Showing papers by "University of Marburg published in 1971"

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus

Abstract: Of the ever increasing number of viruses known to affect man and higher animals, the virus of lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) was one of the first to be discovered. Indeed, this virus has been known and maintained in the laboratory by passages in a relatively simple host, the mouse, for 35 years. Yet our knowledge of its properties is still scanty when compared with the wealth of information available for other viruses, some of which have come to our attention much more recently. There are at least four reasons which may help to explain this seeming paradox. (1) The early belief that the LCM virus was the frequent cause of human diseases had soon to be abandoned; infections of man with this virus are rare. (2) By way of contrast, laboratory infections are not uncommon and they frequently run severe and even fatal courses. (3) Until recently, the only means of titrating the virus was by mouse inoculation, a method in which accuracy and economy are poorly correlated. (4) The virus is of unusual lability, being quickly inactivated under conditions which leave other viruses intact. Thus, when balancing medical and theoretical importance against personal hazard and technical difficulties, the result was quite unfavorable, and lack of interest was really not surprising.

Analysis of cutaneous warm and cold fibres in primates.

Abstract: Cutaneous warm and cold receptors were examined electrophysiologically in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) by recording from single units dissected from the saphenous nerve and the superficial branch of the radial nerve. Single warm and cold fibres had spot-like receptive fields in the hairy skin which were highly specific to thermal stimuli and did not respond to mechanical deformation of the skin. One group of cutaneous warm receptors had a range of static activity between 30 and 44°C and an average static maximum of 12 imp/sec at 41°C, whereas the static maximum of the other group was at temperatures higher than 44°C. About one third of the cold fibres was myelinated, with a conduction velocity from 2.2 to 9.5 m/sec (mean 6.3 m/sec), while the remaining part was unmyelinated, having a conduction velocity of 0.3 to 1.3 m/sec (mean 0.7 m/sec). All warm fibres were non-myelinated, with a conduction velocity of 0.4 to 0.9 m/sec (mean 0.7 m/sec).

Laser threshold and nonlinear Landau fluctuation theory of phase transitions

Abstract: The threshold region for a single mode laser is treated by Landau's theory of order parameter fluctuations. Taking into account a kinetic energy in the Landau functional, approximate equations of motion for the laser field are derived which include coupling of phase and amplitude. From these it is easy to get the correlation functions and linewidths for intensity and field as well as the transient behaviour of intensity throughout the nonlinear transition region. In addition, a dynamical decoupling scheme of noise theory is applied to calculate the same quantities. Although these methods are very simple the results agree fairly well with those of the much more involved Fokker-Planck theory.

Phototactic and photokinetic action spectra of the diatom nitzschia communis

Abstract: — Three different types of photomotion reactions, photokinesis, photo-topotaxis and photo-phobotaxis, have been investigated in the diatom Nitzschia communis. In photokinesis the active light appears to be absorbed by the photosynthetic pigments. Apparently, the acceleration of movement by light is due to an additional ATP supply from photosynthetic phosphorylation, as it is the case in the blue-green algae of the genus Phormidium. On the other hand, no correlations exist between photo-phobotaxis and photosynthesis, because red light does not induce photo-phobotactic responses in N. communis. The phobotactic action spectrum resembles that one of photo-topotaxis. In the visible region only violet, blue and blue-green light is active in both the reactions. However, it is not yet clear whether or not the stimuli are mediated by the same photoreceptor, mainly because of the different sensitivity of both the reactions to u.v.

Uterine Secretion Proteins as Extrinsic Factors in Preimplantation Development

Abstract: Maternal reproductive organs produce essential morphological and metabolic conditions for the development of mammalian eggs and blastocysts. In the rabbit, uterine proliferation and secretion undergo quite obvious morphological alterations, demonstrated by histological and histochemical methods. During estrus and preimplantation, the uterine lumen is filled with a secretion which contains considerable amounts of protein. Volume of the secreted fluid, total concentration of its macromolecular constituents, and its protein patterns are changing continuously from ovulation to implantation. Biochemical, physiochemical and biological properties of uterine secretion proteins hold special interest. The majority of these proteins must be classified as glycoproteins, most of which are relatively small macromolecules (MW 25 − 50,000). There is a number of enzymes and enzyme inhibitors, especially proteases and protease inhibitors among them. Uteroglobin is presumed to be the most important specific secretion protein, because of its progesterone dependent accumulation and its possibly developmental activity on the conceptus. Initial aspects obtained by electrophoretic and immunological studies on human secretion proteins of the Fallopian tube and uterus will be discussed. There seems to be much evidence that preimplantation development of the human conceptus is based on comparable principles as described in the rabbit. According to our results obtained by electrophoretic and immunological methods, intrauterine protein pattern is both, a product of selection from plasma proteins and a biosynthesis by endometrial glands and epithelium. Evidence is accumulating that ovarian hormones regulate the steady state of these selected and newly synthesized proteins, definitely extrinsic factors which are involved in blastocyst development. Consequently, we have studied hormonal effects as well on the morphological and biochemical parameters of endometrial secretion, as on early embryonic development. The effect of a different ratio of exogenous estrogen/progesterone dosage has a profound influence on the level of endogenous ovarian steroids. Such stimulated hormonal imbalance yields variations in the relative proportions of the intrauterine protein fractions, and failure of the maternal system to produce them at the appropriate time. In the course of these experiments, embryonic growth and differentiation was retarded or even stopped. Our findings encourage us to emphasize that the embryo requires intrinsic and extrinsic influences to realise its developmental abilities. Like the intrinsic factors, which are part of the close system of the developing blastocyst, the extrinsic factors as well are restricted to a close system, represented by the maternal genital tract. The reactions of the both systems are not completely autonomous, but seem to be partly induced by mutual interactions in the mode of a feedback mechanism, the character of which is still to be elucidated.

Hyperplasia and hypertrophy of rat liver induced by α-hexachlorcyclohexane and butylhydroxytoluene. Retention of the hyperplasia during involution of the enlarged organ

Abstract: Liver growth induced in rats by administration of α-hexachlorcyclohexane (α-HCH) or of butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) has been studied with a view to determining the degree of reversibility of the drug effect.

[Elimination of the hepatic branches of the vagal nerve in conscious rats and its influence on the hepatogenous diuresis--indirect evidence for the afferent vagal ppathway of the hepatic osmoreceptors].

Abstract: 1. An wachen Ratten mit einoperierten Gefaskathetern werden gleichzeitig und mit gleicher Geschwindigkeit Wasser in die V. portae und 1,8% NaCl-Losung in die V. cava inf. infundiert, um eine hepatogene Diurese zu induzieren; bei den Kontrollversuchen werden die Infusionsorte vertauscht. (Sogenannte “Doppelinfusionstechnik” zur Beschrankung der osmotischen Anderungen auf den Portalkreislauf.) 2. Der Leberast des rechten Vagus wird am wachen Tier mit Hilfe eines feinen Kunststoffadens durchgerissen, der vorher operativ um den Nerven gelegt wurde. 3. Anschliesen wird die “Doppelinfusion” wiederholt. Die typische Antwort einer hepatogenen Diurese ist nicht mehr auslosbar. 4. Dieses Resultat gibt einen indirekten Beweis dafur, das der afferente Weg der hepatischen Osmoreceptoren im N. vagus verlauft.

Dimethylarsenazid (CH3)2AsN3, Dimethylwismutazid (CH3)2BiN3 und Dimethylthalliumzid (CH3)2TiN3

Abstract: (CH3)2AsN3 entsteht aus (CH3)2AsJ und AgN3 als farblose Flussigkeit (Sdp. 136°C), die sich in Benzol monomer lost. (CH3)2BiN3 fallt in Form farbloser Nadeln (Zers. ab 150°C) aus einer Losung von Bi(CH3)3 und HN3 in Ather aus. Nach den Schwingungs- und Massenspektren sind die Verbindungen nicht assoziiert, wahrend das Losungsverhalten von (CH3)2BiN3 dem widerspricht. Es wird eine Dipol-Assoziation der polaren Molekeln im Kristall angenommen. (CH3)2TlN3 entsteht sowohl aus Tl(CH3)3 und ClN3 als auch aus (CH3)2TIOH und HN3; es bildet farblose Nadeln und Blattchen (Zers. ab 245°C). Nach dem Schwingungsspektrum ist die Struktur ionogen (CH3TlCH3)+N−3. The reaction of (CH3)2AsJ and AgN3 yields (CH3)2AsN3; a colourless liquid (b. p. 136°C) which dissolves as a monomeric in benzene. (CH3)2BiN3 is precipitated in form of colourless needles (dec. temp. 150°C) from an etherical solution of Bi(CH3)3 and HN3. According to its vibrational and mass spectra the molecules are not associated although the (CH3)2BiN3 is not soluble; dipole association of this polar molecules is assumed for the crystal structure. (CH3)2TlN3 can be obtained from TI(CH3)3 and ClN3 as well as from (CH3)2TlOH and HN3 in form of colourless needles and leaves (dec. temp. 245°C). According to its vibrational spectra it has an ionic structure, (CH3TlCH3)+N−3.

On the position of chromosomes in prepared mitosis figures of human fibroblasts.

Abstract: The square distances of chromosome centromeres to the center of the mitosis plate, after circular transformation, were measured on each 100 mitosis plates of cultured fibroblasts from a man and a woman. It is proved statistically, that the larger chromosomes are located more in the periphery than the smaller chromosomes.

Intensity, correlations, and linewidths of two mode lasers with intensity coupling near threshold

Abstract: Two mode lasers with intensity coupling are treated by simple fluctuation theory. The intensities of the two modes as functions of pump power are calculated together with the correlation matrix. Equations of motion for the intensities are derived from which the decay times of correlations are found by a method of quasilinearization as well as by decoupling the hierarchy of correlation functions. Details of photon fluctuation linewidths are reported together with the time dependent correlations between different modes.

Changes in mouse liver RNA induced by ethyl carbamate (urethane) and methyl carbamate

Abstract: Actinomycin D reduced the in vivo labelling of liver RNA by tritiated methyl or ethyl carbamates. Fractionation of the RNA from mice injected 24 h previously with [3H] methyl carbamate, [2-3H] ethyl carbamate or ethyl [carboxy-14C] carbamate on MAK columns, sucrose density gradients and calcium phosphate columns or by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed radioactive esters of cytosine-5-carboxylic acid to be present in the fractions where rapid RNA synthesis had occurred. This suggests that the cytosine-5-carboxylates were synthesised from these carbamates, or their metabolites, before incorporation into RNA chains or that the rapidly labelled RNA was more susceptible to attack by a chemically active metabolite from the carbamates. There was a greater incorporation of the non-carcinogenic methyl carbamate than of the carcinogenic ethyl carbamate 24h after injection. The methyl ester also caused a more rapid breakdown of RNA than ethyl carbamate, ethyl and probably methyl carbamate also increased RNA synthesis.

Integrated static activity of the ampullae of Lorenzini after long-term exposure to various temperatures

Abstract: The integrated static frequency as a function of temperature between 3 and 27°C was investigated in two populations of isolated mandibular ampullae of Lorenzini in dogfishes (Scylliorhinus canicula). One group of animals was previously adapted for two months to 4°C, the other group to 18°C. There was no significant difference in the temperature characteristics, the temperatures of the average static maxima being 19°C for both populations.

Electron microscopy studies of rubeosis iridis

Abstract: In 4 Fallen von Rubeosis iridis wurde operativ gewonnenes und lebensfrisch fixiertes Irismaterial licht- und elektronenmikroskopisch untersucht Im Bereich des Irisvorderblattes finden sich zahlreiche neugebildete Gefase Das intervasculare Stroma ist reich an Mucoproteiden und homogenen Massen Die Oberflache der Iris ist von zahlreichen, zum Teil stark aktivierten langgestreckten Zellen bedeckt, die sich schichtweise uberlappen und verschiedenartige Einschlusse enthalten

[Specific cell functions of cell and tissue cultures. I. Cultivation of melanin producing cells of the Harding-Passey melanoma in monolayer culture].

Abstract: Cells were isolated from tissue fragments of the Harding-Passey-melanoma of a NMRI-mouse and cultivated in monolayer cell culture since 3 years. These cells have maintained the capability to produce melanin. The culture medium consisted of Eagle’s basal medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum. The cells were subcultivated 30 times, so far. The average population doubling-time was about 100 hours.

Metabolic observations on platelets from patients with familial thrombopathic thrombocytopenia.

Abstract: Summary. Glycolytic enzyme activities and adenine nucleotide content were studied in normal platelets and in platelets from patients with hereditary thrombopathic thrombocytopenia. This study revealed that most of the enzyme activities, the nucleotide content, and the platelet volumes of the patients were increased to two to three times the normal values. Taking into account the increased platelet volumes, the enzyme activities and nucleotide content were almost normal except for the activities of enolase, pyruvate kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase, which remained increased. Related to the platelet volume there was a normal lactate production and an impaired oxygen consumption. The existing platelet factor-3 deficiency, changes in lipid composition, and absence of collagen-induced platelet aggregation, together with the findings here described, are interpreted as manifestations of an underlying, genetically determined, disturbance in membrane structure.

Monochloracetic Acids and Conodonts—a Warning

Abstract: SINCE its introduction by Beckmann1 in 1952, the monochloracetic acid method of processing limestones for conodont investigations has been the most widely used procedure in Germany and many other countries for the recovery of conodonts. Criticizing this method, Fahlbusch2 stated that monochloracetic acid could etch or even completely destroy part of the conodont fauna, and implied that structural changes in conodonts might be caused by solution. Beckmann et al.3 were able to show by experiment and from experience that Fahlbusch's contentions, based on erroneous theory and analogy, were not valid for the Devonian conodont faunas then under discussion. New evidence from the processing of Swedish Ordovician faunas indicates, however, that monochloracetic acid can have a corrosive effect on some conodonts.

Erscheinungsbild und Entwicklung der Darmdottervene und ihre Beziehung zur Eingeweide-Asymmetrie bei Urodelen

Abstract: l. Die Form der embryonalen Blutinsel, das Erscheinungsbild der Darmdottervene unter normalen und experimentellen Bedingungen sowie die Situskorrelation zwischen Darmvene und den asymmetrischen Eingeweiden (Herz, Darmtrakt) wurde bei Larven vonAmbystoma mexicanum undTriturus alpestris untersucht. 2. Die etwa symmetrische Y-formige Blutinsel zeigt auffallige artliche und individuelle Formunterschiede. Nicht selten erscheinen bei einer Larve Gestaltungsveranderungen, welche auf Umbauvorgange innerhalb der Blutinsel hinweisen. Reste derselben konnen noch bei vollig ausgebildeter und funktionierender Darmdottervene erhalten sein. 3. Die Darmdottervene zieht normalerweise asymmetrisch nach links (Normalsitus), zeigt aber schon bei Kontrollen und besonders bei experimentell geschadigten Tieren die verschiedenartigsten Verlaufsrichtungen, welche vom regularen bis zum vollig inversen Situs reichen. Bei entwicklungsgeschadigten Larven kann die Darmvene fehlen. Ofters ist sie anfanglich etwa symmetrisch und paarig ausgebildet; sie kann ferner lokal abnorme Verzweigungen aufweisen. Besonders auffallig und ohne Parallele in der Entwicklung von Herz und Darmtrakt sind gelegentliche Situsveranderungen der Darmvene, welche im Extremfall zuSitusumkehrungen fuhren konnen. Auch die Starke der Darmvene sowie ihre Funktionsdauer ist sehr variabel. 4. Zwischen dem Verlauf der Darmdottervene und dem Situs von Darmtrakt und Herz besteht in den allermeisten Fallen Ubereinstimmung, nur bei wenigen Prozent der Larven eine auffallige Diskrepanz. Eine strenge lage- und funktionsmasige Gebundenheit der Darmvene an Herz und Darmtrakt besteht demnach nicht. 5. Linksseitige Defekte an Postneurulen beeinflussen den spateren Darmvenenverlauf im Durchschnitt erheblich starker als rechtsseitige. Bei Verlaufsanderungen der Darmdottervene wahrend ihrer Funktionsperiode tritt Verschiebung in Richtung Normalsitus (Linksverschiebung) haufiger auf als in entgegengesetzter Richtung (Rechtsverschiebung). 6. Das Phanomen der Linkswendigkeit oder „Linksdominanz“ der Darmdottervene wird in Zusammenhang mit verwandten Erscheinungen bei den Eingeweiden diskutiert. Auser einer generellen Seitigkeitsdetermination der asymmetrischen Organe im Gastrula- und Neurulastadium, der auch die Darmvene unterliegen durfte, mus bei dieser im Hinblick auf ihren gelegentlichen Situswechsel noch die Wirksamkeit eines zunachst unbekannten nicht-determinativen Faktors angenommen werden. Die in jeder Hinsicht auserordentliche Variabilitat der Darmvene wird verstandlicher, wenn man sie als Elemente eines umfassenden dynamischen Funktionssystems, des (temporaren) „Dottergefassystems“ begreift.

Enzymhistotopochemie an der männlichen Keimdrüse des Rindes während ihrer fetalen und postnatalen Entwicklung

Abstract: An fetalen, juvenilen, pubertaren und geschlechtsreifen Rinderhoden wurde die histochemische Verteilung einiger Hydrolasen und Oxydoreduktasen untersucht. Bis zur 8. postnatalen Woche decken die Zwischenzellen ihren Energiebedarf fast ausschlieslich aus glykolytischen Reaktionen, ab der 8. postnatalen Woche kommen zusatzlich auch oxydative Stoffwechselprozesse als Energiequelle in Frage. Alle Enzyme, die wahrend der Ontogenese in den Zwischenzellen Aktivitatsveranderungen aufweisen, reagieren ah der 8. postnatalen Woche konstant. Hieraus last sich folgern, das die Zwischenzellen lange vor der Pubertat ihre spezifischen Funktionen in vollem Umfang aufnehmen. In den Hodentubuli der fetalen und infantilen Entwicklungsperiode ist eine histochemische Trennung zwischen den undifferenzierten Stutzzellen und den Gonocyten lediglich durch den Nachweis der unspezifischen Esterase moglich. In den Tubuli pubertarer und erwachsener Hoden fallen die ausdifferenzierten Sertolizellen durch hohe Konzentrationen an oxydativen und lysosomalen Enzymen auf. Ab der 8. postnatalen Lebenswoche sind alkalische Phosphatase und ATPase in den interlamellaren Zellen der Membrana propria der Hodentubuli nachzuweisen. Das Epithel des Rete testis beherbergt zu allen Zeiten grose bis sehr grose Mengen von Leucinaminopeptidase, ein Befund, der Ruckschlusse auf den Eiweisstoffwechsel dieser Hodenregion zulast.

Systematized delusions in early life schizophrenia

Abstract: A case study is presented descriptive of a boy who at 11 1/2 years of age became acutely ill with a schizophrenic psychosis characterized by a tightly systematized paranoid network of delusions and hallucinations. Such delusional system, of the kind observed in schizophrenic adults, is said to be extremely rare at so early an age. Homologous heredity and peculiar home atmosphere were in the background. The contents of the delusional pattern remained unaltered for several years and did not lead to total disintegration of the personality. It is suggested that pathoplastic influences of the boy's environment could not alone account for the illness and that tightly enclosed delusional systems can develop in young schizophrenic patients as early as prepuberty.

Fluctuation theory of detuned single mode laser

Abstract: The effect of detuning on the linewidth of photon intensity correlation and the spectral linewidth is studied. This can be done by taking into account a general canonical momentum of the field strength in the fluctuation Hamiltonian. Detuning mainly affects the linewidths via threshold shift, but also explicitly by a reduction of the linewidths by $$(1 + \tilde \Delta ^2 )^{ - 1}$$ ( $$\tilde \Delta$$ proportional to detuning).

The appearance and evolution of the vitelline vein and its relation to asymmetry of the viscera in urodeles

Abstract: 1. The shape of the embryonic blood island, the appearance of the vitelline vein under normal and experimental conditions as well as the relationship between the vitelline vein and the position of the asymmetrical viscera (heart, intestine) were investigated in larvae ofAmbystoma mexicanum andTriturus alpestris. 2. The approximately symmetrical, Y-shaped blood island shows conspicous species and individual form differences. Larvae often show alterations of shape which indicate reorganization activities in the blood island. Remnants of the blood island can persist in the presence of a fully developed and functioning vitelline vein. 3. Normally, the vitelline vein runs asymmetrically to the left (normal position), but even in controls and especially in experimental animals it shows great variation, ranging from normal to completely inverse position. The vitelline vein can be missing in developmentally damaged larvae. It is often originally paired and roughly symmetrical; furthermore, it can show abnormal local ramifications. The occasional position alterations of the vitelline vein, which in extreme cases can lead to inversion of the position, are especially remarkable and are without parallel in the evolution of the heart and the intestine. The caliber of the vein and the duration of its functional period are highly variable. 4. In the greater number of cases, the course of the vitelline vein and the position of the intestine and the heart agree; only a small percentage of the larvae show a distinct discrepancy in this respect. According to this evidence, the intestinal vein is positionally and functionally not strictly dependant on the heart and the intestine. 5. Defects on the left side of postneurulae have, on the average, a more pronounced effect on the course of the vitelline vein than defects on the right side. During the functional period of the vein alterations of its course occur more frequently toward the normal position (toward the left) than in the opposite direction. 6. The phenomenon of the leftward tendency or "left-dominance" of the vitelline vein is discussed in connection with similar observations in the viscera. Apart from a general lateral determination of the asymmetrical organs in the gastrula and neurula stages, to which the vitelline vein is probably also subject, the effect of an unknown non-determinative factor on the vitelline vein must be assumed when one considers its occasional positional changes. The variability of the vitelline vein, considerable in every respect, becomes more readily understandable when one regards it as a component of a more comprehensive, dynamic functional system.

Genetics and linkage analysis of adenosine deaminase

Abstract: 578 families with 998 children have been investigated. Only voluntary families have been sampled in the areas of Marburg and Tfibingen. Legitimacy of the children is guaranteed by an extensive serological status. For estimating of the gene frequencies the phenotypes of the parents and of 2190'nonrelated healthy persons have been used (614 individuals from Tariverdian and Ritter (1969a, b) are included). Methods. Kirchberg and Wendt (1970).