Adenovirus 12 uncoiler regions of human chromosome 1 in relation to the 5S rRNA genes

Two uncoiler regions, induced by adenovirus 12, have been identified on human chromosome 1 at 1q42 and 1p36. In situ hybridization with [¹²⁵I-5S]-rRNA places the 5S genes more accurately at 1q42–43 immediately distal to the uncoiled site, 1q42.     

In vitro traits of adenovirus-transformed cell lines and their relevance to tumorigenicity in nude mice

Six independently isolated adenovirus 2-transformed rat cell lines and one adenovirus 5-transformed human cell line have been examined in vitro for serum growth requirements, saturation density, anchorage-independent growth, proteolytic enzyme activity and the presence of LETS glycoprotein and T antigen. This series of adenovirus-transformed cell lines exhibits an oncogenic spectrum ranging from being tumorigenic in immunocompetent rats through to nontumorigenic in adult nude mice. The relevance of the in vitro findings to growth potential in vivo is discussed.     

Enhanced operation of femtosecond lasers and applications in cell transfection

In this work we present a review and discussion on the enhancement of femtosecond (fs) lasers for use within biophotonics with a particular focus on their use in optical transfection techniques. We describe the broad range of source options now available for the generation of femtosecond pulses before briefly reviewing the application of fs laser in optical transfection studies. We show that major performance enhancements may be obtained by optimising the spatial and temporal performance of the laser source before considering possible future directions in this field. In relation to optical transfection we describe how such laser sources initiate a multiphoton process to permeate the cell membrane in a transient fashion. We look at aspects of this technique including the ability to combine transfection with optical trapping. For future implementation of such transfection we explore the role of new sources and “nondiffracting” light fields. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Colonization by alpine native plants of a stabilized road verge on the Bogong High Plains, Victoria

Summary Although many native species are now used in the revegetation of soil disturbances in Australian alpine areas, exotic species were, until recently, the only components of seed mixes. The use of exotic species and fertilizer was justified by their availability and low cost, and the prediction that native species would replace the exotic sward, presumably once soil nutrient levels dropped to those found in native vegetation. There was no apparent regard for the invasive capacities of the exotic species used. An investigation of a road verge on the Bogong High Plains, revegetated with a mixture of exotic species in the late 1950s, has shown that colonization by native plants can be very slow. Although many native species had colonized by 1993, exotic species still provided 50% of the cover. Agrostis capillaris accounted for most of this. The major native colonizers were Carex spp., Colobanthus affinis , Euchiton spp., Leptinella filicula , Poa hiemata , Ranunculus victoriensis and Scleranthus biflorus . Poa hiemata provided by far the most cover of the native colonizers. There have been considerable increases in the cover and number of native species on the verge since 1989. Cattle grazing and trampling are likely to have limited colonization of native plants prior to the removal of livestock in 1991. Recommendations are made on approaches to future revegetation in the alpine area.