Herpes simplex virus vectors overexpressing the glucose transporter gene protect against seizure-induced neuron loss.

We have generated herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors vIE1GT and v alpha 4GT bearing the GLUT-1 isoform of the rat brain glucose transporter (GT) under the control of the human cytomegalovirus ie1 and HSV alpha 4 promoters, respectively. We previously reported that such vectors enhance glucose uptake in hippocampal cultures and the hippocampus. In this study we demonstrate that such vectors can maintain neuronal metabolism and reduce the extent of neuron loss in cultures after a period of hypoglycemia. Microinfusion of GT vectors into the rat hippocampus also reduces kainic acid-induced seizure damage in the CA3 cell field. Furthermore, delivery of the vector even after onset of the seizure is protective, suggesting that HSV-mediated gene transfer for neuroprotection need not be carried out in anticipation of neurologic crises. Using the bicistronic vector v alpha 22 beta gal alpha 4GT, which coexpresses both GT and the Escherichia coli lacZ marker gene, we further demonstrate an inverse correlation between the extent of vector expression in the dentate and the amount of CA3 damage resulting from the simultaneous delivery of kainic acid.

Generation of targeted retroviral vectors by using single-chain variable fragment: an approach to in vivo gene delivery.

We report the generation of a retroviral vector that infects human cells specifically through recognition of the low density lipoprotein receptor. The rationale for this targeted infection is to add onto the ecotropic envelope protein of Moloney murine leukemia virus, normally trophic for murine cells, a single-chain variable fragment derived from a monoclonal antibody recognizing the human low density lipoprotein receptor. This chimeric envelope protein was used to construct a packaging cell line producing a retroviral vector capable of high-efficiency transfer of the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase gene to human cells expressing low density lipoprotein receptor. This approach offers a generalized plan to generate cell and tissue-specific retroviral vectors, an essential step toward in vivo gene therapy strategies.

Stringent chemical and thermal regulation of recombinant gene expression by vaccinia virus vectors in mammalian cells.

We developed a stringently regulated expression system for mammalian cells that uses (i) the RNA polymerase, phi 10 promoter, and T phi transcriptional terminator of bacteriophage T7; (ii) the lac repressor, lac operator, rho-independent transcriptional terminators and the gpt gene of Escherichia coli; (iii) the RNA translational enhancer of encephalomyocarditis virus; and (iv) the genetic background of vaccinia virus. In cells infected with the recombinant vaccinia virus, reporter beta-galactosidase synthesis was not detected in the absence of inducer. An induction of at least 10,000- to 20,000-fold occurred upon addition of isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside or by temperature elevation from 30 to 37 degrees C using a temperature-sensitive lac repressor. Regulated synthesis of the secreted and highly glycosylated human immunodeficiency virus 1 envelope protein gp120 was also demonstrated. Yields of both proteins were approximately 2 mg per 10(8) cells in 24 hr. Plasmid transfer vectors for cloning and expression of complete or incomplete open reading frames in recombinant vaccinia viruses are described.

DNA synthesis and topoisomerase inhibitors increase transduction by adeno-associated virus vectors.

Viral vectors based on adeno-associated virus (AAV) preferentially transduce cells in S phase of the cell cycle. We recently found that DNA-damaging agents increased the transduction of nondividing cells. However, the optimal concentrations were toxic to cells. Here we show that the transduction of normal human fibroblasts by AAV vectors is increased by prior exposure to DNA synthesis inhibitors, such as aphidicolin or hydroxyurea, and topoisomerase inhibitors, such as etoposide or camptothecin. Transduction efficiencies could be increased > 300-fold in stationary cultures at concentrations that did not affect cell viability or proliferative potential. Both S-phase and non-S-phase cells were affected, suggesting that cellular functions other than replicative DNA synthesis may be involved. Applying these methods to gene transfer protocols should improve prospects for gene therapy by AAV vectors.

Dynamical Equations For The Period Vectors In A Periodic System Under Constant External Stress

The purpose of this paper is to derive the dynamical equations for the period vectors of a periodic system under constant external stress. The explicit starting point is Newton’s second law applied to halves of the system. Later statistics over indistinguishable translated states and forces associated with transport of momentum are applied to the resulting dynamical equations. In the final expressions, the period vectors are driven by the imbalance between internal and external stresses. The internal stress is shown to have both full interaction and kinetic-energy terms.

(Table 2) Picked maximum velocities from 3 radars (RAY, SHK, and SUM), showing 10 explosions at Erebus volcano, Antarctica, and their respective directivity vectors

We used a novel system of three continuous wave Doppler radars to successfully record the directivity of i) Strombolian explosions from the active lava lake of Erebus volcano, Antarctica, ii) eruptions at Stromboli volcano, Italy, and iii) a man-made explosion in a quarry. Erebus volcano contains a convecting phonolite lava lake, presumably connected to a magma chamber at depth. It is one of the few open vent volcanoes that allow a direct observation of source processes during explosions. Its lava lake is the source of frequent violent Strombolian explosions, caused by large gas bubbles bursting at the lake surface. The exact mechanism of these bubble bursts is unclear, as is the mechanism of the creation of the infrasound signal accompanying the explosions. We use the Doppler radar data to calculate the directivity of Strombolian eruptions at Erebus. This allows us to derive information about the expected type of infrasound source pattern (i.e. the role of a dipole in addition to the monopole signature) and the physical structure of the volcano. We recorded 10 large explosions simultaneously with three radars, enabling us to calculate time series of 3D directivity vectors (i.e. effectively 4D), which describe the direction of preferred expansion of the gas bubble during an explosion. Such directivity information allows a comparison to dipole infrasound radiation patterns recorded during similar explosions only a few weeks later. Video observations of explosions support our interpretation of the measurements. We conclude that at Erebus, the directivity of explosions is mainly controlled by random processes. Since the geometry of the uppermost conduit is assumed to have a large effect on the directivity of explosions, the results suggest a largely symmetrical uppermost conduit with a vertical axis of symmetry. For infrasound recordings, a significant dipole signature can be expected in addition to the predominant monopole signature.

On finding the maximal elements in a set of plane vectors /

"UIUCDCS-R-74-667"

On computing the rank function for a set of vectors /

Includes bibliographical references.

The geographical distribution of the yellow fever vectors; a compilation of material recorded in the literature, unpublished communications, and certain collections made by the author in Nigeria, West Africa,

Bibliography: p. [68]-91.

The anopheline mosquitoes of the northern half of the western hemisphere and of the Philippine Islands (distribution, habits, identification, importance as vectors, and control)

With c. 3 is bound King, Willard Van Orsdel. The mosquitoes of the southeastern states. Rev. Washington, 1942; and Komp, William H. Wood. The anopheline mosquitoes of the Caribbean region. Washington, 1942.

Rules and regulations relating to viruses, serums, toxins and analogous products, and to certain organisms and vectors, effective March 1, 1949.

Mode of access: Internet.

Life histories and behavior of five insect vectors of phony peach disease /

Caption title.

The leafhopper vectors of phytopathogenic viruses (Homoptera, Cicadellidae); taxonomy, biology, and virus transmission,

Bibliography: p. 318-368.

Pollination of Australian Macrozamia cycads (Zamiaceae): Effectiveness and behavior of specialist vectors in a dependent mutualism

Complementary field and laboratory tests confirmed and quantified the pollination abilities of Tranes sp. weevils and Cycadothrips chadwicki thrips, specialist insects of their respective cycad hosts, Macrozamia machinii and M. lucida. No agamospermous seeds were produced when both wind and insects were excluded from female cones; and the exclusion of wind-vectored pollen alone did not eliminate seed set, because insects were able to reach the cone. Based on enclosure pollination tests, each weevil pollinates an average 26.2 ovules per cone and each thrips 2.4 ovules per cone. These pollinators visited similar numbers of ovules per cone in fluorescent dye tests that traced insect movement through cones. Fluorescent dye granules deposited by Cycadothrips were concentrated around the micropyle of each visited ovule, the site of pollen droplet release, where pollen must be deposited to achieve pollination. In contrast, Tranes weevils left dye scattered on different areas of each visited ovule, indicating that chance plays a greater role in this system. Each weevil and 25 thrips delivered 6.2 and 5.2 pollen grains, respectively, on average, to each visited ovule per cone, based on examination of dissected pollen canals. In sum, the pollination potential of 25 Cycadothrips approximates that of one Tranes weevil.