Video-Rate Bioluminescence Imaging of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Secreted from a Migrating Cell

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) plays an important role in cancer progression and metastasis. MMP-2 is secreted as a pro-enzyme, which is activated by the membrane-bound proteins, and the polarized distribution of secretory and the membrane-associated MMP-2 has been investigated. However, the real-time visualizations of both MMP-2 secretion from the front edge of a migration cell and its distribution on the cell surface have not been reported. Methodology/Principal Findings: The method of video-rate bioluminescence imaging was applied to visualize exocytosis of MMP-2 from a living cell using Gaussia luciferase (GLase) as a reporter. The luminescence signals of GLase were detected by a high speed electron-multiplying charge-coupled device camera (EM-CCD camera) with a time resolution within 500 ms per image. The fusion protein of MMP-2 to GLase was expressed in a HeLa cell and exocytosis of MMP-2 was detected in a few seconds along the leading edge of a migrating HeLa cell. The membrane-associated MMP-2 was observed at the specific sites on the bottom side of the cells, suggesting that the sites of MMP-2 secretion are different from that of MMP-2 binding. Conclusions: We were the first to successfully demonstrate secretory dynamics of MMP-2 and the specific sites for polarized distribution of MMP-2 on the cell surface. The video-rate bioluminescence imaging using GLase is a useful method t

Production of overdense plasmas by launching 2,45 GHz electron cyclotron waves in a helical device

For production of low temperature plasmas with low collisionality, 2.45GHz microwave power up to 20kW is injected perpendicularly to the toroidal field at very low toroidal field BtComment: 12th International Congress on Plasma Physics, 25-29 October 2004, Nice (France

The Process of Identity Adaptation （ Oriai ） in Community-Dwelling People with Schizophrenia － Results from Content Analyses and Text Mining －

This study aimed to further elucidate the process of identity adaptation in people with schizophrenia by talking to them about their illness. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine community-dwelling people with schizophrenia. Analysis was performed using Krippendorf’s approach, and Text Mining. Eleven content categories were derived: “illness acceptance”, “self-control”, “help from family”, “help from friends”, “help from doctors or nurses”, “modifying thinking”, “social roles and activities”, “worthwhile work”, “enjoyment of life”, “being happy”, and “being free”. Participants with schizophrenia were found to attain “illness acceptance” based on “help from family”, “help from friends”, and “help from doctors and nurses”. Text mining results is 400 keywords were identified. The top 5 in order of importance and frequency were: “omou” (feel/think), “naru” (become), “iu” (say), “suru” (do), and “kusuri” (medication).As a result of an interactive process surrounding the concepts of “illness acceptance”, “self-control” and “modifying thinking” the participants sought out “social roles and activities” and “worthwhile work” to acquire a social identity. Thus, it was found that the participants felt they “enjoyed life and were happy” and “they were free”, because they were productive members of society