Genetic variability in the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx)

An electrophoretic survey of blood markers of the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) was undertaken in order to ascertain the genetic variability in a sample of 85 individuals, mainly from Saudi Arabian (Taíf) and Jordanian herds. Three out of 18 loci were found to be polymorphic (P = 16.7%) and the mean heterozygosity (H = 0.052) appears to be relatively high with respect to the severe demographic bottlenecks expressed by the species since the 1960s. No genetic differentiation was found between Arabian and Jordanian samples considered. Consequences of these findings for the management of the Taíf herd and for such procedures as pedigree determination are discussed, and an example of this latter application is given for a case of doubtful parentage.     

13C NMR structural investigation of scleroglucan

This paper concerns the ¹³C NMR signal assignment in the DMSO of a neutral polysaccharide, scleroglucan. The previously proposed chemical structure is confirmed. The ¹³C NMR spectrum shows that scleroglucan is a regular poly (A, B, C, D) type glucan. The relaxation times of the different series of carbon atoms demonstrate that a single, pendant glucose group is attached to each third monomer along the main chain of what is a β(1 → 3)-glucan. Partial acid hydrolysis gives a spectrum analogous to that of the β(1 → 3)-d-glucan, curdlan, and confirms the structure of the polymer backbone.In aqueous solution, no signal has been obtained due to the existence of a rigid, ordered conformation as demonstrated by optical rotation; in the presence of sodium hydroxide, a conformational transition is produced just as with curdlan. The conclusion is that the behaviour of scleroglucan in solution is similar to that of other β(1 → 3)-d-glucans even though it is more soluble.     

Synthèse et étude conformationelle par r.m.n.-13c de β-nucléosides pyrimidiques contenant une ou deux sous-unités hexopyranosyles: Application à la conformation de l'anthelmycine

Several new peracetylated pyrimidine N-1 nucleosides containing one or two β-d-hexopyranosyl residues have been synthesized and their physical characteristics are reported. The conformation of these nucleosides has been investigated by high-resolution ¹³C-n.m.r. analysis after deblocking. It was possible to distinguish between the syn and anti rotamers of 3-β-d-glucopyranosyluracil, and to establish the favored anti conformation in solution of the nucleoside disaccharide, antibiotic anthelmycin.     

Relationship of the photosensitivity of bilayer lipid membranes and the aqueous acceptor Studies using complex ions of amino acids

The photocurrent in photosensitive bilayer lipid membranes has been studied as a function of the aqueous acceptor. Correlations are observed between the relative photocurrent and the position of the complex ion visible absorption band and the dipole moment of the ligand. The effect of the ligands is nondirectional: they may be added to either side of the membrane with a corresponding effect on the photocurrent. The effects of the ligands are interpreted using an energy barrier model.     

Protein secretion in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: characterization of seven xcp genes and processing of secretory apparatus components by prepilin peptidase

The xcp genes are required for the secretion of most extracellular proteins by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The products of these genes are essential for the transport of exoproteins across the outer membrane after they have reached the periplasm via a signal sequence-dependent pathway. To date, analysis of three xcp genes has suggested the conservation of this secretion pathway in many Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, the xcpA gene was shown to be identical to pilD, which encodes a peptidase involved in the processing of fimbrial (pili) subunits, suggesting a connection between pili biogenesis and protein secretion. Here the nucleotide sequences of seven other xcp genes, designated xcpR to -X, are presented. The N-termini of four of the encoded Xcp proteins display similarity to the N-termini of type IV pili, suggesting that XcpA is involved in the processing of these Xcp proteins. This could indeed be demonstrated in vivo. Furthermore, two other proteins, XcpR and XcpS, show similarity to the PilB and PilC proteins required for fimbriae assembly. Since XcpR and PilB display a canonical nucleotide-binding site, ATP hydrolysis may provide energy for both systems.     

Recognition of the neural chemoattractant Netrin-1 by integrins alpha6beta4 and alpha3beta1 regulates epithelial cell adhesion and migration

Netrins, axon guidance cues in the CNS, have also been detected in epithelial tissues. In this study, using the embryonic pancreas as a model system, we show that Netrin-1 is expressed in a discrete population of epithelial cells, localizes to basal membranes, and specifically associates with elements of the extracellular matrix. We demonstrate that alpha6beta4 integrin mediates pancreatic epithelial cell adhesion to Netrin-1, whereas recruitment of alpha6beta4 and alpha3beta1 regulate the migration of CK19+/PDX1+ putative pancreatic progenitors on Netrin-1. These results provide evidence for the activation of epithelial cell adhesion and migration by a neural chemoattractant, and identify Netrin-1/integrin interactions as adhesive/guidance cues for epithelial cells.     

Enrichment and characterization of marine anammox bacteria associated with global nitrogen gas production

Microbiological investigation of anaerobic ammonium oxidizing (anammox) bacteria has until now been restricted to wastewater species. The present study describes the enrichment and characterization of two marine Scalindua species, the anammox genus that dominates almost all natural habitats investigated so far. The species were enriched from a marine sediment in the Gullmar Fjord (Sweden) using a medium based on Red Sea salt. Anammox cells comprised about 90% of the enrichment culture after 10 months. The enriched Scalindua bacteria displayed all typical features known for anammox bacteria, including turnover of hydrazine, the presence of ladderane lipids, and a compartmentalized cellular ultrastructure. The Scalindua species also showed a nitrate-dependent use of formate, acetate and propionate, and performed a formate-dependent reduction of nitrate, Fe(III) and Mn(IV). This versatile metabolism may be the basis for the global distribution and substantial contribution of the marine Scalindua anammox bacteria to the nitrogen loss from oxygen-limited marine ecosystems.