Human aldolase isozyme gene: the structure of multispecies aldolase B mRNAs.

A complete nucleotide sequence of human aldolase B mRNA was determined with a recombinant cDNA (pHABL120-3). The cDNA insert was composed of 1,652 bases excluding poly(A) tail and the sequence was consistent with the previous results reported by others. However, S1 nuclease mapping and subsequent genomic analysis allowed us to know that the clone possesses two more sites corresponding to 5'-termini in the 5'-noncoding region and another site of polyadenylation in the 3'-noncoding region. In fact, the major aldolase B mRNA species occupying 90% of the total mRNAs initiated at the predominant position corresponding to the position around -82 of the 5'-noncoding sequence in pHABL120-3 and terminated at the distal polyadenylation site. Second species accounting for 9% of the mRNAs initiated at the same site and terminated at the proximal polyadenylation site. The remainings have a longer 5'-noncoding sequence which starts from further upstream region of the major one and pHABL120-3 corresponds to one of these largest clones.     

Voltage-dependent calcium and calcium-activated potassium currents of a molluscan photoreceptor

Two-microelectrode voltage clamp studies were performed on the somata of Hermissenda Type B photoreceptors that had been isolated by axotomy from all synaptic interaction as well as any impulse-generating (i.e., active) membrane. In the presence of 2-10 mM 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and 100 mM tetraethylammonium ion (TEA), which eliminated two previously described voltage-dependent potassium currents (IA and the delayed rectifier), a voltage-dependent outward current was apparent in the steady state responses to command voltage steps more positive than -40 mV (absolute). This current increased with increasing external Ca++. The magnitude of the outward current decreased and an inward current became apparent following EGTA injection. Substitution of external Ba++ for Ca++ also made the inward current more apparent. This inward current, which was almost eliminated after being exposed for approximately 5 min to a solution in which external Ca++ was replaced with Cd++, was maximally activated at approximately 0 mV. Elevation of external potassium allowed the calcium (ICa++) and calcium-dependent K+ (IC) currents to be substantially separated. Command pulses to 0 mV elicited maximal ICa++ but no IC because no K+ currents flowed at their new reversal potential (0 mV) in 300 mM K+. At a holding potential of -60 mV, which was now more negative than the potassium equilibrium potential, EK+, in 300 mM K+, IC appeared as an inward tail current after positive command steps. The voltage dependence of ICa++ was demonstrated with positive steps in 100 mM Ba++, 4-AP, and TEA. Other data indicated that in 10 mM Ca++, IC underwent pronounced and prolonged inactivation whereas ICa++ did not. When the photoreceptor was stimulated with a light step (with the membrane potential held at -60 mV), there was also a prolonged inactivation of IC. In elevated external Ca++, ICa++ also showed similar inactivation. These data suggest that IC may undergo prolonged inactivation due to a direct effect of elevated intracellular Ca++, as was previously shown for a voltage-dependent potassium current, IA. These results are discussed in relation to the production of training-induced changes of membrane currents on retention days of associative learning.     

Triterpenes from Periandra dulcis roots

Three oleanane triterpenes were isolated from the roots of Periandra dulcis,and identified as 3β-hydroxy-25-al-olean-18-en-30-oic acid (periandric acid I), 3β-hydroxy-25-al-olean-12-en-30-oic acid (periandric acid II) and 3-oxo-25-hydroxy-olean-12-en-30-oic acid. The former two compounds (periandric acids I and II) were identical with the aglycones obtained by hydrolysis of periandrin I and II, respectively and the latter one was a new triterpene.     

Spontaneous malignant lymphoma in an African green monkey naturally infected with simian T-lymphotropic virus (STLV)

An African green monkey naturally infected with simian T-lymphotropic virus (STLV) developed spontaneous malignant lymphoma of diffuse pleomorphic type. The clinical, hematological and histopathological characteristics were very similar to those of human adult T-cell leukemia.     

Isomermis bipapillatus n. sp. and Gastromermis mesostoma n. sp. (Mermithidae: Nematoda), parasites of Simulium japonicum (Simuliidae: Diptera) in Japan

Summary Two new species of the Mermithidae (Nematoda) are described from the Japanese blackfly Simulium japonicum Matsumura. They are the first representatives of Gastromermis and Isomermis from Japan. Gastromermis mesostoma n. sp. is characterized by a terminal or near terminal mouth, 6 hypodermal cords and the absence of cloacal or vulvar lips. Isomermis bipapillatus n. sp. is characterized by the small size of the spicules, their curved shape and by a pair of terminal hypodermal protuberances in the tail. This work was in part supported by a grant (No. 58570188) from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Science and Culture This work was in part supported by a grant (No. 58570188) from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Science and Culture     

Cycling of soil carbon in a Japanese red pine forest II. Changes occurring in the first year after a clear-felling

Cycling of soil carbon in the first year after a clear-felling was compared with that before the felling in a Japanese red pine forest in Hiroshima Prefecture, west Japan. The daily mean temperature at the soil surface in summer was increased after the felling in comparison to that before felling, and the water content of both the A₀ layer and the surface mineral soil was decreased due to the loss of the forest canopy. The rate of weight loss of the A₀ layer was reduced after felling. However, accumulation of the A₀ layer rapidly decreased because of the lack of litter supply to the forest floor. Low soil respiration after felling was mainly caused by the cessation of root respiration. Analysis of annual soil carbon cycling was then conducted using a compartment model. The relative decomposition rate of the A₀ layer decreased whereas that of humus and dead roots in mineral soil increased to some extent after felling. The accumulation of carbon in mineral soil, however, increased slightly due to the supply of humus from roots killed by the felling.     

Vasorelaxing actions of molsidomine and its metabolites, in comparison with nitroglycerin

The effect of a novel antianginal agent, molsidomine (N-ethoxycarbonyl-3-morpholinosydnonimine) (SIN-10) and its metabolites, 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) and N-nitroso-N-morpholinoaminoacetonitrile (SIN-1A) on isolated dog blood vessels were investigated. SIN-1 and SIN-1A elicited a concentration-dependent relaxation of prostaglandin F2 alpha, contracted strips, while SIN-10 was without effect even in a concentration of 10(-4) M. The mean effective concentration (EC50) values of SIN-1A were much lower than SIN-1 and other vasodilators including nitroglycerin. The time course of relaxation was more rapid and transient in response to SIN-1A than to SIN-1. Adrenergic and cholinergic blocking agents did not affect the relaxing responses to SIN-1 and SIN-1A. SIN-1A also attenuated the norepinephrine-, KCl-, Ca2+-, or electrical transmural stimulation-induced contractile response, but SIN-1A increased the [3H]norepinephrine release from the adrenergic nerve terminals in response to transmural stimulation. Methemoglobin, which reportedly binds nitric oxide, or methylene blue, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, attenuated the relaxing response to SIN-1A. These results indicate that the vasodilating action of molsidomine results from the direct action on the vascular smooth muscle and suggest that the action is caused by its metabolites, probably SIN-1A, which contains a nitric oxide-moiety in the molecule. The possible mechanism of vasorelaxing action of SIN-1A is discussed in comparison with that of nitroglycerin.     

Agromonas oligotrophica gen. nov., sp. nov., a nitrogen-fixing oligotrophic bacterium

Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics of five isolates of acetylenereducing (nitrogen-fixing) oligotrophic bacteria from a paddy soil were investigated. They showed similar phenotypic characteristics: they were aerobic, asporogenous, gram-negative, motile by a polar flagellum, and irregular rods. On full strength nutrient broth (NB) growth was severely suppressed, but well supported on 10-to 10000-fold diluted NB. They consumed glucose but produced no acid, and also utilized phenolic acids such as ferulic acid or p-coumaric acid. The cellular fatty acid composition, quinone system and DNA base composition of the isolates were investigated. Cellular fatty acids mainly consisted of straightchain unsaturated C_{18 : 1} (62–81% of total fatty acids). Ubiquinone Q-10 and a high guanine-plus-cytosine content (65.1–66.0 mol%) were found. The taxonomic status of the isolates is discussed and a new genus, Agromonas, with a single species Agromonas oligotrophica sp. nov., is proposed for these isolates. The type strain of A. oligotrophica is JCM 1494.     

Some observations on mating behaviour of several cranes in captivity

Responding to the actions of the mate and taking somewhat fixed patterns,Grus japonensis, G. vipio, G. antigone, Anthropoides paradisea andBalearica regulorum pairs are finally led to copulation by a sequence of mating behaviours. There are slight differences in pre-copulatory behaviour patterns between the species and the female's ‘wing-spreading’, being the soliciting and key posture for copulation, differs between the genera; The female's wings are spread wide inGrus, fairly wide inAnthropoides, and are almost folded inBalearica. Post-copulatory behaviours, however, have definite species-specific characters. They usually consist of ‘head-down’ (bowing) or ‘warping’, ‘arching’, etc. immediately following the dismounting of the male inGrus. But a pair ofBalearica first keep their heads high, or gaze at each other for a while, and then show remarkable ‘ruffle-bowing’. These characteristic post-copulatory behaviours are obviously correlated with the threat displays, evolved under agonistic situations, typical to each species.