A Modular Mind? A Test Using Individual Data from Seven Primate Species

It has long been debated whether the mind consists of specialized and independently evolving modules, or whether and to what extent a general factor accounts for the variance in performance across different cognitive domains. In this study, we used a hierarchical Bayesian model to re-analyse individual level data collected on seven primate species (chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, gorillas, spider monkeys, brown capuchin monkeys and long-tailed macaques) across 17 tasks within four domains (inhibition, memory, transposition and support). Our modelling approach evidenced the existence of both a domain-specific factor and a species factor, each accounting for the same amount (17%) of the observed variance. In contrast, inter-individual differences played a minimal role. These results support the hypothesis that the mind of primates is (at least partially) modular, with domain-specific cognitive skills undergoing different evolutionary pressures in different species in response to specific ecological and social demands.     

Persistence of the control of the fluctuations of heart rate in the anesthetized and pithed adult rat. Effect of enteraminergic drugs]

Spontaneous fluctuations in heart rate were analyzed by spectral analysis in the ether anesthetized and pithed adult rat. In order to investigate the changes in the spectral pattern of the fluctuations, the selective 5HT-2 and -3 isoreceptor blockers ritanserin and BRL 43694A were used. In both the experimental conditions, ritanserin blockade led to dose-dependent increased fluctuations in HR low and high frequencies. In both the anesthetized and pithed rats, the low frequency range HR fluctuations were drastically reduced by BRL 43694A.     

Evaluation of nucleolar organizer region-associated proteins in endometrial pathology.

In the current study the argyrophil staining technique for NOR proteins (Ag-NORs) has been performed on cases of different endometrial lesions, trying to find an aid in differentiating atypical hyperplasia from well differentiated carcinoma in biopsy specimens. We conclude that the Ag-NOR count, even though in endometrial carcinoma is significantly exceeding that of atypical hyperplastic endometrium, could be a misleading discriminator, because of a wide overlap of values in individual cases.     

Cytometry and flow cytometry of 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI)-stained suspensions of nuclei released from fresh and fixed tissues of plants

Cytometry and flow cytometry were used to study characteristics of fluorescence of the DNA-DAPI complex in nuclei released from different fresh and formaldehyde-fixed pea ( Pisum sativum L. cv. Lincoln) tissues. The two methods of isolation are compared and discussed as well as their possible use for quantitative analysis of DNA in plant tissues. With fixed tissues it is possible to obtain a number of nuclei sufficient for the flow cytometric analysis, even using small amounts of plant tissue.     

Effect of angiotensin II on RNA synthesis by isolated nuclei

Peptide hormones are known to bind to cell surface receptors as the first step in the generation of their effects on target tissues. However, it remains uncertain whether internalized hormone might also play a role in the production of longterm or trophic effects of peptide hormones. Because the peptide hormone angiotensin II appears to be internalized by target cells, we studied the effect of this peptide on isolated hepatic nuclei. At both 5 X 10(-7)M and 5 X 10(-9)M, angiotensin II significantly increased RNA synthesis. This effect was not mimicked by Sar1-Ala8-angiotensin II (saralasin) or the unrelated nonapeptide teprotide.     

Genomic and copy-back 3'' termini in Sendai virus defective interfering RNA species

Direct sequencing of nine Sendai virus defective interfering RNA species revealed two kinds of 3'-terminal sequences. Six RNA species had 3' termini identical to the virus genome (negative strand), confirming that internal deletions are a frequent cause of Sendai virus defectiveness. The other three RNA species had 3'-terminal sequences identical to that described as the complement of the 5' terminus of the virus genome (R. A. Lazzarini, J. D. Keene, and M. Schubert, Cell 26:145-154, 1981), indicating that they are of the copy-back type. Extensive homology between these two types of 3' sequences evidently accounts for the ability of the copy-back sequence to function as an initiation signal for viral RNA replication. There may not be a selective advantage of one type of terminus over the other, since one defective interfering strain possessed two RNA species, one of which had the genomic 3' terminus and the other copy-back type.     

PYK2 is overexpressed in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: A potential new therapeutic target

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is the most common adult B-cell leukaemia and despite improvement in patients' outcome, following the use of targeted therapies, it remains incurable. CLL supportive microenvironment plays a key role in both CLL progression and drug resistance through signals that can be sensed by the main components of the focal adhesion complex, such as FAK and PYK2 kinases. Dysregulations of both kinases have been observed in several metastatic cancers, but their role in haematological malignancies is still poorly defined. We characterized FAK and PYK2 expression and observed that PYK2 expression is higher in leukaemic B cells and its overexpression significantly correlates with their malignant transformation. When targeting both FAK and PYK2 with the specific inhibitor defactinib, we observed a dose–response effect on CLL cells viability and survival. In vivo treatment of a CLL mouse model showed a decrease of the leukaemic clone in all the lymphoid organs along with a significant reduction of macrophages and of the spleen weight and size. Our results first define a possible prognostic value for PYK2 in CLL, and show that both FAK and PYK2 might become putative targets for both CLL and its microenvironment (e.g. macrophages), thus paving the way to an innovative therapeutic strategy.