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With traditional epidemiologic research designs, few environmental risk factors for malignant brain tumors have been revealed, and although syndromes exist where brain tumors occur frequently, these explain a small proportion of the overall incidence. In a similar way, the search for genetic causes has been thwarted by the rarity of families with multiple affected relatives, inhibiting genetic linkage, sib-pair, or even population-based association studies. Molecular genetic studies generally involve searching for candidate proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes by comparing DNA from tumor material with constitutional (germline) DNA. However, it remains difficult to distinguish causative genetic aberrations from chaotic neoplastic processes, and studies so far have not yielded consistent information on the location of such causative genetic lesions. The current literature covering the molecular genetics of glioma is discussed herein and alternative approaches that can be used to identify genetic causes of glioma described.

1. The neuropeptide proctolin (Arg-Tyr-Leu-Pro-Thr) both potentiates neurally evoked contractions and causes contractures of insect skeletal muscle. In the hindleg extensor tibiae muscle of the locust, Schistocerca gregaria, the proctolin analogue [Afb (p-NO2)2]-proctolin is also able to potentiate neurally evoked contractions but is approximately 1,000-fold less effective in evoking contractures. 2. Proctolin and [Afb (p-NO2)2]-proctolin are equipotent in their ability to elevate the second-messenger inositol trisphosphate in isolated extensor tibiae muscle fiber membranes. 3. [Afb (p-NO2)2]-proctolin is approximately 1,000-fold less effective than proctolin in reducing the resting potassium conductance (GK) in extensor tibiae fibers. 4. We conclude that the action of proctolin on the extensor tibiae muscle is mediated by at least two receptor subtypes and that [Afb (p-NO2)2]-proctolin acts selectively on the receptor that potentiates neurally evoked contractions.

Dental plaque extracts and culture supernatants from ten strains of dental plaque bacteria were assayed for smooth muscle contracting activity which is indicative of inflammatory capability. Three types of smooth muscle contracting substances were detected. Firstly, a substance active on guinea-pig ileum, antagonised by mepyramine, and produced in higher levels when cultures were grown with histidine. Secondly, a substance active on the rat fundic strip preparation, antagonised by N,N-dimethyltryptamme, and produced in higher levels when cultures were grown with tryptophan. These spasmogens were probably histamine and tryptamine respectively. The histamine-like and tryptamine-like activity measured in a dental plaque extract gave levels equivalent to 100 and 84 nmole of respective amine per g wet weight of plaque.A third group of spasmogens active on the rat fundic strip preparation were detected in culture supernatants. This activity was probably caused by acetate, propionate, butyrate and other short chain fatty-acid salts which at sub-threshold concentrations would interact synergistically with histamine or tryptamine.The findings taken together suggest that in vivo, dental plaque microorganisms may be capable of producing both vasoactive amines and carboxylic acids which by acting singly or synergistically may cause or contribute to periodontal inflammation in the host.

EUROPEThe Third Statistical Account of Scotland. The County of Dumfries. Edited by G. Houston. 9 × 5¾. Pp. 461. 21 tables. 10 figures. 23 plates. Folding map inside back cover. Glasgow: Collins, 1962. 42s.Reclamation! By T. B. L. Thomson et al. 8½ × 5¾. Pp. 84. 8 photographs. 2 maps. 7 tables. Winchburgh: The Scottish Peat and Land Development Association, 1962. 2s. 6d.Uig: A Hebridean Parish. Parts I & II. By H. A. Moisley and members of The Geographical Field Group. 9¾ × 8. Pp. ii + 56.26 figures. 19 tables. Produced jointly by Department of Geography, The University of Glasgow, and The Geographical Field Group, Nottingham, 1962.New Ways Through the Glens. By A. R. B. Haldane. 8¾ × 5¾. Pp. xvi + 248. Frontispiece. 15 plates. Folding map. Edinburgh: Thomas Nelson & Sons Ltd., 1962. 30s.Plant Communities of the Scottish Highlands', a study of Scottish mountain, moorland and forest vegetation. By Donald N. McVean and Derek A. Ratcliffe. Monographs of the Nature Conservancy, No. 1. 7¼ × 10¾. Pp. xii + 445. 26 plates. 36 maps. 36 figs. London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1962. 77s. 6d.Tayside Geology. By F. Walker. 8 × 5. Pp.82. 2 full-colour plates. 25 plates. 11 figures. 3 tables. Folding map inside back cover. Dundee: Dundee Museum and Art Gallery, 1961. 5s.Highland Landscape: A Survey. By W. H. Murray. 8¾ × 5¾. Pp. 80. Folding map. 21 sketch maps. Edinburgh: The National Trust for Scotland, 1962. 15s.Welsh Rural Communities. By D. Jenkins, E. Jones, T. Jones Hughes and T. M. Owen. Edited by E. Davies and A. D. Rees. 8¾ × 5¾. Pp. xi + 254. 23 figures. 8 plates. Cardiff: The University of Wales Press, 1960. 15s.British Towns: A Statistical Study of their Social and Economic Differences. By C. A. Moser and W. Scott. 10 × 6¼. Pp. xii + 169. 3 maps. 4 figures. 33 tables. Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd, 1961. 30s.The Geography of Communications in Great Britain. By J. H. Appleton. 5½ × 8½. Pp. xix + 251. 43 figures. 42 plates. London: Published for the University of Hull by Oxford University Press, 1962. 30s.AUSTRALASIAAustralasia. By H. Rees. The New Certificate Geography Series. 9 × 5½. Pp. xv + 264. 55 figures. 38 tables. London: Macdonald & Evans Ltd., 1962. 20s.To the Mountains of the Stars. By L. D. Brongersma and G. F. Venema. 9× 6. Pp. xv + 318. 48 photographs. 23 figures. 2 end-paper maps. London: Hodder and Stoughton Ltd., 1962. 42s.ASIACrossroads: Land and Life in Southwest Asia. By G. B. Cressey. 10 5 7. Pp. xiv + 593. Numerous photographs, maps, diagrams. Chicago: J. B. Lippincott Company, 1960. $12.00.The Middle East. By W. B. Fisher. 8½ × 5½. Pp. xiii + 557. 2 folding maps. 103 maps and diagrams. London: Methuen & Co. Ltd. 4th edition revised. 1961. 50s.CLIMATOLOGYThe Challenge of the Atmosphere. By O. G. Sutton. 8½ × 5½. Pp. xiii + 228. 48 figures. London: Hutchinson, 1962. 21s.CEOMORPHOLOGYMorphology of the Earth. By Lester King. Pp. xii + 699. 250 text-figures (three as pocketed maps). 14 plates. Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd, 1962. 84s.ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHYThe Geography of Economic Activity. By R. S. Thoman. 9¾ × 8¼. Pp. 602. Numerous photographs, maps, graphs and tables. London: McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. Ltd., 1962. 69s. 6d.ATLASESElementary Atlas. Edited by H. Fullard. 11 × 8¾. Pp. xii (black and white maps and text) + 40 (colour maps) + 12 (index). Tables, graphs etc. inside back cover. London: George Philip & Son Ltd., 100th edition, 1962. 5s. 6d.Haygagan Sovetagan Sotsialistagan Resbubligayi Atlas. (Atlas of the Armenian Geographical Society). 13¼ × 13¾. Pp. viii + 111. Moscow-Yerevan: The Chief Directorate of Geodesy and Cartography, Ministry of Internal Affairs, 1961. 3r. 50k.ANOTHER MAJOR SOVIET ATLASGENERALI.G.Y. The Year of the New Moons. By J. T. Wilson. 8¾ × 5½. Pp. 352. 46 line-drawings. 19 tables. 55 plates. London: Michael Joseph, 1961. 30s.

EUROPECanon Company. By R. H. Campbell. 9 × 5¾. Pp. xii + 346. 12 plates. End-paper map. Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd, 1961. 30s.On Scottish Hills by W. Kersley Holmes. 8¾ × 5½. Pp. x + 128. 16 plates. Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd, revised edition, 1962. 15s.The Third Statistical Account of Scotland. Vol. 9. The County of Argyll. Edited by C. M. MacDonald. 8½ × 5½. Pp. 396. 18 figures. 17 plates and folding map at back. Glasgow: Collins, 1961. 42s.The Economic Geology of the Fife Coalfields. Area II. Cowdenbeath and Central Fife. Memoirs of the Geological Survey, Scotland. By E. H. Francis. 9¾ × 6. Pp. viii + 152. 3 folding maps. 12 figures. Edinburgh: Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 2nd Edition, 1961. 25s.The Industries of London Since 1861. By P. G. Hall. 7½ × 5. Pp. 192. 23 maps. 26 tables. 3 end-paper maps. London: Hutchinson University Library, 1962. 12s. 6d.La Vendée littorale, étude de géomorphologie. By Mireille Ters. Pp. 578. 11 × 8½ 50 figures and 68 photos. Rennes and Paris: Oberthür, 1961. n.p.Malta: background for development. H. Bowen-Jones, J. C. Dewdney and W. B. Fisher. 7 × 9¾. Pp. 356. 143 figures. 47 tables. 20 plates. Department of Geography, Durham Colleges, Research Paper Series No. 5. Newcastle upon Tyne: King's College, 1961. 42s.AMERICANorth America, A Regional Geography. By J. H. Paterson. 8¾ × 5¾. Pp. xiii + 454. 79 figures. 24 plates. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1960. 37s. 6d.The Falkland Islands. By M. B. R. Cawkell, D. H. Maling & E. M. Cawkell. 8½ × 5½. Pp. xii + 252. 16 plates. 4 figures. Frontispiece map. London: MacMillan & Co., 1961.18s.AUSTRALIALand Use Research in the Hunter Valley. Monograph 6. The Land Cover Survey. By T. M. Burley. 10 × 8. Pp. iv + 28 (+ 16 appendix). 5 figures. Newcastle, NSW: The Hunter Valley Research Foundation, 1961. 5s. Monograph 9. The Land Cover Pattern. By T. M. Burley. 10 × 8. Pp. vi + 93. 28 plates. 17 figures. 2 folding maps (1:253,440) inside back cover. Newcastle NSW: The Hunter Valley Research Foundation, 1961. n.p.ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHYIndustrial Activity and Economic Geography. By R. C. Estall & R. Ogilvie Buchanan. 7½ × 4¾. Pp. 232. 2 maps. 2 end-paper maps. 14 tables. London: Hutchinson University Library, 1961. 12s. 6d.Problems of Applied Geography. Polish Academy of Sciences Institute of Geography. Geographical Studies No. 25. Pp. 148. 14 photographs. 18 maps. 7 diagrams. Warszawa: Panstwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe, 1961.CARTOGRAPHY AND SURVEYINGPlane Surveying. By J. A. Sandover. Including chapters on photogrammetry by D. H. Maling. 8¾ × 5½. Pp. viii + 424. 206 figures. London: Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd, 1961. 35s.Photogeology. By V. C. Miller & C. F. Miller. 12½ × 10. Pp. vii + 248. 210 figures, including photographs. London: McGraw-Hill, 1961. 104s. 6d.Navigation. By H. Brinton & P. Moore. 8½ × 7. Pp. 72. 12 photographs. 38 diagrams. London: Methuen & Co. Ltd, 1961. 10s. 6d.International Yearbook of Cartography. Edited by E. Imhof. 9⅔ × 6⅔. Pp. 199. 34 plates. 69 maps and diagrams. London: George Philip & Son Ltd., 1961. 35s.ATLASESNelson's Canadian Atlas. Edited by J. W. Watson. 11¼ × 8¾. Pp. 32 (Text) + 48 (Maps) +11 (Index). Edinburgh: Thomas Nelson & Sons Ltd., 2nd Ed, 1960. 30s. Nelson's Concise World Atlas. Edited by J. W. Watson. 11¼ × 8¾. Pp. 16(Text) + 48 (Maps) + 11 (Index). Edinburgh: Thomas Nelson & Sons Ltd., 1961. 18s.Atlas over Danmark. Edited by N. Nielsen. Vol. II. Befolkningen, The Population. By A. Aagesen. Atlas volume. 21¾ × 15¼. Pp. iv + 11 coloured maps. Text volume. 11¼ × 8. Pp. 124. 30 figures, several tables. Copenhagen: Det Kongilege Danske Geograflske Selskab, 1961. D. kr. 90.00Collins' Graphic Atlas. 8⅜ × 10¼. Pp. 130 (64 of four-colour maps, 10 of black and white maps, 8 of text, photographs and cartographic sketches, 48 of index). 2 end-paper maps. Glasgow: Collins Clear Type Press, 1961. 12s. 6d. Collins' Pocket Atlas. 4⅜ × 7⅛. Pp. 173 (96 of four-colour maps, 16 of two-colour maps, 13 of text and cartographic sketches, 48 of index). Glasgow: Collins, 1961. 3s. 6d.Early Maps of the British Isles, A.D. 1000-A.D. 1579, Royal Geographical Society Reproductions of Early Maps, VII, 34 × 27½. 20 reproductions. Introduction and notes by G. R. Crone. 10 × 12½. Pp. 32. London: Royal Geographical Society, 1961. 35s.Everyman's Classical Atlas. By J. O. Thomson. Pp. lxx text + 56 maps + 34 index + 28 photographs. London: J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd., New Edition, 1961. 18s.Atlas der Republik Osterreich. Edited by H. Bobek. 18¾ × 28¾. 22 sheets, forming Part 1. Wien: Freytag-Berndt und Artaria, 1961. OS. 285.EDUCATIONALHandbook for Geography Teachers. Edited by G. J. Cons & R. C. Honeybone. 8 × 5¼. Pp. xv + 525. London: Methuen & Co., 4th edition, 1960. 22s. 6d.Europe and the British Isles. By C. E. Clowser and E. J. Colenutt. The General Certificate Geographies. Book Four. 8 × 5½. Pp. xv + 288. 53 figures. 34 photographs. Glasgow: Blackie & Son Ltd, 1961. 12s. 6d.South America. Advanced Level Geography, Book III. By D. C. Money. 8½ × 5¼. Pp. vii + 328. 42 plates. 108 figures. 90 tables. London : The University Tutorial Press, 1961. 18s.GENERALDiscovery. By E. V. Appleton et al. 8 × 5¼. Pp. 144. 33 illustrations. London: Methuen & Co., for Granada TV Network, 1961. 12s. 6d.A Glossary of Geographical Terms. Edited by L. D. Stamp. 8¾ × 5¾. Pp. xxviii + 539. London: Longmans, 1961. 63s.