Regulation of cAMP concentration by calmodulin-dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase

Bovine brain contains two major calmodulin (CaM) dependent phosphodiesterase isozymes which are homodimeric proteins with subunit molecular masses of 60 and 63 kilodaltons (kDa), respectively. The 60-kDa subunit isozyme can be phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase, resulting in a decrease in the enzyme affinity towards CaM. The phosphorylation is blocked by Ca2+ and CaM and reversed by the CaM-stimulated phosphatase (calcineurin). The 63-kDa subunit isozymes can also be phosphorylated, but in this case by a CaM-dependent protein kinase(s). This phosphorylation is also accompanied by a decrease in the isozyme affinity towards CaM and can be reversed by the CaM-dependent phosphatase. Analysis of the complex regulatory properties of the phosphodiesterase isozymes has led to the suggestion that fluxes of cAMP and Ca2+ during cell activations are closely coupled and that the CaM-dependent phosphodiesterase isozymes play key roles in this signal coupling phenomenon.     

Correlation between Light and Electron Microscopic Observations and Identification of Mycoplasmalike Organisms using Consecutive 350 nm Thick Sections

Serial sections of 350 nm thickness were used to make a correlation between electron and light microscopic observations. While thionin-acridine orange staining gave a positive result to detect abnormal sieve tubes of phyllody affected Phlox drummondii Hook, when observed under light microscope, the same cells revealed the presence of typical mycoplasmalike organisms (MLOs) in electron microscopic examination. Advantage of 350 nm thick sections in electron microscopy, and the utility of the technique in MLO detection have been discussed.     

Mycoplasmalike Organisms (MLOs) Associated With the Witches' Broom Disease of Poplar

The witches' broom disease has been recently observed on poplars in Paris and its suburbs. The incidence of the disease appeared to be considerably high along main roads. The electron microscopic examination of 350 nm thick sieve tube sections revealed the presence of wall-less mycoplasmalike organisms (MLOs) in diseased samples of Populus alba var. nivea Wesm. They could not be found in their healthy counterparts.     

Study on growth and biomass of underground organs ofTypha angustata Bory & Chaub

Underground and aboveground biomass and their ratios at flowering time in different natural stands of Typha angustata near Jaipur, India were studied in the field and experimentally over a period of eleven months (June to April). The underground biomass was 40–50% of the aboveground biomass in both natural and experimental conditions.     

Guaianolides from Saussurea affinis

Cynaropicrin, 11βH-11,13-dihydrodesacylcynaropicrin, aguerins A and B, isoamberboin and the new guaianolides saussureolide and 11βH-11,13-dihydrodesacylcynaropicrin 8-β-d-glucoside were isolated from Saussurea affinis.     

Bio-histopathological studies of endometrium in repeat breeding buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

A total of 24 uterine biopsies were successfully obtained from 40 repeat-breeding buffaloes. The endometrium of 15 buffaloes showed marked neutrophilic infiltration in the epithelium, stroma and uterine glands. In some cases, lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration, cystic dilatation of the glands and periglandular fibrosis indicated chronicity of the endometritis. Most of the animals (85.0%) had uterine cultures positive for Streptococci, Staphylococci, Gram positive variable cocci, Gram negative bacilli, Anthracoids, and Gram positive bacilli with a predominance of Corynebacteria. With the treatment based on in vitro drug sensitivity tests, 57.1% repeat-breeding buffaloes conceived.     

Methylation of transfer RNA during transformation of human lymphocytes by phytohemagglutinin

Methylation of transfer RNA during phytohemagglutinin induced transformation of human lymphocytes was studied by labeling the tRNA $\text{in}\text{vivo}$ with (methyl-H³)-methionine and measuring the distribution of tritium in the methylated nucleotides. An alteration in the pattern of methylation occurred within hours after PHA-stimulation and this change was maintained through several cell generations. There was a 50 to 94% increase in the relative amount of methylated N²-methyl-guanine (1 to 3 hr) and a 40 to 59% decrease in the relative amount of 1-methyladenine (1 to 12 hr). Treatment of the stimulated cells with Actinomycin D prevented the subsequent methylation not tRNA. However, inhibition of protein synthesis by puromycin did not effect the early changes observed in the methylation of tRNA.     

Proportions and variability in the Indian lorises: Bone weight observations onLoris tardigradus lydekkerianus andNycticebus coucang

Thirty uniformly prepared, disarticulated complete skeletons of adultLoris tardigradus lydekkerianus andNycticebus coucang have been weighed for preliminary study of the weight relations between different major skeletal parts. In these forms, combined relative weight of the precaudal vertebrae, ribs and sternum surpasses the averages for the rest of the skeletal parts. The weight of the skull equals one-fifth of the total skeletal weight inLoris andNycticebus. The weight of the skeletons of the limbs (including the shoulder girdle and the hip bones) contributes less than half of the total skeletal weight in lorises. The bones of the upper limbs are lighter than those of the lower limbs in the 2 series examined.Loris andNycticebus are distinguished by having the proportionately heaviest axial skeleton and skull and the lowest relative weights of the bones of the 4 limbs. The combined relative skeletal weight of the upper and lower limbs ranges between 45.34 and 50.01 inLoris andNycticebus. The relative weight of the skeletons of the hands and feet are almost similar to the corresponding weights in the 2 series.As far as the weights of the different skeletal parts are concerned, there is no relative asymmetry in the 2 series ofLoris andNycticebus examined.