Subgroups of Finite Wreath Product Groups for p=3

Let M be the additive abelian group of 3-by-3 matrices whose entries are from the ring of integers modulo 9. The problem of determining all the normal subgroups of the regular wreath product group P=Z9≀(Z3 × Z3) that are contained in its base subgroup is equivalent to the problem of determining the subgroups of M that are invariant under two particular endomorphisms of M. In this thesis we give a partial solution to the latter problem by implementing a systematic approach using concepts from group theory and linear algebra

Production and Non-Production Functions of Grassland in an Upland Region of Slovakia

The importance of grassland lies chiefly in its production of good quality forage that is utilised by cattle and sheep. In upland and mountain regions the non-production functions of grassland such as landscape enhancement or water catchment are especially important. These functions are performed mainly through the sward tillering zone (boundary area between above-ground vegetation and roots) and root characteristics (Jancovic, l985). The objective of this research was to study the biomass above, at, and below ground level of three sward types at different fertilisation levels

Phosphorylation of the Drosophila JNKKK Slipper is essential for proper morphogenesis and heat shock response

Signal transduction pathways rely on proper protein activation and regulation to elicit appropriate responses to extracellular cues. Kinases within these pathways are commonly activated through a multi-step mechanism, which involves phosphorylation. Additionally, regulatory modifications can occur to modulate signals, ensuring that the proper intensity and duration of signaling is achieved in the correct context. I have identified two modes of regulation of the Drosophila JNKKK, Slipper. First, investigation into kinase domain phosphorylation reveals that conserved putative phosphorylation sites are required for Slpr function. Site-directed mutagenesis converting three serine/threonine residues to alanines (SlprAAA) renders the protein inactive, and SlprAAA behaves as a dominant negative during several Slpr-mediated processes. Transgenic flies expressing SlprAAA display phenotypes associated with a loss of JNK signaling such as dorsal open embryos that lose JNK pathway marker gene expression, cleft thorax indicative of a loss of JNK signaling during thorax closure, and a failure to rescue slpr mutants. Importantly, double alanine mutant analysis (TST mutated to AAT, ASA, and TAA) reveals that T295 is crucial for Slpr signaling as the two double mutants that contain alanine mutations at that residue are nonfunctional while SlprAAT retains some Slpr function.An additional phosphorylation site outside of the kinase domain was identified at a conserved MAPK consensus site, PXSP. Though flies expressing a non-phosphorylatable PXAP develop normally and have no defects in Slpr-dependent functions in morphogenesis, both embryos and adults are sensitive to heat shock. Conversely, a phospho-mimetic version, PXEP, confers thermoresistance. Biochemical assays implicate the Jun kinase, Bsk, as the MAPK required for this signaling to PXSP. These results suggest that Bsk phosphorylates Slpr in a positive feedback loop during heat stress to maintain homeostasis. Together, these experiments demonstrate the need for Slpr phosphorylation in two circumstances. Not only is phosphorylation required to maintain Slpr-dependent JNK signaling in morphological processes through proper protein activation, but it is also essential in a context-specific manner for a previously unidentified role of Slpr and the Drosophila JNK pathway in heat shock response

A mánia a hangulat hipertóniája? Hasonlóságok és különbségek a bipoláris betegség és a hipertónia között

A possibly shared pathophysiological background between bipolar disorders and essential hypertension is suggested by the several similarities and overlaps between their genetic background, underlying biological disturbances (including partially shared neuroanatomical and neurochemical correlates), concomitant personality and temperamental characteristics, precipitating factors, comorbidity and treatment response. In this paper we outline and extend our previously published hypothesis discussing the similar origins of these two biphasic/bidirectional phenomena

A pikkelysömör es a stressz közötti összefüggés pszichológiai és biológiai alapjai

Stress is considered as a major contributor to the development and exacerbation of psoriasis by a significant proportion of patients and dermatologists. As both stressor and its effects are subject-dependent, thus extremely difficult to measure, our understanding of the exact role of stress in disease development was limited for a long time. In the past decade several new studies were carried out which expanded our knowledge on the pathophysiologic processes linking stress to psoriasis via with their objective measurements and the applied new techniques. The authors review the current literature of both psychological (alexithymia, personality, affect) and biological (cortisol, epinephrine, neurogenic inflammation) factors influencing stress perception and response in psoriasis. Results of recent investigations support previous reports about the interaction between stress and psoriasis with objective evidence. Knowing how effective stress-reducing psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions are in the treatment of psoriasis the authors hope that this review contributes to a wider acceptance of the psychosomatic attitude in everyday dermatologic practice. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(24), 939-948

Tree Responses to an Invasive Sap-Feeding Insect

Although sap-feeding insects are known to negatively affect plant growth and physiology, less is known about sap-feeding insects on woody plants. Adelges tsugae (Annand Hemiptera: Adelgidae), the hemlock woolly adelgid, is an invasive sap-feeding insect in eastern North America that feeds on and kills Tsuga canadensis (L. Carrière), eastern hemlock. Newly hatched adelgid nymphs crawl to young unattacked tissue, settle and immediately enter diapause (aestivation) while attached to hemlock in summer. We assessed the effect of A. tsugae infestation on T. canadensis growth and physiology by analyzing hemlock growth on lateral and terminal branches, water potential, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and foliar nitrogen (%N). A. tsugae infestation greatly decreased terminal and lateral growth of eastern hemlock. In addition, A. tsugae presence reduced photosynthesis by 10 % in September and 36 % in October. Adelgid-infested hemlocks also exhibited signs of water stress that included notable reductions in water potential and stomatal conductance. These responses shed light on possible mechanisms of adelgid-induced mortality

Estimating the Effects of Weather, Dry Matter Intake, and Body Weight on Daily Water Intake in Weaned Calves

Objective The purpose of this study was to study the effect of weather, dry matter intake, and body weight on the water requirements of weaned calves and estimating the requirements in a model.Study Description Weaned steers (n=48) were selected to study the effects of the weather, body weight, and dry matter intake on water intake in the winter (n=24) and summer (n=24) months. Calves were provided with ad libitum access to feed and water at the SDSU Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility (CCERF) and measured utilizing an automated feed and water system (Insentec, The Hague, Netherlands). Temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, solar radiation, and air pressure were recorded at a Mesonet automated weather station in Brookings, SD (located 2.4 miles from the SDSU CCERF). Effects of climate data, body weight, and daily dry matter intake on daily water intake will be analyzed utilizing a mixed-effects model