Ein Modell zur örtlich-zeitlichen Signalübertragung im visuellen System des Menschen auf der Basis der linearen Systemtheorie kontinuierlicher Medien

Zusammenfassung Als Modell für die Übertragung örtlich-zeitlich variabler Helligkeitsmuster durch das visuelle System des Menschen wird ein dreidimensionales, homogenes neuronales Geflecht betrachtet. Die Ausbreitung der neuronalen Erregung erfolgt anisotrop in afferenter und lateraler Richtung und wird durch eine modifizierte Wärmeleitungsgleichung beschrieben, deren Hauptmerkmal ein regenrativer Signalanteil ist. Die zeitabhängige Lösung beschreibt u.a. die zeitliche Übertragungscharakteristik für flimmernde Gitter im gesamten Frequenzbereich. Die stationäre Lösung beschreibt die örtliche Übertragungscharakteristik für Gitter, wobei auch die Struktur rezeptiver Felder mit inhibitorischem Umfeld deutlich erkennbar ist. Die Struktur der Lösung läßt verstehen, wie sich mit zunehmender Tiefe im neuronalen Geflecht der Übergang von der Ortsselektivität zur Ortsfrequenzselektivität vollzieht.

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A model for the spatial-temporal signal transmission properties of the human visual system based on the linear system theory of continuous media

In this paper, a three dimensional homogeneous neural web serves as a model for the transmission of spatial-temporal luminous pattern by the human visual system. The propagation of neuronal excitation in afferent and lateral direction is assumed to be anisotropic. It is described by a modified heat conduction equation a main feature of which is a regenerative signal component. The time-dependent solution describes f.e. the temporal transmission characteristics for flickering grids in the whole frequency range. The stationary solution contains the spatial transmission characteristics for grids as well as the structure of receptive fields with inhibitory surrounds. The structure of the solution makes it under-standable how the transition from spatial selectivity to spatial-frequency-selectivity develops with growing depth of the neuronal web.

     

Die Kommunikation von Sialis (Megaloptera) durch Vibrationssignale

A newly discovered system of communication used by Sialidae while mating is described here. By means of this system males and unmated females of Sialis lutaria and S. fuliginosa are able to find each other and to communicate. Three kinds of signals are to be distinguished: (a) Rhythmic vibrations of the abdomen (♂+♀) allow mutual approach and recognition of species and sex; (2) prolonged, unstructed vibrations (♂ only), and (3) tapping of abdomen and wings on the ground is used by ♂♂ of S. lutaria as feedback for ♀♀ after their approach and by ♂♂ and ♀♀ of S. fuliginosa in the first step of their approach. The vibrations caused by movements of the abdomen are passed on via legs on to the ground and transmitted there only. The receptor is located within the legs. Observations in nature are being tested by experiments in the laboratory.     

Derivative chromosomal structures from a ring chromosome 4

Summary This report describes the results from cultured lymphocytes studied at metaphase, anaphase, and interphase from an individual with a ring chromosome 4. A ring was present in 90.1% of metaphases. Special attention was directed towards the occurrence of derivative chromosomal structures, such as partially duplicated and triplicated rings, tricentric rings, chains of 3 interlocked rings, rod-shaped chromosomes, pulverized rings, and others.The clinical features of the individual (small stature and impaired mental development, hypoplastic thumbs, ptosis palpebrae hypoplastic external male genitalia, abnormal dermatoglyphic pattern) did not conform to a specific phenotype.

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Zusammenfassung Die Lymphocyten eines Patienten mit Ringchromosom 4 wurden in der Meta-, Ana-und Interphase beobachtet. 90,1% der Metaphasen wiesen einen Ring auf. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit wurde abnormen, aus dem Ring entstandenen Chromosomen zugewandt. Es fanden sich u. a.: partielle Doppel-und Dreifachringe, Ringe mit 3 Zentromeren, Ringe aus 3 miteinander verketteten Ringen, stabförmige Chromosomen und pulverisierte Ringe.Die Symptome des Patienten (Minderwuchs, Schwachsinn, Hypoplasie der Daumen, Ptosis palpebrae, Hypoplasie des äußeren genitale, abnorme Dermatoglyphen) waren zum größten Teil unspezifish.

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This work was supported in part by grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and is part of a thesis by R.N. for a medical doctorate.     

Plasma normetanephrine: A biochemical marker of sympathetic nerve function in man

The concentration of the catecholamines in plasma are regarded by many investigators as biochemical markers of sympathoadrenal activity in man. This study was designed to: 1) assess the relationship of normetanephrine (NMN), the metabolite of norepinephrine (NE) most likely to represent degration of newly synthesized and released “active” norepinephrine, to that of norepinephrine in plasma of normal volunteers and 2) to determine regional variations in plasma normetanephrine concentrations at venous and arterial sites of patients undergoing cardiac catherization. The findings suggest that 1) plasma normetanephrine reflects sympathoadrenal activity and neurotransmitter production at both peripheral neuronal and adrenal medullary sites and 2) there is net removal of normetanephrine by liver and kidney. Plasma normetanephrine should provide assistance in the biochemical assessment of sympathoadrenal tone in man and in patients with various autonomic disorders.     

Effects of superoxide radicals on transport (Na+K) adenosine triphosphatase and protection by superoxide dismutase

Membrane (Na+K)ATPase isolated from rat brain was preincubated in a medium in which superoxide radicals were generated enzymatically. Exposure to superoxide radicals caused an irreversible inactivation, which could be prevented by further addition of superoxide dismutase. (Na+K)ATPase was also protected by addition of allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, during preincubation. The K-activated nitrophenylphosphatase associated with (Na+K)ATPase was also found to be inactivated by preincubation with superoxide radicals, which could be prevented by superoxide dismutase.     

Analysis of purine receptor expression and functionality in alveolar epithelial cells

Despite its fundamental role in providing an extensive surface for gas exchange, the alveolar epithelium (AE) serves as an immunological barrier through, e.g., the release of proinflammatory cytokines and secretion of surfactant to prevent alveolar collapse. Thus, AE is important for sustaining lung homeostasis. Extracellular ATP secreted by alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) is involved in physiological and pathological conditions and acts mainly through the activation of purine receptors (P2Rs). When studying P2R-mediated processes, primary isolated type II AECs (piAECs) still represent the gold standard in in vitro research, although their preparation is time-consuming and requires the sacrifice of many animals. Hence, cultivated immortalized and tumor-derived AEC lines may constitute a valuable alternative. In this work, we examined P2R expression and functionality in piAECs, in immortalized and tumor-derived AEC lines with the purpose of gaining a better understanding of purinergic signaling in different cell systems and assisting researchers in the choice of a suitable cell line with a certain P2R in demand. We combined mRNA and protein analysis to evaluate the expression of P2R. For pharmacological testing, we conducted calcium ([Ca²⁺]) measurements and siRNA receptor knockdown. Interestingly, the mRNA and protein levels of P2Y₂, P2Y_6, and P2X₄ were detected on all cell lines. Concerning functionality, P2XR could be narrowed to L2 and piAECs while P2YR were active in all cell lines.

     

The future of ecolabels

The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment -     

Assessment of exploited fish species in the Lake Edward System,East Africa

The unknown status of inland fish stocks hinders their sustainable management. Therefore, increasing stock status information is important for sustainable inland fisheries. Fisheries reference points were estimated for five exploited fish species (11 stocks) in the Lake Edward system, East Africa, which is one of the most productive inland water systems. The aim was to ascertain the status of the fisheries and establish reference points for effective management. The reference points were based on four linked stock assessment approaches for data-limited fisheries. Estimates showed poor stock status with the stocks defined as either collapsed, recruitment impaired or overfished. However, higher catches could be obtained under sustainable management. Estimates of maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and supporting biomass (B_msy) are provided for 10 of the stocks as targets for rebuilding plans. The immediate target of management should be rebuilding biomass to B_msy. Applicable measures include shifting length at first capture to the length that maximizes catch without endangering size structure and biomass, and livelihood diversification out of fisheries.