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Verification of linear lesions using a noncontact multielectrode array catheter versus conventional contact mapping techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Creation of linear lesions is an established ablation goal. Verification of complete conduction block at the ablation line is required to determine ablation success. Conventional mapping techniques are sequential endocardial activation mapping and documentation of double potentials. Recently, a noncontact multielectrode array catheter was developed that allows instantaneous three-dimensional mapping by simultaneous reconstruction of > 3,000 electrograms. In this study, we prospectively compared the accuracy of noncontact mapping to identify discontinuities in linear lesions and to verify a conduction block with that of conventional mapping techniques. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 12 patients with atrial flutter, radiofrequency pulses were applied between the tricuspid annulus and either the inferior vena cava or the eustachian ridge. Following each application, pulse propagation at the ablation line was determined during pacing by conventional mapping techniques. The findings were compared to high-density isopotential mapping using the noncontact multielectrode array catheter. It was found that noncontact mapping reliably distinguished conduction delays from a conduction block as defined by contact mapping. In addition, noncontact mapping instantaneously identified the area where a discontinuity in the line of block was present. In these patients, complete conduction block was achieved by radiofrequency pulses guided by the noncontact mapping system. CONCLUSION: Noncontact mapping is highly accurate in distinguishing conduction delays from a complete conduction block. By providing an instantaneous high-density propagation vector at all sites along the ablation line, three-dimensional isopotential mapping is helpful in localizing discontinuities of linear lesions and, thus, may facilitate the creation of a complete conduction block.

Adult↗

Expanded genetic map of Gibberella moniliformis (Fusarium verticillioides).

Gibberella moniliformis (Fusarium verticillioides) is primarily a pathogen of maize, but it can also cause disease in other crop species. This pathogenicity, as well as the contamination of food- and feedstuffs with the fumonisin mycotoxins, results in economically significant losses to both farmers and food processors. The dissection of important biological characters in this fungus has been hampered by the lack of a uniformly dense genetic map. The existing restriction fragment length polymorphism-based map contains significant gaps, making it difficult to routinely locate biologically important genes, such as those involved in pathogenicity or mycotoxin production, with precision. We utilized amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) to saturate the existing genetic map and added 486 AFLP markers to the approximately 150 markers on the existing map. The resulting map has an average marker interval of 3.9 map units and averages approximately 21 kb/map unit. The additional markers expanded the map from 1,452 to 2,188 map units distributed across 12 chromosomes. The maximum distance between adjacent markers is 29 map units. We identified AFLP markers less than 1 map unit from the mating type (MAT) locus and 2.5 map units from the spore killer (SK) locus; eight AFLP markers map within 8.5 units of the FUM1 (fumonisin biosynthetic) locus. The increased saturation of this map will facilitate further development of G. moniliformis as a model system for the genetic and population genetic studies of related, but less genetically tractable, plant pathogenic fungi.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Role of protein kinase C, PI3-kinase and tyrosine kinase in activation of MAP kinase by glucose and agonists of G-protein coupled receptors in INS-1 cells.

MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase (also called Erk 1/2) plays a crucial role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Its impact on secretory events is less well established. The interplay of protein kinase C (PKC), PI3-kinase and cellular tyrosine kinase with MAP kinase activity using inhibitors and compounds such as glucose, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and agonists of G-protein coupled receptors like gastrin releasing peptide (GRP), oxytocin (OT) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) was investigated in INS-1 cells, an insulin secreting cell line. MAP kinase activity was determined by using a peptide derived from the EGF receptor as a MAP kinase substrate and [32P]ATP. Glucose as well as GRP, OT and GIP exhibited a time-dependent increase in MAP kinase activity with a maximum at time point 2.5 min. All further experiments were performed using 2.5 min incubations. The flavone PD 098059 is known to bind to the inactive forms of MEK1 (MAPK/ERK-Kinase) thus preventing activation by upstream activators. 20 microM PD 098059 (IC50 = 5 microM) inhibited MAP kinase stimulated by either glucose, GRP, OT, GIP or PMA. Inhibiton ("downregulation") of PKC by a long term (22 h) pretreatment with 1 microM PMA did not influence MAP kinase activity when augmented by either of the above mentioned compound. To investigate whether PI3-kinase and cellular tyrosine kinase are involved in G-protein mediated effects on MAP kinase, inhibitors were used: 100 nM wortmannin (PI3-kinase inhibitor) reduced the effects of GRP, OT and GIP but not that of PMA; 100 microM genistein (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) inhibited the stimulatory effect of either above mentioned compound on MAP kinase activation. Inhibition of MAP kinase by 20 microM PD 098059 did not influence insulin secretion modulated by either compound (glucose, GRP, OT or GIP). [3H]Thymidine incorporation, however, was severely inhibited by PD 098059. Thus MAP kinase is important for INS-1 cell proliferation but not for its insulin secretory response with respect to major initiators and modulators of insulin release. The data indicate that MAP kinase is active and under the control of MAP kinase. PKC is upstream of a genistein-sensitive tyrosine kinase and probably downstream of a PI3-kinase in INS-1 cells.

Animals↗

A type I and type II microsatellite linkage map of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with presumptive coverage of all chromosome arms.

BACKGROUND: The development of large genomic resources has become a prerequisite to elucidate the wide-scale evolution of genomes and the molecular basis of complex traits. Linkage maps represent a first level of integration and utilization of such resources and the primary framework for molecular analyses of quantitative traits. Previously published linkage maps have already outlined the main peculiarities of the rainbow trout meiosis and a correspondance between linkage groups and chromosome arms has been recently established using fluorescent in situ hybridization. The number of chromosome arms which were covered by these maps remained unknown. RESULTS: We report an updated linkage map based on segregation analysis of more than nine hundred microsatellite markers in two doubled haploid gynogenetic lines. These markers segregated into 31 linkage groups spanning an approximate total map length of 2750 cM. Centromeres were mapped for all the linkage groups using meiogenetic lines. For each of the 31 linkage groups, the meta or acrocentric structure infered from centromere mapping was identical with those recently found with fluorescent in situ hybridization results. The present map is therefore assumed to cover the 52 chromosome arms which constitute the rainbow trout karyotype. Our data confirm the occurrence of a high interference level in this species. Homeologous regions were identified in eleven linkage groups, reflecting the tetraploid nature of the salmonid genome. The data supported the assumption that gene orders are conserved between duplicated groups and that each group is located on a single chromosome arm. Overall, a high congruence with already published rainbow trout linkage maps was found for both gene syntenies and orders. CONCLUSION: This new map is likely to cover the whole set of chromosome arms and should provide a useful framework to integrate existing or forthcoming rainbow trout linkage maps and other genomic resources. Since very large numbers of EST containing microsatellite sequences are available in databases, it becomes feasible to construct high-density linkage maps localizing known genes. This will facilitate comparative mapping and, eventually, identification of candidate genes in QTL studies.

Animals↗

A microsatellite-based consensus linkage map for species of Eucalyptus and a novel set of 230 microsatellite markers for the genus.

BACKGROUND: Eucalypts are the most widely planted hardwood trees in the world occupying globally more than 18 million hectares as an important source of carbon neutral renewable energy and raw material for pulp, paper and solid wood. Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) in Eucalyptus have been localized on pedigree-specific RAPD or AFLP maps seriously limiting the value of such QTL mapping efforts for molecular breeding. The availability of a genus-wide genetic map with transferable microsatellite markers has become a must for the effective advancement of genomic undertakings. This report describes the development of a novel set of 230 EMBRA microsatellites, the construction of the first comprehensive microsatellite-based consensus linkage map for Eucalyptus and the consolidation of existing linkage information for other microsatellites and candidate genes mapped in other species of the genus. RESULTS: The consensus map covers approximately 90% of the recombining genome of Eucalyptus, involves 234 mapped EMBRA loci on 11 linkage groups, an observed length of 1,568 cM and a mean distance between markers of 8.4 cM. A compilation of all microsatellite linkage information published in Eucalyptus allowed us to establish the homology among linkage groups between this consensus map and other maps published for E. globulus. Comparative mapping analyses also resulted in the linkage group assignment of other 41 microsatellites derived from other Eucalyptus species as well as candidate genes and QTLs for wood and flowering traits published in the literature. This report significantly increases the availability of microsatellite markers and mapping information for species of Eucalyptus and corroborates the high conservation of microsatellite flanking sequences and locus ordering between species of the genus. CONCLUSION: This work represents an important step forward for Eucalyptus comparative genomics, opening stimulating perspectives for evolutionary studies and molecular breeding applications. The generalized use of an increasingly larger set of interspecific transferable markers and consensus mapping information, will allow faster and more detailed investigations of QTL synteny among species, validation of expression-QTL across variable genetic backgrounds and positioning of a growing number of candidate genes co-localized with QTLs, to be tested in association mapping experiments.

Alleles↗

Haplotype block linkage disequilibrium mapping.

Linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping is emerging as a powerful alternative approach to identifying genes for complex disease. However, the feasibility and success of LD mapping depend largely on the extent and pattern of LD. Erratic pattern of pair-wise LD seriously compromises LD mapping. Recently discovered haplotype block structure dramatically alleviates the irregular pattern of LD and holds the promise for mapping complex disease genes. To facilitate applications of the haplotype block LD mapping, in this report we conduct theoretical analysis for haplotype block LD mapping. We present an overall LD measure of the haplotype to quantify the LD level of the haplotype block, between the haplotype blocks, and between the haplotype block and the marker locus. Most theoretical and empirical studies of the extent of LD and evaluation of the power of LD mapping have focused on pair-wise LD and single marker LD mapping. There is a lack of systematic and integrative analysis for the haplotype block LD mapping. In this report, we develop population genetic models of the haplotype blocks and analytic tools for calculation of noncentrality parameter of the statistic for the haplotype block LD mapping. We evaluate the impact of the population parameters and disease models on the power of the haplotype block LD mapping in the hope to improve its study design. We compare the powers of the single marker LD and haplotype block LD mapping. Haplotype block structure is an important discovery. Our preliminary results of theoretic analysis further demonstrate that the haplotype block LD analysis is a breakthrough in LD mapping and is a promising tool for genome-wide association studies.

Chromosome Mapping↗

[Constructing genetic linkage maps in Chinese Fir using F1 progeny].

A new strategy was proposed for constructing linkage maps for 1:1 segregation molecular markers in Chinese fir. Linkage phase and recombination ratio for any two loci can be inferred and estimated. For the best order in a linkage group, the Hidden Markov Chain Model was used for multilocus linkage analysis. The mapping method proposed here was more effective than the 'pseudo-testcross' method commonly used in forest trees. In this paper,with the AFLP marker data obtained from the F1 progeny of 'Jurong 0' (female) x 'Rouye' (male), the genetic linkage maps of the Chinese fir clones, 'Jurong' and 'Rouye', were reconstructed based on the new mapping method. In the genetic linkage map of "Jurong 0", 101 markers were distributed in 11 linkage groups with an average distance of 22.6 cM and a total length of 2 282.6 cM. There were as many as 17 markers and as few as 5 markers in single linkage groups of the map. In the genetic linkage map of 'Rouye', 94 markers were distributed in the 11 linkage groups with an average distance of 27.3 cM and a total length of 2 565.8 cM. There were as many as 16 markers and as few as 4 markers in single linkage groups of the map. Compared with the 'pseudo- testcross' method, the two maps increased 26 markers and 28 markers, respectively, and totally 54 markers were added. The two maps contained 195 AFLP markers and each spanned more than 2 000 cM, almost covering the whole genome of Chinese fir. Therefore, the resolutions of linkage maps of Chinese fir 'Jurong 0' and 'Rouye' were improved with the new mapping method, and the maps provide the framework for further genetic analysis.

Chromosome Mapping↗

[Computer technology for genogenographic study of the gene pool. V. Evaluation of the reliability of maps].

An important aspect of gene geography, the estimation of the reliability of interpolation maps, is considered. The introduced quantitative parameter, map reliability, was estimated as the probability of predicted character values in interpolated map regions. The obtained estimates characterize the statistic significance of the mapped values of the character. The estimation algorithm is based on concepts and mathematical methods of the reliability theory. The proposed approach involved the estimation of the reliability at each point of the mapped area and resulted in a new map (a reliability map) expressing the reliability of gene geographic mapping in probability terms. Approaches to estimate the reliability of mapping, as dependent on various parameters of the initial data, were proposed, a general computer-based technology was elaborated, and a standardized reliability scale was proposed. Reliability maps are considered necessary for the correct interpretation of gene geographic maps. The estimation of reliability as dependent on the number and distribution of initially tested populations was illustrated by the example of frequency maps of individual genes (HP*1, HLA*A1) and synthetic maps (100 alleles of 34 polymorphic loci) of Eastern Europe.

Algorithms↗

Error checking and graphical representation of multiple-complete-digest (MCD) restriction-fragment maps.

Genetic and physical maps display the relative positions of objects or markers occurring within a target DNA molecule. In constructing maps, the primary objective is to determine the ordering of these objects. A further objective is to assign a coordinate to each object, indicating its distance from a reference end of the target molecule. This paper describes a computational method and a body of software for assigning coordinates to map objects, given a solution or partial solution to the ordering problem. We describe our method in the context of multiple-complete-digest (MCD) mapping, but it should be applicable to a variety of other mapping problems. Because of errors in the data or insufficient clone coverage to uniquely identify the true ordering of the map objects, a partial ordering is typically the best one can hope for. Once a partial ordering has been established, one often seeks to overlay a metric along the map to assess the distances between the map objects. This problem often proves intractable because of data errors such as erroneous local length measurements (e.g., large clone lengths on low-resolution physical maps). We present a solution to the coordinate assignment problem for MCD restriction-fragment mapping, in which a coordinated set of single-enzyme restriction maps are simultaneously constructed. We show that the coordinate assignment problem can be expressed as the solution of a system of linear constraints. If the linear system is free of inconsistencies, it can be solved using the standard Bellman-Ford algorithm. In the more typical case where the system is inconsistent, our program perturbs it to find a new consistent system of linear constraints, close to those of the given inconsistent system, using a modified Bellman-Ford algorithm. Examples are provided of simple map inconsistencies and the methods by which our program detects candidate data errors and directs the user to potential suspect regions of the map.

Algorithms↗

An integrated map of Arabidopsis thaliana for functional analysis of its genome sequence.

The genome of the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana has recently been sequenced. To accelerate its current genome research, we developed a whole-genome, BAC/BIBAC-based, integrated physical, genetic, and sequence map of the A. thaliana ecotype Columbia. This new map was constructed from the clones of a new plant-transformation-competent BIBAC library and is integrated with the existing sequence map. The clones were restriction fingerprinted by DNA sequencing gel-based electrophoresis, assembled into contigs, and anchored to an existing genetic map. The map consists of 194 BAC/BIBAC contigs, spanning 126 Mb of the 130-Mb Arabidopsis genome. A total of 120 contigs, spanning 114 Mb, were anchored to the chromosomes of Arabidopsis. Accuracy of the integrated map was verified using the existing physical and sequence maps and numerous DNA markers. Integration of the new map with the sequence map has enabled gap closure of the sequence map and will facilitate functional analysis of the genome sequence. The method used here has been demonstrated to be sufficient for whole-genome physical mapping from large-insert random bacterial clones and thus is applicable to rapid development of whole-genome physical maps for other species.

Arabidopsis↗

Microinjection of intact MAP-4 and fragments induces changes of the cytoskeleton in PtK2 cells.

The molecular cloning and sequencing of microtubule-associated protein (MAP)-4 identified microtubule-binding repeats near the C-terminus and a projection domain near the N-terminus. Although it is well known that MAP-4 stimulates the assembly of and stabilizes microtubules (MT) in vitro, the function of MAP-4 in vivo is still unclear. In this study, we examined the function of MAP-4 in the cytoskeleton both in vitro and in vivo. Intact MAP-4 was prepared from bovine adrenal cortex, and the truncated fragments of the N- and the C-terminal halves (named NR and PA4 fragments, respectively) were expressed in Escherichia coli and isolated. In vitro studies demonstrated that in a solution containing a physiological concentration of NaCl, intact MAP-4 and the PA4 fragment were bound to MT, but not to F-actin. The NR fragment was not bound to MT or to F-actin. We also examined the MT changes in PtK2 cells after they had been microinjected with intact MAP-4 and the truncated fragments of PA4 and NR. The injection of intact MAP-4 or PA4 into the cells induced an increase in the number of cytoplasmic MT, as well as MT bundling. The NR fragment did not affect the MT array. Injected MAP-4 and PA4 were associated with the increased MT. In addition, injection with MAP-4 and PA4 stabilized MT in relation to treatment with the MT-disrupting drug, nocodazole. These results indicated that intact MAP-4 and the PA4 fragment promoted MT assembly and stabilized MT, by binding to MT, in vivo as well as in vitro. Further, the injection of the PA4 fragment induced an increase in stress fibers. However, these proteins did not show any association with the stress fibers. Our results suggest that there is an indirect effect of MAP-4 on stress fibers rather than a direct interaction between MAP-4 and stress fibers.

Actins↗

Mechanisms of inhibition by heparin of PDGF stimulated MAP kinase activation in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Heparin and heparan are potent inhibitors of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. To investigate the mechanisms by which heparin suppresses growth factor stimulated mitogenesis, the present experiments investigated the effects of heparin on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulated signal transduction pathways. Heparin treatment substantially inhibited PDGF-BB stimulated rat VSMC growth. Western analysis showed a 30 min PDGF-BB treatment of VSMC induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple protein bands; cotreatment with heparin inhibited mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase tyrosine phosphorylation but had little effect on PDGF receptor tyrosine phosphorylation. In-gel kinase assays demonstrated that heparin inhibited PDGF-BB stimulated MAP kinase activity at late (25 min) but not early (10 min) time points. These data indicate that heparin does not inhibit the initial signalling events after PDGF-BB binding but instead acts through an alternate mechanism to inhibit MAP kinase. To investigate if heparin directly stimulates tyrosine phosphatase-mediated suppression of MAP kinase, we treated VSMC with orthovanadate, a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. Heparin inhibited MAP kinase tyrosine phosphorylation after orthovanadate treatment, indicating that heparin does not suppress MAP kinase by enlistment of a tyrosine phosphatase. Experiments were performed to investigate signalling pathways upstream of MAP kinase. To determine if protein kinase C (PKC) mediates PDGF-BB, serum, and EGF stimulation of MAP kinase, we treated VSMC overnight with phorbol ester (PMA) to downregulate PKC. Abolition of conventional and novel PKC activity significantly suppressed both serum and PDGF-BB induced MAP kinase activation, indicating protein kinase C is an important mediator for these mitogens. In contrast, downregulation of these PKC isoforms had little effect on EGF stimulation of MAP kinase. As heparin inhibits PDGF and serum but not EGF stimulation of MAP kinase, there data precisely correlate heparin inhibition of MAP kinase with activation through PKC-dependent pathways. Immunoprecipitation analysis found that heparin inhibited serum, PMA, and PDGF but not EGF induced raf-1 phosphorylation. These studies demonstrate that heparin did not block PDGF-BB receptor activation, which initiates the mitogenic signalling cascade. Heparin did inhibit specific postreceptor second messenger signals, such as the late phase activation of MAP kinase, which may be mediated by suppression of PKC-dependent pathways.

Animals↗

Substitution mapping of Pup1: a major QTL increasing phosphorus uptake of rice from a phosphorus-deficient soil.

A major QTL for P uptake had previously been mapped to a 13-cM marker interval on the long arm of chromosome 12. To map that major QTL with higher precision and certainty, a secondary mapping population was developed by backcrossing a near-isogenic line containing the QTL from the donor parent to the recurrent parent of low P uptake. Two different mapping strategies have been followed in this study. A conventional QTL mapping approach was based on individual F(2) RFLP data and the phenotypic evaluation of family means in the F(3). The second strategy employed a substitution-mapping approach. Phenotypic and marker data were obtained for 160 F(3) individuals of six highly informative families that differed in the size of donor chromosomal segments in the region of the putative QTL. QTL mapping showed that close to 80% of the variation between families was due to a single QTL, hereafter referred to as Pup1 (Phosphorus uptake 1). Pup1 was placed in a 3-cM interval flanked by markers S14025 and S13126, which is within 1 cM of the position identified in the original QTL mapping experiment. Other chromosomal regions and epistatic effects were not significant. Substitution mapping revealed that Pup1 co-segregated with marker S13126 and that the flanking markers, S14025 and S13752, were outside the interval containing Pup1. The two mapping strategies therefore yielded almost identical results and, in combining the advantages of both, Pup1 could be mapped with high certainty. The QTL mapping appoach showed that the phenotypic variation between families was due to only one QTL without any additional epistacic interactions, whereas the advantage of substitution mapping was to place clearly defined borders around the QTL.

Journal Article↗

Male-associated polypeptide (MAP) expression in different compartments of the reproductive system of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: immunocytochemical and western blot study.

Mytilus mussels are characterized by annually repeated reproduction which is associated with subsequent growth, morphogenesis, breakdown and redevelopment of the gonad and reproductive tract into mantle mesenchyme. We present a description of the expression of the male-associated polypeptide (MAP; see Mikhailov et al. 1995) in different compartments of the male reproductive system as well as in mantle gonad-supporting tissue. MAP is expressed in both gonad and mantle structures in dynamic patterns that show a substantial overlap in terms of dependence on the stage of gonad development/involution. In general, the total MAP concentration directly correlates with the volume of gonad tubule/duct structures but inversely correlates with mantle connective tissue cell fraction. A maximum of MAP expression is reached in the fully ripe male gonad. MAP is localized around gonad tubules/ducts, in the gonoduct epithelium, membranes of follicle-like structures as well as in the extracellular fiber-like structures of the mantle. However, we also demonstrate unique sites of MAP accumulation in the lumen of gonad follicle-like tubules and in ductal fluid. The latter is characterized by a very high MAP concentration. MAP is also detected in sperm-containing cell suspension obtained by gonad biopsy which we interpret as a result of the adsorption of MAP on mature spermatozoa. The results obtained should be taken into consideration in the interpretation of possible MAP functions since they seem to point to MAP as a major component of ductal (seminal) fluid of the male reproductive tract. It is likely that MAP is able to complement the processes of sperm terminal differentiation and maturation. In addition, we demonstrate that the male-predominant character of MAP expression is restricted by gonad-containing tissues (i.e., mantle and visceral mass) only, although the polypeptide is also detected in other somatic organs in both males and females.

Animals↗

Correlation between various parameters derived from body surface maps and ejection fraction in patients with anterior myocardial infarction.

To determine the best map parameter to predict cardiac function, various map parameters were correlated with the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) in patients with a previous (between 3 months and 1 year) anterior myocardial infarction, but without overt congestive heart failure or ventricular dyssynergy. From 300 consecutive patients with a previous myocardial infarction, 82 patients with only an anterior infarction and who underwent cardiac catheterization and body surface mapping were selected for this study. The maps from 100 healthy subjects were used as normal controls. Body surface maps using 87 unipolar electrodes were recorded and various parameters were derived from the Q map, the QRS departure maps, the QRS isointegral (IQRS) map, and the QRST isointegral (IQRST) maps. They were compared with the angiographically determined EF. The EF was correlated with nQ (r = -0.72), four parameters derived from the QRS departure map (r ranged from -0.73 to -0.79), two parameters derived from the IQRS map (r = -0.90 and -0.86), and two parameters derived from the IQRST map (r = -0.84 and -0.85). Some parameters derived from body surface maps were found to have a very high correlation with the EF in patients who had a previous anterior myocardial infarction.

Electrocardiography↗

Recovery of protein structure from contact maps.

BACKGROUND: Prediction of a protein's structure from its amino acid sequence is a key issue in molecular biology. While dynamics, performed in the space of two-dimensional contact maps, eases the necessary conformational search, it may also lead to maps that do not correspond to any real three-dimensional structure. To remedy this, an efficient procedure is needed to reconstruct three-dimensional conformations from their contact maps. RESULTS: We present an efficient algorithm to recover the three-dimensional structure of a protein from its contact map representation. We show that when a physically realizable map is used as target, our method generates a structure whose contact map is essentially similar to the target. furthermore, the reconstructed and original structures are similar up to the resolution of the contact map representation. Next, we use nonphysical target maps, obtained by corrupting a physical one; in this case, our method essentially recovers the underlying physical map and structure. Hence, our algorithm will help to fold proteins, using dynamics in the space of contact maps. Finally, we investigate the manner in which the quality of the recovered structure degrades when the number of contacts is reduced. CONCLUSIONS: The procedure is capable of assigning quickly and reliably a three-dimensional structure to a given contact map. It is well suited for use in parallel with dynamics in contact map space to project a contact map onto its closest physically allowed structural counterpart.

Algorithms↗

Relation between thallium-201/iodine 123-BMIPP subtraction and fluorine 18 deoxyglucose polar maps in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Clinical studies have shown discrepancies in the distribution of thallium-201 and iodine 123-beta-methyl-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Myocardial uptake of fluorine 18 deoxyglucose (FDG) is increased in the hypertrophic area in HCM. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined whether the distribution of a Tl-201/BMIPP subtraction polar map correlates with that of an FDG polar map. We normalized to maximum count each Tl-201 and BMIPP bull's-eye polar map of 6 volunteers and obtained a standard Tl-201/BMIPP subtraction polar map by subtracting a normalized BMIPP bull's-eye polar map from a normalized Tl-201 bull's-eye polar map. The Tl-201/BMIPP subtraction polar map was then applied to 8 patients with HCM (mean age 65+/-12 years) to evaluate the discrepancy between Tl-201 and BMIPP distribution. We compared the Tl-201/BMIPP subtraction polar map with an FDG polar map. In patients with HCM, the Tl-201/BMIPP subtraction polar map showed a focal uptake pattern in the hypertrophic area similar to that of the FDG polar map. By quantitative analysis, the severity score of the Tl-201/BMIPP subtraction polar map was significantly correlated with the percent dose uptake of the FDG polar map. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that this new quantitative method may be an alternative to FDG positron emission tomography for the routine evaluation of HCM.

Adult↗

Mapping Drosophila mutations with molecularly defined P element insertions.

The isolation of chemically induced mutations in forward genetic screens is one of the hallmarks of Drosophila genetics. However, mapping the corresponding loci and identifying the molecular lesions associated with these mutations are often difficult and labor-intensive. Two mapping methods are most often used in flies: meiotic recombination mapping with marked chromosomes and deficiency mapping. The availability of the fly genome sequence allows the establishment and usage of molecular markers. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms have therefore recently been used to map several genes. Here we show that thousands of molecularly mapped P element insertions in fly strains that are publicly available provide a powerful alternative method to single-nucleotide polymorphism mapping. We present a strategy that allows mapping of lethal mutations, as well as viable mutations with visible phenotypes, with minimal resources. The most important unknown in using recombination rates to map at high resolution is how accurately recombination data correlate with molecular maps in small intervals. We therefore surveyed distortions of recombination rates in intervals <500 kb. We document the extent of distortions between the recombination and molecular maps and describe the required steps to map with an accuracy of <50 kb. Finally, we describe a recently developed method to determine molecular lesions in 50-kb intervals by using a heteroduplex DNA mutation detection system. Our data show that this mapping approach is inexpensive, efficient, and precise, and that it significantly broadens the application of P elements in Drosophila.

Animals↗