Epigenetic Plasticity Drives Adipogenic and Osteogenic Differentiation of Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Terminal differentiation of multipotent stem cells is achieved through a coordinated cascade of activated transcription factors and epigenetic modifications that drive gene transcription responsible for unique cell fate. Within the mesenchymal lineage, factors such as RUNX2 and PPARγ are indispensable for osteogenesis and adipogenesis, respectively. We therefore investigated genomic binding of transcription factors and accompanying epigenetic modifications that occur during osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). As assessed by ChIP-sequencing and RNA-sequencing analyses, we found that genes vital for osteogenic identity were linked to RUNX2, C/EBPβ, retinoid X receptor, and vitamin D receptor binding sites, whereas adipocyte differentiation favored PPARγ, retinoid X receptor, C/EBPα, and C/EBPβ binding sites. Epigenetic marks were clear predictors of active differentiation loci as well as enhancer activities and selective gene expression. These marrow-derived MSCs displayed an epigenetic pattern that suggested a default preference for the osteogenic pathway; however, these patterns were rapidly altered near the Adipoq, Cidec, Fabp4, Lipe, Plin1, Pparg, and Cebpa genes during adipogenic differentiation. Surprisingly, we found that these cells also exhibited an epigenetic plasticity that enabled them to trans-differentiate from adipocytes to osteoblasts (and vice versa) after commitment, as assessed by staining, gene expression, and ChIP-quantitative PCR analysis. The osteogenic default pathway may be subverted during pathological conditions, leading to skeletal fragility and increased marrow adiposity during aging, estrogen deficiency, and skeletal unloading. Taken together, our data provide an increased mechanistic understanding of the epigenetic programs necessary for multipotent differentiation of MSCs that may prove beneficial in the development of therapeutic strategies

The Location and Appearance of Second Malignancies in Patients With Bilateral Retinoblastoma

Purpose. This paper describes the clinical history and radiographic appearance of second malignancies in patients with bilateral retinoblastoma

Gender, Assets, and Agricultural Development Programs: A Conceptual Framework

Being able to access, control, and own productive assets such as land, labor, finance, and social capital enables people to create stable and productive lives. Yet relatively little is known about how agricultural development programs can most effectively deliver these outcomes of well-being, empowerment, and higher income in a way that acknowledges differential access to and control over assets by men and women. After reviewing the literature on gender and assets, this paper offers a conceptual framework for understanding the gendered pathways through which asset accumulation occurs, including attention to not only men's and women's assets but also those they share in joint control and ownership. Unlike previous frameworks, this model depicts the gendered dimensions of each component of the pathway in recognition of the evidence that men and women not only control, own, or dispose of assets in different ways, but also access, control, and own different kinds of assets. The framework generates gender-specific hypotheses that can be tested empirically: i) Different types of assets enable different livelihoods, with a greater stock and diversity of assets being associated with more diverse livelihoods and better well-being outcomes; ii) Men and women use different types of assets to cope with different types of shocks; iii) Interventions that increase men's and women's stock of a particular asset improve the bargaining power of the individual(s) who control that asset; and iv) Interventions and policies that reduce the gender gap in assets are better able to achieve development outcomes related to food security, health, and nutrition and other aspects of well-being related to agency and empowerment. The implications of these gender differences for designing agricultural development interventions to increase asset growth and returns to assets as well as for value chain development are discussed. Based on this analysis, additional gaps in knowledge and possible investigations to address them are identified

Towards an Understanding of the Mid-Infrared Surface Brightness of Normal Galaxies

We report a mid-infrared color and surface brightness analysis of IC 10, NGC 1313, and NGC 6946, three of the nearby galaxies studied under the Infrared Space Observatory Key Project on Normal Galaxies. Images with < 9 arcsecond (170 pc) resolution of these nearly face-on, late-type galaxies were obtained using the LW2 (6.75 mu) and LW3 (15 mu) ISOCAM filters. Though their global I_nu(6.75 mu)/I_nu(15 mu) flux ratios are similar and typical of normal galaxies, they show distinct trends of this color ratio with mid-infrared surface brightness. We find that I_nu(6.75 mu)/I_nu(15 mu) ~< 1 only occurs for regions of intense heating activity where the continuum rises at 15 micron and where PAH destruction can play an important role. The shape of the color-surface brightness trend also appears to depend, to the second-order, on the hardness of the ionizing radiation. We discuss these findings in the context of a two-component model for the phases of the interstellar medium and suggest that star formation intensity is largely responsible for the mid-infrared surface brightness and colors within normal galaxies, whereas differences in dust column density are the primary drivers of variations in the mid-infrared surface brightness between the disks of normal galaxies.Comment: 19 pages, 6 figures, uses AAS LaTeX; to appear in the November Astronomical Journa

The Grizzly, May 5, 1992

Smells Like Summer • Psychology Conference a Success • Whitians Recognize Honor Students • Theatre Workshop Presentations • Lily Redner Speaks: Lessons of The Holocaust • Record Review: Tori Amos • Movie Review: Death Stalker II • Senior Reflection Special: A Look Back on the Last Four Years; Most Memorable Moments at Ursinus • The Knowledge of Experience • Valete Ursini • Medinger Pottery Exhibit Opens • On Government and the People • America the Innocent • Letter: Wismer Abuses • Ursinus Joins All-Sports Conference • Breakdown on NBA \u2792 • Women\u27s LAX Snag MAC Title, End Seasonhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1297/thumbnail.jp

Recommendations for the Use of the Veggie Meter for Spectroscopy-Based Skin Carotenoid Measurements in the Research Setting

Carotenoids are a class of phytochemical compounds found in a variety of fruits and vegetables (F/V) and, therefore, are commonly used as a biomarker for F/V intake. The Veggie Meter® is a noninvasive research-grade instrument that detects and quantifies carotenoids in the skin. To determine current practices and examine variability among users, a survey was administered to researchers using the device (n&nbsp;=&nbsp;19, response rate&nbsp;=&nbsp;35.8%) and variation in anatomical site preparation, calibration, number of measurements, measurement site, and documentation was observed. A protocol was developed in partnership with Veggie Meter® users to outline the preparation, calibration, and data collection procedures for using this device for research purposes. Although many protocol conditions will benefit from additional validation, this standardized protocol supports the development of a universal data repository to establish usual observed ranges, with the ultimate goal of examining associations between skin carotenoid scores and diet-related health outcomes

Los proyectos de inversión pública y su relación con el desarrollo de la actividad turística

The purpose was to understand to what extent the public investment projects carried out are related to the development of tourist activities in the Province of Huánuco - 2015. The method was quantitative, applied, deductive, non-experimental design - cross section, the sample was was made up of 167 PIPs from the study area. The following instruments were taken into account: record cards, electronic reference and observation. Statistical validation was done using Cronbach's alpha, with 96% reliability. Of the total number of PIPs carried out, according to the degree of evaluation of the influence of tourism development, there is a low and medium degree. Of all the projects, according to the evaluations of the degree of influence on the development of tourism, a medium and high degree was obtained. Of all the projects carried out by local governments, according to the evaluation of the degree of influence on the development of tourism, they have a medium and high degree. It is concluded that PIPs influence the growth of tourist activities.El propósito fue comprender en qué medida los Proyecto de Inversión Pública realizados se relacionan en el desarrollo de las actividades turísticas en la Provincia de Huánuco - 2015. El método fue cuantitativa, aplicada, deductiva, de diseño no experimental- corte transversal, la muestra se conformó por 167 PIP de la zona estudio. Se tuvo en cuenta los siguientes instrumentos: las fichas de registros, referencia electrónica y la observación. La validación estadística se dio mediante el alfa de Cronbach, con 96 % de confiabilidad. Del total de PIP realizados, según el grado de evaluación de influencia del desarrollo del turismo, se presenta un grado bajo y medio. Del total de proyectos, según las evaluaciones del grado de influencia en el desarrollo del turismo, se obtuvo un grado medio y alto. Del total de proyectos ejecutados por los gobiernos locales, según la evaluación del grado de influencia en el desarrollo del turismo, tienen un grado medio y alto. Se concluye que los PIP influyen en el crecimiento de las actividades turísticas

The Interstellar Medium of Star-forming Irregular Galaxies: The View with ISO

We present mid-infrared imaging and far-infrared (FIR) spectroscopy of 5 IBm galaxies observed by ISO as part of our larger study of the inter- stellar medium of galaxies. Most of the irregulars in our sample are very actively forming stars. The mid-infrared imaging was in a band centered at 6.75 microns that is dominated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and in a band centered at 15 microns that is dominated by small dust grains. The spectroscopy of 3 of the galaxies includes [CII]158 microns and [OI]63 microns, important coolants of photodissociation regions (PDRs), and [OIII]88 microns and [NII]122 microns, which come from ionized gas. [OI]145 microns and [OIII]52 microns were measured in one galaxy as well. These data are combined with PDR and HII region models to deduce properties of the interstellar medium of these galaxies.Comment: To be published in ApJ, Apr 10, 2001; higher resolution figures available from ftp.lowell.edu, cd pub/dah/isopaper

Standing balance in persistent whiplash: A comparison between subjects with and without dizziness

Objective: Dizziness and unsteadiness, associated with altered balance, are frequent complaints in subjects suffering persistent whiplash associated disorders. Research has been inconclusive with respect to possible aetiology. This study assessed balance responses in subjects with whiplash associated disorders, taking into account several possible causes