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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Characterization of a beta-catenin nuclear localization defect in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Beta-catenin plays a key role in transducing Wnt signals from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. Here we characterize an unusual subcellular distribution of beta-catenin in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, wherein beta-catenin localizes to the cytoplasm and membrane but atypically did not relocate to the nucleus after Wnt treatment. The inability of Wnt or the Wnt agonist LiCl to induce nuclear localization of beta-catenin was not due to defective nuclear transport, as the transport machinery was intact and ectopic GFP-beta-catenin displayed rapid nuclear entry in living cells. The mislocalization is explained by a shift in the retention of beta-catenin from nucleus to cytoplasm. The reduced nuclear retention is caused by unusually low expression of lymphoid enhancer factor/T-cell factor (LEF/TCF) transcription factors. The reconstitution of LEF-1 or TCF4 expression rescued nuclear localization of beta-catenin in Wnt treated cells. In the cytoplasm, beta-catenin accumulated in recycling endosomes, golgi and beta-COP-positive coatomer complexes. The peripheral association with endosomes diminished after Wnt treatment, potentially releasing β-catenin into the cytoplasm for nuclear entry. We propose that in MCF-7 and perhaps other breast cancer cells, beta-catenin may contribute to cytoplasmic functions such as ER-golgi transport, in addition to its transactivation role in the nucleus. - Highlights: • MCF-7 breast cancer cells are defective for beta-catenin nuclear accumulation. • Beta-catenin nuclear retention is lost in MCF-7 cells due to poor LEF1/TCF expression. • Beta-catenin accumulates in the cytoplasm at endosomes and golgi in MCF-7 cells. • Wnt signaling can stimulate release of beta-catenin from endosomes.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2010

Minimalist design of water-soluble cross-[beta] architecture

Demonstrated successes of protein design and engineering suggest significant potential to produce diverse protein architectures and assemblies beyond those found in nature. Here, we describe a new class of synthetic protein architecture through the successful design and atomic structures of water-soluble cross-{beta} proteins. The cross-{beta} motif is formed from the lamination of successive {beta}-sheet layers, and it is abundantly observed in the core of insoluble amyloid fibrils associated with protein-misfolding diseases. Despite its prominence, cross-{beta} has been designed only in the context of insoluble aggregates of peptides or proteins. Cross-{beta}'s recalcitrance to protein engineering and conspicuous absence among the known atomic structures of natural proteins thus makes it a challenging target for design in a water-soluble form. Through comparative analysis of the cross-{beta} structures of fibril-forming peptides, we identified rows of hydrophobic residues ('ladders') running across {beta}-strands of each {beta}-sheet layer as a minimal component of the cross-{beta} motif. Grafting a single ladder of hydrophobic residues designed from the Alzheimer's amyloid-{beta} peptide onto a large {beta}-sheet protein formed a dimeric protein with a cross-{beta} architecture that remained water-soluble, as revealed by solution analysis and x-ray crystal structures. These results demonstrate that the cross-{beta} motif is a stable architecture in water-soluble polypeptides and can be readily designed. Our results provide a new route for accessing the cross-{beta} structure and expanding the scope of protein design.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Identification and quantification of distinct active sites in Hf-Beta zeolites for transfer hydrogenation catalysis

Despite the significant progress made in characterizing different framework heteroatom sites that exist in Lewis acidic zeolites with probe molecule adsorption and spectroscopy, methods to reliably quantify site counts remain indefinite and have been primarily limited to Sn and Ti Lewis acid sites. Here, methods to quantify framework Lewis acidic Hf 4+ sites in zeolite Beta (Hf-Beta) with two Lewis base titrants (pyridine, deuterated acetonitrile) were developed using infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Lewis acid site counts for Hf-Beta zeolites were validated by measuring integrated molar extinction coefficients (IMECs; ε, cm μmol –1 ) on Sn-Beta zeolites using identical Lewis base titrants to benchmark site counts with established literature procedures to quantify Lewis acid sites in Beta zeolites from IR spectra. Highlighting the importance of benchmarking active site counts against well-established experimental protocols, IMECs of CD 3 CN bound to open (ε(Sn; 2316 cm –1 ): 1.80 ± 0.25) and closed (ε(Sn; 2308 cm –1 ): 3.76 ± 0.33) Sn sites were ~1.8x larger than those previously reported while total Lewis acid site counts agreed with those measured by pyridine (ε(Sn; 1451 cm –1 ): 1.58 ± 0.16) on six different Sn-Beta zeolites. IMECs measured for IR peaks reflecting pyridine bound to Lewis acidic Hf sites (ε(Hf; 1448 cm –1 ): 1.54 ± 0.21) and CD 3 CN bound to open (ε(Hf; 2313 cm –1 ): 2.40 ± 0.22) and closed (ε(Hf; 2307 cm –1 ): 3.55 ± 0.41) Hf sites, gave similar counts for the total number of Lewis acidic sites across six Hf-Beta zeolites (Si/Hf = 100–413). Consistent with previous reports with Sn-Beta catalysts where open Sn sites are responsible for catalytic turnover, apparent first and zero-order MPVO rate constants (0.01–1 M cyclohexanone in 2-butanol; per total Hf, 373 K) correlated with the total number of open Hf sites, per total Hf, but not with the total number of closed Hf sites or total Lewis acid site counts. Measured initial MPVO rates (0.1 M cyclohexanone in 2-butanol, per open Hf, 373 K) were ~25x higher on hydrophobic Hf-Beta-F than on hydrophilic Hf-Beta-OH zeolites. Overall, the apparent first-order MPVO rate constants (2-butanol solvent, per open Hf, 373 K) were ~6x higher on Hf-Beta-F than on Hf-Beta-OH zeolites. The characterization methods reported here enable normalization of MPVO turnover rates on Sn- and Hf-Beta zeolites by their number of open sites. Finally, this enables performing quantitative rate comparisons across Lewis acid zeolites of varying active site identity, solvation, and pore topology used in liquid-phase catalysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2010

Stimulation of Na{sup +}/K{sup +} ATPase activity and Na{sup +} coupled glucose transport by {beta}-catenin

Research highlights: {yields} The oncogenic transcription factor {beta}-catenin stimulates the Na{sup +}/K{sup +}-ATPase. {yields} {beta}-Catenin stimulates SGLT1 dependent Na{sup +}, glucose cotransport. {yields} The effects are independent of transcription. {yields} {beta}-Catenin sensitive transport may contribute to properties of proliferating cells. -- Abstract: {beta}-Catenin is a multifunctional protein stimulating as oncogenic transcription factor several genes important for cell proliferation. {beta}-Catenin-regulated genes include the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase SGK1, which is known to stimulate a variety of transport systems. The present study explored the possibility that {beta}-catenin influences membrane transport. To this end, {beta}-catenin was expressed in Xenopus oocytes with or without SGLT1 and electrogenic transport determined by dual electrode voltage clamp. As a result, expression of {beta}-catenin significantly enhanced the ouabain-sensitive current of the endogeneous Na{sup +}/K{sup +}-ATPase. Inhibition of vesicle trafficking by brefeldin A revealed that the stimulatory effect of {beta}-catenin on the endogenous Na{sup +}/K{sup +}-ATPase was not due to enhanced stability of the pump protein in the cell membrane. Expression of {beta}-catenin further enhanced glucose-induced current (Ig) in SGLT1-expressing oocytes. In the absence of SGLT1 Ig was negligible irrespective of {beta}-catenin expression. The stimulating effect of {beta}-catenin on both Na{sup +}/K{sup +} ATPase and SGLT1 activity was observed even in the presence of actinomycin D, an inhibitor of transcription. The experiments disclose a completely novel function of {beta}-catenin, i.e. the regulation of transport.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Phosphorylation prevents C/EBP{beta} from the calpain-dependent degradation

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Phosphorylation protected C/EBP{beta} from {mu}-calpain-mediated proteolysis in vitro. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Phosphorylation mimic C/EBP{beta} was insensitive to calpain accelerator and inhibitor. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Phosphorylation on Thr{sub 188} contributed more to the stabilization of C/EBP{beta}. -- Abstract: CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) {beta} plays an important role in proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. C/EBP{beta} is sequentially phosphorylated during the 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation program, first by MAPK/Cyclin A/cdk2 on Thr{sub 188} and subsequently by GSK3{beta} on Ser{sub 184} or Thr{sub 179}. Dual phosphorylation is critical for the gain of DNA binding activity of C/EBP{beta}. In this manuscript, we found that phosphorylation also contributed to the stability of C/EBP{beta}. Both ex vivo and in vitro experiments showed that phosphorylation by MAPK/Cyclin A/cdk2 and GSK3{beta} protected C/EBP{beta} from {mu}-calpain-mediated proteolysis, while phosphorylation on Thr{sub 188} by MAPK/Cyclin A/cdk2 contributed more to the stabilization of C/EBP{beta}, Further studies indicated that phosphorylation mimic C/EBP{beta} was insensitive to both calpain accelerator and calpain inhibitor. Thus, phosphorylation might contribute to the stability as well as the gain of DNA binding activity of C/EBP{beta}.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

MicroRNA-29a is up-regulated in beta-cells by glucose and decreases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MicroRNA-29a (miR-29a) levels are increased by glucose in human and rat islets and INS-1E cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer miR-29a increases proliferation of INS-1E beta-cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Forced expression of miR-29a decreases glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Depletion of beta-cell miR-29a improves GSIS. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer miR-29a may be a mediator of glucose toxicity in beta-cells. -- Abstract: Chronically elevated levels of glucose impair pancreatic beta-cell function while inducing beta-cell proliferation. MicroRNA-29a (miR-29a) levels are increased in several tissues in diabetic animals and mediate decreased insulin-stimulated glucose-transport of adipocytes. The aim was to investigate the impact of glucose on miR-29a levels in INS-1E beta-cells and in human islets of Langerhans and furthermore to evaluate the impact of miR-29a on beta-cell function and proliferation. Increased glucose levels up-regulated miR-29a in beta-cells and human and rat islets of Langerhans. Glucose-stimulated insulin-secretion (GSIS) of INS-1E beta-cells was decreased by forced expression of miR-29a, while depletion of endogenous miR-29a improved GSIS. Over-expression of miR-29a increased INS-1E proliferation. Thus, miR-29a up-regulation is involved in glucose-induced proliferation of beta-cells. Furthermore, as depletion of miR-29a improves beta-cell function, miR-29a is a mediator of glucose-induced beta-cell dysfunction. Glucose-induced up-regulation of miR-29a in beta-cells could be implicated in progression from impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2012

Effects of plasma {beta} on the plasmoid instability

The effects of the initial upstream plasma {beta} on the plasmoid instability are studied via two-dimensional resistive magnetohydrodynamic simulations. For cases with nonuniform {beta} dependent initial plasma mass density and uniform temperature, our numerical results indicate that the critical Lundquist number for onset of the plasmoid instability depends on the initial plasma {beta}. The critical Lundquist number is approximately 2000-3000 for {beta}=50 and is 8000-10 000 for {beta}=0.2. The higher the {beta}, the smaller the critical Lundquist number is. Similar to previous studies of high-{beta} systems, the average reconnection rate in low {beta} systems is found to become weakly dependent on the Lundquist number in the plasmoid-unstable regime. However, the average reconnection rate, normalized to the asymptotic value of upstream BV{sub A}, is lower in a low {beta} system than that in a high {beta} system. The magnetic energy spectral index, which characterizes fragmentation of the reconnection layer, is approximately two and is insensitive to {beta} in the high-Lunquist number regime. It is also found that the magnetic reconnection rate becomes similar for different {beta} cases, if the initial force-balance is provided by temperature gradient instead of density gradient. Therefore, it is concluded that the {beta}-dependence mentioned above may be largely attributed to the density variation.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Performance Advantaged ..beta..-Ketone Containing Polymers - Benefits in Manufacturing, Performance, and End-of-Life

Biomass derived chemicals can possess extended functionality, often in the form of heteroatoms like oxygen and nitrogen, that can enable performance advantaged properties in emergent materials. These performance advantages can manifest in multiple ways such as reduced manufacturing intensity, better performance, or enhanced end-of-life options. One illustrative example of this concept is ..beta..-ketoadipic acid (..beta..KA), a C6 dicarboxylic acid with a ketone in its backbone. ..beta..KA can be obtained via biological cultivation from aromatic compounds, sugars, and even waste plastics. When ..beta..KA is implemented into polymers, namely nylons, in place of adipic acid the overall material properties are increased. Specifically, the glass transition temperature (which is the measurement at which temperature a plastic softens) is increased by 69 degrees C and the water permeability is reduced by 20%. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations reveal that the ..beta..-ketone in ..beta..KA leads to restricted movement across multiple backbone carbons when compared to adipic acid. Furthermore, MD simulations reveal that the ..beta..-ketone, when compared to no-ketone or an a-ketone, can lead to an increase in hydrogen bonding between neighboring chains. Both phenomena may help explain the molecular origin of the increases in polymer performance. When implemented into polyesters, namely PET, ..beta..KA can maintain the requisite performance while enabling enhanced degradation. Aside from performance advantages in thermomechanical performance, the production of ..beta..KA also is advantaged in its manufacturing. Although estimates for the minimum selling price (MSP) of ..beta..KA exceed adipic acid the manufacture of ..beta..KAwould reduce supply chain energy and GHG emissions by >50% and >30% respectively. Further TEA analysis reveals that the MSP of ..beta..KA is primarily driven by the feedstock cost while the capital expenditures are driven largely by fermentation costs. Overall, the work presented within will be illustrative of how biomass derived molecules, namely ..beta..KA, can manifest performance advantages across multiple benchmarks and may enable a path to market for biomass-derived materials.

ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS,BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2022

..beta..-Ketoadipic Acid Production in P. putida for Performance-Advantaged Nylons

Biomass derived chemicals can possess extended functionality, often in the form of heteroatoms like oxygen and nitrogen, that can enable performance advantaged properties in emergent materials. One illustrative example of this concept is ..beta..-ketoadipic acid (..beta..KA), a C6 dicarboxylic acid with a ketone in its backbone. ..beta..KA can be obtained via biological cultivation from aromatic compounds, sugars, and even waste plastics. When ..beta..KA is implemented into polymers, namely nylons, in place of adipic acid the overall material properties are increased. Specifically, the glass transition temperature (which is the measurement at which temperature a plastic softens) is increased by 69 degrees C and the water permeability is reduced by 20%. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations reveal that the ..beta..-ketone in ..beta..KA leads to restricted movement across multiple backbone carbons when compared to adipic acid. Furthermore, MD simulations reveal that the ..beta..-ketone, when compared to no-ketone or an a-ketone, can lead to an increase in hydrogen bonding between neighboring chains. Both phenomena may help explain the molecular origin of the increases in polymer performance. Aside from performance advantages in thermomechanical performance, the production of ..beta..KA also is advantaged in its manufacturing. Although estimates for the minimum selling price (MSP) of ..beta..KA exceed adipic acid the manufacture of ..beta..KA would reduce supply chain energy and GHG emissions by >50% and >30% respectively. Further TEA analysis reveals that the MSP of ..beta..KA is primarily driven by the feedstock cost while the capital expenditures are driven largely by fermentation costs. Overall, the work presented within will be illustrative of how biomass derived molecules, namely ..beta..KA, can manifest performance advantages across multiple benchmarks and may enable a path to market for biomass-derived materials.

beta-ketoadipic acid↗
DOE OSTI2010

Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) targets {beta}-catenin for phosphorylation and proteasomal degradation

The regulation of intracellular {beta}-catenin levels is central in the Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling cascade and the activation of the Wnt target genes. Here, we show that homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) acts as a negative regulator of the Wnt/{beta}-catenin pathway. Knock-down of endogenous HIPK2 increases the stability of {beta}-catenin and results in the accumulation of {beta}-catenin in the nucleus, consequently enhancing the expression of Wnt target genes and cell proliferation both in vivo and in cultured cells. HIPK2 inhibits TCF/LEF-mediated target gene activation via degradation of {beta}-catenin. HIPK2 phosphorylates {beta}-catenin at its Ser33 and Ser37 residues without the aid of a priming kinase. Substitutions of Ser33 and Ser37 for alanines abolished the degradation of {beta}-catenin associated with HIPK2. In ex vivo mouse model, HIPK2 knock-down resulted in accumulation of {beta}-catenin, thereby potentiated {beta}-catenin-mediated cell proliferation and tumor formation. Furthermore, the axis duplication induced by the ectopic expression of {beta}-catenin was blocked by co-injection of HIPK2 mRNAs into Xenopus embryos. Taken together, HIPK2 appears to function as a novel negative regulator of {beta}-catenin through its phosphorylation and proteasomal degradation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2010

Interleukin-1{beta} regulates cell proliferation and activity of extracellular matrix remodelling enzymes in cultured primary pig heart cells

Research highlights: {yields} Levels of IL-1{beta} are increased in the pig myocardium after infarction. {yields} Cultured pig heart cells possess IL-1 receptors. {yields} IL-1{beta} increases cell proliferation of pig heart cells in-vitro. {yields} IL-1{beta} increases MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in pig heart cells in-vitro. {yields} IL-1{beta} may be important for tissue remodelling events after myocardial infarction. -- Abstract: After myocardial infarction, elevated levels of interleukins (ILs) are found within the myocardial tissue and IL-1{beta} is considered to play a major role in tissue remodelling events throughout the body. In the study presented, we have established a cell culture model of primary pig heart cells to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of IL-1{beta} on cell proliferation as well as expression and activity of enzymes typically involved in tissue remodelling. Primary pig heart cell cultures were derived from three different animals and stimulated with recombinant pig IL-1{beta}. RNA expression was detected by RT-PCR, protein levels were evaluated by Western blotting, activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was quantified by gelatine zymography and cell proliferation was measured using colorimetric MTS assays. Pig heart cells express receptors for IL-1 and application of IL-1{beta} resulted in a dose-dependent increase of cell proliferation (P < 0.05 vs. control; 100 ng/ml; 24 h). Gene expression of caspase-3 was increased by IL-1{beta} (P < 0.05 vs. control; 100 ng/ml; 3 h), and pro-caspase-3 but not active caspase was detected in lysates of pig heart cells by Western blotting. MMP-2 gene expression as well as enzymatic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased by IL-1{beta} (P < 0.05 vs. control; 100 ng/ml; 3 h for gene expression, 48 and 72 h for enzymatic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively). Our in vitro data suggest that IL-1{beta} plays a major role in the events of tissue remodelling in the heart. Combined with our recently published in vivo data (Meybohm et al., PLoS One, 2009), the results presented here strongly suggest IL-1{beta} as a key molecule guiding tissue remodelling events after myocardial infarction.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

TGF beta inhibits expression of SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, but not SP-D in human alveolar type II cells

Highlights: • TGF beta inhibits expression of SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, Fatty acid synthase, and ABCA3. • TGF beta does not inhibit the expression of SP-D. • TGF beta does not induce EMT changes in highly differentiated type II cells. TGF beta is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates alveolar epithelial cells as well as immune cells and fibroblasts. TGF beta inhibits surfactant protein A, B and C expression in fetal human lung and can inhibit type II cell proliferation induced by FGF7 (KGF). However, little is known about direct effects of TGF beta on adult human type II cells. We cultured alveolar type II cells under air/liquid interface conditions to maintain their state of differentiation with or without TGF beta. TGF beta markedly decreased expression of SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, fatty acid synthase, and the phospholipid transporter ABCA3. However, TGF beta increased protein levels of SP-D with little change in mRNA levels, indicating that it is regulated independently from other components of surfactant. TGF beta is a negative regulator of both the protein and the phospholipid components of surfactant. TGF beta did not induce EMT changes in highly differentiated human type II cells. SP-D is an important host defense molecule and regulated independently from the other surfactant proteins. Taken together these data are the first report of the effect of TGF beta on highly differentiated adult human type II cells. The effects on the surfactant system are likely important in the development of fibrotic lung diseases.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2011

A Putatively Functional Haplotype in the Gene Encoding Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 as a Potential Biomarker for Radiosensitivity

Purpose: To determine whether genetic variability in TGFB1 is related to circulating transforming growth factor-{beta}1 (TGF-{beta}1) plasma concentrations after radiotherapy and to radiosensitivity of lymphoid cells. Patients and Methods: Transforming growth factor-{beta}1 plasma concentrations (n = 79) were measured in patients 1 year after radiotherapy and chromosomal aberrations (n = 71) ex vivo before therapy start. Furthermore, TGF-{beta}1 secretion and apoptosis were measured in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 55 healthy volunteers. These phenotypes were analyzed in relation to five germline polymorphisms in the 5' region of the TGFB1 gene. Because of high linkage disequilibrium, these five polymorphisms reflect frequent genetic variation in this region. A presumed impact of TGF-{beta}1 on DNA damage or repair was measured as micronucleus formation in 30 lymphoblastoid cell lines. Results: We identified a hypofunctional genetic haplotype termed H3 tagging the 5' region of the TGFB1 gene encoding TGF-{beta}1. H3 was associated with lower TGF-{beta}1 plasma concentrations in patients (p = 0.01) and reduced TGF-{beta}1 secretion in irradiated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (p = 0.003). Furthermore, cells with H3 were less prone to induction of chromosomal aberrations (p = 0.001) and apoptosis (p = 0.003) by irradiation. The hypothesis that high TGF-{beta}1 could sensitize cells to DNA damage was further supported by increased micronuclei formation in 30 lymphoblastoid cell lines when preincubated with TGF-{beta}1 before irradiation (p = 0.04). Conclusions: On the basis of TGF-{beta}1 plasma levels and radiation sensitivity of lymphoid cells, this study revealed a putatively hypofunctional TGFB1 haplotype. The significance of this haplotype and the suggested link between TGF-{beta}1 function and DNA integrity should be further explored in other cell types, as well as other experimental and clinical conditions.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2012

Magnetic behaviour of the MTbF{sub 6} fluoroterbates (M=Cd, Ca, Sr, ({alpha}/{beta})-Ba)

Neutron powder diffraction has been performed on the MTbF{sub 6} fluorides (M=Cd, Ca, Sr, ({alpha}/{beta})-Ba). Four of these fluorides (Cd, Ca, Sr, {beta}-Ba) are built of a (pseudo-) tetragonal packing of [TbF{sub 6}]{sup 2-} chains and only differs by the chains relative orientations. Thus this series represents a valuable opportunity to evaluate the Tb{sup 4+}-Tb{sup 4+} magnetic interactions. All the compounds displayed antiferromagnetic order (T{sub N}=2.70 K (Cd), 2.15 K (Ca), 2.60 K (Sr), 2.10 K ({beta}-Ba)), except for the {alpha} form of BaTbF{sub 6}. The crystal structure of this latter fluoroterbate has also been investigated by means of high-resolution neutron powder diffraction. From Neutron Powder Diffraction data, CdTbF{sub 6} and {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6} magnetic structures were determined, together with the metamagnetic behaviour of {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6} as a function of an external magnetic field. A tentative phase diagram is then given for {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6}. Advantage was taken of the polymorphism of the BaTbF{sub 6} fluoroterbate to analyse, on the basis of topological parameters such as bond distances and angles, the magnetic behaviour of its {alpha} and {beta} forms. It was shown that superexchange interactions are present in {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6}, and that these interactions may also rule the magnetic behaviour of the other MTbF{sub 6} (M=Ca, Sr, Cd) tetravalent terbium fluorides. - Graphical abstract: Powder neutron diffraction revealed magnetic order in four of the five investigated fluoroterbates, while crystal chemical analyses of {alpha} and {beta} forms of BaTbF{sub 6} evidenced the existence of superexchange interactions. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Five fluoroterbates are investigated by Powder Neutron Diffraction (PND). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Four of them are antiferromagnetically ordered at 1.4 K. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Magnetic structures of {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6} and CdTbF{sub 6} are determined. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PND under magnetic field emphasises the metamagnetic behaviour of {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Comparison of {alpha} and {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6} evidences superexchange interactions in fluoroterbates.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Thymosin {beta}4 promotes the migration of endothelial cells without intracellular Ca{sup 2+} elevation

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effects of T{beta}4 on cell migration, proliferation, apoptosis and inflammation after exogenous treatment, but the mechanism by which T{beta}4 functions is still unclear. Previously, we demonstrated that incubation of endothelial cells with T{beta}4 induced synthesis and secretion of various proteins, including plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 and matrix metaloproteinases. We also showed that T{beta}4 interacts with Ku80, which may operate as a novel receptor for T{beta}4 and mediates its intracellular activity. In this paper, we provide evidence that T{beta}4 induces cellular processes without changes in the intracellular Ca{sup 2+} concentration. External treatment of HUVECs with T{beta}4 and its mutants deprived of the N-terminal tetrapeptide AcSDKP (T{beta}4{sub AcSDKPT/4A}) or the actin-binding sequence KLKKTET (T{beta}4{sub KLKKTET/7A}) resulted in enhanced cell migration and formation of tubular structures in Matrigel. Surprisingly, the increased cell motility caused by T{beta}4 was not associated with the intracellular Ca{sup 2+} elevation monitored with Fluo-4 NW or Fura-2 AM. Therefore, it is unlikely that externally added T{beta}4 induces HUVEC migration via the surface membrane receptors known to generate Ca{sup 2+} influx. Our data confirm the concept that externally added T{beta}4 must be internalized to induce intracellular mechanisms supporting endothelial cell migration.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2010

High LET Radiation Can Enhance TGF(Beta) Induced EMT and Cross-Talk with ATM Pathways

The TGF(Beta) pathway has been shown to regulate or directly interact with the ATM pathway in the response to radiation in mammary epithelial cells. We investigated possible interactions between the TGF(Beta) and ATM pathways following simulated space radiation using hTERT immortalized human esophageal epithelial cells (EPC-hTERT), mink lung epithelial cells (Mv1lu), and several human fibroblast cell lines. TGF(Beta) is a key modulator of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), important in cancer progression and metastasis. The implication of EMT by radiation also has several lines of developing evidence, however is poorly understood. The identification of TGF(Beta) induced EMT can be shown in changes to morphology, related gene over expression or down regulation, which can be detected by RT-PCR, and immunostaining and western blotting. In this study, we have observed morphologic and molecular alternations consistent with EMT after Mv1lu cells were treated with TGF(Beta) High LET radiation enhanced TGF(Beta) mediated EMT with a dose as low as 0.1Gy. In order to consider the TGF(Beta) interaction with ATM we used a potent ATM inhibitor Ku55933 and investigated gene expression changes and Smad signaling kinetics. Ku559933 was observed to reverse TGF(Beta) induced EMT, while this was not observed in dual treated cells (radiation+TGF(Beta)). In EPC-hTERT cells, TGF(Beta) alone was not able to induce EMT after 3 days of application. A combined treatment with high LET, however, significantly caused the alteration of EMT markers. To study the function of p53 in the process of EMT, we knocked down P53 through RNA interference. Morphology changes associated with EMT were observed in epithelial cells with silenced p53. Our study indicates: high LET radiation can enhance TGF(Beta) induced EMT; while ATM is triggering the process of TGF(Beta)-induced EMT, p53 might be an essential repressor for EMT phenotypes.

Wang, Minli↗
DOE OSTI2020

The CUPID-Mo experiment for neutrinoless double-beta decay: performance and prospects

CUPID-Mo is a bolometric experiment to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay ($0\nu\beta\beta$) of $^{100}$Mo. In this article, we detail the CUPID-Mo detector concept, assembly, installation in the underground laboratory in Modane in 2018, and provide results from the first datasets. The demonstrator consists of an array of 20 scintillating bolometers comprised of $^{100}$Mo-enriched 0.2 kg Li$_2$MoO$_4$ crystals. The detectors are complemented by 20 thin cryogenic Ge bolometers acting as light detectors to distinguish $\alpha$ from $\gamma$/$\beta$ events by the detection of both heat and scintillation light signals. We observe good detector uniformity, facilitating the operation of a large detector array as well as excellent energy resolution of 5.3 keV (6.5 keV) FWHM at 2615 keV, in calibration (physics) data. Based on the observed energy resolutions and light yields a separation of $\alpha$ particles at much better than 99.9\% with equally high acceptance for $\gamma$/$\beta$ events is expected for events in the region of interest for $^{100}$Mo $0\nu\beta\beta$. We present limits on the crystals' radiopurity ($\leq$3 $\mu$Bq/kg of $^{226}$Ra and $\leq$2 $\mu$Bq/kg of $^{232}$Th). Based on these initial results we also discuss a sensitivity study for the science reach of the CUPID-Mo experiment, in particular, the ability to set the most stringent half-life limit on the $^{100}$Mo $0\nu\beta\beta$ decay after half a year of livetime. In conclusion, the achieved results show that CUPID-Mo is a successful demonstrator of the technology - developed in the framework of the LUMINEU project - selected for the CUPID experiment, a proposed follow-up of CUORE, the currently running first tonne-scale cryogenic $0\nu\beta\beta$ experiment.

100Mo↗
DOE OSTI2010

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) cross-talks with canonical Wnt signaling via phosphorylation of {beta}-catenin at Ser 552

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of energy metabolism; its activity is regulated by a plethora of physiological conditions, exercises and many anti-diabetic drugs. Recent studies show that AMPK involves in cell differentiation but the underlying mechanism remains undefined. Wingless Int-1 (Wnt)/{beta}-catenin signaling pathway regulates the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells through enhancing {beta}-catenin/T-cell transcription factor 1 (TCF) mediated transcription. The objective of this study was to determine whether AMPK cross-talks with Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling through phosphorylation of {beta}-catenin. C3H10T1/2 mesenchymal cells were used. Chemical inhibition of AMPK and the expression of a dominant negative AMPK decreased phosphorylation of {beta}-catenin at Ser 552. The {beta}-catenin/TCF mediated transcription was correlated with AMPK activity. In vitro, pure AMPK phosphorylated {beta}-catenin at Ser 552 and the mutation of Ser 552 to Ala prevented such phosphorylation, which was further confirmed using [{gamma}-{sup 32}P]ATP autoradiography. In conclusion, AMPK phosphorylates {beta}-catenin at Ser 552, which stabilizes {beta}-catenin, enhances {beta}-catenin/TCF mediated transcription, expanding AMPK from regulation of energy metabolism to cell differentiation and development via cross-talking with the Wnt/{beta}-catenin signaling pathway.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗