Leucine-tRNA initiates at CUG start codons for protein synthesis and presentation by MHC class I

Effective immune surveillance by cytotoxic T cells requires newly synthesized polypeptides for presentation by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. These polypeptides are produced not only from conventional AUG-initiated, but also from cryptic non-AUG-initiated, reading frames by distinct translational mechanisms. Biochemical analysis of ribosomal initiation complexes at CUG versus AUG initiation codons revealed that cells use an elongator leucine-bound transfer RNA (Leu-tRNA) to initiate translation at cryptic CUG start codons. CUG/Leu-tRNA initiation was independent of the canonical initiator tRNA (AUG/Met-tRNA(i)(Met)) pathway but required expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 2A. Thus, a tRNA-based translation initiation mechanism allows non-AUG-initiated protein synthesis and supplies peptides for presentation by MHC class I molecules.     

Extractive Decontamination of Metal-Polluted Soils Using Oxalate

Oxalate (Ox) was investigated as an extractant for decontaminating two metal-polluted soils, one with elevated total zinc (ZnT = 2700 mg kg-1) from the Palmerton, Pennsylvania smelter site and the other from a grossly contaminated (PbT = 210 000 mg kg-1) automobile battery recycling facility in Indiana. Metal retention within the soils was substantially different as shown by sequential fractionation experiments. High Zn removal (>80%) was achieved with 1.0 M Ox when Zn existed predominantly in non-detrital metal fractions. However, Ox was an unsuitable Pb extractant due to the sparing solubility of PbOx(s). Despite the dramatically higher stability of ZnEDTA2- (log K = 16.5) compared to ZnOx° (log K = 3.4), Ox released more Zn than EDTA from the Palmerton soil because 40% of ZnT was associated with the oxide fraction. Extract analysis indicated that Ox, but nor EDTA, dissolved soil Fe oxides in the 24 hr extraction period. When contaminating metals are associated with soil oxides, Ox may be a superior extractant to powerful chelants like EDTA. It is essential to establish thoroughly metal solution chemistry and fixation behavior within the soil when extractive decontamination is proposed for site remediation.     

Constitutive display of cryptic translation products by MHC class I molecules

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules display tens of thousands of peptides on the cell surface, derived from virtually all endogenous proteins, for inspection by cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). We show that, in normal mouse cells, MHC I molecules present a peptide encoded in the 3' "untranslated" region. Despite its rarity, the peptide elicits CTL responses and induces self-tolerance, establishing that immune surveillance extends well beyond conventional polypeptides. Furthermore, translation of this cryptic peptide occurs by a previously unknown mechanism that decodes the CUG initiation codon as leucine rather than the canonical methionine.     

Formation and subdivision of deformation structures during plastic deformation

During plastic deformation of metals and alloys, dislocations arrange in ordered patterns. How and when these self-organization processes take place have remained elusive, because in situ observations have not been feasible. We present an x-ray diffraction method that provided data on the dynamics of individual, deeply embedded dislocation structures. During tensile deformation of pure copper, dislocation-free regions were identified. They showed an unexpected intermittent dynamics, for example, appearing and disappearing with proceeding deformation and even displaying transient splitting behavior. Insight into these processes is relevant for an understanding of the strength and work-hardening of deformed materials.     

Gas chromatographic determination of histapyrrodine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical preparations

A simple gas chromatographic method is described for the determination of histapyrrodine HCl in marketed formulations. Chlorpheniramine maleate is used as the internal standard. The amount of histapyrrodine HCl found by the proposed method averaged 19.91 mg/tablet, compared with the label claim of 20 mg/tablet. The method was statistically evaluated for accuracy and precision.     

Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (Koch, 1844) as a possible vector for transmission of Trypanosoma theileri,Laveran, 1902 in cattle

Amastigotes, sphaeromastigotes, epimastigotes and trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma theileri, Laveran, 1902 have been observed in the nymphs and adults of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (Koch, 1844). These ticks were obtained from engorged larvae and nymphs collected from a cross-bred bull with detectable parasitaemia. Infection with T. theileri was established inoculation of Trypanosomatid flagellates collected from ticks and by feeding of the infected ticks on the ears of these calves.