Molecular Characterization of Larval Peripheral Thermosensory Responses of the Malaria Vector Mosquito Anopheles gambiae

Thermosensation provides vital inputs for the malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles gambiae which utilizes heat-sensitivity within a broad spectrum of behaviors, most notably, the localization of human hosts for blood feeding. In this study, we examine thermosensory behaviors in larval-stage An. gambiae, which as a result of their obligate aquatic habitats and importance for vectorial capacity, represents an opportunistic target for vector control as part of the global campaign to eliminate malaria. As is the case for adults, immature mosquitoes respond differentially to a diverse array of external heat stimuli. In addition, larvae exhibit a striking phenotypic plasticity in thermal-driven behaviors that are established by temperature at which embryonic development occurs. Within this spectrum, RNAi-directed gene-silencing studies provide evidence for the essential role of the Transient Receptor Potential sub-family A1 (TRPA1) channel in mediating larval thermal-induced locomotion and thermal preference within a discrete upper range of ambient temperatures.     

The vascular plant collections of R. S. Williams from Bolivia and Peru (1901–1902): Addenda et corrigenda

Notes that augment an earlier essay on R. S. Williams’ botanical activities and the distribution of his collections from Bolivia and Peru are presented. Twelve species based on Williams’ vascular plant collections are added to a catalog that was previously published. Synonymies of an additional 22 taxa are corrected or updated. Notes also are provided concerning the typification or orthography of two species.     

The oncolytic peptide LTX-315 triggers necrotic cell death

The oncolytic peptide LTX-315 has been designed for killing human cancer cells and turned out to stimulate anti-cancer immune responses when locally injected into tumors established in immunocompetent mice. Here, we investigated the question whether LTX-315 induces apoptosis or necrosis. Transmission electron microscopy or morphometric analysis of chromatin-stained tumor cells revealed that LTX-315 failed to induce apoptotic nuclear condensation and rather induced a necrotic phenotype. Accordingly, LTX-315 failed to stimulate the activation of caspase-3, and inhibition of caspases by means of Z-VAD-fmk was unable to reduce cell killing by LTX-315. In addition, 2 prominent inhibitors of regulated necrosis (necroptosis), namely, necrostatin-1 and cycosporin A, failed to reduce LTX-315-induced cell death. In conclusion, it appears that LTX-315 triggers unregulated necrosis, which may contribute to its pro-inflammatory and pro-immune effects.     

Ruddy turnstones Arenaria interpres rapidly build pectoral muscle after raptor scares

To cope with changes in the environment, organisms not only show behavioural but also phenotypic adjustments. This is well established for the digestive tract. Here we present a first case of birds adjusting their flight machinery in response to predation risk. In an indoor experiment, ruddy turnstones Arenaria interpres were subjected to an unpredictable daily appearance of either a raptor or a small gull (as a control). Ruddy turnstones experiencing threat induced by a flying raptor model, longer than after similar passage by the gull model, refrained from feeding after this disturbance. Pectoral muscle mass, but not lean mass, responded in a course of a few days to changes in the perceived threat of predation. Pectoral muscle mass increased after raptor scares. Taking the small increases in body mass into account, pectoral muscle mass was 3.6% higher than aerodynamically predicted for constant flight performance. This demonstrates that perceived risk factors may directly affect organ size.     

Homozygous paracentric inversion 12 in a mentally retarded boy: a case report and review of the literature

Summary A mentally retarded male was found to be homozygous for a paracentric inversion of the long arm of chromosome 12(inv(12)(q21.1q23.2)). His parents, who are first cousins, and his phenotypically normal younger brother are inversion heterozygotes. Homozygous structural rearrangements are discussed and cases of paracentric inversions, including a further nine previously unpublished, are reviewed.     

Chromosome numbers in callirhoe (Malvaceae)

Forty-four chromosome counts from the North American genusCallirhoe are reported, including first-recorded counts ofC. alcaeoides, C. digitata, C. bushii, C. triangulata, andC. involucrata var.tenuissima. Information concerning chromosome numbers from present and previous reports is summarized and evaluated. Observations are presented on meiosis for the genus in general, for male sterile individuals of gynodioecious species, and for selected F₁ hybrids. Pollen fertility data are recorded for the latter. Chromosomally three species groups are recognized: an exinvolucellate, diploid species group withn=14; an involucellate, tetraploid and octoploid species pair,n=28 and 56; and an involucellate, diploid and tetraploid species group withn=15 and 30. Intrageneric relationships and those within the tribe Malveae subtribe Malvinae are discussed.