利用λRed重组系统敲除鼠伤寒沙门氏菌sopB基因

利用λRed重组系统敲除鼠伤寒沙门氏菌LT2的(Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium LT2,S.typhimurium LT2)sopB基因。以pKD4质粒为模板,扩增得到中间带有卡那霉素抗性基因且两端各带有59 bp分别与sopB基因上下游序列同源的同源打靶片段,将其转化至表达Red重组酶的S.typhimurium LT2感受态细胞中;在抗生素压力和λRed重组系统帮助下,同源片段和菌体sopB基因发生同源重组,通过卡那霉素筛选得到带有抗性标记的阳性重组菌;转入重组酶表达质粒pCP20以除去抗性标记,得到保留单一FRT位点的突变菌株;利用PCR技术鉴定重组菌,并通过检测沙门氏菌效应蛋白SopB的分泌以及沙门氏菌感染HeLa细胞后pAKT的激活反应来鉴定sopB基因是否被敲除。构建的ΔsopB突变菌株失去了分泌SopB蛋白的能力,且不能够像野生型菌株那样在感染HeLa细胞的过程中激活pAkt。本研究获得了S.typhimurium LT2的sopB基因缺失突变株,为沙门氏菌感染宿主过程中SopB的功能研究提供工具,同时也为进一步探索其他类型细菌的基因敲除提供了线索。     

肠出血性大肠杆菌O157∶H7前噬菌体CP-933Y缺失突变株的构建

目的:利用Red重组系统敲除肠出血性大肠杆菌O157∶H7前噬菌体片段CP-933Y,进而构建CP-933Y缺失突变株。方法:以肠出血性大肠杆菌O157∶H7菌株为模板,加入酶切位点PCR扩增前噬菌体CP-933Y上、下游各600 bp的同源臂序列;酶切后分别连接到p UC19-kan质粒的卡那霉素(包含FRT位点)抗性基因两侧,构建中间是卡那霉素抗性基因标记含有目的基因上、下游同源序列的线性片段;导入含有p KD46质粒的O157∶H7菌株中,利用Red编码的同源重组酶使该片段与目的基因上、下游发生同源重组,卡那霉素抗性基因置换菌株中CP-933Y前噬菌体片段,最后导入p CP20质粒去除卡那霉素抗性标记基因。结果:经PCR及测序验证,O157∶H7菌株中前噬菌体片段CP-933Y被敲除,敲除株与野生株具有相似的生长曲线。结论:构建了大肠杆菌O157∶H7前噬菌体CP-933Y缺失株,为进一步研究前噬菌体CP-933Y的功能奠定了基础。     

鲍曼不动杆菌无痕基因敲除及hcp基因相关功能

【背景】鲍曼不动杆菌耐药严重,基因敲除是研究细菌毒力与耐药的重要方式。但现有的大部分细菌基因敲除方法基于抗生素抗性筛选,导致不适用于多重耐药菌株的基因敲除。【目的】旨在建立一种非依赖于抗生素抗性筛选的方法,用于敲除多重耐药鲍曼不动杆菌基因。【方法】运用同源重组和自杀载体pMo130-TelR对亚碲酸钾的抗性,使用两步筛选法,构建鲍曼不动杆菌VI型分泌系统溶血素共调节蛋白(Hemolysin-Coregulated Protein,Hcp)基因敲除突变体,并对缺失株的生长能力、细菌竞争能力以及血清抵抗能力进行测试。【结果】通过构建含同源片段的重组pMo130-TelR载体,成功敲除了鲍曼不动杆菌标准株ATCC 17978中的hcp基因,获得了ATCC 17978 hcp基因缺失突变体。突变体生长能力没有显著改变,但细菌竞争能力显著下降,血清抵抗能力显著升高。【结论】pMo130-TelR可成功用于鲍曼不动杆菌无痕基因敲除,对于研究鲍曼不动杆菌的耐药机制等相关问题具有深远意义。     

利用λRed重组系统敲除伤寒沙门氏菌rfaH基因

目的：利用λRed重组系统敲除伤寒沙门氏菌的rfaH基因。方法：以伤寒沙门氏菌（Salmonella typhi Ty2,S.ty2）基因组为模板扩增得到的同源臂,与两端带有FRT位点的卡那霉素抗性基因片段共同构建同源重组载体;以重组载体为模板扩增打靶片段,将其转化S.ty2;在抗生素压力和λRed重组系统帮助下,打靶片段和菌体基因组发生同源重组,通过卡那抗性筛选得到带有抗性标记的重组菌;转入重组酶表达质粒pCP20以去除抗性标记,得到保留单一FRT位点的突变菌株;通过PCR鉴定重组菌,并经透射电子显微镜分析表型。结果：在S.ty2中敲除了rfaH基因,经PCR扩增和序列测定正确;初步的表型分析表明突变体的鞭毛合成显著减少。结论：获得了S.ty2突变株,为将沙门氏菌进一步减毒成为疫苗表达载体奠定了基础。     

pilO基因对鲍曼不动杆菌运动能力的影响

目的:构建无标记的鲍曼不动杆菌pil O基因缺失突变株,通过表型鉴定pil O基因缺失对鲍曼不动杆菌运动能力的影响。方法:PCR扩增pil O基因上下游各1 kb同源臂,连接至p MO130-TelR自杀质粒,质粒转化大肠杆菌S17-1后再接合至鲍曼不动杆菌4294中;蔗糖诱导自杀质粒与基因组同源重组,以获得基因缺失突变株;蹭行实验观察pil O基因缺失对鲍曼不动杆菌运动能力的影响。结果:构建了pil O基因缺失鲍曼不动杆菌4294菌株突变株;缺失株与野生株生长曲线无明显差异,但蹭行能力显著下降。结论:pil O基因与细菌蹭行能力密切相关,提示其编码鲍曼不动杆菌Ⅳ型菌毛结构蛋白。     

一种快速、精确构建大肠杆菌组氨酸营养缺陷型的方法

将表达Red体内重组蛋白的质粒pKD46转化大肠杆菌：DH5α,用5′端与组氨酸基因同源,3′端与卡那霉素抗性基因同源的引物获得具有卡那霉素抗性基因的PCR产物,然后电击转化DH5α,在λRed重组系统的帮助下,通过卡那霉素抗性基因两侧的组氨酸基因序列在体内与大肠杆菌染色体上的组氨酸基因发生同源重组,置换了DH5α组氨酸操纵元中的hisDCB基因,最后利用卡那霉素抗性基因两端的FRT位点,通过FTP位点专一性重组将卡那霉素抗性基因去除,最终获得了不具抗性的大肠杆菌组氨酸营养缺陷型菌株。为在大肠杆菌及其他菌株中快速、精确的构建营养缺陷型菌株提供了有益的参考。     

一种快速、精确构建大肠杆菌组氨酸营养缺陷型的方法*

将表达Red体内重组蛋白的质粒pKD46转化大肠杆菌DH5α,用 5′端与组氨酸基因同源 ,3′端与卡那霉素抗性基因同源的引物获得具有卡那霉素抗性基因的PCR产物 ,然后电击转化DH5α,在λRed重组系统的帮助下 ,通过卡那霉素抗性基因两侧的组氨酸基因序列在体内与大肠杆菌染色体上的组氨酸基因发生同源重组 ,置换了DH5α组氨酸操纵元中的hisDCB基因 ,最后利用卡那霉素抗性基因两端的FRT位点 ,通过FTP位点专一性重组将卡那霉素抗性基因去除 ,最终获得了不具抗性的大肠杆菌组氨酸营养缺陷型菌株。为在大     

基于Red重组系统构建含Flag标签标记UL23基因的重组人巨细胞病毒

利用来源于λ噬菌体的Red系统,将Flag标签及两侧带有FRT位点的卡那霉素抗性基因片段插入原HCMV TowneBAC中UL23基因3 '末端区域,通过卡那抗性筛选带有抗性标记的重组菌株,并通过表达重组酶FLP的质粒pCP20去除卡那霉素抗性基因,得到带有Flag标签标记UL23基因和单一FRT位点的突变BAC.重组后的BAC分子同质粒pcDNA3.1(+)-pUL82共转染HFF细胞后重建重组HCMV.Western blotting检测证实所构建重组病毒能够表达含Flag标签标记的pUL23蛋白.此含有Flag标签标记UL23基因的重组HCMV的成功构建为了进一步研究人巨细胞病毒UL23基因及其产物的功能提供依据.     

肠出血性大肠杆菌O157∶H7 z1445基因缺失株的构建

目的:利用Red重组系统敲除肠出血性大肠杆菌(EHEC)O157∶H7的z1445基因,构建大肠杆菌z1445基因缺失突变株。方法:以O157∶H7为模板,PCR扩增目的基因两侧的同源臂序列,分别经酶切后连接到p UC19-kan质粒的卡那霉素抗性基因kan两侧,PCR获得中间嵌合kan基因(带有FRT位点)的同源线性片段,利用质粒p KD46敲除z1445基因,利用质粒p CP20去除抗性标记基因;PCR鉴定及测序验证目的基因缺失后,测定缺失株及野生株的生长曲线。结果:敲除了z1445基因,突变株与野生株的生长曲线接近。结论:构建了z1445基因缺陷型菌株,为进一步分析z1445基因在O157∶H7与宿主的相互作用中发挥的作用提供了材料。     

肠出血性大肠杆菌Ⅲ型分泌系统ATP水解酶escN基因突变株的构建

目的:利用λ噬菌体的Red重组系统敲除肠出血性大肠杆菌O157∶H7的Ⅲ型分泌系统ATP水解酶Esc N,构建大肠杆菌esc N基因缺失突变株。方法:以O157∶H7为模板,PCR扩增目的基因两侧的同源臂序列,分别酶切连接于p UC19-kan质粒上,PCR获得中间嵌合卡那霉素抗性基因(带有FRT位点)的同源线性片段,利用质粒p KD46和p CP20介导的重组技术敲除esc N基因,并去除抗性标记;PCR及测序验证目的基因缺失后,测定缺失株及野生菌株的生长曲线。结果:敲除了肠出血性大肠杆菌O157∶H7的esc N基因,突变株与野生株的生长曲线相近。结论:构建了Ⅲ型分泌系统缺陷菌株,为进一步研究Ⅲ型分泌系统因子在肠出血性大肠杆菌致病过程中的作用奠定了基础。     

Effect of host plants on the infectivity of nucleopolyhedrovirus to Spodoptera exigua larvae

Previous studies have shown that the infectivity of baculovirus to herbivores is affected by phytochemicals ingested during the acquisition of viral inoculum on the foliage of host plants. Here, we measured the effects of 14 host plant species on the infectivity of Spodoptera exigua nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeNPV) to its larvae. The order of the LD₅₀ values of SeNPV among the host plants was Ipomoea aquatica > Brassica oleracea > Raphanus sativus > Amaranthus tricolor > Spinacia oleracea > Vigna unguiculata > Solanum melongena > Capsicum annuum > Apium graveolens > Allium fistulosum > Lactuca sativa > Brassica chinensis > Zea mays > Glycine max, with 940.1 ± 2.26, 424.0 ± 0.60, 295.2 ± 1.13, 147.3 ± 0.63, 138.6 ± 0.22, 119.9 ± 0.07, 119.8 ± 0.02, 109.2 ± 0.18, 104.8 ± 0.62, 102.1 ± 0.66, 97.9 ± 0.22, 89.9 ± 0.32, 79.0 ± 0.13 and 64.0 ± 0.38 OBs per larva, respectively, and the values of mean time to death of virus‐infected larvae were 6.21 ± 0.11, 7.12 ± 0.10, 7.33 ± 0.21, 6.97 ± 0.02, 7.06 ± 0.01, 7.29 ± 0.03, 7.32 ± 0.05, 7.07 ± 0.08, 7.24 ± 0.11, 7.09 ± 0.13, 7.50 ± 0.06, 7.23 ± 0.01, 7.30 ± 0.02 and 7.19 ± 0.07 days, respectively. The mean time to death of larvae decreased with increasing viral dose, and corrected mortality decreased as the larval mean time to death increased. These findings have significance for understanding the effects of host plants on the infectivity of baculovirus to noctuids.     

全球陆地生态系统光合作用与呼吸作用的温度敏感性

基于全球647套通量数据,定量分析了全球尺度下生态系统光合作用和呼吸作用的温度敏感性(Q10)随纬度、气候和植被的分布规律。结果表明:在全球尺度下,光合作用和呼吸过程的温度敏感性(Q10,G和Q10,R)都随纬度的升高而增加,其中Q10,G和Q10,R的均值分别为3.99±0.21和2.28±0.074。除热带多树草原、常绿落叶林外,Q10,G均大于Q10,R值。不同植被类型的温度敏感性存在显著性差异,表现为:针叶林阔叶林;落叶林常绿林,其中生态系统的季节性变异是造成差异的主要原因。当植被类型和纬度区域共同影响Q10值时,植被类型对Q10值的总变异贡献更大。气候类型对Q10,G和Q10,R都有显著影响。在气候带上,干旱带的Q10,G最小,而冷温带的Q10,G最高。不同气候类型下(除温带草原气候外)的Q10,G都大于Q10,R。在极端条件下,温度可能不在是主导因素,而水分对温度敏感性的影响不可忽略,今后的研究需要更多的关注生态系统温度敏感性对水分变化的响应。     

Family-group names in Coleoptera (Insecta)

We synthesize data on all known extant and fossil Coleoptera family-group names for the first time. A catalogue of 4887 family-group names (124 fossil, 4763 extant) based on 4707 distinct genera in Coleoptera is given. A total of 4492 names are available, 183 of which are permanently invalid because they are based on a preoccupied or a suppressed type genus. Names are listed in a classification framework. We recognize as valid 24 superfamilies, 211 families, 541 subfamilies, 1663 tribes and 740 subtribes. For each name, the original spelling, author, year of publication, page number, correct stem and type genus are included. The original spelling and availability of each name were checked from primary literature. A list of necessary changes due to Priority and Homonymy problems, and actions taken, is given. Current usage of names was conserved, whenever possible, to promote stability of the classification.New synonymies (family-group names followed by genus-group names): Agronomina Gistel, 1848 syn. nov. of Amarina Zimmermann, 1832 (Carabidae), Hylepnigalioini Gistel, 1856 syn. nov. of Melandryini Leach, 1815 (Melandryidae), Polycystophoridae Gistel, 1856 syn. nov. of Malachiinae Fleming, 1821 (Melyridae), Sclerasteinae Gistel, 1856 syn. nov. of Ptilininae Shuckard, 1839 (Ptinidae), Phloeonomini Ádám, 2001 syn. nov. of Omaliini MacLeay, 1825 (Staphylinidae), Sepedophilini Ádám, 2001 syn. nov. of Tachyporini MacLeay, 1825 (Staphylinidae), Phibalini Gistel, 1856 syn. nov. of Cteniopodini Solier, 1835 (Tenebrionidae); Agronoma Gistel 1848 (type species Carabus familiaris Duftschmid, 1812, designated herein) syn. nov. of Amara Bonelli, 1810 (Carabidae), Hylepnigalio Gistel, 1856 (type species Chrysomela caraboides Linnaeus, 1760, by monotypy) syn. nov. of Melandrya Fabricius, 1801 (Melandryidae), Polycystophorus Gistel, 1856 (type species Cantharis aeneus Linnaeus, 1758, designated herein) syn. nov. of Malachius Fabricius, 1775 (Melyridae), Sclerastes Gistel, 1856 (type species Ptilinus costatus Gyllenhal, 1827, designated herein) syn. nov. of Ptilinus Geoffroy, 1762 (Ptinidae), Paniscus Gistel, 1848 (type species Scarabaeus fasciatus Linnaeus, 1758, designated herein) syn. nov. of Trichius Fabricius, 1775 (Scarabaeidae), Phibalus Gistel, 1856 (type species Chrysomela pubescens Linnaeus, 1758, by monotypy) syn. nov. of Omophlus Dejean, 1834 (Tenebrionidae). The following new replacement name is proposed: Gompeliina Bouchard, 2011 nom. nov. for Olotelina Báguena Corella, 1948 (Aderidae).Reversal of Precedence (Article 23.9) is used to conserve usage of the following names (family-group names followed by genus-group names): Perigonini Horn, 1881 nom. protectum over Trechicini Bates, 1873 nom. oblitum (Carabidae), Anisodactylina Lacordaire, 1854 nom. protectum over Eurytrichina LeConte, 1848 nom. oblitum (Carabidae), Smicronychini Seidlitz, 1891 nom. protectum over Desmorini LeConte, 1876 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Bagoinae Thomson, 1859 nom. protectum over Lyprinae Gistel 1848 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Aterpina Lacordaire, 1863 nom. protectum over Heliomenina Gistel, 1848 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Naupactini Gistel, 1848 nom. protectum over Iphiini Schönherr, 1823 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Cleonini Schönherr, 1826 nom. protectum over Geomorini Schönherr, 1823 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Magdalidini Pascoe, 1870 nom. protectum over Scardamyctini Gistel, 1848 nom. oblitum (Curculionidae), Agrypninae/-ini Candèze, 1857 nom. protecta over Adelocerinae/-ini Gistel, 1848 nom. oblita and Pangaurinae/-ini Gistel, 1856 nom. oblita (Elateridae), Prosternini Gistel, 1856 nom. protectum over Diacanthini Gistel, 1848 nom. oblitum (Elateridae), Calopodinae Costa, 1852 nom. protectum over Sparedrinae Gistel, 1848 nom. oblitum (Oedemeridae), Adesmiini Lacordaire, 1859 nom. protectum over Macropodini Agassiz, 1846 nom. oblitum (Tenebrionidae), Bolitophagini Kirby, 1837 nom. protectum over Eledonini Billberg, 1820 nom. oblitum (Tenebrionidae), Throscidae Laporte, 1840 nom. protectum over Stereolidae Rafinesque, 1815 nom. oblitum (Throscidae) and Lophocaterini Crowson, 1964 over Lycoptini Casey, 1890 nom. oblitum (Trogossitidae); Monotoma Herbst, 1799 nom. protectum over Monotoma Panzer, 1792 nom. oblitum (Monotomidae); Pediacus Shuckard, 1839 nom. protectum over Biophloeus Dejean, 1835 nom. oblitum (Cucujidae), Pachypus Dejean, 1821 nom. protectum over Pachypus Billberg, 1820 nom. oblitum (Scarabaeidae), Sparrmannia Laporte, 1840 nom. protectum over Leocaeta Dejean, 1833 nom. oblitum and Cephalotrichia Hope, 1837 nom. oblitum (Scarabaeidae).     

Physiological differences in the growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sargassum horneri</Emphasis> between the germling and adult stages

The effects of temperature, irradiance, and daylength on Sargassum horneri growth were examined at the germling and adult stages to discern their physiological differences. Temperature–irradiance (10, 15, 20, 25, 30°C × 20, 40, 80 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹) and daylength (8, 12, 16, 24 h) experiments were carried out. The germlings and blades of S. horneri grew over a wide range of temperatures (10–25°C), irradiances (20–80 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹), and daylengths (8–24 h). At the optimal growth conditions, the relative growth rates (RGR) of the germlings were 21% day⁻¹ (25°C, 20 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹) and 13% day⁻¹ (8 h daylength). In contrast, the RGRs of the blade weights were 4% day⁻¹ (15°C, 20 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹) and 5% day⁻¹ (12 h daylength). Negative growth rates were found at 20 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹ of 20°C and 25°C treatments after 12 days. This phenomenon coincides with the necrosis of S. horneri blades in field populations. In conclusion, we found physiological differences between S. horneri germlings and adults with respect to daylength and temperature optima. The growth of S. horneri germlings could be enhanced at 25°C, 20 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹, and 8 h daylength for construction of Sargassum beds and restoration of barren areas.     

Ethylenesulfide as a useful agent for incorporation into the biopolymer chitosan in a solvent-free reaction for use in cation removal

Chitosan (Ch) was chemically modified with ethylenesulfide (Es) under solvent-free conditions to give (ChEs), displaying a high content of thiol groups due to opening of the three member cyclic reagent. Elemental analysis showed a decrease in nitrogen content. This result indicated the incorporation of two ethylenesulfide molecules for each unit of the polymeric structure of the precursor biopolymer. Infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and ¹³C NMR in the solid state demonstrated the effectiveness of the reaction, with signals at 30 ppm for ChEs due to the change in the methylene group environment. Divalent metal uptake by chemically modified biopolymer gave the order Cu > Ni > Co > Zn, reflecting the corresponding acidity of these cations in bonding to the sulfur and the basic nitrogen atoms available on the pendant chains. The equilibrium data were fitted to Freundlich, Temkin, and Langmuir models. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity for the cations was found to be 1.54 ± 0.02, 1.25 ± 0.03, 1.13 ± 0.01, and 0.83 ± 0.03 mmol g⁻¹, respectively. The Langmuir model best explained the cation–sulfur bond interactions at the solid–liquid interface. The thermodynamics for these interactions gave exothermic enthalpic values of −43.02 ± 0.03, −28.72 ± 0.02, −26.27 ± 0.04, and −17.32 ± 0.02 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. The spontaneity of the systems is given by negative Gibbs free energies of −31.2 ± 0.1, −32.7 ± 0.1, −31.7 ± 0.1, and −32.2 ± 0.1 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively, in spite of the unfavorable negative entropic values of −39 ± 1, −13 ± 1, −18 ± 1, and −49 ± 1 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ due to solvent ordering in the course of complexation. This newly synthesized biopolymer is presented as a chemically useful material for cation removal from aqueous solution.     

Does immunization of cucumber against anthracnose by Colletotrichum lagenarium affect host suitability for arthropods?

Restricted infection of a lower leaf of cucumber,Cucumis sativus L., with the anthracnose fungusColletotrichum lagenarium has been previously shown by others to induce persistent, systemic resistance to the same fungus and to at least 12 other diverse plant pathogens. The non-specificity of pathogen-induced resistance has fueled speculation that it might also affect arthropod herbivores. However, we found that immunization of cucumber withC. lagenarium had no effect on population growth of twospotted spider mites,Tetranychus urticae Koch, reared on foliage for which induced resistance to the same pathogen was confirmed. Similarly, immunization withC. lagenarium had no systemic effect on weight gain, duration of development, or pupal weight of fall armyworms, or on progeny production by melon aphids. In reciprocal tests, previous feeding injury from spider mites or fall armyworms did not induce systemic resistance toC. lagenarium. These results indicate that, at least for cucumber, pathogen-activated induced resistance is specific to plant pathogens, suggesting separate mechanisms of induced resistance to pathogens or herbivores.

---

Résumé Dans une étude de résistance induite, l'infection basale des feuilles du concombre,Cucumis sativus L., avecColletotrichum lagenarium, le champignon de l'anthracnose, a généré une induction systémique et persistante, non seulement au même champignon, mais aussi et surtout à l'égard de douze autres. La nature non-spécifique de cette résistance a dès lors engendré une hypothèse, celle de savoir si cette non-spécificité pourrait s'entendre au niveau d'arthropodes phytophages. Cependant, nos travaux ont démontré que l'immunité vis-à-vis deC. lagenarium n'affecte ni la population de tétraniques,Tetranychus urticae Koch, élevée sur des feuilles résistantes de concombre; ni le gain pondéral, ni la durée de développement, ni le poids nymphal deSpodoptera frugiperda, ou la fertilité des aphides de melon. De ces résultats, il peut-être déduit que, au moins chez le concombre, l'induction de résistance due àC. lagenarium démeure spécifique aux champignons saprophytes, c'est à dire qu'il existe des mécanismes séparés pour la résistance, soit aux champignons, soit aux arthropodes phytophages.

     

Does Bienertia cycloptera with the single-cell system of C(4) photosynthesis exhibit a seasonal pattern of delta (13)C values in nature similar to co-existing C (4) Chenopodiaceae having the dual-cell (Kranz) system?

Family Chenopodiaceae is an intriguing lineage, having the largest number of C₄ species among dicots, including a number of anatomical variants of Kranz anatomy and three single-cell C₄ functioning species. In some previous studies, during the culture of Bienertia cycloptera Bunge ex Boiss., carbon isotope values (δ¹³C values) of leaves deviated from C₄ to C₃−C₄ intermediate type, raising questions as to its mode of photosynthesis during growth in natural environments. This species usually co-occurs with several Kranz type C₄ annuals. The development of B. cycloptera morphologically and δ¹³C values derived from plant samples (cotyledons, leaves, bracts, shoots) were analyzed over a complete growing season in a salt flat in north central Iran, along with eight Kranz type C₄ species and one C₃ species. For a number of species, plants were greenhouse-grown from seeds collected from the site, in order to examine leaf anatomy and C₄ biochemical subtype. Among the nine C₄ species, the cotyledons of B. cycloptera, and of the Suaeda spp. have the same respective forms of C₄ anatomy occurring in leaves, while cotyledons of members of tribe Caroxyloneae lack Kranz anatomy, which is reflected in the δ¹³C values found in plants grown in the natural habitat. The nine C₄ species had average seasonal δ¹³C values of −13.9‰ (with a range between species from −11.3 to −15.9‰). The measurements of δ¹³C values over a complete growing season show that B. cycloptera performs C₄ photosynthesis during its life cycle in nature, similar to Kranz type species, with a seasonal average δ¹³C value of −15.2‰. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Valbro : un nouveau site à vertébrés de l’Oligocène inférieur (MP22) de France (Quercy). I – Contexte géologique ; Mammalia : Rodentia,Hyaenodontida, Carnivora

The locality Valbro (Quercy, France) has yielded a rich fossil vertebrate fauna. Here are presented the geological context, a preliminary faunal list and the systematics of the Rodentia and carnivores, the most abundant taxa of the fauna. The Rodentia are known from 11 taxa: the Theridomyidae Blainvillimys gregarius Schlosser, 1884, Blainvillimys ?gemellus Vianey-Liaud, 1989, Issiodoromys medius (Vianey-Liaud, 1976) and S. cayluxi Schlosser, 1884, the Aplodontidae Plesispermophilus angustidens Filhol, 1882, the Gliridae Butseloglis tenuis (Bahlo, 1975), Butseloglis micio (Misonne, 1957) and Bransatoglis planus (Bahlo, 1975), the Sciuridae Palaeosciurus goti Vianey-Liaud, 1974 and cf. Oligopetes sp., and the Cricetidae Atavocricetodon sp. aff. A. nanus (Pelaez-Campomanes, 1995). Thirteen taxa of carnivores are present at Valbro; among the Hyaenodontida: Hyaenodon leptorhynchus Laizer et Parieu, 1838 and cf. Apterodon sp.; among the Carnivora: a Feliformia gen. et sp. indet., the Nimravidae Nimravus intermedius (Filhol, 1872), Dinailurictis bonali Helbing, 1922 and Nimravidae gen. et sp. indet. (Certainly belonging to one the two already identified species), the Ursida Pachycynodon crassirostris Schlosser, 1888, Pachycynodon sp., Amphicynodon sp. 1 cf. A. typicus (Schlosser, 1888), Amphicynodon ? sp. 2 and Ursida gen. et sp. indet. cf. Pachycynodon boriei (Filhol, 1876), the Mustelida M. olivieri Bonis, 1997, the Carnivora incertae sedis Palaeogale sectoria (Gervais, 1848–1852), the Arctoidea gen. et sp. indet. and Carnivora gen. et sp. indet. (probably representing taxa already identified at lower taxonomic levels). The evolutionary grade of B. gregarius of Valbro compares to that of the species from Mas de Got, La Plante 2 and Cavalé, which supports an MP22 age for Valbro. This datation is further supported by the association of Theridomyinae yielded by the locality (B. gregarius, B. gemellus, I. medius and S. cayluxi), and by the presence of a N. intermedius that well compares the material of the species from Villebramar, La Plante et Mas de Got, of D. bonali, P. sectoria, M. olivieri (species known only from Mas de Got), and by additional evidence from the remaining vertebrates from Valbro, especially the squamates. Despite a limited amount of specimens (341 specimens have been studied), the faunas of rodents and carnivores from Valbro are the most speciose and diverse known for the MP22 level and, for the Carnivora fauna in particular, for the Oligocene of the Old World.     

Aspects of the numerical and functional respones of the aphid parasite, Aphidius sonchi, in the laboratory

The fecundity, reproductive rates, and adult survival of Aphidius sonchi Marshall (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) parasitizing second and third instar nymphs of the sowthistle aphid, Hyperomyzus lactucae (L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) were measured at six different host densities under constant laboratory conditions. At host densities of less than 50 aphids per flowering shoot per female per day, oviposition constraints resulting from the lack of hosts reduced the number of eggs laid, enhanced the extent of superparasitization and, as a result, effectively lowered the fecundity and reproductive rates of the parasites. Above this host density the parasites laid on average 220–230 eggs, but the effective fecundity and reproductive rates continued to increase with the host density. By contrast, the survivorship of the parasites seemed unaffected by host density, with an average adult life span of 4–5 days at all densities. Analysis of the data showed that the intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) of the parasite varied with the host density and could reach values higher than that of the host under identical conditions. The response of r_m to changes in host density and parasite sex ratio is illustrated.Overall, A. sonchi showed a typical convex functional response, to host density. However, the response showed obvious changes through the parasite's adult life and, furthermore, the rates of changes were not consistent at all host densities. The frequency distributions of parasite eggs were generally indistinguishable from random, and the number of hosts parasitized were predicted satisfactorily by the random oviposition equation.

---

Résumé L'étude a porté sure l'influence de 6 densités différentes d'Hyperomyzus lactucae (L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae), en conditions constantes de laboratoire, sur la fécondité, le taux de reproduction et la survie des adultes d'Aphidius sonchi Marshall (Hym. Aphidiidae, parasite des larves de 2e et 3e stades. A des densités inférieures à 50 pucerons par tige fleurie de Sonchus oleraceus L, par femelle et par jour, la limitation de la ponte due à l'absence d'hôtes a réduit le nombre d'oeufs émis, élevé le taux de superparasitisme et, en conséquence, diminué la fécondité et le taux de reproduction des parasites. Aux densités d'hôtes supérieures, les parasites ont pondu, en moyenne, 220 à 230 oeufs, mais la fécondité réelle et les taux de reproduction ont continué à augmenter avec la densité des pucerons. Par contre, la longévité des parasites n'a pas été affectée par la densité des hôtes, avec une durée moyenne de vie de 4 à 6 jours. L'analyse des données a montré que le taux d'accroissement intrinsèque (r_m) du parasite a changé avec la densité des hôtes, et pourrait atteindre des valeurs supérieures à celles de l'ôte sous des conditions identiques. Les réponses de r_m aux changements de densité des hôtes et au taux sexuel du parasite sont expliquées.Globalement, A. sonchi a présenté une réponse fonctionnelle convexe typique à la densité des hôtes. Cependant, cette réponse a changé au cours de la vie des images et, de plus, les taux de changement ne sont pas logiques à toutes les densités d'hôtes La fréquence de distribution des oeufs n'est généralement pas séparable d'une distribution au hasard, et le nombre d'hôtes parasites peut être prédit d'une façon satisfaisante en utilisant une équation de ponte au hasard.

     

Inhibition studies with anions and small molecules of two novel β-carbonic anhydrases from the bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

Two new β-carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC 4.2.1.1) from the bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, stCA 1 and stCA 2, were characterized kinetically. The two enzymes possess appreciable activity as catalysts for the hydration of CO₂ to bicarbonate, with k_cat of 0.79 × 10⁶ s⁻¹ and 1.0 × 10⁶ s⁻¹, and k_cat/K_m of 5.2 × 10⁷ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ and of 8.3 × 10⁷ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively. A large number of simple/complex inorganic anions as well as other small molecules (sulfamide, sulfamic acid, phenylboronic acid, phenylarsonic acid, dialkyldithiocarbamates) showed interesting inhibitory properties towards the two new enzymes, with several low micromolar inhibitors discovered. As many strains of S. enterica show extensive resistance to classical antibiotics, inhibition of the β-CAs investigated here may be useful for developing lead compounds for novel types of antibacterials.