State University of New York System

About: State University of New York System is a education organization based out in Albany, New York, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 54077 authors who have published 78070 publications receiving 2985160 citations.

Endogenous circulating DNA in systemic lupus erythematosus. Occurrence as multimeric complexes bound to histone.

Abstract: Little is known about endogenous systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) plasma DNA even though it is the presumed precursor of DNA-containing immune complexes, thought to play a central role in lupus glomerulonephritis. DNA purified from SLE plasma formed discrete bands, corresponding to sizes of about 150-200, 400, 600, and 800 bp, closely resembling the characteristic 200 bp "ladder" found with oligonucleosomal (ON) DNA. By radiolabeling DNA while in whole plasma, the very small amounts present could be further characterized. All of 24 such specimens formed two or more discrete bands on 6% PAGE. Detergent treatment of plasma resulted in a DNA migration pattern similar to that of purified DNA, suggesting disruption of DNA-protein complexes. DNA purified from authentic ON and detergent-treated ON behaved similarly. A significant portion of DNA, labeled in SLE plasma could be specifically immunoprecipitated with monoclonal antihistone antibody as was the case with ON. These immunoprecipitates, when redissolved, exhibited the expected size distribution upon PAGE. It is concluded that DNA in SLE plasma occurs as a series of multimeric complexes, at least a portion of which is noncovalently bound to histone. These results are consistent with an ON-like structure for SLE plasma DNA as had been suggested by theoretical considerations and may have important implications for its immunologic behavior in SLE and perhaps other disorders.

Intertaxonomic variability in patterns of bone density and the differential representation of bovid, cervid, and equid elements in the archaeological record

Abstract: Intertaxonomic differences in skeletal element representation in archaeological faunas may reflect preferences in the procurement, processing, transport, and/or consumption of these species by prehistoric foragers. However, the possibility that they also may result from preservational bias must be addressed before behavioral attributes of human hunters may be inferred. For example, at many archaeological sites, the remains of equids exhibit a different pattern of skeletal element representation than these of bovids and cervids. To evaluate the significance of such differences, this study examines intertaxonomic variability in patterns of bone density, the attribute most commonly cmployed as a proxy measure of resistance to destructive processes. Density data derived for a bovid (Connachaetes taurinus), a cervid (Rangifer tarandus), and two species of equid (Equus burchelli and E. przewalskii) exhibited very similar patterns, suggesting that values for one species may be used to interpret the survival patterns for other species of generally similar morphology. The differences in skeletal element representation between bovid, cervid, and equid species observed in archaeological faunas do not correspond with bone density and thus likely indicate selective treatment by human or other biotic agents.

Consolidation of Extinction Learning Involves Transfer from NMDA-Independent to NMDA-Dependent Memory

Abstract: Extinction of conditioned fear to a tone paired with foot shock is thought to involve the formation of new memory. In support of this, previous studies have shown that extinction of conditioned fear depends on NMDA receptor-mediated plasticity. To further investigate the role of NMDA receptors in extinction, we examined the effects of the NMDA antagonistd(−)-3-(2-carboxypiperazine-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) on the extinction of conditioned freezing and suppression of bar pressing (conditioned emotional response). Rats extinguished normally during a 90 min session in the presence of systemic CPP (10 mg/kg), but were unable to recall extinction learning 24 hr later. This suggests that an NMDA-independent form of plasticity supports short-term extinction memory, but NMDA receptors are required for consolidation processes leading to long-term extinction memory. Surprisingly, extinction learned in the presence of CPP was recalled normally when tested 48 hr after training, suggesting a delayed consolidation process that was able to improve memory in the absence of further training. Delayed consolidation involves NMDA receptors because CPP injected on the rest day between training and test prevented 48 hr recall of extinction learned under CPP. Control experiments showed that the effect of CPP on memory consolidation was not caused by state-dependent learning or reduced expression of freezing under CPP. These findings demonstrate that NMDA receptor activation is critical for consolidation of extinction learning and that this process can be initiated after training has taken place. We suggest that consolidation of extinction involves off-line relearning that reinforces extinction memory through NMDA-mediated plasticity, perhaps in prefrontal–amygdala circuits.