A MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF CLONE GROWTH

A Monte Carlo simulation of clone growth is discussed from the point of view of clonal volume. It is shown that clone volume is a good representation of the number of cells per clone for a wide range of single cell growth equations. However, the rate at which the coefficient of variation in clonal volume approaches that of cell number per clone is strongly dependent upon the particular growth equation.     

Structure of a porcine relaxin inactive on the mouse pubic ligament

In addition to B31 (CM-a) and B28 (CM-B) relaxins, acid-acetone extracts of ovaries of pregnant sows contain a third major relaxin species (relaxin C). The major components of relaxin C possess about half the activity of CM-a or CM-B in the guinea pig palpation assay, but are completely inactive in the mouse pubic ligament assay. Its uterotrophic and protein anabolic effects in ovariectomized, estrogen-primed mice, however, are comparable to those of CM-B. Sequence analysis indicates that the two major components of relaxin C, like the other porcine relaxins, consist of two polypeptide chains linked by disulfide bonds. The shorter (A) chains are identical to the A chains of the other porcine relaxins, except for the absence of the N-terminal arginine residue. The B chains display microheterogeneity; the B sequences of the two predominant species are the same as those of the other porcine relaxins through B25, but terminate at valine residue B25 or serine residue B26, respectively.     

Interaction of phytotropins with the NPA receptor

The chemical and stereochemical properties of phytotropins are described in terms of a receptor model, based on their ability to bind to a receptor isolated from maize coleoptiles. Their root gravitropic properties are correlated with their ability to bind to the receptor. It is suggested that their ability to inhibit auxin transport, without more, may not be enough to explain their physiological effects.     

DNA Sequences from Formalin-Fixed Nematodes: Integrating Molecular and Morphological Approaches to Taxonomy

To effectively integrate DNA sequence analysis and classical nematode taxonomy, we must be able to obtain DNA sequences from formalin-fixed specimens. Microdissected sections of nematodes were removed from specimens fixed in formalin, using standard protocols and without destroying morphological features. The fixed sections provided sufficient template for multiple polymerase chain reaction-based DNA sequence analyses.     

Characteristic features of electron-ion collisions in strong electric fields

The classical motion of an electron in the Coulomb field of an ion and in a uniform external electric field is analyzed. A nondimensionalization method that makes it possible to study electron motion in arbitrarily strong electric fields is proposed. The possible electron trajectories in the plane of motion in a static field are classified. It is noted that, from a practical standpoint, the most interesting trajectories are snakelike trajectories, which are absent in the problem with a weak external field. An adiabatic approximation for transverse electron motions in quasistatic (strong) fields is constructed. A one-dimensional equation of motion is derived that accounts for transverse electron oscillations and the increase in the effective electron mass as an electron approaches an ion. An analytic model is used to calculate the spectra of bremsstrahlung generated by individual electrons. The calculated results are shown to agree well with the results of direct numerical integration of the basic equations. It is predicted that, at frequencies higher than the frequency of the incident light, pronounced peaks can appear in the spectrum of the transverse dipole moment of an electron; as a result, an electron is expected to effectively emit radiation at these frequencies in the direction of the external field.     

Inflammation markers in the serum of salt miners

The inflammation markers alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), Clara cell protein (CC-16), soluble interleukin-2-receptor (IL-R) and the soluble adhesion molecule E-selectin, the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and the vascular adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) were determined in the serum of 195 salt-exposed miners to analyse dose-response relationships between markers and potash dust. Alpha-1-antitrypsin, Clara-cell protein, IL2-R, E-selectin and VCAM-1 were not changed by salt exposure, however the ICAM-1 level in the serum fell slightly as the salt exposure increased. This effect was strongest in the group of smokers, still visible in the group of ex-smokers, no effect was seen in non-smokers. Markers, with the exception of VCAM-1, were influenced by tobacco exposure. Since markers were not elevated in relation to salt dust exposure, the results do not support an inflammatory effect of potash dust on the respiratory system.     

Reduction in size of prolactin-secreting tumours in men treated with pergolide.

The effect of pergolide mesylate was studied in two previously untreated men with large prolactinomas and exceptionally high prolactin concentrations. The study was designed to determine whether pergolide would be effective in alleviating symptoms, correcting hormonal abnormalities and shrinking the tumour. Starting with 50 micrograms daily the dose of pergolide was slowly increased over 10 weeks to 1 mg once daily, when repeat assessment was performed. Both patients reported complete relief of symptoms, with no side effects. Serum prolactin concentration was suppressed to normal in both subjects, and evidence to suggest tumour shrinkage was observed. Pergolide appears to be effective treatment for men with large prolactinomas.