Passive Detection of Biological Aerosols in the Atmosphere with a Fourier Transform Instrument (FTIR)—the Results of the Measurements in the Laboratory and in the Field

Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation (FTIR) spectroscopy is one of the most powerful methods for the detection of gaseous constituents, aerosols, and dust in planetary atmospheres. Infrared spectroscopy plays an important role in searching for biomarkers, organics and biological substances in the Universe. The possibility of detection and identifications with FTIR spectrometer of bio-aerosol spores (Bacillus atrophaeus var. globigii=BG) in the atmosphere is discussed in this paper. We describe the results of initial spectral measurements performed in the laboratory and in the field. The purpose of these experiments was to detect and to identify bio-aerosol spores in two conditions: 1) In a closed chamber where the thermal contrast between the background and aerosols was large, and 2) In open air where the thermal contrast between the background and aerosols was small. The extinction spectrum of BG spores was deduced by comparing our measurements with models, and other measurements known from the literature. Our theoretical and experimental studies indicate that, during passive remote sensing measurements, it is difficult-but possible to detect and to identify bio-aerosol clouds by their spectral signatures. The simple spectral analysis described in the paper can be useful for the detection of various kinds of trace aerosols-not only in the Earth's atmosphere, but also during planetary missions in the environments of other astronomical objects such as planets, comets etc. We expect that the interpretation of data from spectrometric sounding of Venus and Mars during the current missions Mars and Venus Express, and later during the Rosetta mission will benefit from our experimental work and numerical modelling.     

New examples of the exploitation of intermediary ligands in the synthesis of polymeric (μ-Se)Hg-clusters

(PhSe)₂Hg reacts initially with HgX₂ (X = Cl, I) and further with triphenylphosphine/DMF to give [(PhSe)₇Hg₄ClPy]_n (1) and [(PhSe)₇Hg₄I(DMF)]_n (2), polymeric assemblies of (μ-Se)Hg clusters obtained through coordinating intermediary ligands. Each single adamantoid molecule of 1 and 2 presents the Hg^II ions with a distorted tetrahedral configuration linked through asymmetric [μ-(Ph)Se]⁻ bridges. [(PhSe)₇Hg₄ClPy]_n and [(PhSe)₇Hg₄I(DMF)]_n are further examples of extended one-dimensional chains of closed anisotropic ME (E = S, Se, Te) systems. In these reactions the features of the intermediary ligands should determine the template which leads to single adamantane moieties or to fused ones.     

Variation in the cell cycle time in the crypts of lieberkühn of the mouse

The durations of the phases of the cell cycle were measured at different levels in the jejunal crypts of male Balb/c mice. A mean cell cycle time of 12.3 h was found for the whole crypt. In cell positions 1 and 2, the cell cycle time was 16.7 h, and this time steadily decreased to a value of between 10 and 11 h for cell positions above 11. It is concluded that basally situated crypt cells in the mouse are cycling relatively slowly, and that they form the functional stem cell pool for the crypt. These cells may also compose the potential stem cell pool which repopulates the crypt after death of proliferative cells.     

Analysis of the meiosis in the F_1 hybrids of Longiflorum × Asiatic(LA) of lilies(Lilium) using genomic in situ hybridization

Longiflorum and Asiatic lilies of the genus Lilium of the family Liliaceae are two important groups of modern lily cultivars.One of the main trends of lily breeding is to realize introgression between these groups.With cut style pollination and embryo rescue,distant hybrids between the two groups have been obtained.However,the F1 hybrids are highly sterile or some of them could produce a small number of 2n gametes,and their BC1 progenies are usually triploids.Dutch lily breeders have selected many cultivars...     

Role of the guanidine group in the N-terminal fragment of PTH(1–11)

A series of PTH hybrids containing a diamine [NH₂(CH₂) _n NH₂; n = 4, 5, 6] in the C-terminal position was synthesized based on the H-Aib-Val-Aib-Glu-Ile-Gln-Leu-Nle-His-Gln-Har-NH₂ (Har = homoarginine) template. The compounds were pharmacologically characterized at PTH1R receptors for agonist activity.     

Hypoglycemic action of the pectin present in the juice of the inflorescence stalk of plantain (Musa sapientum)—Mechanism of action

The pectin isolated from the juice of the inflorescence stalk of plantain (Musa sapientum) has been found to show significant hypoglycemic effect both in normoglycemic and alloxan diabetic rats. After its administration at a dose of 20mg/100g body weight, there was increase in the concentration of hepatic glycogen, increased glycogenesis as evident from the increased activity of glycogen synthetase and in normoglycemic rats increased incorporation of labelled glucose into hepatic glycogen. Glycogenolysis and glyconeogenesis were lower as was evident from the decreased activity of glycogen phosphorylase and gluconeogenic enzymes.     

Change in the power of EEG activity in the α range in response to tonic nociceptive stimulation of the distal joint of the little finger

Examination of 12 healthy volunteers aged 20–56 years was performed to study the EEG changes caused by a tonic squeeze of the distal joint of the little finger of the left and then the right hand. This stimulation caused painful sensations of different intensity (pain on the right was stronger). Spectral power was measured in the ( ₁ (8–10.5 Hz) and (₂ ranges (10.5–13 Hz) under different conditions. Weak pain led to an increase in the power of the (₁ and ₂ ranges in the occipital regions. With strong pain, the power of ₁ waves increased bilaterally in the posterior regions (O ₁, O ₂, T ₆), as well as in the left frontal region (F ₃, F ₇). The powers of the ₁ and ₂ ranges substantially increased relative to the background level after the strong nociceptive stimulation ceased. This finding testified to a latent and inertial character of its effect on the -wave parameters.Translated from Fiziologiya Cheloveka, Vol. 31, No. 2, 2005, pp. 77–84.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Garkavenko, Gorkovenko, Mankovskaya, Shevko, Lyskov, Kostyukov.     

Zooplankton in the ponds with tropical plants in the greenhouses of the Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków

The presence of P. tetraurelia was found in the pond in "The Palm-House" greenhouse.     

Methylation of the ß-positions of the furan ring in F-acids

Major incubation products in feeding experiments with the sodium salt of 7-(5-butyl-furan-2-yl)heptanoic acid (3) on suspension cultures of Saccharum spec. are the unusual F-acids (4a) and (4b). They possess in contrast to natural monomethyl substituted F-acids a methyl substituent in the 4-position of the furan ring. Unexpectedly, the dimethyl substituted F-acids (4c) and (4d) were found only in very small amounts. The detection and structure elucidation of the methylation products (4a)–(4d) was achieved predominantly by GC-MS analysis of the corresponding tetrahydrofuran derivatives (5a)–(5d).     

Role of the hydrophobic and charged residues in the 218–226 region of apoA-I in the biogenesis of HDL

We investigated the significance of hydrophobic and charged residues 218–226 on the structure and functions of apoA-I and their contribution to the biogenesis of HDL. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of apoA-I[L218A/L219A/V221A/L222A] in apoA-I^−/− mice decreased plasma cholesterol and apoA-I levels to 15% of wild-type (WT) control mice and generated pre-β- and α4-HDL particles. In apoA-I^−/− × apoE^−/− mice, the same mutant formed few discoidal and pre-β-HDL particles that could not be converted to mature α-HDL particles by excess LCAT. Expression of the apoA-I[E223A/K226A] mutant in apoA-I^−/− mice caused lesser but discrete alterations in the HDL phenotype. The apoA-I[218–222] and apoA-I[E223A/K226A] mutants had 20% and normal capacity, respectively, to promote ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux. Both mutants had ∼65% of normal capacity to activate LCAT in vitro. Biophysical analyses suggested that both mutants affected in a distinct manner the structural integrity and plasticity of apoA-I that is necessary for normal functions. We conclude that the alteration of the hydrophobic 218–222 residues of apoA-I disrupts apoA-I/ABCA1 interactions and promotes the generation of defective pre-β particles that fail to mature into α-HDL subpopulations, thus resulting in low plasma apoA-I and HDL. Alterations of the charged 223, 226 residues caused milder but discrete changes in HDL phenotype.     

Regulation of α-galactosidase activity and the hydrolysis of galactomannan in the endosperm of the fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed

When endosperms were isolated from fenugreek seeds 5 h after sowing and incubated in a small volume of water, the development of α-galactosidase activity and the breakdown of the galactomannan storage polysaccharide were both inhibited relative to control endosperms incubated in larger volumes. The inhibition could be relieved by pre-washing the endosperms, and reimposed by the wash-liquors. If the endosperms were isolated 24 h after sowing, no inhibition was observed. Removal of the embryonic axis from germinating fenugreek seeds and from germinated seedlings also inhibited the development of α-galactosidase activity and galactomannan breakdown in the endosperms; the inhibition was more pronounced the earlier the axis was removed. Axis excision 5 h after sowing caused a delay in the onset of galactomannan breakdown and of the appearance of α-galactosidase activity in the endosperms. It also led to a decrease in the rates of galactomannan breakdown and α-galactosidase production. Axis excision 24 h after sowing caused only a slowing of the rates of galactomannan breakdown and α-galactosidase increase. The inhibition caused by axis removal at 5 h could be relieved partially by gibberellin (10^-4 M), benzyladenine (10^-5 M), mixtures of these and by the herbicide SAN 9789 [4-chloro-5-(methylamine)-2-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)-3-(2H)-pyridazinone]. These substances had no effect on the inhibition caused by axis-removal at 24 h. Excision of the cotyledons at 5 h-leaving the separated axis and the endosperm-also caused inhibition of galactomannan breakdown and α-galactosidase development. The results are consistent with the presence in the fenugreek seed endosperm of diffusible inhibitors of galactomannan mobilisation which are removed or inactivated during normal germination and early seedling development. They are also consistent with a role for the seedling axis in the control of galactomannan breakdown in the endosperm. Initially the axis appears to have a regulatory function (via gibberellins and/or cytokinins?) in determining the onset of α-galactosidase production in the endosperm. Thereafter its continued presence is necessary to ensure maximal rates of α-galactosidase production and galactomannan hydrolysis. The role of the axis may be initially to counteract the endogenous inhibitors in the endosperm and then to act as a sink for the galactomannan breakdown products released in the endosperm and taken up by the cotyledons.     

A morphometric analysis of the subcellular distribution of LHβ and FSHβ in secretory granules in the pituitary gonadotrophs of the frog (Rana japonica)

Immunohistochemical localization of lutropin (LH) and follitropin (FSH) in the pituitary gland of the frog Rana japonica was studied by the peroxidase-anti-peroxidase method and the two-face, double-labeling method with different-sized gold particles at the light-and electron-microscopic levels, respectively, using monoclonal antibodies against bullfrog LH and FSH. Light-microscopic immunohistochemistry indicated that approximately 66.0% of all the gonadotrophs in the pituitary contained both LH and FSH, whereas 33.4% of gonadotrophs contained only LH, and 0.6% contained only FSH. The staining intensity of LH and FSH varied from cell to cell. The gonadotrophs were classified into four types (Types I–IV) in terms of their ultrastructural and immunolabeling characteristics. Moreover, several secretory granule types were recognized according to differences in their shape and electron density. In all the cell types, both LH and FSH were often seen in the same secretory granules, but the proportion of granules bearing both hormones ranged from 5.5% in Type I to 32.7% in Type IV. Most secretory granules in Types I and II were immunolabeled with LH alone, whereas a small number of granules were immunolabeled with FSH alone. More immunolabeled FSH granules were present in Types III and IV than in Types I and II.     

Effect of eutrophication on changes in the composition of zooplankton in the Grošnica Reservoir (Serbia, Yugoslavia)

The present paper cites results of 2-year research on zooplankton in the Gronica Reservoir near Kragujevac during the period 1996–98. Comparison of the obtained results with those of earlier investigations performed during the period 1950–52 showed that changes have occurred in the interval. A significant increase was recorded in the number of zooplankton species, and only a small number of previously registered species were not recorded again. Considerable changes in the faunistic composition of zooplankton are also indicated by the low value of the Sørenson similarity index (32.12%) and Jaccard index (19.13%). At the same time, the abundance of zooplankton increased markedly, which suggests to us intensification of eutrophicaton processes. On the basis of the composition and abundance of zooplankton, it can be assumed that the Gronica Reservoir belongs to the category of meso-oligotrophic lakes.     

Annotated type catalogue of the Chrysididae (Insecta,Hymenoptera) deposited in the collection of Radoszkowski in the Polish Academy of Sciences,Kraków

A critical and annotated catalogue of 183 types of Hymenoptera Chrysididae belonging to 124 taxa housed in the Radoszkowski collection is given. Radoszkowski type material from other institutes has also been checked. Six lectotypes are designated in Kraków (ISEA-PAN): Chrysis acceptabilis Radoszkowski, 1891; Chrysis persica Radoczkowsky, 1881; Chrysis daphnis Mocsáry, 1889; Chrysis lagodechii Radoszkowski, 1889; Chrysis remota Mocsáry, 1889 and Chrysis vagans Radoszkowski, 1877. The lectotype of Brugmoia pellucida Radoszkowski, 1877 is designated in Moscow (MMU). Four new combinations are proposed: Philoctetes araraticus (Radoszkowski, 1890), comb. n.; Pseudomalus hypocrita (du Buysson, 1893), comb. n.; Chrysis eldari (Radoszkowski, 1893), comb. n.; and Chrysura mlokosewitzi (Radoszkowski, 1889), comb. n.. Ten new synonyms are given: Chrysis auropunctata Mocsáry, 1889, syn. n. of Chrysis angolensis Radoszkovsky, 1881; Chrysis chrysochlora Mocsáry, 1889, syn. n. and Chrysis viridans Radoszkowski, 1891, syn. n. of Chrysis keriensis Radoszkowski, 1887; Chrysis angustifrons var. ignicollis Trautmann, 1926, syn. n. of Chrysis eldari (Radoszkowski, 1893); Chrysis maracandensis var. simulatrix Radoszkowski, 1891, syn. n. of Chrysis maracandensis Radoszkowski, 1877; Chrysis pulchra Radoszkovsky, 1880, syn. n. of Spinolia dallatorreana (Mocsáry, 1896); Chrysis rubricollis du Buysson, 1900, syn. n. of Chrysis eldari (Radoszkowski, 1893); Chrysis subcoerulea Radoszkowski, 1891, syn. n. of Chrysis chlorochrysa Mocsáry, 1889; Chrysis therates Mocsáry, 1889, syn. n. of Chrysis principalis Smith, 1874; and Notozus komarowi Radoszkowski, 1893, syn. n. of Elampus obesus (Mocsáry, 1890). One species is revaluated: Chrysis chalcochrysa Mocsáry, 1887. Chrysis kizilkumiana Rosa is the new name for Chrysis uljanini Radoszkowski & Mocsáry, 1889 nec Radoszkowski, 1877. Pictures of seventy-seven type specimens are given.     

Involvement of binding lipoproteins in the absorption and transport of α-tocopherol in the rat

1. Specific lipoproteins binding alpha-tocopherol but not its known metabolites have been isolated and identified from cytosol of rat intestinal mucosa and from serum. 2. A timestudy of the appearance of the orally administered alpha-[(3)H]tocopherol with these lipoproteins indicates that very-low-density lipoprotein of serum acts as a carrier of the vitamin. 3. The involvement of the mucosal lipoprotein in the absorption of the vitamin from the intestine has been inferred from observations on the amounts of alpha-tocopherol in serum of orotic acid-fed rats where release of lipoproteins from the liver to serum is completely inhibited. A considerable decrease in the association of alpha-tocopherol with serum very-low-density lipoprotein under this condition is interpreted to mean that serum lipoproteins are limiting factors for the transport of the vitamin across the intestine and that this is possibly effected by exchange of alpha-tocopherol between serum very-low-density lipoprotein and mucosal lipoprotein.     

Ecological Monitoring of the Water Area of Port Vostochnyi (Wrangel Bay) in the Sea of Japan (1995–2002)

Benthic surveys carried out in 1989 (literature data), 1995, and 2001 (original data) revealed changes in the structure of soft bottom communities of Wrangel Bay (Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan), where a deep-water port of Vostochnyi is situated. The functioning of the port has caused no significant environmental pollution by heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants. Bottom dredging and the siltation induced by it have drastically lowered the benthos biomass, changed benthic communities, and altered their trophic structure. Sestonophages have disappeared nearly altogether being replaced by detrivores. The ecological state of the benthos is characterized as unstable.     

Ionic regulation of the haemolymph in the larvae of the dragonfly Aeshna cyanea (Müller) (Odonata, Anisoptera).

The ionic regulation of the haemolymph of larvae of Aeshna cyanea (Müller) was studied by means of two types of experiments. In the first the change in internal ionic composition was followed as a function of the time spent in a given experimental medium. These experiments led to the conclusion that: 1. the haemolymph composition does not change when larvae are starved in tap water for 10 days; 2. the haemolymph ionic concentrations (Na and Cl) have initial marked increase when the animals are kept in hypertonic media of diluted sea water; after 80 hours however, both concentrations stay constant. In a second series of experiments the internal ionic concentration was compared to a series of different concentrations of external media. From this, the relation between the internal and external ionic concentration was elaborated : in hypotonic media the internal Na and Cl concentrations stay constant, in hypertonic media there is a parallelism between the increase of the external concentration and haemolymph concentration, the internal Na concentration being always slightly hypertonic, the Cl concentration markedly hypotonic. Finally, when larvae are placed in glass distilled water, the internal Na and Cl concentrations begin to decrease after 60 hours.