Biochemical Origin Research Articles

The catalytic decarboxylation of oxaloacetic acid by thermally prepared poly-α-amino acids

Thermally prepared poly-α-amino acids catalyze the decarboxylation of oxaloacetic acid to pyruvic acid. Such action, at pH 5.0 and under conditions yielding pseudo first-order kinetics, is catalytic, rather than stoichiometric. Polymers containing predominantly or solely residues of lysine are the most effective; some are up to about 15 times more active than the equivalent amount of free lysine. Multiple samples of a particular type of thermal polymer exhibit quite similar (±10%) levels of activity. The action of the lysine-rich polymers is rather selective, as several other acids are not decarboxylated, under the conditions routinely used with oxaloacetic acid. The possible prebiological conditions of synthesis of the thermal polymers permit inferences in the context of biochemical origins.

Urinary excretion of deoxycytidine in rats after x-irradiation: dose-response and effect of age.

SummaryRats were exposed to various doses of whole-body x-rays, from 10 R to 400 R, and 24-hour urinary deoxycytidine (CdR) excretion was determined by combined ion exchange and paper chromatographic methods. The baseline 24-hour urinary CdR excretion (non-irradiated rats) was 86·6 ± 13·9 μg; while after exposure to 28 R and 223 R, a significant increase of 70 per cent and 260 per cent, respectively, was observed. The highest rate of CdR excretion occurred during the first 24 hours after irradiation, and returned to baseline levels by the second day. A linear dose–response relationship was found for 24-hour CdR excretion at radiation doses over the range of 10 R to 223 R. For a given radiation dose, CdR excretion was considerably lower in rats previously splenectomized; thus, at 100 R the spleen appeared to contribute 82 per cent of the excreted CdR. Age of the rats was an important determinant of CdR excretion: after exposure to 100 R, 5-week-old rats showed a 312 per cent increase in 24-hour urinary CdR content over that of non-irradiated age controls; for 12-week-old animals the increase was 123 per cent; in 14-month-old rats, the increment was only 47 per cent. The biochemical origin of the excreted CdR as a degradation product derived from the polydeoxyribonucleotides, previously shown to be released in spleen and thymus at early times after irradiation, is suggested. It is concluded that urinary CdR excretion may be potentially useful as a biochemical index of radiation exposure.

Uhlíkatý metabolismus a morfogenesePenicillium frequentans: metabolismus glukózy

The paper deals with the relationship between the glucose utilization and growth ofPenicillium frequentans. The vegetative growth was scanty and sporulation started at a time when glucose was abundant in the culture medium. Occurrence of autolysis in spite of the presence of glucose in the culture medium is a peculiar phenomenon reported here. The autolysing culture gives rise to conditions which favour the germination of spores and the development of vegetative growth. The citric acid is the major metabolite produced by the fungus and its biochemical origin appears to follow condensation of oxalacetate and acetate. Lastly production of citrmin as another metabolite has also been reported.

THE EFFECTS OF SODIUM, POTASSIUM AND CALCIUM ON METABOLISM OF RAT’S CEREBRAL CORTICAL SLICE WITH OR WITHOUT ELECTRICAL STIMULATION

A wide study, extending even to analysis in homogenates and subcellular fractions, is now being made in order to elucidate the exact mechanism of linkage between active cation transport and metabolism. Many wonderful achievements and hypotheses seem to have been published; nevertheless, the exact mechanism is still obscure. The fact that separated mammalian cerebral tissues, suitably maintained in vitro, show remarkable metabolic responses to adequate electrical stimulation has been explored mainly by McIlwain and his colleagues. Their comprehensive studies concerning this phenomenon have led to many valuable findings, and that concerning ganglioside may be especially excellent (1-3). However, at the present stage, it cannot be said that the biochemical origin of these metabolic responses and its physiological roles are clear. In addition, except for their achievement, other achievements along this line are still very few and some differences in the results also can be observed. From the point of view of the present studies concerning active transport and metabolism, there is even more of a necessity for studies along this line. Therefore, we have taken a somewhat different experimental procedure to manifest the role of external sodium in metabolism of separated mammalian cerebral cortical tissue in both the presence and absence of electrical stimulation in correlation to the effects of potassium and calcium.

Isoprenoid Hydrocarbons in Recent Sediments: Presence of Pristane and Probable Absence of Phytane

Pristane (2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane) has been isolated from two recent marine sediments. Unlike their ancient counterparts, these sediments contain no detectable phytane. These two facts suggest a biochemical origin for at least a fraction of the sedimentary pristane and a later, geochemical formation of phytane. Commercial reagent-grade solvents (pentane, isooctane, methanol) contain appreciable quantities of fossil pristane and probably phytane.

クルマエビ養殖場における底質の酸化還元電位差について

The culture of the “Kuruma” prawn, Penaeus japonicas BATE, has been carried on in various districts along the coasts of the Seto Inland Sea. In the culture pond of the “Kuruma” prawn, remodeled from the unused salt field or enclosed with stretching wire net along the sea coast, it is frequently experienced that the bottom materials are in a reduced state, owing to the accumulation of organic matters such as food-remnants, excrements etc., and that the reduced materials produced in this state have sometimes an injurious influence on the prawns cultured there. The conditions of the materials are evidently determined by diffusion of oxygen from the sea water and sedimentation of organic matters, on the one hand, and by reduction processes of biochemical origin in the mud, on the other. Many studies concerning the bottom mud of the culture pond have been carried out along the lines of separate chemical or physical analysis of each factor forming the environment without systematic or causal connection. However, it may be of most importance to examine the quality of bottom material as a whole, for indicating the criterion about the degree of deterioration of the culture pond. No clear idea of the biochemical transformations in bottom materials can be gained without a consideration of the redox potential. From these points of view, the present study was designed to clarify the oxidized and reduced phase of the bottom materials by means of measuring the redox potential in the Aji Prawn farm (Fig. 1). However, this quantity will give only a measure of intensity. Undisturbed cores were obtained and potential, pH value, organic carbon content and total nitrogen content were determined from the mud in various layers down to 22cm below the mud-water interface. Comparisons of redox potentials in summer with those in winter were made and then the potential of various mud layers below the mud surface was related to the quantity of the organic carbon and the total nitrogen, respectively. The results obtained may be summarized as follows: (1) The redox potential (corrected to pH 7) in the top layer (0-8cm) corresponds to -0.01 to +0.09 volt in August, and to +0.18 to +0.21 volt in March. Potential at about 20cm below the interface lies at about +0.27 volt throughout the entire annual cycle (Table 1, Fig. 5). (2) Near the surface (0-8cm) the potential is correlated with the quantity of organic matter, but in deeper layer no correlation is recognized between both (Fig. 3, 4). (3) Except on occasion at its surface the mud at the bottom of pond has reducing pro-perties in August. There is a rise of potential as far as 20cm into the mud. In March, the potential falls slightly with depth and then rises from 0.18 volt at 6cm to +0.27 volt at 14cm. Within the range of the depth 14-20cm, there is little change (Fig. 5). (4) The high potential obtained at about 2cm below the interface in March suggests that the mud at this depth is recovered from the reduced state; the potential lying at about -0.01 volt in August rises till in March a value of +0.21 volt is reached (Table 1, Fig. 5). (5) A very thin, flocculent, brown precipitate, or oxidized microzone, was seen dimly in August and clearly in March, so that the potential in superficial layer of mud would have shown the high value.

NATURAL AND EXPERIMENTAL HOSTS OF ECHINOCOCCUS GRANULOSUS AND E. MULTILOCULARIS, WITH COMMENTS ON THE GENETICS OF SPECIATION IN THE GENUS ECHINOCOCCUS.

Within recent years, problems of host-parasite relationships have been receiving increasing attention from parasitologists. This is particularly true in the study of the cestodes Echinococcus spp., where predilection for different hosts—when considered with the morphology of the adult and the growth and development of the larva—seemed sufficiently significant to lead to the establishment of the two species, E. granulosus and E. multilocularis. Much experimental and field work has been carried out on a variety of vertebrate hosts and a number of new, naturally infected and laboratory hosts have been reported. A survey of intermediate and definitive hosts has been undertaken in this laboratory as part of a study to investigate whether factors of morphological, physiological or biochemical origin were concerned in host specificity. These data, together with some genetical considerations, form the basis of the present paper.

BIOCHEMISTRY OF SEROTONIN.

The biochemical origin of serotonin from tryptophan is described. Most of the serotonin produced in the body is derived from the gastrointestinal tract. Normally, only a small amount of tryptophan is metabolized to serotonin; the majority leads to the vitamin, nicotinic acid, as an end product. In carcinoid, there is a reversal of this situation such that a majority of tryptophan is converted to serotonin. In addition to producing a large excess of serotonin which is responsible for many of the symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome, there may then also occur a deficiency of nicotinic acid.

Synthesis of uracil under conditions of a thermal model of prebiological chemistry.

Uracil has been formed under thermal conditions which yield other materials of theoretical prebiochemical significance. The chemical evidence for the identity of uracil rests on chromatography, spectrography, color tests, and melting points and analyses of isolated material. The place of uracil in a scheme of biochemical origins, including carbon dioxide as an intermediate, is discussed.

Thermal polymerization of amino acids and a theory of biochemical origins.

Bei Uberschuss von Glutaminsaure und Asparaginsaure werden zahlreiche Aminosauren thermisch kopolymerisiert. Das Studium der Reaktionen und Nebenreaktionen fuhrt zu einer Theorie uber den thermischen Ursprung biochemischer Systeme.

Moondust; the study of this covering layer by space vehicles may offer clues to the biochemical origin of life.

Moondust; the study of this covering layer by space vehicles may offer clues to the biochemical origin of life.

Oil and Gas Production from Carbonate Reservoirs: ABSTRACT

Non-reef carbonate reservoirs include some of the most famous and prolific oil and gas reservoirs in the world, despite the relative emphasis on reefoid masses in recent research and development programs. Approximately 20-25 per cent of the world's reserves are believed to be contained in non-reef carbonate rocks. For general purposes, carbonates are classified broadly as of chemical, evaporative, biochemical, organic, and clastic origin, with examples cited. Although there are classic examples of limestones and dolomites which preserve their lithologic and stratigraphic character for thousands of square miles, probably the majority will exhibit some type of facies differentiation within relatively short distances, both vertically and horizontally. These facies changes provide excellent stratigraphic trap possibilities, even in non-reefed rocks. Oil and gas reservoirs in carbonates may be caused by the structural deformation of rocks having widespread, relatively uniform, intergranular porosity; by the development of fracture and fissure systems at favorable positions with respect to fluid migration; and by permeability pinchouts in connection with facies changes. Potentialities of carbonates as oil sources are not fully understood, but oil in minor quantities at least may be generated from certain facies. Development practices in carbonate reservoirs are influenced by the characteristic irregularity of pore space, the chemical sensitivity of the rock to both natural and artificial leaching, and such physical characteristics as structural strength, rigidity, and competency. Although internal differences from conventional sand reservoirs are marked, nevertheless it has been demonstrated that production histories of carbonate reservoirs provide almost identical patterns with sand reservoirs of comparable drive. Primary recovery estimates by volumetric methods necessarily contain large factors of error. Secondary-recovery programs are proving successful in carbonate reservoirs as well as in sands, but the effect of fracturing and channeling must be considered to avoid by-passing large reservoir volumes. Reservoir-heating techniques may be proved to be applicable. In future prospecting, applied sedimentology may have as large a field in the carbonate rocks as it has had in the clastics. Practical trendology will also be useful, in addition to the conventional fold-finding techniques which have dominated exploration methods in the past. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2607------------

OBSERVATIONS ON THE SYMPTOMATOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS OF HEPATIC COMA<sup>1</sup>

1. The literature describing the neurological manifestations of hepatic coma is reviewed. 2. The neurological signs observed in 18 cases of hepatic coma are described. The full picture consisted of personality changes, mania, and coma, with dilated pupils, choreifonn movements of the arms, tome grasping, and sometimes lead-pipe or cogwheel rigidity; absent abdominal reflexes, increased knee-jerks, ankle clonus, and extensor plantar responses. In some cases there was either spasticity or lead-pipe rigidity of the legs. During the early phase of coma the patients sometimes adopted a characteristic posture, with the legs tightly drawn up to the abdominal wall. Cranial nerve palsies were a rare accompaniment, and convulsions were not observed. All these changes were more prominent in children than in adults. 3. A number of theories to account for such changes have been advanced at various times. It is here suggested that hypoglycaemia may precipitate convulsions, but is not otherwise directly associated with the production of symptoms. The possibility of an intestinal toxin passing through a damaged liver to enter the general circulation is discarded; so also is the theory that acetylcholine accumulates in the blood as a result of a fall in the plasma-cholinesterase. Reference is made to experimental work which suggests that the products of autolysis of the liver parenchyma, which have a high aminoacid content, are toxic. It is possible that these products, entering the circulation, account for the phase of excitement observed in acute liver failure. 4. The theory is put forward that the disturbed pattern of blood aminoacids, which occurs as the result of both acute and chronic liver failure, may be toxic' to the brain. Experimental work in animals which supports this theory is briefly referred to. It is suggested that the variable clinical picture of hepatic coma is almost certainly of biochemical origin, and may be directly related to the variable pattern of the blood aminoacids. 5. The part played by glutamic acid metabolism in the central nervous system is described. It is suggested that in some cases interference may have occurred in the utilization of t.hia substance, with a consequent breakdown in the ammonia-binding mechanism of the brain. There may also have been a

OBSERVATIONS ON THE SYMPTOMATOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS OF HEPATIC COMA<sup>1</sup>

1. The literature describing the neurological manifestations of hepatic coma is reviewed. 2. The neurological signs observed in 18 cases of hepatic coma are described. The full picture consisted of personality changes, mania, and coma, with dilated pupils, choreifonn movements of the arms, tome grasping, and sometimes lead-pipe or cogwheel rigidity; absent abdominal reflexes, increased knee-jerks, ankle clonus, and extensor plantar responses. In some cases there was either spasticity or lead-pipe rigidity of the legs. During the early phase of coma the patients sometimes adopted a characteristic posture, with the legs tightly drawn up to the abdominal wall. Cranial nerve palsies were a rare accompaniment, and convulsions were not observed. All these changes were more prominent in children than in adults. 3. A number of theories to account for such changes have been advanced at various times. It is here suggested that hypoglycaemia may precipitate convulsions, but is not otherwise directly associated with the production of symptoms. The possibility of an intestinal toxin passing through a damaged liver to enter the general circulation is discarded; so also is the theory that acetylcholine accumulates in the blood as a result of a fall in the plasma-cholinesterase. Reference is made to experimental work which suggests that the products of autolysis of the liver parenchyma, which have a high aminoacid content, are toxic. It is possible that these products, entering the circulation, account for the phase of excitement observed in acute liver failure. 4. The theory is put forward that the disturbed pattern of blood aminoacids, which occurs as the result of both acute and chronic liver failure, may be toxic' to the brain. Experimental work in animals which supports this theory is briefly referred to. It is suggested that the variable clinical picture of hepatic coma is almost certainly of biochemical origin, and may be directly related to the variable pattern of the blood aminoacids. 5. The part played by glutamic acid metabolism in the central nervous system is described. It is suggested that in some cases interference may have occurred in the utilization of t.hia substance, with a consequent breakdown in the ammonia-binding mechanism of the brain. There may also have been a

Societies and Academies

LONDON. Royal Society, January 31.—Sir J. J. Thomson, president, in the chair.—A. Mallock: The growth of trees. An account is given of some recent observations of the growth of trees. The observations consisted in the measurement, at short intervals of time, of the variation of the girth of the trees at a height of 4 ft. or 5 ft. above the ground. The measures were made by an “interference” method, which is described. The results showed a well-marked daily period in the variation of girth, different for different species of tree, but in all cases having a maximum at night and a minimum shortly after noon. Diagrams of sets of observations, each extending over several days, are included, showing the growth of a black poplar, an oak, and a Douglas fir. From twenty to thirty readings were taken in the course of each twenty-four hours.—Prof. B. Moore and T. A. Webster: Action of light rays on organic compounds and the photosynthesis of organic from inorganic compounds in presence of inorganic colloids. The results are recorded under three sections:—(a) Photosynthesis by inorganic transformers; (b) action of sunlight and of ultra-violet light upon concentrated solutions of formaldehyde; (c) the general formation of formaldehyde by the action of light upon organic substances of biochemical origin. In the concluding section a general reversible reaction is described as a result of which formaldehyde rises in all intense reactions of light upon substances of biochemical origin. This reaction in presence of excess of light is an interesting reversal of the process by which all organic matter has been built up from inorganic sources. The bearing of this process upon the germicidal action of sunlight, and upon the destruction of living organisms by ultra-violet light, is discussed, and it is pointed out that the simple organic products so formed are incompatible with the life-processes of living organisms and so lead to their destruction. Taking such a reaction as travelling in the reverse direction, it is shown that the building up of organic matter from inorganic must have been a necessary precedent to any existence of living organisms on the earth, and that all accumulations of reduced substances possessing stores of chemical energy must have arisen in this manner from storage of the energy of sunlight.—Capt. W. J. Tulloch: The isolation and sero-logical differentiation of Bacillus tetani. (1) More than one variety of non-toxic endosporing bacillus resembling B. tetani in morphological characters can be recovered from wound-exudates in cases of the disease. (2) There are at least three different types of toxic B. tetani. (3) The “U.S.A. type” of the bacillus that commonly used for the preparation of antitoxin is not frequently obtained from wound-exudates in cases of the disease occurring among men who have received prophvlactic inoculations of antitetanic serum. (4) Culture in a selective medium, followed by agglutination of the washed growth, in presence of the three-type sera, gives valuable information. It is, however, apparently not so delicate a test.for the presence of B. tetani as is animal inoculation after culture of the wound-exudate.—Dr. J. Brownlee: An investigation into the periodicity of measles epidemics in the different districts of London for the years 1890-1912. In a previous paper it was found that during the years investigated the chief epidemic periodicities were respectively 87, 97, 109J, and 114 weeks, the most marked period being that of 97 weeks. It is found now that the epidemic with the 87 weeks' period occurs solely south of the Thames, where it is a very marked phenomenon; that the epidemic with the 97 weeks' period, while very marked in the whole of London, is especially marked in the western district; that the epidemic with the 109J weeks' period is present throughout London with the exception of the east, but is most marked in the western districts; while that with the 114 weeks' period is most marked in the central districts and least present in the eastern districts. The most important fact found, however, is that the epidemics of different periods have special phenomena of their own. In the case of the chief period, that of 97 weeks, the epidemic practically breaks out synchronously in the whole city. In the case of the epidemic with the 87 weeks' period a quite different phenomenon is found, the permanent seat of this epidemic being St. Saviour's or Bermondsey, whence the disease spreads to the neighbouring districts. With regard to the period 109 weeks, there is evidence that, in both, the conditions just described exist, this epidemic breaking out synchronously in several districts and extending from these to neighbouring districts.