Immunohistochemical localization of the transferrin receptor in the seminiferous epithelium of the rat

The transferrin receptor has been immunohistochemically localized in the seminiferous epithelium of the rat with a monoclonal antibody, MRC OX26, which recognizes the transferrin receptor glycoprotein. The receptor was detectable on mitotically and meiotically dividing germ cells and, less abundantly, on round spermatids. It was lost from germ cells during spermatid elongation and was undetectable on immature spermatozoa. The transferrin receptor was also present on Sertoli cells in the testes of immature animals and on Sertoli cells in the testes of aspermatogenic animals that had been irradiated in utero. It was not detectable on Sertoli cells in the testes of cryptorchid animals. These studies demonstrate that the transferrin receptor is abundant on dividing germ cells as well as dividing somatic cells.     

Dissymmetry of the origins of the roots of the spinal cord in the dog

The spinal cord in 25 non-inbred dogs has been studied macro-microscopically. The dissymmetry in the arrangement level in the right and left root bases on the dorsal surface of the spinal cord is much greater than on the ventral surface. The same as in the human being, the dissymmetry is the greatest in the thoracic part (as compared to other spinal parts). On the ventral surface of the spinal cord both along the anterior and posterior margin of the root bases, there is a right-sided dissymmetry (with cranial shift); on the dorsal surface it is present only at the roots along the posterior margin. The dissymmetry of the dog spinal cord is quantitatively estimated along its whole extension.     

Effect of the chemical nature of the carbon source in the medium on the makeup of the biomass]

The yeast Candida tropicalis, Candida utilis, Trichosporon cutaneum were cultivated on the synthetic medium containing additions of group B vitamins (biotin, thiamin) and glucose, glycerol of lactic acid as the sole source. The protein content, amino acid composition, nucleic acids and complex B vitamins were identified in the resultant biomass. The carbon source in the medium affected these indices. The protein and nucleic acid content also depended on the yeast strain.     

Veins in the area of the mesencephalon

The veins on the surface of the mesencephalon were measured on 100 brain halves. The results of this measurements are discussed with issues of earlier authors.     

Characteristics of the membranes of the pellicle of the ciliatePseudomicrothorax dubius

Summary The membranes of the pellicle of the ciliatePseudomicrothorax dubius are investigated using thin section electron microscopy and freeze-fracture replicas. The plasma membrane is covered by a surface coat and is connected to the outer alveolar membrane by short, sometimes branched, bridges. The inner alveolar membrane is coated on both sides. The epiplasm lies in intimate contact with the cytoplasmic surface of this membrane, and there is a corresponding deposit on the other surface. This deposit is regularly striated.The epiplasmic layer and the alveoli are interrupted at sites of cytotic activity,e.g., the attachment sites of trichocysts, the cytoproct, and the parasomal sacs. The striated deposit ends where the epiplasm ends, indicating a direct relationship between these two epimembranous layers.There is a deposit along the sides of the first part of the tip of the trichocysts, and in this region the trichocyst membrane is free of intramembranous particles.The membrane of the parasomal sacs has a coat on both surfaces. That on the extraplasmic surface is similar to the surface coat of the plasma membrane. The origin of the cytoplasmic coat is unknown. The cytotic activity of these sacs is indicated by their highly irregular profiles.     

On the effect of the food ofMyzus persicae Sulz. on the hymenopterous parasiteAphelinus asychis Walker

Summary The effect of different synthetic diets of the hostMyzus persicae on the parasiteAphelinus asychis was tested. Deficient diets were prepared by reducing sucrose or iron concentration: sucrose concentration was reduced from 15% in the complete diet (D.I.) to 7.5% in D. II and 3.75% in D. III; that of iron from 0.0023% in D. I to 0.0011% in D. IV and 0% in D.V.The development of the immature stages ofA. asychis in aphids fed on the deficient diets was delayed (especially on D. V). The size of the emerging adults was small, which corresponds with the reduced size of the host. The percentage of the male parasites was found to be higher on the deficient diets than on the full one. The lowest average longevity of the females was found among those reared on aphids on D. III and D.V.If honeydew fromM. persicae was offered to the females, a marked reduction in the longevity of these parasites was observed on D. II and D. III. On the other hand, on honeydew from aphids on D. IV and D.V,A. asychis lived as long as on honeydew from those fed on D.I.The fecundity of the females ofA. asychis was found to be dependent on the food composition of the hosts during larval development as well as during adult life.     

Influence of the moment exerted by the athlete on the pole in pole-vaulting performance

Current studies on pole-vaulting focus mostly on energy transfer data [Ekevad, M., Lundberg, B., 1995. Simulation of "smart" pole vaulting. Journal of Biomechanics 28, 1079-1090; Ekevad, M., Lundberg, B., 1997. Influence of pole length and stiffness on the energy conversion in pole-vaulting. Journal of Biomechanics, 30, 259-264; Linthorne, N.P., 2000. Energy loss in the pole vault take-off and the advantage of the flexible pole. Sports Engineering 3, 205-218; Schade, F., Arampatzis, A., Bruggemann, G.P., 2006. Reproducibility of energy parameters in the pole vault. Journal of Biomechanics 39, 146-147.] and often fail to take into account the actions exerted on the pole [Arampatzis, Schade, Bruggemann, 2004. Effect of the pole-human body interaction on pole-vaulting performance. Journal of Biomechanics 37, 1353-1360]. The present study integrates the 3D kinematics data of the athlete but also the actions measured at the end of the pole in the planting box and on the track during the last stride before take-off. It proposes a mechanical model allowing determination of the pole-vaulter's actions on the pole. The model is based on a global mechanical approach. The pole-vaulter's action on his upper and lower hand is concentrated on one middle point to solve the dynamics problem. The model was applied to seven experienced pole-vaulters. The force and the moment exerted on the pole by the pole-vaulter during the last stride before take off and during jump stage, were calculated. This analysis of the compressive force and bending moment for seven pole-vaulters helps to highlight the impact of the moment in the performance. The conclusion is confirmed by an additional comparative study carried out on two pole-vaulters, with comparable morphologies and performing with the same pole.     

Changes in the digestibility of constituents of the diet in the rabbit]

Fiber digestibility of two diets (the first based on alfalfa dried, the second based on beet-pulp dried) with the same level of crude fiber and crude protein was measured on rabbits of 6, 7, 11, 13 and 17 weeks old. The age has no significative effect on digestibility (dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber) of the two experimental diets. The quantity of cellulose and hemicellulose digested was greater in rabbits on the pulp diet. Independantly of the diet hemicellulose is more digestible than cellulose. Expediency of use other analytical test than crude fiber in the nutritional requirements of rabbits is discussed.     

Perspectives of the conservation of the marine and coastal ecosystems in the frame of the realization of the Convention on Biological Diversity

The specifics of the international and regional activity in the context of the realization of the Convention on Biological Diversity has been analyzed. The global aims, tasks, and criteria of the working program of the Convention on marine and coastal biodiversity are discussed. The actual direction of the investigations is analyzed; program actions are planned; arrangements essential for conservation of the biodiversity of marine and coastal ecosystems are proposed.     

On the Dependence of the Quadratic Risk of the Classical Predictor and the Prediction-Horizon

When constructing predictors on the basis of the linear model of time series of various indicators often the question arises on the dependence of forecasting accuracy and the changing prediction horizon. The dependency of the quadratic risk of the classical predictor and the time horizon is considered.     

Influence of the stimulation of the dorsal hippocampus on the dorsal root potentials of the spinal cord in the cat

Rhythmic stimulation of the dorsal hippocampus causes a long-lasting (2–6 sec) depression of both the fast and the electrotonic dorsal root potentials. The depression depends on the intensity of the stimulation of the hippocampus and on the time interval between the stimulation of the hippocampus and the nerve. The sortest time interval producing the depression was within 15–20 msec. The action of afferent impulsation is depressed during both the ipsilateral and contralateral stimulation of the hippocampus. The stimulation of the fornix also exerts a depressing influence on the dorsal root potentials; however, it is not so prolonged as the stimulation of the hippocampus (500–600 msec).A. A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 186–193, September–October, 1969.     

Chromosome association with the nuclear membrane and the orderliness of the spatial organization of the genetic material in the interphase nucleus]

The role of chromosome-membrane associations in order of spatial chromosome organization in interphase nuclear is reviewed. Data on specificity and mechanism of interphase chromosome anchoring on nuclear membrane are summarized.     

Topical organization of the projections to the putamen from the nuclei of the amygdaloid body in the cat

The investigation has been performed on the cat by means of the retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase method and luminescent markers. To the putamen along its rostro-caudal length and to all the segments projection fibers get only from the neurons of the basal nucleus of the amygdaloid body, greater number of the neurons projecting to the antero-ventral parts of the putamen than to the posterior ones. The problem on likeness in organization of the projections of the amygdaloid body and the caudate nucleus is discussed.     

A comparison of the mechanical properties of the first dorsal interosseous in the dominant and non-dominant hand

The electrically evoked and voluntary contractile properties of the first dorsal interosseous muscle were measured on both hands in 10 healthy adults. The force of abduction of the index finger interosseous muscle was measured using a transducer resting against the lateral side of the proximal interphalangeal joint. The mean values of time to peak tension measured on the dominant hands were significantly slower than the values on the non-dominant hands (P less than 0.01) in a paired t-test. Maximal tetanic tension, maximal voluntary contraction strength, and maximal twitch tension are not significantly different. Fatigue indices on the dominant hands in each subject were higher than those on the non-dominant hands. The correlation coefficient between fatigue indices on the dominant and the non-dominant hand was 0.92 (P less than 0.01).     

Influence of the method of TM joint total replacement implantation on the loading of the joint on the opposite side

The temporomandibular (TM) joint is one of the most used joints in the human body, and any defect in this joint has a significant influence on quality of life. The objective of this study was to create a parametric numerical finite element (FE) analysis to compare the effect of surgical techniques used for total TM joint replacement implantation on loading the TM joint on the other side. Our hypothesis is that for the optimal function of all total TM joint replacements used in clinical practice it is crucial to devise a minimally invasive surgical technique, whereby there is minimum resection of masticatory muscles. This factor is more important than the design of the usually used total TM joint replacements. The extent of muscle resection influences the mechanical loading of the whole system. In the parametric FE analyses, the magnitude of the TM joint loading was compared for four different ranges of muscle resections during bite, using an anatomical model. The results obtained from all FE analyses support our hypothesis that an increasing extent of the muscle resection increased the magnitude of the TM joint overloading on the opposite side. The magnitude of the TM joint overloading increased depending on the muscle resection to 235% for bite on an incisor and up to 491% for bite on molars. Our study leads to a recommendation that muscle resection be minimised during replacement implantation and to a proposal that the attachment of the condylar part of the TM joint replacement be modified.     

Influence of the method of TM joint total replacement implantation on the loading of the joint on the opposite side

The temporomandibular (TM) joint is one of the most used joints in the human body, and any defect in this joint has a significant influence on quality of life. The objective of this study was to create a parametric numerical finite element (FE) analysis to compare the effect of surgical techniques used for total TM joint replacement implantation on loading the TM joint on the other side. Our hypothesis is that for the optimal function of all total TM joint replacements used in clinical practice it is crucial to devise a minimally invasive surgical technique, whereby there is minimum resection of masticatory muscles. This factor is more important than the design of the usually used total TM joint replacements. The extent of muscle resection influences the mechanical loading of the whole system. In the parametric FE analyses, the magnitude of the TM joint loading was compared for four different ranges of muscle resections during bite, using an anatomical model. The results obtained from all FE analyses support our hypothesis that an increasing extent of the muscle resection increased the magnitude of the TM joint overloading on the opposite side. The magnitude of the TM joint overloading increased depending on the muscle resection to 235% for bite on an incisor and up to 491% for bite on molars. Our study leads to a recommendation that muscle resection be minimised during replacement implantation and to a proposal that the attachment of the condylar part of the TM joint replacement be modified.     

Autoradiographic study of the ontogeny of the imipramine receptors in the cerebral cortex of rats

Localization of 3H-imipramine binding sites in the cerebral cortex of rats was studied on the 19th day of prenatal development and on the 3d and 14th days of postnatal ontogenesis. Imipramine was injected into rats on days 17, 18 and 19 of gestation. The maximal imipramine receptor density was found in cortex layers IV-V. The therapeutic doses of imipramine provoked marked stimulation of the formation of imipramine receptors on the 3d day of postnatal development. However, on the 14th day the 3H-imipramine binding level was stabilized.     

The effect of destruction and stimulation of the lateral nucleus of the septum pellucidum on the structure and functions of the ovaries and the mechanism of such influences]

The experiments on the immature female rats were carried out to show the effects of damage or stimulation of the lateral septal nucleus (LSN) on the ovary function and its response to chorionic gonadotrophin. The damage of the LSN decreases the ovary weight, but enlarges mature ovarian follicles and increases the estrogen production. LSN lesions in hypophysectomized rats have no effect on the ovary and uterus weights as compared to hypophysectomized ones, but decrease the size of mature ovarian follicles against a background of hypophysectomy or LSN lesions. Damage of the LSN increases ovary and uterus sensitivity to the chorionic gonadotrophin injections. A conclusion is drawn on the existence of parahypophysial way to transfer the influence of LSN on the rat ovaries. The possible mechanisms of LSN influence on the reproduction system of female rats is under discussion.     

Changes in the sorption of the antigens of the causative agent of typhoid on erythrocytes in the dynamic immune response

The study of the adsorption capacity of erythrocytes in 4 strains of mice was made. According to the results of the determination of the background capacity of erythrocytes, the strains of mice, opposite with respect to the sorption of S. typhi Vi- and O-antigens, were selected. After the immunization of these mice with the killed culture of S. typhi, the process of the sorption of the antigen on erythrocytes showed a characteristic kinetics. The course of immune response was characterized by specific changes in the adsorption capacity of erythrocytes in all strains of mice: the increase of this capacity on week 1 was followed by its sharp drop on weeks 3-4 and its subsequent restoration to the initial level by weeks 7-8. The non-specific stimulation of the host had no essential influence on the kinetics of the fixation of S. typhi antigens on erythrocytes. Experiments with the passive immunization of the animals revealed that different receptors take part in the process of the sorption of Vi-antigen on erythrocytes, some of these receptors being related to antibodies.     

On the question of cyclic GMP as the mediator of the effects of acetylcholine on the heart

The effects of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside on cyclic GMP levels, contractile force, and glycogen metabolism were investigated in the perfused rat heart. While both agents produced time- and concentration-dependent increases in cyclic GMP, only acetylcholine significantly decreased contractile force. Neither agent altered the basal cyclic AMP concentration, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity ratio, or phosphorylase activity. When dosages were adjusted to give approximately equal increases in cyclic GMP, acetylcholine attenuated the effect of epinephrine on contractile force and glycogen phosphorylase activity while nitroprusside did not antagonize the action of the beta-adrenergic agent on either parameter. The data suggest that increased cardiac cyclic GMP is not sufficient to completely explain the action of acetylcholine on either contractile force or its antagonism of epinephrine-induced increases in force or glycogen phosphorylase activity.