Anaerobic ammonium oxidation by anammox bacteria in the Black Sea

The availability of fixed inorganic nitrogen (nitrate, nitrite and ammonium) limits primary productivity in many oceanic regions. The conversion of nitrate to N2 by heterotrophic bacteria (denitrification) is believed to be the only important sink for fixed inorganic nitrogen in the ocean. Here we provide evidence for bacteria that anaerobically oxidize ammonium with nitrite to N2 in the world's largest anoxic basin, the Black Sea. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences shows that these bacteria are related to members of the order Planctomycetales performing the anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation) process in ammonium-removing bioreactors. Nutrient profiles, fluorescently labelled RNA probes, 15N tracer experiments and the distribution of specific 'ladderane' membrane lipids indicate that ammonium diffusing upwards from the anoxic deep water is consumed by anammox bacteria below the oxic zone. This is the first time that anammox bacteria have been identified and directly linked to the removal of fixed inorganic nitrogen in the environment. The widespread occurrence of ammonium consumption in suboxic marine settings indicates that anammox might be important in the oceanic nitrogen cycle.     

Effect of copulation or vaginal stimulation on melanocyte-stimulating hormone content of the hypophysis

Résumé Dans le rat, 1 h après la copulation, la concentration de l'MSH de l'hypophyse présente une diminution statistiquement significative, autant chez le mâle que chez la femelle. La stimulation vaginale avec une baguette de verre provoqua 60 et 120 min plus tard une diminution de la concentration de plus de 50% de l'MSH de l'hypophyse. Au bout de 30 min, on n'a observé aucun changement. On en déduit que la copulation ou la stimulation vaginale libère l'MSH.

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This investigation was supported by grant No. NB 04732-03 from the NIH, US. Public health Service.     

Some properties of the goat placental lactogen

Summary Goat placental lactogen was partially purified from a medium collected after placental tissue incubation. The data obtained by disc electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing experiments, as well as by means of radioreceptor assay methods, provide evidence of the similarity between the goat and ovine placental lactogen.The careful technical assistance of L. Tichovská is gratefuly acknowledged.     

A quantitative morphological study of the optic nerve of pre-weanling rats

Summary A quantitative histological estimation of the optic nerve of pre-weanling rats has revealed that the total fiber number decreases rapidly between 7 and 25 days of age.Acknowledgment. We wish to thank Professor Clegg for advice and encouragement concerning this work.     

溅射用铁电陶瓷靶的烧结与显微结构分析

探讨了溅射用铁电陶瓷靶（ＰＺＴ，ＰＬＺＴ）的烧结工艺，并对其显微结构进行了分析。结果表明，采用新的烧结工艺（含保护措施），可以有效地抑制ＰｂＯ的挥发，制备出组织结构及成分均匀、ＰｂＯ含量正常、致密度较高、不变形的符合磁控溅射要求的铁电陶瓷烧结靶。