Variations cardio-respiratoires et metaboliques à l'effort sous-maximal (P=40% Pmax) et maximal (Vita Max) en conditions thermiques froide (0‡C) et neutre (20‡C)

Resume Cette étude a pour but d'étudier les variations physiologiques et métaboliques tant au repos, qu'au cours d'efforts physiques de longue durée (2h) à 40% de la puissance maximale et d'efforts exhaustifs dans des conditions d'hypothermie ambiante (0C) en comparaison de valeurs recueillies en conditions thermiques neutres (20C). L'ensemble des épreuves furent exécutées en chambre climatique par: d'une part 11 sujets mâles pour l'effort exhaustif et d'autre part 8 sujets mâles pour l'exercice sous-maximal. Nous avons observé une légère bradycardie à 0C pour nos deux groupes à la fin de l'effort. La VO₂ et la ventilation pulmonaire sont plus élevées à 0C lors de l'effort maximal, nous observons toutefois le phénomène inverse lors de l'exercice sousmaximal. Les concentrations plasmatiques en acide lactique sons moins élevées et les bicarbonates plus élevés en ambiance thermique froide pour les deux conditions expérimentales. Le pH et la température rectale demeurent stables. Le RQ ne présente pas de différences significatives à la fin de chacun des deux efforts à 20C et 0C.

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The purpose of this study is to investigate the responses on cardiorespiratory and metabolic level measured at rest, during a long-term (2 h) submaximal exercise (P=40% Pmax) and during an exhaustive exercise (Vita Max) and recovery time in normal (20C) and in hypothermic (0C) conditions. The ergometric exercises were performed by 11 male subjects (Vita Max) and 8 male subjects (submaximal exercise) in a climatic room. We have observed a slight but mostly not significant (P<.05) bradycardia for both groups at the end of the exercise. VO₂ and pulmonary ventilation are higher at the end of the maximal exercise performed at 0C, this phenomenon is reversed for the submaximal exercise. The lactate concentrations are lower at 0C. For the same temperature the bicarbonates are higher. pH and T rect are not different in both experimental conditions and RQ is not significantly affected by temperature variations.

     

Frostbite and the significance of a temperature-sensation scale in field and laboratory conditions

The literature indicates that rapid thawing in water between 42 and 45C provides the best prognosis for frostbitten limbs.A temperature:sensation scale for the normal hand was derived and tested in laboratory and field conditions. The scale permitted the preparation of water suitable for frostbite treatment by the majority of subjects without access to a thermometer. The maximum observed inaccuracy was 1.2C outside the preferred range but was well withing the safe range for treatment.

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Zusammenfassung Die beste Prognose zur Behandlung von Erfrierungen bietet nach den Erfahrungen in der Literatur das schnelle Auftauen von erfrorenen Gliedern bei Wassertemperaturen von 42–45C. Für die gesunde Hand wurde eine Temperatur-Wahrnehmungsskala aufgestellt und unter verschiedenen Bedingungen im Laboratorium und im Freien geprüft. Ohne Zugang zu einem Thermometer gestattete die Skala in der Mehrzahl der FÄlle die ErwÄrmung von Wasser auf Temperaturen, die für die Behandlung von Erfrierungen geeignet sind. Die grösste Ungenauigkeit zwischen SchÄtzwert und Thermometerwert war 1.2C ausserhalb des gewünschten aber noch innerhalb des für die Behandlung zulÄssigen Bereiches.

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Résumé D'après les indications de plusieurs auteurs, le meilleur traitement de membres gelés consiste à les dégeler dans de l'eau à une temperature entre 42 et 45C. Une échelle température-sensation pour la main normale a été mise au point et vérifiée au laboratoire ainsi qu'en plain air.Cette méthode a permis la préparation d'eau en vue d'un traitement de gelures sans faire usage d'un thermomètre dans la plupart des cas. L'erreur maximum observée était de 1,2 C sans que les limites de l'intervalle propice à un traitement ne soient jamais dépassées.

     

Detrimental effects of high ambient temperature on fertility and early embryo survival in sheep

Percent of ova fertilized was significantly (P<0.01)lower in ewes exposed to 32C temperature on the twelfth day of the cycle before breeding (40.7.% vs 94.2% for controls). The average rectal temperature of the ewes was increased 1.7C within 24 hr after exposure to the elevated temperature. Morphologically abnormal ova were increased from 3.8% in control ewes to 55.6% in treated ewes. In ewes exposed to the 32C one day after breeding all ova were cleaved,but 30.8% were morphologically abnormal. In control ewes 87.5% lambed,but none of the ewes exposed to 32C before or at time of breeding lambed. In ewes exposed to 32C at 1, 3,5 or 8 days after breeding, 20%, 35%, 40% and 70%, respectively, lambed.Embryo mortality was significantly (P<0.01) higher for all treated ewes except those in the 8-day group.The sheep zygote is most sensitive to the harmful effects of high ambient temperature during the initial stages of cleavage before it enters the uterus.

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Zusammenfassung Die Zahl befruchteter Eier von Schafen, die vor dem Decken am 12. Tage des Zyklus einer Temperatur von 32C exponiert wurden, war signifikant niedriger(40,7%)als bei Kontrolltieren (94,2%) 24 Stunden nach übergang in die höhere Temperatur war die Rektaltemperatur 1,7C höher als vorher.Der Anteil morphologisch abnormaler Eier bei den Kontrollen betrug 3,8%, bei den exponierten Tieren 55,6%. Bei Tieren,die einen Tag nach dem Decken 32C exponiert wurden, zeigten alle Eier Teilung,doch davon waren 30,8% morphologisch abnormal. Von den exponierten Tieren lammte keines, von den Kontrolltieren 87,5%. Von Schafen, die 1, 3, 5 oder 8 Tage nach dem Decken 32C exponiert wurden, trugen 20, 35, 40 und 70% aus. In allen exponierten Gruppen war die MortalitÄt signifikant höher (P<0,01) — ausser in der 8-Tage Gruppe — als bei Kontrollen. Die Zygote des Schafes ist Äusserst empfindlich gegen hohe Temperatur wÄhrend der Initialstadien der Teilung, ehe sie in den Uterus gelangt.

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Resume La proportion d'ovules fécondés a été trouvée significativement moindre (P<0,01) chez des brebis exposées à une température de 32C lors du 12ème jour du cycle précédant l'insémination que chez des animaux-témoins (40,7% contre 94,2%).Pendant les 24 heures consécutives à l'exposition à la chaleur, la température rectale des brebis dépassait de 1,7C sa valeur au cours de la période précédente.La proportion d'ovules morphologiquement anormaux était de 3,8% chez les animaux-témoins contre 55,6% chez les animaux exposés à la chaleur. Chez des animaux qui avaient été exposés à une température de 32C le lendemain de l'insémination, tous les oeufs étaient segmentés, pourtant 30,8% d'entre eux présentaient des anomalies morphologiques.Desbrebis ainsi exposées, aucune n'a conduit sa gestation à terme alors que 87,5% des animaux-témoins ont agnelé. Des brebis exposées à la chaleur 1, 3, 5 ou 8 jours après l'insémination, respectivement 20, 35, 40 et 70% ont mené leur gestation à terme. Dans tous les groupes exposés, la mortalité embryonnaire a été significativement plus élevée (P<0,01) que chez les témoins, à l'exception toutefois du groupe exposé 8 jours après l'insémination. Dans l'espèce ovine, le produit de la fécondation est très sensible à 1'hyperthermie pendant les premiers stades de la segmentation qui précèdent son entrée dans l'utérus.

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The investigation reported in this paper is in connection with a project of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station and is published with the approval of the Director.     

The effects of age and artificial acclimatization on the survival of rats in cold

Clipped,young Holtzman rats can be made to withstand cold exposure of 5 C as a result of adaptive mechanisms which are activated during pre-acclimatization.These mechanisms are less pronounced in clipped mature rats and seem to decline with age. Where inherent adaptive mechanisms are unable to allow the rat to withstand exposure to 5C,treatment with thyroid hormones seems to impart an artificial acclimatization which permits the survival of mature as well as of old, clipped rats in the cold.

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Zusammenfassung Geschorene junge Hotzmann Ratten können gegen die Haltung bei 5C widerstandfÄhig werden auf Grund von Anpassungsfunktionen, die wÄhrend der Vorakklimatisation aktiviert werden.Diese Funktionen sind in geschorenen erwachsenen Ratten weniger ausgeprÄgt und scheinen mit dem Alter an Wirksamkeit zu verlieren. Wo angeborene AdaptationskrÄfte für die Ratte nicht ausreichen den Aufenthalt bei 5C zu ertragen, scheint die Behandlung mit Schilddrüsenhormonen eine künstliche Akklimatisation zu geben, die das überleben von erwachsenen und alten geschorenen Ratten ermöglicht.

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Résumé De jeunes rats Holtzman tondus peuvent devenir résistants á une température de 5C, grâce à des mécanismes d'adaptation activés pendant la pré-acclimatation. Cette faculté est moins marquée chez les rats tondus adultes et semble diminuer avec l'âge. Si les mécanismes normaux d'adaptation ne suffisent pas à développer la résistance à 5C, les hormones thyroidiennes semblent conférer une acclimatation artificielle permettant la survie des rats tondus adultes et âgés.

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Supported in part by Grants H-3901 and H-6778 from the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A.     

A precision controlled environmental chamber for studies of the effects of electric fields on biological objects

An environmental chamber with associated control equipment for the study of possible effects of electric fields on biological objects (small mammals) is described in detail. Temperature is controlled within 0.4 C, relative humidity within ± 1.5 % and pressure below or above ambient is regulated to ± 1.0 mm Hg.Sound and electrical noise absorption by the chamber insulation is better than 90%.

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Zusammenfassung Eine Kammer mit dem zugehörigen KontrollgerÄt zum Studium der biologischen Wirkung von elektrischen Feldern an kleinen Versuchstieren wird ausführlich beschrieben.Die Temperatur ist innerhalb ±0,3C, die relative Feuchtigkeit innerhalb ± 1,5 % konstant und der Druck unterhalb oder oberhalb des Umgebungsdruckes auf ±1,0 mm Hg geregelt. Die LÄrmabsorption durch das Isolationsmaterial der Kammer ist über 90%.

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Resume On décrit ici en détails une chambre permettant l'étude des effets biologiques des champs électriques sur de petits mammifères. Cette chambre est assortie d'appareils de contrÔle. On peut y maintenir une température et une humidité constante (±0,3C, respectivement ±,1,5%) et la pression peut y Être réglée à volonté au-dessus et audessous de la pression ambiante avec une précision de ± 1,0 mm/Hg. L'absorption du bruit par le matériau d'isolation est supérieur à 90%.

     

Thermoregulation and thermal perception in the cold and heat before and after intermittent heat adaptation

Students wearing swim suits were exposed for 30 min to neutral room temperature (T_R=28C). During the following 60 min they were subjected to gradual decreases or increases of room temperature reaching 12C or 45C, respectively. Static thermal stimuli were applied to the palms of the right (38C) and left (25C) hands. Hands and feet of all subjects were thermally isolated at 22C ambient temperature. General thermal comfort (GTC), local thermal comfort (LTC), skin blood flow (which is proportional to heat transport index ) several body temperatures, oxygen-consumption , and sweat rate (S), were measured. After moderate intermittent heat exposures (7 times for 1h at T_R=42.5C) the experiments started again. From GTC, LTC, or as functions of T_R, no new knowledge about thermoregulatory or adaptive mechanisms was available. The high in the cold stimulated left hand, however, and the oscillatory thresholds (_OSC) for rhythmic vasomotion indicated the peripheral influence of skin temperature, as well as local, mean skin temperature (¯T_s) and core temperature. When exposed to moderate temperature decreases or increases the body seems to react only with increasing thermal resistance by vasoconstriction or an increase of sweat rate, respectively. Moderate heat adaptation is only able to raise sweat rate, but not the thresholds and gain of the S-function. We assume that functional studies of adaptive modifications in humans must be conducted at temperatures greatly beyond those used in these experiments.     

Rhodopsin phosphorylation occurs at metarhodopsin II level

Photolyzed rhodopsin was phosphorylated in bovine rod outer segments incubated at –10 C. In the experiment in which urea-treated outer segments and rhodopsin kinase were incubated with ATP in the presence of 30% glycerol, the extent of phosphate incorporation at –10 C was about 30% of that at 37 C. Separation of phosphorylated rhodopsin by isoelectric focusing indicated that a limited number of sites were phosphorylated at –10 C. The partially phosphorylated pigment incorporated more phosphates when the temperatures was raised to 37 C. This was partly due to decreased inhibition of phosphorylation by glycerol at higher temperature. Since the maximum phosphorylation at –10 C (at which metarhodopsin II is stable) occurred at a pH value (6.0) lower than the pKa for metarhodopsin I-metarhodopsin II transition, metarhodopsin II was suggested to be the preferred substrate for rhodopsin kinase at –10 C. Limited proteolysis with thermolysin of rhodopsin phosphorylated at 37 C released peptides containing about 50% of the total phosphate incorporated. In contrast, proteolytic digestion of rhodopsin phosphorylated at –10 C released negligible amounts of phosphate-containing peptides. The results were taken to suggest that the incorporation of phosphates at metarhodopsin II level under the present condition occurred in the residues other than those removed by thermolysin digestion.Based on material presented at the Fifth International Congress of Eye Research, Eindhoven, October 1982     

Growth temperature acclimation byAmoeba proteus: Effects on cytoplasmic organelle morphology

Summary The effects on subcellular morphology of maintaining amoebae at temperatures other than 20 C (the routine culture temperature) were assessed. Estimations of cycling potential at each temperature confirmed that acclimation had affected gross cell functioning. Generation times ranged from no division at 6 C, to an optimal minimum of 2 days at 22 C.Organelle morphology changes were studied after 5 days of growth at the new temperatures; alterations were most evident at the extremes of 6 and 28 C. The main mitochondrial alteration resulted in changes to the ratio of Type I: Type II organelles; with a decrease in Type I forms away from the optimal range of 20–22 C. Extended culturing at 6 C generated mitochondrial matrical inclusions. Ribosomal attachment to the endoplasmic reticulum, a common feature of 20 C-grown cells, decreased at the temperature extremes, where an increase in free ribosomes occurred. Upon extended culture at 6 C helical structures, usually observed in groups only within the nucleus, were also present in the cytoplasm. Golgi complexes were less common in cells maintained at extreme temperatures and often showed differences in shape. These changes were all reversible on a return to culturing at 20 C.The possible functional significance of these findings is discussed.     

Variations in mental performance under moderate cold stress

Effects of moderate cold stress on reasoning ability, associative learning and critical flicker frequncy of Indian subjects were studied by exposing them to 25C,. 20C, 15C and 10C for three hours. A second set of experiments was also conducted to confirm the conclusions of the first by using the same temperatures and duration of exposure. However, not only the sample used in the second case was larger and different but also the mental functions tested were numerical ability, running memory and mental alertness. It has been concluded that there is a significant impairment of simple cognitive functions at 15C which is 10C lower than their most comfortable temperature of 25C.     

Supraoptimal growth-temperature reduces the heat-shock sensitivity of the chrysophycean flagellatePoterioochromonas malhamensis

Summary The chrysophycean flagellatePoterioochromonas malhamensis shows some characteristic alterations after a sublethal heat-shock (42 C, 16 minutes). Most cells round up and retract their cytoplasmic tail. The lorica formation is affected and, in nearly all cells, flagellar activity. Most membrane systems, especially the dictyosome, are severely damaged. In contrast the flagellar root apparatus and the cortical microtubules seem to be unaffected.After growth at a supraoptimal temperature of 33 C and a subsequent heat-shock (42 C, 16 minutes) the cells do not show the heat injuries reported above. The ability to form the lorica becomes also adapted to higher temperatures.Possible adaptation mechanisms are discussed.     

The relative influence of urban climates on outdoor human energy budgets and skin temperature II. Man in an urban environment

Four typical urban neighborhoods or street canyon settings (including street parks) were simulated. These urban morphologies were exposed to typical summer and winter climatic scenarios for latitudes 10, 34, and 50N. The changes induced in the components of the human energy budget were examined. Resultant skin temperatures were compared with non-urban, unobstructed environments.     

Body temperature responses of Savanna Brown goat to the harmattan and hot-dry season

Rectal and vaginal temperature responses of the Savanna Brown goat indigenous to the Nigerian guinea savanna were determined during the harmattan and the hot-dry season. Measurements were made at 06:00h and at 14:00h after 8h exposure to field conditions. At the 06:00h measurements during the harmattan, all animals were observed to shiver. A significant (P<0.01) positive correlation was found between rectal (T_re) and vaginal temperatures. During the harmattan, mean T_re was 38.2C at 06:00h and 39.7C at 14:00h; the mean difference, T_re was 1.5C. During the hot-dry season, T_re at 06:00h was 38.1C, and at 14:00h, 38.7; T_re was 0.6C. It is concluded that the harmattan is thermally more stressful than the hot-dry season and that passive thermolability may not be an important mechanism in the Savanna Brown goat in adaptation to thermal stress.     

A simple water bath test for estimating the thermoregulation efficiency of man

A water bath test is described in which the left hand is cooled in water at 10 to 15C for 2 min, and the temperature then measured in the centre of the palm with a thermocouple every 15 sec. Temperature is plotted against time forming a rewarming curve. The curves for subjects suffering from diseases which may involve impaired function of the thermoregulation centre show certain features which do not occur in normal subjects. Examples are presented and the question is discussed whether the rewarming curve could serve as a test for the function of the thermoregulation centre.

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Zusammenfassung Ein Wasserbad-Test wird beschireben: Die linke Hand wird 2 Min.bei 10 bis 15C in Wasser gekühlt und danach alle 15 Sek. die Temperatur in der HandflÄche mit einer Thermosonde gemessen. Die Temperatur wird gegen die Zeit in einer ErwÄrmungskurve aufgetragen. Die Kurven von Patienten mit Krankheiten, die wahrscheinlich eine gestörte Funktion des WÄrmezentrums aufweisen, zeigen bestimmte Eigenarten,die bei gesunden Personen nicht gefunden werden. Beispiele werden gegeben und die Frage wird diskutiert, ob die ErwÄrmungskurve als ein Test für die Funktion des WÄrmezentrums dienen kann.

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Resume Un test au bain-marie est décrit comme suit:La main gauche est rafraÎchie pendant deux minutes à environ 10 à 15C. Ensuite la température est mesurée toutes les 15 sec. au milieu de la paume (de la main) à l'aide d'une thermosonde. La température et le temps sont marqués sur une courbe d'échauffement. Les courbes des patients souffrant vraisemblablement d'une fonction troublée du centre de régulation thermique montrent certaines particularités qu'on ne trouve pas chez les personnes saines. Des résultats sont présentés et la question de savoir si la courbe d'échauffement peut servir de test pour la fonction du centre de régulation thermique est discutée.

     

Effects of hyperthermia on enzymes and electrolytes in blood and cerebrospinal fluid in dogs

The effects of exposure to various degrees of heat stress on serum glutamate—oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALK-P-ase), calcium and chlorides have been studied on 75 dogs. Rectal temperature (T_re) was recorded before and after exposure to heat stress. These dogs were divided into 5 groups, according to the T_re level attained after exposure to heat stress. Rectal temperature was raised from normal to 39.45±0.47C in the first group, to 40.93±0.17C in the second group, to 41.87±0.22C in the third group, to 42.90 ± 0.21C in the fourth group and to 43.93±0.19C in the fifth group. The concentration of enzymes SGOT, SGPT and ALK-P-ase in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) increased significantly with hyperthermia. Calcium and chlorides concentrations in blood and in CSF tended to increase in hyperthermia. The integrity of the blood brain barrier for these enzymes and calcium is maintained under mild hyperthermia but it breaks down partially under influence of more severe hyperthermia. Core temperature above 41C results in damage to tissues and consequential rise of plasma enzymes. This degree of hyperthermia also seems to mark the beginning of injury to blood brain barrier. Critical core temperature tolerated by 50% of animals was 44C.     

Quantitative measurements of activity ofAedes Aegypti (L.) (Culicidæ: Diptera) in response to changes in the hygrothermal environment

Reactions of A. AEGYPTI females to hygrothermal changes in the atmosphere were measured quantitatively by calculating the time between quantal cumulative response curves for take-off and settling. Reactions were compared among experimental groups derived from a stabilized colony and conditioned to a standard dark environment of 23 C and 100 per cent relative humidity.Atmospheric moisture was the limiting factor for duration of activity and for the initiation of the take-off or settling responses. Activity in response to hygrothermal conditions was mediated internally in relation to starvation and increased after a blood meal. Light operated interdependently with temperature and humidity to stimulate take-off after a period of rest.Activity appeared to be governed by the ability of mosquitoes to adapt to changes in the internal-external water balance.When the environmental water-vapor pressure remained near the adaptation level activity increased or decreased directly with temperature. Starving mosquitoes did not tolerate sudden decreases in water-vapor pressure, but did so within an hour following a blood meal. Large increases in watervapor pressure induced the resting state, which, if prolonged, took the form of prostrate immobilization. Maximum activity was related to the maximum hygrothermal change to which the mosquito could adapt without injury or without severe physiological consequences in water balance.

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Zusammenfassung Die Reaktionen von A. AEGYPTI Weibchen bei Änderungen der Temperatur und Feuchte in der AtmosphÄre wurden quantitativ durch die Reaktionskurven für Abflug und Aufsetzen gemessen. Die Reaktionen wurden mit denen von Mücken aus einer an Dunkelheit, 23 C und 100% R.F. adaptierten Standardkolonie verglichen. Der limitierende Faktor für die Dauer der AktivitÄt und für die Einleitung der Abflug und Landereaktion war die Feuchte. Bei der Änderung der Temperatur-Feuchte Bedingungen wurde die AktivitÄt durch Hunger beeinflusst und war nach einer Blutmahlzeit grosser. Licht stimulierte unabhÄngig von Temperatur und Feuchte den Abflug nach einer Ruheperiode. Die AktivitÄt der Mücken schien von der FÄhigkeit bestimmt zu werden, sich an Anderungen im intern-externen Wassergleichgewicht anzupassen.Wenn die Feuchte in der Höhe des Adaptationswertes lag, fiel oder stieg die AktivitÄt proportional zur Temperatur. Im Hunger konnten die Mücken einen plötzlichen Feuchteabfall nicht vertragen, wohl aber innerhalb einer Stunde nach einer Blutmahlzeit. Starker Anstieg der Feuchte leitete eine Ruhephase ein, die bei lÄngerem Bestehen zur EntkrÄftung führte. Maximale AktivitÄt war mit maximalen Temperatur-Feuchtewechsel verbundenen den die Mücken sich ohne ernste Folgen im Wasserhaushalt anpassen konnten.

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Resume La réaction de femelles d'A. AEGYPTI aux changements d'humidité et de température de l'atmosphère a été déterminée quantitativement au moyen des courbes de réaction fixant les intervalles de temps qui correspondent à l'envol et au retour. Les réactions ont été comparées à celles de moustiques appartenant à une colonie standard à l'obscurité, à 23 C de température et 100% d'humidité relative.L'humidité atmosphérique fut le facteur limitatif quant à la durée de l'activité et le déclenchement des réactions de repos et d'envol. L'activité en fonction des conditions d'humidité et de température fut influenÇable par la faim et montra un accroissement dans le cas de moustiques nourris de sang. Après une période de repos, une stimulation de l'envol eut lieu sous l'influence de la lumière, quelles que fussent les conditions de température et d'humidité.On constata que l'activité des moustiques fut dominée per leur faculté d'adaptation aux changements internes-externes de l'équilibre d'eau. Au cas où la pression de la vapeur d'eau environnante fut maintenue à proximité du niveau d'adaptation, l'activité augments ou décrût proportionellement à la température. A l'état affamé, les moustiques ne supportèrent pas les chutes rapides de la pression de la vapeur d'eau, mais, après qu'ils se fussent nourris de sang, le contraire eut lieu pendant une heure. Une forte augmentation de la pression de la vapeur d'eau provoqua le retour à l'état de repos, qui finit par prendre la forme d'un état d'épuisement. On constata que l'activité maximum correspond au changement maximum des conditions d'humidité et de température auquel les moustiques puissent s'adapter sans que soit porté préjudice à leur équilibre d'eau.

     

Interaction of cytochrome c L with methanol dehydrogenase from Methylophaga marina 42:

The reaction of methanol dehydrogenase with cytochrome c _L from Methylophaga marina and the reactions of the non-physiological substrates, Wurster's blue and ascorbic acid, with both proteins were studied as a function of temperature (4–32 °C), pressure (1–2000 bar) and ionic strength using the optical high pressure stopped-flow method. The thermodynamic parameters H, S and V were determined for all reactions where electron transfers are involved. These data allowed the determination of the Maxwell relationships which proved the internal thermodynamic consistency of the system under study. A conformational change on the cytochrome c _L level was deduced from both breaks in the Arrhenius plots and the variation of the V with temperature.Abbreviations MOPS 4-morpholinepropanesulfonic acid - CHES 2-(cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid - MDH methanol dehydrogenase - EDTA ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid disodium salt - BTB bromothymol blue (3,3-dibromothymolsulfoneph-thalein) - PQQ 2,7,9-tricarboxy-lH-pyrrolo-[2,3f]quinoline-4,5-dione - cytochrome c _HH mammalian horse heart cytochrome c     

Diapause, embryo growth and supercooling capacity of Epirrita autumnata eggs from northern Fennoscandia

The supercooling point (SCP) of individual Epirrita autumnata eggs (approx. 60 eggs batch^-1) was tested each month from September (eggs newly laid) to April under laboratory conditions simulating winter temperatures in the field (from +4 to-30 °C). Parallel to each test, one batch of eggs was transferred from the acclimation treatment to room temperature (22 °C) and the incubation duration to the first 50% hatch was recorded, giving a measure of embryo growth at the time of the SCP test. Data also give information on egg mortality, which generally was low.The SCP was found to be equivalent to the lower lethal temperatures for this species. Already in autumn, the SCP was in a low range of-34.9 to-36.5 °C and either rose (at a storage temperature of -3 °C) to a range between-28.3 and-29.8 °C in February, due to reduced cold hardiness during embryogenesis, or remained unchanged because the eggs were in quiescence (at -10 °C).The time to 50% hatch at 22 °C decreased from 60 days to 10–14 days in January when it either continued to decrease up to hatch (at -3 °C), or remained unchanged, indicating end of diapause in January. In December, 260 degree-days (DD) above a threshold of +5.8 °C was required for 50% hatch; in February the corresponding figures were 362 DD and-2 °C.When the supercooling point moved from the low to the high SCP range, the frequency distribution of the individual SCPs changed from positively to negatively skewed. The transition was rapid, intermediary distributions being flat and covering both ranges.Thus, in the field the eggs run the risk of freezing mainly at two temperature levels: below about-36 °C during diapause and post-diapause quiescence (in midwinter) and below about-29 °C during embryogenesis (in late winter spring).

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Résumé La température de congélation (supercooling point: SCP) de chaque uf de E. (Oporinia) autumnata (Lépido, géométride) (environ 60 ufs par ponte) a été examinée chaque mois, de septembre (ufs venant d'être pondus) à avril, dans des conditions simulant les températures hivernales de la nature (de-30° à +4 °C). Parallèlement à chaque expérience, une ponte était transférée aux fins d'acclimatation à la température du laboratoire (22 °C) pour noter la durée d'incubation des premiers 50% d'ufs éclos, afin d'avoir une donnée sur la durée du développement embryonnaire à l'époque de l'expérience de congélation, et sur la mortalité embryonnaire, d'ailleurs généralement basse.Le point de congélation (SCP) a correspondu pour cette espèce aux températures létales les plus basses. En automne déjà, la SCP avait une gamme basse de-34.9 à-36.5 °C et, soit s'élevait (pour une température de conservation >-3 °C) à une gamme de-28.3 à-29.8 °C en février, par suite de la diminution de la résistance au froid pendant l'embryogenèse, soit demeurait inchangée parce que les ufs étaient quiescents (<10 °C).Le temps d'éclosion 50 à 22 °C s'est abaissée de 60 j à 10–14 j en janvier pour ensuite, soit continuer de diminuer jusqu'à l'éclosion (>-3 °C), soit rester inchangé indiquant la fin de la diapause en janvier. En décembre, 260 degrés-jours (DD) au-dessus du seuil de +5.8 °C ont été nécessaires pour obtenir 50% d'éclosions, en février il a fallu 362 DD et-2 °C.Quand la température de congélation était déplacée de faibles à fortes valeurs de la SCP, la distribution des fréquences des SCP individuelles passait d'un biais positif à un biais négatif. La transition était rapide, les distributions intermédiaires étant plates et recouvrant les deux gammes.Ainsi les risques de congélation des ufs dans la nature se situent à deux niveaux: environ audessous de-36 °C pendant la diapause et la quiescence post-diapause (au milieu de l'hiver), et au-dessous d'environ-29 °C pendant l'embryogenèse (en fin d'hiver et au printemps).

     

Exocellular β-mannanases from hemicellulolytic fungi

Production of exocellular -mannan- and xylan-degrading enzymes by eight wood rotting fungi was studied. Although all organisms excreted -mannanase, endoxyfanase and acetylxylan esterase, production ofl--arabinosidase and 4-O-methylglucuronidase was variable. -Mannanosidase was not detected in any culture filltrate. Righest -mannanase and endoxylanase activities were observed in cultures ofPolyporus versicolor andSchizophyllum commune grown in Avicel-supplemented media. While crude -mannanases fromLinzites saepiria andS. commune exhibited equivalent affinities for gluco- and galactomannan substrates,P. versicolor -mannanase preferred a glucomannan substrate and did not use galactomannan from guar sum as a substrate.

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Résumé On a étudié la production de -mannanases et de xylanases exo-cellulaires chez huit moisissures pourrissant le bois. Bien que tous les organismes excrètent la -mannanase, l'endoxylanase et l'esterase de l'acétylxylane, la production del--arabinosidase et de la 4-O-méthyl-glucuronisade a été variable. La -mannanoxidase n'a été détectée dans aucun filtrat de culture. Les activilés les plus élevées en -mannanase et en endoxylanase ont été observées dans des cultures dePolyporus varsicolor et deSchizaphyllum commune, développées en milleu supplémenté en Avicel. Alors que les -mannanases brutes deLinzites saepiria et deS. commune ont montré des affinités équivalentes pour les substrats gluco- et galacto-mannanes, la -mannanase deP. versicolor préfère un substrat gluco-mannane et n'a pas utillisé le galacto-mannane de la gomme guar comme substrat.

     

Estimation of sweat rate and thermal tolerance of pure Creole and of Limousin × Creole crossbred growing bulls in Guadeloupe (French West Indies)

Four out of 8 Limousin × Creole (Li × Cr) and 4 out of 8 Creole growing bulls were exposed to full sunshine in Guadeloupe (French West Indies), the others being kept under shade. Sweating rate (measured on the back with capsules filled with a dessicator), rectal temperature and respiratory rhythm were measured between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., as well as climatic environmental data. Rectal temperature of Creole bulls (overall mean: 38.8C) remains unaffected by black globe temperature (TG), while, for Li × Cr bulls, it is well related to TG, reaching 39.5C when TG=39C; at this moment, Li × Cr respiratory rhythm reaches 100 breaths/min, compared with only 70 for Creole animals. The shade mean levels of these two parameters for each genotype are consistently the same (38.7C and 39 breaths/min). Under full sunshine, mean sweat rate is almost the same for the 2 genotypes; under shelter, the crossbred bulls sweat more than the Creole bulls, both shade means being significantly lower than means in the sun. Probably, when shaded, the Li × Cr animals must sweat more to balance a greater heat production, but their maximum sweat ability is not very different than the one of Creole bulls.     

Temperature dependent structural changes of intraphage T7 DNA

The phenomena connected with the first phase transition step of the native T7 phage at 40C–65 C have been studied using various methods. In this temperature range a) the optical melting curve shows an absorption decrease, b) the maximum of the small-angle X-ray scattering characteristic for DNA packing disappears, c) there is a drop of biological activity and d) there are changes in the structure of the difference absorption spectra of native phages versus isolated DNA. All data are interpreted assuming a structural change of the DNA due to the release of its protein coat towards the end of the first phase transition step (at 60–65 C in the case of M9 buffer). Above this temperature the intraphage DNA packing appears to be destroyed and the DNA structure seems to be similar to that in DNA solution.