DETECTION OF MUSTARD GAS (H), LEWISITE (L), ETHYLDICHLORARSINE (ED), AND PHENYLDICHLORARSINE (PD) WITH TRAINED DOGS OR RATS

Dogs and rats may be trained to detect very low concentrations of mustard gas (0.1 gamma per liter of air) by shocking the animals with an induction coil when they touch meat which has been exposed to the gas. Animals trained in this way will refuse meat which is contaminated with the gas.     

Alginate encapsulation of axillary buds of Ocimum americanum L. (hoary basil), O. Basilicum L. (sweet basil), O. Gratissimum L. (shrubby basil), and O. Sanctum. L. (sacred basil)

Summary Propagation and conservation of four pharmaceutically important herbs, Ocimum americanum L. syn. O. canum Sims. (hoary basil); O basilicum L. (swett basil); O. gratissimum L. (shrubby basil); and O. sanctum L. (sacred basil) was attempted using synthetic seed technology. Synthetic seeds were produced by encapsulating axillary vegetative buds harvested from garden-grown plants of these four Ocimum species in calcium alginate gel. The gel contained Murashige and Skoog (MS) nutrients and 1.1-4.4 μM benzyladenine (BA). Shoots emerged from the encapsulated buds on all six planting media tested. However, the highest frequency shoot emergence and maximum number of shoots per bud were recorded on media containing BA. Of the six planting media tested, both shoot and root emergence from the encapsulated buds in a single step was recorded on growth regulator-free MS medium as well as on vermi-compost moistened with halfstrength MS medium. Rooted shoots were retrieved from the encapsulated buds of O. americanum, O. basilicum, and O. sanctum on these two media, whereas shoots of O. gratissimum failed to root. The encapsulated buds could be stored for 60 d at 4°C. Plants retrieved from the encapsulated buds were hardened off and established in soil.     

Diets of Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), Margays (L. wiedii), and Oncillas (L. tigrinus) in the Atlantic Rainforest in Southeast Brazil

Felids play an important role in structuring the prey community, and thus in the dynamics of the plant community in tropical forests. The diets of three species of small cats, Leopardus pardalis (ocelot), L. wiedii (margay), and L. tigrinus (oncilla) were investigated by analysis of scats and regurgitations during a one-year study at Parque Estadual Serra do Mar, Núcleo Santa Virgínia, southeastern Brazil. Small non-volant mammals were the most frequent prey in all the diets. The diets of the three cats were similar but although they consumed the same prey items, they showed differential use of them. Ocelots consumed more reptiles than the other species, oncillas preyed on birds and arboreal marsupials, whereas margays were generalists.     

Serumproteine bei Reh (Capreolus capreolus L., 1758), Rothirsch (Cervus elaphus L., 1758) und Gams (Rupicapra rupicapra L., 1758)

European Journal of Wildlife Research - Die Seren von Reh, Rothirsch und Gams zeigen bei der Kurzzeitelektrophorese auf CAF artspezifisch typische Elektrophorese-Kurven. Die bei den Kollektiven...     

Endogenous gibberellins in immature seeds of Prunus persica L.: identification of GA(118), GA(119), GA(120), GA(121), GA(122) and GA(126)

The endogenous gibberellins in immature seeds of Prunus persica were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Eleven known gibberellins, GA(3), GA(9), GA(17), GA(19), GA(30), GA(44), GA(61), GA(63), GA(87), GA(95) and GA(97) were identified. Additionally, several hitherto unknown gibberellins were detected and their putative structures were verified by synthesis of the authentic gibberellins. These gibberellins were then assigned trivial numbers, e.g. 1alpha-hydroxy GA(20) (GA(118)), 1alpha-hydroxy GA(9) (GA(119)), 1,2-didehydro GA(9) (GA(120)), 1,2-didehydro GA(70) (GA(121)), 1,2-didehydro GA(69) (GA(122)) and 1,2-didehydro GA(77) (GA(126)). GA(118) and GA(119) were the first 1alpha-hydroxy gibberellins identified from higher plants. The above profile of 1,2-didehydro gibberellins suggests that 1,2-dehydrogenation might occur prior to 3beta-hydroxylation in biosynthesis of GA(3), GA(30) and GA(87) in immature seeds of P. persica.     

Identification of Gibberellins A(1), A(5), A(29), and A(32) from Immature Seeds of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

Gibberellins (GAs) A₁, A₅, and A₂₉ were identified, and also GA₃₂ was confirmed, as endogenous GAs of immature seeds (3-4 weeks after anthesis, 0.25-0.5 gram fresh weight) of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) based on capillary gas chromatography (GC), retention time (Rt), and selected ion monitoring (SIM), in comparison with authentic standards. Fractions subjected to GC-SIM were purified and separated using sequential solvent partitioning → paper chromatography → reverse phase C₁₈ high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) → bioassay on dwarf rice cv Tan-ginbozu. Two other peaks of free GA-like bioactivity (microdrop and immersion dwarf rice assays) were eluted from C₁₈ HPLC at Rts where GA_4/7 and GA₈ (or other GAs with similar structures) would elute. Also, three unidentified GA glucoside-like compounds (based on bioactivity on the immersion assay, and no bioactivity on the microdrop assay) were noted. There were very high amounts of GA₃₂ (112 ng of GA₃ equivalents per gram fresh weight), and minor amounts (0.5 ng of GA₃ equivalents) for each of GA₁ and GA₅, respectively, based on the microdrop assay.     

Differences in breeding and motility betweenPardosa Pullata (Clerck) andPardosa Prativaga (L. Koch), (Lycosidae,Araneae) in relation to habitat

Summary Populations ofPardosa pullata (Clerck) andP. prativaga (L. Koch) were studied under experimental and field conditions. In the field attention has been paid to pure as well as to mixed populations of the species. Differences in breeding and motility were found, which are discussed in relation to the habitat of the two species.     

Conformational and hydrational properties during the L(beta)- to L(alpha)- and L(alpha)- to H(II)-phase transition in phosphatidylethanolamine

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements have been carried out simultaneously with small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering recordings on liposomal dispersions of stearoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in a temperature range from 20 to 80 degrees C. The main transition temperature, T(m), was determined at 30.9 degrees C with an enthalpy of 28.5 kJ/mol and the lamellar-to-inverse hexagonal phase transition temperature, T(hex), at 61.6 degrees C with an enthalpy of 3.8 kJ/mol. Additionally highly resolved small angle X-ray diffraction experiments performed at equilibrium conditions allowed a reliable decomposition of the lattice spacings into hydrophobic and hydrophilic structure elements as well as the determination of the lipid interface area of the lamellar gel-phase (L(beta)), the fluid lamellar phase (L(alpha)) and of the inverse hexagonal phase (H(II)). The rearrangement of the lipid matrix and the coincident change of free water per lipid is illustrated for both transitions. Last, possible transition mechanisms are discussed on a molecular level.     

Reduction of Fe(III), Mn(III), and Cu(II) chelates by roots of pea (Pisum sativum L.) or soybean (Glycine max)

Neither the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) by roots nor its induction by Fe-deficiency are unique characteristics of the reductive activities of roots. We show that chelated Mn(III) or chelated Cu(II), as well as chelated Fe(III), may be reduced by Fe-stressed roots of pea (Pisum sativum L.). Deficiency of Fe stimulated the reduction of Fe(III)EDTA about 20-fold, the reduction of Mn(III)CDTA about 11-fold, the reduction of Cu(II)(BPDS)₂ about 5-fold, and the reduction of Fe(III)(CN)₆ by only about 50%. Not only are metals other than Fe reduced as part of the Fe-stress response, but deficiencies of metals other than Fe stimulate the reductive activity of roots. We show that depriving peas or soybeans (Glycine max) of Cu or Zn stimulates the reduction of Fe(III).     

Physicochemical and biological properties of 6(1),6(3),6(5)-tri-O-alpha-maltosyl-cyclomaltoheptaose (6(1),6(3),6(5)-tri-O-alpha-maltosyl-beta-cyclodextrin)

A unique multibranched cyclomaltooligosaccharide (cyclodextrin, CD) of 6(1),6(3),6(5)-tri-O-alpha-maltosyl-cyclomaltoheptaose [6(1),6(3),6(5)-tri-O-alpha-maltosyl-beta-cyclodextrin, (G(2))(3)-betaCD] was prepared. The physicochemical and biological properties of (G(2))(3)-betaCD were determined together with those of monobranched CDs (6-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-alpha-cyclodextrin (G(1)-alphaCD), 6-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-beta-cyclodextrin (G(1)-betaCD), and 6-O-alpha-maltosyl-beta-cyclodextrin (G(2)-betaCD)). NMR spectra of (G(2))(3)-betaCD were measured using various 2D NMR techniques. The solubility of (G(2))(3)-betaCD in water and MeOH-water solutions was extremely high in comparison with nonbranched betaCD and was about the same as that of the other monobranched betaCDs. The formation of an inclusion complex of (G(2))(3)-betaCD with stereoisomers (estradiol, retinoic acid, quinine, citral, and glycyrrhetinic acid) depends on the cis-trans isomers of guest compounds. The cis isomers of estradiol, retinoic acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid were included more than their trans isomers, while the trans isomers of citral and quinine fit more tightly than their cis isomers. (G(2))(3)-betaCD was the most effective host compound in the cis-trans resolution of glycyrrhetinic acid. Among the branched betaCDs, (G(2))(3)-betaCD exhibited the weakest hemolytic activity in human erythrocytes and showed negligible cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells up to 200 microM. These results indicate unique characteristics of (G(2))(3)-betaCD in some biological responses of cultured cells.     

Genetic bases for protein polymorphism in Fundulus heteroclitus (L.). I. Lactate dehydrogenase (Ldh-B), malate dehydrogenase (Mdh-A), glucosephosphate isomerase (Gpi-B), and phosphoglucomutase (Pgm-A)

Electrophoretic analysis has shown populations of F. heteroclitus to possess variants at four enzyme-coding loci: Ldh-B, Mdh-A, Gpi-B, and Pgm-A. Based on the phenotypic distribution in the F₁ generation, each variant segregates as an autosomally inherited codominant allele. A pairwise comparison of the expected phenotypic classes among these loci showed no evidence of strong linkage; however, weak linkage could not be ruled out. Despite the considerable genetic divergence of populations from the geographical extremes of this species, offspring resulting from crosses between individuals from these localities show viabilities similar to those found for crosses of local populations.This work was supported by NSF Grants GB 37548 and DEB 76-19877 and by grant from the National Geographic Society. A. R. P. is an NIH trainee supported by a training grant (No. HD00139) to the Deartment of Biology.This is contribution No. 959 of the Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University.     

The migration of ultrasonic-tagged bream, Abramis brama (L), in Lake Constance (Bodensee-Untersee)

From May to October 1983 the migration of six adult bream was examined by long-term ultrasonic tagging experiments. Two different migration types were observed: diurnal rhythmical migrations between the littoral and pelagic zones, and sporadic locomotions such as spontaneous excursions of several kilometers distance. At night, during their sojourn in the shallow littoral zone, bream feed intensively on benthic organisms; during their stay in the pelagic areas they presumably feed on zooplankton. Sporadic changes of place enable the bream to feed on locally abundant food resources. During the spawning season, migration contributes to successful spawning.     

Fine structure of the subradular Organ of Lepidochitona cinereus (L), (Mollusca,Polyplacophora)

Electron microscopy of the subradular organ of the chiton Lepidochitona cinereus (L) reveals at least three cell types, microvillous, ciliated and mucus-secreting, situated in a single epithelium. The base of the epithelium is abundantly innervated and supplied with muscle cells. The fine structure is consistent with a chemosensory function for the subradular organ.     

Immune response of turbot, Psetta maxima (L.) (Pisces: Teleostei), to formalin-killed scuticociliates (Ciliophora) and adjuvanted formulations

The increasing frequency of scuticociliatosis in turbot culture has stressed the need of knowledge on the immune responses to these parasites, for further developing of prevention and control strategies. The immune response of turbot to killed parasites, alone (Ag) or in combination with Montanide ISA 763A (MON), was studied in a laboratory-scale experiment. The variations of several innate immune factors and the antibody response were analysed in immunized vs. non-immunized fish at different times after immunization, and also after a challenge with live ciliates. Amongst innate immune factors, serum lysozyme increased progressively in all inoculated groups. Differences in innate immune factors in Ag and Ag-MON fish with respect to controls were mainly evidenced after challenge, especially for serum complement. Serum antibody levels increased in immunized fish after booster and particularly after challenge. In addition, certain protection was obtained for immunized groups compared to controls or to fish receiving MON alone, and the levels of specific antibodies were also the highest in immunized groups. The obtained information could be useful for further design of immunoprophylactic formulations against scuticociliatosis.     

云南苔藓植物新记录--虾藓科

报道了中美联合云南高黎贡山考察过程中发现的一个云南苔藓植物新记录科——虾藓科。云南贡山县普拉河为该科下类群日本虾藓(Bryoxiphiumnorvegicumsubsp.japonicum.)于中国西南横断山-高黎贡山自然分布区的最南沿。     

The frequencies of Gm(1), Gm(2), Gm(4), Gm(12), and Inv(1) in Hessen (Germany)

Summary The serum groups Gm(1) [Gm(a)], Gm(2) [Gm(x)], Gm(4) [Gm(f)]. Gm(12) [Gm(b)] and Inv(1) [Inv(1)] of 2000 sera of healthy blood donors from the land Hesse were examined. The results obtained were compared with those known until now. Three persons, not related to each other, possessed the extremely rare phenotype Gm(-1, 2, 4, 12) [Gm (a-x+b+f+)]. In 0.75% of the cases we found a discordant behaviour of the factors Gm(4) and Gm(12) [Gm(f) and Gm(b)].

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Zusammenfassung 2000 Seren von gesunden Blutspendern aus Hessen wurden bezüglich der Gamma-Globulin-Serumgruppen Gm(1) [Gm(a)], Gm(2) [Gm(x)], Gm(4) [Gm(f)]. Gm(12) [Gm(b)] und Inv(1) [Inv(1)] untersucht. Die gefundenen Resultate wurden mit den bisher bekannten verglichen. Drei miteinander nicht verwandte Personen wiesen den äußerst seltenen Phänotyp Gm(-1, 2, 4, 12) [Gm(a-x+b+f+)] auf. In 0.75% der Fälle fanden wir ein diskordantes Verhalten der Faktoren Gm(4) und Gm(12) [Gm(f) und Gm(b)].

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Director: Prof. Dr. W. Wachsmuth

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Director: Prof. Dr. W. Spielmann

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The nomenclature suggested by WHO at a round-table conference over genes, genotypes and allotypes of immunglobulins is used. The conference took place in Geneva on the 1965 31. 5. to the 5. 6. [5].

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With technical assistance of S. Mohs.     

PREDATION ON YOUNG PECTEN MAXIMUS (L.) (BIVALVIA), BY THE ANEMONE ANTHOPLEURA BALLII (COCKS)

On the S.W. coast of Ireland at Lough Hyne (Ine) to the southof the rapids, an area of strong water flow, the anemone Anthopleuraballii (Cocks) was found preying on young escallops, Pectenmaximus (L.), in situ and under controlled conditions. Completedead shells were commonly found beside or on the oral surfaceof anemones. Anemones fed under controlled conditions digestedyoung escallops (8 - 17 mm shell height) within 7 - 15 h andthe ejected shell was distributed the same way. An undisturbedanemone accepted and devoured three spat presented to it insuccession. This species of anemone is locally common and isoften found in areas where escallops are encountered, and maythere cause significant mortalities. (Received 16 October 1982;     

Ribosome-inactivating proteins from the seeds of Saponaria officinalis L. (soapwort), of Agrostemma githago L. (corn cockle) and of Asparagus officinalis L. (asparagus), and from the latex of Hura crepitans L. (sandbox tree).

A hitherto unknown cytosolic glutathione S-transferase from rat liver was discovered and a method developed for its purification to apparent homogeneity. This enzyme had several properties that distinguished it from other glutathione S-transferases, and it was named glutathione S-transferase X. The purification procedure involved DEAE-cellulose chromatography, (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, affinity chromatography on Sepharose 4B to which glutathione was coupled and CM-cellulose chromatography, and allowed the isolation of glutathione S-transferases X, A, B and C in relatively large quantities suitable for the investigation of the toxicological role of these enzymes. Like glutathione S-transferase M, but unlike glutathione S-transferases AA, A, B, C, D and E, glutathione S-transferase X was retained on DEAE-cellulose. The end product, which was purified from rat liver 20 000 g supernatant about 50-fold, as determined with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene as substrate and about 90-fold with the 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene as substrate, was judged to be homogeneous by several criteria, including sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and immunoelectrophoresis. Results from sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and gel filtration indicated that transferase X was a dimer with Mr about 45 000 composed of subunits with Mr 23 500. The isoelectric point of glutathione S-transferase X was 6.9, which is different from those of most of the other glutathione S-transferases (AA, A, B and C). The amino acid composition of transferase X was similar to that of transferase C. Immunoelectrophoresis of glutathione S-transferases A, C and X and precipitation of various combinations of these antigens by antisera raised against glutathione S-transferase X or C revealed that the glutathione S-transferases A, C and X have different electrophoretic mobilities, and indicated that transferase X is immunologically similar to transferase C, less similar to transferase A and not cross-reactive to transferases B and E. In contrast with transferases B and AA, glutathione S-transferase X did not bind cholic acid, which, together with the determination of the Mr, shows that it does not possess subunits Ya or Yc. Glutathione S-transferase X did not catalyse the reaction of menaphthyl sulphate with glutathione, and was in this respect dissimilar to glutathione S-transferase M; however, it conjugated 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene very rapidly, in contrast with transferases AA, B, D and E, which were nearly inactive towards that substrate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)