Search

The class (resp., t-class) semigroup of an integral domain is the semigroup of the isomorphy classes of the nonzero fractional ideals (resp., t-ideals) with the operation induced by ideal (t-) multiplication. This paper surveys recent literature which studies ring-theoretic conditions that reflect reciprocally in the Clifford property of the class (resp., t-class) semigroup. Precisely, it examines integral domains with Clifford class (resp., t-class) semigroup and describes their idempotent elements and the structure of their associated constituent groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the embryo, blood vessels derive from endothelial precursors in a process called vasculogenesis. These progenitors assemble into a primitive vascular plexus. Subsequently, in a process called angiogenesis, the primitive vascular plexus expands by means of vessel sprouting and organizes into a network of blood vessels. Finally, the developing vessels are reinforced by the association with pericytes and smooth muscle cells (Coultas, et al. 2005). In parallel, in a process called lymphangiogenesis, lymphatic endothelial cells, which derive from embryonic veins by sprouting, form primary lymph sacs and the primary lymphatic plexus (Alitalo and Carmeliet 2002). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, several studies have brought forward new and exciting discoveries in polymorphonuclear neutrophil research by establishing that the release of inflammatory cytokines constitutes a novel and important aspect of the biology of this cell. At present, neutrophils should no longer be regarded as cells that only release preformed mediators, but instead as fundamental contributors for many events that control and regulate inflammatory, immune, and other relevant responses. In this context, a correct methodological analysis of this novel neutrophil function represents a critical step toward a better understanding of how the release of cytokines by neutrophils may influence pathophysiological processes in vivo. We now describe and discuss methods we have recently developed to more rapidly characterize the pattern of cytokine expression in in vitro-activated human neutrophils. The validation of the real-time PCR assay as a suitable strategy for an accurate, sensitive, reliable, and bona fide analysis of cytokine gene expression in human neutrophils overcomes several problems strictly specific to neutrophils and offers an important tool for high-throughput analysis of gene expression in neutrophils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]