Boolean or logical modeling has become a promising approach to capture the qualitative behavior of such complex networks. Here we built a large-scale literature-based Boolean model of the central intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways as well as pathways connected with them. The model responds to several external stimuli such as Fas ligand, TNF-alpha, UV-B irradiation, interleukin-1 beta and insulin. Timescales and multi-value node logic were used and turned out to be indispensable to reproduce the behavior of the apoptotic network. The coherence of the

model was experimentally validated. Thereby an UV-B dose-effect is shown for the first GSK2879552 supplier time in mouse hepatocytes. Analysis of the model revealed a tight regulation emerging from high connectivity and spanning crosstalks and a particular importance of feedback loops. An unexpected feedback from Smac release to RIP could further increase complex II formation. The introduced Boolean model provides a comprehensive and coherent description of the apoptosis network behavior. It gives new insights into the complex interplay of pro-and antiapoptotic selleck factors and can be easily expanded to other signaling pathways.”
“Seminal vesicle cyst (SVC) with ipsilateral renal agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly. Surgical treatment is indicated for symptomatic patients. The open surgical approach, traditionally considered the definitive

form of treatment, has been associated with a high rate of morbidity. A laparoscopic approach for the management Pexidartinib of SVCs has recently been described. We performed a laparoscopic excision of a SVC with special precaution taken to avoid injury to the neurovascular bundle in a symptomatic

27-year-old patient. The patient was discharged home on the second postoperative day and at the 1-year follow-up he had remained symptom-free with normal erectile and ejaculatory function. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“The present article describes the size induced changes in the structural arrangement of intrinsic defects present in chemically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles of various sizes. Routine x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy have been performed to determine the shapes and sizes of the nanocrystalline ZnO samples. Detailed studies using positron annihilation spectroscopy reveals the presence of zinc vacancy. Whereas analysis of photoluminescence results predict the signature of charged oxygen vacancies. The size induced changes in positron parameters as well as the photoluminescence properties, has shown contrasting or nonmonotonous trends as size varies from 4 to 85 nm. Small spherical particles below a critical size (similar to 23 nm) receive more positive surface charge due to the higher occupancy of the doubly charge oxygen vacancy as compared to the bigger nanostructures where singly charged oxygen vacancy predominates.