Circular ruffle formation and closure lead to macropinocytosis in hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor-treated cells

Treatment with hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) rapidly induced the formation of conspicuous circular ruffles on the apical surfaces of two kidney cell lines, MDCK and PtK2. The ruffles were found to contain significant amounts of F-actin and myosin as judged by immunofluorescence microscopy. Time-lapse photomicroscopy demonstrated that the ruffles constrict, closing over, and were followed by the formation of phase bright structures. That these structures were macropinocytotic vesicles was confirmed using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran as a marker for fluid uptake. It is hypothesized that the constriction of the ruffles followed by membrane fusion causes the vesicles to form. Treatment with suramin blocked both circular ruffle formation and scattering, suggesting that ligand binding was the causal agent for ruffle formation. The drugs amiloride and SITS (4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid) also completely inhibited ruffle formation, suggesting that ion transport was an early consequence of HGF/SF binding and that these transport effects had a major role in the cytoskeletal changes leading to circular ruffle formation. The appearance of macropinocytotic vesicles was also blocked by amiloride treatment. Surprisingly though, subsequent scattering was not blocked by amiloride treatment, although suramin and SITS both entirely inhibited scattering.     

The confirmability and disconfirmability of trait concepts revisited: Does content matter?

M. Rothbart and B. Park (1986) demonstrated that, consistent with the common negativity bias, positive traits are difficult to confirm and easy to disconfirm, whereas the opposite is true for negative traits. This article extends their analysis by showing that trait (dis-)confirmability is moderated by trait content (warmth vs. competence). Study 1 identifies a trait sample representative of warmth and competence. Study 2 shows a strong negativity effect for warmth and a reduced (or absent) negativity effect for competence. Study 3 examines trait properties related to the behavioral range of the trait possessor and to the motivational goals of the perceiver as predictors of trait (dis-)confirmability. The theoretical and practical implications of the authors' findings are discussed, and avenues for future research are suggested. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Antioxidant properties and phenolic,isoflavone, tocopherol and carotenoid composition of Maryland-grown soybean lines with altered fatty acid profiles

One cultivar and five experimental lines of Maryland-grown soybeans with improved fatty acid profiles were investigated for their phytochemical and antioxidant properties. Soybean oils were extracted and analyzed for their fatty acid profiles, tocopherols, and carotenoids. Two of the experimental lines were low in α-linolenic acid and another one was low in both α-linolenic and total saturated fatty acids. The defatted flours were extracted in 50% acetone and 70% ethanol, and estimated for isoflavone compositions, total phenolic contents (TPC), and scavenging capacities against peroxyl (ORAC), hydroxyl (HOSC), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. No difference was observed in tocopherols, carotenoids, TPC, and antioxidant properties between soybeans with reduced α-linolenic and/or saturated fats and the ones with ‘normal’ fatty acid profiles. This study indicates the possibility to produce soybeans with reduced linolenic and/or saturated fat and with desirable levels of health beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidant properties.     

Wind as an influential factor in the orientation of the orthogonal street grid

According to contemporary accounts health and hygiene were important considerations in the planning of ancient orthogonally streeted cities and inevitably the wind and the sun played a not inconsiderable role in influencing the overall and orientation of such cities. Opposing views, held by theorists of the time, as to the benefits of wind at an angle or parallel to the orthogonal streets provide the starting point for this research.The paper deals, in the main, with model investigations into the effects of directionally variable winds on a range of orthogonally gridded block and street arrangements for which air velocity ratios have been established by comparing averaged velocities along streets in the direction of both grid axes. Block geometry is seen to hava an important effect on air speeds producing large differences with the larger block ratios.     

Urban Planning and Traffic Congestion

Abstract

A range of separate traffic and corridor studies from Perth are analyzed together with an international comparison of thirty-two cities to seek an answer to this question. The data suggest that free flowing traffic does not save energy or lower emissions overall in a city despite the apparently clear advantages for individual vehicles. The mechanisms for this in terms of travel distances, alternative modes and sub optimal vehicle usage are outlined together with the characteristics of cities where lower fuel use is apparent. Some implications for urban road project justification and traffic engineering practice are suggested.     

Transport energy use in the Perth Metropolitan Region: Some urban policy implications

Abstract

Estimates are made of transport energy use and petrol costs in 38 zones of Perth. An average outer northern suburban household spent around $2000 on petrol in 1984 compared to $660 for households in inner Fremantle. The differences are due primarily to land use rather than income and indicate certain directions for urban planning and policy.     

Tocopherols in Soybean Seeds: Genetic Variation and Environmental Effects in Field-Grown Crops

Controlled environment studies show α-tocopherol (αT) in soybean seeds increases several fold as a result of warmer temperature or drought during seed maturation, but total tocopherols (T_tot) stay approximately constant. To determine if natural variation in weather or climate affect T under field conditions, we analyzed soybean seeds grown at several locations in Maryland between 1999 and 2002. Weather was relatively normal during 1999–2001, whereas warmer temperatures and extreme drought were characteristic of 2002. Comparing 18 lines, there were small but significant differences in T_tot as well as 2- to 3-fold differences in αT during 1999–2001. Seeds from locations on the Eastern Shore of Maryland (full season crops) had higher absolute and relative levels of αT compared to seeds from a (cooler) central Maryland location or seeds from a later planting (double crop) on the Eastern Shore. Effects of location or planting date were small compared to that of genetic line when considering the normal years 1999–2001. In 2002, however, several fold increases in αT/T_tot were observed in Maturity Group III and IV seeds, especially from full season crops grown at two locations on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We conclude weather and climate are significant factors affecting soybean seed T content.     

From Urban Consolidation to Urban Villages

In providing the wrap-up to this series of papers on urban consolidation in Perth there are three key areas that stand out to me: