Three-dimensional scroll waves of cAMP could direct cell movement and gene expression in Dictyostelium slugs.

Complex three-dimensional waves of excitation can explain the observed cell movement pattern in Dictyostelium slugs. Here we show that these three-dimensional waves can be produced by a realistic model for the cAMP relay system [Martiel, J. L. & Goldbeter, A. (1987) Biophys J. 52, 807-828]. The conversion of scroll waves in the prestalk zone of the slug into planar wave fronts in the prespore zone can result from a smaller fraction of relaying cells in the prespore zone. Further, we show that the cAMP concentrations to which cells in a slug are exposed over time display a simple pattern, despite the complex spatial geometry of the waves. This cAMP distribution agrees well with observed patterns of cAMP-regulated cell type-specific gene expression. The core of the spiral, which is a region of low cAMP concentration, might direct expression of stalk-specific genes during culmination.

Prevention of autoimmune demyelination in non-human primates by a cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor.

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that serves as a model for the human disease multiple sclerosis. We evaluated rolipram, a type IV phosphodiesterase inhibitor, for its efficacy in preventing EAE in the common marmoset Callithrix jacchus. In a blinded experimental design, clinical signs of EAE developed within 17 days of immunization with human white matter in two placebo-treated animals but in none of three monkeys that received rolipram (10 mg/kg s.c. every other day) beginning 1 week after immunization. In controls, signs of EAE were associated with development of cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and cerebral MRI abnormalities. In the treatment group, there was sustained protection from clinical EAE, transient cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis in only one of three animals, no MRI abnormality, and marked reduction in histopathologic findings. Rolipram-treated and control animals equally developed circulating antibodies to myelin basic protein. Thus, inhibition of type IV phosphodiesterase, initiated after sensitization to central nervous system antigens, protected against autoimmune demyelinating disease.

El camp cañí. Folclore popular, kitsch y género en el arte contemporáneo español

Partiendo de la noción de camp, especialmente de la caracterización aportada por Susan Sontag, estudiaremos la estética kitsch y las influencias del folclore popular en el arte contemporáneo español, concretamente en el asociado al momento histórico de la Transición y al movimiento sociocultural de la Movida. Asimismo prestaremos particular atención a su uso en discursos queer y de disidencia de género. Para ello nos centraremos en la obra de autores como José Pérez Ocaña y Costus (pareja profesional formada por Enrique Naya y Juan Carrero), en cuyas producciones el kitsch, el tono paródico y el uso de elementos de la cultura popular (desde iconografía religiosa hasta imágenes inspiradas en la canción española) sirven de expresión a posturas que, al tiempo que transitan los márgenes del binarismo sexual, apuntan a una cierta politización en consonancia con las corrientes aperturistas del momento.

The Florida Seminole camp / by Alexander Spoehr, Curator, North American Ethnology and Archaeology.

v.33:no.3(1944)

Camp, clan, and kin among the Cow Creek Seminole of Florida / by Alexander Spoehr, Assistant Curator, American Ethnology and Archaeology.

v.33:no.1(1941)