The basicranial axis in certain fossil hominoids

The publication of accurate sagittal diagrams of the skulls of certain australopithecine fossils has permitted biometrical comparison of their basicranial axis, together with its anterior extension to the nasion, its posterior extension to the opisthion and the two associated angles, to be made with the corresponding regions in monkeys, apes and Man.
Univariate study has shown that after appropriate correction for differences in overall size, each of these quantities effects discrimination between certain extant primate groups. All can be separated if the measurements are taken seriatim. Australopithecus transvaalensis and Australopithecus boisei are thus distinguished both from extant groups and from each other.
Multivariate study (generalized distances and canonical coordinates) shows that both these fossils are distinct from all living groups which, in turn, are separate from one another.
Such unique characterization of the basicranial axis in the Australopithecinae parallels taxonomic distinctiveness already established in respect of their teeth, their occipital condyles and several regions of their postcranial skeleton.     

Glasshouse experiments on apple scab

Dilutions of various fungicides were compared on potted MM 109 clonal rootstocks in the glasshouse for protective (pre-infection) and curative (post-infection) activity against apple scab. The materials, as commercial preparations, included captan, copper (as ‘dry’ Bordeaux mixture), dichlofluanid, didecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), dispersible sulphur, dithianon, dodine acetate, lime-sulphur (LS), phenylmercury chloride (PMC), and thiram; they were assessed on the basis of percentage active ingredient in the dilutions. When acting at normal rates of use, many of the fungicides were much more effective protectively than curatively, but this contrast was less applicable to DDAB, dodine acetate, LS, and dichlofluanid. PMC, however, was an especially notable exception in proving curatively superior at unusually low rates. In addition, it was particularly active in vapour form, and was effectively translocated not only from one leaf surface to the other, but, especially at 0.005%, from sprayed to younger unsprayed leaves on the same shoots. Other standard fungicides showed little or no translocated activity, but isobutyl-o-coumarate was effective at the growing shoot-tips in spring from a spray applied to the lower leaves. PMC reduced infection when applied once at any time during the scab-incubation period, and especially 24 hr. after infection, when the control was almost complete. Longer intervals before spraying reduced the curative action, but not in proportion to the intervals; the infection pattern showed multi-peak fungicidal activity and, after the later sprays, many lesions were practically infertile. The curative properties of PMC were matched by several other formulated phenylmercury salts compared at equivalent percentage mercury content, but the dimethyldithiocarbamate proved rather less effective. A preliminary attempt to supplement the curative properties of PMC with the protective properties of LS, by mixing these fungicides at low rates, showed evidence of fungicidal antagonism, and this needs further investigation. Several fungicides, notably the inorganic sulphurs, thiram, the phenylmercury compounds, dichlofluanid, and DDAB showed incidental activity against natural infection by powdery mildew.     

The Effect of pH, Temperature and Certain Media Constituents on the Stability and Activity of the Preservative, Bronopol

Various workers have obtained seemingly contradictory results for the activity of the preservative, bronopol. The effect of pH, temperature and certain media constituents on the stability and activity of bronopol has been investigated.
Bronopol has been found to be more active at higher pH values but also breaks down at a faster rate. If the activity of bronopol is measured by a system that takes a few minutes, then the true effect of pH on activity is assessed. If, however, the method takes several hours, especially in the presence of certain media constituents, then the compound may decompose significantly and the response to the compound thereby be influenced.     

SPECIFIC ANOSMIA TO ISOBUTYRALDEHYDE: THE MALTY PRIMARY ODOR

About 36% of human subjects are specifically anosmic to theodor of isobutyraldehyde. Odor threshold measurements on 14aliphatic aldehydes and related compounds were made with panelsof specific anosmics and normal observers. The anosmia was mostpronounced with isobutyraldehyde, isovaleraldehyde and 2-methylbutanal.It is suggested that this specific anosmia corresponds withthe absence of a new olfactory primary, the ‘malty’odor. Isobutyraldehyde and its congeners occur in a wide varietyof foodstuffs, where they may serve as indicators for the availabilityof the indispensable amino acids valine, leucine and isoleucine. ^*Permanent address: Istituto di Industrie Agrarie della Universitàdegli St'udi, Pisa, Italy.