bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aggregation Pheromone of the African Rhinoceros Beetle, Oryctes monoceros (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Gries G. , Gries R. , Perez A. L. , Oehlschlager A. C. , Gonzales L. M. , Pierce H. D. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Coleoptera, Oryctes monoceros, African Rhinoceros Beetle, Aggregation Pheromone, Ethyl 4-M ethyloctanoate Ethyl 4-m ethyloctanoate is a male-produced aggregation pheromone of the African rhinoc­eros beetle, Oryctes monoceros (Olivier). It was identified by coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC -EAD) and coupled GC-mass spectrometry (MS) of Porapak Q-trapped male-produced volatiles. Natural and synthetic ethyl 4-m ethyloctanoate elicited comparable antennal responses. In a field experiment (La Me Research Station, Côte d’Ivoire), synthetic ethyl 4-methyloctanoate released at 30 mg/day attracted both male and fem ale Oryctes, whereas the known, non-beetle-produced attractant, ethyl chrysanthemate, did not attract any Oryctes. Upon improvement of trap design and placement, and the identi­fication of synergistic (plant) volatiles, pheromone-based mass trapping may become an alternative and/or additional strategy to manage O. monoceros, one of the most destructive pests of commercial coconut, oil, and date palms in Africa.
Defensive Secretion of Ecdysteroids in Pycnogonum litorale (Arthropoda, Pantopoda)
Authors: Tomaschko Karl-Heinz 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
In response to disturbance, the pycnogonid Pycnogonum litorale discharges a mixture of eight ecdysteroids (ES). Repeated intensive molestation causes 99% secretion of the endogenous ES present. The concentration of the total ES in the defensive effluent is 1.0 × 10-3 mol · 1-1. 20-Hydroxyecdysone 22-acetate, the predominant ES, reaches 0.8 × 10-3 mol · 1-1. This is sufficient to deter significantly feeding by the common shore crab Carcinus maenas, a generalist predator in the habitat of the pycnogonid. There is evidence that the secreted ES of P. litorale contribute to its unpalatability. The present paper describes for the first time defensive secretion in marine arthropods.
External Flavonoids in Two Grindelia Species
Authors: Timmermann Barbara , Wollenweber Eckhard , Dörr Marion , Armbruster Sylvia , Valant-Vetschera Karin M. , Fuentes Eduardo R. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
A series of methylated flavonols and two methyl flavones have been identified in the exudate of the American gumweed species Grindelia glutinosa and Grindelia robusta. They resemble the flavonoid patterns observed in other species of this genus, which thus shows a tendency for accumulation of methylated flavonols.
Ionic Permeabilities of Different Isolated Fruit Cuticles Calculated by Conductivity and Membrane Potential Measurements
Authors: Benavente J. , Muñoz A. , Heredia A. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Membrane potential and electrical resistance for two isolated fruit cuticular membranes (tomato and pepper cuticles) were measured for different NaCl solutions (10-3 ᴍ < C < 5 × 10-2 ᴍ). From these experimental results some membrane characteristic parameters were obtained such as cation transport number, t+, which represents the fraction of the electric current transported by the cation, l+ , with respect to the total current, lT (t+ = l+/lT) , and ionic permeabilities, P+ and P-, for both membranes. Concentration dependence of these parameters was also considered. A comparative study between both types of fruit cuticles is also made. It was found that cation transport number, ionic permeabilities and electrical resistances are quite similar for both membranes.
Phenolic Compounds in Needles of Norway Spruce Trees in Relation to Novel Forest Decline. II. Studies on Trees from Two Sites in Middle Western Germany
Authors: Richter Christine M. , Wild Aloysius 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The content of several phenolic compounds in needles of 20- to 30-year-old Norway spruce trees (Picea abies) was measured using HPLC. The results of two forestry sites in middle western Germany are reported in this paper. They are part of a research programme on novel forest decline which was carried out in various regions of Germany. Distinct amounts of picein, catechin, piceatannol glucoside, and other phenolic compounds were detected in the studied spruce needles. Additionally, their contents changed in relation to damage. Some compounds, especially catechin, showed increased levels in the needles of the damaged trees compared to the undamaged ones. Here, the values for the undamaged trees of the different sites were similar. Concerning the changes in picein contents, however, there was a great difference between the sites. p-Hydroxyacetophenone was detected in very low amounts only and did not correlate with damage.
These results are compared with earlier findings from another site that shows severe damage. The role of phenolic compounds as indicators of tree damage is discussed.
The Role of Phytoalexins in the Seedling Resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans in Some Crucifers
Authors: Storck Michael , Sacristán Maria D. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Brassica juncea, Brassica carinata and Sinapis arvensis resistant lines to Leptosphaeria maculans and four Brassica napus cuitivars susceptible to this pathogen in seedling stage were analyzed in relation to the accumulation of phytoalexins after inoculation with L. maculans. Cotyledon inoculations with spore suspensions of an aggressive and a non-aggressive isolate of L. maculans were performed on seedlings of these lines. The quantity of accumulated phytoalexins in the cotyledons was determined at different time intervals after inoculation. The content and composition of phytoalexins differed considerably among the tested species and according to the fungal isolate used. In the tested Brassica species seedling resistance against L. maculans could not be related to phytoalexin accumulation. However, in Sinapis arvensis phytoalexins might contribute to the resistance reaction to this pathogen.
Enzymatic Biosynthesis of Vomilenine, a Key Intermediate of the Ajmaline Pathway, Catalyzed by a Novel Cytochrome P 450-Dependent Enzyme from Plant Cell Cultures of Rauwolfia serpentina
Authors: Falkenhagen Heike , Stöckigt Joachim 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Microsomal preparations from Rauwolfia serpentina Benth. cell suspension cultures cata­lyze a key step in the biosynthesis of ajmaline -the enzymatic hydroxylation of the indole alkaloid vinorine at the allylic C-21 resulting in vomilenine. Vomilenine is an important branch-point intermediate, leading not only to ajmaline but also to several side reactions of the biosynthetic pathway to ajmaline. The investigation of the taxonomical distribution of the enzyme indicated that vinorine hydroxylase is exclusively present in ajmaline-producing plant cells. The novel enzyme is strictly dependent on NADPH2 and O2 and can be inhibited by typical cytochrome P450 inhibitors such as cytochrome c, ketoconazole and carbon mon­oxide (the effect of CO is reversible with light of 450 nm). This suggests that vinorine hy­droxylase is a cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase. A pH optimum of 8.3 and a temperature optimum of 40 °C were found. The Km value was 3 μᴍ for NADPH2 and 26 μᴍ for vinorine. The optimum enzyme activity could be determined at day 4 after inoculation of the cell cultures in AP I medium. Vinorine hydroxylase could be stored with 20% sucrose at -28 °C without significant loss of activity.
Anthranilate Synthase and Chorismate Mutase Activities in Stem Rust-Inoculated and Elicitor-Treated Resistant, Moderately Resistant, and Susceptible Near-Isogenic Wheat Lines
Authors: Bücker Claudia , Witte Barbara , Windmüller Ursula , Grambow Hans J. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Anthranilate synthase and chorismate mutase activities which control the flow of substrate from chorismate into the tryptophan pathway and into the phenylalanine/tyrosine pathway, respectively, were examined in three near isogenic wheat lines of Triticum aestivum L. (cv. Prelude Sr 5, highly resistant to stem rust infection; cv. Prelude Sr 24, moderately resistant; cv. Prelude srx, susceptible). The activities of both enzymes were found to increase in re­sponse to inoculation with the stem rust fungus Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici or treatment with Pgt elicitor. Thus, both the tryptophan branch and the phenylalanine branch appear to contribute to the resistance response in wheat leaves. Only the cytosolic but not the plastidic fraction of the enzyme activities appears to be affected by fungal infection or elicitor treat­ment. Some differences with respect to degree and time dependency of enzyme activation were noticed between the three wheat lines following inoculation but not after treatment with the Pgt elicitor.
Blue Light-Enhanced Photosynthetic Oxygen Evolution from Liposome-Bound Photosystem II Particles; Possible Role of the Xanthophyll Cycle in the Regulation of Cyclic Electron Flow Around Photosystem II?
Authors: Gruszecki W. I. , Strzałka K. , Radunz A. , Kruk J. , Schmid G. H. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Light-driven electron transport in liposome-bound photosystem II (PS-II) particles be­tween water and ferricyanide was monitored by bare platinum electrode oxymetry. The modi­fication of the experimental system with the exogenous quinones α-tocopherol quinone ( α-TQ) or plastoquinone (PQ) resulted in a pronounced effect on photosynthetic oxygen evolution. The presence of α-tocopherolquinone ( α-TQ) in PS-II samples decreased the rate of red light-induced oxygen evolution but increased the rate of green light-induced oxygen evolution. Blue light applied to the assay system in which oxygen evolution was saturated by red light resulted in a further increase of the oxygen signal. These findings are interpreted in terms of a cyclic electron transport around PS-II, regulated by an excitation state of β-carotene in the reaction centre of PS-II. A mechanism is postulated according to which energetic coupling of β-carotene in the reaction centre of PS-II and that of other antenna carotenoid pigments is regulated by the portion of the xanthophyll violaxanthin, which is under control of the xanthophyll cycle.
Characteristics of Thermoluminescence Bands of Euglena Cells Belonging to 2 Lines Presenting Different Degrees of Diuron-Resistance
Authors: Farineau Jack , Laval-Martin Danielle 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
We have analysed the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of two lines of Euglena exhibiting two degrees of resistance to diuron, by a factor of 100 (ZR 25) and 1000 (ZR 250) respectively, as compared to wild type line (Z). In addition, the two ZR lines developped an identical resistance to atrazine since the I50 for this herbicide in each line was 75 times larger than in wild type. Special TL characteristics were evidenced in the two lines. Bands after 2 flashes (or more) showed a shift of the peak maximum towards low temperature, the shift being the largest in the most DCMU-resistant cells. Similar results were obtained with isolated thylakoids, except that the TL bands appeared at a temperature higher than in corresponding cells. Oscillations in the amplitude of the bands in a flash sequence were largely damped in cells (and thylakoids), particularly in the most DCMU-resistant lines. The results are interpreted as indicating accumulation of Qᴀ −Qʙ after flashes due to a decrease of the equilibrium constant for the reaction Qᴀ − Qʙ ⇄ QᴀQʙ− accompanying the DCMU resistance.
Plant Constituents Interfering with Human Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin. Evaluation of a Test Method and Its Application to Urtica dioica Root Extracts
Authors: Ganßer Dietmar , Spiteller Gerhard 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
A test system is described, which allows the search for compounds interfering with human sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) even in complex plant extracts. The method has been evaluated and applied to Urtica dioica root extracts. The lignan secoisolariciresinol (5) as well as a mixture of isomeric (11 E)-9,10,13-trihydroxy-11-octadecenoic and (10 E)-9 ,12,13-trihydroxy-10-octadecenoic acids (3 and 4, resp.) were demonstrated to reduce binding activity of human SHBG. Methylation of the mixture of 3 and 4 increased its activity about 10-fold.
Charging of Both, Plastidal tRNAgln and tRNAglu with Glutamate and Subsequent Amidation of the Misacylated tRNAgln by a Glutamyl-tRNA Amidotransferase in the Unicellular Green Alga Scenedesmus obliquus, Mutant C-2A'
Authors: Vothknecht U. C , Dörnemann D 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
, 1995 C5-Pathway, Glutamyl-tRNAglu-Synthetase (E.C.6.1.1.17), Misacylation of tR N A glu, Amidotransferase, Scenedesmus obliquus In a previous paper we described the purification of a glutamyl-tRNA synthetase from the unicellular green alga Scenedesmus obliquus, m utant C-2A'. We now dem onstrate that, firstly, this enzyme is capable of mischarging plastidal tR N A gln from barley with glutamate, as well as it regularly charges the plastidal tR N A glu from Scenedesmus. Secondly, we show that the mischarged glutamyl-tRNAgln is subsequently am idated by a glutamyl-tRNA am idotransfer­ ase to form the glutaminyl-tRNAglri required for plastidal protein biosynthesis. This phenom ­ enon could already be dem onstrated for higher plant chloroplasts, mitochondria, cyanobact­ eria and gram-positive bacteria, as far as investigated. As recently shown the applied glutamyl-tRNA synthetase from Scenedesmus is a plastidal enzyme. In this paper we prove by treatm ent with m onobromobim ane and cyanogen bromide that the "regular" substrate of the enzyme, tR N A glu from Scenedesmus, is a plastidal tRNA with the plastid-specific sulfur modification in the anticodon. In the case of cyanogen bromide treatm ent, a total inactivation of the tRNA was achieved, revealing the presence of a sulfur modification in the plastid-tRNA glu anticodon.
Selektion und Mutation aus informationstheoretischer Sicht - Grenzen der Erhaltbarkeit von genetischer Information / Selection and Mutation from the Informationtheoretical Point of View - Limits of the Preservation of Genetical Information
Authors: Tiefenbrunner Wolfgang 
Published: August 2018

There is no doubt that evolution can only operate in accordance with the laws of thermodynamics. To transform this simple perception into a statement that can be quantified it is necessary to examine how the entropy (or the in formation content) changes by means of the two main factors of evolution: selection and mutation . In the present paper this aim was reached by using the methods of information theory.
That evolution becomes possible the change of information by mutation and selection must not be negativ in the long run. Consequently an upper limit for the information content of the genom must be assumed. If the evolution as a self-optimizing process gains this upper limit it reaches a dynamic equilibrium at which the increase of entropy by mutation balances the decrease of entropy by selection. In particular it was examined under which circumstances of dynamic equilibrium mastergenotypes (genotypes that can preserve their specific sequence over a long time) can exist.
Mass Spectrometric Detection and Analysis of Nitrogen Fixation in Oscillatoria chalybea
Authors: Bader Klaus P. , Röben Anja 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
By means of mass spectroscopic measurements in an artifical gas atmosphere containing the stable nitrogen isotope 15N2 we were able to demonstrate nitrogen fixation capacity in the filamentous cyanobacterium Oscillatoria chalybea. Our technique proved to be wellsuited also for investigations on the light-induced nitrogen fixation in the purple bacteria Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Rhodobacter capsulatus. Oscillatoria chalybea grown without combined nitrogen showed a substantial 15N2-uptake which could clearly be correlated with nitrogen fixation. Nitrate grown cultures did not show this nitrogen uptake or only to a minimal extent. Addition of ammonium chloride resulted in a rapid deactivation of the nitrogenase system. Similar observations have been made with other so-called switch-off effectors like phenazine methosulfate. The structural integrity of the filaments appeared to be a prerequisite for nitrogen fixation also in this organism, as even mild mechanical homogenization strongly inhibited the N2-uptake signals. Illumination of the assays under conditions where the photooxidition of water is not operational (Bader, K. P. (1994), Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1188, 213 -219) did not affect the nitrogen fixation in Oscillatoria chalybea. Illumination of cultures with concomitant release of oxygen from the water splitting reaction resulted in strong inhibition of 15N2-uptake.
Glutathione Peroxidase-Like Activity of Simple Selenium Compounds. Peroxides and the Heterocyclic N-Oxide Resazurin Acting as O-Atom Donors
Authors: Prtitz Walter A. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Selenite and selenocystamine [(CyaSe)2] efficiently activate the decomposition of H2O2 y GSH and by other thiols, as demonstrated using a leuco crystal violet POD-based H2O2 assay which is applicable (unlike other assays) also in presence of thiols. The GPx-like activities were estimated to be 3.6 and 2.7 μmol H2O2/min per μmol SeO3
2- and (CyaSe)2, respectively. Both selenium compounds also activate reduction of the heterocyclic N-oxide resazurin (RN→O) to resorufin (RN) by GSH; H2O2 competes with reduction of this dye. GSSeH and CyaSeH, formed by interaction of GSH with SeO3
2- and (CyaSe)2, respectively, are likely to be the active reductants. CyaSeH, generated γ-radiolytically from (CyaSe)2, exhibits an absorption peak at 243 nm and is removed by H2O2 with a rate constant of 9.7x102 ᴍ-1 s-1, and slightly slower by hydroperoxides. We have no evidence for one-electron interactions between GSSeH or CyaSeH and H2O2, with formation of free radical intermediates, as previously proposed in the case of selenium-activated reduction of cytochrome c by GSH (Levander et al., Biochemistry 23, 4591-4595 (1973)). Our results can be explained by O-atom transfer from the substrate to the active selenol group. RSeH + H2O2 (RN→O)→RSeOH + H2O (RN), and recycling of RSeOH to RSeH (+ H2O) by GSH, analogous to the selenenic acid pathway of GPx. The substrate specificity appears to be different, however, in that GPx is unable to catalyse RN→O reduction, and GSSeH hardly catalyses the decomposition of cumene- or t-butyl-hydroperoxide; CyaSeH, on the other hand, is active also with the hydroperoxides. RN→O is reduced to RN also by certain oxidizing free radicals, e.g. by the thiyl CyaS·; O -atom transfer may in this case lead to the generation of reactive oxyl radicals.
Interaction of the Antiarrhythmic Drug Procainamide with Phospholipid Bilayers
Authors: Suwalsky M. , Villena F. , Bagnara M. , Sotomayorc C. P. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Several hypotheses link the molecular mechanism of action of the antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) that belong to class I to non-specific interactions with phospholipids sited in the neighborhood of sodium channels in the membrane of the myocardium. Procainamide (PROC ), one of the least lipophilic drugs of this group, was induced to interact with bilayers of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimirystoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE), liposomes of DMPC and human erythrocytes. The perturbing effects of PROC upon these systems were respectively determined by X-ray diffraction, fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that PROC exerted very little effect upon DMPC and DMPE even at such a high concentration as 10 mᴍ . However, at therapeutical plasma concentrations, PROC induced shape changes in vitro to red cells.
Molecular Phylogeny of South American Screech Owls of the Otus atricapillus Complex (Aves: Strigidae) Inferred from Nucleotide Sequences of the Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene
Authors: Heidrich Petra , König Claus , Wink Michael 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The cytochrome b gene of 6 South American screech owls of the genus Otus (O. choliba, O. atricapillus, O. usta, O. sanctaecatarinae, O. guatemalae, and O. hoyi) and two Old World species (Otus scops and Otus leucotis) was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and partially sequenced (300 nucleotides). Otus atricapillus, O. guatemalae, O. hoyi and O. sanctaecatarinae which are morphologically very similar, have been treated as belonging to a single species, A. atricapillus (Sibley and Monroe, 1990). Nucleotide sequences differ substantially between these taxa (6.3 to 8.8% nucleotide substitutions) indicating that they represent well established and distinct species which had been implicated already from ecological and bioacoustical analyses (König, 1991, 1994). The importance of vocal and ecological characters for the taxonomy of nocturnal birds is thus confirmed by our molecular analysis. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed between Old and New World owls using character state (“maximum parsimony”; PAUP 3.1.1) and distance matrix methods (neighbour- joining; MEGA).
Adipokinetic Neuropeptides and Flight Metabolism in Three Moth Species of the Families Sphingidae, Saturniidae and Bombycidae
Authors: Liebrich Walter , Gäde Gerd 
Published: August 2018

Methanolic extracts from corpora cardiaca of three moth species, Hippoteon eson (Sphingidae), Imbrasia cytherea (Saturniidae) and Bombyx mori (Bombycidae) show adipokinetic activity in conspecific bioassays. Haemolymph carbohydrates in these moths are not affected. These extracts are also active in heterologous bioassays: haemolymph lipids are increased in Locusta migratoria, whereas a small effect on haemolymph carbohydrates was observed in Periplaneta americana. Therefore, locusts can be used to monitor adipokinetic activity in corpora cardiaca from moth extracts during isolation. The three moth species possess an adipokinetic peptide with the same retention time on reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP -HPLC) as a peptide isolated previously from Manduca sexta, which was code-named Mas-AKH. H. eson contains a second active peak with a similar retention time on RP-HPLC as the hypertrehalosaemic peptide isolated previously from Helicoverpa zea , code-named Hez-HrTH. Both synthetic peptides, Mas-AKH and Hez-HrTH, produce an adipokinetic effect in the three experimental moth species. In H. eson, the haemolymph concentration of Mas-AKH or Hez-HrTH needed to elicit a maximum hyperlipaemic response is about 20 to 30 nᴍ.
Flight behaviour in the three moth species is quite different: H. eson is a good hovering flyer, I. cytherea is a comparatively bad flyer and B. mori males show only degenerate flight movements during their mating dance. Haemolymph lipid levels in H. eson decrease drastically during 15 min of flight and return to pre-flight levels in a subsequent rest period. The amount of lipids metabolized during flight is 10.9 mg/gxhr. Haemolymph carbohydrate levels drop during flight, but remain low during the 45 min of recovery. Haemolymph lipids in “dancing” males of B. mori remain constant. In individuals, however, which have low initial lipid levels in the blood, lipid concentrations increase significantly in a subsequent 15 min rest period after “dancing”. Metabolic changes during flight in I. cytherea were not investigated due to this species’ poor flight performance.
Notes: A Plant Growth Regulator from Vernonia auriculifera (Asteraceae)
Authors: Keriko Joseph Mungai , Nakajima Shuhei , Baba Naomichi , Isozaki Yumika , Ikeda Kyoko , Iwasa Junkichi , Karanja Paul Nyota 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
From the methanolic extract of fresh leaves of the Kenyan Vemonia auriculifera Hiern., a lettuce seeds growth regulator was isolated and identified as 8-desacylvernodalol (1) by spectroscopic analysis.