Responses of a rare (Viola elatior) and a common (Viola mirabilis) congeneric species to different management conditions in grassland — is different light competition ability responsible for different abundances?

We studied a congeneric species pair that shows very different abundances in Estonia — Viola elatior occurs in only five localities in mesic calcareous grasslands, while Viola mirabilis is abundant in mesic calcareous grasslands and forests all over the country. Both species were sown in patches of mesic calcareous grassland, in clipped and untreated plots. Both species were established successfully after sowing, indicating that they both may be dispersal limited to the same extent. V. elatior showed higher fecundity in the second year than V. mirabilis. V. elatior was more sensitive to the availability of light. In the first year, V. elatior established more successfully in clipped plots than V. mirabilis. In the second year, the number of established V. elatior individuals decreased in unmanaged plots, where competition for light was more severe. Since many calcareous grasslands in Estonia have been abandoned and the standing crop, as well as the cover of shrubs and trees, has increased, sensitivity to light competition may be one reason why V. elatior has become more rare. It cannot be the only reason for its rarity in the whole region, since many other grassland species that are vulnerable to reduced light in overgrown unmanaged grassland communities still occur in much higher numbers in the country. It was hypothesised that historical factors, e.g. relatively late arrival in the region, may also be behind the rarity of V. elatior.     

β(1 → 3)-glucan aerosols in different occupational environments

The aim of this preliminary study was to assess exposure to β(1 → 3)-glucan as well as inhalable dust and viable fungi in different occupational environments. The study was conducted in three different industrial plants: metal plant where metalworking fluids were applied, wastewater treatment plant, and waste composting plant. In selected points simultaneously the stationary air sampling was performed to evaluate the levels of inhalable dust, β(1 → 3)-glucan, and to make a quantitative analysis of airborne fungi. All variables describing the exposure were characterized by a wide range of concentrations. The results were as follows: β(1 → 3)-glucan (1.38–65.1 ng/m³), inhalable dust (0.03–2.93 mg/m³), and fungi (0.16–285 × 10² CFU/m³). The highest concentrations for all parameters were found in the composting plant. In the composting plant, a statistically significant correlation was found between β(1 → 3)-glucan and fungal levels (r = 0.89; p < 0.05). In the metal industry and composting plant, the participation of alkali-soluble fraction was stable, exceeding 90% of all β(1 → 3)-glucan. However, in the wastewater treatment plant, its average amount was much lower—73.6%. The study showed that β(1 → 3)-glucan was present in different occupational environments and it should be taken into consideration as an important part of bioaerosols. However, more studies are required to assess the concentration levels as well as all determinants of exposure.     

Development and fecundity of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on different soybean cultivars

The life history of Spodoptera exigua was studied under laboratory conditions at temperature of 25°C ± 1°C, relative humidity (RH) of 60% ± 5% and a photoperiod of 16:8 h (Light:Dark) on nine soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivars: 032, 033, Hill, M4, M7, M9, M11, TMS and Zan. Larval and pupal development times were longest on M7 cultivar (14.09 ± 0.078 and 7.78 ± 0.090 days) and shortest on 033 cultivar (11.98 ± 0.054 and 7.033 ± 0.090 days). The longest and shortest female and male longevities were observed on Hill and Zan cultivars, respectively. The results showed that the whole life span varied from 32.80 ± 0.89 to 37 ± 0.98 days for females and from 33.3 ± 0.66 to 38.74 ± 0.95 days for males. The highest daily fecundity was obtained on M9 (102. 38 eggs), and the lowest on Hill (75.87 eggs). Mean total fecundity per female during adult life was highest on 033 (1156.20 eggs) and lowest on M7 cultivars (841.68 eggs). Clustering analysis of the biological parameters of S. exigua confirmed that 033 and Hill cultivars were the susceptible and the resistant cultivars, respectively.     

Spatial pattern of water bugs (Nepomorpha,Gerromorpha) at different scales in the Szigetköz (Hungary)

In 2003, 26 Heteroptera species (16 aquatic and 10 semiaquatic) were collected from 53 sampling sites in the Szigetköz region in Hungary. Hyocoris cimicoides and Gerris argentatus were the most frequent aquatic and semiaquatic species, respectively. Large differences both in the species number and species composition were observed among the different flood-prevention areas, arm systems and habitats. Strong negative correlation was found between the average number of aquatic species and current velocity, and a strong positive correlation between the average number of aquatic and semiaquatic species and macrophyte density. From a faunistic point of view, the marsh at Arak is the most interesting and valuable site.     

First and second generation γ-secretase modulators (GSMs) modulate amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide production through different mechanisms

γ-Secretase-mediated cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) results in the production of Alzheimer disease-related amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. The Aβ42 peptide in particular plays a pivotal role in Alzheimer disease pathogenesis and represents a major drug target. Several γ-secretase modulators (GSMs), such as the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (R)-flurbiprofen and sulindac sulfide, have been suggested to modulate the Alzheimer-related Aβ production by targeting the APP. Here, we describe novel GSMs that are selective for Aβ modulation and do not impair processing of Notch, EphB2, or EphA4. The GSMs modulate Aβ both in cell and cell-free systems as well as lower amyloidogenic Aβ42 levels in the mouse brain. Both radioligand binding and cellular cross-competition experiments reveal a competitive relationship between the AstraZeneca (AZ) GSMs and the established second generation GSM, E2012, but a noncompetitive interaction between AZ GSMs and the first generation GSMs (R)-flurbiprofen and sulindac sulfide. The binding of a (3)H-labeled AZ GSM analog does not co-localize with APP but overlaps anatomically with a γ-secretase targeting inhibitor in rodent brains. Combined, these data provide compelling evidence of a growing class of in vivo active GSMs, which are selective for Aβ modulation and have a different mechanism of action compared with the original class of GSMs described.     

Alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor subtypes: non-identical triplets with different dancing partners?

Alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors are one of the three subfamilies of G protein coupled receptors activated by epinephrine and norepinephrine to control important functions in many target organs. Three human subtypes (alpha(1A), alpha(1B), alpha(1D)) are derived from separate genes and are highly homologous in their transmembrane domains but not in their amino or carboxyl termini. Recent advances in our understanding of these "non-identical triplets" include development of knockout mice lacking single or multiple subtypes, new insights into subcellular localization and trafficking, identification of allosteric modulators, and increasing evidence for an important role in brain function. Although all three subtypes activate the same G(q/11) signaling pathway, they also appear to interact with different protein binding partners. Recent evidence suggests they may also form dimers, and may initiate independent signals through pathways yet to be clearly elucidated. Thus, this subfamily represents a common phenomenon of a group of similar but non-identical receptor subtypes activated by the same neurotransmitter, whose individual functional roles remain to be clearly established.     

The mesonephric (wolffian) and paramesonephric (müllerian) ducts of golden hamsters express different intermediate-filament proteins during development

We analysed the expression of intermediate-filament proteins in the developing mesonephric duct (the precursor of the male genital ducts) and the paramesonephric duct (the precursor of the female genital ducts) of golden-hamster embryos using immunohistochemical methods. Embryos were investigated from the early stages of duct development, i.e. at 9.5 days post conceptionem (dpc), through sexual differentiation, until birth (15.5 dpc). Monospecific antibodies to vimentin or keratins 7, 8, 18 or 19 as well as two keratin antibodies that are pan-epithelial in human tissues were tested. Both ducts expressed vimentin to some degree from their early stages (mesonephric duct from 9.5 dpc onwards; paramesonephric duct from 10.5 dpc onwards) until birth. No keratins were detectable at these earliest stages. In the mesonephric duct, keratins 7, 18 and 19 appeared simultaneously at 10.5 dpc and persisted until birth. In the paramesonephric duct, only keratin 18 was detectable at first (at 12.0 dpc), with the expression of keratins 7 and 19 being delayed until 14.5 dpc. This feature was irrespective of sexual differentiation, which begins at 11.0 dpc, so that, in males, these keratins appeared on cue, even though the paramesonephric duct was regressing at this time. The expression of keratin 8 could not be demonstrated in either duct using the antibodies tested in our study. By 14.5 dpc, the differentiated male mesonephric duct and the differentiated female paramesonephric duct exhibited the same intermediate-filament protein pattern (weak vimentin expression and strong expression of keratins 7, 18 and 19), in spite of differences in the intermediate-filament protein patterns exhibited by the two ducts during early development. These different programmes of intermediate-filament protein regulation do not support the concept that the mesonephric duct makes a cellular contribution to the paramesonephric duct during the development of the latter.     

Lipogenic activity in goats (Blanca celtibérica) with different body condition scores

The aim was to study the variation in the amount of adipose tissue, size and number of adipocytes and lipogenic enzyme activities in does with different body condition scores (BCS). These parameters were studied in the omental (OM), mesenteric (MES), perirenal (PR), subcutaneous (SC) and intermuscular (IM) fat depots of 22 adult, non-pregnant and non-lactating Blanca celtibérica does, with a BCS ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 (scale 0–5). SC adipose tissue showed the highest deposition-mobilization phase (highest fat relative to the variation per BCS unit of 74%), followed by OM (65%), PR (63%), MES (48%) and IM (46%) adipose depots. Adipocyte size varied with the amount of fat (P < 0.001), while the SC depot was the only depot that showed a positive correlation between adipocyte number and BCS (r² = 0.20; P < 0.05). The activities of glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) enzymes were not generally affected by BCS, due to the fact that animals were on a maintenance diet prior to slaughter. The findings obtained in this work indicate that the processes of storage and mobilization of fat reserves in adult goats are principally due to variation in the size of the adipocyte cells. Therefore, the use of BCS could be a good method for predicting nutritional status in goats.     

Festuca inops and Festuca gracilior (Poaceae): are they two different species?

According to current systematics, Festuca inops and F. gracilior are two distinct species. However, they are hardly distinguishable from each other on the basis of their morphological characters. Festuca inops is considered a diploid species endemic to Italy, while F. gracilior has a discontinuous distribution area, apparently related to chromosomal levels: diploid populations in Italy and south-east France, tetraploid populations in north-east Spain. The diploid populations of both taxa from Italy and south-east France are investigated in the present study. Nearly 1000 exsiccata were examined and morphometric analysis was carried out on macro- and micromorphological features of 119 specimens (including type-specimens) and on 20 natural populations (including loci classici ). All these data showed that the two species should be referred to a single taxon, for which the rank of species seems to be appropriate. This result is supported by karyological, ecological and chorological data and was confirmed by the results of ISSR analysis. According to nomenclatural rules, the legitimate name for the species is Festuca inops De Not.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 151 , 239–258.     

Comparative tuberculosis (TB) prevention effectiveness in children of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines from different sources, Kazakhstan

Background

Except during a 1-year period when BCG vaccine was not routinely administered, annual coverage of infants with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in Kazakhstan since 2002 has exceeded 95%. BCG preparations from different sources (Japan, Serbia, and Russia) or none were used exclusively in comparable 7-month time-frames, September through March, in 4 successive years beginning in 2002. Our objective was to assess relative effectiveness of BCG immunization.

Methods/Findings

We compared outcomes of birth cohorts from the 4 time-frames retrospectively. Three cohorts received vaccine from one of three manufacturers exclusively, and one cohort was not vaccinated. Cohorts were followed for 3 years for notifications of clinical TB and of culture-confirmed TB, and for 21 months for TB meningitis notifications. Prevention effectiveness based on relative risk of TB incidence was calculated for each vaccinated cohort compared to the non-vaccinated cohort.Although there were differences in prevention effectiveness observed among the three BCG vaccines, all were protective. The Japanese vaccine (currently used in Kazakhstan), the Serbian vaccine, and the Russian vaccine respectively were 69%, 43%, and 22% effective with respect to clinical TB notifications, and 92%, 82%, and 51% effective with respect to culture confirmed TB. All three vaccines were >70% effective with respect to TB meningitis.

Limitations

Potential limitations included considerations that 1) the methodology used was retrospective, 2) multiple risk factors could have varied between cohorts and affected prevention effectiveness measures, 3) most cases were clinically diagnosed, and TB culture-positive case numbers and TB meningitis case numbers were sparse, and 4) small variations in reported population TB burden could have affected relative risk of exposure for cohorts.

Conclusions/Significance

All three BCG vaccines evaluated were protective against TB, and prevention effectiveness varied by manufacturer. When setting national immunization policy, consideration should be given to prevention effectiveness of BCG preparations.     

Comparative phytochemical profiling of different soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) genotypes using GC–MS

This study aimed to estimate the proximate, phenolic and flavonoids contents and phytochemicals present in seeds of twenty four soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr) genotypes to explore their nutritional and medicinal values. Crude protein composition ranged between 35.63 and 43.13% in Argentinian and USA (Clark) genotypes, respectively. Total phenolic content varied from 1.15 to 1.77?mg?GAE/g, whereas flavonoids varied from 0.68 to 2.13?mg?QE/g. The GC–MS analysis resulted identification of 88 compounds categorized into aldehydes (5), ketones (13), alcohols (5), carboxylic acids (7), esters (13), alkanes (2), heterocyclic compounds (19), phenolic compound (9), sugar moiety (7) ether (4) and amide (3), one Alkene and one fatty acid ester. Indonesian genotypes (Ijen and Indo-1) had the highest phenolic compounds than others genotype having antioxidant activities, while the Australian genotype contains the maximum in esters compounds. The major phytocompounds identified in majority of genotypes were Phenol, 2,6-dimethoxy-, 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol, 3,5-Dimethoxyacetophenone, 1,2-cyclopentanedione and Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester. The presence of phytochemicals with strong pharmacological actions like antimicrobial and antioxidants activities could be considered as sources of quality raw materials for food and pharmaceutical industries. This study further set a platform for isolating and understanding the characteristics of each compound for it pharmacological properties.     

Do different endocytic pathways make different synaptic vesicles?

At a wide range of synapses, synaptic vesicles reside in distinct pools that respond to different stimuli. The recycling pool supplies the vesicles required for release in response to modest stimulation, whereas the reserve pool is mobilized only by strong stimulation. Multiple pathways have been proposed for the recycling of synaptic vesicles after exocytosis, but the relationship of these pathways to the different synaptic vesicle pools has remained unclear. Synaptic vesicle proteins have also been assumed to undergo recycling as a unit. However, emerging data indicate that differences in the association with distinct endocytic adaptors such as the heterotetrameric adaptor AP3 influence the trafficking of individual synaptic vesicle proteins, affecting the composition of synaptic vesicles and hence their functional characteristics. These observations might begin to account for differences in the properties of different vesicle pools.     

The intestinal musculature of Derocheilocaris typica (Crustacea,Mystacocarida) – A different and unique pattern

An ultrastructural study of the intestine of Derocheilocaris typica revealed an organization of the midgut musculature, which is unique in the Crustacea. This species unusual anal skeletomusculature has also not been seen before.The intestinal musculature of D. typica displays different patterns in the fore-, mid-, and hindgut. Around the foregut, eight pairs of dilator muscles complement a contiguous carpet of circular muscles around the foregut. Their coordinated action serves to suck in food and pass it to the midgut. A pair of large glands, each consisting of three cells, opens into the foregut above the mouth. The midgut musculature differs from any previously described. Circular muscles give rise to thin, longitudinal protrusions and short longitudinal muscles. The distribution of all of them is irregular. Thus the short longitudinal muscles, which have a length of approximately one segment, vary from none to five within a segment. The last abdominal segment is exceptional, by having 15–20 short longitudinal muscles. The hindgut has three longitudinal muscle groups each consisting of three muscles, one dorsally and one on each side. The posterior end of the midgut and the hindgut suggests that they act together to achieve defecation. The importance of the peri-intestinal cells as part of the nutritional process is emphasized.     

Comparison of defecation rates of Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri Claparède (Tubificidae) using two different methods

The defecation rate of the tubificid oligochaete, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri Claparéde was measured by using inverted and upright defecation chambers. Worms cultured using the upright method consistently produced larger amounts of feces (45 to 110%) than those in the inverted method (P < 0.01). The average defecation rate for the upright method was 0.69 ± 0.058 (95% CL) mg feces mg^-1 dry weight h^-1 compared with 0.41 ± 0.033 (95% CL) mg feces mg^-1 dry weight h^-1 for worms using the inverted method.     

The motivation behind the papers “Availability of life-cycle assessment studies in (different countries)”

The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment -     

Phenotypic variability of a perch parasite-cestode proteocephalus percae (Müller, 1780) (Proteocephalidea) in different parts of the species range

Discrete variability of four P. percae characters of the main cestode functional complexes was identified. Phenotypic diversity of P. percae from different parts of the distribution range was analysed. Research revealed low geographic variability and high stability of the dominant variations in combination with morphometric plasticity. The conclusion was made that the patterns of P. percae morphological variability were shaped by the common fate and long-standing co-evolutionary relations between the parasite and the host--the perch Perca fluviatilis.     

Photosynthesis in willows (Salix × dasyclados) grown at different CO2 concentrations and fertilization levels

Summary Willows (Salix x dasyclados) were grown for 4 months in growth chambers at four nutrient and CO₂ levels, and photosynthesis measurements were made during the latter half of this period. Photosynthesis became saturated at lower light intensities at low CO₂ concentrations than at higher ones. The effect of CO₂ concentration on photosynthesis was greater at higher temperatures. The willows grown at the highest CO₂ concentration (1000 ppm) had a lower photosynthetic capacity than the others when measured at various concentrations. The effect of nutrient status on photosynthesis clearly increased with rising CO₂ concentrations. Although photosynthetic acclimation took place to a certain extent at higher CO₂ concentrations, photosynthesis still remained higher the higher the growth concentration was. At each CO₂ level photosynthesis increased contemporaneously with leaf nitrogen content, but at each fertilization level a rise in CO₂ concentration slightly increased photosynthesis and reduced the nitrogen content. The relative increase in photosynthesis achieved by a rise in CO₂ was greater than the corresponding increase in biomass growth, whereas the effect of fertilization was greater on biomass growth than on the rate of photosynthesis in the same willows.     

Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) domains 1 and 2 fulfill different roles in ionic strength sensing of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter OpuA

The cystathionine β-synthase module of OpuA in conjunction with an anionic membrane surface acts as a sensor of internal ionic strength, which allows the protein to respond to osmotic stress. We now show by chemical modification and cross-linking studies that CBS2-CBS2 interface residues are critical for transport activity and/or ionic regulation of transport, whereas CBS1 serves no functional role. We establish that Cys residues in CBS1, CBS2, and the nucleotide-binding domain are more accessible for cross-linking at high than low ionic strength, indicating that these domains undergo conformational changes when transiting between the active and inactive state. Structural analyses suggest that the cystathionine β-synthase module is largely unstructured. Moreover, we could substitute CBS1 by a linker and preserve ionic regulation of transport. These data suggest that CBS1 serves as a linker and the structured CBS2-CBS2 interface forms a hinge point for ionic strength-dependent rearrangements that are transmitted to the nucleotide-binding domain and thereby affect translocation activity.     

Cross-breeding experiments among different populations of the ‘cosmopolitan’ species Phyllognathopus viguieri (Copepoda: Harpacticoida)

Populations of harpacticoid copepods belonging to the family Phyllognathopodidae found on most continents are usually assignable to the taxon of Phyllognathopus viguieri, as it is presently diagnosed, on the basis of their morphological characters. This taxon has been considered as cosmopolitan since the unifying revision of Lang in 1948. Here we reveal that Phyllognathopus viguieri is not a single biological species. Cross-breeding experiments with individuals from five different populations of Phyllognathopus viguieri obtained from Germany, Maryland and Florida in the USA, Jamaica, and Brazil indicated that two of these mutually distant populations were reproductively isolated from each other but crossed easily with others, whereas the other populations did not interbreed, with the exception of the two populations from the USA. From these results we conclude that Phyllognathopus viguieri is not a single cosmopolitan biological species. The high proportion of mutually non-reproducing populations identified in the five populations examined in this study indicate that further analysis of the micromorphology and genetic composition of populations over the entire putative range of Phyllognathopus viguieri will be necessary to clarify their interrelationships.