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Biomedical subjects

T Y Wu

Publications and source records attributed to T Y Wu.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Hydrodynamic and pharmacological characterization of putative alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/kainate-sensitive L-glutamate receptors solubilized from pig brain.

L-[3H]Glutamate binding sites with characteristics resembling that of membrane-bound alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/kainate-subtype L-glutamate receptors have been solubilized from pig brain synaptic junctions by Triton X-114. Binding of [3H]AMPA to these soluble sites in the presence of KSCN results in a curvilinear Scatchard plot that can be resolved into a high-affinity component and a low-affinity component. These Triton-X-114-solubilized sites can be further separated into two species of binding sites by gel-filtration chromatography or sucrose-density-gradient centrifugation. The pharmacological profiles of these two species of binding site are almost identical, and the rank orders of potency for glutamatergic drugs in displacing L-[3H]glutamate binding to these sites are quisqualate > 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione > 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione > AMPA > L-glutamate > kainate >> N-methyl-D-aspartate = L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate. Both sites are found to bind [3H]AMPA, and in the presence of KSCN the binding activities are significantly enhanced. Analysis of the hydrodynamic behaviour of these binding sites by sucrose-density-gradient centrifugation in H2O- and 2H2O-based solvents and gel-filtration chromatography has revealed that one of these sites (Stokes radius 8.3 nm, sedimentation coefficient 18.5 S) consists of 562 kDa protein and 281 kDa detergent, and the other site (Stokes radius 9.6 nm, sedimentation coefficient 13.4 S) consists of 352 kDa protein and 569 kDa detergent. Frictional coefficients of these sites indicate that these receptor-detergent complexes are asymmetrical in structure, consistent with large transmembrane proteins.

Animals↗

Effects of high altitudes on finger cooling test in Japanese and Tibetans at Qinghai Plateau.

The influences of both hypobaric hypoxia and cold on peripheral circulation were studied using the finger cooling test (measurement of the decrease in finger temperature, measured at the dorsal surface of the finger, during immersion of the hand in 0 degrees C water for 20 min) at Qinghai Plateau. The same test was carried out at simulated altitudes in a 25 degrees C climatic chamber to separate the hypobaric hypoxia influence from that of cold. In Japanese subjects at Qinghai Plateau there was a significant difference between finger skin temperatures (FSTs) during 20 min of 0 degrees C water immersion at altitudes of 2260 m and 4860 m by ANOVA. Mean finger skin temperature during the 20-min immersion (5-20 min, MST) measured at 4860 m was significantly lower than that at 2260 m. In Tibetan subjects, there was also a significant difference between FSTs at 2260 m and at 4860 m by ANOVA. MST at 4860 m tended to be lower than that at 2260 m. In the 25 degrees C climatic chamber, there was a significant difference between FSTs of Japanese expedition members at 2000 m and at 4000 m by ANOVA. MST was higher at 4000 m than at 2000 m, contrary to the data obtained in Qinghai. In conclusion, the higher skin temperature in response to local cold immersion, which would have been caused by stronger hypobaric hypoxia, must have been masked by the lower ambient temperature.

Acclimatization↗

Localization of specific repetitive DNA sequences in individual rice chromosomes.

This paper describes the characterization and chromosomal distribution of three different rice (Oryza sativa) repetitive DNA sequences. The three sequences were characterized by sequence analysis, which gave 355, 498 and 756 bp for the length of the repeat unit in Os48, OsG3-498 and OsG5-756, respectively. Copy number determination by quantitative DNA slot-blot hybridization analysis showed 4000, 1080 and 920 copies, respectively, per haploid rice genome for the three sequences. In situ DNA hybridization analysis revealed that 95% of the silver grains detected with the Os48 probe were localized to euchromatic ends of seven long arms and one short arm out of the 12 rice chromosomes. For the OsG3-498 repetitive sequence, the majority of silver grains (58%) were also clustered at the same chromosomal ends as that of Os48. The minority (28%) of silver grains were located at heterochromatic short arms and centromeric regions. For the OsG5-756 repetitive sequence, 81% of the silver grains labeled the heterochromatic short arms and regions flanking all of the 12 centromeres. Thus, each of these three repetitive sequences was distributed at specific defined chromosomal locations rather than randomly at many chromosomal locations. The approximate copy number of a given repetitive DNA sequence at any specific chromosomal location was calculated by combining the information from in situ DNA hybridization analysis and the total copy number as determined by DNA slot-blot hybridization.

Base Sequence↗

A new rice repetitive DNA shows sequence homology to both 5S RNA and tRNA.

Moderately repetitive DNA sequences are found in the genomes of all eucaryotes that have been examined. We now report the discovery of a novel, transcribed, moderately repetitive DNA sequence in a higher plant which is different from any of the known repetitive DNA sequences from any organism. We isolated a rice cDNA clone which hybridizes to multiple bands on genomic blot analysis. The sequence of this 352 bp cDNA contains four regions of homology to the wheat phenylalanine tRNA, including the polymerase III-type promoter. Unexpectedly, two regions of the same 352 bp sequence also show homology to the wheat 5S RNA sequence. Using the cDNA as a probe, we have isolated six genomic clones which contain long tandem repeats of 355 bp sequence, and have sequenced nine repeat units. Our findings suggest that the rice repetitive sequence may be an amplified pseudogene with sequence homology to both 5S RNA and tRNA, but organized as long tandem repeats resembling 5S RNA genes. This is the first example showing homology between the sequences of a moderately repetitive DNA with unknown function and 5S RNA.

Base Sequence↗

Characterization of virulent isolates of vesicular stomatitis virus in relation to interference by defective particles.

To investigate the role that defective interfering (DI) particles might conceivably play in the epizootiology of vesicular stomatitis, two virulent New Jersey (NJ) isolates from the 1982-1983 epizootic in the United States (US) were compared with three laboratory adapted strains of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV): NJ Hazelhurst, NJ Ogden and Indiana San Juan. Successive undiluted passages showed that the virulent isolates did not readily exhibit 'autointerference' because they did not readily generate and amplify DI particles. Viral RNA synthesis of isolates that were exposed to homotypic or heterotypic DI particles generated from the laboratory strains showed that the isolates were totally resistant to the heterotypic DI particle and partially resistant to the homotypic DI particle. In contrast, Indiana San Juan and NJ Ogden were inhibited by hetero- or homotypic DI particles. NJ Hazelhurst more closely resembled the isolates. This demonstrates that virulence of VSV in its natural setting may be related to a number of factors, including the slower generation and amplification of endogenous DI particles, as well as the increased resistance of the virus to some pre-existing DI particles.

Defective Viruses↗

On the mechanics of mucociliary flows. III. Flow-velocity profiles in frog palate mucus.

Flow-velocity profiles over excised frog ciliated epithelium were obtained for the region within about 600 micron of the mucosa. Fluorescent particles were used as flow tracers. Both a control and an autologous mucus suspension were observed. The control culture medium was bounded by the walls of the observation chamber, and mucus was deposited on the epithelium as a blob after mixing it with tracers. In spite of the difference in boundary conditions the two profiles, normalized to maximum particle velocity and solution depth, were indistinguishable at heights over 60 micron from the mucosa. The near-mucosa profiles in contrast were unalike with mucus exhibiting a greater shear gradient than the control culture medium. It was concluded that ciliary contact is not necessary for generation of mucus flow provided the ciliary shear is not negated by the mucus "flake" or "slab" being in simultaneous contact with significant ciliostatic patches which would act as anchors.

Animals↗

Radiation control through licensing and intensive training.

Various types of intensive training courses to suit radiation workers in different fields were sponsored by both the Atomic Energy Council of Executive Yuan and the National Health Administration of Executive Yuan, Republic of China during the past seven years. During the years 1974-79, the number of radiation workers attending each training course, their age, sex and educational background are presented in detail. The typical course contents for both medical and non-medical radiation workers are given. A summary of the percentage of passes and failures of the final examination given at the end of each training course is also given. The present status of licensing for radiation facilities and workers is described, and its results are indicated. The successful control of ionizing radiation through this kind of intensive training and licensing is evidenced in the film badge records given by a centralized service laboratory located at the National Tsing Hua University.

Adult↗