Chemical basis of pupal cannibalism in a caterpillar (Utetheisa ornatrix).

The moth Utetheisa ornatrix derives protection against predation from systemic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that it sequesters as a larva from its foodplants (Leguminosae, Crotalaria spp.). We here show, in laboratory tests, that Utetheisa deficient in body PA can make up for the chemical shortfall by cannibalizing pupae. We present evidence indicating that cannibalism in larvae is elicited not by hunger, but possibly by PA deficiency itself, and that in making cannibalistic choices larvae prefer PA-containing over PA-free pupae. PAs themselves, either in crystalline form or as additives to food items, proved phagostimulatory to larvae. In nature Utetheisa tend to pupate away from their foodplant, essentially out of reach of larval attack. The threat of cannibalism may have contributed to the evolution of this pupation behavior.     

Indoxyl derivatives of drug metabolites

Summary Indoxyl derivatives were detected as minor products among the urinary metabolites of two trial drugs, a benzodiazepine (GP 55 129) and a benzophenone (CGP 11 952). Their structures were elucidated by NMR and mass spectroscopy. Presumably, metabolites containing potential aldehyde functions react spontaneously with endogenous indoxyl. Such derivatives have not hitherto been encountered in drug metabolism.     

Purealidin A,a new cytotoxic bromotyrosine-derived alkaloid from the Okinawan marine spongePsammaplysilla purea

Summary A new bromotyrosine-derived alkaloid with antileukemic activity, purealidin A (5), has been isolated from the Okinawan marine spongePsammaplysilla purea and its chemical structure elucidated on the basis of the spectroscopic data.     

Rapporto fra “metodo” e “contenuti matematici” in P. Gesualdo Melacrinò da Reggio Calabria

Summary Father Gesualdo Melacrinò (1725–1803), from Reggio Calabria (Italy), is an unknown Capuchin philosopher and theologian, who produced several works at the time he was teaching (only five years, from 1748–53); these works contained an original approach to the foundations and philosophy of mathematics. His main purpose was to reconciliate the classical traditions with the reality of his time. For him, this included a critical examination of the scholastic curriculum and a new orientation towards the methodological relevance of mathematics for all other sciences, especially for philosophy. Concerning mathematics, he emphasized the necessity of a basic revision and logical reconstruction of its foundations. This paper provides a comparative examination of Melacrinò's work with reference to its cultural and historical environment.