THE GEOTROPIC CONDUCT OF YOUNG RATS

On page 263, Vol. x, No. 2, November 20, 1926, under Curve A, in the legend for Fig. 3, Ordinate scale at the left should read Ordinate scale at the right. Under Curve B, Ordinate scale at the right should read Ordinate scale at the left.     

Etudes sur les phenomenes electrocapillaires

Sans résuméEtudes sur les phénomènes électrocapillaires: I. Analyse électrocapillaire. Rev. géner. Mat. Color., Vol. 30, p. 34, 1926. II. Problème du cancer. Arch. Médecine expérim., Vol. 1, p. 381, 1926. III. Antagonisme microbien. Bol. Istit. Sieroter. Milano, Vol. 6; p. 313, 1927. IV. Role des facteurs physiques. Protoplasma, Vol. 3, p. 345, 1928. V. Role des facteurs chimiques. Protoplasma, Vol. 5, p. 14, 1928. VI. Les eaux minérales. Ann. Inst. Hydrologie, Vol. 5, p. 165, 1927. VII. Antagonisme microbien et le cancer. Zeit. Krebsforsch. Vol. 27, p. 273, 1928.     

Comparative salt tolerance in triticale,wheat and rye during germination

Summary Differences in salt tolerance of wheat and barley have been observed but knowledge of such differences in triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) cultivars is of potential importance. Effects of six salinity levels (0 to 2% NaCl) on germination of triticales Beagle and 6TA 131 in comparison to wheat and rye were determined at 15–20°C. Beagle triticale and rye showed similar trends in germination reduction as salinity increased from 0 to 1.5% NaCl and exhibited fairly high salt tolerance. However, 6TA 131 triticale and wheat showed a significant drop in germination even at 0.5% NaCl concentration and were more susceptible to salt injury.     

Volume and enthalpy profiles of CO rebinding to horse heart myoglobin

Carbon monoxide binding to myoglobin was characterized using the photothermal beam deflection method. The volume and enthalpy changes coupled to CO dissociation were found to be 9.3+/-0.8 mL x mol(-1) and 7.4+/-2.8 kcal x mol(-1), respectively. The corresponding values observed for CO rebinding have the same magnitude but opposite sign: Delta V=-8.6+/-0.9 mL x mol(-1) and Delta H=-5.8+/-2.9 kcal x mol(-1). Ligand rebinding occurs as a single conformational step with a rate constant of 5 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) and with activation enthalpy of 7.1+/-0.8 kcal x mol(-1) and activation entropy of -22.4+/-2.8 cal x mol(-1) K(-1). Activation parameters for the ligand binding correspond to the activation parameters previously obtained using the transient absorption methods. Hence, at room temperature the CO binding to Mb can be described as a two-state model and the observed volume contraction occurs during CO-Fe bond formation. Comparing these results with CO dissociation reactions, for which two discrete intermediates were characterized, indicates differences in mechanism by which the protein modulates ligand association and dissociation.     

Divination and Healing: Potent Vision

Divination and Healing: Potent Vision . Michael Winkelman and Philip M. Peek, eds. Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 2004. viii + 295 pp.     

凤尾蕨科旱生蕨类rbcL基因的适应性进化和共进化分析

核酮糖-1,5-二磷酸羧化酶/加氧酶（Rubisco,EC 4.1.1.39）是植物参与光合作用的关键酶,其大亚基由叶绿体rbcL基因编码。为深入理解凤尾蕨科植物对干旱生境的分子适应机制,本研究以53种凤尾蕨科旱生植物的rbcL基因为对象,展开适应性进化和共进化研究。采用位点间可变ω比值模型以及SLAC、REL和FEL等方法进行的适应性进化分析显示：在氨基酸水平上共有15个正选择位点（66S、84E、139L、235G、245I、252A、273Y、295K、296N、299M、307G、330E、349S、365F、404A）,其中位点245I、252A和273Y对维持Rubisco功能起重要作用。共进化分析共鉴定出2组共进化位点,分别由139L、273Y、295K和273Y、295K、349S组成,这些氨基酸位点间的共进化方式与蛋白质的疏水性和分子量都显著相关。以上结果一方面支持基于ω比值检验DNA编码序列发生适应性进化的有效性,另一方面也提示凤尾蕨科植物对干旱生境的适应可能与rbcL基因的适应性进化有关。     

Dynamics of desensitization and recovery of proton-activated ion channels in pheochromocytoma cells

Proton-activated ion channels of the ASIC 1a subtype in pheochromocytoma PC12 cells were inactivated under the long-lasting influence of an acidic milieu (pH 6.0) because of desensitization developing in a monoexponential mode with τ = 1.7 ± 0.3 sec. The recovery of currents after desensitization was also monoexponential, with τ = 4.9 ± 0.8 sec. Approximation of the dose-effect curve by the Hill equation showed that activation of a channel of this type needs, most probably, binding of three hydrogen ions. Neirofiziologiya/Neurophysiology, Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 9–14, January–February, 2007.     

A laboratory study of the copper and nickel uptake and regulation in a copper-tolerant decapod, Cambarus bartoni (Fabricius) (Decapoda, Crustacea)

Tissue copper concentration in whole Cambarus bartoni, exposed for four weeks to 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg Cu/litre and 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg Ni/litre in the laboratory at 18 degrees C, showed a linear relationship with exposure time at 0.25 and 0.5 mg Cu/litre; the regression slope at 0.5 mg Cu/litre (r2 = 0.218; 0.001 less than P less than or equal to 0.05) was approximately two times higher than that at 0.25 mg Cu/litre (r2 = 0.148; 0.025 less than P less than or equal to 0.05). Regression analysis of nickel concentrations in whole crayfish as a function of exposure time showed a third degree polynomial relationship at 0.4 (y = 49.989 + 14.77x - 15.395x2 + 3.194x3) and 0.8 (y = 52.053 + 37.05x - 28.933x2 + 5.133x3) mg Ni/litre, as well as in the control (y = 49.126 + 27.253x - 23.468x2 + 4.168x3) (y = Ni concentration; x = exposure time in weeks), suggesting the occurrence of a Ni flux every 4 weeks.     

Introduction to an International Guide to Stratigraphic Classification,Terminology, and Usage

International Subcommission on Stratigraphic Classification [Report No. 7a; editor H. D. Hedberg]: Introduction to an International Guide to Stratigraphic Classification, Terminology, and Usage. Lethaia, Vol 5, pp. 283–295. Oslo, July 15th, 1972. The International Subcommission on Stratigraphic Classification (ISSC), a subcommission of the IUGS Commission on Stratigraphy, has been working for the last 15–20 years towards the preparation of an International Guide to Stratigraphic Classification, Terminology, and Usage. The purpose of the Guide is to promote international agreement on principles of stratigraphic classification and to establish internationally acceptable stratigraphic terminology and rules of stratigraphic procedure. The Introduction explains the background of its preparation.     

Attomol‐level ATP bioluminometer for detecting single bacterium

We have developed an automated high‐sensitive ATP bioluminometer for detecting single bacterium. The apparatus consists of a tube rack for setting reagents and samples, two washing baths for preventing sample carry‐over from dispenser nozzle, and x‐, y‐, z‐ actuators for moving the dispenser, and an high‐sensitive optical system. The reaction tube was selected to reduce the background signal intensities for the ATP bioluminescence measurement. The background signal intensity of the reaction tube was 18 RLU, which is almost the same as the dark counts of the photomultiplier (16 RLU). The ATP calibration curve was linear from 0 to 5 amol (its slope = 22.4 RLU/amol and 3.3 SD of the blank sample signal = 17.9 RLU), and the detection limit of 0.8 amol was obtained. The relationship between intracellular ATP and CFU in Escherichia coli (ATCC25922) was kept linearity from 0 to 20 CFU, and the intracellular ATP (amol) per CFU was calculated to be 3.3 amol/CFU (R2 = 0.9713). Moreover, the relationship between intracellular ATP and CFU in Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923) was also kept linearity from 0 to 30 CFU, and the amol/CFU was calculated to be 1.6 amol/CFU (R2 = 0.9847). The automated ATP bioluminometer has ultra‐high sensitivity and will be a powerful tool for measuring ATP luminescence derived from small number of bacteria.     

Effects of taurine on polymorphonuclear phagocytosis activity in burned patients

Summary.  This study determines the effects of taurine (Tau) on phagocytosis of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) isolated from normal subjects (n = 41) and severely burned patients (n = 20). Phagocytosis was measured by nitroblue of tetrazolium (NBT) reduction in samples with and without latex bead stimulation. Taurine was added at doses of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mM to stimulated samples. In control cells there were statistically significant increases in phagocytosis after addition of Tau 0.8 mM and 1.6 mM to as compared to samples without Tau addition (295 ± 23% and 330 ± 35% vs. 248 ± 18%; mean ± S.E.; p < 0.05). A statistically significant increase in phagocytosis was observed in cells from the burned population after addition of Tau 1.6 mM (288 ± 38% vs. 198 ± 13%; mean ± S.E.; p < 0.05). No changes in phagocytosis were found in cells from a subgroup of burn patients (n = 13) followed over 7, 15 and 21 days. These results indicate that taurine supplementation in vitro at doses of 0.8 to 1.6 mM improves the phagocytic capacity of neutrophils in healthy subjects and in patients with severe burn injury, mainly when neutrophil function is unaltered. Received December 17, 2001 Accepted January 17, 2002 Published online August 30, 2002 Authors' address: Dr. Mireia Farriol, Centre d'Investigacions Bioquímicas i Biología Molecular (CIBBIM), Hospital General Vall d'Hebron Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, E-08035 Barcelona, Spain, Fax: 34-93-2746831, E-mail: farriol@hg.vhebron.es     

多花水仙(Narcissus tozetta L.)染色体基数x=10和X=11之间进化关系的研究

多花水仙的染色体基数有x=10和x=11两类。基数x=10组型有两种,一种是具6长、4短的典型不对称的二形染色体组型;另一种是具有4长、2中、4短(或5长、2中、3短)的非二形染色体组型。基数x=11则具有4长、2中、5短(或5长、2中、4短)的非二型或非典型二形的染色体组型。x=10的典型不对称的二形染色体组型是原始的组型。基数x=11是从原始的x=10、2n=20组型中的(第5、6号)染色体发生不等长易位后,增加了一对短小的中着丝粒染色体而形成的。另一个x=10、2n=20的非二型新组型,可能从x=11组型丢失了短小的中着丝粒染色体衍生而来,也可能从易位后的个体所产生的不含中着丝粒染色体的雌、雄n配子结合而得到。     

Response to GnRH on day 6 of the estrous cycle is diminished as the percentage of Bos indicus breeding increases in Angus, Brangus, and Brahman x Angus heifers

Angus (n=6), Brangus (5/8 Angus x 3/8 Brahman, n=6), and Brahman x Angus (3/8 Angus x 5/8 Brahman, n=6) heifers exhibiting estrous cycles at regular intervals were used to determine if the percentage of Bos indicus breeding influenced the secretory patterns of LH in response to a GnRH treatment on Day 6 of the estrous cycle. Heifers were pre-synchronized with a two-injection PGF(2 alpha) protocol (25 mg i.m. Day -14 and 12.5 mg i.m. Day -3 and -2 of experiment). Heifers received 100 microg GnRH i.m. on Day 6 of the subsequent estrous cycle. Blood samples were collected at -60, -30, and -1 min before GnRH and 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420, and 480 min after GnRH to determine concentrations of serum LH. Estradiol concentrations were determined at -60, -30, and -1 min before GnRH. On Day 6 and 8, ovaries were examined by ultrasonography to determine if ovulation occurred. On Day 13, heifers received 25 mg PGF(2 alpha) i.m. and blood samples were collected daily until either the expression of estrus or Day 20 for heifers not exhibiting estrus to determine progesterone concentrations. There was no effect (P>0.10) of breed on ovulation rate to GnRH as well as size of the largest follicle, mean estradiol, and mean corpus luteum volume at GnRH. Mean LH was greater (P<0.05) for Angus (7.0+/-0.8 ng/mL) compared to Brangus (4.6+/-0.8 ng/mL) and Brahman x Angus (2.9+/-0.8 ng/mL), which were similar (P>0.10). Mean LH peak-height was similar (P>0.10) for Brangus (13.9+/-3.4 ng/mL) compared to Angus (21.9+/-3.4 ng/mL) and Brahman x Angus (8.0+/-3.4 ng/mL), but was greater (P<0.05) for Angus compared to Brahman x Angus. Interval from GnRH to LH peak was similar (P>0.10) between breeds. As the percentage of Bos indicus breeding increased the amount of LH released in response to GnRH on Day 6 of the estrous cycle decreased.     

CORRIGENDA

G. S. PURITCH and R. P. C. JOHNSON, 1971. Vol. 22, No. 73, pp.953–8 Plate 1, A, for (x 2100) read (x 5100) B, for (x 6600) read (x 18600) Plate 2, A, for (x 2100) read (x 7000) B, for (x 2100) read (x 8000) Plate 3, A, for (x 2100) read (x 7000) B, for (x 1100) read (x 4300) Plate 4, A, for (x 2100) read (x 5600) B, for (x 2100) read (x 5600) A. J. ABBOTT. Vol. 23, No. 76 p. 667. ABSTRACT, for '2-, 4-, 5- and 4-fold amounts ..." read‘2-, 4-, 3- and 2-fold amounts ...’ p. 671. Para. 2. for ‘On a per cell basis the attachedroot had 5.3 and 3.6 times as much ...’read ‘Ona per cell basis the attached root had 2.6 and 1.8 times asmuch ...’     

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray study of horse pancreatic lipase

Horse (Equus caballus) pancreatic lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) has been crystallized using the hanging drop method of vapour diffusion at 20 degrees C. The best crystals were grown from an 8 mg/ml solution in 10 to 20% (w/v) polyethylene glycol 8000, 10 mM-MgCl2, 0.1 M-NaCl, 0.1 M-Mes buffer (pH 5.6). They reach dimensions of 0.8 mm x 0.4 mm x 0.6 mm. X-ray examination of the lipase crystals shows that they are orthorombic with a space group P2(1)2(1)2(1). Their cell dimensions are a = 79.8 A, b = 97.2 A c = 145.3 A. Two molecules per asymmetric unit give a Vm value of 2.82 A3/dalton (56% water content). Lipase crystals strongly diffract to at least 1.8 A resolution. Some molecular properties of horse lipase compared to those of the better-known porcine enzyme are also presented.     

大竹蛏胚胎发生及稚贝发育基本特征

在人工培育条件下,对大竹蛏(Solen grandis)胚胎发生及稚贝发育进行显微观察,探究大竹蛏胚胎及幼虫发育规律。结果表明,大竹蛏胚胎及幼虫发育过程为:受精卵、卵裂、囊胚期、原肠期、担轮幼虫、D形幼虫、稚贝。在日平均水温为22.4℃时,受精后20～24 h发育成D形幼虫,5～7 d变态为稚贝,38 d稚贝已具备成贝形态,壳长壳高比为2.60。从受精卵到附着所需积温为3 088.79～5 005.19℃.h。稚贝先形成出水管,后形成进水管,最终形成"一管双孔"。壳长与壳高关系式为y=150.37e0.002 7 x,x为壳高(μm),y为壳长(μm),R2=0.985 5,P0.01;壳长与日龄关系式为y=143.38e0.091 6 x,x为日龄(d),y为壳长(μm),R2=0.979 5,P0.01;壳高与日龄关系式为y=33.979 x-15.450,x为日龄(d),y为壳高(μm),R2=0.987 3,P0.01。     

Mechanisms of tubocurarine action on nicotinic cholinoreceptors of rat sympathetic ganglia neurons

The effects of tubocurarine (TC) on current induced by acetylcholine (ACh) in neurons of rat upper cervical ganglia were investigated using techniques for voltage-clamping at the membrane. Reinforcement of TC-induced blockade was achieved by paired application of ACh following prior activation of nicotinic cholinoreceptors, indicating that TC blocked the channels opened by ACh. On average, the TC-open channel complex persisted for 9.8±0.5 sec (n=7) at –50 mV and 20–24°C. It was found that increases exponentially with hyperpolarization at the membrane (a shift in membrane potential of 61 mV corresponds to an e-fold change). Suppression of ACh-induced current (ACh current) was eliminated completely under the effects of 3–30 M with depolarization of up to 80–100 mV at the membrane. Suppression of ACh current produced by membrane potential at negative levels is intensified with increasing doses of ACh. Findings would indicate that blockade of ionic channels opened by ACh is the only mechanism of TC action on nicotinic cholinoreceptors in rat sympathetic ganglia.A. A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 20, No. 5, pp. 672–680, September–October, 1988.     

Redescription of Haemoproteus mesnili (Apicomplexa: Plasmodiidae) and its meronts, with description of a second haemosporidian parasite of African cobras

Haemoproteus mesnili (Bouet 1909) Wenyon 1926 is redescribed from the spitting cobra, Naja nigricollis nigricollis, of Tanzania. Mature gametocytes in the acute phase of infection averaged 17.7 X 7.3 jim, with LW 128.1 jim-, and L:W ratio 2.52. Nuclei were visible in both sexes. Both sexes were heavily pigmented, with 31-62 black granules dispersed in macrogametocytes; 20-46 granules were often clumped or concentrated near ends of microgametocytes. The halteridial form was present in 28% of active-phase gametocytes, but in only 8% of those in chronic phase. A few large, possibly first generation, meronts were present in cardiac muscle; uninucleate parasites within parasitophorous vacuoles in splenic cells produced small rounded or ovoid meronts, 12.2 x 9.6 microm, with 12-16 deeply basophilic, square-to-rectangular cytomeres. Meronts with 17-32 cytomeres were 16.9 x 11.9 microm. Meronts, 20 x 16 to 26 x 22 microm, contained 51-57 cytomeres. Mature meronts were ovoid, 13.7 x 11.5 microm, with many rounded merozoites. Haemoproteus balli n. sp, found in an Egyptian cobra, Naja haje haje of Kenya, differs from H. mesnili in average gametocyte dimensions, 10.8 x 7.7 microm; LW, 83.2 microm2; L/W ratio, 1.42; absence of halteridial forms; sparse pigmentation (3-10 granules); and presence of a broad peripheral band, apparently chromatin, along one side of microgametocytes.     

Effect of insemination dose and site on uterine inflammatory response of mares

It is unclear whether AI of mares deep into the uterine horn causes more or less inflammation of the endometrium than conventional AI. Thus, we compared uterine inflammatory reactions of mares inseminated with two different doses of frozen-thawed semen into the tip of the uterine horn (UH) ipsilateral to the preovulatory follicle with those of mares inseminated into the uterine body (UB). Thirty-two mares were assigned to one of four groups (eight mares/group): UB20=AI into UB, 20 x 10(6)sperm/0.5 mL; UB200=AI into UB, 200 x 10(6)sperm/0.5 mL; UH20=AI into UH, 20 x 10(6)sperm/0.5 mL; UH200=AI into UH, 200 x 10(6)sperm/0.5 mL, and inseminated 24 h after hCG administration. Before and 24 h after AI, they were examined with ultrasonography for the presence of intrauterine fluid. At 24 h, uterine fluid samples were obtained first by absorbing fluid into a tampon and then by uterine lavage. Uterine fluid was examined for polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and bacteriology, and frozen for lysozyme and TIC (trypsin-inhibitor capacity) assays. Only three mares conceived, one in each of the following groups: UB200, UH20, and UH200. Mares in the UH20 group accumulated less intrauterine fluid (p<0.05) than those in the other groups, which had similar amounts. No significant differences in PMN numbers were detected in either tampon or lavage fluid. Enzyme levels between groups did not differ statistically, except for TIC, which was lowest in the UH200 group. Thus, deep uterine horn AI caused no greater inflammation or irritation than uterine body AI in normal mares 24 h after insemination.