Altered Purkinje cell responses and calmodulin expression in the spontaneously ataxic mouse, Pogo

Lee, Kwan Young,Kim, Jin Seong,Kim, Se Hoon,Park, Hyung Seo,Jeong, Young‐,Gil,Lee, Nam‐,Seob,Kim, Dong Kwan Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011 The European journal of neuroscience Vol.33 No.8

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>Ataxia is often associated with altered cerebellar motor control, a process in which Purkinje cells (PCs) play a principal role. Pogo mice display severe motor deficits characterized by an ataxic gait accompanying hindlimb hyperextension. Here, using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings, we show that parallel fiber (PF)‐excitatory post‐synaptic currents (PF‐EPSCs) are reduced, paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF) is increased and PF‐PC long‐term depression (LTD) is impaired in Pogo mice; in contrast, climbing‐fiber EPSCs are preserved. In control mice, treatment with the calmodulin antagonist calmidazolium (5 μ<SMALL>m</SMALL>) impaired PPF and LTD. Notably, cerebellar calmodulin expression was significantly reduced in Pogo mice compared with control mice. Control PCs predominantly exhibited a tonic firing pattern, whereas the firing pattern in Pogo PCs was mainly a complex burst type. These results implicate alterations in PC responses and calmodulin content in the abnormal cerebellar function of Pogo mice.</P>

Probing the nature of high‐<i>z</i> short GRB 090426 with its early optical and X‐ray afterglows

Xin, Li‐,Ping,Liang, En‐,Wei,Wei, Jian‐,Yan,Zhang, Bing,Lv, Hou‐,Jun,Zheng, Wei‐,Kang,Urata, Yuji,Im, Myungshin,Wang, Jing,Qiu, Yu‐,Lei,Deng, Jin‐,Song,Huang, Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011 MONTHLY NOTICES- ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY Vol.410 No.1

<P><B>ABSTRACT</B></P><P>GRB 090426 is a short‐duration burst detected by <I>Swift</I> (<IMG src='/wiley-blackwell_img/equation/MNR_17419_mu1.gif' alt ='inline image'/> s in the observer frame and <IMG src='/wiley-blackwell_img/equation/MNR_17419_mu2.gif' alt ='inline image'/> s in the burst frame at <I>z</I>= 2.609). Its host galaxy properties and some gamma‐ray‐related correlations are analogous to those seen in long‐duration gamma‐ray bursts (GRBs), which are believed to be of a massive star origin (so‐called Type II GRBs). We present the results of its early optical observations with the 0.8‐m Tsinghua University–National Astronomical Observatory of China Telescope (TNT) at Xinglong Observatory and the 1‐m LOAO telescope at Mt Lemmon Optical Astronomy Observatory in Arizona. Our well‐sampled optical afterglow light curve covers from <IMG src='/wiley-blackwell_img/equation/MNR_17419_mu3.gif' alt ='inline image'/> to 10<SUP>4</SUP> s after the GRB trigger. It shows two shallow decay episodes that are likely due to energy injection, which end at <IMG src='/wiley-blackwell_img/equation/MNR_17419_mu4.gif' alt ='inline image'/> and 7100 s, respectively. The decay slopes after the injection phases are consistent with each other (<IMG src='/wiley-blackwell_img/equation/MNR_17419_mu5.gif' alt ='inline image'/>). The X‐ray afterglow light curve appears to trace the optical, although the second energy‐injection phase was missed due to visibility constraints introduced by the <I>Swift</I> orbit. The X‐ray spectral index is <IMG src='/wiley-blackwell_img/equation/MNR_17419_mu6.gif' alt ='inline image'/> without temporal evolution. Its decay slope is consistent with the prediction of the forward shock model. Both X‐ray and optical emission are consistent with being in the same spectral regime above the cooling frequency (<IMG src='/wiley-blackwell_img/equation/MNR_17419_mu7.gif' alt ='inline image'/>). The fact that <IMG src='/wiley-blackwell_img/equation/MNR_17419_mu8.gif' alt ='inline image'/> is below the optical band from the very early epoch of the observation provides a constraint on the burst environment, which is similar to that seen in classical long‐duration GRBs. We therefore suggest that death of a massive star is the possible progenitor of this short burst.</P>

Rescue of epithelial HCO₃⁻ secretion in murine intestine by apical membrane expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator mutant F508del

Xiao, Fang,Li, Junhua,Singh, Anurag Kumar,Riederer, Brigitte,Wang, Jiang,Sultan, Ayesha,Park, Henry,Lee, Min Goo,Lamprecht, Georg,Scholte, Bob J.,De Jonge, Hugo R.,Seidler, Ursula Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2012 The Journal of physiology Vol.590 No.21

<P><B>Key points</B></P><P><P>Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal disease characterized by low rates of epithelial Cl<SUP>−</SUP> and HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>−</SUP> secretion and obstruction of the airways and gastrointestinal and reproductive organs by sticky mucus. HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>−</SUP> secretion has recently been demonstrated to be necessary for mucus hydration.</P><P>The most frequent CF mutation is F508del. This mutant protein is usually degraded in the proteasome. New therapeutic strategies have been developed which deliver F508del to the plasma membrane.</P><P>Utilizing transgenic F508del mutant and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) knockout mice, apical membrane expression of F508del protein was found to be associated with enhanced stimulation of intestinal HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>−</SUP> secretion.</P><P>The predominant molecular mechanism for enhanced F508del HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>−</SUP> stimulation appeared to be the activation of a Cl<SUP>−</SUP> recycling pathway, with Cl<SUP>−</SUP> exit via membrane‐resident F508del protein and Cl<SUP>−</SUP> entry in exchange for HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>−</SUP> by apical Cl<SUP>−</SUP>/HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>−</SUP> exchange. In contrast, the predominant molecular mechanism for cAMP‐activated HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>−</SUP> secretion in WT intestine appears to be HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>−</SUP> exit via CFTR itself.</P></P><P><B>Abstract </B> This study investigated whether expression of the common cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutant F508del in the apical membrane of enterocytes confers increased bicarbonate secretory capacity on the intestinal epithelium of F508del mutant mice compared to that of CFTR knockout (KO) mice. CFTR KO mice, F508del mutant mice (F508del) and wild‐type (WT) littermates were bred on the FVB/N background. F508del isolated brush border membrane (BBM) contained approximately 5–10% fully glycosylated band C protein compared to WT BBM. Similarly, the forskolin (FSK)‐induced, CFTR‐dependent short‐circuit current (Δ<I>I</I><SUB>sc</SUB>) of F508del mucosa was approximately 5–10% of WT, whereas the HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>−</SUP> secretory response (<IMG src='/wiley-blackwell_img/equation/TJP_5291_mu1.gif' alt ='inline image'/>) was almost half that of WT in both duodenum and mid‐colon studied <I>in vitro</I> and <I>in vivo.</I> While WT intestine retained full FSK‐induced <IMG src='/wiley-blackwell_img/equation/TJP_5291_mu2.gif' alt ='inline image'/> in the absence of luminal Cl<SUP>−</SUP>, the markedly higher <IMG src='/wiley-blackwell_img/equation/TJP_5291_mu3.gif' alt ='inline image'/> than Δ<I>I</I><SUB>sc</SUB> in F508del intestine was dependent on the presence of luminal Cl<SUP>−</SUP>, and was blocked by CFTR inhibitors. The Ste20‐related proline–alanine‐rich kinases (SPAK/OSR1), which are downstream of the with‐no‐lysine (K) protein kinases (WNK), were rapidly phosphorylated by FSK in WT and F508del, but significantly more slowly in CFTR KO intestine. In conclusion, the data demonstrate that low levels of F508del membrane expression in the intestine of F508del mice significantly increased FSK‐induced HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>−</SUP> secretion mediated by Cl<SUP>−</SUP>/HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>−</SUP> exchange. However, in WT mucosa FSK elicited strong SPAK/OSR1 phosphorylation and Cl<SUP>−</SUP>‐independent HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>−</SUP> efflux. This suggests that therapeutic strategies which deliver F508del to the apical membrane have the potential to significantly enhance epithelial HCO<SUB>3</SUB><SUP>−</SUP> secretion.</P>

Sequence-level comparative analysis of the <i>Brassica napus</i> genome around two stearoyl-ACP desaturase loci

Cho, Kwangsoo,O’Neill, Carmel M.,Kwon, Soo-Jin,Yang, Tae-Jin,Smooker, Andrew M.,Fraser, Fiona,Bancroft, Ian Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2010 The Plant journal Vol.61 No.4

<P>Summary</P><P>We conducted a sequence-level comparative analyses, at the scale of complete bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones, between the genome of the most economically important <I>Brassica</I> species, <I>Brassica napus</I> (oilseed rape), and those of <I>Brassica rapa</I>, the genome of which is currently being sequenced, and <I>Arabidopsis thaliana</I>. We constructed a new <I>B. napus</I> BAC library and identified and sequenced clones that contain homoeologous regions of the genome including stearoyl-ACP desaturase-encoding genes. We sequenced the orthologous region of the genome of <I>B. rapa</I> and conducted comparative analyses between the <I>Brassica</I> sequences and those of the orthologous region of the genome of <I>A. thaliana</I>. The proportion of genes conserved (∼56%) is lower than has been reported previously between <I>A. thaliana</I> and <I>Brassica</I> (∼66%). The gene models for sets of conserved genes were used to determine the extent of nucleotide conservation of coding regions. This was found to be 84.2 ± 3.9% and 85.8 ± 3.7% between the <I>B. napus</I> A and C genomes, respectively, and that of <I>A. thaliana</I>, which is consistent with previous results for other <I>Brassica</I> species, and 97.5 ± 3.1% between the <I>B. napus</I> A genome and <I>B. rapa</I>, and 93.1 ± 4.9% between the <I>B. napus</I> C genome and <I>B. rapa</I>. The divergence of the <I>B. napus</I> genes from the A genome and the <I>B. rapa</I> genes was greater than anticipated and indicates that the A genome ancestor of the <I>B. napus</I> cultivar studied was relatively distantly related to the cultivar of <I>B. rapa</I> selected for genome sequencing.</P>

A study of the secretion mechanism of the sebaceous gland using three-dimensional reconstruction to examine the morphological relationship between the sebaceous gland and the arrector pili muscle in the follicular unit

Song, W-C.,Hu, K-S.,Kim, H-J.,Koh, K-S. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2007 British journal of dermatology Vol.157 No.2

<P>Summary</P><P>Background </P><P>New models of the structural relationship between the arrector pili (AP) muscle and the sebaceous gland (SG) have been proposed recently.</P><P>Objectives </P><P>The purpose of the present study was to establish the actual morphological relationship between components of the follicular unit (FU) including the hair follicles, AP muscle and SG using 3D reconstruction of serially sectioned specimens so as to expand previous explanations of the secretory mechanism of the SG and to suggest other possible mechanisms based on newly proposed model.</P><P>Methods </P><P>Scalp skin specimens were processed using routine histological procedures, with serially sectioned tissue slides being stained with Masson’s trichrome. ‘Reconstruct’ software was used to align, assemble and reconstruct the sections, with observations of the 3D-reconstructed FU [including hair follicles (HFs), AP muscle and SG].</P><P>Results </P><P>Fifty FUs were reconstructed. The AP muscle was curved and concave as it supported the basal portion of the sebaceous lobules in the perifolliculum. Sebaceous lobules were located between the AP muscle and HFs (angular area) and some sebaceous lobules located in the opposite (counter-angular) area.</P><P>Conclusions </P><P>We propose that the concave part of the AP muscle pushes up the basal portion of the sebaceous lobule between the HFs and AP muscle during AP muscle contraction and hair erection. In addition, the sebaceous lobule located at the counter-angular position is squeezed by the HF during AP muscle relaxation and hair repositioning. Combined with the previous mechanism of SG secretion, this newly established mechanism based on the 3D structure of the FU will improve our understanding of AP muscle function and SG secretion.</P>

Effects of day and night on swimming, grazing and social behaviours of rohu <i>Labeo rohita</i> (Hamilton) and common carp <i>Cyprinus carpio</i> (L.) in simulated ponds

Rahman, Mohammad Mustafizur,Verdegem, Marc,Wahab, Md Abdul,Hossain, Md Yeamin,Jo, Qtae Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2008 Aquaculture research Vol.39 No.13

<P>Abstract</P><P>Diel rhythmicity of grazing, swimming, resting and social interactions of rohu (<I>Labeo rohita</I>) (weight 66.5–68.3 g) and common carp (<I>Cyprinus carpio</I>) (79.9–82.0 g) were observed in 1 m<SUP>2</SUP> simulated ponds using video images. Fish behaviour was monitored during a full 24-h period, starting at 08:00 hours with a 15-min recording, which was repeated every 3 h. Rohu spent more time grazing during the day than at night. Grazing activity peaked at the beginning and at the end of the day. Grazing and resting of rohu were negatively correlated. Common carp grazed day and night, showing no distinct grazing peak. Considering the grazing time of rohu and common carp, a feeding schedule with two feeding times at 07:30 and 16:30 hours might be appropriate for better food intake and conversion in rohu–common carp polyculture system.</P>

Does <i>Kepler</i> unveil the mystery of the Blazhko effect? First detection of period doubling in <i>Kepler</i> Blazhko RR Lyrae stars

Szabó,, R.,Kollá,th, Z.,Molná,r, L.,Kolenberg, K.,Kurtz, D. W.,Bryson, S. T.,Benkő,, J. M.,Christensen‐,Dalsgaard, J.,Kjeldsen, H.,Borucki, W. J.,Koch, D.,Twicken, J. D.,C Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2010 MONTHLY NOTICES- ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY Vol.409 No.3

<P><B>ABSTRACT</B></P><P>The first detection of the period doubling phenomenon is reported in the <I>Kepler</I> RR Lyrae stars RR Lyr, V808 Cyg and V355 Lyr. Interestingly, all these pulsating stars show Blazhko modulation. The period doubling manifests itself as alternating maxima and minima of the pulsational cycles in the light curve, as well as through the appearance of half‐integer frequencies located halfway between the main pulsation period and its harmonics in the frequency spectrum. The effect was found to be stronger during certain phases of the modulation cycle. We were able to reproduce the period‐doubling bifurcation in our non‐linear RR Lyrae models computed by the Florida–Budapest hydrocode. This enabled us to trace the origin of this instability in RR Lyrae stars to a resonance, namely a 9:2 resonance between the fundamental mode and a high‐order (ninth) radial overtone showing strange‐mode characteristics. We discuss the connection of this new type of variation to the mysterious Blazhko effect and argue that it may give us fresh insights into solving this century‐old enigma.</P>

Enumeration, isolation and identification of diazotrophs from Korean wetland rice varieties grown with long-term application of N and compost and their short-term inoculation effect on rice plants

Muthukumarasamy, R.,Kang, U.G.,Park, K.D.,Jeon, W.-T.,Park, C.Y.,Cho, Y.S.,Kwon, S.-W.,Song, J.,Roh, D.-H.,Revathi, G. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2007 Journal of applied microbiology Vol.102 No.4

<P>Abstract</P><P>Aim: </P><P>This study has been aimed (i) to isolate and identify diazotrophs from Korean rice varieties; (ii) to examine the long-term effect of N and compost on the population dynamics of diazotrophs and (iii) to realize the shot-term inoculation effect of these diazotrophs on rice seedlings.</P><P>Methods and Results: </P><P>Diazotrophic and heterotrophic bacterial numbers were enumerated by most probable number method and the isolates were identified based on morphological, physiological, biochemical and 16s rDNA sequence analysis. Long-term application of fertilizer N with compost enhanced both these numbers in rice plants and its environment. Bacteria were high in numbers when malate and azelaic acids were used as carbon source, but less when sucrose was used as a carbon substrate. The combined application promoted the association of diazotrophic bacteria like <I>Azospirillum</I> spp., <I>Herbaspirillum</I> spp., <I>Burkholderia</I> spp., <I>Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus</I> and <I>Pseudomonas</I> spp. in wetland rice plants. Detection of <I>nif</I>D genes from different diazotrophic isolates indicated their nitrogen fixing ability. Inoculation of a representative isolate from each group onto rice seedlings of the variety IR 36 grown in test tubes indicated the positive effect of these diazotrophs on the growth of rice seedlings though the percentage of N present in the plants did not differ much.</P><P>Conclusions: </P><P>Application of compost with fertilizer N promoted the diazotrophic and heterotrophic bacterial numbers and their association with wetland rice and its environment. Compost application in high N fertilized fields would avert the reduction of N<SUB>2</SUB>-fixing bacterial numbers and their association was beneficial to the growth of rice plants.</P><P>Significance and Impact of the Study: </P><P>The inhibitory effect of high N fertilization on diazotrophic bacterial numbers could be reduced by the application of compost and this observation would encourage more usage of organic manure. This study has also thrown light on the wider geographic distribution of <I>G. diazotrophicus</I> with wetland rice in temperate region where sugarcane (from which this bacterium was first reported to be associating and thereon from other plant species) is not cultivated.</P>

Nilotinib-induced bone marrow aplasia

Song, Moo-Kon,Choi, Young-Jin,Seol, Young-Mi,Shin, Ho-Jin,Chung, Joo-Seop,Cho, Goon-Jae,Lee, Eun-Yup Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2009 European journal of haematology Vol.83 No.2

Redescription of Favella ehrenbergii (Clapar de and Lachmann, 1858) J rgensen, 1924 (Ciliophora: Choreotrichia), with Phylogenetic Analyses Based on Small Subunit rRNA Gene Sequences

KIM, S. Y.,YANG, E. J.,GONG, J.,CHOI, J. K. Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 2010 JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY - Vol.57 No.6