bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated With Detection and Survival of T1 Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the United States: National Cancer Database Analysis
Authors: Yang Ju Dong , Luu Michael , Singal Amit G. , Noureddin Mazen , Kuo Alexander , Ayoub Walid S. , Sundaram Vinay , Kotler Honore , Kim Irene K. , Todo Tsuyoshi , Voidonikolas Georgios , Brennan Todd V. , Kosari Kambiz , Klein Andrew S. , Hendifar Andrew , Lu Shelly C. , Nissen Nicholas N. , Gong Jun
Published: September 2020

Background: It remains unknown to what extent hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are detected very early (T1 stage; ie, unifocal <2 cm) in the United States. The aim of this study was to investigate the trends and factors associated with very early detection of HCC and resultant outcomes. Methods: Patients with HCC diagnosed from 2004 through 2014 were identified from the National Cancer Database. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with T1 HCC detection, and Cox proportional hazard analyses identified factors associated with overall survival among patients with T1 HCC. Results: Of 110,182 eligible patients, the proportion with T1 HCC increased from 2.6% in 2004 to 6.8% in 2014 (P<.01). The strongest correlate of T1 HCC detection was receipt of care at an academic institution (odds ratio, 3.51; 95% CI, 2.31–5.34). Older age, lack of insurance, high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, high alpha-fetoprotein, increased Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score, and nonsurgical treatment were associated with increased mortality, and care at an academic center (hazard ratio [HR], 0.27; 95% CI, 0.15–0.48) was associated with reduced mortality in patients with T1 HCC. Liver transplantation (HR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.20–0.37) and surgical resection (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.48–0.93) were independently associated with improved survival compared with ablation. This is the first study to examine the trend of T1 HCC using the National Cancer Database, which covers approximately 70% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States, using robust statistical analyses. Limitations of the study include a retrospective study design using administrative data and some pertinent data that were not available. Conclusions: Despite increases over time, <10% of HCCs are detected at T1 stage. The strongest correlates of survival among patients with T1 HCC are receiving care at an academic institution and surgical treatment.
Complexities of Next-Generation Sequencing in Solid Tumors: Case Studies
Authors: Sokolova Alexandra O. , Shirts Brian H. , Konnick Eric Q. , Tsai Ginger J. , Goulart Bernardo H.L. , Montgomery Bruce , Pritchard Colin C. , Yu Evan Y. , Cheng Heather H.
Published: September 2020

With the promise and potential of clinical next-generation sequencing for tumor and germline testing to impact treatment and outcomes of patients with cancer, there are also risks of oversimplification, misinterpretation, and missed opportunities. These issues risk limiting clinical benefit and, at worst, perpetuating false conclusions that could lead to inappropriate treatment selection, avoidable toxicity, and harm to patients. This report presents 5 case studies illustrating challenges and opportunities in clinical next-generation sequencing interpretation and clinical application in solid tumor oncologic care. First is a case that dissects the origin of an ATM mutation as originating from a hematopoietic clone rather than the tumor. Second is a case illustrating the potential for tumor sequencing to suggest germline variants associated with a hereditary cancer syndrome. Third are 2 cases showing the potential for variant reclassification of a germline variant of uncertain significance when considered alongside family history and tumor sequencing results. Finally, we describe a case illustrating challenges with using microsatellite instability for predicting tumor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The common theme of the case studies is the importance of examining clinical context alongside expert review and interpretation, which together highlight an expanding role for contextual examination and multidisciplinary expert review through molecular tumor boards.
Migrantes y medios en el ciberespacio: Construcción de identidad en los «no lugares»
Authors: Vaquerizo Domínguez Enrique
Published: September 2020

Este artículo estudia la relación entre los tres vértices del triángulo TIC, identidad y migraciones a través de un análisis lineal de los referentes de la temática. Un recorrido centrado en el escenario cada vez más móvil y dinámico en el que los tres actores interrelacionan, desde las rígidas fronteras geográficas tradicionales a la permeabilidad del transnacionalismo y el ciberespacio. La bibliografía consultada coincide en presentar a unas comunidades migrantes que experimentan en su cotidianeidad relaciones simultáneas y, en ocasiones, ambivalentes, con su territorio de origen y acogida, que diluyen construcciones identitarias asociadas a las fronteras de los Estados nación tradicionales dejando paso a nuevos significados y pertenencias dinámicos y cambiantes. El resultado señala la importancia de las Tecnologías de la información y Comunicación (TIC) como mediadoras, agrupando a migrantes geográficamente dispersas en la diáspora pero ahora intensamente conectadas, orbitando alrededor del territorio de origen. Un territorio recreado, reconstruido y en ocasiones idealizado de una manera simbólica.
Sonidos en serie. Interacciones entre imagen y música en Mad Men
Authors: Gutiérrez Martínez Begoña
Published: September 2020

La serie televisiva Mad Men (Mathew Weiner, 2007-2015) está ambientada en la década de 1960 en Nueva York y versa principalmente sobre el universo de la publicidad. Su banda sonora, de gran riqueza y variedad, contiene tanto temas compuestos ad hoc, como otros preexistentes. Nuestro objetivo es analizar las interacciones que se establecen entre imagen y música en la primera temporada de la serie empleando la metodología de análisis textual. Examinaremos su mundo sonoro, así como las sensaciones que produce para explicitar la experiencia de los espectadores. Con este fin, diseccionaremos diferentes escenas de la primera temporada en las que suenan temas musicales característicos de este texto audiovisual. En primer lugar, nos centraremos en los procesos creativos desarrollados por el compositor David Carbonara y la supervisora musical Alexandra Patsavas, responsables de la música de Mad Men. En segundo lugar, analizaremos distintas escenas en las que suenan los siguientes temas: «A Beautiful Mine» (RJD2, 2006); «Band of Gold» (Don Cherry, 1955); «On The Street Where You Live» (Vic Damone, 1956); «P.S. I Love You» (Bobby Vinton, 1967); «The Great Divide» (The Cardigans, 1996); «Água de beber» (Astrud Gilberto y Antonio Carlos Jobim, 1965); «Mad Men Suite» (David Carbonara, 2007); y «Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right» (Bob Dylan, 1963). Por último, en las conclusiones expondremos cómo interactúa la música con las siguientes dimensiones del texto audiovisual: elementos formales de la serie; narrativa; y precisión histórica.
El pop como síntoma: Disonancias entre el jazz y el videoclip contemporáneo
Authors: Jaume Marcelo
Published: September 2020

El jazz tiene en la actualidad, especialmente desde su establecimiento en el ámbito  académico a finales de la década de 1980, una posición ambigua respecto a la música popular. Esta particular demarcación resulta también patente en su anómala relación con el videoclip, narrativa dominante en la música popular y donde el jazz no tiene un espacio de representación habitual, pese a su protagonismo en otras épocas  a través de formatos como soundies y scopitones. A pesar de ser relativamente frecuentes las grabaciones de conciertos y teasers promocionales, el videoclip como discurso estético autónomo no está extendido. El objetivo principal de este texto es examinar críticamente los motivos de esta particular relación, con especial atención al caso europeo. Para ello, se analizarán ejemplos y se considerarán cuestiones como las nociones de relato y narratividad asociadas a la música instrumental, los discursos superpuestos a esta desde el medio visual, la autonomía del lenguaje del videoclip y la relación entre el jazz y otros géneros musicales.
Triunfo, fama y talento. Audiencias juveniles y educación musical a través de los mass media
Authors: García Celdrán María , Encabo Enrique
Published: September 2020

La sociedad de la información digital plantea nuevos y constantes retos educativos. En el presente artículo se presentan algunas observaciones surgidas de una investigación en curso que tiene como centro de interés a los jóvenes desde su condición de adolescentes y telespectadores de la realidad presentada en las pantallas, así como las oportunidades de enseñanza-aprendizaje que nos ofrecen los audiovisuales para la práctica de la educación musical en las escuelas. Para ello se realiza una descripción de aspectos teóricos relacionados con la influencia y el impacto que tiene el consumo cultural y audiovisual de los jóvenes en la construcción de su propia identidad y en los procesos de socialización. Además, se hace un posterior análisis comparativo de la imagen que se proyecta de la música y los jóvenes intérpretes en programas de televisión musicales seleccionados al respecto, con especial atención a los fenómenos Operación Triunfo y La Voz. Por último, se observa una serie de estereotipos y rasgos comunes asociados al mundo de la música y sus participantes.
Studying Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Cookey Ibeinmo Friday , Eniekezimene Francis Ariayefa
Published: September 2020

This research paper investigated the determinants of foreign direct investment inflow into the Nigerian economy. This is because Nigeria at present is still characterized by low economic growth, which has created other macro-economic problems like inflation, low export, unemployment, unfavorable exchange rate, balance of payment disequilibrium, etc. The study adopted the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL/Bounds testing) econometric tool to examine the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Nigerian economy. Data for the analysis are annual data covering the period 1981-2019, obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin several issues. The study used inflation rate (INFR), interest rate (INTR), exchange rate (EXR) and trade openness (TOPN) as independent variables. While foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was used as the dependent variable. The result indicates that exchange rate (EXR) and trade openness (TOPN) are all positive determinants of FDI in the Nigerian economy as their corresponding coefficients are positive. The result further shows that for the Nigerian economy to attract FDI significantly by one percent, exchange rate and trade openness will increase by 0.18 and 5.00 percent respectively. On the other hand, inflation rate (INFR), and interest rate (INTR) are negative determinants of foreign direct investment in Nigeria. Meaning that, an attempt to increase either of these variables would result to a decline in foreign direct investment in the country and vice versa. We therefore conclude that both EXR and TOPN had a positive and significant impact on the FDI inflow to the Nigerian economy, and are therefore adjudged positive determinants of FDI inflow into the Nigerian economy within the period 1981-2019. INFR and INTR on the other hand maintained their negative influence on FDI inflow to the Nigerian Economy, hence, are negative determinants of FDI inflow into the Nigerian economy within the period 1981-2019. Finally, we recommend that government should sustain its drive for import substitutions which will encourage export, expand its bilateral trade ties with developed economies so as to woo FDI inflows. Also, government through it monetary authorities should reduce inflation and interest rates. This will help to woo FDI inflow into the Nigerian economy.
Trajectory of COVID-19 Data in India: Investigation and Project Using Artificial Neural Network, Fuzzy Time Series and ARIMA Models
Authors: Mishra Pradeep , Fatih Chellai , Rawat Deepa , Sahu Saswati , Pandey Sagar Anand , Ray M. , Dubey Anurag , Sanusi Olawale Monsur
Published: September 2020

Due to the impact of Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic that exists today, all countries, national and international organizations are in a continuous effort to find efficient and accurate statistical models for forecasting the future pattern of COVID infection. Accurate forecasting should help governments to take decisive decisions to master the pandemic spread.  In this article, we explored the COVID-19 database of India between 17th March to 1st July 2020, then we estimated two nonlinear time series models: Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Fuzzy Time Series (FTS) by comparing them with ARIMA model. In terms of model adequacy, the FTS model out performs the ANN for the new cases and new deaths time series in India. We observed a short-term virus spread trend according to three forecasting models.Such findings help in more efficient preparation for the Indian health system.
Foldness of Positive Implicative Ideals in BCk-Algebras
Authors: Ahmed Mahasin A. , Amhed Esmat A.
Published: September 2020

In this article we introduce new notions of (fuzzy) n-fold positive implicative ideals, (fuzzy) n-fold weak positive implicative ideals, and (fuzzy) n-fold weak implicative (weak) ideals in BCK-algebras and investigate some of their properties.
Performance Evaluation of Non-Saccharomyces in Wine Production
Authors: Ogbonna David N. , Williams Janet O. , Alabere Awengi
Published: September 2020

Wines with different tastes, aromas, colours and acceptability produced through the fermentative action of yeasts are consumed worldwide Several studies have centred on the use of Saccharomyces sp. as the choice yeast for fermentation due to its desirable characteristics; however, in recent years, researches are being focused on alternatives to Saccharomyces sp. This study however was aimed at carrying out a performance evaluation of wine produced by the fermentative action of non-Saccharomyces (Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Pichia guilliermondii). The wines were produced using a mixture of pineapple juice and blended banana pulp as substrate.The fermentation process comprised of two set ups: one was fermented by Meyerozyma guilliermondii strain 1621 and the other was fermented by Pichia guilliermondii strain PAX-PAT 18S. An organoleptic (sensory) evaluation of both wines produced was carried out to ascertain the quality of the wines in comparison to a commercial wine. This was done using a 9-point hedonic scale rating. The wines were evaluated for their organoleptic characteristics including aroma, colour, clarity, taste and overall acceptability. The wine fermented by Meyerozyma guilliermondii had mean values of 7.3, 7.0, 6.4, 3.8 and 6.1 for aroma, colour, clarity, taste and overall acceptability, respectively. The wine fermented by Pichia guilliermondii had mean values of 6.2, 7.1, 5.5, 4.7 and 5.9 for aroma, colour, clarity, taste and overall acceptability, respectively. The commercial wine had mean values of 4.7, 6.6, 7.4, 7.4 and 6.5 for aroma, colour, clarity, taste and overall acceptability, respectively. Statistically, there was significant difference between the aroma of the wines (P≤0.05) while there were no significant differences in colour, clarity, taste and overall acceptability of the wines.  This study shows that acceptable wines can be produced using non-Saccharomyces yeasts like Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Pichia guilliermondii.
Molekulargewichtsbestimmungen durch polyacrylamidgelelektrophorese unter verwendung eines linearen gelgradienten
Authors: Kopperschläger G. , Diezel W. , Bierwagen B. , Hofmann E.
Published: July 2002

A new method for molecular weight determination using polyacrylamidegel electrophoresis in a linear gel‐concentration‐gradient (3–20°) is described. Plotting the log of molecular weights of several standard proteins against distance of migration or against 3 log of rate of n‐dgration reveal linear relationships in ranges of 50.000 – 200.000 or 100.000 – 400.000 Daltons respectively. On this basis, a simple method for molecular weight determination of proteins (accuracy ± 5°) has been devised. The method can also be applied for an individual protein in protein mixtures using specific staining procedures.
Phosphorylation of skeletal muscle microsomes by acetylphosphate
Authors: Friedman Z. , Makinose M.
Published: July 2002

The phosporyl group of acetylphosphate is transferred to the membranal protein of the sarcoplasmic vesicles during active calcium transport. Although the phosphoprotein formed cannot be distinguished from that obtained in the presence of ATP, the conditions for ATP and acetylphosphate hydrolysis are different from each other.
A translational inhibitor activated in rabbit reticulocyte lysates under high pO2
Authors: Almış-Kanıgür Gönül , Kan Beki , Kospançalı Serpil , Bermek Engin
Published: July 2002

An inhibitor of protein synthesis was activated under high oxygen partial pressure (pO2) in hemin‐supplemented and glutathione disulfide‐free lysates from rabbit reticulocytes. This inhibitor shared some common features with other translational inhibitors from rabbit reticulocytes; that is, hemin‐controlled repressor, glutathione disulfide‐activated inhibitor and high pressure‐activated inhibitor. It caused biphasic kinetics of inhibition which could be potentiated by ATP. Its activation was prevented by cAMP or glucose 6‐phosphate. The high pO2‐inhibitor could be partially purified from post‐ribosomal supernatant containing ribosomal salt wash by precipitation between 0–50% (NH4)2SO4‐saturation, Sephadex G‐100, and DEAE‐cellulose chromatography.
Skeletal muscle myosin light chain kinase
Authors: Mayr Georg W. , Heilmeyer Ludwig M.G.
Published: July 2002

A hydrodynamic, enzymatic and CD spectroscopic study of skeletal muscle myosin light chain kinase, three proteolytic fragments and corresponding complexes with calmodulin was performed. A refined shape model was built for the enzyme. It was shown that a head‐and‐tail structure is formed from two major fragments which are aligned end‐to‐end. The one fragment (M
r 36 000) is compact, of high α‐helix content and contains the catalytic center with the light chain and the calmodulin binding domains. The other fragment (M
r 33 000) with unknown function is asymmetric (a/b ⪢ 10), of low α‐helix and of unusually high proline content.
Disappearance of paternal histocompatibility antigens from hybrid mouse blastocyst at the time of implantation
Authors: Leclipteux Thierry , Remacle José
Published: July 2002

Products of the major histocompatibility complex (H‐2) are important in allograph rejection. In view of the close relationship between mother and foetus, we can consider the latter as an allograph which is however not rejected by an immunological reaction. We studied the presence of H‐2 antigens on embryo membranes at the time of implantation, by immunochemical labeling using gold particles coupled with protein A. Results showed that the expression of H‐2 antigens is different before and after implantation. It seems that after implantation, H‐2 antigens disappear from trophoblastic membranes. This could explain the absence of immunological reaction of the mother against the foetus.
The SOS system of Escherichia coli in the regulation of bacteriophage λ development
Authors: Sprizhitsky Yu.A. , Kopylov V.M.
Published: July 2002

A sequence homologous to the known SOS boxes is found in the Po promoter of phage λ. It is suggested that the sequence found is a binding site for the LexA repressor. The mechanism of the LexA part in regulation of λ development is discussed. It is based on the competitive transcription of the RNA encoding CII protein and the short OOP‐RNA transcribed from the Po promoter.
Spectrin and protein 4.1 as an actin filament capping complex
Authors: Pinder Jennifer C. , Ohanian V. , Gratzer W.B.
Published: July 2002

Spectrin and protein 4.1, when added to G‐ or F‐actin, cause the formation of short filaments, as judged by the appearance of powerful nucleating activity for G‐actin polymerisation. F‐Actin filaments are rapidly fragmented under physiological solvent conditions. The effect of cytochalasin E on the polymerisation reaction and the extent of reduction in the critical monomer concentration of actin when spectrin and 4.1 are added suggest that these proteins form a capping system for the more slowly growing, or ‘pointed’ ends of actin filaments. The interaction is not affected by calcium or by 4.9, the remaining constituent of the purified red cell membrane cytoskeleton.
Thyroxine preferentially stimulates transcription by isolated neuronal nuclei in the developing rat brain cortex
Authors: Lindholm Dan B.
Published: July 2002

The administration of thyroxine to neonatal rats stimulates RNA synthesis by neuronal nuclei isolated from the developing rat brain cortex. Glial nuclei are relatively resistant to thyroxine treatment. The activity of neuronal RNA polymerase II is particularly stimulated by the hormone. Thyroxine also affects neuronal chromatin structure as shown by changes in the relative proportion of different subnuclear fractions obtained by gentle micrococcal nuclease digestion of nuclei from hormone‐treated rats.
Insulin receptors in rat brain: insulin stimulates phosphorylation of its receptor β‐subunit
Authors: Gammeltoft Steen , Kowalski Aline , Fehlmann Max , van Obberghen Emmanuel
Published: July 2002

In rat brain cortex synaptosomes insulin stimulated the phosphorylation of its own receptor β‐subunit (94 kDa) as identified by immunoprecipitation with anti‐insulin or anti‐receptor antiserum. The receptor α‐subunit (115 kDa) was characterized by specific labeling with 125I‐labeled photoreactive insulin. These observations indicate that: (i) insulin receptors in brain are composed of α‐subunits which bind insulin, and β‐subunits, the phosphorylation of which can be stimulated by insulin; (ii) the size of α‐subunits in brain is significantly smaller than in other tissues (115 vs 130 kDa), whereas β‐subunits (94 kDa) are identical. We suggest that brain insulin receptors represent a subtype regarding their binding function, whereas their enzyme function is more conserved.
Inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate may be a signal for f‐Met‐Leu‐Phe‐induced intracellular Ca mobilisation in human leucocytes (HL‐60 cells)
Authors: Burgess Gillian M. , McKinney Jerry S. , Irvine Robin F. , Berridge Michael J. , Hoyle Peter C. , Putney James W.
Published: July 2002

Pemeabilised, dimethyl sulphoxide‐differentiated HL‐60 human myelomonocytic leukemia cells accumulate 45Ca in an ATP‐dependent manner. The 45Ca is taken up by a pool thought to be a component of the endoplasmic reticulum. Inositol trisphosphate induced a rapid release of Ca from this pool, suggesting that this molecule which is formed in these cells in response to f‐Met‐Leu‐Phe may play a role in agonist‐induced Ca metabolism.
Duplicated sporulation genes in bacteria
Authors: Errington J. , Fort P. , Mandelstam J.
Published: July 2002

Statistical analysis indicates that about 150 genes might be needed for spore formation in Bacillus subtilis [1]. We have sequenced 11 of these and examined the predicted amino acid sequences for the possibility that present‐day sporulating bacteria may have evolved from ancestral forms in which sporulation was governed by a smaller number of genes. We have identified two pairs of duplicated genes. The first of them involves a sequence which shows major homologies with both the sigma factor (σ) of RNA polymerase in Escherichia coli and σ29 in B. subtilis. Another example of homology involves no less than 4 separate genes coding for the acid‐soluble proteins of the spore [2]. We conclude that sporulation may have evolved from a much smaller number of genes that we first envisaged and it is likely, anyway, to be no more complex than replication of the larger coliphages.
The complete amino acid sequence of the large bacteriochlorophyll‐binding polypeptide B870α from the light‐harvesting complex B870 of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata
Authors: Tadros Monier Habib , Frank Gerhard , Zuber Herbert , Drews Gerhart
Published: July 2002

The larger (α) of the two bacteriochlorophyll‐binding polypeptides of the antenna complex B870 of the photosynthetic apparatus of Rhodopseudomonas; capsulata was extracted by chloroform‐methanol‐ammonium acetate from the intracytoplasmic membrane and purified by column chromatography on LH60. The complete amino acid sequence has been determined. The M
r of the polypeptide is 6588. The protein consists of 58 amino acids, having a polarity of 28%.
The complete amino acid sequences of the β1‐ and β2‐subunits of the isolectins LoL1 and LoL11 from seeds of Lathyrus ochrus (L.) DC
Authors: Yarwood A. , Richardson M. , Sousa-Cavada B. , Rougé P.
Published: July 2002

The complete amino acid sequences of the β1‐ and β2‐subunits of the isolectins (LoL1 and LoL11) from seeds of Lathyrus ochrus were determined by analysis of peptides derived from the proteins by digestion with trypsin, chymotrypsin, pepsin and the S. aureus V8 protease, as well as fragments produced by cleavage with iodosobenzoic acid. Both β‐subunits consisted of singlepolypeptide chains of 181 amino acids, which differed from one another in only 3 positions. The homology of the Lathyrus ochrus isolectins with the other two‐chain lectins of the tribe Vicieae, and the single‐chain lectins of other tribes of the Leguminosae is discussed.
New model systems to study DNA‐protein recognition mechanisms
Authors: Jacob Alexander , Jacob T.M.
Published: July 2002

dpG antibody
Fractionation
dsDNA binding
dsDNA‐cellulose chromatography
dpG conformation
Bovine generalised glycogenosis type II
Authors: Di Marco P.N. , Howell J.McC. , Dorling P.R.
Published: July 2002

Glycogenosis type II
a‐Glucosidase
Enzyme uptake
Pompe's disease
Cultured muscle
Functional heterogeneity of GEF‐free initiation factor 2 purified from suckling and adult rat brain
Authors: Calés Carmela , Salinas Matilde , Fando Juan L.
Published: July 2002

Developing brain
Protein synthesis
Initiation factor 2
Guanine nucleotide exchange factor
Muscarinic stimulation of inositol phosphate accumulation and acid secretion in gastric fundic mucosal cells
Authors: Baudière Bruno , Guillon Gilles , Bali Jean-Pierre , Jard Serge
Published: July 2002

The muscarinic agonist, carbachol (CCh), was shown to stimulate the production of inositol phosphates (IP) in isolated cells from rabbit fundic mucosa. This stimulatory effect was time‐ and dose‐dependent: EC50 values for IP1, IP2 and IP3 accumulation were not statistically different. The mean value was 30 ± 8 μM (n= 6). The corresponding maximal stimulation (% of basal value) observed after 20 min incubation in the presence of 100 μM CCh was 160 ± 15%. CCh‐induced IP accumulation was abolished by atropine (K
i = 0.32 ± 0.18 nM (n=3)). The CCh concentrations leading to half‐maximal inhibition of N‐[3H]methylscopolamine binding and half‐maximal IP accumulation were similar. The half‐maximal value for CCh‐induced aminopyrine accumulation was 8‐times lower. These results indicate that IP3‐mediated mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ might be involved in CCh‐induced acid secretion by parietal cells.
Phosphorylation of pig brain diacylglycerol kinase by endogenous protein kinase
Authors: Kanoh Hideo , Ono Teruo
Published: July 2002

Pig brain diacylglycerol kinase did not catalyze autophosphorylation. However, the kinase was phosphorylated on serine, when immunoprecipitated from the partially purified enzyme preparation preincubated with Mg2+ and [γ‐32P]ATP. The action of the endogenous protein kinase phosphorylating diacylglycerol kinase was independent of cyclic nucleotides and Ca2+, and became maximum at pH 5.5. Although the extent of enzyme phosphorylation was limited (maximally about 0.25 mol Pi incorporated per mol kinase), the results show that diacylglycerol kinase can be a phosphoprotein.
Fructose 2,6‐bisphosphate as a signal for changing from sugar to lipid oxidation during flight in locusts
Authors: Wegener Gerhard , Michel Romi , Newsholme Eric A.
Published: July 2002

Flight in locusts is initially powered mainly by carbohydrate but if flight is to be sustained, as in migration, the animals have to utilize fat as the predominant fuel. The molecular basis of this metabolic switch has not been identified. Fructose 2,6‐bisphosphate is a potent activator of 6‐phosphofructokinase (EC 2.7.1.11) purified from locust flight muscle. After the first few minutes of flight in the locust the concentration of fructose 2,6‐bisphosphate in the flight muscle falls dramatically, which should lead to a decrease in the activity of 6‐phosphofructokinase as part of the mechanism to conserve carbohydrate during prolonged flight.
Isolation, structure and properties of the C‐terminal flanking peptide of preprocholecystokinin from rat brain
Authors: Varro Andrea , Young Janice , Gregory H. , Cseh Jbolya , Dockray G.J.
Published: July 2002

The C‐terminal flanking peptide of preprocholecystokinin has been isolated from rat brain. Micro‐sequence analysis revealed the primary structure: Ser‐Ala‐Glu‐Asp‐Tyr‐Glu‐Tyr‐Pro‐Ser. Arylsulphatase and mild acid hydrolysis suggested that both tyrosine residues are sulphated. The peptide was not active in bioassay systems that respond to CCK8; the significance of the conserved tripeptide Ser‐Ala‐Glu is discussed.
Analysis of globin transition in Xenopus laevis and identification of globins by in vitro translation of hybrid‐selected mRNA
Authors: Sandmeier E. , Gygi D. , Wyler T. , Nyffenegger U. , Weber R.
Published: July 2002

The switch from larval to adult globin synthesis during amphibian metamorphosis was analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in acid urea‐Triton X‐100. 4–6 slowly migrating components were detected in larvae and at least 4 faster components appear at metamorphosis and persist in the adult stage. To relate the globin subunits to the mRNA sequences, isolated as cDNA clones, mRNAs were hybrid‐selected from total RNA of larval and adult erythrocytes and translated in a wheat germ system. The translation products were identified by comparison with the globin pattern of hemolysates
Two separable functional domains in the σ‐subunit of RNA polymerase in Bacillus subtilis?
Authors: Errington J.
Published: July 2002

The σ‐subunit of RNA polymerase is responsible for promoter recognition in prokaryotes [(1969) Nature 221, 43–46]. Alterations in the σ‐subunit are thought to be involved in controlling ‘global’ changes in gene expression, such as those involved in differentiation in the spore‐forming bacterium Bacillus subtilis [(1981) Cell 25, 582–584]. Stragier et al. [(1985) FEBS Lett. 195, 3–11] have proposed that σ‐factors are composed of two domains: a C‐terminal domain involved in promoter recognition and an N‐terminal domain involved in interactions with RNA polymerase. We have sequenced another developmental gene from B. subtilis, spoIIIC, and the strong homology of its predicted product suggests that it too may be a σ‐factor. However, the spoIIIC product is small and lacks completely the conserved N‐terminal domain of the σ‐subunits. I propose that the product of the spoIIIC gene may carry out the DNA‐recognition functions of a σ‐factor but that it probably requires an auxiliary factor to interact with core RNA polymerase.
Heterogeneity in the structural basis of the human complement C4A null allele (C4A*Q0) as revealed by HindIII restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis
Authors: Uring-Lambert Béatrice , Vegnaduzzi Nathalie , Carroll Michael C. , Tongio Marie-Marthe , Goetz Joëlle , Hauptmann Georges
Published: July 2002

The highly polymorphic fourth component of human complement (C4) is usually encoded by two genes, C4A and C4B, adjacent to the 21‐hydroxylase (21‐OH) genes, 21‐OHA and 21‐OHB, and is also remarkable in the high frequency of the ‘null’ alleles, C4A*Q0 and C4B*Q0. The molecular basis for the C4A*Q0 allele was studied in 26 families through restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with C4 and 21‐OH cDNA probes after digestion of the DNA with the endonuclease HindIII. The individuals expressing the extended haplotype HLA‐A1 (of A2) Cw7 B8 C2C BfS C4AQ0B1 DR3 have a large deletion taking off the C4A and 21‐OHA genes.
The azurin gene from Pseudomonas aeruginosa codes for a pre‐protein with a signal peptide
Authors: Canters G.W.
Published: July 2002

The azurin gene from Pseudomonas aeruginosa is located on a 1.3 kb long PstI DNA fragment. Its nucleotide sequence has been determined. It appears that the gene codes for a pre‐protein with a 19 amino acid long signal sequence which possibly assists in the transport of the azurin over the periplasmic membrane.
Isolation and characterization of two novel calcium‐dependent phospholipid‐binding proteins from bovine lung
Authors: Boustead Catherine M. , Walker John H. , Geisow Michael J.
Published: July 2002

Two calcium‐dependent proteins of apparent M
r 32000 and 34000 were isolated from bovine lung. Approx. 70 mg/kg of each was obtained. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis in the presence of 8 M urea showed their apparent p I values to be 5.1 and 5.0, respectively. Both proteins are related immunologically to calelectrin from Torpedo marmorata. They also have very similar amino acid compositions to calelectrin. Partial sequence information shows that both proteins contain the highly conserved sequence described for the annexins, a new family of calcium‐dependent membrane‐binding proteins. In common with other members of this family, the new proteins bind to acidic phospholipids in a calcium‐dependent manner.
Biological action of phosphonate analogs of fructose 2,6‐bisphosphate on enzymes from higher plants
Authors: Stitt Mark , Vasella Andrea
Published: July 2002

Two analogs of fructose 2,6‐bisphosphate have been prepared, in which the phosphoryl group on the second carbon is replaced by a methylphosphonoyl or a phosphonoyl group. Both inhibited spinach leaf cytosolic fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase and activated potato tuber pyrophosphate:fructose‐6‐phosphate phosphotransferase. Their relative effectiveness depended on the enzyme, revealing differences in the fructose 2,6‐bisphosphate binding sites on the two enzymes. Their relative effectiveness and their binding constants were the same when pyrophosphate:fructose‐6‐phosphate phosphotransferase was assayed in the forward and in the reverse direction. It is concluded that pyrophosphate:fructose‐6‐phosphate phosphotransferase possesses one type of fructose 2,6‐bisphosphate binding site, and catalysis is modified in parallel in both directions as the activator concentration is altered. These results led to the reinterpretation of the role of pyrophosphate:fructose‐6‐phosphate phosphotransferase and fructose 2,6‐bisphosphate in higher plants.
The amino‐terminal domain of thrombomodulin and pancreatic stone protein are homologous with lectins
Authors: Petersen Torben E.
Published: July 2002

Amino acid sequence alignment of the amino‐terminal domain of thrombomodulin and pancreatic stone protein with the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor shows that these proteins are homologous. From the known disulfide bridge pattern of other proteins belonging to the same family two disulfide bonds can be predicted. The homology raises the question whether the amino‐terminal part of thrombomodulin and the pancreatic protein binds carbohydrate or perhaps like tetranectin have a specific affinity for other proteins.
Epidermal plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) is immunologically identical to placental‐type PAI‐2
Authors: Hibino T. , Izaki S. , Ohkuma M. , Kon S. , Thorsen S. , Åstedt B.
Published: July 2002

Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) purified from human epidermis [(1986) FEBS Lett. 408, 273–277] was immunologically identified as placental‐type PAI‐2. In both fibrinolytic and synthetic substrate assays inhibitory activity of epidermal PAI was neutralized by anti‐PAI‐2, but not by anti‐endothelial type PAI‐1. Immunoblotting technique confirmed that the purified epidermal PAI is reactive with anti‐PAI‐2, but not with anti‐PAI‐1. Consequently PAI in human epidermis was demonstrable by immunohistochemical technique.
Action spectra for photogene expression in etiolated pea seedlings
Authors: Sasaki Yukiko , Yoshida Kazuichi , Takimoto Atsushi
Published: July 2002

Action spectra (responsivity spectra) for the transcript accumulation of four photogenes, rbcS, rbcL, Cab and psaB, had a major peak in the red region (660 nm). Violet (400 nm) and green (510 nm) light also induced these transcripts, but their effects differed with the gene. The effect of red light was reversed by later exposure to far‐red light, but the effects of violet and green light were not. Non‐reversible photoreactions in addition to the phytochrome‐mediated photoreversible reaction seemed to be involved in the expression of these photogenes.
Does protein kinase C control receptor‐mediated phagocytosis in human neutrophils?
Authors: Andersson Tommy , Fällman Maria , Lew Daniel P. , Stendahl Olle
Published: July 2002

It was previously demonstrated that C3bi‐ but not IgG‐mediated phagocytosis in human neutrophils is a Ca2+‐independent process [(1985) Nature 315, 509–511]. The objective of this study was to elucidate the nature of an additional messenger signal(s) that may be involved in receptor‐mediated phagocytosis in these cells. The C3bi‐ and IgG‐mediated phagocytic ability of neutrophils was inhibited by forskolin, a potent activator of adenylate cyclase. It was found that forskolin induced a 3‐fold increase in cAMP levels and simultaneously reduced the uptake of both C3bi‐ and IgG‐opsonized particles by 65%. This inhibition was reversed by exposure to either phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or diacylglycerol (OAG), which are both activators of protein kinase C, but not by the inactive analog 4α‐PMA. PMA could also restore the phagocytic ability of neutrophils with an experimentally impaired calcium response. These results suggest that activation of protein kinase C might be an important transducing signal controlling receptor‐mediated phagocytosis in human neutrophils.
Characterization of PAF receptors on human neutrophils using the specific antagonist, WEB 2086 Correlation between receptor binding and function
Authors: Dent Gordon , Ukena Dieter , Chanez Pascal , Sybrecht Gerhard , Barnes Peter
Published: July 2002

The antagonism of PAF effects by WEB 2086 and the receptor binding of [3H]WEB 2086 were investigated in isolated human neutrophils. WEB 2086 inhibited PAF‐induced β‐glucuronidase release and [3H]WEB 2086 bound specifically to high‐affinity sites on the cells. Close concordance between affinity constants for WEB 2086 from functional and radioligand‐binding studies suggests that WEB 2086 interacts with the neutrophil PAF receptors and that [3H]WEB 2086 may be a useful ligand in investigation of these receptors.
Sequence selective binding of ditrisarubicin B to DNA: comparison with daunomycin
Authors: Fox Keith R. , Kunimoto Setsuko
Published: July 2002

DNase I footprinting has been used to examine the sequence selective binding of ditrisarubicin B, novel anthracycline antibiotic, to DNA. At 37°C no footprinting pattern is observed, the drug protects all sites from enzymic cleavage with equal efficiency. At 4°C a footprinting pattern is induced with low drug concentrations which is different from that produced by daunomycin. The best binding sites contain the dinucleotide step GpT (ApC) and are located in regions of alternating purines and pyrimidines.
Membrane‐binding sites for acyl carrier protein in Escherichia coli
Authors: Bayan Nicolas , Therisod Helene
Published: July 2002

We report that membrane vesicles of Escherichia coli contain protein‐binding sites for acyl carrier protein. Scatchard analysis of the binding indicates a dissociation constant around 0.35 μM and a maximum number of protein‐binding sites around 50 pmol per mg of membrane protein. Binding is on the inner membrane while the outer membrane is devoid of binding sites. These results are consistent with the fact that some acyl carrier protein‐dependent enzymes implicated in phospholipid‐ and membrane‐derived oligosaccharide biosynthesis are localized in the cytoplasmic membrane.
A new model for the pro‐PQQ cofactor of quinoprotein methylamine dehydrogenase
Authors: Vellieux Frederic M.D. , Hol Wim G.J.
Published: July 2002

A model for the pro‐PQQ cofactor of Thiobacillus versutus methylamine dehydrogenase was fitted into a 2.25 Å resolution electron density distribution for this enzyme. This proposed model of pro‐PQQ consists of a tyrosine‐derived quinone indole bicyclic structure. Linkage of the cofactor to the light subunit of the enzyme occurs via the side chain of glutamate 57, which is itself bound to the side chain of arginine 107 of that subunit. Since the elements of this cofactor are derived from tyrosine, glutamate and arginine, we have named it ‘TGA pro‐PQQ’.
Variations in genome fragments coding for RNA polymerase in human and simian hepatitis A viruses
Authors: Balayan M.S. , Kusov Yu.Yu. , Andjaparidze A.G. , Tsarev S.A. , Sverdlov E.D. , Chizhikov V.E. , Blinov V.M. , Vasilenko S.K.
Published: July 2002

The genome of hepatitis A virus (HAV) isolated from spontaneously infected African vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) has been cloned and partially sequenced. Comparison of genome fragments (1248 and 162 bp) from the 3D (RNA polymerase) region with the corresponding parts of human HAV genomes revealed a high degree of heterogeneity: there were altogether 257 nucleotide changes leading to 44 substitutions in predicted amino acid sequence, i.e. 89% amino acid identity. This divergence is considered to be significantly greater than genomic variations usually found among human HAV strains, where amino acid identity in the 3D region is over 98%.
Ras protein expression is developmentally regulated in embryonic chicken brain
Authors: Klinz Franz-Josef
Published: July 2002

Immunoblot analysis using a panreactive monoclonal antibody directed against ras p21 proteins detects two differentially regulated ras pools in embryonic chicken brain: a membrane pool that is not changed and a microsomal pool that starts at a low level but is strongly increased from E6 to E16 chicken brain. In order to study the distribution of ras proteins in different cell types of the nervous system, immunoblot analysis was performed on total cell proteins. In contrast to histochemical data showing the absence or low levels of ras proteins in glial cells, comparable amounts of ras proteins were found in cell lysates from purified chicken sympathetic neurons, cultured rat Schwann cells and mouse brain astrocytes.
Uni‐site catalysis by Escherichia coli F1‐ATPase with different numbers of bound nucleotides
Authors: Hanada Hironori , Noumi Takato , Maeda Masatomo , Futai Masamitsu
Published: July 2002

We prepared two types of E. coli F1 by slightly different gel filtration procedures of the purified F1: F1(II) contained about 2 mol, and F1(V) about 5 mol of bound adenine nucleotides per mol of the enzyme. Thus F1(II) had more than 2, possibly 3, vacant catalytic sites, while F1(V) had less than one vacant catalytic site. The rate of ATP hydrolysis in uni‐site catalysis (in the presence of inorganic phosphate) was about 3‐fold higher with F1(II) than with F1(V), suggesting that ADP and inorganic phosphate bound at the catalytic sites of F1(V) changed the kinetics of uni‐site catalysis significantly.
Two different B‐type creatine kinase subunits dimerize in a tissue‐specific manner
Authors: Quest Andrew F.G. , Eppenberger Hans M. , Wallimann Theo
Published: July 2002

Brain‐type creatine kinase B‐CK (EC 2.7.3.2) was purified from several chicken tissues, e.g. cardiac muscle, brain, gizzard and retina. Two major monomeric chicken B‐CK subunits, designated Bb (basic) and Ba (acidic), which differ in isoelectric point, were separated by chromatofocussing in the presence of 8 M urea on a MonoP column. The two subunits were shown by peptide mapping, amino acid analysis and partial sequencing, as well as by immunological criteria, to be distinct B‐CK polypeptides. The N‐tenninal sequence of 30 amino acid residues of Bb correspond entirely to data derived from a B‐CK c‐DNA clone termed H4 [(1986) Nucleic Acids Res. 14, 1449‐1463], whereas the N‐terminus of the acidic Ba species was blocked. Native dimeric B‐CK isoenzymes obtained from these tissues were separated by ion exchange chromatography on a MonoQ column yielding two B‐CK dimer populations, type‐I and type‐II B‐CK, varying in relative proportions. Quantitation of the CK activity peak ratios of these two populations revealed the existence of a tissue‐specific, post‐translational mechanism regulating B‐CK dimerization in neural tissues. Tissue‐specific dimerization of the two distinct B‐CK monomer species may represent a means of specifying the intracellular distribution of the dimeric B‐CK subspecies.
Purification and partial characterization of CD9 antigen of human platelets
Authors: Higashihara Masaaki , Takahata Kyoya , Yatomi Yutaka , Nakahara Kazuhiko , Kurokawa Kiyoshi
Published: July 2002

CD9 antigen (p24) was purified from human platelets and partially characterized. The yield was 75 μg from 10 units of platelet concentrates. p24 (38 000 copies/platelet) has intramolecular disulfide bond(s) and, in SDS‐PAGE, consists of major 24‐kDa molecule and minor 26‐ to 31‐kDa molecules. The N‐terminal sequence of p24, PVKGOTKXIKYLLFGFNFIF, indicates that the protein has not previously been characterized and amino terminus (position 12–20) is hydrophobic.
Antibodies to a C‐terminal peptide of the rat brain glutamate receptor subunit, GluR‐A, recognize a subpopulation of AMPA binding sites but not kainate sites
Authors: Wenthold Robert J. , Hunter Chyren , Wada Keiji , Dechesne Claude J.
Published: July 2002

Antibodies were made to a thirteen amino acid synthetic peptide corresponding to the C‐terminal portion of the glutamate (glu) receptor, GluR‐A. The immunoprecipitation of kainic acid (KA) and α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) binding sites by the anti‐peptide antibodies was studied using a detergent‐solubilized preparation of rat brain membranes. Under these conditions a subpopulation of AMPA binding sites was recognized by the antibodies, but no KA binding sites were recognized. Scatchard analysis of this subpopulation of AMPA binding sites yields a curvilinear plot which fits a two‐site model with dissociation constants of 4.6 and 323 nM. These studies show that the glu receptor complex, GluR‐A, binds AMPA but not KA and suggest that (i) the binding sites for these two ligands reside on different proteins, and (ii) the KA receptor identified physiologically is not equivalent to the KA binding sites identified with 3H‐labelled KA.
Uptake and degradation of virus‐associated fluorescent sulfatide by skin fibroblasts
Authors: Rousseau Anna , Gatt Shimon
Published: July 2002

A fluorescent derivative ofcerebroside sulfate, pyrene‐dodecanoyl sphingosylgalactosylsulfate (P12‐CS) was incorporated into the envelope of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). When the P12‐CS‐containing virus was incubated for 24 h with skin fibroblasts, up to 40% of the sulfatide was located in the cells ‐ a value at least 10 fold greater than that observed using sulfatide suspensions without virus. In a similar experiment, in which the 24 h ‘pulse’ was followed by a 48 h ‘chase’, about 15–20% of the virus‐associated fluorescence was recovered in the skin fibroblasts. Of the latter, about one‐third was present as desulfated degradation products of P12‐CS. The high uptake and degradation of the virus‐associated sulfatide by intact skin fibroblasts suggested that enveloped viruses could be used for introducing other lipids into cells. This could be utilized for studying lipid catabolism and diagnosing lipid storage disorders in intact living cells.