The Ukrainian Future (?)

The Texas Orato

Deportation and Detention: ICE-y and Dangerous Conditions

The Texas Orato

A Defense of Student Government

The Texas Orato

Regional variation in the microhardness and mineral content of porcine long bones

Pig carcasses are frequently used as models for the human cadaver in the study of trauma and wound patterns. Limited availability and ethical concerns over the use of human tissue has meant that porcine bone is often used as a substitute for human bone in such studies. However, there is a lack of comprehensive mechanical data to make informed decisions on the choice of model to account for variations in the age, sex and body mass. In this study, variation in the properties of cortical bone along the length of the porcine humerus and ulna, from five female pigs aged over 36 months, was investigated by using Vickers microhardness tests. Transverse sections were taken from the proximal, mid and distal regions of the diaphyses, and tests were carried out in the anterior, medial, posterior, and lateral quadrants. Microhardness was also measured across the cortex from the periosteal to endosteal surfaces. Regional variation in mineral content was explored by analysing samples, taken immediately adjacent to the hardness tests, using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Mechanical data are discussed in relation to mineral content, morphology and loading of the limbs, within a forensic context

Nuclear power supplies: Their potential and the practical problems to their achievement for space missions

Various issues associated with getting technology development of nuclear power systems moving at a pace which will support the anticipated need for such systems in later years is discussed. The projected power needs of such advanced space elements as growth space stations and lunar and planetary vehicles and bases are addressed briefly, and the relevance of nuclear power systems is discussed. A brief history and status of the U.S. nuclear reactor systems is provided, and some of the problems (real and/or perceived) are dealt with briefly. Key areas on which development attention should be focused in the near future are identified, and a suggested approach is recommended to help accelerate the process

Role of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin-d 3 -induced breast cancer cell apoptosis.

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is implicated in breast cancer development and 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1, 25-D3) has been shown to attenuate prosurvival effects of IGF-I on breast cancer cells. In this study the role of IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in 1, 25-D3-induced apoptosis was investigated using parental MCF-7 breast cancer cells and MCF-7/VD(R) cells, which are resistant to the growth inhibitory effects of 1, 25-D3. Treatment with 1, 25-D3 increased IGFBP-3 mRNA expression in both cell lines but increases in intracellular IGFBP-3 protein and its secretion were observed only in MCF-7. 1, 25-D3-induced apoptosis was not associated with activation of any caspase but PARP-1 cleavage was detected in parental cells. IGFBP-3 treatment alone produced cleavage of caspases 7, 8, and 9 and PARP-1 in MCF-7 cells. IGFBP-3 failed to activate caspases in MCF-7/VD(R) cells; however PARP-1 cleavage was detected. 1, 25-D3 treatment inhibited IGF-I/Akt survival signalling in MCF-7 but not in MCF-7/VD(R) cells. In contrast, IGFBP-3 treatment was effective in inhibiting IGF-I/Akt pathways in both breast cancer lines. These results suggest a role for IGFBP-3 in 1, 25-D3 apoptotic signalling and that impaired secretion of IGFBP-3 may be involved in acquired resistance to vitamin D in breast cancer

Global challenges for sustainable food production

No abstract available