Peripheral Member Research Articles

Assembly of the TOB Complex of Mitochondria

All mitochondrial precursor proteins studied so far are recognized initially at the surface of the organelle by the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM complex). Precursors of beta-barrel proteins are transferred further to another complex in the outer membrane that mediates their topogenesis (TOB complex). Tob55 is an essential component of the TOB complex in that it constitutes the core element of the protein-conducting pore. The other two components of the TOB complex are Tob38, which builds a functional TOB core complex with Tob55, and Mas37, a peripheral member of the complex. We have investigated the biogenesis of the TOB complex. Reduced insertion of the Tob55 precursor in the absence of Tom20 and Tom70 argues for initial recognition of the precursor of Tob55 by the import receptors. Next, it is transferred through the import channel formed by Tom40. Variants of the latter protein influenced the insertion of Tob55. Assembly of newly synthesized Tob55 into preexisting TOB complexes, as analyzed by blue native gel electrophoresis, depended on Tob38 but did not require Mas37. Surprisingly, both the association of Mas37 precursor with mitochondria and its assembly into the TOB complex were not affected by mutation in the TOM complex. Mas37 assembled directly with the TOB core complex. Hence, the biogenesis of Mas37 represents a novel import pathway of mitochondrial proteins.

Sites of interaction between SecA and the chaperone SecB, two proteins involved in export.

SecB, a small tetrameric cytosolic chaperone in Escherichia coli, facilitates the export of precursor poly-peptides by maintaining them in a nonnative conformation and passing them to SecA, which is a peripheral member of the membrane-bound translocation apparatus. It has been proposed by several laboratories that as SecA interacts with various components along the export pathway, it undergoes conformational changes that are crucial to its function. Here we report details of molecular interactions between SecA and SecB, which may serve as conformational switches. One site of interaction involves the final C-terminal 21 amino acids of SecA, which are positively charged and contain zinc. The C terminus of each subunit of the SecA dimer makes contact with the flat beta-sheet that is formed by each dimer of the SecB tetramer. Here we demonstrate that a second interaction exists between the extreme C-terminal alpha-helix of SecB and a site on SecA, as yet undefined but different from the C terminus of SecA. We investigated the energetics of the interactions by titration calorimetry and characterized the hydrodynamic properties of complexes stabilized by both interactions or each interaction singly using sedimentation velocity centrifugation.

Cam A: a new dwarf low-surface-brightness galaxy on the Local Group outskirts?

We present a deep I-band image of the nearby dwarf irregular galaxy Cam A obtained with the Nordic Optical Telescope with 0.6-arcsec seeing (FWHM). The distance to Cam A, DMW=1.9 Mpc, is estimated from the tip of the red giant branch seen at I=22.8±0.2 mag. The youngest stellar population of the galaxy seems to be of age about 100 Myr. Relying on its barycentric distance, DLG=1.6 Mpc, Cam A may be considered as a new probable peripheral member of the Local Group, or a member of the small group situated between the IC 342/Maffei group and the Local Group.

Socialization to Heroism: Individualism and Collectivism in a Voluntary Search and Rescue Group

In this paper I examine the tension between self-interested individualism and norms of self-sacrifice in a volunteer search and rescue group in the western United States. I draw on 3 1/2 years of ethnographic fieldwork to highlight how individuals were socialized to membership by conforming to the group norms along three general dimensions: the consciousness they displayed, the resources they provided, and the commitment they developed. Within each of these dimensions, I identify stages denoting members' change in status from new member to peripheral member to core member, and I show how those who achieved core membership were granted heroic status. I conclude by examining how the meanings of this symbolic reward, heroic status, guided members' behavior, producing a layered stage model of organizational socialization that helped them to reconcile their own interests with those of the group. The relationship between the individual

The Modification of Onsets in a Markedness Relationship: Testing the Interlanguage Structural Conformity Hypothesis

This chapter reports the findings of a study investigating the possible influence of typological universals on the structuring of a second language phonology. Specifically, the study examines the frequency of modification of 2‐member and 3‐member onsets, the latter being more marked than the former (Greenberg, 1978). Though some evidence exists that longer onsets are modified more frequently than are shorter onsets (Anderson, 1987), the current study controls for a possible confounding factor—whether or not the onsets abide by the Universal Canonical Syllable Structure (UCSS). The UCSS states in part that the nucleus is the most sonorant constituent in a syllable and that segments comprising an onset will rise continuously in sonority from the most peripheral member through the nucleus (Cairns & Feinstein, 1982; Clements, 1990; Hooper, 1976; Kiparsky, 1979; Selkirk, 1984; Vennemann, 1988). All 1‐member onsets, by definition, abide by the UCSS, as any consonant will be less sonorant than the vowel constituting the nucleus. However, the UCSS is not an absolute universal, as some languages, including English, have complex onsets that violate the UCSS. In fact, all 3‐member onsets in English violate it.Previous research has demonstrated that onsets that violate the UCSS are more frequently modified than are those that do not, even when length is held constant (Carlisle, 1991b; Tropf, 1987). Consequently, any study that attempts to validly compare the frequency of modification of 2‐member and 3‐member onsets must examine only 2‐member onsets that violate the UCSS, given that all 3‐member onsets do. Such a control over the sonority relationships among the segments comprising the onsets guarantees that length is the actual variable being examined. The major contribution of this study is that it examines the production of onsets of different lengths while controlling for the sonority relationships among the segments in the onsets.

Purification and characterization of a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II from hog gastric mucosa using a protein-protein affinity chromatographic technique.

A peripheral member of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMkinase II) group has been purified from hog gastric mucosa with the use of a novel affinity-chromatographic step. For the well known neural isotypes of CaMkinase II, it is proposed that the subunits form holoenzymes through a specific domain at the C-terminus called the 'association domain'. We immobilized a bacterially expressed association domain from CaMkinase II-delta-2 and used it as an affinity column. This matrix was used as the last step in a sequential enzyme purification procedure from hog gastric mucosa and yielded a homogeneous CaMkinase II which showed the typical physical and enzymatic properties of CaMkinase II. The enzyme activity showed a dependence on Ca2+ and calmodulin (apparent K0.5 = 2.7 microM and K0.5 = 0.02 microM, respectively). We found a subunit molecular mass of 61 kDa. An apparent native molecular mass of 310 kDa was calculated. The Stokes radius and the sedimentation coefficient were 6.7 nm and 11.2 S, respectively. Moreover, the isolated CaMkinase II was very well inhibited by the CaMkinase-II-specific inhibitors KN-62 (Ki = 0.52 nM) and KT5926 (Ki = 0.79 nM). The phosphorylation of several substrates revealed its multifunctionality. The purified CaMkinase II had an apparent Km for Mg-ATP of 24.0 microM and for autocamtide-II of 0.62 microM. CaMkinase II is considered as a strong candidate for regulating vesicle released quanta such as acid, neurotransmitters or insulin.

Isoenzyme variation in the wild relatives ofVicia faba (Fabaceae)

Electrophoretic analysis of five enzyme systems, LAP, PGI, SKDH, SOD and 6-PGDH, among 102Vicia accessions representingV. bithynica and seven species of theV. narbonensis complex, namelyV. eristalioides, V. kalakhensis, V. johannis, V. galilaea, V. serratifolia, V. narbonensis andV. hyaeniscyamus, has been performed. The recorded variation was tentatively assigned to 41 allelic genes at eight loci; intraspecific variation was observed in all species except forV. eristalioides. The results obtained were compared with the corresponding data reported earlier forV. faba. Hierarchical grouping of the investigated taxa, includingV. faba, was based onNei's genetic identities calculated from the allozyme frequency data.Vicia faba andV. bithynica were shown to be most distantly related to one another and to the remaining species investigated.Vicia serratifolia appeared to be a peripheral member of theV. narbonensis complex. The results are discussed with reference to genetic diversity and taxonomic relationships of the species under study.

State Aid, Regional Policy and Locational Competition in the European Union

In this article we show that there are inconsistencies between European regional policy and national state-aid policies. Arguing within a locational competition framework, we differentiate between the macro and the micro-level. On the macro-level, encompassing for example infrastructure and education, the European periphery is clearly disadvantaged vis-a-vis the core member states. On the micro-level, focusing on direct support to the productive sector, European state-aid regulations establish a hierarchy. According to Article 92 of the EC Treaty, least-favoured regions and regions in industrial decline are allowed to use region-specific state aid in order to attract mobile factors of production. All other regions are only allowed to use horizontal state aid. In the empirical analysis we show, however, that this privilege is not reflected in higher state-aid expenditure levels of the periphery vis-a-vis the core. This is mainly due to the limited budgetary possibilities of the peripheral member states. The present spatial pattern of expenditures reduces the prospects for cohesion and the efficiency of regional policy, and it leads to a waste of resources. The aggregate amount of state aid in Europe, as well as the market distortions induced by this state aid, is unnecessarily inflated. We therefore argue in favour of a tightening of state-aid regulations for the core countries and suggest a further concentration of EU resources in the periphery.

Changing Korean Perceptions of Japan on the Eve of Modern Transformation: The Case of Neo-Confucian Yangban Intellectuals

Before the modern period, Koreans tended to view Japan with a mixture of antipathy toward a ruthless invader and condescension toward a more peripheral member of their China-centered world. As that world began to change on the eve of the modern era, some reform-minded Korean intellectuals began to view Japan in a different light, seeing its heterodox Confucianism and its military culture as strengths rather than as marks of backwardness. By the eve of the colonial period, many looked to Japan as a model of how Koreans could adapt to the modern world without losing their national character.

Teleworking: An Information Technology Tool for Integrated Broadband Communication Development in Rural Areas of Europe

Information technology has an increasing impact in the development of rural areas but the development and implementation of telematic services in these areas present special problems such as the appropriate mix of communication technologies, the commercial prospects of recovering the cost of investment, the social problems etc., which currently limit their effective use. With the recent introduction of narrowband ISDN (Integrated Services Data Networks) in Europe it is now possible to offer various services on a single subscriber line. In addition, with the development of both high reliable fibre-optic transmission and very fast switching systems, the introduction of broadband ISDN can also be considered. Unfortunately, the less favoured regions of EC (European Community) lack infrastructure. The development in these areas will be a gradual process. Large investments will be required, and the systems installed will have a lifetime of some decades. Therefore the right decisions on the chosen technologies and on the appropriate system configurations have to be taken to ensure success. In this work, the teleworking prospects as an IT tool for rural development are studied in detail. The motivation, the technology and the prosperity of teleworking in the less favoured regions of the EC are analysed and discussed. The analysis considers the existing telecommunication infrastructure in each one of the six peripheral member states in relation with the development and implementation of some important telematic systems in these areas. The main features of the proposed technologies as well as the establishment of the possible cost effective strategies for IBC (Integrated Broadband Communication) implementation in rural areas is also provided. It appears that teleworking is a key element for rural development and can be implemented through the realization of the IBCNs (IBC Networks). By taking lessons from some of the most important experimental initiatives which have already been introduced in some countries, useful recommendations in the policy to be adopted by the EC are drawn and presented.

Teleworking: an information technology tool for integrated broadband communication development in rural areas of Europe

Information technology has an increasing impact in the development of rural areas but the development and implementation of telematic services in these areas present special problems such as the appropriate mix of communication technologies, the commercial prospects of recovering the cost of investment, the social problems etc., which currently limit their effective use. With the recent introduction of narrowband ISDN (Integrated Services Data Networks) in Europe it is now possible to offer various services on a single subscriber line. In addition, with the development of both high reliable fibre-optic transmission and very fast switching systems, the introduction of broadband ISDN can also be considered. Unfortunately, the less favoured regions of EC (European Community) lack infrastructure. The development in these areas will be a gradual process. Large investments will be required, and the systems installed will have a lifetime of some decades. Therefore the right decisions on the chosen technologies and on the appropriate system configurations have to be taken to ensure success. In this work, the tele-working prospects as an IT tool for rural development are studied in detail. The motivation, the technology and the prosperity of teleworking in the less favoured regions of the EC are analysed and discussed. The analysis considers the existing telecommunication infrastructure in each one of the six peripheral member states in relation with the development and implementation of some important telematic systems in these areas. The main features of the proposed technologies as well as the establishment of the possible cost effective strategies for IBC (Integrated Broadband Communication) implementation in rural areas is also provided. It appears that teleworking is a key element for rural development and can be implemented through the realization of the IBCNs (IBC Networks). By taking lessons from some of the most important experimental initiatives which have already been introduced in some countries, useful recommendations in the policy to be adopted by the EC are drawn and presented.

The breeding behaviour of the KnotCalidris canutus

This paper presents descriptions of the behaviour of KnotCalidris canutusbreeding in high arctic Canada. Knot nested within territories which were of little importance as a food source. Males defended territories by singing from the ground, aerial chases, threat displays (horizontal point), fighting, and low flights in which the wings were held vertically over the back (V‐wing flights).Songflights performed by males seemed to serve a mate‐attraction function. The commonest heterosexual display was a tail‐up display, used mainly by males prior to clutch completion. Males also used a nest scrape display and a ground point display in advertising potential nest sites to females. Behaviour preceding copulation was variable but usually included tail‐up displays and the male pecking the back of the female.Anti‐predator behaviour when on the nest involved remaining still until a predator was very close, whereupon distraction displays were used. Both sexes incubated but only males cared for chicks. Caring for chicks involved leading chicks to favourable feeding areas, brooding and vigilance, distraction displays, and harrassment or physical attack of avian predators.The displays used by breeding Knot tend to be unlike those of most congenerics and suggest that the Knot is a rather peripheral member ofCalidris.

Dome speaker with a diaphragm having at least one elongated cut-out portion

A dome speaker comprising a dome-shaped diaphragm formed of a highly rigid material such as titanium or a titanium alloy, and having at least one elongated cut-out portion which varies the rigidity of the diaphragm and prevents a dip in the anti-resonance frequency range and a peak in the high resonance frequency range of the dome speaker. The speaker also includes a voice coil bobbin connected to the diaphragm. Preferably, the diaphragm includes two elongated cut-out portions in parallel relation to each other and with a center portion of the diaphragm interposed therebetween. A reinforcing rib may be integrally formed at an end of each cut-out portion. The cut-out portion may be covered either by a peripheral member made of a soft material or by a loss stopper formed of a viscoelastic material.

Identification asymmetry of parafoveal stimulus pairs

Three experiments, involving 8, 10, and 10 naive participants, respectively, were conducted to examine the phenomenon in which the peripheral member of a parafoveally appearing stimulus pair is more accurately identified than the central. In the first experiment, the asymmetry was observed with stimulus pairs which had but one distinguishing feature; this could have implications for the notion that feature perturbations between stimuli provide the basis for the effect. The second experiment eliminated an explanation based upon acuity at the position of the midpoint of the stimulus configuration, since the asymmetry remains when this position is held constant. The involvement of response or decision factors seems unlikely, since the third experiment found the effect with blocked presentations involving responses to only one member of the pair. It is concluded that accounts which appeal to difficulties in separating stimuli from the overall pair configuration fail to explain more accurate identification of the peripheral stimulus when the pair is positioned at a constant distance from fixation.

Toward an Appreciation of Simmel's Fragmentary Style

The rationality that guides the sociological community has generated principles to evaluate members' work. Under the sway of these principles, Georg Simmel surfaces either as a peripheral member of the community or as an outright failure. His critics have argued that his work is “fragmented,” that he begins without having formulated “guiding statements,” that he is “unsystematic” and “undisciplined.” Yet we can discover in Simmel's writings a distinct rationality that upsets this criticism by its transcendence of it. Had these particular critics read his work more carefully they might have discovered that Simmel had anticipated their criticism and had carefully reevaluated its source of authority. In this paper I address the problems of discipline and systematic unity in sociological writing in order to unmask the rationality held within the sociological community and to formulate Simmel's unique contribution as a member of that community.

Jones Very, The Transcendentalists, and the Unitarian Tradition

Although he considered himself set apart from the world, a man through whom the Spirit revealed a higher truth, Jones Very has consistently provided his critics with an irresistible challenge to classify him historically in a tradition that would explain his unique poetry and personality. Histories and descriptions of American Transcendentalism usually list him hesitatingly as a peripheral member of the movement, but Very seems to worry recent historians in much the same way he worried Emerson and the other members of “Hedge's Club,” who were both attracted and repelled by his spiritual intensity. His association with Emerson was undoubtedly a fortunate historical accident for him—Emerson both encouraged him in his poetry, valiantly tried to give him editorial assistance, and used his influence to find a publisher for the only collection of poems Very was to publish in his lifetime. Yet this close personal association has helped to perpetuate the historical assumption of Very's ties with Transcendentalism. This assumption, both when it has been affirmed or vigorously rejected, has obscured the kind of objective reading that is necessary to our understanding of Very's poetry and his place in American letters.

集団構造とパースナリテイ

A fifth grade school class of Kyoto City, which consists of twenty nine boys and twenty one girls was observed as to its group structure. The observation was continued throughout three months of the autumn in 1954. The observer participated in every class activity as a member of the class, and all events and social behaviors among class members which might reveal the group constructions of the class and their inter-relations were recorded. Informations concerning unrevealed troubles among them were also collected. A good deal of materials thus obtained enabled us to know some actual features of the group structure of the class, which might not be revealed by means of questionaire or sociometry. Though the class was composed of boys and girls as mentioned above, this report will be limited only to boys, as the boys' group was separated discretely from the girls'.We can describe the principal features of the group structure of the class as follows :1. Ten of twenty nine boys were found to have important roles in class activities, and seven boys (K, Y, H, I, T, D and F) among them constituted the central group (Group A). Group A was dominating over all other groups which were found in the class.2. In Group A, three boys (K, Y and H) were the leaders of the whole class. Among these leaders there had been a kind of tension. Once K and H were intimate to each other and opposed to Y. Later, the relationship changed, and K allied with Y and rejected H. H was submissive to K.3. Three boys (K, I and T) had usual contact with each other, forming the core of Group A. The leader of this core group was K. In contrast with K, who was rather kept at a distance with awe by the class members, I played an important role to make the Group A friendly. T was of humorous character and was indispensable to animate the activities of Group A.4. D and F were at peripheral positions in Group A and submissive to leaders.5. Outside of the Group A there were three important members (J, S and W) in the class. Among them, J had more interest in the Group A than S and W. Rorschach Test was administrated to every member of the class. As to ten principal boys above mentioned (except K and T) it was found that their response patterns were similar with each other and different from other nineteen boys.Main findings were as follows :1. The response pattern common to principal members (except K and T) was characterized by the facts (a) that the experience-type was M-type, and (b) that both M and O+% were significantly higher than the average of twenty nine boys on the other hand.2. Three members who were outside of the Group A and D who was the peripheral member in the Group A showed alike M values as higher than eight. As to their color values it was found that D and J, who were on the boarderline of Group A and always attracted by the activities of the Group A, showed much higher values ; S and W, who were quite outside and had less interest in the Group A, showed lower ones.3. All of T's responses consisted of popular and common responses.4. I and F, especially I, showed well-balanced distributions of determinant symbols.5. Each of the response patterns of three leaders was peculiar in its symbol distributions, and was considered to correspond well to each personality characteristics. Y was characterized by the excess of S and dAH responses, and H by the surplus of F% and 0+%. K was so peculiar not only inkhis response pattern, which was C-type in experience-type, low in W%, and high in dd, but in his response manners which implied that his personality had to be treated as a unique one among others.