Linkage between the loci for the Lp(a) lipoprotein (LP) and plasminogen (PLG)

Summary A locus, LP, that determines quantitative variation of Lp(a) lipoprotein phenotypes is linked to the plasminogen (PLG) locus (peak lod score =12.73). This linkage relationship assigns a locus with alleles that have an affect on risk for coronary artery disease to the long arm of chromosome 6.     

The heart of the dugong (Dugong dugon) and the west indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) (Sirenia)

Thirty-eight dugong (Dugong dugon) hearts and 28 Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus) hearts were obtained from stranding programs in Australia and the United States. In addition to a double ventricular apex, a feature that has astonished scientists since the eighteenth century, the hearts of both animals have a double subvalvular conus and a dorsal left atrium. The heart lies in a vertical plane at right angles to that of the completely dorsal, symmetrical lungs. The dugong heart has a deeper interventricular cleft and a more conical left ventricle. The latter features may be part of a general morphological trend toward specialization for a more energetic aquatic existence. The presence of a bulbous ascending aorta in the manatee but not in the dugong is without explanation.     

天然型与非天然型脱落酸的生物活性比较

采用新方法精制脱落酸（ＡＢＡ）异构体试样,提高了（Ｓ）－（＋）－ＡＢＡ与（Ｒ）－（－）－ＡＢＡ两对映体纯度。抑制生长试验和残留量分析以及气孔闭合试验表明：天然型（Ｓ）－（＋）－ＡＢＡ活性显著高于非天然型（Ｒ）－（－）－ＡＢＡ或（ＳＲ）－（±）－ＡＢＡ。抑制莴苣种子发芽５０％的活性强度,（Ｓ）－（＋）－ＡＢＡ约是（Ｒ）－（－）－ＡＢＡ的５倍,（ＳＲ）－（±）－ＡＢＡ介于两者之间。抑制萝卜下胚轴生长试验,最显著有效期为２～６ｄ,生理作用期约为一周,（Ｓ）－（＋）－ＡＢＡ活性是（Ｒ）－（一）－ＡＢＡ的３．５倍。鸭跖革气孔闭合试验,（Ｓ）－（＋）－ＡＢＡ活性比（Ｒ）－（－）－ＡＢＡ高１倍。     

Mitochondria-rich cells in the astigmatic mites,Diplaegidia columbae (Buchholz) (Analgidae) and Falculifer rostratus (Buchholz) (Falculiferidae) (Acari: Astigmata)

Mitochondria are well-characterized intracellular organelles usually concentrated in locations of high energy consumption. Light microscopic and transmission electron microscopic observations of the internal anatomy of the feather mites Diplaegidia columbae and Falculifer rostratus were conducted. In the anterior half of the bodies of the mites, we found several dozen of distinctive mitochondria-rich (MR) cells filled with abundant, large mitochondria. Mitochondria are placed individually or enclosed in small groups within an elaborated lamellar system forming a mitochondria–lamellae complex (MLC). The role of the MLC as well as the MR cells is not clear at present, but their involvement in heat generation is hypothesized and briefly discussed.     

Characterization of divalent cation localization in the minor groove of the A(n)T(n) and T(n)A(n) DNA sequence elements by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and manganese(II)

The localization of Mn(2+) in A-tract DNA has been studied by (1)H NMR spectroscopy using a series of self-complementary dodecamer oligonucleotides that contain the sequence motifs A(n)(n) and T(n)A(n), where n = 2, 3, or 4. Mn(2+) localization in the minor groove is observed for all the sequences that have been studied, with the position and degree of localization being highly sequence-dependent. The site most favored for Mn(2+) localization in the minor groove is near the 5'-most ApA step for both the T(n)A(n) and the A(n)T(n) series. For the T(n)A(n) series, this results in two closely spaced symmetry-related Mn(2+) localization sites near the center of each duplex, while for the A(n)T(n) series, the two symmetry-related sites are separated by as much as one half-helical turn. The degree of Mn(2+) localization in the minor groove of the T(n)A(n) series decreases substantially as the AT sequence element is shortened from T(4)A(4) to T(2)A(2). The A(n)T(n) series also exhibits length-dependent Mn(2+) localization; however, the degree of minor groove occupancy by Mn(2+) is significantly less than that observed for the T(n)A(n) series. For both A(n)T(n) and T(n)A(n) sequences, the 3'-most AH2 resonance is the least broadened of the AH2 resonances. This is consistent with the observation that the minor groove of A-tract DNA narrows in the 5' to 3' direction, apparently becoming too narrow after two base pairs for the entry of a fully hydrated divalent cation. The results that are reported illustrate the delicate interplay that exists between DNA nucleotide sequence, minor groove width, and divalent cation localization. The proposed role of cation localization in helical axis bending by A-tracts is also discussed.     

Obesity and variants of the GHRL (ghrelin) and BCHE (butyrylcholinesterase) genes

Ghrelin coded by the GHRL gene is related to weight-gain, its deactivation possibly depending on its hydrolyzation by butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) encoded by the BCHE gene, an enzyme already associated with the body mass index (BMI). The aim was to search for relationships between SNPs of the GHRL and BCHE genes with BChE activity, BMI and obesity in 144 obese and 153 nonobese Euro-Brazilian male blood donors. In the obese individuals, a significant association with higher BChE activity, in the 72LM+72MM; -116GG genotype class (GHRL and BCHE genes, respectively) was noted. No significant differences were found otherwise, through comparisons between obese and control individuals, of genotype and allele frequencies in SNPs of the GHRL gene (Arg51Gln and Leu72Met), or mean BMI between 72LL and 72LM+72MM genotypes. Although there appears to be no direct relationship between the examined GHRL SNPs and BMI, the association of the 72M SNP with higher BChE activity in obese subjects probably points to a regulatory mechanism, thereby implying the influence of the GHRL gene on BChE expression, and a consequential metabolic role in the complex process of fat utilization.     

Allozyme diversity and the evolution ofCrepidiastrum (Compositae) on the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands

The genusCrepidiastrum is distributed in East Asia and includes 7 species. In the Bonin Islands, three species ofCrepidiastrum occur, and all of them are endemic to the islands. For detecting the origin and speciation of these endemic species, electrophoretic studies have been done in three endemic species of the Bonin Islands as well as in the remaining four species ofCrepidiastrum, andYoungia denticulata which is considered to be closely related toCrepidiastrum. A total of 386 individuals were sampled from 14 populations. As a result, 17 loci of 10 enzyme systems were resolved and gene frequencies for each population were calculated. The genetic variability was low in island species, as reported in some oceanic island plants. Four groups were recognized in the dendrogram generated by the UPGMA method. The Bonin endemics were clustered together, suggesting a monophyletic origin.C. ameristophyllum andC. linguaefolium were found to be genetically very similar, and this may suggest recent and rapid speciation within the islands.     

Iron and cobalt complexes with the ligand (2-aminoethyl)bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (uns-penp) and derivatives

A series of iron(II)/(III) and cobalt(II)/(III) complexes with the tetradendate tripodal ligands (2-aminoethyl)bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (uns-penp), its methylated derivatives Me₂-uns-penp and Me₄-uns-penp as well as the amide ligand N-acetyl-N,N-bis[(2-pyridyl)methyl]ethylenediamine (acetyl-uns-penp) were synthesized and structurally characterized. They have been investigated in regard to their reactivity towards dioxygen and/or hydrogen peroxide. Complexes of this type seem to have a high potential to be useful in the activation of dioxygen for selective oxidation reactions of organic substrates.     

On the Knowledge of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) and Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) marginalis (Reitter, 1894) (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae)

Entomological Review - The type and other extensive material of Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) pennifer (Motschulsky, 1845) and some of its synonyms was examined. Coprophilus (Zonyptilus) marginalis...     

Lecithostaphylus retroflexus (Molin, 1859) (Zoogonidae) and Tergestia acanthocephala (Stossich, 1887) (Fellodistomidae) (Digenea) from the epipelagic teleost Belone belone (L.) in the western Mediterranean

Numerous individuals of the poorly known species Lecithostaphylus retroflexus (Zoogonidae) and Tergestia acanthocephala (Fellodistomidae) have been recovered from the teleost fish Belone belone gracilis from off the Scandola Nature Reserve, Western Mediterranean. They are redescribed, incorporating previously undescribed features: for L. retroflexus, a post-oral ring, a bipartite seminal vesicle, the shape of the excretory vesicle, the subterminal excretory pore and the flask-shaped gland-cells associated with the distinctly pedunculate ventral sucker; and for T. acanthocephala, the intestinal bifurcation in the forebody, necessitating its return to the genus Tergestia from Theledera. Additionally, T. acanthocephala is compared with T. laticollis from various species of Trachurus from the same geographical area.     

Allozyme diversity and the evolution ofSymplocos (Symplocaceae) on the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands

To study the origin and speciation of plants in oceanic islands, electrophoretic analyses have been done on three endemic species ofSymplocos in the Bonin Islands as well as on three other species;S. kuroki, S. nakaharae andS. tanakae which are considered to be closely related to the Bonin endemics. There occur three species:S. kawakamii, S. pergracilis andS. boninensis in Bonin. The genusSymplocos is one which is considered to be diversified in the Bonin Islands. Seven enzyme systems presumed to be encoded by 18 loci were examined. The genetic diversity was low in the island species, as reported in some oceanic island plants of Hawaii and the Bonin Islands. The three endemics share high genetic identities and they clustered together in the tree drawn by the UPGMA method, suggesting that they are a monophyletic group, that is, they result from a single introduction.     

Evidence for a differential functional regulation of the two beta(3)-integrins alpha(V)beta(3) and alpha(IIb)beta(3)

The functional regulation of integrins is a major determinant of cell adhesion, migration and tissue maintenance. The binding of cytoskeletal proteins to various sites of integrin cytoplasmic domains is a key mechanism of this functional regulation. Expression of recombinant integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) and alpha(M)beta(2) lacking the GFFKR-region in CHO cells results in constitutively activated integrins. In contrast, CHO cells stably expressing either a GFFKR-deleted alpha(V(del))beta(3) or a FF to AA-substituted alpha(V(AA))beta(3) do not reveal a constitutively activated integrin. Adhesion to immobilized fibrinogen is strongly impaired in alpha(V(del))beta(3) or alpha(V(AA))beta(3)-expressing cells, whereas it is not impaired in alpha(IIb)beta(3) and alpha(M)beta(2), both lacking the GFFKR-region. In a parallel plate flow chamber assay, alpha(V)beta(3)-expressing cells adhere firmly to fibrinogen and spread even at shear rates of 15 to 20 dyn/cm(2), whereas alpha(V(del))beta(3) or alpha(V(AA))beta(3) cells are detached at 15 dyn/cm(2). Actin stress fiber formation and focal adhesion plaques containing alpha(V)beta(3) are observed in alpha(V)beta(3) cells but not in alpha(V(del))beta(3) or alpha(V(AA))beta(3)-expressing cells. As an additional manifestation of impaired outside-in signaling, phosphorylation of pp125(FAK) was reduced in these cells. In summary, we report that the GFFKR-region of the alpha(V)-cytoplasmic domain and in particular two phenylalanines are essential for integrin alpha(V)beta(3) function, especially for outside-in signaling. Our results suggest that the two beta(3)-integrins alpha(IIb)beta(3) and alpha(V)beta(3) are differentially regulated via their GFFKR-region.     

Salivary peroxidase (SAPX): Genetic modification and relationship to the proline-rich (Pr) and acidic (Pa) proteins

There is genetic polymorphism of the peroxidase of human saliva, but not of leukocytes. The phenotypes are determined by autosomal inheritance, the phenotype of fast mobility (SAPX 1) being determined by homozygosity for a recessive gene (SAPX ¹) and the phenotypes of slow mobility (SAPX 2 and SAPX 3) being determined by two different genes, SAPX ² and SAPX ³, with completely dominant expression at the same locus. The phenotypes are modified by varying degrees of endogenous proteolysis. The SAPX 2 and SAPX 3 types appear to be genetically controlled modifications of SAPX 1 rather than different primary gene products, because of their completely dominant inheritance, their larger molecular size compared to SAPX 1, and their dissociation with 2-mercaptoethanol to give SAPX 1. The acidic protein type Pa 1 is always found in association with SAPX 2, and an uncommon variant type Pa 2 is associated with SAPX 3. The most likely hypothesis is that the genes Pa ¹ and Pa ² produce products which modify the SAPX 1 type. When the Pa type is Pa 0, the SAPX phenotype is SAPX 1. Since 2-mercaptoethanol can dissociate the Pa 1 protein into a probable monomeric form, and can dissociate SAPX 2 and SAPX 3 to give SAPX 1, it is probable that Pa 1 and Pa 2 monomers complex with SAPX 1 through disulfide bonds to give SAPX 2 or SAPX 3 types. The frequencies of the genes determining the SAPX types are the same as those for Pa: SAPX ¹ and Pa ⁰=0.787, SAPX ² and Pa ¹=0.208, SAPX ³ and Pa ²=0.005.This study was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Dental Research (2-RO1-DE-03658-11).     

Honeyeater (Meliphagidae) pollination and the floral biology of PolynesianHeliconia (Heliconiaceae)

The primary pollinator of Polynesian heliconias,Heliconia laufao andH. paka, is the Wattled Honeyeater,Foulehaio carunculata. This report is the first documentation of pollination by honeyeaters in the genusHeliconia and the first record ofF. carunculata as a pollinator of a plant species. The Polynesian heliconias bear inflorescences that produce 2–4 hermaphroditic flowers per day for a period of 2–3 months. Each flower secretes abundant nectar (125–184 l) with low sugar concentration (15–18% sucrose-equivalents, weight per weight basis) which is available at anthesis just before dawn. Ninety percent of flower visits occur between anthesis and mid-morning. The honeyeaters perch on inflorescence bracts, and probing of the flower results in pollen deposition on the head and bill from where pollen is transferred between flowers. No statements on compatibility can be made forHeliconia paka; however,Heliconia laufao appears to be self-compatible. Calculations of energetic values of nectar of the Polynesian heliconias and Daily Energy Expenditures ofF. carunculata suggest that populations ofH. laufao andH. paka serve as rich energy resources for their pollinators.     

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and testing the phylogenetic position of turtles (Testudines)

Morphological and molecular studies have inferred multiple hypotheses for the phylogenetic relationships of Testudines. The hypothesis that Testudines are the only extant anapsid amniotes and the sister taxon of diapsid amniotes is corroborated by morphological studies, while the hypothesis that Testudines are diapsid amniotes is corroborated by more recent molecular and morphological studies. In this study, the placement of Testudines is tested using the full length cDNA sequence of the polypeptide hormone precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC). Because only extant taxa have been used, the hypotheses being tested are limited to the following (1) Testudines as the sister taxon of Archosauria, (2) Testudines included in Archosauria and the sister taxon of Crocodilia, (3) Testudines as the sister taxon of Lepidosauria, (4) Testudines as the sister taxon of Sauria, and (5) Testudines as the sister taxon of a monophyletic Mammalia–Sauria clade. Neither Maximum likelihood, Bayesian, or maximum parsimony analyses are able to falsify the hypothesis of (Archosauria (Lepidosauria, Testudines)) and as such is the preferred inference from the POMC data.     

Rhodium(I) complexes with phosphinooxathiane (POT) and phophinooxazolidine (POZ) ligands: the crystal structures of [(POT)Rh(CO)Cl] and [(POZ)Rh(CO)Cl]

The reactions of two equivalents of the ligands POT or POZ with one equivalent of the rhodium complex [Rh(μ-Cl)(CO)₂]₂ afford the complexes [(POT)Rh(CO)Cl] (1) and [(POZ)Rh(CO)Cl] (2), respectively. The crystal structures of both complexes have been determined showing the rhodium centers to be into slightly distorted square planar environments. Preliminary screening of the catalytic systems POT/Rh and POZ/Rh in the asymmetric hydroformylation of styrene has been carried out.