The role of the cysteine-rich region of the β2 integrin subunit in the leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1, αLβ2, CD11a/CD18) heterodimer formation and ligand binding

The cysteine-rich region (CRR) of the β2 integrin subunit was replaced by that of β1 to give the chimera β2NV1. β2NV1 can combine with αL to form a variant leukocyte-function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 on COS cell surface, suggesting that the specificity of the β2 interaction with αL does not lie in the CRR. Unlike those expressing wild-type LFA-1, COS cells expressing αLβ2NV1 are constitutively active in intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 adhesion. These results suggest that activation of LFA-1 involves the release of an intramolecular constraint, which is maintained, in part, by the authentic β2 CRR.     

Internode length in Pisum. I. The effect of the Le/le gene difference on endogenous gibberellin-like substances

The allelopathic potential of the dry fruits of Washingtonia filifera (L. Linden) H. Wendl. was investigated. Leachates from fruits inhibited the germination of lettuce, wheat, red cabbage and cucumber seeds. The inhibitory effect was partly neutralized by kinetin (20 mg 1⁻¹) and gibberellic acid (50 mg 1⁻¹). The effect of kinetin was more pronounced at 25°C than at 20°C. Substances inhibiting germination were localized in the pericarp of the fruit and were resistant to high temperature.     

Evaluation of the establishment of Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in lucerne aphid populations in New South Wales

The aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi was released in the major lucerne-growing areas of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, between 1978 and 1981. With the collaboration of district agronomists of the New South Wales Department of Agriculture, five State-wide surveys were conducted in 1982–1983 to determine the success of the release program. In each survey, the distribution of the parasitoid was checked in relation to populations of the aphids Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji and Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The surveys confirmed the successful dispersal and establishment of A. ervi in the major lucerne-growing areas of NSW. They demonstrated its ability to survive and recover rapidly after a severe and widespread drought.     

Cloning, Expression, and Affinity Purification of RecombinantShigella flexneriInvasion Plasmid Antigens IpaB and IpaC

Shigella flexneriand related enteropathogenic bacteria are important agents of bacillary dysentery, a potentially life-threatening illness for children in underdeveloped regions of the world. Onset of shigellosis stems fromS. flexneriinvasion of colonic epithelial cells, leading to localized cell death and inflammation. Invasion plasmid antigens (Ipa) B, C, and D are three secreted proteins encoded by the large virulence plasmid ofS. flexnerithat have been implicated as essential effectors of this cell invasion process. These proteins are expressed as part of theipaoperon and are among the major targets of the host immune response to shigellosis. Biochemical characterization of the Ipa invasins has been complicated by the fact they have not been purified in the quantities needed for detailedin vitroanalysis. Here we describe the first cloning, expression, and extensive purification of IpaB and IpaC fusion proteins fromEscherichia colifor use in dissecting of the protein biochemistry ofS. flexneripathogenesis. A variety of approaches were used to prepare significant quantities of these proteins in their soluble forms, including the use of different host cell lines, modification of bacterial growth conditions, and the use of alternative plasmid expression vectors. Now that these Ipa proteins are available in a highly pure form, it will be possible to initiate studies on their important biological and immunological properties as well as their recruitment into high-molecular-weight protein complexes. Together with IpaD (purified as part of a previous study), these purified proteins will be useful for: (a) exploring properties of the host immune response toS. flexneriinvasion, (b) elucidating the specific biochemical properties that lead to pathogen internalization, (c) analyzing the importance of specific Ipa protein complexes in host cell invasion, and (d) monitoring, or perhaps even augmenting, the efficacy of live oral vaccines in human trials.