Genetics of esterases in Drosophila. V. Characteristics of the “pupal” esterase in D. virilis

From analysis of the properties of the pupal esterase (p-esterase) in Drosophila virilis, it is concluded that it is heat stable, its electrophoretic detection depends on culture density, its expression is stage specific, and it is not a variant of esterase 2. It was also demonstrated that p-esterase, like esterase 6, is activated by injections of the juvenile hormone into larvae. Heat treatment of heat-resistant D. virilis stocks led to decreased activities of the juvenile hormone dependent esterases but did not affect those of the heat-sensitive stocks. It is suggested that heat resistance in D. virilis is related to some functional features of the system of modifier genes controlling the phenotypic expression of esterases.     

Innatism in the Anthropology of A. L. Kroeber: A Critique of ‘the Boasian Paradigm’

Basing his analysis on Kroeber's ‘The superorganic’ (1917 Kroeber, A. L. 1917. The superorganic.. American Anthropologist, 19: 163–213. [Crossref] [Google Scholar]) and ‘Eighteen professions’ (1915 Kroeber, A. L. 1915. Eighteen professions.. American Anthropologist, 17: 283–88. [Crossref] [Google Scholar]), Derek Freeman has put forward the notion of a ‘Boasian paradigm’, whereby Kroeber is alleged to have perpetuated the biology/culture split suggested by Boas. I argue, instead, that there is a strong innatist element in Kroeber's writings throughout his long career; and that the articles noted above need to be placed in the social and intellectual contexts of their time, particularly the encroachment of the eugenics movement on social theory and its application to immigration restriction.     

Studies on the metabolism of steroids in the foetus. Biosynthesis of 6α-hydroxytestosterone in the human foetal liver

After incubation of testosterone with 105000g microsomes of human foetal liver, 6alpha-hydroxytestosterone was isolated and identified by t.l.c. and g.l.c.-mass spectrometry. This is the first example of 6alpha-hydroxylation of C(19) steroids in the human liver, and the finding is discussed in relation to earlier reports of 6-oxygenated C(19) and C(18) steroids in pregnant women.     

14. Are the impacts of events in the earth's history discernable in the current distributions of freshwater algae?

Freshwater microalgae, lacking a fossil record, have contributed little to the study of historical biogeography. Some of the innate difficulties are discussed, as well as some of the more hopeful possibilities, if distribution records, morphology and DNA sequence analysis are combined with knowledge of the earth's history. Examples of species within the same family showing quite different distributions are given, along with suggested explanations. These include possible examples of the role played by waterfowl in dissemination of freshwater algae.     

Characteristics of β-galactosidase in the mucosa of the small intestine of infant rats. Physicochemical properties

1. The characteristics of acid and neutral beta-galactosidases isolated chromatographically from homogenates of the mucosa of the jejunum and ileum of suckling rats were studied. 2. The minimal molecular weight of the acid beta-galactosidase, as estimated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200, was in the range 83000-105000, whereas for the neutral beta-galactosidase the estimated molecular weight was in the range 360000-510000. 3. The acid and neutral beta-galactosidases were inhibited competitively by galactono-(1-->4)-lactone, with respective K(i) values of 0.15mm and 1.1mm. Only the acid beta-galactosidase was inhibited competitively by sodium galactonate (K(i) 0.17mm). 4. Heat inactivation of both beta-galactosidases occurred according to first-order kinetics. The neutral enzyme was more labile, but bovine serum albumin protected acid enzyme only. 5. Urea treatment inactivated both beta-galactosidases, the neutral beta-galactosidase being more sensitive than the acid beta-galactosidase. 6. No differences were found between preparations from the jejunum and ileum.     

Calcium-Binding Proteins in the Turtle Thalamus. Analysis in the Light of Hypothesis of the “Core-Matrix” Thalamic Organization in Relation to the Problem of Homology of Thalamic Nuclei among Amniotes

Distribution of immunoreactivity (IR) to Ca-binding proteins (CaBPr) (calbindin, Calb, parvalbumin, Parv., and calretinin, Calr) was studied in the thalamus of the Central Asian terrestrial turtles (Testudo horsfieldi) and fresh water turtles (Emys orbicularis). There has been established a wide spread of these proteins, which combines overlapping and a relative alternation of distribution of different CaBPr in individual nuclei. A comparison of IR was made in two relay nuclei of the visual system, GLd and Rot. Both nuclei had IR to all CaBPr, but with different degree of intensity. In the terrestrial turtles, the amounts of Calb-, Parv-, and Calr-IR neurons in the cellular plate of the GLd were close. In this plate and in the neuropil part of this nucleus there was observed CaBPr-innervation of various density. Calr-IR neurons in the GLd of the fresh water turtles dominated over Parv- and Calb-IR neurons, whose detection varied significantly. In Rot, a clear predominance of Calb-IR neurons was shown over Parv- and Calr-IR cells by constancy of their detection, the number (1.5–2-fold higher), and intensity of the immune label, as well as the highest density of Calb and Parv innervation. The character of IR in the Rot was similar in the both turtle species. In the auditory and somatic relay thalamic nuclei and in the non-sensory anterior thalamic nuclei (Dma, Dla) there were present neurons and terminals with IR to all CaBPr without any predominance of Parv-IR in the relay nuclei and Calb-IR in the anterior thalamic nuclei. The constant and characteristic feature of Enta in the turtles of both species is a dense population of Parv-IR neurons, whose topography and cellular composition coincide with those of population of GABA-IR neurons in this nucleus. The data obtained have shown that the alternative presence of different CaBPr in the relay sensory and non-sensory thalamic nuclei, which has been established as a characteristic feature of the mammalian thalamus, is not characteristic at all of turtles. It seems that in the course of evolution there occurred a reorganization of distribution of different CaBPr in thalamic nuclei of amniotes due to changes of their functional loading. The reptilian thalamic sensory relay nuclei are likely to be represented mainly by less specific parts comparable with Calb-IR matrix of specific nuclei in the higher amniotes (mammals), while their more specialized (core) Parv-IR regions are formed later in evolution. Therefore, the distribution of Parv- and Calb-IR neurons in the turtle thalamic nuclei cannot be a criterion at evaluation of homology of thalamic nuclei in amniotes, but permits judging about the degree of their specialization.     

Parasite fauna of the burbot Lota lota L. in body of water of the Kol'skiĭ peninsula

The results of a parasitological study of the burbot Lota Iota L. inhabiting the Kola region are presented. 51 species of parasite were found on burbot in 16 waterbodies belonging to the White Sea and Barents Sea basins (Muxosporea - 7, Suctoria - 1, Peritricha - 6, Monogenea - 1, Cestoda - 6, Trematoda - 13, Nematoda - 6, Acanthocephala - 5, Hirudinea - 3, Bivalvia - 1 and Crustacea - 2 species). Data on the infestation of burbot by different parasite species and their prevalence in investigated waterbodies were obtained.     

Variation in the timing of river entry of Atlantic salmon （Salmo salar L. ） in the Baltic

The timing of river entry in the Atlantic salmon is known to depend on genetic, demographic and environmental factors, but little is known about the relative magnitude of among population and among year variation and covariation in this respect in natural state Atlantic salmon rives. To investigate this, variability in the timing of river entry in three historical Finnish Atlantic salmon populations were analyzed using salmon trap data collected during 1870- 1902. The analyses reveled that 1 ） the timing of river entry differed substantially and consistently among the rivers, and that 2） variation among the rivers was much larger than variation among years. Annual variations were not explained by regional environmental conditions, whereas in one river the timing of the local flood peak was a significant predictor of the timing of river entry. Differences in the timing of salmon entry to geographically closely situated rivers suggests that a regionally fixed opening date for coastal fisheries might not be the best management strategy as it may lead to uneven exploitation of salmon populations from different rivers [ Current Zoology 55 （5） ： 342 - 349, 2009] .     

Genetic studies of human apolipoproteins. XIII. Quantitative polymorphism of apolipoprotein C-III in the Mayans of the Yucatán Peninsula

Apolipoprotein C-III (APO C-III) is a structural component of very-low-density and high-density lipoprotein particles and is an inhibitor of lipoprotein lipase. In a study of genetic variation of apolipoproteins in the Mayan population of the Yucatán peninsula, we observed a quantitative polymorphism in APO C-III levels. This polymorphism is expressed as variation in immunoblot staining intensity following isoelectric focusing and as variation in plasma levels of APO C-III determined by radial immunodiffusion. This variation is consistent with the presence in Mayans of an allele associated with low levels of plasma APO C-III which we have designated APO C-III*D. Analysis of the distribution of APO C-III levels yields a gene frequency estimate for the deficiency allele of 0.59. There is a significant positive correlation between total plasma APO C-III levels and total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels, the lowest levels of cholesterol and triglycerides being seen in individuals homozygous for the deficiency allele. This observation is consistent with the proposed role of APO C-III in lipoprotein metabolism. Family data to determine whether this deficiency allele is due to mutation at the APO C-III structural locus were not available. However, molecular analysis using cloned probes from the APO A-I/C-III/A-IV gene cluster revealed no gross DNA rearrangement or deletion of sequences in this region in homozygous deficient individuals.     

Low-dose-melphalan-induced up-regulation of type-1 cytokine expression in the s.c. tumor nodule of MOPC-315 tumor bearers and the role of interferon γ in the therapeutic outcome

We have previously shown the importance of endogenous tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production for the curative effectiveness of low-dose melphalan (L-phenylalanine mustard) for mice bearing a large MOPC-315 tumor. In the current study we demonstrate that low-dose melphalan is actually associated with enhanced expression of mRNA for TNFα in the s.c. tumor nodule. Moreover, the expression of mRNA for interferon γ (IFNγ) and interleukin-12 (IL-12; p40) is also elevated at the tumor site. However, while elevation in the expression of mRNA for TNFα and IFNγ is evident within 24 h after the chemotherapy, elevation in the expression of mRNA for IL-12(p40) is first evident 72 h after the chemotherapy. Moreover, neutralizing anti-IFNγ mAb, like neutralizing anti-TNF mAb but not neutralizing anti-IL-12 mAb, reduced the curative effectiveness of low-dose melphalan for MOPC-315 tumor bearers. Studies into the mechanism through which IFNγ mediates its antitumor effect in low-dose-melphalan-treated MOPC-315 tumor-bearing mice revealed that MOPC-315 tumor cells, which are not sensitive to the direct antitumor effects of TNF, display some sensitivity to the antiproliferative activity of high concentrations of IFNγ. However, unlike TNFα, IFNγ is unable to promote the generation of anti-MOPC-315 cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity and, in fact, exerts an inhibitory activity on CTL generation. Taken together, our studies illustrate that low-dose melphalan therapy of MOPC-315 tumor bearers is associated with the rapid elevation in the expression of mRNA for IFNγ and TNF, two cytokines which are important for the curative effectiveness of low-dose melphalan, and which mediate their antitumor effect, in part, through distinct mechanisms.     

Geitler's “Plattenband” in the diatomSynedra cf.ulna in the light of TEM investigations

The ultrastructure of the diatomSynedra cf.ulna was examined paying special attention to the Plattenband (platelet band). This structure was first described byGeitler in 1948 on the basis of LM observations and denotes a linear array of dictyosomes along the apical axis of the cell. The present investigation confirmsGeitler's observations in all essential details and demonstrates that the dictyosomes are arranged along polarized nuclear extensions running towards the cell poles. Laterally the extensions are accompanied by a number of microtubules. In large cells the total length of the nucleus thus may reach 400 µm and more. Since only the central part of the nucleus is DNA-positive with DAPI and acridine orange, the nuclear nature of the backbone of the Plattenband cannot be recognized by LM techniques. TEM investigation of serial apical and transapical sections, however, prove unambiguously the identity with extended parts of the nucleus.Dedicated to Prof. DrLothar Geitler on the occasion of his 90th birthday.     

Misunderstanding in the classification of diabetes mellitus. What's in a name?

To assess whether physicians, residents, medical students, hospital diagnosis coders, and patients properly use the designations insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) that were established by criteria of the National Diabetes Data Group, we reviewed clinic and hospital records and administered questionnaires. Although essentially all cases of true IDDM were identified as such and most cases of NIDDM not requiring insulin therapy were correctly identified by all groups, patients with NIDDM on insulin therapy were misidentified as having IDDM by 38% of residents in internal medicine clinics and 68% of primary care and surgical subspecialty residents. On a survey, of 22 patients with NIDDM on insulin therapy, 17 (77%) considered themselves to have IDDM. Thus, patients who have NIDDM by the established criteria who are on insulin therapy are commonly mislabeled as having IDDM. We present an approach for dealing with this problem by adapting nomenclature focusing on insulin deficiency and resistance. It would probably also be helpful to separately identify the subset of patients with "insulin-deficient diabetes" who are ketosis-prone. It is important to use immunologic profiling (islet cell antibody testing) and insulin sensitivity or deficiency testing (C-peptide levels).     

Effect of activated charcoal and pruning of the taproot on the in vitro mycorrhization of Hevea brasiliensis Müll. Arg.

In vitro mycorrhization of Hevea brasiliensis under autotrophic culture conditions is a promising methodology to produce plantlets adapted to overcome stresses during acclimatization. However, to succeed in the in vitro production of mycorrhizal plantlets, root production and subsequent colonization by the mycorrhizal fungus need to be optimized. Plantlets of H. brasiliensis clone PB 260 were grown in contact with the extraradical mycelium network of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis MUCL 41833. Addition of activated charcoal to the medium and pruning of the taproot were evaluated for their effects on root growth and colonization. None of the treatments stimulated the early formation of new roots. However, total root length, total root colonization, and production of arbuscules and intraradical spores/vesicles were significantly higher in plantlets grown in the presence of activated charcoal (especially after 13 wk of culture). In contrast, total root colonization was significantly lower in the pruned plantlets, while total root length and arbuscule formation were not affected. None of the treatments affected activities of succinate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase measured in the extraradical mycelium of the fungus. It appeared that the addition of activated charcoal to the culture medium favored root growth and mycorrhization of rubber plantlets under in vitro culture conditions, while taproot pruning did not favor these parameters.     

The formation of vesicles in the developmental cycle of the nodular endophyte of Hippophaë rhamnoides L.

Summary The mature vesicle of the Hippophaë rhamnoides root nodule endophyte is spherical, approximately 3–4 m in diameter and exhibits a high degree of apparently random septation. Electron micrographs are presented which show that this vesicular form in the endophytic development within the host cell originates as a swelling of the hyphal tip. The young vesicle is non-septate and in general attains a minimum diameter of 3 m before septation becomes evident. The number of septa then increases with vesicle maturity.     

Neural stimulation of mitotic activity in the crypts of lieberkühn in rat jejunum.

The influence of nerve stimulation and sham-stimulation on the mitotic rate in epithelial cells lining the crypts of Lieberkühn in the jejunum of anaesthetized rats was studied. Administration of the anaesthetic and opening the abdominal cavity was without significant effect on the crypt cell mitotic rate. However, externalizing a loop of jejunum and applying sham-stimuli to its mesenteric nerves resulted in a significant decrease in the crypt cell mitotic rate in that loop. Application of electrical stimuli to the mesenteric nerves of another externalized jejunal loop resulted in a significant increase in the mitotic rate in the crypt cells of that segment. Similar acceleration of crypt cell proliferation by electrical stimuli applied to mesenteric nerves was also seen in chemically sympathectomized rats.     

On the chronobiology of Tetrahymena. II. Further evidence for the persistence of ultradian rhythmicity in the absence of protein synthesis and cell growth∗∗

Abstract

In Tetrahymena thermophila, the ultradian rhythm of tyrosine aminotransferase activity was investigated under free‐running conditions. The rhythm persisted in the presence of 1 mM emetine, although the drug efficiently inhibited both protein synthesis and cell division. Also 250 mM hydroxyurea, which suppressed cell growth to a high degree, did not prevent the rhythm. These data support the concept of an ultradian oscillator working independently of translation and being not a consequence of the “cell cycle”;, although under normal physiological conditions the rhythm of tyrosine aminotransferase is accompanied by and equiperiodic with the rhythm of cell division, both in the ultradian and circadian growth modes.