Structure of the capsular polysaccharide (K6-antigen) from Escherichia coli LP 1092

The linkage pattern of the K6-antigen was investigated using material from the urinary pathogen, $\text{Escherichia coli}$ LP 1092. The polysaccharide consists of ribose and 3-deoxy-$\text{D}\text{-}\text{manno}$-2-octulosonate (KDO) in a ratio of 2:1. Colorimetric procedures, Smith degradation, methylation analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were applied to the whole polysaccharide and to a trisaccharide “repeating unit” obtained by mild-acid catalyzed hydrolysis. Together, the data are compatible only with a branched chain structure …$\text{3Rib}\text{f}\text{β1→7KDO}\text{p}\text{β2→3Rib}\text{f}\text{β}$…

     

Revision of the early-middle pleistocene calcareous nannofossil biochronology (1.75–0.85 Ma)

The extant nannofossil biostratigraphic and biochronologic framework for the early-middle Pleistocene time interval has been tested through the micropaleontological analysis of globally distributed high-quality low- to mid-latitude deep-sea successions. The quantitative temporal distribution patterns of relative abundances of selected taxa were reconstructed in critical intervals, and the following biohorizons were defined: first occurrence of medium-sized Gephyrocapsa spp. ($\text{bmG}$); last occurrence of Calcidiscus macintyrei ($\text{tCm}$); first occurrence of large Gephyrocapsa spp. ($\text{blG}$); last occurrence of large Gephyrocapsa spp. ($\text{tlG}$); first occurrence of Reticulofenestra asanoi ($\text{bRa}$); re-entrance of medium-sized Gephyrocapsa spp. ($\text{reemG}$) and last occurrence of Reticulofenestra asanoi ($\text{tRa}$). The detailed patterns of abundance change at these biohorizons were used to generate a detailed biostratigraphy, and the biostratigraphic data were transformed into a precise biochronology by means of correlation to isotope stratigraphies and astronomical timescales. The degree of isochrony or diachrony of the biohorizons was evaluated. Biohorizons $\text{tlG}$ and $\text{tRa}$ are isochronous occurring close to marine isotope stages (MIS) 55 and MIS 22, respectively, and $\text{bmG}$ and $\text{blG}$ are slightly diachronous on the order of 30–40 kyr, whereas biohorizons $\text{tCm}$, $\text{reemG}$ and $\text{bRa}$ are confirmed as diachronous on the order of 100, 80 and 60 kyr, respectively. Some of the events are clearly controlled by environmental conditions, e.g. the last occurrence of R. asanoi, related to significant environmental changes associated with the first large-amplitude glaciation of the late Quaternary, MIS 22.     

Novel occurrence of 5 beta-cholanic acid in plants: isolation from jequirity bean seeds (Abrus precatorius L.)

The presence of 5β-cholanic acid has been detected in the seeds of jequirity bean ($\text{Abrus}$$\text{precatorius}$ L.) Its structure was unequivocally established by spectroscopic methods. This report provides proof, for the first time, of the occurrence of 5β-cholanic acid in a plant source.     

Identification of the regulatory subunit of a cAMP-dependent protein kinase in Dictyostelium discoideum

The occurrence of a cytosolic cAMP-binding protein of an approximate molecular weight of 41,000 daltons was monitored in vegetative and developing amoebae of $\text{Dictyostelium}\text{discoideum}$ by the use of the photoaffinity probe (³²P) 8N₃-cAMP. There was a large apparent increase in the amount of this binding protein during development; its molecular weight remained constant, if appropriate methods were employed for the disruption of the amoebae. Comigration during electrophoresis on two-dimensional gels identifies this cAMP-binding protein, photoaffinity-labeled in crude extracts, as the regulatory subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase of $\text{D.}\text{discoideum}$.     

Proton and carbon magnetic resonance studies of the synthetic polypentapeptide of elastin.

Proton and ¹³C magnetic resonance studies are reported on the synthetic polypentapeptide of elastin, HCO-(Val₍₁₎-Pro₍₂₎-Gly₍₃₎-Val₍₄₎-Gly₍₅₎)_n-Val-OMe, where n ∼- 18. Temperature and solvent dependence of peptide N$\text{H}$ chemical shift and solvent dependence of peptide carbonyl chemical shift were used to delineate these moieties preliminary to identification of secondary structure.Based on these studies it is proposed, for the organic solvents of dimethyl sulfoxide, methanol, and low-temperature trifluoroethanol, that dynamic hydrogen bonds form in order of decreasing frequency of occurrence between the Val₍₁₎$\text{C}$O and the Val₍₄₎ N$\text{H}$ (a β-turn), between the Gly₍₃₎ N$\text{H}$ and the Gly₍₅₎$\text{C}$O (an 11-atom, hydrogen-bonded ring), and a more limited interaction between the Gly₍₃₎$\text{C}$O and the Gly₍₅₎ N$\text{H}$ (a γ-turn).Arguments are presented that relate the conformational features proposed above to the coacervate, which is a filamentous state.     

Occurrence of proteinase a isoinhibitors in wild type yeast strains and commercial baker's yeast

The occurrence of the proteinase A inhibitors 2 and 3 was investigated in wild type strains of $\text{Saccharomyces}\text{cerevisiae}$ and $\text{Saccharomyces}\text{carlsbergensis}$ as well as in several strains of commercial baker's yeast. Haploid and diploid strains of $\text{Saccharomyces}\text{cerevisiae}$ contain only proteinase A inhibitor 3 whereas in $\text{Saccharomyces}\text{carlsbergensis}$ only proteinase A inhibitor 2 is found. Strains of commercial baker's yeast contain either proteinase A inhibitor 3 or both inhibitors in a constant ratio of 1:3. Single cell cultures isolated from a strain of commercial baker's yeast also contain a mixture of the two inhibitors. Therefore, baker's yeast is not a mixture of two different cell types but the genome for both inhibitors is present in each single cell. In general, the results indicate that the occurrence of the two proteinase A inhibitors is determined genetically and, therefore, they may be called “isoinhibitors”.     

Effect of Brucellaabortus infection on spermatogenesis in three Zebu bulls (Bosindicus). A case report

This case report addresses the occurrence of Brucellosis and its effect on the cattle in developing countries. Three Zebu bulls ($\text{Bos}$$\text{indicus}$) are presented and the clinical and pathologic signs are described. Conception rates declined following an abortion storm in one herd and without prior abortions in another herd. Semen collected by electro-ejaculation was found to be azoospermic or with very few spermatozoa. $\text{B. abortus}$ was isolated from seminal vesicles, testes and epididymides. Organs affected and showing microscopic lesions were testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles. The latter were not consistently affected. None of the bulls showed impairment of libido or breeding capacity.     

Relations between enzymatic and association reactions in the development of bovine fibrin clot structure

Development of fibrin clot structure was examined at pH 7.0, Γ/2 0.15, and 29 °C as a function of thrombin and fibrinogen concentrations. Parameters for the release of Apeptides, to give $\text{?}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>A</mtext>}}$ were evaluated. Characteristics of time dependencies of development of turbidity, 90 ° light scattering, network, and compactible network were established. Mean mass/length ratios of fibrin in developing and mature networks were determined. Relationships between results combined with an inferred dependence of lateral interaction on release of B-peptides are used to disclose a model in which a protofibril network is formed first and the intrinsic length of this network (i.e., length exclusive of overlap or loose ends) determines network length, thus mean mass/length ratio, at maturity. Statements regarding initial protofibril network are: (i) A dominant group of $\text{?}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>A</mtext>}}$-protofibrils appears first. With decreasing rate of production of $\text{?}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>A</mtext>}}$ their average length increases and number decreases. (ii) Slower release of B-peptides produces $\text{?}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>AB</mtext>}}$ whose fraction $\text{θ}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>AB</mtext>}}\text{=}\text{?}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>AB</mtext>}}\text{(?}{}_{\mathrm{A}}\text{+?}{}_{\mathrm{AB}}$) determines the occurrence of protofibril regions capable of contributing to a lateral interaction sufficiently stable for the formation of network. (iii) When dominant protofibrils attain a minimum combination of average length, number concentration, and frequency of occurrence of capable regions, an initial protofibril network is rapidly generated. (iv) Capable regions near protofibril ends are preferentially involved in initial network formation. (v) The initial network mesh size is large compared to average concomitant free protofibril length. (vi) With B-peptide release dependent on prior A-peptide release, protofibrils in the initial network have the highest capable region frequency, and this is maintained as lateral interaction progresses. Then, fibrin which is free at initial network formation and fibrin which is produced subsequently interact mainly to increase the mean mass/length ratio of initial network elements.     

Acrylonitrile and tissue glutathione: Differential effect of acute and chronic interactions

Acrylonitrile (vinyl cyanide) is a reactive chemical extensively used in the synthesis of buna rubber and polymerized plastics (e.g., disposable bottles). A single dose of the chemical causes adrenal hemorrhage, while chronic ingesting results in adrenocortical hypofunction. Present acute experiments in rats show a rapid time- and dose-dependent $\text{decrease}$ in reduced glutathione (GSH) in the liver, lung, kidney and adrenal. The diminution of cerebral GSH concentration is gradual and seems to correlate with the occurrence of mortality in acute experiments. Chronic ingestion of acrylonitrile in drinking water results in a dose dependent $\text{increase}$ of hepatic GSH concentration, similar to that caused by chemical carcinogens.     

Identification and quantification of juvenile hormones from different developmental stages of the cockroach Nauphoetacinerea

By the combined use of high-pressure liquid chromatography, $\text{Galleria}$ bioassay and gas chromatography/ chemical ionization/mass spectrometry we were able to isolate and identify the three known natural juvenile hormones (JHs) from haemolymph extracts of larval and adult females of the cockroach $\text{Nauphoeta}$$\text{cinerea}$. This is the first demonstration of the simultaneous occurrence of the three JHs in the same insect and the first time JH I and II have been identified in a hemimetabolous insect. Quantitative investigations show that the composition of the three JHs is different at different developmental stages. The haemolymph of larvae contains a high percentage of JH I and II, whereas the haemolymph of adult females in the oocyte maturation stage contains mostly JH III. This suggests more juvenilizing functions for JH I and II and more gonadotropic functions for JH III.     

The duplication of arginine catabolism and the meaning of the two ornithine carbamoyltransferases in Bacillus licheniformis.

Arginine deiminase and carbamate kinase activities are shown to be present in cell-free extracts of $\text{Bacillus licheniformis}$. This gives the rationale for the occurrence of an arginine-inducible ornithine carbamoyltransferase in this organism and suggests that, $\text{in vivo}$ and under the proper conditions, this enzyme is able to catalyze the phosphorolysis of citrulline. This also shows that this Bacillus species has two arginine catabolic pathways. This duplication appears to be under the control of O₂.     

Extracellular ribosomes during metamorphosis of the blowfly Calliphora vicina R. D. -- A. reappraisal of their authenticity.

Extracellular ribosomes during adult development of the blowfly $\text{Calliphora}\text{vicina}$ were previously considered to occur naturally $\text{in}\text{vivo}$. A variety of radioisotopic experiments performed at different stages of metamorphosis now demonstrates that the specific activities of extra- and intracellular ribosomes are consistently very similar. Further, in addition to previously described physico-chemical similarities, extra- and intra-cellular ribosomal protein profiles are now shown to be essentially identical. These results vitiate the notion of a natural pool of extracellular ribosomes, the occurrence of which is now ascribed to an experimental artifact, resulting from unusual cell fragility.     

Glutathione peroxidase,glutathione reductase,and thiobarbituric acid-reactive products in muscles of chickens and mice with genetic muscular dystrophy

The specific activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, and the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive products in muscles from chickens and mice with genetic muscular dystrophy were increased over those of control animals. These findings indicate the occurrence of lipid peroxidation and the activation of an $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ lipid peroxidation protective system in these dystrophic animals. A partial explanation for some of the metabolic changes that occur in dystrophic species is provided by this work.     

The leaf flavonoids of the Zingiberales

A survey of flavonoids in the leaves of 81 species of the Zingiberales showed that, while most of the major classes of flavonoid are represented in the order, only two families, the Zingiberaceae and Marantaceae are rich in these constituents. In the Musaceae (in 9 species), Strelitziaceae (in 8 species) and Cannaceae (1 of 2 species) flavonol glycosides were detected in small amount and in the Lowiaceae no flavonoids were fully identified. In the Zingiberaceae kaempferol (in 22%), quercetin (72%) and proanthocyanidins (71%) are distributed throughout the family. The two subfamilies of the Zingiberaceae may be distinguished by the presence of myricetin (in 26%), isorhamnetin (10%) and syringetin (3%) in the Zingiberoideae and of flavone $\text{C-}\text{glycosides}$ (in 86% of taxa) in the Costoideae. A number of genera have distinctive flavonol profiles: e.g. Hedychium species have myricetin and quercetin. Roscoea species isorhamnetin and quercetin and Alpinia species kaempferol and quercetin glycosides. A new glycoside, syringetin 3-rhamnoside was identified in Hedychium stenopetalum. In the Zingiberoideae flavonols were found in glycosidic combination with glucuronic acid, rhamnose and glucose but glucuronides were not detected in the Costoideae or elsewhere in the Zingiberales. The Marantaceae is chemically the most diverse group and may be distinguished from other members of the Zingiberales by the occurrence of both flavone $\text{O-}$ and $\text{C-}\text{glycosides}$ and the absence of kaempferol and isorhamnetin glycosides. The distribution of flavonoid constituents within the Marantaceae does not closely follow the existing tribai or generic limits. Flavonols (in 50% of species). flavones (20%) and flavone $\text{C-}\text{glycosides}$ (40%) are found with similar frequency in the two tribes and in the genera Calathea and Maranta both flavone and flavonol glycosides occur. Apigenin- and luteolin-7-sulphates and luteolin-7,3′-disulphate were identified in Maranta bicolor and M. leuconeura var. kerchoveana and several flavone $\text{C-}\text{glycosides}$ sulphates in Stromanthe sanguinea. Anthocyanins were identified in those species with pigmented leaves or stems and a common pattern based on cyanidin-and delphinidin-3-rutinosides was observed throughout the group. Finally the possible relationship of the Zingiberales to the Commelinales, Liliales, Bromeliales and Fluviales is discussed.     

Antibacterial properties of bile acid oxazoline compounds

Chenooxazoline³ (50–100 μM) inhibited (>50%) both 7α and 7β-dehydroxylase activities in whole cells and cell extracts of $\text{Eubacterium}$ sp. V.P.I. 12708. Chenooxazoline (>50 μM) and methylchenooxazoline (>25 μM) but not lithooxazoline (≤100 μM) inhibited growing cultures of $\text{Eubacterium}$ sp. V.P.I. 12708. Chenooxazoline (100 μM) also inhibited the growth of certain members of the genera $\text{Eubacterium}$, $\text{Clostridium}$, $\text{Bacteroides}$ and $\text{Staphylococcus}$ but not $\text{Pseudomonas}$, $\text{Escherichia}$, $\text{Salmonella}$ or the eucaryotic microorganism, $\text{Saccharomyces cerevisiae}$ (_< 400 μM).     

Isolation of coccidioides immitis from bat guano and preliminary findings on laboratory infectivity of bats with Coccidioides immitis

$\text{Coccidioides}$$\text{immits}$ has been isolated from the guano of bats obtained beneath bat roosting places deep within deserted mine tunnels. Certain species of bats have been demonstrated to be susceptible to experimental infection by $\text{C.}$$\text{immitis}$. There is, however, a difference in the laboratory susceptibility between the species studied ($\text{Antrozous}$$\text{pallidus}$ and $\text{Macrotus}$$\text{californicus}$). $\text{Antrozous}$$\text{pallidus}$ requires 8 times more arthrospores (400 as compared to 50) than does $\text{Macrotus}$$\text{californicus}$ to produce a defineable infection. Our cultures for $\text{C.}$$\text{immitis}$ in the tissue of $\text{Antrozous}$ produced colonies of the bacterium $\text{Serratia}$$\text{marcescens}$. Because these tissues were handled under sterile conditions the presence of this red pigment (prodigiosin) producing bacterium was thought not the result of contamination. Prodigiosin suggests a possible mechanism for the apparent greatly reduced susceptibility to $\text{C}$. $\text{immitis}$ found in the laboratory population of $\text{Antrozous}$. Skin and serological tests on bats were negative as were cultures of guano from experimentally infected bats and mice. It is speculated that infected dying bats that fall to the floor beneath their roosting sites may contaminate the guano. We of course realize that other animals (we have found $\text{Neotoma}$ and $\text{Bassariscus}$ rarely in these tunnels) may have tracked the fungus into these deep tunnel sites.     

Effect of removing the zona pellucida on development of hamster and bovine embryos invitro and invivo

Uterine stage embryos collected from the hamster (8-cell) and cow (morula, early blastocyst) were monitored for development $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ (embryo culture) and $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ (embryo transfer) following premature removal of the zona pellucida.Removal of the zona pellucida did not significantly affect $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ development to the blastocyst stage of (1) 8-cell hamster embryos (zonae removed by a combined enzymic-mechanical procedure), (2) bovine morulae (zonae removed by mechanical means only) (3) early bovine blastocysts (zonae removed by the enzymic-mechanical technique).Zona-free hamster embryos formed significantly fewer viable fetuses than did zona-intact embryos. The lower incidence of fetal development observed following transfer of zona-free 8-cell hamster embryos may have resulted in part from the formation of chimeras by fusion of these embryos $\text{in}$$\text{utero}$. Such fusion was observed to occur $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ between zona-free embryos placed in close proximity. The proportion of pregnancies resulting from transfer of bovine blastocysts cultured from zona-free morulae was similar to that of zona-intact embryos.In this study we have demonstrated that (1) enzymic and mechanical procedures used to remove zonae pellucidae from uterine-stage hamster and bovine embryos do not adversely affect subsequent development of these embryos $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ and $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ and (2) zonae pellucidae are not required for normal development of these embryos. These findings have implications for microsurgery of mammalian embryos and for embryo transfer.     

Studies in antifertility agents — Part XLI: Secosteroids — X: Syntheses of various stereoisomers of (±) 2,6β-diethyl-7α-ethynyl-3-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-trans-bicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-7β-ol

The syntheses of (±) 2α,6β-diethyl-7α-ethynyl-3α-($\text{p}$-hydroxyphenyl)-$\text{trans}$-bicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-7β-ol ($\text{8}$), (±)2β,6β-diethyl-7α-ethynyl-3β-($\text{p}$-methoxyphenyl)-$\text{trans}$-bicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-7β-ol ($\text{12}$) and (±) 2α,6β-diethyl-7α-ethynyl-3β-($\text{p}$-hydroxyphenyl)-$\text{trans}$-bicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-7β-ol ($\text{18}$) and their derivatives, which are essentially B-seco-steroids having $\text{cis-anti-trans}\text{,}\text{cis-syn-trans}$ and $\text{trans-anti-trans}$ geometries have been carried out. A study of their antiimplantation activities (AI) and receptor binding affinities (RBA) show that $\text{trans-anti-trans}$ compounds are biologically most potent, followed by the corresponding $\text{cis-anti-trans}$ and $\text{cis-syn-trans}$ compounds. The most potent compound $\text{18}$ is active at 1 mg/kg in rats. Introduction of 7α-ethynyl group increases their AI activity; however, no significant effect on their RBA is observed.     

Effect of morphine sulfate on adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase activities in rat corpus striatum.

The effect of morphine sulfate (MS) on adenylate cyclase (AC) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) activities in the rat striatum was investigated. MS produced a dose-dependent increase in basal AC activity and did not alter sodium fluoride-induced stimulation both $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ (7.5–30 mg/kg, 1 hr pretreatment, i.p.) and $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ (1–100μM). $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$, when submaximal effective concentrations of dopamine and MS were combined, there was an additive effect. However, administration of MS $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ did not alter dopamine-induced stimulation of AC activity. MS, $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ and $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ inhibited PDE activity in a dose-dependent manner only with the high substrate concentration (3.3 × 10⁻³M cyclic AMP). Preliminary results from this study indicate that morphine affects the cyclic AMP system.