Biotransformation of terodiline I. Identification of metabolites in dog urine by mass spectrometry

Nine metabolites of terodiline (N-tert-butyl-4,4-diphenyl-2-butylamine) have been identified in dog urine by various chromatographic techniques and mass spectrometry. The main metabolic pathway is aromatic hydroxylation, leading to the quantitatively most important metabolite, N-tert-butyl-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-phenyl-2-butylamine, and to two dihydroxylated metabolites, one mono substituted in both rings (N-tert-butyl-4,4'-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butylamine), and one disubstituted in one ring (N-tert-butyl-4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4-phenyl-2-butylamine). The latter is further metabolized by methylation, forming N-tert-butyl-4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-4-phenyl-2-butylamine, the second most abundant metabolite. Still another metabolite is formed by hydroxylation in the tert-butyl group to N-(2-hydroxymethyl-2-propyl)-4,4-diphenyl-2-butylamine. A very minor dihydroxylated metabolite results from oxidation both in an aromatic ring and in the tert-butyl group, giving N-(2-hydroxymethyl-2-propyl)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-phenyl-2-butylamine. Oxidation of the carbon adjacent to the nitrogen and subsequent deamination gives the two ketones 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-phenyl-2-butanone and 4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-4-phenyl-2-butanone. Reduction of the carbonyl function in the former yields the corresponding alcohol, 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-phenyl-2-butanol. Some unchanged terodiline is also present. All metabolites formed by functionalization appear to be extensively conjugated, presumably with glucuronic acid.     

Genome size evolution of the extant lycophytes and ferns

Ferns and lycophytes have remarkably large genomes. However, little is known about how their genome size evolved in fern lineages. To explore the origins and evolution of chromosome numbers and genome size in ferns, we used flow cytometry to measure the genomes of 240 species (255 samples) of extant ferns and lycophytes comprising 27 families and 72 genera, of which 228 species (242 samples) represent new reports. We analyzed correlations among genome size, spore size, chromosomal features, phylogeny, and habitat type preference within a phylogenetic framework. We also applied ANOVA and multinomial logistic regression analysis to preference of habitat type and genome size. Using the phylogeny, we conducted ancestral character reconstruction for habitat types and tested whether genome size changes simultaneously with shifts in habitat preference. We found that 2C values had weak phylogenetic signal, whereas the base number of chromosomes (x) had a strong phylogenetic signal. Furthermore, our analyses revealed a positive correlation between genome size and chromosome traits, indicating that the base number of chromosomes (x), chromosome size, and polyploidization may be primary contributors to genome expansion in ferns and lycophytes. Genome sizes in different habitat types varied significantly and were significantly correlated with habitat types; specifically, multinomial logistic regression indicated that species with larger 2C values were more likely to be epiphytes. Terrestrial habitat is inferred to be ancestral for both extant ferns and lycophytes, whereas transitions to other habitat types occurred as the major clades emerged. Shifts in habitat types appear be followed by periods of genomic stability. Based on these results, we inferred that habitat type changes and multiple whole-genome duplications have contributed to the formation of large genomes of ferns and their allies during their evolutionary history.     

Seed Systems and Farmers’ Seed Choices: The Case of Maizein the Peruvian Amazon

This paper analyzes how local seed system institutions support seed diversity, itself a requirement for agrobiodiversity maintained on-farm. The paper focuses on maize seed diversity in the central Peruvian Amazon. Using household and community level data from three different cultural groups from the central Peruvian Amazon, empirical results show the importance of collective action and the mediating role of ethnicity in the functioning of informal seed systems that in turn affect farmers’ choices regarding conservation of seed diversity. This implies that policies are needed to protect the relatively open seed exchanges of such local practices as a way to sustain on-farm agrobiodiversity.     

尊重斯德哥尔摩的历史中心—骑士岛的激活改造

瑞典国家财产委员会拥有骑士岛的所有权与管理权，并计划对该岛上所有的公共空间进行更新和开发，以提高其可达性与吸引力。该项目的核心是找到一种更新和修复岛屿的方法，从而在尊重历史价值的同时满足现代功能需求。对骑士岛南部的改造是岛上公共空间更新的第一部分。设计的关键条件是沿滨水区域创造可以供人步行与停坐的大面积空间，并在保持开放海港氛围的同时，对旧的道路铺装进行管理。设计者设计了一套灵活使用公共空间的综合解决方案，将开放空间与之前的码头一样，沿着水滨的形态进行布局。     

Fine structure and cytochemical evidence for the presence of polysaccharide surface coat of Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae

Cherian P. V., Stromberg B. E., Weiner D. J. and Soulsby E. J. L. 1980. Fine structure and cytochemical evidence for the presence of polysaccharide surface coat of Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae. International Journal for Parasitology10: 227–233. Cytochemical staining techniques were employed at the fine structural level using ruthenium red, ruthenium violet and Alcian blue-lanthanum nitrate to demonstrate the polysaccharide rich surface coat of Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae. The coat matrix present at the external surface of the cuticle of microfilariae stained densely with each of the polycationic dyes. The reaction products were restricted to the outer surface of the cuticle suggesting that the polycationic dyes did not penetrate the cuticle. The junctions of the cuticular annulations lacked surface coat matrix and reaction products which might be indicative of the absence of carbohydrate residues or the masking of reactive sugar molecules in these areas. The speciflcity of the reaction was indicated by the absence of reaction products in untreated organisms. These carbohydrate moieties probably represent glycoproteins as structural constituents of the parasite surface. Ultrastructural analysis of the surface of microfilariae is of signiflcance in elucidating both the molecular dynamics of the parasite surface and its immunological function in the host.