Gathering and processing of lyme-grass (Elymus arenarius L.) in Iceland: an ethnohistorical account

Lyme-grass (Elymus arenarius L.) was harvested and processed for human consumption along the southern coast of Iceland until the beginning of this century. The origin of this exploitation is not known, but lyme-grass may have been gathered for this purpose already in the Viking Age. The system of processing lyme-grass is complex, and special implements and facilities are needed. The method is similar to traditional processing methods for cereals. Extensive research on Icelandic ethnographic observations was undertaken to establish the exact methods and sequence of operations that was involved. On the basis of this, a set of archaeological experiments was performed to test the viability of the processing techniques outlined in the written records. A model describing the harvesting and processing of lyme-grass is presented.     

Plant tissue culture: A history

The author has lived in the plant tissue culture history since its beginning and had the opportunity to discuss with all the pioneers. Then in the present contribution he expresses personal memories, some of them being almost unknown. The tissue culture problem was suggested as soon as 1838 by Schleiden and Schwann's cell theory. The first experimental approach was vainly tried by Haberlandt in 1902. Following Carrel's success with animal cells, encouraging results were obtained on plants tissues by Gautheret in 1934 and the problem was definitely solved in 1939, independently by Gautheret, Nobécourt and White. The progress was slow because this new field interested only a few people. However in 1954 the principal chapters of this subject were already opened: Tissue culture, cell culture, improving of nutrients, especially of growth substances, expertness of organ formation and vegetative propagation, attempts to obtain secondary products and application to pathological problems. Later, in 1966 the androgenesis was initiated by Guha and Maheshwari, while Küster's pioneer work on protoplast fusion was exhumed and brought about innumerable investigations. Finally, for the past ten years plant tissue culture has truly exploded and now more than ten thousand people are engaged in this field: International Congress held in July 1982 at Lake Yamanaka, Japan is evidence for this effusive development.     

Plant cell culture monitoring using an in situ multiwavelength fluorescence probe

A multiwavelength fluorescence probe is proposed for in situ monitoring of Eschscholtzia californica and Catharanthus roseus plant cell cultures. The potential of the probe as a tool for real-time estimation of biomass and production in secondary metabolites has been studied. The probe excitation range is 270-550 nm and the emission range is 310-590 nm, with a step of 20 nm for both excitation and emission filters. Many endogenous fluorophores such as NAD(P)H, riboflavins (riboflavin and derivatives such as FMN, FAD), tryptamine and tryptophan, and fluorescent secondary metabolites were analyzed simultaneously. NAD(P)H fluorescence signal (350/450 nm) showed to be an adequate signal for estimating cells activity. Riboflavins fluorescence signal (450/530 nm) followed C. roseus cell concentration both for the growth phase and after elicitation with jasmonic acid. Fluorescence from the alkaloids interfered with NAD(P)H signal during the production phase. For C. roseus, tryptophan, tryptamine, ajmalicine and serpentine were monitored by the probe. For E. californica, fluorescence from alkaloids overlapped with riboflavins preventing from using the probe to follow cell growth but global alkaloids production could be followed using the probe.     

Development of an Aeration System for use in Plant Tissue 9

An experimental arrangement is described that enables ³¹P nuclearmagnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of plant tissue to be recordedwhile circulating a medium over the sample. The system makesit possible to prevent anoxia developing in the NMR tube, andthis increases the potential of the NMR technique. Key words: Oxygen, Anoxia, Cytoplasmic pH     

Asymmetry of the mandibular condyle in Haida Indians

The condyles of 72 aged and sexed Haida Indians were measured for anteroposterior and mediolateral diameter and their approximate areas calculated. Dental wear was assessed for the same individuals. Asymmetry of condyle size did not appear to change with age. In a pair-wise analysis, no relationship was found between the largest of a pair of condyles and the most worn side of the dentition. The difference in size between each pair of condyles (normalized for individual size) was plotted as a histogram and found to have a normal distribution with a mean of 0 and no skewness. Condyle asymmetry does not appear to be related to differential chewing forces but more closely fits the model of fluctuating asymmetry.     

Large-scale mammalian cell culture: Design and use of an economical batch suspension system

Large-scale mammalian cell culture in the absence of antibiotics requires stringent conditions of sterility for all vessels, procedure, and systems used. Application of existing fermentation technology suffers from the differences between mammalian and bacterial cultures. Relatively simple and inexpensive 100-L vessels have been designed specifically for medium storage and antibiotic-free mammalian cell culture. These vessels are portable and sterilized in a 2 x 3 x 5 ft conventional or VACUMATIC autoclave. They consist of 30-gal 316 stainless-steel sanitary process drums whose heads have been modified to meet the rapid pressure changes that occur during autoclaving. The vessels incorporate systems for aseptic introduction and removal of both liquids and gases required for inoculation, growth, and harvesting of cell suspensions. A two-disk vibromixer is used for agitation with inoculation at a laminar flow hood and incubation in a warm room. These vessels have been used for culture of one rat and eight human tumor lines for over 2 x 10(5) L of suspension.     

Enthesopathies in a spanish medieval population: Anthropological,epidemiological, and ethnohistorical aspects

Enthesopathies found in a medieval (VI–XIIc.A.D.) peasant population from northern Spain are decribed. These bony lesions affected both the upper and lower limbs of this group. The hard work engaged in daily by both sexes and various habitual activities related to carrying heavy loads, agriculture, cattle-raising, and hunting.