bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-Evolution between New Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and Genetic Diversity: Insights on Population Susceptibility and Potential Therapeutic Innovations
Authors: A. Al-Azzawi Mahmood , A. Sakr Moustafa
Published: October 2020

The DNA sequences are different between the distinct individuals and these variations produce the species genetic diversity. SARS-CoV-2 virus is a zoonotic SARS-like coronavirus that spreads globally, causing the COVID-19 pandemic disease. The immune response genes are the most various and different in the human genome, correlating with infectious diseases. Genetic variants in the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, TMPRSS2, HO-1, BCL11A, and CYP2D6 are predicted to either encourage or inhibit the interaction with the viral proteins and subsequently contribute to coronavirus genetic risk factors. The genetic susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 was investigated by analyzing different genes’ polymorphisms such as ACE2 and TMPRSS2, HO-1, and BCL11A. A specific genetic susceptibility to COVID-19 was found through different populations in TMPRSS2, ACE2, HO-1, and BCL11A genes. Particularly, ACE2 gene polymorphisms were shown to be correlated with pulmonary and cardiovascular conditions by modifying the angiotensinogen-ACE2 system, which recommends the possible explanations of COVID-19 susceptibility based on genetic diversity. Moreover, the COVID-19 treatment could be complicated by such genetic polymorphisms. In conclusion, a good characterization of functional polymorphisms and the host genetics can assist in identifying the pathophysiology of the disease pathway to stratify the risk evaluation and to personalize the treatment procedures.
Neuromeditation: The Science and Practice of Combining Neurofeedback and Meditation for Improved Mental Health
Authors: Tarrant Jeff
Published: October 2020

Beginning meditators often complain that they do not know if they are “doing it right” or give up before realizing significant benefits. Advanced meditators often reach a plateau and struggle to reach “the next level” of their practice. Modern researchers and practitioners are finding a possible new solution to these challenges by using EEG biofeedback to increase awareness of subtle states of consciousness and speed the learning process. By tracking brainwave activity in specific regions of the brain, we can tell if someone is focused or relaxed. We can tell if the mind is wandering, if they are engaged in body-based emotions, or if they have entered a space of internal quiet. By monitoring this activity and connecting it directly to the intent of the meditation, it is possible to help meditators learn to quickly enter a desired state of consciousness and maintain this state for increasing periods of time. This chapter will describe the early research conducted in this area along with an original case study conducted by the author. In addition, the author will describe the way this technology is being used as a treatment intervention for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
NSAIDs, Opioids, and Beyond
Authors: Phillips Coti , Contreras Edwin , Oswald Jessica
Published: October 2020

Medications are prescribed throughout the world for a variety of reasons including pain. NSAIDs, opioids, and other non-opioid modalities have been used to treat both acute and chronic pain. In this chapter we will discuss the pharmacokinetics, indications, function and associated complications for commonly used pain medications to include NSAIDs, opioids, antidepressants, cannabinoids, and ketamine.
Kybernetický bezpečnostní incident a jeho ohlašování v rámci zabezpečení osobních údajů v kontextu internetu věcí
Authors: Kasl František
Published: October 2020

Příspěvek je věnován premise, že v moderní, stále propojenější společnosti dochází k rostoucímu obsahovému překryvu ohlašovacích povinností na základě právních rámců ochrany osobních údajů a kybernetické bezpečnosti. V obou případech jde o odraz chytré regulace, kdy stát využívá možností nabízených informačními a komunikačními technologiemi pro shromažďování aktuálních informací o situacích, které mohou vyžadovat reakci ze strany dozorových orgánů. V případě povinnosti ohlašovat porušení zabezpečení osobních údajů dle článku 33 obecného nařízení č. 2016/679, o ochraně osobních údajů, vůči Úřadu pro ochranu osobních údajů je směrodatný zásah do zpracovávaných osobních údajů. Povinnost hlášení kybernetického bezpečnostního incidentu dle § 8 zákona č. 181/2014 Sb., o kybernetické bezpečnosti, vůči příslušnému bezpečnostnímu týmu CERT pak vzniká při zásahu do prvků informační infrastruktury povinných subjektů. Vzhledem k postupné digitalizaci přibývajícího množství činností a souvisejícím všudypřítomným zpracováváním osobních údajů dochází k rostoucímu prolínání těchto perspektiv. Autor tento vývoj vnímá jako příležitost pro úpravu de lege ferenda, kterou lze zvýšit přínos z takto sdělovaných informací pro dozorové orgány, chráněné fyzické osoby, i povinností vázané subjekty.
A new species of Chaetopterus (Annelida: Chaetopteridae) from eastern Canada, with a redescription of Chaetopterus norvegicus M. Sars, 1835
Authors: Moore Jenna M. , Gagnon Jean-Marc , Petersen Mary E.
Published: October 2020

Chaetopterus is a globally distributed genus of marine Annelida with a long history of taxonomic confusion. Here, we describe Chaetopterus bruneli sp. nov. from a depth of 350 m in the St. Lawrence Estuary, eastern Canada. The new species represents the northernmost record for Chaetopterus in the western Atlantic to date. The similar European species Chaetopterus norvegicus M. Sars, 1835 is resurrected from long-standing synonymy and redescribed from type material, and a lectotype is designated.
Design e Emoção: Métodos e Técnica Para Avaliação Emocional de Bens De Moda
Authors:   Universidade Federal da Bahia, Silveira Carina Santos , Mariño Suzi Maria Carvalho
Published: October 2020

Neste artigo, promove-se a apresentação de método e técnicas para o estudo emocional de usuários de produtos, com recorte de pesquisa para os bens de moda. De forma descritiva e aplicada, será abordado o método de engenharia kansei, que permite compreender as emoções que usuários atribuem à posse ou ao uso dos bens de moda. Como suporte, indicam-se a técnica de grupo focal, que objetiva a discussão sobre a moda com a consequente seleção de dados a serem utilizados no método, e a técnica de construção e aplicação da escala de diferencial semântico, utilizada no registro das impressões emocionais de usuários. Os resultados alcançados com a aplicação do método associado a essas técnicas visam a apresentar a relação da percepção emocional dos entrevistados com os elementos de design dos bens de moda que compõem uma estrutura vestimentar. Passa-se, desse modo, a entender que os significados emocionais atribuídos pelos usuários aos produtos podem ser compreendidos e convertidos em requisitos projetuais para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos. O método apresentado, associado às referidas técnicas, é considerado eficiente e passível de ser integrado à prática projetual do designer.
ASSESSMENT OF CARIES PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG TURKISH CHILDREN IN EDIRNE, TURKEY
Authors: GUNER ONUR Sirin , TASDEMİR İlknur , BATUR KARA Sinem , KARGUL Betul
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Dental caries has a multifactorial etiology that has been associated with many risk factors such as improper dietary habits, poor oral hygiene, parental education and socioeconomic status of family. It is essential to identify the potential risk factors to improve the oral health of children. The aim of the present study is to evaluate dental caries prevalence and potential risk factors in a group of Turkish children residing in Edirne province.
Materials and Methods: Data of 704 children aged between 7 to 12 years old, who applied for examination/treatment to the Department of Pediatric Dentistry between April 2016 through June 2018 were evaluated for the present study. Dental caries status was recorded using the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth (dft/DMFT) and decayed, missing or filled surface (dfs/DMFS) indices. A structured questionnaire inquiring sociodemographics information, oral hygiene habits, and diet history of the children were employed to parents.
Results: The sample comprised of 365 males and 339 females. From overall children, 31.11 % were caries-free, while the caries prevalence was found 68.89%. Dental caries scores of all children included in the study were calculated as dft:4.97±4.02, dfs:11.85±11.82 for primary teeth and as DMFT:2.63±2.42 DMFS: 3.81±4.34 for permanent teeth. Statistically significant differences were found between age groups according to caries prevalence in the primary dentition (p<0.05). Dental caries was associated with educational level of mother (p<0.05), educational level of father (p=0.02), gender (p= 0.007) and family income (p=0.03).
Conclusions: The high prevalence of dental caries highlights the importance of comprehensive oral health interventions to improve the oral health of children residing in Edirne, Turkey.
Using an Entropy-GRA, TOPSIS, and PCA Method to Evaluate the Competitiveness of AFVs – The China Case
Authors: Xue Feng , Huang Qian , He Chuanlei , Pathak Bharat
Published: October 2020

With the increase in severe environmental problems associated with fossil fuel vehicles, the development of Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) has led to their promotion and use in Chinese provinces and cities. The comprehensive evaluation of competitiveness of the AFV industry in Chinese cities is beneficial to analyse the effects and relationships of different factors to promote the sustainable development of the AFV industry and guide the growth paths of the cities. An industrial competitiveness evaluation index system is established based on the characteristics of AFVs, and the development of the AFV industry in ten typical cities in China is comprehensively evaluated based on the Grey Relative Analysis (GRA) Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) methods. To evaluate the results, the entropy weighting method is used for the weight distribution, and the industrial competitiveness rankings of ten cities are obtained by the entropy-GRA, TOPSIS, PCA (EGTP) method. The results show that Beijing is ranked first, followed by Shanghai, and Qingdao is ranked last. By analysing the correlation between the evaluation methods and indicators, it is found that EGTP has a high correlation with the other three evaluation methods, which proves the rationality of the weighted linear combination of GRA and the other three methods. Indices C5 (pure electric car proportion) and C13 (average concentration of PM2.5) were outliers due to the small number of samples.
A New History of the Future in 100 Objects
Authors: Hon Adrian
Published: October 2020

Imagining the history of the twenty-first century through its artifacts, from silent messaging systems to artificial worlds on asteroids.

In the year 2082, a curator looks back at the twenty-first century, offering a history of the era through a series of objects and artifacts. He reminisces about the power of connectivity, which was reinforced by such technologies as silent messaging—wearable computers that relay subvocal communication; recalls the Fourth Great Awakening, when a regimen of pills could make someone virtuous; and notes disapprovingly the use of locked interrogation, which delivers “enhanced interrogation” simulations via virtual reality. The unnamed curator quotes from a self-help guide to making friends with “posthumans,” describes the establishment of artificial worlds on asteroids, and recounts pro-democracy movements in epistocratic states. In A New History of the Future in 100 Objects, Adrian Hon constructs a possible future by imagining the things it might leave in its wake.

Many of these things are just an update or two away: improved ankle monitors, for example, and deliverbots. Others may be the logical conclusions of current trends—“downvote” networks that identify and erase undesirables, and Glyphish, an emoticon-based language that supersedes the written word. More benign are Braid Collective, which provides financial support for artists, and Rechartered Cities, which invites immigrants to revitalize urban areas hollowed out by changing demographics. With this engaging and ingenious work, Hon leads the way into an imagined future while offering readers a new perspective on the present.
The HIV-1 latent reservoir is largely sensitive to circulating T cells
Authors: Warren Joanna A , Zhou Shuntai , Xu Yinyan , Moeser Matthew J , MacMillan Daniel R , Council Olivia , Kirchherr Jennifer , Sung Julia M , Roan Nadia R , Adimora Adaora A , Joseph Sarah , Kuruc JoAnn D , Gay Cynthia L , Margolis David M , Archin Nancie , Brumme Zabrina L , Swanstrom Ronald , Goonetilleke Nilu
Published: October 2020

HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cells are an important component of HIV-1 curative strategies. Viral variants in the HIV-1 reservoir may limit the capacity of T cells to detect and clear virus-infected cells. We investigated the patterns of T cell escape variants in the replication-competent reservoir of 25 persons living with HIV-1 (PLWH) durably suppressed on antiretroviral therapy (ART). We identified all reactive T cell epitopes in the HIV-1 proteome for each participant and sequenced HIV-1 outgrowth viruses from resting CD4+ T cells. All non-synonymous mutations in reactive T cell epitopes were tested for their effect on the size of the T cell response, with a≥50% loss defined as an escape mutation. The majority (68%) of T cell epitopes harbored no detectable escape mutations. These findings suggest that circulating T cells in PLWH on ART could contribute to control of rebound and could be targeted for boosting in curative strategies.
Nuclear crowding and nonlinear diffusion during interkinetic nuclear migration in the zebrafish retina
Authors: Azizi Afnan , Herrmann Anne , Wan Yinan , Buse Salvador JRP , Keller Philipp J , Goldstein Raymond E , Harris William A
Published: October 2020

An important question in early neural development is the origin of stochastic nuclear movement between apical and basal surfaces of neuroepithelia during interkinetic nuclear migration. Tracking of nuclear subpopulations has shown evidence of diffusion - mean squared displacements growing linearly in time - and suggested crowding from cell division at the apical surface drives basalward motion. Yet, this hypothesis has not yet been tested, and the forces involved not quantified. We employ long-term, rapid light-sheet and two-photon imaging of early zebrafish retinogenesis to track entire populations of nuclei within the tissue. The time-varying concentration profiles show clear evidence of crowding as nuclei reach close-packing and are quantitatively described by a nonlinear diffusion model. Considerations of nuclear motion constrained inside the enveloping cell membrane show that concentration-dependent stochastic forces inside cells, compatible in magnitude to those found in cytoskeletal transport, can explain the observed magnitude of the diffusion constant.
Ultrasonography to Assess the Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Lumbar Spine Asymmetry
Authors: Winter Jeffrey , Kimber Andrew , Montenegro Stuart , Gao Jing
Published: October 2020

Context

The effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on the lumbar spine has been studied qualitatively, but quantitative measurement of the effects of OMT has not been thoroughly investigated.

Objective

To quantitatively measure the palpated improvements of OMT on the lumbar spine using ultrasonography (US) and correlate palpatory diagnosis with US measurements of lumbar asymmetry.

Methods

From September to November 2018, we recruited 20 adult participants 18 years of age or older. Lumbar somatic dysfunction (SD) was identified via osteopathic palpation. US was then performed on all participants with standard machine settings (frequency, 7 MHz; depth, 7 cm; dynamic range, 60; tissue harmonic imaging; and single-image focus). Longitudinal images of each lumbar transverse process were recorded and saved bilaterally by an experienced radiologist and a medical student. The participant's SD was then managed using OMT, including Still technique, myofascial release, muscle energy technique, high-velocity low-amplitude technique, functional positional release, balanced ligamentous tension, and counterstrain. Following OMT, US was performed again in the same method. Measurements of the saved US images were reviewed using a Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine viewer. These measurements were obtained by 3 separate observers (J.W., A.K., S.M.), using the same computer software. Statistical analysis included a 2-tailed paired t-test to analyze rotational asymmetry pre- and posttreatment, an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to test intra- and interobserver reliability, and a Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) to analyze the correlation between US findings and OMT.

Results

The difference in soft tissue thickness before and after OMT was significant (P=.014), indicating improvements in rotational asymmetry. Side-bending asymmetry did not demonstrate statistically significant improvement. US findings correlated with the physician's palpatory rotational diagnosis (PCC=0.62, P=.004). ICC was greater than 0.9 for intra- and interobserver reliability tests of both US operation and offline image processing.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate that US is a feasible method of evaluating the efficacy of OMT. These results show good intra- and interobserver reliability of US acquisition and landmark measurement. Our study suggests that US assessment correlated closely with palpatory diagnosis. Our results also suggest that OMT can significantly improve lumbar rotational asymmetry, but did not improve side-bending asymmetry.
Effect of Government Expenditure on Economic Development: A Study of Selected West African Countries
Authors: Udo Nneka Ogbonnaya- , Chukwu Kenechukwu Origin
Published: October 2020

The importance of government expenditure on the development of the economy cannot be underrated. As such, the study explored the effect of government expenditure on economic development of selected West African countries (2000-2018) using secondary data from World Bank and United Nations Development Annual report. The research work chose five West African countries as its sample and used Random effect of the panel analysis to test the effect of the explanatory variables (government expenditure on health, defence and education) on the dependent variable, economic development (proxy by Human Development Index). The finding of the study shows that government expenditure had insignificant but positive effect on human development index of selected West African countries within the timeframe of the study. The study therefore recommends among others that Government should increase its expenditure on education, health and security, tackle corruption and waste. West African countries should also ensure that funds allocated to these sectors are not diverted or funneled into private pockets.
Nutritional Contributions to the Physical-Chemical and Biochemical Properties of Cassava (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) Leaves Grown in South Benin
Authors: Alexis Togbe Finagnon Crepin , Pelagie Yete , Franck Yovo , Valentin Wotto
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to determine some physico-chemical and biochemical parameters of the leaves of a sweet variety of cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz) grown in South Benin, particularly in the regions of Pobè, Adja-ouèrè and Kétou, in order to assess their nutritional value. The results revealed that cassava leaves are a good source of fiber, the vitamin C content of the leaves varied from 69.48 to 75.16 mg/100 g of fresh matter; beta-carotene, varied from 1970 to 2347 μg/100 g of fresh matter. They were also rich in mineral elements with potassium values ranging from 18784 to 23542 mg/100 g of fresh matter. The calcium content varied from 1065 to 1260 mg / 100 g dry matter, and the phosphorus content varied from 1369 to 2410 mg / 100 g of dry matter. The magnesium content ranged from 1330 to 1680 mg / 100 g of dry matter. The iron content varied from 13 to 15 mg / 100 g of dry matter. The protein content was more than 30%. These leaves are good sources of carbohydrates with contents ranging from 160 to 170 mg / 100 g of dry matter for reducing sugars and 1340 to 1630 mg / 100 g of dry matter for total sugars. The analysis of these parameters revealed that cassava leaves are an important nutritional intake due to their high content of vitamin C and beta carotene, minerals, and soluble and insoluble fibers that have a beneficial effect on the intestinal mucosa. In view of these various benefits, it would be appropriate to encourage the population to consume cassava leaves because they have a very high nutritional value.
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Coli in East Africa: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wismayer Richard
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare diagnosis in East Africa. The author reports a case of a 21 year old gentleman presenting with occasional passage of blood stained stool, and found to have familial adenomatous polyposis coli. This is followed by a literature review on the pathogenesis, clinical features and treatment options of FAP in East Africa.

Presentation of Case: This patient presented with a strong family history of familial adenomatous polyposis, blood stained stool and a rectal mass. A total proctocolectomy and ileoanal anastomosis was carried out. The postoperative course of this patient was uneventful.

Discussion: The typical gross pathological and histological features of familial adenomatous polyposis and rectal adenocarcinoma were seen on the resected colorectal specimen. In addition this study reviews the literature regarding the clinical presentation, pathological characteristics and treatment options of familial adenomatous polyposis coli.

Conclusion: FAP should always be considered in a young patient presenting with a strong family history of CRC. Colonoscopy should be performed on these patients with early symptoms and those patients with a strong family history of FAP. In East Africa, the creation of a permanent stoma is unacceptable and therefore a proctocolectomy and Brooke ileostomy will not be a desirable option in a young patient in this part of the world.
A developmentally regulated glycoprotein implicated in adhesion of Dictyostelium slugs in predominantly in prespore cells
Authors: Künzli Marianne , Parish Roger W.
Published: July 2002

Prestalk and prespore cells were isolated from Dictyostelium discoideum slugs after [1‐14C]acetate labelling and the distribution of developmentally regulated plasma membrane proteins between the two cells types determined. A glycoprotein (M
r 95 000) involved in slug cell adhesion, and all the developmentally regulated plasma membrane proteins synthesized during the latter half of development, were predominantly associated with prespore cells. Sorting‐out patterns in slugs indicated that cell adhesion is greater between prespore than prestalk cells. The M
r 95 000 glycoprotein may be part of the cell recognition and sorting mechanisms involved in fruiting body formation. Actin and myosin synthesis ceased in prespore but not prestalk cells. When slugs were disaggregated, synthesis of these two proteins was reactivated in prespore cells, but synthesis of developmentally regulated plasma membrane proteins was not induced in prestalk cells. Actin and myosin synthesis was activated in prespore cells following disaggregation.
A novel method for the immobilisation and culture of plant cells
Authors: Lindsey K. , Yeoman M.M. , Black G.M. , Mavituna F.
Published: July 2002

A novel technique is described for the immobilisation of plant cells. The method is simple and does not require the use of potentially toxic gels for the entrapment process. Liquid‐suspended cells of two species, Capsicum frutescens Mill. and Daucus carota L. were found to invade, and were strongly retained in, polyurethane foam particles over a 21 day period. The viability of te immobilised cells was high (70–80% were alive after 21 days). On agitation of the loaded foam particles in fresh liquid medium, at least 95% of the cells remained immobilised after 3 or 4 days.
Isoproterenol stimulates lipid methylation in C6 cells without affecting membrane fluidity
Authors: McKenzie Roderick C. , Brophy Peter J.
Published: July 2002

C6 glioma cells stimulated with the β‐adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. The rate of cyclic AMP accumulation and lipid methylation increased. However, the elevated rate of lipid methylation did not affect the fluidity of the plasma membrane. It is concluded that lipid methylation is not responsible for making the plasma membrane more fluid during the β‐adrenergic response.
Identification and characterization of the rat adipocyte glucose transporter by photoaffinity crosslinking
Authors: Horuk Richard , Rodbell Martin , Cushman Samuel W. , Simpson Ian A.
Published: July 2002

The photoaffinity crosslinking agent hydroxysuccinimidyl‐4‐azidobenzoate has been used to attach [3H]cytochalasin B to a rat adipocyte low‐density microsomal membrane protein of 45–50 kDa. The characteristics of the [3H]cytochalasin B‐labeled protein are consistent with those of the adipocyte glucose transporter. The low‐density microsomes from cells incubated without insulin incorporate twice the amount of radioactivity per mg membrane protein than low‐density microsomes derived from insulinstimulated cells. This value agrees with the distribution of glucose transporters measured in this intracellular membrane fraction prepared from basal and insulin‐treated cells by [3H]cytochalasin B binding. Preincubation of membranes with 500 mM D‐glucose reduces the photoaffinity crosslinking by 48% relative to that observed with 500 mM L‐glucose. Isoelectric focusing of low‐density microsomes containing the photoaffinity crosslinked transporter yields three bands of radioactivity focusing at pH values of 5.5, 4.5, and 4.2 respectively. Following islation from the isoelectric focusing gel and SDS—polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, all three peaks can be shown to contain a band of 45–50 kDa which crossreacts with an antiserum raised against the purified human erythrocyte glucose transporter. These results suggest that the identification, isolation and purification of the adipocyte glucose transporter is now possible using the techniques described above.
Effect of maleimide derivatives, sulfhydryl reagents, on stimulation of neutrophil superoxide anion generation with concanavalin A
Authors: Yamashita Tatsuhisa
Published: July 2002

Using maleimide derivatives with relatively rare side reactions, their effect on stimulation of O‐
2 production by guinea‐pig neutrophils with Con A was studied. Showdomycin, a very slowly penetrating agent, did not affect O‐
2 production whereas NEM, a rapidly penetrating agent, markedly inhibited O‐
2 production without interference with binding of Con A to cells. Particulate fractions from neutrophils stimulated with Con A showed markedly increased NADPH‐dependent O‐
2 production compared with fractions from unstimulated cells. Treatment of neutrophils with NEM before exposure to Con A inhibited the enhancement of NADPH‐dependent O‐
2 production of particulate fractions by Con A. However, particulate fractions from Con A‐stimulated and unstimulated cells hardly exhibited reduced NADPH oxidase activity after direct exposure to NEM. Treatment of neutrophils with NEM after activation by Con A had no effect on NADPH‐dependent O‐
2 production of particulate fractions. These results indicate that NEM inhibits the activation process of the O‐
2‐generating enzyme, probably NADPH oxidase with Con A.
Purification and molecular properties of 3 polypeptides released from a highly active O2‐evolving photosystem‐II preparation by Tris‐treatment
Authors: Yamamoto Yasusi , Shimada Shoko , Mitsuo Nishimura
Published: July 2002

Tris‐treatment of a highly active O2‐evolving photosystem‐II preparation induced release of 3 polypeptides (M
r 33 000, 24 000 and 18 000), concomitant with inhibition of O2 evolution [FEBS Lett. (1981)_133. 265‐268]. The 3 polypeptides were purified with the use of electrofocusing. Isoelectric points of the proteins were 5.1, 6.5 and 9.2 in order of decreasing M
r value. Only a trace amount of histidine, cystein and methionine were detected in these proteins. Based on the amino acid compositions, polarity indexes of the proteins were calculated to be 47–49%, suggesting the 3 proteins to be hydrophilic.
Involvement of colchicine binding site of tubulin in the polymerisation process
Authors: Dasgupta D. , Rajgopalan R. , Gurnani S.
Published: July 2002

Role of lysine residues in the colchicine binding site and in the assembly—disassembly process was examined. It was observed that at 4°C (pH 7.5–8, 8±1) lysine residues and the N‐terminal methionine residue of tubulin were all buried within the molecule. Evidence indicates that ϵ‐amino groups of lysine residues of tubulin are shared by both the colchicine binding site and the polymerisation process.
Herbicide‐binding to thylakoid membranes of a DCMU‐resistant mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardii
Authors: Tellenbach Mathias , Gerber Annegret , Boschetti Arminio
Published: July 2002

The specific binding of DCMU and atrazine to the thylakoid membranes of a uniparentally inherited DCMU‐resistant mutant dr‐416 of Chlamydomonas reinhardii was measured. Whole cells of the mutant can tolerate a 15‐fold concentration of DCMU as compared to the parent strain. The same tolerance is found for the photosystem II activity of isolated thylakoid membranes. The mutant is not resistant against atrazine. In equilibrium‐binding studies with [14C]atrazine and unlabelled DCMU, the specific binding for atrazine was found to be identical in the mutant and in the parent strain. The competitive binding of DCMU is significantly weaker for membranes of the mutant than of the parent strain, the equilibrium dissociation constants being 2.0 × 10−7 M and 3.8 × 10−8 M, respectively.
Intracellular pH and free calcium changes in single cells using quene 1 and quin 2 probes and fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Rogers Jane , Robin Hesketh T. , Smith Gerry A. , Beaven Michael A. , Metcalfe James C. , Johnson Pauline , Garland Peter B.
Published: July 2002

Photometric fluorescence microscopy has been used to measure intracellular pH (pHi) and free calcium concentrations ([Ca]i) in individual mouse thymocytes and 2H3 rat basophil leukaemic cells containing indicators for pH (quene 1) or calcium (quin 2). The pHi and [Ca]i measurements in individual 2H3 cells and mouse thymocytes and their responses to various stimuli were consistent with the corresponding data obtained from suspensions of these cells measured in a spectrofluorimeter. Photometric fluorescence microscopy of these indicators in individual cells provides a sensitive and fast method of following pHi and [Ca]i responses in individual cells.
The presence of NADPH‐glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate oxidoreductase in macrophages
Authors: Ravid Katy , Lavie Lena , Gershon David
Published: July 2002

The existence of an NADPH‐oxidoreductase which utilizes D‐glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate as substrate has been demonstrated in mouse peritoneal macrophages. D‐Glyceraldehyde could also serve as substrate, albeit with a 10‐fold lower efficiency. No NADH oxidation could be demonstrated with either substrate. Addition of D‐glyceraldehyde to cultured macrophages increased the rate of activity of the hexose monophosphate shunt to about 65% of the level observed i zymosan A‐stimulated macrophages. The possible involvement of the oxidoreductase in this phenomenon and in the inhibitory effect of D‐glyceraldehyde on the production of oxygen free radicals by zymosan‐stimulated cells is discussed.
Guanine nucleotides and magnesium dependence of the association states of the subunits of transducin
Authors: Déterre Philippe , Bigay Joëlle , Pfister Claude , Chabre Marc
Published: July 2002

When GTPγS is bound to transducin (T), the two subunits Tα·GTPγS and Tβγ dissociate, independently of the ionic environment. When GDP is bound, these subunits are associated as a monomeric Tα·GDP‐Tβγ complex of 75 kDa when the ionic environment is comparable to that of the cytoplasm, but they dissociate in the presence of 10–100 mM Mg2+ or Ca2+ Using this property, the subunits could be separated and purified by a rapid one‐step procedure on an ion‐exchange column (FPLC), and their molecular masses were verified by neutron small angle scattering. The physiological relevances of the dissociating effect of Mg2+ are discussed.
Affinity chromatography and affinity partition of human serum pre‐albumin using immobilized remazol yellow GGL
Authors: Birkenmeier G. , Tschechonien B. , Kopperschläger G.
Published: July 2002

Pre‐albumin was isolated from human serum or plasma by ammonium sulphate fractionation and by chromatography on dye‐substituted Sephadex G‐100 to a high degree of purity. The interaction of the pre‐albumin with the dye Remazol Yellow GGL was studied in more detail by means of affinity partitioning in an aqueous two‐phase system composed of dextran and poly(ethylene glycol). In the presence of dye‐substituted poly(ethylene glycol) the partition coefficient of pre‐albumin increases, indicating an interaction with the dye. Human serum albumin was found to enhance this interaction considerably. A similar effect was also shown by bovine albumin but not by egg albumin
Demonstration of two binding sites for ADP on the isolated β‐subunit of the Rhodospirillum rubrum R1F0F1‐ATP synthase
Authors: Khananshvili Daniel , Gromet-Elhanan Zippora
Published: July 2002

Two ADP binding sites have been demonstrated on the reconstitutively active β‐subunit, that was removed from the Rhodospirillum rubrum membrane‐bound ATP synthase. One is a high affinity site (K
d = 0.7 μM) that does not require MgCl2 and is unaffected by it. The second is a low affinity binding site (K
d = 80 μM) that is absolutely dependent on MgCl2. For stable binding of ADP to this site, MgCl2 must be present not only during the binding step but also during the elution‐centrifugation step used to separate the β‐subunit bound [3H]ADP from the free ligand. When MgCl2 is removed together with the free ligand [3H]ADP dissociates very rapidly from this second binding site.
Polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis is associated with exocytosis in adrenal medullary cells
Authors: Whitaker Michael
Published: July 2002

Calcium
Exocytosis
Phosphoinositide
Membrane fusion
Phospholipase C
Adrenal medulla
The biosynthesis of 3β‐hydroxy‐5,7‐androstadien‐17‐one by the horse fetal gonad
Authors: Tait A.D. , Hodge L.C. , Allen W.R.
Published: July 2002

Equilin
Horse
Fetal gonad
3β‐Hydroxy‐5,7‐androstadien‐17‐one
3β‐Hydroxy‐5, 7‐pregnadien‐20‐one
5, 7‐Cholestadien‐3β‐ol
Labelling and immunoprecipitation of thyroid microsomal antigen
Authors: Kajita Y. , Morgan D. , Parkes A.B. , Rees Smith B.
Published: July 2002

Human thyroid microsomes have been solubilized, labelled with 125I, immunoprecipitated with microsomal antibody and analysed by gel electrophoresis. The analysis indicated that two peptides of relative molecular masses 108 and 118 kDa, under reducing conditions, were specifically immunoprecipitated by microsomal antibody. Similar values were obtained under non‐reducing conditions indicating that the two peptides were not linked by disulphide bridges to each other or to different peptides. These results suggest that the microsomal antigen contains two components which may be linked by non‐covalent bonds to form a single protein of 230 kDa. Studies with lectin affinity columns suggested that the antigen was glycosylated.
Methylammonium (ammonium) uptake in a glutamine auxotroph of the cyanobacterium Anabaena cycadeae
Authors: Singh D.T. , Rai A.N. , Singh H.N.
Published: July 2002

Methylammonium uptake was studied in a glutamine auxotroph of the cyanobacterium Anabaena cycadeae lacking glutamine synthetase activity. The uptake pattern was found to be biphasic, consisting of an initial fast phase lasting up to 60 s followed by a slower second phase. When cells were preincubated with L‐meth‐ionine‐DL‐sulphoximine, an irreversible inhibitor of glutamine synthetase activity, the second uptake phase was abolished although the first phase was unaffected. Since the glutamine auxotroph did not have any glutamine synthetase activity the inhibition of the second phase by L‐methionine‐DL‐sulphoximine could not have been due to the inhibition of glutamine synthetase activity. Thus, it is suggested that the two uptake phases may represent two different ammonium transport systems, the second one being sensitive to L‐meth‐ionine‐DL‐sulphoximine.
Intracellular Ca2+‐calmodulin system involved in the palytoxin‐induced K+ release from rabbit erythrocytes
Authors: Nagase Hiromi , Ozaki Hiroshi , Karaki Hideaki , Urakawa Norimoto
Published: July 2002

Palytoxin (PTX) caused K+ release from rabbit erythrocytes which was dependent on the concentrations of extracellular Ca2+ and PTX. In a Ca2+‐free solution, PTX still caused a slow K+ release. An intracellular Ca2+ antagonist, TMB‐8, an intracellular Ca2+ chelator, quin 2, and calmodulin inhibitors, prenylamine, W‐7 and W‐5, inhibited the PTX‐induced K+ release in a Ca2+‐free solution. These results suggest that the PTX‐induced K+ release is dependent on the process including intracellular Ca2+ and calmodulin.
Crystallographic determination of lanthanide ion binding to troponin C
Authors: Herzberg Osnat , James Michael N.G.
Published: July 2002

X‐ray intensity data to 2.8 Å resolution were collected from each of three crystals of turkey skeletal troponin C(TnC) that had been soaked individually in solutions containing the lanthanide ions europium, thulium and lutetium. Each of the resulting difference electron density maps computed for the three data sets showed three lanthanide ion‐binding sites on the TnC molecule. Two of the sites are approximately coincident with the Ca2+ positions in binding loops III and IV and the third site is near the Ca2+‐free loop I. The mode of ion binding in loop I is different from that commonly observed for Ca2+ in the Ca2+‐binding proteins.
Solubility‐determining domain of smooth muscle myosin rod
Authors: Cross R.A. , Vandekerckhove J.
Published: July 2002

Chymotryptic digestion of chicken gizzard light meromyosin (LMM) produced a 72 kDa core fragment, which was fully soluble at 150 mM KCl, pH 6.5–7.5. The fragment showed weak self‐association at 50 mM KCl. The homology of the N‐terminus amino acid sequence of this fragment with the sequence of the rabbit skeletal myosin rod suggested that the N‐terminus of the core fragment originated 5 kDa from the hinge common to both smooth and skeletal myosin rod. Sedimentation experiments indicated that the domain specifying the insolubility of the intact LMM was 13 kDa long. Progressive proteolytic shortening of this region produced LMM fragments of progressively increasing solubility. Electron microscopy of segments formed from full‐length LMM and from LMM core suggested that this 13 kDa domain specified the 43 nm parallel and antiparallel molecular overlaps characteristic of self‐assembled intact myosin.
Mechanism of aromatic ring cleavage of β‐O‐4 lignin substructure models by lignin peroxidase
Authors: Umezawa Toshiaki , Higuchi Takayoshi
Published: July 2002

This investigation examined the aromatic ring cleavage of β‐O‐4 lignin substructure model compounds by lignin peroxidase of Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Based on tracer experiments using H2
18O and 18O2, mechanisms of the aromatic ring cleavage of the β‐O‐4 lignin models were proposed. The mechanisms involve one‐electron oxidation of the β‐O‐4 lignin models by the enzyme followed by attack of nucleophiles and radical coupling with O2.
Modulation of superoxide dismutase by electron donors and acceptors
Authors: Gulyaeva Natalia V. , Obidin Andrey B. , Marinov Beniamin S.
Published: July 2002

The competition between superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) for O2
− radicals in the presence of a number of physiologically active compounds was studied. The Na+ channel blockers, ajmaline, tetracaine, bipuvacaine, lidocaine and etmozine produced an increase in the amount of O2
− reacting with SOD. Nitroprusside, ferricyanide, BAY K8644, levomycetin, cGMP, cAMP and GMP acted in the opposite way. All the SOD activtors had in common the property of being electron donors in the reactions with the light‐induced free radicals of eosin whereas the SOD inhibitors behaved as electron acceptors. The electron activity of SOD modulators correlated qualitatively with their regulating efficacy.
Small cytoplasmic RNA associated with polyadenylated RNA is involved in the hormonal regulation of gene expression
Authors: Konstantinova I.M. , Kozlov Yu.V. , Kulitchkova V.A. , Petukhova O.A.
Published: July 2002

The fraction of small RNA (sacc‐RNA) associated with cytoplasmic rat liver poly(A)+ RNA by non‐covalent, possibly complementary, interactions has been isolated and studied. Fingerprint analysis and Northern blot hybridization data reveal that the specific changes occur in the population of sacc‐RNA in response to glucocorticoid treatment. The close similarity of the oligonucleotide composition of sacc‐RNA and RNA‐component of small nuclear RNP‐acceptor of glucocorticoid hormones has been found. The hypothesis of the involvement of the small RNA in the hormonal regulation of posttranscriptional stages of gene expression in the cytoplasm has been put forward.
12‐O‐Tetradecanoyl phorbol‐13‐acetate interferes with germination of Phycomyces blakesleeanus sporangiospores
Authors: Carrillo-Rayas Teresa , Garcia-Soto Jesus , Martinez-Cadena Guadalupe
Published: July 2002

The presence of protein kinase C (PKC), a key enzyme in signal transduction, has not been investigated in fungal cells. The phorbol ester TPA, an activator of PKC, may be used as an indicator of the presence and role of PKC in Phycomyces blakesleeanus spores. Activation of spore germination by acetate was prevented by 6 nM TPA. The TPA analog 4αPDD, an ineffective activator of PKC, did not affect spore germination. 3 mM dbcAMP, on the other hand, reversed the inhibition of germination caused by TPA. TPA‐stimulated protein kinase activity was detected in spores. The possible relationship between PKC and the increased levels of cAMP that accompany the induction of spore germination is discussed.
Modulation of HLA antigens in response to the binding of epidermal growth factor by A431 cells
Authors: Hosoi Kazuo , Kittur Dilip S. , Edidin Michael
Published: July 2002

In a previous study [(1984) J. Cell Biol. 98, 725–731] we showed that the level of human MHC, HLA antigens on A431 carcinoma cells is reduced after these cells bind epidermal growth factor (EGF). Here we use flow cytometry to determine the effects of various doses and times of EGF treatment on HLA expression. We then show that the reduction in HLA expression is associated with a reduction in the level of phosphorylation of immunoprecipitable surface HLA antigens, although longer exposure of cells with EGF increased both surface HLA expression and their phosphorylation levels. Lateral diffusion of HLA antigens is lower in EGF‐treated than in control cells. The lower diffusion coefficients measured may be causally related to the decreased phosphorylation of HLA antigens.
L‐Glutamate activates excitatory and inhibitory channels in Drosophila larval muscle
Authors: Delgado Ricardo , Barla Ricardo , Latorre Ramon , Labarca Pedro
Published: July 2002

Muscle fibers from Drosophila larvae show an L‐glutamate‐sensitive membrane potential. Bath‐applied L‐glutamate depolarizes the muscle in the range from 0.5 to 20 μM. Greater concentrations of the agonist repolarize the fibers. The repolarizing effect disappears if chloride is replaced by sulfate in the external medium. Intracellular recordings show the occurrence of depolarizing and hyperpolarizing spontaneous miniature postsynaptic potentials (smpp). Patch‐clamp studies indicate the presence of two types of receptor channels: (i) an anion‐selective channel activated by both L‐glutamate and GABA. In outside out‐patches, bathed in symmetrical 140 mM Cl− and 200 μM GABA, the channel displays conductance substates of 40, 80 and 110 pS. In the presence of 200 μM L‐glutamate only the 40 and 80 pS substates are observed; (ii) a cation‐selective channel activated only by L‐glutamate that has a conductance of 104 pS in cell‐attached patches (128 mM Na+ outside). The presence of these two types of receptor channels in Drosophila muscle may explain the effect of bath‐applied L‐glutamate on membrane potential and the presence of inhibitory and excitatory smpp.
DNA sequence‐specific adducts of adriamycin and mitomycin C
Authors: Phillips Don R. , White Robin J. , Cullinane Carleen
Published: July 2002

Adriamycin and mitomycin C were reduced by xanthine oxidase/NADH in the presence of a DNA template comprising a stable initiated ternary transcription complex derived from the lac UV5 promoter. Subsequent elongation of the transcription complex treated with mitomycin C revealed high levels of terminated transcripts one nucleotide prior to G residues on the coding strand (i.e. at X of XpC sequences of the non‐coding strand). Lower levels of termination occurred with adriamycin, and these were also one nucleotide prior to G residues of the coding strand, but with greater sequence specificity since they were observed mainly at G of GpC sequences of the non‐coding strand. The same sites were also observed with adriamycin in the absence of reducing conditions and the level of termination at these sites was enhanced up to 10‐fold by Fe2+ and Fe3+, but not by Cu2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ or Ni2+. These results suggest that an iron‐adriamycin complex with DNA is highly sequence‐specific and results in adducts, similar to those of mitomycin C, which can terminate the transcription process. Such a mechanism offers new insights into the possible mode of action of anthracyclines.
Lipopolysaccharide toxin can directly stimulate the intracellular accumulation of lipids and their secretion into medium in the primary culture of rabbit hepatocytes
Authors: Victorov A.V. , Gladkaya E.M. , Novikov D.K. , Kosykh V.A. , Yurkiv V.A.
Published: July 2002

Lipopolysaccharide toxin; Hyperlipidemia; (Rabbit hepatocyte)
Determination of amino acids critical to the main immunogenic region of intact acetylcholine receptors by in vitro mutagenesis
Authors: Saedi Mohammad S. , Anand René , Conroy William G. , Lindstrom Jon
Published: July 2002

The main immunogenic region (MIR) of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) is the target for the majority of high‐affinity autoantibodies produced in myasthenia gravis patients. Some monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the MIR bind specifically, but with low affinity, to synthetic AChR α subunit peptides with the sequence α67–76. Studies of synthetic peptides suggest that amino acids α68 and α71 may be especially important to the antigenic structure of the MIR. We have studied the contribution of amino acids α68 and α71 to the antigenicity of the MIR on intact AChR by replacing α68 (N) and α71 (D) of Torpedo AChR α with α68 (D) and α71 (K) by site‐directed mutagenesis, expressing the mutated transcripts in Xenopus oocytes along with wild‐type Torpedo β,γ andδ subunits, and analyzing the expressed AChR for the binding of mAbs to the MIR. These mutations of the MIR greatly diminished binding of mAbs to the MIR. Thus, both α68 and α71 are critical to the antigenicity of the MIR in intact AChRs.