Distinct localization of histone H3 methylation in the vegetative nucleus of lily pollen

We analysed the distribution of histone H3 modifications in the nucleus of the vegetative cell (the vegetative nucleus) during pollen development in lily (Lilium longiflorum). Among the modifications specifically and/or abundantly present in the vegetative nucleus, dimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me2) and lysine 27 (H3K27me2) were found in heterochromatin, whereas trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) was localized in euchromatin in the vegetative nucleus. Such unique localization of the histone H3 methylation marks, particularly of H3K27me3, within a nucleus was not observed in lily nuclei other than the vegetative nucleus. The level of H3K27me3 increased in the euchromatic region of the vegetative nucleus during pollen maturation. The results suggest that H3K27me3 controls the gene expression of the vegetative cell during pollen maturation.     

Use of Powered Prosthesis for Children with Upper Limb Deficiency at Hyogo Rehabilitation Center

Background

There has been no research investigating the use of powered prosthetic for children in Japan.

Objective

To gain better insight into the state of powered prosthesis usage and identify a ratio of rejection among children.

Methods

Subjects were 37 unilateral below elbow amputees between the ages of 0 and 16 at the time of their first experienced fitting with a powered prosthesis at our Center. The information was collected from medical records and through face-to-face interviews, and we examined rejection rate and the factors affecting the use of powered prosthesis.

Results

The rate of discontinuation was 21.6% as 8 of the 37 children stopped using powered prosthesis. All of them were fitted their prosthesis after 2 years of age, and they rejected prosthesis between 5 to 19 years. We found that the level of amputation had no influence on the use of a powered prosthesis.

Conclusions

Children fitted before 2 years of age tend to accept their powered prosthesis than those fitted after 2 years. Multidisciprinary team approach, adequate rehabilitation, detailed follow-up and involvement of parents are quite important for introducing powered prosthesis for children.     

Tissue-restricted expression of Nrf2 and its target genes in zebrafish with gene-specific variations in the induction profiles

The Keap1-Nrf2 system serves as a defense mechanism against oxidative stress and electrophilic toxicants by inducing more than one hundred cytoprotective proteins, including antioxidants and phase 2 detoxifying enzymes. Since induction profiles of Nrf2 target genes have been studied exclusively in cultured cells, and not in animal models, their tissue-specificity has not been well characterized. In this paper, we examined and compared the tissue-specific expression of several Nrf2 target genes in zebrafish larvae by whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH). Seven zebrafish genes (gstp1, mgst3b, prdx1, frrs1c, fthl, gclc and hmox1a) suitable for WISH analysis were selected from candidates for Nrf2 targets identified by microarray analysis. Tissue-restricted induction was observed in the nose, gill, and/or liver for all seven genes in response to Nrf2-activating compounds, diethylmaleate (DEM) and sulforaphane. The Nrf2 gene itself was dominantly expressed in these three tissues, implying that tissue-restricted induction of Nrf2 target genes is defined by tissue-specific expression of Nrf2. Interestingly, the induction of frrs1c and gclc in liver and nose, respectively, was quite low and that of hmox1a was restricted in the liver. These results indicate the existence of gene-specific variations in the tissue specificity, which can be controlled by factors other than Nrf2.     

Pyrococcus horikoshii sp. nov., a hyperthermophilic archaeon isolated from a hydrothermal vent at the Okinawa Trough

A hyperthermophilic, anaerobic archaeon was isolated from hydrothermal fluid samples obtained at the Okinawa Trough vents in the NE Pacific Ocean, at a depth of 1395 m. The strain is obligately heterotrophic, and utilizes complex proteinaceous media (peptone, tryptone, or yeast extract), or a 21-amino-acid mixture supplemented with vitamins, as growth substrates. Sulfur greatly enhances growth. The cells are irregular cocci with a tuft of flagella, growing optimally at 98°C (maximum growth temperature 102°C), but capable of prolonged survival at 105°C. Optimum growth was at pH 7 (range 5–8) and NaCl concentration 2.4% (range 1%–5%). Tryptophan was required for growth, in contrast to the closely related strains Pyrococcus furiosus and P. abyssi. Thin sections of the cell, viewed by transmission electron microscopy, revealed a periplasmic space similar in appearance to the envelope of P. furiosus. The predominant cell membrane component was tetraether lipid, with minor amounts of diether lipids. Treatment of the cells by mild osmotic shock released an extract that contained a Zn²⁺-dependent alkaline phosphatase. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences encoding 16S rRNA and glutamate dehydrogenase places the isolate with certainty within the genus Pyrococcus although there is relatively low DNA–DNA hybridization (<63%) with described species of this genus. Based on the reported results, we propose a new species, to be named Pyrococcus horikoshii sp. nov. Received: December 10, 1997 / Accepted: February 4, 1998     

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of monocot and dicot plants using the NCR promoter derived from soybean chlorotic mottle virus

The NCR promoter (PNCR) from soybean chlorotic mottle virus (SoyCMV) was used to express the selectable marker, neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) gene, in Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of both monocot (rice) and dicot (tobacco) plants. A multi-cloning site for insertion of a gene of interest into the binary vector pTN is located proximal to the right border region of T-DNA. When chimeric genes under the control of other strong promoters were located in a head-to-head orientation to the PNCR-nptII gene, kanamycin-resistant tobacco shoots were generated more efficiently than when using the original pTN vectors. This suggests that the enhancer-like sequences in the promoters adjacent to PNCR may promote expression of the PNCR-nptII gene. Received: 20 August 1999 / Revision received: 16 November 1999 / Accepted: 19 November 1999     

An inventory of the mires of Hokkaido,Japan—their development,classification, decline,and conservation

Hokkaido Island is located in the cool temperate zone, and its climate conditions facilitated the formation of a variety of wetland types, the majority of them peat-forming mires. Most of these remained in a natural state until the early 20th century. However, drainage and subsequent conversion mostly to agricultural land have since destroyed more than 70% of the original wetland ecosystems. This paper (1) provides an overview of mire types, (2) reviews the development process of mires in Hokkaido during the Holocene, (3) analyzes the causes of losses of wetland areas, and (4) gives a summary of the current conservation and management status. Basic mire types that have been described in other parts of the northern hemisphere can also be recognized in Hokkaido, although there are floristic differences, and the frequency and intensity of volcanic impact and tsunamis is higher than in most other regions with abundant mire formation. Mire formation started at various points during the postglacial period; a few mountain mires in southwest Hokkaido date back to the Lateglacial, but most mountain mires formed during the mid to late Holocene. Most lowland mires developed at altitudes below 20 m and were influenced by the Jomon transgression that peaked ca. 6,000 years BP. The largest lowland mires started forming after the sea retreated, and many are not older than ca. 3,000 years. In 1996, the total number of wetlands (including peat-forming mires, freshwater marshes, and saltmarshes) greater than 1 ha was 150, with a total area of 59,881 ha. In 1928, when many wetlands were yet undeveloped, their total area was 200,642 ha. Most losses occurred between the 1950s and 1970s, when post-war development economics promoted agriculture and large-scale reclamation projects. Currently, 90.7% of mountain wetlands are public land, while 81.3% of the lowland wetlands are private or in mixed ownership. The ownership condition affects the possibilities for the protection of complete mire complexes especially in the lowlands. For effective conservation of wetland ecosystems it is necessary to include the catchment area in the planning of protected areas.     

Heterocurvistone,a sesquiterpene with a 2-oxabicyclo [2.2.2] Octane skeleton

A new sesquiterpene, heterocurvistone, has been isolated from Heterotropa curvistigma and shown to have the 2-oxabicyclo [2.2.2 ]octane skeleton.     

Increase of auxin-antagonistic action in 3-phosphoryloxycarbostyrils

Introduction of phosphoryloxy group at C-3 in carbostyrils has been found to increase auxin-antagonistic action. 3-Phosphoryloxycarbostyrils were synthesised from 3-hydroxycarbostyril and 3-hydroxy-4-phenylcarbostyril (viridicatin). The phosphates at very low concentrations markedly stimulated the root growth of rice seedlings, and competitively inhibited the IAA-induced lamina inclination in rice explants.