P2Y1 purinergic receptors in sensory neurons: contribution to touch-induced impulse generation.

Somatic sensation requires the conversion of physical stimuli into the depolarization of distal nerve endings. A single cRNA derived from sensory neurons renders Xenopus laevis oocytes mechanosensitive and is found to encode a P2Y1 purinergic receptor. P2Y1 mRNA is concentrated in large-fiber dorsal root ganglion neurons. In contrast, P2X3 mRNA is localized to small-fiber sensory neurons and produces less mechanosensitivity in oocytes. The frequency of touch-induced action potentials from frog sensory nerve fibers is increased by the presence of P2 receptor agonists at the peripheral nerve ending and is decreased by the presence of P2 antagonists. P2X-selective agents do not have these effects. The release of ATP into the extracellular space and the activation of peripheral P2Y1 receptors appear to participate in the generation of sensory action potentials by light touch.

Genetic interactions affecting touch sensitivity in Caenorhabditis elegans.

At least 13 genes (mec-1, mec-2, mec-4-10, mec-12, mec-14, mec-15, and mec-18) are needed for the response to gentle touch by 6 touch receptor neurons in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Several, otherwise recessive alleles of some of these genes act as dominant enhancer mutations of temperature-sensitive alleles of mec-4, mec-5, mec-6, mec-12, and mec-15. Screens for additional dominant enhancers of mec-4 and mec-5 yielded mutations in previously known genes. In addition, some mec-7 alleles showed allele-specific, dominant suppression of the mec-15 touch-insensitive (Mec) phenotype. The dominant enhancement and suppression exhibited by these mutations suggest that the products of several touch genes interact. These results are consistent with a model, supported by the known sequences of these genes, that almost all of the touch function genes contribute to the mechanosensory apparatus.

A gene encoding a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase is induced simultaneously with genes for a mitogen-activated protein kinase and an S6 ribosomal protein kinase by touch, cold, and water stress in Arabidopsis thaliana.

We describe here the cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a protein kinase that has high sequence homology to members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase kinase (MAPKKK or MEKK) family; this cDNA is named cATMEKKI (Arabidopsis thaliana MAP kinase or ERK kinase kinase 1). The catalytic domain of the putative ATMEKK1 protein shows approximately 40% identity with the amino acid sequences of the catalytic domains of MAPKKKs (such as Byr2 from Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Ste11 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bck1 from S. cerevisiae, MEKK from mouse, and NPK1 from tobacco). In yeast cells that overexpress ATMEKK1, the protein kinase replaces Ste11 in responding to mating pheromone. In this study, the expression of three protein kinases was examined by Northern blot analyses: ATMEKK1 (structurally related to MAPKKK), ATMPK3 (structurally related to MAPK), and ATPK19 (structurally related to ribosomal S6 kinase). The mRNA levels of these three protein kinases increased markedly and simultaneously in response to touch, cold, and salinity stress. These results suggest that MAP kinase cascades, which are thought to respond to a variety of extracellular signals, are regulated not only at the posttranslational level but also at the transcriptional level in plants and that MAP kinase cascades in plants may function in transducing signals in the presence of environmental stress.

The Dutch wish-list for a lighter regulatory touch from the EU. CEPS Commentary, 1 July 2013

The Dutch government set out the results of its review of EU competences on June 21st, under the slogan “European where necessary, national where possible”, claiming that the EU does not adequately respect the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. It published a list of 54 points for corrective action, which Michael Emerson assesses in this new CEPS Commentary. The political significance of this initiative is heightened because it comes alongside the UK's ongoing review of EU competences, although unlike the British, the Dutch make no mention of secession, treaty changes or repatriation of competences.

Pleasant quippes for upstart newfangled gentlewomen,

"This edition is limited to two hundred copies; this is no. 13."

Pleasant odes /

Mode of access: Internet.

The American cottage cookery-book, or, Housekeeping made easy, pleasant and economical in all its departments : the result of many years' practical experience and observation, and designed as a reliable aid to those who study economy of time and materials /

Includes sections on food preparation, cooking for the sick, and household hints; some recipes include wine or liquor as an ingredient. Sample recipes: Alamode beef, Cold slaw, Little plum cakes that will keep a year, Currant jelly.

The art of breathing as the basis of tone-production; a book indispensable to cingers, elocutionists, educators, lawyers, preachers, and to all others desirous of having a pleasant voice and good health,

Mode of access: Internet.

Touch

Brueghel the Elder, Jan and Peter Paul Rubens; 2 ft. 1 13/64 in.x 3 ft. 7 45/64 in.; oil on panel

The Mexican touch

"First edition."

Summer outings in the old Granite state. A guide to pleasant places among the mountains, lakes and valleys of New Hampshire. Via the Merrimack valley route.

Disbound Original Held in Oak Street Library Facility.

A treatise on worms, and other animals wich infest the human body : with the most speedy, safe, and pleasant means of care /

Mode of access: Internet.

A new spelling book, adapted to the different classes of pupils : compiled with a view to render the arts of spelling and reading easy and pleasant to children /

Mode of access: Internet.