Anchorage to matrix is mediated for many cells not only by integrin-based focal adhesions but also by a parallel assembly of integral and peripheral membrane proteins known as the Dystroglycan Complex. Deficiencies in either dystrophin (mdx mice) or γ-sarcoglycan (γSG(-/-) mice) components of the Dystroglycan Complex lead to upregulation of numerous focal adhesion proteins, and the phosphoprote...

This study provides direct functional evidence that differential adhesion, measurable as quantitative differences in tissue surface tension, influences spatial positioning between zebrafish germ layer tissues. We show that embryonic ectodermal and mesendodermal tissues generated by mRNA-overexpression behave on long-time scales like immiscible fluids. When mixed in hanging drop culture, their c...

A method based on an image analysis procedure was developed to calculate the shape and surface tension of pendant droplets hanging down in air from the tip of a syringe. In contrast to most existing methods, a numerical solution of the YoungLaplace equation of capillarity for the calculation of the drop contour is not required. Apart from local gravity and densities of liquid and fluid phases, ...

this study investigated the prevalence rates of migrine and tension-type headaches among the students of Shiraz university of medical sciences during the academic year 1996-1997.the study was carried out cross-sectionally on a representative random sample of 310 students selected systematically.A semi structured questionnaire was used to screen headache among the students,applying the internati...

The spatial string tension, a classic non-perturbative probe for the convergence of the weak-coupling expansion at high temperatures, can be determined in full QCD as well as in a dimensionally reduced effective theory. Comparing both approaches, we find surprisingly good agreement almost down to the critical temperature of the deconfinement phase transition. c Copyright owned by the author(s) ...

We demonstrate a new kind of single-mode micro-optical waveguide based on a liquid core on top of solid substrate and air cladding. The liquid is held in place by surface tension and patterned surface energy on the substrate. Due to the smooth nature of the liquid/air interface down to the molecular level, low scattering losses are expected. Losses were measured to be -6.0 and -7.8 dB/cm for, r...

BACKGROUND Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening occurrence that is infrequently the consequence of spontaneous pneumothorax. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for the development of tension pneumothorax and its effect on clinical outcomes. METHODS We reviewed patients who were admitted with spontaneous pneumothorax between August 1, 2003 and December 31, 2011. Elect...

BACKGROUND The effect of multiple integrated stimuli on vascular wall expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) remains unknown. Accordingly, this study examined the influence of the vasoactive peptide angiotensin II (Ang II) on wall tension-induced promoter activation of MMP-2, MMP-9, and membrane type-1 MMP (MT1-MMP). METHODS AND RESULTS Thoracic aortic rings harvested from transgenic ...

As biologists, we are all familiar with the feedback mechanisms that control gene expression, enzyme activity and other biological processes. The cell detects a deficit in a certain protein or compound and switches on gene expression or activates the enzymes that metabolize the required compound. As soon as supply meets demand, the product itself then serves as a signal to stop gene expression ...

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)'s top management has ordered a probe of all foreign-qualified specialist registrations going back at least a decade, and instituted a 'double verification' mechanism for all future such applications following a dramatic system failure.