Yellow Particles Research Articles

Carnation yellow fleck virus particles “ in vivo” A structural analysis

Electron microscopy of thin sections of carnation ( Dianthus caryophyllus L.) leaves, infected with carnation yellow fleck virus (CYFV), revealed CYFV particles in epidermis, ground parenchyma, and phloem and in mature xylem elements. Sections of CYFV aggregates revealed three distinctive characteristic patterns: (1) cross sections of hexagonal arrays with a center-to-center distance of 109 Å; (2) sections of nearly parallel virus particles; and (3) regions in which no orderly arrangement was evident. Tilting experiments showed that the different appearance of the sections was due only to their orientation and that the characteristic patterns are entirely interchangeable. The results of such tilting experiments lead us to suggest that in vivo the virus aggregates in a hexagonal array.

Extensive actinomycosis associated with an intrauterine contraceptive device

A case of thoracic and abdominal actinomycosis as a complication of pelvic actinomycosis associated with an IUD is described. The patient 1st noted a yellowish vaginal discharge and pelvic pain. A hysterogram showed a Dalkon Shield to be intrauterine. 3 weeks after the IUD was removed chest pain fever weight loss and abdominal pain were present. Examination revealed a pelvic mass. Chest X-ray showed fluid on the left side. Kanamycin and penicillin G were given iv. Thoracentesis removed 500 ml of thick yellow fluid. Cultures of this fluid and blood cultures were negative. Chloromycetin was given. A gallium-67 scan revealed abnormal foci in the pelvis thorax and subdiaphragmatic areas. Laparotomy revealed bilateral tuboovarian abscesses. Abdominal hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. Pelvic and subdiaphragmatic abscesses were drained. Sulfur granules were noted in Fallopian tube sections. Actinomyces organisms were found in centrifuged pleural fluid. The organism (Actinomyces israeli) forms yellow particles called sulfur granules. Finding them was an aid in diagnosis. Invasion is facilitated if local tissue damage with or without a foreign body is present. This case probably represents an ascending-route infection. Treatment consists of removal of devitalized tissue draining abscesses and antibiotic therapy. Therapy may require several months. Penicillin is usually used; tetracycline is also effective.

Formation of oxyadenine metabolites in the rabbit after intravenous administration of adenine.

Adenine, 8-oxyadenine, and 2,8-dioxyadenine were analyzed, by Dowex-50 column chromatography, in rabbit urine four hours after IV infusion of the following doses of adenine in mg/kg: 2, 4, 8.75, 17.5, 35, 70, 140 and 210. The average excretion in mole percentage of the dose was: adenine, 11.1; 8-oxyadenine, 6.1; and 2,8-dioxyadenine, 6.2. The percentage of excretion of 8-oxyadenine and of 2,8-dioxyadenine was unrelated to the dose of adenine. At doses of adenine of 35 mg/kg and above more than 80 per cent of the 2,8-dioxyadenine in the urine was in the form of microscopic pale yellow spherical particles. The particulate 2,8-dioxyadenine was found in the kidney in a very small amount at the dose of 70 mg/kg and in much greater quantities at 140 and 210 mg/kg.

Cell surface labelling of mononuclear cells with antisera associated to turnip yellow mosaic virus or alphalpha mosaic virus particles. A freeze-etch study

Turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) and alphalpha mosaic virus (AMV) were used as immuno-electron microscopical markers to detect cell surface receptors on mononuclear cells in freeze-etch replicas. TYMV particles were conjugated with vacuum-distilled glutaraldehyde to rabbit IgG anti-mouse immunoglobulins (TYMV-RAMIg conjugate) or to rabbit IgG anti-mouse theta antigen (TYMV-RAMTh conjugate). B-lymphocytes incubated with TYMV-RAMIg conjugate showed either randomly distributed particles or patches of virus particles on the etched surface of the cell membrane. Mouse thymocytes incubated with TYMV-RAMTh conjugate, however, showed only a random distribution of the virus particles. Human mononuclear cells incubated with rabbit IgG anti-AMV and AMV for the demonstration of the receptors for the Fc fragment of IgG showed the oblong shape of the AMV particles on the etched cell membrane, Fc receptors were either randomly distributed or aggregrated into patches. It is concluded that both types of virus particles are useful markers for the demonstration of membrane receptors in freeze-etch replicas of labelled cells.

Sites of coat protein accumulation in turnip yellow mosaic virus-infected cells

Empty viral protein shells or viral antigen have been identified in the nuclei of Chinese cabbage infected with turnip yellow mosaic virus, Nicotiana glutinosa infected with eggplant mosaic virus, cucumber infected with okra mosaic virus, and bean infected with Desmodium yellow mottle virus. For turnip yellow mosaic virus, viral coat protein can be detected from an early stage of infection at two sites: (i) in the nucleus, where coat protein in the form of empty protein shells accumulates, and (ii) in the electron-lucent zones in the cytoplasm over the clustered vesicles of chloroplasts. We conclude that this electron-lucent material contains pentamers and hexamers of coat protein because particles seen within it on freeze-fracturing have the right dimensions, and because the material reacts with antibody directed against intact TYMV. A mechanism is proposed by which turnip yellow mosaic virus particles are assembled at the necks of the peripheral vesicles from an emerging strand of RNA combining with pentamers and hexamers of coat protein lying in an oriented fashion within the lipid bilayer of the outer chloroplast membrane.

Fluorescent cell-counting assay of yellow fever virus.

Abstract : A quantitative assay of infective yellow fever virus particles was developed that is based on the enumeration of cells containing fluorescent viral antigen 24 hours after infection of coverslip McCoy cell cultures. The rapidity and efficiency of virus adsorption onto cell monolayers was markedly enhanced by centrifugation of virus inoculum. By this procedure, 95% of virus was adsorbed within 15 minutes and a proportionality was demonstrated between the number of fluorescent cells and the volume of inoculum. The incubation period of 24 hours was established from observations on the sequential development of viral antigen within cells and fluorescent cell counts. The relationship between virus concentration and cell-infecting units of virus was linear; the distribution of fluorescent cells in cell monolayers was random. The sensitivity of the fluorescent cell-counting assay was comparable to that of the method of intracerebral inoculation of mice. A quantitative linear relationship was demonstrated between the quantity of virus neutralized and dilutions of antiserum.

STUDIES IN EXPERIMENTAL EOSINOPHILIA

A method is described whereby immune complexes may be visualized in a single cell. Bovine serum albumin labeled with a red-fluorescing dye was joined to a rabbit antiserum labeled with a green-fluorescing dye to yield an immune complex which fluoresced yellow when illuminated by ultraviolet light. Such yellow-fluorescing immune complexes were injected into the peritoneal cavity of guinea pigs, and the peritoneal exudates were examined subsequently. Yellow fluorescent particles were seen in eosinophils obtained from guinea pigs sensitized to hemocyanin and from normal animals. Eosinophils of the blood and of the bone marrow could also take up the complexes in vitro. Neither antigen nor antibody alone was taken up by eosinophils, nor was a mixture of labeled antigen and labeled normal globulin. Similar observations were made with human blood eosinophils. These experiments suggest that eosinophils act as part of the defense against the pathogenic effects of certain immune complexes.

Electron microscope observations on the structure of the protein shell of turnip yellow mosaic virus

High resolution and high magnification electron micrographs of turnip yellow mosaic virus particles prepared by the negative staining procedure and the rotation technique are presented. Excellent agreement is found between these micrographs and a rhombic triacontahedron model with 32 subunits arranged in an icosahedral pattern with 5∶3∶2 symmetry. The protein shell of the virus is constructed of 32 morphological subunits. A discussion and interpretation of the electron microscope observations and the physico-chemical data is provided. All the evidence so far is strongly suggestive of 180 structural units representing possibly the total number of peptides in the virus protein shell. Some of the artifacts of the roration technique are also discussed.

オオカナダモの退化プラスチドの光学および電子顕微鏡的研究

When the detached leaves of Elodea densa were cultured in tap water in the dark, chloroplasts were subjected progressive degeneration. After 5 days they became small in size and yellow in colour, having several yellowish particles.Under electron microscope, the lamellar structure was degraded irregularly as the senescence proceeded, in which case the degradation of stroma lamellae seemed to occur earlier than that of grana lamellae. Moreover, it was found that some osmiophilic granules used to appear in the chloroplast. Those granules obviously correspond to the yellow particles observed under the light microscope. They reacted to produce a deep blue to blue-green colour by treatment with 75% H2SO4 and also showed a conspicuous iodine reaction. They are soluble in chloroform, methanol, carbon disulfide but insoluble in acetone and petroleum ether.Therefore, it seems that some carotenoid pigments in lamellar structure were liberated and transferred into these granules. Probably, this may be identified as “eloxanthin”. as previously called by Karrer.

Fine structure of Councilman bodies in the liver of Aluatta seniculus seniculus L infected with yellow fever virus

Councilman bodies found in hepatic cells of A.s. seniculus, naturally infected with yellow fever virus, are identified with the electron microscope. At the fine structure level, these bodies show no limiting membrane or internal vacuole membrane. The only constituents found are particles of different sizes presenting different osmium affinity. There are no lipid droplets or membranous components present within the bodies. No yellow fever virus particles are found in Councilman bodies; therefore, it can be concluded that their formation is not a direct consequence of the presence of viral particles.

Demonstration of yellow fever virus with the electron microscope

Electron microscopic investigations revealed the presence of one type of particle common in yellow fever-infected brain and liver of mice, in KB, HeLa and chick embryo cells, in Aedes aegypti adults, and in concentrated and purified suspensions from KB cells. On this evidence and because of the presence of a limiting membrane around the particles, it is believed that the yellow fever virus agent is a sphere with a dense center, about 38 ± 5 mμ in diameter, and surrounded by a distinct membrane. In the brain, yellow fever virus particles are found exclusively in cisterns and tubuli of the endoplasmic reticulum of astrocytes.

Electron microscope observations on the structure of turnip yellow mosaic virus

Electron micrographs of turnip yellow mosaic virus particles prepared by the negative staining technique show clearly defined internal structure, which indicates that the protein shell of this virus is constructed of 32 subunits in an icosahedral arrangement. The structure inferred from the electron micrographs satisfies the X-ray data, and contains subunits which occupy two structurally distinct sites.

Microchemical detection of several elements using ion-exchange resin

A new method of carrying out confirmatory tests is proposed. Colourless or slightly yellow anion-exchange resins are used as media for the tests. Both sensitivity and selectivity can be increased because of the well-known properties of ion-exchange resins. Co(IT) and Cr(VI) can be detected by very simple procedure; to a drop of sample solution a few particles of anion-exchange resin (RCl form) are added and after some time a drop of reagent [ammonium thiocyanate to Co(II) and hydrogen peroxide to Cr(VI)] is added. The change in colour of the particles of ion exchange resin is observed with the aid of magnifying glass. The limit of identification of sky blue colour of the cobalt complex is 0.16μg and its limiting concentration is 1 ∶ 1.3×105. The limit of identification of violet-blue colour of the Cr(VI) complex is 0.3μg and its limiting concentration is 1 ∶ 105. Ge(IV) can also be detected easily by a slightly modified method; the particles of an anion-exchange resin with low cross linking are previously impregnated with hematoxylin solution and those yellow particles are transfered to a drop of sample solution. The limit of identification of the red-violet colour of the Ge(IV) complex is 0.005μg and its limiting concentration is 1 ∶ 6×106. Interfering substances, such as Fe3+ and Bi3+, can be removed completely with the aid of a cation-exchange resin which is added just before adding the particles of anion-exchange resin. The limiting proportions are also described in each case.

Complexity of Fresh Hevea Latex

Abstract Although under difficult conditions, the work at the Netherlands Indies Rubber Research Institute at Buitenzorg (Java) was continued during the Japanese occupation. Since it will be a long time before the accumulated results of the years 1942–45 can be published in detail, some points of general interest are reported here. It is common knowledge that, on addition of small amounts of salts of bior polyvalent cations to fresh latex, partial coagulation follows. The yellow colored coagulum generally contains 10–30 per cent of the rubber and after drying gives a yellow rubber, rich in proteins, and having a high acetone extract. The high acetone extract and the color are produced by the yellow particles, first observed by Frey-Wyssling, which, although generally called “resin particles”, contain mainly lipoids. What, however, is the reason for the high protein content? In 1941 it was observed by one of us (L.N.S.H.) that when fresh latex is centrifuged in tubes, a separation occurs into a heavy yellow fraction, taking up a tenth to a third of the total volume, and a lighter white fraction. The yellow fraction is more viscous and often in itself consists of various layers, bright yellow, gray yellow, orange, or even green. Much information was obtained by studying separately the chemical composition, colloid-chemical and enzymological properties of these fractions.

Complexity of Fresh Hevea Latex

Abstract Although under difficult conditions, the work at the Netherlands Indies Rubber Research Institute at Buitenzorg (Java) was continued during the Japanese occupation. Since it will be a long time before the accumulated results of the years 1942–45 can be published in detail, some points of general interest are reported here. It is common knowledge that, on addition of small amounts of salts of bior polyvalent cations to fresh latex, partial coagulation follows. The yellow colored coagulum generally contains 10–30 per cent of the rubber and after drying gives a yellow rubber, rich in proteins, and having a high acetone extract. The high acetone extract and the color are produced by the yellow particles, first observed by Frey-Wyssling, which, although generally called “resin particles”, contain mainly lipoids. What, however, is the reason for the high protein content? In 1941 it was observed by one of us (L.N.S.H.) that when fresh latex is centrifuged in tubes, a separation occurs into a heavy yello...

ULTRACENTRIFUGATION STUDIES OF YELLOW FEVER VIRUS

1. It was possible to study in the ultracentrifuge by optical methods the behavior of yellow fever virus particles directly in the unaltered serum from infected monkeys. 2. The virus showed an extremely high light absorption in the spectral range of 320 to 440 mmicro, which seemed to be its intrinsic property. In a 1 cm. thickness of fluid, the small amount of virus present in unaltered infective serum absorbed about as much light (approximately 25 per cent) in the middle of this range as did all the normal serum proteins present in a combined concentration some 1000 times as great. 3. The concentration of virus in the unaltered serum was found to be of the order of 0.00005 gm. per cc. 1 cc. of a 10(-9) dilution, which, as has been shown, may constitute a minimal infective dose for monkeys, would contain approximately 10,000 virus particles. The probability that most of the virus particles were in the inactive form is discussed. 4. In infective serum having a viscosity of 14 millipoises, the particles sediment with a blurred boundary at rates lying between approximately 18 and 30 x 10(-13) cm./sec./dyne. Evidence indicates that this spread is the result of an aggregation or association phenomenon. 5. Computations of size are in approximate agreement with those made from ultrafiltration studies. On the assumption that the density of the virus particle is near that of protein, its volume is computed to be at least that of a spherical particle having a diameter of 12 mmicro. An assumed density of 1.15 gm. per cc. yields a diameter of 19 mmicro, considering the shape as spherical.

Note on cobaltiferous Mispickel from Sulitjelma, Norway

Some months ago Professor Henry Louis presented to this college several isolated crystals which he had brought from the Sulitjelma (or Sulitelma) mines in Arctic Norway: they occur there in masses of copper-pyrites and iron-pyrites, for which this district has been famed for some years.The crystals are of various sizes, ranging in length from 4 to 8 mm. They have a metallic lustre and silver-white colour. The fracture is uneven, and no cleavage is visible. On a freshly broken surface small yellow particles can be seen with the naked eye; these also have a metallic lustre, and are probably iron-pyrites, a probability which is strengthened by the appended chemical analysis. The specific gravity varies from 5.94 to 6.02, and the hardness is just under 5. The crystals are all of a pronounced rhombic aspect.

The Colour of Sea Water

AS Mr. Threlfall, in his letter to NATURE of March 16, seems to have fallen into an error regarding the explanation of the colour of sea water, given by me in the paper referred to in his letter, perhaps I may be allowed to make a few remarks on the subject, He says my explanation is based on the principle that sea water is a blue liquid, and that the green tint often seen in sea water is due to the presence of yellow particles. Now, while it is pointed out in the paper referred to that yellow particles will make a blue water appear greenish, yet it is nowhere stated that yellow particles are the exclusive cause of greenness in sea waters. What may have caused Mr. Threlfall to make this overlook, may be the fact that only an abstract of the paper was published, and the different points, therefore, not fully explained. Still, I think there is enough in the abstract to show that greenness in sea water was recognised to be due in some cases to other causes than the one referred to in Mr. Threlfall's letter.

On the Colour of Sea Water

AITKEN (Proc. R. S. E., vol. ii. p. 472, 1882) has given a complete theory of the colour of sea water as observed at various places, based upon the principle that sea water is a blue liquid. According to this view, the green tint often observed in sea water, especially near land, is to be explained by the presence of fine yellow particles. During a recent voyage by the Messageries steamer Polynesien, I was permitted, through the kindness of Commandant Bullard, to erect a tube 736 cm. long against the rail of the after-deck, and to pass through it a continuous stream of water from the ship's salt water service. The water was taken in well forward and at a depth of two or three metres, and consequently was not soiled by the passage of the ship. I made a series of observations with the apparatus described, matching the colour of the sea water by making mixtures of definite substances, and using these mixtures to fill a tube 18 cm. long, placed alongside the water tube. Both tubes were illuminated by diffused daylight reflected from a white screen, and by the aid of diaphragms, c but, owing to the uncertainty arising from the contamination of the water by the varnish with which the interior of the tube was protected, it is useless to comment on most of the results obtained, except in so far as they give a means of easily reproducing the exact tint of pure sea water as seen through a column 736 cm. long. Make up the following solution:—