Chromosome length values in digenomic buttercups [Ranunculaceae] and the relation to DNA content

Root-tip chromosome complement length ratios were determined in F1 hybrids combinining two haploid (n = 8) genomes each from different species, to form a series AB, AC, AD, ... AI. The observed values, for the length ratios B/A, C/A, etc., ranged from 0.53 to 1.0. It is noted that the values form a quasilinear distribution, with a slope of 1.0, when plotted against the known 4C DNA values of the species having a range from appr. 1.1 to 2.2 × 10^?11 g. Also observed, but not numerically evaluated was some apparently related variation in chromosome “width”. DNA-related variation in root-tip chromosome size in these buttercups may be three-dimensional; however, the magnitude of the observed length differentials and the 1∶1 correlation with DNA content suggest that it occupies predominantly the first dimension.     

The influence of hypotonic treatment on the morphology of meiotic stages II. Prophase of the first meiotic division of female mice up to dictyotene

The copy number of the mdg-1 mobile element was determined by biotinylated-DNA hybridization, in salivary gland chromosomes of inbred Drosophila melanogaster larvae from sib progenies. It appears that the lower the egg-to-adult survival (viability), the higher the mdg-1 copy number in the surviving larvae. This suggests a common regulation of the mdg-1 copy number and the viability under inbreeding.     

Ineffective erythropoiesis in acute human P. falciparum malaria

An analysis of erythroblast cell kinetics utilizing quantitative 14C-autoradiography has been performed in five cases of acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria prior to and, in four patients, 3 or 6 days after the onset of antimalarial therapy. Associated with no or only moderate anemia were changes of erythroblast morphology, a considerable shift in the frequency of red and white blood cell precursors in the bone marrow, and a reduced rate of erythroblast proliferation. There was a marked loss of polychromatic erythroblasts, which was smaller but still detectable during the therapeutic phase. The results provide some quantitative data on the extent of "parenchymal damage" of bone marrow and stress the impact of ineffective erythropoiesis and reduced rate of erythropoietic proliferation on the emergence of anemia in Plasmodium falciparum malaria.     

Ernährungsbiologie einer rhipidoglossen Kiemenschnecke

Zusammenfassung Die Arbeitsweise und die Leistungen der Rhipidoglossenradula von Theodoxus fluviatilis werden durch die kräftigen 4. Zwischenzähne und die Randbürstenzähne bestimmt. Die 4. Zwischenzähne lockern im wesentlichen die dem Fre\grund anhaftenden oder aufliegenden ein- bis wenigzelligen Algen (Diatomeen, chlorococcale und konjugate Grünalgen), die Randzähne fegen das gelockerte Nahrungsgut quantitativ zusammen. Fädige Grünalgen (z. B. Cladophorales) und Gewebeteile höherer Pflanzen werden nicht abgebissen bzw. abgeschabt.Die Diatomeen werden nur verdaut, wenn die Kieselschalen bereits bei der Nahrungsaufnahme mechanisch zerkleinert werden. Diese Zerkleinerung erfolgt allein auf einem Substrat mit rauher Oberfläche; sie wird durch die während des Bisses zwischen 4. Zwischenzähnen und Substrat auftretenden Reibungskräfte erzielt. Theodoxus wurde bei refiner Diatomeenernährung über mehrere Generationen gezüchtet. Tierisches Eiwei\ ist als Zusatzkost nicht erforderlich. Mit besonderen Hilfsma\nahmen kann Theodoxus im Laboratorium auch mit Cyanophyceen oder besonders mit Flagellaten (Chlamydomonas), die den Schnecken an den im Freiland besiedelten Standorten nicht zur Verfügung stehen, ernährt werden.Sämtliche Grünalgen mit stärkerer Cellulosewandung (Chlorococcales, Conjugatae) sind unverdaulich. Die Unverdaulichlichkeit beruht vermutlich auf einem Fehlen von Cellulasen im Verdauungstraktus. Die Zellmembranen und extrazellularen Scheiden der Cyanophyceen, die aus Hemicellulosen und Pektinen aufgebaut sind, werden im Magen aufgelöst. Theodoxus ist ein reiner Diatomeenfresser. Die ökologische Einnischung in die litorale Steinregion ist vorwiegend ernährungs-physiologisch begründet und erklärt das Vorkommen in Flie\gewassern und an Brandungsufern stehender Sü\gewässer sowie der Ostsee.     

Effect of heterologous paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin-enzyme conjugates on the cross-reactivity of a saxitoxin enzyme immunoassay

A polyclonal antiserum against saxitoxin (STX) was used in a competitive enzyme immunoassay for the detection of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins. The extent of cross-reactions was determined from the amounts of neoSTX, decarbamoylSTX and gonyautoxin 2/3 (GTX2/3) that gave 50% inhibition in the assay. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugates of the toxins and a bovine serum albumin conjugate of STX (STX-BSA) were used. When compared with STX-BSA and STX as standard, the extent varied to which heterologous conjugates affected the binding values of the other toxins to the antibodies. The antibodies did not bind GTX2/3-HRP. By use of neoSTX-HRP or decarbamoylSTX-HRP as the labelled antigen instead of STX-HRP, the detection limit for neoSTX was improved to 100 pg ml^-1.     

Upper cretaceous rudist and stromatoporid associations of Central Oman (Arabian Peninsula)

Summary Rudist and stromatoporid associations of the Campanian from Central Oman are nearly monospecific. They are dominated byDurania aff.nicholasi, Vaccinites vesiculosus, Torreites milanovici or phaceloid and massive stromatoporids. Several other rudist genera play a secondary role. The thickness of the associations is rarely more than one metre. Solitary corals do not occur in the associations. Colonial corals are less common, although they are up to 1 m high and show considerable diversity. There are no binders. The reef structure indicates variable hydrodynamic conditions. They are always associated with very shallow water. The pureDurania aff.nicholasi patches with large colonial corals andTorreites milanovici are presumably the most rigid structures. The near monospecific associations ofVaccinites vesiculosus are widely distributed. Although mostly preserved in situ, strong currents, presumably caused by tropical storms, have repeatedly impaired and interrupted growth. The specific growth characteristics of the shell of some rudists, especially the radiolitids, enable an estimation of the individual lifespan. Frameworks of approximately 1 metre thickness probably developed in ±100 years. The sediments of the complete sections are predominantly bioclastic.