PHYTOCHROME-MEDIATED STIPE ELONGATION IN THE KELP NEREOCYSTIS (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1

Preliminary evidence is presented which indicates that far-red irradiation promotes and near-red inhibits rapid stipe elongation in Nereocystis luetkeana (Mertens) Postels & Ruprecht. Laboratory results showed afar-red reversal of red inhibition, but a red/far-red reversal was not evident in field experiments. The effects of changing ratios of red and far-red irradiation brought about by selective water absorption are discussed in relation to stipe elongation of Nereocystis.     

Energetics of protein folding

The energetics of protein folding determine the 3D structure of a folded protein. Knowledge of the energetics is needed to predict the 3D structure from the amino acid sequence or to modify the structure by protein engineering. Recent developments are discussed: major factors are reviewed and auxiliary factors are discussed briefly. Major factors include the hydrophobic factor (burial of non-polar surface area) and van der Waals interactions together with peptide hydrogen bonds and peptide solvation. The long-standing model for the hydrophobic factor (free energy change proportional to buried non-polar surface area) is contrasted with the packing-desolvation model and the approximate nature of the proportionality between free energy and apolar surface area is discussed. Recent energetic studies of forming peptide hydrogen bonds (gas phase) are reviewed together with studies of peptide solvation in solution. Closer agreement is achieved between the 1995 values for protein unfolding enthalpies in vacuum given by Lazaridis-Archontis-Karplus and Makhatadze-Privalov when the solvation enthalpy of the peptide group is taken from electrostatic calculations. Auxiliary factors in folding energetics include salt bridges and side-chain hydrogen bonds, disulfide bridges, and propensities to form alpha-helices and beta-structure. Backbone conformational entropy is a major energetic factor which is discussed only briefly for lack of knowledge.     

Role of modern radiation therapy in early stage Hodgkin's lymphoma: A young radiation oncologists’ perspective

The role of radiotherapy is well established in combined modality programs for early stage Hodgkin's lymphoma, but still debated with regards to late toxicity issues. Modern radiotherapy prescribing attitudes include lower doses and smaller fields, together with the implementation of sophisticated and dedicated delivery techniques. Aim of this review is to briefly discuss the current role of radiotherapy in this field and the potential future developments. Major trials conducted in recent years in early stage Hodgkin's lymphoma are critically reviewed and discussed with a focus on radiotherapy-related issues and with an attention to current treatment options by a “young” radiation oncologists’ perspective.     

Determination of precious metals using the neutron activation analysis technique

Samples of residual sands were analyzed for precious metals content. These samples were collected from one of the largest silver mines in the world with the purpose of determining the existence and quantities of precious metals. The collected samples were approximately 5 kg, taken from different sites within the deposit grounds. Each sample was passed through a sieve in order to select only the smallest particles and about 100 g per sample were obtained. Twenty samples were prepared that produced thin foils from which the samples were cut in the shape of disks. The neutron activation analysis method (NAA) was used in this work, using a nuclear reactor (Triga Mark III) as a neutron source and a high-purity germanium detector as spectrometer. The results from the analysis of this study are satisfactory; the main precious metals found were Au, Ru, Os, and Ir. A commercial study is necessary to determine if the exploitation of these sands is financially feasible.     

越南苦苣苔科植物国家级分布新记录——大苞漏斗苣苔

漏斗苣苔属(Raphiocarpus Chun)是分布于中国至中南半岛一带的小属,主要产于中国华南西南抵越南北部至中部,但之前中越两国共有分布的该属物种仅有3个种。大苞漏斗苣苔[Raphiocarpus begoniifolius(Lévl.)Burtt]一度被认为是中国的特有种,仅分布在中国的广西西北部、贵州西南部、云南东南部和湖北西北部,尚未见有在越南的相关研究报道。该文首次报道了越南植物区系中大苞漏斗苣苔的国家级分布新记录,使得中越两国共有分布的该属物种上升到了4个种,并着重讨论了大苞漏斗苣苔与其近缘种长筒漏斗苣苔[Raphiocarpus macrosiphon(Hance)Burtt]的区别特征,进一步完善了越南所分布的漏斗苣苔属植物检索表。根据中越两国的各自与联合野外考察工作对该种的濒危现状进行了讨论,为中越两国开展该种乃至该属植物的保育提供了直接证据。凭证标本保存于越南生物资源与生态研究所标本馆(HN)中。     

The relationship between iron status and lead absorption in rats

The absorption of lead from loops of small intestinein situ was investigated in rats in which iron absorption was increased by stimuli varying in type, intensity, or duration. Lead absorption was increased by a short period of severe iron restriction before any change in hematological indices became apparent. A period of hypoxia, which markedly increased iron absorption, did not influence absorption of lead. An extended period of moderate iron restriction resulted in a marked reduction in liver iron stores and increased iron absorption throughout the 17-wk experiment. Under these conditions lead absorption was initially also increased, but after 12 wk, when iron intake had become adequate to meet essential requirements, lead absorption was similar to that in iron-supplemented rats. These results are discussed in the light of evidence for a receptor-mediated absorption process for iron.     

Distribution and Evolutionary Impact of Wolbachia on Butterfly Hosts

Wolbachia are maternally inherited endosymbiotic alpha-proteobacteria found in terrestrial arthropods and filarial nematodes. They are transmitted vertically through host cytoplasm and alter host biology by inducing various reproductive alterations, like feminization, parthenogenesis, male killing (MK) and cytoplasmic incompatibility. In butterflies, some effects especially MK and sperm-egg incompatibility are well established. All these effects skew the sex ratio towards female and subsequently favor the vertical transmission of Wolbachia. Some of the insects are also infected with multiple Wolbachia strains which may results in some complex phenomenon. In the present review the potential of Wolbachia for promoting evolutionary changes in its hosts with emphasis on recent advances in interactions of butterfly–Wolbachia is discussed. In addition to this, strain diversity of Wolbachia and its effects on various butterfly hosts are also highlighted.     

The influence of the bolus-surface distance on the dose distribution in the build-up region

Aim

The aim of the paper is to examine the relation between the increase of the photon dose in water in the region of electronic disequilibrium – so-called build-up region – and the distance of the bolus from the water surface for the applied parameters of X-ray beams.

Materials and methods

PDD measurements were carried out using the plane-parallel ionization chamber Markus in the automatic water phantom IBA BluePhantom with OmniPro-Accept V7 (IBA Dosimetry GmbH, Schwarzenbruck, Germany). All measurements were performed for different field sizes and for 6 MV and 15 MV X-ray beams, respectively. A water-equivalent RW3 slab (Goettingen White Water) produced by PTW was used as a bolus.

Results

Placing a bolus in an irradiated field changes the shape of the PDD curve in the build-up region in comparison with the one obtained for an open field. All results has been inserted in tables and figures.

Conclusion

The closer the bolus is to the water surface, the smaller the depth of the maximum dose in the phantom for all investigated fields and energies. The changes in the build-up region are important, even if the bolus does not touch the surface of the water phantom. The influence of the bolus can be ignored when the bolus-surface distance equals 25 cm for 6MV X-ray beams and 39 cm for 15 MV X-ray beams.     

Fish, fans and hydroids: host species of pygmy seahorses

An overview of the octocoral and hydrozoan host species of pygmy seahorses is provided based on literature records and recently collected field data for Hippocampus bargibanti, Hippocampus denise and Hippocampus pontohi. Seven new associations are recognized and an overview of the so far documented host species is given. A detailed re-examination of octocoral type material and a review of the taxonomic history of the alcyonacean genera Annella (Subergorgiidae) and Muricella (Acanthogorgiidae) are included as baseline for future revisions. The host specificity and colour morphs of pygmy seahorses are discussed, as well as the reliability of (previous) identifications and conservation issues.     

On the Effect of Correlation Between Plots in Randomized Block Experiments

Correlation between adjacent plots in field experiments are common. In this paper the effect of correlation on the usual analysis of variance in a randomized block design is studied. A generalised analysis of variance where correlation is taken into consideration, and the analysis of covariance where the residuals of the neighbouring plots are used as covariates, is discussed. Uniformity trials are used as a basis of a Monte-Carlo study. The generalised analysis improved the power of the tests. The analysis of covariance method was not better than the usual analysis of variance method.     

Identification of the flavoprotein of succinate dehydrogenase and aconitase as in vitro mitochondrial substrates of Fgr tyrosine kinase

Overlooked until recently, mitochondrial protein phosphorylation is now emerging as a key post-translational mechanism in the regulation of mitochondrial functions. In particular, tyrosine phosphorylation represents a promising field to discover new mechanisms of bioenergetic regulation. Tyrosine kinases belonging to the Src kinase family have been observed in mitochondrial compartments, however their substrates are almost unknown. Here, we provide evidence that the flavoprotein of succinate dehydrogenase and aconitase are "in vitro" substrates of Fgr tyrosine kinase. Fgr phosphorylates flavoprotein of succinate dehydrogenase at Y535 and Y596 and aconitase at Y71, Y544 and Y665. The significance of these findings is discussed.     

Nearest Neighbours: Estimators for Heterogeneity

Papadakis' method is shown to be an example of an estimation procedure for a heterogeneity function localized in a reproducing kernel Hilbert space. Within this framework some current models for the evaluation of field trials are discussed.     

Steroid transformations by microorgamisms

Microbial transformations of various steroids are reviewed. Newer developments in this field are discussed. A compilation of different steroid substrates used for transformations by various microorganisms during the period 1979–1982, along with the metabolites formed, is included     

Medical Physics: Forming and testing solutions to clinical problems

According to the European Federation of Organizations for Medical Physics (EFOMP) policy statement No. 13, “The rapid advance in the use of highly sophisticated equipment and procedures in the medical field increasingly depends on information and communication technology. In spite of the fact that the safety and quality of such technology is vigorously tested before it is placed on the market, it often turns out that the safety and quality is not sufficient when used under hospital working conditions. To improve safety and quality for patient and users, additional safeguards and related monitoring, as well as measures to enhance quality, are required. Furthermore a large number of accidents and incidents happen every year in hospitals and as a consequence a number of patients die or are injured. Medical Physicists are well positioned to contribute towards preventing these kinds of events”. The newest developments related to this increasingly important medical speciality were presented during the 8th European Conference of Medical Physics 2014 which was held in Athens, 11–13 September 2014 and hosted by the Hellenic Association of Medical Physicists (HAMP) in collaboration with the EFOMP and are summarized in this issue.     

Life at the extreme: lessons from the genome

Extremophile plants thrive in places where most plant species cannot survive. Recent developments in high-throughput technologies and comparative genomics are shedding light on the evolutionary mechanisms leading to their adaptation.     

Swampy area transformations by exploitation ofRaphia hookeri (Arecaceae) in southern Benin (West Africa)

The Raphiapalms in the southern part of Benin are confined to freshwater swamps, where the natural vegetation consists of a forest rich in Dicotyledons. Human activity has transformed this forest into a “raphiale” where Raphia hookerihas become the main arborescent species. The influence of this transformation on the vegetation results in a more regular distribution of Raphis hookeritrunks and a gradual disappearing of clumps of ramets. By now, the future of Raphis hookerispecies is almost ensured except in situations of over-exploitation.     

乙酰转移酶基因NAA10的生物学功能及其在肿瘤中的作用

N端乙酰转移酶A（N-acetyltransferase A, NatA）复合体是真核生物最主要的N端氨基酸α位乙酰转移酶,N端α位乙酰转移酶10基因（N-α-acetyltransferase 10, NAA10）编码的N端α位乙酰转移酶10蛋白（N-α-acetyltransferase 10 protein, Naa10p）是NatA的催化亚基. Naa10p具备新生蛋白质N端氨基酸α位乙酰化活性、成熟蛋白质Lys残基ε位乙酰化活性以及对部分转录因子的协同调节作用. Naa10p能够通过调节细胞周期促进细胞增殖,通过调节雷帕霉素靶蛋白（mechanistic target of rapamycin, mTOR）通路促进细胞自噬,并通过多种不同的分子信号通路抑制细胞运动能力.根据乙酰化底物的不同,Naa10p还在细胞凋亡的调控中起双重作用. Naa10p参与的生物学过程还涉及血管生成和神经发育等. Naa10p在多种癌症组织中呈过表达,但其预后意义随肿瘤不同而有较大差别.对Naa10p的生理生化研究必将使我们对细胞的生理病理学过程及其机制的了解更加深入全面.本文将从蛋白质结构、机制功能及临床意义等不同角度系统地阐述NAA10的研究现状与进展.     

Type 1 diabetes: entering the proteomic era

During the last decade, a major breakthrough in the field of proteomics has been achieved. This review describes available techniques for proteomic analyses, both gel and non-gel based, particularly concentrating on relative quantification techniques. The principle of the different techniques is discussed, highlighting the advantages and drawbacks of recently available visualization methods in gel-based assays. In addition, recent developments for quantitative analysis in non-gel-based approaches are summarized. This review focuses on applications in Type 1 diabetes. These mainly include proteomic studies on pancreatic islets in animal models and in the human situation. Also discussed are mass spectrometry-based studies on T-cells, and studies on the development of diagnostic markers for diabetic nephropathology by capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry.     

Parthenogenetic development of bovine oocytes matured in vitro for 24 hr and activated by ethanol and cycloheximide

This research was undertaken to improve development of parthenogenetic embryos following various combined treatments of ethanol and cycloheximide. In Experiment 1 in vitro matured oocytes (IVM, 24 hr) were treated with 7% ethanol for 5 min followed by incubation in 10 μg/ml cycloheximide in Medium 199 for 0 (control), 5, 10, and 20 hr. Development to 2–8 cells following culture for 3 days was similar among treated groups (32–41%; P > 0.05), which was higher than that of controls (6%; P < 0.05). Experiment 2 compared pre-ethanol exposures for 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 min, followed by 5 hr cycloheximide treatment on activation development. One- to 5-min groups resulted in 42–44% cleavage contrasted to 1–12% for controls (P < 0.05). Experiment 3 examined the effect on oocyte development of ethanol and different concentrations of cycloheximide (0, 1, 5, and 10 μg/ml). Cleavage to 2–8 cells was similar among the 5 and 10 μg/ml cycloheximide groups (36% and 42%, P > 0.05) but lower (P < 0.05) for the 1 μg/ml group (24%) and the controls (2–13%). When 5 μg/ml cycloheximide was used (Experiment 4), pre-exposure to ethanol (1, 2.5, and 5 min) resulted in more oocytes cleaved (38–41%) than in the cycloheximide alone group (0%) or the control (0%, P < 0.05). Experiment 5 tested blastocyst development of the activated oocytes with or without cytochalasin B treatment. Oocytes developed to blastocyts were 0%, 14%, 3%, and 3% (P < 0.05), respectively, for control, treatment with ethanol and cycloheximide in the presence, or absence of cytochalasin B, or electrical pulse plus cycloheximide. In conclusion, the combined ethanol and cycloheximide treatment supported high rates of parthenogenetic development using 24 hr IVM bovine oocytes. Blastocyst rate was significantly higher when cytochalasin B was added to the combined activation regimen. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.