Production of heteroagglutinins in haemocytes of Leucophaea maderae L.

It was our purpose to study the immunological activity of circulating fluid cells in the blattoid insect Leucophaea maderae L. These cells are generically called haemocytes; after a preliminary morphological study under optical microscope, they were treated with anti-heteroagglutinins serum marked with fluorescein isothiocyanate. Thus, it was possible to show the presence of heteroagglutinins into the cytoplasm, as regards one group of haemocytes, and on the cell membrane for the second group.     

The relation between capillaries and neurons in the caudal neurosecretory system ofPomatomus saltatrix

Summary The caudal neurosecretory system ofPomatomus saltatrix was examined. Particular interest was devoted to the perikarya of the neurosecretory cells. The majority of these cells were characterized by a close association with the capillary network. The cells appeared to ensheath the capillaries thus bringing the nucleus and perinuclear cytoplasm into close association with the capillaries.Supported byA. D. Williams No. 3558 (505), Medical College of Virginia. The authors are grateful to Dr.H. R. Seibel for reading this report.     

Nachweis von Scilliglaucosidin in den Zwiebeln vonBowiea volubilis Harvey

Summary Hellebrigenin was converted to Scilliglaucosidin-19-ol and 3-Epi-Scilliglaucosidin-19-ol. This proves the correctness of the assumption ofStoll et al. ³ that the aldehydic group of Scilliglaucosidin is in position C-10.Comparison of a reduction product of Nabogenin, a substance isolated earlier from the bulbs ofBowiea volubilis Harvey, with Scilliglaucosidin-19-ol and 3-Epi-Scilliglaucosidin-19-ol showed its identity with the first named compound. This proves that the so called Nabogenin was a mixture consisting mainly of Scilliglaucosidin.

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8. Mitteilung über die Glykoside vonBowiea vocubilis Harvey und 162. Mitteilung über Glykoside und Aglykone.

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7. Mitt.:A. Katz, Helv. chim. Acta38, 1565 (1955).

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161. Mitt.:H. Kündig-Hegedüs undO. Schindler, Helv. chim. Acta39, 904 (1956).     

Démonstration du caractère géographique de la parthénogénèse deSaga pedo Pallas et de sa polyploïdie,par comparaison avec les espèces bisexuéesS. ephippigera Fisch. etS. gracilipes Uvar

Summary The males of two species of Palestine,Saga ephippigera Fisch. andS. gracilipes Uvar have respectively 33 and 31 chromosomes in the diploid state.S. pedo Pallas, a parthenogenetic thelytoc species largely distributed in Europe, has 68 chromosomes and probably represents a tetraploid. The cells of the three species have identical dimensions and the polyploidS. pedo is even the smallest in size.     

Variations de la différence de potentiel électrochimique des chlorures chezNitella en présence de benzène sulphonate

Summary The chloride electrochemical potential difference between the inside of cells ofNitella translucens and some external solutions, where Cl has been progressively replaced by benzenesulphonate, has been measured by means of Ag-AgCl electrodes. It appears that benzenesulphonate moves into the cell by an electrogenic pump and that the uptake of Cl byNitella is not in contradiction with a carrier hypothesis.

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This work was supported by grants from the F.N.R.S. and was carried out in the Biophysics Section of the Edinburgh University. We are indebted to Dr. E. J.Williams and Dr.Hogg for having sponsored this research and kindly provided the material.     

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.     

Bestimmung des DNS-Gehaltes in Zellkernen des Nervengewebes vonHelix pomatia L. undPlanorbarius corneus L. (Stylommatophora und Basommatophora,Gastropoda)

Summary It has been demonstrated by cytophotometric measurements of the DNA-content in glial- and nerve cells of the snailsHelix pomatia (Stylommatophora) andPlanorbarius corneus (Basommatophora) that the giant nuclei of nerve cells in the central ganglia contain more than tens of thousands of DNA compared with sperm nuclei. According to the DNA-content of sperms (=n), the values for glial cells are between 2n and 4n for both species.

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Herrn Prof. Dr. W.Dittrich, Institut für Strahlenbiologie der Universität Münster, danke ich für die Möglichkeit, am UMSP I arbeiten zu dürfen; Frl. A.Stipproweit danke ich für sorgfältige technische Assistenz.     

Suspension culture ofNigella sativa

Summary In suspension culture 91% free cells ofNigella sativa was obtained inWhite's medium supplemented with casein hydrolysate, inositol and adenine. Ploidy distribution pattern was similar in cell clumps of different sizes and free cells. Chromosomal irregularities were more in free cells. A number of globular embryoid were formed when casein hydrolysate, inositol and adenine were added in the medium after subsequent omission of auxin and coconut milk.     

Isomériecis-trans des ménaquinones et oxydations phosphorylantes dans les extraits deMycobacterium phlei

Summary Incubation ofM. phlei washed cells with [¹⁴C³H₃]-l-methionine led to [2-¹⁴C³H₃] dihydromena-quinone-9 with an isotope ratio identical to that of methionine. Chromatography of the doubly labelled quinone indicated, despite a pronounced isotope effect, that bothcis andtrans isomers had the same isotope ratio. This result eliminates any possibility of hydrogen exchange in the 2-methyl group of menaquinones during oxydative phosphorylation, even in thecis isomer. Furthermore, it is confirmed that this compound is certainly formed from natural or synthetic menaquinones during isolation or incubation periods by the effect of daylight irradiation.     

The size distribution ofTetrahymena in relation to its position in the cell cycle

Summary Tetrahymena size distribution during the cell cycle was analyzed by means of radioautography with the aid of a sonic-digitizer, and a computer. The study demonstrates that as the organism ages and passes through the various cell cycle phases the volume distribution of the organisms in each phase remains lognormal.Acknowledgments. This work was supported by a research grant from Gtiftung Volkswagenwerk No. 112273 toA. Ron. The authors wish to acknowledge the technical help of Mrs.O. Horovitz and MissS. Urieli, as well as the expert photomicrography of Mrs.E. Salomon.     

Die Reizschwelle der Sinnesorgane als physikalisches Problem

Summary A survey is given of recent work on physical aspects of sensory processes. The reasoning which leads to the generally recognized view that one rod of the retina is excited by only one quantum of light is given in par. II. In par. IIIa summary is given of the papers byHecht andVan der Velden on the number of rods which must be struck in order to obtaina sensation of light. Par. III describes the role of the quantum character of light at higher intensities (de Vries), where it sets a limit to intensity discrimination and visual acuity. The influence of Brownian movement on the process of hearing is discussed in par. VI. It is found that the Brownian movement of the inner ear is close to the threshold actually observed (de Vries), whereas the Brownian motion of the air at the eardrum (seeSivian andWhite) is below the audible threshold. The role of the Brownian movementin the sense cells is described in par. VII; the results are used for an analysis of the mechanism of hearing (see alsode Vries); evidence is obtained that electric voltages are generated in the tectorial membrane (the well-known cochlear microphonics) and that they play an important part in the mechanism of energy transfer to the sense cells (similar voltages were also derived from the cupolæ in the lateral lines of fishes by the present author). Finally some physical arguments are sumarized againstYeagley's theory of bird navigation.     

Zur leukotaktischen Wirkung von Aminosäuren in Liquor cerebrospinalis

Summary Intercisternal injections of-aminobutyric acid,l-asparagin,l-glutamine,l-leucine andl-norleucine exert a strong leukotactic action and in dogs result after a short time in a maximum cell increase of 76,000/3 cells.     

Antiinflammatory reaction associated with murine L1210 leukemia

Summary Mice bearing L1210 leukemia did not show impaired humoral or cellular immune response to antigenic stimulation during the early stage of the tumor, and a depressed response was noted only in the terminal stage. L1210 cells were shown to suppress inflammatory reaction in vivo.Supported in part by USPHS research grant No.5-01-RR05-352-12, and by theIndependent Order of Foresters, San Bernardino District 3208. We acknowledge the valuable assistance ofJudith Johnson andJames Tan in this project. Histopathological examination byDick H. Koobs is appreciated.     

Polyploidisierung von Getreidearten durch Lindan-haltige Beizmittel

Summary After treatment ofHordeum vulgare, Secale cereale, Triticum aestivum andAvena sativa with Lindan-containing seed dressings, the somatic chromosomes in the root tip mitoses were analyzed. Most of the chromosome sets in the root tip cells have been polyploidized. Using pure Lindan (-hexachlorocyclohexane), it could be shown that this insecticide is responsible for the induction of polyploidy.

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Für gewissenhafte Mithilfe bei den cytologischen Untersuchungen danken wir FrauG. Westermeier, Frl.E. Kunzmann und HerrnO. L. Koller.     

J. Zaragosa's centrum minimum,an early version of barycentric geometry

Summary Using the properties of the Centre of Gravity to obtain geometrical results goes back to Archimedes, but the idea of associating weights to points in calculating ratios was introduced by Giovanni Ceva in De lineis rectis se invicem secantibus: statica constructio (Milan, 1678). Four years prior to the publication of Ceva's work, however, another publication, entitled Geometria Magna in Minimis (Toledo, 1674), 2 appeared stating a method similar to Ceva's, but using isomorphic procedures of a geometric nature. The author was a Spanish Jesuit by the name of Joseph Zaragoza.Endeavouring to demonstrate an Apollonius' geometrical locus, Zaragoza conceived his idea of centrum minimum — a point strictly defined in traditional geometrical terms — the properties of which are characteristic of the Centre of Gravity. From this new concept, Zaragoza developed a theory that can be considered an early draft of the barycentric theory that F. Mobius was to establish 150 years later in Der barycentrische Calcul (Leipzig, 1827).Now then, whereas Ceva's work was rediscovered and due credit was given him, to this day Zaragoza's work has remained virtually unnoticed.     

Diterpene acids as larval growth inhibitors

Summary Kaurenoic and trachylobanoic acids from sunflower inhibited larval development in several Lepidoptera species. The tricyclic resin acids were also effective in curtailing growth ofPectinophora gossypiella and either reduction to carbinol or esterification of the carboxyl group lowered activity. Partial reversal of growth inhibition in the presence of relatively large amounts of cholesterol suggests an interaction with the insects' hormonal system.Acknowledgment. We wish to thankM. Rose andJ. Baker for insect bioassays.     

Mitosis in the haemocytes ofSarcophaga ruficornis (diptera)

Summary Among the haemocytes ofSarcophaga ruficornis, only the prohaemocytes divide. Injection of phytohaemagglutinin-P induces 100% prohaemocytes to undergo mitosis but does not induce mitosis in other cells. Mitotic stages other than the prophase are apparently very short lived.Acknowledgment. We express our gratitude to the State Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, U.P. for the grant of financial assistance to U.S.S.     

Die physikalische Kieme der Wasserinsekten

Summary The air stores carried by a number of aquatic insects have: a) a hydrostatic function (Brocher, Oortwijn-Botjes, Thorpe, andCrisp); b) the function of an oxygen store (Ege, de Ruiter et al.) and c) the function of a physical gill (Strauss-Durckheim, Ege, etc.). The fact that oxygen is taken up from water with the aid of an air bubble was demonstrated forNotonecta by comparing the life time of insects with and without physical gill (while replenishing the oxygen store from the air was prevented) byEge, and forCorixa byPopham, whileVlasblom determined the oxygen uptake from water with and without air bubble forNotonecta, Naucoris, Corixa, Sigara andNepa. Nepa andSigara can take up considerable quantities of oxygen by cutaneous respiration.During the summer, the gill function of the air store ofNotonecta andNaucoris is of importance only when a water current passes along the animal, caused by ventilation movements of the legs (de Ruiter et al.). At low temperatures, however, the metabolic rate is so low that in many instances the physical gill provides the oxygen required without ventilation movements.An apparatus for the simultaneous determination of oxygen uptake from air and water (Wolvekamp andVlasblom) gave results that provided a means of evaluating the importance of the physical gill function.In some cases, the air store, although in direct contact with the water, does not need to be replenished. InAphelocheirus andElmis, the negative pressure in the bubble, caused by oxygen consumption and the diffusing out of part of the nitrogen, is compensated for by the mechanical resistance of a feltwork of thin hairs and the surface tension of the boundary layer of the water (Thorpe andCrisp). In the African beetle,Potamodytes, the unprotected air bubble is permanent because the strong river currents produce a lowered pressure around the animal according toBernoulli's principle (Stride).     

Mast cells in the skin of normal,hairless and athymic mice

Summary The skin of congenitally athymicnu/nu mice is rich in mast cells which stain metachromatically, contain histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine, and participate in the PCA reaction. Mast cells of athymic mice have thus the attributes of normal mast cells.This work was supported by grants from the Swiss National Science Foundation (No. 3.516.71 and 3.234.74) and the Fritz Hoffmann-La-Roche-Stiftung.The skilful technical assistance of MissR. Keist is gratefully acknowledged.     

La question des hétérochromosomes chez les Sauropsidés. Oiseaux

Summary The chromosomes of the fowl were studied with the aid ofMakino's andNishimura's water pretreatment squash technique, modified byMatthey, in embryonic spleen and gonads of both sexes. The number of chromosomes was found to be about 78; the numerical variations are to be ascribed to technical difficulties, caused by the extremely small size of the microchromosomes, rather than to an unchromosomelike behaviour of the latter, as was supposed byNewcomer andBrant. As to the exact number of chromosomes, we consider its determination beyond the possibilities of cytology. The 5^th largest pair of the male, represented by a single element in the female, could be identified as the sex chromosome pair, in accordance with the findings ofYamashina. The digamety might be of theZ-O orZ-W type.