We propose a method that is able to analyze chaotic time series, gained from experimental data. The method allows to identify scalar time-delay systems. If the dynamics of the system under investigation is governed by a scalar time-delay differential equation of the form dy(t) dt = h(y(t), y(t−τ0)), the delay time τ0 and the function h can be recovered. There are no restrictions to the dimensio...

Transforming growth factor(TGF ) is a major mediator of normal wound healing and of pathological conditions involving fibrosis, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. TGF also stimulates the differentiation of myofibroblasts, a hallmark of fibrotic diseases. In this study, we examined the underlying processes of TGF RI kinase activity in myofibroblast conversion of human lung fibroblasts using ...

In the Göttinger minipig, the reference values of 18 parameters in whole blood or plasma were determined. The results are expressed both as the mean value and +/- 2 SD presuming a symmetrical normal distribution and as the median value with the corresponding range. For most blood constituents, the results of the two modes of calculation were similar. Comparison of the values from young minipigs...

Three Good Laboratory Practice safety studies were performed with intravenous injections of highly purified staphylococcal protein A (SPA) in cynomolgus monkeys, in support of a clinical development programme utilizing this protein as an immunomodulator. These studies established a no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for up to 12 weekly doses of SPA, as well as toxicokinetic profiles for...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of period of incarceration, criminal friend index (a retrospective measure intended to quantify criminal associations before 1st incarceration), and 4 psychopathy factors (interpersonal manipulation, callous affect, erratic lifestyle, and antisocial behavior) in criminal social identity (CSI) while controlling for age and gender. Participant...

INTRODUCTION.............................................................. 205 SMOKING, AIR POLLUTION AND IMMUNE FUNCTION-ANIMAL MODELS .. 205 In Vitro Effects on Leukocytes ................. ............... 205 In Vivo Effects on Leukocytes ................................ 206 Resistance to Challenge In Vivo ................... ............. 205 Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses .............

The IDIBELL Cancer Conference (ICC) on Metastasis and Angiogenesis was held in Barcelona, Spain, on May 26-27, 2011. The program content was developed by Dr. Manel Esteller, director of the Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC-IDIBELL), Dr. Oriol Casanovas and Dr. Francesc Viñals Canals of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO-IDIBELL), and Dr. Danny R. Welch from the University of Kan...

BACKGROUND Reduced quality of life (QoL) is often the main problem for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study aimed at finding predictors of reduced physical and mental quality of life (QoL) accessible for intervention. METHODS Consecutive patients with IBS (according to the Rome II criteria) visiting a general practitioner were included in a prospective cohort study and fol...

OBJECTIVE Abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is involved in the development of vascular diseases. However, the mechanisms by which insulin exerts this effect are not completely known. We hypothesize that microRNAs might be involved in insulin-induced VSMC proliferation. METHODS VSMC proliferation was determined by [H]-thymidine incorporation; microRNAs were determined b...