Showing papers in "Science in 1952"

Deficiency of Ceruloplasmin in Patients with Hepatolenticular Degeneration (Wilson's Disease)

Abstract: by autoclaving a t 10 psi fo r 10 min. The inoculum consisted of approxin~ately 0.01 ml of a washed cell suspension, and the incubation period was 48 hr a t 35' C. Growth was measured turbidimetrically with a Klett-Summerson photoelectric colorimeter, using the blue filter. No growth occurred in the absence of putrescine, and maximum growth response was obtained a t a concentration of approximately 0.5 wg/ml. Growth response of the organism was almost linear between 0.05 and 0.25 pg putrescine/ml. The presence of putrescine did not alter the biotin requirement for this organism. Three additional strains of N. pevflava have been investigated, and all demonstrate a requirement fo r putrescine similar to that exhibited by culture #876. Other diaminic compounds2 which we have tested for growth response with AT. perflava (876) indicate that spermidine, agmatine, and cadavarine may be substituted for putrescine. Of these compounds, cadavarine was the least active, and it is possible that its low activity might be due to contamination with putrescine. Experiments are in progress a t this time to determine the extent to which the amino acid content of the medium, as shown in Table 1, can be reduced without materially affecting growth, and to determine what effect these alterations may have on the vitamin requirements of this organism.

Application of Echo-Ranging Techniques to the Determination of Structure of Biological Tissues

Abstract: the size of the telescope-and hence the expense-as well as make it easier to handle. Such a design is already in existence. The optics, mounting, and driving mechanism should all be of the finest construction so that very small diaphragms might be safely used. If such an observatory were to be established, there is no question but that it would make a very substantial contribution to our astrophysical knowledge at a fraction of the initial cost of a very large reflector. It would also provide a real opportunity for guest investigators from the Middle West and the East, who are seriously handicapped at present by their climate and often by city lights. \"Home\" researches in objective-prism spectroscopy and photographic photometry would be greatly strengthened by additional photoelectric observations. Serious photoelectric work is being accomplished or contemplated at many observatories in the eastern half of this country, including Harvard, Princeton, Pennsylvania, UI. S. Naval Observatory, Virginia, Case, Ohio State, Michigan, Vanderbilt, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Such work is invaluable both in the training of graduate students and in the development of photoelectric equipment and experience. All these observatoriesand others-should be intensely interested in the establishment of a permanent desert observatory devoted to photoelectric research. Here, then, is a superb opportunity which, if brought to fruition, would make possible an ever-continuing series of important investigations pursued under optimum conditions.

The Road to Survival.

Abstract: The National Committees of Science for Peace and the Medical Association for the Prevention of War have jointly investigated the reports of biplogical warfare in Korea and North East China. They have examined the bacteriological, entomological, and epidemiological reports submitted to them. These have undoubtedly been furnished by Chinese scientists of repute, some known personally to British scientists. While there is nothing to suggest that the bacteriological and entomological findings are not genuine, the reports of the investigations are incomplete and, taken by itself, the scientific evidence so far examined by the committees is inconclusive. In view of the gravity of the charges, and of the circumstantial evidence available, the committees consider that the charge that biological warfare has been waged by American forces should be investigated by a commission of impartial persons expert in bacteriology, entomology, and epidemiology. The committees will give all possible support to the formation of such a commission. Resolution passed unanimously on 20th May, 1952. A. H. GORDON Mill Hill, London, England

Physiology of an Infrared Receptor: The Facial Pit of Pit Vipers

Abstract: Noble and Schmidt (1) in 1937 showed that the sense organ in the facial pit of blindfolded crotalidsrattlesnakes, copperheads, and moccasins—mediates the ability to strike correctly at moving objects such as a dead rat or a cloth-wrapped light bulb and to distinguish between warm and cold ones. They attempted to describe its sensitivity in terms of the reading of a mercury thermometer in the air at the position of the snake's head. However, it seems indicated by their conditions that radiant energy was the effective stimulus. We have undertaken to find out what can be learned of the function of this organ by recording activity from its nerves. The present paper is a preliminary report based on multi-unit analysis.

Composition of honeydew excreted by pineapple mealybugs.

Abstract: The Application of Electrophoresis-Convection in the Purifation of Enzymes: Purii1cation of the Alkaline Phosphatase of Swine Kidneys: James C. Mathies 144 Effect of Heparin on the Growth of a Transplantable Lymphsaroma in Mice: Leonard Kreisler _ 145 Influence of Vitamin D on Deposition of (lallium in Bone of the Rat: H. C. Dudley and Leo Friedman' 146 On the Mechanijn of Formation of HigherAlcohols During Alcoholic Fermentation: J. G. B. Castor and J. F. Guymon 147 Prevention of Postharvest Decay of Stone Fruits by Volatile Chemicals: J., S. Vandemark and B. G. Sharvelle 149 Hemagglutinins in Caterpilar Bloods: Alan W. Bernheimer -_ 150 First Reporto-the Presence of a Dermatitis-Producing Marine Larval Schistosome in Hawaii: George W. T. C. Chu 151