bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Correlation between Placental Weight and Foetal Outcome in a Tertiary Health Facility in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Emechebe C. I. , Ekanem E. , Ukaga J. T. , Njoku C. O.
Published: July 2021

Background: Placenta is a vital feto-maternal organ for promoting pregnancy, foetal growth and development. Placenta varies in weight, size, thickness, form and consistency. The weight of the placenta is functionally significant because it is related to villous surface area and foetal metabolism. Gross examination of placenta after delivery may provide a useful insight into foetal weight, newborn and maternal complications of pregnancy.

Objectives: To determine the mean placental weight in our environment and also, to determine the correlation between the placental weight and neonatal outcome in term pregnancies in Calabar.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 300 women conducted at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). Participants in the study were women with singleton pregnancies who delivered either by vaginal delivery or caesarean section at term. Examination and weighing of placenta were done at delivery for placental weight. Foetal outcome that were recorded included birth weight, sex, length of the newborn and Apgar score at 5th minute. Maternal age, marital status and parity were also obtained. Data obtained were analyzed using the statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Level of significance was set at p-value less than 0.05. Data were presented in tables and graph.

Results: The mean placental weight was 652 ±152g and ranged from 250g-1,200g. The mean foetal birth weight was 3.309 ±0.522kg and ranged from 2.0-5.9kg. The mean placental weight to birth weight ratio was 1: 5.08. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38.94 ±1.33weeks while the mean length of the neonate was 49.79 ±2.66cm. There was a corresponding increase in placental weight with increase in neonatal birth weight and length of the neonate.

Conclusions: Placental weight was positively correlated with birth weight and length of the neonate. Critical examination and weighting of the placenta immediately after delivery should be done to determine the well being of the newborn.
Comparative Study between the Effect of Dexmedetomidine or Magnesium Sulphate Infusion on the Recovery Profile and Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Ibrahim Doaa Kelany , Ahmed Sameh Abd EL Khalik , Zeftawy Ashraf Elsayed El , Amin Sabry Mohamed
Published: July 2021

Background: The increasing incidence of morbid obesity is a crisis in national healthcare which has precipitated an increase in bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity, with a mean percentage of weight loss after 2 years of 68.2% for laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Methods: This prospective randomized controlled study was carried out in Tanta University Hospitals in General Surgery Department on patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic bariatric surgery from July 2019 to June 2020. The study has been approved by the Institutional ethical committee at Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University with approval number (33161/05/19)

Results: There was a significant decrease in heart rate, at T2 to T9, in group II (Dexmedetomidine group) and group III (Mg sulphate group) compared to group I (Control group). There was a significant decrease in mean arterial blood pressure, at T2 to T9,  in group II and group III compared to group I. Visual analog scale for pain (VAS) was decreased significantly in group II and group III compared to group I. There was a negative increase in nausea and vomiting in group I than group II and group III. Bradycardia, hypotension and postoperative hypoxemia were insignificantly different among the three groups.

Conclusions: In patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgeries, both dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulphate were safe and effective as regards early recovery profile, delayed time for the first request of analgesia and less opioid consumption.
Comparison of Non Linear Models and Artificial Neural Network to Describe the Liveweight from Birth to Maturity in Female Jersey Cattle
Authors: Omoniwa D. O. , Akinsola J. E. T. , Okeke R. O. , Madu J. M. , Umar D. S. Bunjah
Published: July 2021

Evaluation of growth data is an important strategy to manage gross feed requirement in female Jersey cattle in the New Derived Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria. Two non-linear functions (Gompertz and Logistic) and Neural network models were used to fit liveweight (LW)-age data using the non linear procedure of JMP statistical software. Data used for this study were collected from 150 Jersey female cattle in Shonga Dairy Farm, Kwara, State from 2010-2018. The Neural network function showedthe best goodness of fit. Both the Gompertz and Logistic functions overestimated LW at birth, 3, 36, 48, 60 and 72months respectively. NN function overestimated the LW at 0, 3, 24, 36 and 72 months. The Gompertzfunction had the best estimation of asymptotic weight (649.51 kg) with average absolute growth rate (0.061 kg/day).The inflection point was 15.95, 9.55 and 34.5 months in Logistic, Gompertz and neural network models, respectively. A strong and positive correlation was observed between asymptote and inflection point in Gompertz functions. The metrics of goodness of fit criteria (R2 and RMSE), showed that NN with multilayer perceptron was superior to the other models but Gompertz model, was best in its ability to approximate complex functions of growth curve parametersin female Jersey cattle.
Knowledge and Menstrual Hygiene Practices among Adolescent Female Apprentices in Lagelu Local Government Area, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Bolanle Folaranmi, Zaynab , Ayoade Titiloye, Musibau , Sola Arulogun, Oyedunni
Published: July 2021

Poor menstrual hygiene practices continue to exist in Nigeria like most developing countries due to persistent problems of lack of sanitary pad for adolescent by their parents, menstrual hygiene education by mothers and time for observing good menstrual hygiene. Hence this study assessed knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent female apprentices in Lagelu Local Government area of Oyo state. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 421 female apprentices between the ages of 10-19years. A semi-structured pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire that contained 15-point knowledge and 12-point practice scales was used to collect data from respondents. Knowledge score of 0-5 was rated poor, 6-10 as fair and 11-15 as good. Practice score of <7 was rated poor while score ≥7 was rated good. Data were analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics with aid of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 21 at p≤0.05. Mean age at menarche was found to be 13.4±1.4. Majority (96.2%) were single and 50.3% being Muslims. Although 77.4% were aware of menstruation before menarche, only 50.8% possessed good knowledge of menstruation. Hygiene knowledge was found to be very poor as only 22.6% correctly knew that menstrual blood comes from the uterus and 55.5% did not know the normal length of menstrual cycle. Factors significantly associated with knowledge of respondents included fathers’ and mothers’ level of education while those associated with practice included lack of private washing facilities for cloth and napkin, private disposal facilities for disposable absorbent materials and lack of menstrual hygiene education session. Provision of menstrual hygiene education by mothers and other relevant stakeholders as well as provision of cleaning facilities are key to improve menstrual hygiene practice of respondents.
Synthesis, Insilico and Antibacterial Activity Studies of Substituted Dihydro-1, 2-Oxazole Benzopyran-2-One Hybrids
Authors: D’souza Alphonsus , Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Abhishek , Rai Soundarya M. , Nayak Prashant
Published: July 2021

A series of substituted dihydro-1, 2-oxazole benzopyran-2-one (SR1-SR6) were synthesized through the intermediate substituted benzopyran-2-one chalcones and were characterized using spectral analysis.   Compounds were docked with receptor DNA Gyrase B (PDB code: 5L3J) to know its interaction and binding energy; ranges -3.38 to -2.15 kcal/mol. Further these compounds were tested for antibacterial activity using tube dilution method and MIC values were observed; ranges 3.12 to 25 µg/ml. Compound 3-(5-(m-tolyl)-4,5-dihydroisoxazol-3-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one (SR3) showed the best interaction with binding energy -3.38 kcal/mol and antimicrobial activity having MIC 3.12 µg/ml.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Ni Nanoparticles on Reducible Metal Oxides (Sm2O3, CeO2, ZnO) as Catalysts for CO2 Methanation
Authors: Ayub Athirah , Bahruji Hasliza , Mahadi Abdul Hanif
Published: July 2021

The activity of reducible metal oxide Sm2O3, CeO2, and ZnO as Ni nanoparticles support was investigated for CO2 methanation reaction. CO2 methanation was carried out between 200 °C to 450 °C with the optimum catalytic activity was observed at 450 °C. The reducibility of the catalysts has been comparatively studied using H2-Temperature Reduction Temperature (TPR) method. The H2-TPR analysis also elucidated the formation of surface oxygen vacancies at temperature above 600 °C for 5Ni/Sm2O3 and 5Ni/CeO2. The Sm2O3 showed superior activity than CeO2 presumably due to the transition of the crystalline phases under reducing environment. However, the formation of NiZn alloy in 5Ni/ZnO reduced the ability of Ni to catalyze methanation reaction. A highly dispersed Ni on Sm2O3 created a large metal/support interfacial interaction to give 69% of CO2 conversion with 100% selectivity at 450 °C. The 5Ni/Sm2O3 exhibited superior catalytic performances with an apparent phase transition from cubic to a mixture of cubic and monoclinic phases over a long reaction, presumably responsible for the enhanced conversion after 10 h of reaction. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Em busca da "redenção de Cam": racialidade e interseccionalidade numa prisão de mulheres
Authors: Rodrigues Wallesandra Souza , Teixeira Alessandra
Published: July 2021

O artigo tem como objetivo discutir os atravessamentos do constructo racial no Brasil e sua configuração em espaços intramuros, reconhecendo a prisão como um dos lócus que permanece pouco permeável ao processo de construção da identidade negra vivenciado nas últimas décadas no país. Discute-se os elementos formadores do racismo moderno, levando em conta as especificidades do contexto brasileiro frente à experiência fundante do sequestro e da escravização africana no período colonial e seus prolongamentos, através dos conceitos branqueamento, contrato racial e dispositivo da racialidade, como categorias de inteligibilidade do racismo contemporâneo e suas reinvenções em sociedades que vivenciaram a escravidão moderna. Tais categorias são analisadas a partir dos relatos sobre relações inter-raciais elaborados por uma mulher cisgênero e um homem transgênero, reclusas (os) numa prisão em São Paulo, e revelam como as opressões vividas de modo interseccional, pelas presas racializadas, lhes impõem dificuldades adicionais ao processo de reconhecimento da identidade negra. Looking for the “Redemption of Cam”: Raciality and Intersectionality in a Women’s PrisonThis article discusses the overlap between racial constructs in Brazil and their configuration in intramural environments, recognizing the prison as a relatively impermeable locus in the process of Black identity construction in Brazil during recent decades. The paper discusses the formative elements of modern racism, taking into account specificities of the Brazilian context in the face of foundational experiences of African kidnapping and enslavement in the colonial period and their legacies, the concepts of whitening, racial contract and raciality device, as intelligibility categories of contemporary racism and its reinventions in societies that have experienced modern slavery. These categories are analyzed based on the reports on interracial relations elaborated by a cisgender woman and a transgender man, inmates in a female penitentiary in São Paulo, and show how the oppression experienced in an intersectional way, by racialized prisoners, imposes additional difficulties on them in their process of recognizing a Black identity.Interracial relations | Intersectionality | Whitening ideology | Gender | Prison
O posto de honra de Luiz Gama
Authors: Albuquerque Wlamyra
Published: July 2021

Resenha de:FERREIRA, Ligia Fonseca (org.). Lições de resistência: artigos de Luiz Gama na imprensa de São Paulo e do Rio de Janeiro. São Paulo: Edições    SESC, 2020. 392p.
Análise da Gestão dos Núcleos de Inovação Tecnológica (NITs): um diagnóstico empresarial usando o modelo de excelência em gestão para inovação organizacional
Authors: Reina Márcia Cristina Tomaz , Thomaz Carlos Augusto , Magalhães Jorge Lima
Published: July 2021

Os Núcleos de Inovação Tecnológica (NITs) são importantes para Inovação brasileira, proporcionando interface da academia, do mercado e das competências inseridas na Lei n. 13.243/2016. É necessário analisá-los à luz de um sistema eficiente e eficaz na excelência em gestão. Baseado no Sistema Nacional de Inovação, o trabalho objetivou analisar cinco NITs no Rio de Janeiro sob a perspectiva do Modelo de Excelência em Gestão (MEG). A pesquisa mensurou e analisou a gestão em prol da inovação. Resultados apontam média geral dos NITs com nota insuficiente em termos de maturidade de gestão em excelência. Conclui-se que a maioria dos NITs não apresenta nível de maturidade adequado. O MEG identificou as áreas e/ou os pontos para a elevação da maturidade de gestão e inovação organizacional. A perspectiva aponta para a capacidade de gerar impacto no desempenho dos NITs com inovação organizacional para vencer desafios e entraves na gestão eficaz em prol da Inovação.

 
Elaboração de Roadmap Tecnológico e de Modelo de Negócios de Economia Circular
Authors: Tavares Aline Souza , Borschiver Suzana
Published: July 2021

A Economia Circular pode ser definida como um modelo que busca a extensão da vida útil de materiais e de produtos em sua maior utilidade e valor. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar parte da tese de doutorado que vem sendo desenvolvida, desde 2018, na elaboração de um Roadmap Tecnológico e de Negócios da Economia Circular, a fim de elucidar tendências tecnológicas e mercadológicas para futuros investimentos e parcerias. A metodologia empregada para o Estágio atual foi realizada a partir da análise de mídias especializadas e de estudos de caso na plataforma da Fundação Ellen MacArthur, e, no Longo Prazo, com a análise de artigos científicos, relacionando-os com os respectivos drivers. Entre os resultados obtidos, pode-se destacar, em ambos os estágios temporais, os processos em Design Circular e Reciclagem, os modelos de negócios de Logística Reversa e Produto como Serviço, assim como os setores mais impactados:  Petroquímico, Energético e Têxtil.
Editorial
Authors: Crepalde Medeiros Juliana Corrêa
Published: July 2021

A discussão teórico-prática de temas capazes de evoluir os Sistemas Regionais e Nacionais de Inovação torna-se cada vez mais urgente e necessária para que os países avancem na transformação da sua capacidade científica e tecnológica com impactos positivos para a sociedade e a economia.

A realidade da pandemia ocasionada pela Covid-19 reforçou não somente para o Brasil, mas para todo o planeta Terra a importância de os países manterem seus esforços científicos de forma estruturada e contínua. Além disso, essa crise sanitária mundial mostrou de maneira inconteste como é relevante a consolidação de um ambiente propício para a inovação e a promoção de uma maior independência tecnológica.

A interface das competências entre os agentes que formam os sistemas de inovação é elemento preponderante para o Brasil avançar. Nesse sentido, é fundamental promover alianças estratégicas e estruturação de arranjos de gestão capazes de incrementar o uso do capital intelectual, das tecnologias e da infraestrutura de pesquisa do Brasil.

O sucesso das edições anteriores da Cadernos de Prospecção recebe agora um novo volume, fortalecendo o seu compromisso na difusão do conhecimento. Os diversos artigos desta edição abordam de forma multidisciplinar temas como biotecnologia, economia circular, inteligência artificial, segurança pública, blockchain e modelos voltados para impulsionar resultados de propriedade intelectual e de transferência de tecnologia.

A Edição congrega o trabalho de 78 autores, de 25 Instituições Científicas, Tecnológicas e de Inovação (ICT) de todas as regiões do país, sendo 13 Estados e o Distrito Federal. Além de autores do Brasil, ressalta-se que há ainda trabalhos de pesquisadores de Portugal.

Desejo a todos uma excelente leitura e um ótimo aprendizado!

 

 

 
Ai, se eu te pego! Viroses, contaminação, canção e instantaneidade midiática
Authors: Valente Heloísa De Araújo Duarte
Published: July 2021

Este texto pretende abordar os processos de difusão e nomadismo da canção, a partir de diversas circunstâncias, tais como a presença de elementos notadamente musicais, de imaginário, semânticos e outros; ainda, os mecanismos de difusão da canção de sucesso e o papel das diversas mídias, sobretudo a internet, a fim de garantir sua longevidade. Parte-se do conceito de “canção das mídias” para caracterizar a natureza da canção em análise, apoiada pelo instrumental teórico desenvolvido por R. Murray Schafer (2011), os conceitos de performance (Zumthor) e considerações de Sacks sobre vermes de ouvido (2007). Como estudo de caso, tomo a canção Ai, se te pego!, interpretada pelo cantor Michel Teló, estabelecendo uma analogia metafórica entre megassucesso e pandemia.
Editorial
Authors: Sotuyo Blanco Pablo
Published: July 2021

Prezado leitor,

É com orgulho que lhe apresentamos este novo exemplar do ICTUS Music Journal!
 Este primeiro número do 15º volume é evidente resultado do esforço conjunto da nossa equipe e dos autores participantes, a pesar das contínuas e crescentes limitações e provações que o presente contexto (atípico, desafiador, incerto) nos coloca todo dia.

Nesse sentido, muito nos orgulha termos conseguido resistir e avançar na disseminação do conhecimento produzido pela pesquisa em música.

Nesta ocasião incluímos textos de autores que transitam em importantes setores do nosso logos em música, com abordagens ancoradas tanto na musicologia sistemática, quanto na histórica, etnomusicológica ou sociomusicológica, com ênfase no estudo de práticas musicais, tanto composicionais quanto performáticas, de transmissão e/ou recepção, dentre outras.

No entanto, enquanto encaramos o maior desafio coletivo do século XXI, precisamos deixar para atrás as efemérides canônicas e render homenagem àqueles músicos, compositores e/ou produtores musicais cujas vidas findaram no meio à crise sanitária presente no Brasil e no mundo. Assim, este primeiro semestre nos coloca a imperiosa necessidade de empatia e solidariedade pelos familiares e amigos daqueles que faleceram, muitos dos quais devido a COVID-19, cuja extensa lista inclui Genival Lacerda (1931-2021); Líber Gadelha (1957-2021); Zezinho Corrêa (1951-2021); Telmo de Lima Freitas (1933-2021); Cláudio Petraglia (1930-2021); Agnaldo Timóteo (1936-2021); Cassiano (1943-2021); Luís Vagner (1948-2021); MC Kevin (1998-2021); Nelson Sargento (1924-2021); Dominguinhos do Estácio (1941-2021); Firmino de Itapoan (1943-2021); Berenice Azambuja (1952-2021); Flaviola (1953-2021); Raul de Souza (1934-2021); Reynaldo Rayol (1944-2021); Laíla (1943-2021); Mestre Mug (1949-2021); Bráulio de Castro (1942-2021); e João Gonçalves (1936-2021).

Um minuto de silêncio por eles... e boa leitura.
Enzymatic transfer of galactosyl phosphate from UDP‐galactose to UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine
Authors: Nakanishi Yasuo , Otsu Kaoru , Suzuki Sakaru
Published: July 2002

The microsomal fraction of hen oviduct homogenate has been shown to contain an enzyme capable of catalyzing a transfer of galactosyl phosphate from UDP‐galactose to UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine. The product was isolated and identified as UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine‐6‐phosphogalactose, the same compound as that found as a normal constituent in hen oviduct. The enzyme is analogous in reaction type to UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine: glycoprotein N‐acetylglucosamine‐1‐phosphotransferase (the enzyme responsible for introducing the recognition marker of newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes), which suggests that the galactosyl phosphotransferase is involved in galactose 1‐phosphate transfer to N‐acetylglucosamine residues of a newly synthesized glycoproteins.
Studies on the degranulation test for carcinogens
Authors: Poole Thomas W. , Parke Dennis V.
Published: July 2002

The radiometric assay of degranulation of the hepatic endoplasmic reticulum by chemical carcinogens has been re‐examined. Both 1,2,3,4,‐ and 1,25,6‐dibenzanthracenes caused degranulation of rough membranes in vitro; with acetamidofluorenes and naphthylamines the carcinogenic analogues caused moderately greater degranulation. Degranulation by 1,2,3,4‐dibenzantracene was rapid and was maximal after 5 min incubation. Pretreatment of animals with phenobarbital or methylcholanthrene increased the fraction of rough membranes, but these were not fully granulated. The assay is limited in specificity and sensitivity because the 1.35 M sucrose gradient does not effectively separate rough and smooth membranes, and sedimented membranes are contaminated with aggregates of free ribosomes.
On the presence of two new high mobility group‐like proteins in HeLa S3 cells
Authors: Lund Terje , Holtlund Jostein , Fredriksen Marianne , Laland Søren G.
Published: July 2002

Two phosphorylated HMG‐like proteins with M
r ≈ 10 000 have been isolated from HeLa S3 cells, one being present in metaphase and one in interphase cells. The amino acid compositions of these proteins are very similar but differ from the known HMG proteins. However, they exhibit similarities being rich in proline, basic and acidic amino acids. A possible role in chromatin condensation of the HMG‐like protein characteristic for metaphase cells is suggested.
An essential role of cytosolic thioltransferase in protection of pyruvate kinase from rabbit liver against oxidative inactivation
Authors: Axelsson Kent , Mannervik Bengt
Published: July 2002

Pyruvate kinase from rabbit liver is inactivated spontaneously in the presence of air. Glutathione in physiological concentrations gives partial protection against inactivation. Full protection is obtained with glutathione and purified cytosolic thioltransferase supplemented with a glutathione‐regenerating system. It is suggested that thioltransferase plus glutathione serve a general function in protecting protein thiol groups against oxidation.
Solubilization and insertion into reverse micelles of the major myelin transmembrane proteolipid
Authors: Delahodde Agnès , Vacher Monique , Nicot Claude , Waks Marcel
Published: July 2002

The Folch‐Pi proteolipid has been isolated from bovine white matter and characterized with respect to phospholipid and glycolipid composition. The protein‐lipid complex has been solubilized in aqueous reverse micelles of di(2‐ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate and isooctane. Solubilization of this otherwise water‐insoluble proteolipid requires small amounts of water, the percent of solubility being maximum for a low molar ratio of water to surfactant (W
o = 5.6). Unlike hydrophilic proteins, the extent of incorporation into the micellar system is negligible at 50 mM surfactant and reaches 90Vo only at 300 mM. However, the conformation of the proteolipid in reverse micelles as studied by fluorescence emission spectroscopy and circular dichroism was not affected by variations of the surfactant concentration. These results are consistent with the peculiar properties of the aqueous environment of the proteolipid within the reverse micelles and may reflect the membrane‐like character of these bio‐assemblies.
Inhibition by Cu2+ of amphotericin B induced lysis of erythrocytes
Authors: Chéron Monique , Bolard Jacques , Brajtburg Janina
Published: July 2002

Amphotericin B‐induced lysis of erythrocytes is diminished in the presence of Cu2+, but the prelytic amphotericin B‐induced K+ leakage is unaffected. These results and the weak binding of Cu2+ to amphotericin B, demonstrated by circular dichroism and EPR studies, are consistent with the view that Cu2+ protects erythrocytes by increasing their resistance to lysis.
A novel RNA digesting activity from commercial polynucleotide phosphorylase
Authors: Labuda D. , Nicoghosian K. , Cedergren R.J.
Published: July 2002

RNase A4 is a new RNase activity found as a contaminant in commercial polynucleotide phosphorylase. This enzyme has the ability of hydrolyzing the phosphodiester bond between pyrimidine‐A in both loop and paired regions of RNA.
Partial purification of a factor from human synovium that possesses interleukin 1, chondrocyte stimulating and catabolin‐like activities
Authors: Elford Peter R. , Meats Judith E. , Sharrard R.Michael , Russell R.Graham G.
Published: July 2002

Human synovial explants in culture release material that stimulates the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and several extracellular enzymes by human chondrocytes. Fractionation of conditioned medium by gel filtration revealed a protein of approx. 15 kDa, which in addition to stimulating production of PGE2 and plasminogen activator by human articular chondrocytes, possessed interleukin 1 activity and induced cartilage degradation. Further purification using iso‐electric focussing again showed co‐elution of these activities with a major pI of 6.9 and a minor pI of 5.1–5.3. This study indicated that human synovium releases a facor that is closely related to or identical with interleukin 1 and suggests that this protein may participate in cellular interactions that occur within the rheumatoid joint.
Fine structure of the 30 S ribosomal subunit
Authors: Kiselev N.A. , Stel'mashchuk V.Ya. , Orlova E.V. , Vasiliev V.D. , Selivanova O.M.
Published: July 2002

Elongatedhollow strands were revealed on raw images and averaged by the correlation method images of the 30 S subunit of the E.coli ribosome negatively stained by uranyl acetate. The tentative three‐dimensional arrangement of the ‘strands’ and their nature are discussed.
The processing of peptide precursors
Authors: Schwartz Thue W.
Published: July 2002

The classical conversion site in precursors of regulatory peptides is a sequence of two basic amino acids. During recent years, however, a group of monobasic cleavage sites has emerged. In certain cell systems it has been shown that the monobasic cleavage mechanism is both a specific mechanism which only attacks a particular basic residue, and a distinct mechanism which can be separated from the dibasic cleaving mechanism within the same cell. The vast majority of monobasic cleavages occur at single arginines although cleavage after a lysine residue has also been demonstrated. There is no ‘consensus sequence’ of amino acids surrounding the single basic residue which is the apparent signal for proteolytic processing. However, in approximately one third of the cases, a proline residue is found either just before or just after the basic residue. On the basis of this ‘proline‐directed arginyl cleavage’ it is discussed how the conformation of the peptide backbone might be important for this type of cleavage. Finally, it is suggested that tissue‐specific expression of different processing enzymes, e.g. dibasic and monobasic specific forms, might explain the tissue‐specific processing of precursors like the pro‐opiomelanocortin and the CKK. and somatostatin precursor.
Localization of talin in skeletal and cardiac muscles
Authors: Belkin A.M. , Zhidkova N.I. , Koteliansky V.E.
Published: July 2002

Antibodies to talin and vinculin were used for localization of these proteins in skeletal and cardiac muscles by the indirect immunofluorescence method. We have found that talin is localized in intercalated discs of cardiac muscle and in costameres of skeletal and cardiac muscles. It is suggested that in striated muscles talin and vinculin play an important role in interactions between actin filaments and membranes.
Functional properties of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits expressed in various combinations
Authors: Kurosaki Tomohiro , Fukuda Kazuhiko , Konno Takashi , Mori Yasuo , Tanaka Ken-ichi , Mishina Masayoshi , Numa Shosaku
Published: July 2002

The four kinds of subunits of the Torpedo californica nicotinic acetylcholine receptor have been produced in various combinations by injecting Xenopus oocytes with the corresponding subunit‐specific mRNAs synthesized by transcription in vitro of the cloned cDNAs. Functional analysis suggests that association of the α‐subunit with either the γ‐ or the δ‐subunit is a prerequisite for generating the conformation necessary for agonist binding. The acetylcholine receptor devoid of either the β‐, γ‐ or δ‐subunit exhibits weak channel activity.
Secretion and biosynthesis of atrial natriuretic factor by cultured adrenal chromaffin cells
Authors: Nguyen Tien-Tue , Ong Hue , De Léan André
Published: July 2002

In our previous work, the existence of the precursor and mature forms of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) within the bovine chromaffin granules has been reported. To confirm the endogenous character of these peptides, we demonstrate that nicotinic activation and depolarization by KCl increase their co‐secretion from cultured chromaffin cells. The increase of intracellular levels of these atrial peptides by phorbol ester is potentiated by addition of forskolin. The release of ANF and their de novo synthesis within the cultured chromaffin cells emphasize the usefulness of this model in the study of the mechanisms of release and storage of these peptides in the neuronal tissues.
Conformational change in thrombospondin induced by removal of bound Ca2+ A spin label approach
Authors: Slane Jean M.K. , Mosher Deane F. , Lai Ching-San
Published: July 2002

The effect of removal of Ca2+ bound to thrombospondin (TSP) on the protein structure in solution has been investigated using ESR spin‐label techniques. A maleimide spin label was selectively attached to the free thiol group presumably near the carboxyl‐terminal domain in which Ca2+‐binding sites are situated. The ESR spectra of spin‐labeled TSP showed that the bound label undergoes a relatively fast rotational motion with an effective rotational correlation time in the nanosecond time regimes. Removal of bound Ca2+ in TSP by dialyzing spin‐labeled TSP from a Ca2+‐containing buffer into an EDTA‐containing buffer resulted in an increase in the mobility of the bound label by a factor of 2.3. The data suggest that EDTA chelation of bound Ca2+ in TSP induces a conformational change of TSP at least near the site of spin labeling.
Selective inhibition of photosystem II in spinach by tobacco mosaic virus: An effect of the viral coat protein
Authors: Hodgson Richard A.J. , Beachy Roger N. , Pakrasi Himadri B.
Published: July 2002

Leaves of Spinacia oleracea inoculated with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) strain PV230 develop mild chlorotic and mosaic symptoms of infection. Thylakoid membranes isolated from these infected leaves showed a reduced F
v/F
m ratio for chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics, at 25°C. The photosystem II (PS Il)‐mediated electron‐transport rate was inhibited 50%, whereas PS I activity was unaffected by virus infection. Protein analysis indicated that TMV coat protein was associated with thylakoids, in particular with the PS II fraction. The results demonstrate that TMV‐infected S. oleracea shows inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport through PS II. We propose that the inhibition of photosynthetic activity results from the association of viral coat protein with the PS II complex.
Methylation of hen erythrocyte DNA
Authors: Adams R.L.P. , So C.L.
Published: July 2002

Thus the inverse correlation between methylation and gene expression does not apply to the chick red blood cell.
Reduced lateral mobility of a fluorescent lipid analog in cell membranes of rat fibroblasts transformed by simian virus 40
Authors: Kawasaki Yukishige , Zundel Jean-Luc , Miyakawa Tokichi , Sakaguchi Kenji
Published: July 2002

In order to study the difference between normal and transformed cells, lateral motion of fluorescent molecules embedded into cell membranes of rat clonal fibroblasts and its SV40‐transformed derivative cells was measured by the FPR technique. The lateral diffusion coefficient of a fluorescent fatty acid analog, F18, was smaller in transformed cells than normal cells. This indicates that the lipid phase of membranes from transformed cells is less fluid than that from normal cells. On the other hand, the lateral diffusion coefficient of S‐F‐concanavalin A was identical in both cells. These results suggest that the mobility of different molecules on the membranes is controlled by different mechanisms.
Study of ATP binding in the active site of Na+,K+‐ATPase as probed by ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Efremov R.G. , Feofanov A.V. , Dzhandzhugazyan K.N. , Modyanov N.N. , Nabiev I.R.
Published: July 2002

The ultraviolet resonance Raman (UV RR) spectra of functional ATP/membrane‐bound Na+K+‐ATPase complexes have been obtained. The substrate binding in the enzyme active site has been shown to be accompanied with significant changes in the electronic vibrational structure of the adenine ring. From the spectral analysis of ATP, 8‐Br‐ATP and 6‐NHMe‐adenine at various pH values the conclusion was made that N1 and the NH2, group and, probably, N7 of the substrate adenine part, interact with the protein surroundings via hydrogen bonds.
A coupled in vitro transcription‐translation system for the exclusive synthesis of polypeptides expressed from the T7 promoter
Authors: Nevin Debra E. , Pratt Julie M.
Published: July 2002

A coupled transcription—translation in vitro system has been developed in Escherichia coli specifically for the expression of genes under the exclusive control of the T7 promoter, This system consists of an E. coli crude extract (prepared from cells containing endogenous T7 RNA polymerase), rifampicin (an E. coli RNA polymerase inhibitor) and a labelled amino acid. When primed with a plasmid template encoding the target gene under exclusive control of the T7 promoter, this system has the capability to synthesize relatively large amounts of a unique, labelled polypeptide. This paper describes the characteristics and use of such a T7 RNA polymerase/T7‐promoter specific in vitro system.
The 3′ promoter region involved in RNA synthesis directed by the turnip yellow mosaic virus genome in vitro
Authors: Gargouri-Bouzid Radhia , David Chantal , Haenni Anne-Lise
Published: July 2002

We have previously shown that the last 100 nucleotides from the 3′ end of turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) RNA compete in vitro with genomic RNA for the TYMV‐specific RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). To further characterize the promoter on genomic RNA that produces complementary RNA strands, shorter fragments corresponding to the 3′ region of the viral RNA were generated and used in in vitro assays. Fragments as short as 38 nucleotides corresponding to the 3′ end of TYMV RNA compete with the viral RNA for the RdRp suggesting that the 3′ promoter on plus strand RNA is probably ≤ 38 nucleotides long. These transcripts are themselves used as templates in vitro.
Nucleotide sequence of cDNA encoding the fire ant venom protein Sol i II
Authors: Schmidt Margit , Walker Robert B. , Hoffman Donald R. , McConnell Thomas J.
Published: July 2002

For the first time the cDNA encoding a fire ant venom protein has been sequenced. Oligonucleotides were designed according to the amino acid sequence. The cDNA sequence was obtained by hybridizing these primers to mRNA and enhancement by the PCR technique. Comparison to the amino acid sequence of the venom protein shows a leader sequence 19 amino acids long.
Generation of lipid peroxidation products in culinary oils and fats during episodes of thermal stressing: A high field 1H NMR study
Authors: Claxson Andrew W.D. , Hawkes Geoffrey E. , Richardson David P. , Naughton Declan P. , Haywood Rachel M. , Chander Chaman L. , Atherton Martin , Lynch Edward J. , Grootveld Martin C.
Published: July 2002

The oxidative deterioration of glycerol‐bound polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in culinary oils and fats during episodes of heating associated with normal usage (30–90 min at 180°C) has been monitored by high field 1H NMR spectroscopy. Thermal stressing of PUFA‐rich culinary oils generated high levels of n‐alkanals, trans‐2‐alkenals, alka‐2,4‐dienals and 4‐hydroxy‐trans‐2‐alkenals via decomposition of their conjugated hydroperoxydiene precursors, whereas only low concentrations of selected aldehydes were produced in oils with a low PUFA content, lard and dripping when subjected to the above heating episodes. Samples of repeatedly used, PUFA‐rich culinary oils obtained from restaurants also contained high levels of each class of aldehyde. The dietary, physiological and toxicological ramifications of the results obtained are discussed.
The mechanisms and regulation of procathepsin L secretion from osteoclasts in bone resorption
Authors: Tagami Kahori , Kakegawa Hisao , Kamioka Hiroshi , Sumitani Koji , Kawata Terushige , Lenar≷cic̆ Brigita , Turk Vito , Katunuma Nobuhiko
Published: July 2002

The secretion mechanisms of cathepsin L from osteoclasts in the process of bone resorption were investigated. The increases in bone pit numbers formed take place by PTH addition in parallel with the increases of cathepsin L and/or L‐like proteinase activities in the culture medium of bone cells, and these were suppressed by the addition ofcalcitonin. The Z‐Phe‐Arg‐MCA hydrolysing activity increased in the medium through the effect of PTH is considered to be a kind of procathepsin L by Western blotting analysis, and was suppressed by calcitonin addition. Furthermore, monensin inhibited not only the PTH‐induced pit formation, but also cysteine proteinase activity in osteoclasts. Therefore, the procathepsin L excreted might be transferred from endothelial reticulum via Golgi and/or via lysosomes.
Antioxidant properties of omeprazole
Authors: Lapenna Domenico , Gioia Sergio de , Ciofani Giuliano , Festi Davide , Cuccurullo Franco
Published: July 2002

Potential antioxidant properties of therapeutically achievable concentrations of the protonated, active form of omeprazole (OM) were investigated in vitro at specific acidic pH values to mimic intragastric conditions in the clinical setting. We found that OM is a powerful scavenger of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) even at a drug concentration of 10 μM at pH of 5.3 or 3.5. This effect is also evident in the presence of the physiological HOCl scavenger ascorbate. Moreover, 10 and 50 μM OM inhibit significantly both iron‐and copper‐driven oxidant damage at pH 5.3 and 3.5, respectively. Since oxidative stress is involved the gastric injury of peptic ulcer and gastritis, it may be hypothesized that some therapeutical effects of OM could also be related to its antioxidant properties.
Chemical and functional studies on the importance of purple membrane lipids in bacteriorhodopsin photocycle behavior
Authors: Dracheva Swetlana , Bose Salil , Hendler Richard W.
Published: July 2002

In native purple membrane (PM), there are approximately 1 squalene, 2 glycolipid sulfate (GLS), and 6 phospholipid (PL) molecules per bacteriorhodopsin (BR) monomer [10]. Brief (∼ 2 min) exposure to 0.1% Triton X‐100 removes about 25%, 20%, and 6% of squalenes, GLS, and PL, respectively (this paper) while causing profound changes in the BR photocycle, including the loss of ‘photocooperativity’ [1]. The BR photocycle in Triton‐treated PM can be restored to near normal behavior by reconstitution with native PM lipids. Isolated squalenes are not effective whereas PL alone partially restores normal photocycle characteristics.
Recognising panic disorder
Authors: Klein DF
Published: July 2002

The most important feature of panic disorder is the existence of a discrete crescendo of distress that peaks very quickly and disappears quickly (DSM-IV, 1994). However, a patient will frequently erroneously say that the panic lasted hours. When a person has a panic attack they feel tremendously overwhelmed and often seek help in accident and emergency units. An estimated one in three people who present at these units with chest pains has symptoms consistent with panic disorder (Fleet et al, 1994).
Long-term studies of antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenia
Authors: Lewander T
Published: July 2002

Studies on long-term efficacy and safety should be a main concern in the evaluation of novel antipsychotics. The present paper is a review of important issues related to the design and performance of such trials. The variability of the natural course of schizophrenia, the variability in treatment response, and the variability of actions of different neuroleptics need to be considered. Long-term studies need to address maintenance of efficacy, prevention of relapse and recurrence, health economics, quality of life and a large number of safety issues in order to get approval for new drug applications and reimbursement on expensive new medicines. Assessment instruments for efficacy, tolerability and safety, need to be supplemented with rating scales for various aspects of psychopathology (positive, negative, deficit symptoms), social and work functioning, drug induced mental side effects, quality of life and accounts of total treatment costs.
The symbiotically essentialcbb3‐type oxidase ofBradyrhizobium japonicumis a proton pump
Authors: Arslan Engin , Kannt Aimo , Thöny-Meyer Linda , Hennecke Hauke
Published: July 2002

Purifiedcbb3‐type oxidase ofBradyrhizobium japonicumwas reconstituted into phospholipid vesicles. Tight vesicles were obtained as shown by the disturbance of ΔpH with CCCP and the membrane potential with valinomycin, which led to a six‐fold increase in cytochromecoxidase activity. The vesicles were thus suitable for proton translocation experiments. In the presence of valinomycin, a pulse with reduced cytochromeccaused an acidification with a subsequent alkalinization, whereas the same pulse caused only an alkalinization in the presence of valinomycin plus CCCP. We conclude that thecbb3‐type oxidase ofB. japonicumis a proton pump.
Identification of a novel gene coding for neoxanthin synthase from Solanum tuberosum
Authors: Al-Babili Salim , Hugueney Philippe , Schledz Michael , Welsch Ralf , Frohnmeyer Hanns , Laule Oliver , Beyer Peter
Published: July 2002

The polymerase chain reaction analysis of potato plants, transformed with capsanthin capsorubin synthase ccs, revealed the presence of a highly related gene. The cloned cDNA showed at the protein level 89.6% identity to CCS. This suggested that the novel enzyme catalyzes a mechanistically similar reaction. Such a reaction is represented by neoxanthin synthase (NXS), forming the xanthophyll neoxanthin, a direct substrate for abscisic acid formation. The function of the novel enzyme could be proven by transient expression in plant protoplasts and high performance liquid chromatography analysis. The cloned NXS was imported in vitro into plastids, the compartment of carotenoid biosynthesis.
Regulation of Wee1 kinase in response to protein synthesis inhibition
Authors: Suda Masako , Yamada Shinya , Toda Takashi , Miyakawa Tokichi , Hirata Dai
Published: July 2002

To investigate the mechanism coupling growth (protein synthesis) with cell division, we examined the relationship between the tyrosine kinase Wee1 that inhibits Cdc2‐Cdc13 mitosis‐inducing kinase by phosphorylating it, and protein synthesis inhibition in fission yeast. The wee1‐50 mutant showed supersensitivity to protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide. Wee1 was essential for the G2 delay upon a partial inhibition of protein synthesis. Indeed, the protein synthesis inhibition caused an increase in the Wee1 protein by the Sty1/Spc1 MAPK‐dependent transcriptional and the Sty1/Spc1 MAPK‐independent post‐transcriptional regulations. Further, the results indicated that the post‐transcriptional regulation is important for the G2 delay.
Residues forming a hydrophobic pocket in ARF3 are determinants of GDP dissociation and effector interactions
Authors: Kuai Jun , Kahn Richard A
Published: July 2002

Three residues of human ADP‐ribosylation factor 3 (ARF3) (F51, W66 and Y81) cluster into a hydrophobic pocket in the inactive, GDP‐bound protein. Disruption of the hydrophobic pocket with mutations at these residues increased the rate of GDP dissociation and association, but not always that of GTPγS. Several of the same mutants were found to be defective, often selectively, in binding different ARF effectors in two‐hybrid assays. These results highlight three features of these hydrophobic residues in regulating (1) the rate of GDP dissociation, (2) the conformational changes that promote GTP binding and (3) their role in binding target proteins.
Fusion of chromatophores from photosynthetic bacteria with a supported lipid layer: characterization of the electric units
Authors: Keller Sonia , Riou Yann , Laval Jean-Marc , Leibl Winfried
Published: July 2002

Direct electrometric measurements of membrane potential changes are a valuable tool for study of vectorial transfer of electrons, protons, and ions. Commonly model membrane systems are created by fusion of lipid/protein vesicles with lipid‐coated thin films. We characterized the electric units resulting from this process using chromatophores from the purple bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides and either a Mylar film or a planar modified gold electrode as support. Investigation of the shunting activity of the ionophore gramicidin on the flash‐induced potential change demonstrates fusion of individual chromatophores to form independent ‘blisters’, which preserve an interior aqueous compartment. Under current–clamp conditions the photovoltage follows the change of the membrane potential of the individual blisters.
Two isoforms of a nucleotide‐sugar pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase from barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare L.) are distinct oligomers of HvGLP1, a germin‐like protein
Authors: Rodrı́guez-López Milagros , Baroja-Fernández Edurne , Zandueta-Criado Aitor , Moreno-Bruna Beatriz , Muñoz Francisco José , Akazawa Takashi , Pozueta-Romero Javier
Published: July 2002

Two isoforms of ADPglucose pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (AGPPase) have been characterized using barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare L.). Whilst one of the isoforms, designated as soluble AGPPase1 (SAGPPase1), is soluble in low ionic strength buffers, the other, SAGPPase2, is extractable using cell wall hydrolytic enzymes or high salt concentration solutions, thus indicating that it is adventitiously bound to the cell wall. Both AGPPase isoforms are highly resistant to SDS, this characteristic being utilized to purify them to homogeneity after zymographic detection of AGPPase activity in SDS‐containing gels. N‐terminal and internal amino acid sequencing analyses revealed that both SAGPPase1 and SAGPPase2 are distinct oligomers of the previously designated HvGLP1, which is a member of the ubiquitously distributed group of proteins of unknown function designated as germin‐like proteins (GLPs).