Adult stem cells from skeletal muscle (SM) have been shown to differentiate into multiple lineages. The impact of stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1) expression on cardiomyogenic differentiation potential of SM-derived primitive cells remains unknown. Cardiomyogenic differentiation was induced in freshly isolated or culture-expanded Sca-1+/CD45-/c-kit-/Thy-1+ (SM+) and Sca1-/CD45-/c-kit-/Thy-1+ (SM-) c...

A study was conducted to appraise the effect of different stocking densities on three male morphotypes named blue claw (BC), orange claw (OC) and small male (SM) at harvest  in all-male culture and to assess the growth performance of  BC, OC and SM in each isolated culture. Trials involving three stocking densities of all-male prawn viz., 20, 30 and 40 juvenile m-2 were carried out in replicate...

The whole molecule of human somatomedin C (SM-C) prepared by the total synthesis method was used as an antigen to produce an antiserum for a radioimmunoassay. Since plasma proteins that bind SM-C interfere with the assay, a method was developed that uses acid dissociation followed by C-2 cartridge extraction to strip SM-C from its binding proteins before assay. This assay has no cross-reactivit...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Our recently proposed point scoring model includes the widely-used Spetzler-Martin (SM)-5 variables, along with age, unruptured presentation, and diffuse border (SM-Supp). Here we evaluate the SM-Supp model performance compared with SM-5, SM-3, and Toronto prediction models using net reclassification index, which quantifies the correct movement in risk reclassification, a...

The Sm family of proteins is closely associated with RNA metabolism throughout all life. These proteins form homomorphic and heteromorphic rings consisting of six or seven subunits with a characteristic central pore, the presence of which is critical for binding U-rich regions of single-stranded RNA. Eubacteria and Archaea typically carry one or two forms of Sm proteins and assemble one homomor...

Using a generalized Landau theory involving orientational, layering, tilt, and biaxial order parameters we analyze the smectic-A* and smectic-C* (Sm-A*-Sm-C*) transitions, showing that a combination of small orientational order and large layering order leads to Sm-A*-Sm-C* transitions that are either continuous and close to tricriticality or first order. The model predicts that in such systems ...

Our main aim in this study was to explore the association between selective mutism (SM) and aspects of nonverbal cognition such as visual memory span and visual memory. Auditory-verbal memory span was also examined. The etiology of SM is unclear, and it probably represents a heterogeneous condition. SM is associated with language impairment, but nonspecific neurodevelopmental factors, including...

To determine the regulation of B cells specific for the ribonucleoprotein Sm, a target of the immune system in human and mouse lupus, we have generated mice carrying an anti-Sm H chain transgene (2-12H). Anti-Sm B cells in nonautoimmune 2-12H-transgenic (Tg) mice are functional, but, in the absence of immunization, circulating anti-Sm Ab levels are not different from those of non-Tg mice. In th...

Protease stimulation in cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) due to sulfur mustard (SM) exposure is well documented. However, the specific protease(s) stimulated by SM and the protease substrates remain to be determined. In this study, we observed that SM stimulates several proteases and the epidermal-dermal attachment protein laminin-5 is one of the substrates. We propose that ...

Despite advances in control via snail eradication and large-scale chemotherapy using praziquental, schistosomiasis continues to spread to new geographic areas particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Presently, there is no vaccine for controlling this disease. We have concentrated on a functionally important schistosome antigen Sm-p80 as a possible vaccine candidate for schistosomiasis. Here we repo...