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Summary Triple-source, continuous-recording acquisition is used to acquire a modern, high density 3D survey across the Senja Ridge and the surrounding salt provinces of the Tromso and Sorvenstsnaget basins, in the Western margin of the Norwegian Barents Sea. A robust imaging workflow is developed and presented, combining deblending technology with extensive demultiple methodology to precondition the data for velocity model building, utilising Full Waveform Inversion and high-resolution image guided tomography. The final migrated image delivers a significant uplift in imaging across the area, with the advanced velocity model building techniques adding confidence to the positioning of events both within the Senja Ridge and the surrounding salt basins.

Summary The Senja Ridge is a structurally complex high located in the western margin of the Norwegian Barents Sea. A two stage velocity model building approach is implemented, utilising diving wave FWI and high resolution image guided tomography. Shallow gas clouds and shallow channels are resolved with the FWI updates, deeper structures including basement horsts within the Senja Ridge and the flanks of salt diapirs are solved with the tomographic updates.

Die Forderung der individuellen Elektromobilitat steht seit einigen Jahren im Fokus der bundesdeutschen Politik. Eine Million Elektrofahrzeuge auf deutschen Strasen im Jahr 2020 ist das erklarte Ziel der Bundesregierung. Demgegenuber weist die Statistik des Kraftfahrtbundesamtes zum 01. Januar 2014 12.156 zugelassene Elektroautos in der gesamten Bundesrepublik aus [1]. Damit wird deutlich, dass das ausgegebene Ziel auch bei einer extrem hohen Zuwachsrate von 70 Prozent im Vergleich zum Vorjahr sehr ambitioniert ist, da sich die Veranderung auf einem relativ niedrigen absoluten Niveau bewegt. Dies ist unter anderem daran zu erkennen, dass der Anteil am Gesamtfahrzeugbestand in der Statistik noch immer mit 0,0 Prozent angegeben ist.

Intracellular recording, which allows direct measurement of the membrane potential and currents of individual neurons, requires a very mechanically stable preparation and has thus been limited to in vitro and head-immobilized in vivo experiments. This restriction constitutes a major obstacle for linking cellular and synaptic physiology with animal behavior. To overcome this limitation we have developed a method for performing whole-cell recordings in freely moving rats. We constructed a miniature head-mountable recording device, with mechanical stabilization achieved by anchoring the recording pipette rigidly in place after the whole-cell configuration is established. We obtain long-duration recordings (mean of approximately 20 min, maximum 60 min) in freely moving animals that are remarkably insensitive to mechanical disturbances, then reconstruct the anatomy of the recorded cells. This head-anchored whole-cell recording technique will enable a wide range of new studies involving detailed measurement and manipulation of the physiological properties of identified cells during natural behaviors.

Layer 5 (L5) pyramidal neurones constitute a major sub- and intracortical output of the somatosensory cortex. This layer 5 is segregated into layers 5A and 5B which receive and distribute relatively independent afferent and efferent pathways. We performed in vivo whole-cell recordings from L5 neurones of the somatosensory (barrel) cortex of urethane-anaesthetized rats (aged 27-31 days). By delivering 6 deg single whisker deflections, whisker pad receptive fields were mapped for 16 L5A and 11 L5B neurones located below the layer 4 whisker-barrels. Average resting membrane potentials were -75.6 +/- 1.1 mV, and spontaneous action potential (AP) rates were 0.54 +/- 0.14 APs s(-1). Principal whisker (PW) evoked responses were similar in L5A and L5B neurones, with an average 5.0 +/- 0.6 mV postsynaptic potential (PSP) and 0.12 +/- 0.03 APs per stimulus. The layer 5A sub- and suprathreshold receptive fields (RFs) were more confined to the principle whisker than those of layer 5B. The basal dendritic arbors of layer 5A and 5B cells were located below both layer 4 barrels and septa, and the cell bodies were biased towards the barrel walls. Responses in both L5A and L5B developed slowly, with onset latencies of 10.1 +/- 0.5 ms and peak latencies of 33.9 +/- 3.3 ms. Contralateral multi-whisker stimulation evoked PSPs similar in amplitude to those of PW deflections; whereas, ipsilateral stimulation evoked smaller and longer latency PSPs. We conclude that in L5 a whisker deflection is represented in two ways: focally by L5A pyramids and more diffusely by L5B pyramids as a result of combining different inputs from lemniscal and paralemniscal pathways. The relevant output evoked by a whisker deflection could be the ensemble activity in the anatomically defined cortical modules associated with a single or a few barrel-columns.

The basal forebrain plays an important role in the modulation of cortical activity and sleep-wake states. Yet its role must be multivalent as lesions reportedly diminish cortical fast activity and also cortical slow activity along with slow wave sleep (SWS). Basal forebrain cholinergic vs. GABAergic cell groups could differentially influence these processes. By labelling recorded neurons with Neurobiotin (Nb) using the juxtacellular technique and identifying them by immunostaining, we previously found that whereas all cholinergic cells increased their firing, the majority of GABAergic neurons decreased their firing in association with evoked cortical activation in urethane-anaesthetized rats. Here, we examined the possibility that such GABAergic, cortical activation 'off' cells might bear alpha 2 adrenergic receptors (alpha2AR) through which noradrenaline (NA) could inhibit them during cortical activation. First using simple dual-immunostaining for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and the alpha2AAR, we found that the majority (approximately 60%) of GAD-immunopositive (GAD+) neurons through the magnocellular preoptic nucleus (MCPO) and substantia innominata (SI) were labelled for the alpha2AAR. Second, in urethane-anaesthetized rats, we examined whether Nb-labelled, GAD+ cortical activation 'off' neurons that discharged maximally in association with cortical slow wave activity, were immunopositive for alpha2AAR. We found that all the Nb+/GAD+'off' cells were labelled for the alpha2AAR. Such cells could be inhibited in association with cortical activation and waking when noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) neurons discharge and be disinhibited with cortical slow waves and SWS when these neurons become inactive. We thus propose that alpha2AR-bearing GABAergic basal forebrain neurons constitute sleep-active and sleep-promoting neurons.

The basal forebrain plays important roles in arousal, learning, and memory by stimulating cortical activation characterized by rhythmic slow theta and high-frequency beta-gamma activities. Although cholinergic neurons play a significant part in these roles, other, including GABAergic, neurons appear to contribute. Using juxtacellular labeling with neurobiotin of neurons recorded within the magnocellular preoptic-substantia innominata area in urethan-anesthetized rats, we show that in addition to cells that are cholinergic or GABAergic, other cells that are neither fire rhythmically in correlation with stimulation-induced rhythmic slow activity on the cortex. Neurons with the characteristics of the noncholinergic/nonGABAergic cells contain phosphate-activated glutaminase (PAG), the synthetic enzyme for transmitter glutamate and may thus be glutamatergic. Within their oscillatory spike trains, putative glutamatergic neurons fire at a lower frequency (∼20 Hz) than the GABAergic neurons (∼40 Hz) and the cholinergic neurons (average: 75 Hz), whose spike trains include high-frequency bursts. The three groups all discharge rhythmically at a slow frequency in correlation with rhythmic slow activity recorded on the prefrontal, entorhinal, piriform and olfactory bulb cortices. The predominant slow frequency corresponds to the respiratory-olfactory rhythm, which is commonly slower than, yet can be as fast as, the hippocampal theta rhythm during certain coordinated behaviors, such as sniffing-whisking. While stimulating higher frequency beta-gamma activities, putative glutamatergic together with GABAergic and cholinergic cells may thus collectively modulate rhythmic slow activity and thereby promote coherent processing and plasticity across distributed cortical networks during coordinated behaviors and states.

Chloroform or dichloromethane extracts of 357 southern Brazilian plant species were tested for the presence of peroxides by thinlayer chromatography, using the spray reagent from Huber & Frohlke. From the species tested, 71 (20%) showed positive results and most of them (56%) are Asteraceae species. The species tested were mainly from Asteraceae, but 55 more families were screened, in a total of 77 genera surveyed.

Aus dem Ether-Extrakt der Blutenkopfchen der Schafgarbe (Achillea millefolium L.) wurden zwei Guaianolide (1,2) mit einer Peroxid-Brucke im Cyclopentan-Ring und einer α-Methylen-γ-butyrolacton-Struktur isoliert. Es werden die Bezeichnungen α-Peroxyachifolid (1) und β-Peroxyisoachifolid (2) vorgeschlagen. 1 ist u.a. verantwortlich fur die Schafgarbendermatitis. Peroxides as Plant Constituents, VIII1) Guaianolide-peroxides from Yarrow, Achillea millefolium L., Causing Allergic Contact Dermatitis From the ether extract of the blossoms of yarrow, Achillea millefolium L., two guaianolides (1, 2) with a peroxide bridged cyclopentane ring and an α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone structure have been isolated. For these compounds the names α-peroxyachifolid (1) and β-peroxyisoachifolid (2) are proposed. 1 is responsible for the allergic contact dermatitis caused by yarrow.

The basal forebrain ostensibly plays a dual role in the modulation of cortical activation and behavioral state. It is essential for stimulating cortical activation in association with waking (and paradoxical sleep), yet also important for attenuating cortical activation and promoting slow wave sleep. Using juxtacellular recording and labeling of neurons with Neurobiotin followed by immunohistochemical staining for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), we studied the discharge properties of identified GABAergic basal forebrain neurons in relation to electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in urethane-anesthetized rats to determine the part or parts that they may play in this dual role.The GABAergic neurons displayed distinct discharge profiles in relation to somatosensory stimulation-evoked cortical activation. Whereas a significant minority increased its average discharge rate, the majority decreased its average discharge rate in association with cortical activation. Moreover, subgroups displayed distinct discharge patterns related to different cortical activities, including very regular high-frequency tonic spiking within a gamma EEG frequency range and rhythmic cluster spiking within a theta-like frequency range during cortical activation. During irregular slow EEG activity in absence of stimulation, one subgroup displayed spike bursts correlated with cortical slow oscillations. As relatively large in size and also antidromically activated from the cortex, many GABAergic neurons recorded were considered to be cortically projecting and thus capable of directly modulating cortical activity. Subgroups of GABAergic basal forebrain neurons would thus have the capacity to promote cortical activation by modulating gamma or theta activity and others to attenuate cortical activation by modulating irregular slow oscillations that normally occur during slow wave sleep.

Cholinergic basal forebrain neurons have long been thought to play an important role in cortical activation and behavioral state, yet the precise way in which they influence these processes has yet to be fully understood. Here, we have examined the effects on the electroencephalogram (EEG) and sleep–wake state of basal forebrain administration of neurotensin (NT), a neuropeptide that has been shownin vitroto potently and selectively modulate the cholinergic cells. Microinjection of (0.1–3.0 mm) NT into the basal forebrain of freely moving, naturally waking-sleeping rats produced a dose-dependent decrease in δ (∼1–4 Hz) and increase in both θ (∼4–9 Hz) and high-frequency γ activity (30–60 Hz) across cortical, areas with no increase in the electromyogram. These EEG changes were accompanied by concomitant decreases in slow wave sleep (SWS) and transitional SWS (tSWS), increases in wake, and most remarkably, increases in paradoxical sleep (PS) and transitional PS (tPS), despite the virtual absence of SWS. The effects were attributed to direct action on cholinergic neurons as evidenced by selective internalization of a fluorescent ligand, Fluo-NT, in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-immunoreactive cells and stimulation by NT of bursting discharge in juxtacellularly recorded, Neurobiotin-labeled, ChAT-immunoreactive neurons. We conclude that NT-induced rhythmic bursting of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons stimulates rhythmic θ oscillations and γ across the cerebral cortex. With the selective action of NT on the cholinergic cells, their bursting discharge promotes θ and γ independent of motor activity and thereby also stimulates and enhances PS.

Multiple lines of evidence indicate that cholinergic basal forebrain neurons play an important role in the regulation of cortical activity and state. However, the discharge properties of cholinergic cells in relation to the electroencephalogram (EEG) are not yet known. In the present study, cells were recorded in the basal forebrain in association with cortical EEG activity in urethane-anesthetized rats, and their discharge was examined during EEG irregular slow activity and during stimulation-induced cortical activation, characterized by rhythmic slow (theta) and high-frequency (gamma) activities. Recorded cells were labeled with Neurobiotin (Nb), using the juxtacellular technique and identified as cholinergic by immunohistochemical staining for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Nb-positive/ChAT-positive neurons were distinctive and significantly different from Nb-positive/ChAT-negative neurons, which were heterogeneous in their discharge properties. All Nb+/ChAT+cells increased their discharge rate with stimulation, and most shifted from an irregular tonic discharge during EEG slow irregular activity to a rhythmic burst discharge during rhythmic slow activity. The stimulation-induced rhythmic discharge was cross-correlated with the EEG rhythmic slow activity. In some units the rhythmic discharge matched the rhythmic slow activity of the retrosplenial cortex; in others, it matched that of the prefrontal cortex, which occurred at a slower frequency, suggesting that subsets of cholinergic neurons may influence their cortical target areas rhythmically at particular frequencies. Cholinergic basal forebrain neurons thus may evoke and enhance cortical activation via both an increase in rate and a change in pattern to rhythmic bursting that would stimulate rhythmic slow (theta-like) activity in cortical fields during active waking and paradoxical sleep states.

From the fresh aerial parts of Senecio selloi (Asteraceae), two diastereomeric triterpenes with a hitherto unknown skeleton have been isolated. The structure has been elucidated mainly by advanced NMR experiments, including inverse techniques, HMQC, HMBC, ROESY.

From Eupatorium cannabinum L., a hitherto unknown α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone, 3β-peroxyeucannabinolide, was isolated. This compound and eupatoriopicrin from the same plant showed a weak sensitizing capacity in guinea pigs. 2-oxoludartin and dehydroleucodin, isolated from Kaunia rufescens (syn. Eupatorium rufescens), were strong sensitizers in the same sensitizarian procedure. Nat. Toxins 5:223–227, 1997. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A new C 50 -hydroperoxide (1) with a hitherto unknown constitution, containing cadinane hydroperoxide and hyperforin (2) as partial structures, was isolated from the stems and leaves of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L., Hypericaceae). The structure was elucidated by high-resolution NMR techniques (1D and 2D NMR experiments).

A perennial topic in industrial economics is collusion. Kwoka and Ravenscraft (1986) developed a model to measure the collusiveness of conjectures across industries as a function of intra-industry rivalry among leading firms. But extensive literature suggests that the degree of collusion may also depend upon underlying market characteristics. We modify the Kwoka and Ravenscraft model to account for this. Our results suggest that underlying market characteristics do matter. Intra-industry rivalry and conjectures vary with the level and stability of concentration, and to a lesser degree with product homogeneity.

Aus Achillea filipendulina LAM. (Asteraceae) wurden zwei bisher nicht bekannte diastereomere, irregulare acyclische Monoterpenperoxide 5, 6 vom Typ des Santolinatriens isoliert (4α- bzw. 4β-Peroxyachipendol). Die Konstitution von 5 wurde durch Rontgenstrukturanalyse gesichert. 5 und 6 bilden durch Reduktion die in der Lit. beschriebenen Alkohole 8, 9, deren Struktur aufgrund dieser Ergebnisse korrigiert werden mus. Zusatzlich wurden in A. filipendulina Ascaridol (1), trans-Pinocarveylhydroperoxid (2) und Isolyratylhydroperoxid A (3) und B (4) nachgewiesen. Peroxides as Constituents of Plants, XV: Irregular Monoterpene Peroxides from Achillea filipendulina LAM. From Achillea filipendulina LAM. (Asteraceae) two hitherto unknown diastereomeric, irregular acyclic monoterpene peroxides 5, 6 of santolina triene type have been isolated (4α- and 4β-peroxyachipendole). The constitution of 5 was confirmed by X-ray analysis. Reduction of 5 and 6 results in the formation of the alcohols 8 and 9, respectively. Constitutions of 8 and 9, reported in lit., have to be corrected. In addition, ascaridole (1), trans-pinocarveylhydroperoxide (2) and isolyratylhydroperoxide A (3) and B (4) have been found.

The detection of a contamination of heparin with oversulphated chondroitin sulphate (OSCS) was first analysed in an unfractionated heparin batch supplied to the US API-market in April 2006. OSCS is a semi-synthetic derivative of the natural occuring glycosaminoglycan chondroitin sulphate. Moreover some spectroscopic characteristics of the substance overlap with those of heparin, so that the infrared (IR) spectra are visually difficult to distinguish whereas (1)H-NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy or capillary electrophoresis (CE) provides identification by a simple visual inspection of either the spectrum or the electropherogram respectively. However, applying special tools of Multivariate Data Analysis (MVA) to the IR spectra an identification of the contaminated samples is possible. In detail a rapid Attenuation Total Reflectance-Infrared (ATR-IR) measurement was selected, which does not require any sample preparation. The result (contaminated or not contaminated) is predicted within a few minutes. A method transfer to mobile ATR-IR spectrometers seems to be possible. The analysis is based on the fact that the fingerprint of the OSCS IR spectrum (1st derivative) complies with a theoretically calculated principal component in the MVA.

This paper focuses on the development of insulation systems for high-speed and hence high-frequency electric motors with multi-MW ratings. With the growing demand for variable speed applications, an increasing number of medium and high voltage (4-13.8 kV) motors are being powered by adjustable speed drives (ASD's). One aspect that must be understood during the design of the motor is the impact that the voltage waveform from the ASD may have on the stator insulation. Both high fundamental frequency components (300- 600 Hz), switching frequency components (low kHz range) and fast rise time transient voltages (in the mus range) from the ASD's can increase the thermal and electrical stresses on the insulation resulting in a reduction of the service life. To study the effect of these ASD's on an epoxy-mica based insulation system, accelerated life tests were performed at 60 Hz, 418 Hz and 10 KHz. The main purpose of this study was to determine if the number of 'electrical cycles' to failure was constant for a given system over the range of voltages and frequencies tested and to explore if low frequency testing could be used as a predictor of insulation system life at higher frequencies. This paper will present the test setup and procedure, as well as the analysis and interpretation of the data. An examination of the resulting relationship between applied voltage, frequency and life of the insulation system will include a discussion of the ageing mechanisms at the various test voltages and frequencies.

The ongoing evaluation of material properties, including thermal performance, is part of the continuing evolution of insulation system development. In large strip-wound rotors, a coated aramid paper is used to bond the coil turns together and provide turn-to-turn insulation. Experience has shown that the thermal performance of the system is limited by the capability of the bonding material. This paper describes a program to verify the thermal capability of a strip-wound rotor insulation system. Several candidate materials were subjected to initial screening tests, from which two were selected for thermal ageing tests. Accelerated thermal ageing tests were performed in accordance with IEEE Std 98-2002 and IEC 60216-1 to compare the thermal performance of the materials. This paper describes the results of the thermal ageing tests and the failure modes encountered.

The basal forebrain has been shown to play an important role in cortical activation of wake and paradoxical sleep (PS), yet has also been posited to play a role in slow wave sleep (SWS). In an effort to determine whether these different roles may be fulfilled by different cell groups, including cholinergic and GABAergic cells, we recorded from 123 units in waking-sleeping, head-fixed rats using micropipettes to allow juxtacellular labeling. Functional sets of intermingled cell groups emerged as units whose discharge was as follows: 1) maximum in active wake (aW) and positively or not correlated with EEG gamma activity, while positively correlated with nuchal EMG activity, and thus potentially facilitatory for waking and behavioral arousal (12%); 2) maximum in SWS or SWS-PS and positively correlated with delta EEG activity, while not or negatively correlated with EMG activity, and thus potentially promotive for sleep with cortical slow wave activity and/or accompanying behavioral changes (16%); 3) maximum in PS or PS and aW and positively correlated with gamma and theta EEG activity, while negatively or not correlated with EMG activity, and thus potentially promotive for cortical activation during PS or PS and W (62%); and 4) equivalent across all states and thus not involved in state regulation (∼10%). Units of each group also manifested different firing patterns typified as slow tonic (19.5%), fast tonic (32.5%), or fast phasic (48%), including rhythmic bursting (6%). Through these diverse cell groups, the basal forebrain has the capacity to modulate cortical activity, behavior, and/or related physiological processes across the sleep-waking cycle and thereby regulate the sleep-wake state of the animal.

The basal forebrain (BF) plays an important role in modulating cortical activity and facilitating processes of attention, learning, and memory. This role is subserved by cholinergic neurons but also requires the participation of other noncholinergic neurons. Noncholinergic neurons include -amino butyric acidergic (GABAergic) neurons, some of which project in parallel with the cholinergic cells to the cerebral cortex, others of which project caudally or locally. With the original aim of distinguishing different subgroups of GABAergic neurons, we examined immunostaining for the calcium binding proteins (CBPs) parvalbumin (Parv), calbindin (Calb), and calretinin (Calret) in the rat. Although the CBP cell groups were distributed in a coextensive manner with the GABAergic cells, they were collectively more numerous. Of cells retrogradely labeled with cholera toxin (CT) from the prefrontal or parietal cortex, Parv and Calb cells, but not Calret cells, represented substantial proportions (35–45% each) that collectively were greater than that of GABAergic projection neurons. From dual immunostaining for the CBPs and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), it appeared that the vast majority (90%) of the Parv group was GAD, whereas only a small minority (10%) of the Calb or Calret group was GAD. Significant proportions of Calb (40%) and Calret (80%) neurons were immunopositive for phosphate-activated glutaminase, the synthetic enzyme for transmitter glutamate. The results suggested that, whereas Calret cells predominantly comprise caudally or locally projecting, possibly glutamatergic BF neurons, Parv cells likely comprise the cortically projecting GABAergic BF neurons and Calb cells the cortically projecting, possibly glutamatergic BF neurons that would collectively participate with the cholinergic cells in the modulation of cortical activity. J. Comp. Neurol. 458:11–31, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Indexing terms: calcium binding proteins; medial septum– diagonal band; substantia innominata; preoptic nuclei

Cholinergic neurons of the pontomesencephalic tegmentum play a critical role in paradoxical sleep, when, according to single unit recording of 'possibly' cholinergic neurons, they fire maximally. The profile of activity of the cholinergic neurons may be determined by noradrenergic locus coeruleus neurons that are active during waking and silent during paradoxical sleep. Indeed, a permissive role of the noradrenergic neurons in paradoxical sleep has been proposed based upon an inhibitory action of noradrenaline through alpha(2) adrenergic receptors on the cholinergic cells. Yet some 'possibly' cholinergic neurons are purportedly maximally active during waking and excited by noradrenaline through alpha(1) receptors. In the present study, we examined by fluorescent dual-immunostaining in the laterodorsal and pedunculopontine tegmental nuclei of the rat whether choline acetyltransferase-immunopositive neurons are stained for alpha(2A) or alpha(1A) adrenergic receptors. For comparison, we examined immunostaining for these receptors on tyrosine hydroxylase-immunopositive locus coeruleus neurons, which are known to bear alpha(2A) autoreceptors. Whereas virtually all the noradrenergic neurons were labeled for the alpha(2A) and none for the alpha(1A), approximately half the cholinergic neurons were labeled for the alpha(2A) and one third for the alpha(1A) adrenergic receptors in adjacent sections. These results suggest that different groups of cholinergic neurons bear alpha(2) versus alpha(1) adrenergic receptors and would accordingly have different sleep-wake state activities and roles. The alpha(2)-bearing group would be inhibited by noradrenaline during waking to become disinhibited and maximally active while promoting paradoxical sleep, whereas the alpha(1)-bearing group would be excited by noradrenaline during waking to become maximally active while promoting features of that state.

The leaves of CUNILA SPICATA Benth. (Lamiaceae) yielded a monoterpene diacetate called iso-rosiridol diacetate ( 1) and two isomeric hydroperoxymonoterpenes ( 2, 3) as well as beta-sitosterol, phytol, cadinol, linalool, dihydrocarveol, geranyl and neryl acetate. Structure elucidation was done by high-field NMR-techniques.

Basal forebrain neurons play important parts in processes of cortical activation and memory that have been attributed to the cortically projecting, cholinergic neurons. Yet, non-cholinergic neurons also project to the cerebral cortex and also appear to participate in processes of cortical modulation and plasticity. GABAergic neurons compose a portion of the cortically projecting cell group, but do not fully account for the non-cholinergic cell contingent. In the present study in the rat, we investigated whether the non-cholinergic, non-GABAergic cell component might be composed of glutamatergic neurons. We examined afferents to the entorhinal cortex, which is known to be modulated by basal forebrain neurons and to be critically involved in memory. Dual immunofluorescent staining was performed for cholera toxin, as retrograde tracer, and phosphate-activated glutaminase, the synthetic enzyme for the neurotransmitter pool of glutamate. The retrogradely labeled cells were distributed across the basal forebrain through the medial septum, diagonal band, magnocellular preoptic area and substantia innominata. The major proportion (approximately 80%) of the retrogradely labeled cells was found to be immunopositive for phosphate-activated glutaminase. Equal minor proportions (approximately 40%) were immunopositive for choline acetyltransferase and glutamic acid decarboxylase. In other material dual-immunostained for neurotransmitter enzymes, approximately 95% of choline acetyltransferase- and approximately 60% of glutamic acid decarboxylase-immunopositive neurons were also immunopositive for phosphate-activated glutaminase. From these results it appears that a significant proportion of these cell groups, including their cortically projecting contingents, could synthesize glutamate together with acetylcholine or GABA as neurotransmitters and another proportion of cells could synthesize glutamate alone. Accordingly, as either co-transmitter or primary transmitter within basalocortical afferents, glutamate could have the capacity to modulate the entorhinal cortex and promote its role in memory.

The aerial parts of CUNILA SPICATA Benth., a Brasilian Lamiaceae, afforded a sesquiterpene-aldehyde named isocaryophyllen-13-al (beta-betulenal) ( 1). The constitution and configuration of this compound were established by high field NMR-techniques for the first time.

From Eupatorium cannabinum L., a hitherto unknown alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone, 3 beta-peroxyeucannabinolide, was isolated. This compound and eupatoriopicrin from the same plant showed a weak sensitizing capacity in guinea pigs. 2-oxoludartin and dehydroleucodin, isolated from Kaunia rufescens (syn. Eupatorium rufescens), were strong sensitizers in the same sensitizarian procedure.

1,4-Epidioxy-bisabola-2,12-diene (3) and aromatic hydroperoxides (4, 5) were prepared by photoxidation of gamma-curcumene (1). Reduction and esterification of 6 and 7 afforded compounds 9 to 10. All compounds were tested in vitro for antimalarial activity. The activity could not be increased significantly, compared with 3. The most active compounds, 3 and 9, did not show in vivo antimalarial activity in mice.

Two bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes, zingiberene-3,6-beta-endoperoxide (1) and zingiberene-3,6-alpha-endoperoxide (2) have been isolated from the aerial parts of Senecio selloi and Eupatorium rufescens. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. Both compounds show schizonticidal activity against Plasmodium falciparum (EC50 = 10 microg/ml).

Four investigational drugs, p-benzoquinone, primine, miconidine acetate, and artesunate (dihydroqinghaosusuccinate), with growth inhibitory activity against flagellatae (e.g. trypanosoma, leptomonas, plasmodium) were investigated for their capability to induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in human KG-1a leukemic cells. The results were compared with those of three well established cytostatic agents (cisplatin, daunorubicin, cytosine-arabinoside) and ionizing radiation. The antitumor activity of the drugs was validated by a cellular growth inhibition assay. The depletion of glutathione by these four investigational drugs favours the hypothesis that formation of free radicals and subsequent DNA strand breaks may be critical mechanisms of action and that the glutathione redox cycle is involved in detoxification of these reactive molecules.

The leaves of Cunila spicata yielded a monoterpenetriol and six glycosidic terpenoids derived from linalool, hydroxylated linalool and 1,8-cineole: 3,7-dimethyl-oct-1-ene-3,6,7-triol, linalool-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3,7 dimethyl-octa-1,6-diene-3,8-diol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside as well as 3,7-dimethyl-octa-1,5-diene-3,7-diol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3,7-dimethyl-octa-1,7-diene-3,6-diol-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 3,7- dimethyl-oct-1-ene-3,6,7-triol-6-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside and (1S,4R,6R)-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-6-O-beta- glucopyranoside. The structures of the glucosides were established by chemical and spectroscopic methods especially high field NMR techniques.

The leaves of CUNILA SPICATA L. (Lamiaceae) yielded five monoterpene glucosides: three esters of oleuropeic acid with glucose ( 1, 2/3) as well as betulalbuside A ( 4) and roseoside A ( 5). Structure elucidation was done by high-field NMR-techniques.

From the ether extract of the blossoms of yarrow, Achillea millefolium L., two guaianolides (1, 2) with a peroxide bridged cyclopentane ring and an alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone structure have been isolated. For these compounds the names alpha-peroxyachifolid (1) and beta-peroxyisoachifolid (2) are proposed. 1 is responsible for the allergic contact dermatitis caused by yarrow.

Two bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes, zingiberene-3,6-beta-endoperoxide (1) and zingiberene-3,6-alpha-endoperoxide (2) have been isolated from the aerial parts of Senecio selloi and Eupatorium rufescens. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods. Both compounds show schizonticidal activity against Plasmodium falciparum (EC50 = 10 microg/ml).

The aerial parts of ECHINODORUS GRANDIFLORUS Mitch., a species of Alismataceae from Brazil, yielded a new diterpene alcohol named echiriodol ( 1) in addition to the known steroid stigmasterol. Its constitution and relative configuration were established by high resolution NMR techniques.