Genetic Determinants of Predisposition to Bronchial Asthma

The ratio between the normal (+) and null (0) alleles of the genes encoding glutatione S-transferases M1 (GSTM1) and T1 (GSTT1) were studied in normal individuals from northwestern Russia (control group) and in patients with bronchial asthma (BA). The frequency of the GSTM1 0/0 genotype in the population sample was statistically significantly lower (37.8%) than in the BA patients (82.1%; ² = 16.8;P< 0.001; _W² = 15.7; = 0.01). For the GSTT1 gene, similar data were obtained. The frequency of the GSTT1 0/0 genotype in healthy donors was statistically significantly higher (16.3%) than in the BA patients (73.7%; ² = 28.5;P < 0.001; _W² = 23.22; = 0.01). A significant preponderance of the compound homozygotes for the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null alleles among the BA patients was observed. The frequency of the GSTM1 0/0, GSTT10/0 individuals among the patients was 57.9%, while it was only 4.7% among the controls (² = 27.4; P < 0.001).     

Diversity of amyloid beta protein fragment [1-40]-formed channels

1. The lipid bilayer technique was used to characterize the biophysical and pharmacological properties of several ion channels formed by incorporating amyloid beta protein fragment (AP) 1–40 into lipid membranes. Based on the conductance, kinetics, selectivity, and pharmacological properties, the following AP[1–40]-formed ion channels have been identified: (i) The AP[1–40]-formed bursting fast cation channel was characterized by (a) a single channel conductance of 63 pS (250/50 mM KCl cis/trans) at +140 mV, 17 pS (250/50 mM KCl cis/trans) at –160 mV, and the nonlinear current–voltage relationship drawn to a third-order polynomial, (b) selectivity sequence P _K > P _Na > P _Li = 1.0:0.60:0.47, (c) P_o of 0.22 at 0 mV and 0.55 at +120 mV, and (d) Zn²⁺-induced reduction in current amplitude, a typical property of a slow block mechanism. (ii) The AP[1–40]-formed spiky fast cation channel was characterized by (a) a similar kinetics to the bursting fast channel with exception for the absence of the long intraburst closures, (b) single channel conductance of 63 pS (250/50 KCl) at +140 mV 17 pS (250/50 KCl) at –160 mV, the current–voltage relationship nonlinear drawn to a third-order polynomial fit, and (c) selectivity sequence P _Rb > P _K > P _Cs > P _Na > P _Li = 1.3:1.0:0.46:0.40:0.27. (iii) The AP[1–40]-formed medium conductance channel was charcterized by (a) 275 pS (250/50 mM KCl cis/trans) at +140 mV and 19 pS (250/50 mM KCl cis/trans) at –160 mV and (b) inactivation at V_ms more negative than –120 and more positive than +120 mV. (iv) The AP[1–40]-formed inactivating large conductance channel was characterized by (a) fast and slow modes of opening to seven multilevel conductances ranging between 0–589 pS (in 250/50 mM KCl) at +140 mV and 0–704 pS (in 250/50 mM KCl) at –160 mV, (b) The fast mode which had a conductance of <250 pS was voltage dependent. The inactivation was described by a bell-shaped curve with a peak lag time of 7.2 s at +36 mV. The slow mode which had a conductance of >250 pS was also voltage dependent. The inactivation was described by a bell-shaped curve with a peak lag time of 7.0 s at –76 mV, (c) the value of P _K/P _choline for the fast mode was 3.9 and selectivity sequence P _K > P _Cs > P _Na > P _Li = 1.0:0.94:0.87:0.59. The value of P _K/P _choline for the slow mode was 2.7 and selectivity sequence P _K > P _Na > P _Li > P _Cs = 1.0:0.59:0.49:0.21, and (d) asymmetric blockade with 10 mM Zn²⁺-induced reduction in the large conductance state of the slow mode mediated via slow block mechanism. The fast mode of the large conductance channel was not affected by 10 mM Zn²⁺.2. It has been suggested that, although the bursting fast channel, the spiky fast channel and the inactivating medium conductance channel are distinct, it is possible that they are intermediate configurations of yet another configuration underlying the inactivating large conductance channel. It is proposed that this heterogeneity is one of the most common features of these positively-charged cytotoxic amyloid-formed channels reflecting these channels ability to modify multiple cellular functions.3. Furthermore, the formation of -sheet based oligomers could be an important common step in the formation of cytotoxic amyloid channels.     

Polymorphism of Glutathione S-Transferase M1 and P1 in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Polymorphism of GSTM1 and GSTP1 genes was studied in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic bronchopulmonary diseases (CBPD) living in Bashkortostan. A combination of certain GSTM1 and GSTP1 genotypes accompanied by severe mutations inCFTRgene proved to intensify a pathologic process in respiratory organs of patients with CF; a combination of the normal GSTM1 and heterozygous I/V GSTP1 genotypes is the most favorable (OR = 4.49; ² = 11.53, P < 0.002). In patients with CBPD, a combination of the GSTM1null genotype and the homozygous GSTP1 V/V genotype is the most common (5.5% versus 1.3% in control; ² = 3.01, P = 0.08). The frequency of this genotype is highest in groups of patients with recurrent bronchitis (8.1%; P = 0.07; OR = 6.75) and bronchiectatic disease (BED) (9.1%, P > 0.10, OR = 7.65). A combination of the null GSTM1 andI/V GSTP1 genotypes was found in 40.0% of patients with chronic nonobstructive bronchitis (² = 4.87; P = 0.03; OR = 4.03). Among patients with BED, a proportion of individuals with the normal GSTM1 and I/V GSTP1 genotypes was increased (36.4% versus 19.4% in control). In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the frequencies of the GSTM1 and GSTP1 genotype combinations virtually did not differ from those in the control group suggesting that COPD severity is not related to changes in activities of glutathione S-transferases M1 and P1.     

Einfluß von Bromuracil auf die Mutationsauslösung und Inaktivierung durch UV und Röntgenstrahlen beim Phagen χ

Zusammenfassung Durch Anreicherung in BUdR- und FUdR-haltigem Medium wurde in die DNS des Serratiaphagen Bromuracil (BU) eingebaut. Im CsCl-Gradienten zeigte die Dichte der BU--Partikel einen Ersatz des Thymins durch BU von 25 bis 30% an. Die Häufigkeit zweier Plaquetypmutanten (c und b) war in der BU--Population signifikant (durchschnittlich 1,4 bzw. 2,4), die des dritten Typs (e) nur insignifikant über die in BU-freien Phagen erhöht. Im Vergleich zu letzterem betrug die absolute Häufigkeit der zusätzlichen c- und b-Mutanten in BU- 2,2 × 10^–4 bzw. 1,1 × 10^–4.Die UV-Inaktivierung von BU- war etwa um den Faktor 1,40 höher als die des normalen . Die Inaktivierung durch Röntgenstrahlen war dagegen nur um das 1,14fache erhöht. Die Häufigkeit der durch Röntgenstrahlen induzierten Plaquemutationen wurde durch den BU-Einbau nicht merklich beeinflußt. Dagegen war die UV-Induktion der Mutationen sehr viel mehr verstärkt als die UV-Inaktivierung. Die Sensibilisierungsfaktoren der drei Mutantentypen waren verschieden und am höchsten bei niederen UV-Dosen (3,4, 5,0 und 22 für c, b bzw. e). Das bedeutet eine Annäherung der Dosiskurven an linearen Verlauf. Die zur Auslösung von Mutationen erforderliche Trefferzahl wird somit durch BU-Einbau vermindert. Für -normal entsprachen die Kurven der UV-Mutationsinduktion dem 2-Treffertyp. Es wird geschlossen, daß die Hemmung der Dunkelreaktivierung (HCR) der Letalläsionen und Prämutationen in BU-DNA nicht die einzige Ursache für die Unterschiede in den UV-Sensibilitäten ist, sondern daß die Bildung anderer UV-Produkte als in der normalen DNA ebenfalls eine Rolle spielt.

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Summary Bromouracil (BU) was incorporated into the DNA of theSerratiaphage by means of culture in a medium with BUdR and FUdR. The density of BU-x particles in the CsCl-gradient indicated a replacement of about 24 to 32 % of the thymine by BU. The frequency of two types of plaquemutants (c and b) in the BU--population was increased significantly above the frequencies in BU-free phage by average factors of 1.4 and 2.4, resp. A third mutant type (e) was increased less. The absolut frequencies of additional c- and b-mutants in BU- compared with normal were about 2.10^–4 and 1.10^–4, resp.The UV-inactivation of BU- was higher by a factor of about 1.40 than that of normal , the inactivation by X-rays was only 1.14 times higher. The X-ray induced plaquemutation frequencies were not remarkably influenced by incorporated BU, but UV-mutation-induetion was increased much stronger than UV-inactivation. The sensitization factors were different for the three mutation types and highest at low UV-doses (3.4, 5.0 and 22 for c, b and e resp.). The UV-dose curves of mutation induction in normal are of the 2 hit type, but for BU- they were significantly less curved indicating the participation of 1-hit-processes in premutation production. It is concluded that inhibition of dark repair (HCR) of lethal lesions and premutations in BU-DNA is not the only reason for the differences in UV-sensitivities but that production of other species of UV-products in BU-DNA than in normal DNA plays also a role.

     

Allele polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene and clinical heterogeneity of depressive disorders

Depression disorders are a clinically heterogeneous disease group. Their development is to a substantial extent underlain by dysfunction of the serotonin system, in particular, disturbed serotonin transport. The heterogeneity of depressions is associated, among other factors, with the age at disease onset. Allele polymorphism of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene was tested for association with age at disease onset, clinical signs, and anxiety-related traits of depression patients. A sample included 77 patients (mean age 61.2 +/- 8.8 years) with late-onset depression (LOD, mean age at onset 56.58 +/- 9.7 years) and 74 patients (mean age 31.0 +/- 11.8 years) with early-onset depression (EOD, mean age at onset 23.9 +/- 7.4 years). In genotype frequency distribution of two 5-HTT gene polymorphism, the LOD and EOD groups did not differ from each other (chi 2 = 0.33, P = 0.85 for VNTR-17; chi 2 = 3.33, P = 0.19 for HTTLPR) and from a control group (chi 2 = 0.34, P = 0.84 for VNTR-17; chi 2 = 2.1, P = 0.35 for HTTLPR). In either group, patients differing in VNTR-17 and HTTLPR genotypes did not differ in psychological traits and, in particular, in anxiety-related traits. In the case of the HTTLPR polymorphism, LOD patients with genotype ss tended to display less severe neuroticism (t = 2.03, P = 0.0507) and scored significantly less on the Hamilton depression scale (t = 2.19, P = 0.039). Thus, the 5-HTT gene polymorphisms do not affect the risk of depression but is possibly associated with specific clinical signs of the disease, at least in elderly patients.     

Polymorphisms at the GLUT1 (HepG2) and GLUT4 (muscle/adipocyte) glucose transporter genes and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)

Summary In order to determine the possible contribution of the GLUT1 (HepG2) glucose transporter gene to the inheritance of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), two restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and the related haplotypes at this locus were studied in 48 Italian diabetic patients and 58 normal subjects. Genotype frequencies for the XbaI polymorphism were significantly different between patients and controls (XbaI: ² = 9.80, df= 2, P < 0.0079). A significant difference was also found in the allele frequencies between NIDDM patients and controls (² =9.39, df = 1, P < 0.0022), whereas no differences were found for the StuI RFLP. No linkage disequilibrium was detected between the XbaI and StuI RFLPs in this sample. The analysis of the four haplotype frequencies (X1S1, X1S2, X2S1, X2S2) revealed a significant difference between diabetic patients and controls (² = 14.26, df =3, P < 0.002). By comparing single haplotype frequencies, a significant difference between the two groups was found for the X1S1 and X2S2 haplotypes. A two-allele RFLP at the GLUT4 (muscle/adipocyte) glucose transporter gene, detected with the restriction enzyme KpnI, was also examined; no differences were found between patients and controls for this RFLP. The finding of an association between polymorphic markers at the GLUT1 transporter and NIDDM suggests that this locus may contribute to the inherited susceptibility to the disease in this Italian population.     

Style morph frequencies in Minnesota populations of Lythrum (Lythraceae)

Style morph frequencies (shortmidlong) were determined for a total of n = 11 918 plants in 16 Minnesota populations of Lythrum salicaria L. Nine populations were in the establishment phase, with population sizes ranging from n = 56 to n = 2 192. Most of these populations exceeded previously reported population sizes in the native European habitat. A nonparametric statistical test, the chi-square (²), can be used to determine if populations are at isoplethic equilibrium (111, shortmidlong); a ² value >5.99 is significant at the 5% level. Only one established population (White Bear Lake, n = 1991, ² = 3.0) fitted the null hypothesis for isoplethy, although all established populations contained all three style morphs. Pooled values for these populations indicated an excess of mids and longs, with shorts being deficient. Colonizing populations had a higher percentage of mids (54%) when compared to established populations (33.7%). Short styles were almost nonexistent (8%) in colonizing populations. Five out of the seven populations lacked at least one style morph. A review of the literature reporting style morph frequencies in tristylous L. salicaria revealed that no statistical analysis for isoplethy has been performed. Darwin originally assumed that all populations would be isoplethic, possessing equal numbers of all three style morphs, but concluded, without statistical analysis, that, instead, populations were anisoplethic. Since tests for statistical deviations from the expected frequencies (111) have not been used, ² analysis was performed. Several of these populations were at isoplethic equilibrium (Nadder su2 = 1.7, Blelham ² = 1.69, Potsdam ² = 1.5, Vestfold ² = 0.4, Buskerud ² = 5.62, Kilchberg ² = 0.35, Lausanne ² = 3.32, Canberra ² = 5.29, Massachusetts ² = 3.13), suggesting that the general conclusion of anisoplethy in tristylous L. salicaria is inappropriate.This is Scientific Journal Series Paper Number 19 128 of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station     

Pyrococcus furiosus sp. nov. represents a novel genus of marine heterotrophic archaebacteria growing optimally at 100°C

Ten strains representing a novel genus of marine thermophilic archaebacteria growing at between 70 and 103°C with an optimal growth temperature of 100°C and a doubling time of only 37 min were isolated from geothermally heated marine sediments at the beach of Porto di Levante, Vulcano, Italy. The organisms are spherical-shaped, 0.8 to 2.5 m in width and exhibit monopolar polytrichous flagellation. They are strictly anaerobic heterotrophs, growing on starch, maltose, peptone and complex organic substrates. Only CO₂ and H₂ could be detected as metabolic products, the latter being inhibitory to growth at high concentrations. Hydrogen inhibition can be prevented by the addition of S^o, whereupon H₂S is formed in addition, most likely as the result of a detoxification reaction. The GC-content of the DNA of isolate Vc 1 is 38 mol%. The new genus is named Pyrococcus, the fireball. Type species and strain is Pyrococcus furiosus Vc 1 (DSM 3638).     

Endoparasitic flies,pollen-collection by bumblebees and a potential host-parasite conflict

Summary Conopid flies (Conopidae, Diptera) are common larval parasites of bumblebees. The larva develops inside the abdomen of workers, queens and males. Development is completed within 10–12 days after oviposition when the host is killed and the parasite pupates in situ. Development results in parasitised bees becoming unable to carry large loads of nectar, as the conopid larvae reside where the honey crop is normally located. Furthermore, an addition to the bee's unloaden body mass is likely (average larval weight reached at pupation by the common parasite species Sicus ferrugineus: ±SD 36.3±12.3 mg, n=59; by Physocephala rufipes: 55.8±16.9 mg, n=108). We here asked whether the propensity of workers of the bumblebee Bombus pascuorum to collect nectar rather than pollen is related to the presence of conopid larvae. For samples of bees (n=2254 workers) collected over 3 years of field studies in northwestern Switzerland, there was no difference in the frequency of bees caught as pollen collectors among parasitised (38.1% of cases, n=210) as compared to non-parastised bees (43.9%, n=360) ( ²=1.83, n.s.). However, compared to the non-parasitised bees (n=360), those hosts containing a third (last) instar larva (n=9) were less likely to collect pollen than expected by chance ²=6.91, P=0.003. Similarly, hosts with short survival time between capture and being killed by the developing larva (which hence must have harboured a late instar parasite at time of capture) were less likely to collect pollen (8%, n=25) than those found not parasitised (37.6%, n=891 ²=9.16, P<0.001). Late instar larvae grow so big that they fill the entire abdomen. Although there was also a tendency for presumably older bees to collect less pollen, this is unlikely to explain the observations. We also discuss whether these changes in foraging behaviour of bumblebees may reflect a host-parasite conflict over the type of resource to be collected.     

Periphytic rotifer communities of an Australian seasonal floodplain pool

A seasonal, rainfill pool (Ryans 3) on the floodplain of the River Murray, near Albury, Australia was sampled in 1991 and 1993 for periphytic rotifer species and other microfauna. The main macrophytes present were species of Myriophyllum, Pseudoraphis and Triglochin, and, in 1993, there was an extensive covering of Azolla. Sampling methods included quantitative samples taken using a simple syringe. Rotifers numbered from about 10 to 150 per 100 ml and formed about 2 to 20% of the microfaunal community. Numbers of rotifers, and numbers of rotifer species, varied with different macrophytes (² tests, P<0.001 in each case), with the greatest numbers under Azolla. The two years showed marked differences in the macrophytes present and over half the rotifer species were also different (²test, P<0.001).     

Allelic Variants of TNF Superfamily Genes Serve as Markers of Disease Severity in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Bronchiectatic Disease

The distribution of allelic variants of genes of theTNFsuperfamily (TNFA andLTA) was studied in 172 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectatic disease (n = 22), and in healthy individuals (n = 169). Analysis of the TNFA gene locus –308G A revealed no differences between the examined groups. Analysis of the LTA gene polymorphic locus +252A G showed that in patients with COPD, the frequency of the Gallele was significantly higher than that in the control group (² = 3.98, P < 0.05). The presence of this allele in the genotype was correlated with the degree of COPD severity. Thus, in patients with stage II COPD, heterozygous AG genotype predominated (51.3%), whereas in patients with stage III COPD, the frequency of AG genotype was reduced to 32.7% at the expense of increased frequency of GG genotype (14.6%) (² = 6.78, P < 0.05; OR = 4.6, CI 1.37–15.96). The distribution of combined TNFA andLTA genotypes was also studied. In the group of COPD patients, the proportion of individuals with a combination of normal GG TNFA genotype and heterozygous AG LTA genotype was significantly higher (28.5 versus 18.4% in control; ² = 4.14, P< 0.05; OR = 1.75, CI = 1.01–3.04). Genotype combinations were characterized at various clinical stages of COPD and bronchiectatic disease (BED). Thus, we have shown for the first time ever that LTA gene alleles and their combinations with the polymorphic variants of the TNFA gene are associated with predisposition to COPD and severity of this disease.     

Analysis of the N-Acetyltransferase 2 Gene Polymorphism in the Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and in Populations of the Volga–Ural Region

Restriction fragment-length polymorphism of the gene coding for N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) was typed in populations of the Volga–Ural region (Bashkirs, Tatars, Chuvashes, Udmurts, and Russians) as well as in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in healthy individuals. Rapid and slow acetylator phenotypes were determined based on the presence or absence of the KpnI, TaqI, and BamHI restriction endonuclease recognition sites. The proportion of slow acetylators in the populations examined varied from 40.00% in Bashkirs to 64.15% in Chuvashes with statistically significant difference between these two ethnic groups (² = 5.7; P = 0.02). Overall, in the Volga–Ural populations slow acetylators represented 56.25% of the subjects examined. This value was similar to those presented in other studies of Caucasoid populations. In the COPD patients a statistically significant decrease of the slow acetylator frequency to 48.28% compared to healthy individuals (62.18%) was observed (² = 4.60; P = 0.036). The data obtained suggest a possible association between the drug resistance in the COPD patients with the rapid acetylator phenotype, which can lead to the development of the chronic form of the disease.     

Theoretical studies on the necessary number of components in mixtures

Summary Theoretical studies on the optimal numbers of components in mixtures (for example multiclonal varieties or mixtures of lines) have been performed according to phenotypic yield stability (measured by the parameter variance). For each component i, i = 1, 2,..., n, a parameter u_i with 0 u_i 1 has been introduced reflecting the different survival and yielding ability of the components. For the stochastic analysis the mean of each u_i is denoted by u ₁ and its variance by _i ² For the character total yield the phenotypic variance V can be explicitly expressed dependent on 1) the number n of components in the mixture, 2) the mean of the _i ² 3) the variance of the _i ² 4) the ratio and 5) the ratio _i ² /² where denotes the mean of the u _i and _u ² is the variance of the u _j. According to the dependence of the phenotypic stability on these factors some conclusions can be easily derived from this V-formula. Furthermore, two different approaches for a calculation of necessary or optimal numbers of components using the phenotypic variance V are discussed: A. Determination of optimal numbers in the sense that a continued increase of the number of components brings about no further significant effect according to stability. B. A reduction of b % of the number of components but nevertheless an unchanged stability can be realized by an increase of the mean of the u _i by 1% (with and _u ² assumed to be unchanged). Numerical results on n (from A) and 1 (from B) are given. Computing the coefficient of variation v for the character total yield and solving for the number n of components one obtains an explicit expression for n dependent on v and the factors 2.-5. mentioned above. In the special case of equal variances, _i ² = _o ² for each i, the number n depends on v, x = (₀/)² and y = (_u/)². Detailed numerical results for n = n (v, x, y) are given. For x 1 and y 1 one obtains n = 9, 20 and 79 for v = 0.30, 0.20 and 0.10, respectively while for x 1 and arbitrary y-values the results are n = 11, 24 and 95.This publication is an extended version of a lecture given at the 1984-EUCARPIA meeting (Section Biometrics in Plant Breeding) in Stuttgart-Hohenheim (Federal Republic of Germany)     

Correlation between antibodies to Cowdria ruminantium (Rickettsiales) in cattle and the distribution of Amblyomma vector ticks in Zimbabwe

Cowdriosis, caused by Cowdria ruminantium, is transmitted by Amblyomma ticks, which are widely distributed in Zimbabwe. To assess the distribution of this disease in Zimbabwe, cattle either exposed to Amblyomma ticks or maintained in areas free from these ticks were tested for antibodies to Cowdria. A total of 324 sera were tested using competitive ELISA and the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). At diptanks in Amblyomma-infested areas 52% (n=95) and 26% (n=47) of sera were positive by cELISA and IFAT, respectively. At diptanks in Amblyomma-free areas 11% (n=125) and 10% (n=134) of sera were positive by cELISA and IFAT, respectively. The results were significantly different between Amblyomma-infested and tick-free areas (²=24.73, P0.005 for IFAT and ²=57.53, P0.005 for cELISA). High background readings in field sera, possibly due to cross-reactive antibodies to Ehrlichia spp., complicated the determination of a realistic cut-off point, especially in cELISA. On the basis of the distribution of Amblyomma ticks, currently a large part of Zimbabwe can be considered endemic for the disease.     

Tenascin Immunoreactivity in the Large Bowel and the Liver in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

The expression of tenascin in colorectal tumours and liver was investigated in 30 patients with colorectal adenocarcinomas. Tissue samples were immersion-fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde solution. Free-floating cryostat sections were incubated with monoclonal antibody against tenascin, and examined by light and electron microscopy. Tenascin immunostaining was positive in sub-basement membrane zones and in newly-formed connective tissue of the primary tumour and perisinusoidally in the liver. The immunoreactivity in the sub-basement membrane zones of tumour glands in well- and moderately-differentiated tumours was more intensely expressed compared to that in poorly-differentiated tumours (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001 respectively, ²-test). Perisinusoidal tenascin deposition was more often detected in the liver of patients with well-differentiated tumours (p = 0.006, ²-test). The presence of metastases was accompanied by low tenascin deposition (p < 0.005, Fishers exact test). Ultrastructurally tenascin deposits were observed around single tumour cells and glands in the primary tumours, and close to hepatic stellate cells in the liver. Finally, the role of tenascin deposition in the stimulation of tumour cell proliferation and mobility is discussed.     

Stable sulfur isotopic biogeochemistry of the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire

In natural ecosystems, differences often exist in the relative abundanceof stable S isotopes (°³⁴S) that can provide clues as tothe source, nature, and cycling of S. Values of °³⁴S inprecipitation, throughfall, soils, soil solution, and stream waters weremeasured at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF), New Hampshire.Values of °³⁴S in precipitation and throughfall weresimilar to each other but differed seasonally. Precipitation°³⁴S values were higher in the dormant season[°³⁴S = 5.9±0.6 (17)][Mean + SE(N)]than in the growing season [°³⁴S = 5.0±0.6(40)] but throughfall growing-season values were higher[°³⁴S = 5.6±0.6(68)] than for the dormantseason [°³⁴S = 4.9±0.7 (9)]. Different treespecies did not affect throughfall °³⁴S values. In soilsolution, °³⁴S values were higher in the growing season(°³⁴S = 8.9±2.8; 8.8±1.7;and 4.0±0.6 for Oa, Bh, and Bs horizons, respectively) thanin the dormant season (°³⁴S = 5.6±1.5;3.7±2.4; and 3.4±1.2 for Oa, Bh, and Bshorizons, respectively). These seasonal differences in°³⁴S were probably caused by biological isotopicfractionation. The °³⁴S values in streams were generally2 lower and more variable than those in precipitation andthroughfall, suggesting fractionation and/or different isotopic sources inthe soil.     

Integration of bacteriophages lambda and phi 80 in wild-type Escherichia coli at secondary attachment sites. II. Genetic structure and mechanism of polylysogen formation for lambda, phi 80 and the lambda att80 hybrid

Summary The frequency of occurrence and the genetic structure of polylysogens were studied for phages , 80 and att80. In the case of , frequency of polylysogenization is high (0.20 to 0.41) with a tandem integration of prophages at the primary att site (att). With 80 and att80, this frequency is about 10 times lower, and usually one prophage becomes integrated at the primary att site (att80-I) while another (sometimes two others) integrates at one of the secondary sites. At least four secondary att80 sites have been found in wild-type Escherichia coli , two of which (near the his and tolC loci) are preferred. The frequency of secondary integration of 80 and att80 does not differ significantly in the wild-type host and in that deleted for the primary att site (0.041 and 0.045, respectively, among surviving cells at an MOI of 10).Homoimmune superinfection has revealed a constitutive cI-independent expression of the 80 int gene in the prophage state. The only 80 tandem detected proved to be unstable. With the 80int ^- mutant, we observed stabilization of 80 tandems; as a consequence, their frequency of occurrence during coinfection with 80int ⁺ was up to the level and no nontandem insertions were found. A model is proposed for the 80 and att80 nontandem integration.Abbreviations TP transducing phage(s) - PFU plaque-forming units - PC pink clear-resistant colonies on EMBO plates - MOI multiplicity of infection - O origin of Hfr transfer

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Elevated frequency of an ETS-1 restriction fragment polymorphism in chronic B-cell leukaemia

We studied the frequency of an SstI polymorphism in 70 patients with chronic B-cell leukaemia (CLL) and 100 normal controls. There was a highly significant difference in the distribution of the three genotypes between the CLL patients and the normal controls (²= 13.46, 2 df, P<0.001). The C2 allele was found more frequently in CLL patients and may be a marker for a predisposition to develop CLL.     

The likely region of overlap (LRO) method for physical assignment of loci

Summary Numerical analysis is applied to physical assignments of loci, providing point estimates, an LRO confidence interval, and a ² test of consistency whether there is a smallest region of overlap (SRO) or not. Results are given for two examples and summarized for 81 loci in man.