Gibberellins play a role in the interaction between imidazole fungicides and cytokinins in Araceae

Imidazole fungicides such as imazalil, prochloraz, and triflurnizole and the triazole growth retardant paclobutrazol promote the shoot-inducing effect of exogenous cytokinins in Araceae, such as Spathiphyllum floribundum Schott and Anthurium andreanum Schott. The mechanism of their action could partially be based on the inhibition of gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis, because administration of GA₃ inhibits the phenomenon completely in S. floribundum. Not only is the suppression of GA biosynthesis involved, but also the metabolism of endogenous cytokinins is significantly altered. Although the balance between isopentenyladenine, zeatin, dihydrozeatin, and their derivatives was shifted to distinguished directions by administration of BA and/or imazalil and/or GA₃, no correlation between these changes in metabolic pathways and the number of shoots could be found. The metabolism of BA was not significantly altered by adding imazalil to the micropropagation medium of S. floribundum.Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - [9R-5P]DHZ 9--d-ribofuranosyl-dihydrozeatin-monophosphate - [9R-5P]iP 6-isopentenyl-9--d-ribofuranosyladenine-monophosphate - [9R-5P]Z 9--d-ribofuranosyl-zeatin-monophosphate - [9G]BA 6-benzyl-9--d-glucopyranosyladenine - [9G]DHZ 9--d-glucopyranosyl-dihydrozeatin - [9G]iP 6-isopentenyl-9--d-glucopyranosyladenine - [9G]Z 9--d-glucopyranosyl-zeatin - [9R]BA 6-benzyl-9--d-ribofuranosyladenine - [9R]DHZ 9--d-ribofuranosyl-dihydrozeatin - [9R]iP 6-isopentenyl-9--d-ribofuranosyladenine - [9R]Z 9--d-ribofuranosyl-zeatin - BA 6-benzyladenine - DHZ dihydrozeatin - ES⁺ LC-MS/MS HPLC coupled Electrospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry - f.m. fresh mass - mT 6-(3-hydroxybenzyl)adenine - IMA imazalil - iP isopentenyladenine - NAA 1-naphthalene acetic acid - NFT Nutrient Film Technique - (OG)[9R]DHZ O--glucopyranosyl-9--d-ribofuranosyl-dihydrozeatin - (OG)[9R]Z O--d-glucopyranosyl-9--d-ribofuranosyl-zeatin - (OG)DHZ O--d-glucopyranosyl-dihydrozeatin - (OG)Z O--d-glucopyranosyl-zeatin - PAR Photosynthetic Active Radiation - PBZ paclobutrazol - PRO prochloraz - TDZ thidiazuron - TRI triflurnizole - Z zeatin     

Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels in some peruvian rodents from high and low altitude

Hematocrit levels in highland (3900–4500 m) AKODON (4 species) showed no change following a month at sea level, but showed a reduction of about 50 ml/1 after an additional 1–2 months. Feral MUS established at 4500 m had more cells(570 vs.470 ml/l) than those from sea level; about half this advantage was lost after a week at sea level. Highland species or races showed no consistent advantage in erythrocyte level over lowland species. The lowland PHYLLOTIS DARWINII LIMATUS actually had a higher hematocrit than any of the highland PHYLLOTIS. Mean cell hemoglobin concentrations ranged from 28 to 33 g/100 ml in rodents, and to 42 g/100 ml in the alpaca.Mean cell volumes ranged from 44 to 65 3 in rodents, and were 25–263 for the alpaca and vicna. The cell hemoglobin mass varied from 13 to 18 g in rodents and was 11.5g in the alpaca and vicuña. None of these values for rodents appear remarkable.

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Zusammenfassung Die HÄmatokrit-Werte von 4 Arten Hochland-AKODON (3900–4500 m) zeigten nach einem Monat Aufenthalt der Tiere auf Meereshöhe keine VerÄnderung; nach 2–3 Monaten waren die Werte 50 ml/l niedriger als der Vorwert. Wilde MUS in 4500 m Höhe hatten 570 ml und wilde MUS auf Meereshöhe 470 ml Erythrozyten/1 Blut. Wurden die Tiere aus der Höhe ins Tal gebracht, verschwand die HÄlfte des Unterschiedes innerhalb einer Woche. Die Erythrozyten-Werte von Hochland-Arten und -Rassen zeigten keine übereinstimmende überlegenheit über die von Tiefland-Arten. Tiefland PHYLLOTIS DARWINII LIMATUS hatten sogar einen höheren HÄmatokrit als Hochland PHYLLOTIS. In Hochland-Nagern betrug der mittlere Zell-HÄmoglobingehalt 28 bis 33 g/100 ml, in Alpaca bis 42 g/100 ml. Das mittlere Zellvolumen war bei Nagern 44–653 und beim Alpaca und Vivuna 25–263. Die Menge HÄmoglobin pro Zelle betrug 13–18g bei Nagern und 11-5g beim Alpaca und Vicuna. Die Werte bei Nagern im Hochland sind in keiner Weise bemerkenswert.

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Résumé Les valeurs hématocrites de 4 sortes d'AKODON de hautes terres (3000 – 4500 m) ne montraient pas de changement après un mois de séjour des animaux au niveau de la mer; après 2–3 mois, les valeurs étaient 50 ml/l plus basses que la valeur précédante. A 4500 m d'altitude les MUS sauvages avaient 570 ml érythrocytes/l sang et au niveau de la mer 470 ml. Les animaux transportés de l'altitude dans la vallée, la moitié de la différence disparut au bout d'une semaine.Les valeurs d'erythrocytes de sortes et rasses de hautes terres ne montraient point de supériorité concordante aux sortes de basses terres. PHYLLOTIS DARWINI LIMATUS de basses terres avaient mÊme un hématocrit plus haut que le PHYLLOTIS de hautes terres. Le contenu moyen de l'hémoglobine cellulaire des rongeurs de hautes terres était de 28 à 33/100 ml,chez Alpaca jusqu'à 429/100 ml. Aux rongeurs, la volume cellulaire moyenne,était 44–653et Alpaca et Vicuna avaient 25–263. Les rongeurs avaient une quantité d'hémoglobine par cellule de 13–18g, les Alpaca et Vicuna avaient 11,5g. Les valeurs aux rongeurs ne sont remarquable en aucun égard.

     

Über das Zusammenwirken des erregenden und des hemmenden Neurons des M. abductor der Krebsschere beim Ablauf von Reflexen des myotatischen Typus

Zusammenfassung Eine speziell für die Verwendung in strömenden Körperflüssigkeiten konstruierte Caissonelektrode ermöglichte an dem zum Abduktor des Scherenfingers ziehenden Paar motorischer Axone die oszillographische Analyse der bei Reflexvorgängen eintretenden peripheren Interferenz von erregenden und hemmenden Impulsen. Werden mit dem Fingerglied der festgeklemmten Schere entsprechende kurze Bewegungen vorgenommen, so treten myotatische Reflexe auf, und die Aktionen der erwähnten 2 motorischen Ganglienzellen entsprechen dabei formell sehr weitgehend jenem Schema Sherringtons, durch welches für das spinale Säugerpräparat die — dortselbst intrazentral erfolgende — Umschaltung solcher Reflexvorgänge auf die gemeinsame Endstrecke aufgehellt wurde: Wir registrierten einerseits autogene, auf der Seite des gedehnten Muskels selbst eintretende Effekte (nämlich eine Streuentladung erregender Impulse, welche von einer kürzer dauernden, inversen Hemmeraktivierung begleitet ist) und anderseits die durch Dehnung des Antagonisten auszulösende reziproke Reaktion, welche aus einer Streuentladung von Hemmerimpulsen samt schwächerer inverser Aktivierung des Erregerneurons besteht. Für die am häufigsten auftretende Form der reflektorischen Antwort — die Streuentladung — darf als charakteristisch gelten, daß die Impulsfrequenz der im betreffenden Versuchstypus dominierenden, also eigentlich myotatischen Reaktion beinahe übergangslos auf durchschnittlieh 70 Hz emporstieg, um nach einem oder zwei entsprechend kurzen Intervallen (von z. B. 17 msec) zunächst auf mäßige Werte wie etwa 10–15 Hz abzusinken und dann früher oder später zu erlöschen.     

O-Glycosidically linked oligosaccharides from peptidorhamnomannans ofSporothrix schenckii

-Elimination of peptidorhamnomannans purified from yeast-like and mycelial phases ofSporothrix schenckii released neutral and acidic reduced oligosaccharides that were O linked to serine and/or threonine. Man-(1–2)Man-ol, Rha(1–3)Man(1–2)Man-ol, Rha(1–4)GlcA(1–2)Man(1–2)Man-ol, and Rha(1–4)[Rha(1–2)] GlcA(1–2)Man(1–2)Man-ol were characterized based on methylation analysis, proton magnetic resonance and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry.Abbreviations FAB fast atom bombardment - GLC gas liquid chromatography - GlcA d-glucopyranosyluronic acid - Man d-mannopyranose - Man-ol d-mannitol - MS mass spectrometry - NMR nuclear magnetic resonance - Rha l-rhamnopyranose     

Coiled mechanoreceptors inAplysia revealed by sensorin immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy

Identified mechanosensory neurons ofAplysia are established model neurons for studies on learning and memory, and for examining responses to axonal injury. Although many characteristics of these sensory neurons have received intensive study, the nature of the peripheral mechanoreceptive endings remains unknown. Identification of a peptide, sensorin, specific inAplysia for mechanosensory neurons, led to the development of an antibody which proved useful in studying the peripheral morphology of these neurons. Immunostaining for sensorin in tail body wall revealed that sensorin is present in peripheral arborizations. Examination of sensorin-positive fibers in the periphery revealed that they terminate as coiled structures in the muscle layer of the body wall. These coiled structures (0.5 m diameter processes, 2–3 m across the coil, 60) m long) run parallel to muscle fibers and have a pitch of about one turn per 4 um. Sensorin immunostaining was particularly intense in varicosities, both along peripheral fibers and along the coiled structure. The localization of sensorin suggests that it may be released peripherally where it could have various paracrine and/or autocrine neuromodulatory actions.     

Sialidase of swine influenza A viruses: variation of the recognition specificities for sialyl linkages and for the molecular species of sialic acid with the year of isolation

The sialidase of swine influenza A viruses of N1 and N2 subtypes, isolated from 1930 to 1992, was studied for substrate specificity with ganglio-series, lacto-series type II and GM3 gangliosides containing Neu5Ac2-3Gal, Neu5Gc2-3Gal and Neu5Ac2-6Gal linkages. All viral sialidases tested showed that the activity for hydrolysing substrates with Neu5Ac2-3Gal was higher than the activities with Neu5Gc2-3Gal and Neu5Ac2-6Gal linkages. When GM1b, GM3 and sialylparagloboside were used as substrates, the earliest strain (A/Wisconsin/15/30 H1N1, isolated in 1930) showed the activity ratio of Neu5Ac2-6Gal to Neu5Ac2-3Gal to be 0.13:0.2, and the ratio Neu5Gc2-3Gal/Neu5Ac2-3Gal to be 0.19:0.37, while those strains isolated from 1978 to 1992 exhibited ratios of 0.29:0.58 for Neu5Ac2-6Gal/Neu5Ac2-3Gal and 0.51:0.76 for Neu5Gc2-3Gal/Neu5Ac2-3Gal. The above results indicate that the substrate specificities of sialidases from swine influenza A viruses towards sialyl linkages and the molecular species of sialic acid are related to the year of isolation, i.e. strains isolated after 1978 exhibited higher activity towards Neu5Ac2-6Gal and Neu5Gc2-3Gal linkages when compared with strains isolated in an earlier year, 1930.Abbreviation Neu5Ac 5-N-acetylneuraminic acid - Neu5Gc 5-N-glycolyneuraminic acid - Gal d-galactose - Glc d-glucose - Cer Ceramide - II³(Neu5Ac)Lac Neu5Ac2-3Gal1-4Glc - GM3(Neu5Ac2-3Gal) Neu5Ac2-3Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - GM3(Neu5Gc2-3Gal) Neu5Gc2-3Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - GM1b(Neu5Ac2-3Gal) Neu5Ac2-3Gal1-3GalNac1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - GMlb(Neu5Gc2-3Gal) Neu5Gc2-3Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - IV³(Neu5Ac)nLc4Cer Neu5Ac2-3Gal1-3GlcNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - IV³(Neu5Gc)nLc4Cer Neu5Gc2-3Gal1-3GlcNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - IV⁶(Neu5Ac)nLc4Cer Neu5Ac2-6Gal1-3GlcNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-Cer - TDC taurodeoxycholate.     

Effects of α-galactosidase digestion on lectin staining in human pancreas

Summary Effects of -galactosidase (from green coffee beans) digestion on lectin staining were examined in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human pancreatic tissues from individuals of blood-group B and AB. Digestion with the enzyme resulted in almost complete loss of Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin I-B₄(GSAI-B₄) staining in the acinar cells with concomitant appearance of Ulex europaeus agglutinin-I(UEA-I) staining in the corresponding cells. In addition, reactivity with soybean agglutinin(SBA) was also imparted by the enzyme digestion in GSAI-B₄ positive acinar cells. -Galactosidase digestion following -galactosidase digestion neither reduced the reactivity with SBA nor induced the reactivity with Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin-II(GSA-II) in GSAI-B₄ positive cells, while in UEA-I positive cells, both reduction of SBA reactivity and appearance of GSA-II reactivity occurred after simple -galactosidase digestion as well as sequential digestion with - and -galactosidase. However, when -l-fucosidase digestion procedure was inserted between - and -galactosidase digestion, UEA-I staining imparted by -galactosidase digestion was markedly decreased in intensity and GSA-II reactivity was appeared in GSAI-B₄ positive acinar cells. Furthermore, after sequential digestion with -galactosidase and fucosidase, reactivity with peanut agglutinin(PNA) was revealed in GSAI-B₄ positive acinar cells as well as UEA-I positive cells in secretors. In non-secretors, strong PNA staining was usually observed in the acinar cells throughout the glands without enzyme digestion. These results confirmed that the -galactosidase induced GSA-II reactivity and the fucosidase induced PNA reactivity are due to precursors of different kinds of blood-group determinants and suggest that at least two kinds of B antigen determinants, i.e. Gal(1-3)[Fuc(1-2)]Gal(1-3,4)GlcNac and Gal(1-3)-[Fuc(1-2)]Gal(1-3)GalNAc are produced in GSAI-B₄ positive acinar cells. The synthesis of the latter type of B antigen is assumed to be controlled under the secretory gene in human pancreas.Abbreviation GalNAc N-acetyl-d-galactosamine - Gal d-galactose - GlcNAc N-acetyl-d-glucosamine - Fuc l-fucose - NeuNAc N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid)     

Study ofO-sialylation of glycoproteins in C6 glioma cells treated with retinoic acid

When treated with retinoic acidin vivo, C6 glioma cells show an enhancement of CMP-Neu5Ac:Gal 1–3 GalNAc-R -2,3 sialyltransferase activity. A 300kDa glycoprotein was detected by lectin affinoblotting in retinoic acid-treated C6 cells which stained weakly or not at all in control cells. Comparative studies with different lectins demonstrated that this glycoprotein contains 2,3 Neu5Ac Gal-GalNAc O-glycan moieties. Cultures in the presence of an inhibitor of O-glycan synthesis (N-acetylgalactosaminide -O-benzyl) demonstrated that enhancement of staining of the 300 kDa glycoprotein was not due to the increase of the 2,3 sialyltransferase but to thede novo synthesis of the polypeptide chain of this glycoprotein.Abbreviations RA retinoic acid - Neu5Ac N-acetylneuraminic acid - CMP-Neu5Ac cytidine 5 monophosphosialate - 2,3 ST CMP-Neu5Ac:Gal 1–3 GalNAc-R -2,3 sialyltransferase - GalNAc-O-benzyl N-acetylgalactosaminide -O-benzyl - Gal1-3GalNAc-O-benzyl Galactosyl 1-3N-acetylgalactosaminide -O-benzyl - TBS Tris-HCl buffer 50mm pH 7.5 containing NaCl 0.15m and Tween 20 0.05% - B1 buffer TBS containing MgCl₂ 1mm, MnCl₂ 1mm and CaCl₂ 1mm     

The villous stroma of the human placenta

Summary In human placental villi the connective tissue is constructed by mesenchymal cells, small and large reticulum cells and fibroblasts. During early pregnancy mesenchymal cells dominate; starting with the third month of gestation the reticulum cells are in the majority within the terminal villi, the fibroblasts within the stem villi. Ultrastructurally intermediary types of cells can be differentiated. Together with reticular and collagenous fibres the reticulum cells form the basic architecture of the villous stroma during the first 2/3 of gestation: the reticular type of stroma. This consists of a network of cells and fibres with fetal vessels fitted in between. The remaining interspaces form a fluid system of compartments in which Hofbauer cells are suspended. They are called stromal channels. During the last trimester these channels and the Hofbauer cells as well are progressively replaced either by voluminous masses of fibres (fibrous type of stroma, mainly in the stem villi) or by sinusoidal enlargements of fetal capillaries (sinusoidal type of stroma, mainly in the terminal villi).Supported by grants from the Deutsche ForschungsgemeinschaftThe authors are indebted to Mrs. E. Böhm and Mrs. E. Schäfer for skilful technical assistance     

Interactions of γ-L-glutamyltaurine with excitatory aminoacidergic neurotransmission

The in vitro effects of -L-glutamyltaurine on different stages of excitatory aminoacidergic neurotransmission were tested with -D-glutamyltaurine as reference. -L-Glutamyltaurine enhanced the K⁺-stimulated release of [³H]glutamate from cerebral cortical slices (25% at 0.1 mM) and slightly inhibited the uptake by crude brain synaptosomal preparations (about 10% at 1 mM). -L-Glutamyltaurine was also a weak displacer of glutamate and its agonists from their binding sites in brain synaptic membrane preparations, being, however, less selective to quisqualate (QA) sites than -D-glutamyltaurine. The basal influx of Ca²⁺ into cultured cerebellar granular cells was not affected by 1 mM -L-glutamyltaurine, but the glutamate- and its agonist-activated influx was significantly inhibited in low-Mg²⁺ (0.1 mM) and Mg²⁺-free media. The glutamate-evoked increase in free intracellular Ca²⁺ and the kainate-activated formation of cGMP in cerebellar slices were both markedly inhibited by 0.1 mM -L-giutamyltaurine. We propose that -L-glutamyltaurine may act as endogenous modulator in excitatory aminoacidergic neurotransmission.     

Polyphosphoinositide mono- an diphosphoesterases of three subfractions of rat brain myelin

Phosphomonoesterase and diesterase that cleave phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (diphosphoinositide, DPI) and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (triphosphoinositide, TPI) were detected in three subfractions of purified rat brain myelin, and some properties of the enzymes were studied. Monoesterase activity was stimulated by KCl, maximally at a concentration of 25 mM, and inhibited at KCl concentrations above 50 mM. Addition of boiled pH 5 supernatant of rat brain homogenate doubled the enzymic activity; EDTA was inhibitory. The specific activities were nearly equal in the low density, medium density, and heavy density myelin fractions but about 30% lower than in whole brain homogenate. The monophosphatase could be solubilized by extraction with 0.2% Triton X-100. The phosphodiesterase activity was inhibited by EDTA and EGTA and not stimulated by KCl or pH 5 supernatant. Specific activities were nearly equal in whole brain and myelin but were by about 60 percent elevated in the heavy density over the low density myelin fraction. These results show that the hydrolases operative in the fast turnover of the inositide phosphate groups are distributed over the entire myelin structure.     

Synthesis of Gal-β-(1→4)-GlcNAc-β-(1→6)-[Gal-β- (1→3)]-GalNAc-α-OBn oligosaccharides bearing O-methyl or O-sulfo groups at C-3 of the Gal residue: specific acceptors for Gal: 3-O-sulfotransferases

Our recent studies have revealed the existence of two distinct Gal: 3-O-sulfotransferases capable of acting on the C-3 position of galactose in a Core 2 branched structure, e.g., Gal14GlcNAc16(Gal13)GalNac1OBenzyl as acceptor to give 3-O-sulfoGal14GlcNAc13(Gal13)GalNAc1OB 20 and Gal14GlcNAc16(3-O-sulfoGal13)GalNAc1OB 23. We herein report the synthesis of these two compounds and also that of other modified analogs that are highly specific acceptors for the two sulfotransferases. Appropriately protected 1-thio-glycosides 7, 8, and 10 were employed as glycosyl donors for the synthesis of our target compounds.     

Die Homologie des Perigons der Zingiberaceen Ein Beitrag zur Morphologie und Phylogenie des Monokotylen-Perigons

Nicolaia elatior is used as an example to demonstrate that the mucronate tepals ofZingiberaceae correspond to hypsophylls (bracts) consisting of a leaf sheath and a rudimentary Oberblatt (= leaf petiole + lamina) represented by the mucro. Evidence for this interpretation is furnished by all available criteria: leaf sequence (exhibiting a complete continuum of forms from foliage leaves over cata- and hypsophylls to the tepals), nervature, and ontogeny.The present conception is compared with the well-founded thesis ofLeinfellner that the perigone ofLiliaceae is derived from the androecium. The different morphological status of the perigone in both families is not regarded as the result of different phylogenetic origin, but as a manifestation of morphogenetic transgressions from one phyllome category to an adjacent one: In theLiliaceae the perigone is under a strong morphogenetic influence of the androecium, and therefore displays staminal characters, in theZingiberaceae it is under the dominating influence of the extrafloral region, and thus appears as a hypsophyllous structure. If this assumption of a morphologically oscillating perigone is correct, it will be fundamentally impossible to demonstrate unequivocally the phylogenetic origin of the monocotyledonous perigone.

Im wissenschaftlichen Werk Prof. Dr.Walter Leinfellners steht an erster Stelle die Morphologie der Blütenorgane. Als sein dankbarer Schüler möchte ich ihm aus Anlaß seines 70. Geburtstages die folgende Studie zu einem Thema zueignen, das ihn wie mich gleichermaßen angesprochen hat und schon Gegenstand der Forschungsarbeit des Jubilars war: die Homologie des Monokotylen-Perigons.     

Structural studies of the glycopeptides of B-chain of cinnamomin – a type II ribosome-inactivating protein by nuclear magnetic resonance

Cinnamomin is a plant type II ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) isolated from the seeds of Cinnamomum camphora. It consists of two nonidentical polypeptide chains (A- and B-chain) held together through one disulfide linkage. Its A- and B-chain contain 0.3% and 3.9% sugars respectively. The B-chain of cinnamomin was digested by pronase E and then the liberated glycopeptides were separated from non-glycopeptides by gel filtration chromatography on a Bio-Gel P-4 column. Three crude glycopeptides were obtained by continuing chromatography over anion-exchange resin (AG1-X2) in the buffer of 2% pyridine-acetic acid (pH 8.3) with a polygradient elution system. Through further purification by the gel filtration chromatography and HPLC, three major glycopeptides, GP1, GP2 and GP3 were obtained. Mainly by two-dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) including TOCSY, DQF-COSY, NOESY, HMQC and HMBC, their primary structures were analyzed as: Man1,3Man1,6(Man1,3)(Xyl1,2)Man1,4GlcNAc1,4GlcNAc1-(Gly-)Asn-Asn-Thr(GP1), Man1,6(Man1,3)(Xyl1,2)Man1,4GlcNAc1,4(Fuc1,3)GlcNAc1-Asn-Ala-Thr(GP2),Man1,6(Man1,3)Man1,6(Man1,2 Man1,3)Man1,4GlcNAc1,4GlcNAc1-(Ala-)Asn-Gly-Thr(GP3).     

Factors affecting facultative polygyny and breeding results in the Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)

Summary In a population of Great Reed Warbler (42–53 stationary males) the sex ratio was balanced and occurence of polygynous males (on average 15 % of the males) was more or less compensated by respective number of unmated males. Prospective polygynists arrived earlier in spring on average than monogamists, and got the first female quicker. Their territories were larger (statistically insignificant) and more often situated close to good foraging grounds. The reeds around primary female nests were on average thicker (and taller) and not so dense as in the case of monogamous, secondary and tertiary females. The intensity of nestling feeding (no. of visits per nestling per hour) was higher in the nests of monogamous females, than in primary females, and lowest in secondary and tertiary females nests. Nestlings in secondary and tertiary female broods were on average lighter than in monogamous and primary female broods. The male helped feed nestlings in secondary female nest only exceptionally. In monogamous situation their share in feeding was ca. 50%, and less so in primary female nests. Production of fledglings per female was highest in primary females and lowest in secondary and tertiary females, mainly due to the high starvation rate in the nests of secondary and tertiary females. Generally, collected data strongly suggest that female choice is determined by territory quality, and polygyny threshold hypothesis cannot be rejected. The deception hypothesis cannot be rejected as well in some observed special situations (disruptive territories or polyterritoriality; four cases).

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Voraussetzungen für fakultative Polygynie beim Drosselrohrsänger (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)

Zusammenfassung Das Geschlechterverhältnis in der untersuchten Drosselrohrsänger-Population von 42 bis 53 war ausgeglichen. Das Auftreten polygyner (durchschnittlich 15 % der ) wurde mehr oder weniger durch eine entsprechende Anzahl unverpaarter kompensiert. Prospektiv polygyne kamen durchschnittlich früher an als monogame und waren schneller verpaart. Ihre Reviere waren (statistisch nicht signifikant) größer und lagen näher zu günstigen Nahrungsgebieten. Das Schilf in der Nähe der Nester von Erst- war durchschnittlich dicker (und höher) als und nicht so dicht wie bei Einzel- oder Zweit- und Dritt- . Die Fütterungsfrequenz der Nestlinge (Anzahl der Besuche beider Altvögel mit Futter pro Nestling pro Stunde) war bei Nestern von Einzel- höher als bei Erst- und am niedrigsten bei Nestern von Zweit- und Dritt-. Nestlinge von Zweit- und Dritt- waren durchschnittlich leichter als solche von Einzel-und Erst- . halfen nur ausnahmsweise bei der Fütterung von Nestlingen von Zweit- . Bei monogamen Paaren beteiligten sich die ungefähr zur Hälfte an der Fütterung der Nestlinge, bei Nestern von Erst- in geringerem Umfang. Der Ausfliegeerfolg war am höchsten beim Erst- und am niedrigsten bei Zweit- und Dritt- , hauptsächlich bedingt durch Verhungern der Nestlinge. Allgemein legen die Daten nahe, da\ die die nach der Revierqualität auswählen und daß das Polygynieschwellenmodell vonOrians undVerner nicht abgelehnt werden kann. Einige Beobachtungen stützen die Hypothese, daß in bestimmten Situationen (unübersichtliche Reviere, Polyterritorialität) durch Täuschung polygyn werden.

     

Upper limit on translational diffusion of visual pigment in intact unfixed barnacle photoreceptors

Translational diffusion of pigment molecules in the disc membranes of amphibian rod outer segments is in the range of 10 /10 s. Recently, Goldsmith and Wehner set an upper limit of 10 /20 min to the diffusion in isolated formaldehyde-fixed rhabdoms of crayfish. We have now used the early receptor potential (ERP) to study the diffusion in intact, unfixed barnacle photoreceptors. The ERP from a cell fully adapted to blue light (most of the pigment in the rhodopsin state) was changed by 8–22% of its maximum change when the pigment in a 30 m spot was (almost) completely shifted to the metarhodopsin state by red laser adaptation. Further red illumination of the same spot 30 min later produced only a limited further change in the ERP (attributable to light scatter), showing that R had not migrated into the spot. It is concluded that the visual pigment diffuses by less than 30 /30 min.Based on material presented at the European Neurosciences Meeting, Florence, September 1978     

Cytochemical and ultrastructural studies on normal and segregated nucleoli in meristematic cells

Summary The location of the two nucleolar components, in meristematic root tip cells ofAllium cepa has been studied. The segregation of granular and fibrous components of the nucleoli was induced by adenosine-3deoxyriboside. The relationship between the ultrastructure and the stain affinities of both nucleolar regions has been determined by using different selective nucleolar stains.The pars fibrosa appears positive in the silver, lead, zinc, and methylen blue stains and shows a high ATPase activity.     

Microbial production of natural δ-decalactone and δ-dodecalactone from the corresponding α,β-unsaturated lactones in Massoi bark oil

Summary The hydrogenation of ,-unsaturated Massoi lactones to natural -lactones by various microorganisms belonging to the Basidiomycetes and by Saccharomyces ce cerevisiae has been studied. Natural -decalactone is an important constituent of several natural flavourings. Process parameters for the hydrogenation by baker's yeast have been characterized on a 2-1 fermentation scale. High hydrogenation activity by baker's yeast was observed at pH 5.5, a temperature of 35° C, no oxygen limitation and constant addition of glucose. By stepwise addition of 2-decen-5-olide about 1.2 g/l of 5-decanolide could be obtained in a fermentation of 16 h. The same concentration could be obtained in 8 h by adding all the substrate at once (1.7 g/l) in the presence of 2% cyclodextrin.Offprint requests to: P. H. van der Schaft     

Klassifizierung mariner,brackiger und limnischer Grundwasserbiotope

Zusammenfassung 1. Das Küstengrundwasser stellt einen Übergangsbereich zwischen limnischen und marin beeinflußten Grundwasserbiotopen dar.2. Im limnischen, brackigen und marinen Mesopsammal beziehungsweise Mesopsephal wirken dieselben ökologischen Hauptfaktoren: Lichtlosigkeit und Ausmaß der Kavernengeräumigkeit. Diese ökologische Gemeinsamkeit gibt Anlaß, eine Gliederung der limnischen Grundwasserbiotope (Husmann 1966) zu einer Typologie der Gesamtheit limnischer, brackiger und mariner Subterranbiotope zu erweitern.3. Zur Gliederung der limnischen Grundwässer wird die Beschaffenheit des grundwasserführenden Substrates jeweils mit der Art und Weise zönologischer Einflüsse aus Oberflächengewässern, oder mit dem Fehlen derartiger Kontakte, in Beziehung gesetzt. Dabei ergeben sich die in Abbildung 1 genannten Bezeichnungen limnischer unterirdischer Biotope.4. Für eine Typologie der marin beeinflußten Interstitialgewässer — Thalassopsammal, Thalassopsephal — wird die Salinität des Interstitialwassers hinzugezogen.5. Unter Berücksichtigung der Vorbehalte vonDen Hartog (1964) wird dem Venedig-System hierzu nur beschränkte Geeignetheit zuerkannt.6. Eine Heranziehung des Venedig-Systems beschränkt sich auf Grundwasserbiotope der Meeresküste mit besonders ausgeprägter Stabilität der Salinität. Ein Beispiel für eine derartige Besonderheit gibt Abbildung 1.7. Eine Kombination der vorgeschlagenen Bezeichnungen brackiger Interstitialgewässer mit dem Typologischen System der Brackwässer (Den Hartog 1964) erscheint nach Möglichkeit angebracht. Beispiel: Lagunäres (mixo-)oligohalines Thalassopsammal.

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Classification of marine, brackish and limnic groundwater biotopes

The oligohaline groundwater of marine beaches (Küstengrundwasser;Remane) represents an ecological zone of contact between limnic and marine groundwater biotopes. In the Küstengrundwasser and in all other brackish, marine and limnic interstitial waters there are two principal ecological factors: darkness and dimension of interstitial volume. These ecological conditions suggest a comprehensive classification of limnic, brackish and marine groundwater biotopes (except saline subterranean inland waters). Freshwater subterranean biotopes are classified in regard to the nature of the substrate containing groundwater, and the nature of contact with surface waters. The classification of subterranean biotopes influenced by marine conditions is based on the same factors plus salinity of the interstitial water. The Venice system for classification of brackish water is considered to be of limited value. In general, brackish subterranean waters should only be classified as: oligohaline, mesohaline or polyhaline thalassopsammal. The usefulness of the Venice system classification is limited to marine-influenced groundwater biotopes with an extremely stable salinity.

     

Interactions between anion exchange and other membrane proteins in rabbit kidney medullary collecting duct cells

Summary In separated outer medullary collecting duct (MCD) cells, the time course of binding of the fluorescent stilbene anion exchange inhibitor, DBDS (4,4-dibenzamido-2,2-stilbene disulfonate), to the MCD cell analog of band 3, the red blood cell (rbc) anion exchange protein, can be measured by the stopped-flow method and the reaction time constant, _DBDS, can be used to report on the conformational state of the band 3 analog. In order to validate the method we have now shown that the ID_50,DBDS,MCD (0.5±0.1 m) for the H₂-DIDS (4,4-diisothiocyano-2,2-dihydrostilbene disulfonate) inhibition of _DBDS is in agreement with the ID_50,Cl ^–,_MCD (0.94±0.07 m) for H₂-DIDS inhibition of MCD cell Cl^– flux, thus relating _DBDS directly to anion exchange. The specific cardiac glycoside cation transport inhibitor, ouabain, not only modulates DBDS binding kinetics, but also increases the time constant for Cl^– exchange by a factor of two, from _Cl=0.30±0.02 sec to 0.56±0.06 sec (30mm NaHCO₃). The ID_50,DBDS,MCD for the ouabain effect on DBDS binding kinetics is 0.003±0.001 m, so that binding is about an order of magnitude tighter than that for inhibition of rbc K⁺ flux (K _I,K ⁺,_rbc=0.017 m). These experiments indicate that the Na⁺,K^–-ATPase, required to maintain cation gradients across the MCD cell membrane, is close enough to the band 3 analog that conformational information can be exchanged. Cytochalasin E (CE), which binds to the spectrin/actin complex in rbc and other cells, modulates DBDS binding kinetics with a physiological ID_50,DBDS,MCD (0.076±0.005 m); 2 m CE also more than doubles the Cl^– exchange time constant from 0.20±0.04 sec to 0.50±0.08 sec (30mm NaHCO₃). These experiments indicate that conformational information can also be exchanged between the MCD cell band 3 analog and the MCD cell cytoskeleton.