Chromosome Study of Arisaema of Taiwan

The chromosome number of most Arisaema plants was reported as 2n=28. Since species of Arisaema vary greatly in morphological features, comparative studies of anatomical, cytological, and other characteristics among the populations are required for more realistic taxonomic revision of this group. Two Taiwan species of Arisaema, A. formosana Hay. and A. consanguineum Schott, have been studied by the writer. Their chromosome numbers, obtained in mitosis, were 28 and 14 respectively

The effects of methylamine osmolytes on the cytoskeleton microtubule assembly

Methylamine osmolytes are enriched in urea-rich cells. It is unclear, however, whether methylamines can promote microtubule assembly either in vitro or in cells. The osmolyte trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) at 200 mM increases the extent and the rate of formation of polymerized microtubule complex caused by microtubule-associated protein tau in vitro. Furthermore, TMAO counteracts the inhibition on the assembly caused by urea. Besides TMAO, betaine, another methylamine osmolyte, was found to have the same effects on MT as TMAO;Phosphorylation can affect the function of tau. Cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)-phosphorylated tau does not promote tubulin assembly as judged by spectrophotometric and atomic force microscopy measurements, unless TMAO is;included in these assays. TMAO is also found to promote tubulin assembly with glycogen synthase kinase-3beta-phosphorylated tau. TMAO does not act by causing a chemical dephosphorylation of phosphorylated tau but it acts to overcome the functional deficit caused by phosphorylation. PKA-phosphorylated tau binds to tubulin in the presence of TMAO and lowers the critical concentration of tubulin needed for assembly. These results indicate that PKA-phosphorylated tau retains the ability to bind tubulin and promote tubulin assembly. TMAO is required, however, to sensitize the reaction;TMAO was examined its effects on the microtubule assembly of the XR1 glial cell line. The results of immunofluorescent staining showed that an increase in microtubule assembly occurred when culture media contained 200 mM TMAO. The change of microtubule assembly was correlated with the concentrations of intracellular TMAO, analyzed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The intracellular concentration of TMAO reached 30--50 mM after 6-hour incubation with 200 mM TMAO. During this time period microtubule assembly increased significantly. A spectrophotometric assay for microtubule assembly in vitro showed that 50 mM TMAO affected microtubule assembly, supporting the observations in cells. TMAO did not affect F-actin fibers as judged by fluorescent staining with phalloidin. Glycerol did not increase microtubule assembly of XR1 cells. These results indicate that the methylamine osmolytes, such as TMAO, can specifically enhance microtubule assembly in cells. Possible uses of TMAO in relation to studies of tubulin assembly in relation to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer\u27s disease, are presented in this dissertation

How Do Motivations for Commitment in Online Brand Communities Evolve? The Distinction Between Knowledge- and Entertainment-Seeking Motivations

The current study used the concept of motivational hierarchy to investigate how commitment is developed in online brand communities. By examining the online brand communities of two functional (Canon and Nikon) and two symbolic brands (Coca-Cola and Starbucks), the study focused on two pragmatic motives, knowledge- and entertainment-seeking motives, that served as the members’ initial drives to participate in online brand communities. The findings suggested that different initial motives followed different hierarchical routes to form commitment. Specifically, members with knowledge-seeking motives to participate in online brand communities became committed via two routes: with or without symbolic motives. On the other hand, entertainment-seeking members became committed only via the route through symbolic motives. Pragmatic and symbolic motives were connected by satisfaction, which could be seen as a proxy whether or not the pragmatic and symbolic motives were fulfilled

Exercise Interventions in Children with Cancer: A Review

The purpose of this review is to summarize literature that describes the impact of exercise on health and physical function among children during and after treatment for cancer. Relevant studies were identified by entering the following search terms into Pubmed: aerobic training; resistance training; stretching; pediatric; children; AND cancer. Reference lists in retrieved manuscripts were also reviewed to identify additional trials. We include fifteen intervention trials published between 1993 and 2011 that included children younger than age 21 years with cancer diagnoses. Nine included children with an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) diagnosis, and six children with mixed cancer diagnoses. Generally, interventions tested were either in-hospital supervised exercise training or home based programs designed to promote physical activity. Early evidence from small studies indicates that the effects of exercise include increased cardiopulmonary fitness, improved muscle strength and flexibility, reduced fatigue and improved physical function. Generalizations to the entire childhood cancer and childhood cancer survivor populations are difficult as most of the work has been done in children during treatment for and among survivors of ALL. Additional randomized studies are needed to confirm these benefits in larger populations of children with ALL, and in populations with cancer diagnoses other than ALL

GROUND REACTION FORCE ANALYSIS OF SOFTBALL WINDMILL PITCH

INTRODUCTION: The lower extremity provides supports when we exercise. The roles what lower extremity plays should be clarified during pitching. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to observe the ground reaction force during a windmill pitcher pitching straight ball and rise ball