Induction of interleukin 2 messenger RNA inhibited by cyclosporin A

Cyclosporin A blocked production of the lymphokine interleukin 2 by activated T lymphocytes. In a human and a murine cell line this inhibition reflected an absence of interleukin 2 messenger RNA. Under conditions in which these cells are normally stimulated to secrete high levels of interleukin 2, they failed to do so in the presence of cyclosporin A. In both cell lines this failure was accompanied by an absence of interleukin 2 messenger accumulation.     

Biodiversity conservation and the eradication of poverty

It is widely accepted that biodiversity loss and poverty are linked problems and that conservation and poverty reduction should be tackled together. However, success with integrated strategies is elusive. There is sharp debate about the social impacts of conservation programs and the success of community-based approaches to conservation. Clear conceptual frameworks are needed if policies in these two areas are to be combined. We review the links between poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation and present a conceptual typology of these relationships.     

The Seismic Structure of the Sun

Global Oscillation Network Group data reveal that the internal structure of the sun can be well represented by a calibrated standard model. However, immediately beneath the convection zone and at the edge of the energy-generating core, the sound-speed variation is somewhat smoother in the sun than it is in the model. This could be a consequence of chemical inhomogeneity that is too severe in the model, perhaps owing to inaccurate modeling of gravitational settling or to neglected macroscopic motion that may be present in the sun. Accurate knowledge of the sun's structure enables inferences to be made about the physics that controls the sun; for example, through the opacity, the equation of state, or wave motion. Those inferences can then be used elsewhere in astrophysics.     

Diverse plasma populations and structures in Jupiter's magnetotail

Jupiter's magnetotail is the largest cohesive structure in the solar system and marks the loss of vast numbers of heavy ions from the Jupiter system. The New Horizons spacecraft traversed the magnetotail to distances exceeding 2500 jovian radii (R(J)) and revealed a remarkable diversity of plasma populations and structures throughout its length. Ions evolve from a hot plasma disk distribution at approximately 100 R(J) to slower, persistent flows down the tail that become increasingly variable in flux and mean energy. The plasma is highly structured-exhibiting sharp breaks, smooth variations, and apparent plasmoids-and contains ions from both Io and Jupiter's ionosphere with intense bursts of H(+) and H(+)(3). Quasi-periodic changes were seen in flux at approximately 450 and approximately 1500 R(J) with a 10-hour period. Other variations in flow speed at approximately 600 to 1000 R(J) with a 3- to 4-day period may be attributable to plasmoids moving down the tail.     

Circadian phase-shifting effects of a laboratory environment: a clinical trial with bright and dim light

Background  

Our aims were to examine the influence of different bright light schedules on mood, sleep, and circadian organization in older adults (n = 60, ages 60–79 years) with insomnia and/or depression, contrasting with responses of young, healthy controls (n = 30, ages 20–40 years).     

Analysis of agroecosystem carbon pools

We present analyses of major driving variable controls on soil C in agroecosystems. Historical changes in soil C storage in agricultural soils are characterized by large losses during transition from natural grasslands and forests. A major driver in more recent times is the steadily increasing rate of net primary production of major land areas in agriculture. Simulation and analytical models are used to predict trajectories and potential soil C storage under possible scenarios of changed management and climate. Database and analytical requirements for extrapolation from regional to global scales are outlined.     

An approach to assessment of management impacts on agricultural soil carbon

Agroecosystems contain about 12% of the terrestrial soil C and play an important role in the global C cycle. We describe a project to evaluate the degree to which management practices can affect soil C in agroecosystems. The objectives of the project are to determine if agricultural systems can be managed to conserve and sequester C and thereby reduce the accumulation of CO₂ in the atmosphere, and to provide reference datasets and methodologies for agricultural assessments.     

Effect of Physiologically Relevant Heat Shock on Development,Apoptosis and Expression of Some Genes in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Embryos Produced In Vitro

For investigating the effects of physiologically relevant heat shock, buffalo oocytes/embryos were cultured at 38.5°C (control) or were exposed to 39.5°C (Group II) or 40.5°C (Group III) for 2 h once every day throughout in vitro maturation (IVM), fertilization (IVF) and culture (IVC). Percentage of oocytes that developed to 8‐cell, 16‐cell or blastocyst stage was lower (p < 0.05) and the number of apoptotic nuclei was higher (p < 0.05) for Group III > Group II > controls. At both 8–16‐cell and blastocyst stages, relative mRNA abundance of stress‐related genes HSP 70.1 and HSP 70.2 and pro‐apoptotic genes CASPASE‐3, BID and BAX was higher (p < 0.05) in Groups III and II than that in controls with the exception of stress‐related gene HSF1. Expression level of anti‐apoptotic genes BCL‐XL and MCL‐1 was also higher (p < 0.05) in Groups III and II than that in controls at both 8–16‐cell and blastocyst stages. Among the genes related to embryonic development, at 8–16‐cell stage, the expression level of GDF9 was higher (p < 0.05) in Group III than that in controls, whereas that of GLUT1, ZAR1 and BMP15 was not significantly different among the three groups. At the blastocyst stage, relative mRNA abundance of GLUT1 and GDF9 was higher (p < 0.05) in Group II than that in controls, whereas that of ZAR‐1 and BMP15 was not affected. The results of this study demonstrate that exposure of buffalo oocytes and embryos to elevated temperatures for duration of time that is physiologically relevant severely compromises their developmental competence, increases apoptosis and affects stress‐, apoptosis‐ and development‐related genes.