text:
A decoder for packetized speech with differential quantization of line spectral frequencies and fixed-codebook gain conceals erased frames with interpolation of future and past frames by reconstruct future frame predicted parameters from presumed interpolations of erased frame parameters.
1. A method of decoding, comprising:
(a) receiving a sequence of encoded frames including an erased frame, each of said encoded frames including a value of a parameter encoded as a moving average over said each frame plus M prior frames of the value of a quantity, where M is a positive integer;
(b) for said erased frame, estimating the value of said parameter by the steps of:
(i) modeling the value of said parameter for said erased frame as an interpolation of the values of said parameter for a frame prior to and a frame following said erased frame;
(ii) estimating the value of said parameter for said frame following said erased frame by use of the model of step (i) to eliminate the dependence of said value of said parameter on the value of said quantity for said erased frame; and
(iii) using said model of step (i) and the estimate of step (ii) to estimate the value of said parameter for said erased frame.
2. The method of
(a) using said estimate of step (iii)
3. The method of
(a) said quantity is the output of a quantization codebook.
4. A decoder, comprising:
(a) an input to receive a sequence of encoded frames including an erased frame;
(b) circuitry programmed to estimate for each frame a value of a parameter encoded as a moving average over said each frame plus M prior frames of the value of a quantity, where M is a positive integer, with said estimating by the steps of:
(i) modeling the value of said parameter for said erased frame as an interpolation of the values of said parameter for a frame prior to and a frame following said erased frame;
(ii) estimating the value of said parameter for said frame following said erased frame by use of the model of step (i) to eliminate the dependence of said value of said parameter on the value of said quantity for said erased frame; and
(iii) using said model of step (i) and the estimate of step (ii) to estimate the value of said parameter for said erased frame.
5. The decoder of
(a) said circuitry also uses the estimate of step (iii) of
6. The decoder of
(a) said quantity is the output of a quantization codebook.
This application claims priority from provisional applications: Serial No. 60/151,846, filed Sep. 1, 1999; and No. 60/167,198, filed Nov. 23, 1999. The following patent applications disclose related subject matter: Ser. No. 09/795,356, filed Nov. 3, 2000; Ser. No. 10/085,548, filed Feb. 27, 2002. These referenced applications have a common assignee with the present application.
The invention relates to electronic devices, and, more particularly, to speech coding, transmission, storage, and decoding/synthesis methods and circuitry.
The performance of digital speech systems using low bit rates has become increasingly important with current and foreseeable digital communications. Both dedicated channel and packetized-over-network (e.g., Voice over IP) transmission benefit from compression of speech signals. The widely-used linear prediction (LP) digital speech coding compression method models the vocal tract as a time-varying filter and a time-varying excitation of the filter to mimic human speech. Linear prediction analysis determines LP coefficients a(j), j=1, 2, . . . , M, for an input frame of digital speech samples {s(n)} by setting
and minimizing Σr(n)2. Typically, M, the order of the linear prediction filter, is taken to be about 10-12; the sampling rate to form the samples s(n) is typically taken to be 8 kHz (the same as the public switched telephone network (PSTN) sampling for digital transmission); and the number of samples {s(n)} in a frame is often 80 or 160 (10 or 20 ms frames). A frame of samples may be generated by various windowing operations applied to the input speech samples. The name "linear prediction" arises from the interpretation of r(n)=s(n)−ΣM≧j≧1a(j)s(n−j) as the error in predicting s(n) by the linear combination of preceding speech samples ΣM≧j≧1a(j)s(n−j). Thus minimizing Σr(n)2 yields the {a(j)} which furnish the best linear prediction. The coefficients {a(j)} may be converted to line spectral frequencies (LSFs) for quantization and transmission or storage.
The {r(n)} form the LP residual for the frame and ideally would be the excitation for the synthesis filter 1/A(z) where A(z) is the transfer function of equation (1). Of course, the LP residual is not available at the decoder; so the task of the encoder is to represent the LP residual so that the decoder can generate the LP excitation from the encoded parameters. Physiologically, for voiced frames the excitation roughly has the form of a series of pulses at the pitch frequency, and for unvoiced frames the excitation roughly has the form of white noise.
The LP compression approach basically only transmits/stores updates for the (quantized) filter coefficients, the (quantized) residual (waveform or parameters such as pitch), and the (quantized) gain. A receiver regenerates the speech with the same perceptual characteristics as the input speech. Periodic updating of the quantized items requires fewer bits than direct representation of the speech signal, so a reasonable LP coder can operate at bits rates as low as 2-3 kb/s (kilobits per second).
Indeed, the ITU standard G.729 with a bit rate of 8 kb/s uses LP analysis with codebook excitation (CELP) to compress voiceband speech and has performance comparable to that of the 32 kb/s ADPCM in the G.726 standard. In particular, G.729 uses frames of 10 ms length divided into two 5 ms subframes for better tracking of pitch and gain parameters plus reduced codebook search complexity. The second subframe of a frame uses quantized and unquantized LP coefficients while the first subframe interpolates LP coefficients. Each subframe has an excitation represented by an adaptive-codebook part and a fixed-codebook part: the adaptive-codebook part represents the periodicity in the excitation signal using a fractional pitch lag with resolution of 1/3 sample and the fixed-codebook represents the difference between the synthesized residual and the adaptive-codebook representation. 10th order LP analysis with LSF quantization takes 18 bits.
G.729 handles frame erasures by reconstruction based on previously received information. Namely, replace the missing excitation signal with one of similar characteristics, while gradually decaying its energy by using a voicing classifier based on the long-term prediction gain, which is computed as part of the long-term postfilter analysis. The long-term postfilter sues the long-term filter with a lag that gives a normalized correlation greater than 0.5. For the error concealment process, a 10 ms frame is declared periodic if at least one 5 ms subframe has a long-term prediction gain of more than 3 dB. Otherwise the frame is declared nonperiodic. An erased frame inherits its class from the preceding (reconstructed) speech frame. Note that the voicing classification is continuously updated based on this reconstructed speech signal.
Leung et al, Voice Frame Reconstruction Methods for CELP Speech Coders in Digital Cellular and Wireless Communications, Proc. Wireless 93 (July 1993) describes missing frame reconstruction using parametric extrapolation and interpolation for a low complexity CELP coder using 4 subframes per frame. In particular, Leung et al proceeds as follows: For frame gain, perform scalar linear extrapolation or interpolation. For LPC coefficients, perform vector linear extrapolation or interpolation (i.e., matrices of extrapolation or interpolation acting of vectors of LPC coefficients to yield reconstructed LPC coefficients). For pitch lag and adaptive codebook coefficients (which are generated for each of the 4 subframes per frame), do median filtering to reconstruct the pitch lag (adjust the pitch search to insure a smooth pitch contour); and adopt a conditional repeat strategy to reconstruct the adaptive codebook coefficients. That is, a voicing decision is made initially for the missing frame by comparing the pitch lag median with the pitch lags in the previous and possibly future frames. If over half of the lags (4 per frame) are within ±5 samples from the median value, the missing frame is declared as voiced. The coefficients can be reconstructed according to one of three methods: (1) if the missing frame is estimated to be unvoiced, then select the scaled version of the coefficients associated with the pitch lag median, (2) if the missing frame is voiced and extrapolation used, then a scaled version of the coefficients of the last subframe of the preceding frame is used, and (3) if the missing frame is voiced and interpolation used, then a scaled version of the coefficient from either the last subframe of the preceding frame or the first subframe of the next frame could be used depending upon whether the pitch median comes from the preceding frame or the next frame. For stochastic excitation gain (generated for each subframe) do vector linear extrapolation or interpolation (i.e., matrices of extrapolation or interpolation acting of vectors of gains to yield reconstructed gains). For stochastic codebook parameters chose random values because of the lesser perceptual importance of these parameters and the fact of the relatively unpredictable behavior of the stochastic excitation.
However, this extrapolation or interpolation method does not apply to differentially quantized parameters.
The present invention provides concealment of erased frames which had been differentially quantized by the use of nonlinear interpolation of prior and future received frame information.
This has advantages including the preferred embodiment use of the time delay and future frame availability of a playout buffer (e.g., as in packetized CELP-encoded voice transmission over a network, including VoIP) for estimating missing parameters for concealment.
FIG. 1 shows first preferred embodiments.
FIGS. 2a-2 b are schematic diagrams of G.729 encoder and decoder.
The preferred embodiment methods of concealment of frame erasures in speech transmissions employ both past and future frames and estimate differentially quantized parameters; a nonlinear interpolation. The use of future frames implies time delay, but several systems such as voice over packet networks with playout buffers (used at the receiver to control jitter) already have future frames available and the preferred embodiments take advantage of the existing time delay.
Preferred embodiment systems and receivers incorporate preferred embodiment methods of error concealment. FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment receiver for a packet-based system such as VoIP (voice over internet protocol). Packets arriving from the network are first processed by the network module. Statistics are collected, packets ordered and transferred to the playout buffer. If near the time of playout the packet has not yet arrived, it is declared lost and the frame erasure concealment module reconstructs it using both past and future frames. In the figure, missing packet 3 is reconstructed by interpolating the previous packet 2 and following (future) packet 4.
FIG. 1 shows in functional block format a first preferred embodiment concealment method useful with G.729 encoded speech. G.729 encoding uses 80 bits for every 10 ms frame as follows: line spectrum pairs 18 bits, adaptive codebook index 13 bits split into 8 bits for the first 5 ms subframe and 5 bits for the second subframe, parity 1 bit, fixed codebook index 26 bits split into 13 for each subframe, fixed codebook pulse signs 8 bits split into 4 bits for each subframe, codebook gains 6 bits split as 3 and 3 for stage 1 plus 8 bits split as 4 and 4 for stage 2. FIGS. 2a-2 b illustrate G.729 encoder and decoder. The first preferred embodiments handle these items as follows.
The LSFs for frame m are denoted ωi[m] for i=1, 2, . . . , 10. The G.729 standard computes estimates {acute over (ω)}i[m] from the quantized codebook outputs which are differences between LSFs and predicted LSFs based on a moving average of M prior frames. In particular,
where the pi,k are the coefficients of the moving average predictor and Îi[m] and Îi[m−k] for k=1, 2, . . . , M are the codebook outputs for frame m plus M prior frames. (G.729 takes M=4.) There are two predictors (two sets of coefficients) and a bit switches between the two predictors, one strong predictor and one weak predictor, to accommodate change. At the mth frame the vector to be quantized to form Îi[m] is the normalized difference between the LSF and the predicted LSF:
where the initial conditions are Îi[j]=iπ/11 for j<0.
The first preferred embodiments compute the estimates {acute over (ω)}i[m] for an erased frame m essentially by linear interpolation of the estimates for the preceding frame plus the future frame; namely {acute over (ω)}i[m]=({acute over (ω)}i[m+1]+{acute over (ω)}i[m−1])/2. Of course, {acute over (ω)}i[m+1] in G.729 depends upon Îi[m] which was erased, so proceed as follows.
First, solve equation (*) for Îi[m]:
Then substitute {acute over (ω)}i[m]=({acute over (ω)}i[m+1]+{acute over (ω)}i[m−1])/2 in to yield:
Next, use equation (*) for frame m+1:
and substitute the equation for Îi[m] into the k=1 term of the last sum to give:
Note that no frame m terms appear in this equation. Simplifying yields:
where ai=pi,1/2bi and bi=(1−Σ1≦k≦Mpi,k).
Thus the nonlinear interpolation for reconstruction of the erased frame m proceeds through the following steps (1)-(3):
(1) Compute {acute over (ω)}i[m+1] using equation (**), this gives the future frame LSFs without using any frame m terms.
(2) Compute {acute over (ω)}i[m] using {acute over (ω)}i[m]=({acute over (ω)}i[m+1]+{acute over (ω)}i[m−1])/2 where {acute over (ω)}i[m+1] comes from step (1) and {acute over (ω)}i[m−1] is from the preceding frame.
(3) Compute Îi[m]=({acute over (ω)}i[m]−Σ1≦k≦Mpi,kÎi[m−k])/(1−Σ1≦k≦Mpi,k) and use this to update the moving average predictor memory.
Voicing Classification.
Advanced error concealment methods for erased speech frames rely on the voicing of the missing frame: different strategies are followed depending on whether the frame is declared voiced or unvoiced. Because the actual voicing of the missing frame is unknown, it is usually assumed that the missing frame has the same voicing as the last correctly received frame. This is clearly non-optimal if the missing frame happens to be at a time of voicing transition between voiced to unvoiced segments or vice versa.
If future gain and pitch information, as assumed here, is available the voiced/unvoiced classification can be entirely avoided. Gains and pitch, infact, can be interpolated, and the regular procedure of generating an excitation signal composed of a fixed-codebook contribution and an adaptive codebook contribution can be followed.
Pitch and Gains
G.729 utilizes an excitation of the LP synthesis filter in each of the two 40-sample subframes per frame; the excitation has the form
where ĝP is the quantized adaptive-codebook gain gP, v(n) is the adaptive-codebook vector which is just a pitch delay-interpolation of the prior frame excitation u(n), ĝC is the quantized fixed-codebook gain gC, and c(n) is the fixed-codebook vector of four pulses (algebraic codebook) with harmonic enhancement. The fixed-codebook gain gC is predicted from prior frames analogous to the LSF predictions, so the preferred embodiments generate gC for the subframes of an erased frame in a manner analogous to the preceding for the LSFs.
In more detail, G.729 proceeds as follows. First, pitch analyses (open-loop and then closed-loop) use correlations of shifts of the (perceptually weighted) speech signal and the reconstructed speech signal to find a delay with fractional sample resolution. The pitch delay is encoded with a total of 14 bits per frame (8 bits plus a parity bit for the first subframe and 5 bits for the second subframe).
Next, apply the pitch delay to the prior frame excitation u(n) by interpolation to yield an excitation v(n) which LP synthesizes to y(n). The adaptive codebook gain gP=<x|y>/<y|y> where x(n) is the perceptually-weighted LP synthesized residual.
Then the difference x(n)−gPy(n) becomes the target for a search to find a fixed-codebook gain gC plus excitation c(n) for minimization of (x(n)−gPy(n)−gCz(n))2 where z(n) is perceptually-weighted LP synthesized c(n).
Analogous to the LSFs, the gain gC is predicted from a moving average of prior frame gains and differentially quantized. Indeed, G.729 sets
where {haeck over (g)}C is a predicted gain based on previous fixed-codebook energies and γ is a correction factor. The mean energy of c(n) is
Thus the energy of gCc(n) is E+20 log(gC). Then define the mean-removed energy at subframe m by
where {overscore (E)}=30 dB is the mean energy of the fixed-codebook excitation. The gain gC(m) can be expressed in terms of E(m), E, and {overscore (E)}:
The predicted gain {haeck over (g)}C(m) is found by predicting the log-energy of the current frame fixed-codebook contribution from the log-energy of previous frame fixed-codebook contribution:
where {haeck over (U)}(m) is the quantized version of the prediction error at subframe m, defined by U(m)=E(m)−{haeck over (E)}(m). The predicted gain {haeck over (g)}C(m) is found through replacement of E(m) by its predicted value in the foregoing equation for gC(m) in terms of E(m), {haeck over (E)}, and E
The correction factor γ(m) relates to the gain prediction error by U(m)=20 log(γ(m)). The adaptive-codebook gain gP and γ are vector quantized using a two-stage conjugate structured codebook; the first stage consists of a 3-bit two-dimensional codebook and the second stage consists of a 4-bit two-dimensional codebook. The first element in each codebook represents the quantized adaptive-codebook gain ĝP and the second element represents the quantized fixed-codebook gain correction factor.
For the case of frame m missing, but frames m+1 and m−1 plus earlier frames available, the adaptive-codebook gain gP can be interpolated from frames m+1 and m−1 to give a value for frame m, and the fixed-codebook gain correction factor γ can also be interpolated from frames m+1 and m−1 to give a value for frame m. But the predicted fixed-codebook gain {haeck over (g)}C for frame m+1 uses the U(m) from missing frame m. Thus the preferred embodiments proceed analogously to the LSF prediction with missing frames. First, presume a linear interpolation of the fixed-codebook gain:
Dividing by 20 b1 and taking exponentials yields
where log(A)=(Σ2≦i≦4bi{haeck over (U)}(m+1−i)−Σ1≦i≦4bi{haeck over (U)}(m−i)]+{overscore (E)}−E)/20b1 So A is positive and known from frame m−1 plus earlier frames. Lastly, substituting {haeck over (g)}C(m+1)=gC(m+1)/γ(m+1) gives
Note that b1=0.68, so 1/b1=1.47. This equation for gC(m+1) can be solved in terms of items from frame m−1 and earlier frames plus γ(m+1). Then gC(m) for the missing frame m follows from the original assumption gC(m)=(gC(m−1)+gC(m+1))/2.
Obtain the pitch for an erased frame by median smoothing of the pitch from the immediately preceding and future frames. More specifically, the first pitch value for the missing frame is obtained by median smoothing of the two pitch values of the last correctly received frame and the first pitch value of the future frame. The second pitch value for the missing frame, instead, is computed as the median of the second pitch value of the last frame and the two pitch values of the future frame.
The foregoing erased frame concealment for the LSFs can be used without the fixed-codebook gain concealment. Indeed, with past and future frames available, gains and pitch can be interpolated, and the regular procedure of generating an excitation signal composed of a fixed-codebook contribution and an adaptive codebook contribution can be followed.
Alternatives preferred embodiments change one or both of the presumed linear combinations {acute over (ω)}i[m]=({acute over (ω)}i[m+1]+{acute over (ω)}i[m−1])/2 and gC(m)=(gC(m−1)+gC(m+1))/2 to other functions but otherwise proceed as in the foregoing. With other linear combinations (e.g., coefficients other than 1/2) the computations are similar, but with more involved functions, such as harmonic means, the computations become more involved.
This section describes in algorithmic form preferred embodiment systems which use the preferred embodiment encoding and decoding in frames with two sub-frames.
5.a Pitch
Step 1. Order (increasing) vector formed by both pitch values of previous frame and first value of future frame;
Step 2. Select second (median) value as the pitch value to be used in first sub-frame of missing frame;
Step 3. Order (increasing) vector formed by second value of previous frame and both values of future frame;
Step 4. Select second (median) value as the pitch value to be used in second sub-frame of missing frame;
5.b Adaptive Codebook Gain
Step 1. Multiply last correctly received adaptive codebook gain by interpolation coefficient a (e.g., 0.75);
Step 2. Multiply first future adaptive codebook gain by (1−a);
Step 3. Set first adaptive codebook gain of missing frame to sum of values computed at steps 1 and 2;
Step 4. Multiply last correctly received adaptive codebook gain by interpolation coefficient b (e.g., 0.25);
Step 5. Multiply first future adaptive codebook gain by (1−b);
Step 6. Set second adaptive codebook gain of missing frame to sum of values computed at steps 4 and 5.
5.c Line Spectral Frequencies (LSF's)
Steps to be performed for each LSF (ten in number for G.729).
Step 1. Sum values of moving average (MA) predictor for future frame and subtract from 1.0;
Step 2. Multiply value computed at Step 1 by prediction LSF residual for future frame;
Step 3. Divide the value of the first MA predictor coefficient for future frame by two times value computed at step 1;
Step 4. Multiply LSF value for past frame by value computed at Step 3;
Step 5. Compute MA prediction of missing frame (based on LSF residual of last four frames in the case of G.729);
Step 6. Multiply value computed at Step 5 by two times the value computed at Step 4;
Step 7. Compute MA prediction of future frame LSF stopping at past frame value (i.e., in the case of G.729, using past frame residual and two residuals prior to that);
Step 7. Sum the values computed at Steps 2, 4 and 7;
Step 8. Subtract the value computed at Step 6 from value computed at Step 7;
Step 9. Divide value computed at Step 8 by value computed at step 3.
5.d Fixed Codebook Gain
Same steps as in 5.c using Fixed-Codebook Gain MA predictor coefficients.
The preferred embodiments may be modified in various ways while retaining the features of erased frame estimation of parameters encoded as moving averages.
For example, the interpolation model for the LSF of the erased frame or the fixed-codebook gain could be varied, the moving average predictor coefficients and their number could be varied, and so forth.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
Are you Seok-Seong Kang?Claim your profile
Publications (33)104.05 Total impact
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Vibrio cholerae can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration leading to high mortality and morbidity. Current cholera vaccines are formulated with KVC. Although the innate immune responses following vaccination deeply influence the induction of adaptive immunity, the initial recognition of cholera vaccines by the host innate immune system is not well characterized. In this study, the ability of KVC to induce innate immune responses was investigated. Unlike typical Gram-negative bacteria stimulating TLR2 and TLR4, KVC activated TLR2 but hardly TLR4. However, purified V. cholerae LPS preferentially stimulated TLR4, although not as potently as LPS of other Gram-negative bacteria, implying that LPS is not a major immunostimulatory component of KVC. Instead, MPFs were similar to KVC in the capacity to activate TLR2, transcription factors, and cytokine expression. Furthermore, OmpU is an abundant membrane protein of V. cholerae and could interact with TLR2 for inducing cytokine expression. Notably, cholera vaccine-induced immune responses are impaired in TLR2(-/-) mice. Conclusively, TLR2 is essential for the immune responses to cholera vaccination, and OmpU is the major immunostimulatory component of cholera vaccines. © Society for Leukocyte Biology.Journal of leukocyte biology 06/2015; DOI:10.1189/jlb.4A1014-498R · 4.99 Impact Factor
Article: Differential profiles of gastrointestinal proteins interacting with peptidoglycans from Lactobacillus plantarum and Staphylococcus aureus[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Peptidoglycan (PGN) is a major cell wall component of Gram-positive bacteria that contributes to the regulation of host immunity in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Although Gram-positive bacteria contain structurally distinct PGNs that are considered to differently interact with the GIT, PGN-binding proteins (PGN-BPs) in the GIT have been poorly understood. In the present study, we purified PGNs from Lactobacillus plantarum and Staphylococcus aureus (named as Lp.PGN and Sa.PGN, respectively) and identified Lp.PGN-BPs and Sa.PGN-BPs in the lysate of mouse GIT. Lp.PGN activated nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD) 1 and NOD2, whereas Sa.PGN activated NOD2, but not NOD1, implying that both PGNs retained the biological activity and were differently recognized by the host cells. PGN-BPs were isolated by precipitation with Lp.PGN or Sa.PGN and identified using LTQ-Orbitrap hybrid Fourier transform mass spectrometry. Three independent experiments demonstrated that 18 Lp.PGN-BPs and 6 Sa.PGN-BPs were reproducibly obtained with statistical significance (P < 0.05). Both Lp.PGN and Sa.PGN bound to proteins which are related to cytoskeleton, microbial adhesion, and mucosal integrity. Lp.PGN selectively bound to proteins related to gene expression, chaperone, and antimicrobial function. However, Sa.PGN preferentially interacted with proteins involved in adherence and invasion of pathogens. Collectively, these results suggest that bacterial PGNs interact with the proteins regulating mucosal homeostasis and immunity in the gut and PGNs of commensals and pathogens might be also differentially recognized in the GIT.Molecular Immunology 05/2015; 65(1). DOI:10.1016/j.molimm.2015.01.007 · 3.00 Impact Factor
Article: Staphylococcus aureus induces IL-8 expression through its lipoproteins in the human intestinal epithelial cell, Caco-2[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Staphylococcus aureus can cause the intestinal inflammatory diseases. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of S. aureus infection in the intestine. In the present study, we investigated whether S. aureus could stimulate human intestinal epithelial cells triggering inflammation. When the human intestinal epithelial cell-line, Caco-2, and the primary colon cells were stimulated with ethanol-inactivated S. aureus, IL-8 expression was induced in a dose-dependent manner. The inactivated S. aureus preferentially stimulated Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 rather than TLR4. Lipoproteins, lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and peptidoglycan (PGN) are considered as potential TLR2 ligands of S. aureus. Interestingly, S aureus lipoproteins and Pam2CSK4 mimicking Gram-positive bacterial lipoproteins, but not LTA and PGN of S. aureus, significantly induced IL-8 expression in Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, lipoprotein-deficient S. aureus mutant strain failed to induce IL-8 production. Collectively, these results suggest that S. aureus stimulates the human intestinal epithelial cells to induce the chemokine IL-8 production through its lipoproteins, potentially contributing the development of intestinal inflammation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Cytokine 05/2015; DOI:10.1016/j.cyto.2015.04.017 · 2.87 Impact Factor
Article: Enterococcus faecalis lipoteichoic acid suppresses Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide-induced IL-8 expression in human periodontal ligament cells[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Periodontitis is caused by multi-bacterial infection, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Enterococcus faecalis are closely associated with inflammatory periodontal diseases. Although lipopolysaccharide of A. actinomycetemcomitans (Aa.LPS) and lipoteichoic acid of E. faecalis (Ef.LTA) are considered to be major virulence factors evoking inflammatory responses, their combinatorial effect on the induction of chemokines has not been investigated. In this study, we investigated the interaction between Aa.LPS and Ef.LTA on IL-8 expression in human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. Aa.LPS, but not Ef.LTA, substantially induced IL-8 expression at the protein and mRNA levels. Interestingly, Ef.LTA suppressed Aa.LPS-induced IL-8 expression without affecting the binding of Aa.LPS to Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4. Ef.LTA reduced Aa.LPS-induced phosphorylation of MAPKs, including ERK, JNK, and p38 kinase. Furthermore, Ef.LTA inhibited the Aa.LPS-induced transcriptional activities of the AP-1, C/EBP, and NF-κB transcription factors, all of which are known to regulate IL-8 gene expression. Ef.LTA augmented the expression of IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-M (IRAK-M), a negative regulator of TLR intracellular signaling pathways, in the presence of Aa.LPS at both the mRNA and protein levels. Small interfering RNA silencing IRAK-M reversed the attenuation of Aa.LPS-induced IL-8 expression by Ef.LTA. Collectively, these results suggest that Ef.LTA downregulates Aa.LPS-induced IL-8 expression in human PDL cells through upregulation of the negative regulator IRAK-M. © The Japanese Society for Immunology. 2015. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: email@example.com Immunology 04/2015; DOI:10.1093/intimm/dxv016 · 3.18 Impact Factor
Article: Lipoteichoic acid from Lactobacillus plantarum inhibits Pam2CSK4-induced IL-8 production in human intestinal epithelial cells[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Lactobacilli are probiotic bacteria that are considered to be beneficial in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. Although lactobacilli are well known to alleviate intestinal inflammation, the molecular basis of this phenomenon is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum lipoteichoic acid (Lp.LTA), which is a major cell wall component of this species, on the production of interleukin (IL)-8 in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. Treatment with Pam2CSK4, a synthetic lipopeptide that is known to mimic Gram-positive bacterial lipoproteins as an important virulence factor, significantly induced IL-8 expression in Caco-2 cells. However, neither heat-inactivated L. plantarum nor L. plantarum peptidoglycan inhibited Pam2CSK4-induced IL-8 mRNA expression. In addition, both a deacylated form and a dealanylated form of Lp.LTA failed to inhibit Pam2CSK4-induced IL-8 expression, indicating that the lipid and D-alanine moieties are critical for Lp.LTA-mediated inhibition. Moreover, Lp.LTA inhibited Pam2CSK4-induced activation of p38 kinase, JNK, and NF-κB transcription factor by suppressing toll-like receptor 2 activation. Collectively, these results suggest that Lp.LTA exerts anti-inflammatory effects on human intestinal epithelial cells by blocking IL-8 production. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Molecular Immunology 12/2014; 64(1). DOI:10.1016/j.molimm.2014.11.014 · 3.00 Impact Factor
Article: IgE in the absence of allergen induces the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the rat basophilic cell-line RBL-2H3[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Recently, basophils have been suggested to produce inflammatory mediators in response to IgE in the absence of allergens. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) plays an important role in the initiation of inflammatory responses by recruiting various immune cells to the site of allergic inflammation. In the present study, we examined whether IgE under allergen-free conditions could stimulate basophils and lead to the production of MCP-1. Exposure of the rat basophilic cell-line RBL-2H3 to IgE without allergen resulted in a dose- and time-dependent induction of MCP-1 expression at both the mRNA and protein level. Although allergen was not necessary for IgE-induced MCP-1 expression, it was essential for degranulation as determined by β-hexosaminidase release assay. IgE enhanced phosphorylation of MAP kinases including ERK, p38 kinase, and JNK. However, IgE-induced MCP-1 expression was attenuated by inhibitors for JNK and PKC. Concomitantly, IgE induced activation of AP-1, which is an important transcription factor for MCP-1 gene expression in RBL-2H3 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that IgE alone is sufficient to stimulate basophils to increase expression of MCP-1, which in turn might contribute to the inflammatory response.Molecular Immunology 06/2014; 62(1):114-121. DOI:10.1016/j.molimm.2014.06.008 · 3.00 Impact Factor
Article: Gene expression profiling of bovine mammary gland epithelial cells stimulated with lipoteichoic acid plus peptidoglycan from Staphylococcus aureus.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: A Gram-positive bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus is known to be one of the major pathogenic bacteria responsible for causing bovine mastitis. Among the various cell wall components of S. aureus, lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and peptidoglycan (PGN) are closely associated with inflammatory responses. However, the role of LTA and PGN derived from S. aureus in bovine mastitis has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we characterized the gene expression profile of a bovine mammary gland epithelial cell line, MAC-T cells, in the presence of LTA and PGN from S. aureus. LTA plus PGN, but not LTA or PGN alone, activated MAC-T cells. The analysis of transcriptional profiles using an Affymetrix genechip microarray showed that stimulation with LTA plus PGN produced a total of 2019 (fold change >1.2) differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 801 up-regulated genes and 1218 down-regulated genes. Of the up-regulated genes, 14 inflammatory mediator-related DEGs, 22 intra-cellular signaling molecule-related DEGs, and 15 transcription factor-related DEGs were observed, whereas among the down-regulated DEGs 17 inflammation-related DEGs were found in MAC-T cells. The microarray results were confirmed using real-time RT-PCR of 18 genes with substantial changes in expression (9 each from the up-regulated and down-regulated DEGs). These results provide a comprehensive analysis of gene-expression profiles elicited by S. aureus LTA and PGN in MAC-T cells, contributing to an understanding of the pathogenesis for S. aureus-induced bovine mastitis.International Immunopharmacology 05/2014; DOI:10.1016/j.intimp.2014.05.002 · 2.71 Impact Factor
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Blood collected with an anticoagulant would be beneficial for simultaneous evaluation of immune cells and humoral components such as antibody. However, it is critical that the anticoagulant does not affect quantitative and qualitative analyses of antibodies. In the present study, we examined the potential interference of the widely-used anticoagulants, heparin, EDTA, and acid citrate dextrose (ACD), on vibriocidal antibody activities and Vibrio cholerae LPS-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA levels in the plasma and sera obtained from cholera patients or vaccinees. Serum vibriocidal antibody titer was inhibited in the presence of EDTA or ACD but not in the presence of heparin. Moreover, the vibriocidal antibody titer of plasma obtained from the vaccinees in tubes containing heparin was identical to the titer of matched serum in 100% (8/8), compared with 37.5% (3/8) and 50% (4/8) when prepared with EDTA and ACD, respectively. Among LPS-specific Igs, Pearson correlation coefficient (r) for IgA between serum and plasma was low (r = 0.716), and the coefficient for IgG and IgM was relatively high (r = 0.997 and r = 0.945, respectively) in heparinized plasma samples when compared with the coefficient for IgG and IgM of EDTA- and ACD-treated plasma. Our results suggest that heparin is an appropriate anticoagulant for the collection of blood when measuring vibriocidal activity and antibody levels in the plasma.Clinical and vaccine Immunology: CVI 04/2014; 21(6). DOI:10.1128/CVI.00012-14 · 2.37 Impact Factor
Article: Irradiation by Gallium-Aluminum-Arsenate (GaAlAs) Diode Laser Enhances the Induction of Nitric Oxide by Porphyromonas gingivalis in RAW 264.7 Cells.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Background: Low-level laser irradiation promotes cell viability and wound healing in periodontal tissue. However, its effect on periodontal pathogenic bacteria is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological effect of low-level laser irradiation on Porphyromonas gingivalis. Methods: A murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7), was cultured and treated with gallium-aluminum-arsenate (GaAlAs) laser-irradiated P. gingivalis with varying levels of energy fluency. Gene expression of monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, interleukin (IL)-6, Interferon (IFN)-β and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Production of iNOS was determined by Western blot analysis and nitric oxide (NO) release was assessed using Griess reagent. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to determine the activation of Toll-like receptors (TLR) in response to P. gingivalis. Results: The laser-irradiated P. gingivalis significantly enhanced mRNA and protein levels of iNOS in RAW 264.7. Although the laser irradiation on P. gingivalis did not alter the expression level of MCP-1, IL-6 and IFN-β, it showed a noticeable effect on NO production in RAW 264.7. Furthermore, the laser-irradiated P. gingivalis accelerated TLR2 activation, but not TLR4 activation. Conclusions: This study revealed that GaAlAs laser irradiation on P. gingivalis induced iNOS expression at transcriptional and translation level and increased NO release in macrophages. Moreover, we confirmed that this process was mediated specifically by TLR2 activation. These findings suggest that low-level laser irradiation to periodontal pathogenic bacteria could be detrimental to periodontal treatments.Journal of Periodontology 02/2014; 85(9). DOI:10.1902/jop.2014.130744 · 2.57 Impact Factor
Article: Lipoteichoic acid of Streptococcus mutans interacts with Toll-like receptor 2 through the lipid moiety for induction of inflammatory mediators in murine macrophages[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Streptococcus mutans is a pathogenic Gram-positive bacterium that is closely associated with dental caries and subsequent pulpal inflammation. Although lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is considered a major virulence factor of Gram-positive bacteria, little is known about the innate immunity to S. mutans LTA. In this study, we purified LTA from S. mutans (Sm.LTA) through n-butanol extraction, hydrophobic interaction column chromatography, and ion-exchange column chromatography to investigate its immunological properties using murine macrophages. The Sm.LTA preparation had no detectable contamination with endotoxins, proteins, or nucleic acids. Upon exposure to Sm.LTA, the murine macrophage cell-line RAW 264.7 cells produced TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) in a dose-dependent manner. Sm.LTA preferentially bound to and activated CHO/CD14/TLR2 cells rather than CHO/CD14/TLR4 cells, which are stable transfectants expressing CD14 and TLR2 or CD14 and TLR4, respectively. Sm.LTA could not induce TNF-α or NO production in macrophages derived from TLR2-deficient mice whereas it dose-dependently induced those inflammatory mediators in wild-type macrophages. TLR2-dependent induction of NO by Sm.LTA was also confirmed in RAW 264.7 cells using specific antibodies blocking TLR2. Furthermore, Sm.LTA deacylated by alkaline hydrolysis neither stimulated TLR2 nor induced TNF-α or NO production, suggesting that Sm.LTA lipid moieties are crucial for the immuno-stimulatory activity of Sm.LTA. Unlike Staphylococcus aureus LTA, which has potent immuno-stimulating activity, Sm.LTA showed a modest induction of NO production comparable to LTAs of other oral bacteria Enterococcus faecalis and Lactobacillus plantarum. In conclusion, our results suggest that the Sm.LTA interacts with TLR2 through the lipid moiety for the induction of inflammatory mediators in macrophages.Molecular Immunology 11/2013; 57(2):284-291. DOI:10.1016/j.molimm.2013.10.004 · 3.00 Impact Factor
Article: Muramyl dipeptide potentiates staphylococcal lipoteichoic acid induction of cyclooxygenase-2 expression in macrophages[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Gram-positive bacteria contains lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and peptidoglycan (PGN) layers, both of which are considered as major virulence factors associated with inflammation. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays an important role in the inflammation by generating prostaglandins at infections. Since LTA and PGN are thought to cooperate in the establishment of inflammation, we examined the ability of staphylococcal LTA (Sa.LTA) to induce COX-2 expression in the presence of muramyl dipeptide (MDP), which is the minimal structural unit of PGN required for inflammation, in macrophages. While MDP failed to induce COX-2 expression, Sa.LTA alone was sufficient to induce COX-2 production. Treatment with MDP enhanced Sa.LTA-induced COX-2 and prostaglandin E2 production. The cooperative effect between Sa.LTA and MDP was not observed in COX-2 expression by macrophages derived from Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)- or nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2)-deficient mice. In addition, MDP enhanced Sa.LTA-induced activation of the transcription factors NF-κB and CRE, which are known to modulate COX-2 gene transcription. Conclusively, these results suggest that MDP and Sa.LTA cooperatively induce inflammatory response by overproducing COX-2 through NOD2 and TLR2.Microbes and Infection 11/2013; 16(2). DOI:10.1016/j.micinf.2013.10.018 · 2.73 Impact Factor
Article: Lipoproteins Are an Important Bacterial Component Responsible for Bone Destruction Through the Induction of Osteoclast Differentiation and Activation[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Bacterial infection can cause inflammatory bone diseases accompanied by the bone destruction due to excess generation of osteoclasts. Although lipoproteins are one of the major immuno-stimulating components of bacteria, little is known about their effects on bone metabolism. In this study, we investigated the role of lipoproteins in bacteria-induced bone destruction using Staphylococcus aureus wild-type, its lipoprotein-deficient mutant, and synthetic lipopeptides Pam2CSK4 and Pam3CSK4 known to mimic bacterial lipoproteins. Formaldehyde-inactivated S. aureus or the synthetic lipopeptides induced severe bone loss in the femurs of mice after intraperitoneal administration and in a calvarial bone implantation model, while the lipoprotein-deficient S. aureus did not show such effects. Mechanism studies further identified three action mechanisms for the lipopeptide-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption via (i) enhancement of osteoclast differentiation through Toll-like receptor 2 and MyD88-dependent signaling pathways, (ii) induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6, and (iii) up-regulation of RANKL expression with down-regulation of osteoprotegerin expression in osteoblasts. Taken together, these results suggest that lipoprotein might be an important bacterial component responsible for bone destruction during bacterial infections through augmentation of osteoclast differentiation and activation.Journal of bone and mineral research: the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research 11/2013; 28(11). DOI:10.1002/jbmr.1973 · 6.59 Impact Factor
Article: Lipoteichoic acid of Enterococcus faecalis induces the expression of chemokines via TLR2 and PAFR signaling pathways[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Enterococcus faecalis is one of the most common opportunistic pathogens responsible for nosocomial infections, and its LTA is known as an important virulence factor causing inflammatory responses. As chemokines play a key role in inflammatory diseases by triggering leukocyte infiltration into the infection site, we purified EfLTA and investigated its effect on the expression of chemokines, IP-10, MIP-1α, and MCP-1, in murine macrophages. EfLTA induced the expression of these chemokines at the mRNA and protein levels. TLR2, CD14, and MyD88 were involved in the EfLTA-induced chemokine expression, as the expression was reduced remarkably in macrophages derived from TLR2-, CD14-, or MyD88-deficient mice. EfLTA induced phosphorylation of MAPKs and enhanced the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB, AP-1, and NF-IL6 transcription factors. The induction of IP-10 required ERK, JNK, p38 MAPK, PKC, PTK, PI3K, and ROS. We noticed that all of these signaling molecules, except p38 MAPK and ROS, were indispensable for the induction of MCP-1 and MIP-1α. Interestingly, the EfLTA-induced chemokine expression was mediated through PAFR/JAK/STAT1 signaling pathways without IFN-β involvement, which is different from LPS-induced chemokine expression requiring IFN-β/JAK/STAT1 signaling pathways. Furthermore, the culture supernatant of EfLTA-treated RAW 264.7 cells promoted the platelet aggregation, and exogenous PAF induced the chemokine expression in macrophages derived from WT and TLR2-deficient mice. These results suggest that EfLTA induces the expression of chemokines via signaling pathways requiring TLR2 and PAFR, which is distinct from that of LPS-induced chemokine expression.Journal of leukocyte biology 08/2013; 94(6). DOI:10.1189/jlb.1012522 · 4.99 Impact Factor
Article: Induction of BAFF expression by IFN-γ via JAK/STAT signaling pathways in human intestinal epithelial cells.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: BAFF plays an important role in the development of B cells. Here, we investigated the effect of IFN-γ on BAFF expression in human intestinal epithelial cells. IFN-γ induced soluble and membrane-bound BAFF production in a dose- and time-dependent manner. IFN-γ-induced BAFF release from polarized intestinal epithelial cells was observed in apical and basolateral compartments. JAK I inhibitor suppressed IFN-γ-induced BAFF expression. Moreover, IFN-γ enhanced STAT1 phosphorylation and expression of IRF-1. Transient transfection and reporter gene assay showed that the BAFF promoter region spanning -750 to -500 bp from the translation initiation site was crucial for IFN-γ-induced BAFF expression. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed a GAS element in the promoter region. ChIP assay confirmed the enhanced binding of phosphorylated STAT1 to the BAFF promoter region at -800 to -601 bp. Furthermore, IFN-γ enhanced DNA binding to GAS and its transcriptional activation, as determined by the EMSA and reporter gene assay. Collectively, these results suggest that IFN-γ induces BAFF expression in human intestinal epithelial cells through JAK/STAT signaling pathways that might activate the GAS and IRF-1-binding element in the BAFF promoter.Journal of leukocyte biology 12/2012; 93(3). DOI:10.1189/jlb.0412210 · 4.99 Impact Factor
Article: Gene expression profile of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells induced by Staphylococcus aureus lipoteichoic acid[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is a major virulence factor of Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus. Despite its pivotal role in causing sepsis, the systemic immune responses to LTA in human cells are poorly understood. Here, we produced highly-pure and structurally-intact LTA from S. aureus and examined the gene expression profile of LTA-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The LTA preparation did not contain any detectable biologically-active impurities and stimulated Toll-like receptor 2. Protein expression profiling using a cytokine array kit and ELISA revealed expression of MCP-1/CCL2, IL-6, and IL-1β. We performed transcriptional profiling of PBMCs in response to S. aureus LTA using an Affymetrix genechip microarray. A total of 208 genes were significantly (fold change>1.5 and P<0.05) altered, with 157 up-regulated and 51 down-regulated genes in response to S. aureus LTA treatment. The up-regulated genes were involved in recognition (30 genes), cellular adhesion (6 genes), signal transduction (42 genes), co-stimulation (4 genes), chemokines, cytokines and their receptors (51 genes), apoptosis (9 genes), and negative regulation (15 genes). The down-regulated genes were involved in recognition (12 genes), antigen processing and presentation (9 genes), signal transduction (27 genes), and chemotaxis (3 genes). The microarray results were validated using real-time RT-PCR with 21 up-regulated genes and 9 down-regulated genes. Our results provide a more comprehensive overview of the transcriptional changes in PBMCs in response to S. aureus LTA, and contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiological role of S. aureus LTA during the systemic inflammatory response.International immunopharmacology 05/2012; 13(4):454-60. DOI:10.1016/j.intimp.2012.05.010 · 2.71 Impact Factor
Article: Lipoteichoic acid of Staphylococcus aureus enhances IL-6 expression in activated human basophils[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: At allergic inflammation, cross-linking of FcɛRI with multivalent antigen-bound IgE triggers the signaling pathways via activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) leading to the production of various mediators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6). Accumulating reports demonstrated that interaction of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expressed on basophils with a TLR2 ligand, lipoteichoic acid (LTA) of Staphylococcus aureus, exacerbated allergic inflammation. Here, we showed that staphylococcal LTA (Sa.LTA) substantially enhanced IL-6 expression at both the protein and the mRNA levels in the human basophil line, KU812, in the presence of a PKC activator (phorbol 12-myristrate 13-acetate; PMA), and a calcium ionophore (A23187), whereas Sa.LTA alone could not induce IL-6 expression. PMA/A23187 augmented the expression of CD14 and TLR2 on the surface of KU812 cells and concomitantly increased the binding of fluorochrome-labeled Sa.LTA to the cells. Sa.LTA enhanced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in PMA/A23187-stimulated KU812 cells. Notably, Sa.LTA could not enhance PMA/A23187-induced IL-6 expression in the presence of inhibitors of MAP kinases, reactive oxygen species, or protein kinase C. Furthermore, Sa.LTA enhanced the PMA/A23187-increased DNA-binding activities of the transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1. Experiments using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells demonstrated that not only PMA/A23187 but also Sa.LTA increased the intracellular IL-6 expression in the basophil population and Sa.LTA plus PMA/A23187 further enhanced the IL-6 expression. Collectively, these results suggest that Sa.LTA exacerbates allergic inflammation by potentiating IL-6 production from activated basophils.Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases 03/2012; 35(4):363-74. DOI:10.1016/j.cimid.2012.03.001 · 2.11 Impact Factor
Article: IFN-γ renders human intestinal epithelial cells responsive to lipopolysaccharide of Vibrio cholerae by down-regulation of DMBT1.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Although intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are continuously exposed to high densities of enteric bacteria, they are not highly responsive to microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). However, inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ) are potentially capable of priming IECs to enhance responsiveness to MAMPs. In this study, we observed that heat-killed Vibrio cholerae (HKVC) and its lipopolysaccharide (LPS) poorly induced IL-8 production in a human IEC line, HT-29. However, both HKVC and the LPS showed a substantial induction of IL-8 production in IFN-γ-primed HT-29 cells. LPS-induced IL-8 production was proportional to the IFN-γ-priming period and LPS could not induce IL-8 production in the presence of polymyxin B. Moreover, LPS-induced IL-8 production in the IFN-γ-primed HT-29 cells was mediated through signaling pathways requiring p38 kinase and ERK, but not the JNK/SAPK pathway. Since deleted in malignant brain tumor 1 (DMBT1) is known to interact with and antagonize the action of LPS, we hypothesized that IFN-γ enhanced the responsiveness to LPS in HT-29 through down-regulation of DMBT1. We found that IFN-γ indeed attenuated DMBT1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in HT-29 cells. Conversely, when the cells were transfected with small interfering RNA to specifically silence DMBT1, IL-8 expression was augmented even in the absence of IFN-γ and the augmentation was further enhanced by treatment with V. cholerae LPS. Since IFN-γ is known to increase IFN-β expression in the IECs, we examined if IFN-β functioned similar to IFN-γ. Although IFN-β alone was able to induce IL-8 expression, it failed to render HT-29 cells responsive to V. cholerae LPS. In conclusion, our study suggests that IFN-γ primes IECs to become responsive to V. cholerae and its LPS by suppressing the expression of DMBT1.Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases 03/2012; 35(4):345-54. DOI:10.1016/j.cimid.2012.02.003 · 2.11 Impact Factor
Article: Identification of staphylococcal lipoteichoic acid-binding proteins in human serum by high-resolution LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometry[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), a major virulence factor of Gram-positive bacteria, is associated with bacterial adherence to host cells, biofilm formation, and inflammation. LTA-binding proteins (LTA-BPs) play an important role in the host immune response by initially recognizing and responding to LTA during infections. In this study, we screened for LTA-BPs in human serum using LTA-immobilized beads and high-throughput mass spectrometry. Highly pure and structurally intact LTA was prepared from Staphylococcus aureus and immobilized onto N-hydroxysuccinimide-activated Sepharose(®) 4 Fast Flow beads. The immobilization process does not seem to affect the biological activity of LTA since LTA-immobilized beads could stimulate macrophages and activate Toll-like receptor 2. Then, the LTA-immobilized beads were incubated with the human serum to capture LTA-BPs and their molecular identities were determined using high-resolution LTQ-Orbitrap hybrid Fourier transform mass spectrometry. LTA-BPs captured at high frequencies were neutrophil-activating peptide 2, prohibitin-2, alpha-1-anti-trypsin, histidine-rich glycoprotein, apolipoproteins, complements, and coagulation factor, most of which are known to be related with the host immune responses against infections. As high-throughput, efficient, accurate and sensitive, this screening method could be widely applicable to the identification of novel binding proteins to microbial virulence factors with glycolipid structures.Molecular Immunology 12/2011; 50(3):177-83. DOI:10.1016/j.molimm.2011.11.012 · 3.00 Impact Factor
Article: Lipoteichoic acid from Lactobacillus plantarum induces nitric oxide production in the presence of interferon-γ in murine macrophages[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is a major immuno-stimulating component of Gram-positive bacteria. LTA from the beneficial bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum induces weak nitric oxide (NO) production in murine macrophages. Currently, it is not clear if LTA from L. plantarum is able to stimulate the innate immune response, even in the presence of inflammation. In the present study, we prepared highly pure and structurally intact LTA from L. plantarum and investigated its ability to induce NO in the presence of interferon (IFN)-γ in the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) from mice. L. plantarum LTA alone was unable to induce NO production, even at 30μg/ml. However, LTA in the presence of IFN-γ significantly induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. The observed NO production was inhibited by a NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor l-NAME and an inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor l-NIL, suggesting that iNOS is specifically required for this action. Western blot analysis and reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction further confirmed that L. plantarum LTA increased protein and mRNA levels of iNOS, respectively. However, such induction was substantially inhibited in BMMs from Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-deficient mice and the macrophages treated with an inhibitor blocking platelet-activating factor receptor. In addition, L. plantarum LTA plus IFN-γ induced IFN-β expression and STAT1 phosphorylation, which are key pathways for inducing iNOS expression. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that L. plantarum LTA in the presence of IFN-γ remarkably increased the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB transcription factor, which is known to be involved in the iNOS gene expression. Collectively, these results suggest that LTA from L. plantarum alone has no inflammatory potential but does induce NO production under conditions of inflammation, such as the presence of IFN-γ.Molecular Immunology 08/2011; 48(15-16):2170-7. DOI:10.1016/j.molimm.2011.07.009 · 3.00 Impact Factor
Article: Calcium Hydroxide Inactivates Lipoteichoic Acid from Enterococcus faecalis through Deacylation of the Lipid Moiety[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is a major virulence factor of Enterococcus faecalis that is closely associated with refractory apical periodontitis. Recently, we have shown that calcium hydroxide, a commonly used intracanal medicament, abrogated the ability of LTA to stimulate the production of tumor necrosis factor α in a murine macrophage line, RAW 264.7. Because calcium hydroxide could potentially modify the glycolipid moiety of LTA, we examined if calcium hydroxide inactivates LTA through deacylation of the LTA. LTA was prepared from E. faecalis by organic solvent extraction followed by chromatography with the hydrophobic-interaction column and the ion-exchange column. RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with intact LTA or calcium hydroxide-treated LTA for 24 hours, and the productions of nitric oxide (NO) and chemokines interferon-gamma-induced protein (IP-10) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) were determined. The glycolipid structure of LTA was analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography (TLC). The production of NO, IP-10, and MIP-1α was augmented in LTA-stimulated cells, whereas no such effect was observed upon stimulation with calcium hydroxide-pretreated LTA. Mass spectrometry showed that intact glycolipids of LTA yielded distinct mass peaks at 930 to 1,070 mass over charge (m/z) units, corresponding to dihexosyl-diacylglycerol consisting of two acyl chains with chain lengths of C(16) to C(22) and with one or two unsaturated double bonds. However, those peaks were not observed in the mass spectra of the calcium hydroxide-treated LTA. Furthermore, free fatty acids released from the calcium hydroxide-treated LTA were detected using TLC. We suggest that calcium hydroxide attenuates the inflammatory activity of E. faecalis LTA through deacylation of the LTA.Journal of endodontics 02/2011; 37(2):191-6. DOI:10.1016/j.joen.2010.11.007 · 2.79 Impact Factor
Top Journals
Seoul National University
Sŏul, Seoul, South Korea
- • Department of Dentistry
- • Dental Research Institute
International Vaccine InstituteSŏul, Seoul, South Korea

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Arizona Diamondbacks
D-backs lose Pollock in loss to Reds
PHOENIX � The Arizona Diamondbacks struggled at the plate and starter Brandon McCarthy had a second straight shaky outing.
It wasn't even the worst news of the night. Not even close.
Centerfielder A.J. Pollock, arguably Arizona's best player over the past month, will miss an extended period of time after breaking his hand while swinging at a pitch in the eighth inning of the Diamondbacks' 5-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds Saturday night.
"That is a big blow," Arizona manager Kirk Gibson said. "He has been playing great, emerging. He has been huge for us. I don't know how else to say it."
Pollock had been on a roll over the past 23 games. The 26-year-old hit .379 during that stretch, with 10 doubles, three homers, 19 RBIs and 16 runs scored. He had also played well in center, ranging to get balls deep in the alley and getting a pair of assists on throws to third in games this week.
Now he'll be out for the foreseeable future after being struck on the hand while swinging at a pitch by Johnny Cueto.
"It is frustrating. Unfortunately it is part of baseball and people have injuries," Pollock said. "This one there is not much else I could do. The guy ran one up and in and it hit me in the hand. I am not going to think twice about it. Whatever they have me do, I will do it and get back out there."
The Reds have had trouble hitting with Cueto (5-4) on the mound this season, but followed Friday's big offensive night by scoring all five runs off McCarthy (1-7) in consecutive innings.
Billy Hamilton ignited Cincinnati's offense with two hits and two runs from the leadoff spot. Brandon Phillips had a pair of run-scoring singles off McCarthy and the Reds had 11 hits to win for the third time in four games.
Cueto allowed five hits and struck out seven in 7 2-3 innings, and Jonathan Broxton escaped a bases-loaded jam in the eighth to preserve the Reds' sixth shutout of the season.
"Another excellent performance," Reds manager Bryan Price said of Cueto. "Certainly needed because we're trying to put some wins together. We've won some series, but we really haven't run off a winning streak, which would really help us."
Cincinnati broke out of its offensive doldrums a bit against the Diamondbacks on Friday night, beating up on former teammate Bronson Arroyo in a 6-4 win that included 11 hits and a grand slam by Devin Mesoraco.
The Reds kept rolling against McCarthy, scoring three runs in the fourth inning on run-scoring singles by Phillips and Todd Frazier and Brayan Pena's RBI double.
Skip Schumaker added a run-scoring double in the fifth inning and Phillips chased McCarthy with an RBI double � he was thrown out trying to stretch it to a triple � that put the Reds up 5-0.
McCarthy allowed five runs on nine hits in 4 1-3 innings, matching his totals in 6 2-3 innings against San Diego his previous start.
"I am starting to give up runs again and that is kind of where it's been," McCarthy said. "A few quality innings and then things turn and I don't have any understanding why."
Cueto got off a shaky start, giving up a pair of one-out singles in the first inning, but wriggled out of it, stranding runners at second and third.
The right-hander worked quickly and efficiently over the next six innings, twice stranding runners in scoring position. He was lifted with one out in the eighth after a walk and a hit batter.
Arizona loaded the bases after Parra hit an infield single, but Broxton struck out Paul Goldschmidt and got Miguel Montero to fly out to end the threat.
"He just answered the bell," Price said of Broxton. "He faced two of their most productive hitters and did a terrific job."
Most Popular
- Chip Hale, D-backs managerChip Hale discusses where the D-backs stand at the half way point of the season and where he sees th
- A.J. Pollock, Dbacks all-star outfielder A.J. talks about making the all-star team for the first time and the Dbacks chances in the 2nd half
- What on Your Mind?Vince Marotta vents about uniform numbers, airline fees, and Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson
- Derrick Hall, Dbacks President & CEODerrick Hall discusses the latest update with the pitching rotation.
- Tony La Russa, Diamondbacks chief baseball officerCan the Dbacks get to .500 before the break?


text:
Top-Rated Landscaper & GardenerReview & Hire With Confidence Now! more
First Application Is Only $29.95!Healthy Lawn Analysis Included! more
Complete excavation SPEICALIST. more
Landscaping Estimates, Customer Reviews, Profile Info & More! more
See neighbor reviews, samples of work, license, insurance info & more!... more
Lawn Installation & Maintenance Services. Get Estimates & More! more
Compare Landscape Designers Quotes more
Mowing and Trimming,Hedge Trimming,Water and Rock Gardens,New Flower Beds,Fertilizer and Mulch Spreading more
Top Trending Articles
Quick DIY Projects To Transform Your Home
Are you looking for quick and inexpensive home improvem... more
Fun Tips to Help You Decorate Your Backyard
Decorating your backyard can make the space more enjoya... more
What Is Ecologically Sustainable Tourism?
Ecologically sustainable tourism is a big buzz-phrase t... more
Top 6 Best Frost Resistant Plants for Winter
Keeping an outdoor plant alive in the winter can be dif... more
Dine in Style at the Famous Yamashiro Restaur...
Hollywood has hundreds of landmark buildings. Read on t... more
© 2015 Local Corporation - US Patent 7,231,405
Some data provided by Acxiom. Questions and Comments?


text:
Video rental, download to own and subscription models will all get significant traction as new services bringing online video to the television set begin to flourish, according to ABI Research.
However, the greatest number of downloads will be through rental, in particular for online movie rentals, says the research and analytical firm. Overall online pay video streams for over-the-top video downloads will grow from 215 million in 2008 to more than 2.4 billion in 2012, with rentals accounting for about half.
However, ABI Research has identified a couple of challenges for over-the-top video, including competition from legacy VOD services and unattractive ownership and rental terms offered by the studios.
ABI Research has published "Broadband Video and Internet TV," a report examining the online video market, including consumer adoption of Internet video to back-end enabling service providers.
An Inside Look at Four Virtual Reality Start-Ups
What Moves the Social TV Needle?
Mark Kudsi Directs 'Art of Patron Virtual Reality Experience'
BT Renews Intelsat Deal
Top Twitter TV Shows for 2014-15 Season Unveiled
comScore Introduces MobiLens Plus
North Korean Propoganda Art Inspires the Credits of 'The Interview'
Imaginary Forces Creates Kaleidoscopic Titles for 'Bosch'
Filmmaker Embraces Short Documentary Format with Oscar-Nominated 'Crisis Hotline'
North Metro Television Goes Wireless with Comrex LiveShot
Spectra Logic and HauteSpot Networks Introduce Body-Worn Camera Video Surveillance Solution
Huge Ultra HD Display Lights Up Times Square


text:
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Names Stefan Sanders Associate Conductor
Former BPO trombonist Stefan Sanders will move to the front of the orchestra in his new role as Associate Conductor.
Sanders was chosen after a six-month search that brought ten qualified candidates to Western New York. His new role will see him leading the Music for Youth concerts and the BPO Kids series. He will also be on the podium for some of the concerts in the Pops series, will serve as cover conductor for the Classics series concerts, and will lead one concert in the Know the Score series.
Sanders is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the Juilliard School.He began his career as a trombonist with the BPO in 1999 after winning the position while a student at Juilliard. He was a member of the BPO's trombone section until 2006. He also served as a substitute with the New York Philharmonic, Seattle Symphony and Florida Orchestra, and was a guest trombonist in Seattle Opera's performance of Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen."
Sanders was a fellow at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen under the tutelage of maestros Robert Spano, Larry Rachleff and Hugh Wolff. He did a one-year stint as apprentice conductor with the BPO, and went on to serve as Music Director for the University Orchestra at University of Texas at Austin and the Assistant Conductor of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. He continues in his role as Music Director of the Round Rock Symphony Orchestra in Round Rock, Texas. He has been a guest conductor for a number of orchestras, among them, the San Antonio Symphony and the Naples Philharmonic, and was recently seen on the BPO's podium for the January 23 Know The Score concert, which was titled "Copland's America" and featured a collaboration with LehrerDance.
"Sanders' talent, enthusiasm, passion for music and experience in youth engagement will be tremendous assets to the orchestra," said Music Director JoAnn Falletta. "He was an extraordinary member of the trombone section. The musicians and I are thrilled to work with him on a different level, and pleased that he will be part of the BPO's ongoing story."
"The BPO and the entire Buffalo community are so very special to me. I am deeply honored and incredibly excited to be returning during these vibrant times. It will be an absolute joy to work with this world-class orchestra and JoAnn Falletta once again," said Sanders.
As Buffalo's cultural ambassador, the Grammy Award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra under the leadership of music director JoAnn Falletta presents more than 100 concerts each year. Since 1940, the orchestra's home has been Kleinhans Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark with a reputation as one of the finest concert halls in the United States. During the tenure of JoAnn Falletta, the BPO has rekindled its history of radio broadcasts and recordings, including the release of 28 new recordings on the Naxos and Beau Fleuve labels. For more information about the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, visit www.bpo.org.
About Author
- Casting Roundup: Sarah Chalke, Kim Raver Headline New Pilots
- ADVENTURE TIME Headed to the Big Screen?
- Pilot Season Roundup: Colm Feore, Daniel Stern, Dave Annable to Star in New Shows
- James Franco to Star in New Fox Comedy, WHY HIM?
- Christopher Meloni to Star in WGN America's Slave Drama UNDERGROUND
- Check Out Alex Dunphy's Full College Essay from Latest MODERN FAMILY Episode
- Photo Flash: HBO Reveals Key Art for GAME OF THRONES Season 5
- Syfy to Honor Leonard Nimoy with Special Programming This Sunday
- Grammy Winner Kelly Clarkson Exclusively Premieres New Music from New Album on MTV, VH1 & CMT First
- CONSTELLATIONS' Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Wilson Set for THEATER TALK This Weekend


text:
|Project Name
|Price (USD)
|Project Name
|Price (USD)
|DIV refresh
|Hi I'm creating a website which like auction websites will have multiple DIVs picking content from...from a MySQL dbase every second. Problem is: I'm using meta http-equiv='refresh' to refresh multiple Iframes
|PHP, Javascript, AJAX, CSS, HTML
|Mar 26, 2012
|Mar 26, 2012Ended
|Website design and template using div and css
|...for freelancer who can design template for my website. if some one can design the template and provide...coding files then rest we will take care. My website is something related to ecommerce where we sell
|Website Design, Photoshop, CSS, Adobe Dreamweaver, PSD to HTML
|Sep 14, 2010
|Sep 14, 2010Ended
|Copy website layout using DIV/CSS
|...need to copy a website (I will give you a screenshot) and convert to html page using only DIV/CSS. Tableless...I will be using PHP INCLUDES to insert other content and duplicate the page. The center DIV (wrapper)
|PHP, Website Design, CSS, HTML
|Sep 20, 2011
|Sep 20, 2011Ended
|Div and Css Template design
|...following a website which I will provide you in Private Message Board. The design should be made using CSS and...script template. Please show me your portfolio website where I can see your abilities and write me if
|PHP, XML, Logo Design, Photoshop, CSS
|Mar 27, 2010
|Mar 27, 2010Ended
|Hide a DIV by using Javascript / CSS / AJAX
|...networking website when you logged in, there is a popup window opens up when page load. (It is a DIV layer...PROBLEM: When I try to close this popup window(DIV layer), it doesn't close. The tricky point is when
|Mar 19, 2010
|Mar 19, 2010Ended
|Image/Div manipulation tool using JQuery
|Background: I am developing a coupon based website which would give our customers an opportunity to...text based div (this div should be editable), every time user clicks this button, one text div (with some...area. (b) If user wants to delete a text based div (Which has been created from the above process),
|PHP, Javascript, AJAX, SQL, User Interface / IA
|Oct 16, 2009
|Oct 16, 2009Ended
|<div> and <span> tags added
|You should use at least 2 div tags in your code. Have at least 2 span tags in your code. Apply a series...have your website conform to HTML 5 and validate using W3C Validator. Replace the <div>'s and other...that you have a working website. Be sure version 2 also validates to HTML 5 using W3C Validator. Banner
|Website Design,
|Jul 4, 2014
|Jul 4, 2014Ended
|To fix div on mobile version
|I have mobile version of website. I show external application using iframe. On some phones (iphone4
|Website Design, HTML
|May 12, 2014
|May 12, 2014Ended
|Horizontal Image DIV Scrollers
|...compliant, cross-browser compatible and laid out using CSS DIVs (avoiding tables if possible). It may...that this will likely go into a Wordpress-driven website.
|Javascript, CSS, HTML
|Oct 19, 2010
|Oct 19, 2010Ended
|A Login form and a design of DIV
|...the project. 1. milestone is the design of the div. 2. milestone is the standard login form. 3...then login to the system with this email address using standard login form, as well as with the facebook...will be coded.** a. First kind of div has only the user. Div shows users picture and his possible
|PHP, Javascript, Software Architecture, Software Testing, Website Testing, MySQL, Website Management, Web Hosting
|Jan 23, 2011
|Jan 23, 2011Ended
|Move Div - CSS / Javascript
|In my store I need to move the options selection div "options-container-big" to be right under the large...I need this done with CSS / Javascript, I think using jquery it can be implemented. <span class...http://stackoverflow.com/questions/220273/css-positioning-div-above-another-div-when-not-in-that-order-in-the-html
|PHP, CSS, Software Architecture, Software Testing, Website Testing, MySQL, Website Management, Web Hosting
|Mar 22, 2011
|Mar 22, 2011Ended
|Web2.0 Designing Using XHTML1.0-CSS2.0 (Using only DIV Tag)
|...coding. This project is validated using validator W3C design website and Dreamweaver 8.0. It contains
|PHP, Java, Javascript, Website Design, CSS
|Sep 16, 2009
|Sep 16, 2009Ended
|383373 Want template with div tags
|...running website developed using php and I want template for that to be implemented using div and css
|PHP, CSS, Anything Goes
|Jan 19, 2010
|Jan 19, 2010Ended
|Convert PHP div tag into an Image
|1. I have a drupal website which creates a badge for every single user using some code. This badge is...inside a div tag. 2. This div tag is available only for logged in users. 3. I have isolated this div tag...form of a single object on a page 4. I need this div tag to be converted into a jpg or png image 5. This
|Jun 24, 2013
|Jun 24, 2013Ended
|PSD to HTML using DIV
|Need 4 PSD to be converted to HTML using 100% div. Cost for doing this is $60 max. I need this by
|Website Design, PSD to HTML, HTML
|Oct 19, 2010
|Oct 19, 2010Ended
|Centre div in another div?
|...someone to tell me how to centre a div that is within another div. I have included a screenshot example...the changes you have made to the cokde. The website can be found at: www.buffetmonster.co.uk
|PHP, Joomla, CSS, HTML
|Feb 5, 2015
|Feb 5, 2015Ended
|HTML using Div and CSS
|...based only on an Image 4.) Produce HTML using Div and CSS only; absolutely not table, tr, or td
|PHP, ASP, Javascript, .NET, Project Management, Engineering, CSS, C# Programming, Software Architecture, Software Testing, Website Testing, MySQL, Website Management, Web Hosting
|Apr 20, 2010
|Apr 20, 2010Ended
|using opacity with Div Tags
|...someone to open a blank document in notepad (I'm using dreamweaver) to copy/paste my source code from hhhf...to line up even. Then I will need all boxes (div tags) to rest toward the bottom of page with no more...Margins. My hope is to find someone able to work with Div Tags willing to show me how to adjust boxes any where
|Website Design, CSS, HTML
|Mar 22, 2014
|Mar 22, 2014Ended
|402141 Div&Css Template Design
|...following a website which I will provide you in Private Message Board. The design should be made using CSS...script template. Please show me your portfolio website where I can see your abilities and write me if
|Website Design, CSS, Templates, Anything Goes
|Mar 27, 2010
|Mar 27, 2010Ended
|Fixed DIV (using JQuery example) required on HTML page
|...extract from a website. we would like to add "fixed floating" functionality to the mainBox3 DIV which is...extract so that the mainBox3 DIV behaves in the same way as the comment div in the JQuery example.
|Javascript, AJAX, CSS, HTML
|May 17, 2011
|May 17, 2011Ended


text:
Video: Partnership Transforms Food Processing Sector in Africa
November 07, 2013
Partners in Food Solutions and TechnoServe are supporting small and growing food processors across sub-Saharan Africa.
The food processing sector can be an engine to improve livelihoods and increase food security across African countries. Together with Partners in Food Solutions – a nonprofit that draws on volunteer employees from General Mills, Cargill, Royal DSM and Bühler – and the U.S. Agency for International Development, TechnoServe is supporting small and growing food processors with technical and business expertise. Learn more in this video from Partners in Food Solutions.
Related Blog Posts
Women-Led Business Helps Generate Peace and Prosperity in Peru
The women behind Mishky Cacao decided to create a safer future for their families and community – transitioning from coca to cocoa production and generating new value by manufacturing chocolate locally.
Designing Programs that Work in Diverse Settings
The Mobile Training Program demonstrates how innovative projects can be adapted to achieve success in different contexts and geographies.
How Young People Are Solving Africa's Agriculture Challenge
Through TechnoServe's STRYDE program, young entrepreneurs are adopting new agronomic and business practices to take advantage of market opportunities in agriculture.


text:
Are you Gapor Md Top?Claim your profile
Publications (2)3.36 Total impact
- SourceAvailable from: PubMed Central
Article: γ-Tocotrienol prevents oxidative stress-induced telomere shortening in human fibroblasts derived from different aged individuals[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The effects of palm gamma-tocotrienol (GGT) on oxidative stress-induced cellular ageing was investigated in normal human skin fibroblast cell lines derived from different age groups; young (21-year-old, YF), middle (40-year-old, MF) and old (68-year-old, OF). Fibroblast cells were treated with gamma-tocotrienol for 24 hours before or after incubation with IC50 dose of H2O2 for 2 hours. Changes in cell viability, telomere length and telomerase activity were assessed using the MTS assay (Promega, USA), Southern blot analysis and telomere repeat amplification protocol respectively. Results showed that treatment with different concentrations of gamma-tocotrienol increased fibroblasts viability with optimum dose of 80 microM for YF and 40 microM for both MF and OF. At higher concentrations, gamma-tocotrienol treatment caused marked decrease in cell viability with IC50 value of 200 microM (YF), 300 microM (MF) and 100 microM (OF). Exposure to H2O2 decreased cell viability in dose dependent manner, shortened telomere length and reduced telomerase activity in all age groups. The IC50 of H2O2 was found to be; YF (700 microM), MF (400 microM) and OF (100 microM). Results showed that viability increased significantly (p < 0.05) when cells were treated with 80 microM and 40 microM gamma-tocotrienol prior or after H2O2-induced oxidative stress in all age groups. In YF and OF, pretreatment with gamma-tocotrienol prevented shortening of telomere length and reduction in telomerase activity. In MF, telomerase activity increased while no changes in telomere length was observed. However, post-treatment of gamma-tocotrienol did not exert any significant effects on telomere length and telomerase activity. Thus, these data suggest that gamma-tocotrienol protects against oxidative stress-induced cellular ageing by modulating the telomere length possibly via telomerase.Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 01/2010; 3(1):35-43. DOI:10.4161/oxim.3.1.9940 · 3.36 Impact Factor
Article: Apoptosis changes and SA-beta galactosidase expression in stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) model of human skin fibroblasts.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) model is in vitro model of cellular aging. In this study, apoptosis was evaluated in SIPS model and in replicative senescent fibroblasts. We also compared the activity of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta gal) as a biomarker of cellular aging. Our results suggested that SIPS model and senescent fibroblasts might share similar mechanism of aging and apoptosis pathway.The Medical journal of Malaysia 08/2008; 63 Suppl A:71-2.
Top Journals
Malaysian Palm Oil BoardKuala Lumpor, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


text:
North Suburbs: SEO Bios Workshop w Maria Malin: (Takiff Center at Glencoe Pk Dist)
- Business & Professional
- 999 Green Bay Road, Glencoe, IL, 60022
Agent Training w Peter Moulton WK 2: MLS Searches/Agent Metrics (Orrington)
Thursday, September 19, 2013 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM (CDT)
We begin our new agent 13 week Training Program September 12th, from 9:30 am to 12:00pm, at the Hilton Orrington, 1710 Orrington Avenue, Evanston
*Note, you do not need to register here to attend if you are already registered for the full 13 weeks. Agents who are not taking the full course are welcome to sign up here to attend any sessions they would like.
WEEK 2: MLS Searches/Agent Metrics
Peter Moulton
Vice President of Brokerage Services - North Shore
847-401-5998 cellular
Join millions of people on Eventbrite.
In order to purchase these tickets in installments, you'll need an Eventbrite account. Log in or sign up for a free account to continue.


text:
1245 Tasting Notes
In appearance this blend consists of: small black tea pieces with noticeable cinnamon stick pieces, clove pieces and green leaves of some kind.
It smells of cardamom, clove and cinnamon in particular. A little dry but very refreshing and citrus(y) with a spicy, peppery finish.
Once steeped this tea is dark reddish brown in colour and has a sweet yet spicy aromatic scent.
Please note: A drop of milk was added.
Flavour is medium in strength with crisp, spice notes. It's a little dry from the spices but the milk helps. Spice wise I can taste the cardamom, cinnamon, clove and pepper which pretty much matches it's raw scent. The cardamom in particular freshens the blend and adds some sweetness whilst perfuming my mouth in the after taste.
Overall: I found this Chai to be a particularly dark blend which is perfect for adding milk. It can be enjoyed without milk but it may be slightly astringent or too dry. That is all personal preference, though usually Chai is served with milk as standard.
I have sampled many Chai in my years and this is certainly one of the darker, 'full on' blends that I tend to favour. The spices are strong but not too much and though dry it's not an issue once milk is added. It's a very nice example of a classic Masala Chai. My only criticism is that I love sweet Chai and my all time favourites contain almond, though again that is down to personal taste.
For pictures and more information please view my blog.
In appearance the leaves are: long and mostly whole with some rolled and others open. Some are silver and covered in white hairs.
They have a dry yet light floral scent with elements of wood, grass and musk.
Once steeped this tea is light amber in colour and has a light yet crisp and sweet grassy scent.
Flavour is light to medium in strength with sweet grass and floral tones. It's a little dry which adds a savoury touch and tones down the sweetness. Specifically I can taste: grass, sweet pea, gardenia and wheat. The after taste of sweet flowers lingers in the mouth for a long time.
As it cools it becomes slightly astringent.
Overall: The flavours were nice and pure and I did enjoy the savoury wheat taste, that made it rather unique and different from what I expected. However it did not strike me as amazing, though the quality was very good. I'm trying to think of why it wasn't amazing but I cannot explain it, something was missing for me…perhaps my love of vegetal and seaweed greens like those found in Japanese varieties have changed my preferred taste when it comes to greentea.
For pictures and more information please view my blog.
In appearance this tea consists of: long, thin leaves that are covered with silver hairs. Some are darker in colour though they still have the silver hairs.
They have a sweet, light and floral scent that is dry and almost perfumed.
Once steeped this tea is light orange in colour and has a light, floral and sweet scent.
Flavour is light to medium in strength and bares a floral sweetness. It's dry and nutty which comes through in the after taste. Also elements of light peach which contrast nicely against the peony and honeysuckle notes. It has no astringency.
As it cools it becomes creamy though remains highly sweet and dry.
Overall: This was a delicious white tea, full of flavour and of great quality.
While I am not the hugest fan of white tea in general I do appreciate a nice pot of it from time to time. This particular type had more flavour and strength than I anticipated which made it a wonderful drink. At times it reminded me of a light Oolong rather than a white tea, and the quality blew me away.
For pictures and more information please view my blog.
In appearance this tea consists of: small, dark and curly leaves with some stems and golden tips present.
It smells sweet and woody with elements of cocoa, malt and smoke.
Once steeped this tea is garnet in colour and has a light malt scent with a hint of fresh wood.
Flavour is medium/strong in strength with rich malt tones that are slightly astringent and smoky. Also has a dark fruit flavour which goes into the after taste, prunes and dates in particular. Some dryness is present throughout.
As it cools it becomes more dry and seems thicker, especially the malt tones. Also getting fresh tobacco and wood shavings.
Overall: This was pretty much as I predicted: it was rich, it was dark and very full of flavour. The fruit flavours made me think of a few Taiwanese blacks that I have tried recently, so while this had Assam qualities it also kept my tasting fresh and interesting. That being said I prefer a more classic Assam. Also the quality was again very good.
For pictures and more information please view my blog.
In appearance this Darjeeling consists of: small and dark, curly leaves which range from dark brown, to red brown, to green to white.
It has a sweet yet earthy scent of wood and flowers. Also a touch of malt and dry musk .Once steeped this tea is amber in colour and has a dry, musky yet sweet wood scent.
Flavour is rich and dark with a hint of sour astringency. It's very wooden and musky which lingers in the mouth beautifully. Also reminds me of dry, mixed flowers.
As it cools the wood becomes more like malt and the astringency develops an air of light smoke.
Overall: This was a beautiful Darjeeling that bared heavy muscatel tones and offered the warmth of the Indian sun. A great example of what a second flush Darjeeling should be.
On the grand scale of things this Darjeeling was very nice but not perfect, it was missing the nutty and creamy qualities that I admire. Please keep in mind that it is down to personal preference.
For pictures and more information please view my blog.
A few days ago I started my morning with this tea and have decided to do so again, only that this time it's iced. I cold steeped some two days ago and have been drinking it since, it was a nice way to finish the last of this sample. This morning is the last glass full and I have to say that this went down better than I thought it would. Usually with sweet iced tea (particularly fruit sweet) it becomes too pop like and ends up tasting like pure sugar. This however, tastes refreshing and the sweetness is toned down behind a perfumed, grassy green tea flavour. If anything the sweet essence is an after taste that doesn't last too long. I'm wondering if Frank intended this one to be iced.
Nice start to the day :)
I've been drinking this for a couple of days after making a large iced batch. The reason for the delay in reviewing is that I can't make my mind up about it. On the one hand it tastes so pepperminty that it reminds me of toothpaste, especially since it's cold. It leaves my mouth tasting as though I just brushed my teeth. On the other hand it's a handy drink to have if you've eaten something smelly like onion or garlic. And after all the taste is actually pleasant and refreshing,
Let me break it down. First sip is citrus(y) with a light infusion of lemongrass and lime (nothing sour, actually rather creamy) but this only lasts for a second. After that the peppermint kicks in and spreads itself around my mouth to leave a creamy and refreshing (almost tingling) sensation. This lingers well into the after taste until before you know it, poof, it's gone.
The only conclusion I can come to is that it's nice but because of it's unusual nature (in iced form anyway) I would have to be in the right mood to drink it. That means it's not perfect, but the fact that I can drink it at all also means something.
For that reason I will give a fair and rather medium score. ie – Could be better, could be worse.
Flavors: Cream, Lemongrass, Peppermint
My head hurts. I thought some tea and water would get rid of it this morning but it's stayed with me through lunch. It's a fairly mild headache but it's starting to grate on me a little now.
This tea (one steeped) has a sweet and buttery scent, something fruity and berry like with fudge.
Flavour: Toasted grass and flowers, slightly astringent, sweet berries with a creamy after taste of cocoa nib and nuts. Somewhat perfumed and a little dry. The more I sip the more defined the strawberry flavour becomes.
I'm not usually a fan of these sorts of blends and I approached this one cautiously, however I found to be rather pleasant and though far from perfect it was a nice afternoon tea all the same.
Flavors: Butter, Cream, Strawberry
Good morning everyone!
My day begins with this Strawberry Zabaglione Chun Mee which was from my 52Teas Christmas box. I didn't have it around Christmas as I found nothing Christmas-sy about it, in fact most of the teas from the box were not Christmas-sy or wintery I found. A disappointment compared to previous years.
The raw leaf smells strongly of sweet strawberry, reminds me of strawberry gummy sweets. I can also note some large-ish pieces of strawberry amongst the leaves, of which the Chun Mee is rather finely chopped.
Once steeped the tea is golden brown and bares a super sweet strawberry scent with an after scent of perfume and grass. Slightly astringent.
Flavour: Fairly light and creamy strawberry tones with moderate dryness and perfume present. Slightly astringent and sour. The sweetness is rather strong, I didn't read the ingredients but it wouldn't surprise me to see stevia amongst them, it certainly tastes sweet enough. Further cups reveal a toasted quality which tones down the sweetness a little, though the after taste is still heavily strawberry.
I did dry the original Strawberry Zabaglione with a black base and remembered liking it. This is nice but I found the base far too dry for my liking and in comparison I don't remember the original being nearly as dry. The flavour is delightful and I would certainly drink it again but my mouth feels almost furry and after this pot of tea I will have to grab a glass of water. So nice try Frank but it's still not perfect in my opinion.
Flavors: Drying, Grass, Strawberry, Sweet, Toasted
Hey, Ho, Pip and Dandy.
My lunch time tea is this White Paradise chai chosen to aid me with a kick of spice and flavour after lunch. This low calorie diet is no fun, my 300 calorie pasta lunch was virtually tasteless and I long for something to express flavour in my mouth. Something that is no calories that is.
The blend as a whole smells thickly of cardamom and cinnamon with a refreshing boost of anise. Not overly strong but stronger than expected considering the white tea base.
Once steeped the tea tastes similar to it's smell. The cinnamon and anise are dominant flavours in front of a dry and spicy pepper and lemongrass herbiness. I can't taste the white tea but am happy it's there non the less. The lemongrass is a little odd in this, I seem to be having an issue with lemongrass blends today. Then again I don't think lemongrass goes with chai and spices so it can't just be my taste buds today.
On terms of chai this is average, not digging the miss-match of flavours and I'm also not a fan of strong anise in general. It just doesn't feel like a full chai though with that lemongrass, I just can't get past it.
Flavors: Anise, Cardamon, Cinnamon, Lemongrass
I understand the need for extra flavor when dieting… Something I really need to do myself :/ Too bad this chai didn't do it for you. I would be inclined to try a trusty favorite. :) Goos luck in your diet adventures! Have we ever had a forum thread for dieters? Might be some nice encouragement. .. Just thinking.
There might have been a dieting thread some time ago but I bet we could start another one anyway. I don't have anyone to talk diet stuff with so that would be nice. :) It's been a week today of eating between 1000 – 1400 calories a day with mild exercise. Challenging but I'm up for it….I hope. As for flavour I have some favourites for the time being, and my hot chocolate orange drink is only 38 calories for if I'm desperate.


text:
He's close. Very close. We'd better finish the baby proofing soon.
Masacotes de Cucaramacara
2015 edition. Also Jaramillo's last match as a Masacote.
LabVIEW API for Nest
A while ago, after we installed our Nest thermostats in our respective homes, Jaramillo and I got together and created a LabVIEW API for controlling the Nest – meaning it makes it super easy to control the Nest from your LabVIEW (NI's graphical programming language) program.
My guess is that the number of 1) LabVIEW programmers with a 2) Nest thermostat who want to 3) write their own programs to control it is quite small. But it was a nice little learning project.
It has since been posted in LabVIEW MakerHub and improved upon. They even made a video:
I expect zero The MKX® readers to use it, but at least it's now been recorded here for posterity.
Jewfro domination
Favid Dinkelstein (not his real name) tipped me off on the fact that I now dominate the results of Google Image Search for the term "jewfro". Go see for yourselves, I'll wait.
Ok, I am not the first result. But close. This may be my biggest accomplishment ever. I beat notable jewfros included but defnitely not limited to:
- Andy Samberg
- Howard Stern
- Jonah Hill
In order to commemorate this, and knowing that Google will surely tweak their algorithms until I'm off the list because I don't use Android, I took a giant screenshot which I have annotated and post here for posterity. Click on it to zoom-in.
Funny goats screaming like humans
This is a true Internet classic.
Estadio Tecnológico – Panorama
This was taken last weekend by Jaco during Monterrey vs América and I promised to post it. Monterrey is leaving their old home soon to go to their new one.
Click to zoom in. It's a very nice photo especially when you consider it was taken from a cell phone (iPhone 6).
11 s faster than last year.


text:
When one looks at the history of medicine one must conclude that its growth and development have been the result of contributions from those both inside and outside its own professional family. Thus one sees the contribution of the physicist unfold for medicine the diagnostic and curative technic, the x-rays; the biologist finds and elaborates the gene; the biochemist isolates and produces the vitamin, another the hormones. The bacteriologist gives an insight into the modes and manners of an unseen microbiologic world. The psychologist portrays the motives and mechanisms of the mind. The sociologist and the anthropologist discover the purpose and plan of our complex social civilization. If one stops a moment to consider any of the other great professional fields, one sees this same variety of contributors assisting in the integration and development of each of the other sciences. To education in the last quarter century have come contributions
Some tools below are only available to our subscribers or users with an online account.
Download citation file:
Customize your page view by dragging & repositioning the boxes below.
More Listings atJAMACareerCenter.com >
Enter your username and email address. We'll send you a link to reset your password.
Enter your username and email address. We'll send instructions on how to reset your password to the email address we have on record.
Need assistance?
Athens and Shibboleth are access management services that provide single sign-on to protected resources. They replace the multiple user names and passwords necessary to access subscription-based content with a single user name and password that can be entered once per session. It operates independently of a user's location or IP address. If your institution uses Athens or Shibboleth authentication, please contact your site administrator to receive your user name and password.