Bilateral lesions of suprachiasmatic nucleus eliminate circadian rhythms of oxygen consumption and the respiratory quotient in rats

Bilateral lesions of the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus of rats abolished circadian rhythms of oxygen consumption and of the respiratory quotient (RQ). The RQ remained constant at a level intermediate between the maximum (about 1.0) and minimum (about 0.9) values in control animals.     

The logic of experimental tests,particularly of Everettian quantum theory

Claims that the standard procedure for testing scientific theories is inapplicable to Everettian quantum theory, and hence that the theory is untestable, are due to misconceptions about probability and about the logic of experimental testing. Refuting those claims by correcting those misconceptions leads to an improved theory of scientific methodology (based on Popper׳s) and testing, which allows various simplifications, notably the elimination of everything probabilistic from the methodology (‘Bayesian’ credences) and from fundamental physics (stochastic processes).     

Forecasting private consumption with Google Trends data

This paper examines the predictive relationship of consumption‐related and news‐related Google Trends data to changes in private consumption in the USA. The results suggest that (1) Google Trends‐augmented models provide additional information about consumption over and above survey‐based consumer sentiment indicators, (2) consumption‐related Google Trends data provide information about pre‐consumption research trends, (3) news‐related Google Trends data provide information about changes in durable goods consumption, and (4) the combination of news and consumption‐related data significantly improves forecasting models. We demonstrate that applying these insights improves forecasts of private consumption growth over forecasts that do not utilize Google Trends data and over forecasts that use Google Trends data, but do not take into account the specific ways in which it informs forecasts.     

Immunocytochemical localization of hyperglycemic hormone (HGH) in the neurosecretory system of the eyestalk of the crayfish Astacus leptodactylus.

Hyperglycemic hormone (HGH) from Astacus leptodactylus can be visualized by an immunocytochemical procedure using a specific antiserum against HGH and the peroxidase-anti-peroxidase (PAP) method. HGH containing cells are localized in the most distal portion of the x-organ in the medulla terminalis. Their cell diameter is about 47 +/- 7 micrometer; the nucleus measures about 22 +/- 2 micrometer. They form a subgroup of neurosecretory cell type 1, already described for the crayfish. A large amount of this HGH material is homogeneously stored in the sinus gland. A group of fibres in the x-organ - sinus gland - tractus can be followed, due to their positive reaction with the PAP-reagent.     

‘Holding’ and ‘endorsing’ claims in the course of scientific activities

My principal aims are to show that holding, adopting and endorsing (definitions of which I provide) are distinct cognitive attitudes that may be taken towards claims at different moments of scientific activities, and that none of them are reducible to acceptance (as defined by Jonathan Cohen); to explore in detail the differences between holding and accepting, using the controversies about GMOs to provide illustrations; and to draw some implications pertinent to democratic decision-making concerning public policies about science and technology, and to the responsibilities that scientists thereby incur.     

Effect of sodium octanoate on leucine incorporation into protein of rat liver slices and of Yoshida ascites hepatoma cells.

7.38 X 10(-4) M octanoate does not significantly modify leucine incorporation into protein of rat liver slices, while in hepatoma cells a 19% inhibition has been noted. 3.69 x 10(-3) M octanoate reduces leucine incorporation to about the same extent (71-76%) in both liver slices and hepatoma cells.     

Parameters affecting the maximum cell concentration of Tetrahymena

In cultures with efficient aeration a maximum cell concentration (MCC) of 6 X 10(5) cells/ml (defined medium) and 5.5 X 10(6) cells/ml (broth) can be reached. By culturing within Millicells with excess supply of medium and efficient removal of waste products a physical limit for MCC of about 13 X 10(6) cells/ml is reached.     

An unpublished autograph by Christiaan Huygens: His letter to David Gregory of 19 January 1694

A letter written by Christiaan Huygens to David Gregory (19 January 1694) is published here for the first time. After an introduction about the contacts between the two correspondents, an annotated English translation of the letter is given. The letter forms part of the wider correspondence about the ‘new calculus’, in which L'Hospital and Leibniz also participated, and gives some new evidence about Huygens's ambivalent attitude towards the new developments. Therefore, two mathematical passages in the letter are discussed separately. An appendix contains the original Latin text.     

Alpha-mannosidase activity of different human biological fluids]

Two distinct alpha-mannosidases have been found in biological fluids by investigating the effect of pH on activity, the effect of Co2+ and Zn2+ and by determining the Michaelis constant. The two enzymes are designated as S, predominating in serum (optimum pH about 5.6) and U, predominating in urine (optimum pH about 4.2). In cerebro-spinal fluid, the amount of alpha-mannosidase S is almost the same as that of alpha-mannosidase U. Alpha-mannosidase S activity in sera is significantly higher in children than in adults.     

Recent observations on the structure and the properties of yeast NMN adenylyltransferase

Summary A homogeneous preparation of yeast NMN adenylyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.1) showed microheterogeneity, which was revealed by FPLC (Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography) ion exchange chromatography. The resolved components have been characterized with respect to electrophoretic behavior and adenine content. The results led to a hypothesis about a possible role of poly(ADP-ribosylation) in modulating the enzyme activity.     

Initiation of germination of Clostridium difficile spores by lysozyme]

The germination rate of spores of C. difficile which is usually lower than 10(-5) is raised to about 5.10(-3) in presence of lysozyme. All spores are initiated by lysozyme when previously treated by sodium thioglycolate. These spores are indeed lysozyme-dependent for germination.     

Prediction of protein function and pathways in the genome era

The growing number of completely sequenced genomes adds new dimensions to the use of sequence analysis to predict protein function. Compared with the classical knowledge transfer from one protein to a similar sequence (homology-based function prediction), knowledge about the corresponding genes in other genomes (orthology-based function prediction) provides more specific information about the proteins function, while the analysis of the sequence in its genomic context (context-based function prediction) provides information about its functional context. Whereas homology-based methods predict the molecular function of a protein, genomic context methods predict the biological process in which it plays a role. These complementary approaches can be combined to elucidate complete functional networks and biochemical pathways from the genome sequence of an organism. Here we review recent advances in the field of genomic-context based methods of protein function prediction. Techniques are highlighted with examples, including an analysis that combines information from genomic-context with homology to predict a role of the RNase L inhibitor in the maturation of ribosomal RNA.Received 16 October 2003; received after revision 25 November 2003; accepted 26 November 2003     

High molecular weight FGF2: the biology of a nuclear growth factor

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is one of the most studied growth factors to date. Most attention has been dedicated to the smallest, 18kDa FGF2 variant that is released by cells and acts through activation of cell-surface FGF-receptor tyrosine kinases. There are, however, several higher molecular weight (HMW) variants of FGF2 that rarely leave their producing cells, are retained in the nucleus and act independently of FGF-receptors (FGFR). Despite significant evidence documenting the expression and intracellular trafficking of HMW FGF2, many important questions remain about the physiological roles and mechanisms of action of HMW FGF2. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the biology of HMW FGF2, its role in disease and areas for future investigation. Received 28 July 2008; received after revision 18 August 2008; accepted 22 August 2008     

Effects of cycloheximide on protein synthesis in human lung tumors, regenerating rat liver and hepatomas

10(-4) M cycloheximide (CHM) inhibits leucine incorporation to about the same degree in slices of human lung tumors, rat hepatomas, regenerating livers and normal tissues. At 10(-6) M, CHM has a more pronounced effect on tumor tissue and regenerating liver than on normal tissues. 10(-8) M CHM stimulates protein synthesis in normal rat liver slices.     

Copper metabolism in the LEC rat: Involvement of induction of metallothionein and disposition of zinc and iron

The Cu concentration was about 40 times higher in the liver of LEC (Long-Evans with a cinnamon-like coat color) rats aged 77 days (227.5±21.6 g/g liver) than in Fischer rats (5.2±0.1 g/g liver). However, in the kidney and brain of the LEC rats, Cu concentrations were lower than in these organs of the Fischer rats. Cu concentration in the hepatic metallothionein fraction was about 130 times higher in the LEC rats than in the Fischer rats. The LEC rats showed markedly low concentrations of Cu in the serum and bile. It seems likely that excretion of Cu from the liver into the bile and blood (as ceruloplasmin) is inherently lacking in the LEC rat.     

Recent observations on the structure and the properties of yeast NMN adenylyltransferase

A homogeneous preparation of yeast NMN adenylyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.1) showed microheterogeneity, which was revealed by FPLC (Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography) ion exchange chromatography. The resolved components have been characterized with respect to electrophoretic behavior and adenine content. The results led to a hypothesis about a possible role of poly(ADP-ribosylation) in modulating the enzyme activity.     

Studies on stable and during early imbibition phases synthesized poly(A)-RNA of Agrostemma githago embryos (author's transl)]

RNA isolated from dry embryos of Agrostemma githago seeds contains poly(A)-sequences, but in very small amounts. In the early phase of imbibition, an intensive synthesis of poly(A)-containing RNA is brought about. The importance of this synthesis of poly(A)-RNA is discussed.     

Mast cells in the pinna of Balb/c 'nude' (nu/nu) and heterozygotes (ny/+)mice.

The relative number of mast cells in the ear lobes' skin (pinna) of nude (athymic) nu/nu and normal (thymic) nu/+ heterozygotes of Balb/c mice was similar. The results obtained contradict some suggestions about the general influence of the thymus on the number of mast cells in the skin and suggest the existence of some local factor(s) in regulation of skin mast cell numbers.