Selective constraints on the activation domain of transcription factor Pit-1.

The POU transcription factor Pit-1 activates members of the prolactin/growth hormone gene family in specific endocrine cell types of the pituitary gland. Although Pit-1 is structurally conserved among vertebrate species, evolutionary changes in the pattern of Pit-1 RNA splicing have led to a notable "contraction" of the transactivation domain in the mammalian lineage, relative to Pit-1 in salmonid fish. By site-directed mutagenesis we demonstrate that two splice insertions in salmon Pit-1, called beta (29 aa) and gamma (33 aa), are critical for cooperative activation of the salmon prolactin gene. Paradoxically, Pit-1-dependent activation of the prolactin gene in rat is enhanced in the absence of the homologous beta-insert sequence. This apparent divergence in the mechanism of activation of prolactin genes by Pit-1 is target gene specific, as activation of rat and salmon growth hormone genes by Pit-1 splice variants is entirely conserved. Our data suggest that efficient activation of the prolactin gene in the vertebrate pituitary has significantly constrained the pattern of splicing within the Pit-1 transactivation domain. Rapid evolutionary divergence of prolactin gene function may have demanded changes in Pit-1/protein interactions to accommodate new patterns of transcriptional control by developmental or physiological factors.

P-OTX: a PIT-1-interacting homeodomain factor expressed during anterior pituitary gland development.

A novel OTX-related homeodomain transcription factor has been identified on the basis of its ability to interact with the transactivation domain of the pituitary-specific POU domain protein, Pit-1. This factor, referred to as P-OTX (pituitary OTX-related factor), is expressed in primordial Rathke's pouch, oral epithelium, first bronchial arch, duodenum, and hindlimb. In the developing anterior pituitary, it is expressed in all regions from which cells with distinct phenotypes will emerge in the mature gland. P-OTX is able to independently activate and to synergize with Pit-1 on pituitary-specific target gene promoters. Therefore, P-OTX may subserve functions in generating both precursor and specific cell phenotypes in the anterior pituitary gland and in several other organs.

A bottomless pit: the costs of Crimea’s annexation by Russia. OSW Commentary No. 143, 29.07.2014

The annexation of Crimea has brought the Russian authorities significant dividends, in particular on the domestic stage: it has resulted in an unprecedented social and political consolidation, and strengthened Vladimir Putin’s position after several years of decline in social support for him. It has provided Russia with strategic benefits, giving it broad access to the Black Sea and the military infrastructure on the peninsula, as well as access to natural gas and crude oil reserves. Russia has also taken over numerous assets (including the tourist infrastructure) previously owned by the Ukrainian state. However, the decision itself concerning Moscow’s annexation of Crimea was taken off the cuff, with no calculation of the costs of integrating it with the Russian legal, political and socio-economic space. Russia took over a region that required subsidies from the Ukrainian budget; moreover, the annexation struck at the most important industry of the Crimean economy – tourism. Crimea’s integration with Russia will be a complex process that entails high costs, financial, organisational and social, including multi-billion dollar investments in the modernisation and development of infrastructure, covering the region’s budget deficit, and paying out social benefits. For reasons of prestige and political significance, Moscow is treating Crimea as a showcase region. Russia is determined to prove that the Crimean incorporation will be beneficial for the region’s economy and will raise people’s living standards. However, the expenses triggered by Crimea’s integration will coincide with a deteriorating economic situation in Russia, aggravated by US and EU sanctions, and this may force Russia to postpone or even give up some of its ambitious investments in the peninsula. Some of the integration costs will have to be borne by other Russian regions, even though they already face serious financial problems that have forced them to reduce their own investment programs. Another issue that has come into question is the fulfilment of the Crimean people’s’ expectations concerning the improvement of their living standards, due to the tourist sector’s problems (small-scale tourist services used to be one of the local people’s main sources of income), the rising costs of maintenance, and finally, restrictions of civil rights after the introduction of the more restrictive Russian legislation.

The cocker's guide; how to breed, train, and feed game birds for the pit.

Mode of access: Internet.

Pit and quarry handbook ... useful and practical information for the sand, gravel, stone, cement, gypsum, and lime industries.

Absorbed Directory of cement, gypsum, lime, sand, gravel and crushed-stone plants in 1930 and assumed its volume numbering.

The key to the bottomless pit, or, A daguerrean likeness of the beast with seven heads and ten horns, with his foot prints, and the number of his name : found between the lids of the Old Bible ...

Mode of access: Internet.

Manuel de piétè : contenant des maximes & des prieres pour la réception des sacramens de pénitence & d'eucharistie ... /

Mode of access: Internet.

Exercices de piété pour tous les jours de l'année ... /

Mode of access: Internet.

Exercices de piété pour tous les jours de l'année ... /

Mode of access: Internet.

Exercices de piété pour tous les jours de l'année ... /

Mode of access: Internet.

Exercices de Piété pour tous les jours de l'année ... /

Mode of access: Internet.

Avis et réflexions, sur les devoirs de l'état religieux : pour animer ceux qui l'ont embrassé á remplir leur vocation : ouvrage utile non seulement aux religieux, mais encore à toutes les personnes qui veulent vivre dans le monde avec une piété folide /

Mode of access: Internet.

Avis et réflexions, sur les devoirs de l'état religieux : pour animer ceux qui l'ont embrassé á remplir leur vocation : ouvrage utile non seulement aux religieux, mais encore à toutes les personnes qui veulent vivre dans le monde avec une piété folide /

Mode of access: Internet.

Exercice de piété pour la communion /

Mode of access: Internet.