Modulation of natural killer activity by thymosin alpha 1 and interferon

Summary A single injection of -interferon (-IFN) (30 000 units/mouse), a major biological modifier of natural killer (NK) cytolytic activity, strongly stimulated NK activity in normal mice, as expected, while the same treatment did not statistically alter the NK response in cyclophosphamide (CY)-suppressed animals.We investigated the possibility of thymosin ₁ cooperating with -IFN in boosting NK activity in CY-suppressed animals.The results show that treatment with thymosin ₁ (200 g/kg) for 4 days, followed by a single injection of -IFN 24 h before testing, strongly restored NK activity in CY-suppressed mice. Thymosin ₁ was, moreover, able to accelerate the recovery rate of NK activity in bone marrow reconstituted murine chimeras.Taken together the data support the concept that the synergic effect between thymosin ₁ and -IFN could be the result of effects on differentiation of the NK lineage at different levels.     

Further cytogenetic analyses of the Croatian triploid shallot “Ljutika” (Allium cepa var.viviparum, Alliaceae) and its comparison with the Indian triploid “Pran”

Feulgen and silver-stained karyotypes and meiosis of two triploid viviparous onion forms (Allium cepa var.viviparum), the Croatian Ljutika and the Indian Pran, were comparatively analyzed. The results of chromosome measurements show that Ljutika and Pran are karyologically not identical, although significant similarities were found in the morphology of their chromosomes. Five geographically distant clones of Ljutika showed good agreement in the number and gross morphology of the chromosomes and in the number and position of NORs and interphase nucleoli. Heterotrivalents were predominant in meiosis of Ljutika but a relatively high frequency of higher multivalents together with univalents and bivalents were also observed. The relationship between Ljutika and Pran and their possible origin are discussed.     

Microbial degradation of dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol,a lignin substructure model

Bacteria, yeasts, and molds which grew in a medium containing a synthetic lignin — a dehydrogenation polymer (DHP) of coniferyl alcohol — as a sole carbon source, were isolated from soil. One fungus, Fusarium solani M-13-1, was found to degrade the DHP most vigorously among the isolated organisms. It was shake-cultured in a medium containing dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (DHCA) (I), an important lignin model compound, and the following six metabolic products were isolated and identified: 1) Phenylcoumaran--aldehydic (II) and -carboxylic compounds, 2) phenylcoumaran--aldehydic compound (IV), formed by release of a 2-carbon fragment from the phenylcoumaran--carboxylic compound, 3) 5-acetylvanillyl alcohol (V), formed by cleavage of the coumaran ring and reduction of the -aldehyde group, 4) 5-carboxyvanillyl alcohol (VI), formed by subsequent oxidation of the acetyl group, and 5) the -ether of DHCA (VII), considered to be a by-product. A degradation pathway for DHCA was proposed on the basis of these metabolic products.Non-Standard Abbreviations DHP dehydrogenation polymer - DHCA dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol - DDQ dichlorodicyano-p-benzoquinone - DDHQ dichlorodicyano-p-hydroquinone - Ar aromatic - TLC thin layer chromatography - GC-MS gas chromatography-mass spectrometry     

Gamma carbonic anhydrase like complex interact with plant mitochondrial complex I

We report the identification by two hybrid screens of two novel similar proteins, called Arabidopsis thaliana gamma carbonic anhydrase like1 and 2 (AtCAL1 and AtCAL2), that interact specifically with putative Arabidopsis thaliana gamma Carbonic Anhydrase (AtCA) proteins in plant mitochondria. The interaction region that was located in the N-terminal 150 amino acids of mature AtCA and AtCA like proteins represents a new interaction domain. In vitro experiments indicate that these proteins are imported into mitochondria and are associated with mitochondrial complex I as AtCAs. All plant species analyzed contain both AtCA and AtCAL sequences indicating that these genes were conserved throughout plant evolution. Structural modeling of AtCAL sequences show a deviation of functionally important active site residues with respect to CAs but could form active interfaces in the interaction with AtCAs. We postulate a CA complex tightly associated to plant mitochondrial complex.     

Modulation of inner mitochondrial membrane channel activity

Three classes of inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) channel activities have been defined by direct measurement of conductance levels in membranes with patch clamp techniques in 150 mM K Cl. The 107 pS activity is slightly anion selective and voltage dependent (open with matrix positive potentials). Multiple conductance channel (MCC) activity includes several levels from about 40 to over 1000 pS and can be activated by voltage or Ca²⁺. MCC may be responsible for the Ca²⁺-induced permeability transition observed with mitochondrial suspensions. A low conductance channel (LCC) is activated by alkaline pH and inhibited by Mg²⁺. LCC has a unit conductance of about 15 pS and may correspond to the inner membrane anion channel, IMAC, which was proposed from results obtained from suspension studies. All of the IMM channels defined thus far appear to be highly regulated and have a low open probability under physiological conditions. A summary of what is known about IMM channel regulation and pharmacology is presented and possible physiological roles of these channels are discussed.     

Experimental effects of elevated salinity on three benthic invertebrates in Pyramid Lake,Nevada

Salinity of Pyramid Lake increased from 3.7 to 5.5 between 1933 and 1980. Concern over future reductions in overall species richness prompted experiments to assess responses of dominant lake organisms to elevated salinity. Salinity tolerances of three important benthic invertebrates, Hyalella aztecta, Chironomus utahensis, and Heterocypris sp., were tested in controlled laboratory bioassays and also in a semi-natural environment consisting of large (47 m³) mesocosms.Densities of H. azteca in mesocosms were significantly lower at salinities of 8.0 and 11.0 compared with 5.6 controls in year one, but not in 8.5 salinity mesocosms in year two. The 96-h LC₅₀ for H. azteca was high at 19.5. Short-term mortalities of C. utahensis were 100% at salinities of 13.3 and greater. Fifty-seven percent fewer larvae matured from third to fourth instar at 8.9 than at 5.5 salinity in 17 day subacute bioassays. Furthermore, larval chironomid densities and emergence of adults from mesocosms were significantly reduced at salinities of 8.0 and higher compared with controls. Mortality of Heterocypris sp. was 50% at a salinity of 18.6 in laboratory bioassays and populations in mesocosms ranged between 40 and 100% lower at salinities of 8.0 and 11.0 than in controls.Multiple generation mesocosm experiments indicated all three invertebrates were more sensitive to elevated salinity than results of short-term bioassays. Our studies suggest populations of these invertebrates may be reduced from present levels if Pyramid Lake's salinity were to double, although none are expected to be extirpated. Food habit shifts and reduced production of lake fishes are likely consequences of salinity-induced disruption in the benthic invertebrate forage base.     

The connectivity of cones and cone horizontal cells in a mosaic-type teleost retina

Summary A total of 20 Golgi-impregnated cone horizontal cells of Nannacara anomala (Cichlidae) were studied in alternating semi- and ultrathin sections in order to examine their connections with the overlying square mosaic of equal double and central single cones. Cone horizontal cells exhibit three types of processes: (a) the long horizontal axon, (b) short horizontal dendrites with a terminal swelling, and (c) cone contacting processes ascending towards the outer plexiform layer. As seen in tangential sections, the latter processes are arranged in the form of two concentric circles including a central spot. The processes of the inner circle contact the eight double cone pedicles of one square unit: processes of the outer circle contact eight more double cone pedicles which are directly adjacent to the square unit. The central spot represents a process which contacts the central single cone. Processes of the inner circle most often terminate in a dichotomous branching which represents the lateral elements to one ribbon synapse, whereas in the outer circle only a single terminal swelling is observed. Because of the mosaic of the cones and the constancy of this pattern of connectivity a model can be constructed where the dendritic fields of the cone horizontal cells overlap to a considerable extent. From this model, it follows that each double cone pedicle is contacted by four different horizontal cells. The functional significance of these findings for color vision is discussed in the light of recent work with the microspectrophotometer characterizing the cone system of this species as bichromatic. The mosaiclike arrangement of the horizontal cell dendrites supports the conclusion that the parallels between the patterns of receptor and horizontal cells are no coincidence but play an important role in lateral inhibition and neural adaptation of the retina.A preliminary report of this study was given at the international symposium Neural principles in vision held at the University of Munich in September 1975Supported by grant Wa 348/1 of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

Electron microscopic observations on isolated mitochondrial membranes,prepared by various histological methods

Summary The pictures of isolated mitochondrial membranes, as seen on the electron-microscope, depend very much on the method of specimen preparation. Subunits of linear dimensions of about 25 m, (electron transport particles) are observed in carbon-replicas of the membranes and in specimens treated with trypsin or pepsin (0.02% for 30 mins) and shadowed with platinum. A three-layered structure of the unit membrane is seen in sections of specimens fixed with osmium tetroxide or formalin followed by post-fixation with osmium tetroxide. But fixation with potassium permanganate or with formalin, followed by post-fixation with potassium permanganate reveals an electron-dense globular structural element in the unit membrane. An electron-transparent ultrastructural element of the unit membrane is observed after treatment with trypsin (0.2% for 5 mins) and fixation with osmium tetroxide. Unsectioned specimens treated with 0.02% trypsin for 30 mins show a honeycomb-like structure of the membrane. Thus, part of the results appear to support the concept of a mosaic-like structure of the unit membrane, whereas other results are in agreement with the classical concept of a three-layered structure.The authors wish to express their gratitude to Dr. Sina Rosenthal, Department of Physiological Chemistry, Humboldt University, Berlin, who prepared the isolated membranes, to Mr. E. Fischer, Head Technician of the Department of Electron Microscopy, Greifswald University, who took most of the electron micrographs, to Mr. G. Bartsch, Department of Electron Microscopy, Greifswald University, and especially to Prof. W. Bargmann and to Doz. E. Lindner, Department of Anatomy, Kiel University, for many valuable suggestions.     

Short- and long-term effects of ACTH on the adrenal zona glomerulosa of the rat

Summary Short-term ACTH treatment provoked a decrease in volume of the lipid-droplet compartment in rat zona glomerulosa cells, and a rise in plasma and intracellular concentrations of corticosterone and aldosterone. It enhanced activities of 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3HSD), 11-hydroxylase (11OH) and 18-hydroxylase (18OH). Long-term ACTH administration produced a hypertrophy of the zona glomerulosa and its parenchymal cells, a result of the increase in volume of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondrial compartment. The surface area per cell of mitochondrial inner membranes increased; the tubular cristae were transformed into a homogeneous population of vesicles. The plasma and intracellular concentrations of corticosterone further increased, whereas those of aldosterone fell below basal levels (the aldosterone-escape phenomenon). The activities of 3HSD and 11OH were enhanced, that of 180H decreased. Therefore, ACTH stimulates zona glomerulosa growth and transforms parenchymal elements into zona fasciculata celltypes. Cyanoketone nullified acute ACTH effects on plasma and intracellular concentrations of corticosterone and aldosterone, but did not affect the activities of 11OH and 18OH. Chronic ACTH treatment produced similar results, although 18OH activity was not suppressed. The mechanism underlying the aldosterone-escape phenomenon may thus involve a rise in the intracellular concentration of corticosterone, caused by the enhanced synthesis and activation of 3HSD and 11OH.     

Elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen über Bildung und Struktur der Zygotenwand beiMicrasterias papillifera (Desmidiaceae)

Zusammenfassung Die Feinstruktur von Mesospor und Endospor reifer Zygoten vonMicrasterias papillifera wurde untersucht. Das für die Resistenz der Zygoten gegenüber ungünstigen Umweltbedingungen wichtige Mesospor besteht aus vier Schichten von unterschiedlicher Elektronendichte. Es ist insgesamt 460–500 nm dick. Die Schichten Mes a und Mes c bestehen aus akkrustierten, dicht gepackten globulären Elementen eines Stoffes, der dem Sporopollenin ähnlich ist. Die Schicht Mes b zeigt ein fibrilläres Grundgerüst, wahrscheinlich aus Zellulose, in das Stoffe inkrustiert sind, die nicht mit denen der Schichten Mes a und Mes c identisch, aber gegen Abbauversuche ähnlich résistent sind.Die Schicht Mes d ist eine Übergangsschicht zum Endospor. Zwischen die Zellulose-Mikrofibrillen in Streutextur sind isolierte Partikel des Materials der Schicht Mes c eingestreut. Das etwa 650 nm dicke Endospor ist eine Zelluloseschicht mit Streutextur. Es wird als Wand der sogenannten Keimblase bei der Zygotenkeimung nach Sprengung von Exospor und Mesospor stark gedehnt.

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Electron microscopical investigations on the structure and formation of the zygote wall inMicrasterias papillifera (Desmidiaceae) II. The structure of the mesospore and the endospore

Summary The mesospore (460–500 nm thick) which is responsible for the resistance of the zygote against desiccation during its resting period, consists of four layers of different electron density. The layers Mes a and Mes c are composed of densely packed amorphous globular elements of a substance resembling sporopollenine. The layer Mes b has a fibrillar, probably cellulosic frame. It is incrusted by a substance which is not identical with that of Mes a or Mes c but which shows a comparable resistance against degradation.The layer Mes d contains isolated particles such as in Mes c and cellulose microfibrils of the endospore. The endospore (650 nm thick) has foliate texture. This layer surrounds the protoplast after it has escaped from the ruptured exospore and mesospore during zygospore germination.

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Der Deutschen Forchungsgemeinschaft dank ich f:ur Sachbeihilfe.     

T cells in murine lupus: propagation and regulation of disease

MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr mice develop a spontaneous lupus syndrome, including hypergammaglobulinemia, autoantibodies, glomerulonephritis, and lymphadenopathy. To investigate the role of lymphocyte subsets in the pathogenesis of disease, lupus-prone MRL mice deficient in T cells, T cells, or both were generated. Mice deficient in T cells developed a partially penetrant lupus syndrome, characterized by lymphadenopathy, elevated levels of class-switched immunoglobulins, an increased incidence of antinuclear antibodies, and immune deposits in kidneys which progressed to renal insufficiency over time. In comparison to wild type animals, T cell-deficient animals developed an accelerated and exacerbated disease phenotype, characterized by accelerated hypergammaglobulinemia and enhanced autoantibody production and mortality. Repertoire analysis of these latter animals identified polyclonal expansion (V) of CD4+B220-cells. Mice lacking both and T cells failed to generate class-switched autoantibodies and immune complex renal disease. First, these findings demonstrate that murine lupus in the setting of Fas-deficiency does not absolutely require the presence of T cells, and they also suggest that a significant basis for MRL/lpr disease, including renal disease, involves T cell-independent, T cell dependent, polyreactive B cell autoimmunity, upon which T cell-dependent mechanisms aggravate specific autoimmune responses. Second, these data indicate that T cells partake in the regulation of systemic autoimmunity, presumably via their effects on CD4+B220-T cells that provide B cell help. Finally, these results demonstrate that MRL/lpr B cells, despite their intrinsic abnormalities, cannot per se cause tissue injury without T cell help.Abbreviations snRNPs small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles     

Partial mispairing and crossing-over between β0 and δ genes as the origin of the δ β0 thalassemia gene

Summary Two double heterozygous ⁰/⁰ thalassemic sibs of Mexican descent were studied. The father had a ⁰/⁰ genotype, while the mother, one sib and several maternal relatives were ⁰/⁰ heterozygotes. Parental consanguinity and an apparently low frequency of thalassemia among Mexicans suggested a possible common origin of both ⁰ and ⁰ genes. A hypothesis to explain such a possibility is proposed on the basis of a partial mispairing between ⁰ and genes followed by a crossing-over which would results in a ⁰ recombinant gene. This hypothesis could also be extended to explain the 22 gluala, 22 alaglu and 116 arghis Hb variants as recombinants from double crossing-over between and mispaired genes for which the name interstitial-Lepore is proposed.     

Effects of D‐mannoheptulose upon D‐glucose metabolism in tumoral pancreatic islet cells

D[³H]mannoheptulose was recently reported to be poorly taken up by tumoral pancreatic islet cells of the RINm5F and INS1 lines. We have now investigated the effects of Dmannoheptulose upon Dglucose metabolism in these two cell lines. Dmannoheptulose (1.0–10.0 mM) only caused a minor decrease of Dglucose metabolism in RINm5F cells, whether at low (1.1 mM) or higher (8.3 mM) Dglucose concentration. A comparable situation was found in INS1 cells examined after more than 20 passages. In both cases, however, the hexaacetate ester of Dmannoheptulose (5.0 mM) efficiently inhibited Dglucose metabolism. In the INS1 cells, the relative extent of the inhibitory action of Dmannoheptulose upon Dglucose metabolism increased from 12.4 ± 2.6 to 38.3 ± 3.8% as the number of passages was decreased from more than 20 to 13–15 passages, the latter percentage remaining lower, however, than that recorded in INS1 cells also examined after 13–15 passages but exposed to Dmannoheptulose hexaacetate (66.9 ± 2.2%). These findings when compared to our recent measurements of D[³H]mannoheptulose uptake, reinforce the view that the entry of the heptose into cells and, hence, its inhibitory action on Dglucose metabolism are dictated by expression of the GLUT2 gene.     

Mode of uptake of sterol by Arthrobacter simplex

The mechanism of uptake of water-insoluble -sitosterol by a newly isolated strain of Arthrobacter simplex SS-7 was studied. The production of an extracellular sterol-pseudosolubilizing protein during growth of A. simplex on -sitosterol was demonstrated by isolating the factor from the cell-free supernatant and its subsequent purification by Sephadex G-150 column chromatography. The M _r of the purified sterol-pseudosolubilizing protein determined by SDS–PAGE was 19kDa. The rate of sterol pseudosolubilization (5.2×10^–3g l^–1h^–1) could not adequately account for the rate of sterol uptake (72×10^–3g l^–1h^–1) and the specific growth rate (56×10^–3 h^–1). However in the unfavourable growth condition, when the cells were treated with sodium azide at the level of 30–60% of MIC, the sterol pseudosolubilization accounted for nearly 74% of the total growth containing 96% free cells. Cellular adherence to substrate particles was found to play an active role in the normal growth of the strain on -sitosterol. Unlike sodium acetate-grown cells, whose surface activity was negligible (60mNm^–1), the sterol-grown cells had strong surface activity (40mNm^–1). The high lipid content and long chain fatty acids in the cell-wall of -sitosterol-grown cells probably contribute to the high sterol adherence activity of the cells.     

Observations on the fine structure of the cercaria of Notocotylus attenuatus and formation of the cyst wall of the metacercaria

Summary The dorsal tegument of the mature cercaria of Notocotylus attenuatus is a syncytial, cytoplasmic layer, containing two types of secretory granule which are identifiable ultrastructurally. The type 1 secretory bodies are electron lucid, whereas most type 2 granules have a banded appearance. The ventral tegument contains granules which are secreted from the type 3 cells; the type 3 granules are membrane bound, electron dense, and consist of both an amorphous and a finely striated zone. The type 4 cells mainly contain cigar-shaped granules consisting of an amorphous core surrounded by concentric striations. The granules exhibit structural variability in shape and content. The type 4 cells undergo a cellular migration to the tegument during encystment. The structure of the posterior-lateral glands and mode of secretion of the granules are described. Possible functions of microtubules are discussed for each cell type. Details of some secretory processes involved in the formation of the hemispherical cyst wall are described. The layers of the cyst wall may be related to the granular contents of the various parenchymal cells of the cercaria. The tegument of the metacercaria originates primarily from the cytoplasm of the type 1, type 2, type 3 and type 4 cells.     

Purification of fusion proteins using affinity microspheres in aqueous two-phase systems

Affinity microspheres were prepared by immobilizing human -globulin (HGb) onto carboxylated poly (styrene/acrylamide) latex particles [P(St/AAm)-H; average diameter 0.33 m], which were prepared by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. HGB was covalently immobilized onto the latex particles with high efficiency by the carbodiimide method. A fusion protein (ZZB1B2) of immunoglobulin G and albumin-binding domains (ZZ and B1B2, respectively) was expressed intracellularly and extracellularly in Escherichia coli and was purified by the affinity microspheres. In poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)/potassium phosphate aqueous two-phase system, the affinity microspheres were partitioned into the PEG-rich top phase, while cells and cell debris of E. coli were displaced into the salt-rich bottom phase. Therefore, ZZB1B2 was directly purified from cell disintegrate or culture broth by combining the affinity microspheres with the aqueous two-phase partitioning, and its purity was almost the same as that purified by conventional affinity chromatography. Therefore, by this purification method, the primary purification process and the subsequent high resolution purification process are combined, and the number of purification steps can be reduced. Correspondence to: A. Kondo     

Mehrjährige Untersuchungen über Stoffbildung und Entwicklung des Maises

Zusammenfassung 1. Beschrieben und analysiert werden a) ein Schnittzeitenversuch (I) mit den beiden Maissorten Schindelmeiser und WIR 25 an den Orten Groß-Lüsewitz, Karow und Bernburg in den Jahren 1959, 1960 und 1961, b) ein Schnittzeitenversuch (II) mit 8 Maissorten (sehr früh bis sehr spät) in Groß-Lüsewitz 1963 und 1964, c) ein Defoliationsversuch mit den Maissorten Schindelmeiser, WIR 25 und Siloma in Groß-Lüsewitz 1964 und d) ein Gefäß-Schnittzeitenversuch zur Erfassung der Assimilationsrate und der Transpiration mit den gleichen 3 Maissorten in Groß-Lüsewitz in den Jahren 1961, 1962 und 1963.2. Die Variation der Blatttrockenmasse ist etwa zu 50% mit der Variation der Zeit zu erklären, die zur Ausbildung der Blattmasse zur Verfügung stand.Bei den Sorten sehr unterschiedlicher Reifezeit wird übereinstimmend 9 Wochen nach Versuchsbeginn das Maximum des Blattflächenindex erreicht. Nur die sehr späte Sorte Rumaer erreicht ihren maximalen Index erst am Versuchsende (16 Wochen nach Beginn). Die frühen Sorten haben einen Index von 3, die mittelfrühen und mittelspäten von 4 und die späten Sorten von 5 und mehr. Es gibt signifikante Interaktionseffekte Jahre/Orte auf die Ausbildung der Blattmasse.3. Die Assimilationsleistung geht von 0,3 bis 0,4 g erzeugte Gesamttrockenmasse je g vorhandene Blattmasse und je Tag am Anfang der Entwicklung auf 0,15 g während der Hauptwachstumsperiode zurück und sinkt bis zum Ende der Vegetationszeit auf 0,03 g ab. Zwischen den Orten gab es keine wesentlichen Unterschiede in der Assimilationsleistung; dagegen zeigte sich ein deutlich fördernder Einfluß des günstigen Vegetationsjahres 1959 mit trocken-warmer Witterung und ein rapider Abfall in ungünstigen kühlen und strahlungsarmen Vegetationsjahren.Die Sorte Schindelmeiser wies während der Zeit der Kolbenproduktion im Mittel der Orte und Jahre signifikant höhere Assimilationsleistungen auf als die Sorte WIR 25. Aus dem Versuch mit acht Sorten sehr unterschiedlicher Reifezeit geht hervor, daß die Assimilationsleistung während der reproduktiven Phase mit zunehmender Reifezeit abnimmt. Die Assimilationsleistung war während der vegetativen Phase bei allen Sorten etwa gleich. Mit fortschreitender Reifezeit steigen die Blattmassen erheblich an, die Assimilationsleistung während der vegetativen Phase bleibt etwa auf gleicher Höhe. Daraus ergibt sich eine größere vegetative Gesamttrockenmasse der späten Sorten.Während der generativen Phase gelten die gleichen Beziehungen zwischen den Blattmassen verschiedener Reifezeit, jedoch geht die mittlere Assimilationsleistung mit zunehmender Reifezeit erheblich zurück. Die erzeugte Trockenmasse während der generativen Phase (Kolbentrockenmasse) ist bei den späten Sorten deutlich geringer, da deren relativ geringe Assimilationsleistung nicht durch den relativ großen Blattapparat kompensiert werden kann. Die während der gesamten Vegetationszeit im Mittel der Jahre 1963 und 1964 erzeugte Trockenmasse ist bei allen Sorten etwa gleich groß.Assimilationsleistung und Sonnenscheindauer zeigen Ähnlichkeit in ihrem Verlauf über die Vegetationszeit. Die Vermutung, daß der Abfall der Assimilationsleistung mit zunehmender Reifezeit auf abnehmende Strahlungsdauer vom Hochsommer zum Herbst zurückzuführen sei, kann bestenfalls nur teilweise aufrechterhalten werden. Bezieht man nämlich die Assimilationsleistungen auf die Sonnenscheindauer, so bleibt der Assimilationsabfall von frühen zu späten Sorten bestehen. Es gab unter den 8 geprüften Sorten keine, die auch bei geringer Sonnenscheindauer hohe Assimilationsleistungen gebracht hätte.Gute Strahlungsverhältnisse sind für hohe Assimilationsleistungen eine zwar notwendige, aber nicht hinreichende Bedingung.4. Der nach der sogenannten Soghypothese zu erwartende negative Zusammenhang zwischen Blattmasse und Assimilationsleistung war signifikant nachzuweisen. Nach unseren Untersuchungen ist während der Kolbenproduktion bei der geringen Blattmasse von 10 bis 12 dt/ha Trockenmasse eine Assimilationsleistung von ca. 0,13 Kolbentrockenmasse je g vorhandene Blattmasse und je Tag möglich, bei einer Blattmenge von 38 bis 40 dt/ha dagegen nur eine Assimilationsleistung von 0,05 g/g d.Mit 100 kg Blatttrockenmasse wurden in jedem Einzelversuch mindestens etwa 4 bis 5 kg Kolbentrockenmasse je Tag erzeugt. Durch Gunst der Umwelt (Strahlung) ist es möglich, zusätzliche Assimilationsleistungen zu erzielen, die bei den geringsten Blattmassen am höchsten sind und mit zunehmender Gesamt-Blatttrockenmasse abnehmen.Die produzierte Kolbentrockenmasse pro Tag nimmt somit bei ungünstigen Bedingungen mit zunehmender Blatttrockenmasse (in einem Meßbereich bis 40 dt/ha Blatttrockenmasse) linear zu, während bei günstigen Bedingungen oberhalb 26 bis 32 dt/ha Blatttrockenmasse die je Blatteinheit produzierten Kolbenmassen wieder abnehmen. Als Ursache hierfür wird die Selbstbeschattung sehr blattreicher Formen angenommen.Die optimale Blatttrockenmasse entspricht einem Blattflächenindex von 4,2 bis 4,8, der etwa bei den Sorten Siloma und Mv 40 und nahezu bei der Sorte WIR 25 realisiert ist.Auch nach dem Defoliationsversuch nimmt mit abnehmender Blattmasse die Assimilationsleistung zu. Bei großer Standweite wurden deutlich größere Assimilationsleistungen gemessen, wobei WIR 25 unter den 3 Sorten die geringste Assimilationsleistung zeigte.Unter Feldbedingungen wiesen im Defoliationsversuch die oberen Blätter größere Assimilationsleistungen als die übrigen Blätter auf.5. Der Verlauf von Assimilation und Transpiration während der Entwicklung ist ungefähr gleich. Die Transpiration geht im Laufe der Entwicklung von etwa 0,30 auf etwa 0,05 g Wasser pro cm² Blatt und pro Tag zurück. Der Abfall verläuft, ähnlich wie bei der Assimilationsleistung, zunächst sehr schnell und dann wesentlich langsamer. Auch der Transpirationskoeffizient zeigt diesen Verlauf. Die drei geprüften Sorten unterscheiden sich in ihrem Transpirationskoeffizienten nur unwesentlich.6. Die Verteilung der Assimilate (Blatt, Stengel, Kolben) wird graphisch dargestellt. Da aus Versuchen verschiedener Autoren (u. a. auchMeinl undBellmann) hervorgeht, daß auch bei fehlendem Sog die Assimilation fast unvermindert fortschreitet, müßte die Soghypothese abgelehnt werden. Dagegen sprechen die hier gefundenen Zusammenhänge für die Hypothese. (Bei Verminderung der assimilierenden Blattfläche um ca. 30% gibt es noch keine wesentliche Einbuße an Trockensubstanzproduktion in den Speicherorganen.) Die Verteilung der Assimilate in die einzelnen Organe erfolgt je nach Sorte und Umweltbedingung trotz Relativierung des Zeitparameters sehr unterschiedlich.7. Mit Hilfe der Allometrie lassen sich die Wachstumsabschnitte Jugendentwicklung, Schossen, Rispenschieben, Blüte, Kolbenentwicklung und Reife nachweisen. Jeder Übergang von einem Abschnitt in den anderen ist durch eine Änderung der Allometriekonstanten mindestens eines der untersuchten Organe Blatt, Stengel, Rispe und Kolben, die in ihrer Beziehung zur Gesamttrockenmasse dargestellt werden, gekennzeichnet.8. Das Verhältnis von erzeugter Trockenmasse zu der dazu erforderlichen Zeit ist sorten- und umweltabhängig. Im Mittel werden während der Jugendentwicklung (32% der Gesamtzeit) nur ungefähr 7%, während der Phasen Schossen, Rispenschieben und Blüte (29% der Zeit) dagegen 46% der Gesamttrockenmasse gebildet. Im Verlauf der Kolbenbildung (39% der Gesamtzeit) werden 47% der Gesamtmasse erzeugt. Damit sind die drei mittleren Phasen je Zeiteinheit am produktivsten. Bei den mittelfrühen und mittelspäten Sorten dauern die Mittelphasen länger als bei frühen und späten Sorten.a) Es wurden für jeden der 34 Einzelversuche die Modelle der Trockenmassenproduktion aufgestellt. Dabei zeigte sich, daß auch bei einer Relativierung der Massen- und Zeitparameter die Massenkurven für die Einzelorgane umweltbedingt stark streuen (s% etwa 20–40%). Es gibt Standorte, die zur Modellbildung besonders geeignet erscheinen, da dort die umweltbedingten Parameterstreunngen sehr klein sind. Die sortenbedingte Variation ist allgemein geringer. Es läßt sich ein mittleres Wachstumsmodell der Trockenmassen (Blatt, Stengel, Rispen, Kolben, Gesamtpflanze) konstruieren, das eine Schätzung des wahren Modells darstellt. Zur Bildung von allgemeingültigen Modellen sind Versuche unter möglichst verschiedenen Umweltbedingungen und mit möglichst vielen Sorten notwendige Voraussetzung.

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Several years of investigations on dry matter production and development in maizeIII. The physiological basis of yield formation, a growth model and its variability

Summary 1. An Analysis of harvest samples of different varieties of maize was undertaken at different times in various localities. Another experiment was carried out in order to find the net assimilation rate (NAR) and transpiration of three varieties.2. Fifty percent of the variation of leaf dry matter was found to be due to variations in the length of time available for the formation of leaves. Early varieties have a leafarea index (LAI) of 3, the middle and comparatively later ones LAI is 4, and late varieties have an index of 5 or more. A significant interaction growth year and location was noticed in the build-up of leaf matter.3. The NAR ranges from 0.3–0.4 to a final level of 0.03 g/gram of leaves/day.4. A significant relationship was found between leaf dry matter and ear dry matter. Under unfavorable weather conditions there is a linear increase of ear dry matter with leaf dry matter of up to 40 dt/ha, while under favorable conditions amounts exceeding 26–32 dt/ha of dry leaf matter have a diminishing effect per leaf unit. Self-shading by the greater number of leaves is assumed to be the reason for this finding. The optimal leaf dry matter is 4.2–4.8 LAI.5. During the growth period transpiration coefficient and NAR ran a similar course.6. The distribution of assimilates to the different organs differs with variety and environmental conditions even after adjustment of time parameters.7. By means of allometry it was possible to distinguish six different growth phases: early development (I), sprouting (II), appearance of panicles (III), flowering (IV), ear development (V), and ripening (VI).8. The ratio of dry matter produced to time required depends upon varieties and environment. During phase I (32% of the entire vegetative period) only 7% of total dry matter was produced, while during II, III and IV (29% of growing time) 46% were added. During phase V (requiring 39% of the vegetative period) the remaining 47% of total dry matter was formed.9. For each of 34 experiments models of dry matter production were developed. These models indicated that individual organs are highly affected by environmental conditions (s% is about 20–40). It is possible to construct an avarage growth model for dry matter production of leaf, stem, panicle, ear, and whole plant. This model represents an estimate of the true model. To establish a universally valid model experiments with different varieties raised in widely differing environments are prerequisite.

     

Variant forms ofα-2-l-fucosyltransferase in human submaxillary glands from blood group ABH “secretor” and “non-secretor” individuals

The properties of the -2-l-fucosyltransferases in submaxillary gland preparations from blood group ABH secrefors and non-secretors were compared. The level of activity in the non-secretor gland homogenates amounted to about 5% only of that found in the secretor gland preparations. The enzymes from the two sources differed in solubility properties, charge and affinities for donor and acceptor substrates. The enzyme from secretor glands showed a preference for acceptors with Type 1 [d-galactosyl(1–3)-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine] structures whereas the enzyme from non-secretor glands had a preference for Type 2 [d-galactosyl(1–4)-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine] structures.These results demonstrate that expression of the secretor gene (Se) is associated with a molecular form of the -2-l-fucosyltransferase that is different from the species present in the same tissue when theSe gene is not expressed.     

On the sufficiency of the velocity field for perception of heading

All models of self-motion from optical flow assume the instantaneous velocity field as input. We tested this assumption for human observers using random-dot displays that simulated translational and circular paths of movement by manipulating the lifetime and displacement of individual dots. For translational movement, observers were equally accurate in judging direction of heading from a velocity field with a two-frame dot life and a direction field in which the magnitudes of displacement were randomized while the radial pattern of directions was preserved, but at chance with a speed field in which the directions were randomized, preserving only magnitude. Accuracy declined with increasing noise in vector directions, but remained below 2.6° with a 90° noise envelope. Thus, the visual system uses the radial morphology of vector directions to determine translational heading and can tolerate large amounts of noise in this pattern. For circular movement, observers were equally accurate with a 2-frame velocity field, 3-frame acceleration displays, and 2-frame and 3-frame direction fields, consistent with the use of the pattern of vector directions to locate the center of rotation. The results indicate that successive independent velocity fields are sufficient for perception of translational and circular heading.     

Computerized scheme for the reaction of hemoglobin with ligands

A scheme for the reaction of hemoglobin with ligands is described, which postulates the functional heterogeneity of the chains, considers all possible combinations of the distribution of the ligand on the four chains of hemoglobin, and does not require simplifying assumptions about the hemoglobin reactivity. Ten tetrameric species are considered, together with 16 reactions between these species, each with an on and an off rate constant. The dissociation of hemoglobin tetramers into dimers is also considered, with four on and four off rate constants for the reactions between dimers, and ten equilibrium constants for the reactions between tetramers and dimers. Moreover, some side reactions, such as the trapping of ligands by a hemoglobin competitor, are included. A FORTRAN program, suitable for microcomputers, is described for handling this scheme, with some examples showing its advantages.