The Ancient Small GTPase Rab21 Functions in Intermediate Endocytic Steps in Trypanosomes

Endocytosis is an essential process in nearly all eukaryotic cells, including the African trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei. Endocytosis in these organisms is exclusively clathrin mediated, although several lineage-specific features indicate that precise mechanisms are distinct from those of higher eukaryotes. T. brucei Rab21 is a member of an ancient, pan-eukaryotic, endocytic Rab clade that is retained by trypanosomes. We show that T. brucei Rab21 (TbRab21) localizes to endosomes, partially colocalizing with TbRab5A, TbRab28, and TbVps23, the latter two being present at late endosomes. TbRab21 expression is essential for cellular proliferation, and its suppression results in a partial block in traffic to the lysosome. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of TbRab21 had no effect on TbRab5A expression or location but did result in decreased in trans expression of ESCRT (trypanosome endosomal sorting complex required for transport) components and TbRab28, while knockdown of ESCRT subunit TbVps23 resulted in decreased TbRab21 expression. These data suggest that TbRab21 acts downstream of TbRab5A and functions in intimate connection with the trypanosome ESCRT system.     

Managing Carbon Sinks in Rubber (Hevea brasilensis) Plantation by Changing Rotation length in SW China

Extension of the rotation length in forest management has been highlighted in Article 3.4 of the Kyoto Protocol to help the countries in their commitments for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. CO₂FIX Model Ver.3.2 was used to examine the dynamics of carbon stocks (C stocks) in a rubber plantation in South Western China with the changing rotation lengths. To estimate the efficiency of increasing the rotation length as an Article 3.4 activity, study predicted that the rubber production and C stocks of the ecosystem increased with the increasing rotation (25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years). While comparing the pace of growth both in economical (rubber production) and ecological (C stocks) terms in each rotation, 40 years rotation length showed maximum production and C stocks. After elongation of 40 year rotation to four consecutive cycles, it was concluded that the total C stocks of the ecosystem were 186.65 Mg ha^-1. The longer rotation lengths showed comparatively increased C stocks in below ground C stock after consecutive four rotations. The pace of C input (Mg C ha^-1yr^-1) and rubber production indicated that 40years rotation is best suited for rubber plantation. The study has developed carbon mitigation based on four rotation scenarios. The possible stimulated increase in C stocks of the entire ecosystem after consecutive long rotations indicated that the emphasis must be paid on deciding the rotation of rubber plantation in SW China for reporting under article 3.4 of the Kyoto Protocol.     

Using 2′, 7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein-diacetate to assess polysaccharides as immunomodulating agents

Neutrophils play a key role in the defense against microbial infections. One of their primary weapons to destroy microbes is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This paper shows how 2′, 7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA) was used to measure the effects of polysaccharides on the production of ROS by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). The DCFH-DA method has been designed to provide a highly sensitive, quantifiable, real-time assessment of ROS production by PMNs.     

The role of riboflavin in decolourisation of Congo red and bioelectricity production using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Shewanella oneidensis</Emphasis>-MR1 under MFC and non-MFC conditions

Dissimilatory metal reducing bacteria can exchange electrons extracellularly and hold great promise for their use in simultaneous wastewater treatment and electricity production. This study investigated the role of riboflavin, an electron carrier, in the decolourisation of Congo red in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 as a model organism. The contribution of the membrane-bound protein MtrC to the decolourisation process was also investigated. Within the range of riboflavin concentrations tested, 20 µM was found to be the best with >95% of the dye (initial concentration 200 mg/L) decolourised in MFCs within 50 h compared to 90% in the case where no riboflavin was added. The corresponding maximum power density was 45 mW/m². There was no significant difference in the overall decolourisation efficiencies of Shewanela oneidensis MR-1 ΔMtrC mutants compared to the wild type. However, in terms of power production the mutant produced more power (P_max 76 mW/m²) compared to the wild type (P_max 46 mW/m²) which was attributed to higher levels of riboflavin secreted in solution. Decolourisation efficiencies in non-MFC systems (anaerobic bottles) were similar to those under MFC systems indicating that electricity generation in MFCs does not impair dye decolourisation efficiencies. The results suggest that riboflavin enhances both decolourisation of dyes and simultaneous electricity production in MFCs.     

Agronomic Evaluation of Camelina (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camelina sativa</Emphasis> L. Crantz) Cultivars for Biodiesel Feedstock

Recent interest in renewable energy sources and the need to diversify cropping systems have triggered research interest in camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz). Camelina is well adapted to the temperate dryland climates and can be used as an energy crop. But information on agronomic evaluation of camelina cultivars for biodiesel feedstock are limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate six spring camelina cultivars (cv. Blaine Creek, Calena, Ligena, Pronghorn, Shoshone, and Suneson) on seed yield, oil concentration, and oil yield. The study was carried out from 2013 to 2015 at three locations (Havre, Moccasin, and Pendroy, MT). Over locations and years, mean seed yield differences among cultivars were significant (P < 0.05). The mean seed yield for cultivars ranging from 1295 kg ha^?1 (Suneson) to 1420 kg ha^?1 (Ligena). Ligena and Calena showed a combination of good seed yield performance and stability across environments. Environmental means for seed yield differences were substantial compared with cultivar means. The location Havre produced 45 and 32% more mean seed yield than Pendroy and Moccasin, respectively. There was no significant difference among cultivars in oil concentration and oil yield. The absence of variations in oil concentration and oil yield differences among these cultivars could indicate the need for further research to improve these qualities essential for biodiesel.     

Association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) gene with type 2 diabetes in the Japanese

Several previous linkage scans in type 2 diabetes (T2D) families indicated a putative susceptibility locus on chromosome 12q15-q22, while the underlying gene for T2D has not yet been identified. We performed a region-wide association analysis on 12q15-q22, using a dense set of >500 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in 1492 unrelated Japanese individuals enrolled in this study. We identified an association between T2D and a haplotype block spanning 13.6 kb of genomic DNA that includes the entire SOCS2 gene. Evolutionary-based haplotype analysis of haplotype-tagging SNPs followed by a "sliding window" haplotypic analysis indicated SNPs that mapped to the 5' region of the SOCS2gene to be associated with T2D with high statistical significance. The SOCS2 gene was expressed ubiquitously in human and murine tissues, including pancreatic beta-cell lines. Adenovirus-mediated expression of the SOCS2 gene in MIN6 cells or isolated rat islets significantly suppressed glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Our data indicate that SOCS2 may play a role in susceptibility to T2D in the Japanese.     

Electro-plasmonic Modal Power Shifting in Metal/Insulator/Semiconductor Structure Tailored as a CMOS-compatible Plasmonic Waveguide

Plasmonics - In this paper, we have proposed a new npn-type design of a CMOS-compatible metal/semiconductor/insulator/metal (MSIM) plasmonic structure, to be used as a different geometry to...     

Oral magnesium administration prevents vascular complications in STZ-diabetic rats

Vascular disease is one of the complicating features of diabetes mellitus. Magnesium deficiency has recently been proposed as a novel factor implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes complications. Several studies have indicated that hypertension in diabetic patients is an independent altered reaction of blood vessels to neurotransmitters and circulating hormones. Since magnesium has been proposed to decrease vascular sensitivity to vasoconstrictor agents, the present study was designed to determine whether chronic magnesium sulfate administration could prevent vascular complications of STZ-induced diabetes in rats. The animals were divided into six groups: two groups served as controls and received tap water for 8 weeks, while in the other four groups, made diabetic with a single IV injection of 40 mg/kg STZ, two groups treated with magnesium sulfate (10 g/L) added to the drinking water, and the other two groups received tap water only. After 8 weeks, in 3 groups (control, diabetic and Mg-treated), left common carotid artery was cannulated for continuous recording of blood pressure. All animals in these groups were decapitated and blood samples were drawn for glucose, Ca and Mg measurements. In the 3 remaining groups (again divided into control, diabetic and Mg-treated), the mesenteric vascular bed was perfused according to the McGregor method, and descending thoracic aortas were used for measurement of elasticity. In diabetic rats, plasma glucose was significantly increased and plasma magnesium was significantly decreased compared to controls and Mg-treated animals. Although plasma magnesium of Mg-treated animals increased significantly, it failed to reach to the magnesium level of the control group. Ca/Mg ratio was also increased compared to the control and Mg-treated animals. Mean arterial blood pressure in diabetics was significantly higher than control and Mg-treated rats. Similarly, there was a significant difference in mean arterial blood pressure of Mg-treated rats compared to control animals. Baseline perfusion pressure of diabetic group was significantly higher than control and Mg-treated groups with intact and denuded endothelium. Magnesium sulfate treatment decreased mean perfusion pressure of mesenteric vascular bed in intact and denuded endothelium in comparison with non-treated diabetic rats. There was a significant increase in passive tension in the aorta of diabetic rats compared to control and Mg-treated rats. However, there was no significant difference between Mg-treated and control rats. From the results of this study it may be concluded that magnesium could control STZ-induced diabetes and prevent its vascular complications.