Expression of Hemispheric Asymmetry and Psychological Type in the EEG Traveling Wave

Spontaneous EEG patterns were recorded from 16 derivations in the parieto-occipital area over 2 min for subjects in the resting state with the eyes closed. Further, computer analysis of the current pattern of EEG phase relationships between all derivations was conducted, followed by visualization in real time of the trajectory and velocity of the traveling EEG wave as a computerized animation over the contour of the head. On the basis of visual observations and objective statistical analysis, we found consistent individual characteristics of the time course and trajectory of the traveling wave, which were compared to the results of psychological testing of the subjects. Most characteristic were modulations of the electric activity (traveling) in the transverse direction (from left to right and from right to left) and along the diagonal from the left anterior to the right posterior areas. Distinct groups of subjects were found with the predominance of one or the other trajectory type. The specific direction of the diagonal traveling was significantly correlated with the level of extroversion of the subject: extroverts were characterized by traveling of electric waves from the occiput forward to the vertex along the diagonal indicated, whereas for introverts, traveling from the vertex to the occiput was typical.     

A Critical Role of a Cellular Membrane Traffic Protein in Poliovirus RNA Replication

Replication of many RNA viruses is accompanied by extensive remodeling of intracellular membranes. In poliovirus-infected cells, ER and Golgi stacks disappear, while new clusters of vesicle-like structures form sites for viral RNA synthesis. Virus replication is inhibited by brefeldin A (BFA), implicating some components(s) of the cellular secretory pathway in virus growth. Formation of characteristic vesicles induced by expression of viral proteins was not inhibited by BFA, but they were functionally deficient. GBF1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the small cellular GTPases, Arf, is responsible for the sensitivity of virus infection to BFA, and is required for virus replication. Knockdown of GBF1 expression inhibited virus replication, which was rescued by catalytically active protein with an intact N-terminal sequence. We identified a mutation in GBF1 that allows growth of poliovirus in the presence of BFA. Interaction between GBF1 and viral protein 3A determined the outcome of infection in the presence of BFA.     

Specific Features of Nitrogen Transformation in the Soddy-Podsolic Soil in the Colonies of the Common Vole Microtus arvalis

The influence of common vole Microtus arvalison processes of nitrogen fixation and denitrification in the soddy-podsolic soil was studied. In the common vole colonies, the level of nitrogen fixation was reliably lower and that of denitrification higher, than in the control soil outside these colonies. Nitrogen-containing excretory products of voles accumulating in the soil are among the main factors that determine the activity of these processes.     

Pedigree reconstruction using molecular data reveals an early warning sign of gene diversity loss in an island population of Tasmanian devils (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcophilus harrisii</Emphasis>)

Tasmanian devils have experienced an 85% population decline since the emergence of an infectious cancer. In response, a captive insurance population was established in 2006 with a subpopulation later introduced onto Maria Island, Tasmania. We aimed to (1) examine the genetic parameters of the Maria Island population as a stand-alone site and within its broader metapopulation context, (2) assess the efficacy of assisted colonisations, and (3) inform future translocations. This study reconstructs the pedigree of 86 island-born devils using 31 polymorphic microsatellite loci. Combined molecular and pedigree analysis was used to monitor change in population genetic parameters in 4 years since colonisation. Molecular analysis alone revealed no significant change in genetic diversity, while DNA-reconstructed pedigree analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in inbreeding due to skewed founder representation. Pedigree modelling predicted that gene diversity would only be maintained above the threshold of 95% for a further 2 years, dropping to 77.1% after 40 years. Modelling alternative supplementation strategies revealed introducing eight new founders every 3 years will enable the population to retain 95% gene diversity until 2056, provided the translocated animals breed; to ensure this we recommend introducing ten new females every 3 years. We highlight the value of combining pedigree analyses with molecular data, from both a single-site and metapopulation viewpoint, for analysing changes in genetic parameters within populations of conservation concern. The importance of post-release genetic monitoring in an established population is emphasised, given how quickly inbreeding can accumulate and gene diversity be lost.     

A mathematical model of delayed luminescence oscillations of higher plants and analysis of the reaction rates calculated by the model

The oscillatory regime of delayed millisecond luminescence was obtained by the model developed earlier. We compared the rates of changes in the concentrations of some of the metabolites calculated by the model with the rates calculated by other known models. The results of calculations for the changes in metabolite concentrations after switching off the light were compared with experimental data.     

Role of cell wall components in yeasts of the genus Candida in the morphology of the cell

The object of this work was to study the function of the mannan and glucan layers in the cell wall of Candida yeasts. When the outer mannan layer was removed with proteinases, the cells became round and their volume increased by a factor of 2.2. The contribution of the above layers into the elastic properties of the cell wall was estimated in qualitative terms. Apparently, mannans play a more important role in cell morphogenesis than it was supposed earlier.     

Rewiring of Cellular Membrane Homeostasis by Picornaviruses

Viruses are obligatory intracellular parasites and utilize host elements to support key viral processes, including penetration of the plasma membrane, initiation of infection, replication, and suppression of the host''s antiviral defenses. In this review, we focus on picornaviruses, a family of positive-strand RNA viruses, and discuss the mechanisms by which these viruses hijack the cellular machinery to form and operate membranous replication complexes. Studies aimed at revealing factors required for the establishment of viral replication structures identified several cellular-membrane-remodeling proteins and led to the development of models in which the virus used a preexisting cellular-membrane-shaping pathway “as is” for generating its replication organelles. However, as more data accumulate, this view is being increasingly questioned, and it is becoming clearer that viruses may utilize cellular factors in ways that are distinct from the normal functions of these proteins in uninfected cells. In addition, the proteincentric view is being supplemented by important new studies showing a previously unappreciated deep remodeling of lipid homeostasis, including extreme changes to phospholipid biosynthesis and cholesterol trafficking. The data on viral modifications of lipid biosynthetic pathways are still rudimentary, but it appears once again that the viruses may rewire existing pathways to generate novel functions. Despite remarkable progress, our understanding of how a handful of viral proteins can completely overrun the multilayered, complex mechanisms that control the membrane organization of a eukaryotic cell remains very limited.     

MHC gene copy number variation in Tasmanian devils: implications for the spread of a contagious cancer

Tasmanian devils face extinction owing to the emergence of a contagious cancer. Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is a clonal cancer spread owing to a lack of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) barriers in Tasmanian devil populations. We present a comprehensive screen of MHC diversity in devils and identify 25 MHC types and 53 novel sequences, but conclude that overall levels of MHC diversity at the sequence level are low. The majority of MHC Class I variation can be explained by allelic copy number variation with two to seven sequence variants identified per individual. MHC sequences are divided into two distinct groups based on sequence similarity. DFTD cells and most devils have sequences from both groups. Twenty per cent of individuals have a restricted MHC repertoire and contain only group I or only group II sequences. Counterintuitively, we postulate that the immune system of individuals with a restricted MHC repertoire may recognize foreign MHC antigens on the surface of the DFTD cell. The implication of these results for management of DFTD and this endangered species are discussed.