Immunolocalisation of microcystins in colonies of the cyanobacterium Rivularia in calcareous streams

2012 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Marco ◽  
Marina Aboal ◽  
Elena Chaves ◽  
Iván Mulero ◽  
Alfonsa García-Ayala

The cyanobacterium Rivularia is often the dominant genus in unpolluted stretches of many calcareous streams. Previous studies have detected microcystins in field-collected colonies from Mediterranean streams in Spain. Because sheaths and mucilage represent a substantial part of the colonies, the localisation of microcystins within Rivularia colonies was tested with immunological methods to elucidate the role of mucilage in toxicity. Microcystins were localised inside the trichomes, in the filament sheaths and in the colonial mucilage. The presence of microcystins was also shown in some heterocysts, but no mircocystins were detected in multicellular hairs. We suggest that microcystins are important for a benthic organism growing slowly for much of the time, that some labour division may exists between the cells in the colony and that these immunological methods may be a useful alternative for microcystin detection.

Atmosphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdoulaye Sy ◽  
Bouya Diop ◽  
Joël Van Baelen ◽  
Christophe Duroure ◽  
Yahya Gour ◽  
...  

We present a study of upper tropospheric westward transport of air masses coming from the Indian monsoon zone over the period 1998–2008. The objective is to characterize upper tropospheric transport of water vapor from the Indian to Sahelian regions, and to improve the understanding of the dynamical mechanisms that govern water vapor variations in West Africa and the interconnections between India and the Sahel, focusing on the direct role of the Indian monsoon region on Sahel tropospheric water vapor and precipitation. The calculations of forward trajectories with LACYTRAJ (LACY TRAJectory code) and humidity fluxes show that a substantial part (40 to 70% at 300 hPa) of trajectories coming from the upper troposphere of the monsoon region crossed the Sahelian region in a few days (3–14 days), and water vapor fluxes connecting these two regions are established when the Indian monsoon begins at latitudes higher than 15° N in its south–north migration. The intensity and orientation of water vapor fluxes are related to the tropical easterly jet, but they are from the east above the high convection zones. Between 1998 and 2008, these fluxes between the 500–300 hPa pressure levels are associated with precipitation in Sahel only if they are from the east and with an intensity exceeding 8 kg·(m·s)−1.


Author(s):  
Denis Awany ◽  
Emile R Chimusa

Abstract As we observe the $70$th anniversary of the publication by Robertson that formalized the notion of ‘heritability’, geneticists remain puzzled by the problem of missing/hidden heritability, where heritability estimates from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) fall short of that from twin-based studies. Many possible explanations have been offered for this discrepancy, including existence of genetic variants poorly captured by existing arrays, dominance, epistasis and unaccounted-for environmental factors; albeit these remain controversial. We believe a substantial part of this problem could be solved or better understood by incorporating the host’s microbiota information in the GWAS model for heritability estimation and may also increase human traits prediction for clinical utility. This is because, despite empirical observations such as (i) the intimate role of the microbiome in many complex human phenotypes, (ii) the overlap between genetic variants associated with both microbiome attributes and complex diseases and (iii) the existence of heritable bacterial taxa, current GWAS models for heritability estimate do not take into account the contributory role of the microbiome. Furthermore, heritability estimate from twin-based studies does not discern microbiome component of the observed total phenotypic variance. Here, we summarize the concept of heritability in GWAS and microbiome-wide association studies, focusing on its estimation, from a statistical genetics perspective. We then discuss a possible statistical method to incorporate the microbiome in the estimation of heritability in host GWAS.


Author(s):  
Peter Urbanitsch

Constitution and Administration. The Territorial Prince and Estates, Politicians and Officials. This chapter focuses on the bipolar political life in Lower Austria in the course of the long 19th century. Beginning with the constitutional realities before the revolution of 1848, it examines the constitutional developments after 1848 and 1861, and also offers a brief description of the various administrative organizational structures and their efforts and achievements. Prior to 1848, the aulic offices sought to minimize the political role of the estates and thus the participation of sections of the populace. Yet according to the constitutional settlement of 1861, some elements of the population hitherto not involved in politics were given the opportunity for self-determined activities. The “autonomous” administration of the land became a substantial part of public administration, being quite successful in supplying all kinds of services. Owing to a blurred assignment of remits between the “autonomous” administration of the land and that run by the central state government, this “dual-track” public administration diminished the effectiveness of its activities and became a nuisance for the public at large


2012 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 321-330
Author(s):  
Radosław Ścibior ◽  
Robert Stryjecki ◽  
Marek Nieoczym ◽  
Jan Bezdĕk

ABSTRACT Macroplea appendiculata PANZER, 1794 is an extremely rare species in Poland and Europe. This paper provides new data on the ecology of this species. 24 specimens of M. appendiculata were collected in fish ponds at Samoklęski. This beetle was caught mainly with active traps placed on the bottom, but it was not found in traps set just below the water surface. The data show that M. appendiculata is a typical benthic organism, moving vertically to only a small extent. The low rate of metabolism allows this beetle to inhabit waters of varied, as well as low, oxygen content. The occurrence of the most numerous population of M. appendiculata in fish ponds, currently known in Poland, indicates the crucial role of this kind of water body as a habitat for this species.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 746-766 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Krulichová ◽  
Zuzana Podaná

The aim of this study is to broaden the scope of knowledge on fear of crime by examining if Ferraro’s risk interpretation model of fear of crime also holds true for the adolescent population. Using data on approximately 1500 Czech students in middle and grammar school, we test three different models. First, the classic model of fear of crime, applied originally to adults, is estimated. Second, the role of perceived school disorganization is examined, taking into account that adolescents spend a substantial part of the day at school. Finally, we propose an extension of Ferraro’s model by considering parental supervision as a factor influencing adolescent fear of crime through risk perception and avoidance behaviour. The results indicate that Ferraro’s original model of fear of crime can be appropriately applied to both adults and adolescents. Nevertheless, adolescent risk perception, which remains the most influential determinant of individual fear, seems to be influenced by stimuli stemming from the school rather than the neighbourhood environment. Furthermore, the relationship between parental supervision and fear of crime is mediated by avoidance behaviour, while no direct effect of parental supervision on risk perception and fear of crime was found in the data.


1985 ◽  
Vol 231 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
M L Niku-Paavola ◽  
A Lappalainen ◽  
T M Enari ◽  
M Nummi

The properties and enzymic activity of endoglucanases (EC 3.2.1.4) of the fungus Trichoderma reesei were studied by means of immunological methods and by using polyglycosidic substrates. Endoglucanases exist in the culture liquid as a series of immunologically related components. The most active endoglucanase component has an Mr of 43 000 and pI value of 4.0. The most abundant components have a value of pI about 5.0, an Mr of 56 000-67 000 and specific activity only one-fifth of that of the pI-4.0 component. During purification and storage the endoglucanases are spontaneously modified; the relative proportion of components having greater Mr values, more alkaline pI values and lower specific activities is increased. The hexose content of the endoglucanase components is 2-7%. Endoglucanases hydrolyse soluble β-1,4 glycans. The enzymes described here differ from endoglucanase preparations described previously in not showing activity towards insoluble substrates. The role of endoglucanases in wood hydrolysis is consequently limited to the stage where wood constituents are already in soluble form.


1982 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 581-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bengt E. Karlberg ◽  
Anna-Maria Ottosson

Abstract. The incidence of arterial hypertension was evaluated in a partly retrospective study of patients with active acromegaly. Of 37 patients studied, 18 (48%) had hypertension, i.e. a supine blood pressure of > 160/95 mmHg. The type of hypertension was explored further by measuring plasma renin activity and, in some patients plasma aldosterone concentrations before and after stimulation (upright posture or furosemide 80 mg given orally). Urinary 24 h excretion of aldosterone was also determined. About half of the patients with hypertension but also a substantial part of normotensive acromegalics had inappropriately low plasma renin levels both during basal conditions and after stimulation. On the other hand urinary aldosterone excretion was either normal or (in 2 patients) slightly elevated. There was no other evidence of coexistent primary aldosteronism. Our results confirm previous reports of a high frequency of alterations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in acromegalic patients with growth hormone excess which in some instances may lead to an elevated blood pressure. The biochemical changes have many similarities to low renin essential hypertension. A volume factor may be operating in acromegalic patients with hypertension since in 10 patients treatment with the aldosterone antagonist, spironolactone, with doses between 50–200 mg daily lowered blood pressure to near normal levels. Thus, spironolactone seems to be a worthwhile alternative in the treatment of hypertensive acromegalics.


1961 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 571-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Potash

The Argentine military emerged as a major political force with its overthrow of the Irigoyen government in September, 1930. It remains an active political force to this day. The role the military has played during this period has varied in terms of the specific objectives sought, the methods used, and the intensity of its action, but at no time did it cease to be a political force, at no time have the governing authorities whether military or civilian been able to discount its desires or demands. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the nature of the role the military played between 1930 and 1958 and to attempt an assessment of its more recent activities. As used in this paper, the term “military” will refer to the officers, active and retired, of the three armed services. The oneyear conscripts who have comprised the bulk of the enlisted men in the army and a substantial part of those of the navy and air force have never been initiators of political action.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-18
Author(s):  
Tomáš Malatinec

Abstract EU agrarian policy is one of the most extensive policies of the EU. The aim of this paper is to analyse the EU agrarian policy legal framework from the point of view of law & development concept. Final remarks are based on an analysis of three topics: (1st) law & development concept, (2nd) agrarian policies and development, and (3rd) EU concept of development. Results show position of the EU agrarian policy legal framework in the EU development practice. The EU agrarian policy legal framework might be labelled as “law in development”. Several instruments have been implemented, but their impact on development is not unequivocal. There is no doubt about role of law in development as well as that the EU agricultural policy is core policy for development of the EU regions. Based on interconnections and justification we can argue that the EU agrarian policy legal framework is a substantial part of internal EU development concept and practice.


1969 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 345-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Kraehenbuhl ◽  
M. A. Campiche

In mammals, passive immunity is transferred from mother to offspring by transplacental passage or by intestinal absorption. The rabbit receives antibodies exclusively across the placenta, whereas intestinal absorption is the principal source of antibodies for the new-born pig. In the rat, passive immunity is transferred by both pathways. The role of the jejunal absorptive cells was investigated in these three species, by the use of specific immune globulins as tracers of protein absorption. Rabbit anti-peroxidase and anti-ferritin antibodies were injected into the jejunum of newborn pigs, rats, and rabbits, and absorption was studied over the first 2 hr. The specific antibodies were detected in glutaraldehyde-fixed tissues after in vitro treatment with the antigens, and in sera by immunological methods. Intact antibodies are transferred into the circulation of the pig and the rat, but not into that of the rabbit. In the three species, the jejunal absorptive cells take up antibodies by endocytosis. In the pig, the antibodies are transported across the epithelium in vacuoles. In the rabbit, the endocytosis of antibodies triggers a lysosomal response and all absorbed antibodies are trapped in lysosomes. In the rat, both situations are found; there is no evidence of transfer of antibody fragments into the circulation.


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