Food and eating have powerful symbolic value among the hinduistically-influenced ethnic groups of Nepal. In addition, food plays a major role in the concepts of illness and curing and constitute an integral part of traditional medical prescriptions. Materials that are consumed in 0.5–1.5 g amounts in the daily diet (e.g. the spices turmeric and asafoetida) are used in minute amounts for medical purposes. Why? Three hypotheses are offered here to discuss this issue.

From the gum-resin of Ailanthus grandis six pregnane, two cholestane, two hopane, one lupane and one gammacerane derivatives have been isolated. One, 3-α-acetyloxy-5-α-pregnan-16-one, is a new compound. Four, 20S-acetyloxy-4-pregnene-3,16-dione, 16-β-acetyloxy-pregn-4,17(20)-trans-dien-3-one, gammacerane-3,21-dione and 3-α-acetyloxy-5-α-pregn-17(20)-(cis)-en-16-one, are new natural products. Their structures were established by UV, IR, MS, 1H and 13CNMR spectroscopy and two-dimensional NMR techniques (COSY, HMQC and HMBC).

The spectral sensitivity of the European ground squirrel was investigated by electroretinography (ERG) and visual-evoked cortical potentials. Using chromatic adaptation, two spectral systems were found, one peaking between 520 and 530 nm, the other at 465 nm. The blue system was characterized by a slower course of the potential, a lower threshold and the lack of a d wave in the ERG. However, its threshold is higher than the rod threshold and it was shown to be more resistant to adapting light stimuli than rod systems are. It is concluded that the second spectral system is a blue cone system which in its rod-like properties is comparable to the blue cones found in cat, monkey and man.

AbstractAus Carbonsäuren mit Chlordiphenylphosphinit leicht zugängliche und einige Zeit bei Raumtemp. unter Wasserausschluß haltbare gemischte Anhydride wie (I) reagieren mit K‐ (weniger gut Na‐) ‐mercaptiden bzw. ‐thiophenolaten wie (II) in absol.