We examined the structural and functional basis for pacemaking by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in circular smooth muscle of the canine ileum. Gap junctions were found between ICC of myenteric plexus (MyP), occasionally between MyP ICC and outer circular smooth muscle cells, between individual outer circular smooth muscle cells, between them and ICC of the deep muscular plexus (DMP), and be...

Sea urchin oocytes grow to 10 times their original size during oogenesis by both synthesizing and importing a specific repertoire of proteins to drive fertilization and early embryogenesis. During the vitellogenic growth period, the major yolk protein (MYP), a transferrin-like protein, is synthesized in the gut, transported into the ovary, and actively endocytosed by the oocytes. Here, we begin...

characterized by intra-gonadal nutrient storage and its use for gametogenesis (Walker et al., 2001). Sea urchin gonads contain two main types of cells: germ cells and nutritive phagocytes, somatic cells common in both sexes that store nutrients necessary for gametogenesis (Walker, 1982). Before the initiation of gametogenesis, the gonads increase in size by accumulating nutrients such as protei...

The major yolk protein (MYP) in sea urchins has historically been classified as a vitellogenin based on its abundance in the yolk platelets. Curiously, it is found in both sexes of sea urchins where it is presumed to play a physiological role in gametogenesis, embryogenesis, or both. Here we present the primary structure of MYP as predicted from cDNAs of two sea urchins species, Strongylocentro...

The major yolk protein of sea urchins is an iron-binding, transferrin-like molecule that is made in the adult gut. Its final destination though is the developing oocytes that are embedded in somatic accessory cells and encompassed by two epithelial layers of the ovary. In this study, we address the dynamics of yolk transport, endocytosis, and packaging during the vitellogenic phase of oogenesis...

Policy makers in the US and several other countries are recommending that more schools offer an International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. However, little is known about challenges IB programmes present for teaching learning particularly those meeting national curriculum. In this study, we examined of IB’s Middle Years Programme (MYP), least understood researched programmes. Using a qualitativ...

Emphasis on milk yield (MY) as well as milk yield persistency (MYP) and calving interval (CI) is necessary to achieve more sustainable productionin dairy cattle. Therefore the main objective of this study was to find an optimum regression model to estimate economic values for MY, MYP and CI.Using a deterministic bio-economic model, seventyfiveproduction states differing mainly in MY, MYPand CIw...

The major yolk protein (MYP) is localized to the egg and coelomic fluid of the adult sea urchin. While the egg-localized MYP has been extensively studied, much less is known about the coelomic fluid-localized protein. Therefore, we have conducted a comparative biochemical analysis of these proteins. Sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation revealed unique elution profiles for the MYP specie...

BACKGROUND The rising burden of obesity in Tonga is alarming. The promotion of healthy behaviours and environments requires immediate urgent action and a multi-sectoral approach. A three-year community based study titled the Ma'alahi Youth Project (MYP) conducted in Tonga from 2005-2008 aimed to increase the capacity of the whole community (schools, churches, parents and adolescents) to promote...