Analysis of GT-3a identifies a distinct subgroup of trihelix DNA-binding transcription factors in Arabidopsis

AbstractTrihelix DNA-binding factors (or GT factors) bind to GT elements found in the promoters of many plant genes. Although the binding specificity and the transcriptional activity of some members (e.g. GT-1 and GT-2) have been studied, the regulatory function of this family of transcription factors remains largely unknown. In this work, we have characterised a new GT factor, namely GT-3a, and a closely related member, GT-3b. We show that (1) they can form either homo- or heterodimers but do not interact with GT-1; (2) they are predominantly expressed in floral buds and roots; (3) GT-3a cannot bind to the binding sites of GT-1 or GT-2, but binds to the cab2 and rbcS-1A gene promoters via the 5′-GTTAC sequence, which has been previously shown to be the core of the Site 1 type of GT elements. These results suggest that GT-3a and GT-3b belong to a distinct subgroup of GT factors and that each subgroup of GT factors binds to a functionally distinct type of cis-acting GT elements

Generalized metarationalities in the graph model for conflict resolution

AbstractA metarational tree is defined within the graph model for conflict resolution paradigm, providing a general framework within which rational behavior in models with two decision makers (DMs) can be described more comprehensively. A new definition of stability for a DM that depends on the total number, h, of moves and counter-moves allowed is proposed. Moreover, the metarational tree can be refined so that all moves must be unilateral improvements, resulting in a new set of stability definitions for each level of the tree. Relationships among stabilities at various levels of the basic and refined trees are explored, and connections are established to existing stability definitions including Nash stability, general metarationality, symmetric metarationality, sequential and limited-move stability, and policy equilibria

CYP2J3 Gene Delivery Reduces Insulin Resistance via Upregulation of eNOS in Fructose-treated Rats

Accumulating evidence suggests that cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases metabolize arachidonic acid into epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) which play important roles in various pathophysiological processes. Interestingly, CYP-derived eicosanoids are vasodilatory, at least in part through their ability to activate eNOS and subsequent NO release. This study investigated the roles of eNOS in CYP2J3 gene delivery reducing blood pressure and improving insulin resistance in fructose-treated rats. CYP2J3 overexpression in vivo increased EET generation, reduced blood pressure and reversed insulin resistance as determined by insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Furthermore, administration of eNOS inhibitor L-NMMA significantly and partially abolished the beneficial effects of CYP2J3 gene delivery on hypertension and insulin resistance induced by fructose intake, and possible mechanism is associated with increased ET-1, ETA-receptor mRNA expression and reduced sensitivity of insulin to peripheral tissues and organs characterized by reduced activity of IRS-1/PI3K/AKT and AMPK signalling pathways. These data provide direct evidence that CYP2J3-derived EETs may alleviate insulin resistance at least in part through upregulated eNOS expression

Zwitterionic 4-carb­oxy-2-(1-methyl­pyridin-1-ium-4-yl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxyl­ate

In the title zwitterionic mol­ecule, C11H9N3O4, the imidazole and pyridine rings form a dihedral angle of 2.60 (2)°. An intra­molecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, pairs of N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules into inversion dimers. Weak inter­molecular C—H⋯O inter­actions further consolidate the crystal packing

Environmental impact of the effluents discharging from full-scale wastewater treatment plants evaluated by a hybrid fuzzy approach

Increasing attention is being paid to the environmental impacts of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent. In this study, comprehensive environmental impact analyses (EIAs) were performed for the secondary treatment processes, tertiary treatment processes, and entire plants at five full-scale WWTPs in Kunming, China. The EIAs took into account greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, potential for the effluent to cause eutrophication, ecological risks posed by endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in treated effluent, and the risks posed by heavy metals in excess sludge. A comprehensive assessment toward environmental sustainability was performed using a fuzzy approach. The results indicated that the biological treatment process made the largest contribution (>68% of the total) of the secondary treatment processes to GHG emissions and that electricity consumption made the largest contribution (>64% of the total) of the tertiary treatment processes to GHG emissions. Large numbers of EDCs were removed during the secondary treatment processes, but the potential ecological risks posed by EDCs still require attention. High mercury concentrations were found in excess sludge. The plant that removed the largest proportion of pollutants and produced effluent posing the least ecological risks gave the best comprehensive EIA performance