Subsidiary Functions Research Articles

Mechanism of intramembrane proteolysis investigated with purified rhomboid proteases

Intramembrane proteases have the unusual property of cleaving peptide bonds within the lipid bilayer, an environment not obviously suited to a water-requiring hydrolysis reaction. These enzymes include site-2 protease, gamma-secretase/presenilin, signal peptide peptidase and the rhomboids, and they have a wide range of cellular functions. All have multiple transmembrane domains and, because of their high hydrophobicity, have been difficult to purify. We have now developed an in vitro assay to monitor rhomboid activity in the detergent solubilised state. This has allowed us to isolate for the first time a highly pure rhomboid with catalytic activity. Our results suggest that detergent-solubilised rhomboid activity mimics its activity in biological membranes in many aspects. Analysis of purified mutant proteins suggests that rhomboids use a serine protease catalytic dyad instead of the previously proposed triad. This analysis also suggests that other conserved residues participate in subsidiary functions like ligand binding and water supply. We identify a motif shared between rhomboids and the recently discovered derlins, which participate in translocation of misfolded membrane proteins.

Borderline personality disorder: impaired visual perception and working memory

The neurobiology of borderline personality disorder (BPD) is still elusive. There are a few studies on neuropsychological performance in BPD, which report a broad spectrum of abnormalities. The present study evaluates perception and working memory as instances of basic cognitive functions. Female subjects diagnosed with DSM-IV borderline personality disorder ( n=22) were compared with age- and education-matched controls ( n=25). Perception speed was assessed by a backward masking paradigm. Working memory was tested by a series of delayed matching-to-sample paradigms involving varying subsidiary functions like mental rotation, retrieval from memory, ignoring distracters, and cross-modal performance. In backward masking, BPD subjects required significantly longer stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) than controls to identify the visual target, and there was an additional slowing of the motor response. Working memory accuracy was impaired in BPD subjects, but did not worsen when the cognitive load was increased. With increasing task difficulty, they traded off speed for accuracy similarly as the controls. Impulsivity and dissociation ratings were not correlated with performance. It is concluded that perceptional speed and working memory are impaired in BPD, but that the deficits are not augmented by increasing cognitive load.

Sanctions and Severity: To the Demise of Von Hirsch and Wasik's Sanction Hierarchy

The sanction hierarchy as a device for promoting proportionality is an idea entrenched in English sentencing. It is founded on the work of Von Hirsch and Wasik. This article challenges their view. There are three aspects of severity: punitive, correctional and functional severity. The first concerns proportionality between offence seriousness and sanction severity and raises the problem of scaling the quantum of punishment. The sanction hierarchy is not suited to this and, indeed, may have facilitated disproportionate sentencing. Rather, what is required is the concept of the exchange rate. Scaling in regard to the second and third aspects aims to ensure that the proportionate punishment is by way of the most humane and correctionally efficacious sanction and meets, where relevant, subsidiary functions of sentencing such as denunciation. Scaling here is about the type of sanction. For this the sanction hierarchy is suited, but these two aspects of severity are ignored by Von Hirsch and Wasik. The second task of this article is to propose a structure for scaling sanction severity and providing for individualisation of sentence with respect to the offence and offender within a desert framework. This builds on the previous ideas of Morris and Tonry.

Self-routing event building on sorting network

Event building system based on sorting network has been developed and discussed. The event builder comprises a comparator with subsidiary functions as a network node, FIFOs as a time slot interchanger at the input stage and data buffers at the output stage. The event building system gathers data without any complex controls by the software. The throughput of the data and scalability were examined for various speeds of the system clocks. The system has a scalability of the speed for the network-size. Though the throughput is limited by the speed of the device we chose, the speed can be increased by choosing a faster device.

The Subsidiarity Model of Global Governance in the UN-ASEAN Context

The end of Cold War has raised some interesting conceptual is sues relating to question of global governance in a turbulent world. This has been characterized as a movement away from state centrism toward multicentrism by some scholars who view world as being in a state of complexity, commotion, and uncertainty.1 Some have been looking at possibilities of enabling UN system to cope with new demands and rising challenges. Andy Knight, for example, has devel oped a subsidiarity model for peacemaking and preventive diplomacy by way of making Chapter VIII of UN Charter operational. He argues that post-Cold War needs and demands placed on UN are unprecedented and thus require a new global governance structure based on concept of panarchy?that is, rule of all by all for all. Plagued by problem of overstretch, UN system needs to be restructured in such a way that will promote a global division of labor between UN and other regional, transnational, state, substate, and nonstate actors.2 Subsidiarity is the principle according to which a central authority should have subsidiary functions, performing only those tasks which can not be performed effectively at more immediate or local level. This can be worked out in two different ways: bottom-up subsidiarity, in which cen tral authorities (e.g., UN) play a subsidiary or auxiliary role, and top down subsidiarity, in which central authorities exercise political power in a noncentralized way. The subsidiarity model rests on two basic nonrealist assumptions: bottom-up subsidiarity can work when member states of re gional organizations are technically and financially competent and politi cally capable of achieving collective action; top-down subsidiarity can succeed when members of regional organizations care less about their sovereignty, and great powers in UN system are willing to let re gional organizations take part in decisionmaking process and policy execution.3

Multinational Corporation Strategy: Implications for Research and Development

This paper examines the strategic issues associated with the establishment and operation of multinational corporations (MNCs) in foreign markets. It focuses on the implications of MNC strategy for research and development (RD MNC subsidiary roles and functions; internationalisation of R&D. The paper discusses these themes in relation to the Australian context, which has received little attention, and proposes research issues in international R&D. It concludes that government policy which aims to attract MNCs to a host country as part of a strategy for economic development can optimize the benefits by distinguishing between types of companies, focusing particular attention on those which give their subsidiary responsibility for new product development, manufacturing and export marketing.

Some properties of a statistical distribution function for galaxy clustering

Some of the mathematical and physical properties of the probability distribution f(N) which describes the observed clustering of galaxies are derived, including an exact, explicit formula for the generating function of f(N). This shows that different volumes are stochastically independent and that the form of the function applies to its two-dimensional projection on the sky as well as in three dimensions. Two different cluster decompositions of f(N) are derived, one of which is essentially the multiplicity function. Subsidiary distribution functions for extremal distributions of f(N) are derived, and the generating function is used as a simple method for determining various statistical quantities such as means and moments. Compounded, filtered, and conditional forms of the distribution function are discussed, and their relation to observational selection and physical bias is examined. A spatial Kolmogorov equation is derived which gives the rate of change of f(N) with volume. 28 refs.

Explicit forms of some functions arising in the analysis of resonant satellite orbits

The analysis of resonant satellite orbits has been pursued for 18 years, and has led to the most accurate values available for lumped geopotential harmonics of the relevant orders. The basic theory for the resonance effects was developed in the 1960s, but the detailed application of the technique calls for a systematic notation and for the evaluation of two subsidiary functions, namely F̄ , a function of the orbital inclination, and G , a function of the eccentricity. The present paper sets out explicitly the variations in inclination and eccentricity produced by relevant harmonics at the most common resonances (15:1, 14:1, 16:1, 29:2 and 31:2), using the notation that has become standardized in recent years. The paper also gives appropriate expressions for calculating F̄ and G , and lists a Fortran program GQUAD for evaluating G .

A Mechanism for Forming Composite Explanatory Hypotheses

A general problem-solving mechanism is described that is especially suited for performing a particular form of abductive inference, or best explanation finding. A problem solver embodying this mechanism synthesizes composite hypotheses by combining simple hypotheses to satisfy explanatory goals. These simple hypotheses are formed by instantiating prestored explanatory "concepts." In this way the problem solver is able to arrive at complex integrated conclusions which are not prestored. A computationally feasible task-specific problem-solving mechanism is presented for a particular information-processing task which is, nevertheless, of very great generality. The task is that of synthesizing coherent composite explanatory hypotheses based upon a prestored and possibly vast collection of hypothesis-generating concepts. This is seemingly a common task of intelligence and potentially a major component of diagnostic reasoning, especially where single-fault assumptions are inappropriate. The mechanism is described both functionally and structurally; that is, the why and what of the main computations are described, together with algorithms that show how each of these computations can be accomplished. The mechanism integrates a classification machine, used for selecting plausible hypotheses, with a specialized means-ends machine, used for assembling a best explanation from the plausible hypotheses thus selected and for pointedly investigating alternative explanations. There are also two other specialized mechanisms for the subsidiary functions of recognizing the applicability of a hypothesis to the situation and of interpreting the situation-specific raw data to satisfy the informational needs of the other components.

The microcomputer in the library: V. Circulation control and serials control

The article discusses the use of microcomputers for the automation of the two remaining major library functions: circulation control and serials control. Both are concerned with controlling the movement of stock and both require software which can perform several different types of operation including the creation of printed outputs and financial control. Circulation control is about the issuing, returning and reserving of stock, and the pursuit of overdue items. It is also an especially rich source of management information. Serials control is primarily concerned with the registration of individual issues as they arrive and the claiming of missing ones. Subsidiary functions are ordering, binding control, circulation to readers, searching and financial management.

Lyapunov functions of the mechanical energy type

When examining the properties of the stability and asymptotic behaviour of a system a Lyapunov function is often used as the total mechanical energy of the system /1–7/. By analogy with the division of the energy into kinetic and potential energy, it is proposed below to construct a Lyapunov function in the form of the sum of two subsidiary scalar functions, such that its derivative on account of the system is estimated using some kind of function of these subsidiary functions. Generalizing the results /8/, we examine the case when the derivative of the Lyapunov function can also take positive values, and the equation of comparison the emerges from the estimate of the Lyapunov function does not permit a separation of variables. V.V. Rumyantsev's theorem /3/ on the asymptotic stability with respect to the velocities of the equilibrium position of a dissipative mechanical system is generalized on the basis of the results obtained.

A new method of evaluating generalized multicentred one-electron integrals

A method is developed for evaluating generalized multicentred one-electron integrals, essential in quantum mechanical computations of the physical properties of molecules, using atomic pseudopotentials and model wave functions of the Gaussian type. The integrals are expressed in terms of linear combinations of uniform, subsidiary functions, connected with the degenerate, hypergeometric function. Formulas for the coefficients in these linear combinations are obtained, dependent on the type of Gaussian function in the integrals (1 s-, 2 p- and 3 d-functions). The formulas by which the integrals are expressed are uniform and their application to the calculation of molecular integrals presents no difficulties using a computer.

Serine utilization by Klebsiella aerogenes.

Klebsiella aerogenes was found to contain a specific L-serine dehydrase that was induced by threonine, glycine or leucine, but not by its substrate. Cellular concentrations were sensitive to carbon rather than nitrogen sources in the growth medium. A nonspecific isoleucine-sensitive L-threonine dehydrase supplemented the specific L-serine dehydrase activity. K. aerogenes also contains a leucine-inducible L-threonine dehydrogenase which probably initiated a threonine-utilization pathway in which the serine-specific dehydrate participated. Strains that were altered in their ability to metabolize serine differed in either L-serine dehydrase or L-threonine dehydrase activity. Thus, K. aerogenes growing on L-serine as a sole nitrogen source relies upon two enzymes that metabolize the amino acid as subsidiary functions.

The Upgrading of Land Uses on Sites Vacated by the Relocated Wholesale Establishments

The land use of wholesales, which handle large quantities of goods and require large space for storage and distribution, is less intensive than those of retails, finances, etc. Rising land values, severe competition for space and traffic difficulty have induced many wholesale establishments to relocate outward from Zones I and II to Zones III and IV (Fig. 4).The purpose of this article is to examine land use conversions on sites vacated by the relocation of wholesale establishments to the Wholesale Estate on the east of Sendai. Such relocations have two types: complete one, in which the previous site is completely vacated, and partial one, in which only selected functions remain.(I) Intensification of land use by complete relocationIn Zone I, open spaces created by the complete relocation of wholesale establishmants have mostly been converted to more intensive land uses (i. e. retails, services, restaurants, rental office buildings, hotels, hospitals, etc.), and rarely to less intensive land uses (i. e. residences, printings, constructions, parkings and other wholesales). The occupying ratio of intensive land uses to the whole declines precipitously from Zone I to Zone IV (0.77, 0.39, 0.23, 0.15). The intensity of land use by zone varies even within a particular intensive land use category. For example, retail establishments located in Zone I sell “shopping goods”, but those in Zones II, III and IV sell “consumer's goods”.(II) Functional differentiation by partial relocationThe partial relocation of the wholesale establishments has brought about spatial differentiation of functions. Some of the wholesale establishements remained subsidiary functions, such as processing, constructing, or retailing. Functions with extensive land use have been relocated to the Wholesale Estate, and those with intensive land use such as retail facilities have remained in place. Such changes resulted in the upgrading and specialization of land uses in the site, not only in Zones I and II but also in Zone III.In conclusion, most of sites formerly occupied by wholesale establishments have been converted to more intensive land uses, in the central zone (Zones I and II). This intensification has been especially stronger in Zone I, where banks, rental office buildings, hotels, etc. have been newly constructed on the vacated sites. But, the relocation of wholesale establishments has not effected greater upon the refining of functional structure of inner urban areas.

Loss of written language due to dissolution of the phonetic structure of the word in brain abscess.

Written language is a complex function; being built on the spoken word it has to draw on a variety of subsidiary functions which have to be unified in one particular skill. Moreover, the subsidiary functions are not the same for reading and writing; in reading, visual-gnostic factors are of major importance, in writing, special skill of hand and finger is required.

THE FUNCTIONS OF INSECT BLOOD

SummaryInsects have a haemocoele, in which the only tissue fluid, the blood, circulates. The blood consists of haematocytes and plasma.Most of the haematocytes are phagocytic leucocytes. These alter considerably in appearance at different stages of deuelopment, assuming many different forms. Respiratory corpuscles are never present.The phagocytes assist in breaking down obsolescent tissues. They are most active during the pupal period in endopterygote ikects, but also exhibit considerable activity at each moult in both endopterygote and exopterygote forms. Haematocytes take some part in producing internal membranes.The phagocytes serve to protect the insect's body against invasion, particularly by bacteria. Immunity against bacterial diseases can be developed, either naturally or by processes analogous to vaccination, and in immune insects the phagocytes attack the bacteria more rapidly and more successfully than otherwise. Metman parasites may be overcome by the haematocytes, which then surround the invader with a capsule. Parasites which are adapted to living inside specific insect hosts suffer no inconvenience from the activities of the blood cells. The capsules produced may even be necessary for the well‐being of these parasites.The plasma is a viscous fluid which may be coloured or colourless. Except for haemoglobin in solution in the plasma of chironomid larvae, no respiratory pigments are found. The fluid consists mainly of water, but the percentage of dry matter, the proportion of many of the various constituents and the reaction of the liquid shows considerable variations even in the same insect at different stages of development.The water in the plasma serves as a useful reserve, and allows the insects to withstand considerable desiccation. Under such circumstances the blood becomes more concentrated and more viscous.Food substances are transported and stored in the blood, which also carries hormones about the body.Respiration in insects is primarily the function of the tracheal system, but the blood has certain subsidiary functions. The tracheoles do not enter all tissues, and some cells receive their oxygen from solution in the blood, which serves as an intermediary between the tissues and the tracheae. Various structures have been described as being especially adapted to oxygenate the blood, but these have mostly been found to be unimportant. The osmotic pressure of the blood may govern the extent to which air extends into the tracheoles. Muscular activity liberates metabolites which increase the blood's osmotic pressure, and this removes some fluid from the tracheoles and draws the air up among the active tissues, thus increasing their oxygen supply.The blood sometimes contains poisonous substances; “reflex bleeding” may then protect the insect from attack.The plasma as well as the haematocytes may be concerned in producing immunity to bacterial infection.The blood has important mechanical functions. It is the means by which pressure is transferred from one part of the body to another, and thus assists in hatching and moulting. Desiccation, by reducing the blood volume, may interfere with these processes. The volume of blood also serves to maintain the body size, and if the volume is decreased during development an undersized adult may result.

Speech Defects and Related Oral Anomalies

Syntax is habitually named as what sets human language apart from other communication systems, but how did it evolve? Comparative research on animal behaviour has contributed in important ways, with mainly three sets of data. First, animals have been subjected to artificial grammar tasks, based on the hypothesis that human syntax has evolved through advanced computational capacity. In these experiments humans generally outperform animals, but there are questions about validity, as experimental stimuli are (deliberately) kept devoid of semantic content. Second, animal communication has been compared in terms of the surface structures with the aim of developing a typology of animal syntax, based on the hypothesis that syntax is an evolutionary solution to the constraints of small signal repertoires. A wide range of combinatorial phenomena has been described, mainly in nonhuman primates, but there is little support for the hypothesis that syntax has emerged due to repertoire size constraints. A third way of studying the evolution of syntax is to compare how animals perceive and communicate about external events, the mental deep structure of syntax. Human syntax is closely aligned with how we perceive events in terms of agency, action and patience, each with subsidiary functions. The event perception hypothesis has been least explored in animals and requires a serious research programme.