The role of the main photophase on dark-time measurement used for diapause determination in the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella

Abstract.  The Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella Hubner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) measures night length and enters diapause as a last-instar larva. To examine the role of photophase on dark-time measurement, the main LD 7 : 17 h photoperiod is disrupted by various lengths of darkness at 25 °C. When the light phase is not disrupted, the incidence of diapause is 76%. As the dark pulse disrupting a 7-h photophase becomes longer, the incidence of diapause decreases. To detect the dynamic kinetics of the time-measuring process, the main scotophase of 17 h is scanned by a 2-h light pulse. When the dark pulse in a 7-h photophase is fixed at 1 h after dawn and its duration is varied systematically from 1 to 3 h, or when the end of the dark pulse is fixed at 1 h before dusk, diapause is prevented completely by a 2-h light pulse inserted in the middle of 17-h darkness. These results are compared with those of a single night interruption of a 17-h scotophase with a 2-h light pulse but with an intact 7-h photophase. The disruption of a 7-h photophase by a dark pulse shifts the descending and ascending slopes of the response curve to some extent toward dawn and dusk, respectively, indicating that the dark pulse tends to shorten the critical length of dark time for diapause induction. When the main photophase (7 h) is interrupted by a 1-h dark pulse at 3–4 h after dawn, the 2-h scanning light pulse in the main scotophase (17 h) appears to act effectively as a dusk signal in the early scotophase. However, those in the mid- and late scotophase do not define the critical night length from dusk as sharply as for the critical night length from a 2-h light pulse to dawn. The results indicate the importance of photophase in the dark-time measurement.     

夜鹭幼鸟繁殖的生态研究

引言 自1923年Groos对夜鹭(Nycticorax nycticorax)的成鸟幼鸟进行系统测定以来,鸟类学家都以该鸟的羽色作为区分成幼鸟的形态标志的典型(郑作新,1973)。关于夜鹭成鸟繁殖生态学研究,几十年来不断有所报道,如Teal(1965)和Raymond(1982)研究夜鹭繁殖习性和繁殖率后,指出风暴和兽类干扰,是夜鹭繁殖失败的主要因素,Hafner(1980)还对夜鹭繁殖期的领域性和生态位作了讨论,但是,有关夜鹭幼鸟繁殖记录极少。1942年Noble和Wurm成功地观察到在人工监察环境中该种幼鸟的繁殖史,引起人们的兴趣和注意。1982年Thomas等人在美国Hope岛及Rhoole岛观察到夜     

Influence of root-zone temperature on growth,development and yield of cucumber plants cv. Toska

Summary In a first experiment, cucumber transplants (cucumis sativa L. cv. Toska) were grwon at five root-zone temperatures (RZT) ranging from 12° to 36°C. Maximum shoot growth and total leaf area were obtained at 24° and 30°C (RZT). In a second experiment, cucumber transplants were submitted to five RZT (12, 18, 24, 30 and 36°C) and five night air temperatures (NAT) that were maintained either constant at 9°, 13° and 17°C or splitted (in two halfs) at midnight (17°/12°C, 17°/9°C). Root-zone warming to 24° or 30°C increased cucumber plant growth and leaf development, but did not compensate completely the loss of productivity induced by low NAT. Split-night temperature had greater effects under the lowest NAT (17°/9°C) and at high RZT (24° or 30°C). In a third experiment, soil warming caused large increase in yields when cucumber plants were grown in the spring, but had very little effects in the fall.     

Retinal alterations induced by continuous light in immature rats

Summary Immature albino rats were subjected to (a) continuous illumination for 5–9 days, or (b) continuous illumination followed by prolonged darkness. Their electroretinographic responses and the ultrastructural characteristics of the rod outer segments, as revealed by a mixture of zinc iodine-osmium tetroxide (ZIO) at different temperatures, were studied and compared with those of a control group maintained in a cyclic rhythm of light and darkness.Noteworthy differences in the distribution of ZIO reactive sites were observed in the rats exposed for 5–9 days to continuous illumination (no electroretinographic responses) as compared with normal controls. At 4°C, ZIO staining was negative in the rods of illuminated rats whereas at 20 and 60°C it was positive inside the tubular and vesicular structures.After prolonged darkness, in rats with a partial electroretinographic recovery and ultrastructural restoration, the ZIO reaction showed a similar pattern to that observed in the control group, ZIO deposits being found both in the intra and extradiscal spaces.Supported by Grants from the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, Argentina and the National Institutes of Health (51 NS 06953-09 NEUA), U.S.A., and by the Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires and Fight for Sight Inc., N.Y., USA.We are indebted to Miss Margarita López for her skilful technical assistance and to Mr. Alberto Saenz for the electron micrographs.     

Dim Light at Night Does Not Disrupt Timing or Quality of Sleep in Mice

Artificial nighttime illumination has recently become commonplace throughout the world; however, in common with other animals, humans have not evolved in the ecological context of chronic light at night. With prevailing evidence linking the circadian, endocrine, immune, and metabolic systems, understanding these relationships is important to understanding the etiology and progression of several diseases. To eliminate the covariate of sleep disruption in light at night studies, researchers often use nocturnal animals. However, the assumption that light at night does not affect sleep in nocturnal animals remains unspecified. To test the effects of light at night on sleep, we maintained Swiss-Webster mice in standard light/dark (LD) or dim light at night (DLAN) conditions for 8–10 wks and then measured electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) biopotentials via wireless telemetry over the course of two consecutive days to determine differences in sleep timing and homeostasis. Results show no statistical differences in total percent time, number of episodes, maximum or average episode durations in wake, slow-wave sleep (SWS), or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. No differences were evident in SWS delta power, an index of sleep drive, between groups. Mice kept in DLAN conditions showed a relative increase in REM sleep during the first few hours after the dark/light transition. Both groups displayed normal 24-h circadian rhythms as measured by voluntary running wheel activity. Groups did not differ in body mass, but a marked negative correlation of body mass with percent time spent awake and a positive correlation of body mass with time spent in SWS was evident. Elevated body mass was also associated with shorter maximum wake episode durations, indicating heavier animals had more trouble remaining in the wake vigilance state for extended periods of time. Body mass did not correlate with activity levels, nor did activity levels correlate with time spent in different sleep states. These data indicate that heavier animals tend to sleep more, potentially contributing to further weight gain. We conclude that chronic DLAN exposure does not significantly affect sleep timing or homeostasis in mice, supporting the use of dim light with nocturnal rodents in chronobiology research to eliminate the possible covariate of sleep disruption.     

近10年北京极端高温天气条件下的地表温度变化及其对城市化的响应

以北京市为研究区,利用2000年和2010年极端高温发生时MODIS卫星的地表温度（LST）产品数据,结合DMSP/OLS夜间灯光数据,应用差值、等温线、剖面分析等方法,分析了北京市近十年来极端高温发生时地表温度的时空变化特征及其对城市化的响应。研究结果表明：（1）近十年来,极端高温时的地表温度升高,高温区范围增加,城市功能拓展区与发展新区的高温区增加面积大于首都功能核心区与生态涵养区;（2）北京市城市化发展迅速,城市扩张对极端高温条件下的地表温度时空分布与变化趋势起着主导作用。     

LIGHT AT NIGHT ALTERS THE PARAMETERS OF THE ECLOSION RHYTHM IN A TROPICAL FRUIT FLY,DROSOPHILA JAMBULINA

We investigated the effects of natural light at night (LAN) in the field and artificial LAN in the laboratory on the circadian rhythm of pupal eclosion in a tropical wild type strain of Drosophila jambulina captured at Galle, Sri Lanka (6.1^oN, 80.2^oE). The influence of natural LAN, varying in intensity from 0.004 lux (starlight intensity) to 0.45 lux (moonlight intensity), on the entrainment pattern of the circadian rhythm of eclosion at 25^o?±?0.5^oC was examined by subjecting the mixed-aged pupae to natural cycles of light and darkness at the breeding site of this strain in the field. The eclosion peak was ～2?h prior to sunrise, and the 24?h rhythmicity was the most robust. Effects of artificial LAN at 25^o?±?0.5^oC were determined in the laboratory by subjecting pupae to LD 12:12 cycles in which the light intensity of the photophase was 500 lux in all LD cycles, while that of the scotophase was either 0 lux (complete darkness, DD), 0.5, 5, or 50 lux. In the 0 lux LAN condition (i.e., the control experiment), the eclosion peak was ～2?h after lights-on, and the 24?h eclosion rhythm was not as strong as in the 0.5 lux LAN condition. The entrainment pattern in 0.5 lux LAN was strikingly similar to that in the field, as the 0.5 lux LAN condition is comparable to the full moonlight intensity in the tropics. LAN at 0.5 lux dramatically altered both parameters of entrainment, as the eclosion peak was advanced by ～4?h and the 24?h eclosion rhythm was better than that of the control experiment. LAN at 5 lux, however, resulted in a weak eclosion rhythm that peaked in the subjective forenoon. Interestingly, the 50 lux LAN condition rendered the eclosion events unambiguously arrhythmic. After-effects of LAN on the period (τ) of the free-running rhythm and the nature of eclosion rhythm were also determined in DD by a single LD 12:12 to DD transfer. After-effects of the LAN intensity were observed on both the τ and nature of the eclosion rhythm in all four experiments. Pupae raised in 0.5 lux LAN exhibited the shortest τ (20.6?±?0.2?h, N?=?11 for this and subsequent values) and the most robust rhythm, while pupae raised in 50 lux LAN had the longest τ (29.5?±?0.2?h) and weakest rhythm in DD. Thus, these results demonstrate the intensity of LAN, varying from 0 to 50 lux, profoundly influences the parameters of entrainment as well as free-running rhythmicity of D. jambulina. Moreover, the observed arrhythmicity in LD 12:12 cycles caused by the 50 lux LAN condition appeared to be the masking effect of relatively bright light at night, as the LD 12:12 to DD transfer restored the rhythmicity, although it was rather weak. (Author correspondence: drdsjoshi08@gmail.com)     

Circadian Phase,Sleepiness, and Light Exposure Assessment in Night Workers With and Without Shift Work Disorder

Most night workers are unable to adjust their circadian rhythms to the atypical hours of sleep and wake. Between 10% and 30% of shiftworkers report symptoms of excessive sleepiness and/or insomnia consistent with a diagnosis of shift work disorder (SWD). Difficulties in attaining appropriate shifts in circadian phase, in response to night work, may explain why some individuals develop SWD. In the present study, it was hypothesized that disturbances of sleep and wakefulness in shiftworkers are related to the degree of mismatch between their endogenous circadian rhythms and the night-work schedule of sleep during the day and wake activities at night. Five asymptomatic night workers (ANWs) (3 females; [mean?±?SD] age: 39.2?±?12.5 yrs; mean yrs on shift?=?9.3) and five night workers meeting diagnostic criteria (International Classification of Sleep Disorders [ICSD]-2) for SWD (3 females; age: 35.6?±?8.6 yrs; mean years on shift?=?8.4) participated. All participants were admitted to the sleep center at 16:00?h, where they stayed in a dim light (<10 lux) private room for the study period of 25 consecutive hours. Saliva samples for melatonin assessment were collected at 30-min intervals. Circadian phase was determined from circadian rhythms of salivary melatonin onset (dim light melatonin onset, DLMO) calculated for each individual melatonin profile. Objective sleepiness was assessed using the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT; 13 trials, 2-h intervals starting at 17:00?h). A Mann-Whitney U test was used for evaluation of differences between groups. The DLMO in ANW group was 04:42?±?3.25?h, whereas in the SWD group it was 20:42?±?2.21?h (z = 2.4; p?<?.05). Sleep did not differ between groups, except the SWD group showed an earlier bedtime on off days from work relative to that in ANW group. The MSLT corresponding to night work time (01:00–09:00?h) was significantly shorter (3.6?±?.90?min: [M?±?SEM]) in the SWD group compared with that in ANW group (6.8?±?.93?min). DLMO was significantly correlated with insomnia severity (r = ?.68; p < .03), indicating that the workers with more severe insomnia symptoms had an earlier timing of DLMO. Finally, SWD subjects were exposed to more morning light (between 05:00 and 11:00?h) as than ANW ones (798 vs. 180 lux [M?±?SD], respectively z?=??1.7; p?<?.05). These data provide evidence of an internal physiological delay of the circadian pacemaker in asymptomatic night-shift workers. In contrast, individuals with SWD maintain a circadian phase position similar to day workers, leading to a mismatch/conflict between their endogenous rhythms and their sleep-wake schedule. (Author correspondence: vgumeny1@hfhs.org)     

长江下游地区夜鹭种群微卫星变异及遗传多样性

利用微卫星位点对长江下游地区夜鹭3个地方种群的遗传多样性及其种群结构进行了分析。研究结果表明:除了Ah526位点外,其他7个位点在夜鹭种群中均为高度多态。在3个地方种群中,6个微卫星位点中经Bonferroni校正后南京大校场种群和芜湖四褐山种群中分别有2个及3个位点显示杂合不足,显著偏离了哈迪-温伯平衡,这可能与夜鹭繁殖后个体的扩散能力较强及长江下游地区夜鹭存在着替代型迁徙现象有关。突变-漂移平衡分析表明,长江下游地区夜鹭种群显著具有杂合过剩的位点,这表明长江下游地区夜鹭种群已偏离了突变-漂移平衡,近期可能经历了瓶颈效应,种群数量曾经下降。地方种群间Fst分析表明,长江下游地区夜鹭地方种群间遗传分化程度较低,并没有形成显著的遗传结构,在保护与管理上可以作为同一个保护单元(或管理)单元     

Correlation among clock gene expression rhythms,sleep quality,and meal conditions in delayed sleep-wake phase disorder and night eating syndrome

Clock genes that comprise the circadian clock system control various physiological functions. Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) and night eating syndrome (NES) are characterized by delayed sleep and meal timing, respectively. We estimated that clock gene expression rhythms in DSWPD patients may be delayed in comparison with the healthy subjects due to delayed melatonin secretion rhythms, producing eveningness chronotype in these individuals. However, it was difficult to estimate which clock gene expression rhythms were delayed or not in NES patients, because previous studies revealed that melatonin secretion rhythm was a little delayed compared with healthy individuals and that chronotype of NES patients depended on the individuals. Therefore, we examined expression rhythms of clock genes such as Period3 (Per3), nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group D, member 1 (Nr1d1) and Nr1d2 in these patients. Further, we expected sleep and meal patterns in DSWPD and NES patients may be more diverse than patterns observed in healthy subjects, and thus analyzed relationships among clock gene expression rhythms, sleep quality, sleep midpoint time, and meal times. We enrolled healthy male participants along with DSWPD and NES male patients, and asked all participants to answer questionnaires and to keep diaries to record information on their sleep and meals. Further, we asked them to collect 5–10 beard follicle samples, 6 times every 4 h. We measured clock gene expression rhythms using total RNA extracted from beard follicle cells. Peak time of clock gene expression in the NES group showed more diversity than the other groups, and that in the DSWPD group was delayed compared with the control group. In addition, the peak time of clock gene expression was negatively correlated with sleep quality and positively correlated with meal time after a long fast. Amplitudes of clock gene expression, especially Per3, positively responded to better mental and physical conditions as well as with better sleep quality. Results of this study suggest that peak times of clock gene expression in NES patients depended on the individuals; some patients with NES showed similar clock gene expression rhythm to healthy subjects, and other patients with NES showed similar to DSWPD patients. Moreover, this study suggests that meal time after a long fast may influence more determination in clock gene expression rhythms than the time of breakfast. Therefore, this study also indicates that Per3 clock gene may be one of the parameters that will help us understand sleep and meal rhythm disturbances.