Ochanomizu University

Meta-analytic procedures were used to test the effects of violent video games on aggressive behavior, aggressive cognition, aggressive affect, physiological arousal, empathy/desensitization, and prosocial behavior. Unique features of this meta-analytic review include (a) more restrictive methodological quality inclusion criteria than in past meta-analyses; (b) cross-cultural comparisons; (c) longitudinal studies for all outcomes except physiological arousal; (d) conservative statistical controls; (e) multiple moderator analyses; and (f) sensitivity analyses. Social-cognitive models and cultural differences between Japan and Western countries were used to generate theory-based predictions. Meta-analyses yielded significant effects for all 6 outcome variables. The pattern of results for different outcomes and research designs (experimental, cross-sectional, longitudinal) fit theoretical predictions well. The evidence strongly suggests that exposure to violent video games is a causal risk factor for increased aggressive behavior, aggressive cognition, and aggressive affect and for decreased empathy and prosocial behavior. Moderator analyses revealed significant research design effects, weak evidence of cultural differences in susceptibility and type of measurement effects, and no evidence of sex differences in susceptibility. Results of various sensitivity analyses revealed these effects to be robust, with little evidence of selection (publication) bias.

Lipids are produced, transported, and recognized by the concerted actions of numerous enzymes, binding proteins, and receptors. A comprehensive analysis of lipid molecules, “lipidomics,” in the context of genomics and proteomics is crucial to understanding cellular physiology and pathology; consequently, lipid biology has become a major research target of the postgenomic revolution and systems biology. To facilitate international communication about lipids, a comprehensive classification of lipids with a common platform that is compatible with informatics requirements has been developed to deal with the massive amounts of data that will be generated by our lipid community. As an initial step in this development, we divide lipids into eight categories (fatty acyls, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterol lipids, prenol lipids, saccharolipids, and polyketides) containing distinct classes and subclasses of molecules, devise a common manner of representing the chemical structures of individual lipids and their derivatives, and provide a 12 digit identifier for each unique lipid molecule. The lipid classification scheme is chemically based and driven by the distinct hydrophobic and hydrophilic elements that compose the lipid.This structured vocabulary will facilitate the systematization of lipid biology and enable the cataloging of lipids and their properties in a way that is compatible with other macromolecular databases. Lipids are produced, transported, and recognized by the concerted actions of numerous enzymes, binding proteins, and receptors. A comprehensive analysis of lipid molecules, “lipidomics,” in the context of genomics and proteomics is crucial to understanding cellular physiology and pathology; consequently, lipid biology has become a major research target of the postgenomic revolution and systems biology. To facilitate international communication about lipids, a comprehensive classification of lipids with a common platform that is compatible with informatics requirements has been developed to deal with the massive amounts of data that will be generated by our lipid community. As an initial step in this development, we divide lipids into eight categories (fatty acyls, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterol lipids, prenol lipids, saccharolipids, and polyketides) containing distinct classes and subclasses of molecules, devise a common manner of representing the chemical structures of individual lipids and their derivatives, and provide a 12 digit identifier for each unique lipid molecule. The lipid classification scheme is chemically based and driven by the distinct hydrophobic and hydrophilic elements that compose the lipid. This structured vocabulary will facilitate the systematization of lipid biology and enable the cataloging of lipids and their properties in a way that is compatible with other macromolecular databases. The goal of collecting data on lipids using a “systems biology” approach to lipidomics requires the development of a comprehensive classification, nomenclature, and chemical representation system to accommodate the myriad lipids that exist in nature. Lipids have been loosely defined as biological substances that are generally hydrophobic in nature and in many cases soluble in organic solvents (1Smith A. Oxford Dictionary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 2nd edition. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK2000Google Scholar). These chemical properties cover a broad range of molecules, such as fatty acids, phospholipids, sterols, sphingolipids, terpenes, and others (2Christie W.W. Lipid Analysis. 3rd edition. Oily Press, Bridgewater, UK2003Google Scholar). The LIPID MAPS (LIPID Metabolites And Pathways Strategy; http://www.lipidmaps.org), Lipid Library (http://lipidlibrary.co.uk), Lipid Bank (http://lipidbank.jp), LIPIDAT (http://www.lipidat.chemistry.ohio-state.edu), and Cyberlipids (http://www.cyberlipid.org) websites provide useful online resources for an overview of these molecules and their structures. More accurate definitions are possible when lipids are considered from a structural and biosynthetic perspective, and many different classification schemes have been used over the years. However, for the purpose of comprehensive classification, we define lipids as hydrophobic or amphipathic small molecules that may originate entirely or in part by carbanion-based condensations of thioesters (fatty acids, polyketides, etc.) and/or by carbocation-based condensations of isoprene units (prenols, sterols, etc.). Additionally, lipids have been broadly subdivided into “simple” and “complex” groups, with simple lipids being those yielding at most two types of products on hydrolysis (e.g., fatty acids, sterols, and acylglycerols) and complex lipids (e.g., glycerophospholipids and glycosphingolipids) yielding three or more products on hydrolysis. The classification scheme presented here organizes lipids into well-defined categories that cover eukaryotic and prokaryotic sources and that is equally applicable to archaea and synthetic (manmade) lipids. Lipids may be categorized based on their chemically functional backbone as polyketides, acylglycerols, sphingolipids, prenols, or saccharolipids. However, for historical and bioinformatics advantages, we chose to separate fatty acyls from other polyketides, the glycerophospholipids from the other glycerolipids, and sterol lipids from other prenols, resulting in a total of eight primary categories. An important aspect of this scheme is that it allows for subdivision of the main categories into classes and subclasses to handle the existing and emerging arrays of lipid structures. Although any classification scheme is in part subjective as a result of the structural and biosynthetic complexity of lipids, it is an essential prerequisite for the organization of lipid research and the development of systematic methods of data management. The classification scheme presented here is chemically based and driven by the distinct hydrophobic and hydrophilic elements that constitute the lipid. Biosynthetically related compounds that are not technically lipids because of their water solubility are included for completeness in this classification scheme. The proposed lipid categories listed in Table 1 have names that are, for the most part, well accepted in the literature. The fatty acyls (FA) are a diverse group of molecules synthesized by chain elongation of an acetyl-CoA primer with malonyl-CoA (or methylmalonyl-CoA) groups that may contain a cyclic functionality and/or are substituted with heteroatoms. Structures with a glycerol group are represented by two distinct categories: the glycerolipids (GL), which include acylglycerols but also encompass alkyl and 1Z-alkenyl variants, and the glycerophospholipids (GP), which are defined by the presence of a phosphate (or phosphonate) group esterified to one of the glycerol hydroxyl groups. The sterol lipids (ST) and prenol lipids (PR) share a common biosynthetic pathway via the polymerization of dimethylallyl pyrophosphate/isopentenyl pyrophosphate but have obvious differences in terms of their eventual structure and function. Another well-defined category is the sphingolipids (SP), which contain a long-chain base as their core structure. This classification does not have a glycolipids category per se but rather places glycosylated lipids in appropriate categories based on the identity of their core lipids. It also was necessary to define a category with the term “saccharolipids” (SL) to account for lipids in which fatty acyl groups are linked directly to a sugar backbone. This SL group is distinct from the term “glycolipid” that was defined by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemists (IUPAC) as a lipid in which the fatty acyl portion of the molecule is present in a glycosidic linkage. The final category is the polyketides (PK), which are a diverse group of metabolites from plant and microbial sources. Protein modification by lipids (e.g., fatty acyl, prenyl, cholesterol) occurs in nature; however, these proteins are not included in this database but are listed in protein databases such as GenBank (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and SwissProt (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/swissprot/).TABLE 1Lipid categories and examplesCategoryAbbreviationExampleFatty acyls FAdodecanoic acidGlycerolipids GL1-hexadecanoyl-2-(9Z-octadecenoyl)-sn-glycerolGlycerophospholipids GP1-hexadecanoyl-2-(9Z-octadecenoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholineSphingolipids SPN-(tetradecanoyl)-sphing-4-enineSterol lipids STcholest-5-en-3β-olPrenol lipids PR2E,6E-farnesolSaccharolipids SLUDP-3-O-(3R-hydroxy-tetradecanoyl)-αd-N-acetylglucosaminePolyketides PKaflatoxin B1 Open table in a new tab A naming scheme must unambiguously define a lipid structure in a manner that is amenable to chemists, biologists, and biomedical researchers. The issue of lipid nomenclature was last addressed in detail by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemists and the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUPAC-IUBMB) Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature in 1976, which subsequently published its recommendations (3IUPAC-IUB Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature (CBN). The nomenclature of lipids (recommendations 1976). 1977. Eur. 1977. 1977. 1977. Lipid Scholar). a of to the naming of glycolipids Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature Nomenclature of glycolipids (recommendations Eur. Pure Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature Nomenclature of (recommendations Eur. and Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature Nomenclature of (recommendations Eur. have been by this and on the A of lipid classes have been the last three that have not been The present classification these new lipids and a with our proposed classification we provide of systematic (or names for the classes and subclasses of lipids. 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Abstract A topological index Z is proposed for a connected graph G representing the carbon skeleton of a saturated hydrocarbon. The integer Z is the sum of a set of the numbers p(G,k), which is the number of ways in which such k bonds are so chosen from G that no two of them are connected. For chain molecules Z is closely related to the characteristic polynomial derived from the topological matrix. It is found that Z is correlated well with the topological nature of the carbon skeleton, i.e., the mode of branching and ring closure. Some interesting relations are found, such as a graphical representation of the Fibonacci numbers and a composition principle for counting Z. Correlation of Z with boiling points of saturated hydrocarbons is pointed out.

Abstract Potentiometric selectivity coefficients have been collected for ionophore-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) for inorganic cations reported from 1988-1997. In addition to numerical values of K (A,B) pot together with the methods and conditions for their determination, response slopes, linear concentration ranges, chemical compositions, and ionophores structures for the ISE membranes are tabulated.

Stilbenes, in particular trans-resveratrol and its glucoside, are widely reported to be beneficial to health, having been shown to possess antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, and antitumor properties. Major dietary sources include grapes, wine, peanuts, and soy; however, they can also be introduced into the diet through Itadori tea, which has long been used in Japan and China as a traditional herbal remedy for heart disease and strokes. Analysis of grapes, peanuts, and Itadori tea shows that they contain mainly trans-resveratrol glucoside. In contrast, red wines are primarily a source of the aglycones cis- and trans-resveratrol. While peanuts and grapes contain low levels of the stilbenes, Itadori tea and red wine both supply relatively high concentrations of resveratrol. For people who do not consume alcohol, Itadori tea may be a suitable substitute for red wine. However, further study on the potential biological effects of other endogenous compounds in Itadori tea is required and there is also a need for more information on the absorption and in vivo biomedical actions of free and conjugated resveratrol.

The objectives of the DECi-hertz Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (DECIGO) are to open a new window of observation for gravitational wave astronomy and to obtain insight into significant areas of science, such as verifying and characterizing inflation, determining the thermal history of the universe, characterizing dark energy, describing the formation mechanism of supermassive black holes in the center of galaxies, testing alternative theories of gravity, seeking black hole dark matter, understanding the physics of neutron stars and searching for planets around double neutron stars. DECIGO consists of four clusters of spacecraft in heliocentric orbits; each cluster employs three drag-free spacecraft, 1000 km apart from each other, whose relative displacements are measured by three pairs of differential Fabry–Perot Michelson interferometers. Two milestone missions, DECIGO pathfinder and Pre-DECIGO, will be launched to demonstrate required technologies and possibly to detect gravitational waves.

The glymphatic system is a brain-wide clearance pathway; its impairment contributes to the accumulation of amyloid-β. Influx of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) depends upon the expression and perivascular localization of the astroglial water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Prompted by a recent failure to find an effect of Aqp4 knock-out (KO) on CSF and interstitial fluid (ISF) tracer transport, five groups re-examined the importance of AQP4 in glymphatic transport. We concur that CSF influx is higher in wild-type mice than in four different Aqp4 KO lines and in one line that lacks perivascular AQP4 (Snta1 KO). Meta-analysis of all studies demonstrated a significant decrease in tracer transport in KO mice and rats compared to controls. Meta-regression indicated that anesthesia, age, and tracer delivery explain the opposing results. We also report that intrastriatal injections suppress glymphatic function. This validates the role of AQP4 and shows that glymphatic studies must avoid the use of invasive procedures.

Although dozens of studies have documented a relationship between violent video games and aggressive behaviors, very little attention has been paid to potential effects of prosocial games. Theoretically, games in which game characters help and support each other in nonviolent ways should increase both short-term and long-term prosocial behaviors. We report three studies conducted in three countries with three age groups to test this hypothesis. In the correlational study, Singaporean middle-school students who played more prosocial games behaved more prosocially. In the two longitudinal samples of Japanese children and adolescents, prosocial game play predicted later increases in prosocial behavior. In the experimental study, U.S. undergraduates randomly assigned to play prosocial games behaved more prosocially toward another student. These similar results across different methodologies, ages, and cultures provide robust evidence of a prosocial game content effect, and they provide support for the General Learning Model.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has created a global context likely to increase eating disorder (ED) risk and symptoms, decrease factors that protect against EDs, and exacerbate barriers to care. Three pathways exist by which this pandemic may exacerbate ED risk. One, the disruptions to daily routines and constraints to outdoor activities may increase weight and shape concerns, and negatively impact eating, exercise, and sleeping patterns, which may in turn increase ED risk and symptoms. Relatedly, the pandemic and accompanying social restrictions may deprive individuals of social support and adaptive coping strategies, thereby potentially elevating ED risk and symptoms by removing protective factors. Two, increased exposure to ED-specific or anxiety-provoking media, as well as increased reliance on video conferencing, may increase ED risk and symptoms. Three, fears of contagion may increase ED symptoms specifically related to health concerns, or by the pursuit of restrictive diets focused on increasing immunity. In addition, elevated rates of stress and negative affect due to the pandemic and social isolation may also contribute to increasing risk. Evaluating and assessing these factors are key to better understanding the impact of the pandemic on ED risk and recovery and to inform resource dissemination and targets.

alpha-Tocopherol transfer protein (alphaTTP), a product of the gene which causes familial isolated vitamin E deficiency, plays an important role in determining the plasma vitamin E level. We examined the structural characteristics of vitamin E analogs required for recognition by alphaTTP. Ligand specificity was assessed by evaluating the competition of non-labeled vitamin E analogs and alpha-[3H]tocopherol for transfer between membranes in vitro. Relative affinities (RRR-alpha-tocopherol = 100%) calculated from the degree of competition were as follows: beta-tocopherol, 38%; gamma-tocopherol, 9%; delta-tocopherol, 2%; alpha-tocopherol acetate, 2%; alpha-tocopherol quinone, 2%; SRR-alpha-tocopherol, 11%; alpha-tocotrienol, 12%; trolox, 9%. Interestingly, there was a linear relationship between the relative affinity and the known biological activity obtained from the rat resorption-gestation assay. From these observations, we conclude that the affinity of vitamin E analogs for alphaTTP is one of the critical determinants of their biological activity.

BACKGROUND: Aerobic exercise is believed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease partially through increasing serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). However, this effect varies considerably among exercise intervention studies. METHODS: Electronic database searches of MEDLINE (1966-2005) for randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of exercise training on HDL-C level. RESULTS: Twenty-five articles were included. Mean net change in HDL-C level was statistically significant but modest (2.53 mg/dL [0.065 mmol/L]; P<.001). Minimal weekly exercise volume for increasing HDL-C level was estimated to be 900 kcal of energy expenditure per week or 120 minutes of exercise per week. Univariate regression analysis indicated that every 10-minute prolongation of exercise per session was associated with an approximately 1.4-mg/dL (0.036-mmol/L) increase in HDL-C level. In contrast, there was no significant association between exercise frequency or intensity. Multiple meta-regression analyses demonstrated that subjects with a body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) less than 28 and total cholesterol level of 220 mg/dL [5.7 mmol/L] or more experienced an approximately 2.1-mg/dL (0.054-mmol/L) larger increase in HDL-C level than those with a body mass index of 28 or more and total cholesterol level less than 220 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: Regular aerobic exercise modestly increases HDL-C level. There appears to exist a minimum exercise volume for a significant increase in HDL-C level. Exercise duration per session was the most important element of an exercise prescription. Exercise was more effective in subjects with initially high total cholesterol levels or low body mass index.

DECi-hertz Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory (DECIGO) is the future Japanese space gravitational wave antenna. It aims at detecting various kinds of gravitational waves between 1 mHz and 100 Hz frequently enough to open a new window of observation for gravitational wave astronomy. The pre-conceptual design of DECIGO consists of three drag-free satellites, 1000 km apart from each other, whose relative displacements are measured by a Fabry–Perot Michelson interferometer. We plan to launch DECIGO in 2024 after a long and intense development phase, including two pathfinder missions for verification of required technologies.

This review provides details on the phytochemicals in green coffee beans and the changes that occur during roasting. Key compounds in the coffee beverage, produced from the ground, roasted beans, are volatile constituents responsible for the unique aroma, the alkaloids caffeine and trigonelline, chlorogenic acids, the diterpenes cafestol and kahweol, and melanoidins, which are Maillard reaction products. The fate of these compounds in the body following consumption of coffee is discussed along with evidence of the mechanisms by which they may impact on health. Finally, epidemiological findings linking coffee consumption to potential health benefits including prevention of several chronic and degenerative diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease, are evaluated.

The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors Ascl1/Mash1, Hes1, and Olig2 regulate fate choice of neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, respectively. These same factors are coexpressed by neural progenitor cells. Here, we found by time-lapse imaging that these factors are expressed in an oscillatory manner by mouse neural progenitor cells. In each differentiation lineage, one of the factors becomes dominant. We used optogenetics to control expression of Ascl1 and found that, although sustained Ascl1 expression promotes neuronal fate determination, oscillatory Ascl1 expression maintains proliferating neural progenitor cells. Thus, the multipotent state correlates with oscillatory expression of several fate-determination factors, whereas the differentiated state correlates with sustained expression of a single factor.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), together with sphingosine 1-phosphate, is a bioactive lipid mediator that acts on G-protein-coupled receptors to evoke multiple cellular responses, including Ca 2 mobilization, modulation of adenylyl cyclase, and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation. In this study, we isolated a human cDNA encoding a novel G-protein-coupled receptor, designated EDG7, and characterized it as a cellular receptor for LPA. The amino acid sequence of the EDG7 protein is 53.7 and 48.8% identical to those of the human functional LPA receptors EDG2 and EDG4, respectively, previously identified. LPA (oleoyl) but not other lysophospholipids induced an increase in the [Ca 2 ] i of EDG7-overexpressing Sf9 cells. Other LPA receptors, EDG4 but not EDG2, transduced the Ca 2 response by LPA when expressed in Sf9 cells. LPAs with an unsaturated fatty acid but not with a saturated fatty acid induced an increase in the [Ca 2 ] i of EDG7-expressing Sf9 cells, whereas LPAs with both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids elicited a Ca 2 response in Sf9 cells expressing EDG4. In EDG7-or EDG4-expressing Sf9 cells, LPA stimulated forskolin-induced increase in intracellular cAMP levels, which was not observed in EDG2-expressing cells. In PC12 cells, EDG4 but not EDG2 or EDG7 mediated the activation of MAP kinase by LPA. Neither the EDG7-nor EDG4-transduced Ca 2 response or cAMP accumulation was inhibited by pertussis toxin. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that EDG7, a new member of the EDG family of G-protein-coupled receptors, is a specific LPA receptor that shows distinct properties from known cloned LPA receptors in ligand specificities, Ca 2 response, modulation of adenylyl cyclase, and MAP kinase activation.

The glycoprotein vitronectin (also called S-protein, serum spreading factor, or epibolin) promotes spreading of a variety of cultured cells, inhibits the cytotoxicity of membrane attack complex C5b-9, and modulates thrombin-antithrombin III activity. We developed a strikingly simple method to purify vitronectin from human plasma by heparin affinity chromatography. Serum was obtained from plasma by adding calcium and then centrifuging. The heparin-binding activity of vitronectin in human serum was activated with 8 M urea. The activated vitronectin specifically bound to heparin-Sepharose in 8 M urea and was eluted with 0.5 M NaCl containing 8 M urea. This procedure resulted in an approximately 250-fold purification of vitronectin with a 15-30% recovery; 3-6 mg of pure vitronectin were obtained from 100 ml human plasma within 2 days. The purified vitronectin preparations promoted spreading of BHK fibroblastic cells on substrates with a half-maximal activity at only 0.1 microgram/ml. This new method is very simple, rapid, inexpensive, and flexible. It could probably be readily scaled up for commercial applications.

Combined measurements of Higgs boson production and decay using up to 80

The TCP domain is a plant-specific DNA binding domain found in proteins from a diverse array of species, including the cycloidea (cyc) and teosinte branched1 (tb1) gene products and the PCF1 and PCF2 proteins. To understand the role in transcriptional regulation of proteins with this domain, we have analysed the DNA binding and dimerization specificity of the TCP protein family using rice PCF proteins, and further evaluated potential targets for the TCP protein. The seven PCF members including five newly isolated proteins, were able to be grouped into two classes, I and II, based on sequence similarity in the TCP domain. Random binding site selection experiments and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) revealed the consensus DNA binding sequences of these two classes to be distinct but overlapping; GGNCCCAC for class I and GTGGNCCC for class II. The TB1 protein from maize, which belongs to class II, had the same specificity as the rice class II proteins, suggesting the conservation of binding specificity between TCP domains from different species. The yeast 2-hybrid assay and EMSA revealed that these proteins tend to form a homodimer or a heterodimer between members of the same class. We searched predicted 5' flanking sequences of Arabidopsis genes for the consensus binding sequences and found that the consensus sites are distributed in the genome at a considerably lower frequency. We further analysed eight promoters containing the class I consensus TCP sites. The transcriptional activities of six promoters were decreased by a mutation of the TCP binding site, which is consistent with the observation that the class I TCP site can confer transactivation function on a heterologous promoter. These results suggest that the two classes of TCP protein are distinct in DNA binding specificity and transcriptional regulation.

When a concentrated mixture of two immiscible fluid is sheared, a rather complex interface is formed due to the coagulation, rupture, and deformation of droplets. The dynamics and rheological properties of such system is discussed. A semiphenomenological kinetic equation is proposed which describes the time evolution of droplet size and orientation, and also the macroscopic stress in a flow field. The rheological properties are shown to be quite unusual: for example, the steady-state viscosity is independent of the shear rate, while the normal stress difference is nonzero and proportional to the magnitude of the shear rate.

To fuse with oocytes, spermatozoa of eutherian mammals must pass through extracellular coats, the cumulus cell layer, and the zona pellucida (ZP). It is generally believed that the acrosome reaction (AR) of spermatozoa, essential for zona penetration and fusion with oocytes, is triggered by sperm contact with the zona pellucida. Therefore, in most previous studies of sperm-oocyte interactions in the mouse, the cumulus has been removed before insemination to facilitate the examination of sperm-zona interactions. We used transgenic mouse spermatozoa, which enabled us to detect the onset of the acrosome reaction using fluorescence microscopy. We found that the spermatozoa that began the acrosome reaction before reaching the zona were able to penetrate the zona and fused with the oocyte's plasma membrane. In fact, most fertilizing spermatozoa underwent the acrosome reaction before reaching the zona pellucida of cumulus-enclosed oocytes, at least under the experimental conditions we used. The incidence of in vitro fertilization of cumulus-free oocytes was increased by coincubating oocytes with cumulus cells, suggesting an important role for cumulus cells and their matrix in natural fertilization.