Biochemical characterization of mapmodulin, a protein that binds microtubule-associated proteins

Mapmodulin is a 31-kDa protein that stimulates the microtubule- and dynein-dependent localization of Golgi complexes in semi-intact Chinese hamster ovary cells. We have shown previously that it binds the microtubule binding domains of the microtubule-associated proteins, MAP2, MAP4, and tau. We also showed that mapmodulin is identical to a protein named PHAPI (Vaesen, M., Barnikol-Watanabe, S. , G?tz, H., Awni, L.A., Cole, T., Zimmermann, B., Kratzin, H.D. and Hilschmann, N. (1994) Biol. Chem. Hoppe-Seyler 375, 113-126). We report here that mapmodulin is a phosphoprotein that is predominantly cytosolic but is also found peripherally associated with endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi membranes in mammalian cells. The protein occurs as a trimer in cytosol, and phosphorylation is required for its microtubule-associated protein-binding activity. Heat treatment of nonphosphorylated mapmodulin can render it competent for binding to microtubule-associated proteins, suggesting that phosphorylation induces a conformational change in mapmodulin. Finally, despite identity in polypeptide sequence with a protein reported to act as an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A, native mapmodulin was not able to inhibit protein phosphatase 2A in Chinese hamster ovary cell cytosol.     

A simplified model to predict the total efficiency of gravity settlers and cyclones

The total efficiency of gravity settlers and cyclones is usually calculated by summing the product of the grade efficiency and the weight fraction of particles over a series of particle size intervals. The accuracy of this method strongly depends on the number of the particle size intervals and the width of the individual intervals. Moreover, the design of these devices is based on specifying a required efficiency for a given size of particles. However, since these collectors are usually used for precleaning the dust-laden gas so as to reduce the dust loading before the gas enters a subsequent high-efficiency collector, one needs to know what total efficiency must be achieved. Therefore, the present paper uses a simplified model to predict the total efficiency of these devices based on the assumption of a normal size distribution. It is further shown that the equations developed assuming a normal size distribution can be extended for other particle size distributions.     

Inflammation, pravastatin, and the risk of coronary events after myocardial infarction in patients with average cholesterol levels. Cholesterol and Recurrent Events (CARE) Investigators

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic bile acid malabsorption is a poorly recognized cause of chronic diarrhoea. The SeHCAT (75Selenium HomotauroCholic Acid Test) can accurately diagnose this condition. AIM: To identify patients with idiopathic bile acid malabsorption, to describe their clinical features, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and to assess the response to cholestyramine. METHOD: Idiopathic bile acid malabsorption was considered in all patients complaining of chronic diarrhoea. They were included in the study if their SeHCATs were positive (< 15% retention) and secondary causes of bile acid malabsorption were excluded. The response to therapy with cholestyramine was assessed. RESULTS: Nine patients were diagnosed with idiopathic bile acid malabsorption (median SeHCAT retention 8%, range 3-12.6). Their median daily faecal weight was 285 g (range 85-676) and median faecal fat output was 17 mmol/24 h (range 8.3-38.8). Six patients had an immediate response to cholestyramine. There was a marked reduction in stool frequency (median stool frequency pre-treatment 5/day vs. 2/day post-treatment, P = 0.03). Five patients had large volume diarrhoea (faecal weight > 200 g/day) and three had steatorrhoea. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic bile acid malabsorption, once suspected, especially by documenting true 'large volume' watery diarrhoea or steatorrhoea, is easily diagnosed and response to therapy is often very good. There is often a previous history of gastrointestinal infection and this condition should be considered in patients with chronic diarrhoea of undetermined origin, especially before they are labelled as having irritable bowel syndrome.     

Distribution of transforming growth factor-beta isoforms in the mammalian retina

The distribution of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) was examined in the posterior segment of the monkey, human, and feline eye using antisera to TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, or TGF-beta 3. A number of different antibodies, tissue processing methods, immunolocalization techniques, and microscopic imaging systems were used in an attempt to gain a more comprehensive picture of TGF-beta isoform distribution in the retina and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). The results are generally consistent in identifying one or more of the three TGF-beta isoforms in the cytoplasm of a small, overlapping subset of cells. RPE cells, photoreceptors, Mueller cells, ganglion cells, hyalocytes, and cells associated with choroidal and retinal vessels are all represented in this immunoreactive population. No evidence of extracellular labeling was noted. The intracellular distribution of the three isoforms is distinctly different in photoreceptors. Anti-TGF-beta 1 precursor and anti-TGF-beta 2 immunoreactivity is confined primarily to rod outer segments, whereas anti-TGF-beta 3 immunoreactivities are restricted to mitochondria within inner segments. In the RPE, clusters of anti-TGF-beta 2 positive cytoplasmic granules are located near the cells' lateral borders, whereas anti-TGF-beta 3 labeling is concentrated apically. These results provide baseline information from which new hypotheses regarding the function(s) of TGF-beta isoforms in the retina can be formulated.     

Evaluation of some approaches to liquified tallow: Stereochemical consequences of interesterification

Several approaches to converting tallow to a liquid state at ambient temperature to facilitate incorporation into poultry feed were examined. Acetone fractionation can be used in a single step to produce a flowable powder and an oil (no additional semi-solid fraction). Partial hydrolyses and interestifications mediated by lipases ofCandida rugosa, Rhizopus delemar and porcine pancreas did not lead to liquefaction. Interesterification (trioctanoin + glycerol, 1,2-acetonide) in the presence ofC. rugosa lipase shows a small but significant sterobias indicating that there are stereochemical consequences in such processes that deserve further investigation.     

Tumor necrosis factor receptor p55 mediates deletion of peripheral cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vivo

Cellular death of activated lymphocytes down-regulates immune responses and is involved in maintaining self tolerance. Signals associated with ligation of the membrane molecule Fas lead to lymphocyte apoptosis, but additional, Fas-independent mechanisms have been postulated. Here, we show a marked expansion and prolonged persistence of functional activated cytotoxic T cells in mice lacking the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor p55. In the absence of this receptor, peripheral lymphocyte apoptosis was significantly reduced in vivo. The prolonged thymocyte survival was associated with functional anergy, since the T cells no longer proliferated in vitro when stimulated with peptide antigen. However, specific cytotoxic effector function was easily detected in vitro. We conclude that the TNF receptor p55 is involved in peripheral T cell deletion in vivo.     

Influence of developing flow on the heat transfer in laminar oscillating pipe flow

A theoretical analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of developing flow on the heat transfer associated with laminar oscillating pipe flow. Simplified analytical approaches are briefly discussed before an investigation based on the numerical solution of the conservation equations for mass, momentum and energy is presented, assuming constant wall temperature and an incompressible viscous fluid. Focusing on operating conditions as found in heat exchangers of regenerative thermal machines, like Stirling engines or Vuilleumier heat pumps, numerous calculations of the flow field and the heat transfer have been executed covering wide ranges of the characteristic dimensionless groups. The results are presented in tems of correlations of the mean Nusselt number averaged on the pipe length and a distribution function describing the local heat transfer. Furthermore, it is shown that the derived correlations are also applicable to compressible fluid flow, provided that the relative pressure amplitude is within the limits typical of regenerative thermal machines.     

Effects ofbis homoallylic and homoallylic hydroxyl substitution on the olefinic13C resonance shifts in fatty acid methyl esters

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