Chromosomal and morphological diversity in 2 populations of Asian mountain vole,Alticola lemminus Miller (Rodentia,Cricetidae)

Summary Voles from Yakutia and Chukotka were found to differ in the morphology of 3 pairs of autosomes and sex chromosomes, as well as in M³-structure and skull dimensions. This makes their conspecificity doubtful. A variation in short arm lengths of the X- and Y-chromosomes has been discovered.     

Chromosomal translocations among the healthy human population: implications in oncogenesis

Chromosomal translocations are characteristic features of many cancers, especially lymphoma and leukemia. However, recent reports suggest that many chromosomal translocations can be found in healthy individuals, although the significance of this observation is still not clear. In this review, we summarize recent studies on chromosomal translocations in healthy individuals carried out in different geographical areas of the world and discuss the relevance of the observation with respect to oncogenesis.     

Chromosomal and morphological diversity in 2 populations of Asian mountain vole, Alticola lemminus Miller (Rodentia, Cricetidae).

Voles from Yakutia and Chukotka were found to differ in the morphology of 3 pairs of autosomes and sex chromosomes, as well as in M3-structure and skull dimensions. This makes their conspecificity doubtful. A variation in short arm lengths of the X- and Y-chromosomes has been discovered.     

Host-plant oligosaccharins in the honeydew ofSchizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Insecta,Aphididae)

Summary The honeydew of the aphidSchizaphis graminum (Rondani) contains hetero-oligosaccharides (mol. wt>2200 D) having neutral sugar and uronic acid compositions similar to the pectic substances of the host plant,Sorghum biocolor (L.) Moench. These oligosaccharides are pectic fragments which result from the depolymerization of pectic substances in the phloem by aphid salivary polysaccharases.     

Prolongation of clotting time in the dormant bat (Myotis lucifugus)

Résumé En été, la durée de coagulation du sang augmente notablement si l'on soumet la chauve-souris à une basse température (5°C); elle diminue dès qu'on replace l'animal dans un milieu chaud (23°C). Ceci indique l'existence d'un mécanisme adaptif qui prévient la formation du thrombus.     

Robertsonian translocations in the Malayan house shrew,Suncus murinus (Insectivora,Soricidae)

Zusammenfassung Zwei neue Chromosomen (2n=36 und 37; früher 38, 39 und 40) wurden in der malayischen SpitzmausSuncus murinus gefunden und als numerische Variationen der Robertsonschen Translokation zugeschrieben. Es wird angenommen, dass es sich um zwei Arten von Translokation» handelt die metazentrisch mitwirkten und woraus die Produktion 9 karyotypischer Klassen resultiert.     

Chromosomal polymorphism in the phyllostomatid bat,Mimon crenulatum (Geoffroy)

Resumen Se discribe el polimorfismo cromosomal en el murcielagoMimon crenulatum desde localidades en Trinidad, Colombia, y el Perù. Se hallaron tres tipos morfológicos para cromosomas considerado a representar el quinto par de autosomas en ejemplares de cada region geogràfica donde hemos estudiado la especia. Los tres tipos morfológicos de los cromosomas de quinto par evidentemente originado por medio de inversiones pericentricas son metacéntrico, subtelocéntrico, y acrocéntrico.     

Trypsin activity in the midgut ofSarcophaga ruficornis andMusca domestica (Diptera: Insecta)

Summary The pH and temperature for the optimum activity of trypsin from the midgut ofSarcophaga ruficornis andMusca domestica was 7.5 and 8.0 respectively and 50°C. The enzymic activity increased with the increase in incubation period and enzyme concentration.Thanks are due to Prof.R. Rakshpal for guidance.     

Invertase activity in the midgut ofSarcophaga ruficornis andMusca domestica (diptera: Insecta)

Summary The pH for the optimum activity of the midgut invertase was 5.5 in the adults ofS. ruficornis, 6.0 in its larvae and adults ofM. domestica and 6.5 in the larvae of the latter fly. The optimum temperature was 50°C. Enzyme activity was retarded by the addition of glucose and fructose.     

Moult inhibition in the insectDysdercus cingulatus (Insecta: Heteroptera) by the cerebral glands of the millipedeJonespeltis splendidus (Myriapoda,Diplopoda)

Summary Implantation of 2 pairs of cerebral glands of the diplopodJonespeltis into the newly-moulted 4th or 5th instar nymphs of the insectDysdercus delayed the moulting of these insects for a fairly long time. Implantation of cerebral glands into 1-day old 5th instars postponed the subsequent moult for a shorter period, whereas implantation of cerebral glands into 2-day old 5th instars had no effect. These observations suggested that a neurosecretory factor from the cerebral glands inhibited moulting in this insect, and in the case of 5th instar nymphs there was a critical period before which implanted glands were effective in moult inhibition.Acknowledgments. Prof. V.K.K. Prabhu is thanked for suggesting the topic and for guidance. The University of Kerala is thanked for the fellowship awarded. The laboratory facilities afforded are also gratefully acknowledged.     

Parabiosis between grashopper embryos (Schistocerca gregaria förskal Acridoidea,Insecta)

Riassunto Essendo stata messa a punto una tecnica di espianto in vitro di embrioni diSchistocerca gregaria si è riusciti ad ottenere lo sviluppo fino a quasi la schiusa di parabionti uniti dorso-dorso a stadi subito dopo la blastocinesi. Si è osservata saldatura e continuità dell'epidermide. Gli abbozzi delle parti ventrali dei parabionti si sviluppano e differenziano in maniera autonoma; solo I'intestino medio risulta unico.     

Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause epidemic disease in the milkweed bug,Oncopeltus fasciatus dallas (Insecta,Heteroptera)

Summary Pseudomonas aeruginosa was recognized as the causative organism of an epidemic disease occurring in a laboratory breed ofOncopeltus fasciatus. The infection probably occurs peroral and is favoured by high temperature and humidity.Pseudomonas aeruginosa destroys the fat body of the bug.For her interest and discussion I thank Dr.G. Hausner, Miss I. vonGraevenitz and Miss.H. Schilling gave techincal support.