A physical map of human chromosome 14

We report the construction of a tiling path of around 650 clones covering more than 99% of human chromosome 14. Clone overlap information to assemble the map was derived by comparing fully sequenced clones with a database of clone end sequences (sequence tag connector strategy). We selected homogeneously distributed seed points using an auxiliary high-resolution radiation hybrid map comprising 1,895 distinct positions. The high long-range continuity and low redundancy of the tiling path indicates that the sequence tag connector approach compares favourably with alternative mapping strategies.     

Ultrastructural and histochemical studies on the mucous granules in the tube feet of the starfishEchinaster brasiliensis

Resumen Es estudiada la ultraestructure y la histochimica de gránulos de secreción de células glandulares mucosas del pié ambulacrario de la estrella de marEchinaster brasiliensis. Estos gránulos secretores tienen una organización distincta comparada con aqueles encuentrados en la estrella del marAsternia stellifera anteriormente estudiada. Así son organizados en forma de circolos concentricos en torno du un eixo.

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Acknowledgments. The authors wish to express their thanks to Mrs.Arlene Mayhugh for her valuable technical assistance. This work was, in part, supported by grants from the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Brazil.

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Pesquisadora-Conferencista do CNPq (TC 308-Proc. 9051/70).     

Electrically-induced mechanical activity of the isolated guinea-pig sciatic nerve. Influences of calcium and anoxia

Summary The electrically induced motility of isolated segments of guinea-pig sciatic nerves is reported. This motility was characterized by waves of tensional variations. The removal of Ca²⁺ from the suspending solution, the addition of EDTA as well as anoxia, resulted in a decrement of tension accompanied by a prolongued duration of the cycles of mechanical activity.This work was supported by grant 6638, from the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas de la República Argentina (C.O.N.I.C.E.T.).     

Calcitonin in tissues of thyroidectomized monkey

Summary Immunochemical studies indicate that immunoreactive calcitonin (iCT) is present in many tissues of monkey following thyroidectomy (thx) (e.g. liver, thymus, lung). Extrathyroidal iCT may play a role in calcium metabolism.Supported by the Ella O. Latham Trust, George Washington, NCI Grant RO1CA22137-02, and the Veterans Administration.     

Regulation of calcium signalling in T lymphocytes by the second messenger cyclic ADP-ribose

Cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) is a natural compound that mobilizes calcium ions in several eukaryotic cells. Although it can lead to the release of calcium ions in T lymphocytes, it has not been firmly established as a second messenger in these cells. Here, using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, we show that stimulation of the T-cell receptor/CD3 (TCR/CD3) complex results in activation of a soluble ADP-ribosyl cyclase and a sustained increase in intracellular levels of cADPR. There is a causal relation between increased cADPR concentrations, sustained calcium signalling and activation of T cells, as shown by inhibition of TCR/CD3-stimulated calcium signalling, cell proliferation and expression of the early- and late-activation markers CD25 and HLA-DR by using cADPR antagonists. The molecular target for cADPR, the type-3 ryanodine receptor/calcium channel, is expressed in T cells. Increased cADPR significantly and specifically stimulates the apparent association of [3H]ryanodine with the type-3 ryanodine receptor, indicating a direct modulatory effect of cADPR on channel opening. Thus we show the presence, causal relation and biological significance of the major constituents of the cADPR/calcium-signalling pathway in human T cells.     

An Action Research Study for Elaborating and Implementing an Electronic Waste Collection Program in Brazil

The objective of this study was to conduct Action Research (AR) to create and implement a WEEE management program that was in line with the BNPSW regulations. The city chosen for this study was São João del Rei (SJDR) located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Using AR it was possible to structure a WEEE management program that involved stakeholders from the city administration, the Federal University of São João del Rei, and representatives from the private sector. The program ultimately collected 1710 kg of WEEE that received an environmentally appropriate destination. Although no major difficulties were observed with respect to the AR process itself, some challenges were encountered. Lack of infrastructure and hesitance on behalf of the public with respect to implementing WEEE Reverse Logistics were complicating factors. The action research as methodology proved to be highly efficient in dealing with e-waste reverse logistics. It resulted in faster decision making, in turn generating better results. Good decisions were repeated and errors were corrected. The Action Research project highlighted the need for raising public awareness about WEEE disposal. It also showed that the public was ultimately interested in participating and contributing to the proposed WEEE management program. The awareness of the population has led to a significant increase in the amount of collected waste. The model resulting from this research serve as a reference for decision makers in implementing similar programs around the world and to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the subject.