The spreading of monolayers of myosin

The spreading of the muscle proteins myosin and actomyosin depends both on the salt solution in which the proteins are dissolved and on the solution on which they are spread. The spreading is more complete the lower the concentration of the salt solution in which the proteins are dissolved and the higher the salt concentration of the solutions on which the proteins are spread. This effect seems to be due partially to the difference in density allowing the spread droplets a longer life on the surface, and partially to the effect of salt on the charge of the protein. A change in the pH of the substrate has a smaller effect than a change in the salt concentration. Heavy metals like Cu⁺⁺ or Zn⁺⁺, inhibit spreading almost completely. The dependence of spreading on these salts and on time was investigated in detail.The effect of the different salts was also compared with the effect of different phosphate compounds. It was noted that the above substances, including the different salts, phosphate compounds, and heavy metals, affect the mechanism of spreading but not films already spread. The viscosity of these fibrillar proteins was compared with other proteins in the monomolecular film state and in myosin an unusually high viscosity was found.     

Development of centrality indices of subcutaneous fat during growth

Changes of fat distribution were followed up in Czech and Slovak children from 1.5 to 15 years of age, using centrality indices, which relate the values of skinfolds on the trunk to the skinfolds on the extremities, head and neck. Up to 5 years of age, subcutaneous fat was deposited relatively more on the extremities, head and neck than on the trunk, which was expressed by lower values of the centrality indices. After the age of 5 years, the accumulation of subcutaneous fat was greater on the trunk, which was also expressed by higher values of the centrality indices. The comparison of the individual indices revealed in both genders a relatively higher amount of subcutaneous fat on the trunk in boys until 12 years of age. During puberty subcutaneous fat over triceps and on the forearm was reduced. In girls the deposition of the subcutaneous fat was relatively greater at different sites of the trunk than in boys, with the exception of the age of 14-15 years. The deposition of subcutaneous fat was greater on the trunk than on the head (cheek) and on the extremities in Czech compared to Slovak children, except for 12-year-old girls. During the period between the fifties and the seventies of the last century, in Czech children, especially in girls, the deposition of subcutaneous fat on the trunk was relatively smaller than on other parts of the body surface, which was expressed by the reduction of the centrality indices. Index 12 was therefore considered as the most valuable for the characterization of fat distribution on the body surface.     

高浓度O3对树木生理生态的影响

目前全球范围内的O3污染日趋严重,特别是随着城市化的不断发展和大气O3浓度的不断升高,O3对植物的影响已越来越引起人们的关注.O3可以通过多种方式影响森林树木.结合近年来对城市森林主要树种与气候变化关系的研究和相关文献调查,综合报道和分析了国内外高浓度O3对森林树木生理生态影响研究的最新进展,具体包括高浓度O3对树木的可见伤害、树木的生长和形态结构、光合作用、物质代谢、抗氧化系统及其与其它生态因子(如温度、干旱、CO2等)复合作用对树木生理生态的影响.提出了一些目前研究中存在的主要问题和研究展望.这些报道为进一步开展高浓度O3对树木的生理生态学研究,特别是为全球气候变化背景下城市森林的可持续经营与管理以及树种选择提供科学参考和理论依据.     

夏季绿洲生态环境对荒漠背景地表能量过程的扰动

利用观测试验资料,对比分析了夏季典型晴天敦煌绿洲与周围荒漠戈壁背景地表过程的差异,揭示了绿洲生态系统对干旱区荒漠背景地表过程的扰动特征。结果表明:绿洲地表净辐射日平均要高出周围荒漠戈壁背景60 W/m2以上,约占绿洲净辐射的1/4以上。对绿洲高出的净辐射贡献最大的是绿洲相对低的地表长波辐射,其次是较高的太阳总辐射。而绿洲相对较低的大气长波辐射对高出的净辐射有较大的负贡献,特别是地表反射辐射也有很小的负贡献。绿洲高出的地表净辐射主要贡献于加强潜热和地热流量,还有一部分被绿洲地表能量不平衡差额所占,它实际上可能由一般地表热量平衡所不考虑的垂直热量平流来输送。而绿洲明显低于荒漠背景的感热通量则节省了一部分净辐射能量。     

The role of the aggregation of microbial cells in the development of salmonellosis in mice

The dependence of the invasive action of Salmonella typhimurium in mice on the aggregation of microbial cells has been studied in vivo, as well as in vitro on explanted intestinal tissue. The aggregation of salmonellae on kaolin grains has been found to lead to an increase in the level of adhesion of salmonellae to the intestinal mucosa of mice in vitro, to the accelerated course of infection in mice and their death and to the increased contamination of the spleen. The data obtained in these experiments age indicative of the possibility of the adverse influence of some sorbents on the course of the infectious process and confirm the concept advanced by the authors on the major importance of the surface concentration of salmonellae on the mucous membrane for the effectiveness of contamination.     

Effect of Kinetin on Ribosomes of Excised Barley Leaves

The changes in the amount and the composition of ribosomes in excised barley leaves floated on water or on 10 mg/l kinetin solution in the dark were examined. The rapid loss of polyribosomes and ribosomes in leaves floated on water was greatly retarded by kinetin. The ribosomes-polyribosomes which originally contained 49 per cent protein showed substantial decline in protein content in leaves floated on water but only slight decline in leaves floated on kinetin solution. It is suggested that kinetin by stimulating RNA synthesis and by suppressing the activities of rihonuclease and peplidase may preserve the ribosomes in excised leaves.     

棉田四种常用杀虫剂对玉米螟赤眼蜂不同虫态的杀伤力

棉田四种常用杀虫剂对玉米螟赤眼蜂不同虫态的杀伤力差异显著。溴氰菊酯、氰戊菊酯、久效磷、甲胺磷对玉米螟赤眼蜂成虫的杀伤力均很强;溴氰菊酯和甲胺磷对玉米螟赤眼蜂卵至蛹各个虫态的杀伤力较强;而氰戊菊酯对卵、久效磷对幼虫有较强的杀伤力。久效磷对玉米螟赤眼蜂成虫的残留毒杀力最强。玉米螟赤眼蜂成虫是玉米螟赤眼蜂一生中对农药最敏感的时期,其次是卵和幼虫,而预蛹和蛹耐药性较强。     

A comparison of features and the microbial constitution of the fresh feces of pigs fed diets supplemented with or without dietary microbes

The features and the constitution of the microbial population of fresh feces were compared between pigs fed a diet supplemented with dietary microbes and pigs given nonsupplemented diets. The former were reared on farm C and the latter on farms A and B. The concentrations of ammonia-N, indole, and skatole of fresh feces were not significantly different between pigs reared on farm C and those raised on farms A and B, but the concentrations of ammonia-N and the skatole of fresh feces were significantly different between pigs reared on farms A and B. The total VFA (volatile fatty acids) concentration of fresh feces in pigs on farm C was slightly lower than in those on farms A and B. Moreover, the molar proportion of the acetic acid in feces in pigs on farm C was lower; inversely, that of propionic and butyric acids was higher in comparison with those on farms A and B. No differences were evident in the total viable counts of feces among pigs reared on the three different farms. Clostridium perfringens was abundant in feces of pigs raised on farms A and B, but it was not detected in pigs reared on farm C. Megasphaerae, bifidobacteria, and clostridia except for C. perfringens were more abundant in the feces of pigs fed a diet supplemented with dietary microbes on farm C, compared with pigs given the nonsupplemented diets on farms A and B.     

Evaluation of an Antibiotic-Producing Strain of Pseudomonas fluorescens for Suppression of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes

The antibiotic 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG), produced by some strains of Pseudomonas spp., is involved in suppression of several fungal root pathogens as well as plant-parasitic nematodes. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether Wood1R, a D-genotype strain of DAPG-producing P. fluorescens, suppresses numbers of both sedentary and migratory plant-parasitic nematodes. An experiment was conducted in steam-heated soil and included two seed treatments (with Wood1R and a control without the bacterium) and six plant-nematode combinations which were Meloidogyne incognita on cotton, corn, and soybean; M. arenaria on peanut; Heterodera glycines on soybean; and Paratrichodorus minor on corn. Wood 1R had no effect on final numbers of M. arenaria, P. minor, or H. glycines; however, final numbers of M. incognita were lower when seeds were treated with Wood1R than left untreated, and this reduction was consistent among host plants. Population densities of Wood1R were greater on the roots of corn than on the other crops, and the bacterium was most effective in suppressing M. incognita on corn, with an average reduction of 41%. Despite high population densities of Wood1R on corn, the bacterium was not able to suppress numbers of P. minor. When comparing the suppression of M. incognita on corn in natural and steam-heated soil, egg production by the nematode was suppressed in natural compared to steamed soil, but the presence of Wood1R did not result in additional suppression of the nematodes in the natural soil. These data indicate that P. fluorescens strain Wood1R has the capacity to inhibit some populations of plant-parasitic nematodes. However, consistent suppression of nematodes in natural soils seems unlikely.     

Localization of genes conferring resistance to selected groups of antibiotics in methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus

Localization of genes conferring resistance to MLS, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, gentamycin and neomycin in 80 MRSA strains isolated from hospital specimens was determined. The obtained results were compared to DNA patterns of the examined strains after digestion with SmaI and separation in pulsed field electrophoresis (PFGE). It was shown that genes of resistance to MLS (ErmI+) in the case of 13 strains were located on chromosome and in the case of 37 strains on plasmids (16 strains had ErmI+ and 21 strains had ErmI-). Genes determining resistance to tetracyclines were localised on chromosome in the case of 39 (23 strains possessed TetK, 11 strains had TetM and 5 strains possessed both TetK and TetM determinants) and in the case of 32 strains on plasmids. Chloramphenicol resistance genes were localised on plasmids in all 30 resistant strains. Genes conferring resistance to gentamycin were present in 31 of the investigated strains on chromosome and in two strains on plasmids. Neomycin resistance genes were plasmid in 34 strains. It was shown that the localization of the resistance genes and the PFGE patterns of the investigated strains were highly correlated.     

Effects of growth surface on differentiation of cultures of human tracheal epithelium

Optical measurements from epithelial cells grown on clear solid surfaces (e.g., coverslips, petri dishes) are often compared with other measurements (e.g., short-circuit current; I(sc)) obtained from cells grown on opaque porous surfaces (inserts). However, the relative levels of differentiation of cells grown under the two conditions are usually unknown. To address this issue, we grew primary cultures of human tracheal epithelium on solid surfaces or on porous inserts and compared their total levels of protein and deoxyribonucleic acid, electrical properties in Ussing chambers, and ultrastructure. To measure ion transport across cells grown on solid supports, cells were grown on inserts placed on parafilm. Later, separation of insert from parafilm allowed the cells' I(sc) to be measured in Ussing chambers. Four different media were used. Cells grown in one medium showed very low levels of differentiation on all growth supports. In the other media, growth on inserts markedly enhanced differentiation as compared with solid supports. Baseline I(sc) of cells grown on either clear or opaque inserts was at least 30 times greater than that of cells grown on solid supports, though I(sc) with clear inserts averaged approximately 30% lower than that with opaque inserts. We conclude that though differentiation of cells may vary slightly depending on the insert used, cells on any type of insert are much better differentiated than cells grown on solid surfaces. Thus, it is both possible and desirable to make all functional measurements on cells grown on clear porous supports.     

Intertidal zonation of prosobranch gastropods: Analysis of densities of four co-existing species

The densities of populations of Nerita atramentosa Reeve, Austrocochlea constricta Lamarck, Bembiciuin nanum (Lamarck), and Cellana tramoserica (Sowerby) were recorded in 0.25 m² quadrats on landward and seaward halves of a sheltered and a moderately exposed rock platform from June 1972 to June 1973. The data have been subjected to variance and multiple regression analysis. Differences between densities of each species on the two shores and in the two areas of each shore are discussed with respect to the regressions on littoral height. Densities of Nerita on the sheltered shore, Austrocochlea and Bembicium on both shores, and Cellana, on the exposed shore, increased with height. The density of Cellana on the sheltered shore decreased as height increased. The density differences in the landward and seaward areas on the two shores were attributable to the effect of height for Nerita and Austrocochlea. Height was the major variable affecting the density of these two species on the sheltered shore. Bembicium and Cellana densities on both shores, and Austrocochlea density on the exposed shore, are not primarily determined by height.On the sheltered shore, Nerita and Cellana increased in density with increasing cover of water in rock pools. On the exposed shore, Bembicium and Cellana became sparser with increasing water cover. Bembicium on both shores increased in density with increasing cover of the alga Peyssonelia, as did Cellana on the exposed shore. Cellana and Austrocochlea tended to increase in density with Nerita on the sheltered shore. Cellana tended to be sparse where Bembicium was dense on the exposed shore. The biological effects of substrata and other species on the densities of each species remain unexplained.Significant time effects were found for variations in the densities of Nerita and Cellana on the sheltered shore and of Austrocochlea and Cellana on the exposed shore. The seasonal change in density of Nerita was parabolic with a minimum in summer, and is consistent with the known period of recruitment of this species. The lack of significant time effects on density of Austrocochlea on the sheltered shore is consistent with the known continuous recruitment of this species. The declining density of Austrocochlea on the moderately exposed shore was found, by size-frequency analysis, to be due to reduced recruitment compared with surrounding shores. The density of Cellana on both shores showed seasonal changes, with a maximum in summer, which is consistent with the known period of recruitment in Cellana. The lack of seasonal changes in density of Bembicium is briefly discussed.This type of multifactor analysis identifies biological interactions affecting variation in density of these species. It also corroborates the results of other ecological investigations and determines the relative importance of a variety of physical and biological factors in the distribution of density of intertidal gastropods.     

Growth of Variants of Myxococcus virescens

Some observations on variant strains of Myxococcus virescens B2 with special emphasis on characteristics associated with the ability to grow in dispersion are reported. The isolated strains were divided into two major classes according to their mode of growth in shaken and static liquid cultures based on casitone and casamino acids media. Strains growing in dispersion were designated D⁺-strains and those growing in aggregates or as films, D^?-strains. Colony morphology, cell morphology, growth in liquid and on solid medium and morphogenesis were compared. The ability to grow in dispersion shown by D⁺-strains seemed to be associated with a smooth colony on casitone agar, inability to form typical fruiting bodies and a low linear growth rate of colonies on solid medium as compared with the D^?-strains. In contrast D^?-strains produced rough colonies on casitone agar, were able to fruit and evidently formed an adhesive slime in the form of fibrils extending from the cell surface. It is suggested that the observed differences depend on different envelopes of the cells in the two classes.     

Proteinases of hydrobionts--potential objects of fish feeding

The review analyzes data on activities and characteristics of proteinases of digestive system and of cathepsins of various tissues in potential preys of fish differing by the character of feeding. There are presented data on multiple forms and molecular mass of proteinases, species-related differences, dependence of proteinase activities on the life cycle stages, type of nutrition, and biochemical food composition as well as on temperature and pH optima. Role of cathepsin in evolution of enzymatic systems providing degradation of food protein components in fish is discussed.     

Effect of the functional groups of tocopherol molecules on lipid viscosity of mitochondria

The influence of tocopherol and its analogue (oxychroman) on the microviscosity of mitochondrial lipids was studied, using spin labels. The viscosity of the lipid bilayer was shown to enhance with the increase in the antioxidant content in the membrane. Small concentrations of alpha-tocopherol (10(-5)-10(-6) mol/l) were shown to increase, while large concentrations (10(-3)-10(-4) mol/l) decreased the fluidity of the lipid bilayer. The influence of alpha-tocopherol on fluidity of the lipid bilayer depending on its concentration could be realized in two ways: by direct influence on the lipid bilayer and via reception. It was shown that alterations in the viscosity of the lipid bilayer depend on chroman cycle of tocopherols, while the temperature of structural transfer and effective energy of activation depend on the lateral phytyl chain.     

Nucleotide `maps'' of digests of deoxyribonucleic acid

Various digests of (32)P-labelled DNA were examined by two-dimensional ionophoresis on cellulose acetate and DEAE-cellulose paper. The products from digestion with pancreatic deoxyribonuclease and Neurospora crassa endonuclease were qualitatively closely similar, but very complex, and were used to investigate the mapping behaviour of nucleotides in various ionophoretic systems. Ionophoresis on DEAE-cellulose paper in triethylamine carbonate, pH 9.7, followed by ionophoresis in the second dimension at pH1.9 gave high resolution of nucleotides in very complex mixtures and permitted the fractionation of larger quantities than is possible on cellulose acetate. High resolution of nucleotides in compact spots was obtained with two-dimensional ionophoresis on cellulose acetate and AE-cellulose paper, a system that is a useful supplement to those based on DEAE-cellulose paper.     

环境工程微生物学实验教学内容优化研究

本文从实验教学计划、教学内容、教学手段和考核评价体系等多方面对环境工程微生物学实验教学进行了改革和调整,增设了综合和设计性实验,注重实验内容在生活和环境污染治理中的体现和应用,注重学生对实验内容理论知识的理解和掌握,强调学生参与实验的准备工作以及实验考核评价体系的优化等环节。 更多还原     

Proteinases of potential objects of fish nutrition

The review analyzes data on activities and characteristics of proteinases of digestive system and of cathepsins of various tissues in potential preys of fish differing by the character of nutrition. There are presented data on multiple forms and molecular mass of proteinases, species-related differences, dependence of proteinase activities on the life cycle stages, type of nutrition, and biochemical food composition as well as on temperature and pH optima. Role of cathepsin in evolution of enzymatic systems providing degradation of food protein components in fish is discussed.     

Effect of exercise on gene expression of atrial natriuretic peptide receptor of kidney

To study the effect of exercise on gene expression of natriuretic peptide receptors (NPRs) in the kidney, with in situ hybridization and the computerized image analysis, we investigated the alterations of gene expression of NPRs on the animal model of exercise training of different intensity. We found that after exercise training of different intensity, renal NPR-A mRNA and NPR-C mRNA expression showed different changes, the expression of NPR-A mRNA upregulated and NPR-C mRNA downregulated in the kidney. With the increase exercise intensity, change in NPR-A mRNA expression was insignificant, but downregulation in NPR-C mRNA expression was more significant. The result suggested that the effect of exercise on renal NPRs mRNA expression was mainly on the modulation level of NPR-C mRNA, it could reduce the clearance rate of ANP, increase the level of ANP, and enhance the biological effect of ANP on the kidney and regulative action of kidney in exercise.     

Calibration of measured center of pressure of a new stairway design for kinetic analysis of stair climbing

A stairway that allows the collection of kinetic data is essential for biomechanical studies on stair climbing. There is a need to validate the measured center of pressure (COP) on the surface of a stair in order to verify the accuracy of the calculation of joint kinetics. The purpose of this study was to validate a new stairway design for kinetic analysis of stair climbing through a calibration and error analysis of the COP obtained from this system. The new stairway design allows the collection of kinetic data for multiple steps without any constraint to foot placement. Known vertical forces were applied to known locations on the surface of each stair and each force plate. Multiple regression analyses were conduced to determine the distribution pattern of the error in the measured COP. It was found that the error in the COP was a function of location on the stair or force plate. The magnitude of the vertical force had no significant effect on the error in the measured COP. The distribution pattern of the error in the measured COP on the force plates used in this study matched the results in the literature. A healthy female subject was used as the subject in a stair climbing test. The error in the measured COP had a significant effect on the calculated joint resultant moments, especially the abduction-adduction and internal-external rotation moments. The correction of these errors should make the kinetic calculation in stair climbing more accurate.