Streptococcus pneumoniae produces the pore-forming toxin pneumolysin (PLY), which is a member of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC) family of toxins. The CDCs recognize and bind the 3β-hydroxyl group of cholesterol at the cell surface, which initiates membrane pore formation. The cholesterol transport lipoproteins, which carry cholesterol in their outer monolayer, are potential off-pathw...

The pneumolysin toxoid, Δ6 PLY, is a prototype pneumococcal protein vaccine candidate. However, its potentially detrimental residual pro-inflammatory interactions with human neutrophils are unknown. In the current study the effects of the toxoid (8-1000 ng/ml) have been compared with those of wild-type pneumolysin (WT/PLY, 8 ng/ml) on neutrophil cytosolic Ca(2+) fluxes, generation of leukotrien...

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of plyometric and isometric training on tendon properties during ramp and ballistic contractions and muscle stiffness under passive and active conditions. Eleven subjects completed 12 weeks (3 days/week) of a unilateral training program for the plantar flexors. They performed plyometric training on one side (PLY) and isometric training on the...

A notable feature of Ly-5, among immunogenetic systems that identify glycoproteins of the cell surface and define the surface phenotype of cells according to their lineage, is that the Ly-5 locus specifies a range of molecular isoforms that distinguish cells of different stages and branches of hematopoietic development. The composition of the Ly-5 locus is of much interest in regard to how thes...

A previously developed mesoscopic friction model for glass/PP textile composite laminates during forming is evaluated for glass and carbon/PPS laminates, at higher temperatures and lower viscosities than before. Experiments were performed for tool/ply and ply/ply configurations in a new friction test set-up. The experimental results indicate that this contact is indeed in the hydrodynamic regim...