Does heterochromatin variation potentiate speciation? A study in Nesokia

An increasing incidence of sex-chromosome variation in constitutive heterochromatin, including individuals with mosaic genotypes, has been observed in a single natural population of Nesokia indica, the Indian mole rat. Variations in the heterochromatic areas of the X chromosome are largely due to deletions at R-band-positive regions corresponding to folate-sensitive fragile sites. All individuals with either a pre- or post-zygotic loss or gain of sex-chromosome heterochromatin have so far proved to be infertile. Whether such F1 sterility is due to abnormal gonadal development, gametic incompetence, or other factors is not clear. More important is the indication that the constitutive heterochromatin of this species may contain coding DNA sequences with putative regulatory functions.     

Concerning the intermediacy of organic radicals in vitamin B12-dependent enzymic reactions

The vitamin B12 coenzyme adenosylcobalamin assists the enzymic catalysis of molecular rearrangements of the type (formula; see text) in which the migrating group X can be OH, NH2 or a suitable substituted carbon atom such as C(=CH2)CO2H. This paper discusses evidence for the participation of organic radicals as intermediates in these reactions. Theoretical and model studies supporting the intermediacy of radicals in the reactions catalysed by the enzymes diol dehydratase and alpha-methyleneglutarate mutase are described. For the model studies, alkyl radicals, alkylcobaloximes (alkyl represents, for example, ethoxycarbonyl substituted, but-3-enyl and cyclopropylmethyl) and also dihydroxyalkylcobalamins have been investigated. The Co-C alpha-C beta angle of 125 degrees in adenosylcobalamin is shown to be an 'especial' angle by analysis of the crystal structures of R- and S-2,3-dihydroxypropylcobalamin.     

Immunochemical studies on human monoclonal macroglobulins with specificities for 3,4-pyruvylated D-galactose and 4,6-pyruvylated D-glucose

Four of six human monoclonal IgM proteins were found to react best with Klebsiella polysaccharides containing 3,4py beta DGal (pyruvic acetalated D-galactopyranose), one with Klebsiella polysaccharides with 4,6pyDGlc; the sixth is uncharacterized. The combining sites of two of these (IgMWEA and IgMNAE) were essentially indistinguishable by quantitative precipitin studies at varying pH and by quantitative precipitin inhibition assays, but the other two differed in specificity of their combining sites from these and from each other. These differences were detected by precipitin inhibition assays with 3,4py beta DGal-containing oligosaccharide alditols, the R and S isomers of methyl 4,6py alpha DGal, the R isomer of methyl 4,6py beta DGal, or the R and S isomers of methyl 4,6py alpha DGlc, and -beta DGlc. In all of these except the S isomer of methyl 4,6pyDGal and R isomer of methyl 4,6pyDGlc, the carboxyl group is axial to the plane of the acetal ring. Their specificity appears to be determined by the nonreducing ends of chains and is considered to be cavity-type.     

Fungal spore concentrations in the air at Tiruchirapalli (India) 1987–1988

Summary Using an aeroscope, airborne fungal spores were sampled for two years, 1987–1988 at Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India. The aerospora components, their seasonal and annual variations in incidence in the air are discussed and a spore calendar for Tiruchirapalli is presented.     

Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial of Clofazimine in Reactive Phases of Leprotamous Leprosy

A double-blind controlled trial in 24 lepromatous leprosy patients in reaction showed that clofazimine (Lamprene) controlled symptoms of erythema nodosum leprosum reaction in lepromatous leprosy better than prednisolone. Clofazimine also appeared to be significantly superior in preventing recurrence once the reaction had been controlled. There was a statistically significant rise in serum albumin among inpatients on clofazimine as compared with patients on prednisolone, but no difference in terms of neurological status, bacterial index, morphological index, and renal functions. Red/black hyperpigmentation was seen among practically all patients on clofazimine. No other side-effects or deleterious systemic effects were observed.     

Sucrose and application of Rhizobium on seed

Summary Studies on the effect of different levels of sucrose in the slurry of peat-based Rhizobium inoculant on germination, seedling growth, and rhizosphere fungi of peanut and soybean revealed that the limits of tolerance for good germination were 2.5 and 5 per cent of the sugar, respectively. Fusaria and aspergilli were invariably present at all levels of sucrose whereas species of Penicillium, Myrothecium, Cunninghamella and Curvularia were isolated only from the rhizosphere at higher levels of the sugar     

Observations on the nature of neurosecretion in the marine crab Portunus sanguinolentus (Herbst) (Crustacea: Brachyura)

Several types of NS cells were identified in Portunus sanguinolentus--five types (A, A', B, C and D) in the brain and thoracic ganglion, four types (A, B, C and D) in the commissural ganglia and four types (alpha, beta, gamma and delta) in the optic ganglia. The distribution of these NS cells is described. Cytochemically, the neurosecretory material in the NS cells has a carbohydrate moiety and is rich in disulphide groups, lipids, phospholipids and RNA. It contains a small amount of sulphydryl groups and protein-bound NH2 groups, but no tyrosine or tryptophan. The NS activity of the brain was found to be closely associated with the reproductive and moult cycles. Just before the initiation of vitellogenesis and moulting the NS cells display secretory hyperactivity. Axonal transport of NS material was also observed in the NS cells.