therapeutic approaches to currently intractable diseases. Methods: In vitro, siRNA targeting IL-12p40 was delivered to the murine macrophage cell line (J774A.1) encapsulated in a liposome with an IL-12 inducing agent (LPS/IFN-γ) over a number of time points. Controls included a variety of non-target specific siRNA reagents. Supernatants were analyzed for cytokine production while the cells were removed for mRNA profiling. In vivo, siRNA-targeting IL-12p40 was delivered to the murine peritoneal cavity in a therapeutic fashion, after endotoxin (LPS) challenge. Cells from the peritoneal cavity were removed by lavage and analyzed by flow cytometry. Levels of IL-12 present in lavage and in serum were also examined by ELISA. Results: In this report, we show that IL-12p40 siRNA can specifically silence macrophage expression of IL-12p40 mRNA and IL-12p70 protein in vitro. We extend this finding to demonstrate that delivery of liposome encapsulated siRNA targeting IL-12p40 to the murine peritoneal cavity can modulate an inflammatory stimulus in vivo. Furthermore, specific siRNA can be used therapeutically after endotoxin challenge to reduce both the local and systemic inflammatory response. Thus, the delivery of siRNA can be used to elicit specific non-permanent inhibition of endogenous protein expression. Conclusion: In vitro silencing of IL-12p40 using siRNA at selected doses leads to specific knockdown of IL-12p70 protein production without inducing type I interferons. Furthermore, siRNA targeting murine IL-12p40 can be used therapeutically to counter an inflammatory response in vivo

IL-1b and TNF-a induce increased expression of CCL28 by airway epithelial cells via an NFjB-dependent pathway

CCL28 is a mucosal chemokine that attracts eosinophils and T cells via the receptors CCR3 and CCR10. Consequently, it is a candidate mediator of the pathology associated with asthma. This study examined constitutive and induced expression of CCL28 by A549 human airway epithelial-like cells. Real-time RT-PCR and ELISA of cultured cells and supernatants revealed constitutive levels of CCL28 expression to be low, whereas IL-1b and TNF-a, induced signiï¬cantly increased expression. Observations from induced sputum and human airway biopsies supported this. Signal transduction studies revealed that IL-1b and TNF-a stimulation induced NFjB phosphorylation in A549 cells, but antagonist inhibition of NFjB p50âp65 phosphorylation correlated with marked reduction of IL-1b or TNF-a induced CCL28 expression. Together these studies imply a role for CCL28 in the orchestration of airway inï¬ammation, and suggest that CCL28 is one link between microbial insult and the exacerbation of pathologies such as asthma, through an NFjB-dependent mechanism

Efficient delivery of small interfering RNA for inhibition of IL-12p40 expression in vivo

Background: RNA interference is an evolutionary conserved immune response mechanism that can be used as a tool to provide novel insights into gene function and structure. The ability to efficiently deliver small interfering RNA to modulate gene expression in vivo may provide new therapeutic approaches to currently intractable diseases. Methods: In vitro, siRNA targeting IL-12p40 was delivered to the murine macrophage cell line (J774A.1) encapsulated in a liposome with an IL-12 inducing agent (LPS/IFN-γ) over a number of time points. Controls included a variety of non-target specific siRNA reagents. Supernatants were analyzed for cytokine production while the cells were removed for mRNA profiling. In vivo, siRNA-targeting IL-12p40 was delivered to the murine peritoneal cavity in a therapeutic fashion, after endotoxin (LPS) challenge. Cells from the peritoneal cavity were removed by lavage and analyzed by flow cytometry. Levels of IL-12 present in lavage and in serum were also examined by ELISA. Results: In this report, we show that IL-12p40 siRNA can specifically silence macrophage expression of IL-12p40 mRNA and IL-12p70 protein in vitro. We extend this finding to demonstrate that delivery of liposome encapsulated siRNA targeting IL-12p40 to the murine peritoneal cavity can modulate an inflammatory stimulus in vivo. Furthermore, specific siRNA can be used therapeutically after endotoxin challenge to reduce both the local and systemic inflammatory response. Thus, the delivery of siRNA can be used to elicit specific non-permanent inhibition of endogenous protein expression. Conclusion: In vitro silencing of IL-12p40 using siRNA at selected doses leads to specific knockdown of IL-12p70 protein production without inducing type I interferons. Furthermore, siRNA targeting murine IL-12p40 can be used therapeutically to counter an inflammatory response in vivo

Steam Turbine Efficiency Improvement Application And Conversion

LecturePg. 25-38This paper presents some recent technical innovations to improve mechanical drive steam turbine efficiency and presents a case study of a recent retrofit application of these features to a compressor driver. Various external and internal factors for consideration of the balance of plant efficiency gains are discussed. Descriptions of the turbine steam path improvements, testing, and results of the steam turbine conversion are also presented