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M Ellison

Publications and source records attributed to M Ellison.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of overlapping parametric resonances on the particle diffusion process.

The evolution of the beam distribution in a double-rf system with a phase modulation on either the primary or secondary rf cavity was measured. We find that the particle diffusion process obeys the Einstein relation if the phase space becomes globally chaotic. When dominant parametric resonances still exist in the phase space, particles stream along the separatrices of the dominant resonance, and the beam width exhibits characteristic oscillatory structure. The particle-tracking simulations for the double-rf system are employed to reveal the essential diffusion mechanism. Coherent octupolar motion has been observed in the bunch beam excitation. The evolution of the longitudinal phase space in the octupole mode is displayed.

Journal Article↗

Differential targeting of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by novel alphaA-conotoxins.

We describe the isolation and characterization of two peptide toxins from Conus ermineus venom targeted to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The peptide structures have been confirmed by mass spectrometry and chemical synthesis. In contrast to the 12-18 residue, 4 Cys-containing alpha-conotoxins, the new toxins have 30 residues and 6 Cys residues. The toxins, named alphaA-conotoxins EIVA and EIVB, block both Torpedo and mouse alpha1-containing muscle subtype nAChRs expressed in Xenopus oocytes at low nanomolar concentrations. In contrast to alpha-bungarotoxin, alphaA-EIVA is inactive at alpha7-containing nAChRs even at micromolar concentrations. In this regard, alphaA-EIVA is similar to the previously described alpha-conotoxins (e.g. alpha-MI and alpha-GI) which also selectively target alpha1- versus alpha7-containing nAChRs. However, alpha-MI and alpha-GI discriminate between the alpha/delta versus alpha/gamma subunit interfaces of the mouse muscle nAChR with 10,000-fold selectivity. In contrast, alphaA-conotoxin EIVA blocks both the alpha/gamma site and alpha/delta site with equally high affinity but with distinct kinetics. The alphaA-conotoxins thus represent novel probes for the alpha/gamma as well as the alpha/delta binding sites of the nAChR.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Who gets a heart? Rationing and rationalizing in heart transplantation.

National policy on organ transplantation is made by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), a representative body composed of health care professionals and patients. Standardized criteria for determining when a patient should be placed on the waiting list for heart transplantation are now in effect nationwide. Current and future directions to maximize the utilization of available donated organs are explored.

Guidelines as Topic↗

Molecular activation-deactivation of xanthine oxidase in human milk.

Enzymic activity and protein levels of xanthine oxidase were measured in serial samples of breast milk donated by each of 14 mothers, starting, in all but two cases, within 7 days following parturition. Enzyme activity varied widely, usually reaching peak values during the first 15 days and falling thereafter, by as much as 98%, to basal levels that were subsequently largely maintained. Corresponding changes in xanthine oxidase protein levels were not observed and, consequently, the specific activity of xanthine oxidase followed the above pattern. The capacity of human xanthine oxidase to undergo activation-deactivation cycles at the molecular level has important implications, not only for its role in breast milk, but also for its potential as a source of reactive oxygen species in other human tissues.

Enzyme Activation↗