Changes in the expression of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors during differentiation of immortalized fibroblasts into adipocytes.

The mechanisms implicated in the differentiation of fibroblastic precursors into adipocytes can be analyzed in vitro using cell models, such as the 3T3-L1 cell line. Since cell differentiation involves an exit from the cell cycle, it is likely that molecules that inhibit proliferation participate in the control of adipogenesis. This study was aimed at determining the role, if any, of several cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-inhibitors and the transcription factor C/EBPα in the process of adipocyte differentitation.

Collaborative and multilingual approach to learn database topics using concept maps.

Authors report on a study using the concept mapping technique in computer engineering education for learning theoretical introductory database topics. In addition, the learning of multilingual technical terminology by means of the collaborative drawing of a concept map is also pursued in this experiment. The main characteristics of a study carried out in the database subject at the University of the Basque Country during the 2011/2012 course are described.

Organochlorine residues in blood of cinereous vultures and Eurasian griffon vultures in a northeastern Mediterranean area of nature conservation.

In the National Park of Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest (Dadia NP, Greece), seven "target" PCBs and 16 organochlorine pesticides (OCs) were analysed in blood samples of cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus) and Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus). PCB congeners 138, 153 and 180 predominated in both species' blood samples. In both species, no differences were detected in congener levels between successive age classes, but in cinereous vulture, there were significant differences between adult and nestling in levels of PCB 28, 52, 101, 118 and between nestling and immature in levels of PCB 101.

What is behind a summary-evaluation decision?

Research in psychology has reported that, among the variety of possibilities for assessment methodologies, summary evaluation offers a particularly adequate context for inferring text comprehension and topic understanding. However, grades obtained in this methodology are hard to quantify objectively. Therefore, we carried out an empirical study to analyze the decisions underlying human summary-grading behavior.

p53 and cyclin D1 as prognostic factors in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

Objectives/hypothesis: Proteins p53 and cyclin D1 play a crucial role in cell cycle control. Protein p53 mutations are one of the most common genetic alterations in human cancer, and cyclin D1 gene amplification has been found to be associated with poor prognosis in different types of tumors. Functional alterations of these proteins may play an important role both in the carcinogenesis of squamous carcinomas of the head and neck and in the clinical evolution of these tumors.