Notes on the ontogeny and structure of the seed-coat of Sclerocarya birrea (Richard) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sonder) Kokwaro (Anacardiaceae)

The pendulous, bitegmic, anatropous ovulr with dorsal raphe is suspended at the tip of a massive funicle. A group of nurellar cells with intensively staining cell walls, the hypostase sensu stricto , is present. The initially plate-like tanniniferous chalazal-nucellar tissue, with suberin and lignin impregnated cell walls represents a hypostase sensu lato . The mature seed-coat is formed by the raphe, extensive chalaza, adjacent, well-developed, cup-like hypostase sensu lato , remnants of the two integuments and a cuticular layer. The exalbuminous seed of Sclerocarya birrea suhsp. caffra (the Marula), is regarded to he a derived and phylogenetically advanced type. The undifferentiated seed-roat is very similar to that found in Lannea discolor which, like the marula, belongs to the tribe Spondieae. The similarities in the structure of the seed-coat and seed of the marula and L. discolor confirm their proposed close phylogenetir relationship.     

Studies on surfactant-biopolymer interaction. I. Microcalorimetric investigation on the interaction of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) with gelatin (Gn), lysozyme (Lz) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

The interaction of the surfactants cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) with the biopolymers gelatin (Gn), lysozyme (Lz) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was studied by isothermal titration microcalorimetry at varied biopolymer concentration, pH and temperature. The nature of interaction of the surfactants with the biopolymers was assessed from the observed enthalpy-[surfactant] profiles. The biopolymer-induced aggregation of the surfactants was observed. The enthalpies of aggregation of amphiphiles, binding of aggregates with macromolecules, organisational change of bound aggregates, and threshold concentrations for micelle formation of surfactants in the presence of biopolymers were estimated. The results collected on the three biopolymers were analysed and compared.     

Investigations on the content of steroidal alkaloids and sapogenins withinSolanum sect.Solanum ( = sect.Morella) (Solanaceae)

Plant material of 55 strains from 32 species ofSolanum sect.Solanum ( = sect.Morella) has been investigated for the content of steroidal alkaloids and sapogenins. The leaf-extracts of all species contain diosgenin resp. tigogenin or both together in considerable amount. On the contrary the characteristic steroidal alkaloid solasodine was absent in these samples. For 29 species the presence of steroidal sapogenins has been proved for the first time. In unripe fruits, however, solasodine could be detected in most of the species examined. New occurences of solasodine are reported for seven further species. These chemical results may contribute to a better comprehension of the difficult genusSolanum.—Ontogenetic studies on different organs ofS. atriplicifolium show the relationship between accumulation of steroidal compounds and plant maturity.     

Distribution and sampling of Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lep., Pyralidae) larvae on Lonchocarpus sericeus (Poir) H.B. and K.

Abstract:   The spatio-temporal distribution of the pod borer Maruca vitrata was assessed on Lonchocarpus sericeus over a period of 6 months, in order to develop sampling plans and facilitate sampling on this host plant. Lonchocarpus sericeus , one of the preferred alternative host plants of M. vitrata is widely spread in Benin and should therefore be included in the ecological management of the insect. Some experiments were conducted at an ecological site in south Benin, where L. sericeus can be found. The analysis of 17 weekly samples showed that tree canopy did not have a significant effect (P=0.3471) on larval distribution. Significant differences (P=0.0001) were obtained between the sizes of flowers (10, 20, 30 and 40 racemes). Geographical quadrants consisting of the upper east branches, lower east branches, upper west branches and lower west branches did not differ significantly (P=0.8713). The time of infestation of L. sericeus by M. vitrata was investigated by taking samples every 2 days. Data analysis of these samples revealed that L. sericeus was infested at the open flower stage. Temporal distribution of larvae showed the greatest abundance of larvae occurred in June. The index of aggregation was 1.37 with the T aylor law and 1.26 with the Iwao procedure. These values showed that the larval dispersion pattern is negative binomial. On this basis, sequential sampling plans were developed and these could permit an accurate estimate of tree data for sampling .     

Influence of gonadotropin (FSH + LH) and thyrotropin (TSH) on the multiplication of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Impact of the age of the culture.

CHO cells repeatedly treated with gonadotropin showed peak division rates after their third exposure and a decrease in the mitotic rate after their fourth exposure. Thyrotropin induced a considerable decrease in the mitotic rate following the first exposure, a significant increase after the second and a further decrease following the third and fourth exposures. The pattern did not differ between the two hormones when the cells were exposed further. The age (density of the cell cultures) had an appreciable influence on hormone-provoked changes in the mitotic rate, this differing only in intensity and never in the response following the initial re-exposure.     

Conformational studies on sequential polypeptides. Part V. Synthesis and characterization of (Pro-Leu-Gly)10, (Pro-LeuqGly)n and (Leu-Pro-Gly)n.

Syntheses of (Pro-Leu-Gly)n and (Leu-Pro-Gly)n, two synthetic polytripeptide analogues of the non-polar regions of collagen, via the corresponding tripeptide p-nitrophenyl-esters are described. The sequential polypeptide (Pro-Leu-Gly)10 was also obtained by solid-phase synthesis. In the following paper, conformational investigations on these polymers, both in solution and in solid state, will be described.     

鼻优草螽和苍白优草螽鸣声和发声器的研究

鼻优草螽[Euconocephalus nasutus(Thunberg)]和苍白优草螽[Euconocephalus pallidus (Redtenbacher)]外形相似,但其鸣声特征和发声器的结构明显不同。鼻优草螽鸣声的每个脉冲组由4个脉冲串构成。脉冲组持续时间4．5ms脉冲组间隔为1．8ms,主能峰频率为11．37kHz。苍白优草螽鸣声的每个脉冲组仅由1个脉冲串构成,脉冲组持续时间1．6ms,脉冲组间隔为4．3ms,主能峰频率为11．03kHz,鼻优草螽发声锉较弯曲,中部稍粗壮,两端稍细,苍白优草螽发声锉较直,呈棒状。     

Studies on the Karyotypes and C-Banding Patterns of Chinese Kale (Brassica alboglabra ) and Cabbage ( B. oleraca var.eapitata)

The karyotypes of B. alboglabra and B. oleracea var. capitata were analyzed by an improved technique. The diploids of the two species consist of 4 pairs of metacentric and 5 pairs of submetacentric chromosomes (1 pair of satellites). The karyotype formula is summarized as 2n =18=8m+10sm (2 SAT). But the relative positions of some similar chromosomes are different in the genomes. Four kinds of satellites were observed in B. oleracea var. capitata. C-banding patterns were obtained by BSG C-banding. The C-banding formula is: 2n= 18=CITS pattern = 10C+2CI+ +4CT+ +2CS for B. alboglabra, and 2n= 18=CITS pattern = 8C+2CI +6CT+ + 2CS for B. oleracea var. capitata. The relationship between B. alboglabra and B. oleracea was discussed based on the chromosomal characteristics.     

Kinetic studies on the interaction of gold (III) with nucleic acids. IV. RNA-Au (III) system.

The kinetics of the interaction of Au(III) with whole yeast RNA has been studied using UV-spectrophotometry. The reaction is second order with respect to the nucleotide unit of RNA and first order with respect to Au(III) in the respective stoichiometry of 2 : 1. The effects of initial composition, temperature, ionic strength, pH and chloride ion on the kinetics have been studied. Activation energy is found to be 11.5 kcal/mol. Effect of ionic strength indicates that both the positively charged and neutral species of Au(III) take part in the rate limiting step, the former being dominant at low ionic strength. A plausible mechanism has been proposed which involves the interaction of two nucleotide units of RNA with one species of Au(III) in the rate limiting step.     

Dilatory and inotropic effects of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) on the isolated heart. Effects on atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) release.

The effects of CRF administration on cardiac performance, coronary flow and ANP release were investigated in the rat heart. Isolated hearts were perfused at a constant filling pressure according to working heart model with a Krebs-Henseleit solution containing glucose and insulin, saturated with a gas mixture containing 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Administration of CRF via a cannula into the left atrium elicited a prolonged increase in the coronary flow rate and a transient increase in the aortic pressure resulting in an overall increase in the pressure-volume work. The oxygen consumption, after the administration of CRF, increased in accordance with the cardiac effort. No changes were observed in the spontaneous heart rate. Furthermore, administration of CRF induced a short-term increase of ANP release into the coronary perfusate. Our experiments suggest that administration of CRF produces a prolonged dilatory effect on the coronary arteries while producing a transient positive inotropic effect and a transient increase of ANP release on the isolated rat heart.     

Conformational studies on sequential polypeptides Part VI. Structural investigations on (Pro-Leu-Gly)10, (Pro-Leu-Gly)n and (Leu-Pro-Gly)n.

The conformational properties of (Pro-Leu-Gly)10, (Pro-Leu-Gly)n and (Leu-Pro-Gly)n were investigated both in solution and in solid state. By circular dichroism studies it was possible to demonstrate the formation of an ordered collagen-like structure for (Pro-Leu-Gly)n in hexafluroisopropanol-water mixtures and in ethylene glycol; (Leu-Pro-Gly)n assumes an ordered conformation only in ethylene glycol; (Pro-Leu-Gly)10 is unordered under all the conditions studied. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that (Pro-Leu-Gly)n and (Leu-Pro-Gly)n assume a triple helical structure in solid state. In addition, the investigation of (Pro-Leu-Gly)n strongly suggests that this type of structure is a single chain triple helix. The X-ray patterns of (Pro-Leu-Gly)10 do not allow us to ascertain a collagen or polyproline II-like structure for this decatripeptide.     

Effect of (2-chloroethyl) trimethylammonium chloride (CCC) and gibberellic acid (GA3) on the flowering ofChenopodium rubrum L.

U rostliny krátkého dne Chenopodium rubrum L. se dá kvetení indukovat íty?mi 16hodinovými cykly tmy ji? 5 dní po vyklí?ení. Aplikace CCC v koncentraci 2.10^-3mvpr?běhu indukce kvetení zadr?uje a toté? piatí pro GA₃ i tehdy, je-li podáván ve velmi nízkých koncentracích (0,1 a? 0,01 mg/l). Av?ak sou?asná aplikace obou těchto látek v uvedených koncentracích vede k úplné reversi inhibice. Po p?enesení rostlin z média, obsahujícího CCC, na ?istý ?ivný roztok, inhibi?ní ú?inek CCC rychle zmizí a p?echází v slabou stimulaci. Na?e výsledky ukazují, ?e giberelin se zú?astňuje proces? kvetení i u rostliny krátkého dne.     

Studies on the characterization of the Rho(D) antigen.

The Rho(D) antigen of red cell membranes was solubilized using ethylene-diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 2-mercaptoethanol. The solubilized antigen was partially separated from other solubilized membrane components using molecular filtration. The antigen was treated with various enzymes to learn some of the chemical characteristics. It was found that the activity of the antigen, as measured by hemagglutination inhibition, was not affected by bee venom phospholipase A, Clostridium welchii phospholipase C, calf-intestinal alkaline phosphatase, Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase, pig kidney leucine aminopeptidase, bovine pancreatic carboxypeptidase A, and pig pancreatic carboxypeptidase B. However, the proteolytic enzymes, pronase, trypsin, chymotrypsin and papain, did destroy Rho(D) activity as measured by hemagglutination inhibition. These results indicate that protein is an important part of the active determinant of the Rho(D) antigen. The experiments by other investigators have shown that lipid is important to maintain the Rho(D) activity in the intact membrane; lipid probably helps to maintain the structural conformation of the Rho(D) molecule in its natural environment. The solubilized Rho(D) molecules are apparently not dependent on lipid for their Rho(D) activity.     

Interaction of metal ions with polynucleotides and related compounds. X. Studies on the reaction of silver (I) with the nucleosides and polynucleotides, and the effect of silver(I) on the zinc(II) degradation of polynucleotides

Potentiometric titration curves of the silver(I) complexes of cytidine, adenosine, and uridine show little uptake of base below pH 7, unlike the curve for silver(I)-guanosine, which shows extensive base uptake at neutral pH. This observation is correlated with spectrophotometric data showing little difference between the silver complex spectra of adenosine, cytidine, and uridine and the spectra of uncomplexed nucleosides, except at high pH, but showing a great difference between the silver complex spectra of guanosine and inosine and the corresponding uncomplexed nucleosides even at pH 6. Similar comparisons of the silver complexes of poly A, poly C, poly I, and poly U, both by potentiometric titration and by spectrophotometry, show that poly I behaves like guanosine and inosine as expected, differing from poly A and poly C. However, poly U behaves like poly I and thus does not resemble uridine in its complexing behavior. There is thus a dichotomy between poly A and poly C on the one hand in silver complexing phenomena, compared with poly U and poly I on the other. When silver(I) is added to systems containing zinc(II) and various polynucleotides, the same dichotomy is noted. Silver(I) inhibits the degradation by zinc(II) of all four polynucleotides, but the degradation of poly I and poly U is prevented virtually completely. Silver(I) alone has no degradative effect on RNA and inhibits, the zinc(II) degradation of RNA. Polynucleotide complexes in which silver(I) and zinc(II) are simultaneously bound to different positions on the macromolecules are postulated as intermediates in the inhibited degradation reactions.     

One- and two-dimensional NMR studies on the conformation of DNA containing the oligo(dA)oligo(dT) tract.

The resonances of the imino protons and all of the non-exchangeable protons (except for H5'/H5') of d(CGCAAAAAAGCG)d(CGCTTTTTTGCG) have been assigned by means of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopies. Qualitative analyses showed that the overall structure is of the B-form, but local conformational deviations exist. The NOEs between the imino protons of thymines and H2 of adenines suggest that the A-T base pairs are propeller-twisted to almost the same degree as in crystals. A remarkable chemical shift of H1' was observed for the residue located just before the oligo(dA)oligo(dT) tract, suggesting the presence of conformational discontinuity at the junctions between the oligo(dA)oligo(dT) tract and the other portions. Analyses of cross peaks in NOESY spectra between H2 of adenines and H1' of the 3'-neighbouring residues on the complementary strand revealed that the minor groove of the oligo(dA)oligo(dT) tract is narrow and compressed gradually, from 5' to 3', along the tract.