Molecular mapping of idiotopes of anti-arsonate antibodies

As part of understanding molecular function in structural terms, we have been attempting to map the idiotypic topography of specific anti-arsonate (Ars) antibodies. A panel of anti-Ars hybridomas of which the complete primary sequences are known were used. These molecules show a varied reactivity profile with a panel of monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies. By judicious chain recombination experiments and chemical modifications that altered this reactivity profile, we were able to identify particular amino acid residues or discreet regions of anti-Ars antibodies as having crucial roles in the expression of idiotypic determinants. Idiotopes were mapped to the heavy chain second hypervariable region and D segment, and to the light chain first and third hypervariable regions.     

Introduction

Theme I: Hydrodynamic and Geomorphological Changes in the Tidal System

Introduction     

Monoclonal antibodies against plasma protease inhibitors: II. Production and characterization of 25 monoclonal antibodies against human α1-antitrypsin. Correlation between antigenic structure and functional sites

Twenty-five hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies against human ₁-antitrypsim have been produced by the cell-fusion techmque (Köhler and Milstein, 1976). All antibodies are specific for ₁-antitrypsim and carry ₁-antitrypsim heavy chains and light chains. Inhibition experiments showed that these monoclonal antibodies define three independent antigenic regions on the ₁-antitrypsim molecule; one of these domains appears to be involved in the interaction between ₁-antitrypsim and trypsin. In addition, one monoclonal antibody, AATY39, was used to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay capable of detecting low levels of ₁-antitrypsim in the range of 1 to 2 ng/ml.     

Toward a quantitative characterization of patient-therapist communication.

The efficacy of psychotherapy, in its many and varied forms, is one of the most intensely contested issues in clinical practice. Though many theories have been advanced, quantitative evidence in their defense is limited. This contribution is directed to relatively unambitious objectives. Rather than establish yet another qualitative theory of psychotherapeutic practice, we wish to contribute to the construction of research methodologies that can quantitatively characterize the dynamic patterns of patient-therapist communication. It is hoped that a theoretical understanding of psychotherapy might eventually emerge naturally from a growing body of quantitative data.     

A new species of Gastrosaccus (Crustacea,Mysidacea) from beaches in Madagascar

Gastrosaccus madagascariensis sp.nov. is common in thesurfzone of sandy beaches along the east and south coasts ofMadagascar. Morphologically, it is characterised by having sevenlateral spines along each side of the telson; with spines 2–4 andthe penultimate spine being dorso-lateral in origin. One or twospinules are interspersed between the fifth and terminal spines.The fourth exopod segment of pleopod 3 in the male is bulbous, bearing twoterminal barbed unequal spines. A robust and naked seta is alsopresent on the same segment in the male.     

On the homologous relationship between the variable and the constant parts of immunoglobulins

The amino acid sequences from variable and constant parts of immunoglobulin chains have been compared by the method of Fitch. The data reveal that the variable parts are always much more homologous to the constant parts of heavy chains (and particularly to the constant part of the Fd fragment) than to the constant part of light chains. The significance of the findings is discussed, and a tentative scheme of evolution of immunoglobulins is presented.This work was carried out under contract 007-71 ABIB between Euratom and the University of Brussels.Researcher at the Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique.     

Population biology and stock assessment of Pristipomoides filamentosus on the Mahe Plateau, Seychelles

The population of P. filamentosus around the periphery of the Mahe Plateau was studied using data derived from commercial handline fishing operations between November 1989 and December 1990. Sex ratio was close to one. Fork length was in the range 25.6–79.8 cm: at first sexual maturity, 36–38 cm for females and 40–42 cm for males. Spawning occurred from October to April peaking between February and April and in November.
The length ( f.l. , cm)–weight (kg) relationship was W =0.00005353 × f.l. ^2.7004. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters, estimated from length frequency data, were K =0.2875 and L _inf=81.7 cm. Mortality rates, estimated from length converted catch curve analysis, were Z =0.811, F =0.277 with M =0.534 derived from Pauly's empirical formula. Jones' length cohort analysis gave an estimate of F= 0.294 for the fully exploited part of the stock, and a density of 2.59 t km⁻² for the periphery of the plateau from 75 to 150 m depth. The Lesley constant catchability model, applied to the results of intensive fishing around isolated banks, derived a mean density estimate of 2.99t km⁻². The sustainable yield was estimated to be 233–268 tonnes per annum and the catch in 1990 was 200 tonnes.