Variations in mental performance under moderate cold stress

Effects of moderate cold stress on reasoning ability, associative learning and critical flicker frequncy of Indian subjects were studied by exposing them to 25C,. 20C, 15C and 10C for three hours. A second set of experiments was also conducted to confirm the conclusions of the first by using the same temperatures and duration of exposure. However, not only the sample used in the second case was larger and different but also the mental functions tested were numerical ability, running memory and mental alertness. It has been concluded that there is a significant impairment of simple cognitive functions at 15C which is 10C lower than their most comfortable temperature of 25C.     

Interaction of cytochrome c L with methanol dehydrogenase from Methylophaga marina 42:

The reaction of methanol dehydrogenase with cytochrome c _L from Methylophaga marina and the reactions of the non-physiological substrates, Wurster's blue and ascorbic acid, with both proteins were studied as a function of temperature (4–32 °C), pressure (1–2000 bar) and ionic strength using the optical high pressure stopped-flow method. The thermodynamic parameters H, S and V were determined for all reactions where electron transfers are involved. These data allowed the determination of the Maxwell relationships which proved the internal thermodynamic consistency of the system under study. A conformational change on the cytochrome c _L level was deduced from both breaks in the Arrhenius plots and the variation of the V with temperature.Abbreviations MOPS 4-morpholinepropanesulfonic acid - CHES 2-(cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid - MDH methanol dehydrogenase - EDTA ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid disodium salt - BTB bromothymol blue (3,3-dibromothymolsulfoneph-thalein) - PQQ 2,7,9-tricarboxy-lH-pyrrolo-[2,3f]quinoline-4,5-dione - cytochrome c _HH mammalian horse heart cytochrome c     

Rhodopsin phosphorylation occurs at metarhodopsin II level

Photolyzed rhodopsin was phosphorylated in bovine rod outer segments incubated at –10 C. In the experiment in which urea-treated outer segments and rhodopsin kinase were incubated with ATP in the presence of 30% glycerol, the extent of phosphate incorporation at –10 C was about 30% of that at 37 C. Separation of phosphorylated rhodopsin by isoelectric focusing indicated that a limited number of sites were phosphorylated at –10 C. The partially phosphorylated pigment incorporated more phosphates when the temperatures was raised to 37 C. This was partly due to decreased inhibition of phosphorylation by glycerol at higher temperature. Since the maximum phosphorylation at –10 C (at which metarhodopsin II is stable) occurred at a pH value (6.0) lower than the pKa for metarhodopsin I-metarhodopsin II transition, metarhodopsin II was suggested to be the preferred substrate for rhodopsin kinase at –10 C. Limited proteolysis with thermolysin of rhodopsin phosphorylated at 37 C released peptides containing about 50% of the total phosphate incorporated. In contrast, proteolytic digestion of rhodopsin phosphorylated at –10 C released negligible amounts of phosphate-containing peptides. The results were taken to suggest that the incorporation of phosphates at metarhodopsin II level under the present condition occurred in the residues other than those removed by thermolysin digestion.Based on material presented at the Fifth International Congress of Eye Research, Eindhoven, October 1982     

Estimation of sweat rate and thermal tolerance of pure Creole and of Limousin × Creole crossbred growing bulls in Guadeloupe (French West Indies)

Four out of 8 Limousin × Creole (Li × Cr) and 4 out of 8 Creole growing bulls were exposed to full sunshine in Guadeloupe (French West Indies), the others being kept under shade. Sweating rate (measured on the back with capsules filled with a dessicator), rectal temperature and respiratory rhythm were measured between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., as well as climatic environmental data. Rectal temperature of Creole bulls (overall mean: 38.8C) remains unaffected by black globe temperature (TG), while, for Li × Cr bulls, it is well related to TG, reaching 39.5C when TG=39C; at this moment, Li × Cr respiratory rhythm reaches 100 breaths/min, compared with only 70 for Creole animals. The shade mean levels of these two parameters for each genotype are consistently the same (38.7C and 39 breaths/min). Under full sunshine, mean sweat rate is almost the same for the 2 genotypes; under shelter, the crossbred bulls sweat more than the Creole bulls, both shade means being significantly lower than means in the sun. Probably, when shaded, the Li × Cr animals must sweat more to balance a greater heat production, but their maximum sweat ability is not very different than the one of Creole bulls.     

The relative influence of urban climates on outdoor human energy budgets and skin temperature II. Man in an urban environment

Four typical urban neighborhoods or street canyon settings (including street parks) were simulated. These urban morphologies were exposed to typical summer and winter climatic scenarios for latitudes 10, 34, and 50N. The changes induced in the components of the human energy budget were examined. Resultant skin temperatures were compared with non-urban, unobstructed environments.     

Body temperature responses of Savanna Brown goat to the harmattan and hot-dry season

Rectal and vaginal temperature responses of the Savanna Brown goat indigenous to the Nigerian guinea savanna were determined during the harmattan and the hot-dry season. Measurements were made at 06:00h and at 14:00h after 8h exposure to field conditions. At the 06:00h measurements during the harmattan, all animals were observed to shiver. A significant (P<0.01) positive correlation was found between rectal (T_re) and vaginal temperatures. During the harmattan, mean T_re was 38.2C at 06:00h and 39.7C at 14:00h; the mean difference, T_re was 1.5C. During the hot-dry season, T_re at 06:00h was 38.1C, and at 14:00h, 38.7; T_re was 0.6C. It is concluded that the harmattan is thermally more stressful than the hot-dry season and that passive thermolability may not be an important mechanism in the Savanna Brown goat in adaptation to thermal stress.     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in wild cotton (Gossypium klotzschianum)

A simple and efficient method for high frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from hypocotyl-derived cultures and suspension cultures of Gossypium klotzschianum Anderss, a wild, diploid species of cotton is described here. Embryogenic cultures were induced from hypocotyl sections on MSB medium with 0.9 M 2,4-D and 2.32 M kinetin. MSB medium containing 0.045 M 2,4-D, 0.93 M kinetin, 2.46 M IBA promoted embryogenic culture proliferation and embryo development. Suspension cultures with 0.23 M 2,4-D and 0.93 M kinetin also produced many embryos. Somatic embryos cultured on MSB medium with PGRs produced secondary embryos, and embryos developed into normal plantlets on PGR-free MSB medium. Regenerated plantlets were transferred onto the quarter-strength MSB medium with 0.5% active charcoal to avoid recallusing. Hypocotyls were better than cotyledons for culture induction and plant regeneration. 2,4-D and kinetin were essential for culture induction and maintenance.     

High-resolution autoradiography of nuclear modifications during and after heat treatment ofNeurospora crassa

Summary The appearance of perinucleolar electron-dense spots in the nuclei of macroconidia ofNeurospora crassa incubated at 46C and their disaggregation after shift-down to 25 C have been investigated by high-resolution autoradiography after (5-³H) uridine pulses with or without chase periods. The RNA of these ribonucleoprotein-rich dense spots has been found to originate mainly from the heatsensitive nucleolus; after return to 25 C, the nucleolar activity was recovered and the RNA material stored either in an unprocessed or a mature rRNA form in the dense spots was found to be progressively extruded into the cytoplasm.     

DNA variations in regenerated plants of pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Summary The aim of this study was to determine whether DNA variations could be detected in regenerated pea plants. Two different genotypes were analyzed by cytogenetic and molecular techniques: the Dolce Provenza cultivar and the 5075 experimental line. Dolce Provenza regenerated plants showed a reduction in DNA content, particularly at the level of unique sequences and ribosomal genes. Moreover, regeneration was associated with an increase in DNA methylation of both internal and external cytosines of the CCG sequence. On the other hand, the DNA content of the 5075 line remained stable after regeneration. DNA reduction was found only in 5075 plants regenerated from callus cultures maintained for long incubation periods (about a year). The DNA variations observed are discussed both in relation to the genotype source and the role of tissue-culture stress.     

Frostbite and the significance of a temperature-sensation scale in field and laboratory conditions

The literature indicates that rapid thawing in water between 42 and 45C provides the best prognosis for frostbitten limbs.A temperature:sensation scale for the normal hand was derived and tested in laboratory and field conditions. The scale permitted the preparation of water suitable for frostbite treatment by the majority of subjects without access to a thermometer. The maximum observed inaccuracy was 1.2C outside the preferred range but was well withing the safe range for treatment.

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Zusammenfassung Die beste Prognose zur Behandlung von Erfrierungen bietet nach den Erfahrungen in der Literatur das schnelle Auftauen von erfrorenen Gliedern bei Wassertemperaturen von 42–45C. Für die gesunde Hand wurde eine Temperatur-Wahrnehmungsskala aufgestellt und unter verschiedenen Bedingungen im Laboratorium und im Freien geprüft. Ohne Zugang zu einem Thermometer gestattete die Skala in der Mehrzahl der FÄlle die ErwÄrmung von Wasser auf Temperaturen, die für die Behandlung von Erfrierungen geeignet sind. Die grösste Ungenauigkeit zwischen SchÄtzwert und Thermometerwert war 1.2C ausserhalb des gewünschten aber noch innerhalb des für die Behandlung zulÄssigen Bereiches.

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Résumé D'après les indications de plusieurs auteurs, le meilleur traitement de membres gelés consiste à les dégeler dans de l'eau à une temperature entre 42 et 45C. Une échelle température-sensation pour la main normale a été mise au point et vérifiée au laboratoire ainsi qu'en plain air.Cette méthode a permis la préparation d'eau en vue d'un traitement de gelures sans faire usage d'un thermomètre dans la plupart des cas. L'erreur maximum observée était de 1,2 C sans que les limites de l'intervalle propice à un traitement ne soient jamais dépassées.

     

Evolutionary origin of the class A and class C β-lactamases

Summary The protein sequences of 18 class A -lactamases and 2 class C -lactamases were analyzed to produce a rooted phylogenetic tree using the DD peptidase of Streptomyces R61 as an outgroup. This tree supports the penicillin-binding proteins as the most likely candidate for the ancestoral origin of the class A and class C -lactamases, these proteins diverging from a common evolutionary origin close to the DD peptidase. The actinomycetes are clearly shown as the origin of the class A -lactamases found in other non-actinomycete species. The tree also divides the -lactamases from the Streptomyces into two subgroups. One subgroup is closer to the DD peptidase root. The other Streptomyces subgroup shares a common branch point with the rest of the class A -lactamases, showing this subgroup as the origin of the non-actinomycete class A -lactamases. The non-actinomycete class A -lactamase phylogenetic tree suggests a spread of these -lactamases by horizontal transfer from the Streptomyces into the non-actinomycete gram-positive bacteria and thence into the gram-negative bacteria. The phylogenetic tree of the Streptomyces class A -lactamases supports the possibility that horizontal transfer of class A -lactamases occurred within the Streptomyces.     

Supraoptimal growth-temperature reduces the heat-shock sensitivity of the chrysophycean flagellatePoterioochromonas malhamensis

Summary The chrysophycean flagellatePoterioochromonas malhamensis shows some characteristic alterations after a sublethal heat-shock (42 C, 16 minutes). Most cells round up and retract their cytoplasmic tail. The lorica formation is affected and, in nearly all cells, flagellar activity. Most membrane systems, especially the dictyosome, are severely damaged. In contrast the flagellar root apparatus and the cortical microtubules seem to be unaffected.After growth at a supraoptimal temperature of 33 C and a subsequent heat-shock (42 C, 16 minutes) the cells do not show the heat injuries reported above. The ability to form the lorica becomes also adapted to higher temperatures.Possible adaptation mechanisms are discussed.     

A new enzymatic route to the synthesis of 12-ketoursodeoxycholic acid

Summary Cholic acid (3,7,12-trihydroxy-5-cholanoic acid) was completely and selectively transformed into 12-ketoursodeoxycholic acid (3,7-dihydroxy-12-oxo-5-cholanoic acid) by means of two consecutive enzymatic steps catalyzed, the first, by 7- and 12-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and, the second, by 7-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Coenzyme regeneration was carried out with -ketoglutarate-glutamate dehydrogenase and glucose-glucose dehydrogenase, respectively.     

Hippocampal GABAergic Interneurons: A Physiological Perspective

Oscillations within and across neuronal systems are believed to serve various complex functions, such as perception, cognition, movement initiation, plasticity and memory. GABAergic interneurons and their inhibitory synapses play a major role in these oscillatory patterns. Networks of inhibitory interneurons impose a coordinated oscillatory context for the content carried by networks of principal cells. This hypothesis implies that GABAergic neuronal supernetworks may cooperatively entrain large populations of pyramidal cells throughout the forebrain. Experiments on hippocampal interneurons are reviewed and possible solutions for some of these complex functions are illustrated.     

Temperature dependent structural changes of intraphage T7 DNA

The phenomena connected with the first phase transition step of the native T7 phage at 40C–65 C have been studied using various methods. In this temperature range a) the optical melting curve shows an absorption decrease, b) the maximum of the small-angle X-ray scattering characteristic for DNA packing disappears, c) there is a drop of biological activity and d) there are changes in the structure of the difference absorption spectra of native phages versus isolated DNA. All data are interpreted assuming a structural change of the DNA due to the release of its protein coat towards the end of the first phase transition step (at 60–65 C in the case of M9 buffer). Above this temperature the intraphage DNA packing appears to be destroyed and the DNA structure seems to be similar to that in DNA solution.     

The effect of ambient temperature on diurnal rhythm in heat production and activity in pigs kept in groups

The effect of ambient temperature on diurnal rhythm of metabolic rate and activity was studied in group housed pigs in two trials. Two climate controlled respiration chambers were used, one for each trial. Each chamber contained two groups of 8 pigs. During the experiment of 31 days the mean live weight of the animals increased from 28 to 40 kg. Feeding level was kept constant at 93 kg^–0.75. d^–1. Feed contained 12 kJ of metabolizable energy per g. Temperature treatment started with 20C for two days. After that it was lowered in stepwise fashion by 4K to 16, 12 and 8C. Each temperature treatment lasted two days. After that temperature it was increased in steps to 20C in 8 days. The whole procedure was repeated once. Metabolic rate and activity were measured continuously during the 24 hrs of every second day of the temperature treatment.Metabolic rate increased at temperatures below 16C. Activity was associated with ambient temperature. At low temperature, the total activity related heat production was increased, especially during day time. Variation in metabolic rate within a day was not reduced by low ambient temperature. Thermal requirement, calculated as lower critical temperature, was about 14C as averaged over the day, (16.1C during day time and 13.6C during night time). Extra thermal heat production below thermoneutrality was affected by time of day and activity.     

Moral commitment without objectivity or illusion: Comments on Ruse and Woolcock

Peter Woolcock, in Ruse's Darwinian Meta-Ethics: A Critique, argues that the subjectivist (nonobjectivist) Darwinian metaethics proposed by Michael Ruse (in Taking Darwin Seriously) cannot work, because the illusion of objectivity that Ruse claims is essential to morality breaks down when it is recognized as illusion, and there then remain no good reasons for acknowledging or following moral obligations. Woolcock, however, is mistaken in supposing that moral behaviour requires rational motivation. Ruse's Darwinian metaethical analysis shows why such objective support for morality is neither plausible nor necessary; and when that is recognized, it can also be seen that Ruse's proposed illusion of moral objectivity is superfluous.     

Effects of fasting on maximum thermogenesis in temperature-acclimated rats

To further investigate the limiting effect of substrates on maximum thermogenesis in acute cold exposure, the present study examined the prevalence of this effect at different thermogenic capabilities consequent to cold- or warm-acclimation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=11) were acclimated to 6, 16 and 26C, in succession, their thermogenic capabilities after each acclimation temperature were measured under helium-oxygen (21% oxygen, balance helium) at –10C after overnight fasting or feeding. Regardless of feeding conditions, both maximum and total heat production were significantly greater in 6>16>26C-acclimated conditions. In the fed state, the total heat production was significantly greater than that in the fasted state at all acclimating temperatures but the maximum thermogenesis was significant greater only in the 6 and 16C-acclimated states. The results indicate that the limiting effect of substrates on maximum and total thermogenesis is independent of the magnitude of thermogenic capability, suggesting a substrate-dependent component in restricting the effective expression of existing aerobic metabolic capability even under severe stress.     

Central nervous versus total body thermosensitivity of the duck

Ducks were chronically implanted with thermodes in the POAH region, the lower brainstem or the vertebral canal. At thermoneutral conditions, lowering the temperature of the spinal cord (T_vc) or the lower brainstem (T_mb) stimulated metabolic heat production (M) with a subsequent rise of core temperature (T_c). Lowering the temperature of the POAH region (T_hy) induced a fall of T_c due to paradoxical activation of heat defence and, thus, induced slight to moderate general hypothermia depending on the cooling intensity. When T_hy was normalized, the hypothermia temporarily stimulated metabolic heat production until T_c was normalized. Cold sensitivity of the entire body, as revealed by the metabolic response to the hypothermia induced by preceding POAH cooling, and cold sensitivity of the spinal cord and the lower brainstem, as revealed by the metabolic response to local cooling, were quantified by calculating the quotient M/T from the maximum metabolic response and the experimentally induced drop of T_c, T_mb and T_vc. With lower brainstem cooling M/T_mbdid not exceed –0.4 W/(kg · C). With spinal cord cooling, M/T_vc did not exceed –0.6 W/(kg · C). The mean value of M/T_c after hypothermia induced by POAH cooling was –4.02 W/(kg · C). The results indicate that the cold sensitivity residing in the CNS of ducks represents only a small fraction of the entire cold sensitivity of the body.Presented at the Eighth International Congress of Biometeorology, 9–14 September 1979, Shefayim, Israel.     

Modelling inter-segmental coordination of neuronal oscillators: synaptic mechanisms for uni-directional coupling during swimming in Xenopus tadpoles

Locomotion requires longitudinal co-ordination. We have examined uni-directional synaptic coupling processes between two classes of neuronal network oscillators: autonomously active intrinsic oscillators, and potential oscillators that lack sufficient excitatory drive for autonomous activity. We model such oscillator networks in the bilaterally-symmetrical, Xenopus tadpole spinal cord circuits that co-ordinate swimming. Glutamate coupling EPSPs can entrain a second oscillator of lower frequency provided their strength is sufficient. Fast (AMPA) EPSPs advance spiking on each cycle, while slow (NMDA) EPSPs increase frequency over many cycles. EPSPs can also enable rhythmicity in potential oscillators and entrain them. IPSPs operate primarily on a cycle-by-cycle basis. They can advance or delay spiking to entrain a second intrinsic oscillator with higher, equal or lower frequency. Bilaterally symmetrical coupling connections operate twice per cycle: once in each half-cycle, on each side of the receiving oscillator. Excitatory and inhibitory coupling allow entrainment in complimentary areas of parameter space.