Showing papers by "Washington State University published in 1984"

Tetraploidy and the Evolution of Salmonid Fishes

Abstract: Polyploidy has long been recognized to have played an important role in the evolution of plant species (Lewis, 1980). However, polyploidy has only recently been recognized as a potentially important process in the evolution of vertebrates (Ohno, 1974; Fisher et al.,1980; Bogart, 1980; Schultz, 1980). Mammals and birds generally possess more DNA per cell than do fish and other chordates. This observation and the existence of many duplicated gene loci have led Ohno and co-workers (Ohno,1967, 1970a, 1974; Ohno et al., 1968) to propose that genome doubling has taken place at least once in the evolution of vertebrates. One tetraploid event apparently took place about 500 million years (Myr) ago in a common ancestor of all vertebrates. Fisher et al. (1980) describe isozyme studies that are consistent with this idea. Other tetraploid events may have taken place in major lineages of vertebrate evolution, possibly including a genome doubling in a reptilian ancestor of mammals (Ohno, 1967; Comings, 1972).

Process for fusing bone joints

Abstract: A process for immediate stabilization and subsequent promotion of bone-to-bone fusion in a joint where separation of the bones is restricted by surrounding ligaments or other soft tissue. A hole is bored transversely across the joint. A slightly larger cylindrical basket is driven into the hole, thereby spreading the bones in resistance to the tensile forces of the surrounding tissue. Immediate stabilization of the joint is achieved by the implantation of the rigid cylindrical basket. Subsequent bone-to-bone fusion is achieved, both through and about the basket, which is filled with bone fragments produced during the boring step.

Shortest-path algorithms: Taxonomy and annotation

Abstract: We have evolved a classification scheme to characterize algorithms for solving shortestpath problems. The algorithms are classified according to (A) the problem type, i.e., the question being asked about the given network; (B) the input type, i.e., the salient features of the given network which impact on the design of the algorithm and selection of data structures; and (C) the type of underlying technique employed to solve the problem. An annotated bibliography of 79 selected references on shortest-path algorithms is included. We have also provided a more complete listing of 222 references carefully culled out of a larger body of literature on shortest-path algorithms through the year 1979.

Measurement of soft X-ray absorption spectra with a fluorescent ion chamber detector

Abstract: The problem of absorption of soft X-rays by thick Be windows in hard X-ray beam lines is well known. Although the signal at 2.4 keV was reduced by ∼ 103 we have routinely measured the absorption spectra of S (2472 eV) and elements at higher energies including Cl, Ar and K. These spectra were obtained on hard X-ray beam lines at Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL) with Si(111) monochromator crystals and a fluorescent ion chamber detector [1]. Higher energy harmonics were minimized by detuning and the end station was enclosed in a helium bag to prevent absorption by air. Although the diminished X-ray flux and decreasing fluorescent yield were serious negative factors at these low X-ray energies the spectra from thick samples were of excellent quality with sufficient sensitivity to characterize 1% S in coal. Representative spectra are shown comparing data from focused and unfocused beam lines and with S data from JUMBO [2]. Comparison of Ar and KCl data to excellent data found in the older literature [3–5] allow a confirmation of the resolution function (energy bandpass) of the monochromator. A simple new beam line is suggested which would allow a substantial increase in low energy X-ray flux (measurements down to Al and Si) with the sample and detector in a He atmosphere.

Crown gall oncogenesis: evidence that a T-DNA gene from the Agrobacterium Ti plasmid pTiA6 encodes an enzyme that catalyzes synthesis of indoleacetic acid.

Abstract: Stable incorporation of tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid sequences, the T-DNA, into the genomes of dicotyledonous plants results in the formation of crown gall tumors. Previous genetic studies have suggested that the products of the genes encoding transcripts 1 and 2, which are encoded by the TL-DNA region of pTiA6, are responsible for inducing the auxin-independent phenotype of crown gall tissues. Here we report the construction of a plasmid, pMTlacT2, which directs the synthesis of the Mr 49,800 polypeptide encoded by the transcript 2 gene. Cell-free extracts prepared from Escherichia coli harboring this plasmid converted indoleacetamide to indoleacetic acid, the natural auxin of plants; extracts prepared from plasmidless strains of E. coli or strains harboring the cloning vehicle pBR322 did not carry out this reaction. We conclude that the transcript 2 gene of pTiA6 codes for an enzyme that participates in auxin biosynthesis, probably an indoleacetamide hydrolase.

Victimization Rates, Exposure to Risk, and Fear of Crime

Abstract: Studies of fear of crime repeatedly point to an apparent paradox: fear of crime and risk of victimization are related inversely among demographic groups (i.e., age, race, and sex groups). However, data from surveys of Chicago residents show that fear of crime is related positively to victimization rates once they are adjusted for exposure to risk. When demographic variables are included with the adjusted rates as predictors of fear of crime, age and sex effects persist. Even so the present findings indicate that fear of crime should not be interpreted as an irrational or unjustified response and that fear can be reduced by lowering victimization rates.

A transformation approach to stochastic model reduction

Abstract: A new and direct approach to stochastic model reduction is developed. The order reduction algorithm is obtained by establishing an equivalence between canonical correlation analysis and solutions to algebraic Riccati equations. Also the concept of balanced stochastic realization (BSR) plays a fundamental role. Asymptotic stability of the reduced-order realization is established, and spectral domain interpretations for the BSR are given.

A sulfated glycoprotein synthesized by Sertoli cells and by epididymal cells is a component of the sperm membrane.

Abstract: We report here the purification, partial characterization and immunofluorescent localization of a dimeric acidic glycoprotein (DAG-protein) secreted by cultures of Sertoli cells of rat testes. Partially purified protein was obtained after chromatography over Sepharose 4B under conditions which favored a soluble, nonaggregated form of the protein. Rechromatography over the same column under reducing conditions yielded very pure monomers of 41,000 daltons and 29,000 daltons. Antibodies were prepared against the mixed monomers and used to immunoprecipitate proteins in spent medium from cultures incubated with [35S] methionine, 35SO4 = or tunicamycin. DAG-protein and another protein (Band 4, 70,000 daltons) were coprecipitated by the antiserum and all contained 35SO4 = in their structures. It was shown by Western blotting that the antiserum cross-reacted very weakly with Band 4 protein. The DAG-protein polypeptides secreted in the presence of tunicamycin were assumed to lack N-glycosylation and exhibited apparent molecular weights of 27,000 and 21,000 daltons. Immunoprecipitations of media from organ cultures of testis and epididymis yielded DAG-protein of slightly lower molecular weight than the protein secreted in Sertoli cell cultures. Indirect immunofluorescence of DAG-protein in paraffin sections of testis and epididymis revealed that the protein was concentrated in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells, on the stereocilia of epididymal principal cells, in the cytoplasm of epididymal halo cells, and was associated with late spermatids and mature sperm. Sperm were specifically labeled on the acrosome, at the neck, and on the endpiece of the tail. No enzymatic or structural function has been ascribed to DAG-protein as yet, but the protein must play a pivotal role in spermatogenesis because it is secreted by both the testis and epididymis and becomes an integral component of sperm.

Introduction of pAM beta 1 into Listeria monocytogenes by conjugation and homology between native L. monocytogenes plasmids.

Abstract: The broad host range antibiotic resistance plasmid pAM beta 1 was transferred from Streptococcus faecalis to 9 of 15 Listeria monocytogenes strains by conjugation. L. monocytogenes transconjugates could transfer the plasmid either among L. monocytogenes strains or back to S. faecalis. Transfer between the various strains occurred without any detectable plasmid DNA rearrangements. The pAM beta 1 replicon was stable in L. monocytogenes--it was retained without antibiotic selection when the bacteria were grown in culture media or passed in mice--and the presence of pAM beta 1 had no major effect on L. monocytogenes virulence. These data suggest that pAM beta 1 or its derivatives might serve as useful L. monocytogenes cloning vehicles. The data presented also demonstrate that pAM beta 1 is compatible with two different native L. monocytogenes plasmids and that Listeria species harbor native plasmids in addition to the 38.5-megadalton plasmid pRYC16 previously reported by Perez-Diaz et al. (J. C. Perez-Diaz, M. F. Vicente, and F. Banquero, Plasmid 8:112-118, 1982). Of 29 L. monocytogenes strains screened, 7 contained plasmid DNA. Four strains had similar if not identical plasmids that were 34 megadaltons in size, whereas three other strains contained either a 53-, 44-, or 32-megadalton plasmid; none of these plasmids has the same restriction patterns as pRYC16. DNA homology experiments indicate that the various plasmids are related and suggest that there may be a common set of sequences present in all of the plasmids examined.

Sources of stress in academe: A national perspective

Abstract: The purpose of the national faculty stress research project was to examine stress experienced by faculty in institutions of higher education. The study sample of 80 institutions was drawn from the population of all U. S. doctoral-granting institutions in the United States. One thousand twenty faculty were selected and stratified by academic rank and Biglan's academic discipline model. The response rate was 75.28 percent. In general, faculty reported 60 percent of the total stress in their lives came from work. The majority of the top 10 stressors related directly to time and/or resource constraints. When faculty stressors were compared across disciplinary groupings, more similarity than difference existed. Also, faculty reported similar degrees of stress associated with the teaching, research, and service functions, with teaching as the most stressful activity.

Bearing capacity of reinforced sand subgrades

Abstract: Laboratory bearing capacity model tests were performed on both reinforced and unreinforced sand loaded by a strip footing. The effects of soil density and reinforcing strip length were investigated. The tests show that a significant increase in bearing capacity can be achieved at relative densities between 51 and 90% by the use of metal reinforcing strips. Bearing capacity of reinforced sand is a strong function of the length of the reinforcing strips only until the strip length reaches approximately seven times the footing width; additional length does not significantly increase bearing capacity. For those tests on unreinforced sand where a distinct peak in the load-bearing pressure curve occurs (general shear failure), the failure of the corresponding reinforced sand occurs at a larger settlement. A comparison of test results with an analytical method of predicting bearing capacity of reinforced sand shows the importance of the soil-reinforcing strip friction coefficient.

Parallel graph algorithms

Abstract: Algorithms and data structures developed to solve graph problems on parallel computers are surveyed. The problems discussed relate to searching graphs and finding connected components, maximal chques, maximum cardinahty matchings, mimmum spanning trees, shortest paths, and travehng salesman tours. The algorithms are based on a number of models of parallel computation, including systohc arrays, assoclatwe processors, array processors, and mulhple CPU computers. The most popular model is a direct extension of the standard RAM model of sequential computation. It may not, however, be the best basis for the study of parallel algorithms. More emphasis has been focused recently on communications issues in the analysis of the complexity of parallel algorithms; thus parallel models are coming to be more complementary to implementable architectures. Most algorithms use relatwely simple data structures, such as the adjacency matrix and adjacency hsts, although a few algorithms using linked hsts, heaps, and trees are also discussed.

Evidence for selective fruit production in asclepias.

Abstract: Fruit abortion has been hypothesized as a means by which plants can optimally distribute limited resources among the more economically packaged, higher quality seeds (Janzen, 1977a, 1977b; Charnov, 1979; Lloyd, 1980; Stephenson, 1981; Bertin, 1982a; Lee and Bazzaz, 1982a, 1982b). For some species, there is evidence for selective production of fruits based on paternity (Bertin, 1982a) and/or number of seeds per fruit (Heinicke, 1917; Stephenson, 1981; Bertin, 1982a, 1982b; Lee and Bazzaz, 1982a, 1982b). This study examines the potential for selective fruit production in Asclepias speciosa, a member of a genus with relatively high rates of both flower abscission (93.0-99.3%) and fruit abortion (30-95% of initiated pods) (Stephenson, 1981). Members of the genus Asclepias have several ideal characteristics for a study of selective fruit production. The umbel provides a collection of flowers sharing a common period of anthesis (flowers open within + 2 days of each other and wilt simultaneously). When identically treated, each flower within an umbel has an equal chance of forming a pod (Bookman, 1982) allowing for a direct comparison of pod production between different pollen sources or donors. There is a delay in anthesis of flowers on each successive umbel so that competition for maternal resources among pods within an umbel is much greater than that between pods of different umbels (Wyatt, 1980). This allows for replication on different umbels of the comparisons of pod production between pollen donors. Asclepias has pollen grains bound and transported in packages as pollinia. I have found that usually in A. speciosa,

Recent Developments in Classical Conditioning

Abstract: The present paper examines the implications of recent developments in classical conditioning for consumer research. It discusses the finding that the conditioned response need not resemble the unconditioned response, and that the conditioned stimulus must predict but not necessarily precede the unconditioned stimulus for conditioning to occur. The paper also considers the implications of several situations in which classical conditioning may unexpectedly fail to occur, several of the characteristics of classically conditioned behavior, and the role of awareness in conditioning.

The Use and Misuse of Surveys in International Development: An Experiment From Nepal

Abstract: Developing countries rely heavily on Western survey research methods to gather data for national planning. Although it is known that particular problems with "non-sampling errors" may arise when surveys are conducted cross-culturally, little attention has been given to determining the magnitude of the problem. An experiment in Nepal was conducted to measure the accuracy of a popular KAP (knowledge, attitude, practice) survey. This experiment demonstrated that non-sampling error for the kind of knowledge and attitudinal variables measured in the survey was far greater than what is normally computed as a sampling error. One reason for inaccuracy concerned the cultural reinterpretation of survey questions by respondents. In more general terms it is argued that surveys are limited by a "contextual bias" (reliance on only one context for gathering data) that may render survey data inaccurate or misleading. However, it is by no means recommended that Third World surveys be discontinued or be replaced by qualita...

C3-C4 Intermediate Photosynthesis in Plants

Abstract: Among higher plants, C3 species have high levels of photorespiration, which limit the rate of net carbon dioxide assimilation. C4 plants have evolved a mechanism that overcomes photorespiration. Some species have photorespiration levels intermediate to C3 and C4 species, as well as other intermediate anatomical, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. These C3-C4 intermediates provide excellent opportunities for studying how photorespiration is reduced, as well as the genetics and evolution of C4 photosynthesis. (Accepted for publication 11 April 1984)

Pathogenic Differences Between Various Feline Coronavirus Isolates

Abstract: Coronaviruses are being isolated with increasing frequency from cats. These various isolates can be divided into two major groups: 1) coronaviruses that induce a disease of cats known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), and 2) coronaviruses that cause a transient subclinical to severe enteritis1,2. The various isolates in each of these groups are morphologically and antigenically related, and probably represent strains of a common species of virus that infects cats, dogs (canine coronavirus or CCV), and swine3,4.

A guide to the use of the exuding-stylet technique in phloem physiology.

Abstract: The use of exuding stylets holds considerable promise for the investigation of sieve-tube physiology. However, largely because of difficulties in cutting insect stylets, the technique has been applied to only a few plant species. Based on our experience, a comparison is made of the available means of obtaining sieve-tube exudate from the exuding stylets of phloem-feeding insects, including aphids, scale and mealybugs. Forty-one plant species and approx. 35 insect species were tested for their ability to provide stylet exudate. Stylets on all but a few of the plant species tested yielded at least some exudate, but the success rate and duration of exudation on many species were unsatisfactory for detailed investigations of phloem transport. Plant species appears to be the most important factor for obtaining reliably exuding stylets, although the size of the insect species used and the physiological condition of the plant are also important variables. Armored scale provide a simple and reliable source of exuding stylets, but are impractical for most experimental purposes. Radio-frequency microcautery of aphid stylets was substantially the most effective means of cutting stylets. Instructions are provided for constructing a microcautery unit at minimal expense, using a citizen's band radio as the radio-frequency source.

Pseudomonads as a factor in the growth of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Abstract: Pseudomonads were isolated from the roots of winter wheat plants. Plants produced from direct-drilling of seeds into plots where crop residues had been burnt were larger and appeared healthier than those from plots where crop residues remained. Tests showed that roots from the plants direct-drilled into the plots where crop residues had been burnt were colonized by fewer pseudomonads which could inhibit plant growth than those from plants produced from plots where crop residues remained. The tests were performed by inoculating wheat seedlings with individual bacterial isolates and measuring root growth. When several wheat cultivars were bioassayed against each of two of the inhibitory pseudomonads, they differed greatly in susceptibility to the adverse effects of the bacteria.

Comparison of proteinase inhibitor-inducing activities and phytoalexin elicitor activities of a pure fungal endopolygalacturonase, pectic fragments, and chitosans.

Abstract: Rhizopus stolonifer endopolygalacturonase, an elicitor of casbene synthetase activity in castor bean seedlings, was found to be a potent elicitor of the phytoalexin pisatin in pea pods and of proteinase Inhibitor I in tomato leaves. The enzyme was an active elicitor or inducer only in its active native state; heat-denatured enzyme was inactive in all three systems. The activities of (a) the tomato pectic polysaccharide proteinase inhibitor-inducing factor, (b) a partially acid hydrolyzed proteinase inhibitor-inducing factor, (c) citrus pectic fragments, and (d) chitosan, were also compared in the three bioassay systems. The four oligosaccharide preparations were active in all three systems, but with different degrees of potency. In tomato leaves and pea pods, chitosans were most active, whereas in castor beans, the citrus pectic fragments were the best elicitors. The data presented support the hypothesis that plant and fungal cell wall fragments are important signals in mobilizing a wide variety of biochemically different types of plant defense responses, and that endopolygalacturonases play a key role in releasing the plant cell wall fragments during pest attacks.

Localization of transferrin and transferrin receptors in rat testes.

Abstract: One of the major proteins secreted by rat Sertoli cells in culture is a transferrin-like protein (Skinner and Griswold, 1980). The purpose of this study was to quantitate the amount of testicular transferrin in fluids isolated from the testis by the use of a radioimmunoassay and to determine the location of transferrin and transferrin receptors in the testis by indirect immunofluorescence. Seminiferous tubule fluid, rete testis fluid, and testicular lymph were collected from rat testes and were found to contain 141 micrograms, 47 micrograms and 3.7 mg transferrin per ml of fluid, respectively. Serum was found to contain 3.7 mg/ml transferrin. Paraffin sections of rat testis were incubated with rabbit anti-rat transferrin, biotinylated goat anti-rabbit and fluorescein-conjugated avidin. Immunoreactive transferrin was thus localized on the proacrosome and nuclear cap of developing spermatids. Late spermatids showed transferrin over the entire region of the head but mature testicular spermatozoa exhibited little fluorescence. The interstitial tissue between seminiferous tubules fluoresced brightly, indicating a large amount of transferrin in this area. By pretreating sections with rat transferrin, the receptor for the protein was localized on and in spermatocytes and early round spermatids. Dividing germ cells were brightly fluorescent.

Cloning and structure determination of cDNA for cutinase, an enzyme involved in fungal penetration of plants.

Abstract: The primary structure of cutinase, an extracellular fungal enzyme involved in the penetration of plants by pathogenic fungi, has been determined from the nucleotide sequence of cloned cDNA. Clones containing cDNA made from poly(A)+ RNA isolated from fungal cultures induced to synthesize cutinase were screened for their ability to hybridize with the [32P]cDNA for mRNA unique to the induced culture. The 75 cDNA clones thus identified were screened for the cutinase genetic code by hybrid-selected translation and examination of products with anti-cutinase IgG. This method yielded 15 clones containing cDNA for cutinase, and Southern blots showed that the size of the cDNA inserts ranged from 279 to 950 nucleotides. Blot analysis showed that cutinase mRNA contained 1050 nucleotides, indicating that the clone containing 950 nucleotides represented nearly the entire mRNA. This near-full-length cDNA and the restriction fragments subcloned from it were sequenced by a combination of the Maxam-Gilbert and the phage M13-dideoxy techniques. cDNAs from two other clones, containing the bulk of the coding region for cutinase, were also completely sequenced, and the results confirmed the sequence obtained with the first clone. A peptide isolated from a trypsin digest of cutinase was sequenced and the amino acid sequence as well as the initiation and termination codons were used to identify the coding region of the cDNA. The primary structure of the enzyme so far determined by amino acid sequencing (≈40% of the total) agreed completely with the nucleotide sequencing results. Thus, the complete primary structure of the mature enzyme and that of the signal peptide region were ascertained.

Fear of Crime Among Older People: A Reassessment of the Predictive Power of Crime‐Related Factors*

Abstract: The impact of victimization experiences and crime-related variables on act-specific fear of crime are reinvestigated. Perceived risk and vulnerability to crime were expected to mediate the influence of demographic and crime-related variables on fear. The results of this study suggest that fear of property loss is more explainable by crime-related variables than is fear of violent victimization. Perceptual variables diminish the direct impact of victimization experiences and local crime rate on each type of fear of crime. However, particular demographic and crime-related variables have different effects on fear of property loss and fear of violent crime. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research on the social determinants of fear of crime among the elderly.

Proteinase Inhibitor Synthesis in Tomato Leaves Induction by Chitosan Oligomers and Chemically Modified Chitosan and Chitin

Abstract: Soluble chemical derivatives of chitin and chitosan including ethylene glycol chitin, nitrous acid-modified chitosan, glycol chitosan, and chitosan oligomers, produced from chitosan by limited hydrolysis with HCl, were found to possess proteinase inhibitor inducing activities when supplied to young excised tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum var Bonnie Best) plants. Nitrous acid-modified chitosans and ethylene glycol chitin exhibited about 2 to 3 times the activity of acid hydrolyzed chitosan and 15 times more activity than glycol chitosan. The parent chitin and chitosans are insoluble in water or neutral buffers and cannot be assayed. Glucosamine and its oligomers from degree of polymerization = 2 through degree of polymerization = 6 were purified from acid-fragmented chitosan and assayed. The monomer was inactive and dimer and trimer exhibited weak activities. Tetramer possessed higher activity and the larger pentamer and hexamer oligomers were nearly as active as the total hydrolyzed mixture. None of the fragments exhibited more than 2% acetylation (the limits of detection). The contents of the acid-fragmented mixture of oligomers was chemically N-acetylated to levels of 13% and 20% and assayed. The N-acetylation neither inhibited nor enhanced the proteinase inhibitor inducing activity of the mixture. These results, along with recent findings by others that chitinases and chitosanases are present in plants, provide further evidence for a possible role of soluble chitosan fragments as signals to activate plant defense responses.