Chromosomal localization of the proteasome Z subunit gene reveals an ancient chromosomal duplication involving the major histocompatibility complex.

Proteasomes are the multi-subunit protease thought to play a key role in the generation of peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. When cells are stimulated with interferon gamma, two MHC-encoded subunits, low molecular mass polypeptide (LMP) 2 and LMP7, and the MECL1 subunit encoded outside the MHC are incorporated into the proteasomal complex, presumably by displacing the housekeeping subunits designated Y, X, and Z, respectively. These changes in the subunit composition appear to facilitate class I-mediated antigen presentation, presumably by altering the cleavage specificities of the proteasome. Here we show that the mouse gene encoding the Z subunit (Psmb7) maps to the paracentromeric region of chromosome 2. Inspection of the mouse loci adjacent to the Psmb7 locus provides evidence that the paracentromeric region of chromosome 2 and the MHC region on chromosome 17 most likely arose as a result of a duplication that took place at an early stage of vertebrate evolution. The traces of this duplication are also evident in the homologous human chromosome regions (6p21.3 and 9q33-q34). These observations have implications in understanding the genomic organization of the present-day MHC and offer insights into the origin of the MHC.

Comparison of the defensive elicitation activity of cerato-populin and cerato-platanin: a structural model

Plants can defend themselves from potential pathogenic microorganisms relying on a complex interplay of signaling pathways: activation of the MAPK cascade, transcription of defense related genes, production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide and synthesis of other defensive compounds such as phytoalexins. These events are triggered by the recognition of pathogen’s effectors (effector-triggered immunity) or PAMPs (PAMP-triggered immunity). The Cerato Platanin Family (CPF) members are Cys-rich proteins secreted and localized on fungal cell walls, involved in several aspects of fungal development and pathogen-host interactions. Although more than hundred genes of the CPF have been identified and analyzed, the structural and functional characterization of the expressed proteins has been restricted only to few members of the family. Interestingly, those proteins have been shown to bind chitin with diverse affinity and after foliar treatment they elicit defensive mechanisms in host and non-host plants. This property turns cerato platanins into interesting candidates, worth to be studied to develop new fungal elicitors with applications in sustainable agriculture. This study focus on cerato-platanin (CP), core member of the family and on the orthologous cerato-populin (Pop1). The latter shows an identity of 62% and an overall homology of 73% with respect to CP. Both proteins are able to induce MAPKs phosphorylation, production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, overexpression of defense’s related genes, programmed cell death and synthesis of phytoalexins. CP, however, when compared to Pop1, induces a faster response and, in some cases, a stronger activity on plane leaves. Aim of the present research is to verify if the dissimilarities observed in the defense elicitation activity of these proteins can be associated to their structural and dynamic features. Taking advantage of the available CP NMR structure, Pop1’s 3D one was obtained by homology modeling. Experimental residual dipolar couplings and 1H, 15N, 13C resonance assignments were used to validate the model. Previous works on CPF members, addressed the highly conserved random coil regions (loops b1-b2 and b2-b3) as sufficient and necessary to induce necrosis in plants’ leaves: that region was investigated in both Pop1 and CP. In the two proteins the loops differ, in their primary sequence, for few mutations and an insertion with a consequent diversification of the proteins’ electrostatic surface. A set of 2D and 3D NMR experiments was performed to characterize both the spatial arrangement and the dynamic features of the loops. NOE data revealed a more extended network of interactions between the loops in Pop1 than in CP. In addition, in Pop1 we identified a salt bridge Lys25/Asp52 and a strong hydrophobic interaction between Phe26/Trp53. These structural features were expected not only to affect the loops’ spatial arrangement, but also to reduce the degree of their conformational freedom. Relaxation data and the order parameter S2 indeed highlighted reduced flexibility, in particular for loop b1-b2 of Pop1. In vitro NMR experiments, where Pop1 and CP were titrated with oligosaccharides, supported the hypothesis that the loops structural and dynamic differences may be responsible for the different chitin-binding properties of the two proteins: CP selectively binds tetramers of chitin in a shallow groove on one side of the barrel defined by loops b1-b2, b2-b3 and b4-b5, Pop1, instead, interacts in a non-specific fashion with oligosaccharides. Because the region involved in chitin-binding is also responsible for the defense elicitation activity, possibly being recognized by plant's receptors, it is reasonable to expect that those structural and dynamic modifications may also justify the different extent of defense elicitation. To test that hypothesis, the initial steps of a protocol aimed to the identify a receptor for CP, in silico, are presented.

The Influence of the Family in the Development of Talent in Sport

The purpose of the present study was to describe patterns in the dynamics of families of talented athletes throughout their development in sport. Four families, including three families of elite rowers and one family of an elite tennis player were examined. The framework provided by Ericsson, Krampe, and Tesch- Römer (1993) to explain expert performance served as the theoretical basis for the study. Ericsson et al. suggested that the acquisition of expert performance involves operating within three types of constraints: motivational, effort, and resource. In-depth interviews were conducted with each athlete, parent, and sibling to explore how they have dealt with these three constraints. A total of 15 individual interviews were conducted. Results permitted the identification of three phases of participation from early childhood to late adolescence: the sampling years, the specializing years, and the investment years. The dynamics of the family in each of these phases of development is discussed

Biosystematics of the Genus Andryala L. (Asteraceae)

Andryala (Asteraceae: Cichorieae) is a little-known Mediterranean-Macaronesian genus whose taxonomy is much in need of revision. The aim of the present biosystematic study was to elucidate species relationships within this genus based on morphological and molecular data. In this study several taxa are recognised: 17 species, 14 subspecies, and 3 hybrids. Among these, 5 species are Macaronesian endemics (A. glandulosa, A. sparsiflora, A. crithmifolia Aiton, A. pinnatifida, and A. perezii), 4 species are Northwest African endemics (A. mogadorensis, A. maroccana, A. chevallieri, and A. nigricans) and one species is endemic to Romania (A. laevitomentosa). Historical background regarding taxonomic delimitation in the genus is addressed from Linnaean to present day concepts, as well as the origin of the name Andryala. The origin of Asteraceae and the systematic position of Andryala is shortly summarised. The morphological study was based on a bibliographic review and the revision of 1066 specimens of 13 herbaria as well as additional material collected during fieldwork. The variability of the morphological characters of the genus, including both vegetative taxonomic characters (root, stem, leaf and indumentum characters) and reproductive ones (inflorescence, floret, fruit and pappus characters), is assessed. Numerical analysis of the morphological data was performed using different similarity or dissimilarity measures and coefficients, as well as ordination and clustering methods. Results support the segregation of the recognised taxa and the congruence of the several analyses in the separation of the recognised taxa (using quantitative, binary or multi-state characters). The proposed taxonomy for Andryala includes a new infra-generic classification, new taxa and new combinations and ranks, typifications and diagnostic keys (one for the species and several for subspecies). For each taxon a list of synonyms, typification comments and a detailed description are provided, just as comments on taxonomy and nomenclature, and a brief discussion on karyology. Additionally, information on ecology and conservation status as well as on distribution and a list of studied material are also presented. Phylogenetic analyses based on different nuclear and chloroplast DNA markers, using Bayesian and maximum parsimony methods of inference, were performed. Results support three main lineages: separate ones for the relict species A. agardhii and A. laevitomentosa and a third including the majority of the Andryala species that underwent a relatively rapid and recent speciation. They also suggest a single colonization event of Madeira and the Canary Islands from the Mediterranean region, followed by insular speciation. Biogeography and speciation within the genus are briefly discussed, including a proposal for the centre of origin of the genus and possible dispersal routes.

Functionally characterization of the most common LDLR missense alterations found in Portuguese FH patients

Aims: Mutations in the LDLR gene are the major cause of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), which results in defective catabolism of LDL leading to premature coronary heart disease. Presently, more than 1700 different mutations in the LDLR gene have been described as causing FH but the majority of them remain without functional characterization. In the Portuguese Familial Hypercholesterolemia Study (PFHS), 123 LDLR alterations were found in 243 index patients and their relatives up to date. Until now, 70 of these alterations already have a final classification of pathogenic and 15 have been proved by in vitro studies to be non-pathogenic. The aim of the present work is to functionally characterize 16 LDLR missense alterations found in Portuguese FH patients and worldwide.

Screening for Language Disorders in Stroke: German Validation of the Language Screening Test (LAST)

BACKGROUND Screening of aphasia in acute stroke is crucial for directing patients to early language therapy. The Language Screening Test (LAST), originally developed in French, is a validated language screening test that allows detection of a language deficit within a few minutes. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate two parallel German versions of the LAST. METHODS The LAST includes subtests for naming, repetition, automatic speech, and comprehension. For the translation into German, task constructs and psycholinguistic criteria for item selection were identical to the French LAST. A cohort of 101 stroke patients were tested, all of whom were native German speakers. Validation of the LAST was based on (1) analysis of equivalence of the German versions, which was established by administering both versions successively in a subset of patients, (2) internal validity by means of internal consistency analysis, and (3) external validity by comparison with the short version of the Token Test in another subset of patients. RESULTS The two German versions were equivalent as demonstrated by a high intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.91. Furthermore, an acceptable internal structure of the LAST was found (Cronbach's α = 0.74). A highly significant correlation (r = 0.74, p < 0.0001) between the LAST and the short version of the Token Test indicated good external validity of the scale. CONCLUSION The German version of the LAST, available in two parallel versions, is a new and valid language screening test in stroke.

Geochemistry of sediments of stage 5 of the Nordic seas

Stable isotope, foraminifera and ice rafted detritus (IRD) records covering the last interglacial (the Eemian) from 7 sediment cores in a transect from the Norwegian to the Greenland Sea are presented. The percentages of Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (s.) and Globigerina quinqueloba, foraminiferal content, and to some extent planktonic stable isotope records, demonstrate marked, regional changes in surface water conditions. Importantly, the variability in the abundances of subpolar foraminifera and foraminiferal content are not coherent, implying that these two types of proxies fluctuated independently of each other and most likely reflect changes in sea surface temperature and surface water carbonate productivity, respectively. Paleoceanographic reconstructions demonstrate significant movements of the oceanographic fronts. At the warmest periods, the Arctic front was located far west of the present-day location, at least within the Iceland Sea region. At 126-125 ka, this was most probably due to a stronger or more westerly located Norwegian current. Within the later warm intervals, higher heat flux to the western part of the basin reflects a combination of a stronger Irminger current and/or a weaker east Greenland current. During the main cold spell at ~124 ka, a diffuse Arctic front had a more southeasterly location than today, and intrusion of Atlantic surface waters was probably limited to a narrow corridor in the Eastern Norwegian Sea. A general correspondence between minima in sea surface temperatures and light benthic delta18O may indicate enhanced influx of freshwater to the basin within the cold events. At least in the Norwegian Sea, we find some evidence that the changes in surface water conditions are associated with changes in deep water ventilation. The majority of the fluctuations may be related to occasional breakdown or reduction of the thermohaline circulation within the Nordic seas. In the earliest Eemian, this could result from meltwater forcing. During the remaining part of the last interglacial the fine balance between temperature and salinity, which the deep water formation is depending on, may have been disturbed by periodic increases in fresh water supply or variable influx of warm Atlantic surface waters.

Sea surface temperatures derived from alkenones from Late Quaternary sediments of the East Equatorial South Atlantic

Angola Basin and Walvis Ridge records of past sea surface temperatures (SST) derived from the alkenone Uk 37 index are used to reconstruct the surface circulation in the east equatorial South Atlantic for the last 200,000 years. Comparison of SST estimates from surface sediments between 5° and 20°S with modern SST data suggests that the alkenone temperatures represent annual mean values of the surface mixed layer. Alkenone-derived temperatures for the warm climatic maxima of the Holocene and the penultimate interglacial are 1 to 4°C higher than latest Holocene values. All records show glacial to interglacial differences of about 3.5°C in annual mean SST, which is about 1.5°C greater than the difference estimated by CLIMAP (1981) for the eastern Angola Basin. At the Walvis Ridge, significant SST variance is observed at all of the Earth's orbital periodicities. SST records from the Angola Basin vary predominantly at 23- and 100-kyr periodicities. For the precessional cycle, SST changes at the Walvis Ridge correspond to variations of boreal summer insolation over Africa and lead ice volume changes, suggesting that the east equatorial South Atlantic is sensitive to African monsoon intensity via trade-wind zonality. Angola Basin SST records lag those from the Walvis Ridge and the equatorial Atlantic by about 3 kyr. The comparison of Angola Basin and Walvis Ridge SST records implies that the Angola-Benguela Front (ABF) (currently at about 14-16°S) has remained fairly stationary between 12° and 20°S (the limits of our cores) during the last two glacial-interglacial cycles. The temperature contrast associated with the ABF exhibits a periodic 23-kyr variability which is coherent with changes in boreal summer insolation over Africa. These observations suggest that surface waters north of the present ABF have not directly responded to monsoon-modulated changes in the trade-wind vector, that the central field of zonally directed trades in the southern hemisphere was not shifted or extended northward by several degrees of latitude during glacials, and that a cyclonic gyre circulation has existed in the east equatorial South Atlantic over the last 200,000 years. This scenario contradicts former assumptions of glacial intensification of the Benguela Current into the eastern Angola Basin and increased coastal upwelling off Angola.

Radionuclides in sediment cores of the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean

We present time series of export productivity proxy data including 230Thex-normalized deposition rates (rain rates) of 10Be, dissolution-corrected biogenic Ba, and biogenic opal as well as authigenic U concentrations which are complemented by rain rates of total (detrital) Fe and sea ice indicating diatom abundances from five sediment cores across the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean covering the past 150,000 years. The results suggest that 10Be rain rates and authigenic U concentration cannot serve as quantitative paleoproductivity proxies because they have also been influenced by detrital particle fluxes in the case of 10Be and bulk sedimentation rates (sediment focussing) and deep water oxygenation in the case of U. The combined results of the remaining productivity proxies of this study (rain rates of biogenic opal and biogenic Ba in those sections without authigenic U) and other previously published proxy data from the Southern Ocean (231Pa/230Th and nitrogen isotopes) suggest that a combination of sea ice cover, shallow remineralization depth, and stratification of the glacial water column south of the present position of the Antarctic Polar Front and possibly Fe fertilization north of it have been the main controlling factors of export paleoproductivity in the Southern Ocean over the last 150,000 years. An overall glacial increase of export paleoproductivity is not supported by the data, implying that bioproductivity variations in the Southern Ocean are unlikely to have contributed to the major glacial atmospheric CO2 drawdown observed in ice cores.

Table 1: Main characteristics of the BIOTA observatories included in this study & Table 3: Occurrence of termite taxa at the observatories

Termites are the most important soil ecosystem engineers of semi-arid and arid habitats. They enhance decomposition processes as well as the subsequent mineralisation of nutrients by bacteria and fungi. Through their construction of galleries, nests and mounds, they promote soil turnover and influence the distribution of nutrients and also alter texture and hydrological properties of soils, thereby affecting the heterogeneity of their ecosystem. The main aim of the present thesis was to define the impact of termites on ecosys-tem functioning in a semi-arid ecosystem. In a baseline study, I assessed the diversity of termite taxa in relation to the amount of precipitation, the vegetation patterns and the land use systems at several sites in Namibia. Subsequently, I focussed on a species that is highly abundant in many African savannas, the fungus growing and mound building species Macro-termes michaelseni (Sjöstedt, 1914). I asked how this species influences the spatial hetero-geneity of soil and vegetation patterns. From repeated samplings at 13 sites in Namibia, I obtained 17 termite taxa of 15 genera. While the type of land use seems to have a minor effect on the termite fauna, the mean annual precipitation explained 96% and the Simpson index of vascular plant diversity 81% of the variation in taxa diversity. The number of termite taxa increased with both of these explanation variables. In contrast to former studies on Macrotermes mounds in several regions of Africa that I reviewed, soil analyses from M. michaelseni mounds in the central Namibian savanna revealed that they contain much higher nitrogen contents when compared to their parent material. Further analyses revealed that nitrate forms a major component of the nitrogen content in termite mounds. As nitrate solves easily in water, evaporation processes are most probably responsible for the transport of solved nitrates to the mound surface and their accumulation there. The analysed mounds in central Namibia contained higher sand propor-tions compared to the mounds of the former studies. Through the higher percentage of coarse and middle sized pores, water moves more easily in sandy soils compared to more clayey soils. In consequence, evaporation-driven nitrate accumulation can occur in the studied mounds at high rates. ff...

Report from the Select Committee on Coal; together with the proceedings of the Committee, minutes of evidence, and appendix.

"Appointed to inquire into the causes of the present dearness and scarcity of coal."

Titles and documents relative to the seigniorial tenure, required by an address of the Legislative Assembly, 1851.

Another compilation with similar title was also published in 1852. The contents of the two volumes are different.

A revealed knowledge of the prophecies & times : it being the first sign of warning for the benefit of all nations, containing ... the restoration of the Hebrews to Jerusalem by the year of 1798 under the their revealed prince and prophet /

Signed: Richard Brothers

Publications of the Dunlap Society.

New Series. Contents. --no. 1. Daly, Charles Patrick. First theater in America. 1896. --no. 2. Pence, J. H. The magazine and the drama. --no. 4. Gladding, W. J. A group of theatrical caricatures. 1897. --no. 5. Greenwood, I. J. The circus. 1898. --no. 6. Mapes, Victor. Duse and the French. --no. 7. Winter, William. A wreath of laurel. --no. 8. Ford, Paul Leicester. Washington. 1899. --no. 9. Clapp, J. B. Players of the present. 1899-1901. --no. 11. Clapp, J. B. Players of the present. 1899-1901. --no. 12. Roden, Robert F. Later American plays. 1900. --no. 14. Edgett, E. F. Edward Loomis Davenport. 1901. --no. 15. Keese, W. L. A group of comedians.

An address delivered on the dedication of the cemetery at Mount Auburn, September 24, 1831 /

Address before Massachusetts Horticultural Society.