Congenital dyserytropoietic anaemia, type II (HEMPAS) in three siblings

These siblings of a Czech family aged 21, 19 and 6 years, respectively, with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia, type II, (HEMPAS) are reported. In two elder siblings ferrokinetic studies revealed a rapid plasma 59Fe clearance, markedly decreased erythrocyte incorporation and shortened 51Cr red-cell survival. Direct anti-globulin test was found positive in one of them. Further investigations revealed low values of blood plasma cholesterol, total lipids, beta-lipoproteins, beta-carotine and vitamin E and A as well as low values of the prothrombin complex. Liver biopsy demonstrated siderosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation in the liver in both patients. The possible reasons for these humoral aberrations are discussed.     

The interpretation of a moving retinal image

It is shown that from a monocular view of a rigid, textured, curved surface it is possible, in principle, to determine the gradient of the surface at any point, and the motion of the eye relative to it, from the velocity field of the changing retinal image, and its first and second spatial derivatives. The relevant equations are redundant, thus providing a test of the rigidity assumption. They involve, among other observable quantities, the components of shear of the retinal velocity field, suggesting that the visual system may possess specialized channels for computing these components.     

Localization of ribosomal genes and nucleolar activity in lymphocytes of swine (Sus scrofa domestica) stimulated by phytohemagglutinins

The Pig chromosomes that contain rDNA sites displayed a polymorphism in the distribution of the genes among the nucleolar organizers located on pairs Nos. 8 and 10. Two, or more often three, active sites were observed in the chromosomes of lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin. Only 5% of the metaphases showed a 4th small active site. At the onset of stimulation most cells contained one-two nucleoli; four nucleoli were never observed. After prolonged stimulation, the number of nuclei containing three nucleoli increased. A 4th small nucleolus appeared in a few cells, presumably formed by activation of the smallest rDNA site.     

Fungal populations of the haulm base of wheat

Abstract In a 2-year field survey, the phylloplane mycoflora on the haulm base of wheat was studied by the dilution plate technique. No significant colonisation was registered before the end of May. Cladosporium spp., 'white' and 'red' yeasts were found to be the most abundant fungi.     

Structure-activity relations of the molluscan neuropeptide FMRFamide on some molluscan muscles

Analogs of the molluscan neuropeptide FMRFamide were tested on four different molluscan muscle preparations which show qualitatively different responses to the peptide; the structure-activity relations are basically similar, but not identical. The C-terminal amide and the Arg³ residue are critical for FMRFamide-like activity on all four preparations. In contrast, analogs extended at the N-terminal or with conservative substitutions for the Phe¹ or Met² residue are approximately equipotent to FMRFamide. These structural requirements parallel those for the C-terminal tetrapeptide amide of gastrin.     

Isolation and screening of potential actinobacteria for rapid composting of rice straw

Rice straw is produced as a by-product from rice cultivation, which is composed largely of lignocellulosic materials amenable to general biodegradation. Lignocellulolytic actinobacteria can be used as a potential agent for rapid composting of bulky rice straw. Twenty-five actinobacteria isolates were isolated from various in situ and in vitro rice straw compost sources. Isolates A2, A4, A7, A9 and A24 were selected through enzymatic degradation of starch, cellulose and lignin followed by the screening for their adaptability on rice straw powder amended media. The best adapted isolate (A7) was identified as Micromonospora carbonacea. It was able to degrade cellulose, hemicelluloses and carbon significantly (P ≤ 0.05) over the control. C/N ratio was reduced to 18.1 from an initial value of 29.3 in 6 weeks of composting thus having the potential to be used in large scale composting of rice straw.     

SNPing variation from genomes

Genomic technologies are revealing several mechanisms of insecticide resistance involving enhanced detoxification or reduced target-site sensitivity that had previously defied molecular analyses. Genome projects are also revealing some potentially far-reaching consequences for pest-insect genomes of the rapid accumulation of multiple resistance mutations in very short periods of evolutionary time.