Expression of active human factor VIII from recombinant DNA clones

DNA clones encoding the complete 2,351 amino acid sequence for human factor VIII have been isolated and used to produce biologically active factor VIII in cultured mammalian cells. The recombinant protein corrects the clotting time of plasma from haemophiliacs and has many of the biochemical and immunological characteristics of serum-derived factor VIII.     

Carbon dioxide reduction and nitrogenase activity in organo-molybdenum microstructures

Summary Organo-molybdenum microstructures were prepared by visible light irradiation of ammonium molybdate, formaldehyde, ammonium phosphate and a mineral solution. These microstructures are shown to be capable of carbon dioxide photoreduction, nitrogenase activity, and water decomposition, and may represent a metabolic stage between the nonliving and the living.We acknowledge the many discussions and aid of Drs Sherwood Chang, Hyman Hartman, and Messrs Glen Pollock and Andrew Brittain. This work was supported in part by NASA research grant NGR 12-001-109, by the University of Hawaii, and by the NASA Ames Research Center.     

Polymorphisms in mitochondrial DNA of european and Africanized honeybees (Apis mellifera)

Summary This study demonstrates polymorphisms in both the length and in the restriction enzyme cleavage sites of honeybee mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The levels of variation are typical of those found in other metazoan species. These polymorphisms are potentially useful for the identification of Africanized bees in the western hemisphere and for study of honeybee phylogenetics.     

Lithium and rubidium: Effects on the rhythmic swimming movement of jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)

Summary The effects of adding LiCl, RbCl, KCl or NaCl to sea water at concentrations up to 30 mmoles/1 on the frequency of contraction of jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) suggest that studies on phylogenetically low animals with relatively simple nervous systems may be of use to determine mechanisms of action of lithium and rubidium on movements.Acknowledgments. We thank P. Carl Petersens Fund and the Danish Medical Research Council for financial support and Henning Petersen for permission to carry out our experiments at Mols Laboratory.