Effets d'analogues du chloramphénicol sur la différenciation de l'∄uf de l'oursinParacentrotus lividus

Summary The effects ofl-threo-chloramphenicol and thiophenicol on the differentiation of sea-urchin eggs are compared with those exerted byd-threo-chloramphenicol. Onlyd-threo-chloramphenicol caused vegetalization;l-threo-chloramphenicol inhibited development. These effects resemble those of nitrobenzene. Thiophenicol, differing fromd-threo-chloramphenicol by replacing the nitro group with a methylsulphonyl group, slows down development at high concentrations. The effects of chloramphenicol on oxidative phosphorylation and synthesis of proteins are discussed. It is suggested that both the steric configuration typed-threo of the side chain and the presence of a nitro group are necessary for the vegetalizing activity.     

Chemistry of some potent animal toxins

Conclusion I have discussed in this article only the most active toxins, with the result that many interesting substances have been omitted, e.g. the toxins from bee and wasp venoms (apamin, melittin, etc.), of many amphibians (bufotoxins, etc.), ciguatoxins, and many more. Poisons are found in every phylum except birds. Shrews exemplify venomous mammals. One gets a good illustration of the number of poisonous animals by studying the monumental and impressive work byHalstead ¹⁰⁶ which consequently excludes terrestrial animals. An interesting fact in this connection is that there are about 20,000 species of spiders, most of which are poisonous.A toxin ranking list has to be included in an article of this kind. The list is, of course, far from complete. Data on molecular weights, mouse lethal doses, etc. are lacking for many potent toxins, such as the dysentery toxin, a neurotoxin with a toxicity comparable to that of the botulinus toxins¹⁰⁷, the toxins from the jelly fishChironex fleckeri ¹⁰⁶.A comparison on molar basis gives a better notion of the toxicities. Curare has about 1/30 of the toxicity of the curarimimetic snake venom neurotoxins, clearly indicating that curare has a much lower affinity for the acetylcholine receptor.Toxic organisms have developed during millions of years more and more refined toxins, and this evolution has probably brought into existence toxins against every physiological function. Neurochemistry is to a great extent unexplored. Progress in this field will in the nearest future depend on specific toxins from various natural sources. Toxins from spiders, scorpions, snakes, frogs, and fishes are therefore not mere curiosities but valuable tools for research on the molecular mechanisms of neural function and synaptic transmission.     

Gauss's geodesy and the axiom of parallels

It is a myth that Gauss measured a certain large triangle specifically to determine its angle sum; he did so in order to link his triangulation of Hanover with contiguous ones. The sum of the angles differed from 180° by less than two thirds of a second; he is known to have mentioned in conversation that this constituted an approximate verification of the axiom of parallels (which he regarded as an empirical matter because his studies of hyperbolic trigonometry had led him to recognize the possibility of logical alternatives to Kant and Euclid). However, he never doubted Euclidean geometry in his geodetic work. On the contrary, he continually used 180° angle sums as a powerful check for observational errors, which helped him to achieve standards of precision equivalent to today's. Nor did he ever plan an empirical investigation of the geometrical structure of space.     

Energy metabolism,respiration frequency and O2-consumption per breathing act in 11 different sunbird species during day and night

Summary The mean metabolic rates of 11 sunbird species are in the expected range based on data from other birds. Nevertheless the difference between day and night levels is greater (58–69%) than normal. Breathing frequencies among these birds correspond more closely to the (higher) levels found in empirical data for mammals. O₂-consumption per breathing act remains nearly constant during day and night indicating that the diurnal cycle of O₂-consumption is regulated mainly by modulation of breathing frequencies, which correlate directly with gaseous metabolism.     

Autoradiographic study of the penetration of non-histone chromatin proteins into differentiating cells

Summary Attention has previously been drawn to a specific effect of NHCP on embryonicPleurodeles cell differentiation. With a modified NHCP labelling technique, autoradiography has revealed a cytoplasmic concentration of labelled NHCP and has not revealed any difference between homospecific and heterospecific NHCP penetration.This work has been supported financially by research grants from the C.N.R.S. (ERA No. 327 and ATP No. 4310 on the cellular differentiation), and INSERM (No. 711019).The authors wish to extend their thands to Dr.Mazarguil who kindly initiated us in the techniques of enzyme binding. Many thanks are also due to Mr.Hawks for most valuable help in correcting the English.     

Comparative survey on enzyme localization,ultrastructural arrangement and functional organization in the optic tectum of non-mammalian vertebrates

Summary The histochemical localization of some enzymatic activities is surveyed in the optic tectum of vertebrates from cyclostomes to birds. These data are compared with results arising from ultrastructural and experimental works in order to outline some possible connections between enzyme localization and functional organization of the optic tectum. The most interesting result derives from acetylcholinesterase which, in the majority of vertebrate species, is localized in tectal layers in which visual and other sensitive afferents discharge. Such a situation, together with some experimental and developmental results, suggests that cholinergic mechanisms play an important role in the function of the optic tectum and that these mechanisms are worthy of further and more detailed investigations.Acknowledgments. The author is grateful to Prof.S. Leghissa, Dr. F. Ciani andDr. L. Villani for the permission to use the photographs 8–11 of the present paper.     

Protein-O-mannosyltransferases in virulence and development

Protein-O-mannosyltransferases (Pmt proteins) catalyse the addition of mannose to serine or threonine residues of secretory proteins. This modification was described first for yeast and later for other fungi, mammals, insects and recently also for bacteria. O-mannosylation depends on specific isoforms of the three Pmt1, 2 and 4 subfamilies. In fungi, O-mannosylation determines the structure and integrity of cell walls, as well as cellular differentiation and virulence. O-mannosylation of specific secretory proteins of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans and of the bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis contributes significantly to virulence. In mammals and insects, Pmt proteins are essential for cellular differentiation and development, while lack of Pmt activity causes Walker-Warburg syndrome (muscular dystrophy) in humans. The susceptibility of human cells to certain viruses may also depend on O-mannosyl chains. This review focuses on the various roles of Pmt proteins in cellular differentiation, development and virulence. Received 6 September 2007; received after revision 3 October 2007; accepted 5 October 2007     

Experimenteller Nachweis der autochthonen Automatie der Lymphgefässe

Summary It is shown that the peristaltic activity of the isolated mesenterial-lymph vessels of mammals (Cavia porcellus L.) is provoked by two different stimuli:1. by extension (internal pressure of the vessel: 2–25 cm H₂O); 2. by temperature (biokinetic Temperature-Space of 23°; between 22–45°C).Based on these experiments, the autochthonous automaticy of the lymph vessels has been proved.

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Meiner Assistentin, FrauDora Rathenow-Mercier, danke ich für hervorragende Mitarbeit, der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft für die apparative Unterstützung.     

Sex determination in mammals — Before and after the evolution of SRY

Therian mammals (marsupials and placentals) have an XX female: XY male sex chromosome system, which is homologous to autosomes in other vertebrates. The testis-determining gene, SRY, is conserved on the Y throughout therians, but is absent in other vertebrates, suggesting that the mammal system evolved about 310 million years ago (MYA). However, recent work on the basal monotreme mammals has completely changed our conception of how and when this change occurred. Platypus and echidna lack SRY, and the therian X and Y are represented by autosomes, implying that SRY evolved in therians after their divergence from monotremes only 166 MYA. Clues to the ancestral mechanism usurped by SRY in therians are provided by the monotremes, whose sex chromosomes are homologous to the ZW of birds. This suggests that the therian X and Y, and the SRY gene, evolved from an ancient bird-like sex chromosome system which predates the divergence of mammals and reptiles 310 MYA. Received 4 March 2008; received after revision 22 April 2008; accepted 3 June 2008     

Solacasine,a new steroidal alkaloid fromSolanum pseudocapsicum possessing antimicrobial activity

Summary Systematic fractionation of alcohol extracts ofSolanum pseudocapsicum. showed that solacasine is the main antibacterial constituent. Based on physiochemical studies, a structure is proposed.The authors are grateful to Dr.R. Foltz, Battelle's Columbus Laboratories, and Mr.E. Fairchild of our laboratories for the mass spectral data, to Mr.Ruey-Ping Leu for the microbiological data, and to the NIH for grant No. AI-09846 in partial support of this work.     

Memory

Our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory formation derives from studies of species as diverse as worms, mollusks, insects, birds and mammals. Despite the quite different brain structures and neuronal networks, the studies support the current notion that neuronal activity leads to changes in synaptic connections as the neural substrate of behavioral plasticity. The analysis of the mechanisms underlying learning and memory formation reveals a surprisingly high conservation between invertebrates and mammals, both at the behavioral as well as the molecular level. This special issue provides an overview of the current knowledge on cellular and molecular processes underlying memory formation. The contributing reviews summarize the findings in different organisms, such as Aplysia, Drosophila, honeybees and mammals, and discuss new approaches, developments and hypotheses all aimed at understanding how the nervous system acquires, stores and retrieves information.     

Obtention,par la méthode des greffes de gonades embryonnaires,d'une femelle à descendance unisexuée femelle,chez le TritonPleurodeles waltlii Michah.

Summary Thanks to a method established byHumphrey ³ inAmbystoma sp. and founded on the orthotopic transplantation of the lateral mesoderm corresponding to the gonad primordium, we have produced, in the SalamanderPleurodeles waltlii Michah., 1 female which gives rise uniquely to female individuals. In this species, it is also possible to obtain, by an oestrogenic treatment during the larval stages of development, neo-females, these are genetic males feminized into phenotypic and perfectly functional females and their offsprings are uniquely composed of males². The ability to experiment at will with unisexual, male or female, offsprings allows us to attack from a new basis, before any perceptible gonadic sex differentiation, the analysis of the mechanisms of this differentiation in the SalamanderPleurodeles waltlii Michah.     

Is feminine differentiation of the brain hormonally determined?

Summary The androgen insensitive, genetically male rat pseudohermaphrodite displays neither masculine or feminine sexual behavior when primed with the appropriate sex hormones. although in the absence of androgen imprinting the animal develops anatomically as female, our results suggest that feminine differentiation of the brain requires active imprinting by perinatal hormone(s), possibly adrenal progesterone.The research was partially supported by a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation.A. S. Goldman is a U.S.P.H.S. Career Development Awardee (No. HD-13,628).     

Kristallgitterstruktur in den jungen Chloroplasten einer Dikotyledone

Summary The same periodical structure of the so-called primary granum, as found inChlorophytum, Aspidistra and other monocotyledons, is shown to be present in a dicotyledon also. There must exist a causal connection between that lattice and the development of the lamellar strom-grana pattern, as was first suggested byLeyon.     

Mutation und Phänokopie bei Säugetier und Mensch

Summary The concept of phenocopy established byGoldschmidt in 1935 is critically studied and special emphasis is placed upon the problem of how to distinguish true and false phenocopies. A comparison is made with true and false genocopies, that means mimic mutations. Regarding a given character it is often hard to distinguish as far as man and mammals are concerned, whether it is caused by mutation or phenocopy. Although most of the abnormalities occur as hereditary as well as non-hereditary types, there are, however, hereditary defects that occur seldom and others that occur frequently as phenocopies; still other abnormalities are known as yet only as non-hereditary modifications. It is still impossible to give exact figures for the numerical relationship of single hereditary and non-hereditary abnormalities in man.In certain cases in man and animals there may be also an interaction of the gene and the phenocopying agent, the latter replacing the missing second allele of the gene in question in a heterozygotic individual. The question has to be examined whether in the case of horizontal inheritance, that means occurrence of the same character only in one sibship, a hereditary effect is only simulated with the same phenocopying factor continually in effect. Finally a method is given to determine the relationship of mutations and phenocopies of the retinoblastoma, a hereditary or exogenous caused highly malignant ocular neoplasm in man, a question very important to eugenics.

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Dem PathologenRobert Rössle* zum 80. Geburtstag am 19. August 1956 gewidmet

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Redaktionelle Anmerkung. Am 21. November 1956 ist Herr Prof.Rössle in Berlin verstorben. Die Experientia-Leser erinnern sich dankbar an seinen Aufsatz: «Warum sterben so wenig Menschen eines natürlichen Todes?» Exper.4, 295 (1948).

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Nach einem Vortrag an der Universität Nagoya (Japan) am 17. September 1956.     

Metabolism of the neuromodulator d-serine

Over the past years, accumulating evidence has indicated that d-serine is the endogenous ligand for the glycine-modulatory binding site on the NR1 subunit of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in various brain areas. d-Serine is synthesized in glial cells and neurons by the pyridoxal-5′ phosphate-dependent enzyme serine racemase, and it is released upon activation of glutamate receptors. The cellular concentration of this novel messenger is regulated by both serine racemase isomerization and elimination reactions, as well as by its selective degradation catalyzed by the flavin adenine dinucleotide-containing flavoenzyme d-amino acid oxidase. Here, we present an overview of the current knowledge of the metabolism of d-serine in human brain at the molecular and cellular levels, with a specific emphasis on the brain localization and regulatory pathways of d-serine, serine racemase, and d-amino acid oxidase. Furthermore, we discuss how d-serine is involved with specific pathological conditions related to N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors over- or down-regulation.     

Action du LiCl sur de jeunes blastodermes de poulet cultivésin vitro

Summary The young blastoderms cultivatedin vitro, by the method ofNew, slightly modified, grow abnormally on a medium of albumen mixed with LiCl solution. It acts in the first place upon the morphogenesis, secondarily upon the differentiation of organs, if they are able to develop.

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Travail subventionné par le Fonds national suisse de la Recherche scientifique.     

A history of the axiomatic formulation of probability from Borel to Kolmogorov: Part I

This paper, the first of two, traces the origins of the modern axiomatic formulation of Probability Theory, which was first given in definitive form by Kolmogorov in 1933. Even before that time, however, a sequence of developments, initiated by a landmark paper of E. Borel, were giving rise to problems, theorems, and reformulations that increasingly related probability to measure theory and, in particular, clarified the key role of countable additivity in Probability Theory.This paper describes the developments from Borel's work through F. Hausdorff's. The major accomplishments of the period were Borel's Zero-One Law (also known as the Borel-Cantelli Lemmas), his Strong Law of Large Numbers, and his Continued Fraction Theorem. What is new is a detailed analysis of Borel's original proofs, from which we try to account for the roots (psychological as well as mathematical) of the many flaws and inadequacies in Borel's reasoning. We also document the increasing realization of the link between the theories of measure and of probability in the period from G. Faber to F. Hausdorff. We indicate the misleading emphasis given to independence as a basic concept by Borel and his equally unfortunate association of a Heine-Borel lemma with countable additivity. Also original is the (possible) genesis we propose for each of the two examples chosen by Borel to exhibit his new theory; in each case we cite a now neglected precursor of Borel, one of them surely known to Borel, the other, probably so. The brief sketch of instances of the Cantelli lemma before Cantelli's publication is also original.We describe the interesting polemic between F. Bernstein and Borel concerning the Continued Fraction Theorem, which serves as a rare instance of a contemporary criticism of Borel's reasoning. We also discuss Hausdorff's proof of Borel's Strong Law (which seems to be the first valid proof of the theorem along the lines sketched by Borel).In retrospect, one may ask why problems of geometric (or continuous) probability did not give rise to the (Kolmogorov) view of probability as a form of measure, rather than the study of repeated independent trials, which was Borel's approach. This paper shows that questions of geometric probability were always the essential guide to the early development of the theory, despite the contrary viewpoint exhibited by Borel's preferred interpretation of his own results.     

Evaluations of the beta probability integral by bayes and price

Summary The contribution of Bayes to statistical inference has been much discussed, whereas his evaluations of the beta probability integral have received little attention, and Price's improvements of these results have never been analysed in detail. It is the purpose of the present paper to redress this state of affairs and to show that the Bayes-Price approximation to the two-sided beta probability integral is considerably better than the normal approximation, which became popular under the influence of Laplace, although it had been stated by Price.The Bayes-Price results are obtained by approximating the skew beta density by a symmetric beta density times a factor tending to unity for n , the two functions having the same maximum and the same points of inflection. Since the symmetric beta density converges to the normal density, all the results of Laplace based on the normal distribution can be obtained as simple limits of the results of Bayes and Price. This fact was not observed either by Laplace or by Todhunter.     

Neue Gesichtspunkte zum 5. Buch Euklids

Summary The author's purpose is to read the main work of Euclid with modern eyes and to find out what knowledge a mathematician of today, familiar with the works of V. D. Waerden and Bourbaki, can gain by studying Euclid's theory of magnitudes, and what new insight into Greek mathematics occupation with this subject can provide.The task is to analyse and to axiomatize by modern means (i) in a narrower sense Book V. of the Elements, i.e. the theory of proportion of Eudoxus, (ii) in a wider sense the whole sphere of magnitudes which Euclid applies in his Elements. This procedure furnishes a clear picture of the inherent structure of his work, thereby making visible specific characteristics of Greek mathematics.After a clarification of the preconditions and a short survey of the historical development of the theory of proportions (Part I of this work), an exact analysis of the definitions and propositions of Book V. of the Elements is carried out in Part II. This is done word by word. The author applies his own system of axioms, set up in close accordance with Euclid, which permits one to deduce all definitions and propositions of Euclid's theory of magnitudes (especially those of Books V. and VI.).In this way gaps and tacit assumptions in the work become clearly visible; above all, the logical structure of the system of magnitudes given by Euclid becomes evident: not ratio — like something sui generis — is the governing concept of Book V., but magnitudes and their relation of having a ratio form the base of the theory of proportions. These magnitudes represent a well defined structure, a so-called Eudoxic Semigroup with the numbers as operators; it can easily be imbedded in a general theory of magnitudes equally applicable to geometry and physics.The transition to ratios — a step not executed by Euclid — is examined in Part III; it turns out to be particularly unwieldy. An elegant way opens up by interpreting proportion as a mapping of totally ordered semigroups. When closely examined, this mapping proves to be an isomorphism, thus suggesting the application of the modern theory of homomorphism. This theory permits a treatment of the theory of proportions as developed by Eudoxus and Euclid which is hardly surpassable in brevity and elegance in spite of its close affinity to Euclid. The generalization to a classically founded theory of magnitudes is now self-evident.

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Vorgelegt von J. E. Hofmann