Natural ligand of mouse CD1d1: cellular glycosylphosphatidylinositol

Mouse CD1d1, a member of the CD1 family of evolutionarily conserved major histocompatibility antigen-like molecules, controls the differentiation and function of a T lymphocyte subset, NK1+ natural T cells, proposed to regulate immune responses. The CD1d1 crystal structure revealed a large hydrophobic binding site occupied by a ligand of unknown chemical nature. Mass spectrometry and metabolic radiolabeling were used to identify cellular glycosylphosphatidylinositol as a major natural ligand of CD1d1. CD1d1 bound glycosylphosphatidylinositol through its phosphatidylinositol aspect with high affinity. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol or another glycolipid could be a candidate natural ligand for CD1d1-restricted T cells.     

Determination of the molecular weight and hydrodynamic dimensions of micelles formed from a block copolymer

An investigation has been made of micelle formation by a polystyrene-polyisoprene two-block copolymer in n-decane. For the sample studied the number-average molecular weights of the polystyrene block and overall copolymer chain were 13 000 and 51 000 respectively. Light-scattering studies in n-decane were made within the temperature range 25–65°C. Conventional light scattering was used to obtain weight-average molecular weights; at 25°C, M_w of the micelles was 1·73±0·14×10⁶. Translational diffusion coefficients were determined from Rayleigh linewidth measurements; the micelles were found to have a hydrodynamic radius of 19·6nm at 25°C. Intrinsic viscosities were determined for the copolymer in n-decane and methyl cyclohexane within the temperature range ?20° to 75°C. Finally, data obtained earlier in an electron microscopy study of freezeetched specimens were compared with the results obtained in the present study.     

King's theory in practice with elders

This article discusses the utilization of Imogene M. King's (1981) theory of goal attainment with a group of elderly clients who were living in a nursing home and experiencing many of the chronic health problems frequently associated with advanced age. Group members met weekly for 10 weeks to explore methods to promote continuous health restoration. Application of King's theory of goal attainment, utilizing interactions, transactions, perceptions, and expressions of self, facilitated mutual nurse-client goal identification and achievement.     

Metabolism and disposition of 14C-granisetron in rat, dog and man after intravenous and oral dosing

1. The disposition and metabolic fate of 14C-granisetron, a novel 5-HT3 antagonist, was studied in rat, dog, and male human volunteers after intravenous and oral administration. 2. Complete absorption occurred from the gastrointestinal tract following oral dosing, but bioavailability was reduced by first-pass metabolism in all three species. 3. There were no sex-specific differences observed in radiometabolite patterns in rat or dog and there was no appreciable change in disposition with dose between 0.25 and 5 mg/kg in rat and 0.25 and 10 mg/kg in dog. Additionally, there were no large differences in disposition associated with route of administration in rat, dog and man. 4. In rat and dog, 35-41% of the dose was excreted in urine and 52-62% in faeces, via the bile. Metabolites were largely present as glucuronide and sulphate conjugates, together with numerous minor polar metabolites. In man, about 60% of dosed radioactivity was excreted in urine and 36% in faeces after both intravenous and oral dosing. Unchanged granisetron was only excreted in urine (5-25% of dose). 5. The major metabolites were isolated and identified by MS spectroscopy and nmr. In rat, the dominant routes of biotransformation after both intravenous and oral dosing were 5-hydroxylation and N1-demethylation, followed by the formation of conjugates which were the major metabolites in urine, bile and plasma. In dog and man the major metabolite was 7-hydroxy-granisetron, with lesser quantities of the 6,7-dihydrodiol and/or their conjugates.     

Novel VLSI implementation of (8×8) point 2D DCT

An innovative, high performance, bit serial architecture for the (8×8) point 2D DCT, which is suitable for video telephony applications, is presented. The architecture has been derived by the novel application of a previously developed fast algorithm     

A history of APA's concern with the master's degree: or "Discharged with thanks."

Documents the work of the American Psychological Association (APA) Committee on Professional Training and reviews the history of APA activities regarding the MA or subdoctoral degree. Archival materials were based on conferences, workings and reports of various APA boards and committees, and publications. The focus is on the 1950s and 1960s though several pre-1950 activities are identified, including the 1947 and 1948 Policy and Planning Board reference to MA training, and the 1949 Boulder Conference on Graduate Education in Clinical Psychology. Other events include the 1950–1951 survey of 144 graduate departments in the US by W. McTeer; the Education and Training Board of 1951; and the 1965 Chicago Conference, which dealt with subdoctoral education. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Seaweed extracts as fertilisers

The growth-promoting effect of extracts of Laminaria saccharina, Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum was due largely to the cations present, but this effect was modified by organic substances in the extracts. The concentrations of amino acids and mannitol in seaweed extracts had little effect on plant growth. The compounds extracted with organic solvents appear to be responsible in part only for the modification of the growth-promoting effect. Alginic acid and its salts were indicated as being the main organic compounds responsible for reducing the effect of the metals with mustard plants. It is suggested that alginic acid competes with the plants by ion-exchange for the metals in the extract.