SALL1 expression in the human pituitary-adrenal/gonadal axis

SALL1 was originally identified on the basis of its DNA sequence homology to the region-specific homeotic gene Sal, in Drosophila melanogaster, which acts as a downstream target of hedgehog/tumor growth factor-beta-like decapentaplegic signals. The SALL1 gene has been associated with the Townes-Brocks Syndrome (TBS), a disorder characterized by multiorgan dysgenesis including renal and genital malformations. In this study, SALL1 message production was evaluated in association with the tissue localization of the protein product of SALL1, p140. SALL1 protein expression was observed in various adult and fetal tissues which elaborate reproductive endocrine hormones. The p140 was localized in specific microanatomic sites of the pituitary, adrenal cortex and the placenta. In the human pituitary, SALL1 protein expression was limited to the adenohypophysis, where it colocalized to those cells producing GH and the gonadotropins, LH and FSH. SALL1 expression was also found in most of the fetal and adult adrenal cortex in addition to the trophoblastic cells of the placenta. This pattern of expression complements prior studies demonstrating p140 in testicular fetal Leydig cells, adult Leydig and Sertoli cells, and granulosa cells of the ovary. The SALL1 protein was also shown here to be highly expressed in trophoblast tumors, which overproduce sex hormones. The expression patterns of SALL1 at multiple levels of the reproductive endocrine axis and the phenotypic effects associated with TBS suggest that SALL1 may have an important role in the interaction of the pituitary-adrenal/gonadal axis during reproduction.

Cloning and characterization of two promoters for the human HSAL2 gene and their transcriptional repression by the Wilms tumor suppressor gene product

HSAL2 is a member of a gene family that encodes a group of putative developmental transcription factors. The HSAL gene complex was originally identified on the basis of DNA sequence homology to a region-specific homeotic gene (SAL) in Drosophila. This study reveals a novel, functional 5' exon for HSAL2 and demonstrates that two distinct HSAL2 gene transcripts arise from two overlapping transcription units, resulting in proteins that differ by 25 amino acids. By utilizing functional luciferase reporter assays, two distinct promoters for HSAL2, P1 for the proximal promoter (upstream of exon 1) and P2 for the distal promoter (upstream of exon 1A), were identified. Evaluation of mRNA prevalence and tissue specificity, with particular focus on adult tissues, revealed that production of mRNA from P1 was selective and relatively rare. Production of mRNA from P2 was demonstrably higher and was expressed by a greater number of tissues. In contradistinction, HSAL2 expression directed by P2 was undetectable in some malignant populations as opposed to their normal human counterparts, suggesting a potential role as a tumor suppressor gene. Consensus-binding sites were identified for several transcriptional factors, with multiple sites for WT-1, and Hox-1.3 present within both the P1 and P2 regions. In transient transfection assays, transcription from both HSAL2 P1 and P2 was strikingly repressed by the WT-1 tumor suppressor protein. These findings suggest that an intracellular WT-1/HSAL2 pathway may play a role in development and hematopoiesis.

Overexpression of the HER-2/neu oncogene in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Novel systemic treatments are needed in pancreatic cancer. The authors sought to establish the frequency of overexpression of the HER-2/neu oncogene in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma to determine the potential role of trastuzumab (Herceptin) as a therapeutic agent in this disease. Tumor specimens from patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma were analyzed by staining for p185HER2 protein using the DAKO immunohistochemical assay. Patients with and without HER-2/neu overexpression by immunohistochemistry were compared with respect to clinical and pathologic characteristics. HER-2/neu gene amplification was also evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Thirty-two of 154 patients (21%) had pancreatic adenocarcinoma that demonstrated HER-2/neu overexpression by immunohistochemistry. At initial diagnosis, 16% of resectable cancers, 17% of locally advanced cancers, and 26% of metastatic cancers were determined to have HER-2/neu overexpression. Three of 11 (27%) patients with HER-2/neu overexpression by immunohistochemistry had gene amplification by FISH. HER-2/neu overexpression occurs in a subset of pancreatic cancer. Evaluation of the efficacy of trastuzumab for patients with pancreatic cancer who overexpress HER-2/neu appears indicated.

Hsal 1 is related to kidney and gonad development and is expressed in Wilms tumor

Townes-Brocks syndrome (TBS) is a human genetic disorder with features including urogenital, limb, anal and cardiac malformations associated with mutations of the TBS gene, Hsal 1. To begin to understand the role of the Hsal 1 protein (p140) in both normal development and disease pathogenesis, both message and protein expression were evaluated in specific tissues associated with TBS. DNA sequence information for Hsal 1 predicts that this homeotic, Drosophila homologue (Sal) encodes a zinc-finger protein consistent with a transcription factor. mRNA for Hsal 1 was highly expressed in fetal kidney and brain, with detectable production in thymus and heart. p140 was found in fetal ureteric bud, fetal and postnatal renal tubular epithelium, and renal blastema. In the 14-week fetal testis, the Hsal 1 protein was specifically expressed in the testosterone producing Leydig cells while in adult gonads Hsal 1 was also found in both Leydig and Sertoli cells, spermatogonia of the testis, and granulosa cells of the ovary. Evaluation of Wilms tumor revealed consistently high expression of the gene product in the epithelial and blastemal components. These spatial and temporal patterns of expression for Hsal 1, and the phenotypic effects associated with TBS, suggest that Hsal 1 plays an important role in the development and functional maintenance of the kidney and gonads. Furthermore, the Hsal 1 gene product may play a part in the pathogenesis of specific neoplasms occurring in these organs in addition to its specific role in Townes-Brocks syndrome.

Monitoring of bio-oxidation process of ferrous ion by using piezoelectric impedance analysis

A new method of monitoring the bio-oxidation process of ferrous ion in the presence of Thiobacillus ferroxidans was proposed by piezoelectric impedance analysis. The time courses of the responses of impedance parameters for a quartz crystal in a culture system were simultaneously obtained and discussed. It was found that the frequency shift response originates mainly from the adsorption of bacterial metabolites on the surface of gold electrode. Experiments also examined the effect of culture temperature on the bio-oxidation process. Combined with the growth situation of the bacterium, an impedance response model reflecting the process was established. By fitting Delta f vs. time curves toward the proposed model, we obtained and discussed the bacterial growth parameters. The results showed that the proposed method could provide real time and multidimensional information to monitoring of the bio-oxidation process.

Homozygous deletion in a neuroblastoma cell line defined by a high-density STS map spanning human chromosome band 1p36

Recent molecular studies have shown a relatively high rate of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in neuroblastoma (NB) as well as other types of tumors in human chromosome band 1p36. To identify candidate tumor suppressor genes in NB, we searched for homozygous deletions in NB cell lines with PCR according to a high-density sequence tagged site (STS)-content map spanning 1p35-36. Among 25 NB cell lines examined, only one cell line, NB-1, showed no signal with 27 STSs in a 480 kb region in 1p36.2. The sequence analysis has revealed that the defective region included seven known genes (E4, KIF1B, SCYA5, PGD, Cortistatin, DFF45, and PEX14), nine expressed sequence tags (ESTs), and two microsatellite markers. These genes are related to apoptosis, an ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, a neuronal microtubule-associated motor molecule, and components of a common translocation machinery. The region between the DFF45 and KIF1B genes was defined as homozygous deletion by Southern blotting. The search in LOH regions with high-density STSs may be useful for the isolation and identification of tumor suppressor genes in other tumors as well as NBs.

High-Average-Power Self-Starting Mode-Locked Ti:sapphire Laser With a Broadband Semiconductor Saturable-Absorber Mirror

We present a novel high-power, self-starting mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser with a semiconductor saturable-absorber mirror as the starter element. This laser, whose slope efficiency is 22%, generates pulses with an average power as high as 1.7 W and a pulse width as short as 16 fs. The self-starting process is also investigated.

A case of pulmonary tumour embolism mimicking miliary tuberculosis

Pulmonary metastases from choriocarcinoma can very rarely give rise to a 'miliary' pattern on the chest X-ray. A 23-year-old woman with a diffuse nodular pattern on chest X-ray died due to acute respiratory failure and cor pulmonale. At autopsy, choriocarcinoma of the uterus was found. In the lungs, multiple macrovascular tumour emboli within branches of pulmonary muscular arteries in the region of segmental/subsegmental bronchi were detected. There was no evidence of pulmonary parenchymal metastases, pneumonia or tuberculosis. The 'miliary' pattern of pulmonary metastases described in cases of choriocarcinoma may be due to large vessel intra-arterial tumour emboli rather than disseminated parenchymal metastases.

[153Sm-EDTMP in the treatment of bone metastasis of lung cancer]

BACKGROUND

To explore the clinical effect of 153Sm-EDTMP therapy in the treatment of bone metastasis of lung cancer.

METHODS

One hundred and ten patients with painful bone metastasis were entered into this study. The patients were administrated with two steps. At first , they were injected with tracer dose of 153Sm-EDTMP. After a series of index were calculated , such as urine discharge , bone uptake , cumulated skeletal activity , absorbed dose of red marrow and total dose , the second injection was given.

RESULTS

Of 110 cases , 98 (89. 1 %) experienced pain relief with complete response in 38 cases and partial response in 60 ones. Pain relief occurred from 3 h to 4 weeks (7. 5 d +/-6. 3 d) . Duration of pain relief from single injection ranged from 2 to 4 weeks. Follow-up imaging studies were performed within 3 months. In 12 cases , metastatic foci disappeared completely (CR) , Karnofsky score increased by 20 , and analgesic were discontinued. In 20 patients , both number and diameter of metastatic foci decreased (PR) , with an improvement in Karnofsky score ranging from 10 to 15. There were significant decreases in WBC and platelet count found in 35 of 110 patients after therapy , however , blood cell counts returned to baseline within 1 to 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

153Sm-EDTMP has proven to be a safe and effective therapy for bone pain in lung cancer , and often results in shrinkage or disappearance of metastatic foci.

Posttranscriptional cell cycle-dependent regulation of human FANCC expression

The Fanconi Anemia (FA) Group C complementation group gene (FANCC) encodes a protein, FANCC, with a predicted M(r) of 63,000 daltons. FANCC is found in both the cytoplasmic and the nuclear compartments and interacts with certain other FA complementation group proteins as well as with non-FA proteins. Despite intensive investigation, the biologic roles of FANCC and of the other cloned FA gene products (FANCA and FANCG) remain unknown. As an approach to understanding FANCC function, we have studied the molecular regulation of FANCC expression. We found that although FANCC mRNA levels are constant throughout the cell cycle, FANCC is expressed in a cell cycle-dependent manner, with the lowest levels seen in cells synchronized at the G1/S boundary and the highest levels in the M-phase. Cell cycle-dependent regulation occurred despite deletion of the 5' and 3' FANCC untranslated regions, indicating that information in the FANCC coding sequence is sufficient to mediate cell cycle-dependent regulation. Moreover, inhibitors of proteasome function blocked the observed regulation. We conclude that FANCC expression is controlled by posttranscriptional mechanisms that are proteasome dependent. Recent work has demonstrated that the functional activity of FA proteins requires the physical interaction of at least FANCA, FANCC, and FANCG, and possibly of other FA and non-FA proteins. Our observation of dynamic control of FANCC expression by the proteasome has important implications for understanding the molecular regulation of the multiprotein complex. (Blood. 2000;95:3970-3977)

Heparan sulfate in the inner limiting membrane of embryonic chicken retina binds basic fibroblast growth factor to promote axonal outgrowth

During neural development retinal ganglion cell axons migrate over the retinal basal lamina (inner limiting membrane, ILM) in directed growth toward the optic nerve. We found that both growth rate and distribution density of the ganglion cell axons on isolated cell-free ILM was greatly inhibited by pretreatment with heparitinase but not with chondroitinase ABC. The persistence of radioactively labeled proteoglycans added to the culture medium eliminated residual heparitinase as an explanation for the inhibition. A cell binding assay showed that heparitinase acted on the ILM to influence axonal behavior without apparent inhibition of cell adhesion. These results indicated that the neurite outgrowth promoting activity of the ILM depended on the heparan sulfate (HS) side chains of its proteoglycans. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) stimulated additional neuronal sprouting and neurite elongation on the ILM. This neurotropic activity of bFGF was inhibited by heparitinase pretreatment of the ILM, suggesting that bFGF bound to HS on the ILM. The activity of bFGF was enhanced by exogenous heparin added to the culture medium; although heparin alone failed to stimulate either neurite extension or neuronal cell sprouting. These results demonstrate that HS in the ILM possesses neurotropic activity for axons of the ganglion cells by binding bFGF for presentation to cell-surface receptors and may, therefore, play a significant role in stimulating axonal outgrowth during development.

Retroviral-mediated gene transduction of c-kit into single hematopoietic progenitor cells from cord blood enhances erythroid colony formation and decreases sensitivity to inhibition by tumor necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta1

The c-kit receptor and its ligand, steel factor (SLF), are critical for optimal hematopoiesis. We evaluated effects of transducing cord blood (CB) progenitor cells with a retrovirus encoding human c-kit cDNA. CD34(+) cells were sorted as a population or as 1 cell/well for cells expressing high levels of CD34 and different levels of c-kit (++,+,Lo/-), transduced and then cultured in the presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-6, erythropoietin (Epo) +/- SLF in the absence of serum. At a single-cell level, transduction with c-kit, but not with control (neo only), virus significantly increased colony formation, especially by erythroid and multipotential progenitors. The enhancing effect of c-kit transduction was inversely correlated with expression of c-kit protein before transduction. The greatest enhancing effects were noted in CD34KitLo+/- cells transduced with c-kit. The stimulating effect was apparent even in the absence of exogenously added SLF, but in the presence of GM-CSF, IL-3, IL-6, and Epo. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of SLF protein, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of SLF mRNA expression in CD34+ cells, and use of neutralizing antibodies to SLF and/or c-kit suggested the presence of endogenous, although probably very low level, expression of SLF by these progenitor cells. Transduction of c-kit significantly decreased sensitivity of progenitor cells to the inhibitory effects of transforming growth factor-beta1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. c-kit-transduced cells had increased expression of c-kit protein and decreased spontaneous or cytokine-induced apoptosis. Our results suggest that transduced c-kit into selected progenitor cells can enhance proliferation and decrease apoptosis and that endogenous SLF may mediate this effect.

[Left ventricular function evaluation after mitral valve replacement with preservation the subvalvular apparatus]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the left ventricular function after mitral valve replacement (MVR) with preservation of all chordae. Fourteen patients with a diagnosis of mitral regurgitation were studied. These patients, 4 males and 10 females, age from 24 to 59 years, who underwent mitral valve replacement, in which all chordae tendineae were preserved. The mean follow-up interval was 6 months. Preoperation and postoperation multigated equilibrium radionuclide angiography was performed by Elscint Helix Apex SPECT. Each patient was injected with 740MBq 99mTc-HSA, rest ejection fraction (global EF) of LV (%), regional ejection fraction (EF) of LV (%), PER/S and PFR/S were measured. Regional EF was calculated by the method of dividing the left ventricle into five segments by radial axis. The results showed that the postoperative EF of the whole left ventricle of the chordae-preserved patients was significantly greater than their preoperative EF (40.0% +/- 17.8%, to 51.6% +/- 18.2%, P < 0.02), and also the regional EF at the lateral wall of the chordae-preserved MVR was significantly greater than the preoperative regional EF (an increase from 51.0% +/- 18.1% to 69.7% +/- 21.2%, P < 0.01). MVR with preservation of all chordae, the patient's left ventricular function remarkably improved.

Chronic prenatal cocaine treatment down-regulates mu-opioid receptor mRNA expression in the brain of fetal Rhesus Macaque

Ribonuclease protection assays (RPA) were performed to quantify mu-opioid receptor mRNA expression in specific brain regions of day 70 Rhesus Macaque fetuses that were exposed to cocaine (3 mg/kg) or saline from days 22-70 of gestation. The content of mu-receptor mRNA was high in the diencephalon and moderate in the mesencephalon. In contrast, mu-receptor mRNA was lightly expressed in areas such as the frontal cortex, striatum and the temporal lobe. The content of mu-opioid receptor mRNA was significantly higher in the diencephalon than in other brain regions (P < 0.001; n = 4). Cocaine exposure significantly decreased the expression of mu-receptor mRNA in the fetal diencephalon (P < 0.05; n = 4 in each group). Our data would indicate that prolonged gestational cocaine exposure causes mu-opioid receptor mRNA down-regulation in specific brain regions of the fetus.

[Experimental and clinic study of the maxillary sinus plasty following Caldwell-Luc]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical effect of surgical procedures on patients with chronic maxillary sinus disease.

METHOD

On the basis of experimental study with animal, this prospective study included 63 patients with chronic maxillary sinus disease who had a maxillary sinus plasty following Caldwell-Luc. The operation procedures included anterior wall ring-drilling, and middle meatal antrostomy as well as sinus wall plasty.

RESULT

Experimental results showed that the repair and regeneration of maxillary sinus mucosa was intact in dogs after 5 weeks of radical operation. Clinical study indicated that the condition of anterior wall with a resutured bone-lid was normalized radiographically during the follow up time of 1-3 months. The patency rate of the middle meateal antrostomy 18-42 months post-operatively (average 28 months) is 96%.

CONCLUSION

We conclude from the study that the maxillary sinus plasty recovers anatomic construction, maintains physiological drainage way and provides a good environment for repair and regeneration of the sinus mucosa.

[Electron microscopic studies on pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis]

OBJECTIVE

To observe ultrastructural changes and study the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

METHODS

The clinical manifestations in 9 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were selected. Transbronchial lung biopsy materials were obtained for light microscopic and electron microscopic examination.

RESULTS

The major morphologic changes were as follows: histologically, alveolar inflammation and interstitial fibrosis were observed. electron microscopic findings were: 1. alveolar type I cells were degenerated, broken-down and desquamated, endothelial cells were swelled, with inter cellular tight junction shortened, alveolar type II cells hyperplastic, basement membrane thinned and deformed; 2. alveolar macrophages and interstitial macrophages were hyperplastic; 3. mast cells were infiltrated and degranulated; 4. electron-dense deposits were present at alveolar wall; 5. myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, collagen and basement membrane like material were hyperplastic.

CONCLUSIONS

Electron microscopic observations show that the alveolar epithelial cells, endothelial cells and basement membrane are all injured, interstitial macrophages hyperplasia, mast cells infiltration and degranulation, electron-dense deposits at alveolar wall are present. These morphologic changes provide basis for formation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Changes in the midbrain-rostral forebrain dopamine circuitry in the cocaine-exposed primate fetal brain

To ascertain cocaine's effects in the fetus, we developed a nonhuman primate model in which pregnant monkeys were administered cocaine (3 mg/kg i.m.) or saline four times a day from day 20 through days 40-70 of a 165-day gestation. At the time of cesarean section, plasma levels of cocaine in fetal blood were 231 +/- 70 ng/ml. Fetal brains were examined using immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, receptor autoradiography, and nuclease protection assay analysis. No differences were found in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine receptor mRNAs by days 40-45 of gestation. However, by day 60 the midbrain of monkeys exposed to cocaine had significantly reduced expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis. Moreover, dopamine D1 and D2 receptor mRNAs were significantly elevated in the rostral forebrain as were D1 and D2 receptor binding sites in days 60-70 cocaine-exposed fetuses. Cocaine treatment from day 20 to days 60 and 70 of gestation also significantly increased the mRNA concentrations of dynorphin and enkephalin in the rostral forebrain. These findings suggest that in utero cocaine exposure has profound effects on the developing dopamine neurocircuitry.

Pulse colliding in a self-mode-locked ring-cavity ti:sapphire laser

A new self-mode-locked ring-cavity Ti:sapphire laser is described that is self-mode locked in both unidirectional and bidirectional operations. We found that clockwise and counterclockwise pulses collide with each other at the Ti:sapphire rod when the laser is mode locked in a bidirectional operation. Spectrum narrowing and pulse broadening were found in bidirectional rather than unidirectional mode-locked operation. This is explained by the performance of a transient grating in the gain medium that restricts oscillation to a narrow spectral range.

[Repair of bone defect of distal end of radius and its functional restoration]

The treatment of the bone defect of the distal part of the radius included repair of the bone defect and restoration of the function of the wrist joint. Since 1979, three operative methods were used to treat 13 cases, and they were grafting of the vascularized fibula by anastomrsis fibular vessels, grafting of upper part of fibular with lateral inferior genicular artery and grafting vascularized scapula flap. Follow-up had been carried out from 1 to 10 years. The result was satisfactory. The discussion included the repair of the defect of the middle or distal part of the radius, the operative methods, main attentions and indications. It was considered that it should be based on the length of bone defect while the operative method was considered.

Maternal cocaine treatment alters dynorphin and enkephalin mRNA expression in brains of fetal rhesus macaques

Cocaine exposure in utero is known to cause a variety of behavioral and motor deficits that may be attributable to alterations in the dopamine neurocircuitry. To ascertain cocaine effects in the fetus, we developed a nonhuman primate model in which pregnant monkeys were administered cocaine from day 20 through day 60 or 70 of gestation. Fetuses from these pregnancies develop a repertoire of neural deficiencies, including decreased mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the midbrain and increased mRNA expression of dopamine receptor subtypes in the rostral forebrain. Presently, we studied the effects of maternal cocaine treatment on the mRNA expression of the endogenous opioids preprodynorphin (PPD) and preproenkephalin (PPE) in fetal monkey brains. Fetuses exposed to saline (0.9%) or cocaine (3 mg/kg) were delivered by Caesarean section, the fetal brains were dissected, and tissue RNA was extracted and quantified using ribonuclease protection assay analysis. The opioid peptides PPD and PPE were expressed in the fetal monkey brain by day 60, and even higher levels were found in day 70 fetuses. Maternal exposure to cocaine increased gene expression of PPD and PPE in the fetus at both day 60 and day 70 of gestation. Dynorphin mRNA levels were significantly elevated in the striatum, whereas enkephalin mRNA was elevated in both the frontal cortex and the striatal area of fetuses whose mothers received cocaine. Changes in the expression of these opioid peptides in presumed dopamine target neurons, which mediate motivation and reward, as well as motor control, provide further evidence for profound consequences of in utero cocaine exposure on the developing dopamine neurocircuitry.

[The anti-tumor efficacy of human recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) in vivo]

Our results suggest that the growth of tumors was significantly suppressed when the high-dose rIL-2 (2 x 10(4)U/day) was injected i.p. in mice bearing subcutaneously (s. c.) transplanted tumors. The inhibition effect on the growth of mouse hepatoma HAC was more potent than that on S180 group. It was found that rIL-2 increased significantly the survival of BALB/C mice bearing HAC tumor (P < 0.001). We have also shown that the adoptive transfer of unfractionated LAK cells plus rIL-2 was more effective than rIL-2 alone. The results also indicated that adherent LAK cells (A-LAK) in combination with rIL-2 had higher antitumor effects as compared to standard LAK cells plus rIL-2.

Simulated Air Flow Rate Effects on Drying Times and Costs for Conventional and Recirculating Peanut Drying Facilities1

In conventional nonrecirculating peanut drying systems, an air flow rate of 10 m3/min-m3 is recommended. Drying systems utilizing air recirculation need not consider the inefficiency associated with unsaturated air exiting the system, since the extra drying capacity of the air will eventually be utilized. As a result, the air flow rate recommendation for recirculation type drying systems needs to be reexamined. In this study, two computer models were modified to simulate the peanut drying process in a solar-assisted partial air recirculation drying system and a conventional drying system, respectively. The weather data from the 1992 drying season at Lewiston, NC and the parameters of both facilities were used as the input data for the models. Air flow rates of 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, and 22.5 m3/min-m3 were examined. The simulation results showed that the effect of air flow rate on drying times and costs in a solar-assisted partial air recirculation peanut drying facility was significant. When the air flow rate was increased, the seasonal drying capacity, the electrical and fuel consumption, and total or specific drying cost increased as well. On the other hand, drying time for each wagon decreased and total energy consumption remained relatively constant.

Distribution of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in embryonic chicken neural retina and isolated inner limiting membrane

Quantitative distribution of proteoglycans was studied in retinal neural epithelium and its basement membrane (inner limiting membrane). Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) were primarily associated with both inner and outer plexiform (synaptic) layers, and inner limiting membrane (ILM), as determined by autoradiographs of lyase-digested cryosections. Based on distribution of 35S-sulfate-labeled proteoglycans, the isolated ILM contained on average approximately three fourths of its proteoglycans as HSPGs and one fourth as chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate proteoglycans (CS/DSPGs), whereas the remaining retina contained approximately equal amounts of the two proteoglycans (PGs). Immunohistochemical staining indicates that the core proteins of the HSPGs in the ILM are distinct from those of the plexiform layers. The photoreceptor layer, which other studies have shown to contain much of the extracellular CS/DSPGs, was not examined. Enrichment of distinct HSPGs in the ILM and plexiform layers support the conclusion that the HSPGs may be intimately involved in the different developmental events characterizing the two regions: development and extension of ganglion cell axons in the former, synaptogenesis and neuronal function in the latter.

N-band proteins of nucleolar organizers: chromosomal mapping, subnucleolar localization and rDNA binding

The ribosomal DNA(rDNA)-containing chromatin in eukaryotes forms a unique architecture called the "secondary constriction" or "nucleolus organiser region (NOR)" on mitotic chromosomes. To gain more insight into non-histone chromosomal proteins (NHCP), termed "N-band proteins", that are specifically associated with the NOR in a wide variety of eukaryotes, we attempted to: identify the NHCP responsible for N-band staining; determine their stoichiometry; map them on metaphase chromosomes; determine their subnucleolar localization and examine their possible ability to bind rDNA. Based on several criteria, including chromosomal localization, solubility, association with chromatin, and intra-nuclear localization, two of the nucleolus-rich NHCP, termed component B of mol.wt 55,000 and component C of mol.wt. 41,000, were tentatively identified as N-band proteins. Immunological studies using a polyclonal, monospecific antibody raised against component C show that this protein is in fact associated with the chromosomal telomeres where NORs are located. In nucleoli, N-band proteins appear to be compartmentalized into a structure that probably corresponds to fibrillar components. Both components B and C are among several NHCPs that showed, under in vitro conditions, a strong affinity for rDNA cloned in lambda phage but not for calf thymus genomic DNA or phage vector DNA. The antibody against component C effectively suppressed in vitro transcription by RNA polymerase I in nucleoli and nucleolar chromatin. Component C appears to exist in the nucleus at 3.75-5.13 X 10(3) copies per rDNA unit or 0.09-0.13 copy per nucleotide. These findings support the hypothesis that the NOR is a chromosomal site, architecturally not only unique but also different from other chromatin regions in that constituent DNA, i.e., rDNA, is organized in a specific manner by interacting with specific NHCP, i.e., N-band proteins.