Meeting report – Copper research at the top

In this brief paper, the author reports on a meeting on copper research (2nd International Meeting on Copper Homeostasis and its Disorders: Molecular and Cellular Aspects) recently held in Ravello, Italy (17–21 September 1999). Aimed at elucidating the diverse roles played by copper ions in biology and medicine, as they are currently intensely investigated worldwide, the meeting has been organized around a number of major topics from prominent areas of copper research. These included the molecular and cellular basis of copper transport, molecular advances in Menkes and Wilson's diseases, the involvement of copper in neurodegenerative diseases, the structure and function of copper metalloproteins.     

Investigations on insects. XI. Carotenoids in some cave-dwelling insects.

The presence of carotenoids in Catopus tritis infernus Szymanowski 1957 and Choleva lederiana gracilenta Szymanowski 1957 from a cave was studies, using columnar and thin-layer chromatography. Qualitative and quantitative differences in the carotenoid content of these insect species were found.     

STUDIES ON SOIL POPULATION OF CONTARINIA PISI WINN. IN 1957 IN YORKSHIRE AND LANCASHIRE

For studying the population of pea-midge cocoons, larvae and pupae in the soil, a new method of examining the 'float' obtained from washing soil through the wet-extraction apparatus is described.
Examination of soil samples in the summer of 1957 from fields which carried heavily attacked pea crops in 1956 indicated that pupae were present at depths of 0–3, 3–6, 6–9 in., respectively, from 18 June onwards, and that the peak emergence of midges was in the period 28 June-2 July; observations on adult activity in pea fields confirmed this. Small numbers of pupae were recovered throughout July.
Similar studies on pea fields in 1957 showed the build-up of the cocoon population and the rate of pupation of this generation of larvae. The first flight of 1957 was composed of individuals from the 1956 generation and was far larger than the second flight, which was composed of some 1956 generation and part of the first 1957 generation.
There were indications that increases of temperature might accelerate pupation with a resulting earlier emergence of adults.
The size of midge populations recorded from soil from green pea and dry-harvesting pea fields tended to be similar and appeared to be related to sowing date.     

OPERATIONS ON THE MIDDLE EAR AND MASTOID—Changing Aspects of Treatment in Chronic Active Disease

From 1953 to 1957, inclusive, 373 patients were operated on for chronic mastoid disease at the Mayo Clinic. Mainly because of the extensive use of magnifying glasses and microscopes, through these years, closer attention has been given to the preservation or improvement of hearing by meticulous procedures on the structures of the middle ear and the use of skin grafts. It is stressed, however, that it is extremely important to eradicate the underlying disease. Illustrative cases to represent different types of procedures are presented. The author recommends closer attention to the condition of the round window in the future.     

Operations on the middle ear and mastoid

From 1953 to 1957, inclusive, 373 patients were operated on for chronic mastoid disease at the Mayo Clinic. Mainly because of the extensive use of magnifying glasses and microscopes, through these years, closer attention has been given to the preservation or improvement of hearing by meticulous procedures on the structures of the middle ear and the use of skin grafts. It is stressed, however, that it is extremely important to eradicate the underlying disease. Illustrative cases to represent different types of procedures are presented. The author recommends closer attention to the condition of the round window in the future.     

Two new Typhloreicheia species from Sardinia and their biogeographical significance (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Scaritinae)

Typhloreicheia monachasp. n. and Typhloreicheia ilianaesp. n. are described from two caves of Central-Eastern Sardinia (Nuoro province): the Bue Marino cave and the Nurra 'e Pradu cave, respectively. Both caves are located in the part of the island where many highly specialised subterranean carabid beetles are localised. Typhloreicheia monacha is apparently related to two other species of the same area, i.e. Typhloreicheia onnisi Casale & Magrini, 2004 and Typhloreicheia elegans (Dodero, 1916); Typhloreicheia ilianae is closely related to Typhloreicheia henroti Jeannel, 1957, known from a cave near Dorgali. Relationships and diagnostic features among these taxa are discussed and illustrated, and a key for identification of the specialised subterranean Typhloreicheia species of Sardinia is provided. The hypothesis of adaptive radiation of Reicheiina species in Sardinia, recently proposed by the senior author of this contribution, is further elaborated in light of new data.     

峡东地区庙坡组栉虫类、宝石虫类和斜视虫类三叶虫

系统描述湖北宜昌和秭归新滩晚奥陶世庙坡组三叶虫动物群中的３科６属６种。根据化石保存状态,挤压变形以及个体发育特征,对前人所报道的产于同一层位的有并三叶虫的研究成果作了重新厘定。     

Reevaluation of the odd chrysidid genus Atoposega Krombein (Hymenoptera,Chrysididae, Amiseginae)

The south Asian amisegine genus Atoposega Krombein, 1957, is reevaluated. Three new species, A. rufithorax, A. striata and A. thailandica are described from Thailand and the previously described species, A. lineata (Krombein, 1957) from Borneo, A. rieki (Krombein, 1957) from Myanmar and A. simulans Kimsey, 1986 from Malaysia are redescribed. The species, A. decorata Kimsey, 1995, was found to lack the generic characters diagnostic for Atoposega. Atoposega is only known from females.     

鸡西市1957-2003年麻疹流行特征分析

目的:了解鸡西市麻疹流行病学特征,探讨控制麻疹的策略。方法:采用描述流行病学,对鸡西市1957～2003年麻疹发病及死亡情况进行分析。结果:1957～1966年麻疹发病呈高发状态,年平均发病率为1280.03/10万,每年1～6月份发病占病例总数的83.09%,使用麻疹疫苗前具有明显的周期性,每隔3～4年出现1个发病高峰,使用麻疹疫苗后整个流行呈明显下降态势;发病主要集中在1～7岁年龄组,占84.09%,男女性别比为1.27:1。结论:实施计划免疫对控制麻疹疫情效果显著,为控制麻疹疫情应继续加强麻疹疫苗的常规免疫,适时开展强化免疫,加强麻疹监测与报告。     

SPECIAL PAPER: THE PLASTOCHRON INDEX: A REVIEW AFTER TWO DECADES OF USE

The plastochron index provides a morphological time scale which has proved more reliable than chronological age in studies relating morphological and physiological development of a whole plant or plant organ. Since its inception in 1957, the index has been utilized in a variety of investigations from leaf ontogeny in cottonwood trees to rhizoid cluster initiation in algae. The plastochron index has been extensively used in studies involving source and sink relationships, leaf anatomy, cell differentiation, and primary vascularization. It has been used in investigations of hormonal regulation of plant growth and in studies of the effects of various environmental factors on developmental processes in crops. This paper reviews some of the literature from 1957 to present concerning the development and use of the plastochron index.     

综述:金属离子代谢平衡失调与阿尔茨海默病早期发病机制

研究表明,脑内金属离子代谢失衡与阿尔茨海默病(AD)有关,但其机理尚需深入探讨．结合本实验室研究结果,作者对金属离子代谢紊乱与氧化应激,金属离子代谢紊乱与β-淀粉样蛋白、转铁蛋白和转铁蛋白受体、铁调节蛋白、二价金属离子转运体以及天然抗氧化剂通过调节金属离子代谢平衡缓解β-淀粉样蛋白的毒性和保护细胞的作用进行探讨．提出：铁、铜等金属离子缺乏可能主要与AD早期关系密切,而铁、铜等金属离子过载可能主要与AD后期损伤关系密切的学术观点．     

CYSTIC FIBROSIS

To determine the actual number of deaths from cystic fibrosis reported in 1957 in California, all death certificates mentioning any one of the various terms used to describe the condition were reviewed.As a cause of death, cystic fibrosis is infrequently mentioned on death certificates. In 1957, only 42 of a total of 124,082 death certificates mentioned cystic fibrosis. Half of the deaths occurred in persons less than 12 months of age. There was no significant difference by sex between deaths due to cystic fibrosis and deaths from all causes. All deaths occurred in the white population.     

Complete nucleotide sequence of tbuD, the gene encoding phenol/cresol hydroxylase from Pseudomonas pickettii PKO1, and functional analysis of the encoded enzyme.

The gene (tbuD) encoding phenol hydroxylase, the enzyme that converts cresols or phenol to the corresponding catechols, has been cloned from Pseudomonas pickettii PKO1 as a 26.5-kbp BamHI-cleaved DNA fragment, designated pRO1957, which allowed the heterogenetic recipient Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1c to grow on phenol as the sole source of carbon. Two subclones of pRO1957 carried in trans have shown phenol hydroxylase activity in cell extracts of P. aeruginosa. The nucleotide sequence was determined for one of these subclones, a 3.1-kbp HindIII fragment, and an open reading frame that would encode a peptide of 73 kDa was found. The size of this deduced peptide is consistent with the size of a novel peptide that had been detected in extracts of phenol-induced cells of P. aeruginosa carrying pRO1959, a partial HindIII deletion subclone of pRO1957. Phenol hydroxylase purified from phenol-plus-Casamino Acid-grown cells of P. aeruginosa carrying pRO1959 has an absorbance spectrum characteristic of a simple flavoprotein; moreover, the enzyme exhibits a broad substrate range, accommodating phenol and the three isomers of cresol equally well. Sequence comparisons revealed little overall homology with other flavoprotein hydroxylases, supporting the novelty of this enzyme, although three conserved domains were apparent.     

陕西水牛化石及中国化石水牛的地理分布和种系发生

描述并比较了在陕西大荔、咸阳发现的水牛化石,一为Ｂｕｂａｌｕｓ ｔｅｉｌｈａｒｄｉ,与周口店第一地点的相近。另一为Ｂ． ｙｏｕｎｇｉ,与河南孟县的相似。水牛化石在中国的分布至今仍集中在中一东部,南、北方都有,其栖息环境与现代水牛的基本一样,生活在温暖、湿润的环境中。用支序系统学方法分析了中国化石水牛的种系发生。     

TAXONOMIC STUDIES OF SOME HYLID FROGS OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW GUINEA

The taxonomic status of the Hylid frogs Hyla serrata Andersson and H. nannotis Andersson of Queensland, and H. eucnemis Lönnberg and H. obsoleta Lönnberg of New Guinea has been the subject of controversy, Loveridge (1935), Copland (1957), Moore (1961).
The author has examined the type specimens of the above species and all other available material in an attempt to clarify their taxonomic status. On the basis of this investigation of morphological variation, the following changes to currently recognized generic and specific names are proposed:
Hyla obsoleta Lönnberg = Nyctimystes obsoleta (Lönnberg),
Hyla rhacophorus Van Kampen = Hyla eucnemis Lönnberg,
Hyla serrata Andersson = Hyla eucnemis Lönnberg.     

THE GEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SINACANTHUS FROM TARIM, CHINA

TheSinacanthusfossiIlocalitieswererestrictedtotheYangtzeregionbeforethediscoveryoftheTarimfossils.TheyusedtobereferredtoasDevonianorEarlyDevonianinage,butlaterdiscoverieshavedemostratedthattheageofSinacanthus-bearingbedsshou1dbeSilurian(Li,198O).In1988,fiveSinacanthusfossill,edswerefoundintheTataertagPormationofKalping,NWTarimandtheageoftheTataertagFormationwasconsideredMiddle-LateSilurian(Table2).Inthesummerofl992,WangJunqing,ZhuMinandtheauthorofthispaperfoundalotoffossilfinspinesi…     

Die Artmächtigkeitsschwankungen in Einem Nordwestdeutschen Enzian- Zwenkenrasen II

Summary A permanent quadrat of 3 sq metres was laid down in a Gentiano-Koelerietum stand located in the Beckumer mountains (Westphalia) in 1957 (cf.Vegetatio, Vol. XI, 1963, Fasc. 4; 237–40). The relevés made each year from 1957–61 as also from 1962–66 (see table) gave the following results:Many species, especially the perennials, fluctuate little in their quantity over the years. Some plants continuously decrease or increase in number. An example of this isBrachypodium pinnatum which continuously decreased from 1957 to 1966. This decrease is most probably the result of an increase in the rabbit population after the Myxomatosis epidemic of 1956. Other species, especially the annuals, fluctuate irregularly in abundance. These fluctuations depend on fluctuations of climatic factors. In this wayGentiana germanica andLinum catharticum decrease enormously after dry periods during the spring or summer. They increase again after wet summers.     

Computer analysis of Staphylococcus aureus phage typing data from 1957 to 1975, citing epidemiological trends and natural evolution within the phage typing system

Computer analysis of Staphylococcus aureus phage ty ping data collected for over 18 years in a large research hospital showed a drastic decrease in the number of hospital epidemic strains. Phage lysis patterns gradually modified from those of earlier years and were a reflection of changes within the S. aureus reservoir, and not within the typing phages, since the typing phages were used from stable lyophilized stocks. There was increasing cross-lysis of S. aureus strains by phages of lytic groups I, II, and III, such that this grouping was no longer epidemiologically valid. A 61% increase in unique strains occurred from the period 1957 to 1975. Disappearance of the widely recognized epidemic strains was followed by a proliferation of unique strains with individual phage patterns. These increased from 38% in the period 1957 to 1962 to 62% in the period 1969 to 1975, indicating a trend toward a "one patient-one strain" situation. Nontypable strains decreased in more recent years from 16% (1957 to 1975) to 7% in 1978, following introduction of phages 94, 96, 292, and D-11. Pandemic S. aureus strain 80/81 first appeared in this hospital in 1959, 5 years after it was first reported in the United States. Strain 80/81 disappeared from the hospital in 1963, partly due to the advent of methicillin.     

Computer analysis of Staphylococcus aureus phage typing data from 1957 to 1975, citing epidemiological trends and natural evolution within the phage typing system.

Computer analysis of Staphylococcus aureus phage ty ping data collected for over 18 years in a large research hospital showed a drastic decrease in the number of hospital epidemic strains. Phage lysis patterns gradually modified from those of earlier years and were a reflection of changes within the S. aureus reservoir, and not within the typing phages, since the typing phages were used from stable lyophilized stocks. There was increasing cross-lysis of S. aureus strains by phages of lytic groups I, II, and III, such that this grouping was no longer epidemiologically valid. A 61% increase in unique strains occurred from the period 1957 to 1975. Disappearance of the widely recognized epidemic strains was followed by a proliferation of unique strains with individual phage patterns. These increased from 38% in the period 1957 to 1962 to 62% in the period 1969 to 1975, indicating a trend toward a "one patient-one strain" situation. Nontypable strains decreased in more recent years from 16% (1957 to 1975) to 7% in 1978, following introduction of phages 94, 96, 292, and D-11. Pandemic S. aureus strain 80/81 first appeared in this hospital in 1959, 5 years after it was first reported in the United States. Strain 80/81 disappeared from the hospital in 1963, partly due to the advent of methicillin.     

Memories of the New York Botanical Garden, 1948–1957

Memories of systematic botany at The New York Botanical Garden from 1948 to 1957 are given.