β-Ar-ACETYL D-GALACTOSAMINIDASE IN BULK SEPARATED NEURONS AND NEUROPIL FROM RAT CEREBRAL CORTEX

Abstract— β- N -Acetyl D-galactosaminidase was studied in isolated neuronal and neuropil fractions from cerebral cortex and subcellular fractions derived from them. Although the enzyme activity evinced some latency properties, its subcellular distribution pattern was broader than that observed with other acid hydrolases. By contrast with nine other acid hydrolases, it was more active in neuropil than neuronal fractions (neuronal/neuropil activity ratio 0.63). This ratio was preserved in lysosomal subfractions derived from the isolated cell fractions. The data is taken as further evidence for the microheterogeneity of lysosomal particles from the brain.     

Detailed flow patterns in the nasal cavity.

The human nasal cavity filters and conditions inspired air while providing olfactory function. Detailed experimental study of nasal airflow patterns has been limited because of the complex geometry of the nasal cavity. In this work, particle image velocimetry was used to determine two-dimensional instantaneous velocity vector fields in parallel planes throughout a model of the nasal cavity that was subjected to a nonoscillatory flow rate of 125 ml/s. The model, which was fabricated from 26 computed tomography scans by using rapid prototyping techniques, is a scaled replica of a human right nasal cavity. The resulting vector plots show that the flow is laminar and regions of highest velocity are in the nasal valve and in the inferior airway. The relatively low flow in the olfactory region appears to protect the olfactory bulb from particulate pollutants. Low flows were also observed in the nasal meatuses, whose primary function has been the subject of debate. Comparison of sequentially recorded data suggests a steady flow.     

An efficient chemical approach to bispecific antibodies and antibodies of high valency

Irreversible chemical programming of monoclonal aldolase antibody (mAb) 38C2 has been accomplished with β-lactam equipped mono- and bifunctional targeting modules, including a cyclic-RGD peptide linked to either the peptide (d-Lys⁶)-LHRH or another cyclic RGD unit and a small-molecule integrin inhibitor SCS-873 conjugated to (d-Lys⁶)LHRH. We also prepared monofunctional targeting modules containing either cyclic RGD or (d-Lys⁶)-LHRH peptides. Binding of the chemically programmed antibodies to integrin receptors α(v)β(3) and α(v)β(5) and to the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone receptor were evaluated. The bifunctional and bivalent c-RGD/LHRH and SCS-783/LHRH, the monofunctional and tetravalent c-RGD/c-RGD, and the monofunctional bivalent c-RGD chemically programmed antibodies bound specifically to the isolated integrin receptor proteins as well as to integrins expressed on human melanoma M-21 cells. c-RGD/LHRH, SCS-783/LHRH, and LHRH chemically programmed antibodies bound specifically to the LHRH receptors expressed on human ovarian cancer cells. This approach provides an efficient, versatile, and economically viable route to high-valency therapeutic antibodies that target defined combinations of specific receptors. Additionally, this approach should be applicable to chemically programmed vaccines.     

Divergence time estimates of mammals from molecular clocks and fossils: Relevance of new fossil finds from India

This paper presents a brief review of recent advances in the classification of mammals at higher levels using fossils and molecular clocks. It also discusses latest fossil discoveries from the Cretaceous — Eocene (66–55 m.y.) rocks of India and their relevance to our current understanding of placental mammal origins and diversifications.     

Development of Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) and Oryzaephilus mercator (Fauvel.) on seed-borne fungi

Two stored-product insects were reared on 23 species of seed-borne fungi and 1 species of actinomycete at 33°C and 75% R.H. Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) completed development on 10 species of fungi; the shortest development period, 22 days, was on Trichothecium roseum Lk. and the longest, 34 days, on Fusarium moniliforme Sheld. Oryzaephilus mercator (Fauvel) completed development on 18 species of fungi; the shortest developmental period, 21 days, was on Mucor sphaerosporus Hagem, and the longest, 40 days, on Chaetomium funicola Cooke. None developed on Streptomyces griseus (Krainsky) Waksman & Henrici.

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Zusammenfassung Zwei Vorratsschädlinge wurden bei 33° und 75% rel. Luftfeuchtigkeit auf 23 Pilzarten und einer Actinomycetenart aufgezogen, die sich auf Samen entwickeln. Cryptolestes ferrugineus vollendete seine Entwicklung auf 10 Pilzarten in 22 bis 34 Tagen; die kürzeste Entwicklungsdauer, 22 Tage, zeigte sich auf Trichothecium roseum Lk. und die längste, 34 Tage, auf Fusarium moniliforme Sheld. Oryzaephilus mercator entwickelte sich auf 18 Pilzarten in 21 bis 40 Tagen. Die kürzeste Entwicklungsperiode ergab sich auf Mucor sphaerosporus Hagem., die längste auf Chaetomium funicola Cooke. Keine Entwicklung trat auf Streptomyces griseus (Krainsky) Waksman & Henrici ein.

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Contribution No. 154.