34 research outputs found
Measurements of muon flux in the Pyh\"asalmi underground laboratory
The cosmic-ray induced muon flux was measured at several depths in the
Pyh\"asalmi mine (Finland) using a plastic scintillator telescope mounted on a
trailer. The flux was determined at four different depths underground at 400 m
(980 m.w.e), at 660 m (1900 m.w.e), at 990 m (2810 m.w.e) and at 1390 m (3960
m.w.e) with the trailer, and also at the ground surface. In addition,
previously measured fluxes from depths of 90 m (210 m.w.e) and 210 m (420
m.w.e) are shown. A relation was obtained for the underground muon flux as a
function of the depth. The measured flux follows well the general behaviour and
is consistent with results determined in other underground laboratories.Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures. Submitted to Nuclear Instrum. Methods
Catalytically inactive carbonic anhydrase-related proteins enhance transport of lactate by MCT1
Carbonic anhydrases (CA) catalyze the reversible hydration of CO2 to protons and bicarbonate and thereby play a fundamental role in the epithelial acid/base transport mechanisms serving fluid secretion and absorption for whole-body acid/base regulation. The three carbonic anhydrase-related proteins (CARPs) VIII, X, and XI, however, are catalytically inactive. Previous work has shown that some CA isoforms noncatalytically enhance lactate transport through various monocarboxylate transporters (MCT). Therefore, we examined whether the catalytically inactive CARPs play a role in lactate transport. Here, we report that CARP VIII, X, and XI enhance transport activity of the MCT MCT1 when coexpressed in Xenopus oocytes, as evidenced by the rate of rise in intracellular H+ concentration detected using ion-sensitive microelectrodes. Based on previous studies, we suggest that CARPs may function as a 'proton antenna' for MCT1, to drive proton-coupled lactate transport across the cell membrane
The early career researcher's toolkit:translating tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and cell therapy products
Although the importance of translation for the development of tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies is widely recognized, the process of translation is less well understood. This is particularly the case among some early career researchers who may not appreciate the intricacies of translational research or make decisions early in development which later hinders effective translation. Based on our own research and experiences as early career researchers involved in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine translation, we discuss common pitfalls associated with translational research, providing practical solutions and important considerations which will aid process and product development. Suggestions range from effective project management, consideration of key manufacturing, clinical and regulatory matters and means of exploiting research for successful commercialization
EMMA - A New Underground Cosmic-Ray Experiment
A new type of cosmic-ray experiment is under construction in the Pyh\"asalmi
mine in the underground laboratory of the University of Oulu, Finland. It aims
to study the composition of cosmic rays at and above the knee region. The
experiment, called EMMA, will cover approximately 150 square-metres of detector
area. The array is capable of measuring the multiplicity and the lateral
distribution of underground muons, and the arrival direction of the air shower.
The full-size detector is expected to run by the end of 2007.Comment: Extended and updated TAUP2005 Proceedings contribution. 8 pages, 5
figures (part in colour). Preprint not submitte
Efflux Protein Expression in Human Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in the back of the eye nourish photoreceptor cells and form a selective barrier that influences drug transport from the blood to the photoreceptor cells. At the molecular level, ATP-dependent efflux transporters have a major role in drug delivery in human RPE. In this study, we assessed the relative expression of several ATP-dependent efflux transporter genes (MRP1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, p-gp, and BCRP), the protein expression and localization of MRP1, MRP4, and MRP5, and the functionality of MRP1 efflux pumps at different maturation stages of undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and RPE derived from the hESC (hESC-RPE). Our findings revealed that the gene expression of ATP-dependent efflux transporters MRP1, -3, -4, -5, and p-gp fluctuated during hESC-RPE maturation from undifferentiated hESC to fusiform, epithelioid, and finally to cobblestone hESC-RPE. Epithelioid hESC-RPE had the highest expression of MRP1, -3, -4, and P-gp, whereas the most mature cobblestone hESC-RPE had the highest expression of MRP5 and MRP6. These findings indicate that a similar efflux protein profile is shared between hESC-RPE and the human RPE cell line, ARPE-19, and suggest that hESC-RPE cells are suitable in vitro RPE models for drug transport studies. Embryonic stem cell model might provide a novel tool to study retinal cell differentiation, mechanisms of RPE -derived diseases, drug testing and targeted drug therapy