Extension of the core map of common bean with EST-SSR, RGA, AFLP, and putative functional markers

Microsatellites and gene-derived markers are still underrepresented in the core molecular linkage map of common bean compared to other types of markers. In order to increase the density of the core map, a set of new markers were developed and mapped onto the RIL population derived from the ‘BAT93’ × ‘Jalo EEP558’ cross. The EST-SSR markers were first characterized using a set of 24 bean inbred lines. On average, the polymorphism information content was 0.40 and the mean number of alleles per locus was 2.7. In addition, AFLP and RGA markers based on the NBS-profiling method were developed and a subset of the mapped RGA was sequenced. With the integration of 282 new markers into the common bean core map, we were able to place markers with putative known function in some existing gaps including regions with QTL for resistance to anthracnose and rust. The distribution of the markers over 11 linkage groups is discussed and a newer version of the common bean core linkage map is proposed

Analysis of the atmosphere behaviour in the proximities of an orographic obstacle

The atmospheric behaviour near an orographic obstacle has been thoroughly studied in the last decades. The first papers in this field were mainly theoretical, being more recent the laboratory experiments which represented that behaviour in ideal conditions. The numerical simulations have been addressed lately thanks to the development of computers. But the study of meteorology in complex terrain has lacked experiments in the atmosphere to understand the real influence the relief has on it. <br> In this paper the problem has been considered from the last perspective, and so, seasons of measure of the atmospheric variables within the boundary layer have been organized with the goal of checking existing theories and bringing right conclusions from real experiment in the atmosphere. <br> Controverted aspects of linear and nonlinear theories, as the location of critical points upwind and downwind of an orographic obstacle, will be analyzed. The results obtained show a large adequacy between the forecasted behaviour and the experimentally detected

Sex Differences in Anhedonic and Anxiety-like Behavioral Responses to Predator Odor-Exposure in Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Gene Knockout and Wild Type Rats

A growing body of evidence demonstrates the role of inflammation in stress-related disorders. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is one receptor type involved in innate immune responses to stress and may play a role in some aspects of these disorders. In patients with major depressive disorder, levels of TLR4 expression correlate with severity of certain symptoms, specifically anxiety and weight loss, and decrease with treatment by antidepressant medication or cognitive behavioral therapy. However, at the time of this study, no published research has explored the role of TLR4 in either depressive or anxiogenic symptomology in response to a traumatic stressor. Unpublished work by our group utilizing TLR4 gene knockout rats suggests that TLR4 activation alters anxiety-like behavior in a rodent model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Continuing from these findings in the predator odor-exposure stress model, we have added non-exposed control groups of both genotypes in order to further examine the significance of these findings. Both male and female animals exhibited increased anxiety-like and aversive behavior after controlled exposure to predator odor, with specific behavioral effects differing by sex and genotype. This was evident over all behaviors measured.Psychology, Department ofHonors Colleg

Mesoscale convective complexes over the western Mediterranean area during 1990-1994

Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) data registers from June to December during 1990-94 were obtained from the Spanish National Meteorological Institute (INM). Fifteen Mesoscale Convective Complexes (MCCs) were identified through this database. Most of the MCCs developed during the last week of September. The dominant synoptic patterns related to the mesoscale systems were cold fronts at the surface with warm and moist low-level cores, and cut-off low or deep trough throughout the middle and upper levels. These synoptic patterns were found in all the fifteen cases studied. The hourly centroid location of each MCC was used to trace their tracks, which followed a general direction towards the E or NE in almost all cases. These trajectories are clearly related to the synoptic patterns found. Finally, two MCCs chosen as representative of their evolution are described and the related physical processes are discussed

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Platelet factors are induced by longevity factor klotho and enhance cognition in young and aging mice

Platelet factors regulate wound healing and can signal from the blood to the brain1,2. However, whether platelet factors modulate cognition, a highly valued and central manifestation of brain function, is unknown. Here we show that systemic platelet factor 4 (PF4) permeates the brain and enhances cognition. We found that, in mice, peripheral administration of klotho, a longevity and cognition-enhancing protein3-7, increased the levels of multiple platelet factors in plasma, including PF4. A pharmacologic intervention that inhibits platelet activation blocked klotho-mediated cognitive enhancement, indicating that klotho may require platelets to enhance cognition. To directly test the effects of platelet factors on the brain, we treated mice with vehicle or systemic PF4. In young mice, PF4 enhanced synaptic plasticity and cognition. In old mice, PF4 decreased cognitive deficits and restored aging-induced increases of select factors associated with cognitive performance in the hippocampus. The effects of klotho on cognition were still present in mice lacking PF4, suggesting this platelet factor is sufficient to enhance cognition but not necessary for the effects of klotho-and that other unidentified factors probably contribute. Augmenting platelet factors, possible messengers of klotho, may enhance cognition in the young brain and decrease cognitive deficits in the aging brain