Simulations on the number of entanglements of a polymer network using knot theory.

Polymer networks, created on the computer using the Bond-Fluctuation-Algorithm, offer the possibility to count the number of entanglements. We generated networks consisting of 5000 chains that were cross linked at their end groups via tetra-functional cross linkers. The analysis of the topology was performed by computing the Homfly polynomial of the entanglements offering a much more precise determination of the knot and entanglement type than the Gaussian linking number. It also allows us to determine the influence of Brunnian links. Results concerning the connection between the chain length and the number of entanglements are shown.

Normal structure of NFKB2, C-REL and BCL-3 gene loci in lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative disorders.

NF-kappaB/rel transcription factors are crucial regulators of development, differentiation and apoptosis of both lymphoid and myeloid lineages. There is increasing evidence for an involvement of NF-kappaB/rel proteins in lymphomagenesis and resistance of lymphoid tumors to the induction of apoptosis. Structural alterations of the NF-kappaB/rel genes NFkappaB2, c-rel and bcl-3 have been shown to result in increased NF-kappaB/rel activity. Because we observed strong constitutive NF-kappaB/rel binding activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia of the B-cell type (B-CLL) which may contribute to resistance against cytotoxic drugs we studied the genomic organisation of NFkappaB2, c-rel and bcl-3 gene loci in a panel of lymphoproliferative disorders (n=81) with an emphasis on B-CLL (n=47). The method of genomic Southern blotting using cDNAs of the respective genes was used. In spite of the role of NF-kappaB/rel in myeloid maturation there is no data available as to the occurrence of NF-kappaB/rel rearrangements in chronic myeloproliferative syndromes (cMPS). For this reason we included a small panel of cMPS patients (n=16). Southern Blotting revealed a germline configuration of NFkappaB2, c-rel and bcl-3 loci in all NHL and cMPS patients examined. Our results demonstrate that structural alterations of NFkappaB2, c-rel and bcl-3 genes at the Southern Blotting level are rare events that do not contribute to lymphoid or myeloid transformation in the majority of NHL or cMPS patients.