ALBERT

Notes: SUMMARY. A study has been made of the cytology of an undescribed species of Spirostomum. The species is much smaller than S. ambiguum. The peristome extends to about half the length of the animal, whereas in S. ambiguum it is about two-thirds the body length. The nuclear apparatus reveals some striking differences. The macronucleus is cylindrical, and not chain-like, in the vegetative animal. The micronuclei are far fewer than in S. ambiguum and number 6–15, but are larger in size. During binary fission, the macronucleus becomes condensed into an oval or polymorphic mass and is drawn out again into a cylinder before it is cut into two lengths. The micro-nuclei divide by mitosis and, whatever their number in the vegetative animal, only 7–8 take part in the division. The others presumably degenerate.

Notes: SUMMARY. The structure and life history of a new species of eugregarine, Gregarina garnhami n.sp., is described from the intestinal caeca and mid-gut of Schistocerca gregaria Forsk. The parasite destroys considerable areas of the caecal epithelium and in cases of heavy infection, the masses of parasites present in the mid-gut result in the formation of localized barriers between the gut wall and the food material in the lumen. The cephalont and sporont stages of gregarines from Locusta migratoria migratorioides R. & F. and Anacrydium aegyptium Linn. are shown to be similar to those from Schistocerca gregaria and are believed to belong to the same species.

Notes: SUMMARY. Oxygen concentrations of 70–80 per cent of an atmosphere destroy all chromosomes of the flagellate Trichonympha provided the oxygen treatment is carried out during the early stages of gametogenesis at which time the chromosomes are in the process of duplicating themselves. This treatment does no damage to the cytoplasm and its organelles. Following the loss of chromosomes, the centrioles function in the production of the achromatic figure, the flagella, and‘parabasal bodies. Then the cytoplasm divides, thus producing two anucleate gametes which make some progress in the cytoplasmic differentiations characteristic of normal male and female gametes of Trichonympha.It is also possible, with somewhat higher concentrations of oxygen, with temperatures slightly above the freezing point and a longer period of treatment, to destroy the chromosomes of resting asexual nuclei in several genera of the flagellates that live in the roach Cryptocercus. So far as one can determine by observing organisms so treated, their cytoplasm and organelles are not injured.

Notes: SUMMARY. Known chemical compounds have replaced the three supplementary factors previously necessary for the growth of Euplotes patella feeding on Chilomonas paramecium under bacteria-free conditions. The factor found in an extract of liver was identified as thiamine. The factor supplied by extracts of certain bacteria has been tentatively identified as folinic acid. A combination of 8-azaguanine and the riboflavin analog, flavotin, has been substituted for the factor found in yeast extracts. Inorganic salts and sodium acetate have been incorporated in the supplementary medium to promote the growth of the flagellate food organisms. Euplotes has also been cultured on Tetrahymena pyriformis in a medium containing 8-azaguanine and flavotin. The requirement for supplementary growth factors in this carnivorous ciliate has been interpreted as definitely involving intermediates in purine metabolism.

Notes: SUMMARY. An improved assay of vitamin B12 is described. The z strain of Euglena gracilis, which grows more vigorously than the bacillaris strain previously used, is recommended. The pattern of B12 specificity of the two strains appears to be the same. A new medium containing sucrose, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and glycine at pH 3.6 is well buffered and allows luxuriant growth. Vigorous utilization of sugar appears to depend on readily available nitrogen and a Krebs-cycle component; these requirements are well met by aspartic acid (or asparagine) and glutamic acid. The proposed procedure is especially suitable for the measurement of B12 in blood serum because rise in pH and precipitation of serum proteins during incubation are minimized. Like bacillaris, the z strain allows the distinction between “combined” and “uncombined” B12 in serum. Serum may be an appropriate test material to tell whether such phagotrophs as Peranema can better utilize bound forms of vitamins than can the related osmotrophs. Patterns of B12 requirements and occurrence are discussed as phylogenetic markers.

Notes: SUMMARY. Cells from a clonal culture of Tetrahymena pyriformis W were cultured in the presence of 10-4 M KCN for a prolonged time until they became “adapted” to cyanide. The effect of 10-3 M KCN upon respiration in the “adapted” cells was compared with the effect upon “normal” cells of the same clone grown in the absence of cyanide. The direct method of Warburg was employed.Adapted cells are more resistant against respiratory inhibition than are normal cells. Resistance is due both to a factor or factors retained within the cell and the extracellular factor(s) released into the medium by the adapted cells during their growth. The intracellular factor is acid labile, and apparently may be developed within a short time. The extracellular factor is heat labile and may cause normal cells to be more resistant against respiratory inhibition by KCN.Resistance to respiratory inhibition is lost if adapted cells are cultured in the absence of KCN. It is proposed that changes involved in gain or loss of cyanide resistance are due to physiological adaptation and not to the usual genetic influences.

Notes: SUMMARY. A neopeptone blood broth was a satisfactory medium for cultivation of the frog trypanosome T. ranarum, though it did not support as consistently good growth as the corresponding diphasic medium. The superiority of diphasic over liquid medium could be explained only by the presence of a reserve of nutrients in the agar slant which diffuse into the liquid phase. Inocula from culture tubes 12 days or less in age resulting from a succession of rapid transfers appeared to be necessary for maximal growth.

Notes: SUMMARY. Great numbers of a new ameba have been collected from freshwater, lagooning, disposal tanks for citrus pulp wastes. The ameba is morphologically similar to the marine Flamella magnifica (Schaeffer, 1926), and clearly belongs to the genus. It differs sufficiently in the formation and characters of locomotor organelles, and in habitat, to be considered a separate species, Flamella citrensis n. sp.

Notes: SUMMARY. The enzymatic induction of fatty acid oxidase activity in Polytoma can be characterized as follows: (1) the preferential synthesis of oxidase activity can be induced in non-proliferating cells, (2) the rate of induction is dependent upon the concentration of exogenous nitrogen, (3) the rate of induction is also dependent upon the age of the cells, (4) with log-phase cells, the rate of synthesis is highest and the kinetics of synthesis, linear; the rate of synthesis by older cells is low and variable in form, (5) ultraviolet irradiation selectively inhibits induction at doses which do not inhibit respiratory activity, oxidative assimilation or nitrogen utilization.

Notes: SUMMARY. The trichomonad occurring in the nasal cavity of the domestic pig, Sus scrofa, is described and figured. With Heidenhain's iron-hematoxylin and protargol (protein-silver) stains, the specific characters are as follows: Pyriform in shape; length 8.8–18.4 μ (average 13.6 μ); width 3.2–8.0 μ (average 4.8 μ); blepharoplast of several granules; three anterior flagella with the longest 10.4–16.8 μ in length ending in knob-like enlargements; full length undulating membrane with four to six subequal folds and containing marginal and accessory filaments; trailing flagellum 4.8–11.2 μ in length; full length costa with fine subcostal granules; hyaline rod-shaped axostyle with bulbous capitulum, chromatic ring and conical tip; tube-like parabasal body 3.2–4.8 μ in length; oval-shaped nucleus 3.7–5.0 μ in length and 2.2–3.0 μ in width; cytostome; and vacuolated cytoplasm containing food vacuoles.Taxonomy of trichomonads in the respiratory and digestive systems of swine is discussed and the nasal trichomonad is compared with the two different forms of Trichomonas found in the cecum. The conclusion is that the nasal form is of a different species from the trichomonads of the cecum. The close similarity between the nasal form and Tritrichomonas foetus is emphasized. The writer suggests that the nasal form should not be given recognition as a new species until its true relationship with T. foetus is revealed.

Notes: SUMMARY. Saprophilus muscorum Kahl, 1931 is an edaphic species which has been identified in cultures of soil and forest litter. This ciliate has the buccal ciliary apparatus of the family Tetrahymenidae Corliss. There is only one post-oral meridian and 15 bipolar meridians, 8 of which meet ventrally at the pre-oral suture. The cilia are long and sparse and there is a prominent longer caudal cilium. Trichocysts are present. Resting or resistant cysts are formed readily.

Notes: SUMMARY. To determine whether Tetrahymena pyriformis could infect Deroceras reticulatum and become morphologically modified in the same way as the parasitic phase of T. limacis, 50 slugs were exposed for 10 days to an amicronucleate clone of T. Pyriformis and 50 were exposed for the same period of time to a micronucleate clone. The slugs were then transferred to clean containers for another 10 days, to allow ciliates which had entered the slugs either to persist and multiply or, in the case of transitory infections, to disappear. An additional 50 slugs were kept in a control group for 20 days. All of the slugs had been collected at a single locality in which natural infections by T. limacis had not been noted, and were maintained in separate one-half pint milk bottles throughout the experimental period.Of the slugs exposed to the amicronucleate clone, 40 survived to the end of the experimental period, and 15 were infected. Of those exposed to the micronucleate clone, 42 survived, and 5 were infected. Forty-three of the slugs in the control group survived, and none were infected by ciliates. In some of the slugs infected by T. pyriformis, hundreds of ciliates were noted. The infections were apparently limited to the digestive gland, intestinal tract, and fluid around the viscera. Ciliates recovered from slugs were in general smaller than those growing in thriving cultures, but morphologically were typical T. pyriformis. None were observed to have a proportionately smaller cytostome or apiculate anterior end characteristic of the parasitic phase of T. limacis.

Notes: SUMMARY. The aggregative process of Dictyostelium discoideum is unaffected by most chemical and physical alterations of the environment. Such substances as vitamins, amino acids, catabolic intermediates, purines and pyrimidines, redox poising agents, enzyme inhibitors, and inorganic salts were added to the aggregative substrate. Of these, only a few exerted any influence on aggregation except at lethal concentrations. Histidine allowed the wild-type myxamoebae to aggregate at lower population densities and accelerated the aggregative process as compared with controls on minimal agar. Brief exposure to histidine irreversibly conditioned the cells. No degradation of the imidazol skeleton was detected. A rise and fall of internal soluble histidine were demonstrable. The purine base, adenine, raised the population density required for maximal center formation.

Notes: SUMMARY. The central canal of the suctorial tentacle of Ephelota is limited by a fine pellicle composed of numerous longitudinal fibrils and bearing 16–18 membrano-fibrillar ridges arranged radially in the lumen of the canal. This structure resembles that of the myonemes in the heterotrichous ciliate Stentor.The prehensile tentacle of Ephelota contains 4–6 axial protein fibers each consisting of a lamello-fibrillar bundle and isolated from one another by thin intracytoplasmic membranes.In both types of tentacle the cytoplasmic portion is immediately limited by a very thin pellicle which is continuous with the “epiplasmic membrane” and covered by the alveolar cuticle which envelops the entire body of the ciliate.

Notes: SUMMARY. A medium is described for the axenic culture of Paramecium multimicronucleatum which is chemically defined except for one constituent—a nondialyzable fraction (NDF) of an exhaustively dialyzed yeast extract. Using this medium it has been possible to demonstrate an absolute requirement for stigmasterol and the following B-vitamins: folic acid, riboflavin, thiamine and pantothenic acid. There was evidence that nicotinamide and pyridoxal are also required for continued growth of the organisms. The nitrogen requirements could be met with any of the following: proteose peptone, purified casein, crystalline ovalbumin, or a mixture of amino acids. A carbon source, in addition to that supplied by the NDF or the amino acids, was essential. Sodium acetate and sodium pyruvate would satisfy this requirement.

Notes: SUMMARY. Pleurotricha lanceolata was cultured in an aqueous extract of Cerophyl with Tetrahymena sp. as the primary food organism. It was induced to form resting cysts by crowding in the absence of food in a modified Osterhout solution. Cysts formed in this medium remained viable for several months.The morphology of the cysts and of animals undergoing excystment was studied both in the living state and in stained preparations. The excystment process was recorded by camera lucida drawings. These studies revealed no endomictic nuclear reorganization, and no extrusion of nuclear material as had been previously reported.An analysis of certain chemical and physical factors which affect excystment showed the following: the rate of excystment is temperature controlled; increasing the pH of the excystment medium increases the time required for excystment; in low concentrations some aqueous plant extracts are effective excysting agents; dilute solutions of certain plant acid mixtures neutralized with KOH are likewise effective; a number of organic substances, e.g., Bacto-yeast extract and Bacto-peptone, are also effective; and the presence of bacteria retards the rate of excystment.

Notes: SUMMARY. Measurements of the length and width of a total of 6,915 unsporulated oocysts of Eimeria necatrix from 11 infected chickens revealed a length range of 12.1-28.9 μ, width range of 10.8-23.8 μ, and a shape-index (length/width) range of 1.0-1.64. The average size range of the samples of 25-100 oocysts (mean, 66 oocysts) constituting this total and taken on the various days of the patent periods was 15.6–23.9 μ× 13.9–19.5 μ. The lengths, widths and shape indexes of the oocysts constituting such samples usually described unimodal, near-normal frequency distribution curves.The average size of oocysts issuing from an average chicken on an average day of the patent period of the infection was, with standard deviations, 19.7 ± 1.82 μ× 16.7 ± 1.20 μ. The average standard errors for the length and width were 0.237 μ and 0.158 μ, respectively, in samples of the size indicated. A tendency to increase slightly, though significantly, in size after the first three days of the patent period was noted; also, a slight, though significant, linear increase from the first to the seventh day, inclusive. A slight, though significant, tendency to shorten with the passing of the days of the patent period was detected.Analysis of variance revealed much variation in oocyst size from bird to bird on a given day and for given bird and day combinations, but significant day to day variation was demonstrated for width only. By splitting the variance during the first seven days of the patent period into its parts, it was determined that the mean oocyst size during this period was, with standard errors, 19.59 ± 0.238 μ× 16.63 ± 0.200 μ. Further analysis disclosed that a considerable reduction in oocysts measured could be accomplished, with no loss of accuracy, if fewer measurements were taken per bird and more birds were employed.

Notes: SUMMARY. Spirobutschliella clignyi, which occurs in the intestine of Pomatoceros triqueter, was found in numbers ranging from 1 to 98 in about 45% of the host specimens examined at Drøbak. Comparative incidence of infection in closely neighboring host specimens suggests that migration of normal sized ciliates is not the main route of infection. The distribution of dwarf ciliates indicates the possibility of their being involved in transmission. The general morphology and the absence of skeletal structures would seem to permit inclusion of the species in the family Anoplophryidae.

Notes: SUMMARY. Three enzymes of the glycolytic pathway, hitherto not identified in Trichomonas vaginalis, have been studied: phosphoglucomutasse, α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, and lactic dehydrogenase.The identification of seven phosphorylated glycolytic intermediates is reported.The operation of glycolysis in T. vaginalis is postulated from enzymatic as well as chemical studies.

Notes: SUMMARY. Sodium pyruvate, glutathione, potassium cyanide, dextrose, sucrose, 3 nucleic acid derivatives, 11 B-vitamins, and 22 amino acids were tested for their ability to protect Astasia longa against the lethal damage induced by ultraviolet radiation. Compounds which protected when added to a cell suspension just before irradiation were cystine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine, adenine, cytidylic acid, uracil, and sodium pyruvate. None of these compounds protected when added immediately after irradiation. Except for phenylalanine, solutions of these compounds afforded protection when used as filters between the ultraviolet source and the flagellates. Cysteine failed to protect when added just before irradiation, but gave good protection when cells were grown in its presence.

Notes: SUMMARY. The number of complete primary ciliary meridians in Tetrahymena limacis found in natural infections in the slug Deroceras reticulatum has been observed to range from 32 to 40. To study the range in the number of meridians in clones in culture, 10 ciliates were pipetted singly from each of two natural infections into sterile 1% (w/v) yeast extract to which 400 units of potassium penicillin-G and 500 micrograms of dihydrostreptomycin sulfate per ml. had been added aseptically. Ten ciliates were also pipetted from each of these natural infections into infusions of tissue of the digestive gland of D. reticulatum. Altogether, 28 clones (13 axenic clones in yeast extract and 15 bacterized clones in tissue infusions) were established.The shape of ciliates in thriving axenic cultures is generally ovoid or pyriform, and similar to that of ciliates in bacterized cultures. However, ciliates in axenic cultures are sharply apiculate at the anterior end and free from inclusions other than small lipoid granules, and in these respects resemble ciliates of the parasitic phase. The cytostome of ciliates in bacterized and axenic cultures is larger in proportion to the size of the body than it is in the parasitic phase.The ranges in the number of ciliary meridians in ciliates of the two natural infections from which the clones were established were 33 to 40 and 32 to 38, whereas the number of meridians in the clones taken as a whole ranged from 25 to 32. Fifteen of the clones showed extremes of 26 and 30.One of the clones was re-introduced into D. reticulatum by exposing 50 slugs to a culture of the ciliates for 10 days. The slugs were then transferred to clean containers for another 10 days. Forty-one of the slugs exposed to ciliates survived the experimental period, and 32 became infected by T. limacis. Forty-four of 50 slugs in an unexposed control group survived, and none were infected by ciliates. In the ciliates from slugs of the experimental series, the number of complete primary meridians ranged from 28 to 36. However, more than half of the ciliates in the experimental infections possessed incomplete rows, and some individuals had as many as five of these. Ciliates in natural infections and in cultures sometimes have incomplete rows, but rarely show more than one such row. The incomplete rows in ciliates re-introduced into slugs are considered largely to be incipient segments of future complete rows. They occur most commonly in the post-oral region, and particularly between row 1 (the so-called stomatogenous meridian) and the next complete row to the observer's right. It appears, therefore, that the post-oral region is a zone in which most new rows are proliferated.

Notes: SUMMARY. Manometric and culture experiments were designed to study factors influencing the metabolism of Trichonympha from Zootermopsis. A starvation period of 36–44 hours for the termites lowered the endogenous metabolism of Trichonympha and made possible the testing of substrates in the Warburg apparatus. In the presence of antibiotics, cellulose and cellobiose were utilized at approximately the same rate by the protozoa. Yeast extract stimulated cellulose fermentation in Trichonympha from starved termites, but the effect could not be demonstrated in protozoa from recently fed termites. Yeast extract, blood serum, and liver fractions improved the survival of the flagellates in anaerobic cultures.

Notes: SUMMARY. The peduncle of the chonotrichous ciliate Chilodochona is composed of a bundle of protein fibers secreted by intracytoplasmic glandular ampullae. This process, very different from that involved in production of the peduncle in the peritrichous ciliates, also is found, although with a simpler result, among the Dysteriidae, a highly evolved family of gymnostomes closely related to the chonotrichs.

Notes: SUMMARY. A new actinomyxid, Triactinomyxon naidanum, distinguished from other members of the genus by having 12 sporoplasms, is described from the intestine of an Indian fresh-water oligochaete, Nais communis punjabensis. This is the first finding of an actinomyxid in Asia and also the first finding in a member of the family Naididae.

Notes: SUMMARY. A new species of Tetrahymena is described, the ninth to be allocated to this genus. Most significant morphologically and taxonomically is its possession of a single, slender caudal cilium, twice the length of the surrounding somatic ciliature. The presence of this inconspicuous organelle, quite novel to the genus, is also detectable in the infraciliature where an argentophilic “polar basal granule-complex” appears exactly at the posterior pole of the body. The diagnosis of the genus Tetrahymena is expanded to embrace species with such a caudal appendage.

Notes: SUMMARY. Ciliates referable to Tetrahymena limacis have been found in two native terrestrial pulmonates, Monadenia fidelis (Helicidae) and Prophysaon andersoni (Arionidae), collected in Oregon. The number of complete primary meridians in ciliates in natural infections in M. fidelis has been observed to range from 26 to 32, and the number in ciliates in P. andersoni has been observed to range from 37 to 41. T. limacis from the European Deroceras reticulatum (Limacidae) has shown a range of 32 to 40 meridians. From 20 ciliates pipetted from a single natural infection in M. fidelis into either 1% (w/v) yeast extract (with antibiotics) or an infusion of digestive gland tissue, 16 clones were established successfully. The range in the number of meridians in these cultured ciliates was 24 to 29; eight clones showed a range of 24 to 28. Sixteen clones established in the same way from ciliates taken from P. andersoni showed a range of 26 to 32 meridians; ten clones had a range of 27 to 31. The range in the number of meridians observed in earlier studies of 28 clones established from ciliates from two natural infections in D. reticulatum was 25 to 32.To determine whether the ciliates from the native pulmonates have a strong host specificity, 50 D. reticulatum were exposed for 10 days to a clone derived from M. fidelis, and 50 were exposed to a clone from P. andersoni. For comparative purposes, 50 slugs were exposed to a clone derived from D. reticulatum. An additional 50 slugs were maintained in a control group. Ten days after the end of the period of exposure, all of the surviving controls (47) and 25 of the slugs in each group exposed to ciliates were examined for infections. The remainder of the surviving slugs in each group were examined 20 days after the period of exposure. Successful experimental infections were noted in each of the groups of slugs exposed to the three clones, and the ciliates in the infections were typical of the parasitic phase of T. limacis. None of the slugs in the control group were infected. Ten days after the period of exposure, the range in the number of complete primary meridians noted in the experimental infections, taken as a whole, by ciliates of the clones from M. fidelis, P. andersoni, and D. reticulatum were, respectively, 26 to 33, 26 to 37, and 29 to 37. The ranges for ciliates in infections by these same clones 20 days alter the period of exposure were 26 to 33, 29 to 37, and 28 to 36. Incomplete rows, up to five in number, occurred in ciliates in experimental infections by each of the clones, but the addition of the number of incomplete meridians to the number of complete meridians did not influence the maximums, except in the case of some infections by the clone from M. fidelis in which a few ciliates showed a total of 34 meridians. It appears that although T. limacis from the native pulmonates will readily infect D. reticulatum, the ciliates from P. andersoni do not attain, at least under the conditions of the experiments which have been conducted, a number of rows exceeding the minimum number of 37 noted in natural infections in P. andersoni.

Notes: SUMMARY. The effect of surface-active agents on the permeability, survival, and pseudopod formation of the rhizopod, Pelomyxa carolinensis, was studied. Surfactants increased the rate of uptake of Na22 in almost all instances. Tweens which lower surface tension, stimulated or caused pseudopod formation; Tween 80 was the least toxic. The fatty acid component as well as the hydrophile-lipophile balance of the surfactant may influence the rate.

Notes: SUMMARY. A small ameba found both in rocky tide pools and tide washed sand is described. It is widely distributed, having been collected in both Pacific and Gulf of Mexico waters. The ameba extends clear, conical pseudopods which wave prior to retraction. It is presented as Vexillifera telmathalassa n. sp., in the Family Mayorellidae, Order Amoebida.

Notes: SUMMARY. At any given temperature level, the rate of oxygen poisoning increases proportionally with an increase in oxygen tension. But the toxicity of oxygen does not bear a proportional relationship to temperature. At a constant low tension, it is more toxic at low temperatures than at high ones and, at a constant high tension, it is less toxic at low temperatures than at high ones.

Notes: SUMMARY. Washed intact cell preparations of T. vaginalis oxidize pyruvate and malate. They are unable to utilize other intermediates of the Krebs cycle. Homogenates of these cells show the same pattern of enzymatic dehydrogenase activity toward the Krebs cycle organic acids. Attempts to inhibit pyruvate oxidation with such Krebs cycle blocking agents as malonate, arsenite, parapyruvate, and fluoroacetate were unsuccessful.Isotopic tracer studies with 2-C14 pyruvate showed that although several, as yet unidentified, compounds incorporated activity during the course of pyruvate metabolism, none of these labeled compounds corresponded to any of the Krebs cycle intermediates.It is concluded that the Krebs cycle is not the pathway for the oxidation of pyruvate in T. vaginalis.

Notes: SUMMARY. Chromosome behavior of strains WH-6, and WH-14 mating types I and II respectively of variety 1, of T. pyriformis was studied during conjugation. Meiosis takes place during the first two prezygotic divisions. The chromosomes are at late pachytene-early diplotene during the maximum elongation of the crescent in prophase of the first micronuclear division. As the crescent shortens, five bivalent chromosomes are readily recognized. Five dyads go to each pole at the end of the first division. Following a brief interphase the second meiotic division results in four micronuclear products, each with five chromosomes. Three of these products disintegrate; the fourth undergoes mitosis resulting in two pronuclei each with five chromosomes. Following a reciprocal interchange of the migratory pronuclei between the two conjugants, the synkaryon of each is formed just anterior to the macronucleus. The diploid number of ten chromosomes has been counted at the first division of the synkaryon.

Notes: SUMMARY. Isolated Blepharisma undulans were studied for the following: (1) fission rate, (2) mating behavior, (3) giant formation, (4) effects of daily transections. The organisms were maintained at 22°C. and isolated daily for 60 days. Fission rate varied from two divisions a day to one in 29 days. The major factor producing the variation appeared to be the type or amount of food. Frequency of conjugation also varied greatly. Daughters of a single organism will mate within 24 hours after division. Conjugation followed by one division, re-isolation, then conjugation within 24 hours following a second division occurred within a 5 day period. Giants were produced within 3 days by feeding with Khawkinea, Chilomonas and Paramecium. Paramecium alone did not produce giants. Exposure to 10−m, 10−4M colchicine did not accelerate this process.Daily transections into approximately equal halves were made. The anterior halves containing the mouth membranelles were followed. Fission rate was not affected by cutting. A progressive decrease in size occurred. All ultimately lysed, most on the 7th day. If cutting was suspended on any day, recovery and fission followed. If cutting was re-instituted, lysis would again occur on or about the 7th day. Daily amputation of the posterior tip for 2 weeks did not affect either size, fission rate, or longevity.

Notes: SUMMARY. Frontonia depressa (Stokes) Penard is an edaphic species characterized by formation of cysts. There is no dedifferentiation of the ciliate when encysted, and all organelles, except the body cilia and buccal apparatus, are clearly visible. Excystment is dependent upon the building up of hydrostatic pressure by the contractile vacuole. Activation is not always followed by excystment, which takes some hours.

Notes: SUMMARY. As part of an extended series of experiments, various combinations of primaquine-pyrimethamine were tested against pigeons infected with Plasmodium relictum.(a) Rapid clearance of blood forms was observed, although each component had been reduced to one-half of its previously established MED (minimal effective dose) for such clearance when administered alone.(b) Primaquine-pyrimethamine was followed by unprecedented delays in relapse after drug withdrawal. Such delays had not been elicited in any previous experiments in the series, employing each component alone, or chloroquine alone, or primaquine-chloroquine combinations, or pamaquine-plasmocid-chloroquine (Premaline N).

Notes: SUMMARY. Vegetative clones of Tetrahymena pyriformis, variety 2, mating type II, were the recipients of various dosages of X-rays from 10,000 to 400,000r. One clone from the 400,000 level (UM7X), when mated with non-irradiated cells of various mating types in variety 2, failed to produce a migratory nucleus. A one-way transfer from the normal to irradiated mate occurred, resulting in the production of haploid exconjugants.When haploids were crossed with diploids the former failed to produce a migratory nucleus. A one-way nuclear transfer from the diploid to the haploid occurred resulting again in the production of haploid exconjugants. When two haploids were crossed a clone resulted which showed 80 to 90 percent amicronucleate forms.The mating type of the derived haploid is always that of the diploid parent. All derived haploids manifest physiological and morphological characteristics similar to those of the diploid except that the haploids possess a smaller micronucleus.

Notes: SUMMARY. The structural morphology of Euglena gracilis, particularly the photoreceptors, has been studied by electron microscopy in order to arrive at some structural basis for function. The chloroplast, eye-spot, and flagella are described and their relationship within the cell discussed. A molecular model for both the chloroplast and eye-spot are proposed from the available structural and experimental data. The effects of darkness, elevated temperatures, metal depletion, and streptomycin on the cells and structure of the chloroplast are described. In all cases where structural changes occur in the chloroplast they are accompanied by spectral shifts in the absorption spectra of chlorophyll indicative of the appearance of pheophytin. The relationship of the eye-spot and flagella was considered as a structural unit and the energy for excitation was roughly estimated.

Notes: SUMMARY. The characteristics of Plasmodium lophurae infections in mice have been studied for a period of 3 years. The average height of parasitemias increased steadily for several months then leveled off with but minor changes for the remainder of the time. Gametocytes were found during the ninth month after the passages were begun. Comparison of the strain after 3 years in mice with the same species of parasite maintained constantly in chick embryos indicated that the sojourn in the mouse had temporarily disturbed the mean numbers of merozoites produced.

Notes: The paper discusses the variations of Elevation Correction Factors (E.C.F.) across various stratigraphical and structural occurrences with particular reference to the dipping bed, fault and horst. Graphs are prepared giving E.C.F. variations for various angles of dip and a method is suggested for application in the field. Errors in the linear variation that is commonly used for small angles of dip are discussed.The second part of the paper consists of the application to interpretation of (I) Change of gravity dip and (2) The gravity inversion. It is shown how from a gravity map the dip, position of outcrop and thickness of a dipping bed can be determined. The last part shows how anticlines can give rise to negative anomalies and that in the direction of dip similar structures can at one point have no surface expression and afterwards invert to positive anomalies. The danger of attempting to predict the size of structures in such areas is emphasised.

Notes: When gravimetric prospecting is concerned with a region featuring broken relief the calculation of topographical corrections becomes vitally important, for these rectify apparent anomalies completely. It is essential that they should be calculated as exactly as possible. By the classic method this takes an extremely long time and may in the long run involve an outlay actually higher than that expended on operations on the terrain.It has thus been felt necessary to seek methods which would speed up calculation, and, bearing that in mind, the use of a polar integrator has been envisaged. With this the contour lines of a map can be followed between two fixed radii, the pole corresponding to the location of the position. Two integrator roulettes will give the values of the first two terms of the expansion in terms of the quotient of the height divided by the distance, the second of the terms resulting from the curvature of the earth. Unless there are escarpments very close to the position, the use of these two terms will be sufficient.Polar integration will deal successively with different contour lines and a subsidiary graph will be plotted, giving the value of each of the integrals in terms of the height. By means of this subsidiary graph the values of the corrections will be obtained with a planimeter and a moment integrator. It is envisaged that the same operation could be repeated in the case of two maps with different scales, for instance, 1–20,000 and 1–200,000 the effect of the areas in the immediate neighbourhood of the position being taken into account by the observer. It is hoped that in this way the calculation of topographical corrections will be made quicker, more exact and less laborious.

Notes: The problems connected with reflexion surveys in areas of rough topography consist of choosing proper equipment and of making careful near-surface corrections. This paper illustrates some solutions to these problems that have been adopted in a survey which has recently started in a hily coastal area, in Southern Italy.As the area is characterized by a youthful and very actively eroded topography of Post-Miocene clays and litoral clastic sediments, both rotary and percussion drilling were necessary whilst all the seismic equipment had to be light to allow straight lines to be shot as far as possible. Details are given of the truckmounted, light equipment which has been designed for this special purpose.In connection with the youthful topography of the area being surveyed, the criteria for the proper computation of the near-surface corrections is discussed. The great differences in elevation, combined with variations in the surface and near-surface materials, necessitated a careful analysis before deciding the thickness of the correction zone. The results are shown of the preliminary tests carried out in order to determine the average thickness of the low-velocity zone. The solution adopted for drawing the reference surface determining the base of the correction zone for the whole of the area is subseqently explained.Reference datum is drawn so as to follow gently, and with segments of constant slopes, the general features of the rough topographic relief at a depth ranging from 30 to 60 metres from the surface. Criteria for the routine checking of velocity variations in the correction zone are illustrated. Such checks are based on both uphole time analyses and refraction “first breaks” plots, with deeper shot holes at constant intervals.Unsatisfactory results necessitate longer spreads for “low velocity tests” and uphole shooting from deeper holes and the reference datum is deepened for the particular area where this becomes necessary.The final cross-sections are shown and although, as yet, no deep holes, are available to check the seismic data, the general appearance of the cross-sections seems to indicate that subsurface data are free from the influence of topography and of the velocities in the near-surface formations.

Notes: The paper describes the determination of the chlorine content of deep ground water by means of the direct resistivity method using the Wenner electrode configuration. The purpose was to investigate the distribution of salinity in the brackish waters within a permeable sand of thickness 250 metres and which forms the deeper subsoil of the Ysselmeer areas.Such a knowledge is of great value, firstly because the seepage of salt water into the proposed deep “polders” may reduce the crop yield, and secondly because it allows areas, where potable waters may occur, to be delineated.To test the method, measurements were made near existing boreholes which extended to a depth of 350 metres. From these borings water samples from various depths were collected and it was found that the resistivity pl of the porewater was closely related to their chlorine content. The resistivity p of the saturated sand was determined from the geo-electrical measurements. It was found that the resistivity p was given by p= 4, 5 pl. From this relation, which is independent of the salinity, the chlorine content of the porewater could be estimated. These results are in close agreement with those of other observers. In the area p varied from 1 to 200 ohmmetres corresponding to a chlorine content changing from 12.000 to 15 mg per litre.The method was adapted for working over water. Each of fourteen insulated conductors in a special cable terminated in an electrode, and these electrodes were spaced along the cable so that nine different Wenner spacings could be selected. The electrode separations varied from 44 metres up to 306 metres.

Notes: The authors develop an optimum filtering theory for seismic reflection recording. A criterion of record improvement is applied to a mathematical model consisting of a set of wavelets superimposed on a random noise backgruond. This leads to the design of electrical filters and geophone and shot-hole patterns with optimum filtering characteristics.

Notes: An experimental arrangement is described using an electric spark as source and barium titanate as a detector. Model experiments were made in water with the source mounted above the surface. The effect on the pulse shape on transmission through the air-water interface and the change of pulse shape with depth were investigated. A number of profiles are presented of reflections from a slate slab immersed in the water with different arrangements of the model and detector.

Notes: The background of automatic data processing as well as other improvements in prospecting methods is almost certainly economic. Consciously and intentionally or intuitively and even subconsciously, economic forces are the drive for improvements.Automatic processing can contribute to the increasing utility of seismic data. Reduction in the amount of routine work will permit talented people to utilize their time creatively on the more difficult problems. At the same time automatic reduction will provide for a greater volume of work. These two aspects will probably provide the first effective pressure for a high degree of automation.It is to be expected, however, that the ultimate and greatest value will be better interpretation; possibly more detail, possibly clearer more definitive interpretation, possibly both.Time concepts in the processing of seismic data are, of course, vital; either in simple time corrections of either static or dynamic nature or in treatment of signals in the time domain.Much development work is needed before these advantages can be realized. Principal development needed is an increase in dynamic range in the overall system.

Notes: Book review in this articleHarold M. Mooney and W. W. Wetzel: “The Potentials about a Point Electrode and Apparent Resistivity Curves for a Two-, Three- and Four-Layer Earth”, The University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis. Price $ 18.–.

Notes: The term shallow refraction, as used in this paper, refers to investigations confined to the superficial layer of rocks, composed primarily of unconsolidated material. To define the scope of the discussion it will be assumed that the term shallow refraction applies to work of which the lower limit is approximately 300 feet and the upper of the order of a few feet. The consideration of the small magnitude of quantities measured (distances and times) determines the perspective of the problems involved, since difficulties encountered in the interpretation, although equally disturbing whether in deep or shallow work, will cause a greater percentage of error in the latter case. The purpose of this paper is to discuss and illustrate these problems. The factors considered include the location of the geophone spread in relation to the topography of the site, influence of the ground conditions in the vicinity of geophones on recorded times, consideration of the shallow uphole shots and problems arising from the repeated use of the same shothole. The rapid variation in the vertical velocity of the overburden and errors due to it are discussed together with the effects of a non homogeneous unconsolidated material and velocity reversal. The effects of the ill-defined solid rock surface are also considered. It appears that as the depth of investigations becomes shallower, the limits of the practical capabilities of the method are approached, because the differences between the theoretical assumptions and the actual conditions become more pronounced.

Notes: Experiments carried out using charges of up to 200 lbs. at a distance of about 20,000 ft. from the geophones suggest that the amplitude of the refracted wave ground motion is roughly proportional to the weight of charge. Simple energy considerations lead one to expect a relation of a form in which velocity amplitude is proportional to W.An explanation of the observed relation may be based on a theory according to which the efficiency of the explosion increases with the source size, that is the distance from the source at which the pressure wave of the explosion ceases to cause permanent deformation of the surrounding medium.The above theory was further confirmed by measurements of the radius of the cavity produced by explosions of charges of different size in clay. Also, explosion of charges in artificial water-filled cavities were found to give seismic wave amplitudes three or four times greater than those produced by the same charge in a narrow hole. It is possible that these observations explain in part why the charges required in marine refraction experiments are very much smaller than those needed in refraction work on land, but additional reasons for this difference are also discussed.

Notes: The paper describes and discusses the results of an experimental gravity survey which was carried out underground on different levels of a mine, in the mine shafts, and on the surface above the mine workings.The paper is composed of three complementing sections. The part dealing with gravity measurements in the shafts gives also attention to the particular problem of the terrain corrections underground, due to the surface topography. The interval densities from gravity measurements in the shafts are computed and adjusted in accordance with known geology and compared with the stratigraphical columns of the shafts. The effect of the ore body on the stations in the shaft is derived theoretically and compared with the observed one.The gravity contours are constructed on different levels in the mine workings and discussed in relation to the known extent of the ore body. The gravity profile across a fault underground is presented and discussed. Another gravity profile was run underground in the same plan position as a surface traverse 1000 feet above it. The line of boreholes along this traverse gives good account of geology which includes step-faulting. This known geology is compared with the deductions based on the gravity results. This is also done in the case of another gravity profile run over a known geological section. A number of gravity measurements were also taken in the same plan position, separated by the vertical distance of 800–1,100 feet. These points were placed by the boreholes previously drilled in the area. Attempt in correlation of these and gravity results is made.The densities computed from the gravity measurements are compared with the laboratory determinations of the densities, carried out on samples from different parts of the mine.The contours on the top of the base formation are constructed from the information obtained from the boreholes, and are compared with the gravity contours on the surface above.A simple method of computation of the effects of slabs and blocks is presented as applied to the calculation of the corrections for underground drifts and faults. A table is appended for use with this method.

Notes: The gravity difference between two stations, one at the surface and the other underground vertically below the former and at a given distance from it, depends on the mean density of the earth, σm as well as on the density of the layer of rock contained between the two stations. When one of these densities is known, the other can be computed from this gravity difference. The reliability of this determination depends on the relative accuracies with which σm and σ can be obtained.These accuracies are discussed in the paper. The mean density of. the earth has been determined with an accuracy of approximately 0.01 gr/cm3. The determination of the density of a layer of rock depends on density determinations of rock samples which are not representative of the layer as a whole. Thus the accuracy of the value of σ based on a number of sample determinations will depend on many factors, including the method of averaging the density values obtained from the samples and the degree of uniformity in the geology.To investigate the problem discussed above, three sets of gravity measurements were made under differing conditions. In each instance a number of pairs of stations vertically above each other were occupied on the surface and underground. The results computed from the data on each pair of stations in a set of measurements were considered as repeated measurements of the same quantity, and the most probable value was calculated.The results demonstrated that the accuracy varied with the conditions prevailing in the area where the observations were made. In Godstone Quarries the dip of the strata was negligible, the rocks fairly uniform and structural conditions undisturbed. Consequently, although the rock layer between the surface and underground stations was only of the order of a hundred feet, the mean density of the earth computed from the average density of the rock samples, was very close to the accepted standard value of 5.52 gr./cm3. This agreement, however, was easily upset when only one random sample density was assumed as representative of a given formation.In a different locality in Cumberland the observations were made in a mine and on the surface. The rock layer between the surface and the underground stations was approximately a thousand feet thick. One set of measurements followed a line parallel to a fault, the other a line crossing this fault. The results differed appreciably from the standard value of σm, particularly in the latter case.It is concluded that the gravity difference between a surface and an underground station can be used satisfactorily to determine the average density of a rock layer in situ and en bloc, using the standard value for the mean Earth density.

Notes: In this paper we describe a protractor which provides a very simple method of constructing refracted rays in a vertical plane. Another advantage of this apparatus is that it can be made locally in any computing office.

Notes: A method is described for computing master resistivity curves. It is a modification of that devised by Ehrenburg and Watson, but is superior as a shorter time is required for the computations. A collection of 31 master curves for the three layer case is presented.

Notes: On the basis of results of extensive geoelectrical investigations in East Frisia as well as of theoretically calculated data, it is shown to what extent geoelectrics can furnish a contribution to success during the preliminary work for the establishment of water works, or for the enlargement of existing water works, in coastal areas. One of the most important tasks in this sphere is the search for permeable beds suitable for intake, the delimitation of their thickness and extent (catchment areas), and then the location of favourable places for wells. This task is rather difficult because of thickness variations in and change of facies of the old-pleistocene basin clay (Lauenburg clay) and the presence of Tertiary clay and fine clayey sands which, acting as impervious layers, often divide a permeable bed into several storage horizons. Further difficulties arise from the occurrence of brine bearing deposits near the coast, and water from the depths with a high salt content as a result of leaching processes around salt domes.The problems arising in this connection are illustrated with the aid of examples from the Rheiderland. The following questions seem to be the most important:a) the physical interpretation of the measurements with special regard to the principle of equivalence;b) the correlation of the physical data with the subsurface geology.

Notes: This paper describes a highly portable geophone, designed for large-scale refraction surveying, which uses a novel suspension system to obtain a natural frequency of about 1.85 c/s. The nominal output is 0.7 volts/cm/second into a 500 ohm load, the damping then being 0.7 of critical. Some typical recorded arrivals obtained with this geophone are illustrated.

Notes: To improve the ratio of signal to noise resulting from the shot, seismologists have increased the number of geophones in each recording channel and have also increased the length of each spread. As a rule, however, the effectiveness of this multiple recording is based on theoretical considerations, and it appeared desirable to carry out an experimental investigation to obtain a direct measurement of the reduction in noise as a function of the geophone pattern etc. The work was done in the Landes where experience had shown that recording was difficult.The experimental arrangement, which allowed the accurate measurement of the noise without interference from reflected energy, is described.Shots, repeated under apparently identical conditions, revealed the random nature of the noise and pointed to the necessity of a large number of experiments to yield an accurate result. Two geophone patterns were employed, one of 12 geophones in a straight line and the other of two parallel lines of geophones, the directions of the geophone lines being either along the shot line, perpendicular to the shot line or at some intermediate angle.The results obtained, in two widely spaced locations were in good agreement and allowed definite conclusions to be drawn. When the 12 geophone line is long enough the noise is reduced by a factor of 0.36 and with two lines, each 55 metres long and containing 12 geophones, the reduction was 0.29, if the lines were sufficiently widely separated. The results agree with the factor K N-½ for the reduction in noise where N is the number of geophones per trace and K is a factor close to unity. The results also show the influence of the length of the geophone line its orientation and its mean distance from the shot.

Notes: In N.W. Germany multiple reflections have been observed in numerous areas. They are not curiosities but represent true problems.In many cases these multiples are recognizable by routine Δt analysis of the records. Sometimes the Δt anomalies are so great that multiples can be recognized without any computational work, merely by looking at the records. This is due to the great contrast between the interval velocities of the Tertiary and of the Upper Cretaceous. One example is discussed fully.Most of the multiples are of the type AB (a multiple caused by reflections at two different reflectors A and B, and at the surface). It is also shown (by a rough estimate) that this type of multiple is theoretically the most probable. Finally, the interference between the two components of AB (one multiple being reflected first at A, then at B, and the other reflected first at B, then at A), and its appearance in constructed examples, are discussed.

Notes: The paper describes a vertical component magnetometer for field work whose magnet system is provided with a torsion axis and in which torsion serves as a standard of measurement. When a measurement is taken the magnetic axis of the system is brought back into the horizontal position by altering the angle of twist (null-method). The angle of twist is thus a direct measure of the vertical intensity. The instrument is within wide limits independent of the magnetic north-south direction and may therefore be set up in practically any position. The magnet system is temperature compensated, well damped and provided with an automatic clamping device. With a scale value of 25 gammas per scale division the range of the instrument for direct measurements is 65000 gammas. A tripod of special design enables a measurement to be taken in about one minute. The weight of the torsion magnetometer inclusive of tripod is only 2.9 kg (6.4 lb).

Notes: Since harmonic analysis of seismograms seems to become more familiar in the interpretation of seismic data, the author presents the results of a thorough check analysis. Following a fixed scheme, one seismogram is analysed by means of a mechanical analyser (system Mader-Ott). Standard deviation of Fourier coefficients is examined, and scattering in phase values is discussed. At the best, in the range of maximum amplitudes of the spectrum, the method yields 6% in phase scattering. At the worst, on either side of the spectrum, 13 % are obtained. Generally 8 % have to be taken in account. (Percentages in periods of partial-waves of the analysis). The results are in accordance with former routine analysis (Korschunow, 1955).

Notes: The well known quantities, delay and intercept times, can be made fully useful in the interpretation of multilayer refraction problems dealing with small undulating dips.The identification of the individual refractors is made by the use of reciprocal and intercept times and by applying an additional and useful relationship, namely that the delay time profile between two shot-points should match the half-intercept time profile when calculated using the true velocity of the refractor.With a suitable arrangement of shot-points this relation permits us to obtain the true horizontal velocity of a refractor from one direction of shooting only.Presentation of the refraction results in the form of time sections, similar to those used in reflection surveys, is often desirable. These sections can be converted easily into depth sections, once the overburden velocities are defined.The use of the method is limited not only by the dip, but also by the depth of the refractor. Deep refractors can be, however, worked out by this method, by reducing a multilayer problem to that of two layers, using again the delay times.

Notes: The parameters which characterize an explosive are derived from laboratory tests and none is directly usable for seismic purposes. Another one, derived from field experiments is proposed in this paper. It allows the comparison of two different explosives. The test must be conducted with care. Precautions concerning the equipment and the shot point detailed. The first available results suggest that the new parameter does not depend on the size of the charge nor on the shooting conditions, though the experimental data are not numerous enough to allow a general statement. It is shown how a coefficient of seismic efficiency can be used for selecting an explosive; and considerable amounts of money can be saved by the best choice. More studies on the generation of artificial seismic waves would be highly profitable.

Notes: The equation for the deformation of the homogeneous electrical field caused by a long inclined thin plate, is given. By means of this equation a diagram is designed for the direct depth determination of the upper and the lower edge and for the inclination of the plate. The equation and the diagram are proved by small scale model measurements and applied in field exploration.