Arabidopsis Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors MYC2, MYC3, and MYC4 Regulate Glucosinolate Biosynthesis, Insect Performance, and Feeding Behavior.

Arabidopsis thaliana plants fend off insect attack by constitutive and inducible production of toxic metabolites, such as glucosinolates (GSs). A triple mutant lacking MYC2, MYC3, and MYC4, three basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors that are known to additively control jasmonate-related defense responses, was shown to have a highly reduced expression of GS biosynthesis genes. The myc2 myc3 myc4 (myc234) triple mutant was almost completely devoid of GS and was extremely susceptible to the generalist herbivore Spodoptera littoralis. On the contrary, the specialist Pieris brassicae was unaffected by the presence of GS and preferred to feed on wild-type plants. In addition, lack of GS in myc234 drastically modified S. littoralis feeding behavior. Surprisingly, the expression of MYB factors known to regulate GS biosynthesis genes was not altered in myc234, suggesting that MYC2/MYC3/MYC4 are necessary for direct transcriptional activation of GS biosynthesis genes. To support this, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that MYC2 binds directly to the promoter of several GS biosynthesis genes in vivo. Furthermore, yeast two-hybrid and pull-down experiments indicated that MYC2/MYC3/MYC4 interact directly with GS-related MYBs. This specific MYC-MYB interaction plays a crucial role in the regulation of defense secondary metabolite production and underlines the importance of GS in shaping plant interactions with adapted and nonadapted herbivores.

Developing Support for Scenario Process: A Scenario Study on Lappeenranta University of Technology from 2006 to 2016

Epävarmuus ei ole outoa enää julkishallinon alueellakaan. Globalisaation,tietotalous ja muut yksityissektoria ravistelleet ilmiöt ovat lisänneet mielenkiintoa erilaisiin tekniikoihin joilla voidaan lievittää epävarmuudesta aiheutuvia ongelmia. Tämä raportti kuvailee skenaariosuunnittelun käyttöä eräänä mahdollisuutena epävarmuuden hallintaan julkishallinnossa ja yksityissektorilla. Raportti sijoittuu samaan skenaariotutkimuksen jatkumoon edellisten LTY:ssä toteutettujen skenaariotutkimusten kanssa. tutkimus valottaa tutkimuksen ja käytännön työn nykytilaa helposti hyödynnettävässä muodossa. Rapostin kontribuutio on kuvata tutkimukseen perustuva tuettu skenaarioprosessi ja syntyneet skenaariot, keskittyen prosessin tukemiseen eri menetelmin.

Aproximación de química genómica para el entendimiento de la repuesta defensiva vegetal frente a patógenos: Identificación de moléculas antagonistas y agonistas de la regulación transcripcional en el mutante ocp1 de Arabidopsis thaliana

La genètica química en plantes constitueix una poderosa ferramenta en auge. Per a profunditzar en l’enteniment dels mecanismes defensius vegetals front a l’atac de microorganismes patògens es va realitzar un rastreig de molècules moduladores de l’expressió del gen Ep5C, que s’activa en resposta a l’aplicació de H2O2 y a l’atac de Pseudomonas syringae. S’ha utilizat el mutant ocp1 d’ Arabidopsis thaliana, obtés per mutagènesi a partir de plantes transgèniques pEp5C::GUS. Coneguda la relació d’Ep5C amb la RdDM gràcies a la implicació funcional d’OCP1 i OCP11, s’identifica a MOD18, MOD2 i MOD1 com a potencials molècules implicades en aquesta ruta. A més a més, s’identifica a MOD1 com a molècula activadora de les defenses a través de la ruta mediada per àcid salicílic.

Lipid anchoring of Arabidopsis phototropin 1 to assess the functional significance of receptor internalization: should I stay or should I go?

The phototropin 1 (phot1) blue light receptor mediates a number of adaptive responses, including phototropism, that generally serve to optimize photosynthetic capacity. Phot1 is a plasma membrane-associated protein, but upon irradiation, a fraction is internalized into the cytoplasm. Although this phenomenon has been reported for more than a decade, its biological significance remains elusive. Here, we use a genetic approach to revisit the prevalent hypotheses regarding the functional importance of receptor internalization. Transgenic plants expressing lipidated versions of phot1 that are permanently anchored to the plasma membrane were used to analyse the effect of internalization on receptor turnover, phototropism and other phot1-mediated responses. Myristoylation and farnesylation effectively prevented phot1 internalization. Both modified photoreceptors were found to be fully functional in Arabidopsis, rescuing phototropism and all other phot1-mediated responses tested. Light-mediated phot1 turnover occurred as in the native receptor. Furthermore, our work does not provide any evidence of a role of phot1 internalization in the attenuation of receptor signalling during phototropism. Our results demonstrate that phot1 signalling is initiated at the plasma membrane. They furthermore indicate that release of phot1 into the cytosol is not linked to receptor turnover or desensitization.

Wounding of Arabidopsis halleri leaves enhances cadmium accumulation that acts as a defense against herbivory.

Approximately 0.2 % of all angiosperms are classified as metal hyperaccumulators based on their extraordinarily high leaf metal contents, for example >1 % zinc, >0.1 % nickel or >0.01 % cadmium (Cd) in dry biomass. So far, metal hyperaccumulation has been considered to be a taxon-wide, constitutively expressed trait, the extent of which depends solely on available metal concentrations in the soil. Here we show that in the facultative metallophyte Arabidopsis halleri, both insect herbivory and mechanical wounding of leaves trigger an increase specifically in leaf Cd accumulation. Moreover, the Cd concentrations accumulated in leaves can serve as an elemental defense against herbivory by larvae of the Brassicaceae specialist small white (Pieris rapae), thus allowing the plant to take advantage of this non-essential trace element and toxin. Metal homeostasis genes are overrepresented in the systemic transcriptional response of roots to the wounding of leaves in A. halleri, supporting that leaf Cd accumulation is preceded by systemic signaling events. A similar, but quantitatively less pronounced transcriptional response was observed in A. thaliana, suggesting that the systemically regulated modulation of metal homeostasis in response to leaf wounding also occurs in non-hyperaccumulator plants. This is the first report of an environmental stimulus influencing metal hyperaccumulation.

Regional determinants of firm entry in a developing country

We analyse the determinants of firm entry in developing countries using Argentina as an illustrative case. Our main finding is that although most of the regional determinants used in previous studies analysing developed countries are also relevant here, there is a need for additional explanatory variables that proxy for the specificities of developing economies (e.g., poverty, informal economy and idle capacity).We also find evidence of a core-periphery pattern in the spatial structure of entry that seems to be mostly driven by differences in agglomeration economies. Since regional policies aiming to attract new firms are largely based on evidence from developed countries, our results raise doubts about the usefulness of such policies when applied to developing economies. JEL classification: R12, R30, C33. Key words: Firm entry, Argentina, count data models.

Intra-plant variation for progress of cell division in developing oat grains : a preliminary study

Selostus: Esitutkimus kauran röyhyn sisäisestä vaihtelusta jyvän täyttymisen käynnistyessä

The SUD1 Gene Encodes a Putative E3 Ubiquitin Ligase and Is a Positive Regulator of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Activity in Arabidopsis

The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) enzyme catalyzes the major rate-limiting step of the mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway from which sterols and other isoprenoids are synthesized. In contrast with our extensive knowledge of the regulation of HMGR in yeast and animals, little is known about this process in plants. To identify regulatory components of the MVA pathway in plants, we performed a genetic screen for second-site suppressor mutations of the Arabidopsis thaliana highly drought-sensitive drought hypersensitive2 (dry2) mutant that shows decreased squalene epoxidase activity. We show that mutations in SUPPRESSOR OF DRY2 DEFECTS1 (SUD1) gene recover most developmental defects in dry2 through changes in HMGR activity. SUD1 encodes a putative E3 ubiquitin ligase that shows sequence and structural similarity to yeast Degradation of a factor (Doa10) and human TEB4, components of the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation C (ERAD-C) pathway. While in yeast and animals, the alternative ERAD-L/ERAD-M pathway regulates HMGR activity by controlling protein stability, SUD1 regulates HMGR activity without apparent changes in protein content. These results highlight similarities, as well as important mechanistic differences, among the components involved in HMGR regulation in plants, yeast, and animals.

The REporting of Studies Conducted Using Observational Routinely-Collected Health Data (RECORD) Statement: Methods for Arriving at Consensus and Developing Reporting Guidelines.

OBJECTIVE: Routinely collected health data, collected for administrative and clinical purposes, without specific a priori research questions, are increasingly used for observational, comparative effectiveness, health services research, and clinical trials. The rapid evolution and availability of routinely collected data for research has brought to light specific issues not addressed by existing reporting guidelines. The aim of the present project was to determine the priorities of stakeholders in order to guide the development of the REporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely-collected health Data (RECORD) statement. METHODS: Two modified electronic Delphi surveys were sent to stakeholders. The first determined themes deemed important to include in the RECORD statement, and was analyzed using qualitative methods. The second determined quantitative prioritization of the themes based on categorization of manuscript headings. The surveys were followed by a meeting of RECORD working committee, and re-engagement with stakeholders via an online commentary period. RESULTS: The qualitative survey (76 responses of 123 surveys sent) generated 10 overarching themes and 13 themes derived from existing STROBE categories. Highest-rated overall items for inclusion were: Disease/exposure identification algorithms; Characteristics of the population included in databases; and Characteristics of the data. In the quantitative survey (71 responses of 135 sent), the importance assigned to each of the compiled themes varied depending on the manuscript section to which they were assigned. Following the working committee meeting, online ranking by stakeholders provided feedback and resulted in revision of the final checklist. CONCLUSIONS: The RECORD statement incorporated the suggestions provided by a large, diverse group of stakeholders to create a reporting checklist specific to observational research using routinely collected health data. Our findings point to unique aspects of studies conducted with routinely collected health data and the perceived need for better reporting of methodological issues.

Role of the cellular prion protein in oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation and differentiation in the developing and adult mouse CNS

There are numerous studies describing the signaling mechanisms that mediate oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) proliferation and differentiation, although the contribution of the cellular prion protein (PrPc) to this process remains unclear. PrPc is a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored glycoprotein involved in diverse cellular processes during the development and maturation of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Here we describe how PrPc influences oligodendrocyte proliferation in the developing and adult CNS. OPCs that lack PrPc proliferate more vigorously at the expense of a delay in differentiation, which correlates with changes in the expression of oligodendrocyte lineage markers. In addition, numerous NG2-positive cells were observed in cortical regions of adult PrPc knockout mice, although no significant changes in myelination can be seen, probably due to the death of surplus cells.

Commentary on "The Cognitive-Emotional Brain: From Interactions to Integration" by Luiz Pessoa - "On theory integration: Toward developing affective components within cognitive architectures"

In The Cognitive-Emotional Brain, Pessoa (2013) suggests that cognition and emotion should not be considered separately. We agree with this and argue that cognitive architectures can provide steady ground for this kind of theory integration and for investigating interactions among underlying cognitive processes. We briefly explore how affective components can be implemented and how neuroimaging measures can help validate models and influence theory development.

Developing customer-based e-solutions

Logistiikkapalveluiden markkinat ovat viime vuosina muuttuneet. Kilpailtu toimiala ja asiakasvaatimusten muuttuminen ovat pakottaneet yritykset pyrkimään entistä tehokkaampaan jakeluketjuun. Työn tarkoituksena oli tutkia sähköisten asiakasliittymien toimivuutta asiakkaan näkökulmasta Euro Express tuotannossa ja prosessissa. Tarkoituksena oli selvittää eri sidosryhmien vaatimukset prosessille huomioiden sähköisen liiketoiminnan tuomat edut ja ominaispiirteet. Tavoitteena oli kuvata olemassa oleva prosessi ja tutkia prosessin rajapinnat –asiakas, tuotanto ja ulkoiset sidosryhmät. Tutkielmassa sähköisten ratkaisujen ominaispiirteet on käyty läpi ja tulevaisuuden kehitysnäkökulmista keskusteltu. Kehittyneiden tietoteknisten ratkaisujen avulla jatkuva prosessien uudistaminen (Business Process Reengineering) on mahdollista. Yleisesti epäolennaisuudet asiakasrajapinnassa, informaation kulussa ja yhteyksissä eri järjestelmien välillä aiheuttavat ongelmia sähköisten ratkaisujen toteuttamisessa. Tulevaisuudessa logistiikka yritykset ottavat entistä enemmän käyttöönsä uudenaikaisia teknologisia ratkaisuja tilaukseen, tuotantoon ja asiakaspalveluun. Näiden uudenlaisten ratkaisujen kehittämisestä on hyötyä sekä käyttäjälle että tarjoajalle, mutta ne ovat myös pakollisia palveluntarjoajalle kehittyäkseen markkinoilla. Tulevaisuudessa kilpailun tiivistyessä ja asiakkaiden vaatimusten kasvaessa on kiinnitettävä entistä suurempaa huomiota koko prosessiketjun toimivuuteen. Uudet teknologiset ratkaisut ja niiden käyttäminen tehokkaasti tuovat yrityksille kilpailuetuja, joita ei muuten olisi saavutettavissa.

Developing finished product stocking in a ventilation equipment company

Opinnäytetyön tavoitteena oli analysoida ja kehittää lopputuotteiden varastointia Halton Oy:ssä. Työ toteutettiin, koska yrityksen laajasta tuotevalikoimasta monia nimikkeitä varastoidaan tällä hetkellä ja ne sitovat runsaasti pääomaa varastoon. Lisäksi yrityksellä on vain rajallinen varastointitila käytettävissä ja sitä haluttiin hyödyntää optimaalisesti. Työssä suunniteltiin yritykselle varastoitavien tuotenimikkeiden hallintaprosessi ja lisäksi tutkittiin kuinka yritys voisi tarjota tuotteitaan nopeammin tärkeimmille ulkomaan markkina-alueille. Työn alussa huomio kohdistui myynniltään vähemmän merkittäviin varastonimikkeisiin, joita analysoitiin suunniteltujen kriteerien avulla. Tarkoituksena oli selvittää, mitkä varastonimikkeistä voitaisiin siirtää tilausohjautuviksi. Tärkeimpinä analysointikriteereinä käytettiin nimikkeiden alhaista myyntimäärää, lyhyttä tuotannonläpimenoaikaa sekä varastoitavien nimikkeiden lukumäärää tuoteryhmässä. Työssä huomioitiin kuitenkin myös muita mahdollisia syitä varastointiin. Lisäksi tehtiin havaintoja tilausohjautuvista nimikkeistä, jotka saattaisivat tarvita varastointia. Suunniteltuun hallintaprosessiin sisältyi kriteerien lisäksi myös varastotasojen määrittäminen yrityksen nykyisen varastomallin pohjalta. Työssä tutkittiin kuitenkin myös mahdollisia tulevaisuuden varastomalleja, joiden tarkoituksena olisi parantaa asiakaspalvelua ulkomailla. Tutkimus keskittyi pääasiassa nimikkeiden kysyntöjen analysointiin eri varastomallien myyntialueilla.