Publications by authors named "BEKKER B"

Tumor cell invasion into heterogenous interstitial tissues consisting of network-, channel- or rift-like architectures involves both matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated tissue remodeling and cell shape adaptation to tissue geometry. Three-dimensional (3D) models composed of either porous or linearly aligned architectures have added to the understanding of how physical spacing principles affect migration efficacy; however, the relative contribution of each architecture to decision making in the presence of varying MMP availability is not known. Here, we developed an interface assay containing a cleft between two high-density collagen lattices, and we used this assay to probe tumor cell invasion efficacy, invasion mode and MMP dependence in concert.

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It was recently demonstrated that significant local deformations of biological membranes take place due to the fields of charged peptides and ions, challenging the standard model of membrane electrostatics. The ability of ions to retain their immediate hydration environment, combined with the lack of sensitivity of permeability to ion type or even ion pairs, led us to question the extent to which hydration energetics and electrostatics control membrane ion permeation. Using the arginine analog methyl-guanidinium as a test case, we find that although hydrocarbon electronic polarizability causes dramatic changes in ion solvation free energy, as well as a significant change (approximately 0.

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A study was made of the relationship of endocervical columnar cells to the cytologic identification of abnormality in the cervix. From a population of women participating in a cervical cancer screening program, a group of women was selected whose smears theoretically should have contained endocervical columnar cells. Endocervical cells were present in 93.

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Within a population-based breast cancer screening programs, 209 cancers were detected by regular mammographic screening. Additionally, 66 cancers were discovered between two consecutive screenings after one, two, or three negative screening examinations (interval cancers). The study group consisted of 25,920 women who have been participating since 1975 in a breast cancer screening program in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

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