Demonstration of combined zero-valent iron and electrical resistance heating for in situ trichloroethene remediation.

The effectiveness of in situ treatment using zero-valent iron (ZVI) for nonaqueous phase or significant sediment-associated contaminant mass can be limited by relatively low rates of mass transfer to bring contaminants in contact with the reactive media. For a field test in a trichloroethene (TCE) source area, combining moderate-temperature subsurface electrical resistance heating with in situ ZVI treatment was shown to accelerate TCE treatment by a factor of about 4 based on organic daughter products and a factor about 8 based on chloride concentrations. A mass-discharge-based analysis was used to evaluate reaction, dissolution, and volatilization processes at ambient groundwater temperature (~10 °C) and as temperature was increased up to about 50 °C. Increased reaction and contaminant dissolution were observed with increased temperature, but vapor- or aqueous-phase migration of TCE out of the treatment zone was minimal during the test because reactions maintained low aqueous-phase TCE concentrations.

Synergy between adjuvant arthritis and collagen-induced arthritis in rats.

Adjuvant arthritis (AA) in rats is susceptible to cell-mediated passive transfer. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats is susceptible to passive transfer with antibody to type II collagen. We report here the development of strikingly severe arthritis in Lewis rats as the result of synergy between passively transferred antibody to type II collagen from rats with CIA and concanavalin A (Con A)-stimulated lymph node or spleen cells from syngeneic rats with AA. Similar synergy was seen in rats with AA given anticollagen antibody, in rats with CIA given Con A-stimulated adjuvant spleen cells, and in rats actively immunized with CII and complete Freund's adjuvant. The synergistic process caused a very severe polyarthritis, characterized by marked swelling and erythema in all the joints of the distal extremities, with histologic and radiographic evidence of early, extensive erosion of articular cartilage. Synergy was apparent if the lymphoid cells from AA rats were given up to 1 mo after a single injection of anticollagen antibody. No synergy was seen when normal rat immunoglobulin or anti-ovalbumin antibody was substituted for anticollagen antibody, when Con A-stimulated lymphoid cells from normal rats or donors with CIA were used, or when Con A-stimulated AA lymphoid cells were irradiated before transfer. Synergy between separate immune effector mechanisms may represent a general phenomenon in the pathogenesis of inflammatory joint disease.

Methylation of single sites within the herpes simplex virus tk coding region and the simian virus 40 T-antigen intron causes gene inactivation.

In order to determine whether partial methylation of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) tk gene prevents tk gene expression, the HSV tk gene was cloned as single-stranded DNA. By in vitro second-strand DNA synthesis, specific HSV tk gene segments were methylated, and the hemimethylated DNA molecules were microinjected into thymidine kinase-negative rat2 cells. Conversion of the hemimethylated DNA into symmetrical methylated DNA and integration into the host genome occurred early after gene transfer, before the cells entered into the S phase. HSV tk gene expression was inhibited either by promoter methylation or by methylation of the coding region. Using the HindIII-SphI HSV tk DNA fragment as a primer for in vitro DNA synthesis, all cytosine residues within the coding region, from +499 to +1309, were selectively methylated. This specific methylation pattern caused inactivation of the HSV tk gene, while methylation of the cytosine residues within the nucleotide sequence from +811 to +1309 had no effect on HSV tk gene activity. We also methylated single HpaII sites within the HSV tk gene using a specific methylated primer for in vitro DNA synthesis. We found that of the 16 HSV tk HpaII sites, methylation of 6 single sites caused HSV tk inactivation. All six of these "methylation-sensitive" sites are within the coding region, including the HpaII-6 site, which is 571 bp downstream from the transcription start site. The sites HpaII-7 to HpaII-16 were all methylation insensitive. We further inserted separately the methylation-sensitive HSV tk HpaII-6 site and the methylation-insensitive HpaII-13 site as DNA segments (32-mer) into the intron region of the simian virus 40 T antigen (TaqI site). Methylation of these HpaII sites caused inhibition of simian virus 40 T-antigen synthesis.

A Novel Metabolic Pathway for Indole-3-Acetic Acid in Apical Shoots of Populus tremula (L.) x Populus tremuloides (Michx.).

Metabolism of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in apical shoots of Populus tremula (L.) x Populus tremuloides (Michx.) was investigated by feeding a mixture of [12C]IAA, [13C6]IAA, and [1[prime]-14C]IAA through the base of the excised stem. HPLC of methanolic plant extracts revealed eight major radiolabeled metabolites after a 24-h incubation period. Comparison between feeds with [5-3H]IAA and [1[prime]-14C]IAA showed that all detectable metabolites were nondecarboxylative products. The purified radiolabeled HPLC fractions were screened by frit-fast atom bombardment liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for compounds with characteristic fragment pairs originating from the application with 12C and 13C isotopes. Samples of interest were further characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Using this procedure, oxindole-3-acetic acid (OxIAA), indole-3-acetyl-N-aspartic acid (IAAsp), oxindole-3-acetyl-N-aspartic acid (OxIAAsp), and ring-hydroxylated oxindole-3-acetic acid were all identified as IAA metabolites. Furthermore, a novel metabolic pathway from IAA via IAAsp and OxIAAsp to OxIAA was established on the basis of refeeding experiments with the different IAA metabolites.

A Microscale Technique for Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Measurements of Picogram Amounts of Indole-3-Acetic Acid in Plant Tissues.

A microscale technique has been developed for routine quantifications of picogram amounts of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in plant tissues by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Low- and high-resolution selected-ion-monitoring and selected-reaction-monitoring mass spectrometry techniques were compared for selectivity and precision. The best selectivity was obtained with selected-reaction-monitoring analysis, and 1-mg samples containing 500 fg of IAA could be analyzed accurately with this method. This technique was used to investigate the IAA distribution pattern along the longitudinal axis of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum [L.]) leaves. In young, developing leaves an increase of endogenous IAA from the leaf tip to the base of the leaf was observed, whereas the level of IAA was uniform along this axis in mature leaves.

Conjugation of Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) in Wild-Type and IAA-Overprodcing Transgenic Tobacco Plants, and Identification of the Main Conjugates by Frit-Fast Atom Bombardment Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Transgenic plants overproducing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) from expression of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens T-DNA IAA biosynthesis genes were used to study the conjugation of IAA. At the 11-node stage, free IAA, as well as ester- and amide-conjugated IAA, was analyzed in wild-type tobacco SR1 and in transgenic plants denoted 35S-iaaM/iaaH (line C) and 35S-iaaM x 35S-iaaH (line X). The transgenic plants contained increased levels of both free and conjugated IAA, and the main increase in IAA conjugates occurred in amide conjugates. Two amide conjugates were identified by fritfast atom bombardment liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry as indole-3-acetylaspartic acid (IAAsp) and indole-3-acetylglutamic acid (IAGlu), and one ester conjugate was identified as indole-3-acetylglucose. IAAsp and IAGlu were also identified as endogenous substances in wild-type plants. In wild-type plants, the percent of total IAA in the free form was significantly higher in young leaves (73 [plus or minus] 7%, SD) than in old leaves (36 [plus or minus] 8%), whereas there was no difference between young (73 [plus or minus] 8%) and old internodes (70 [plus or minus] 9%). In IAA-overproducing transformants, both free and conjugated IAA levels were increased, but the percent free IAA was maintained constant (57 [plus or minus] 10%) for both leaves and internodes, independent of the total IAA level or tissue age. These results suggest that synthesis or transport of IAA conjugates is regulated in the vegetative wild-type plant, and that different organs possess a unique balance between free and conjugated IAA. The IAA-overproducing plant, however, acquires a lower proportion of free IAA in the stem and younger leaves, presumably determined by a higher conjugation in those tissues compared with wild type.

Hormonal Characterization of Transgenic Tobacco Plants Expressing the rolC Gene of Agrobacterium rhizogenes TL-DNA.

Transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Wisconsin 38) plants expressing the Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolC gene under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S RNA promoter were constructed. These plants displayed several morphological alterations reminiscent of changes in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), cytokinin, and gibberellin (GA) content. However, investigations showed that neither the IAA pool size nor its rate of turnover were altered significantly in the rolC plants. The biggest difference between rolC and wild-type plants was in the concentrations of the cytokinin, isopentenyladenosine (iPA) and the gibberellin GA19. Radio-immunoassay and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry measurements revealed a drastic reduction in rolC plants of iPA as well as in several other cytokinins tested, suggesting a possible reduction in the synthesis rate of cytokinins. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry quantifications of GA19 showed a 5- to 6-fold increase in rolC plants compared with wild-type plants, indicating a reduced activity of the GA19 oxidase, a proposed regulatory step in the gibberellin biosynthesis. Thus, we conclude that RolC activity in transgenic plants leads to major alterations in the metabolism of cytokinins and gibberellins.

Expression of the Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolC Gene in a Deciduous Forest Tree Alters Growth and Development and Leads to Stem Fasciation.

We have altered the growth and development of a deciduous forest tree by transforming hybrid aspen (Populus tremula x Populus tremuloides) with the Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolC gene expressed under the strong cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. We demonstrate that the genetically manipulated perennial plants, after a period of dormancy, maintain the induced phenotypical changes during the second growing period. Furthermore, mass-spectrometrical quantifications of the free and conjugated forms of indole-3-acetic acid and cytokinins and several gibberellins on one transgenic line correlate the induced developmental alterations such as stem fasciation to changes in plant hormone metabolism. We also show that the presence of the RolC protein increases the levels of the free cytokinins, but not by a process involving hydrolysis of the inactive cytokinin conjugates.

Altered Growth and Wood Characteristics in Transgenic Hybrid Aspen Expressing Agrobacterium tumefaciens T-DNA Indoleacetic Acid-Biosynthetic Genes.

A key regulator of cambial growth is the plant hormone indoleacetic acid (IAA). Here we report on altered wood characteristics and growth patterns in transgenic hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. x Populus tremuloides Michx.) expressing Agrobacterium tumefaciens T-DNA IAA-biosynthetic iaaM and iaaH genes. Eighteen lines simultaneously expressing both genes were regenerated. Of these, four lines, verified to be transgenic by northern blot analysis, were selected and raised under controlled growth conditions. All four lines were affected in their growth patterns, including alterations in height and stem diameter growth, internode elongation, leaf enlargement, and degree of apical dominance. Two transgenic lines, showing the most distinct phenotypic deviation from the wild type, were characterized in more detail for free and conjugated IAA levels and for wood characteristics. Both lines showed an altered IAA balance, particularly in mature leaves and roots where IAA levels were elevated. They also exhibited changes in wood anatomy, most notably a reduction in vessel size, an increase in vessel density, and changes in ray development. Thus, the recent development of techniques for gene transfer to forest trees enabled us to investigate the influence of an altered IAA balance on xylem development in an intact experimental system. In addition, the results demonstrate the possibility of manipulating wood properties in a forest tree through controlled changes of IAA concentration and distribution.

Relationship between radiation injury and Alzheimer-related neurodegenerative changes.

The relationship between radiation injury and other neurodegenerative changes such as the formation of neuritic or diffuse plaques and tangles have received little attention in the literature. In the current study, archival tissue was examined from 485 patients with the diagnosis of either a primary or metastatic brain tumor, who had received radiation therapy between the initial and subsequent pathological study (either surgical or autopsy). Of those cases, 20 were identified that also contained cerebral cortex in both specimens. Sections were stained with the modified Bielschowsky technique and immunohistochemical preparations for beta-amyloid. Contrary to previous reports, the present study did not identify neurodegenerative changes typical of Alzheimer's disease as a consequence of radiation therapy.

Variability of vertical ground reaction forces collected with one and two force plates in healthy dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) data collected with one and two force plates during the same collection time period in healthy dogs at a trot. ANIMALS: Seventeen healthy client-owned adult dogs. METHODS: Vertical ground reaction force (GRF) data were collected in a crossover study design, with four sessions on two consecutive days, and then two weeks apart (days 1, 2, 15, and 16) using both one and two force plates collection methods. A repeated measures model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for differences in force plate PVF, VI, and average time per trial (ATT) between days, weeks, and systems (1 plate versus 2 plates). Coefficients of variation for PVF and VI were also calculated separately by forelimbs and hindlimbs, plates, day, and week. RESULTS: The time required to obtain a valid trial was significantly longer using a single force plate when compared with two force plates. Comparing GRF data for all dogs, significant differences in PVF data were found between one and two force plates, however, these differences were diminutive in absolute magnitude, and of unknown clinical importance. Examination of the coefficients of variation for PVF and VI during the different collection periods yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Use of two force plates decreased trial repetition and collection time. Vertical GRF data had a similar coefficient of variation with either one or two force plates collection techniques in healthy dogs.

The prevalence of the neuropathological lesions of Alzheimer's disease is independent of race and gender.

Senile plaques (SP) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) are the lesions characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we examined variation in the proportion of individuals who had these lesions by race, age, and gender in a series of 138 autopsies conducted at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the State of Maryland between 1990 and 1998. Cases were selected on the bases of age between 40 to 79 years and non-natural manner of death, and included 73% males, 61% subjects < 65 years of age, and 42% African Americans. Observations were conducted on histologic sections of the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and inferior temporal cortex stained with silver (Hirano method) and immunostained for Abeta-amyloid. We found that SP and NFT are strongly associated with age. These lesions begin to appear in the early to late 40s, depending on the anatomic location, and become common in the 6th decade, preceding by one to two decades the age at which AD becomes clinically prevalent. No difference in the prevalence of SP or NFT was found by gender or between whites and African Americans. The latter is in contrast to epidemiologic studies that suggest AD is more prevalent in African Americans than in whites.

Engineering of monomeric bacterial luciferases by fusion of luxA and luxB genes in Vibrio harveyi.

Luciferase (Lux)-encoding sequences are very useful as reporter genes. However, a drawback when applying Vibrio harveyi Lux as a reporter enzyme in eukaryotic cells, is that it is a heterodimeric enzyme, thus requiring simultaneous synthesis of both Lux subunits to be active. To overcome this disadvantage, luxA and luxB genes encoding the A and B subunits of this light-emitting heterodimeric Lux, were fused and expressed in Escherichia coli. Comparative analysis of four fused monomeric Lux enzymes by in vivo enzyme assay, immunoblotting and partial enzyme purification, showed that the fused Lux were active both as AB or as BA monomers, albeit at different levels (up to 80% activity for AB and up to 2% for BA, as compared with the wild type binary A + B construct). One of the LuxAB fusion proteins was stably expressed in calli of Nicotiana tabacum, and displayed very high Lux activity, thus demonstrating its potential as a reporter enzyme in eukaryotic systems.

After microinjection hemimethylated DNA is converted into symmetrically methylated DNA before DNA replication.

In this investigation we analysed the maintenance methylation activity of the mammalian cell DNA methyltransferase by microinjection of hemimethylated HSV-tk DNA into thymidine kinase-negative rat 2 cells. We found that the hemimethylated DNA was efficiently converted into symmetrical methylated molecules before DNA replication. Furthermore, integration of the trans-DNA into the host genome is an early event after gene transfer.

Metabolic response of simultaneous versus sequential intravenous administration of amino acids and energy substrates to rats.

Three groups of rats were maintained on total intravenous nutrition for ten days. Group SA and SB were infused sequentially (2 X 12 h periods per day), SA received amino acids (AA) during the night and carbohydrates (CHO) + FAT during the day. The SB group received nutrients in the opposite order. A control group received a mixed solution simultaneously for 24 h/day. The sequentially fed groups showed a lower weight gain (2.4 +/- 0.4, 2.6 +/- 0.2 vs 4.9 +/- 0.3 g/day), nitrogen balance (95 +/- 7, 95 +/- 6 vs 139 +/- 7 mg/day) and nitrogen utilization (69 +/- 3, 67 +/- 3 vs 87 +/- 3%) compared with the control group. Administration of energy substrate in the SA and SB was a stronger denominator for O2 consumption and changes in RQ than the periods of physical activity. Control animals did not show any diurnal variations in O2 and RQ. Glucose, FFA and insulin were higher with CHO + FAT administration compared to AA infusion or simultaneous AA/CHO/FAT administration. In conclusion, the results suggest that simultaneous administration of a mixture of AA/CHO/FAT is preferable for whole body nitrogen economy during TPN.

The sealed capillary migration technique and thymocyte migration in vitro.

The in vitro migration of thymocytes in sealed capillary tubes was influenced by cell number, temperature, cell viability and oxygen supply. Migration was successively slower over a 24 h period. There was no major influence of gravity or the degree of initial packing of the cells by centrifugation. Migration was inhibited by cytochalasin B, although the cells escaped from this effect after 8 h. A transient stimulatory effect on migration was seen after addition of serum or supernatants from cultured thymocytes. There was no effect of isoproterenol, theophylline or carbacholine. A paradoxic effect was obtained with high doses of some metabolic inhibitors, which produced increased migration in spite of cell death. The technique may be used for studies on lymphocyte migration in vitro, but care must be taken to exclude a toxic influence of added substances, and expected effects should preferably be looked for early after onset of migration, since cell viability is gradually decreased.

Studies on thymocyte subpopulations in guinea pigs: in vivo differentiation of bromodeoxyuridine labelled cells, with special reference to rosette-forming ability.

Cycling thymocytes were labelled by an intracardial injection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) in a total of 32 guinea pigs and the incorporation into DNA studied in subpopulations of cells defined by buoyant density and rosette-forming ability. The labelling pattern was compared at different times after injection (0.5 h to 120 h). A marked shift of labelled cells from large, low density cells (population 1a) to small, high density cells (population 2) was observed. During the first 48 h, the ratio between labelling indices of cell populations 1a and 2 decreased from 10 to 0.5. The number of labelled cells forming rosettes with rabbit erythrocytes (RFC+) increased while the number of labelled non-rosetting cells (RFC-) decreased from 0.5 h to 48 h, probably representing transformation of RFC- to RFC+. Then, after a decreased labelling in all cell populations at 72 h, an increase in both RFC+ and RFC- populations occurred at 96 h. The labelling in RFC- cells at 96 h was nearly as high as immediately after labelling. This second labelling of RFC- cells could represent immigration of precursor cells, a wave of proliferation in initially labelled precursors, and/or the formation of mature cells from the initially labelled precursors. The results indicate that a great majority of proliferating cells differentiate into small, high density cells within 48 h and that rosetting ability is acquired in many cells during this period. A model of intrathymic differentiation which fits the observations is presented.

Inhibition by xanthine derivatives of adenosine receptor-stimulated cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate accumulation in rat and guinea-pig thymocytes.

The effect of stable adenosine analogues, including adenosine 5'-N-ethylcarboxamide (NECA) and N6-L-phenylisopropyl-adenosine (L-PIA), were studied on cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) accumulation in rat and guinea-pig thymocytes. NECA was approximately 10 times more potent than L-PIA, in thymocytes from both species. D-PIA was more potent in guinea-pig than in rat thymocytes. The effect of a number of adenosine analogues followed the order: NECA greater than 2-chloro-adenosine greater than L-PIA greater than N6-cyclohexyl-adenosine (CHA), an order of potency characteristic for adenosine receptors of the A2-subtype. Thymocytes may be used as a model system to study the pharmacology of such receptors. Several xanthines were studied as antagonists of the NECA (1 microM)-induced cyclic AMP accumulation. The order of potency was: 1,3-diethyl-8-phenylxanthine greater than 8-phenyl-theophylline greater than IBMX = 8-p-sulphophenyltheophylline = verrophylline greater than theophylline greater than caffeine greater than enprofylline greater than theobromine greater than pentoxiphylline. The pA2 value for 8-phenyltheophylline was 0.35 microM, and the antagonism was shown to be competitive. The order of potency of the xanthine is virtually identical to that found earlier in several other systems in which the receptors are of the A1-subtype. None of the xanthine derivatives tested thus seem to discriminate between A1 and A2-receptor-mediated adenosine actions.

The adenosine receptor activity of EMD 28422, a purine derivative with reported actions on benzodiazepine receptors.

The effects of a novel purine derivative, N6-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-bicyclo-2.2.2.octyl-(3)]-adenosine (EMD 28422), that has been found to influence central benzodiazepine receptors, has been compared to those of other adenosine analogues such as L-phenylisopropyladenosine (L-PIA), cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) and adenosine-5'-N-ethyl-carboxamide (NECA). EMD 28422 was about 30 times less potent than CHA and 4 times less potent than NECA in displacing bound [3H]-L-PIA from specific binding sites in the rat brain, presumably reflecting adenosine A1-receptors. A similar relative potency was found using depression of field e.p.s.p. in the hippocampal slice in vitro. In isolated fat cells EMD 28422 was antilipolytic, but some 1000 times less potent than L-PIA. In rat isolated hippocampal slices, which have adenosine A2-receptors, EMD 28422 was more than 300 times less potent than NECA and in guinea-pig thymocytes, which similarly have A2-receptors, EMD 28422 was about 60 times less potent. The results are compatible with the opinion that EMD 28422 is a rather weak agonist at adenosine receptors, with limited selectivity for A1- or A2-receptors. The compound is highly lipophilic, which plays a role in determining its potency in a given biological system. The results are discussed in relation to reported adenosine modulation of benzodiazepine receptors.

Effect of L-alanine and some other amino acids on thymocyte proliferation in vivo.

L-alanine was shown earlier to play a significant role for the proliferation of lymphocytes in vitro. In the present work the effect of L-alanine and some other amino acids on thymocyte proliferation was studied in vivo by local administration into one thymus lobe of guinea pigs. Proliferating cells were pulse labelled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd). The labelling index of the treated lobe significantly exceeded that of the contralateral, control lobe at 48 h after treatment with 10 or 100 micrograms L-alanine, indicating stimulated proliferation. The higher dose, which was also tested after other time intervals, stimulated also at 24 h. The difference in proliferative activity between the lobes was verified by mitotic studies. The effect of L-alanine was mainly on the large, low density, highly proliferating precursor cells. No other amino acids tested (D-alanine, cysteine, hydroxyproline, serine, tryptophan), or pyruvate produced significant differences between the treated and control lobes.