Sequence of a plant cDNA from Vicia faba encoding a novel Ran-related GTP-binding protein

A clone obtained from a broad bean (Vicia faba) developing cotyledon cDNA library contained the complete coding sequence of a polypeptide with very high homology to the small GTP-binding proteins Ran from human cells and Spi1 from yeast. These proteins belong to the ras superfamily of proteins involved in different basic cellular processes. The Ran/Spi1 proteins interact with a protein bound to DNA (RCC1) and are thought to function in the regulation of the cell cycle. The amino acid sequence of the obtained plant Ran-homologue, designated Vfa-ran, is 74% and 76% identical to Ran and Spi1, respectively. The five functional, conserved domains of ras-related proteins are present in the Vfa-ran sequence. However, as in Ran/Spi1 the C-terminus of Vfa-ran is very acidic and lacks the Cys motif for isoprenylation.Northern blotting revealed a corresponding mRNA expression in broad bean roots, leaves, and cotyledons with the highest level in roots.     

Die Taube – eine Erfolgsgeschichte. Vom Liebling der Götter zur Eroberung der Städte

The pigeon – a success story The pigeon is one of the first animals that man domesticated and it holds a special place in man's affections. The pigeon is far more than an ordinary bird since it is a symbol of different gods and human virtues. In the beginning, the pigeon used to be an ordinary biological creature until it found it's way into man's spiritual world. These associations contribute to man's love and admiration of pigeons. The feral pigeon is a wild descendant of dovecote pigeons and domestic breeds. All experiences up to now lead to the conclusion that reduction of pigeon populations can only be achieved by reducing their food supply. Because of the enormous reproduction rate of the pigeons, killing attempts without any simultaneous food reduction do not have any influence on the number of birds in the population.     

The Effect of Cooling on Translocation in Salix viminalis

Radioactive phosphate was applied externally to a small areaof the bark of the main stem below the point of insertion ofa leafy branch. When photosynthesis and hence translocationwas proceeding, phosphate was carried down the stem and wasmonitored externally by two Geiger counters spaced 10 cm apartfurther down the stem. Sudden cooling to 0 °C of the leaves,or the stem between the leaves and the point of applicationof the isotope, caused a rapid and seemingly simultaneous responseby the two Geiger counters. It is concluded that cooling atone point causes an instantaneous reduction of velocity alongthe whole pathway. If cooling is continued for several hoursthe rate of translocation of phosphate recovers. The evidencesuggests that this recovery is due to a compensatory increasein concentration of radioactive phosphate in the translocationstream rather than a recovery of velocity.     

Andropogon crispifolius (Poaceae: Andropogoneae): a new species from the cerrado of central Brazil

Andropogon crispifolius a new species from the environs of the Parque Nacional das Emas (in the states of Goiás and Mato Grosso do Sul) in central Brazil is here described, illustrated and compared with A. pohlianus Hack. It is a large, perennial, coarse grass characterized primarily by its strongly crispate older leaves. This new species is placed in sect. Notosolen Stapf, previously represented in South America by a single species, A. pohlianus .     

Screening Evaluation of the Ecological Risks to Terrestrial Wildlife Associated with a Coal Ash Disposal Site

Between 1955 and 1989, coal ash was deposited within an impounded watershed on the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee, creating the 3.6?ha Filled Coal Ash Pond (FCAP). The site has subsequently become vegetated wildlife habitat. To evaluate risks that metals in ash may pose to wildlife; ash, surface water, small mammal, and vegetation samples were collected and metal residues were determined. Metal concentrations, As and Se in particular, were elevated in ash, surface water, plant foliage, and small mammals relative to reference materials. Estimates of metal exposures were calculated for short-tailed shrews, white-footed mice, white-tailed deer, red fox, and red-tailed hawks. While shrews and mice were assumed to reside exclusively at and receive 100% exposure from the site, exposure experienced by deer, fox, and hawks was assumed to be proportional to the size of the site relative to their home range. Because deer had been observed to consume ash, presumably for its high sodium content, exposure experienced by deer consuming ash to meet sodium requirements was also estimated. Exposure estimates were compared to body-size adjusted toxicity data for each metal. These comparisons suggest that metals at the site may be detrimental to reproduction and survivorship of mice, shrews, and deer consuming ash for sodium; fox and hawks do not appear to be at risk