Genetical ESS-models. I. Concepts and basic model

Evolutionarily Stable Strategies (ESS) in phenotypic models are used to explain the evolution of animal interactive behaviour. As the behavioural features under consideration are assumed to be genetically determined, the question arises how underlying a genetical system might affect the results of phenotypic ESS-models. This question can be fully treated in terms of ESS-theory. A method of designing Genetical ESS-Models is proposed, which transfers the question of evolutionary stability to a "lower" level, the genetical basis. Genetical ESS-models - although nonlinear even in the simplest cases - can be analysed in a way that is familiar to ESS-theorists and yield immediate results on gene pool ESSs, which then may or may not maintain ESSs on the phenotypic level. Moreover, general results can be obtained to characterize evolutionarily stable gene pool states and their interrelation with commonsense, phenotypic ESSs. This part of the article presents the basic concepts and an outline of the method of genetical ESS-models. It gives, as a demonstration, a complete analysis for phenotypic two-strategy models (linear or nonlinear) based on a diploid, diallelic single-locus system under random mating. The results in this case suggest that a phenotypic ESS should indeed be expected to evolve but, maybe, only after passing through a succession of temporarily stable states.

Genetical ESS-models. II. Multi-strategy models and multiple alleles

The problem of evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS) in sexual populations can be investigated by means of genetical ESS-models which link common sense, phenotypic ESS-models to an underlying genetical system. Thorough results are obtained for multi-strategy models in diploid, panmictic populations on the basis of multi-allelic, one-locus systems. A sexual population will be maintained at a phenotypic ESS if this can possibly be produced by the genotypes currently existing. If there is enough allelic variation, the corresponding gene pool may either be an ESS itself, or belong to an attracting, continuous set of states, which all determine the same evolutionarily stable population. The latter case allows new alleles to enter and spread in the gene pool without disturbing the phenotypic ESS. If a phenotypic ESS cannot be established, ESSs of the genetical model may be found which give rise to stable populations alternatively. Since these depend on the phenotypes determined by the currently existing genotypes, they may be destabilized by the occurrence of new mutations. In this sense, they are less durable than populations maintained at a phenotypic ESS and can be expected to evolve, in the long run, towards a phenotypic ESS.

The knee in arthrogryposis

Of 104 patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita treated between 1952 and 1982, 74 had significant knee contractures, instability, or recurvatum. The minimum follow-up period was two years. Nonoperative treatment modalities included physical therapy, bracing, and serial casting in 43 patients (78 knees). Thirty-one other patients (46 knees) had 62 operative procedures, including hamstring and posterior capsular release, epiphysiodesis, distal femoral or proximal tibial osteotomy, arthrodesis, and knee disarticulation. Surgery was reserved for the more resistant causes and was recommended only as part of an overall treatment plan including the correction of foot and hip deformities. The average follow-up period for the surgically treated patients was 11 years, with a range of two to 20 years. Recurrence of deformity was frequent, with no one procedure being clearly favored. Physiotherapy alone rarely resulted in clinically significant improvement unless accompanied by prolonged casting and bracing. The most useful surgical procedure in the growing child was posterior capsular release performed in conjunction with hamstring tenotomy. Contractures treated by osteotomies before the completion of growth had a high rate of recurrence.

A site-specific mutation within the active site of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase of Rhodospirillum rubrum

In vitro mutagenic techniques have generated an asp-->glu substitution at residue 198 adjacent to the carbamate-divalent metal ion binding site of Rhodospirillum rubrum ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase. A single C-->A nucleotide change in the coding strand created the mutant and introduced a new EcoRI restriction site on the expression plasmid pRR2119. Although the carboxylase:oxygenase ratio remained the same, the mutant enzyme had slightly altered kinetic properties. The e.p.r. spectra of the quaternary complexes enzyme.activator carbamate.Mn.2-carboxyarabinitol 1,5-bisphosphate and enzyme.activator carbamate.Mn.4-carboxyarabinitol 1,5-bisphosphate for mutant and wild-type enzymes were different, indicating that the metal ion was in a slightly altered environment. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that, besides the carbamate at lys 201, the carboxyl group of asp 198 contributes to the formation of the divalent metal ion binding site.

Transcription factor binding is limited by the 5'-flanking regions of a Drosophila tRNAHis gene and a tRNAHis pseudogene

We determined the sequence of a Drosophila tRNA gene cluster containing a tRNAHis gene and a tRNAHis pseudogene in close proximity on the same DNA strand. The pseudogene contains eight consecutive base pairs different from the region of the bona fide gene which codes for the 3' portion of the anticodon stem of tRNAHis. The tRNAHis gene is transcribed efficiently in Drosophila Kc cell extract, whereas the pseudogene is not. The pseudogene is also a much poorer competitor than the real gene in a stable transcription complex formation assay, even though the sequence alteration in the pseudogene does not affect the sequence or spacing of the putative internal transcription control regions. Recombinant clones were constructed in which the 5'-flanking regions are exchanged. The transcription efficiencies and competitive abilities of the recombinant clones resemble those of the genes from which the 5' flank was derived; for example, the tRNAHis pseudogene with the 5'-flanking sequence of the tRNAHis gene is now efficiently transcribed. Deletion analysis of the pseudogene 5' flank failed to uncover an inhibitory element. Deletion analysis of the real gene showed very high dependence on the presence of the wild-type 5'-flanking sequence for factor binding to the internal control regions and stable complex formation. The 5'-flanking sequence of a Drosophila tRNAArg gene active in the Drosophila Kc cell extract does not restore transcriptional activity or stable complex formation. The tRNAHis gene and pseudogene behave atypically in HeLa cell extract. Both genes compete for HeLa transcription factors, but neither of them is efficiently transcribed. Removal of the 5'-flanking sequences of each gene and replacement with various sequences, including the tRNAArg gene 5' flank, does not allow increased transcription in HeLa cell extract.

Effects of cimetidine and indomethacin on the growth of dimethylhydrazine-induced or transplanted intestinal cancers in the rat

The effects of cimetidine and indomethacin on the growth of dimethylhydrazine induced or transplanted intestinal tumours in the rat have been studied. Cimetidine is a histamine type 2 receptor antagonist and indomethacin is an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. Two models of rat intestinal tumours were used: a colon carcinoma line transplantable in syngeneic animals and intestinal tumours induced by dimethylhydrazine treatment of Sprague-Dawley rats. Cimetidine and indomethacin were given in drinking water, alone or in combination. Cimetidine had no effect on the growth of transplanted colon cancer but significantly increased the incidence of chemically-induced tumours, with a tendency toward more invasive and metastatic tumours than in the control animals. Indomethacin did not significantly modify the incidence or other characteristics of the tumours in any of the models. This result is at variance with a protective effect of indomethacin on chemically-induced rat colon cancer previously reported by others.

Isoflurane anesthesia for resection of pheochromocytoma. A report of two cases

Isoflurane was selected as the main agent for induction and maintenance of anesthesia in two patients scheduled for resection of pheochromocytoma. The inspired concentration was calculated with a pocket computer (Sharp PC 1401) and adjusted to maintain an alveolar concentration of 1.5 to 1 MAC. With this technique, a stable heart rate was observed, without arrhythmias. The blood pressure stabilised at normal levels before surgery and only moderate hypertension was seen during tumor manipulation. No specific antihypertensive medication was needed. Transient hypotension after tumor resection was treated with ephedrine and volume replacement. Recovery of anesthesia was rapid and uneventful.

The distribution and effect of Chlamydia trachomatis in CBA mice inoculated genitally, intra-articularly or intravenously

A "fast" egg-killing human strain of Chlamydia trachomatis was inoculated into normal CBA and congenic CBA/nu mice, which have an impairment of T-cell function and do not produce anti-chlamydial antibodies. The mice were inoculated by the intra-uterine, intra-articular, or intravenous routes. Some of the mice were first treated with progesterone, which allows successful chlamydial infection of the mouse genital tract when the organisms are introduced genitally. Mice were sacrificed up to 27 days after inoculation. Homogenates of joints, genital tract, spleen, liver, kidneys, eyes and lungs were prepared and tested for chlamydiae in cycloheximide-treated McCoy cell cultures. Chlamydiae were detected in the genital tracts and spleens, but not in the joints, of mice inoculated via the intra-uterine route. They were found in the joints and spleens of mice inoculated intra-articularly, and were detected also in spleens and, from the 4th to 6th day after inoculation, in joints of mice given the organisms intravenously. These results were obtained irrespective of whether or not the mice had received progesterone. The numbers of chlamydiae in the spleens and joints of the nude mice were larger and they persisted longer than in the corresponding immunocompetent animals, although this was not true for chlamydiae in the genital tract of mice inoculated via the intra-uterine route. Compartmentalisation of chlamydiae was evident although the spleen was infected consistently irrespective of the route of inoculation and, as mentioned, chlamydiae were found transiently in the joints following intravenous inoculation. This suggests that chlamydiae might also enter the human joint.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Discrimination between the red- and far-red-absorbing forms of phytochrome from Avena sativa L. by monoclonal antibodies

A set of rat monoclonal antibodies (ARC MAC 48 to 52 and 54 to 56), raised to phytochrome from dark-grown seedlings of Avena sativa L. was tested for the ability to discriminate between the red-absorbing (Pr) and far-red-absorbing (Pfr) forms of phytochrome by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MAC 50 bound more strongly to Pfr and MAC 49 and 52 showed preferential binding to Pr from extracts of dark-grown Avena seedlings; MAC 50 also bound more strongly to Pfr from brushite-purified phytochrome. The remainder of the monoclonal antibodies and a rabbit polyclonal antiphytochrome preparation did not discriminate between Pr and Pfr. The results provide evidence for conformational changes in defined regions of the phytochrome apoprotein upon photoconversion.

[Immunoenzymatic detection of circulating antitumor antibodies in the rat: development of a quantitative technic and its use in rats bearing grafted colonic tumors]

In order to study the humoral immune response of rats against a colonic tumor, we developed an immuno-enzymatic technique for quantitating specific anti-tumoral antibodies. This technique which uses a monolayer of intact cancer cells as antigen produces objective and reproducible results. Applied to eleven rats carrying grafted colon carcinomas, it allowed the characterization of three different types of evolution of the concentration of circulating antibodies.

Regulation of swelling of etiolated-wheat-leaf protoplasts by phytochrome and gibberellic acid

The effect of light on the size of intact protoplasts isolated from the primary leaves of etiolated Triticum aestivum was studied. A 2-min red-light irradiation in the presence of 1 mM KCl was sufficient to cause a swelling of protoplasts compared with those maintained in darkness. The effect was photoreversible by far-red light over two light cycles, indicating the involvement of phytochrome. At 4°C, escape from reversibility occurred between 2 and 5 min after the exposure to red light. In exposure-response experiments, 20 s red light at 27 μmol m(-2)s(-1) was sufficient to saturate the response. Exogenous gibberellic acid added in darkness in the presence of KCl also induced protoplast swelling. Gibberellins may act as an intermediate in the phytochrome-induced swelling of protoplasts.

The roles of self-esteem and self-consciousness in the Wortman-Brehm model of reactance and learned helplessness

The present experiments were designed to study the conditions under which failure would enhance or inhibit subsequent task performance. Based on the theory of Wortman and Brehm (1975), it was expected that small amounts of failure would produce reactance (manifested by improved performance at a subsequent task), whereas large amounts would lead to learned helplessness (i.e., impaired later performance). It was further expected that individual differences in self-esteem and private self-consciousness would serve as moderator variables for the above effects. In Experiment 1, subjects were exposed to either a small amount of failure or no failure before working on an anagrams task. As predicted, subjects high in self-consciousness, who have shown greater reactance arousal in attitude change studies, performed better on the anagrams task than subjects low in self-consciousness in the small-failure condition, but not in the no-failure condition. Further analyses revealed that this Self-Consciousness X Small Failure interaction was attributable to the performance data of the low, but not the high self-esteem subjects. Experiment 2 was designed to replicate and extend these results. Subjects were pretreated with either a small amount of failure, an extended amount of failure, or no failure before working on the anagrams task. A significant Self-Esteem X Helplessness Training interaction emerged. Relative to the no-failure condition, in which the two self-esteem groups did not differ, low self-esteem participants (low SEs) performed marginally better than did high self-esteem individuals (high SEs) in the small-failure condition but significantly worse than high SEs in the extended-failure condition. The effect of private self-consciousness was considerably weaker in this study, possibly because the sample included few low SEs (who are especially influenced by self-focused attention) who were also relatively low in self-consciousness. Questionnaire data from Experiment 2 were consistent with the notion that enhanced performance reflected reactance, whereas impaired performance signified helplessness.

[Tumorous form of Wegener's granulomatosis following a malignant facial granuloma. Diagnostic value]

The authors report a case of a patient with an ENT granuloma, treated successfully with cyclophosphamide and prednisone in 1976. After a complete remission lasting three years, the condition recurred in the form of Wegener's disease, presenting as a renal tumour. The authors discuss the relationship between these two conditions.

[Prognostic impact of renal manifestations of necrotizing angeitis. Apropos of 24 cases]

To analyze the prognostic significance of renal involvement, data from 24 cases of necrotizing angeitis, with renal involvement in 16, is studied. Associated disorders are described. Patients are divided into four groups: acute renal failure, progressive renal failure, renal involvement with normal renal function, and no renal involvement. Acute renal failure et onset appears to be a poor prognosis factor in necrotizing angeitis. Progressive renal failure seems to have no bearing on the short-term and medium-term vital prognosis. The value of plasma exchange therapy in these indications is discussed.

Valved apico-aortic conduit for relief of left ventricular hypertension caused by discrete subaortic stenosis in dogs

A double-outlet left ventricle (LV), with a valved conduit interposed between the LV apex and the aorta, was created in 7 dogs with subaortic stenosis. Of 8 dogs in which the implantation was attempted, 1 died following thoracotomy but before conduit implantation could be performed, 1 died from hemorrhage 24 hours after surgery, 1 died from septicemia as a sequel to pneumonia 10 days after surgery, 1 died from "shock-lung" 4 days after surgery, and 4 were functionally normal 22, 12, 6, and 2 months after surgery. In the 7 dogs in which the implantation was completed, the mean LV to aorta (LV-Ao) pressure gradient was significantly (P less than 0.01) reduced by the implantation. Diastolic and systolic murmurs were detected over the prosthetic valve area in 3 of the 4 surviving dogs 1 to 4 days postoperatively, but the murmurs gradually decreased in intensity until they disappeared after 1 month. The 4 survivors had no angiographic evidence of prosthetic valve insufficiency at 2 months or at 1 year. In 3 of the survivors, the LV-Ao pressure gradients 2 months postoperatively were 45, 20, and 0 mm of Hg, as compared with 120, 90, and 50 mm of Hg preoperatively. Postoperative pressure measurements were not obtained on 1 surviving dog.

Ontogenetic dynamics of delta-amino-laevulinic acid dehydratase activity in chick embryo organs and the changes in hepatocytes after exposure to lead

1. The activity of delta-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD [EC 4.2.1.24]) was determined in the liver, myocardium, distal proximity muscle and yolk sac membrane of chicken embryos at 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21 and 22 d of age. 2. Maximum ALAD activity was found in the liver on the 10th day, in the myocardium on the 13th day, in the muscle on the 10th day and in the yolk sac membrane on the 19th day. 3. Exposure of hepatocytes cultured in vitro to different concentrations of lead chloride for 1 h showed that maximum inhibition of ALAD activity occurred with 10 and 50 mg Pb/l. 4. Scanning electron microscopy revealed changes in the surface structure of hepatocytes exposed to 10 mg Pb/l.

Photoperiodic Control of Flowering in Dark-Grown Seedlings of Pharbitis nil Choisy : The Effect of Skeleton and Continuous Light Photoperiods

The control of night-break timing was studied in dark-grown seedlings of Pharbitis nil (Choisy cv. Violet) following a single continuous or skeleton photoperiod. There was a rhythmic response to a red (R) interruption of an inductive dark period, and the phasing of the rhythm was influenced by the preceding light treatment.Following a continuous white light photoperiod of 6 hours or less, the points of maximum inhibition of flowering were constant in real time. Following a continuous photoperiod of more than 6 hours, maximum inhibition occurred at 9 and 32.5 hours after the end of the light period. The amplitude of the rhythm during the second circadian cycle was much reduced following prolonged photoperiods.Following a skeleton photoperiod, the time of maximum sensitivity to a R interruption was always related to the second pulse of the skeleton, R(2), with the first point of maximum inhibition of flowering occurring after 12 to 18 hours and the second after 39 hours. Without a second R pulse, the time of maximum sensitivity to a R interruption was related to the initial R(1) pulse. A ;light-off' or dusk signal was not mimicked by a R pulse ending a skeleton photoperiod; such a pulse only generated a ;light-on' signal and initiated a new rhythm.It is concluded that the timing of sensitivity to a R interruption of an inductive dark period in Pharbitis nil is controlled by a single circadian rhythm initiated by a light-on signal. After 6 hours in continuous white light, the phase of this rhythm is determined by the transition to darkness. Following an extended photoperiod, the timing characteristics were those of an hourglass; this seemed to be due to an effect on the coupling or expression of a single circadian timer during the second and subsequent cycles, rather than to the operation of a different timing mechanism.In addition to the effects on timing, the photoperiod affected the magnitude of the flowering response.

On a global representation of dynamical characteristics in ESS-models

ESS-models are considered in the frame of adequate dynamical systems. This leads to a method of global representation of the dynamical characteristics, which allows for a comprehensive view on the relations among ESS-matrices. As an extension of ESS-models, the concept of ESS-models with changing matrix is introduced, which, in applications, makes use of such global representations. In particular, structurally stable and "catastrophic" cases can be identified and their significance in the context of ESS-models can be clarified. As a complete result for the case of two strategies a surface representation is obtained, which is an analogue to the elementary "cusp catastrophe". These concepts are applied in a model that describes directed evolution of a behavioural component to a certain limit.

Multivariate analysis in glaucoma. Use of discriminant analysis in predicting glaucomatous visual field damage

A discriminant function obtained in 1978 to separate patients with glaucomatous visual field loss from those without visual field loss was shown to have a predictive value in ocular hypertensive persons as to the subsequent development of visual field loss in five years. A prospective discriminant analysis also was carried out to identify those factors that best separate those in whom visual field defects developed from those in whom they did not.

Antiseptic and antibiotic resistance in gram-negative bacteria causing urinary tract infection in spinal cord injured patients

Fifty-seven isolates of Gram-negative bacterial species from urinary tract infections in spinal cord injured patients were tested for their sensitivity to chlorhexidine, cetrimide, glutaraldehyde, phenyl mercuric nitrate (PMN), a phenolic disinfectant (Hycolin) and a proprietary antiseptic containing a mixture of picloxydine, octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol and benzalkonium chloride (Resiguard). None of the isolates were resistant to glutaraldehyde, Hycolin or PMN but a substantial percentage were resistant to chlorhexidine (44 per cent), cetrimide (26 per cent) and Resiguard (42 per cent). The resistant organisms were members of the genera Proteus, Providencia and Pseudomonas and they were also generally resistant to five, six or seven antibiotics. Significant correlations were observed between multiplicity of antibiotic resistance and the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the three cationic antiseptics. It is suggested that an antiseptic policy for the bladder management of spinal cord injured patients that relies on the extensive use of cationic agents might lead to the selection of a flora of notoriously drug-resistant species.

Ess-theory for finite populations

On the basis of some principles from the philosophy of science, the inadequacy of the ESS-theory as introduced by Maynard Smith and Price as a biological theory is discussed, and an improved ESS-theory for finite populations is presented which can adopt the ideas of the original formalism, although modified. Resulting are explicit conditions on the population sizes that ensure certain strategies to be evolutionarily stable.

Diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease from transbronchial lung biopsy using the fibreoptic bronchoscope

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Antiseptic and antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria causing urinary tract infection

A collection of 802 isolates of Gram-negative bacteria causing urinary tract infections was made from general practice, antenatal clinics, and local hospitals. The organisms were tested for their sensitivity to chlorhexidine, cetrimide, glutaraldehyde, phenyl mercuric nitrate, a phenolic formulation, and a proprietary antiseptic containing a mixture of picloxydine, octyl phenoxy polyethoxyethanol, and benzalkonium chloride. Escherichia coli, the major species isolated, proved to be uniformly sensitive to these agents. Approximately 10% of the total number of isolates, however, exhibited a degree of resistance to the cationic agents. These resistant organisms were members of the genera Proteus, Providencia, and Pseudomonas; they were also generally resistant to five, six, or seven antibiotics. It is proposed therefore that an antiseptic policy which involves the intensive use of cationic antiseptics might lead to the selection of a flora of notoriously drug-resistant species.