Intracellular sites of the synthesis of sweet potato mitochondrial F1ATPase subunits

Summary Five subunits (-, -, -, - and -subunits) of the six -and -subunits) in the F₁ portion (F₁ATPase) of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase were isolated by an electrophoretic method. The - and -subunits were not distinguishable immunologically but showed completely different tryptic peptide maps, indicating that they were different molecular species. In vitro protein synthesis with isolated sweet potato root mitochondria produced only the -subunit when analyzed with anti-sweet potato F₁ATPase antibody reacting with all the subunits except the -subunit. Sweet potato root poly(A)⁺RNA directed the synthesis of six polypeptides which were immunoprecipitated by the antibody: two of them immunologically related to the -subunit and the others to the - and -subunits. We conclude that the -subunit of the F₁ATPase is synthesized only in the mitochondria and the -, - and -subunits are in the cytoplasm.     

Adoptions expérimentales de larves entre des fourmis de genres différents (II):Myrmica laevinodis Nylander etAnergates atratulus Schenck

Résumé Nous avons fait élever des larves d'Anergates atratulus par des ouvrières deMyrmica laevinodis à 22°C. Pour y parvenir, il n'est pas utile de faire hivernerensemble les larves d'Anergates et les ouvrières deMyrmica. La présence de larves autochtones n'empêche pas lesMyrmica d'élever des larves d'Anergates. Dans toutes les expériences lesMyrmica ont été soumises au fridavant de recevoir des larves d'Anergates. Aucune reine deMyrmica n'a été utilisée dans ces expériences.Sur les 64 larves d'Anergates que nous avons utilisées, 38 se sont transformées en imagos. C'est au début de l'adoption et au moment des métamorphoses que périrent la plupart des 26Anergates perdus. Les femelles vécurent en général 2 ou 3 jours et cherchèrent très tôt à quitter le nid natal. Les mâles vécurent 2 à 3 semaines.

---

Summary Larvae ofAnergates atratulus were experimentally reared by workers ofMyrmica laevinodis, at 22°C. An overwintering of both larvae ofAnergates and workers ofMyrmica is not necessary for the success of that experiment. The presence of larvae ofMyrmica does not keep theMyrmica from rearing larvae ofAnergates. The workers ofMyrmica have been cooled, in all the experiments, before receiving larvae ofAnergates. No queen ofMyrmica have been used in that experiments.38 of the 64 larvae ofAnergates used became imagos. Most of the 26 lostAnergates died at the beginning of the adoption and during the metamorphosis. The females lived generally 2 or 3 days and tried, very early, to leave their native nest. The males lived 2 or 3 weeks.

---

Anergates atratulus Myrmica laevinodis, 22 . bmecme Anergates Myrmica. Myrmica Anergates. Myrmica Anergates. Myrmica . 64 Anergates , 38 . 26 Anergates 2 3 . 2 3 .

     

An explication of ‘wind illness’ in Northern Thailand

Wind illness is a very common complaint among the Northern Thai, yet is rarely recognized by Thai physicians trained in biomedicine. Persons most susceptible to wind illness are adult women who have ever borne a child. Consequently, data were obtained from 415 everparous women, 43% of whom reported ever having had wind illness and 57%, never having had it. In addition, 20 individuals who had ever had the syndrome were followed for case study, and 13 indigenous healers who traditionally treat clients suffering wind illness were interviewed. Their perceptions of the etiology, symptomatology and treatment of wind illness are reported in Part I. Part II is an attempt to define wind illness in terms of biomedicine and as a consequence of fertility. Part III synthesizes the emic and etic accounts with explanations for the perdurance of wind illness despite the advances of biomedicine and the recent fertility decline in Northern Thailand.     

Stress-induced peptide release from rat intermediate pituitary

Summary We tested the hypothesis that acute restraint stress results in ultrastructural evidence for enhanced release of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (-MSH) and -endorphin from the intermediate lobe (IL) of the rat pituitary. Measurements of plasma -MSH-and -endorphin-immunoreactivity (ir) were used to confirm ultrastructural findings. Plasma -MSH-ir was elevated after 20 and 30 min of restraint while plasma -endorphin-ir peaked 10 min after the onset of restraint. Ultrastructural analysis revealed a decrease in the content of secretory granules within IL cells of stressed rats. Analysis of Golgi-related immature secretory granules in IL cells indicated that new peptide synthesis was not enhanced after 30 min of restraint. These results confirm previous studies showing and elevation of plasma -endorphin and -MSH-ir during acute restraint. Furthermore, these results indicate that quantitative analysis at the ultrastructural level can be used to assess peptide release from IL secretory cells during stress.     

Self-consistent 3J coupling analysis for the joint calibration of Karplus coefficients and evaluation of torsion angles

The concept of self-consistent J coupling evaluation exploits redundant structure information inherent in large sets of 3J coupling constants. Application to the protein Desulfovibrio vulgaris flavodoxin demonstrates the simultaneous refinement of torsion-angle values and related Karplus coefficients. The experimental basis includes quantitative coupling constants related to the polypeptide backbone torsion originating from a variety of heteronuclear 2D and 3D NMR correlation experiments, totalling 124 3J(HN,H), 129 3J(HN,C), 121 3J(HN,C), 128 3J(Ci–1,Hi), 121 3J(Ci–1,Ci), and 122 3J(Ci–1,Ci). Without prior knowledge from either X-ray crystallography or NMR data, such as NOE distance constraints, accurate dihedral angles are specified for 122 non-glycine and non-proline residues out of a total of 147 amino acids. Different models of molecular internal mobility are considered. The Karplus coefficients obtained are applicable to the conformational analysis of torsions in other polypeptides.     

Comparisons of a new triazole retardant PP 333 with ancymidol and other compounds on pot-grown tulips

PP 333 was compared with ancymidol, CGA 65993, dikegulac-sodium (as Atrinal) and maleic hydrazide for its ability to restrict stem extension in tulip cvs Paul Richter, Apeldoorn and Trance. Single, 300 ml compost drenches were applied one day after housing fully cooled bulbs grown in a sphagnum peat/sand compost (3:1 v/v).Experiments in 1979/1980 and 1980/1981 with mid- and late-season crops showed that PP 333, like ancymidol, could reduce stem extension without deleterious responses. However, higher amounts of PP 333 (0.8–33.3 mg a.i./pot) were required than of ancymidol (0.625–2.5 mg a.i./pot). Cv. Paul Richter was much less responsive to PP 333 and ancymidol than Apeldoorn, particularly when grown as a late-season crop. Dikegulac was the most effective chemical in the latter situation, especially as it restricted post-flowering extension growth. PP 333 and ancymidol were better able to control such growth in the mid-season crops. Other than for the above purpose, dikegulac proved unsuitable because it increased flower bud blasting and gave rise to abnormally coloured perianth segments. Similarly, marked reductions in stem length of Apeldoorn and Paul Richter with CGA 65993 were associated with unacceptable side-effects, namely, smaller flowers (both cvs) and more bud blasting in Apeldoorn. Maleic hydrazide (5–500 mg a.i./pot) had little influence on stem length in any of the three cultivars.The trials indicated the need to test each cultivar/retardant combination, as well as to take into account the time of forcing because, whereas Paul Richter and Apeldoorn were adequately dwarfed by PP 333 and ancymidol without adverse effects, both compounds caused about 50% of Trance flowers to blast. No treatment influenced flowering date in cv. Paul Richter but PP 333 delayed flowering by two days in Apeldoorn and Trance, as did the higher doses of ancymidol in Apeldoorn.     

Evaluation of an exotic maize population adapted to a locality

Summary An exotic Zea mays L. population (Tuxpeno) was adapted to North Carolina conditions by first introducing genes for adaptability from two North Carolina varieties ([(Jarvis X Indian Chief)Tuxpeno]Tuxpeno) including four generations of intermating, and then selecting for adaptability using maturity as the primary measure. The study evaluated selection for adaptability and the diversity available between adapted Tuxpeno and the local varieties, Jarvis and Indian Chief. Analytical procedures were developed to quantify the diversity between populations and the complementation of local varieties by introduced germ plasms. The analyses utilized the specific effects available from the diallel mating design.Three replicate selections responded similarly under simple recurrent mass selection (1/10) for the earliest disease-free plants initially and additionally for plant types (primarily height) in the final generation. The 1/4 local germ plasm permitted rapid adaptation of Tuxpeno gene pool to local conditions. The adapted Tuxpeno populations yielded similarly to the local populations with an average heterosis for grain yield of 28% when crossed to the local populations used as source of genes for adaptability. The diversity found between adapted Tuxpeno lines and these local varieties based on genes affecting grain yield was 1.5 to 2.5 times that measured between the local varieties (Jarvis and Indian Chief). Diversity lost through intergradation with local material was a reasonable investment. Yield genes introduced from Tuxpeno complemented local gene pools through nonadditive, primarily dominance-associated, gene effects. Reassortment of major gene blocks apparently occurred leading to significant divergence among replicate selections involving both additive-associated and dominance-associated gene effects.Paper No. 6355 of the North Carolina Agri. Res. Ser., Raleigh, NC. Research supported in collaboration with the Rockefeller Foundation and CIMMYT, D.F. (Mexico)     

Isolation of α and β Brain Tubulin Subunits after Alkaline Treatment of the Protein

We demonstrate here that brain purified tubulin can be dissociated into and subunits at pH > 10 and that the subunits can be separated by using the Triton X-114 phase separation system. After phase partition at pH > 10, tubulin but not tubulin behaves as a hydrophobic compound appearing in the detergent rich phase. After three extractions of the alkaline aqueous phase with Triton X-114, about 90% of the tubulin was recovered in the detergent rich phase. The hydrophobic behavior observed for tubulin after its dissociation at pH 11.5 was not due to an irreversible change of the protein, because when the detergent rich phase containing tubulin was diluted with a buffer solution at pH 7.3 and the solution allowed to partition again, -tubulin is recovered in the aqueous phase. The detergent in the aqueous phase of the and tubulin preparations can be removed up to 90% by 12 h dialysis. The and subunits of tubulin from kidney and liver behave, in this phase separation system, like those of brain tubulin.     

A study on relations of vegetation,climate and soils in Shanxi province,China

Relationships of vegetation, climate and soils in Shanxi plateau wereanalyzed by use of Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). Shanxi province,located at 34°35–40°43 N, 110°15–114°33 E, was divided into a series of rectangular districts of30 latitude by 20 longitude. Areas of vegetation formations and soil types ineach district were measured carefully using fine grain on the vegetation andsoil maps of Shanxi. Climatic data were mean values of 25 years records in eachdistrict. Three data matrices of climate, vegetation and soil were combined byCCA. The results showed that the distribution of vegetation is closely relatedto the variety of climates and to soils distribution.     

A neural net capable of competitive and cooperative computation

An algorithm of learning in multilayer threshold nets without feedbacks is proposed. The net is. built of threshold elements with binary inputs. During a learning process each input vector x is accompanied by a teacher's decision ({1,...,M}). The pairs (x[n], [n]) appear in successive steps independently according to some unknown stationary distribution p(x,). The problem of learning of a threshold net has been decomposed to a series of problems of learning of the threshold elements. The proposed learning algorithm of the threshold elements has a perceptron-like form. It was proven that a decision rule of the threshold net stabilizes after a finite number of steps. For definite classes {p(x, )} _* ^K of distributions p(x,), an optimal decision rule stabilizes after a finite number of steps. These classes {p(x, )} _* ^K also contain distributions describing learning processes with perturbations.     

A dominant mutation for high oleic acid content in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seed oil is genetically linked to a single oleate-desaturase RFLP locus

Pervenets is a sunflower mutant with a seed oil oleic acid content greater than 65%. It was obtained after mutagenesis treatment on VNIIMK 8931. Several commercial varieties derived from Pervenets and breeding materials with a high oleic acid content have been marketed. However, the genetics of this trait are still not fully understood by breeders. To characterize the Pervenets mutation, we studied RFLP in relation to high oleic acid content. We performed diversity analyses on 239 genotypes with cDNA sequences coding for 9- and 12-desaturases as probes. The 12 RFLPs enabled us to identify at least two independent loci. One 12 RFLP allele (12HOS) was strictly correlated to high oleic acid content, whereas no correlation was found between 9-desaturase polymorphism and high oleic acid content. These results enabled to us estimate the genetic distance between the marker and the Pervenets mutation loci. An F₂ segregating population of 107 plants confirmed the correlation between high oleic acid content and 12HOS, indicating tight genetic linkage. The nature of the Pervenets dominant mutation and the complexity of the high oleic acid content trait are discussed.     

The biogeochemical cycle of the adsorbed template II: Selective adsorption of mononucleotides on adsorbed polynucleotide templates

Experimental results are presented for the verification of the specific interaction step of the adsorbed template biogeochemical cycle, a simple model for a primitive prebiotic replication system. The experimental system consisted of gypsum as the mineral to which an oligonucleotide template attaches (Poly-C or Poly-U) and 5-AMP, 5-GMP, 5-CMP and 5-UMP as the interacting biomonomers. When Poly-C or Poly-U were used as adsorbed templates, 5-GMP and 5-AMP, respectively were observed to be the most strongly adsorbed species. Moreover, there exists a direct quantitative relationship between the quantity of cytidine or uracil residues in the adsorbed state and the amount of the complementary mononucleotide that is attached to it. NaCl added to the system in order to create conditions of high ionic strength seems to enhance the selectivity of the adsorption of the monmucleotides to these adsorbed templates.     

Natural selection on age of maturity in shrimp

Summary Darwinian fitness with respect to the age of maturity () in stationary populations can be written as the product of two functions: pre- survival times the Fisherian reproductive value of an age (a just mature) individual. This reduces normalizing selection on to the maximization of a simple product,a twodimensional problem (Charnov in press). I apply this products theorem to in Pandalid shrimp and compare the results to previous analysis (Roff, 1986) of in fish.     

CK2α - protein phosphatase 2A molecular complex: Possible interaction with the MAP kinase pathway

Despite its wide range of known substrates, the signaling function of protein kinase CK2 is still enigmatic. Mounting evidence suggests that CK2, the catalytic subunit of holoenzymic CK2, may exist free of its usual regulatory partner CK2, raising the possibility that free CK2 has regulation and function distinct from those of the holoenzyme. We previously reported that CK2 could bind to the core dimer of protein phosphatase 2A, and indirectly cause down-regulation of the PP2A substrate MEK1, possibly via activation of PP2A and/or targeting of PP2A to some element of the Ras/Raf/MEK pathway. Here, these results are confirmed and extended. By using transfection experiments and immune kinase assays, we show that endogenous PP2Ac and CK2 are the only major substrates associating with epitope-tagged CK2, and that expression of activated Raf results in disruption of the CK2- PP2A association. Such disruption might be a necessary step for maximal activation of the MAP kinase pathway by Raf. In keeping with this idea, overexpression of CK2 dose-dependently inhibits the mitogen-induced activation of cotransfected, epitope-tagged MAP kinase. We suggest that the CK2 free form of CK2 is both a target and a regulator of Raf/MAPK signaling.     

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.     

The dynamic effects of inputs to spinal motoneurones of different type upon the outputs of γ-motoneurones mediated via recurrent inhibition

A previous dynamic model of the spinal motoneurone-Renshaw cell system has been extended by integrating -motoneurones (-MNs), which are also supposed to represent Ia inhibitory interneurones mediating reciprocal inhibition. For the recurrent inhibition of -MNs, two cases are considered: -MNs inhibiting themselves via Renshaw cells (RCs), and -MNs not subjected to self-inhibition. Two input systems are taken into account: monosynaptic Ia input distributed inhomogeneously to the three types of -MNs (S, FR, and FF), and spinally descending input from the lateral vestibular nucleus distributed inhomogeneously to the three -MN types and to -MNs. Dynamic input-output relations have been calculated in form of Bode or polar plots. The main results are: Input signals (Ia and VST) to -MNs are transmitted via RCs to -MNs with high-pass characteristics (lower cut-off around 1 Hz). The relatively high gains at high frequencies are attenuated more or less strongly by recurrent self-inhibition of -MNs depending on the overall strength of recurrent inhibition. The phase lags of -MNs with respect to the input are not frequency-independent, but vary between about-90° and-180° (at times up to-200°). To preserve in-phase activation of -and -MNs, certain criteria have to be met which are discussed in terms of additional input systems to -MNs and RCs.     

Expression of the alpha subunit of 7S nerve growth factor in the mouse submandibular gland

-NGF is an inactive serine protease that is associated in the mouse submandibular gland with a closely related serine protease, -NGF, and the neurotrophic factor, -NGF. The heterogeneity of purified -NGF has been examined by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A possible explanation for the observed heterogeneity is presented. Antibodies have been prepared against -NGF and purified by affinity chromatography so that they do not cross-react with -NGF. This antibody preparation recognizes two very similar proteins in male mouse submandibular gland RNA-directed cell-free translation mixtures. The expression of only one of these forms is regulated by testosterone. Oligonucleotide probes specific for each of the three NGF subunits have been prepared and used for Northern blot analysis of RNA from the mouse submandibular gland. The three subunits were found to be coordinately expressed and each were 30-fold more abundant in male than in female glands.Abbreviations used NGF nerve growth factor - -, -, and -NGF -, -, and -subunits of mouse 7S NGF - PBS phosphate buffered saline - DTT dithiothreitol - PPO 2,5-Diphenyloxazole - DMSO dimethylsulfoxide - HEPES N-2-Hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-2-ethanesulfonic acid - SSC 0.15M NaCl, 15 mM sodium citrate Supported by USPHS research grant NS19964. This paper is respectfully dedicated to Profs. Eric M. Shooter and Silvio Varon in recognition of their many contributions to our understanding of the structure and function of nerve growth factor.     

Formation of nucleoside 5′-phosphoramidates under potentially prebiological conditions

Summary Adenosine 5-phosphoramidates form when solutions containing adenosine 5-polyphosphates p_nA (n 3) or P₁, P₂-diadenosine 5-diphosphate and amines are allowed to dry out. Mg ions catalyze these reactions. We have studied systems containing ammonia, imidazole, glycine, ethylenediamine and histamine. The yields of adenosine 5-phosphoramidates range from 10–50 % based on the nucleotide. The prebiotic significance of the reactions is discussed.Abbreviations Im imidazole - hist histamine - gly glycine - en ethylenediamine - CDI 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide hydrochloride - EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid - A adenosine - P_n (n = 1, 2 ) linear polyphosphate containing n phosphate residues - p_nA adenosine 5-polyphosphate containing n phosphate residues - ADP adenosine 5-diphosphate - ATP adenosine 5-triphosphate - AppA P₁, P₂-diadenosine 5-diphosphate - gly-pA adenylyl-(5N)-glycine - ImpA adenosine 5-phosphorimidazolide - NH₂-pA adenosine 5-phosphoramidate - en-pA adenylyl-(5N)-ethylenediamine - hist (NH) - pA adenosine 5-phospho-[2-(4-imidazolyl)-ethylamide] - hist(Im)-pA adenosine 5-phospho-[4-(2-aminoethyl)-imidazolide] - enP_1,2 phosphoramidates of ethylenediamine derived from H₃PO₄ and H₄P₂O₇     

The function of root systems in mineral nutrition of watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (L) Hayek)

Summary The ability of adventitious and basal root systems of watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (L) Hayek) to absorb mineral nutrients from surrounding media has been demonstrated using radioisotopes ³²P, ⁸⁶Rb and ⁵⁹Fe. Controlled experiments on single whole plants cultured in a dualmedium-apparatus, indicate that both root systems have a capacity for nutrient absorption. Analysis of axillary shoots formed during a seven day experimental period show that a greater proportion of phosphate and potassium, gained from the ambient media, was absorbed by the adventitious root system, although there was a greater mass of basal root tissue. Extensive translocation of nutrients to actively growing plant organs occurs from absorption sites on both root systems. re]19760504     

Carvedilol prevents cardiac hypertrophy and overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in pressure-overloaded rat heart

Summary The use of -blockers has emerged as a beneficial treatment for cardiac hypertrophy. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is tightly regulated in the ventricular myocardium. However, the expression of HIF-1 in cardiac hypertrophy due to pressure overload and after treatment with -blocker is little known. To evaluate the effect of carvedilol on both myocardial HIF-1 expression and cardiac hypertrophy, infra-renal aortic banding was performed for 4 weeks in adult Sprague-Dawley rats to induce cardiac hypertrophy. Carvedilol at 50 mg/kg body weight per day after surgery was given. Heart weight and the ratio of heart weight and body weight increased significantly after aortic banding for 4 weeks in the absence of drug treatment. Mean arterial pressure increased from 80 ± 9 mmHg in the sham group to 94 ±5 mmHg (p < 0.001) in the banding group. Echocardiography showed concentric hypertrophy after aortic banding. Mean arterial pressure decreased after treatment with carvedilol. The increased wall thickness and heart weight was reversed to normal by carvedilol. Western blot showed that HIF-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) proteins were up-regulated and nerve growth factor- (NGF-) down-regulated in the banding group. Treatment with valsartan, doxazosin, or N-acetylcysteine did not significantly affect HIF-1 and VEGF proteins expression in the banding groups. Real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that mRNA of HIF-1, VEGF and BNP increased and mRNA of NGF- decreased in the banding group. Treatment with carvedilol reversed both protein and mRNA of HIF-1, VEGF, BNP, and NGF- to the baseline values. Increased immunohistochemical labeling of HIF-1, VEGF, and BNP in the ventricular myocardium was observed in the banding group and carvedilol again normalized the labeling. In conclusion, HIF-1, VEGF, and BNP mRNA and protein expression were up-regulated, while NGF- mRNA and protein was downregulated in the rat model of pressure-overloaded cardiac hypertrophy. Treatment with carvedilol is associated with a reversal of abnormal regulation of HIF-1,VEGF, BNP, and NGF- in the hypertrophic myocardium.