Thy-1-mediated cell-cell contact induces astrocyte migration through the engagement of αVβ3 integrin and syndecan-4.

Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix proteins occurs through interactions with integrins that bind to Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) tripeptides, and syndecan-4, which recognizes the heparin-binding domain of other proteins. Both receptors trigger signaling pathways, including those that activate RhoGTPases such as RhoA and Rac1. This sequence of events modulates cell adhesion to the ECM and cell migration. Using a neuron-astrocyte model, we have reported that the neuronal protein Thy-1 engages αVβ3 integrin and syndecan-4 to induce RhoA activation and strong astrocyte adhesion to their underlying substrate. Thus, because cell-cell interactions and strong cell attachment to the matrix are considered antagonistic to cell migration, we hypothesized that Thy-1 stimulation of astrocytes should preclude cell migration. Here, we studied the effect of Thy-1 expressing neurons on astrocyte polarization and migration using a wound-healing assay and immunofluorescence analysis. Signaling molecules involved were studied by affinity precipitation, western blotting and the usage of specific antibodies. Intriguingly, Thy-1 interaction with its two receptors was found to increase astrocyte polarization and migration. The latter events required interactions of these receptors with both the RGD-like sequence and the heparin-binding domain of Thy-1. Additionally, prolonged Thy-1-receptor interactions inhibited RhoA activation while activating FAK, PI3K and Rac1. Therefore, sustained engagement of integrin and syndecan-4 with the neuronal surface protein Thy-1 induces astrocyte migration. Interestingly we identify here, a cell-cell interaction that despite initially inducing strong cell attachment, favors cell migration upon persistent stimulation by engaging the same signaling receptors and molecules as those utilized by the extracellular matrix proteins to stimulate cell movement.

City of Center Point, Independent Auditor's Reports, Basic Financial Statements and Supplementary Information, Schedule of Findings, June 30, 2004

City Audit Report

Point Mutations in the Monocarboxylate Transporter SLC16A12 Lead to Juvenile and Age-Related Cataract

Purpose: Previously we reported on a premature termination mutation in SLC16A12 that leads to dominant juvenile cataract and renal glucosuria. To assess the mutation rate and genotype-phenotype correlations of SLC16A12 in juvenile or age-related forms of cataract, we performed a mutation screen in cataract patients. Methods: Clinical data of approximately 660 patients were collected, genomic DNA was isolated and analyzed. Exons 3 to 8 including flanking intron sequences of SLC16A12 were PCR amplified and DNA sequence was determined. Selected mutations were tested by cell culture assays, in silico analysis and RT-PCR. Results: We found sequence alterations at a rate of approximately 1/75 patients. None of them was found in 360 control alleles. Alterations affect splice site and regulatory region but most mutations caused an amino acid substitution. The majority of the coding region mutations maps to trans-membrane domains. One mutation located to the 5'UTR. It affects translational efficiency of SLC16A12. In addition, we identified a cataract-predisposing SNP in the non-coding region that causes allele-specific splicing of the 5'UTR region. Conclusions: Altered translational efficiency of the solute carrier SLC16A12 and its allele-specific splicing strongly support a model of challenged homeostasis to cause various forms of cataract. In addition, the pathogenic property of the here reported sequence alterations is supported by the lack of known sequence variations within the coding region of SLC16A12. Due to the relatively high mutation rate, we suggest to include SLC16A12 in diagnostic cataract screening. Generally, our data recommend the assessment of regulatory sequences for diagnostic purposes.

City of Strawberry Point, June 30, 2003

City Audit Report

Permanent stallion contact hastens onset of mares' cyclicity after winter anoestrus

The species Equus caballus is characterized as a seasonal polyoestrous herd mammal, providing continuous interactions between stallions and mares in feral herds throughout the year. Under domesticated conditions mares and stallions are stabled and kept separated mostly due to hygienic and safety concerns. Managing mares through the spring transitional phase until they show fertile cycles represents a high multifactorial challenge for horse breeders and veterinarians. The goal of this study was to examine the influence of a permanent stallion contact on the onset of cyclicity in anoestrous mares in the transition period.

[Flot d'automobiles et foule importante, rond-point des Champs-Elysées, pylônes dédiés aux batailles de l'Ourcq et de la Marne, allégorie de la victoire, autour du 13 juillet 1919] : [photographie de presse] / [Agence Rol]

Référence bibliographique : Rol, 54836

[Passants au pied des pylônes dédiés à la bataille de l'Yser, allégorie de la victoire, rond-point des Champs-Elysées, près du Grand Palais, autour du 13 juillet 1919] : [photographie de presse] / [Agence Rol]

Référence bibliographique : Rol, 54839

[Foule importante au rond-point des Champs-Elysées, pylônes dédiés aux batailles de l'Ourcq, de la Marne et de l'Argonne, allégorie de la victoire, autels des cités martyres Arras et Soissons, autour du 13 juillet 1919] : [photographie de presse] / [Agence Rol]

Référence bibliographique : Rol, 54842

[Foule au rond-point des Champs-Elysées, au pied des pylônes dédiés à la bataille de l'Ourcq, allégorie de la victoire, et autel de la cité martyre Arras, autour du 13 juillet 1919] : [photographie de presse] / [Agence Rol]

Référence bibliographique : Rol, 54841

[Foule importante au rond-point des Champs-Elysées, pylônes dédiés aux batailles de l'Argonne et de l'Aisne, allégorie de la victoire, pyramide de canons pris à l'ennemi, autel de la cité martyre Verdun, autour du 13 juillet 1919] : [photographie de presse] / [Agence Rol]

Référence bibliographique : Rol, 54843

Report on Special Investigation of the Central Point Coordination for Calhoun and Pocahontas Counties for the Period July 1, 1998 through May 31, 2004

Report on a Special Investigation of the Central Point Coordination for Calhoun and Pocahontas Counties.

The effect of atmospheric absorption of sunlight on the runaway greenhouse point

The longwave emission of planetary atmospheres that contain a condensable absorbing gas in the infrared (i.e., longwave), which is in equilibrium with its liquid phase at the surface, may exhibit an upper bound. Here we analyze the effect of the atmospheric absorption of sunlight on this radiation limit. We assume that the atmospheric absorption of infrared radiation is independent of wavelength except within the spectral width of the atmospheric window, where it is zero. The temperature profile in radiative equilibrium is obtained analytically as a function of the longwave optical thickness. For illustrative purposes, numerical values for the infrared atmospheric absorption (i.e., greenhouse effect) and the liquid vapor equilibrium curve of the condensable absorbing gas refer to water. Values for the atmospheric absorption of sunlight (i.e., antigreenhouse effect) take a wide range since our aim is to provide a qualitative view of their effects. We find that atmospheres with a transparent region in the infrared spectrum do not present an absolute upper bound on the infrared emission. This result may be also found in atmospheres opaque at all infrared wavelengths if the fraction of absorbed sunlight in the atmosphere increases with the longwave opacity

City of Center Point, Independent Auditor's Reports, Financial Statements and Supplemental Information, Schedule of Findings, June 30, 2003

City Audit Report