bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cryoelectron microscopy study of the interaction of the Escherichia coli F1‐ATPase with subunit b dimer
Authors: Wilkens Stephan , Dunn Stanley D. , Capaldi Roderick A.
Published: July 2002

A complex between the Escherichia coli F1‐ATPase and a truncated form of the ECF0‐b subunit was formed and examined by cryoelectron microscopy in amorphous ice. Image analysis of single particles in the hexagonal projection revealed that the polar domain of the b subunit interacts with a β subunit different from the one which interacts with the ϵ subunit. The cavity in the enzyme, visible in the hexagonal projection, is not filled by the b polypeptide, therefore leaving enough room for extensive conformational changes of the γ and ϵ subunits within the native F1F0 complex.
Immunological detection of actin in the 14S ciliary dynein of Tetrahymena
Authors: Muto Etsuko , Edamatsu Masaki , Hirono Masafumi , Kamiya Ritsu
Published: July 2002

The association of actin with Tetrahymena ciliary dyneins was examined using a polyclonal antibody against Tetrahymena actin. Western blotting shows that actin is present in the 14S dynein fraction, but not in the 22S dynein fraction, which comprises the outer arm. By anion‐exchange chromatography, 14S dynein can be further separated into three major fractions that contain four distinct heavy chains in total. When each fraction was tested by anti‐actin immunoblotting, all three fractions contained actin in nearly stoichiometric amounts with the heavy chain. Since Tetrahymena actin differs significantly from acting of other species, the association with inner‐arm dynein may be a conserved property of actin.
Partial restoration of the actin cytoskeleton in transformed Syrian hamster fibroblasts selected for low levels of ‘typical’ multidrug resistance
Authors: Erokhina Maria V. , Shtil Alexander A. , Shushanov Sain S. , Sidorova Tatyana A. , Stavrovskaya Alia A.
Published: July 2002

Two independent colchicine (CLC)‐resistant sublines of Rous sarcoma virus‐transformed Syrian hamster flbroblasts were isolated. Each subline represented variants with 11‐ and 12.4‐fold resistance, respectively, their 23‐ and 23.7‐fold resistant descendants, as well as variants cultured in CLC‐free medium for 10 months without loss of resistance. All variants demonstrated ‘typical’ multidrug resistance. The parental cells contained actin in dispersed form, as determined by rhodamine‐phalloidin staining. In contrast, already in 11‐ and 12.4‐fold resistant sublines up to 30% of cells demonstrated restored stress fibers. Cultivation in CLC‐free medium leads to the accumulation of cells with a partially restored actin cytoskeleton. Putative mechanisms of up‐regulation of stress fiber assembly in cells with P‐glycoprotein‐mediated multidrug resistance are discussed.
The amino acid sequence of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1 and its similarity to yeast initiation factor SUI1
Authors: Kasperaitis Marcelle A.M. , Voorma Harry O. , Thomas Adri A.M.
Published: July 2002

Eukaryotic initiation factor eIF‐1 was purified from rabbit reticulocytes. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed that the protein contained a blocked amino‐terminus. After cleavage with the endoproteinase Asp‐N, three peptides were sequenced. The obtained partial sequences were identical to sequences of SUI1ISO1, the human homologue of the yeast translation initiation factor SUI1. The SUI1 gene product was identified as a protein involved in the recognition of the protein synthesis initiation codon. A similar mode of action has been suggested for eIF‐1.
Use of immobilized synthetic peptides for the identification of contact sites between human interleukin‐6 and its receptor
Authors: Weiergräber Oliver , Schneider-Mergener Jens , Grötzinger Joachim , Wollmer Axel , Küster Andrea , Exner Markus , Heinrich Peter C.
Published: July 2002

Synthetic peptides immobilized on cellulose membranes proved to be a powerful tool for the identification of sites in the cytokine IL‐6 involved in receptor binding. Similarly, a region in the extracellular part of the IL‐6 receptor which is important for interaction with its ligand was identified.
Efficient priority rules for the resource‐constrained project scheduling problem
Authors: Kolisch Rainer
Published: July 2002

Resource‐constrained project scheduling is a core problem for many industrial applications, e.g. finite scheduling systems and the planning of business re‐engineering processes. In order to solve these problems commercial systems employ classical priority rules. We review one of them, the well‐known RSM priority rule. A detailed analysis of this rule, reveals that it does not reflect the finite capacity of resources properly. Consequently, this leads to poor solutions. Hence, an improved RSM priority rule is derived and two new priority rules are developed which extend the well‐known precedence based Minimum SLacK priority rule (MSLK) to a precedence and resource based slack priority rule, respectively. On the basis of a comprehensive experimental investigation we provide new insight into the performance of classical and new rules. Furthermore, we show that one of the new rules is significantly better than the classical rules and hence should be employed in project scheduling systems.
The mechanism of action of zopiclone
Authors: Doble A , Canton T , Malgouris C , Stutzmann JM , Piot O , Bardone MC , Pauchet C , Blanchard JC
Published: July 2002

The mechanism of action of the cyclopyrrolone hypnotic drug zopiclone involves allosteric modulation of the GABAAreceptor. Zopiclone displaces the binding of [3H]-flunitrazepam with an affinity of 28 nM, and enhances the binding of the channel blocker [35S]-TBPS. The binding of zopiclone, unlike that of hypnotic benzodiazepines, is not facilitated by GABA. Zopiclone does not distinguish between GABAA receptors containing different α-subunits (BZ1and BZ2phenotype). Studies with protein-modifying agents (egdiethylpyrocarbonate) and photoaffinity labelling suggest that cyclopyrrolones bind to a domain on the GABAA receptor different from the benzodiazepine binding domain. The consequence of this interaction with the GABAAreceptor is to potentiate responses to GABA, as can be demonstrated by electrophysiological methods. Subchronic treatment of mice with high doses of zopiclone does not produce the changes in sensitivity of the GABAAreceptor that are observed with hypnotic benzodiazepines.
A novel strategy for constructing N‐terminal chromosomal fusions to green fluorescent protein in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Prein Birgit , Natter Klaus , Kohlwein Sepp D
Published: July 2002

A novel rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based technique for N‐terminal attachment of green fluorescent protein (GFP) to a yeast protein is described. Genomic integration of a PCR‐generated loxPkanMX4loxP‐yEGFP fusion cassette immediately upstream of the open reading frame (ORF) allows for selection of G418 resistant transformants carrying GFP fused N‐terminally to the protein of interest. In a subsequent step, the loxPkanMX4loxP selection marker that is inserted between the tagged ORF and the endogenous promoter is excised upon site‐specific recombination between the loxP sites by Cre recombinase, leaving behind in the promoter one loxP site, immediately upstream of the GFP start codon. The essential protein Ydl193wp of unknown function and the oleate‐inducible fatty acid activation protein, encoded by FAA2, were N‐terminally tagged using the novel technique. Both experiments yielded viable haploid strains with growth phenotypes indistinguishable from the wild type strain. The subcellular localization pattern for the chromosomally expressed GFP‐Ydl193wp to the endoplasmic reticulum and lipid particles was identical to the pattern observed for a plasmid‐borne GFP construct expressed under control of the MET25p
promoter, albeit at a lower level and with a more homogeneous distribution among the cell population. GFP‐FAA2 was inducible by oleate, as is the wild type gene, demonstrating that specific expression patterns are not grossly affected by the promoter manipulation. In agreement with previous reports, GFP‐Faa2p was found to localize to peroxisomes.
Denaturation and partial renaturation of a tightly tetramerized DsRed protein under mildly acidic conditions
Authors: Vrzheshch Peter V. , Akovbian Nina A. , Varfolomeyev Sergey D. , Verkhusha Vladislav V.
Published: July 2002

The red fluorescent protein, DsRed, recently cloned from coral Discosoma sp. has one of the longest fluorescence waves and one of the most complex absorbance spectra among the family of fluorescent proteins. In this work we found that with time DsRed fluorescence decreases under mildly acidic conditions (pH 4.0–4.8) in a pH‐dependent manner, and this fluorescence inactivation could be partially recovered by subsequent re‐alkalization. The DsRed absorbance and circular dichroism spectra under these conditions revealed that the fluorescence changes were caused by denaturation followed by partial renaturation of the protein. Further, analytical ultracentrifugation determined that native DsRed formed a tight tetramer under various native conditions. Quantitative analysis of the data showed that several distinct states of protein exist during the fluorescence inactivation and recovery, and the inactivation of fluorescence can be caused by protonation of a single ionogenic group in each monomer of DsRed tetramer.
Ion channels formed by HIV‐1 Vpu: a modelling and simulation study
Authors: Grice A.L , Kerr I.D , Sansom M.S.P
Published: July 2002

Vpu is an oligomeric integral membrane protein encoded by HIV‐1 which forms ion channels, each subunit of which contains a single transmembrane helix. Models of Vpu channels formed by bundles of N=4, 5 or 6 transmembrane helices have been developed by restrained molecular dynamics and refined by 100 ps simulations with water molecules within the pore. Pore radius profiles and conductance predictions suggest that the N=5 model corresponds to the predominant channel conductance level of the channel. Potential energy profiles for translation of Na+ or Cl− ions along the Vpu N=5 pore are consistent with the weak cation selectivity of Vpu channels.
Repetitive Ca2+ spikes in a unicellular green alga
Authors: Bauer C.S. , Plieth C. , Hansen U.-P. , Sattelmacher B. , Simonis W. , Schönknecht G.
Published: July 2002

Cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]cy) and membrane potential were measured simultaneously in the unicellular green alga Eremosphaera viridis. Steady state [Ca2+]cy was about 160 nM. A ‘light‐off’ stimulus induced a transient elevation of [Ca2+]cy ([Ca2+]cy spike) in parallel with a transient hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane. Caffeine and Sr2+, known to release Ca2+ from intracellular stores in animal cells, induced repetitive [Ca2+]cy spikes in Eremosphaera which were always accompanied by parallel repetitive transient hyperpolarizations. These transient hyperpolarizations could be used as an indicator for [Ca2+]cy spikes. Repetitive [Ca2+]cy spikes in Eremosphaera were similar to repetitive [Ca2+]cy spikes in excitable animal cells. The mechanisms underlying these [Ca2+]cy oscillations seem to be comparable in animal and plant cells.
Binding of TNP‐ATP and TNP‐ADP to the non‐catalytic sites of Escherichia coli F1‐ATPase
Authors: Weber Joachim , Senior Alan E
Published: July 2002

Using site‐directed‐tryptophan fluorescence, parameters for equilibrium binding of (Mg)TNP‐ATP and (Mg)TNP‐ADP to non‐catalytic sites of Escherichia coli F1‐ATPase were determined. All three non‐catalytic sites showed the same affinity for MgTNP‐ATP (K
d=0.2 μM) or MgTNP‐ADP (K
d=6.5 μM) whereas even at concentrations of 100 μM no binding of uncomplexed TNP‐ATP or TNP‐ADP was observed. The results demonstrate that the three non‐catalytic sites bind TNP‐nucleotides non‐cooperatively, and emphasize the importance of Mg2+ for non‐catalytic‐site nucleotide binding. Parameters for binding of (Mg)TNP‐ADP to the three catalytic sites were also determined, and showed marked cooperativity. This work completes the set of thermodynamic parameters for equilibrium binding of (Mg)TNP‐ATP and (Mg)TNP‐ADP to all six nucleotide sites of F1, providing essential information to fully exploit the potential of these nucleotide analogs in studies of F1‐ATPase.
Mechanisms of cycloheximide‐induced apoptosis in liver cells
Authors: Alessenko Alice V , Boikov Peter Ya , Filippova Galina N , Khrenov Alexey V , Loginov Anatoliy S , Makarieva Elena D
Published: July 2002

Cycloheximide in sublethal doses caused apoptosis in liver cells in vivo, inducing c‐myc, c‐fos, c‐jun and p53 genes and accumulation of sphingosine, a toxic product of the sphingomyelin cycle. These data support the hypothesis that continuous synthesis of labile protective proteins is required to restrain apoptosis in liver; sphingosine might be important in mediating cycloheximide‐induced apoptosis as an endogenous modulator of protein kinase C activity.
The macrophage migration inhibitory factor MIF is a phenylpyruvate tautomerase
Authors: Rosengren Evald , Åman Pierre , Thelin Sofia , Hansson Christer , Ahlfors Stefan , Björk Peter , Jacobsson Lars , Rorsman Hans
Published: July 2002

A macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), originally described as a product of activated lymphocytes, has been defined as a 12 kDa protein, expressed in a wide variety of tissues. Here MIF is identified as a phenylpyruvate tautomerase (EC 5.3.2.1) having p‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate and phenylpyruvate as its natural substrates. The definition of MIF as an enzyme may yield insight into the mechanism of action of this proinflammatory and immunomodulating cytokine.
Real‐time NMR studies on folding of mutants of barnase and chymotrypsin inhibitor 2
Authors: Killick Thomas R , Freund Stefan M.V , Fersht Alan R
Published: July 2002

The folding and unfolding of proteins is generally assumed to be so co‐operative that the overall process may be followed by a single probe, such as tryptophan fluorescence. Folding kinetics of three mutants of barnase and chymotrypsin inhibitor 2 (CI2) were studied by real‐time NMR. Rate constants for changes in individual residues during the unfolding or refolding of the mutants studied by real‐time NMR are all within experimental error of the overall process of folding/unfolding measured by stopped‐flow measurements of tryptophan fluorescence. Folding of these mutants is thus highly co‐operative. Changes in the tryptophan fluorescence give accurate measurements of the protein folding process.
Cloning and sequencing of ISC1041 from the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus MT‐4, a new member of the IS30 family of insertion elements12
Authors: Ammendola Sergio , Politi Laura , Scandurra Roberto
Published: July 2002

A genomic fragment containing the insertion sequence ISC1041 has been cloned by PCR from the archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus MT‐4, an extremophilic microorganism which grows at 87°C. The 1038 bp ISC1041 element contains an imperfect 18 nt repeat and a long open reading frame which encodes a polypeptide of 311 amino acid residues. The translated amino acid sequence shows a significant similarity to IS30‐like transposases. Structural analysis indicates that ISC1041 is a novel member of the IS30 family and displays the DDE motif not previously seen in Archaea. This motif is believed to be involved in the integration mechanism of many mobile elements. As this motif is present in several integrases and transposases which, despite the lack of overall protein homologies, share topological homologies to the DDE motif, a common ancestor has been proposed. The finding of an IS30‐like transposase in the archaeal kingdom may have relevance for horizontal gene transfer.
Differential binding of human blood group Sd(a+) and Sd(a−) Tamm‐Horsfall glycoproteins with Dolichos biflorus and Vicia villosa‐B4 agglutinins
Authors: Wu Albert M. , Wu June H. , Watkins Winifred M. , Chen Chie-Pein , Song Shuh-Chyung , Chen Yuen-Yuen
Published: July 2002

The binding patterns of human blood group Sd(a+) and Sd(a−) Tamm‐Horsfall glycoproteins (THGPs) with respect to four GalNAc specific agglutinins were studied by quantitative precipitin assay (QPA) and enzyme linked lectinosorbent assay (ELLSA). Of the native and asialo Sd(a+) and Sd(a−) THGP tested by QPA and ELLSA, only native and asialo Sd(a+) bound well with Dolichos biflorus (DBA) and Vicia villosa‐B4 (VVA‐B4), while Sd(a−) THGP reacted poorly with these two lectins. Neither Sd(a+) nor Sd(a−) THGPs reacted with two other GalNAc α‐anomer specific lectins: Codium fragile subspecies tomentosoides and Artocarpus integrifolia. Furthermore, the binding of asialo Sd(a+)THGP‐VVA‐B4 and native Sd(a+)THGP‐DBA through GalNAcβ→ was confirmed by inhibition assay. These results demonstrate that DBA and VVA‐B4 are useful reagents to differentiate between Sd(a+) and Sd(a−) THGP.
Calculated ionisation potentials determine the oxidation of vanillin precursors by lignin peroxidase
Authors: ten Have Rimko , Rietjens Ivonne M.C.M , Hartmans Sybe , Swarts Henk J , Field Jim A
Published: July 2002

In view of the biocatalytic production of vanillin, this research focused on the lignin peroxidase (LiP) catalysed oxidation of naturally occurring phenolic derivatives: O‐methyl ethers, O‐acetyl esters, and O‐glucosyl ethers. The ionisation potential (IP) of a series of model compounds was calculated and compared to their experimental conversion by LiP, defining a relative IP threshold of approximately 9.0 eV. Based on this threshold value only the O‐acetyl esters and glucosides of isoeugenol and coniferyl alcohol would be potential LiP substrates. Both O‐acetyl esters were tested and were shown to be converted to O‐acetyl vanillin in molar yields of 51.8 and 2.3%, respectively.
Proadrenomedullin N‐terminal 20 peptide (PAMP) stimulates aldosterone secretion by the intact rat adrenal glomerulosa by a cAMP‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Thomson L.M. , Kapas S. , Hinson J.P.
Published: July 2002

Preproadrenomedullin, the precursor of proadrenomedullin N‐terminal 20 peptide (PAMP), is produced by rat zona glomerulosa cells. The actions of PAMP on the rat adrenal have been investigated. PAMP was found to stimulate aldosterone secretion and cAMP release by intact capsules, in a dose‐dependent manner, but had only a minor effect on dispersed cells. The effects of PAMP on aldosterone secretion were inhibited by HA1004, an inhibitor of protein kinase A. The difference between tissue preparations does not appear to be due to the actions of PAMP on local release of catecholamines as PAMP inhibited the release of catecholamines from rat capsular preparations. These data suggest that PAMP is a novel zona glomerulosa stimulant in intact capsular tissue, acting through cAMP.
Identification and differential regional expression of KOR‐3/ORL‐1 gene splice variants in mouse brain
Authors: Pan Ying-Xian , Xu Jin , Wan Ban-Lin , Zuckerman Amy , Pasternak Gavril W
Published: July 2002

KOR‐3, also known as ORL‐1, is a member of the opioid receptor family, encoding the murine receptor for orphanin FQ/nociceptin. In the current studies we have identified five different splice variants of KOR‐3 in mouse brain, three of which have not been previously reported. In addition to variants with a 15 bp deletion at the 3′‐end of the first coding exon (KOR‐3d) and an 81 bp insertion between the second and third coding exons (KOR‐3e), three new variants with insertions of 34 (KOR‐3a), 98 (KOR‐3b), and 139 bp (KOR‐3c) between the first and second coding exons have been obtained. The expression of the three variants in mouse brain varies markedly among brain regions with a distribution which is quite distinct from KOR‐3 itself. Of greatest interest was the presence of high levels of KOR‐3a in the striatum, a region with no demonstrable KOR‐3, and in the cortex. KOR‐3c was seen in the periaqueductal gray and hypothalamus, regions where KOR‐3 predominated. The brainstem had similar levels of KOR‐3, KOR‐3a, and KOR‐3d. In contrast, KOR‐3d was most prominent in the cerebellum. KOR‐3b levels were very low throughout.
Antioxidant properties of ticlopidine on human low density lipoprotein oxidation
Authors: Lapenna Domenico , de Gioia Sergio , Ciofani Giuliano , Bruno Cristiana , Porreca Ettore , Pierdomenico Sante D , Cuccurullo Franco
Published: July 2002

We found that ticlopidine, at therapeutically relevant concentrations (2.5–10 μM), but not aspirin nor salicylate, significantly counteracted copper‐driven human LDL oxidation. Ticlopidine, at 5 and 10 μM, was also antioxidant on peroxyl radical‐induced LDL oxidation; yet it was ineffectual on thiol and ascorbate oxidation mediated by peroxyl radicals themselves, suggesting that drug antioxidant capacity is somehow related to the lipoprotein nature of the oxidizable substrate, but not to radical scavenging. The drug could not indeed react with the stable free radical 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐pycrylhydrazyl, nor had apparent metal complexing‐inactivating activity. Thus, ticlopidine has antioxidant effects on LDL oxidation, which, together with its anti‐platelet activity, could confer peculiar antiatherogenic properties to the drug in vivo.
Protein kinase C‐δ activation and tyrosine phosphorylation in platelets
Authors: Moussazadeh Mitra , Haimovich Beatrice
Published: July 2002

Several protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms are expressed in human platelets. We report that PKC‐δ is tyrosine phosphorylated within 30 s of platelet activation by thrombin. This correlated with a 2–3‐fold increase in the kinase activity of PKC‐δ relative to unstimulated platelets. The tyrosine phosphorylated PKC‐δ isoform was associated with the platelet particulate (100 000×g insoluble) fraction. αIIbβ3 integrin mediated platelet adhesion to fibrinogen did not significantly affect PKC‐δ activity. Tyrosine phosphorylation of PKC‐δ was similarly not detected in fibrinogen adherent platelet lysates. Treatment of the platelets with mAb 7E3 prior to the addition of thrombin blocked aggregation having no effect on the thrombin induced PKC‐δ activation. We conclude that PKC‐δ is activated in platelets by an αIIbβ3 independent pathway.
Hyperphosphorylation induces structural modification of tau‐protein
Authors: Uversky Vladimir N , Winter Stefan , Galzitskaya Oxana V , Kittler Leonhard , Lober Gunter
Published: July 2002

The effect of hyperphosphorylation on the structural properties and conformational stability of bovine tau‐protein was studied by means of circular dichroism and fluorescence lifetime techniques. Normal protein contains unusual secondary structure elements: extended left‐handed helices. The structure of this protein was assumed to be of a ‘tadpole’ type – a globular C‐terminal part with a long and rigid tail included in the extended left‐handed helix. Either a decrease or an increase of pH induced only minor changes of the normal tau‐protein surface. Hyperphosphorylation affected the extended part of the protein molecule; the decrease of pH in this case induced considerable structural rearrangements, and the conformation of the C‐terminal part of the protein molecule was transformed into a molten globule‐like state.
The influence of phenobarbital on cytochromes and reactive oxygen species in erythropoietin producing HepG2 cells
Authors: Ehleben W , Porwol T , Fandrey J , Acker H
Published: July 2002

Light absorption photometry of HepG2 cells treated with phenobarbital for enhancing the content of cytochrome P‐450 and the synthesis of erythropoietin revealed an influence on all cytochromes detectable in the wavelength range between 400 and 620 nm. No correlation was found between specific changes of cytochrome P‐450 absorption and increased EPO synthesis as proposed earlier by Fandrey et al. (Life Sci. (1990) 47, 127–134). In the present study, however, the increased erythropoietin synthesis could be related to a decreased intracellular hydroxyl radical level described as crucial for the oxygen regulated gene expression (Kietzmann et al., Biochem. J. (1998) 335, 425–432; Porwol et al., Eur. J. Biochem. (1998) 256, 16–23).
Protochlorophyllide b does not occur in barley etioplasts
Authors: Scheumann Verena , Klement Harald , Helfrich Michael , Oster Ulrike , Schoch Siegrid , Rüdiger Wolfhart
Published: July 2002

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) etioplasts were isolated, and the pigments were extracted with acetone. The extract was analyzed by HPLC. Only protochlorophyllide a and no protochlorophyllide b was detected (limit of detection <1% of protochlorophyllide a). Protochlorophyllide b was synthesized starting from chlorophyll b and incubated with etioplast membranes and NADPH. In the light, photoconversion to chlorophyllide b was observed, apparently catalyzed by NADPH:protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase. In darkness, reduction of the analogue zinc protopheophorbide b to zinc 71‐hydroxy‐protopheophorbide a was observed, apparently catalyzed by chlorophyll b reductase. We conclude that protochlorophyllide b does not occur in detectable amounts in etioplasts, and even traces of it as the free pigment are metabolically unstable. Thus the direct experimental evidence contradicts the idea by Reinbothe et al. (Nature 397 (1999) 80–84) of a protochlorophyllide b‐containing light‐harvesting complex in barley etioplasts.
A novel plant nuclear gene encoding chloroplast ribosomal protein S9 has a transit peptide related to that of rice chloroplast ribosomal protein L12
Authors: Arimura Shin-ichi , Takusagawa Shin , Hatano Shoji , Nakazono Mikio , Hirai Atsushi , Tsutsumi Nobuhiro
Published: July 2002

We have cloned a novel nuclear gene for a ribosomal protein of rice and Arabidopsis that is like the bacterial ribosomal protein S9. To determine the subcellular localization of the gene product, we fused the N‐terminal region and green fluorescent protein and expressed it transiently in rice seedlings. Localized fluorescence was detectable only in chloroplasts, indicating that this nuclear gene encodes chloroplast ribosomal protein S9. The N‐terminal region of rice ribosomal protein S9 was found to have a high sequence similarity to the transit peptide region of the rice chloroplast ribosomal protein L12, suggesting that these transit peptides have a common lineage.
α1,3‐Fucoslytransferase IX (Fuc‐TIX) is very highly conserved between human and mouse; molecular cloning, characterization and tissue distribution of human Fuc‐TIX
Authors: Kaneko Mika , Kudo Takashi , Iwasaki Hiroko , Ikehara Yuzuru , Nishihara Shoko , Nakagawa Satoshi , Sasaki Katsutoshi , Shiina Takashi , Inoko Hidetoshi , Saitou Naruya , Narimatsu Hisashi
Published: July 2002

The amino acid sequence of Fuc‐TIX is very highly conserved between mouse and human. The number of non‐synonymous nucleotide substitutions of the Fuc‐TIX gene between human and mouse was strikingly low, and almost equivalent to that of the α‐actin gene. This indicates that Fuc‐TIX is under a strong selective pressure of preservation during evolution. The human Fuc‐TIX (hFuc‐TIX) showed a unique characteristics, i.e. hFuc‐TIX was not activated by Mn2+ and Co2+, whereas hFuc‐TIV and hFuc‐TVI were activated by the cations. The hFuc‐TIX transcripts were abundantly expressed in brain and stomach, and interestingly were detected in spleen and peripheral blood leukocytes.
N‐Acetylcysteine protects epithelial cells against the oxidative imbalance due to Clostridium difficile toxins
Authors: Fiorentini C. , Falzano L. , Rivabene R. , Fabbri A. , Malorni W.
Published: July 2002

Toxins A and B from the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium difficile are the causative agents of the antibiotic‐associated pseudomembraneous colitis. At the subcellular level, they inhibit the Rho family GTPases, thus causing alterations of the actin cytoskeleton. The cytoskeletal integrity is also controlled by the redox state of cells. Therefore, we have evaluated whether an oxidative imbalance could be involved in the toxin‐induced cytopathic effects. Our results indicate that both toxins induce oxidative stress with a significant depletion of protein SH‐groups. These responses and the cytoskeleton‐dependent cell retraction and rounding are significantly counteracted by N‐acetylcysteine but not by α‐tocopherol. Our study provides the first evidence that the thiol supplier N‐acetylcysteine impairs the cellular intoxication by acting on the cytoskeleton integrity. This also suggests a possible beneficial role for this drug during therapeutic intervention.
Deformation across the zone of callotasis during loading. Radiostereometric analysis in a patient with achondroplasia
Authors: Steen Harald , Kristiansen Leif Pål , Finnanger Anne Marie , Kärrholm Johan , Reikerås Olav
Published: July 2002

The present study demonstrates that high‐resolution radiostereometric analysis (RSA) can be used to assess global longitudinal compressive deformation across the callotasis zone during loading. In an achondroplastic patient operated with bifocal lengthening of the tibia by use of the Ilizarov external fixator, the axial compressive intersegmental strain in the proximal lengthening zone under a load of 71% of body weight was 7.7 mm. The proximal lengthening zone was 51.0 mm, and accordingly the overall linear strain across the callotasis was 15.1%. This large strain value found in distraction osteogenesis 6 weeks after end of distraction is not consistent with classical theory of the magnitude of micromotion needed for adequate stimulation of bone formation in fracture healing. The increased axial displacement did not stimulate bone healing and delayed union was observed. This one single observation does not allow for any conclusions to be drawn about the relationship of strain to fracture healing, but further and refined use of the RSA method will certainly improve our understanding of the role of axial strains in distraction osteogenesis. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Clinical features and co-morbidity of social phobics in Turkey
Authors: Gökalp P.G. , Tükel R. , Solmaz D. , Demir T. , Kiziltan E. , Demir D. , Babaoðlu A.N.
Published: July 2002

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical features and frequency and importance of related co-morbid disorders of social phobia in a clinical sample. Eighty-seven patients meeting DSM-III-R diagnostic criteria for social phobia were studied. All patients were assessed by using a semi-structured socio-demographic form, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R, Manual for the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Personality Disorders, Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety. Sixty-eight (78.2%) of the group were male, 19 (21.8%) were female. The ages varied between 16–58 years, with a mean of 26.2 years (SD = 8.5). Fifty-one point seven percent of the subjects were assessed as having a co-morbid axis I disorder, of which 12.6% consisted of panic disorder and 10.3% agoraphobia. An additional axis II disorder had been found in 67.8% of the subjects, and 54.0% of them had been diagnosed as having avoidant personality disorder. The frequency of co-morbid disorders in our social phobic sample is lower than most of the studies in the literature. The interface between social phobia and avoidant personality disorder needs to be studied and discussed further.
Integration of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies in the discovery, development, and review of protein therapeutic agents: A conference report
Authors: Galluppi Gerald R. , Rogge Mark C. , Roskos Lorin K. , Lesko Lawrence J. , Green Martin D. , Feigal David W. , Peck Carl C.
Published: July 2002

Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2001) 69, 387–399; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2001.115455
Genotype of N‐acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) polymorphism in children with immunoglobulin E–mediated food allergy
Authors: Gawrońska‐Szklarz Barbara , Pawlik Andrzej , Czaja‐Bulsa Grażyna , Górnik Wanda , Luszawska‐Kutrzeba Teresa , Wrześniewska Joanna
Published: July 2002

We investigated whether patients with immunoglobulin E–mediated food allergy differed from healthy individuals with regard to genotype of the polymorphic enzyme N‐acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2). The genetic polymorphism of acetylation can alter the toxic and therapeutic response to certain xenobiotics and may be also a factor that influences the susceptibility toward certain partly chemically induced diseases. We compared 136 children with immunoglobulin E–mediated food allergy with 123 healthy children. The NAT2 alleles (*4, *5, *6, and *7) were determined by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism methods with DNA extracted from peripheral blood. A statistically significant increase in the proportion of homozygous slow acetylators (76.5%) was found among patients with food allergy compared with healthy subjects (53.7%; P < .001). There were no homozygous fast acetylators within this group of individuals with severe forms of food allergy. The risk of development of immunoglobulin E–mediated food allergy was almost 3‐fold greater in slow acetylators than that in the healthy subjects (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 4.9). We therefore concluded that the slow acetylation genotype may be an important factor of individual susceptibility to immunoglobulin E–mediated food allergy.

Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2001) 69, 372–378; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2001.115541
Low‐Dimensional Single‐Cation Formamidinium Lead Halide Perovskites (FAm+2PbmBr3m+2): From Synthesis to Rewritable Phase‐Change Memory Film
Authors: Minh Duong Nguyen , Nguyen Lan Anh Thi , Trinh Cong Tai , Oh Changjun , Eom Sangwon , Vu Thanh Van , Choi Jinwoo , Sim Jae Hyun , Lee Kwang‐Geol , Kim Jaeyong , Cho Seong Chan , Lee Sang Uck , Cimrová Věra , Kang Youngjong
Published: March 2021

Synthesis of 2D perovskites often demands long and bulky organic spacer cations, but they hamper optoelectronic properties of the resulting 2D perovskites. Novel low‐dimensional single‐cation perovskites with a general formula of FAm+2PbmBr3m+2 are prepared by using a quenching‐assisted solution process, which leads to the wide dimensional control over 1D FA3PbBr5 (m = 1), 2D FAm+2PbmBr3m+2 (m ≥ 2), and 3D FAPbX3 (m = ∞) perovskites simply by changing the composition of precursors. In this case, formamidinium (FA) acts as both an A‐site cation and spacer cation in FAm+2PbmBr3m+2. Unlike conventional 2D perovskites, FAm+2PbmBr3m+2 perovskites have (110) orientation. PVDF (poly(vinylidene fluoride)) preferentially stabilizes the low‐dimensional FAm+2PbmBr3m+2 phases, which is utilized to fabricate the stable FAm+2PbmBr3m+2‐PVDF composite films. The phase transitions from 1D and 2D to 3D are investigated in response to various stimuli, including humidity, ultraviolet, oxygen, and solvents, are exploited for rewritable phase‐change memory films.
Wicking–Polarization‐Induced Water Cluster Size Effect on Triboelectric Evaporation Textiles
Authors: Gong Wei , Wang Xiaolei , Yang Weifeng , Zhou Jie , Han Xin , Dickey Michael D. , Su Yun , Hou Chengyi , Li Yaogang , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Hongzhi
Published: March 2021

Sweating during exercise, physical labor, or hot weather leads to a feeling of discomfort. The stuffiness, stickiness, and heaviness brought by sweat may promote negative emotions or disease. Clothing, textiles, and wearable devices exacerbate these problems by restricting evaporation of sweat. Here, a textile that can promote and enhance sweat evaporation by coupling wicking and polarization is reported. The wicking is produced by the wettability gradient and pore size, which make the surface moisture content of the textile in contact with the skin strictly 0%. The polarization is driven by a ferroelectric‐enhanced triboelectric textile. This textile degrades large‐sized water clusters into small‐sized water clusters or water monomers, so that the textiles have an excellent moisture evaporation rate (4.4 and 3.6 times faster than the cotton and polyester textiles, respectively). This work provides a new source of inspiration for quick‐drying textiles and also finds an attractive application for triboelectric technology.
Paleoaltingia gen. nov., a new genus of Altingiaceae from the Late Cretaceous of New Jersey
Authors: Lai Yangjun , Gandolfo Maria A. , Crepet William L. , Nixon Kevin C.
Published: March 2021

Premise

Altingiaceae is a small family with a bimodal Northern Hemisphere distribution in eastern North America and eastern Asia, and a rich Cenozoic fossil record. The charcoalified fossil infructescence Paleoaltingia gen. nov. from Turonian (Late Cretaceous) deposits of New Jersey, provides new evidence of early Altingiaceae reproductive structures and has biogeographical implications in understanding modern distribution.

Methods

Fossils were prepared using standard methods for obtaining and processing mesofossils. The fossils were examined with light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy for observing structural and anatomical details. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using a combined matrix of molecular and morphological data.

Results

Based on morphological features of the fossil and the phylogenetic analyses, the new genus, Paleoaltingia, with two species (Paleoaltingia ovum‐dinosauri and P. polyodonta) is erected. The phylogenetic position of Paleoaltingia confirms affinities with living Altingiaceae.

Conclusions

The combination of characters—simple capitate infructescence, syncarpous bicarpellate, and bilocular ovary, unique sterile phyllome structures—indicates that the fossil taxa have close affinities to modern Altingiaceae. The unique characters of the phyllomes provide new information on the floral diversity of Altingiaceae. The emergence of Paleoaltingia in Late Cretaceous sediments of Northeastern North America represents the earliest fossil record of Altingiaceae and provides new insights into its biogeography.
Recent developments and applications of polymer monolithic stationary phases
Authors: Eeltink Sebastiaan , Meston Daniel , Svec Frantisek
Published: March 2021

This review highlights the current trends and the most recent advances in the field of preparation and application of organic polymer‐based monolithic materials and covers literature published in 2020. A short historical background is provided and protocols to anchor monoliths covalently to the wall of the column/separation device are discussed. Furthermore, advances in tuning the macroporous structure and establishing its link to separation performance are conferred. Finally, method development and key applications using novel monolithic columns are discussed.
Burrowing behaviour of unionid mussels in subtropical rivers: Implications for survey guidelines
Authors: Hernández Bianca A. , Mitchell Zachary A. , Robertson Clinton R. , Schwalb Astrid N.
Published: March 2021

Conservation efforts have increased in response to global mussel declines, and effective surveys are a crucial step in assessing and monitoring mussel populations and in determining their conservation status. The burrowing behaviour of mussels can affect their detectability, and a better understanding of these behaviours would help to improve survey design and guidelines.

The burrowing depth of mussels may differ between seasons, habitat conditions, species, and individuals, and little is known about the burrowing behaviour of mussels in subtropical rivers.

Burrowing depth variation was examined and compared at three sites in the San Marcos, Guadalupe, and San Antonio river drainages in central Texas. In addition, laboratory experiments were used to determine whether observed differences between field sites and seasons could be linked to differences in substrate type and water temperature and to examine differences between species.

Seasonal variation in burrowing depth was found at all field sites, and water temperature was a significant factor for explaining variation in burrowing depth, but there was no clear relationship between burrowing depth and temperature in shorter term laboratory experiments, where individual variation was high and burrowing behaviour seemed to be solely a function of time.

Mussels burrowed significantly deeper in finer substrate (sand vs. gravel) in both field and laboratory experiments. Few significant differences between species were found in the field, but no differences were found in the laboratory experiments.

The results suggest that surveys may need to follow different guidelines depending on local conditions, such as substrate and water temperature. Surveys will be less efficient and may fail to detect larger proportions of populations in colder water temperatures. In addition, a larger proportion of burrowed mussels can be expected at sites with finer substrate, such as sand. Under these conditions, visual searches will not suffice, as a large part of the population or specific species may be overlooked.
Patient perspectives on health‐related behavior change after transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke
Authors: Brouwer‐Goossensen Dorien , den Hertog Heleen M. , Mastenbroek‐de Jong Marinke A. , van Gemert‐Pijnen Lisette J. E. W. C. , Taal Erik
Published: March 2021

Objective

Unhealthy lifestyle is common among patients with ischemic stroke or TIA. Hence, health‐related behavior change may be an effective way to reduce stroke recurrence. However, this is often difficult to carry out successfully. We aimed to explore patients' perspectives on health‐related behavior change, support in this change, and sustain healthy behavior.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive qualitative study with in‐depth, semistructured interviews in eighteen patients with recent TIA or ischemic stroke. Interviews addressed barriers, facilitators, knowledge, and support of health‐related behavior change framed by the protection motivation theory. All interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed.

Results

Patients seem unable to adequately appraise their own health‐related behavior. More than half of the patients were satisfied with their lifestyle and felt no urgency to change. Self‐efficacy as coping factor was the most important determinant (both barrier and facilitator). Fear as threat factor was named as facilitator for health‐related behavior change by half of the patients. Most of the patients did not need support or already received support in changing health behavior. Patients indicated knowledge, guidelines, and social support as most needed to support and preserve a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

This study suggests that patients with recent TIA or ischemic stroke often do not have a high intention to change health‐related behavior. The results fit well within the framework of the protection motivation theory. As many patients seem unable to adequately appraise their health behaviors, interventions should focus on increasing knowledge of healthy behavior and improving self‐efficacy and social support.
Nanozymes “Artificial Peroxidase”: Enzyme Oxidase Mixtures for Single‐Step Fabrication of Advanced Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Komkova Maria A. , Andreeva Ksenia D. , Zarochintsev Alexander A. , Karyakin Arkady A.
Published: March 2021

We report the single‐step fabrication of advanced electrochemical biosensors upon drop‐casting of “artificial peroxidase”, that is, oxidase‐containing mixtures. Compared to bienzyme biosensors, we substitute peroxidase with more active and stable nanozymes based on catalytically synthesized Prussian Blue. The electroactivity of nanozymes in the sensing membrane was facilitated with carbon black nanoparticles, which resulted in record sensitivity of the H2O2 transducer exceeding 1.1 A M−1 ⋅ cm−2. Both glucose and lactate oxidases were co‐immobilized with nanozymes in alkoxysilane or perfluorosulfonated ionomer membranes. The proposed drop‐casting approach results in biosensors that are advantageous over those conventionally produced upon layer‐by‐layer immobilization in terms of i) almost an order of magnitude increased sensitivity, ii) unsurpassed biosensor‐to‐transducer sensitivity ratio reaching the value of 0.3, and iii) three times extended operational lifetime.
Are you a newcomer to horizon scanning? A few decision points and methodological reflections on the process
Authors: Géring Zsuzsanna , Király Gábor , Tamássy Réka
Published: March 2021

In this short methodological paper, we introduce four issues regarding the process of a horizon scanning exercise. During our horizon scanning project about the future of higher education, we met with several methodological challenges that influenced the data gathering and analysis of our research. The four issues were as follows: (1) finding the right template of data gathering, (2) identifying the right focus of our exercise, (3) the effect of the chosen target group on the process, and (4) the issue of blind spots of the analyzed discourse. By making our research dilemmas and our answers transparent, we would like to highlight how these issues and our decisions shaped the process and the output. In this manner, we demonstrate the iterative aspect of data‐gathering and analysis phases in horizon scanning processes. By discussing these four challenges, we also attempt to emphasize that methodological decisions mutually affect each other and in turn the process itself. Furthermore, this way we could provide methodological insights for researchers who encounter similar decision points during their horizon scanning.
Seasonal precipitation variability modes over South America associated to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and non‐ENSO components during the 1951–2016 period
Authors: de Souza Itamara Parente , Andreoli Rita Valéria , Kayano Mary Toshie , Vargas Franci Flores , Cerón Wilmar L. , Martins Jorge Alberto , Freitas Edmilson , de Souza Rodrigo Augusto Ferreira
Published: March 2021

Anomalous seasonal patterns of precipitation variability over South America (SA) associated with El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and non‐ENSO (residual) conditions were assessed during 1951–2016. Patterns were obtained from empirical orthogonal functions analysis of total and residual precipitation seasonal anomalies. In austral spring and summer, precipitation variability is dominated by a dipolar anomaly mode with a centre extending from northwestern to northeastern SA and another in central‐eastern Brazil and part of southeastern SA (SESA) during spring, and a centre in northwestern SA and another extending from northeastern SA to central and eastern Brazil and central SESA, during summer. These modes are associated with ENSO to a greater extent during spring than summer. In summer, there is a strong association of the dipolar precipitation pattern with sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies on the east coast of Brazil, which indicates local influence. In austral fall, SST anomalies in the tropical South Atlantic relate to precipitation anomalies in northeast SA, and those in the tropical north Atlantic (TNA) to precipitation anomalies in northwestern SA, through the intertropical convergence zone anomalous position modulated by SST anomalies. In this same condition, the ENSO acts only to intensify or weaken the dominant precipitation pattern, depending on its phase, mainly over SESA. In contrast, the second variability mode in fall is characterized by positive SST anomalies in the Indian Ocean and equatorial and southern Atlantic Ocean and negative in the TNA. The importance of ENSO and the Indian Ocean in the characterization of the SST dipole in the tropical Atlantic explains the main changes in precipitation patterns over northeastern Brazil not been discussed in previous studies.