Heating of a Local Region of a Branching Streamer as a Starting Point of a Space Leader and a Negative-Leader Step

Plasma Physics Reports - Localized plasma formations called space leaders are observed in streamer coronas of negative leaders of long laboratory sparks. The main leader completes a step when the...     

Transformation of a psychrotrophic bacterium with a plasmid from a mesophile

The psychrotrophic bacteriumBacillus psychrophilus was transformed with the broadhost-range plasmid pC194. The ability of the transformant to express chloramphenicol (CAM) resistance and the possible effects of such expression on the physiology of the psychrotroph were examined. The transformant exhibited growth rates, filament formation at elevated temperatures, synthesis of cold shock proteins and cold acclimation proteins, similar to the parentalB. psychrophilus.     

Eo: a history of a mutation

Eighteen mouse t haplotype-carrying strains were found not to express cell-surface E molecules controlled by class II genes of the H-2 complex (= Eo strains). Northern and Southern blot analysis of these and other, non-t strains that also fail to express the E molecule, has revealed two kinds of defect. Three strains (CRO437, tw2, and presumably to) were found to transcribe the E alpha gene, but they were not able to convert the message into a functional protein. All other Eo strains fail to transcribe the E alpha gene because of a deletion encompassing the promoter region, the RNA initiation site, and the first exon. The length of the deletion is approximately 650 +/- 50 bp. These two defects closely resemble those found previously in standard inbred strains carrying the H-2f, H-2q (failure of E mRNA to be expressed functionally), H-2b, and H-2s (deletion of a part of the E alpha gene) haplotypes. In particular, the location and length of the E alpha deletion appear to be the same in the strains carrying this mutation. The E alpha deletion is in linkage disequilibrium with certain alleles at other H-2 loci in some of the strains. These observations, combined with the growing evidence that H-2 haplotypes associated with t chromosomes derive from a single ancestral haplotype, suggest that the E alpha deletion is an old mutation and that it has been disseminated in mouse populations by the t chromosomes.     

Geminiviruses: a tale of a plasmid becoming a virus

Background  

Geminiviruses (family Geminiviridae) are small single-stranded (ss) DNA viruses infecting plants. Their virion morphology is unique in the known viral world – two incomplete T = 1 icosahedra are joined together to form twinned particles. Geminiviruses utilize a rolling-circle mode to replicate their genomes. A limited sequence similarity between the three conserved motifs of the rolling-circle replication initiation proteins (RCR Reps) of geminiviruses and plasmids of Gram-positive bacteria allowed Koonin and Ilyina to propose that geminiviruses descend from bacterial replicons.     

Biomechanics of a muscular hydrostat: a model of lapping by a reptilian tongue

We have developed a quantitative model of an example of a muscular hydrostat, a reptilian tongue, and have used this model to study a functional movement, protrusion and retrusion, a form of lapping. The model tongue consists of a longitudinal muscle that shortens the tongue when it contracts, and a circumferential muscle wrapped around the longitudinal muscle that lengthens the tongue when it contracts. The anatomy of the model tongue and the pattern of activation of its muscles are based on studies of the tongue of the lizard Tupinambis nigropunctatus (Smith 1984). The mechanics of pressure vessels were used to derive a relationship between the forces in the two muscles. Muscle force production was modelled as the product of length/tension properties, force/velocity properties, and activation due to neural inputs (incorporating both recruitment and firing period). Passive forces were modeled as a force in parallel with the longitudinal muscle. Muscle activation dynamics were modeled as a first order low pass filter. When the model tongue is short, the two muscles can lengthen or shorten it with comparable forces, but as it lengthens, the force that the circumferential muscle can exert drops precipitously. When the tongue is long, it can neither be very stiff, nor can it generate much force. The model also reproduces the kinematics of lapping movements actually observed in Tupinambis.     

Aggregation of a slow-folding mutant of a beta-clam protein proceeds through a monomeric nucleus

Mechanistic understanding of protein aggregation, leading either to structured amyloid fibrils or to amorphous inclusion body-like deposits, should facilitate the identification of potential therapeutic intervention strategies for the devastating amyloid-based diseases. Here we focus on the in vitro aggregation of a slow-folding mutant of the beta-clam protein, cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I (P39A CRABP I), which forms inclusion bodies when expressed in Escherichia coli. Aggregation was monitored by observing the fluorescence of a fluorescein-based biarsenical dye (FlAsH) that ligates to a tetra-Cys motif, here incorporated into a flexible Omega-loop. The fluorescence signal of FlAsH on the tetra-Cys-containing P39A CRABP I is sensitive to whether this protein is native or unfolded, and was used in combination with other techniques to follow aggregate formation. The aggregation time course is compatible with a nucleation-dependent polymerization model, and detailed kinetic analysis showed that the energetically unfavorable nucleus is monomeric. A similar conclusion was reached previously for poly(Gln) species [Chen, S., Ferrone, F. A., and Wetzel, R. (2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 99, 11884-11889] and points to an unfavorable equilibrium between the misfolded intermediate and the bulk pool of monomers as causative in aggregation. The P39A mutation, which removes a helix-stop signal, may slow closure of the beta-barrel in P39A CRABP I relative to the wild type, leaving it vulnerable to aggregation. Wide-angle X-ray scattering showed that the amorphous aggregates formed by the aggregation-prone intermediates of P39A CRABP I contain predominantly beta-strands structured in a lamellar fashion with 10.03 A spacing between adjacent beta-sheets.     

Characterization of a new strain of a purple nonsulfur bacterium from a thermal spring

A new budding purple nonsulfur bacterium of the genus Rhodobacter (strain Ku-2) was isolated from a mat of a moderately thermal spring (Baikal rift zone, Buryatia, Russia). The bacterium had lamellar photosynthetic membranes, which are typical of only one Rhodobacter species, Rba. blasticus. The cells contained spheroidene carotenoids and bacteriochlorophyll a (Bchl a). In vivo absorption spectrum of the cells, with the major maximum at 863 nm and an additional peak at 887 nm, is characteristic of the pigment-protein complexes of Bchl a-containing membranes. The previously described Rba. blasticus strains do not exhibit the 887-nm maximum. The new isolate was photoheterotrophic, with optimal growth occurring at 35°C, 3 g/L NaCl, and pH 7–8. The DNA G+C content was 64.4 mol %. The similarity between the 16S rRNA gene sequences of strain Ku-2 and the Rba. blasticus type strain was 98.7%. The PufM amino acid sequences of strain Ku-2 and the earlier studied Rba. blasticus type strain were 89.5 % identical. Thus, strain Ku-2 belongs to the genus Rhodobacter and is phylogenetically close to Rba. blasticus.     

Study of hydrodynamic instabilities of a Z-pinch during a high-current explosion of a thin wire

Results are presented from laboratory and numerical experiments on the influence of the core and associated hydrodynamic instabilities on the high-current implosion of a plasma of exploding metal wires. The experimental investigation of the discharge structure was carried out using the multiframe X-ray backlighting technique with high temporal and spatial resolution (<1 ns and 1 μm, respectively); X-pinches were used as small-sized radiation sources. The implosion of a dense Z-pinch was modeled by the free-point method with the use of a two-dimensional radiative MHD code. The onset of instabilities at the corona-core boundary was modeled by the NUTCY Eulerian code. The results show that hydrodynamic processes in the core are primarily responsible for the formation of small bright regions observed in X-rays. After the reflection of a shock wave from the axis, the rapid onset of hydrodynamic instabilities can occur at the corona-core boundary. __________ Translated from Fizika Plazmy, Vol. 26, No. 9, 2000, pp. 797–810. Original Russian Text Copyright ? 2000 by Gus’kov, Ivanenkov, Mingaleev, Nikishin, Pikuz, Rozanov, Stepniewski, Tishkin, Hammer, Shelkovenko.     

Glycan expression as a tool for a deeper understanding of a reproductive gland in a skate of economic importance

Atlantoraja platana is an oviparous skate endemic to the south-west Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the skate species most exploited by local industrial bottom trawl fisheries. Oviparous elasmobranchs encapsulate their eggs in complex egg cases produced by the oviductal gland (OG). This organ is exclusively present in these fishes and comprises four distinct zones: club, baffle, papillary and terminal. The relative size and structural complexity of these zones correlate with mode of reproduction. Glycans are known to play major roles in reproduction so their distribution in each zone of the OG could explain the functional multiplicity of the gland in skates, but this topic has not been previously investigated. In this study, morphological, histochemical and lectin-histochemical analysis revealed various novel aspects of A. platana's OG. The club, papillary and terminal zones positively stained for periodic acid Schiff's reagent (PAS) and Alcian Blue (AB), indicating the presence of neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides. However, the buffle zone was negative for PAS and AB stains, but was positive for all the lectins used. Each zone of the OG had a characteristic pattern of glycan expression. Finally, we confirmed the presence of sperm but not sperm storage. This is the first lectin-histochemical study of the OG in chondrichtyan fish and it has proven to be an important tool to understand some of the mechanisms of fertility and reproductive success in economic important species such as A. platana.     

Mechanisms of coexistence of a bacteria and a bacteriophage in a spatially homogeneous environment

When bacteriophage are added to laboratory bacteria populations, bacteria mutants that are resistant to the phage quickly dominate the population. The phage will only persist in the long‐term if there are sufficient bacteria in the population that show susceptibility to the phage. We investigated the mechanisms allowing for coexistence by adding the virulent bacteriophage φ6 to cultures of the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola in a spatially homogeneous environment. We saw large differences between replicate cultures, in particular when one or both of the species persisted. These differences can be explained by variation in the timing of the appearance of various resistant phenotypes in the bacteria populations before the phage were added, which determines their relative frequencies within the populations. Although these resistant phenotypes have similar fitnesses in the presence and in the absence of the phage, they have a profound effect on the persistence of the phage. Our results give a clearer understanding of the ecological mechanisms that lead to the coexistence of bacteria and virulent phage in environments where there are no spatial refuges available to the bacteria population.     

Effects of a disease affecting a predator on the dynamics of a predator-prey system

We study the effects of a disease affecting a predator on the dynamics of a predator-prey system. We couple an SIRS model applied to the predator population, to a Lotka-Volterra model. The SIRS model describes the spread of the disease in a predator population subdivided into susceptible, infected and removed individuals. The Lotka-Volterra model describes the predator-prey interactions. We consider two time scales, a fast one for the disease and a comparatively slow one for predator-prey interactions and for predator mortality. We use the classical “aggregation method” in order to obtain a reduced equivalent model. We show that there are two possible asymptotic behaviors: either the predator population dies out and the prey tends to its carrying capacity, or the predator and prey coexist. In this latter case, the predator population tends either to a “disease-free” or to a “disease-endemic” state. Moreover, the total predator density in the disease-endemic state is greater than the predator density in the “disease-free” equilibrium (DFE).     

Facile synthesis of a D-galactono-1,6-lactone derivative, a precursor of a copolyester

2,3,4,6-Tetra-O-methyl-d-galactonic acid (5) was readily prepared from d-galactono-1,4-lactone (1) in 47% yield. The sequence involves tritylation of HO-6 of 1, followed by O-permethylation and deprotection. Lactonization of 5 led to the per-O-methyl-d-galactono-1,6-lactone, which was copolymerized with epsilon-caprolactone by ring-opening polymerization catalyzed by scandium triflate. The incorporation of the sugar comonomer into the polyester chain was about 10%.     

Vegetation as a component of a non-nested hierarchy: a conceptual model

Abstract. A general conceptual model of vegetation based on hierarchy theory is presented. The model emphasizes that prediction of vegetation requires consideration of both mechanisms of vegetation change and the constraints within which it occurs. The mechanisms of vegetation change are the responses to and effects upon their surroundings of individual plants. The most general constraints upon vegetation are aspects of the environment not affected by vegetation over successional time, and the pool of species within dispersal range. Examples of such environmental factors include macroclimate and soil parent material. In some cases, vegetation may alter important labile environmental factors such as soil nutrient and water availability. Some vegetation compositions appear to be resistant to changes in the general constraints. Due to both sources, there are multiple possible vegetation compositions given the same general constraints. Disturbance is defined as an abrupt change in the constraints on the vegetation resulting in a change in the vegetation's state or dynamics. Both the recognition of disturbance and the distinction between independent and labile environmental factors depend on the spatial and temporal scale of observation. For example, a particular wildfire at a given stand may be a disturbance, whereas at a larger scale of observation the same event may contribute to the wildfire regime, part of the constraints at that scale. Similarly, levels of soil organic matter may constrain vegetation over short time scales, due to influencing availability of water and nutrients. Over long time scales, the vegetation itself is a primary determinant of soil organic matter content. This model contains elements of both the initial, holistic theory of vegetation and recent, reductionistic approaches. It reiterates the need to considerboth mechanisms and constraints, stressed by contemporary and earlier workers. Hierarchy theory provides new insights concerning sufficient conditions for prediction, possible limits on predictability, and appropriate research strategy.     

Inactivation of C5a anaphylatoxin by a peptide that is complementary to a region of C5a

PL37 (RAARISLGPRCIKAFTE) is an antisense homology box peptide composed of aa 37-53 of C5a-anaphylatoxin and is considered to be the region essential for C5a function. Using a computer program, we designed the complementary peptides ASGAPAPGPAGPLRPMF (Pep-A) and ASTAPARAGLPRLPKFF (Pep-B). Pep-A bound to PL37 and to C5a with very slow dissociation as determined by analysis using surface plasmon resonance, whereas Pep-B failed to bind at all. C5a was inactivated by concentrations of 7 nM or more of Pep-A, and this concentration of Pep-A inhibited induction of intracellular Ca(2+) influx in neutrophils. Patch clamp electrophysiology experiments also showed the effectiveness of Pep-A in C5aR-expressing neuroblastoma cells. Furthermore, Pep-A administration prevented rats from C5a-mediated rapid lethal shock induced by an Ab to a membrane inhibitor of complement after LPS sensitization.     

Discovery of a Homolog of Siderophilin in a Plant

Members belonging to the siderophilin family are iron-binding and iron-transporting proteins, which includes transferrin and lactoferrin. They have only been found in animals previously. If siderophilin could be found in and isolated from a plant, its production and subsequent extensive application could be increased. The present study is the first to report the discovery of a homolog of siderophilin in a plant. In order to purify antifreeze proteins from Ammopiptanthus mongolicus （Maxim.） Cheng f., the authors processed the proteins from the leaves using techniques such as column chromatography using DEAE-Cellulose-52, gel filtration via Sephacryl S-100 HR medium, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Mass spectroscopy was performed on the three proteins purified and the sequence of one of the proteins （containing 32 amino acids） was found to have 97% homology with the corresponding part of one type of human lactoferrin. Moreover, one of the two peptides belongs to an iron-binding domain. So, it is possible that siderophilin also exists in plants and plays a role as an antibacterial and antifungal, among other actions.     

Matrix metalloproteinases: a tail of a frog that became a prince

It is 40 years since the first member of what came to be known as the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family was described. Structural, molecular and biochemical approaches have subsequently contributed to piecing together the puzzle of how MMPs work, and how they contribute to various disease processes.     

Kinetic analysis of protonation of a specific site on a buffered surface of a macromolecular body

The kinetics of protonation of a specific site on a macromolecular structure (micelle) in buffered solution was studied with the purpose of evaluating the effect of buffer on the observed dynamics. The experimental system consisted of the following elements: Brij 58 micelles serving as homogeneous uncharged macromolecular bodies, bromocresol green, a well-adsorbed proton detector, and 2-naphthol-3,6-disulfonate as a proton emitter in the bulk. Imidazole was the mobile buffer while neutral red, which has a high affinity for the micellar surface, served as the immobile buffer. An intensive laser pulse ejects a proton from the proton emitter, and the subsequent proton-transfer reactions are measured by fast spectrophotometric methods. The dynamics of proton pulse in buffered solution are characterized by a very rapid trapping of the discharged protons by the abundant buffer molecules. This event has a major effect on the kinetic regime of the reaction. During the first 200 ns the proton flux is rate limited by free-proton diffusion. After this period, when the free-proton concentration decayed to the equilibrium level, the relaxation of the system is carried out by the diffusion of buffer. Thus in the buffered biochemical system, at neutral pH, most of proton flux between active sites and bulk is carried out by buffer molecules--not by diffusion of free protons. Surface groups on a high molecular weight body exchange protons among them at a very fast rate. This reaction has a major role on proton transfer from a specific site to the bulk.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Identification of miRNAs in a Liver of a Human Fetus by a Modified Method

Background

miRNAs are 17–25 nucleotides long RNA molecules that have been found to regulate gene expression in human cells. There are studies showing that different groups of miRNAs are involved in development of different tissues. In hepatocytes there are reported particular types of miRNAs that regulate gene expression.

Methods

We established a human fetal liver cDNA library by a modified cloning protocol. Then plasmid isolation from the colonies was performed. After sequencing and database searching, the miRNAs were recognized. RT-PCR and sequencing were carried out to validate the miRNAs detected. Real-time PCR was used to analyze the expression of each miRNA.

Results

One novel miRNA was discovered, together with another 35 previously-known miRNAs in the fetal liver. Some of them existed in variants. The miRNAs identified were validated by RT-PCR and sequencing. Quantitative analysis showed that they have variable expression.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that a special group of miRNAs may play an important role in fetal liver development in a synergistic manner.