Influence of defined gene blocks on the competitive ability of yeast genotypes

Competition experiments were carried out under varying exogenic and endogenic conditions. The genotypes were marked by combinations of two esterase loci, each with two alleles. When genotypes of the line W7 were used, there was no demonstrable influence of the gene blocks marked by the Est-1 locus on the competitive ability at temperatures of 21 and 29 C. However, genotypes carrying the fast allele of the Est-2 locus were favored. At 38 C, the outcome of the competition was reversed. The defined gene blocks showed different effects when interacting with different genetic backgrounds (line M7). Genotypes marked by the slow allele of the Est-2 locus were now favored (21 and 29 C), and even the gene blocks marked by the alleles of the Est-1 locus influenced the genotypes' competitive abilities. Again, the results were partly reversed at 38 C. The results are discussed with regard to the importance of enzyme variants for the genotypic selection value.     

Effects of short-term waterlogging on the growth and yield of peas (Pisum sativum)

The effects of waterlogging the soil for up to 5 days on the growth of peas at different stages of development were investigated in glasshouse and outdoor experiments. During waterlogging the oxygen content of the soil declined to less than 2% within 2–3 days. Subsequently, leaf senescence was hastened, stem growth rate was slowed and yield was decreased. The effects on yield were mainly attributable to the development of fewer nodes and fewer pods. Waterlogging for 24 h or more just before flowering restricted growth and yield. The effects of waterlogging at earlier and later stages were less marked. Waterlogging at any period after flower buds were visible prevented further increase in root dry weight.     

Effects of Inorganic Nitrogen Sources and Physical Factors on the Formation of Ubiquinone by Tobacco Plant Cells in Suspension Culture

In order to obtain basic information on ubiquinone (UQ) formation by BY-2 cells in suspension culture, effects of inorganic phosphate and nitrogen sources and such physical factors as initial pH, light irradiation, shaking condition and temperature were investigated. The concentration of phosphate and nitrogen sources had no marked effect, but the ratio of ammonium nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen was significantly effective on UQ formation. The UQ content in BY-2 cells tends to increase at higher ratios of ammonium nitrogen. The increase in the UQ content was recognized at higher concentrations of 2, 4-d, especially with lower concentrations of sucrose. Physical factors had no marked effect on UQ formation except temperature. The UQ content was considerably raised at higher temperatures.     

Relationship between a mineral deficiency and metabolic processes : The effect of N-, P- and K-deficiencies on RNA metabolism in TN-1 rice

The effects of a deficiency of N, P or K on DNA and RNA synthesisas evidenced by ³²P incorporation in TN-1 rice plants were studied.Deficiency effects were more marked in shoot and root tissuesat the l/9th level of the element than at the l/3rd level withrespect to both the content and incorporation of ³²P in nucleicacids. The effects were marked on the 43rd day; the plants hadrecovered considerably by the 68th day, but a marked declinewas observed again on the 97th day at the time of flowering.The decrease in ³²P incorporation was evident both on a perplant and a per unit weight basis, but it was more prominentin the former. Although ³²P uptake was reduced, this reductionwas less than that of ³²P incorporation in the nucleic acids.Separation of the RNA fractions revealed that all the fractionswere affected. Deficiency effects also enhanced DNase activity,particularly when there was a K deficiency, but RNase activitywas little affected. ¹This work was supported by a grant from the Department of AtomicEnergy, Government of India. ²Central Sericulture Research Institute Berhampore, West Bengal,India. (Received May 27, 1980; )     

Temperature-dependent inotropic action of A23187 on guinea-pig ventricular muscles

The effects of the Ca2+ ionophore, A23187, on the contraction and membrane action potential of the isolated guinea-pig papillary muscle were examined at various temperatures (30-16 degrees C) and compared to those of isoprenaline and a high calcium medium. A23187 caused a marked positive inotropic effect with a significant prolongation of the action potential duration at an early repolarization phase but not a late repolarization phase at normal temperature (30 degrees C). Such an inotropic effect was completely abolished at low temperature (16 degrees C) where a marked positive inotropic effect of isoprenaline (5 X 10(-8) M) and a high calcium medium (6.2 mM) still remained. These results suggest that the cardiac responsiveness to A23187 was sensitive to a low temperature at which a membrane lipid phase transition may occur.     

The Expression of Partial Resistance to Puccinia striiformis in Wheat. Effects on Colony Growth and Spore Production

Abstract The resistance of wheat to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici was investigated. The durable resistance of Hybride de Bersée and that resistance controlled by the factor YR14 , in cvs Solitaire and Wembley were studied at the second and sixth leaf stages, using a point inoculation technique. Both resistance types had significant effects at both leaf stages but the most marked effects were evident on adult plants. At both leaf stages there was a high correlation between colony, length and urediniospore prodction.     

Individuals' behaviors following dye-marking in wild black-and-white colobus (Colobus vellerosus)

The ability to recognize individuals is a prerequisite for analyzing social relationships. We marked five adult and subadult Colobus vellerosus (three in 2002, and two in 2003) at the Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Ghana, to assess the feasibility of dye-marking black-and-white colobus, describe their reactions, and compare some of their behaviors with those of unmarked individuals. We used Nyanzol-D, a nontoxic black dye sprayed on the white tail (or white thigh) of the animal with a spray gun or a tree sprayer. Reactions to the marking procedure ranged from moving away and staring at the observer, without interruption in feeding (in one subject), to fleeing about 5 m away (in four subjects). In 234 hr of ad libitum observations (in 2002 and 2003), marks were scratched or otherwise were the object of attention from the bearer or other individuals on only one occasion. In 2002 we collected 22 hr of observations on the three marked monkeys and some unmarked monkeys in 10-min focal samples. Neither the marked nor the unmarked animals attended to the marks during focal samples. Marked and unmarked individuals displayed similar rates of displacement activities (autogrooming, scratching, and yawning). The proportion of scans with at least one near neighbor varied between marked and unmarked subjects, but the direction of the difference was not the same between males and females. The only aggression observed was displacements, and only in one comparison (out of four) did a difference emerge: the marked subadult male received more displacements than the unmarked males. Overall, marked and unmarked individuals did not differ consistently in our measures. Examination of the potential effects of marking should continue, since changes in pelage coloration may have longer-term social effects in species that rely largely on vision.     

Relationship between a mineral deficiency and metabolic processes : The effect of N-, P- and K-deficiencies on RNA metabolism in TN-1 rice

The effects of a deficiency of N, P or K on DNA and RNA synthesisas evidenced by ³²P incorporation in TN-1 rice plants were studied.Deficiency effects were more marked in shoot and root tissuesat the l/9th level of the element than at the l/3rd level withrespect to both the content and incorporation of ³²P in nucleicacids. The effects were marked on the 43rd day; the plants hadrecovered considerably by the 68th day, but a marked declinewas observed again on the 97th day at the time of flowering.The decrease in ³²P incorporation was evident both on a perplant and a per unit weight basis, but it was more prominentin the former. Although ³²P uptake was reduced, this reductionwas less than that of ³²P incorporation in the nucleic acids.Separation of the RNA fractions revealed that all the fractionswere affected. Deficiency effects also enhanced DNase activity,particularly when there was a K deficiency, but RNase activitywas little affected. ¹This work was supported by a grant from the Department of AtomicEnergy, Government of India. ²Central Sericulture Research Institute Berhampore, West Bengal,India. (Received May 27, 1980; )     

The comparative effects of propofol, thiopental, and diazepam, administered intravenously, on pentylenetetrazol seizure threshold in the rabbit.

The anticonvulsant effects of propofol, thiopental, and diazepam, administered intravenously, on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizure threshold were studied and compared in the rabbit. The PTZ seizure threshold determined in various rabbit groups during the control phase of conducted experiments, was found to be in the range of 10.1 +/- 2.0 to 13.5 +/- 3.7 mg/kg. Intravenous administration of comparable doses of propofol, thiopental, and diazepam resulted in marked and significant increases in PTZ seizure threshold. At all administered doses (1.25-10.0 mg/kg), propofol was found to be more effective than thiopental in increasing the PTZ threshold dose. However, the anticonvulsant effects of diazepam were more marked than those of propofol, except at a dose of 10 mg/kg where both agents exhibited equipotent activities. These data demonstrate that propofol enjoys a considerable degree of anticonvulsant activity in the rabbit. This anticonvulsant action is greater than that of thiopental at doses ranging from 2.5 to 10 mg/kg and equipotent with diazepam at the 10 mg/kg dose.     

Studies on the ecology of West Australian actinomycetes: Factors which influence the diversity and types of actionomycetes in Australian soils

A statistical technique has been employed to study the effects of various environmental factors in altering the actinomycete populations of soils located in the western part of Australia. Over 12,000 actinomycetes obtained at 28 different locations were included in the evaluation. Among factors that had a significant influence were the geographic area at which the sample was taken, the nature of plant rhizosphere, and a rainstorm. Seasonal changes in population did occur, but there was considerable stability of population with time. Although marked differences occurred in types of actinomycetes present among different geographic locations, multiple samples taken within a location at distances of 30 cm or greater showed marked similarity in populations. There were varied degrees of diversity among the populations studied. The population that developed after a rainstorm was low in diversity, whereas the populations of root rhizospheres were as diverse as those of plant-free soil-litter areas. In assessing the ecology of soil actinomycetes, it is important to consider the degree of change in population induced by an environmental factor and also its effect on diversity, since the effects may be complementary or may be opposite in nature.     

Antiproliferative effects of some novel synthetic solanidine analogs on HL-60 human leukemia cells in vitro

There is increasing evidence of the direct antiproliferative effects of various steroidal structures, including cardenolides, steroidal alkaloids and sexual hormones. The aim of the present study was to characterize the antiproliferative effects of three synthetic solanidine analogs (1-3) on HL-60 human leukemia cells. The three compounds exerted similar cytostatic effects (IC(50) values: 1.27-2.94 μM after a 72-h exposure) and the most effective (2) was selected for further investigations. Incubation with compound 2 resulted in a marked chromatin condensation followed by a gradual increase in cell membrane permeability detected by Hoechst dye 33258-propidium iodide double staining. A flow cytometric analysis revealed a marked decrease in the G1 phase and substantial increases in the S and G2/M phases after 24-h incubation, while after 48 h the proportion of cells in the subG1 phase was increased significantly with a concomitant decrease in cells in the G1 and G2/M phases. Compound 2 at 6.0 μM significantly decreased the activity of ribonucleotide reductase and proved to be a potent antioxidant in the lipid peroxidation and DPPH assays (IC(50) values: 2.0 and 13.1 μM, respectively). The antiproliferative effect of the test compound on the non-cancerous human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5) was significantly weaker than that on the leukemia cells. These results lead to the conclusion that compound 2 induces a marked disturbance in the cell cycle, which is, at least partially, a consequence of the inhibition of DNA synthesis.     

Effect of oil and dispersant on growth and chlorophyll a content of the marine microalga Tetraselmis suecica

Low hydrocarbon concentrations stimulated the growth of Tetraselmis suecica, whereas higher concentrations (200 ppm) inhibited growth. The content of chlorophyll a in this microalga was affected in a similar way. Crude oil had the most marked effects. Dispersant SEAKLIN-101-NT and mixtures of oil and SEAKLIN-101-NT did not show selective toxicity for the microalga, although inhibitory effects could be observed at high concentrations.     

Effect of oil and dispersant on growth and chlorophyll a content of the marine microalga Tetraselmis suecica.

Low hydrocarbon concentrations stimulated the growth of Tetraselmis suecica, whereas higher concentrations (200 ppm) inhibited growth. The content of chlorophyll a in this microalga was affected in a similar way. Crude oil had the most marked effects. Dispersant SEAKLIN-101-NT and mixtures of oil and SEAKLIN-101-NT did not show selective toxicity for the microalga, although inhibitory effects could be observed at high concentrations.     

Effects of radiotransmitters and plasticine bands on Mallard duckling survival

ABSTRACT Individual markers are essential for measuring survival rates, but few reliable techniques exist for marking young waterfowl. We banded 572‐d‐old Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) ducklings from 85 broods with plasticine‐filled leg bands in 2006–2007 and marked 82 hatchling Mallards from 43 broods with 1.8‐g back‐mounted prong‐and‐suture transmitters in 2006. We compared survival probabilities of marked ducklings and 621 unmarked ducklings from 110 broods where only the female was radio‐marked using the nest survival module in Program MARK. The best‐supported model recognized deleterious effects of both radiotransmitters (β=?0.82, 85% CI =?1.32 to ?0.33) and plasticine bands (β=?0.29, 85% CI =?0.55 to ?0.03). Cumulative survival to 30 d of age for unmarked ducklings averaged 0.22 (process variation; σ= 0.11) in 2006 and 0.20 (σ= 0.11) in 2007, whereas 30‐d survival of banded ducklings during these 2 yr was 0.14 (σ= 0.09) and 0.13 (σ= 0.09), respectively. Radio‐marked ducklings averaged 0.04 (σ= 0.03) cumulative survival in 2006. Although capturing ducklings after they leave nests is not always possible, post hoc analysis showed that marker effects decreased with duckling age and waiting until ducklings were at least 4 d old before marking would have negated these effects. Because marking hatchling Mallards with either radiotransmitters or plasticine bands negatively impacted their survival, we do not recommend these marking techniques for newly hatched ducklings.     

Dual effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide on insulin secretion in the perfused dog pancreas

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is an intrapancreatic neuropeptide with potential effects on islet hormone secretion. To investigate its pancreatic actions, we examined the effects of a 10 min perfusion of synthetic human CGRP on islet hormone release from the isolated dog pancreas (n = 6) at 5.5 mM glucose. At 0.1 nM, CGRP inhibited insulin secretion (P less than 0.01), which was already observed at 2 min after its introduction. After CGRP perfusion was stopped, a stimulatory off-response occurred. In contrast, at higher dose levels, CGRP stimulated insulin secretion. At 1.0 nM, the stimulation was weak and transient (P less than 0.01), occurring only during the first 3 min of CGRP perfusion. At 10 nM, the stimulation continued for 6 min (P less than 0.05), and at 50 nM, the stimulation was marked and sustained throughout the 10 min perfusion period (P less than 0.01). After the CGRP perfusion at 1.0 and 10 nM, but not at 50 nM, a marked stimulatory off-response in insulin secretion was seen. Glucagon and somatostatin secretion were not significantly affected by CGRP at any of the examined concentrations. We conclude that CGRP exerts dual effects on insulin secretion from the perfused dog pancreas: inhibition at low concentrations and stimulation at high concentrations. This pattern of effect might represent a new regulatory concept for neural influences on islet function: the qualitative response being determined by the amount of neurotransmitter released.     

Effects of an acute administration of nickel upon blood glucose compartmentation in pregnant rats

The effects of a nickel injection i.p. to male, female virgin and 12- and 19-day pregnant rats upon plasma glucose concentration as well as blood cell free glucose content have been determined. The hyperglycaemic response to nickel of female rats was more marked than that of males, with an increase in intracellular glucose, more marked during pregnancy, which even surpassed the plasma concentration of glucose. Twelve-day pregnant rats maintained huge intracellular glucose concentrations even after the beginning of the decline in plasma levels, whereas this was not observed in 19-day pregnant rats. The possible r?le of the conceptuses in the removal of excess circulating glucose at this age is discussed.     

The effects of colony characteristics on life span and foraging behavior of individual wasps (Polybia occidentalis,Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Summary We studied the effects of intrinsic colony characteristics and an imposed contingency on the life span and behavior of foragers in the swarm-founding social waspPolybia occidentalis. Data were collected on marked, known-age workers introduced into four observation colonies.To test the hypothesis that colony demographic features affect worker life span, we examined the relationships of colony age and size with worker life span using survivorship analysis. Colony age and size had positive relationships with life span; marked workers from two larger, older colonies had longer life spans (¯X = 24.7 days) than those from two smaller, younger colonies (¯X = 20.1 days).We quantified the effects of experimentally imposed nest damage on forager behavior, to determine which of three predicted behavioral responses by foragers to this contingency (increased probability of foraging for building material, increased rate of foraging, or decrease in age of onset of foraging) would be employed. Increasing the colony level of need for materials used in nest construction (wood pulp and water) by damaging the nests of two colonies did not cause an increase in either the proportion of marked workers that gathered nest materials or in foraging rates of marked individuals, when compared with introduced workers in two simultaneously observed control colonies. Instead, nest damage caused a decrease in the age at which marked workers first foraged for pulp and water. The response to an increase in the need for building materials was an acceleration of behavioral development in some workers.     

Least squares interval mapping of quantitative trait loci under the infinitesimal genetic model in outbred populations.

Genetic marker and phenotypic data for a quantitative trait were simulated on 20 paternal half-sib families with 100 progeny to investigate properties of within-family-regression interval mapping of a postulated single quantitative trait locus (QTL) in a marker interval under the infinitesimal genetic model, which has been the basis of the application of quantitative genetics to genetic improvement programs, and to investigate use of the infinitesimal model as null hypothesis in testing for presence of a major QTL. Genetic effects on the marked chromosome were generated based on a major gene model, which simulated a central biallelic QTL, or based on 101 biallelic QTL of equal effect, which approximated the infinitesimal model. The marked chromosome contained 0, 3.3%, 13.3%, or 33.3% of genetic variance and heritability was 0.25 or 0.70. Under the polygenic model with 3.3% of genetic variance on the marked chromosome, which corresponds to the infinitesimal model for the bovine, significant QTL effects were found for individual families. Correlations between estimates of QTL effects and true chromosome substitution effects were 0.29 and 0.47 for heritabilities of 0.25 and 0.70 but up to 0.85 with 33.3% of polygenic variance on the marked chromosome. These results illustrate the potential of marker-assisted selection even under the infinitesimal genetic model. Power of tests for presence of QTL was substantially reduced when the polygenic model with 3.3% of genetic variance on the chromosome was used as a null hypothesis. The ability to determine whether genetic variance on a chromosome was contributed by a single QTL of major effect or a large number of QTL with minor effects, corresponding to the infinitesimal model, was limited.     

Influence of dietary bile acids on formation of bile acids in rat

Various taurine-conjugated bile acids were fed to rats at the 1%-level in the diet for 3 or 7 days and the effect on several hydroxylations involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of bile acids was studied. The hydroxylations studied were all catalyzed by the microsomal fraction of liver homogenate fortified with NADPH. The 7α-hydroxylation of cholesterol was inhibited by feeding taurocholic acid, taurocheno-deoxycholic acid and taurodeoxycholic acid for 3 as well as 7 days. No marked inhibition was obtained with taurohyodeoxycholic acid or taurolithocholic acid. The 12α-hydroxylation of 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one was inhibited after 3 as well as 7 days by all bile acids except taurohyodeoxycholic acid. With this acid a marked stimulation of 12α-hydroxylation was observed. The effects of the different bile acids on the 7α-hydroxylation of taurodeoxycholic acid were not very marked. The 6β-hydroxylation of lithocholie acid and taurochenodeoxycholic acid was stimulated by taurocholic acid and taurodeoxycholic acid. The reaction was inhibited by taurochenodeoxycholic acid, at least after 7 days. Taurohyodeoxycholic acid inhibited the 6β-hydroxylation slightly and taurolithocholic acid had no effect. The results were discussed in the light of present knowledge concerning mechanisms of regulation of formation and metabolism of bile acids and it was suggested that the mechanisms may be more complex than previously thought.     

Activating and 'anxiogenic' effects of corticotropin releasing factor are not inhibited by blockade of the pituitary-adrenal system with dexamethasone

Central administration of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in rats produces pituitary-adrenal activation and a variety of "anxiogenic-like" effects. The present study was designed to explore the contribution of the peripheral pituitary-adrenocortical axis in mediating these CRF responses. Intraventricularly administered CRF produced suppression of responding in the conflict test and a marked locomotor activation. Neither behavioral effect was altered by the prior administration of dexamethasone in a dose that blocked pituitary-adrenal activation to CRF. These results support the hypothesis that behavioral effects of CRF are mediated by its action at central sites and not via an action on the pituitary-adrenocortical system.