The singularly perturbed Hodgkin-Huxley equations as a tool for the analysis of repetitive nerve activity

A qualitative analysis of the Hodgkin-Huxley model (Hodgkin and Huxley 1952), which closely mimics the ionic processes at a real nerve membrane, is performed by means of a singular perturbation theory. This was achieved by introducing a perturbation parameter that, if decreased, speeds up the fast variables of the Hodgkin-Huxley equations (membrane potential and sodium activation), whereas it does not affect the slow variables (sodium inactivation and potassium activation). In the most extreme case, if the perturbation parameter is set to zero, the original four-dimensional system degenerates to a system with only two differential equations. This degenerate system is easier to analyze and much more intuitive than the original Hodgkin-Huxley equations. It shows, like the original model, an infinite train of action potentials if stimulated by an input current in a suitable range. Additionally, explanations for the increased sensitivity to depolarizing current steps that precedes an action potential can be found by analysis of the degenerate system. Using the theory of Mishchenko and Rozov (1980) it is shown that the degenerate system does not only represent a simplification of the original Hodgkin-Huxley equations but also gives a valid approximation of the original model at least for stimulating currents that are constant within a suitable range.     

Characterization and application of soybean YACs to molecular cytogenetics

Yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) are widely used in the physical analysis of complex genomes. In addition to their value in chromosome walking for map-based cloning, YACs represent excellent probes for chromosome mapping using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We have screened such a library for low-copy-number clones by hybridization to total genomic DNA. Four clones were chosen for chromosome tagging based upon their low or moderate signal. By using degenerate oligonucleotide-primed PCR (DOP-PCR), we were able to use relatively small amounts of soybean YAC DNA, isolated directly by preparative pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, as FISH probes for both metaphase chromosome spreads and interphase nuclei. FISH chromosomal analysis using the three of the clones as probes resulted in relatively simple hybridization patterns consistent with a single homologous locus or two homoeologous loci. The fourth YAC probe resulted in a diffuse hybridization pattern with signal on all metaphase chromosomes. We conclude that YACs represent a valuable source of probes for chromosomal analysis in soybean.     

Effects of insecticides on acetylene reduction by Azotobacter vinelandii and soybean nodules

Summary Nine organophosphate and carbamate insecticides were tested for effects on ability of Azotobacter vinelandii to reduce acetylene. Only Gardona^R, at higher concentrations, was significantly inhibitory. The same pesticides were tested with soybeans (Glycine max L.). Some minor phytotoxic effects were noted, but there was no inhibition of the ability of the excised nodules of the plants to reduce acetylene.Published with the approval of the Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station as Journal Article No. 726. Portion of a thesis presented by the senior author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the M.S. degree in bacteriology at North Dakota State University.Published with the approval of the Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station as Journal Article No. 726. Portion of a thesis presented by the senior author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the M.S. degree in bacteriology at North Dakota State University.     

Experimental and clinical studies of neonatal eeg mapping--methodical prerequisites and data interpretation.

To investigate whether the sampling theorem was fulfilled up to now in experimental and clinical EEG-mapping of neonates and to determine the "smearing effect" of EEG transmission by the leading media up to the skin, EEG-maps from 5 slightly anaesthetized term newborn piglets and 8 healthy human newborns were calculated. A spatial sampling rate of 1-2 cycles per cm is necessary for a sufficient reproduction of surface EEG topology in newborn piglets showing activity maxima within motor projection zones. In human neonates, 8-channel mapping gave insufficient results, whereas state and EEG pattern related 16-channel maps provided sufficiently constant, but not complete pattern. Simultaneous maps from epidural and epiossal, and epiossal, and surface recordings in newborn piglets showed only small "smearing" effects. We conclude, the more topical interpretation chances exist, like in neonates with smaller "smearing" effects of transmission media, the more complete uptake of original data for mapping is necessary. Up to now, it is done seldomly.     

Das Bauprinzip der hochmolekularen Naturstoffe

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