Galactose-l-phosphate uridyl transferase activity in red cells of various animal species

Summary Monkey red cells were chosen as controls in tests of human red cell galactose-l-phosphate uridyl transferase, after comparing activities and isozyme patterns of the enzyme from several domestic or laboratory-bred species.     

Isolation of a Soldado-like virus (Hughes group) fromOrnithodorus maritimus ticks in Ireland

Summary Three isolations of a virus of the Hughes group were obtained from seabird ectoparasites,Ornithodoros (Alectorobius) maritimus, on Great Saltee Island, Ireland. The agent is closely related to Soldado virus, originally obtained from related ticks near Trinidad, West Indies, and represents the second recorded tickborne arbovirus in Ireland.These investigations were supported in part by the Royal Irish Academy (Praeger Fund).     

A physical map of the mouse genome

A physical map of a genome is an essential guide for navigation, allowing the location of any gene or other landmark in the chromosomal DNA. We have constructed a physical map of the mouse genome that contains 296 contigs of overlapping bacterial clones and 16,992 unique markers. The mouse contigs were aligned to the human genome sequence on the basis of 51,486 homology matches, thus enabling use of the conserved synteny (correspondence between chromosome blocks) of the two genomes to accelerate construction of the mouse map. The map provides a framework for assembly of whole-genome shotgun sequence data, and a tile path of clones for generation of the reference sequence. Definition of the human-mouse alignment at this level of resolution enables identification of a mouse clone that corresponds to almost any position in the human genome. The human sequence may be used to facilitate construction of other mammalian genome maps using the same strategy.     

Isolation of an antifreeze peptide from the Antarctic sponge <Emphasis Type="Italic">Homaxinella balfourensis</Emphasis>

Polar plants and animals survive in subzero waters (-2 degrees C) and many of these marine organisms produce antifreeze proteins (AFPs) to better adapt themselves to these conditions. AFPs prevent the growth of ice crystals which disrupt cellular membranes and destroy cells by inhibiting crystallization of water within the organism. The hydrophilic extract of an Antarctic sponge Homaxinella balfourensis exhibited a non-colligative freezing point depression effect on the crystal morphology of water. The extract was purified by repeated reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography, then assayed and shown to contain several AFPs. The major peptide was isolated, analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry and the partial structure of the peptide identified through amino acid sequencing. AFPs have potential applications in agriculture, medicine and the food industry.     

Interspecific differences in grass seed imbibition

Seeds from 12 grass species were studied relative to mode of wetting and time of exposure to water to document interspecific differences in imbibition characteristics. Imbibition causes seeds to become wet, and wet seeds are more detectable to consumers than dry seeds. Thus, germination potential and ability to remain undetected by consumers may represent an important trade-off. Seeds wetted for 0-192 h in vials imbibed water at rates equivalent to seeds wetted by contact with wet paper towels pressing against their seed coat, except for seeds of Avena sativa , which weighed more after wetting in 2-mL vials with free water (0.471 g vs. 0.432 g). Seeds from different species imbibed water at different rates. These data show that interspecific variation in imbibition for seeds is high and support an expectation that imbibition potential can interact with detectability to consumers in an evolutionary trade-off.     

The genus Aristida (Gramineae) in California

Collection data, bibliographic citations, and curatorial information on 52 names of New Mexico grass types are compiled. A bibliography of taxonomic research pertinent to the study of New Mexico grasses is cross-referenced with genera known to occur in the state.     

Gap analysis of the vegetation of the Intermountain Semi-Desert ecoregion

A conservation gap analysis was conducted for the Intermountain Semi-Desert ecoregion to assess the representation of land-cover types within areas managed primarily for biodiversity objectives. Mapped distributions of plant communities were summarized by land-management status categories. The total amount of land permanently protected in the ecoregion is < 4%, and most types that are characteristic of the region have < 10%. Of 48 land-cover types, 20 were found to be particularly vulnerable to potential loss or degradation because of low level of representation in biodiversity management areas and the impact of expected land-use activities. Gap analysis data and findings will be useful in providing a regional perspective in project impact assessment and future conservation planning within this ecoregion.