bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPACT OF HAND AND ARM BIMANUAL INTENSIVE THERAPY AMONG CHILDREN WITH UNILATERAL SPASTIC CEREBRAL PALSY
Authors: Ahmed Menahil , Kazmi Yasir Ali , Ali Hafiz Muhammad Umair , Namra Saleem  , Bhatti Abeer , Sajid Maria , Choudhary Ahmad Saeed
Published: February 2025

Background: Unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP) is a neurological condition that primarily affects motor function on one side of the body, leading to significant impairments in hand and arm coordination, daily activities, and overall quality of life. Conventional rehabilitation approaches often focus on unimanual training, limiting the development of bimanual skills necessary for functional independence. Hand and Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy (HABIT) has emerged as a promising intervention aimed at improving bilateral coordination through structured, task-oriented activities by leveraging neuroplasticity.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HABIT on motor function, functional independence, and quality of life in children with USCP, providing evidence for its therapeutic efficacy.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 20 children diagnosed with USCP, recruited from Children's Hospital Faisalabad using a non-probability sampling technique. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A received HABIT, while Group B served as the control group and underwent conventional therapy, including passive range of motion exercises and stretching. The intervention was administered over 12 weeks, with three sessions per week. Outcome measures included the Bimanual Performance Test (BPM), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Quality of Life Score (QoL). Data were analyzed using SPSS, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Post-intervention assessments demonstrated significantly greater improvements in Group A compared to Group B. The BPM scores increased from 25.6 ± 4.2 to 32.1 ± 3.9 in Group A, while Group B showed a lesser improvement from 24.8 ± 3.8 to 27.5 ± 4.0 (p < 0.001). FIM scores improved from 40.2 ± 5.3 to 48.7 ± 4.8 in Group A, whereas Group B increased from 39.7 ± 5.1 to 43.1 ± 5.0 (p < 0.001). Similarly, QoL scores improved from 65.3 ± 7.4 to 72.9 ± 6.2 in Group A, compared to 64.2 ± 7.1 to 66.8 ± 7.0 in Group B (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The findings support the efficacy of HABIT in significantly improving bimanual motor function, functional independence, and quality of life in children with USCP. The structured, intensive nature of the intervention suggests its potential as an effective rehabilitation strategy for pediatric neurorehabilitation.
Sikk for Sindh: A Study of Utopianism in Sindhi Hindu Narratives of Partition
Authors: Sawlani Abhilasha
Published: February 2025

Most narratives about the Partition of the Indian subcontinent frame the lost home/city/cultural milieu as an idealized model of syncretism. The frontier region of Sindh was a particularly fertile locus for the confluence of diverse cultures and religions. The resultant syncretism made it a particularly apt site for the projection of nostalgic and utopian fantasies. Bringing together historical accounts, literary analysis of short stories, along with interviews conducted within my own family, this autoethnographic study seeks to explore the utopian impulse within Sindhi narratives of the Partition of India. It looks into how the past is fabricated as an idealized space, obfuscating its dystopian aspects—the inequitable socio-economic structure and communal tensions that preexisted Partition. Despite this selective, nostalgic reconstruction, it argues that the oppositional utopian impulse of these ‘fictions of memory’ lies in their visions of a world where proximity and coexistence were possible. Instead of offering realizable blueprints of a utopian past, these narratives signal the possibility of a society based on alternative, more amicable ways of negotiating religious difference. The underlying utopian impulse manifests in the desire that motivates nostalgic longing, emerging out of a chaotic and dystopian present which selectively reconstructs the past to mobilize its redemptive possibilities for syncretic, potentially utopian, future, social configurations.
Deaf Education and Sign Language: Strategies, Challenges, and Benefits
Authors: Dr. Bhavna Singh  , Dr. Amit Kumar Dubey
Published: February 2025

Deaf education focuses on teaching strategies and support systems designed to meet the unique needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing, ensuring they have equal access to education and opportunities as their hearing peers. Key aspects include various communication methods such as American Sign Language (ASL), oral/verbal communication, cued speech, and total communication; educational approaches like mainstreaming, self-contained classrooms, and deaf schools; and the use of technology like hearing aids, cochlear implants, and FM systems. Curriculum and language development prioritize strong language skills in ASL or spoken language, literacy, and social-emotional support. Challenges faced by deaf students include language delays, social isolation, and cultural identity issues. Legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensure accommodations and appropriate education for deaf students. Future directions emphasize inclusion, accessibility, and cultural awareness. Sign language, a visual language used by the Deaf community, relies on hand shapes, facial expressions, body movements, and gestures to represent words, concepts, and emotions. It has its own grammar, syntax, and regional variations. Learning sign language promotes inclusivity and bridges communication gaps, offering numerous benefits for deaf children's language development, emotional and social well-being, academic outcomes, family bonding, and cultural identity.
The Role of Law in Empowering Women in India
Authors: Dr. Krishna Mukund
Published: February 2025

The law has the power to build the India of the future one in which every woman is empowered to change her fate. Legal frameworks have played a crucial role in the longstanding oppression of women, giving women the necessary tools to demand their rights, fight against discriminatory practices, and access opportunities for personal and professional growth. From constitutional provisions guaranteeing equality and non-discrimination to progressive legislation such as the Hindu Succession Act, the Dowry Prohibition Act, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, laws have consistently sought to dismantle patriarchal structures and ensure justice for women. These measures not only protect women from exploitation and violence but also affirm their autonomy, dignity, and role as equal contributors to society. Despite the progressive nature of these laws, the journey toward empowerment is fraught with challenges. Socio-cultural barriers, lack of awareness among women about their rights, and inadequate enforcement mechanisms often undermine the impact of legal provisions. Intersectional disadvantages faced by women from marginalized communities further complicate the realization of empowerment. However, the judiciary has played a proactive role in bridging these gaps, with landmark judgments such as Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan and Shayara Bano v. Union of India reinforcing women’s constitutional rights and setting new precedents for gender justice.
While significant progress has been made, true empowerment requires more than legal reforms; it demands a cultural transformation that promotes gender sensitivity and equity at all levels. This necessitates collaborative efforts from the government, civil society, and individuals to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, enhance awareness, and address systemic barriers. The role of law, therefore, extends beyond providing protection; it acts as a catalyst for societal change, ensuring that women have the freedom, resources, and support to lead empowered lives.
Sample size determination: Principles and applications for health research
Authors: Mukti Bayu Hari
Published: February 2025

Background: Determining an appropriate sample size is a crucial aspect of research design, ensuring validity, reliability, and generalizability of findings. An inadequate sample size increases the risk of Type II errors, while an excessively large sample may lead to resource inefficiencies and a higher likelihood of Type I errors. Understanding the principles of sample size determination, including statistical power, confidence levels, and margin of error, is essential for producing accurate and meaningful research outcomes.
Objective: This review explores the principles of sample size determination, calculation methods for various research designs, and practical applications. It also discusses challenges in determining the optimal sample size and examines international guidelines, such as those issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), to enhance the accuracy and credibility of research findings.
Discussion: Sample size determination varies depending on research design, including surveys, experiments, and clinical trials. This review highlights key statistical considerations such as confidence intervals, statistical power, and the role of design effects. Additionally, practical challenges such as resource constraints, parameter misestimation, and population diversity are discussed. Technological advancements, including statistical software, are also examined for their role in improving sample size calculations and research efficiency.
Conclusion: Adhering to established principles and leveraging modern tools for sample size determination enables researchers to optimize study designs and enhance the validity of findings. Implementing international guidelines minimizes bias and ensures the robustness of results. Ultimately, accurate sample size estimation contributes to high-quality scientific studies that support evidence-based decision-making and progress across various disciplines.
Development of Nationalism Attitude in The Millenial Generation Through National Defense Education
Authors: Rahmat Hayatul Khairul
Published: February 2025

This research aims to analyze the development of nationalist attitudes in the millennial generation through national defense education. The research method used in this research is the library method. The findings of this research are that to protect itself from destruction due to rapid technological developments and efforts to divide the nation, this nation must return to Pancasila, namely by building an attitude of nationalism through state defense education. National defense education is actually part of forming the identity and personality of the Indonesian people who are responsible, aware of their rights and obligations as citizens, love their country, so that they are able to display patriotic attitudes and behavior in the form of defending the country.
Transformational Leadership in The Era of Society 5.0: A Conceptual Review
Authors: Munawwaroh Tafiek
Published: February 2025

This research aims to analyze transformational leadership in the era of society 5.0. The research method used in this research is the library method. The findings from this research are that transformational leadership in the era of society 5.0 is leadership that means changing the followers or subordinates being led towards organizational development. This is because in the era of society 5.0 which prioritizes humans as the source or center of innovation while remaining technology-based so that this leadership model is able to bring change towards the era of society 5.0.
Relasi Kendaraan Tempur Tank dan Lapis Baja Rusia dalam Operasi Perang Darat di Ukraina
Authors: Prihantoro Mitro
Published: February 2025

Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February 2022 began by using Russian ground troops to breach the border from various directions. Russia mobilized all its military strength to attack Ukraine, including the use of tanks and armored vehicles. Initially, Russian troops benefited from the attacks launched, however, the Russian troops' attacks gradually became ineffective due to the resistance applied by Ukraine. Many images show Russian tanks and armored vehicles suffering damage and destruction. This research aims to explain and analyze the deployment of Russian tanks and armored fighting vehicles in ground combat operations in Ukraine. The research method is qualitative with a literature study approach and explaining the focus of the research is carried out descriptively. The results of research describing the war in Ukraine do not reveal anything fundamentally new about tanks. Russian tanks and armored vehicles were damaged and destroyed due to gathering in the open without camouflage and inadequate logistical planning, in addition to that Russian tanks were not operated properly. Ukrainian troops’ use of anti-tank guns and missiles was so effective that Russian tanks had difficulty advancing. The reflection of Russian tanks and armored fighting vehicles in the beginning of land operations in Ukraine exposed the weaknesses of Russian tank designs, logistical vulnerabilities and the effectiveness of modern anti-tank weapons.
Motivasi Kerja Sumber Daya Manusia dalam Organisasi: Sebuah Tinjauan Pustaka
Authors: Febrina Intan , Rahmat Hayatul Khairul
Published: February 2025

This study aims to study: the definition of work motivation, the approach to work motivation, the purpose of work motivation, the driving factors, and the view of work motivation in organizations. This study used a literature study method. The findings of this study were that motivation has forms such as intentions, hopes, desires, and goals to be achieved. In addition, the purpose of work motivation is to give encouragement to oneself and have an impact on colleagues, increase cooperation between colleagues, increase personal and group discipline, foster a good work atmosphere, improve organizational welfare, increase the sense of responsibility in each employee. There are also several views or models of motivation in organizations, namely the traditional model, the human relationship model, and the human resources model.
Antioxidant effect of diethyldithiocarbamate on microsomal lipid peroxidation assessed by low‐level chemiluminescence and alkane production
Authors: Bartoli Gianna M. , Müller Armin , Cadenas Enrique , Sies Helmut
Published: July 2002

Different thiol‐containing compounds, such as diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), glutathione, penicillamine, and dithioerythritol have been chosen to study their effect on ascorbate/Fe‐ADP‐induced lipid peroxidation, detected by low‐level chemiluminescence and alkane production. In the concentration range used, these thiols exerted a temporary protection against lipid peroxidation by lengthening the induction period; after overcoming this induction period, no substantial inhibition of either chemiluminescence or alkane production was observed. DDC was effective in protecting against lipid peroxidation in the nanomolar range, whereas the group of other thiol‐containing molecules operated in the millimolar range.
Epoxide hydrolase activity in isolated peroxisomes of mouse liver
Authors: Waechter Felix , Philip Bentley , Françoise Bieri , Willy Stäubli , Alfred Völkl , Fahimi Hussein D.
Published: July 2002

Using trans‐stilbene oxide as substrate, the subcellular distribution of epoxide hydrolase was investigated in livers from DBA/2 mice. The highest specific activities were found in cytosolic and light mitochondrial fractions. Isopycnic subfractionation of the light mitochondrial fraction showed that the organelle‐bound trans‐stilbene oxide hydrolase is localized in peroxisomes.
Resistance to apamin of the Ca2+‐activated K+ permeability in pancreatic B‐cells
Authors: Lebrun P. , Atwater I. , Claret M. , Malaisse W.J. , Herchuelz A.
Published: July 2002

The bee venom neurotoxin apamin failed to affect 86Rb outflow and insulin release from rat pancreatic islets stimulated by D‐glucose or the Ca2+‐ionophore A23187. Apamin, in contrast to quinine or A23187, also failed to affect bioelectrical activity in mouse islet cells. These findings suggest that, like in erythrocytes, and at variance with the situation found in smooth muscle, liver or neuroblastoma cells, the Ca2+‐activated K+ permeability in the pancreatic B‐cell is resistant to apamin.
Basement membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan from the L2 rat yolk sac carcinoma
Authors: Fenger Mogens , Wewer Ulla , Albrechtsen Reidar
Published: July 2002

Heparan sulfate proteoglycan from the L2 rat yolk sac carcinoma has been purified and partially characterized. The proteoglycan has an apparent M
r of 750000, 35% of which represents the core protein. The core protein seems to be homogeneous, whereas the heparan sulfate chains are heterogeneous with an M
r of about 50000–70000, with 30% of the glucosamine being N‐sulfated. Antibodies raised against the core protein of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan reacted with basement membranes of various rat and human tissue.
Picosecond time‐resolved fluorescence spectra of photosystem I and II in Chlorella pyrenoidosa
Authors: Yamazaki I. , Mimuro M. , Tamai N. , Yamazaki T. , Fujita Y.
Published: July 2002

Picosecond time‐resolved fluorescence spectra emitted from intact cells of the green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa have been measured by means of a new detection technique using a microchannel‐plate photomultiplier. A fluorescence band (F700) was observed at 690–730 nm in the initial time region (0–180 ps), in addition to the well‐known spectrum (F685) of photosystem II (PS II)‐chlorophyll a (Chla) with a peak at 685 nm. F700 decays rapidly with lifetime of 104 ps, while F685 decays much more slowly in bi‐exponential form with lifetimes of 0.64 and 1.7 ns. Appearance of F700 is independent of closure of the reaction center II (RC II). F700 is thus assigned to the fluorescence from PS I‐Chl a, whose decay is governed by a fast energy transfer process from the antenna Chl aof PS I to P700 of RC I.
Reversible acetaldehyde inhibition of A23187‐stimulated amylase secretion from isolated rat pancreatic acini
Authors: Lewin M.B. , Wong A. , Deveney C.W. , Sankaran H.
Published: July 2002

The Ca2+ ionophore, A23187, stimulated amylase secretion from isolated rat pancreatic acini in a dosedependent manner with a maximal effect at 6 μM. Acetaldehyde, a metabolite of ethanol, caused a reduction in the magnitude of ionophore‐stimulated secretion with no evidence of competitive inhibition. Furthermore, 6 μM ionophore‐stimulated amylase secretion was dose‐dependently inhibited by acetaldehyde. This inhibitory effect of acetaldehyde, however, was reversible on washing and reincubating acetaldehyde‐treated acini. These results suggest that acetaldehyde reversibly inhibits intracellular components mediating stimulated secretion and this inhibition requires a continuous chemical interaction between acetaldehyde and intracellular component(s) regulating stimulated enzyme secretion.
Isolation of the intermediate filament protein vimentin by chromatofocusing
Authors: Bloemendal Hans , Willemsen Mia , Groenewoud Gerrit , Oomen Paul
Published: July 2002

A novel, simple and relatively rapid method is described for the isolation of the intermediate‐sized filament protein vimentin from eye lens tissue. Chromatofocusing is applied as the sole purification step. The apparent isoelectric point of the protein in 6 M urea and at 22°C is 4.9. Electrophoretic mobility on one‐ and two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gels, solubility in 6 M urea and amino acid composition were used for identification
The extracellular matrix proteins laminin and fibronectin modify the AMPase activity of 5'‐nucleotidase from chicken gizzard smooth muscle
Authors: Dieckhoff Josef , Mollenhauer Jürgen , Kühl Uwe , Niggemeyer Brigitte , von der Mark Klaus , Mannherz Hans-Georg
Published: July 2002

Laminin and fibronectin, but not collagen, affect the AMPase activity of the purified transmembrane protein 5'‐nucleotidase. Laminin stimulates whereas fibronectin inhibits the AMPase activity of this ectoenzyme. The AMPase‐modulating effects by these components of the extracellular matrix require a preincubation period of several hours when detergent‐solubilized 5'‐nucleotidase is employed, they can, however, instantaneously be elicited with liposome‐incorporated 5/‐nucleotidase.
Production of a novel tryptophan analog, β‐1‐indazole‐L‐alanine with tryptophan synthase of Escherichia coli
Authors: Tanaka Hidehiko , Tanizawa Katsuyuki , Arai Takahiro , Saito Keiji , Arai Tsuyoshi , Soda Kenji
Published: July 2002

The tryptophan synthase α2β2 complex from Escherichia coli has been found to catalyze the β‐replacement reaction of L‐serine with indazole, an indole analog which has a nitrogen atom at the 2‐position (pyrazole ring). The reaction product was isolated and identified as β‐indazolealanine by mass spectrometric, elemental and NMR analyses. Careful assignment of 1H‐ and 13C‐signals with several NMR techniques revealed that the β‐carbon of the product alanine moiety was bound to the 1‐N‐position of the indazole ring. This is the first example of the β‐replacement reaction catalyzed by tryptophan synthase occurring at any other position than the 3‐position of indole analogs.
The activation of the periplasmic (NiFe) hydrogenase of Desulfovibrio gigas by carbon monoxide
Authors: Berlier Yves M. , Fauque Guy D. , LeGall Jean , Lespinat Paul A. , Peck Harry D.
Published: July 2002

The activation of the periplasmic (NiFe) hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio gigas by dihydrogen is a complex phenomenon involving both ‘slow’ and ‘fast’ reactions. Carbon monoxide, a competitive inhibitor of hydrogenase activity, is demonstrated to cause the slow activation nearly as well as dihydrogen. Carbon monoxide does not reduce the (NiFe) hydrogenase and the fast reductive activation is effected by deuterium in the exchange assay. In the presence of dithionite, which immediately reduces the redox centers of the (NiFe) hydrogenase, the slow activation is still essential to attain full activity. Thus, the slow non‐reductive and fast reductive steps of the activation can occur in any sequence.
Catecholamine inhibition of Ca2+‐induced insulin secretion from electrically permeabilised islets of Langerhans
Authors: Jones Peter M. , Fyles Julie M. , Persaud Shanta J. , Howell Simon L.
Published: July 2002

Noradrenaline (1–10 μM) inhibited Ca2+‐induced insulin secretion from electrically permeabilised islets of Langerhans with an efficacy similar to that for inhibition of glucose‐induced insulin secretion from intact islets. The inhibition of insulin secretion from permeabilised islets was blocked by the α2‐adrenoreceptor antagonist, yohimbine. Adenosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) did not relieve the noradrenaline inhibition of Ca2+‐induced secretion from the permeabilised islets, although noradrenaline did not affect the secretory responses to cAMP at substimulatory (50 nM) concentrations of Ca2+. These results suggest that catecholamines do not inhibit insulin secretion solely by reducing B‐cell adenylate cyclase activity, and imply that one site of action of noradrenaline is at a late stage in the secretory process.
Excitation energy transfer in spinach chloroplasts
Authors: Mimuro Mamoru , Tamai Naoto , Yamazaki Tomoko , Yamazaki Iwao
Published: July 2002

Excitation energy transfer in spinach chloroplasts was investigated by the time‐resolved fluorescence spectrum at −196°C with a time resolution better than 10 ps. The characteristic fluorescence bands belonging to each photosystem (PS) were clearly observed. In PS I, two new maxima were found at 690 and 705 nm, both of which showed very short lifetimes, and at least two other fluorescence bands were present at wave‐lengths longer than 700 nm. PS II particles showed the maximum at 680 nm just after the excitation pulse. The maximum shifted to 685 nm within 160 ps, and further to 695 nm within 350 ps. The energy flow in each PS was discussed based on the time behaviour of the components.
The molecular cloning of the chromogranin A‐like precursor of β‐granin and pancreastatin from the endocrine pancreas
Authors: Hutton John C. , Nielsen Egon , Kastern William
Published: July 2002

The cDNA encoding the precursor form of the chromogranin A‐related proteins, β‐granin and pancreastatin, was obtained by immune screening of rat insulinoma and pancreatic islet cDNA libraries. The sequence was virtually identical to that of rat adrenal chromogranin A, suggesting that the different molecular forms of chromogranin A immunoreactivity found in adrenal medulla and endocrine pancreas are related to differences in post‐translational proteolytic processing. The rat chromogranin A, unlike its bovine and human counterparts, contained a 20‐residue glutamine sequence inserted within the N‐terminal β‐granin sequence. Although the encoding CA(G/A) repeat recurs frequently in the rat genome, the rat chromogranin A molecule appears to be the product of a single gene and mRNA transcript.
Identification of the protein HC receptor
Authors: Fernandez-Luna Jose L. , Leyva-Cobian Francisco , Mollinedo Faustino
Published: July 2002

In the present study, we demonstrate for the first time the presence of a specific receptor for protein HC on the surface of human cells using the human histiocytic lymphoma cell line U937. Cells treated for 4 days with the maturation inducer phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate, were found to increase both the number of cells binding protein HC (76% higher than for untreated cells) and the expression of protein HC receptors. Protein HC bound to these cells in a specific and saturable manner. Scatchard analysis at 4°C, using radioiodinated protein HC, indicated a single class of low‐affinity receptor (K
a = 2–5 × 107 M−1) and 20000–30000 receptors per cell. Monoclonal antibodies against protein HC abrogated specific binding of this protein to U937. In contrast, monoclonal antibodies that did not react with protein HC (anti‐LFA‐1α, anti‐MO1α) were without effect on the binding reaction.
Occurrence and possible roles of acetoacetyl‐CoA thiolase and 3‐ketoacyl‐CoA thiolase in peroxisomes of an n‐alkane‐grown yeast, Candida tropicalis
Authors: Kurihara Tatsuo , Ueda Mitsuyoshi , Tanaka Atsuo
Published: July 2002

Two kinds of 3‐ketoacyl‐CoA thiolases were found in the peroxisomes of Candida tropicalis cells grown on n‐alkanes (C10◀C13). One was a typical acetoacetyl‐CoA thiolase specific only to acetoacetyl‐CoA, while another was 3‐ketoacyl‐CoA thiolase showing high activities on the longer chain substrates. A high level of the latter thiolase activity in alkane‐grown cells was similar to that of other enzymes constituting the fatty acid β‐oxidation system in yeast peroxisomes. These facts suggest that the complete degradation of fatty acids to acetyl‐CoA is carried out in yeast peroxisomes by the cooperative contribution of acetoacetyl‐CoA thiolase and 3‐ketoacyl‐CoA thiolase.
β‐Elimination of phosphate and subsequent addition of pyridoxamine as a method for identifying and sequencing peptides containing phosphoseryl residues
Authors: Hastings Teresa G. , Reimann Erwin M.
Published: July 2002

Peptides containing phosphoseryl residues can be modified by removal of the phosphate groups via β‐elimination followed by addition of pyridoxamine to the resulting dehydroalanyl residue. Peptides containing the modified residues can be detected at nanomole levels by monitoring absorbance at 328 nm or at picomole levels by monitoring fluorescence. Photolysis of the modified peptide converts the pyridoxamino adduct to a form which can be readily identified after Edman degradation.
NMR‐invisible lactate in blood plasma
Authors: Bell Jimmy D. , Brown Judith C.C. , Kubal Gina , Sadler Peter J.
Published: July 2002

Resonances for lactate are broadened in 500 MHz 1H NMR spectra of human blood plasma and only about one‐third is visible in Hahn spin‐echo spectra. Similar effects are observed for some other carboxylate anions. Lactate added to the high‐M
r fraction of plasma can give rise to peaks which are too broad to observe in either single‐pulse or spin‐echo spectra. Addition of agents such as NH4Cl of SDS dramatically increases the intensities of lactate peaks. Some glycoproteins appear to broaden lactate resonances.
Prothymosin α is a nuclear protein
Authors: Watts Julian D. , Cary Peter D. , Crane-Robinson Colyn
Published: July 2002

The cellular location of the so‐called ‘thymic hormone’ prothymosin α has been studied by microinjection into the cytoplasm of Xenopus oocytes, followed by separate monitoring of nuclear and cytoplasmic concentrations. It is shown that prothymosin α migrates to the nucleus at a rate comparable to that of histone H1. Prothymosin α cannot therefore be a hormone in the usual sense of the word.
Improved strategies for the determination of protein structures from NMR data: The solution structure of acyl carrier protein
Authors: Holak T.A. , Nilges M. , Oschkinat H.
Published: July 2002

The hybrid method that combines the early stages of a distance geometry program with simulated annealing in the presence of NMR constraints was optimized to obtain structures fully consistent with the observed NMR data. This was achieved by using more restrictive bounds of the NOE constraints than those usually used in the literature and by grouping the NOEs into classes dependent on the quality of the experimental NOE data. The ‘floating’ stereospecific assignment introduced at the simulated annealing stage of the calculations further improved the definition of the local conformation. An improved sampling and convergence property of the hybrid method was obtained by means of fitting the substructure obtained from the distance geometry program to different conformations. Compared to the standard hybrid methods, this procedure gave superior structures for a 77 amino acid protein, acyl carrier protein from Escherichia coli.
Acridine orange, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, abolishes insulin and growth hormone stimulation of lipogenesis in rat adipocytes
Authors: Smal Jean , Kathuria Satish , De Meyts Pierre
Published: July 2002

To determine whether protein kinase C plays a role in the actions of insulin and growth hormone in rat adipocytes, we tested the effect of acridine orange, a potent inhibitor of kinase C, on the lipogenic activity of both hormones. This compound completely inhibited the effects of insulin, growth hormone and phorbol ester 12‐myristate 13‐acetate, whereas 9‐acridine carboxylic acid, an analog of acridine orange which does not inhibit kinase C, had no effect. Acridine orange did not act through inhibition of hormone binding. These data are consistent with the involvement of kinase C in the action of insulin and growth hormone on lipogenesis in rat fat cells.
Prothymosin α is an evolutionary conserved protein covalently linked to a small RNA
Authors: Makarova Tatyana , Grebenshikov Nickolay , Egorov Cesiy , Vartapetian Andrey , Bogdanov Alexey
Published: July 2002

A 13 kDa protein, covalently linked to a small RNA from the cytoplasm of mouse cells, was studied. Sequence analysis of its tryptic peptides revealed that the RNA‐linked protein is identical to prothymosin α. Very similar RNA‐protein complexes were identified in human, bovine and yeast cells. Tryptic peptide maps of 125I‐labelled RNA‐linked proteins of diverse origin demonstrated their marked similarity, thus indicating high evolutionary conservation of prothymosin α from yeast to man.
High mobility group proteins 1 and 2 bind preferentially to brominated poly(dG‐dC)·poly(dG‐dC) in the Z‐DNA conformation but not to other types of Z‐DNA
Authors: Christen T. , Bischoff M. , Hobi R. , Kuenzle C.C.
Published: July 2002

Three proteins from bull testis, previously thought to be Z‐DNA‐binding proteins but recently found to recognize brominated poly(dG‐dC)·poly(dG‐dC) by criteria different from the Z‐conformation, were partially sequenced. Of these, the 31 kDa protein was identified as a member of the high mobility group 2 protein family, and the 33 kDa protein as a member of the high mobility group 1 protein family. Both proteins had molecular weights approximately 30% higher than expected, indicating considerable posttranslational modification. In contrast, the 58 kDa protein remained unidentified for lack of any significant homology with known protein sequences.
Modification of a gInB‐like gene product by photosynthetic electron transport in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus 6301
Authors: Harrison Michael A. , Keen Jeffrey N. , Findlay John B.C. , Allen John F.
Published: July 2002

Covalent modification of a 13 kDa soluble‐phase protein occurs during adaptation of cells of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus 6301 (mutant AN 112) to light specifically absorbed by photosystem II. This adaptation is accompanied by functional changes indicative of altered excitation energy distribution between the photosystems. The 13 kDa protein is identified by solid‐phase N‐terminal sequencing as a protein related to PII, the glnB gene product of E. coli. In E. coli, the PII protein undergoes uridylylation and acts as a regulator of glutamine synthetase at both the post‐translational and transcriptional levels. The implications of modification of a transcriptional regulator by photosynthetic electron transport are discussed.
Expression of genes coding for pS2, c‐erbB2, estrogen receptor and the H23 breast tumor‐associated antigen
Authors: Zaretsky Joseph Z. , Weiss Mordechai , Tsarfaty Ilan , Hareuveni Mara , Wreschner Daniel H. , Keydar Iafa
Published: July 2002

Expression of the gene coding for a new breast tumor‐associated antigen, H23, was compared to expression of genes coding for pS2, c‐erbB2 and estrogen receptor (ER). Comparison involved mRNA expression in normal and malignant breast tissues as well as in non‐breast tumors. Results obtained by RNA dot blot and Northern hybridizations showed that expression of the H23 antigen coding gene is a discriminatory marker in human breast cancer. It is expressed in 92% of breast tumors whereas 69%, 62% and 56% of breast tumors demonstrate significant mRNA levels of c‐erbB2, ER and pS2, respectively. Non‐malignant or normal breast tissue expresses much lower levels of the H23 antigen mRNA. From the comparative analysis presented here it is concluded that the gene coding for H23 antigen furnishes a most useful marker for human breast cancer.
Phosphorylation control by insulin in adipocytes is interfered with at a post‐receptor step by phosphoinositol and glucosamine
Authors: Strålfors Peter , Alemany Susana
Published: July 2002

Inositol‐phosphates, glucosamine and glucose‐6‐phosphate blocked the effects of insulin on target protein phosphorylation in adipocytes, but the unsubstituted or sulphated derivatives of inositol or of glucose, or N‐acetyl‐glucosamine were without effect. The insulin stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor was not affected. The sugar‐phospates inositol‐phosphate and glucose‐6‐phosphate did not enter into the cells. They also blocked the insulin‐like effects of a potential second messenger of insulin, a phosphooligosaccharide (POS), which has previously been shown to mimick the effects of insulin on protein phosphorylation in intact cells.
NADPH:O2 oxidoreductase of human eosinophils in the cell‐free system
Authors: Bolscher Ben G.J.M. , Koenderman Leo , Tool Anton T.J. , Stokman Petra M. , Roos Dirk
Published: July 2002

The NADPH oxidase of human eosinophils, measured in the cell‐free system, shows the same characteristics as the enzyme from human neutrophils. All proteins required for activity of the enzyme are expressed in eosinophils at a higher level than in neutrophils. Eosinophils isolated from patients with chronic granulomatous disease show the same molecular defects as the neutrophils fom these patients.
Light‐induced D1‐protein degradation in isolated photosystem II core complexes
Authors: Virgin Ivar , Ghanotakis Demetrios F. , Andersson Bertil
Published: July 2002

Photoinhibitory illumination of isolated oxygen evolving photosystem II core complexes results in a substantial degradation of the Dl‐protein which is accompanied by the appearance of high amounts of at least 4 different degradation products. It is suggested that the degradation is due to a protease that is an integral part of the photosystem II complex.
Cloning of the human brain GABA transporter
Authors: Nelson Hannah , Mandiyan Sreekala , Nelson Nathan
Published: July 2002

A cDNA clone encoding a transporter for the neurotransmitter γ‐aminobutyric acid in human brain was cloned and sequenced. The cDNA contains an open reading frame encoding a hydrophobic protein of 599 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 67022 Da. Hydropathy analysis revealed twelve potential transmembrane segments. The human protein is highly homologous to the protein from rat brain. Northern hybridization demonstrated a ubiquitous distribution of the transporter in various parts of the brain.
Correction of ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency in spf‐ash mice by introduction of rat OTC gene
Authors: Shimada Tokihiko , Noda Takashi , Tashiro Masaaki , Murakami Takashi , Takiguchi Masaki , Mori Masataka , Yamamura Ken-ichi , Saheki Takeyori
Published: July 2002

We introduced rat ornithine transcarbumylase (OTC) gene into OTC‐deficient spf‐ash mice by mating spf‐ash heterozygotes with transgenic mice which carried recombinant DNA composed of 1.3 kb of the 5′ flanking region of the gene fused onto rat OTC cDNA. The liver OTC activity of hemizygous spf‐ash mice which carried the transgene was about twice that of nontransgenic spf‐ash mice, and the small intestinal OTC activity was 6 times higher; the values being 12% and 27% of the control levels, respectively. The transgenic spf‐ash mice showed normal hair growth without sparse, fur, nearly normalized urinary orotic acid excretion and normalized serum citrulline concentration.
Neoplastic epithelial cells express α‐subunit of muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in thymomas from patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Hara Yasuo , Ueno Satoshi , Uemichi Tomoyuki , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Yorifuji Shiro , Fujii Yoshitaka , Tarui Seiichiro
Published: July 2002

We studied the expression of mRNAs coding for the α‐subunit of the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR)in thymomas from patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Northern blot analysis failed to detect the expression, but amplification of mRNAs derived from thymomas by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction produced the DNA fragments containing the nucleotide sequence coding of part of the α‐subunit. We further revealed that the α‐subunit mRNA was derived from neoplastic epithelial cells of thymoma. Our results support the hypothesis that AChR expressed in thymoma is a candidate for the primary antigen which induces autoimmune responses to muscle AChR. The close relationship between MG and thymoma may be at least in part explained by this hypothesis.
Sequence homologies between guanylyl cyclases and structural analogies to other signal‐transducing proteins
Authors: Koesling Doris , Schultz Günter , Böhme Eycke
Published: July 2002

The cyclic GMP‐forming enzyme guanylyl cyclase exists in cytosolic and in membrane‐bound forms differing in structure and regulations. Determination of the primary structures of the guanylyl cyclases revealed that the cytosolic enzyme form consists of two similar subunits and that membrane‐bound guanylyl cyclases represent enzyme forms in which the catalytic part is located in an intracellular, C‐terminal domain and is regulated by an extracelluar, N‐terminal receptor domain. A domain of 250 amino acids conserved in all guanylyl cyclases appears to be required for the formation of cyclic nucleotide, as this homologous domain is also found in the cytosolic regions of the adenylyl cyclase. The general structures of guanylyl cyclases shows similarities with other signal transducing enzymes such as protein‐tyrosine phosphatases and protein‐tyrosine kinases. which also exist in cytosolic and receptor‐linked forms.
Dystrophin constitutes 5% of membrane cytoskeleton in skeletal muscle
Authors: Ohlendieck Kay , Cambell Kevin P.
Published: July 2002

Dystrophin, which is absent in skeletal muscle of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, has not been considered to play a major structural role in the cell membrane of skeletal muscle because of its low abundance (∼ 0.002% of total muscle protein). Here, were have determined the relative abundance of dystrophin in a membrane cytoskeleton preparation and found that dystrophin constitutes approximately 5% of the total membrane cytoskeleton fraction of skeletal muscle sarcolemma. In addition, dystrophin can be removed from surcolemma by alkaline treatment. Thus, our results have demonstrated that dystrophin is a major component of the subsurcolemmal cytoskeleton in skeletal muscle and suggest that dystrophin could play a major structural role in the cell membrane of skeletal muscle.
Identification of a peptide arising from the specific post‐translation processing of secretogranin II
Authors: Vaudry H. , Conlon J.M.
Published: July 2002

The biological role of secrotogranin II is unknown but it has been suggested that the protein may function as a precursor of one or more biologically active neuroendocrine peptides. We have isolated a 33 amino acid‐residue peptide from the brain of the frog Rana ridibunda that shows strong (82%) homology with human presecretogranin II‐(182–204)‐peptide. This region of secretogranin II has also been very strongly conserved in the rat and bovine proteins. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the mammalian secretogranin II cDNAs indicates that the peptide sequence is flanked by two Lys‐Arg dibasic residue processing sites. It is proposed, therefore, that this fragment represents a specific product of the post‐translational processing of secretogranin II and, by analogy with peptides derived from chromogranin A, may be important in the regulation of neurosecretion.
Amino acid sequence determination of the novel forms of Goα purified from bovine brain membranes
Authors: Shibasaki Hisayuki , Kozasa Tohru , Takahashi Katsunobu , Inanobe Atsusi , Kaziro Yoshito , Ui Michio , Katada Toshiaki
Published: July 2002

Previously we have reported that there are at least four different forms of Goα in bovine brain membranes which can be distinguished by their elution profiles from Mono Q column and their immunological reactivities. The four α‐subunits are referred to as αo
1, αo
2, αo
3 and αo
4 in their elution orders from the column. Partial amino acid sequences of the purified αo
1 and αo
2 were determined and compared with the predicted sequences of two classes of Goα cDNAs, termed Goα‐1 and Goα‐2. There were at least two unique fragments corresponding with the predicted amino acid sequence of the Goα‐2 cDNA but different from that of the Goα‐1 cDNA upon tryptic digestion of αo
1‐ or αo
2‐subunit. The αo
3‐ and αo
4‐subunits, but not αo
1‐ and αo
2‐subunits, were recognized by an antibody raised against a unique amino acid sequence predicted from Goα‐1 cDNA. These results suggest that αo
1,2 subunits and αo
3,4 subunits are encoded by G.oα‐2 cDNA and Goα‐1 cDNA, respectively.
Mutational analysis of the putative PLA2‐inhibiting sequence of annexin 1
Authors: Travé Gilles , Lees Delphine , Liautard Jean-Pierre , Sri Widada Joannes
Published: July 2002

Annexin 1 has been proposed to inhibit phospholipase A2 by direct interaction through a specific amino acid sequence spanning residues 246–254. The possible role of this region was investigated by protein engineering. Three point mutations and a deletion have been performed. The four mutant proteins have been expressed in E. coli, purified and tested for calcium and lipid binding, and for phospholipase inhibition. All mutant proteins conserved the properties of the wild‐type recombinant protein. This result clearly demonstrates that this part of the molecule is not involved in the inhibition of phospholipase A2.
Two different cDNAs encoding TFIID proteins of maize
Authors: Haaß Michael M. , Feix Günter
Published: July 2002

Two different complementary DNAs (cDNAs) encoding maize TFIID proteins were isolated from a maize leaf cDNA. Both cDNA sequences reveal two types of TFIID, each encoding an open reading frame of 200 amino acids. The two cDNAs are 76% identical at the DNA level and their putative amino acid sequences differ at only three amino acids. Like TATA box binding proteins from other organisms they show a bipartite structure containing a specific N‐terminal region and a highly conserved C‐ terminal domain expected to be necessary and sufficient for the essential TFIID functions in transcriptional initiation.
Purification and partial characterization of rat liver pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase activator protein (free pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase)
Authors: Priestman David A. , Mistry Sharad C. , Kerbey Alan L. , Randle Philip J.
Published: July 2002

Rat liver pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) kinase activator protein (KAP), a free PDH kinase readily separable from PDH complex and its intrinsic kinase, has been purified to apparent homogeneity from liver mitochondria of fed and 48‐h starved rats. On SDS‐PAGE an apparently single band of M, 45 kDa was obtained. N‐Terminal amino acid sequence analyses (8–10 cycles) confirmed the presence of a single peptide in each case. The specific activity of the purified KAP from 48‐h starved rats (14,413 U/mg protein) was 4.5‐fold greater than that from fed rats.
Cyclosporin A protects pancreatic islet cells from nitric oxide‐dependent macrophage cytotoxicity
Authors: Burkart Volker , Imai Yoichiro , Kallmann Boris , Kolb Hubert
Published: July 2002

It has been shown earlier in an in‐vitro model of inflammatory islet cell death that activated macrophages lyse islet cells via the release of nitric oxide. Here we report that cyclosporin A suppresses macrophage cytotoxicity. Control experiments showed that the immunosuppressive drug does not improve the defences of islet cells against nitric oxide but inhibits the release of nitric oxide from LPS‐stimulated macrophages. This property of cyclosporin A may contribute to the preservation of β cell function seen in cyclosporin A‐treated patients with recent onset type I diabetes.
Mutations in a putative agonist binding region of the AMPA‐selective glutamate receptor channel
Authors: Uchino Shigeo , Sakimura Kenji , Nagahari Kenji , Mishina Masayoshi
Published: July 2002

The region preceding putative transmembrane segment M1 of the glutamate receptor (GluR) channel is well conserved among subunits and has been proposed to constitute a part of the agonist binding site. The functional significance of this region was examined by introducing point mutations into charged residues of the α1 subunit of the mouse α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA)selective GluR channel. The dose‐response relationships of the mutant receptors were studied after expression in Xenopus oocytes by injection of the mutant α1 subunit‐specific mRNA together with the wild‐type α2‐subunit‐specific mRNA. Variable changes in the EC??? values for different agonists were found for the replacement of glutamic acid 398 by lysine and for the replacement of lysine 445 by glutamic acid. These residues may be involved in selective interaction of the GluR channel with agonists.
Inhibition by acidic phospholipids of protein degradation by ER‐60 protease, a novel cysteine protease, of endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Urade Reiko , Kito Makoto
Published: July 2002

A protein (ER60) with sequence similarity to phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase C‐α purified from rat liver endoplasmic reticulum (ER) degraded ER resident proteins and is really a protease [(1992) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 15152‐15159]. Therefore, ER60 is called ER‐60 protease. We now show that negatively charged phospholipids, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate and phosphatidylserine inhibit ER protein degradation by ER‐60 protease. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine show no effect on the activity of ER‐60 protease. With the use of protease inhibitors, ER‐60 protease is shown to be a novel cysteine protease distinct from those of the cylosol and lysosomes.