Comparison of models of insulin release

A model for insulin secretion with a storage and a labile compartment, as well as a provisionary factor, is combined with a signal model in which the signal can be the difference between an excitation and an inhibition, or the difference in concentrations inside and outside some cell components. The model, using a single set of values for the parameters, accounts in a semiquantitative manner for all of the regularly appearing features of the insulin secretion from thein vitro perfused pancreas to a wide range of patterns of glucose and tolbutamide stimulation. Among the features which can be accounted for are: early and late secretion of insulin as a function of glucose in terms of a single parameter; the apparent depletion and recovery during a pulsed pattern of stimulation by tolbutamide; the hypersecretion following a short period of rest during a prolonged stimulation by glucose; the negative spike which occurs when the concentration of glucose, which has been maintained for a period of time, is suddenly reduced to a lower level; and the appropriate responses to slow and fast ramp functions of glucose concentration.     

Shapes of curves of pH-dependence of reactions

A simple case is considered in which the rate of a two-step reaction depends on pH because the intermediate formed in the first step has to gain (or lose) a proton before it can react in the second step, and in which the rate-determining step therefore changes with pH. The curves of reaction rate against pH are shown to be symmetrical, and the sharpest peak possible has a width at half its height of 1.53pH units, i.e. of 2log(3+2 radical2). Any particular curve for this situation proves to be identical with a curve that could be generated for the pH-dependence of a single-step reaction in which the rate is proportional to the concentration of a particular ionic form of a reactant. Curves for the latter situation, however, can have forms impossible for the former case in which the rate-determining step changes, but only if the protonations that activate and deactivate the reactant are co-operative. The peak can then become even sharper, and its width at half its height can fall to 1.14pH units, i.e. to 2log(2+ radical3).     

Pathogenicity of two species of Fusarium on some cultivars of bean in greenhouse

Twenty isolates of Fusarium oxysporum and F. solani were isolated from the infected roots of bean in different farms of east Azarbaijan and Tehran Provinces and their pathogenicity determined. Most isolates of the fungi were identified as F. oxysporun. They caused root rot, yellowing and wilting of bean in the field. In this test, the roots of 6 cultivars of bean seedlings soaked in suspension of the 7 isolates of the fungi (a1, Gogan, a2, Bilverdi, a3, Savojbolagh-Hashtgerd, a4, field of Agr. Coll. a5, Khomein, a6, Ramjin of F. oxysporum and a7 of F. solani of Varamin, Iran) for 5 minute (106 spores/ml.) then transplanted into the sterilized soil in 4 pots (as replication). For control (a8) the roots soaked in distilled water. The results showed that percentage average of necrotic roots and crowns of isolates al, a2, a3, a5, a6, a7 was %20.31 in group a, a4 was %43.52 in group b and a8 was %2.77 in group c after 3 weeks. The isolate a4 (from the field of Agricultural College, Karaj) was more infectious than the other because it caused wilting, yellowing the leaves and decreased the growth very soon, followed by a5 with %25.32 rate was more pathogenic. Bean cultivar Goli-Red was more tolerant with %10.02 than the others of 16.29 (Naz Red) to 25.15 percent of necrotic the roots & stems.     

A method of analysis of the models of neural nets

Taking into account Caianiello's work of 1961 a model of a neuron quite similar to his is proposed and studied. For this model, where a temporal summation and a period of refractoriness are assumed, a mathematical approach and a simulation on computer were realized. Particular types of nets were used, namely: nets with topological structures, and fully random nets. The difference between the two types is that the first type has a two-dimensional square structure and depends on the rules of the formation of connection between the neurons, while the second type is realized by means of the probability distribution function governing the formation of the structure of the net.These types of neural nets are analysed by means of a method which permits to obtain various parameters which characterize their behaviour in time and space in terms of the trajectory of the system. Many experiments are also reported; the statistical analyses, made on them, show the great importance and influence of refractoriness on the behaviour of neural networks.In the last part of the work an interesting case is reported, in which the reaction of the net to a disturbance shows that a kind of adaptation takes place, although the structure of the net stays unchanged.On leave of absence from the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, Vilnius, Lithuanian S.S.R.     

Possible mechanisms of implementation of toxic potential of lipopolysaccharides of pathogenic bacteria

The significance of variability of biological properties of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) is discussed in the paper within the pathogenesis of infectious process. On the basis of an analysis of published data and of results of independent research of two microorganisms (Yersinia pestis and Francisella tularensis) a conclusion is made on that a biologically inert LPS form (with a weak cytokine-inducing ability, apirogenicity and non-toxicity etc.) is typical of highly pathogenic bacteria. It is suggested that the above phenomenon is biologically expedient. Presumably, the inert LPS transforms to the active form inside a sensitive host and, according to an infection stage, each of them being functionally significant. It is the inert status of LPS that enables the pathogens, at the initial stages, to surmount freely the humoral and cell barriers of host. As the infection progressively aggravates and the proliferation of bacteria modifies itself due to LPS micro- and macroorganisms, its chemical structure and biopolymer conformation change. Both modification mechanisms enhance the LPS toxic potential. In case of a sensitive host, such variations transform the biologically inert LPS into a toxically active form with its function of endotoxin being realized. There is no LPS modification in a host insensitive to such infection, which entails either recovery or prolonged persistence of the pathogen inside the microorganism.     

Effect of colour of drugs: systematic review of perceived effect of drugs and of their effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the colour of a drug''s formulation on its perceived effect and its effectiveness and to examine whether antidepressant drugs available in the Netherlands are different in colour from hypnotic, sedative, and anxiolytic drugs. DESIGN: Systematic review of 12 published studies. Six studies examined the perceived action of different coloured drugs and six the influence of the colour of a drug on its effectiveness. The colours of samples of 49 drugs affecting the central nervous system were assessed using a colour atlas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perceived stimulant action versus perceived depressant action of colour of drugs; the trials that assessed the effect of drugs in different colours were done in patients with different diseases and had different outcome measures. RESULTS: The studies on perceived action of coloured drugs showed that red, yellow, and orange are associated with a stimulant effect, while blue and green are related to a tranquillising effect. The trials that assessed the impact of the colour of drugs on their effectiveness showed inconsistent differences between colours. The quality of the methods of these trials was variable. Hypnotic, sedative, and anxiolytic drugs were more likely than antidepressants to be green, blue, or purple. CONCLUSIONS: Colours affect the perceived action of a drug and seem to influence the effectiveness of a drug. Moreover, a relation exists between the colouring of drugs that affect the central nervous system and the indications for which they are used. Research contributing to a better understanding of the effect of the colour of drugs is warranted.     

An analysis of non-bonded energy of proteins

Non-bonded energy of 16 proteins was calculated using the atomic co-ordinates obtained by X-ray crystallography. The curve of total energy against the number of atoms in proteins is approximately linear with a slight concaved shape. According to a linear equation to fit the curve, the extrapolated length of a polypeptide chain of a globular shape is expected to be 18 residues, which corresponds conceivably to an approximate size of nucleus for a folding of the polypeptide chain. Contributions from short-range and medium-range energies are always much greater than those from long-range energy for all the proteins and there seems to exist a change of each contribution in a range from 1200 to 1700 atoms. The energies with a lag less than four residues are a major part of the total energy and the contribution of energy from main-chain atoms is considerably higher than that from side-chain atoms. Side-chain atoms of a residue have a tendency to interact more strongly with main-chain atoms of N-terminal, than with those of C-terminal side of the residue, indicating asymmetry of the interaction in a protein. Amino acid residues in proteins may be divided into three groups by the order of strength of average energy. The first group exhibiting strong interaction consists mainly of hydrophobic amino acids and the third group consists of hydrophilic ones corresponding to the location in a protein molecule. Cys, val, leu and met are important for medium-range and long-range energies; gly and ala for medium-range energy; ile, trp, phe, tyr and arg for long-range energy. One simple application of the average energy of amino acid residues is illustrated to estimate local energy of a segment of nine residues given by a protein sequence. There is a good correlation between the curve computed by the average energy and the experimental curve for myoglobin.     

蓝尾石龙子精子的超微结构

蓝尾石龙子(Eumeces elegans)附睾以2．5％戊二醛和1％锇酸双重固定,按常规制作超薄切片,用H-600透射电镜研究观察精子的超微结构。精子由头部和尾组成,头部由顶体复合体和核组成,尾由颈段、中段、主段和末段组成。头部的顶体囊前部扁平,分为皮质和髓质,顶体下锥由类结晶状的顶体下物质组成,穿孔器顶端尖,、穿孔器基板塞子状,细胞核延长,核内小管缺,核伸展部前端具一电子透明区,核肩圆,核陷窝锥形。颈段具片层结构,近端中心粒和远端中心粒的长轴呈直角,9束外周致密纤维与远端中心粒相应的9束三联微管相联,向后与轴丝相应的9束双联微管相联,中央纤维与2个中央单微管相联。中段短,含有线状嵴的柱状线粒体,由连续的规则小卵状或小梯形致密体组成线粒体间的环状结构,纤维鞘伸入中段,终环紧贴于细胞膜的内表面。线粒体与环状结构的模式为：rs1／mi1,rs2／mi2,rs3／mi3,rs4／mi4,横切面上每圈线粒体数目为10个。主段前面部分具薄的细胞质颗粒区。纤维3和8至主段前端消失。轴丝复合体呈“9 2”型。蓝尾石龙子精子超微结构与已描述的石龙子科种类比较发现,与蜓蜥群和胎生群的石龙子相似;但没有发现石龙子科精子的独征。     

Certification of Probability of Sterilization of Liquid by Filtration

Four types of hydrosol filters, two reusable (diatomaceous cylinder and fritted-glass funnel) and two disposable (asbestos pad and membrane filter) were challenged with a heavy bacterial suspension to assess their ability to produce sterile filtrates. Two of the four diatomaceous earth filters, the four fritted-glass funnels, and all of the asbestos pads tested generally gave sterile filtrates. However, only one type of filter, one of the membranes in its manufacturer's own holder, consistently gave sterile filtrates. The two other types of membranes usually gave sterile filtrates if tested in one manufacturer's holder, but all types invariably gave contaminated filtrates when tested in another manufacturer's holder. Contaminated filtrates were generally attributed to a poor reusable filter or to a faulty holder used with a disposable filter. If a high degree of certainty is required for sterile heat-labile filtrate, it is suggested that the liquid be passed through two or more filters in a previously tested and proven system.     

Structures of two repeats of spectrin suggest models of flexibility.

Spectrin is a vital component of the cytoskeleton, conferring flexibility on cells and providing a scaffold for a variety of proteins. It is composed of tandem, antiparallel coiled-coil repeats. We report four related crystal structures at 1.45 A, 2.0 A, 3.1 A, and 4.0 A resolution of two connected repeats of chicken brain alpha-spectrin. In all of the structures, the linker region between adjacent units is alpha-helical without breaks, kinks, or obvious boundaries. Two features observed in the structures are (1) conformational rearrangement in one repeat, resulting in movement of the position of a loop, and (2) varying degrees of bending at the linker region. These features form the basis of two different models of flexibility: a conformational rearrangement and a bending model. These models provide novel atomic details of spectrin flexibility.     

Characterization of the translocon of the outer envelope of chloroplasts

The protein translocon of the outer envelope of chloroplasts (Toc) consists of the core subunits Toc159, Toc75, and Toc34. To investigate the molecular structure, the core complex was purified. This core complex has an apparent molecular mass of approximately 500 kD and a molecular stoichiometry of 1:4:4-5 between Toc159, Toc75, and Toc34. The isolated translocon recognizes both transit sequences and precursor proteins in a GTP-dependent manner, suggesting its functional integrity. The complex is embedded by the lipids phosphatidylcholine and digalactosyldiacylglyceride. Two-dimensional structural analysis by EM revealed roughly circular particles consistent with the formation of a stable core complex. The particles show a diameter of approximately 130 A with a solid ring and a less dense interior structure. A three-dimensional map obtained by random conical tilt reconstruction of electron micrographs suggests that a "finger"-like central region separates four curved translocation channels within one complex.     

Influence of ligands on the aggregation of the normal and mutant forms of phosphofructokinase 2 of Escherichia coli

The aggregation states of Escherichia coli phosphofructokinase 2 (Pfk-2) and of a mutant enzyme (Pfk-2*) altered in the inhibitory allosteric site for MgATP were measured in the presence and in the absence of substrates and products of the reaction. When sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation experiments were performed in the absence of added ligands, both enzymes sedimented as dimers. Likewise, at low concentrations of both substrates (0.1 mM) the aggregation state of Pfk-2 and Pfk-2* corresponded to a dimer. However, in the presence of 1 mM MgATP alone, Pfk-2 sedimented as a tetramer, whereas Pfk-2* sedimented as a dimer. At a low fructose 6-phosphate concentration (0.1 mM) and an inhibitory concentration of MgATP (4 mM), Pfk-2 sedimented as a tetramer. However, at the same MgATP concentration but at a higher fructose-6-P concentration (1 mM), a condition under which Pfk-2 is not inhibited by the Mg-nucleotide complex, the enzyme sedimented as a dimer. Pfk-2* is not inhibited under these conditions and sedimented as a dimer in each case. Thus, the effectiveness of MgATP in promoting the aggregation of Pfk-2 and Pfk-2* parallels the inhibitability of the enzymes by the nucleotide complex. However, ATP4-, a potent inhibitor of Pfk-2 and Pfk-2* that binds to the catalytic site of the enzymes, had no effect upon their aggregation states. Possibly Pfk-2* is not able to form a tetramer because of an alteration in the regulatory site for the Mg-nucleotide complex.     

Analysis of the molecular interaction of the farnesyl moiety of transducin through the use of a photoreactive farnesyl analogue

Farnesylation of the gamma-subunit of the retinal G-protein, transducin (Talpha/Tbetagamma), is indispensable for light-initiated signaling in photoreceptor cells. However, the farnesyl-mediated molecular interactions important for signaling are not well understood. To explore this issue, we created a functional Tbetagamma analogue in which the farnesyl group was replaced with a (3-azidophenoxy)geranyl (POG) group, a novel farnesyl analogue with a distal photoreactive azido group. In the presence of lipid membranes and/or Talpha-GDP, UV irradiation of POG-modified Tbetagamma (POG-Tbetagamma) invariably yielded a cross-linked product Tgamma-Tbeta, reflecting a constitutive interaction of the Tgamma C-terminal lipid with Tbeta. In addition to the Tgamma-Tbeta adduct, a Tgamma-Talpha cross-link was detected in the aqueous fraction. Reconstitution of POG-Tbetagamma with Talpha and light-activated rhodopsin (Rh) in photoreceptor membranes resulted in cross-linking of Tgamma with a glycerophospholipid, indicating molecular interaction of the farnesyl group with cellular membranes. The Tgamma-phospholipid cross-link was observed only in the presence of both Talpha-GDP and Rh, and was abolished by the addition of GTPgammaS or by replacing Rh with opsin. These findings suggest a transient farnesyl-membrane interaction occurs only in a signaling state formed in a transducin-Rh ternary complex. On the other hand, UV irradiation of POG-Tbetagamma in a soluble complex with phosducin, a negative regulator of G-protein, yielded a Tgamma-phosducin adduct in addition to the Tgamma-Tbeta cross-link. These results illustrate that, rather than being a static membrane anchor, the farnesyl moiety plays an active role in the dynamics of protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions at defined steps in the signal transduction process.     

Behavioural mode of action of deet: inhibition of lactic acid attraction

Using the mosquito Aedes aegypti in a novel olfactometer that measures movement towards and away from a stimulus, we could not confirm that 'deet' is a repellent of mosquitoes. In the absence of a host, deet was an attractant and in the presence of a host, it was an inhibitor of attraction. This inhibition occurred in the gaseous phase and was therefore not the result of the physical properties of deet. We determined that L-lactic acid, a component of human sweat that is an attractant to mosquitoes, is the target of this inhibition, implying that lactic acid may be a bottleneck in the behavioural cascade preceding blood-sucking.     

Stages of the cerebral mechanisms of deceptive responses

Cerebral mechanisms of perceiving and telling lies were studied by recording event-related potentials (ERPs) both after an actual deceptive response and during the time interval when the subject decided to tell a lie. Ten healthy volunteers participated in the study. The test consisted of their playing a game against a computer. The subjects could choose between deceptive and truthful answers so as to win the game. The subjects gave a deceptive answer intentionally, the structure of the test ensuring equal numbers of deceptive and truthful answers. The relaxation times in the cases of truthful and deceptive answers did not differ significantly from each other. The comparison of ERPs accompanying deceptive and truthful answers showed the existence of a negativity with a latent period of 90 ms in the regions of the right frontal, central, and right parietal derivations. This negativity indicated that the brain reacted to a deceptive answer even if this a priori “erroneous” act ensured reaching the goal and, in this sense, was subjectively relevant. In terms of the cerebral error detector mechanism, this phenomenon may be regarded as a special case of a general response of the brain to giving an incorrect (deceptive) answer, rather than a response to a lie per se. The interval of time when, presumably, the decision on a deceptive answer was being made was found to contain the late positive component P540, which is most likely to be involved in the preparation of the deceptive answer and the intention to tell a lie.     

Findings of the importance of dietetic fiber in the regulation of cholesterolemia

We studied the variations of some lipid indexes in cholesterolemia, lipidemia and triglycerides in relation to a diet rich in bulk. Seven adult male subjects in good health were tested for cholesterol, lipid and triglycerides before and after a two week period of a dialy diet of 40 g of whole wheat bran containing about 10g of fiber. At the some time the lipid, cholesterol and triglycerides limits were measured in 3 groups of rabbits. The first groups was subjected to a normal diet, the second group was subjected to a diet of bleached flour and vitamins, and the third group had a diet similar to the second group but with the addition of 40 g whole wheat bran. The results of our investigation demonstrated a statistically significant decrease of cholesterol lipid and triglycerides levels the special diets at the some time we did not see in increase in the third group of rabbit. Our study seems to indicate that dietetic fibers exercise a vital role in regulating the concentration of plasma lipids even if the subject continues to consume a diet rich in fats. From this we see to importance of the dietetic fibers as a protective factor in the prevention of ateriosclerotic.     

Preparation and stereoconfigurations of heterodimers of pyrimidines

Using a novel C-alkylation procedure, four isomers of a heterodimer of a thymine-uracil derivative have been synthesized. With retention of configuration, the stereoconfigurations and the relative rates of alkylation at various sites can be assigned. This knowledge allows the unambiguous identification of the heterodimer isolated from the irradiation of a mixture of thymine and uracil in ice and from the acid hydrolysates of UV-irradiated DNA. By comparing the NMR data gathered from this set of a heterodimer with those sets of uracil and thymine homodimers, the effectiveness and the magnitude of a 1,2-shielding of a neighboring proton by a $\text{cis}$ CH₃-group of a cyclobutyl derivative may be suggested. In addition, taking advantage of the comparatively low solubility of the Ba-salt of this thymine-uracil heterodimer, its purification from an admixture of various photodimers was accomplished in a simple manner.     

Measurement of invertase activity of cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The determination of the invertase activity of intact yeast cells presents a critical point, that is, the blockage of the enzyme action at a given moment. In this paper seven blockage methods were compared: the addition of 0.010 M sodium hydroxide solution, addition of 0.010 M sodium carbonate solution, addition of 0.010 M sodium carbonate solution followed by centrifugation (9750g; 10 min), immersion of the reacting mixture in a boiling water bath, immersion of the mixture in a -15 degrees C bath, filtration through a Millipore membrane, and addition of the first Somogyi's reagent followed by immersion in a boiling water bath. Only the last two methods lead to a rapid and effective blockage of the invertase activity.     

Continuity and prospects of development of researches in area system-integrativity of psychophysiology of functional state and cognitive activity

In the review one of actual problems of psychophysiology in studying a phenomenon of integration of mechanisms of regulation of state of a brain and features of the organization is discussed by a brain of cognitive activity. Basic value of results of long-term researches of academician N.P. Bechterevoj and of her school is opened in the field of neurophysiology of functional states as bases of the organization of mental activity in conditions of direct, long and sparing contact to a cortical and subcortical structures of a brain, with the help long-term intracerebral electrodes. Arguments about a commensurability and complementary value similar on amplitud-time parameters slow and superslow gradual changes of neurophysiological processes registered simultaneously in identified zones of subcortical structures of a brain and with removal from a surface of a head in cortical projections of basic integrativity of the centres are submitted. Representations about a brain as difficultly organized "swimming" many-contour, neurodinamic informational-controlling suprasystem with hierarchically, probability a principle of the organization different on speeds and intensity of processes of the ability to live participating in maintenance of a condition of rest, mental conditions and cognitive activity are formulated and argued. At the limited set universal neurodinamic "languages", the brain has the multiregister mechanism of regulation of conditions and selectivity of mechanisms of the integration providing the contribution differing on information maintenance gradual neurophysiological of processes of different levels of the structurally functional organization in formation of brain systems of maintenance of concrete kinds of cognitive activity.