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Allele frequencies are reported for 19 blood group, red cell enzyme, and serum protein loci (ABO, Rh, MN, Hb-A, LDH-A, LDH-B, SOD, PGM-1, PGM-2, 6PGD, GPT, ESD, ADA, ACP, PGK, MDH, Alb, Hp, and Tf) determined from 310 blood samples collected among the Gainj, a small population of tribal horticulturalists from highland Papua New Guniea. Fourteen of these loci display genetic variants, and ten of them are sufficiently polymorphic to permit a preliminary analysis of Gainj population structure. Patterns of variation among subdivisions of the population are analyzed using an approach analogous to a multivariate analysis of variance with unbalanced design, and weighted genetic distances are extracted from the results. The distance analysis indicates that patterns of genetic variation within this population reflect the geographical distribution of subdivisions, as well as subdivision size and movement among subdivisions. A parallel analysis of the Gainj and two other tribal groups from highland New Guinea, the Murapin Enga and the Simbai Valley Maring, suggests that the Gainj are both genetically divergent from neighboring populations and internally highly differentiated.

A rapid, flow-through, column, nonequilibrium radioimmunoassay for human chorionic somatomammotropin (HCS) is described. The total incubation time is about 1 hour, and no centrifugation is needed. Reproducibility, sensitivity, specificity, recovery, and parallelism are adequate for clinical utility. Hormone levels in a variety of pregnancy sera assayed by this column method are closely related to results from another more conventional radioimmunoassay method.

Experiments were conducted to investigate hypophyseal and follicular competency at two distinct stages of the hen's egg laying sequence: 1) 14 h prior to the first (C1) ovulation of a sequence (27 h following the previous ovulation); and 2) 14 h prior to the second (C2) ovulation of a sequence (13 h following the previous ovulation). When a single dose of mammalian luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (mLHRH) or chicken luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (cLHRH) was injected 14 h prior to a C1 ovulation, premature ovulation was induced in 19 of 20 hens. In contrast, ovulation was premature in only 1 of 20 hens when mLHRH or cLHRH was injected 14 h prior to a C2 ovulation. There was no difference between the two stages of the sequence in the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) released for up to 60 min following a single i.v. injection of 20 micrograms mLHRH. However, only prior to a C1 ovulation did LH levels further increase to reach preovulatory concentrations. By contrast, progesterone (P4) concentrations were increased within the first 60 min to a lesser extent in hens injected prior to a C2 ovulation compared to a C1 ovulation. In C2-injected birds, P4 fell to levels that were not different from vehicle-injected controls by 45 to 60 min following injection, whereas P4 secretion was maintained in hens injected prior to a C1 ovulation. We suggest that the lack of sustained LH secretion following treatment with either species of LHRH 14 h prior to a C2 ovulation is related to follicular immaturity with respect to ability to produce and secrete P4. At the dosage administered, there was no difference in the ability of mLHRH compared to cLHRH to release LH at either stage of the sequence. Finally, two successive injections of mLHRH at 14 and 13 h prior to a C2 ovulation induced premature ovulation in 6 of 11 hens. It is suggested that LH, and possibly P4, exerts a priming effect on the largest preovulatory follicle to initiate fully potentiated P4 production and secretion.

Adipocyte precursors derived from the epididymal fat pads of young adult lean (FaFa) and obese (fafa) Zucker rats were established in primary culture. The two types of culture were used to assess intrinsic cellular differences in proliferative capacity, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and triglyceride (TG) accumulation related to genotype. Proliferative capacity was similar over seven days in vitro in lean- and obese-derived cultures. Heparin-releasable LPL activity was significantly greater in lean- than in obese-derived cultures grown in media supplemented with penicillin and streptomycin (pen-strep). However, when grown in media supplemented with cephalothin, heparin-releasable and total LPL activity increased significantly in obese-derived cultures and equalled LPL activity in lean-derived cultures. Substantial LPL activity was measurable in both types of culture at confluence, before exposure to media that promoted lipid-filling. TG accumulation was significantly greater in lean-than in obese-derived cultures in the presence of pen-strep but was similar in both culture types grown in cephalothin. These data support our hypothesis that the fa gene may affect mechanisms of protein turnover regulation, since pen-strep, but not cephalothin, has inhibitory effects on mammalian protein synthesis and degradation. The substantial LPL activity present in confluent, but unconverted cultures, suggests that some percentage of cells in the confluent monolayers are adipoblasts.

The ovulatory cycle of the domestic hen is approximately 26 h in length. The hen ovulates an egg each day at a progressively later time until she finally skips a day, resets her "clock" and a new sequence is started. The ovarian component of this unique timing mechanism is the focus of this report. In Experiment 1, we asked whether there was a difference in luteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated progesterone (P4) secretion by the granulosa layer removed from the largest follicle (F1) that had been the F1 follicle for 8, 12, or 32 h. In Experiment 2, our objective was to determine whether the theca layer of an F1 follicle influenced P4 secretion by the granulosa layer of that follicle and whether such an interaction depended on the maturity of the F1 follicle (had been a F1 follicle for 8 h or 32 h). Results from Experiment 1 revealed that there was no significant difference in LH-stimulated P4 secretion by the granulosa layer in a perifusion system regardless of the length of time the follicle had been the largest follicle. In contrast, in Experiment 2, when granulosa and theca layers from the same follicle were co-incubated in a perifusion system, P4 secretion from the more mature F1 follicle (32 h) increased in response to LH, whereas P4 secretion from the less mature F1 follicle (8 h) was not elevated by LH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

This paper presents an analysis of household variables and their relationship to success in cash cropping among the Gainj of Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. Censuses and household surveys from 1978, the year in which cash cropping began, and 1983 provide data that show different patterns of change in household structure for more and less commercially successful households. The results illustrate the importance of women's labor in economic development and the dynamic nature of the relationship between household structure and economic development.

The regulation of the ovulatory cycle of the hen (Gallus domesticus) is an enigma. The hen's ovulatory cycle is approximately 26 h in length. She lays an egg each day at a progressively later time. The hen then skips a day, resets her "clock", and a new sequence is started. We investigated if the ovary regulates the ovulatory cycle. Our biologic endpoint was the measurement of basal and luteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulable adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity in granulosa layers of the largest (F1) and second largest (F2) follicles. F1 and F2 follicles were obtained at lights off on nights before the first (C1; n = 7), second (C2; n = 7), or terminal ovulation (CT; n = 5) or the night before the day when no ovulation was expected (Cskip; n = 6). F1 and F2 follicles removed on C1, C2, CT, and Cskip had been these specific follicles for 32 h, 12 h, 10 h, and 8 h, respectively. Mean basal activity (pmol/min/mg protein) for the follicles was: C1 = 27.2, C2 = 44.1, CT = 60.5, and Cskip = 68.7. No significant differences were found in LH-stimulable AC activities of these F1 follicles. Relative LH (expressed as fold increase over basal) stimulation was significantly correlated (P less than 0.001) with maturity of the F1 follicle (C1 greater than C2 greater than CT greater than Cskip). No differences in AC activity were found for the F2 follicles whether they were C1, C2, CT or Cskip. For the Cskip, relative LH AC activity for the F1 follicle (2.8) was similar to that for the F2 follicle (2.7).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adipocyte precursor cultures prepared from the epididymal fat pads of genetically obese (fafa) and lean (FaFa) Zucker rats grow similarly in culture. Addition of enriched medium (EM) containing human serum, insulin, and glucose stimulated lipid filling of the adipocyte precursors in both cultures. However, [ 3 H] H 2 O incorporation into total lipids, fatty acid synthetase and lipoprotein lipase activities, and cytosolic protein contents are all decreased in the fafa compared with the FaFa cultures. Substitution of lean or obese rat serum for human serum in the enriched medium does not alter the decreased lipogenic capacity of the fafa adipocyte precursor cultures.

Annual cyclicity of body components in wintering Pacific Golden-Plovers (Pluvialisfulva), combined with ecological and behavioral features were variously studied from 1978 through 1987. The primary research site was in Hawaii at the Bellows Air Force Station (BAFS), Oahu. After fall arrival, body weights trended downward for several weeks, possibly in response to the energy required for the behaviors associated with establishing (and reestablishing) residency combined with molting. Major premigratory weight gains began in late March about I month prior to migration. Statistical correlations between body weight and fat content are described. Premigratory dehydration as an adaptation to increase flight range and/or energy stores at the migratory destination was likely. Fat-free dry weights (FFDW) at BAFS were least in the fall and greatest in the spring. For juveniles, this difference relates to overall body growth during the first wintering season. With older birds, it may reflect the environmental conditions at the respective end points of migrationpredictably favorable for southbound migrants, unpredictable for northbound birds. Plovers wintering on Enewetak Atoll and Wake Island had significantly higher FFDWs than the birds at BAFS. Possible factors in this relationship are discussed. The BAFS population contained many territorial birds, and showed high rates of survival and site fidelity over successive years. Juveniles arriving on the wintering grounds for the first time probably experience considerable mortality as they compete with established adults for space and resources. Based on wing lengths, many of the plovers involved in this study were from Alaska breeding grounds. Flyways to the tundra may involve staging areas, but specific information is lacking. Using current formulae, we describe the relationship between body weight and flight range, and provide estimates of the fat required to reach various landfalls.

Following ovariectomy, rats were either partially lipectomized (10–15% of total body lipid was removed) or left intact, and were treated with either sesame oil vehicle or estradiol benzoate (EB; 4 μg/day) for 2 weeks. Although lipectomy resulted in a change in carcass adiposity, robust behavioral and metabolic effects of EB were observed in all animals. EB treatment induced changes in all carcass components examined, including lipid, protein and water. Lipid:protein ratios were not altered by EB treatment.

SummaryZucker obese rats are normoglycemic, hyperinsulinemic, and release more insulin from isolated pancreatic islets than do their nonobese controls. Basal glucose conversion to glycogen by muscle and to CO2 by isolated adipocytes is similar in Zucker obese and nonobese; insulin resistance is present in both tissues in the obese. There is a significant correlation between adipocyte response to insulin and pancreatic insulin release in obese and nonobese rats. The authors suggest a role for adipocytes in determining pancreatic function.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were specific personality traits associated with superior skilled women athletes. Women athletes in basketball (N = 66) were selected on the basis of placing first or second in the Amateur Athletic Union regional tournaments; field hockey players (N = 79) on the basis of placing first or second in the United States Field Hockey Association sectionals; and bowlers (N = 21) on the basis of placing first or second in the regionals of the Association of College Unions. Since golfers do not participate in sectional or regional tournaments, they were selected on the basis of participating in one of the National Women's Golf Association tournaments (N = 24). Analysis of variance involved a comparison of mean scores of the 18 variables of the California Psychological Inventory earned by the four groups. Results disclosed significant differences among the four groups on 12 variables at the .05 level. The basketball group scored significantly lower t...

1. A study has been made of the incorporation of carbon from [(14)C]methane, [(14)C]methanol and [(14)C]bicarbonate by cultures of Pseudomonas methanica growing on methane, and [(14)C]methanol by cultures of the same organism growing on methanol. 2. The distribution of radioactivity within the non-volatile constituents of the ethanol-soluble fractions of the cells, after incubation with labelled compound for periods up to 3min., has been analysed by chromatography and radioautography. 3. Over 90% of the radioactivity fixed from [(14)C]methane or [(14)C]methanol at the earliest times of sampling appeared in phosphorylated compounds. Glucose phosphate and fructose phosphate together constituted the largest part of the radioactive phosphates (70-90%); phosphoglycerate was a relatively minor component (2-17%). Other compounds becoming labelled during the incubation included glycine, serine, glutamate, aspartate, malate, citrate and alanine. 4. The first stable products of [(14)C]bicarbonate fixation were malate and aspartate (containing between them over 90% of the total radioactivity fixed at the earliest times of sampling). 5. The percentage of the total radioactivity fixed that was contained in each of the radioactive compounds has been plotted against time. The slopes of the curves obtained show that hexose phosphates are primary stable products of [(14)C]methane and [(14)C]methanol incorporation and that aspartate and malate are primary stable products of [(14)C]bicarbonate incorporation. 6. No carboxydismutase activity has been found in cell-free extracts of the organism. This fact, together with the other findings, shows that an autotrophic metabolism involving the ribulose diphosphate cycle of carbon dioxide fixation cannot be operating.

By inhibiting techniques using indirect immunofluorescence tests and indirect immunoelectron microscopy, the G(Gross) soluble antigens (GSA) in the body fluids of AKR and C58 mice, which have a high incidence of spontaneous leukemia, were classified according to the known specificity of G antigens in the murine Gross leukemia system. GSA existing in the plasma of nonleukemic and leukemic AKR mice and in the ascitic fluid of transplanted AKR spontaneous leukemia K36 showed the several specificities corresponding to G cell surface antigens, GCSAa, b, and c, and type-specific and group-specific viral envelope antigens, tsVEA and gsVEA, respectively. However, the plasma of nonleukemic C58 mice lacks GSAc, which can be recognized by the G-typing mouse serum. GSA corresponding to G IX antigen was not detected in the body fluids.

1. 1. Resulta of a study of the degradation of kynurenic acid by an Aerococcus are in agreement with a reaction sequence proposed for Pseudomonas by other workers. This sequence includes Compounds I and II below. 2. 2. Partial inhibition of oxidation of kynurenic acid by cell suspensions caused an accumulation of pyruvate with arsenite as inhibitor; α-ketoglutarate and aspartate accumulated when semicarbazide was used. 3. 3. Crystals of Compound II, having properties expected for 5-β(carboxyethyl)-4,6-dihydroxypicolinic acid were isolated from cultures of the Aerococcus oxidizing kynurenic acid. 4. 4. The properties are described of a solution of purified Compound I, also isolated from culture fluids. These properties are those expected for 5-(γ-carboxy, γ-oxopropenyl)-4,6-dihydroxypicolinic acid. 5. 5. Dialysed cell-free extracts converted 7,8-dihydroxykynurenic acid to Compound I; the latter was degraded when reduced triphosphopyridine nucleotide was added to the extract. 6. 6. Compound II was degraded by cell-free extracts; pyruvate, α-ketoglutarate, aspartate and glutamate were identified as reaction products; and when extracts were inhibited by semicarbazide the first of these compounds to appear were aspartate and α-ketoglutarate. 7. 7. Evidence is presented that xanthurenic acid is not an intermediate in the conversion of kynurenic to 7,8-dihydroxykynurenic acid. 8. 8. The Aerococcus and a Rhodotorula both attacked picolinic acid, and 6-hydroxypicolinic acid was isolated from arsenite-inhibited cultures. 9. 9. Cell-free extracts of Rhodotorula converted picolinic to 6-hydroxypicolinic acid. The reaction can occur anaerobically in the presence of methylene blue and resembles the conversion of nicotinic acid to 6-hydroxynicotinic acid described by other workers for Pseudomonas.

Brief periods of hyperphagia cause renal injury in the obese Zucker rat. Background Female obese ( fa / fa ) Zucker rats are maximally hyperphagic from the beginning of access to solid food until 20 weeks of age and die primarily from renal failure. We documented that urinary albumin excretion (UAE) rises early in obese rats during this time of greatest hyperphagia. This study was conducted to examine if this early surge of hyperphagia is critical to the initiation of glomerular damage. Methods Three groups of six-week-old rats were used: ( a ) obese females fed ad libitum (AL-obese), ( b ) obese females pair fed to lean controls until 21 weeks and then allowed to eat ad libitum until 57 weeks (PF.AL-obese), ( c ) lean ( Fa / Fa ) Zucker rats fed ad libitum (AL-lean). Cohorts of AL-obese and PF.AL-obese rats were allowed to continue to death or 57 weeks of age, and the rest were terminated at 21 weeks for renal histology. Results At 21 weeks, neither PF.AL-obese nor AL-lean rats had elevated UAE or glomerular histopathology. In contrast, glomerular injury was severe in AL-obese rats. UAE increased by 10 and 29 weeks in AL- and PF.AL-obese rats, respectively. Plasma triglycerides increased prior to UAE in both PF.AL- and AL-obese rats. Conclusions In obese rats fed ad libitum , hyperphagia is followed within a few weeks by hypertriglyceridemia and then by glomerular injury regardless of when ad libitum feeding is initiated. These events do not occur in lean rats or in obese rats pair fed to lean rats. Protective effects of pair feeding did not extend into the period of ad libitum feeding for PF.AL-obese rats. Hyperphagia quickly initiates glomerular injury in obese female Zucker rats.

On the Ground The perception of prairie dogs among Native Americans living on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation is mixed. Some Native Americans focus on the loss of forage productivity, whereas others are interested in the cultural and ecological aspects of prairie dogs. The use of ecological sites may provide a mechanism for developing a management framework that would consider both livestock and prairie dogs. The three ecological sites we surveyed had large differences in off-colony standing crop, but in 2 of the 3 years we surveyed, there were no differences between standing crop on-colony. This suggests that management of prairie dogs on rangelands should focus on limiting prairie dogs on more productive ecological sites with less productive sites receiving less emphasis.

BackgroundIn 2002, the Society for Vascular Surgery created the anatomic severity grading (ASG) score to classify abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Our objective was to identify the predictive capability and cutoff value of preoperative ASG score for reintervention after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).MethodsWe completed a retrospective review of AAA patients treated with elective EVAR from 2007 through 2011. Patients who had reinterventions as well as preoperative M2S (M2S Inc, West Lebanon, NH) three-dimensional reconstructions were identified and compared with a case-matched control group of patients without reintervention. ASG component scores (neck, aortic, and iliac) and total ASG scores were calculated using M2S software.ResultsOf the 623 patients treated with EVAR, 79 (13%) had reinterventions of which 45 had preoperative M2S three-dimensional reconstructions available for ASG score calculation. The reintervention group (mean age, 74 ± 8; 80% male) had a mean ASG score of 18 ± 5 (range, 8-30) compared with a cohort of 45 EVAR patients (mean age, 74 ± 7; 80% male) who had a mean ASG score of 13 ± 4 (range, 6-21; P < .0001). The mean AAA diameter for all patients was 52 mm ± 14 and was not significantly different between the groups.After area under the receiver-operating curve analysis, an ASG score of 17 was highly predictive for reintervention (area = 0.8; sensitivity = 60%; specificity = 78%; positive predictive value = 73%; negative predictive value = 66%). An ASG score of 13 was highly predictive for freedom from reintervention (sensitivity = 93%; specificity = 47%; positive predictive value = 64%; negative predictive value = 88%). The lowest ASG score that yielded a 100% reintervention rate was 22. The majority of reinterventions fell into three categories: proximal extension cuff (n = 18; 40%), distal extension limb (n = 7; 16%), and type II endoleak embolization (n = 13; 29%). Those that received proximal extensions had significantly higher mean total ASG score (19 vs 15; P = .0005), mean neck score (3.28 vs 2.36; P = .047), and mean aorta score (7.39 vs 2.36; P = .004). Those that received distal extensions had a significantly higher mean iliac score (9.00 vs 6.86; P = .013), and those that required an embolization had a significantly higher mean aorta branch score (1.92 vs 1.19; P = .017).ConclusionsPreoperative total ASG score strongly predicts reintervention after EVAR. Use of a cutoff ASG value predictive of prohibitive reintervention rates could help guide the decision between endovascular vs open AAA repair.

North Carolina has recently implemented a new earth-sciences curriculum at both the middle-grade and secondary levels. The changes will be beneficial to those enrolled in the courses; however, most of the teachers involved do not have adequate academic preparation in earth sciences. In rural areas, due to long driving distances, it is difficult for teachers to find time to upgrade their certifications. To this end, MicroNet, a computer telecommunication system, is used to deliver both necessary course work and support for teachers and a variety of enrichment activities for their students via distance learning.

The influence of total-body irradiation (TBI) and autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation on serum immunoglobulin subclasses was determined in a dog model. Only IgG1 levels decreased after low-dose (+/- 4.5 Gy) TBI, but levels of all immunoglobulin classes fell after high-dose TBI (8.5 GyX1 or 2X6.0 Gy). After autologous bone marrow transplantation IgM levels were the first and IgE levels were the last to return to normal. After successful allogeneic bone marrow transplantation prolonged low IgM and IgE levels were found but IgA levels increased rapidly to over 150% of pretreatment values. A comparison of dogs with or without clinical signs or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), revealed no differences in IgM levels. Dogs with GVHD had higher IgA but lower IgE levels. Dogs that rejected their allogeneic bone marrow cells showed significant early rises in IgE and IgA levels in comparison with dogs with GVHD. These results differ from the observations made on Ig levels in human bone marrow transplant patients. No significant differences in phytohemagglutinin stimulation tests were found between dogs with or without GVHD or dogs receiving an autologous transplant for the first four months after TBI and transplantation. An early primary or secondary involvement of humoral immunitymore » in GVHD and graft rejection in dogs is postulated.« less

Quail eggs were injected on Day 10 of incubation with 0, 5, 10, 20 or 40 micrograms oestradiol benzoate. Females hatching from these eggs were reared on a 16L: 8D photoperiod and egg laying was recorded. Blood samples were taken at 37, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58 or 61 days of age and LH concentrations were measured by a double-antibody radioimmunoassay. Birds were killed at 61 days of age; ovaries and oviducts were weighed and examined. Egg laying was greatly reduced by oestradiol benzoate treatment, but for birds that did lay, age at first oviposition was normal. LH levels were not affected by oestradiol benzoate treatment, and were highest at 40 and 49 days of age. Oestradiol benzoate had no effect on ovarian weight, number of follicles with diameter greater than 1 cm, or number of post-ovulatory follicles. Oestradiol benzoate had a dose-related effect on the likelihood that females would have two oviducts, and for those females that had retained the right oviduct, the left oviduct was smaller than normal. Oestradiol benzoate-treated females were more likely to have ovulated yolks in the body cavity. Embryonic treatment with oestradiol benzoate therefore appears to inhibit egg laying by causing oviduct abnormalities, rather than by (as happens in mammals) inhibiting ovulation.

Adipose tissue has been found to regrow in the male rat following surgical removal (lipectomy) of inguinal subcutaneous depots, but the degree of regrowth has varied widely across experiments. It is possible that at least part of the disparity of previous findings occurred because of differences among the experiments in the testicular integrity of experimental animals. To address this possibility, the present study examined effects of castration on adipose tissue regrowth in rats treated either as weanlings or as young adults. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, at either 4 or 15 weeks of age, were subjected to one of four surgical procedures: bilateral lipectomy of the inguinal subcutaneous depots; castration; lipectomy and weight gain, but castrated rats achieved a higher ratio of adipose weight to body weight than noncastrated rats. In rats lipectomized but not castrated at 15 weeks of age, partial regeneration and a small increase in growth of noninguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue combined to produce substantial restoration of adipose mass. The same surgery in 4-week-old rats did not result in significant restoration because growth of noninguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue was reduced. In rats that were both castrated and lipectomized, regrowth of adipose tissue was substantial regardless of age at time of surgery. Thus, castration is seen to impede body weight gain while sparing ordinary growth of adipose tissue and facilitating regrowth of adipose tissue following lipectomy. Since adipose tissue regrowth varied with age only in noncastrated rats, it appears to be facilitated as well by testicular maturation.

We have modified the conditions for pulsed-field gradient electrophoresis of Trypanosoma brucei (strain 427) to resolve large chromosomes, which previously comigrated, into five distinct chromosome bands. Mapping of four different variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) genes, which were duplicatively activated in eight independent VSG gene switching events during later stages of infection, has shown that the activated gene is invariably translocated to the same chromosome band. Also, we have examined the chromosomal location of two VSG genes which were activated without duplication during early infection. The location of each is constant in its active and inactive state. These data identify a single chromosome band which is preferentially used for VSG gene expression during chronic infections in this trypanosome strain and support the concept that the transcription and the translocation of VSG genes are independently regulated.

Two experiments were conducted to examine further the role of the dopaminergic system in the ovulatory cycle of the hen. In experiment 1, dopamine (DA; 8 microgram) was injected intraventricularly 14 hr prior to the C1 ovulation (to determine the efficacy of DA in causing premature ovulation) and the DA-receptor blocker, pimozide, implanted intraventricularly for the previous 24 hr was used to assess the specificity of the response. The luteinizing hormone (LH) radioimmunoassays from serial blood samples subsequent to the injection, indicated no effect of the DA treatment on either the time or the magnitude of the preovulatory LH surge. In Experiment 2, an intraventricular injection of DA (10 microgram) was made 8 hr prior to the C1 ovulation (to examine the effect of DA on the normal preovulatory LH surgery) and assay results from blood samples at short intervals immediately after the injection showed no effect of the treatment on plasma LH levels. These results, in addition to the finding that the pimozide implant caused no disruption of the ovulatory cycle, suggest that the dopaminergic system is not essential to the ovulatory process in the hen.

The complete nucleotide sequences of two chromosomally linked actin genes from the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus franciscanus are presented. The genes are separated by 5.7 kilobases, occur in the same transcriptional orientation, and contain introns in identical positions. The structures and nucleotide sequences of the two genes are extremely similar, suggesting that they arose through a recent duplication. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the genes allows inferences to be made about mutational mechanisms active since the duplication event. Whereas point mutations predominate in the coding regions, the introns and flanking DNA are more heavily influenced by a variety of events that cause simultaneous changes in short regions of DNA.

The isomerization of 3-phospho-D-glycerate and 2-phospho-D-glycerate catalyzed by the cofactor-independent phosphoglycerate mutase from wheat germ (the isolation and crystallization of which is described in the Appendix) has been shown to be intramolecular by two methods. Mass-spectrometric analysis of the products from the isomerization of a mixture of 3-phospho-D-[2(-2)H]glycerate and 3-[18O]phospho-D-glycerate shows that there is no exchange of labeled phosphoryl group between carbon skeletons in the mutase-catalyzed reaction. Analysis of the products from the isomerization of a mixture of 3-phospho-D-[2(-2)H]glycerate and 3-[32p]phospho-D-glycerate by a method involving the kinetic discrimination between 2(-2)H and 2(-1)H species using the enolase isotope effect similarly shows that the wheat germ phosphoglycerate mutase mediates an intramolecular transfer of the phosphoryl group.

Summary This article is an overview of some of the most recent dermatological instrumentation available to physicians. With the global shift in dermatology towards comprehensive patient care, both medically and surgically, a dermatologist must be knowledgeable of the therapeutic alternatives offered by new electronic and photoelectronic modalities and appliances. The laser, ultra-violet point irradiator. Infrared Coagulator®, ultrasound, high voltage galvanic stimulator, and other applicances such as the Ligmajec®, pressure syringe and Evan's oral scar reduction appliance are discussed.

Direct mail solicitations from social service organizations almost always appeal to the emotions. These appeals tell the story of an alcoholic’s family which cannot afford a decent place to live or enough food to eat, an elderly senior citizen who cannot cope with her spouse’s death and needs assistance, or the woman who is unable to put her life back together after having been raped. Social service organizations can rarely afford highly polished and glamorous appeals, but their honest and “from the heart” appeals are usually their most successful.

The research presented focuses on genetic variation in the Gainj- and Kalam-speaking peoples of highland Papua New Guinea. The pri- mary data are typings at 51 genetic loci observed on 600 individuals who reside in 21 census units, called parishes. These data are augmented by cul- tural and demographic information that has also been collected. Parish sizes are small, ranging from 20 to about 200 individuals. Direct Western contact with these people has been occuring only for the past three decades. Although Westernization is currently increasing, we find that much of the traditional settlement pattern and mate exchange system is preserved. There are segregating variants at 27 loci. Four rare variants are initially described NP 4-Kalam, ADA 6-Kalam, PEPA 3-Kalam, and FUM 2-Kalam. We find evidence for a new Gm haplotype, a; - , that is recessive to all other Gm haplotypes. It occurs at a high enough frequency, f(a;-) = 0.119, to be considered a "private polymorphism." Average per locus heterozygosity is estimated to be 0.053. This value is not statistically different from levels observed on two modern urban populations. Thus, there is no evidence for a reduced level of genetic variation i.1 these people, despite small parish sizes and a relatively unacculturated social structure.

SummaryThe effects of infant suckling patterns on the post-partum resumption of ovulation and on birth-spacing are investigated among the Gainj of highland New Guinea. Based on hormonal evidence, the median duration of lactational anovulation is 20·4 months, accounting for about 75% of the median interval between live birth and next successful conception (i.e. resulting in live birth). Throughout lactation, suckling episodes are short and frequent, the interval changing slowly over time, from 24 minutes in newborns to 80 minutes in 3-year olds. Maternal serum prolactin concentrations decline in parallel with the changes in suckling patterns, approaching the level observed in non-nursing women by about 24 months post-partum. A path analysis indicates that the interval between suckling episodes is the principal determinant of maternal prolactin concentration, with time since parturition affecting prolactin secretion only in so far as it affects suckling frequency. The extremely prolonged contraceptive effect of breast-feeding in this population thus appears to be due to (i) a slow decline in suckling frequency with time since parturition and (ii) absence of a decline over time in hypothalamic–pituitary responsiveness to the suckling stimulus.

The extremely high incidence of salicylate intoxication makes it desirable to have a screening test available. Such a procedure should be simple and rapid enough to be used routinely on all admission and emergency cases since salicylate intoxication may not be suspected. This report describes studies with a stick test used on urine and serum. Test results agree well with quantitative measurements. Specimens tested included urine and serum from dogs and human beings after experimental administration of aspirin as well as samples from cases of salicylate intoxication or high therapeutic salicylate levels. The test strip develops an immediate brownish purple color with as little as 20 mg. per cent free salicylate. Data are presented to show that reliable results are obtained with the test even by inexperienced individuals.

The complete oxidation of methanol to carbon dioxide in cell-free extracts of methanol-grown Pseudomonas AM 1 was investigated. By using 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole, a known inhibitor of catalase, the independence of methanol oxidation from catalatic activity was shown. The only enzyme capable of oxidizing methanol that could be demonstrated was a dehydrogenase that can be linked to phenazine methosulphate and required the presence of NH4(+) ions. An aldehyde dehydrogenase that reduced 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol or phenazine methosulphate in the presence of formaldehyde was found in cell-free extracts and was purified. A nicotinamide-adenine nucleotidelinked formate dehydrogenase was found in cell-free extracts and purified. The possible significance of these enzymes in the oxidation of C-1 substrates by intact cells is discussed. Cell-free extracts of methanol-grown Protaminobacter ruber, Pseudomonas extroquens and Pseudomonas methanica have been found to possess a methanol dehydrogenases similar to those found in Pseudomonas AM 1. A specific nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotidelinked formaldehyde dehydrogenase was found in high activity in extracts of methanol-grown Pseudomonas methanica, in lower activity in extracts of methanolgrown Pseudomonas extorquens and Protaminobacter ruber.

The brain and spinal cord of one adult sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, 12 cm in length, were fixed in glutaraldehyde and osmium, stained in toluidine blue, embedded in Araldite, and sectioned serially at 5 μ. Over 50 large axons were traced through the spinal cord to their probable cells of origin. The axon of one giant interneuron was followed from the posterior spinal cord rostrally into the lateral medulla of the brain. A formerly unrecognized pair of Muller axons was found to originate from the reticular cells I2. An unusual feature of some Muller axons was their migration out of the ventral columns and their subsequent branching.

Previous studies have demonstrated antiglucocorticoid actions for the progesterone receptor antagonist RU-486. In one study, daily administration of this drug for 2 wk decreased food intake (FI) and body weight gain (delta BW) in obese, but not lean, conventionally housed 5-wk-old female Zucker rats. We recently found that 2-wk administration of RU-486 attenuated delta BW in lean but not obese 12-wk-old male Zucker rats without affecting FI. To examine the actions of RU-486 and its effects on FI and delta BW in young (5 wk old) specific-pathogen-free (SPF) male and female Zucker rats, RU-486 was administered at 30 mg.kg-1.day-1 subcutaneously for 14 days. RU-486 did not affect FI in obese or lean male or female rats. RU-486 increased adrenal weight (P < 0.05) overall and in lean female rats and modestly decreased inguinal fat weight overall and in obese female rats (P < 0.01), suggesting some antiglucocorticoid activity in these animals. However, RU-486 also decreased thymus weight by 18-31% (P < 0.0001), increased plasma glucose by 10-16 mg/dl (P < 0.002), and increased plasma insulin by 47% in obese male rats (P < 0.028), demonstrating glucocorticoid agonist actions for the drug. Plasma corticosterone (B) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were elevated in vehicle-treated obese female and male rats by 150-360% (P < 0.0025) and 32-38% (P < 0.05), respectively, compared with lean rats. RU-486 treatment lowered the elevated plasma B and ACTH levels in obese female and male rats (both P < 0.02 vs. vehicle), a glucocorticoid agonist effect. We conclude that in young SPF Zucker rats 1) RU-486 administration does not alter FI or delta BW, 2) RU-486 has predominately glucocorticoid agonist actions in several tissues, 3) obese animals have increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity (plasma B and ACTH), and 4) RU-486 administration suppresses the HPA axis in obese rats.

Experimentally observed changes in the conductivity of skin under the influence of a pulsing electric field were theoretically analyzed on the basis of a proposed electrorheological model of the stratum corneum (SC). The dependence of relative changes in conductivity on the amplitude of electric field and timelike parameters of applied pulses or pulse trains have been mathematically described. Statistical characteristics of phenomena of transient and long-term electroporation of SC were taken into consideration. The time-dependent decreases of skin resistance depicted by the models were fitted to experimental data for transient and long-term skin permeabilization by electric pulses. The results show two characteristic times and two spectra of characteristic energies for transient and long-term permeabilizations. The rheological parameters derived from the fittings agreed with those reported elsewhere for biological membranes.