Relationship between radiation induced adaptive response in human fibroblasts and changes in chromatin conformation

Chromatin conformation changes in the normal human fibroblasts VH-10 were studied by the method of anomalous viscosity time dependence (AVTD). Gamma-irradiation of cells in a dose range of 0.1–3 Gy caused an increase in maximal viscosity of cell lysates. Conversely, irradiation of cells with low doses of 0.5 or 2 cGy resulted in a decrease in the AVTD peaks with a maximum effect approximately 40 min after irradiation. The same exposure conditions were used to study a possible adaptive effect of low doses, measured by changes in cell survival. A primary dose of 2 cGy caused significant modification of cell response to a challenge dose. Approximately 20% protection to challenge doses of 0.5 Gy (p < 0.003), 2 Gy (p < 0.02) and 2.5 Gy (p < 0.002) was observed. However, the direction of this effect (adaptation or synergism) was found to be dependent on a challenge dose. The combined effect of 2 cGy and 1 Gy was significantly synergistic, while no modification was observed for 1.5 Gy and 3 Gy. A partial correlation was found between the AVTD changes and cell survival when the combined effect of a primary dose of 2 cGy and challenge dose was examined. The dose of 2 cGy alone increased survival by 16% (p < 0.0003). These results suggest that the low-dose induced effects on survival may be related to chromatin reorganization.     

Nefiracetam (DM-9384) reverses apomorphine-induced amnesia of a passive avoidance response: Delayed emergence of the memory retention effects

Nefiracetam is a novel pyrrolidone derivative which attenuates scopolamine-induced learning and post-training consolidation deficits. Given that apomorphine inhibits passive avoidance retention when given during training or in a defined 10–12h post-training period, we evaluated the ability of nefiracetam to attenuate amnesia induced by dopaminergic agonism. A step-down passive avoidance paradigm was employed and nefiracetam (3 mg/kg) and apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg) were given alone or in combination during training and at the 10–12h post-training period of consolidation. Co-administration of nefiracetam and apomorphine during training or 10h thereafter produced no significant anti-amnesic effect. However, administration of nefiracetam during training completely reversed the amnesia induced by apomorphine at the 10h post-training time and the converse was also true. These effects were not mediated by a dopaminergic mechanism as nefiracetam, at millimolar concentrations, failed to displace either [³H]SCH 23390 or [³H]spiperone binding from D₁ or D₂ dopamine receptor subtypes, respectively. It is suggested that nefiracetam augments molecular processes in the early stages of events which ultimately lead to consolidation of memory.     

Paleobiology of Etruscan populations

A research project on the population biology of ancient Etruscans has recently started. The aim of this multidisciplinary research is the anthropological definition of Etruscan populations, about which little is known. The study of the skeletal remains is expected to lead to the identification of characteristics typical of this group, which will be used to establish affinities and differences with other contemporary Italic populations, as well as with previous and subsequent groups. An outline of the project is presented here, together with an indication of the problems concerning the availability of material. A summary of previous research on Etruscans is also given. In the final section, preliminary results are presented on one aspect of the research presently under way, namely the odontometric study of different groups of Etruscan populations. These results suggest a homogeneity within the groups described under the common label “Etruscans”.     

蔷薇属38个野生种果实的维生素含量及其与分组的关系

对蔷薇属 (Rosa) 38个野生种果实 (以下简称蔷薇果 )的经济性状进行了分析 ,并测定了 VC、VE 和胡萝卜素等重要维生素的含量。蔷薇果 VC 含量在该属种间差异很大 ,以秦岭蔷薇 (R.tsinglingensis)的含量为最高 (2 576mg/ 1 0 0 g) ,德钦蔷薇 (R.deqenensis)的含量为最低 (49mg/ 1 0 0 g)。胡萝卜素含量种间差异明显 ,以软条七蔷薇 (R.henryi)的含量为最高 (1 9.2 4 mg / 1 0 0 g) ,黄刺玫 (R.xanthina)的含量为最低 (0 .0 6 mg/ 1 0 0 g)。 VE 含量种间差异较小 ,在 1 .34 mg/ 1 0 0 g(黄刺玫 )至 3.86 mg/ 1 0 0 g(硕苞蔷薇R.bracteata)之间。对蔷薇亚属 54种野生种果实重要维生素含量的统计分析表明 ,维生素含量与分组具有一定相关性 ,尤以 VC 含量与分组的相关性最为明显 ,桂味组和小叶组 Vc含量很高 (均值都高于 1 80 0mg/ 1 0 0 g) ;合柱组、月季组、木香组和硕苞组含量很低 (均值都在 30 0 mg/ 1 0 0 g以下 ) ,芹叶组除宽刺蔷薇 (R.platyacantha) VC含量很高外 ,其余种类含量都很低 (均值为 1 90 mg/ 1 0 0 g)。胡萝卜素含量与分组也具有一定相关性 ,桂味组、芹叶组、合柱组和硕苞组的胡萝卜素含量较高 ,均值在 6 mg/ 1 0 0 g以上 ;月季组、小叶组和木香组含量较低 ,均值在 0 .4mg/ 1 0 0 g以下。V     

Distribution of extracellular polysaccharides and flotation of anaerobic sludge

 Extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) were quantified in dense granules and loose flocs by chemical analysis of the uronic acid content. Their distribution within the aggregates was determined by microscopic staining. Granules contained a higher amount of EPS (1–1.6 mg/g volatile suspended solids, VSS) than flocs (0.3 mg/g VSS). In granules approximately 50% of the total amount of EPS was present in a 40-μm-thick zone on the surface. The remainder was dispersed in the rest of the aggregate. In flocs the highest concentration was present in the centre and the EPS layer on the surface was not found. Tests showed that flocculent sludge was very sensitive to flotation, while the studied granules did not float. The lower susceptibility to flotation of granules as compared to flocs was attributed to the presence of the hydrophilic EPS coating that prevents attachment of gas bubbles. Received: 21 November 1995/Received last revision: 15 April 1996/Accepted: 22 April 1996     

Thiol-induced oligomerization of α-lactalbumin at high pressure

Denaturation and aggregation of-lactalbumin at high pressure (up to 10 kbar, 1000 MPa) were studied by means of circular dichroism, gel-permeation chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate and gel electrophoresis. It was found that the unfolding of-lactalbumin at high pressure is reversible even in basic pH and at a protein concentration as large as 10%. In these conditions only a negligible fraction of the protein is denatured irreversibly and aggregates. The rate of aggregation of-lactalbumin at high pressure increases significantly in the presence of low-molecular reducing agents such as cysteine, 2-mercaptoethanol, and dithiothreitol. Maximal yield of-lactalbumin oligomerization (over 90%) was achieved in the presence of cysteine at the molar cysteine/protein ratioq=2 and atpH 8.5. Apparent molecular weight of the obtained oligomers was over 500 kDa. It was shown that the size distribution of oligomers can be modulated by varyingpH and reducing agent. The size distribution shifts in the direction of very large, poorly soluble particles whenpH decreases. Maximal content of the insoluble fraction (about 30%) can be reached at pH 5.5 when cysteine (q=2) is used as reducing agent. The oligomers of-lactalbumin are stabilized mainly by nonnative interchain disulfide bridges. Circular dichroism measurements point to an additional mechanism of cohesion of polypeptide chains in the oligomers, which is formation of intermolecular-sheets.     

A cross-diffusion model of forest boundary dynamics

A simple mathematical model of mono-species forest with two age classes which takes into account seed production and dispersal is presented in the paper. This reaction — diffusion type model is then reduced by means of an asymptotic procedure to a lower dimensional reaction — cross-diffusion model. The existence of standing and travelling wave front solutions corresponding to the forest boundary is shown for the later model. On the basis of the analysis, possible changes in forest boundary dynamics caused by antropogenic impacts are discussed.     

Structure,molecular evolution and maintenance of copy number of extended repeated structures in the X-heterochromatin of Drosophila melanogaster

The 60 kb repeats located in the distal heterochromatin of the X chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster were cloned in overlapping cosmids. These regions, designated as SCLRs, comprised the following types of repeated elements Stellate genes, which are known to be involved in spermatogenesis; copia-like retrotransposons; LINE elements, including amplified Type rDNA insertions; and rDNA fragments. The following steps in SCLR formation were hypothesized: insertion of mobile elements into the rDNA and Stellate gene clusters: internal tandem duplication events; recombination between the rDNA cluster and Stellate tandem repeat; and amplification of the whole SCLR structure. There are about nine SCLR copies per haploid genome, but there is approximately a twofold variation in copy number between fly stocks. The SCLR copy number differences between closely related stocks are suggested to be the result of unequal sister chromatid exchange (USCE). The restricted variation in SCLR copy number between unrelated stocks and the absence of chromosomes free of SCLRs suggests that natural selection is active in copy number maintenance.     

小麦体细胞胚发生的超微结构研究

对小麦（Ｔｒｉｔｉｃｕｍ ａｅｓｔｉｖｕｍ Ｌ．）幼胚培养中体细胞胚发生过程的超微结构变化进行了研究,结果如下：（１）原体细胞中大液泡消失,存在大量小液泡,细胞质的电子密度加强,核大,核仁明显,出现多核仁;（２）细胞器数量和种类,如质体、核糖体和线粒体增加;（３）细胞壁加厚,胞间连丝逐渐消失,细胞器数量丰富,胚性细胞中积累淀粉;（４）细胞壁加厚的胚性细胞中存在核仁液泡、自体吞噬泡和分泌泡;（５）多细胞原胚、球形胚和梨形胚被一层外壁包围,但胚体内细胞间广泛存在胞间连丝;（６）成熟胚生长点部位的细胞内质体中出现膜系结构,已向叶绿体转变,类囊体已形成     

田麻属的分类学研究

本文对田麻属植物的分类进行了研究,确认1种2变种,归并了1种3变种1变型,降级1种。