Protein-DNA and protein-hormone interactions in prealbumin: a model of the thyroid hormone nuclear receptor?

High resolution X-ray analysis of the hormone-binding protein prealbumin has shown that it has a structural complementarity to double-helical DNA. The proposed binding site is composed of two symmetry-related beta-sheets containing a pair of helically disposed arms, which can interact with the bases in the wide groove of DNA. A palindromic target sequence is indicated by the symmetry of the protein. The two identical thyroid hormone binding sites on prealbumin are located in a channel that runs completely through the molecule. These two structural features suggest prealbumin as a model for the thyroid hormone nuclear receptor, providing a number of detailed predictions of its properties.     

RNA-guided genetic silencing systems in bacteria and archaea

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) are essential components of nucleic-acid-based adaptive immune systems that are widespread in bacteria and archaea. Similar to RNA interference (RNAi) pathways in eukaryotes, CRISPR-mediated immune systems rely on small RNAs for sequence-specific detection and silencing of foreign nucleic acids, including viruses and plasmids. However, the mechanism of RNA-based bacterial immunity is distinct from RNAi. Understanding how small RNAs are used to find and destroy foreign nucleic acids will provide new insights into the diverse mechanisms of RNA-controlled genetic silencing systems.     

Avifauna of the Mt. Dellenbaugh region, Shivwits Plateau, Arizona

An investigation of the avifauna of Mt. Dellenbaugh, Arizona, and nearby areas on the Shivwits Plateau was conducted during fall 1974 and during spring and summer 1975. A total of 92 species of birds was recorded, of which 56 were considered resident. Species composition is discussed in relation to habitat.     

Intercanine crown distances in red foxes and badgers

Recent distribution maps show raccoon as occupying only the extreme eastern - northeastern portion of Wyoming. However, there is substantial evidence that raccoon are common throughout Wyoming and currently inhabit all the major and many of the minor drainages throughout Wyoming.     

Discovery of a previously unrecognized microdeletion syndrome of 16p11.2-p12.2

We have identified a recurrent de novo pericentromeric deletion in 16p11.2-p12.2 in four individuals with developmental disabilities by microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization analysis. The identification of common clinical features in these four individuals along with the characterization of complex segmental duplications flanking the deletion regions suggests that nonallelic homologous recombination mediated these rearrangements and that deletions in 16p11.2-p12.2 constitute a previously undescribed syndrome.     

A copy number variation morbidity map of developmental delay

To understand the genetic heterogeneity underlying developmental delay, we compared copy number variants (CNVs) in 15,767 children with intellectual disability and various congenital defects (cases) to CNVs in 8,329 unaffected adult controls. We estimate that ～14.2% of disease in these children is caused by CNVs >400 kb. We observed a greater enrichment of CNVs in individuals with craniofacial anomalies and cardiovascular defects compared to those with epilepsy or autism. We identified 59 pathogenic CNVs, including 14 new or previously weakly supported candidates, refined the critical interval for several genomic disorders, such as the 17q21.31 microdeletion syndrome, and identified 940 candidate dosage-sensitive genes. We also developed methods to opportunistically discover small, disruptive CNVs within the large and growing diagnostic array datasets. This evolving CNV morbidity map, combined with exome and genome sequencing, will be critical for deciphering the genetic basis of developmental delay, intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders.     

Growth inhibitory, insecticidal and antifeedant effects of some antileukemic and cytotoxic quassinoids on two species of agricultural pests

Several quassinoids, obtained by isolation and derivatization from Simaba multiflora and Soulamea soulameoides, were evaluated for growth inhibitory and insecticidal effects against the tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens) and for antifeedant effects against H. virescens and the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). The relative activity of the quassinoids as insect growth inhibitors generally paralleled their known relative potency as antileukemic and cytotoxic agents.