The effect of diet on the hemolymph amino acid constituents of the larvae and pupae ofSarcophaga ruficornis (Fabricius): (Diptera)

Zusammenfassung Es werden zwei Zuchtgruppen vonSarcophaga ruficornis-Larven hinsichtlich ihres Aminosäuregchaltes des Blutes untersucht. Den auf Fleisch gezüchteten Tieren fehlt Lysin, Glutamin und Taurin, während diese Aminosäuren bei den auf Hundebisquit aufgezogen Larven vorhanden sind, ihnen dagegen Threonin fehlt. Der Aminosäuregehalt im Blut der Puppen beider Zuchtgruppen ist gleich.     

Global distribution of peroxyacetyl nitrate

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) have a central role in the chemistry of the atmosphere, especially in key processes relating to ozone, hydroxyl-radical (OH) and acid formation. High reactivity of NOx (lifetime of 0.5-2 days) precludes hemispheric-scale transport and it has been proposed that non-methane hydrocarbons present in the troposphere can transform NOx into its organic forms principally as peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN). PAN is highly stable in the colder regions of the middle and upper troposphere and can provide a mechanism for NOx storage and transport. Once transported, PAN and its homologues can easily release free NOx in warmer atmospheric conditions. PAN is probably ubiquitous and its concentrations could exceed those of NOx in clean tropospheric conditions. Here we present the first view of the global distribution of PAN based on extensive shipboard and aircraft measurements. PAN is more abundant in the Northern than in the Southern Hemisphere and in the continental than in the marine troposphere. In contrast to its behaviour in polluted atmospheres, PAN mixing ratios in winter greatly exceed those in summer. These measurements provide a basis for assessing the significance of PAN as a reservoir of NOx and for extending and validating reactive nitrogen chemistry theory in the troposphere.     

In vivo effects of epinephrine in a freshwater fish

Summary In vivo effects of epinephrine were investigated in a freshwater teleost,Barbus conchonius Hamilton. Fish given 2 mg/kg epinephrine in a single i.m. dose showed significant hypocholesterolemia and elevated, liver and kidney cholesterol levels 1–8 h postinjection. Plasma amino nitrogen evinced a transient yet significant fall at 2 h followed by a significant increase after 24 h. A marked reduction occurred in the plasma FFA and organic PO₄ levels after 1–8 h. The results offer little evidence for a lipolytic effect of epinephrine in this species, and the changes in metabolite levels are attributable, in part, to the catecholamineinduced modification of insulin secretion.N.K. thanks the U.G.C. for the award of a research fellowship.     

Natural hybridization inDrosophila

Summary Although at least 159 cases of interspecific hybridization between closely related species ofDrosophila have been obtained under laboratory conditions, only 7 cases of natural interspecific hybridization have been recorded. We report yet another case, concerningD. malerkotliana andD. bipectinata.Thanks are due to the University Grants Commission for supporting the research project of J.P.G. and to the Head of the Department for laboratory facilities.     

Radioimmunoassay of some hormones simultaneously measured in serum and breast cyst fluid

Summary Blood and breast cyst fluid were drawn simultaneously for hormonal determination. There was no difference between serum and cyst fluid values of PRL and TSH. A significant difference was noted for LH (p<0.01) and FSH (p<0.05), serum concentrations being higher than cyst fluid concentrations.The authors are indebted to Miss J. Meister, E. Dullaert and J. Beck for their skillful technical help. We are also indebted to the National Institutes of Health, NIAMDD and the World Health Organization, International Laboratory for Biological Standards.     

Aphanomyces root rot of cauliflower in Varanasi,a new recording for India

Zusammenfassung Eine Pilzinfektion der Blumenkohlwurzeln (Brassica oleracea var.botrytis) wird beschrieben. Als Urheber der Krankheit wird der pathogene PilzAphanomyces raphani Kendrick vermutet. Das Auftreten der Krankheit und ihres Erregers stellt fÜr Indien und eventuell auch fÜr andere asiatische Länder eine Neuentdeckung dar.