Determinant selection is a macrophage dependent immune response gene function

Immune response (Ir) genes are linked to the species histocompatibility complex and define as yet uncharacterised phenotypic products which control the immune response to thymus dependent antigens. Antibody formation and antigen induced T lymphocyte proliferation are two examples of immune phenomena which, in vivo and in vitro, operate under Ir gene influence. To clarify their mechanism of action and cellular location, we have examined the contribution of antigen structure (amino acid sequence and conformation to Ir gene control of antigen recognition by T lymphocytes) as well as to the critical role played by the antigen presenting macrophage in expression of that control. We report that immune response gene control of antigen recognition operates at least in part at the level of the macrophage.     

Dissociation of glucocorticoid effects of C-21 steroids at high concentrations in thymocytes

Summary A dissociation between inhibition of RNA synthesis and cell lysis was observed when thymocytes of adrenalectomized rats were incubated with high concentrations of pregn-4-ene-11-ol-3, 20-dione and pregna-1,4-diene-11-ol-3,20-dione. In contrast, no dissociation of these effects was found with the typical glucocorticoids cortisol and corticosterone, nor with their 1,4-diene analogs under the same conditions.Acknowledgments. This work was supported by grants from the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de la República Argentina to the Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental and the Programa de Regulación Hormonal y Metabólica as well as by financial help from the Secretaría de Ciencia y Tecnología.     

The ocean as a supplier of food and energy

Summary This paper presents the concept of raising seaweeds and other valuable organisms with the aid of huge structures (ocean farms) emplaced in the surface waters of the open oceans. Potential advantages from and difficulties to be expected in realizing the associated technologies are briefly set forth. Much of the published literature pertaining to the concept is referenced and summarized. Wave-powered upwelling of cool, nutrient-rich waters through vertical pipes extending to depths of 100–300 m is indicated as desirable. Technologies are outlined for using the harvested seaweeds to create foods and other valuable products such as animal feeds, fertilizers, fibers, plastics, synthetic natural gas (methane), and alcohol and gasoline fuels. Results from site selection studies and economic analyses are given. It appears that dynamically positioned farms orbiting with the surface current patterns typically found on the ocean will be most cost-effective. The general conclusion is stated that open ocean farming will become economically more feasible as the cheaper fossil fuels and food producing lands of the earth become increasingly consumed in the course of the next century.