We developed new tools based on the processing of confocal images and a new statistical approach based on G- and F-distance functions used in spatial statistics. Our original computational scheme takes into account both size and shape variability by comparing, for each nucleus, the observed distribution against a reference distribution estimated by Monte-Carlo sampling over the same nucleus. This implicit normalization allowed similar data processing and extraction of rules in the five differentiated nuclei populations of the

three studied biological systems, despite differences selleck chemical in chromosome number, genome organization and heterochromatin content. We showed that centromeres/chromocenters form significantly more regularly spaced patterns than expected under a completely random SB273005 situation, suggesting that repulsive constraints or spatial inhomogeneities underlay the spatial organization of heterochromatic compartments. The proposed technique should be useful for identifying further spatial features in a wide range of cell types.”
“Adequate intakes of calcium and vitamin D are essential preventive strategies and essential parts of any therapeutic regimen for osteoporosis. However,

calcium supplementation is not without controversy and benefits on skeletal health need to be balanced against potential risks on cardiovascular disease. The published data so far suggest a potential detrimental effect of calcium supplement on cardiovascular health (i.e. myocardial infarction) although

further prospective studies are needed to clarify the gradient of risk. Since food sources of calcium produce similar GS-7977 order benefits on bone density as supplements and dietary calcium intake does not seem to be related with adverse cardiovascular effects, calcium intake from nutritional sources needs to be enforced. In patients with low calcium intake supplements are warranted aiming for a total calcium intake of 800 to 1000 mg/d together with adequate vitamin D replacement. Nevertheless we should keep in mind that for significant reduction in fracture risk, pharmacological treatment is mandatory in patients at risk of fractures irrespective of calcium and vitamin D supplementation.”
“The effects of Si substitution for Al on the glass forming ability, Curie temperature T(C), magnetocaloric effect, and refrigeration capacity (RC) of melt-spun Gd-based Gd(65)Fe(20)Al(15-x)Si(x) (x = 0-7) glassy ribbons have been investigated. The small amounts of Si substitution for Al in the Gd(65)Fe(20)Al(15-x)Si(x) glassy ribbons with high T(x)/T(m) (>0.70) and small Delta T(m) (Delta T(m) = T(m)-T(x)) promote the formation of high thermal stability of these alloys.