The occurrence and identification of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Setaria italica</Emphasis> (L.) P. Beauv. (foxtail millet) grains from the Chengtoushan site (ca. 5800 cal B.P.) in central China,with reference to the domestication centre in Asia

Archaeobotanical remains of Setaria grains and chaff were found at the Chengtoushan site in south-central China (ca. 5800 cal b.p.). Grain shape was determined, using length to breadth ratios, and morphological variation in the upper lemma of modern domesticated and wild Setaria species were examined using scanning electron microscopy as a basis for identifying archaeobotanical remains. Grains of S. viridis, S. yunnanensis, and S.×pycnocoma are slender, whereas S. italica, S. italica var. germinica, S. lutescenes, S. faberi, S. glauca, S. pallidefusca and S. intermedia are round in shape. The papillae distributed on the upper lemma of S. italica are small (8–15 μm) with a non-ridged base, while other Setaria species have large papillae (15–20 μm) with a widely ridged base. The remains of the Setaria from the Neolithic layers at Chengtoushan included S. italica, based on these identification characters. These new finds of foxtail millet are the earliest discoveries from the Yangtze River basin of southern China and are also the earliest evidence for co-cultivation of foxtail millet with rice. The implications of these findings for understanding foxtail millet domestication centres are discussed.     

The effect of corticosteroids on microvillous vesicles from the small intestine of adult rats: an automated, morphometric analysis

The hypothesis that the corticosterone-induced enhancement of D-glucose uptake by brush-border membrane vesicles from the small intestine of adult rats is caused by an alteration in vesicle volume was tested by means of structural morphometric computerized analysis. By using a Ca2+ precipitation method, microvillous membrane vesicles were prepared from different groups of adult rats: normal controls; animals sacrificed 8 days after adrenalectomy; sham-operated pair-fed controls; animals treated with corticosterone (1 or 10 mg x 100 g b.wt.-1 daily i.p. for 8 days); corticosterone vehicle-treated controls. The vesicles were processed by conventional electron microscopy techniques. Morphometric computerized analysis was carried out on electron micrographs at a 20,000 x magnification, after selecting by an interactive method the vesicles showing certain morphologic features. The morphometric parameters determined for the vesicles from each experimental group were diameter, shape factor (minimal to maximal diameter ratio), surface area and volume. The following main findings were obtained: the vesicles were consistently spherical, with the glycocalyx on the outer side; sham-operation and pair-feeding with adrenalectomized rats, as well as corticosterone-vehicle injection, significantly reduced vesicular volume as compared to normal controls; adrenalectomy significantly decreased vesicular volume as compared to pair-feeding; excess of corticosteroids caused opposite changes (i.e. a significant increase of vesicle volumes as compared to vehicle injection), which were apparently dose-dependent. A comparison with D-glucose vesicular transport data previously obtained under the same experimental conditions revealed the existence of a positive relationship between vesicular volume and D-glucose half-filling time (t 1/2). A positive relationship between vesicular volume and D-glucose vesicular space was found for all experimental conditions except vehicle injection. As a whole, the morphometric results were consistent with functional findings, supporting our previous hypothesis that the corticosterone-induced increase in D-glucose transport by small intestinal microvillous vesicles is due, at least in part, to enlargement of the vesicle.     

谷子的亲缘识别能力及其与种植密度和土壤养分水平的关系

为探明作物是否具有识别邻株身份的能力以及这种能力是否受到环境因子的调控,通过大田试验,研究邻株身份(亲缘株、非亲缘株和陌生株)、种植密度和土壤养分水平的交互效应对谷子(Setaria italica)地上部分生物量分配的影响。结果表明,谷子与亲缘株为邻时的净繁殖生物量分配和种子生物量分配,比与非亲缘株为邻时显著提高,且营养生物量分配显著降低(P<0.05)。在高种植密度条件下,亲缘组谷子的穗长、净繁殖生物量分配和种子生物量分配显著大于非亲缘组,而营养生物量分配显著小于非亲缘组(P<0.05)。随着土壤养分水平提高,亲缘组谷子的种子生物量分配显著增加,营养生物量分配显著减少(P<0.05)。由此推断,谷子具有对亲缘邻株的识别能力,且这种能力受种植密度和土壤养分水平的调控,在高种植密度和高土壤养分水平条件下,谷子的亲缘邻株识别能力较强。     

New ultrastructural features of organelles in leaf cells of Deschampsia antarctica Desv

An electron microscope has been used to investigate the ultrastructure of leaf cells in Deschampsia antarctica Desv. (Poaceae). The leaf anatomy exhibits features typical of xerophytes. New ultrastructural features were found in mesophyll cells. Chloroplasts in mesophyll cells of D. antarctica leaves form small vesicles and pockets. The outer chloroplast membrane forms vesicles, and pockets are invaginations of both membranes. The invaginations contain small vesicles, mitochondria, or lipid droplets. The mitochondria or peroxisomes adhere very tightly to the chloroplasts.     

Electroretinographic and ultrastructural study of the regenerated eye of the snail cryptomphallus aspersa

The electroretinographic responses of regenerated eyes of snails (C. aspersa) were studied by means of suction electrodes and single or repetitive flash stimulation. The eyes were fixed and observed under light and electron microscopy. The results indicate that the electroretinographic response of regenerated eyes does not differ from control eyes after dark adaptation. However, the repetitive stimulation of the regenerated eyes induced an earlier fatigue of the response, evident after the fifth stimulus. This fatigue is a function of light intensity. Ultrastructural features of the regenerated eyes are similar to those of the control eyes but regenerated eyes show smaller rhabdomeres, fewer photic vesicles, and fewer paracrystalline bodies. It is suggested that the regenerated eye lability to the repetitive stimulation might be due to the decrease in the amount of photic vesicles and paracrystalline bodies, to the decrease in membrane surface of the rhabdomeres, or to some other metabolic failure not distinguished at electron microscopic level, like the membrane ionic regulation. The appearance of photic vesicles in the axon cones of regenerated and stimulated cells also suggests a possible failure in the mechanism of transport of vesicles.     

Response ofSetaria italica to inoculation withAzospirillum brasilense as compared toAzotobacter chroococcum

Summary Under controlled conditions in pots filled with sand, vermiculite and field soil, inoculation withA. brasilense-Cd ATCC 29729 or withAzotobacter chroococcum caused increases above controls in the weight and N content of panicles ofSetaria italica. In no case, however, did N increases in test plants exceed the initial total N content. High acetylene reduction activities (1,000–2,000 nmole/h/pot) could be found only in plants inoculated withAzospirillum. Inoculation withAzospirillum (strain-Cd) in the field caused a significant increase above noninoculated controls of 18.5% in shoot dry weight, ofSetaria italica. Azotobacter caused a non significant increase of 8%. No significant differences were found between yields ofSetaria italica grown in soil inoculated withA. chroococcum, and those of plants grown in the presence ofA. vinelandii. A. brasilense-Cd was more effective in the field thanA. brasilense Sp-7 ATCC 29145. The results suggest that Azospirillum may increase yields ofS. italica more efficiently than Azotobacter under local field conditions.     

Comparison of two serpentine species with different nickel tolerance strategies

The effects of nickel were studied in two serpentine species with different metal tolerance strategies:Silene italica L., which limits nickel uptake and translocation, andAlyssum bertolonii Desv., a serpentine endemic, which accumulates nickel mostly in the leaves. InS. italica, nickel 7.5 μM inhibited root growth and depressed mitotic activity in root tips. Peroxidase activity and phenol concentration both in roots and shoots were increased; under the same conditions nickel did not produce any relevant effect onA. bertolonii. InS. italica an adequate calcium concentration (25 mM) was able to reverse the effects of nickel on root growth and metabolism. InA. bertolonii the same calcium concentration reduced root growth, confirming this species adaptation also to low calcium concentrations, typical of serpentines.     

Innervation and cytochemistry of the neuroepithelial bodies in the ciliated epithelium of the toad lung (Bufo marinus)

Summary Neuroepithelial bodies (NEB) were identified in the lung of Bufo marinus. The characteristics of the cells and their innervation were studied with electron and fluorescence microscopy before and after close vagosympathetic denervation. The bodies consist of low columnar cells which rest on the epithelial basal lamina. The majority of the cells do not reach the lumen of the lung (basal cells); the few which do (apical cells) are bordered by microvilli and possess a single cilium. The neuroepithelial cell cytoplasm contains a variety of organelles the most characteristic of which are dense cored vesicles. Microspectrofluorometry and electron microscopic cytochemistry indicate significant quantities of 5-hydroxytryptamine in these cells. The neuroepithelial bodies could be divided into three groups on the basis of their innervation: 1) About 60% of the NEBs are innervated solely by nerve fibres containing agranular vesicles which form reciprocal synapses; 2) about 20% are innervated solely by adrenergic nerve fibres which form distinct synaptic contacts; and 3) the remaining 20% are innervated by both types of nerve fibres. It is proposed that the NEBs are receptors monitoring intrapulmonary P_{CO 2} and so leading to modulation of activity in afferent nerve fibres (type containing agranular vesicles). The presence of NEBs solely with an adrenergic (efferent) innervation poses a problem with this interpretation.     

In dry pear (Pyrus communis L.) pollen,membranes assume a tightly packed multilamellate aspect that disappears rapidly upon hydration

Summary Ultrastructural details of dry (7% moisture content) and hydratedPyrus communis L. pollen are revealed following freezesubstitution preparation for electron microscopy. Dry pollen is characterized by tightly packed, multilamellate membranous profiles found in association with plasma membrane, vesicles, ER, dictyosomes and some double-membrane bound organelles. Dry pollen also shows unit-membrane bound, densely osmiophilic bodies often with tightly packed multilamellations contained within and, at times, in their bounding membranes. These features are not evident in hydrated pollen. Results suggest that multilamellate membranes form as the plasma membrane, vesicles, ER, and double-membrane bound organelles undergo dehydration, and that upon hydration they rapidly resume normal unilamellate structure.Abbreviations DOB densely osmiophilic body - IMP intramembrane particles - MO multilamellate organelle     

WEEDY ADAPTATION IN SETARIA SPP. I. ISOZYME ANALYSIS OF GENETIC DIVERSITY AND POPULATION GENETIC STRUCTURE IN SETARIA VIRIDIS

Setaria viridis is an important self-pollinating, cosmopolitan weed of temperate regions worldwide. Allozyme markers were used to investigate genetic diversity and structure in 168 accessions (including four S. italica) collected mainly from North America and Eurasia. Genetic diversity in green foxtail, and its population genetic structure, provided important clues about this weed's evolutionary history. Genetic diversity was low, with marked population differentiation: the percentage of polymorphic loci was 25% (0.95 criterion); mean number of alleles per locus was 1.86; mean panmictic heterozygosity was 0.07; and the coefficient of population genetic differentiation was 0.65. A common genotype occurred in 25 accessions distributed in six countries from both the Old World and New World, in a wide variety of ecological situations. Relatively little genetic divergence occurred between Eurasia and North America, with Nei's unbiased genetic identity between the two regions equaling 1.0. Populations from these two continents also had equivalent genetic diversity. Within North America, regional differentiation was indicated by northern and southern groups separated at 43.5° N latitude. No geographic pattern in genetic diversity was found within Eurasia. The size of the geographic range from which populations were sampled was not an accurate indicator of the extent of genetic diversity found among populations from that region. These results suggest that present patterning among green foxtail populations in North America is the consequence of multiple introductions into the New World followed by local adaptation and regional differentiation. Finally, S. italica and several green foxtail varieties did not differ isozymatically from typical forms of green foxtail. This supports the view that S. italica and S. viridis are conspecific, that the former (foxtail millet) is a domesticated form of the latter, and also questions the taxonomic validity of formally recognizing morphological varieties within green foxtail.     

Alteration of Mycobacterium phlei membrane structure by freezing and thawing: reversal by heating.

Membrane vesicles from Mycobacterium phlei which contain the electron transport chain, when subjected to freezing to ?70 °C followed by slow thawing, exhibited a decreased level of phosphorylation coupled to the oxidation of substrates. This loss in oxidative phosphorylation was restored following heat treatment (50 °C for 10 min) of the membranes. Freeze treatment (?70 °C for 10 min) of membrane vesicles also resulted in a decrease in membrane bound coupling factor-latent ATPase activity. The soluble coupling factor(s) or cryoprotective agents (i.e., glycerol or dimethyl sulfoxide) were found to protect the membrane vesicles from the effects of freezing. Membrane vesicles depleted of particulate bound coupling factor were sensitive to exposure to low temperatures; however, complete protection was afforded by the addition of coupling factor. In addition, prolonged sonication of electron transport particles resulted in lowered $\text{P}\text{O}$ ratios, and heat treatment of these sonicated particles restored $\text{P}\text{O}$ ratio. Therefore, it appears that the effects of heat treatment and freeze treatment on membrane vesicles are reversible. The steady state level of reduced cytochrome b was considerably higher (40%) in heat-treated electron transport particles as compared to untreated particles (28.5%); electron transport particles subjected to freeze treatment showed a lower steady state level of cytochrome b (16.6%) as compared to electron transport particles. The steady state level of cytochrome b in freeze-treated particles returned to the original level (27.5%) for electron transport particles when subjected to heat treatment. Nevertheless, the total amount of enzymatically reducible cytochrome b was the same for all membranes after subjection to the various types of treatment. In contrast to cytochrome b, the reduced steady state levels of cytochrome c, and a + a₃ were not altered by heat or freeze treatment.     

About the application of the Linnaean names Anthemis italica and A. tinctoria var. triumfettii (Asteraceae,Anthemidae)

The typification of the Linnaean names Anthemis italica and A. tinctoria var. triumfettii is discussed. Specimens from LINN (no. 1016.4) and SBT (no. 72) are designated as lectotypes. The name A. italica is proposed as a synonym of A. maritima, while A. tinctoria var. triumfettii is currently accepted under the genus Cota, as C. triumfettii.     

Gene expression and insect resistance in transgenic broccoli containing a Bacillus thuringiensis cry1Ab gene with the chemically inducible PR-1a promoter

We produced 49 broccoli plants (Brassica oleracea L. ssp. italica) containing a Bacillus thuringiensis cry1Ab gene under control of the chemically inducible PR-1a promoter from tobacco. Most of them showed substantial or complete control of neonate diamondback moth larvae, regardless of whether the transgene was induced or not. Ten plants were selected for detailed study via northern and western analysis and insect bioassays. They expressed the cry1Ab gene and gave complete insect control when treated with the chemical inducers INA (2,6-dichloroiso-nicotinic acid) or BTH (1,2,3-benzothiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S-methyl ester); however, leaves treated with water alone were also partially or completely protected from insect damage. Transgenic progeny plants showed greater inducibility than primary transformants at the molecular level. Two progeny lines produced cry1Ab mRNA and Cry1Ab protein and gave insect control only after induction, both when detached leaves and intact plants were tested. The relevance of these results to resistance management strategies is discussed.     

Ultrastructure and functional features of midgut of an adult water mite Teutonia cometes (Koch, 1837) (Hydrachnidia: Teutoniidae)

Shatrov, A. B. 2010. Ultrastructure and functional features of midgut of an adult water mite Teutonia cometes (Koch 1837) (Hydrachnidia: Teutoniidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91 : 222–232 The midgut of the adult water mite Teutonia cometes (Koch 1837) (Hydrachnidia: Teutoniidae) was investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy and on semi‐thin sections. The midgut is represented by a blind sac composed of the narrow ventriculus, two proventricular lateral diverticula and three pairs of postventricular caeca. A single‐layered epithelium consists of one type of endodermal digestive cells of quite different shape and size, which may form protrusions into the midgut lumen. The large nuclei are frequently lobed and contain one to three nucleoli. The apical cell membrane forms short scarce microvilli, between their bases the pinocytotic vesicles of unspecific macropinocytosis as well as the narrow pinocytotic canals are formed and immersed into the cell. The intracellular digestion of the food ingested into the midgut after extraintestinal digestion is predominant. The pinocytotic vesicles fuse with small clear vesicles of proposed Golgi origin to form secondary lysosomes. The digestive cells also contain small amounts of rough endoplasmic reticulum, variously structured heterolysosomes, residual materials in the form of both the small electron‐dense bodies and the large variously granulated substances, reserve nutritive materials such as lipid and glycogen, as well as clear vacuoles. Residual materials are obviously extruded from the cells into the gut lumen.     

Sperm dimorphism in the Triatoma brasiliensis species complex and its applications

Morphological and structural features of the sperm of the Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva, 1911 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) species complex were examined in this first study investigating the sperm of Heteroptera and the genus Triatoma. Males were dissected and their seminal vesicles removed. For measurement, seminal vesicles were squashed on glass slides, spread, fixed and observed under a photomicroscope. The images were analysed and measures of sperm were made. Data were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's test to detect differentiation among taxa. Furthermore, seminal vesicles were prepared for studies of transmission electron microscopy. All taxa studied showed polymorphic (short and long) sperm. The sperm of Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma was significantly longer (in total length) than that of the other four members of the complex, which supports the hypothesis of hybrid speciation of this member of the complex as an increase in the size of typical hybrids under heterosis was previously shown. The sperm cells of the five taxa have similar ultrastructural morphology. The ultrastructural features observed confirm the hypothesis, raised by previous studies, that they are synapomorphic to the suborder Heteroptera.     

Occurrence of Potential Brassinosteroid Precursor Steroids in Seeds of Wheat and Foxtail Millet

Triticum aestivum L.) and foxtail millet (Setaria italica Beauv.) were found by GC-MS to contain, in addition to bulk sterols, 4-en-3-one steroids including 24-ethylcholesta-4,24(28)Z- dien-3-one (a new steroid), 24-methylcholest-4-en-3-one, 24-ethylcholesta-4,22E-dien-3-one and 24-ethylcholest-4-en-3-one, as well as 5α-steroidal 3-one compounds including 24-methyl-5α-cholestan-3-one, 24-ethyl-5α-cholestan-3-one and 24-ethyl 5α-cholest-22E-en-3-one (in S. italica only). Analysis of free sterol and steryl ester fractions indicated that campestanol and sitostanol were present at high levels in both seeds. These results suggest that the seeds of T. aestivum and S. italica synthesize campestanol from campesterol via 24-methylcholest-4-en-3-one and 24-methyl-5α-cholestan-3-one as has already been demonstrated in Arabidopsis thaliana L., and also produce sitostanol from sitosterol via 24-ethylcholest-4-en-3-one and 24-ethyl-5α-chotestan-3-one. Biosynthetic relationships of campestanol and sitostanol with C₂₈ and C₂₉ brassinosteroids are discussed. Received 4 September 1998/ Accepted in revised form 26 November 1998     

Highly enantioselective bioreduction of prochiral ketones by stem and germinated plant of Brassica oleracea variety italica

Abstract

An eco-friendly and environmentally benign asymmetric reduction of a broad range of prochiral ketones employing Brassica oleracea variety italica (stems and germinated plant) as a novel biocatalyst was developed. It was found that B. oleracea variety italica could be used effectively for enantioselective bioreduction in aqueous medium with moderate to excellent chemical yield and enantiomeric excess (ee). This process is more efficient and generates less waste than conventional chemical reagents or microorganisms. Both R- and S-configurations were obtained by these asymmetric reactions. The best ee were achieved for pyridine derivatives (92–99%). The ee in germinated plant reactions were significantly higher than those of stem reactions. The low cost and the easy availability of these biocatalysts suggest their possible use for large scale preparations of important chiral alcohols.     

Ultrastructural investigation of spermatogenesis in the nemerine wormProcephalothrix sp. (Palaeonemertini, Anopla)

Spermatogenesis and sperm structure of the nemertine wormProcephalothrix sp. were studied by transmission electron microscopy. It is shown that a flagellum and proacrosomal vesicles are common in spermatogonia and spermatocytes as in spermatogenesis of a number of marine invertebrates with external fertilization. Originally, the animals were collected asProcephalothrix spiralis but they were found to have a type of spermatozoon different from that ofP. spiralis as described by Turbeville & Ruppert (1985). The re-identification of the material collected in the Japan Sea has shown that the features are characteristic, ofP. spiralis (Coe, 1930). This finding suggests thatP. spiralis shows variations in different parts of the world.     

Veratridine-stimulated central synapses in culture: A quantitative ultrastructural analysis

Synapses in explant cultures of fetal rat neocortex at day 18 in vitro were stimulated by veratridine (10^?4M) for 20 min. The cultures were subsequently processed for electron microscopy and the synapses were analyzed by quantitative techniques, incorporating set mathematical treatment. The mean values of area, perimeter, and form factor of the presynaptic elements significantly increased following veratridine stimulation, compared to the values of control synapses. The length of the postsynaptic thickening also increased, while synaptic curvature did not change significantly in the veratridine group. A fivefold reduction was observed in the mean number of synaptic vesicles per presynaptic element and in the vesicle-terminal area ratio, following veratridine stimulation. The cytoplasm-terminal area ratio and the occurrence of vacuoles/cisternae significantly increased after veratridine application. Planar measurement of membranes (boundary length) of different presynaptic organelles revealed that the total membrane did not change significantly in the veratridine group. The data indicated an increase in volume and swelling of the pre- and postsynaptic elements, considerable depletion of synaptic vesicles, and preservation of the total presynaptic membrane following veratridine stimulation in nerve tissue culture.