The NS3 protein of rice hoja blanca virus suppresses RNA silencing in mammalian cells

The NS3 protein of the tenuivirus rice hoja blanca virus (RHBV) has previously been shown to represent the viral RNA interference (RNAi) suppressor and is active in both plant and insect cells by binding short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in vitro. Using a firefly luciferase-based silencing assay it is described here that NS3 is also active in mammalian cells. This activity is independent of the inducer molecule used. Using either synthetic siRNAs or a short hairpin RNA construct, NS3 was able to significantly suppress the RNAi-mediated silencing of luciferase expression in both monkey (Vero) and human (HEK293) cells. These results support the proposed mode of action of NS3 to act by sequestering siRNAs, the key molecules of the RNAi pathway conserved in all eukaryotes. The possible applications of this protein in modulating RNAi and investigating the proposed antiviral RNAi response in mammalian cell systems are discussed

Comparison of Semi-Captive and Wild Gray-Shanked Douc Langurs’ (Pygathrix Cinerea) Activity Budgets

From 16-10-03 to 16-12-03 I studied four male gray-shanked Douc (GSD) langurs (Pygathrix cinerea) in a semi-captive environment and compared results to wild GSD langurs that were studied from 2006-2008. The semi-captive GSD langurs live at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) in Cúc Phương National Park, Vietnam. Four GSD langur males, three born in captivity and one rescued from the pet trade, share 5 hectares of limestone forest in a semi-captive setting at the EPRC. The semi-captive environment is intended to prepare members of this species and other endangered primates for potential release into the wild. In my study, I assessed the group members\u27 activity budgets and feeding behaviors and compared my data to that obtained in a study of wild GSD langurs. I collected data using instantaneous scan sampling at 2 minute intervals (Altmann, 1974). This comparison may assist future conservationists in their efforts to restore wild GSD langur populations in appropriate habitats that may encourage wild behaviors by reintroduced subjects

Earthstars (Geastrum, Myriostoma) of the Hawaiian Islands Including Two New Species, Geastrum litchiforme and Geastrum reticulatum

v. ill. 23 cm.Also available through BioOne: http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.2984/65.4.477QuarterlyAn updated, annotated list of earthstars found in the Hawaiian Islands is presented that includes 19 species of Geastrum and Myriostoma coliforme. Favored habitats for these gasteroid fungi include periodically wet windward coastal Casuarina groves, windward Leucaena thickets, and leeward coastal Prosopis groves. In contrast to these nonnative vegetation zones, earthstars such as Geastrum minimum, G. campestre, and G. corollinum are found also in largely native leeward montane Sophora/Myoporum forests, whereas Geastrum velutinum and G. reticulatum appear in montane native Acacia koa/Metrosideros forests. Eighty-two percent of the collections were made between September and February, although Geastrum triplex may be found earlier during the summer months. Two species, Geastrum litchiforme Desjardin & Hemmes and Geastrum reticulatum Desjardin & Hemmes, are described as new, accompanied by illustrations and comparisons with allied taxa. Geastrum xerophilum, originally published without Latin diagnosis, is formally validated. Specific collections are documented and island distribution and preferred habitats of the various species are listed. An artificial dichotomous key to aid in identification is provided

Binding of small interfering RNA molecules is crucial for RNA interference suppressor activity of rice hoja blanca virus NS3 in plants

The NS3 protein of rice hoja blanca tenuivirus represents a viral suppressor of RNAi that sequesters small interfering (si)RNAs in vitro. To determine whether this siRNA binding property is the critical determinant for the suppressor activity of NS3, an alanine point mutational analysis was performed and the resulting mutant proteins were tested for both siRNA binding ability and RNAi suppressor activity in plants. Alanine substitutions of lysine residues at position 173-175 resulted in mutant proteins that lost both their affinity for siRNAs and their RNAi suppressor activity in planta. This indicates that siRNA binding of NS3 is indeed essential for the suppressor function of NS3 and that residues at position 173-175 are involved in the siRNA binding and suppressor activit

The influence of additives on the current carrying capacity of bulk YBa2Cu3OX

We studied the influence of using different powders and several additives on the shaping process and critical current density of sintered bulk YBa2Cu3OX. It was found that all additives used facilitated the shaping process. Silver and most organic additives influenced the critical current density only little, Zinc reduced it to zero, but an ethylenebisstearoylamide compound doubled the critical current density as compared to samples without additives

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site plant survey

Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.A checklist of all plant species located within the Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site was compiled for the dry season during May 1975, and for the wet season in March 1976. A total of 50 species from 21 Angiosperm families were recorded along with 2 ferns and 1 Basidiomycete. Of the total number of species collected, 38 were introductions, 10 were indigenous, and 5 were endemic. Among the species present are Ophioglossum concinnum, a fern proposed for rare and endangered status, and an unknown species of Atriplex, provisionally identified as A. johnstonii. Four distinct communities were recognized: a xerophytic scrub savannah, a closed kiawe forest, a halophytic scrub, and a disturbed roadside community. Recommendations are made concerning a potential fire hazard, the control of two noxious weeds, and the preservation of the rare fern.National Park Service Contract No. CX 8000 6 003