Sequential polymerization of flagellin A and flagellin B into Caulobacter flagella

The mode of polymerization of two species of flagellins, flagellin A and flagellin B, in polar flagella of Caulobacter crescentus was examined. By immunological staining we found that 1 to 1.2 μm of the portion of the flagellar filament proximal to the cell was composed of flagellin B, whereas about 5 μm of the distal portion was composed of flagellin A. This result, together with the previous observation that a flagellin B-less mutant cannot form normal flagella but instead forms stubs in spite of their high level of flagellin A synthesis, indicates that flagellin B is very important for the formation of complete flagella and/or for the initiation of filament formation from the hook.     

Rediscovery of Nebela ansata (Amoebozoa: Arcellinida) in eastern North America: biogeographical implications

Aim The question whether free‐living protists are generally cosmopolitan is currently a matter of debate. In this study we investigate the geographical distribution of a distinctive testate amoeba species, Nebela ansata, and use our data to assess the potential for highly restricted distribution patterns in some protist species. Location Global. Methods We analysed (1) 3400 testate amoeba publications from North America and other continents, (2) unpublished slides of the Penard Collection of the Natural History Museum, London, UK, and (3) 104 Sphagnum samples from eastern North America. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was used to visualize the similarities in testate amoeba community composition among 1012 North American samples, including two communities that contained N. ansata. Results We rediscovered N. ansata at a site in New Jersey located close to its type locality, and in Nova Scotia. We also report the existence of an apparently unpublished museum specimen originally collected from New Jersey. Our extensive literature survey confirmed the presence of this species only in the temperate part of eastern North America. The NMDS revealed that communities with N. ansata were less similar to each other than to communities from other parts of North America, suggesting that favourable habitats for N. ansata occur in other Sphagnum‐dominated peatlands, a habitat type that has been extensively sampled in North America and elsewhere. Main conclusions These data provide an unusually convincing case of a free‐living microorganism with a very limited distribution range in the temperate part of eastern North America. The remarkably restricted distribution of N. ansata highlights the extent of our ignorance about the natural history of free‐living microorganisms, and raises questions about the lack of attention to microbial diversity in conservation biology.     

Excitability Changes of the Mauthner Cell during Collateral Inhibition

Excitability changes during collateral inhibition of the goldfish Mauthner cell (M cell) were measured directly by stimulating the cell with current pulses applied through an intracellular electrode. Excitability was suppressed during the extrinsic hyperpolarizing potential (EHP) as well as during the collateral IPSP. The inhibitory effect of the EHP was shown to be comparable in intensity to the effect of the IPSP. Excitability changes in the M cell during collateral IPSP depended on changes in the membrane conductance as well as in the membrane potential. Some simple equations are advanced which describe the excitability change during the IPSP in terms of changes in membrane potential and conductance. It was also found that invasion of antidromic impulses into the M cell was suppressed during the EHP, but not during the collateral IPSP. Conductance increase during the IPSP did not interfere with the invasion of antidromic impulses.     

Human T-cell hybridomas producing migration inhibitory factor and macrophage activating factors

Studies were carried out to determine the heterogeneity of factors that affect macrophage functions using human hybridomas constructed by fusing PHA-activated human peripheral blood lymphocytes with emetine-actinomycin D-pretreated cloned human acute lymphatic leukemia cells (CEM). Three assay systems were used to investigate the activity of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor and of the macrophage activation factors for glucose consumption (MAF-G) and for O2- formation. In the culture supernatant of hybridomas and other cells, various combinations of these activities were detected. The results indicate that at least three molecules are concerned in each of these activities.     

Identification of Mutations Involved in the Requirement of Potassium for Growth of Typical Melissococcus plutonius Strains

Melissococcus plutonius is a fastidious honeybee pathogen, and the addition of KH₂PO₄ to culture medium is required for its growth. Using genome sequences and a newly developed vector, we showed that mutations in genes encoding Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter and cation-transporting ATPase are involved in the potassium requirement for growth.     

Second to fourth digit ratio and the sporting success of sumo wrestlers

The second (index finger) to fourth (ring finger) digit length ratio (2D:4D) is known to be a putative marker of prenatal exposure to testosterone. It has been reported that fetal and adult testosterone may be critical for development of physical and mental traits such as cardiovascular system, reaction time, aggressiveness and masculinity. Testosterone-driven attributes are associated with success in male-to-male physical competition, which may be proxied by ability in sports. Many researchers have found that 2D:4D is sexually dimorphic and is a negative correlate of athletic performance. This study aims to investigate the associations of 2D:4D with measures of power as another possible testosterone-associated trait using ability in sumo wrestling as a proxy for male physical competitiveness. The measures of sumo performance comprised the sumo ranks and winning percentages of 142 Japanese professional sumo wrestlers. We found that sumo wrestlers with low 2D:4D had higher sumo ranks and better winning records. The significant negative associations between 2D:4D and the athletic prowess of sumo wrestlers provide further evidence of the possible link between high testosterone levels and muscle strength. The relatively small effect sizes found in this study, however, imply that 2D:4D may be a weaker predictor for sports requiring explosive power than for those requiring endurance.     

High-resolution crystal structures of transient intermediates in the phytochrome photocycle

1. Download : Download high-res image (234KB)
2. Download : Download full-size image