Measurement of the Dynamical Structure Factor of a 1D Interacting Fermi Gas

We present measurements of the dynamical structure factor S(q,ω) of an interacting one-dimensional Fermi gas for small excitation energies. We use the two lowest hyperfine levels of the ^{6}Li atom to form a pseudospin-1/2 system whose s-wave interactions are tunable via a Feshbach resonance. The atoms are confined to one dimension by a two-dimensional optical lattice. Bragg spectroscopy is used to measure a response of the gas to density ("charge") mode excitations at a momentum q and frequency ω, as a function of the interaction strength. The spectrum is obtained by varying ω, while the angle between two laser beams determines q, which is fixed to be less than the Fermi momentum k_{F}. The measurements agree well with Tomonaga-Luttinger theory.

Relationship between serum uric acid and cerebral white matter lesions in the elderly

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent evidence suggests that hyperuricemia might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular risk factors are well recognized to be associated with cerebral white matter lesion (WML). We hypothesized that hyperuricemia is related to higher grade of WML in both men and women.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 108 men and 123 women were enrolled from those who signed up for the annual Health Examination for the Elderly Program in Taipei from 2006 to 2008. Information in interview data, clinical and laboratory examinations were collected. Hyperuricemia was defined by uric acid ≥458.0 μmol/L in men and ≥392.6 μmol/L in women. Two types of WML including periventricular hyper-intensity (PVH) and deep white matter hyper-intensity (DWMH), ascertained by cranial magnetic resonance imaging, were graded. Association between hyperuricemia and high grade WML was evaluated by using multiple logistic regression analysis. The prevalences of hyperuricemia were 13.9% and 17.9% for men and women, respectively. The prevalences of moderate-to-severe PVH among men and women were 16.7% and 7.3%; while the prevalences of moderate-to-severe DWMH for men and women were 19.4% and 11.4%, respectively. Hyperuricemia was related to moderate-to-severe DWMH in men, after controlling for age, education years, smoking, alcohol consumption, metabolic Z score, silent infarct, and the use of anti-hypertensives, lipid-lowering and anti-diabetic agents, the association remained significant. The relationship was not evident among women. We did not find an association between hyperuricemia and PVH.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperuricemia was positively associated with high grade DWMH in older men, but not in women.

Inhibition of cleavage of a plant viral polyprotein by an inhibitor activity present in wheat germ and cowpea embryos

In rabbit reticulocyte lysate, the bottom component RNA of cowpea mosaic virus directs the synthesis of a 200,000-molecular-weight precursor protein (200K protein) that is cleaved during synthesis by a reticulocyte enzyme to form a 32K protein and a 170K protein. Cleavage of the 200K protein was found to be effectively inhibited by inhibitor activity in wheat germ and cowpea embryo extracts. The inhibitor was nondialyzable, precipitatable by ammonium sulfate, and partially stable at high temperatures. The activity appeared to be specific in that it caused no inhibition of the secondary cleavage reactions (cleavage of the 170K protein) at concentrations that were sufficient to cause complete inhibition of the primary cleavage reaction (cleavage of the 200K protein).

Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of p-nitrophenol by Fe (III) supported on resin

Fe(III) supported on resin (Fe(III)-resin) as an effective catalyst for peroxide oxidation was prepared and applied for the degradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP). Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) experiments with hydrogen peroxide as oxidant were performed in a batch rector with p-nitrophenol as the model pollutant. Under given conditions (PNP concentration 500 mg/L, H(2)O(2) 0.1 M, 80°C, resin dosage 0.6% g/mL), p-nitrophenol was almost completely removed, corresponding to an 84% of COD removal. It was found that the reaction temperature, oxidant concentration. and initial pH of solution significantly affected both p-nitrophenol conversion and COD removal by oxidation. It can be inferred from the experiments that Fe(III) supported on resin was an effective catalyst in the mineralization of p-nitrophenol. In an acidic environment of oxidation, the leaching test showed that there was only a slight leaching effect on the activity of catalytic oxidation. It was also confirmed by the aging test of catalysts in the oxidation.

Carvedilol, a new antioxidative β-blocker, blocks in vitro human peripheral blood T cell activation by downregulating NF-κB activity

OBJECTIVE

The activation of T lymphocytes contributes to the inflammatory process of atherosclerosis. Here we examined the effects of carvedilol, a new beta-blocker containing an antioxidative property, on the activation of T cells.

METHODS

Human peripheral blood T cells were negatively selected from whole blood. Cytokines were measured by ELISA. The NF-kappaB and related protein activity was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, Western blotting, kinase assays and transfection assays.

RESULTS

Carvedilol was nontoxic at concentrations </=10 microM, however, higher dosages (>/=20 microM) induced T cell apoptosis. We demonstrated that carvedilol inhibited cytokine production from various stimuli-activated T cells. Carvedilol also suppressed the expression of T cell activation markers, including CD25, CD69 and CD71. Molecular investigation indicated that carvedilol specifically downregulated NF-kappaB but not activator protein 1 DNA-binding activity in activated T cells. The inhibitory effect was likely due to its antioxidative property. Meanwhile, carvedilol prevented stimuli-induced IkappaBalpha degradation. Such an effect was mediated through the inhibition of IkappaBalpha kinase activity. The inhibitory specificity on NF-kappaB by carvedilol was also demonstrated in transfection assays.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated a novel therapeutic mechanism of carvedilol in atherosclerosis, namely the inhibition of T cell activation via downregulating NF-kappaB activity.

Purification, characterization, and molecular cloning of a chitinase from the seeds of Benincasa hispida

A chitinase was purified from the seeds of Benincasa hispida, a medicinal plant also called white gourd, and a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. Purification was done by using a procedure consisting of only two fractionation steps: an acid denaturation step followed by ion-exchange chromatography. The sequence of the N-terminal forty amino acid residues was analyzed and the sequence indicated that the enzyme is a class III chitinase. The enzyme, which is a basic chitinase, is one of at least five chitinases detected in the seed extract of B. hispida. Like other class III chitinases, this enzyme also has lysozyme activity. A genomic clone of the gene encoding the enzyme was isolated and sequenced. The gene has the potential to encode a protein of 301 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequence of the protein, as expected from the N-terminal amino acid sequence, shares high degrees of similarity with other class III chitinases.

The age of the carbonates in martian meteorite ALH84001

The age of secondary carbonate mineralization in the martian meteorite ALH84001 was determined to be 3.90 +/- 0.04 billion years by rubidium-strontium (Rb-Sr) dating and 4.04 +/- 0.10 billion years by lead-lead (Pb-Pb) dating. The Rb-Sr and Pb-Pb isochrons are defined by leachates of a mixture of high-graded carbonate (visually estimated as approximately 5 percent), whitlockite (trace), and orthopyroxene (approximately 95 percent). The carbonate formation age is contemporaneous with a period in martian history when the surface is thought to have had flowing water, but also was undergoing heavy bombardment by meteorites. Therefore, this age does not distinguish between aqueous and impact origins for the carbonates.

Asteroidal water within fluid inclusion-bearing halite in an H5 chondrite, Monahans (1998)

Crystals of halite and sylvite within the Monahans (1998) H5 chondrite contain aqueous fluid inclusions. The fluids are dominantly sodium chloride-potassium chloride brines, but they also contain divalent cations such as iron, magnesium, or calcium. Two possible origins for the brines are indigenous fluids flowing within the asteroid and exogenous fluids delivered into the asteroid surface from a salt-containing icy object.

Calcium metabolism before, during, and after a 3-mo spaceflight: kinetic and biochemical changes

The loss of bone during spaceflight is considered a physiological obstacle for the exploration of other planets. This report of calcium metabolism before, during, and after long-duration spaceflight extends results from Skylab missions in the 1970s. Biochemical and endocrine indexes of calcium and bone metabolism were measured together with calcium absorption, excretion, and bone turnover using stable isotopes. Studies were conducted before, during, and after flight in three male subjects. Subjects varied in physical activity, yet all lost weight during flight. During flight, calcium intake and absorption decreased up to 50%, urinary calcium excretion increased up to 50%, and bone resorption (determined by kinetics or bone markers) increased by over 50%. Osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, markers of bone formation, increased after flight. Subjects lost approximately 250 mg bone calcium per day during flight and regained bone calcium at a slower rate of approximately 100 mg/day for up to 3 mo after landing. Further studies are required to determine the time course of changes in calcium homeostasis during flight to develop and assess countermeasures against flight-induced bone loss.

The incidentally found leiomyoma that was in a resected stomach and its follow-up

BACKGROUND/AIMS

A prospective study measured the occurrence of leiomyoma in patients receiving various gastric surgeries and the probable characteristics of patients presenting an incidental leiomyoma.

METHODOLOGY

Twenty-eight (3.5%) patients with gastric leiomyoma were encountered among 796 resected stomach specimens within the past two years. Of these patients, 11 exhibiting a submucosal tumor were preoperatively diagnosed with endoscopy, whereas 17 showing leiomyoma were incidentally found during a thorough survey of the resected stomach specimens. Their demographic characteristics were compared.

RESULTS

Occurrence of incidental leiomyoma tended to be more common in patients with gastric cancer than in other lesions (3.2% vs 0.9%, p = 0.0513). Comparing the characteristics of patients showing incidental leiomyoma and pre-operatively diagnosed submucosal tumor, their differences in age, gender, tumor location or number were not significant. However, the former usually exhibited tiny lesions without an overlying necrotic ulcer. Recent endoscopic follow-up did not find any evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidental leiomyoma is not rare in resected specimens. Most lesions are tiny without overlying ulcer and gross recurrence looks impossible. Pre-operative diagnosis of this lesion remains difficult since a warning sign of leiomyoma never exists.

Calcium kinetics with microgram stable isotope doses and saliva sampling

Studies of calcium kinetics require administration of tracer doses of calcium and subsequent repeated sampling of biological fluids. This study was designed to develop techniques that would allow estimation of calcium kinetics by using small (micrograms) doses of isotopes instead of the more common large (mg) doses to minimize tracer perturbation of the system and reduce cost, and to explore the use of saliva sampling as an alternative to blood sampling. Subjects received an oral dose (133 micrograms) of 43Ca and an i.v. dose (7.7 micrograms) of 46Ca. Isotopic enrichment in blood, urine, saliva and feces was well above thermal ionization mass spectrometry measurement precision up to 170 h after dosing. Fractional calcium absorptions determined from isotopic ratios in blood, urine and saliva were similar. Compartmental modeling revealed that kinetic parameters determined from serum or saliva data were similar, decreasing the necessity for blood samples. It is concluded from these results that calcium kinetics can be assessed with micrograms doses of stable isotopes, thereby reducing tracer costs and with saliva samples, thereby reducing the amount of blood needed.

Suppression of the human erythropoietin gene expression by the TR2 orphan receptor, a member of the steroid receptor superfamily

A DNA response element, TR2RE-EPO (5'-TCTGACCTCTCGACCTAC-3') has been identified in the 3-minimal hypoxia-inducible enhancer of the human erythropoietin gene for the TR2 orphan receptor, an androgen-repressed transcription factor and a member of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed a specific binding with high affinity (Kd = 0.14 nM) between the TR2 orphan receptor and the TR2RE-EPO. Our data further indicated that this specific binding is not due to the homo-dimerization of the TR2 orphan receptor. In addition, reporter gene expression using chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assay demonstrated that the TR2 orphan receptor may suppress the expression of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activities via the TR2RE-EPO in the hypoxic/normoxic human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Finally, our in situ hybridization data also indicated that the TR2 orphan receptor and the erythropoietin transcripts can be co-expressed in mouse kidney and liver. Together, our data suggest that the human erythropoietin gene could represent the first human target gene regulated directly by the human TR2 orphan receptor.

Characterization of human leucocytes bearing the IL-3 receptor

Human leucocytes from peripheral blood and tonsil were examined for the presence of the IL-3 receptor using monoclonal antibodies directed to epitopes of the alpha and beta chains of the receptor. We found that the beta chain, common to IL-3, IL-5, and GM-CSF, was either present at low levels or not detected on the majority of peripheral blood and tonsil B lymphocytes, while the alpha chain showed a distinct but restricted distribution. In peripheral blood the IL-3R alpha chain was limited to a subpopulation of peripheral B lymphocytes and a population of cells which lack lineage-specific markers. Dimly staining cells were identified as B lymphocytes as they coexpressed CD19, CD20, CD22, CD24, and HLA-DR. A brightly staining population lacks T and B lymphocyte, NK specific, and macrophage lineage markers but expresses CD9, CD45RO, CD26, and, in a proportion of cells, CD36 and CD60. This population remains unclassified. In tonsil tissue IL-3R alpha chain expression was strongest on B lymphocytes present in the T cell rich areas of tonsillar tissue. The IL-3R alpha bearing B tonsil cells included cells in both CD23 and IgD positive and negative populations. The phenotype of the IL-3R alpha positive B cells defines them as a population of B lymphocytes distinct from previously characterized cells in the lymphoid architecture. Lymphoblastoid cell lines with a corresponding phenotype were also identified.

Rapid accretion and early differentiation of Mars indicated by 142Nd/144Nd in SNC meteorites

Small differences in the ratio of neodymium-142 to neodymium-144 in early formed mantle reservoirs in planetary bodies are the result of in situ decay of the extinct radionuclide samarium-146 and can be used to constrain early planetary differentiation and therefore the time scale of planetary accretion. The martian meteorite Nakhla (approximately 1.3 billion years old), the type sample of the nakhlite subgroup of the Shergottite-Nakhlite-Chassigny (SNC) meteorites, exhibits a 59 +/- 13 parts per million excess in the ratio of neodymium-142 to neodymium-144 relative to normal neodymium. This anomaly records differentiation in the martian mantle before 4539 million years ago and implies that Mars experienced no giant impacts at any time later than 27 million years after the origin of the solar system.

Polyvinyl alcohol plasma deposited nylon 4 membrane for hemodialysis

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a hydrophilic and blood compatible material, but it is easily hydrolyzed in aqueous solution. Various methods, including chemical crosslinking and gamma-ray irradiation, have been investigated by many researchers for overcoming the instability of PVA in aqueous solution. This study suggests a new hemodialysis membrane, which is prepared by plasma depositing vinylacetate (VAc) onto annealled nylon 4 membrane, followed by hydrolysis treatment. This improves the blood compatibility of nylon 4 and overcomes the hydrolysis problem of PVA. In addition to conventional plasma deposition, the plasma initiated interpenetrating network (IPN) method is also investigated. The new hemodialysis membranes prepared by both conventional plasma deposited VAc onto nylon 4 (PPVA/N4) and IPN polymer of plasma initiated VAc onto nylon 4 (PIPVA/N4 IPN) show significant improvement in blood compatibility. However, the solute permeabilities of PIPVA/N4 IPN membranes are higher than those of PPVA/N4 membranes. The permeabilities of NaCl, vitamin B12, and albumin for membranes prepared by IPN at 80 W, 30 sec plasma deposited conditions, i.e., the optimized conditions, are 3.614, 0.070, and 0.000 x 10(-5) cm2/min, respectively. The mole ratio of adsorbed fibrinogen to adsorbed albumin (the mole ratio F/A) for this membrane is 0.20, and it also shows excellent blood compatibility in this study.

Identification of a naturally occurring inhibitor of the conversion of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic Acid to ethylene by carnation microsomes

During cell-free experiments with membranes isolated from carnation petals (Dianthus caryophillus L. cv White Sim), the conversion of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid into ethylene was blocked by a factor derived from the cytosol. Subsequent characterization of the inhibitor revealed that its effect was concentration dependent, that it was water soluble, and that it could be removed from solution by dialysis and addition of polyvinyl-polypyrrolidone. Activity profiles obtained after solvent partitioning over a range of pH values and after chromatography on silica gel, size exclusion gel, and ion exchange resins revealed that the inhibitor was a highly polar, low molecular weight species that was nonionic at low pH and anionic at pH values above 8. Use of selected solvent systems during paper and thin layer chromatography combined with specific spray reagents tentatively identified the compound as a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative. Base hydrolysis and subsequent comparison with known standards by high performance liquid chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, and ultraviolet light spectroscopy established that the inhibitor was a conjugate with a ferulic acid moiety. Release of ferulic acid following treatment with beta-glucosidase also indicated the presence of a glucose moiety, and unequivocal identification of the inhibitor as 1-O-feruloyl-beta-d-glucose was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and by ultraviolet light, (1)H-, and (13)C- nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Feruloylglucose constituted about 0.1% of the dry weight of stage III (preclimacteric) carnation petals, but concentrations fell sharply during stage IV (climacteric), when ethylene production peaks and the flowers senesce. In a reaction mixture containing microsome-bound ethylene forming enzyme system, 98% of all ethylene production was abolished in the presence of 50 mum concentrations of the inhibitor.

A comparative study on the translation of cardiovirus RNAs in rabbit reticulocyte lysates

In rabbit reticulocyte lysates the RNAs of encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus, mengovirus, and Mous-Elberfeld (ME) virus directed the synthesis of similar sets of products. Moreover, the viral protease synthesized from any one of the three viral RNAs could cause cleavage of the viral capsid precursor proteins synthesized from any of the three RNAs. However, the three RNAs differed in their dependence on tRNA supplementation (to the lysates) for effective translation. In the absence of tRNA supplementation, synthesis of 5'-derived proteins of EMC viral RNA proceeded normally, but little synthesis of the proteins coded by the remaining portion of the viral genome occurred. In the case of mengoviral RNA, omission of tRNA supplementation caused mostly a generalized reduction of the synthesis of all viral proteins. In contrast, synthesis of ME viral proteins stopped almost completely in the absence of tRNA supplementation.

Characterization of alloimmunization-induced T lymphocytes reactive against AKR leukemia in vitro and correlation with graft-vs-leukemia activity in vivo

We have reported that immunization of H-2k mice with lymphoid cells from various allogeneic strains induced a population of cells that could eliminate first-passage spontaneous AKR leukemia from the spleens of immuno-suppressed AKR (H-2k) hosts. In the present study, we examined the nature of the cells responsible for this graft-vs-leukemia (GVL) reaction and compared them to cytolytic cells detected in vitro. Spleen cells from alloimmunized CBA/J (H-2k) mice were selectively depleted of various subpopulations by treatment with antibody and complement (C), then tested in vivo for GVL reactivity. Cell suspensions depleted of Thy-1.2+, Lyt-1+, or Lyt-2+ lymphocytes had no significant GVL reactivity, whereas suspensions depleted of NK-1.2+ cells retained GVL reactivity. The GVL-reactive cells persisted in H-2-compatible donor mice for up to 56 days. Lyt-1+2+ lymphocytes that were cytotoxic for cultured AKR leukemia cells in vitro could be detected in the spleens of alloimmunized H-2-compatible mice after expansion of the cells in T cell growth factor. Using quantitative limiting dilution cytotoxicity assays, we found that the frequency of leukemia-reactive cytotoxic lymphocytes (CL) in the spleen showed a direct correlation with the GVL efficacy of the cells in vivo. Alloimmunization was essential for induction of the GVL-reactive cell population. CL in alloimmunized mice consisted of heterogeneous cytotoxic specificities; i.e., some CL were leukemia-specific, others lysed only nonleukemic AKR target cells, and a third group mediated killing of both leukemic and nonleukemic target cells. The CL appeared to be H-2 restricted and specific for non-H-2 antigens shared by the AKR leukemia and the alloimmunizing cells.

Characterization of alloimmunization-induced T lymphocytes reactive against AKR leukemia in vitro and correlation with graft-vs-leukemia activity in vivo

We have reported that immunization of H-2k mice with lymphoid cells from various allogeneic strains induced a population of cells that could eliminate first-passage spontaneous AKR leukemia from the spleens of immuno-suppressed AKR (H-2k) hosts. In the present study, we examined the nature of the cells responsible for this graft-vs-leukemia (GVL) reaction and compared them to cytolytic cells detected in vitro. Spleen cells from alloimmunized CBA/J (H-2k) mice were selectively depleted of various subpopulations by treatment with antibody and complement (C), then tested in vivo for GVL reactivity. Cell suspensions depleted of Thy-1.2+, Lyt-1+, or Lyt-2+ lymphocytes had no significant GVL reactivity, whereas suspensions depleted of NK-1.2+ cells retained GVL reactivity. The GVL-reactive cells persisted in H-2-compatible donor mice for up to 56 days. Lyt-1+2+ lymphocytes that were cytotoxic for cultured AKR leukemia cells in vitro could be detected in the spleens of alloimmunized H-2-compatible mice after expansion of the cells in T cell growth factor. Using quantitative limiting dilution cytotoxicity assays, we found that the frequency of leukemia-reactive cytotoxic lymphocytes (CL) in the spleen showed a direct correlation with the GVL efficacy of the cells in vivo. Alloimmunization was essential for induction of the GVL-reactive cell population. CL in alloimmunized mice consisted of heterogeneous cytotoxic specificities; i.e., some CL were leukemia-specific, others lysed only nonleukemic AKR target cells, and a third group mediated killing of both leukemic and nonleukemic target cells. The CL appeared to be H-2 restricted and specific for non-H-2 antigens shared by the AKR leukemia and the alloimmunizing cells.

Growth of AKR T cell leukemia lymphoblasts in medium containing interleukin 2 (IL-2)

Long-term cloned mouse leukemic T cell lines were established in vitro using interleukin-2 (IL-2) conditioned media. The cell lines were tested for retention of both antigenic expression and tumorigenicity, as well as for growth characteristics. Several important findings resulted from these studies. A reliable method was developed for consistent success in the culturing and cloning of leukemic T cell lines. Cultured cells from IL-2-dependent lines were found to retain their original histocompatibility and differentiation antigen characteristics for up to 2 yr. Mortality patterns, comparing long-term cloned leukemic T cell lines with fresh AKR leukemia cells, showed that the cloned cells had greater tumorigenicity. An especially interesting finding was that cell lines established both from different mice and from a single organ of an individual mouse were heterogeneous with respect to antigenic makeup, cell growth kinetics, and tumorigenicity. Finally, because of their dependence on IL-2, the cloned tumor cell lines provided excellent index cells to quantify IL-2 activity.

Freeze-fracture analysis of phloem structure in plant tissue cultures. III. P-Protein, sieve area pores, and wounding

Phloem sieve elements in small nodules of callus tissue have open sieve pores and scattered P-protein when the tissue is fixed intact. Intentionally slicing the nodules prior to fixation results in the formation of wound responses, including an alteration in P-protein distribution and the formation of plugged sieve pores. Freeze-fracture replicas show well-preserved P-protein as randomly oriented filaments in intact sieve elements. Wounded sieve elements, however, demonstrate dense bundles of oriented P-protein filaments in freeze-fracture replicas. Open pores with few P-protein filaments are seen in replicas of undamaged sieve elements. These callus nodules can be used as a model system to investigate phloem structure, function, and wounding.

Freeze-fracture analysis of phloem structure in plant tissue cultures. II. The sieve element plasma membrane

Sieve element plasma membranes reveal a unique distribution of intramembrane particles (IMPs) in tissue cultures fixed and cyroprotected prior to freeze-fracturing. Sieve element IMPs are smaller than those found in the plasma membranes of callus parenchyma cells from these same cultures. The PF/EF ratio of plasma membrane IMPs is 9.6 for parenchyma cells and 1.21 for sieve elements. The increased binding of IMPs to the sieve element E face may be related to the role of membrane proteins in the loading of sucrose and other molecules by these cells. The enlargement of the cell wall at the site of sieve area pores creates complementary ridges and depressions in the E and P fracture faces of sieve element plasma membranes. No alteration of IMP density is seen at the sieve area pore site.

Freeze-fracture analysis of phloem structure in plant tissue cultures. I. The sieve element reticulum

During the differentiation of phloem sieve elements, the endoplasmic reticulum undergoes unique modifications to form the sieve element reticulum (SER) which persists in mature, functioning sieve tubes. Cisternae of the SER lack ribosomes and are restricted to the periphery of the sieve element at late stages of development. Some of the SER is seen as single cisternae that are in close contact with the sieve element plasma membrane. Thin sections and freeze-fracture images of sieve elements formed in tissue cultures demonstrate that the SER consists of both single cisternae and regions of stacked cisternae at some stages of maturity. The unstacked regions of the SER are continuous with the cisternae of the stacked regions. In freeze-fracture images the single cisternae adjacent to the plasma membrane are seen to be fenestrated and the openings allow continuity between the plasma membrane and the cell lumen. It is concluded that the interface between the SER and the plasma membrane of the sieve element serves to allow membrane functions such as proton efflux, proton-sucrose cotransport and compensating movements of ions to occur in a microenvironment that is separated from the moving translocation stream in the sieve element lumen. Passage of water and translocated solutes from the plasma membrane or the SER/PM interface to the interior of the cell is enhanced by the openings in the fenestrated regions of the SER. It is suggested tha the SER may also play a role in channeling ATP from mitochondria associated with the SER to the proton-pumping ATPase in the plasma membrane and that the SER may function in the uptake and release of potassium ions in the sieve element.

Rapid method for the preparation of encephalomyocarditis virus protease from rabbit reticulocyte lysates

Fractionation of the reticulocyte lysate translation products of encephalomyocarditis virus RNA by ultracentrifugation showed that the viral proteins were distributed differentially in the supernatant and the ribosomal pellet fractions. The viral noncapsid proteins C and D, which contain the viral protease sequence, sedimented preferentially with the pellet fraction. Incubation of the resuspended pellet and subsequent centrifugation of the suspension resulted in cleavage of the protease from proteins C and D and separation of the enzyme from reticulocyte particulate proteins. Preparations thus obtained contained only three encephalomyocarditis virus proteins and were almost devoid of reticulocyte proteins.

Cleavage of the capsid protein precursors of encephalomyocarditis virus in rabbit reticulocyte lysates

The cleavage pathway of the three capsid protein precursors of encephalomyocarditis virus, proteins A1, A, and B, was studied in rabbit reticulocyte lysates. Kinetic data suggested that the three proteins were cleaved through a sequential of A1 to A to B.

Clinicopathologic study of blood-retinal barrier in experimental diabetes mellitus

Rats with experimental diabetes (induced by streptozocin [Streptozotocin]) were studied by vitreous fluorophotometry and horseradish peroxidase tracer technique. Vitreous fluorescein sodium concentration notably increased four to eight days after a single dose of streptozocin. No leakage from the retinal vasculature could be demonstrated by the horseradish peroxidase tracer study, but three types of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) lesions were observed. The RPE lesions seemed to be partially responsible for the increase of vitreous fluorescein concentration.

Stimulation of encephalomyocarditis virus RNA translation in wheat embryo extracts by rabbit reticulocyte ribosomal wash

Encephalomyocarditis virus RNA induced a low level of amino acid incorporation in wheat embryo extracts, but the incorporation did not result in the formation of any viral proteins. However, if wheat embryo extracts were supplemented with a ribosomal wash fraction from rabbit reticulocytes, a large stimulation of amino acid incorporation and the formation of encephalomyocarditis virus-specific proteins were obtained. Among the proteins synthesized were capsid precursor proteins which can be processed by an encephalomyocarditis virus-coded protease to produce the viral capsid proteins.

Evidence that proteins S1, S11 and S21 directly participates in the binding of transfer RNA to the 30S ribosome

In a previous publication1 we reported that the tyrosine selective reagent, tetraitromethane, causes complete inactivation of E. coli 30S ribosomes for poly U directed non-enzymatic phe-tRNA binding. This inactivation was demonstrated to be due to the chemical modification of the protein moiety of the ribosome. We have no identified the proteins of the 30S particle inactivated by this modification. Using a method of ribosome reconstruction we have found that unmodified proteins S1, S11, and S21 are essential for the restoration of the phe-tRNA binding activity of tetranitromethane inactivated ribosomes. We propose that these three proteins are intimately involved in the 30S ribosome binding site for tRNA.

Scanning electron microscopy of human lymphocytes during transformation and subsequent treatment with methotrexate

Preparations of human peripheral blood lymphocytes containing 72–87% T-cells and 10–16% B-cells were shown by scanning electron microscopy to consist almost exclusively of cells bearing numerous microvilli, whereas thymocytes were of mixed surface morphology, with both smooth and encrusted forms numerous. T-lymphocytes purified on long nylon columns were all covered with numerous short villi. Stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin for 2 days produced T-lymphoblasts almost exclusively, and as the T-cells enlarged the microvilli lengthened, the increase in length reaching 5-fold by day 3. Addition of sufficient methotrexate on day 3 to arrest proliferation (50 nM) caused progressive loss of microvilli from the cell surface, with the eventual production of large numbers of smooth cells, the surfaces of which later became pitted, followed by the complete dissolution of the cell. T-lymphocytes were shown to form rosettes with sheep erythrocytes through direct contact of the cell membranes over a significant area, but when, as a result of methotrexate treatment, the lymphocytes had become denuded of microvilli or had reached an advanced state of dissolution, rosettes were no longer formed.

Lack of restimulation by non-HLA antigens in primed lymphocyte typing

We have studied the role of non-HLA antigens in restimulation of PLT cells by the following protocols. Responder cells were sensitized to cells from family members differing by one HLA haplotype. The PLT cells were restimulated by family members HLA- or HLA-D-identical to the responder. In none of these cases did we find significant restimulation, indicating that it is unlikely that there is a restimulatory non-HLA locus with even two alleles (p less than 0.05) of equal frequency. Other protocols we have used are consistent with this interpretation. This indicates that antigens determined by genes segregating independently of HLA do not play a major role in the PLT restimulation.

Experimental macular edema after lens extraction

Macular edema has been observed frequently in man after cataract extraction, but pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. Seven eyes of four young adult rhesus monkeys underwent lens extraction. The retinas and maculae of these eyes were examined by ophthalmoscopy fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, light and electron microscopy, and the horseradish peroxidase tracer technique. In the macular region, the blood-retinal barrier at the retinal vasculature was disrupted in three of the seven eyes. All three eyes had had vitreous loss during lens extraction. Horseradish peroxidase was observed both intracellularly and extracellularly in the maculae. In contrast, the blood-retinal barrier at both the retinal pigment epithelium and the retinal vasculature of the peripheral retina in most eyes was intact. We conclude that macular edema secondary to lens extraction is due to disruption of the blood-retinal barrier at the levels of the retinal vasculature and the retinal pigment epithelium.

Primed LD typing: reagent preparation and definition of the HLA-D-region antigens

Primed LD typing cells were prepared against single HLA haplotypes within families and used to type a random panel of 48 individuals. PLT cells could be grouped on the basis of highly correlated responses with the panel test cells; the 21 different PLT cells could be used to define 6 different PL antigens. One of these, PL 3, was split by the responses of two of the 21 PLT cells which measured an antigen called PL 3.1.

Is there a blood-brain barrier at the optic nerve head?

The retina and optic nerve have been demonstrated to possess a blood-brain barrier that prevents the passive passage of protein and certain dyes from the blood vessels into the extracellular space. Our observations suggest that an exception is present at the normal optic disc. Using horseradish peroxidase as a tracer for electron microscopy and the normal rhesus monkey as the experimental animal, we have demonstrated that in certain regions of the optic nerve head, horseradish peroxidase from the blood stream reaches the axons of the optic nerve through the border tissue of Elschnig from the adjacent choridal tissues. A barrier formed by a series of cell junctions between glial cells at the edge of the optic disc prevented spread of the tracer from the optic disc into the subretinal space.

Regulation of Bud Rest in Tubers of Potato, Solanum tuberosum L: VIII. Early Effects of Gibberellin A(3) and Abscisic Acid on Ultrastructure

Using the electron microscope, we compared the effects of abscisic acid and gibberellin A(3) on excised buds from resting potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers. Cells of abscisic acid-treated buds became progressively more vacuolated during a 12-hour time course study as compared with control (water) and gibberellin A(3)-treated buds. Concentric configurations of endoplasmic reticulum were present in apical cells of freshly excised buds. After about 6 hours these configurations began to open and disperse, and after 12 hours, intact concentric configurations were no longer evident. Both abscisic acid and gibberellin A(3) induced opening and dispersal of the concentric configurations, sometimes as early as 0.5 hour after excision and treatment with hormones.

Viruslike particles in nuclei of cultured plant cells which have lost the ability to differentiate

A line of cultured plant cells used to study cell differentiation and organ initiation over a period of several years has lost its ability to differentiate. Examination of these proliferating cells by electron microscopy reveals aggregates of 600-A polyhedral particles in the nucleoli and heterochromatic regions of interphase nuclei. During mitosis and cell division the same particles are present on the chromosomes and are segregated into the daughter cells. Although the nucleoli and nuclear envelope are absent during mitosis, the particles remain associated with the chromosomes and do not appear in the cytoplasm. The morphological similarity of these particles to several known plant viruses suggests that the nuclear particles may represent a viral infection. The relationship between these particles and the loss of differentiation ability is discussed with reference to the production of carcinomas and the transformation of animal cells by viruses.

Regulation of Bud Rest in Tubers of Potato, Solanum tuberosum L: VII. Effect of Abscisic and Gibberellic Acids on Nucleic Acid Synthesis in Excised Buds

The effect of gibberellin A(3) (10(-4)m) and abscisic acid (10(-4)m), applied separately and together, on incorporation of (3)H-thymidine and (3)H-uridine into DNA and RNA of buds from freshly harvested potatoes was investigated. In some treatments apical buds in intact tubers were treated three times daily for 3 days with test solution before the buds were excised and treated an additional 12 hours in Petri dishes. In other treatments, untreated buds were excised and treated 12 hours. Irrespective of length of treatment, gibberellin A(3) slightly promoted synthesis of DNA and RNA, and abscisic acid essentially blocked such synthesis, in both the presence and absence of gibberellin A(3).