Although it is generally agreed that TCR ligation is a minimal requirement for negative selection in the CD4+8+ double-positive (DP) thymocyte subset, the costimulatory requirements and specific signaling events necessary to induce apoptosis are not well defined. We have explored the consequences of cross-linking CD3/TCR complexes on thymocytes from H-Y TCR transgenic (Tg) mice. In agreement wi...

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAP kinase pathways are triggered upon ligation of the antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR). During the development of T cells in the thymus, the ERK pathway is required for differentiation of CD4(-)CD8(-) into CD4(+)CD8(+) double positive (DP) thymocytes, positive selection of DP cells, and their ma...

GLUT1, the major glucose transporter in peripheral T lymphocytes, is induced upon T cell receptor activation. However, the role of GLUT1 during human thymocyte differentiation remains to be evaluated. Our identification of GLUT1 as the human T lymphotrophic virus (HTLV) receptor has enabled us to use tagged HTLV-receptor-binding domain fusion proteins to specifically monitor surface GLUT1 expre...

In classical cross-country skiing, diagonal stride (DIA) is the major uphill sub-technique, while double poling (DP) is used on relatively flat terrain. Although, the dependence of incline and speed on the preference of either sub-technique seems clearly established, the mechanisms behind these preferences are not clear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare kinetics and energy co...

Two possible approaches to reuse with design patterns (DPs) are described: pattern-based design and pattern-related code composition. For pattern-based design, a new representation of DPs similar to class diagrams as well as different modes for creating an instance of DP are proposed. Design patterns (DPs) [2] capture and communicate approved design solutions. DPs identify participants, their r...

PURPOSE To examine the inotropic and chronotropic effects of xenon (Xe) and nitrous oxide (N2O) compared with nitrogen (N2) on isolated rat hearts. The differences between Xe and N2O were also compared. METHODS The effects of Xe, N2O and N2 on coronary perfusion pressure (CPP), heart rate, left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and double product (DP) were examined in isolated rat hearts ...

BACKGROUND In Korea, hypertension has become more prevalent with the Westernization of Korean diets and lack of exercise. This study aimed at investigating the associations between physical fitness variables and hypertension status in Korean women. METHODS The subjects were 9,216 women aged >20 years who visited a public health promotion center for physical fitness tests. Cardiovascular respi...

T cells develop in the thymus through positive and negative selection, which are responsible for shaping the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in selection remains an area of intense interest. Here, we identified and characterized a gene product Gasp (Grb2-associating protein, also called Themis) that is critically required for positive selection. ...

AIMS The purpose of this study was assess the effect of a training session with Nintendo Wii® on the hemodynamic responses of healthy women not involved in regular physical exercise. METHOD Twenty-five healthy unfit women aged 28 ± 6 years played for 10 minutes the game Free Run (Wii Fit Plus). The resting heart rate (RHR), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP), and double (rat...