Relatedness among arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi drives plant growth and intraspecific fungal coexistence.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbioses with most plant species. They are ecologically important determinants of plant growth and diversity. Considerable genetic variation occurs in AMF populations. Thus, plants are exposed to AMF of varying relatedness to each other. Very little is known about either the effects of coexisting AMF on plant growth or which factors influence intraspecific AMF coexistence within roots. No studies have addressed whether the genetics of coexisting AMF, and more specifically their relatedness, influences plant growth and AMF coexistence. Relatedness is expected to influence coexistence between individuals, and it has been suggested that decreasing ability of symbionts to coexist can have negative effects on the growth of the host. We tested the effect of a gradient of AMF genetic relatedness on the growth of two plant species. Increasing relatedness between AMFs lead to markedly greater plant growth (27% biomass increase with closely related compared to distantly related AMF). In one plant species, closely related AMF coexisted in fairly equal proportions but decreasing relatedness lead to a very strong disequilibrium between AMF in roots, indicating much stronger competition. Given the strength of the effects with such a shallow relatedness gradient and the fact that in the field plants are exposed to a steeper gradient, we consider that AMF relatedness can have a strong role in plant growth and the ability of AMF to coexist. We conclude that AMF relatedness is a driver of plant growth and that relatedness is also a strong driver of intraspecific coexistence of these ecologically important symbionts.

Microstructural, chemical and textural records during growth of snowball garnet

The growth history of two populations of snowball garnet from the Lukmanier Pass area (central Swiss Alps) was examined through a detailed analysis of three-dimensional geometry, chemical zoning and crystallographic orientation. The first population, collected in the hinge of a chevron-type fold, shows an apparent rotation of 360 degrees. The first 270 degrees are characterized by spiral-shaped inclusion trails, gradual and concentric Mn zoning and a single crystallographic orientation, whereas in the last 90 degrees, crenulated inclusion trails and secondary Mn maxima centred on distinct crystallographic garnet domains are observed. Microstructural, geochemical and textural data indicate a radical change in growth regime between the two growth sequences. In the first 270 degrees, growth occurred under rotational non-coaxial flow, whereas in the last 90 degrees, garnet grew under a non-rotational shortening regime. The second population, collected in the limb of the same chevron-type fold structure, is characterized by a spiral geometry that does not exceed 270 degrees of apparent rotation. These garnet microstructures do not record any evidence for a modification of the stress field during garnet growth. Concentric Mn zoning as well as a single crystallographic orientation are observed for the entire spiral. Electron backscatter diffraction data indicate that nearly all central domains in the snowball garnet are characterized by one [001] axis oriented (sub-)parallel to the symmetry axis and by another [001] axis oriented (sub-)parallel to the orientation of the internal foliation. These features suggest that the crystallographic orientation across the garnet spiral is not random and that a relation exists among the symmetry axis, the internal foliation and the crystallographic orientation.

BAFF, a novel ligand of the tumor necrosis factor family, stimulates B cell growth.

Members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family induce pleiotropic biological responses, including cell growth, differentiation, and even death. Here we describe a novel member of the TNF family, designated BAFF (for B cell activating factor belonging to the TNF family), which is expressed by T cells and dendritic cells. Human BAFF was mapped to chromosome 13q32-34. Membrane-bound BAFF was processed and secreted through the action of a protease whose specificity matches that of the furin family of proprotein convertases. The expression of BAFF receptor appeared to be restricted to B cells. Both membrane-bound and soluble BAFF induced proliferation of anti-immunoglobulin M-stimulated peripheral blood B lymphocytes. Moreover, increased amounts of immunoglobulins were found in supernatants of germinal center-like B cells costimulated with BAFF. These results suggest that BAFF plays an important role as costimulator of B cell proliferation and function.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation of cultured brain cells. I. Enhancement of the developmental increase in glial enzymatic activity.

Serum-free aggregating cell cultures of fetal rat telencephalon grown in the presence of 3 ng/ml (5 X 10(-10) M) epidermal growth factor (EGF) until day 12 showed 2- to 3-fold increased activities in the two glial enzymes, glutamine synthetase (GLU-S) and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphohydrolase (CNPase). This effect was concentration-dependent, with maximal stimulation in cultures treated daily with 3 ng/ml EGF. Addition of EGF during the first 10 culture days was sufficient to produce a maximal stimulation of both GLU-S and CNPase on day 19, whereas treatments starting on day 12 were ineffective. The stimulation of GLU-S preceded that of CNPase. The EGF-induced increase in GLU-S activity was not directly dependent on the presence of insulin, triiodothyronine, or hydrocortisone in the medium, whereas insulin was required for the stimulation of CNPase. A single dose of 5 ng/ml EGF on day 2 caused a slight but significant decrease in DNA synthesis after day 6. The present results indicate that in serum-free aggregating cell cultures of fetal rat telencephalon EGF partially inhibits DNA synthesis, and stimulates an early step in glial differentiation.

Fishery-induced selection on an Alpine whitefish: quantifying genetic and environmental effects on individual growth rate

Size-selective fishing, environmental changes and reproductive strategies are expected to affect life-history traits such as the individual growth rate. The relative contribution of these factors is not clear, particularly whether size-selective fishing can have a substantial impact on the genetics and hence on the evolution of individual growth rates in wild populations. We analysed a 25-year monitoring survey of an isolated population of the Alpine whitefish Coregonus palaea. We determined the selection differentials on growth rate, the actual change of growth rate over time and indicators of reproductive strategies that may potentially change over time. The selection differential can be reliably estimated in our study population because almost all the fish are harvested within their first years of life, i.e. few fish escape fishing mortality. We found a marked decline in average adult growth rate over the 25 years and a significant selection differential for adult growth, but no evidence for any linear change in reproductive strategies over time. Assuming that the heritability of growth in this whitefish corresponds to what was found in other salmonids, about a third of the observed decline in growth rate would be linked to fishery-induced evolution. Size-selective fishing seems to affect substantially the genetics of individual growth in our study population.

Innovation and firm growth: Does firm age play a role?

This paper explores the relationship between firm growth, innovation and firm age. We hypothesize that young firms undertake riskier innovation activities and are more oriented towards employment growth than towards harvesting returns in the form of sales growth. Using an extensive sample of Community Innovation Survey for the period 2004-2010, we apply quantile regressions and a Heckman sample selection technique to study the impact of R&D activities on firm growth according to firm age. Our results show that R&D intensity is positively associated with firm growth. However, for young firms R&D shows an increasing influence across the quantiles, while for old firms R&D shows a stable or perhaps decreasing effect over the quantiles. Firm age shows a significant negative impact among young firms, while for the sample of old firms the impact of firm age becomes non-significant. Our Heckman estimations show the evolution of the impact of the R&D on firm growth confirming a significant impact on sales and productivity growth, while the impact is negligible for employment growth. Keywords: firm age, firm growth, innovation, quantile regression. JEL CODES: L25, L20

IDED Strategic Plan For State Economic Growth, March 2004

Strategic Plan for Iowa Department of Economic Development

Transforming growth factor-beta: the breaking open of a black box.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and its related proteins regulate broad aspects of body development, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and gene expression, in various organisms. Deregulated TGF-beta function has been causally implicated in the generation of human fibrotic disorders and in tumor progression. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of TGF-beta action remained essentially unknown until recently. Here, we discuss recent progress in our understanding of the mechanism of TGF-beta signal transduction with respect to the regulation of gene expression, the control of cell phenotype and the potential usage of TGF-beta for the treatment of human diseases.

Altered growth in male peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) heterozygous mice: involvement of PPARgamma in a negative feedback regulation of growth hormone action.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) plays a major role in fat tissue development and physiology. Mutations in the gene encoding this receptor have been associated to disorders in lipid metabolism. A thorough investigation of mice in which one PPARgamma allele has been mutated reveals that male PPARgamma heterozygous (PPARgamma +/-) mice exhibit a reduced body size associated with decreased body weight, reflecting lean mass reduction. This phenotype is reproduced when treating the mice with a PPARgamma- specific antagonist. Monosodium glutamate treatment, which induces weight gain and alters body growth in wild-type mice, further aggravates the growth defect of PPARgamma +/- mice. The levels of circulating GH and that of its downstream effector, IGF-I, are not altered in mutant mice. However, the IGF-I mRNA level is decreased in white adipose tissue (WAT) of PPARgamma +/- mice and is not changed by acute administration of recombinant human GH, suggesting an altered GH action in the mutant animals. Importantly, expression of the gene encoding the suppressor of cytokine signaling-2, which is an essential negative regulator of GH signaling, is strongly increased in the WAT of PPARgamma +/- mice. Although the relationship between the altered GH signaling in WAT and reduced body size remains unclear, our results suggest a novel role of PPARgamma in GH signaling, which might contribute to the metabolic disorder affecting insulin signaling in PPARgamma mutant mice.

The roots of success: industrial growth in Italy reconsidered, 1911- 1951

This article reconsiders the growth of Italian industry from the First World War to the eve of the economic miracle, with the aid of sector-specific new value-added series, at three different price-bases. The new estimates reduce growth during the First World War, making the Italian case comparable to the other belligerent countries, while improving the performance of the 1920s. The 1929 crisis looks more profound than before, while the recovery after 1933 is now stronger. During the 1920s and the 1930s, a significant shift from traditional to more advanced activities took place: when confronted with the rest of Europe, the interwar period was a relative success, which laid the ground for the following economic boom.

Kinetics of crystal growth and equilibrium domains in eclogite of the Sesia Zone, Western Alps

Kinetics of crystal growth and equilibrium domains in eclogite of the Sesia Zone, Western Alps Darbellay Bastien Institut de Min��ralogie et G��ochimie R��sum�� grand public Comme toute mati��re, la roche est sensible �� son environnement et cherche �� s'adapter pour acqu��rir un ��tat stable (��tat d'��quilibre). Les changements des conditions physiques (temp��rature et pression) vont ainsi impliquer des modifications dans la roche. Le m��tamorphisme est l'��tude de ces changements. Les min��raux qui constituent la roche peuvent modifier, leur structure, leur chimie ou ��tre remplacer par d'autres min��raux plus stables. Il est ainsi crucial de d��terminer les processus responsables et limitant de la croissance min��rale. Trois processus permettent la croissance ; (1) la dissolution des ��l��ments du r��actant, (2) le transport de ces ��l��ments vers le site de croissance, (3) l'incorporation de ces ��l��ments dans la nouvelle structure. Cette th��se se focalise sur les structures des min��raux de haute pression (forme, zonation chimique, structure interne) pour essayer de d��terminer les facteurs importants �� l'origine de leur ��tat final. Les zones d'��tude se situent dans la zone de S��sia. La premi��re partie traite de la probl��matique li��e �� l'incorporation d'un ��l��ment dans une structure min��rale. A l'image de la croissance humaine, les irr��gularit��s min��ralogiques permettent de mettre en lumi��re un dysfonctionnement de la croissance due �� un exc��s ou �� une carence d'un ��l��ment. Bien dos��, cet ��l��ment est cependant essentiel �� la croissance. Les zoisites (��pidotes) des m��tabasites de la r��gion de Cima di Bonze montrent une zonation chimique en sablier. Dans cette zonation la teneur en fer exc��de la capacit�� maximum que peut contenir la structure orthorhombique de la zoisite. Des d��fauts de structure permettent l'accommodation de cet exc��s. La zoisite peut ainsi adapter sa structure pour permettre l'incorporation d'une relativement grande quantit�� de fer. Les ��tudes pr��c��dentes montraient, pour des conditions similaires, la formation de deux ��pidotes distinctes. La deuxi��me partie se penche sur la comp��tition entre le min��ral qui fait sa croissance et les min��raux (r��actants) qui l'entourent. Les m��tap��lites de la r��gion du Monte Mucrone contiennent des grenats atollaires. Des ��tudes d��taill��es de la texture et de la zonation chimique du grenat ainsi qu'une mod��lisation thermodynamique ont permis de mieux cerner les facteurs importants responsables de la forme atollaire. Cette structure est obtenue par un changement du comportement de la croissance du grenat le long d'un chemin P-T hercynien. Dans un premier stade, le grenat cro��t rapidement et consume peu le quartz de la matrice. La croissance se fait ainsi le long des jointures des grains de quartz. Dans un second temps, les changements de conditions PT donnent une croissance lente du grenat et une forte consommation du quartz. Le grenat peut ainsi d��velopper sa forme dod��ca��drale classique. La troisi��me partie s'int��resse aux distances de transport par diffusion d'un ��l��ment (ici l'argon) durant la haute pression. Pour ce faire, un profile d'��ges 40Ar/39Ar sur biotite a ��t�� mesur�� depuis un veine de haute pression riche en argon jusque dans son encaissant (granito��d du Monte Mucrone). Le profile montre une r��partition des ��ges suivant une courbe de diffusion. Le transport se fait sur une longueur de deux centim��tre avec l'aide d'un fluide. Il est r��duit �� une ��chelle millim��trique quand la phase fluide dispara��t. Cette ��tude montre ainsi les difficult��s de transport des ��l��ments durant la haute pression ne permettant pas un r����quilibrage de la roche �� grande ��chelle. Kinetics of crystal growth and equilibrium domains in eclogite of the Sesia Zone, Western Alps Darbellay Bastien Institut de Min��ralogie et G��ochimie R��sum�� de th��se Les processus de croissance (diffusion des ��l��ments et les r��actions d'interface) et les conditions dans lesquelles les min��raux grandissent (temp��rature, pression, fluide, composition chimique de la roche), d��terminent la texture ainsi que la zonation des min��raux. Cette th��se se focalise, par le biais de textures peu communes, sur trois diff��rents processus impliqu��s dans la croissance min��rale �� haute pression (Zone de S��sia, Alpes de l'Ouest, Italie). L'incorporation d'un ��l��ment dans une structure min��rale ne peut se faire que dans des sites en accord avec la taille et la charge ionique de l'��l��ment. De plus, la balance de charge doit ��tre maintenue dans le min��ral. La r��gularit�� de la structure cristalline fixe ainsi une limite maximum de concentration d'un ��l��ment donn��. Les zoisites provenant des m��tabasites de la r��gion de Cima di Bonze montrent des zonations en sablier caract��ris��es par une concentration anormale en fer. La zonation se marque par une diff��rente teinte de bir��fringence et par un plus grand angle d'extinction que le reste de la zoisite. Une inter-croissance de clinozoisite �� l'int��rieur de la structure orthorhombique de la zoisite peut ainsi ��tre suspect��e. Les analyses XRD (diffraction des rayons x) ainsi que les analyses Raman ne confirment pas cette suspicion. Seules les analyses TEM (microscope �� ��lectrons transmis) montrent des d��fauts de structure pouvant ��tre interpr��t��s comme des modules de clinozoisite. Ils ne peuvent cependant pas ��tre consid��r��s comme une phase thermodynamique. Un nouveau trou d'immiscibilit�� entre deux zoisite (X ep= 0.1 and Xep = 0.15) a ainsi pu ��tre ��tabli. Dans les m��tap��lites la r��gion du Monte Mucrone, des grenats fortement zon��s montrent une ��volution texturale singuli��re. Ils pr��sentent une forme initiale de `champignon' qui se d��veloppe pour former une structure atollaire finale. L'��tude conjugu��e de la structure 3D et des zonations, ainsi que l'��tablissement d'un model thermodynamique, indiquent que ces structures proviennent de deux ��pisodes de croissances : (1) La croissance du grenat durant un chemin prograde hercynien (de 525 ��C et 6.2 kbar �� 640 ��C et 9 kbar) permet la formation des textures atollaires. Elles sont le r��sultat d'une croissance poecilitique initiale suivie d'une croissance idiomorphique du grenat. (2) La structure est rendue plus complexe par la cristallisation d'un grenat homog��ne tout autour ainsi qu'�� l'int��rieur du grenat hercynien durant la haute pression alpine (550 ��C and 20 kbar). L'arriv��e de l'eau durant la haute pression facilite le transport d'��l��ments et permet une cristallisation rapide du grenat. La diffusion peut ��tre un facteur limitant de la croissance min��ralogique. Elle a aussi une grande importance pour la g��ochronologie. Une veine de haute pression �� l'int��rieur du granito��de du Monte Mucrone a ��t�� ��tudi��e dans le but de d��terminer la distance de diffusion de l'argon. Le profile d'��ges 40Ar/39Ar sur biotites, ��tabli de la veine vers le m��tagranito��de, suit une courbe de diffusion. Les ��ges sont ��lev��s proche de la veine (800 Ma) puis d��croissent jusqu'�� des ��ges homog��nes (170-150 Ma) �� deux centim��tres de la veine. La pr��sence de fluide, marqu�� par de hautes concentrations en chlore, permet une diffusion centim��trique. Cependant, la distance est r��duite �� une ��chelle millim��trique quand le fluide est absent. Les tr��s faibles distances de diffusion pr��servent les ��ges pr��-alpins et impliquent un ��v��nement g��ologique pour les ��ges de 170-150 Ma. Kinetics of crystal growth and equilibrium domains in eclogite of the Sesia Zone, Western Alps Darbellay Bastien Institut de Min��ralogie et G��ochimie Thesis abstract Rock textures and zonings are the consequence of growth processes (element diffusion and interface reaction) steered by the environment in which they grew (pressure, differential stress, temperature, fluid and rock composition). The thesis presented here focuses on three different topics, each of it dealing with aspects of mineral growth processes during subduction, in a high-pressure environment. All studies were conducted in the Sesia Zone of the Western European Alps, Italy. The first study addresses the crystallography and geochemistry of element incorporation in zoisite, one of the major hydrous minerals found in subduction zone rocks. Elements can be incorporated into a mineral structure only on crystallographic sites that offer enough space for the ion and the overall charge balance has to be maintained. Element concentrations are hence limited. Incorporation of some elements produces complex zoning, including hourglass like patterns, which are the focus of the first contribution. Zoisites from Cima di Bonze (Sesia Zone) show spectacular hourglass zoning defined by Fe-content variations. The hourglass zones have a distinct birefringence and a different extinction angle than the regular part of the zoisite. We show by detailed XRD (X-ray diffraction) and confocal Raman analyses that the high Fe-zones are nevertheless zoisite, and not clinozoisite as one might expect. High resolution TEM (transmission electron microscopy) analyses show planar defects on (100) that can be interpreted as small-scale clinozoisite modules. However, these clinozoisites cannot be interpreted as a distinctive thermodynamic phase and the entire mineral has to be considered as zoisite. The miscibility gap between two zoisites (Xep = 0.1 and Xep = 0.15) can be then definite at 550 �� 50��C and 14 to 20 Kbar. Strongly zoned garnets in quartz rich metapelite from the Monte Mucrone area (Sesia Zone) show evolution form 3D mushroom to atoll structure. The second contribution presents textural investigations, garnet zoning and thermodynamic modeling that demonstrate that atoll garnets are the result of two distinctive growth events. (1) Garnet atoll structure is already formed during a prograde Hercynian path from 525 ��C and 6.2 kbar to 640 ��C and 9 kbar. It results in an initial poikilitic growth followed by a final idiomorphic growth event. (2) Alpine HP garnet are homogenous (550 ��C and 20 kbar) and grew around and also inside the Hercynian garnet. Lack of prograde Alpine garnet and fast growth of the HP garnet is explained by the absence of water during much of the prograde path. Water saturation was only observed towards the end, close towards the peak metamorphic conditions. Diffusion could be a limiting factor for crystal growth. It has also a great importance in geochronology. HP vein inside the metagranitoide of the Monte Mucrone (~300 Ma) was investigated to determine argon diffusion scales during high-pressure metamorphism. 40Ar/39Ar biotite ages profile from the vein toward the metagranodiorite show a diffusion curve: old ages (800 Ma) located close to the vein decrease until homogenous 170-150 Ma ages are obtained, two centimeter away from the vein. Centimeter-scale diffusion occurs with help of a fluid phase marked by high chlorine concentrations. Argon diffusion is reduced to a millimeter scale when free fluid is absent. Very short diffusion distance permits to preserve pre-Alpine ages. The 170-150 Ma ages are considered to be geologic meaningful, probably resulting from the extensional tectonics linked to opening of the Tethian ocean.

Ammonium-induced impairment of axonal growth is prevented through glial creatine.

Hyperammonemia in neonates and infants affects brain development and causes mental retardation. We report that ammonium impaired cholinergic axonal growth and altered localization and phosphorylation of intermediate neurofilament protein in rat reaggregated brain cell primary cultures. This effect was restricted to the phase of early maturation but did not occur after synaptogenesis. Exposure to NH4Cl decreased intracellular creatine, phosphocreatine, and ADP. We demonstrate that creatine cotreatment protected axons from ammonium toxic effects, although this did not restore high-energy phosphates. The protection by creatine was glial cell-dependent. Our findings suggest that the means to efficiently sustain CNS creatine concentration in hyperammonemic neonates and infants should be assessed to prevent impairment of axonogenesis and irreversible brain damage.

An Analysis of Regional Economic Growth in the U.S. Midwest, April 2005

In this paper we examine some of the economic forces that underlie economic growth at the county level. In an effort to describe a much more comprehensive regional economic growth model, we address a variety of different growth hypotheses by introducing a large number of growth related variables. When formulating our hypotheses and specifying our growth model we make liberal use of GIS (geographical information systems) mapping software to ���paint��� a picture of where growth spots exist. Our empirical estimation indicates that amenities, state and local tax burdens, population, amount of primary agriculture activity, and demographics have important impacts on economic growth.

Early investigational drugs that target epidermal growth factor receptors for the treatment of head and neck cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) remains a challenging clinical problem, due to the persistent high rate of local and distant failures and the occurrence of secondary primaries. For locally advanced SCCHN, a combination of chemotherapy (CT), radiation or surgery is often used, but there are limitations, which may reduce compliance. Molecular targeted therapies, namely anti-EGFR treatments, are in development with the aim of improving clinical outcomes and mitigating treatment-related toxicities. AREAS COVERED: This review provides an overview of early investigational drugs that target EGFR for the treatment of SCCHN and discusses the ongoing trials in this domain. EXPERT OPINION: Targeted therapies are increasingly used in oncology, especially in SCCHN. Cetuximab has demonstrated a significant improvement in the treatment outcome, both as a curative treatment in combination with radiation therapy and as a palliative treatment in combination with CT; however, it failed to show any benefit in combination with concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Presently, there are many new agents, including monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which are either currently under investigation for or which warrant further investigation for treating SCCHN. The discovery of predictive factors that help to identify patients most likely to respond to EGFR inhibitors as well as patient-customized therapies would help to improve patient outcomes in the future.