Design of the blood group AB glycotope

Although the nature of the blood groups A and B has been comprehensively studied for a long time, it is still unclear as to what exactly is the epitope that is recognized by antibodies having AB specificity, i.e. monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies which are capable of interacting equally well with the antigens GalNAcalpha 1-3(Fucalpha 1-2)Gal (A trisaccharide) and Galalpha 1-3(Fucalpha 1-2)Gal (B trisaccharide), but do not react with their common fragment Fucalpha 1-2Gal. We have supposed that besides Fucalpha 1-2Gal, A and B antigens have one more shared epitope. The trisaccharides A and B are practically identical from the conformational point of view, the only difference being situated at position 2 of Galalpha residue, i.e. trisaccharide A has a NHAc group, whereas trisaccharide B has a hydroxyl group (see formulas). We have hypothesized that the AB-epitope should be situated in the part of the molecule that is opposite to the NHAc group of GalNAc residue. In order to test this hypothesis we have synthesized a polymeric conjugate in such a way that de-N-acetylated A-trisaccharide is attached to a polymer via the nitrogen in position C-2 of the galactosamine residue. In this conjugate the supposed AB-epitope should be maximally accessible for antibodies from the solution, whereas the discrimination site of antigens A and B by the antibodies should be maximally hidden due to the close proximity of the polymer. Interaction with several anti-AB monoclonal antibodies revealed that a part of them really interacted with the synthetic AB-glycotope, thus confirming our hypothesis. Moreover, similar antibodies were revealed in the blood of healthy blood group 0 donors. Analysis of spatial models was performed in addition to identify the hydroxyl groups of Fuc, Galalpha, and Galbeta residues, which are particularly involved in the composition of the AB-glycotope.

Boston, Massachusetts Region, Digital Elevation Model (1:5,000), 2005 - Integer version

This raster layer represents surface elevation for the Boston Region, Massachusetts. This datalayer is a subset (covering only the Boston region) of the Massachusetts statewide digital elevation model. It was created from the digital terrain models that were produced as part of the 1:5,000 Black and White Digital Orthophoto imagery project. Cellsize is 5 meters by 5 meters. Each cell has an integer value, in meters, which represents its elevation above or below sea level.

Boston and vicinity, Massachusetts, 1776 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper map entitled: An accurate map of the country round Boston in New England. It was originally published by Archibald Hamilton in Town and country magazine (London), Jan. 16, 1776. Scale [ca. 1:362,500]. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the Massachusetts State Plane Coordinate System, Mainland Zone (in Feet) (Fipszone 2001). All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as roads, drainage, selected public buildings, town boundaries and more. Relief is shown by hachures. Includes ancillary map: A plan of Boston and Charlestown, from a drawing made in 1771, with index to points of interest. This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps of Massachusetts from the Harvard Map Collection. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features. The selection represents a range of regions, originators, ground condition dates (1755-1922), scales, and purposes. The digitized selection includes maps of: the state, Massachusetts counties, town surveys, coastal features, real property, parks, cemeteries, railroads, roads, public works projects, etc.

1997 Women's Rowing Team, U-M Rowing

Front Row: Marita Esteva, Kristie Aiuto, Scarlet McCarthy, Rossalyn Quaye, Jackie Pilette, Marcie Klein, Elizabeth Windram, Alison Massagli, Jeanine Seeger

Row 2: Jennifer Kinon, Jen Mayman, Lauren Maxwell, Erin Fitzgerald, Amy Ravit, Laurel LaCour, Maya Key, Amy Teunis, Nell Hurley, Erica Semeyn, Sarah Kepner

Row 3: Dawn Emick, Katie Roek, Tina Marzo, Courtney Jackson, Kendra Miller, Nora Obringer, Jaime Stilson, Danielle Starring, Anne Reader, Kate MacKenzie, Vita Scaglione

Row 4: Belinda Koo, Michelle Wolbert, Katherine Stone, Stephanie Norwell, Lisa Labadie, Jeanette Stawski, Nazema Siddiqui, Claudia Lopez, Katie Weed

Row 5: Emily Green, Tina Stutzman, Carrie Brecht, Kelly Raczak, Vanessa Giancamilli, Allison Torres, Heather Uhring, Ashley Andersen, Alyson Moskwa

Top Row: assistant coach Emily Ford, assistant coach Pam Carroll, head coach Mark Rothstein, special assistant Brady Bustany, student trainer Jennifer Nauman, student trainer Jennifer Jackson, student trainer Robin Reiter