Central inputs mask multiple adult neural networks within a single embryonic network

It is usually assumed that, after construction of basic network architecture in embryos, immature networks undergo progressive maturation to acquire their adult properties. We examine this assumption in the context of the lobster stomatogastric nervous system. In the lobster, the neuronal population that will form this system is at first orgnanized into a single embryonic network that generates a single rhythmic pattern. The system then splits into different functional adult networks controlled by central descending systems; these adult networks produce multiple motor programmes, distinctively different from the single output of the embryonic network. We show here that the single embryonic network can produce multiple adult-like programmes. This occurs after the embryonic network is silenced by removal of central inputs, then pharmacologically stimulated to restore rhythmicity. Furthermore, restoration of the flow of descending information reversed the adult-like pattern to an embryonic pattern. This indicates that the embryonic network possesses the ability to express adult-like network characteristics, but descending information prevents it from doing so. Functional adult networks may therefore not necessarily be derived from progressive ontogenetic changes in networks themselves, but may result from maturation of descending systems that unmask preexisting adult networks in an embryonic system.     

pHi regulatory ion transporters: an update on structure, regulation and cell function

Intracellular pH (pH_i) is a major regulator of various and critical cellular functions. A close regulation of pH_i is thus mandatory to maintain normal cellular activity. To this end, all cells express ion transporters that carry across their plasma membrane H⁺ or equivalent H⁺ into and out of the cell. Besides pH_i, these ion transporters are under the regulation of neurohormonal stimuli. This review summarises the molecular identity, regulation and function of the main membrane pH-regulatory ion transporters. Received 30 December 1998; received after revision 4 February 1999; accepted 9 February 1999     

Mutations in CUBN, encoding the intrinsic factor-vitamin B12 receptor, cubilin, cause hereditary megaloblastic anaemia 1

Megaloblastic anaemia 1 (MGA1, OMIM 261100) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by juvenile megaloblastic anaemia, as well as neurological symptoms that may be the only manifestations. At the cellular level, MGA1 is characterized by selective intestinal vitamin B12 (B12, cobalamin) malabsorption. MGA1 occurs worldwide, but its prevalence is higher in several Middle Eastern countries and Norway, and highest in Finland (0.8/100,000). We previously mapped the MGA1 locus by linkage analysis in Finnish and Norwegian families to a 6-cM region on chromosome 10p12.1 (ref. 8). A functional candidate gene encoding the intrinsic factor (IF)-B12 receptor, cubilin, was recently cloned; the human homologue, CUBN, was mapped to the same region. We have now refined the MGA1 region by linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping, fine-mapped CUBN and identified two independent disease-specific CUBN mutations in 17 Finnish MGA1 families. Our genetic and molecular data indicate that mutations in CUBN cause MGA1.     

Action Research on Land Management in the Western Amazon, Peru – A Research Process, Its Outcomes and the Researcher’s Role

The article explores the action research process throughout a land management research project, with the ambition to reflect upon action research as a working approach. It is shown how this process is experienced from a researcher’s point of view and it critically analyses its methodology and process, outcome and the role of the action researcher.The learning environment known to farmers and framed by local institutions and practical experimentation, embedded in the local worldview, constituted a necessary starting point for achieving motivation and practical outcomes. Tight feedback loops between practice and reflection enabled joint learning and innovation and rapid implementation of measures suggested by the farmers. The approach could be particularly useful for local NGOs and local universities.     

Microorganism-associated variation in host infestation efficiency in a parasitoid wasp,Trichogramma bourarachae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

InTrichogramma bourarachae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), the infestation efficiency presents important variation among strains: 60 eggs/5 days/female in the High (H) strain and 25 eggs/5 days/female in the Low (L) strain. Crosses show that between-strains variation is inherited by the matrocline route. Antibiotic and heat treatments reduce infestation efficiency in the H strain and have no effect on the L strain. The hypothesis of cytoplasmic-symbiotic microorganisms accounting for the higher infestation efficiency in the H strain is supported by microscopic observations. The origin and the significance of this between-strains variation are discussed.