Ecological engineering: A field whose time has come

Ecological engineering is defined as “the design of sustainable ecosystems that integrate human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both.” It involves the restoration of ecosystems that have been substantially disturbed by human activities such as environmental pollution or land disturbance; and the development of new sustainable ecosystems that have both human and ecological value. While there was some early discussion of ecological engineering in the 1960s, its development was spawned later by several factors, including loss of confidence in the view that all pollution problems can be solved through technological means and the realization that with technological means, pollutants are just being moved from one form to another. Conventional approaches require massive amounts of resources to solve these problems, and that in turn perpetuates carbon and nitrogen cycle problems, for example. The development of ecological engineering was given strong impetus in the last decade with a textbook, the journal Ecological Engineering and two professional ecological engineering societies. Five principles about ecological engineering are: (1) It is based on the self-designing capacity of ecosystems; (2) It can be the acid test of ecological theories; (3) It relies on system approaches; (4) It conserves non-renewable energy sources; and (5) It supports biological conservation. Ecology as a science is not routinely integrated into engineering curricula, even in environmental engineering programs, while shortcoming, ecologists, environmental scientists, and managers miss important training in their profession—problem solving. These two problems could be solved in the integrated field of ecological engineering.     

Mycobacterium abscessus MAB2560 induces maturation of dendritic cells via Toll-like receptor 4 and drives Th1 immune response

In this study, we showed that Mycobacterium abscessus MAB2560 induces the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), which are representative antigen-presenting cells (APCs). M. abscessus MAB2560 stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, and IL-12p70] and reduce the endocytic capacity and maturation of DCs. Using TLR4^-/- DCs, we found that MAB2560 mediated DC maturation via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). MAB2560 also activated the MAPK signaling pathway, which was essential for DC maturation. Furthermore, MAB2560-treated DCs induced the transformation of naïve T cells to polarized CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, which would be crucial for Th1 polarization of the immune response. Taken together, our results indicate that MAB2560 could potentially regulate the host immune response to M. abscessus and may have critical implications for the manipulation of DC functions for developing DC-based immunotherapy. [BMB Reports 2014;47(9): 512-517]     

Effect of Campylobacter-Specific Maternal Antibodies on Campylobacter jejuni Colonization in Young Chickens

Using laboratory challenge experiments, we examined whether Campylobacter-specific maternal antibody (MAB) plays a protective role in young chickens, which are usually free of Campylobacter under natural production conditions. Kinetics of C. jejuni colonization were compared by infecting 3-day-old broiler chicks, which were naturally positive for Campylobacter-specific MAB, and 21-day-old broilers, which were negative for Campylobacter-specific MAB. The onset of colonization occurred much sooner in birds challenged at the age of 21 days than it did in the birds inoculated at 3 days of age, which suggested a possible involvement of specific MAB in the delay of colonization. To further examine this possibility, specific-pathogen-free layer chickens were raised under laboratory conditions with or without Campylobacter infection, and their 3-day-old progenies with (MAB⁺) or without (MAB⁻) Campylobacter-specific MAB were orally challenged with C. jejuni. Significant decreases in the percentage of colonized chickens were observed in the MAB⁺ group during the first week compared with the MAB⁻ group. These results indicate that Campylobacter-specific MAB plays a partial role in protecting young chickens against colonization by C. jejuni. Presence of MAB in young chickens did not seem to affect the development of systemic immune response following infection with C. jejuni. However, active immune responses to Campylobacter occurred earlier and more strongly in birds infected at 21 days of age than those infected at 3 days of age. Clearance of Campylobacter infection was also observed in chickens infected at 21 days of age. Taken together, these findings (i) indicate that anti-Campylobacter MAB contributes to the lack of Campylobacter infection in young broiler chickens in natural environments and (ii) provide further evidence supporting the feasibility of development of immunization-based approaches for control of Campylobacter infection in poultry.     

Analysis of 2-(3-methyl-4-aminophenyl)-benzothiazole (NSC 674495) in plasma by gas chromatography with mass-selective detection

Certain naturally occurring isoflavonoids have been shown to inhibit protein-tyrosine kinases, and this has led to investigations of ring-modified structural analogs. Most recently, 2-(3-methyl-4-aminophenyl)-benzothiazole (MAB: NSC 674495) was shown to possess significant activity against certain breast cell cancer lines in vitro and in vivo. Our efforts thus focussed on developing a simple and sensitive method for quantitating MAB in plasma using GC–MS. The GC–MS assay was found to be linear over the range of 0.050 to 5.0 μg/ml, and was applied to monitor the plasma concentration of MAB in a rat dosed with 25 mg/kg as a 1 min intravenous infusion. Plasma was collected at intervals from 3 through 180 min, and concentrations of MAB were determined. Non-linear regression analysis of the plasma concentration-time data revealed that levels declined from a maximum at 3 min of 18 μg/ml to 1 μg/ml at 3 h in a biphasic manner. In another investigation, significant plasma concentrations of a major metabolite was detected and determined to be mono-N-acetylated MAB.     

Immunological evidence for a conformational difference between recombinant bovine rhodanese and rhodanese purified from bovine liver

Rhodanese has been utilized as a model enzyme for the study of protein structure-function relationships. The enzyme has recently been cloned and the recombinant enzyme is now available for investigation. However, prior to use in structure-function studies, the recombinant enzyme must be shown to have the same structure and activity as the bovine liver enzyme used in the previous studies. An immunological study of the conformations of these enzyme conformers is described. Three antibodies (two monoclonal and one polyclonal, site-directed antibody) were shown to detect distinct and nonoverlapping epitopes. The epitopes of the monoclonal antirhodanese antibodies (R207 and MAB11) were mapped to the same CNBr digest fragment of the amino terminal domain of rhodanese, and the epitope of the site-directed antibody prepared against the interdomain tether sequence of rhodanese (PAT-T1) was mapped to that region of rhodanese (residues 142–156). The rhodanese conformers were studied by monitoring the accessibility of the epitopes recognized by each antibody in each conformer using an indirect ELISA. None of the antibodies could detect its epitope on the purified liver enzyme. Two of the antibodies (R207 and PAT-T1) could also not detect their epitopes on the recombinant enzyme. However, MAB11 did detect a conformational difference between the natural and recombinant rhodanese conformers, indicating the conformational difference is localized in the first 73 amino acids of rhodanese. This difference presumably reflects the difference in the histories of the two enzymes and may be due to differences in enzyme folding, differences in the purification procedures, and differences in storage conditions—all of which could influence the final conformation of the enzyme.     

Integrating Social Science into the Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network: Social Dimensions of Ecological Change and Ecological Dimensions of Social Change

The integration of the social sciences into long-term ecological research is an urgent priority. To address this need, a group of social, earth, and life scientists associated with the National Science Foundations (NSF) Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network have articulated a conceptual framework for understanding the human dimensions of ecological change for the LTER Network. This framework explicitly advocates that what is often divided into natural and human systems be considered a single, complex social-ecological system (SES). In this paper, we propose a list of core social science research areas, concepts, and questions; identify the need for multiscale investigatory frameworks crucial for implementing integrated research; and suggest practical approaches for integration. In sum, this paper is a general outline for empirical and cross-site research projects where investigators agree that bringing together social, biological, and earth scientists can lead to synthetic approaches and a unified understanding of the mechanisms regulating SES. Although the motivation for this goal is specific to the LTER Network and similar projects, we believe that the issues and ideas presented here are widely applicable to other interdisciplinary SES studies.     

Panglobalism and pandemics: ecological and ethical concerns

A pandemic is a human medical problem but must be understood at multiple levels. Analysis of social and commercial forces is vital, and, more comprehensively, an ecological framework is necessary for an inclusive picture. Ecological health webworked with political and social determinants surrounds issues of human health. In this constellation of both natural and social factors, ethical concerns will arise at these multiple levels, from human health to the conservation and health of wild nature.     

Systématique des Saccharomyces: Osidases et besoins vitaminiques

A study of the genus Saccharomyces by new biocharacters demonstrates indirectly the genotype of each species; intracellular osidases (lactose — maltose — cellobiase — melibiase — invertase — trehalase) and vitamine requirements (biotin — folic acid — inositol — niacine — pantothénate —para-aminobenzoïc acid — pyridoxine — thiamine) reveal some phylogenetic links between the species. It appears that Van der Walt's group I is very homogeneous and must be restricted to only 7 species. The Torulospora group seems very similar to the genus Debaryomyces when vitamine needs and osidases are considered; the relations between the 2 groups are discussed. When other biocharacters are studied (nitrite reductase-immunological properties, etc. ...) the value in the GC content (4–5% lower in Debaryomyces) will be established.These results confirm that intracellular osidases and vitamine needs are very valuable tools for systematic criteria.

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Collaboration technique: Mme Billon-Grand.     

自然保护区的缓冲区:模式、功能及规划原则

自然保护区是就地保护生物多样性的途径,然而在实践中逐渐暴露出了一些保护区设计方面的问题,其中最严重的是自然保护区与非自然保护区之间的过渡问题。为了解决这个问题,人们提出了在自然保护区内设立缓冲区的想法。现在缓冲区已经成为自然保护区的有机组成部分,具有生态缓冲和社会缓冲两大主要功能。本文归纳了自然保护区缓冲区的定义、模式和类型,回顾了缓冲区的发展,总结了缓冲区的规划原则。最后,我们还对国内保护区缓冲区的现状进行了讨论。     

Supernumerary chromosomes in the second outbreeding species of the wheat group

Meiosis was examined in PMC of 138 plants of the outbreeder Triticum speltoides (=Aegilops speltoides) and 175 plants of the closely related T. longissimum (= Ae. longissima), which is a selfer. Nine of the T. speltoides plants, originating fra two of the five Israeli populations under study, contained B chromosomes in addition to the normal complements (2n = 14). No supernumerary chromosomes were found in T. longissimum. — Plants were found carrying 1, 2 or 3 B chromosomes, which seem to be stable among PMC. Their size is 2/3 of the average length of the regular chromosomes, but otherwise they are similar in appearance. Pairing between Bs is common as bivalents and trivalents, but whether this association is ehiasmatic is not clear. There is a slight reduction in chiasma frequency of the regular complement in B-carriers compared to other plants from the same population. — The only other species in the wheat group reported to have B chromosomes in natural populations is also an outbreeder, namely T. tripsacoides (=Ae. mutica). The connection between outbreeding and B chromosomes might be significant.     

Sense organs in the femur of the stick insect and their relevance to the control of position of the femur-tibia-joint

Summary The sensory innervation pattern is described for the femur of the middle and the hind legs ofCarausius morosus. — In one of the nerves (F121) extracellular recordings show a unit which mirrors the tension of the flexor tibiae muscle (tension receptor). The tension receptor increases the firing rate of the slow extensor tibiae motoneuron. It measures the tension of one or more muscle fibres of the anterior side near the distal end of the muscle. The anatomical basis of this receptor is uncertain. — Another receptor was found on the ventral side of the distal end of the apodeme of the extensor tibiae muscle (apodeme receptor). Recordings from this receptor could not be obtained inCarausius. But inExtatosoma tiaratum it responded to stretching of the nerve. In the natural position it shows a minimum of excitation in the 90°-position of the femur-tibia-joint and an increase in firing rate for both flexion and extension. — Tactile hairs react phasically and have no special sensitivity for one direction. Two receptors at the dorsal side of the femur-tibia-joint (RDAL and RDPL), which are situated in the same position as inSchistocerca hind legs, react phasically to extension movements and fire tonically in the most extended position of the joint. — The influence of these receptors on the position of the femur-tibia-joint is only weak.Supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

Seasonal dynamics of the numbers of larvae of common fouling organisms in Balaklava Bay (Black Sea)

The seasonal dynamics of the numbers of larvae of common fouling organisms—the barnacle Balanus improvisus and the bivalves Mytilaster lineatus and Mytilus galloprovincialis in Balaklava Bay (Black Sea)—were investigated during 2000 and 2001 within the framework of an ecological research project. Under the conditions of an increased anthropogenic load, seasonal fluctuations of the numbers and the distribution of larvae depend on rhythms of the breeding cycles of fouling invertebrates and on the hydrodynamic features of the region (water setup). The differences in the optimum temperatures, hatching intensity, and time of occurrence of larvae in the plankton, as well as the irregular distribution of larvae, allow the three major fouling organisms to reduce interspecific competition for food and the substrate.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by Biologiya Morya, Shalaeva, Lisitskaya.     

Hume and the argument for biological design

There seems to be a widespread conviction — evidenced, for example, in the work of Mackie, Dawkins and Sober — that it is Darwinian rather than Humean considerations which deal the fatal logical blow to arguments for intelligent design. I argue that this conviction cannot be well-founded. If there are current logically decisive objections to design arguments, they must be Humean — for Darwinian considerations count not at all against design arguments based upon apparent cosmological fine-tuning. I argue, further, that there are good Humean reasons for atheists and agnostics to resist the suggestion that apparent design — apparent biological design and/or apparent cosmological fine-tuning — establishes (or even strongly supports) the hypothesis of intelligent design.     

生态系统与生物多样性经济学(TEEB)研究进展

生态系统与生物多样性经济学(The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity, TEEB)是生物多样性与生态系统服务价值评估、示范和政策应用的综合方法体系, 为生物多样性保护和可持续利用提供了新的思路和方法。TEEB在2007年被首次提出, 自2008年以来得到了联合国环境规划署的支持。生态系统服务包括供给服务、调节服务、文化服务和栖息地服务4大类, 价值评估方法多采用市场价值法、显示性偏好法、陈述性偏好法等。本文总结了全球、区域、国家和地方等尺度的生物多样性主流化措施。目前, 有30多个国家开展了TEEB国家研究, 对生物多样性相关政策的制定产生了积极影响, 并推动了TEEB的进一步应用: 在国家层面可应用于绿色经济、可持续发展和企业绿色经营模式等; 在国际层面可为《生物多样性公约》等相关国际行动提供支撑。今后生物多样性价值评估研究应重点关注: (1)在国际层面, 要加强生物多样性跨行业、跨区域合作, 加强科学研究与政策应用的衔接; (2)在我国, 首先要分层次(生态系统、物种、基因)、分尺度(国家、省、地方)构建TEEB方法体系, 其次积极探索将TEEB理念应用于地方发展考核、干部政绩考核、有偿使用制度和生态补偿制度等政策的途径, 促进地区间公平与自然资源的可持续利用。     

The Spanish co-operation programme in Equatorial Guinea: a ten-year review of research and nature conservation in Bioko

The Research and Nature Conservation Programme in Equatorial Guinea was launched in 1985, financed by the Spanish Technical Co-operation Agency. The Programme's main objectives were to: (i) increase scientific research; (ii) set up a Museum of Natural History for the country; (iii) update environmental legislation; (iv) create a network of protected natural areas; (v) promote Equatorial Guinea's participation in international forums on the environment; (vi) train local personnel and (vii) implement environmental education programmes. Actions undertaken and results obtained over a ten-year period are reviewed herein. The Programme has been important in raising the level of scientific awareness of the country's resources but more importantly, it has catalysed the inception of the country's existing legal framework for environmental protection (Ley 8/1988). Within this law, regulations with respect to wildlife, protected areas and hunting were promulgated. These include the legal basis to create other reserve areas and non-profit organizations related to wildlife protection. The Programme has been able to employ the law to stop exploitation and road-building along the south of Bioko.     

Recognition of a two-element song in the grasshopper Chorthippus dorsatus (Orthoptera: Gomphocerinae)

Summary Males of the grasshopper Chorthippus dorsatus produce songphrases which contain two differently structured elements — pulsed syllables in the first part (A) and ongoing noise in the second part (B). Females of Ch. dorsatus answer to artificial song models only if both elements A and B are present. Females strongly prefer song models in which the order of elements is A preceding B. Females discriminate between the two elements mainly by the existence of gaps within A-syllables. Pulses of 5–8 ms separated by gaps of 8–15 ms make most effective A-syllables, while syllable duration and syllable intervals are less critical parameters. Females respond to models which contain more than 3 A-syllables with high probability. Female model preferences lie well in the range of parameter values produced by singing males, except for B-parts which must be longer than those of any natural song to be most effective. In ancestors of Ch. dorsatus the two elements of the songs might have been directed towards females (part A) and males (part B).     

The Social Value of Knowledge and International Clinical Research

In light of the growth in the conduct of international clinical research in developing populations, this paper seeks to explore what is owed to developing world communities who host international clinical research. Although existing paradigms for assigning and assessing benefits to host communities offer valuable insight, I criticize their failure to distinguish between those benefits which can justify the conduct of research in a developing world setting and those which cannot. I argue that the justification for human subjects research is fundamentally grounded in the social value of knowledge, and that this value is context‐dependent in a manner which should inform our ethical evaluation of the conduct of research in specific settings. I propose a new framework for the assessment of research benefits assigned to developing world host communities, a natural implication of which is to limit the types of research projects which may permissibly be conducted in developing world settings.     

Predicted fitness changes along an environmental gradient

Summary The relations between enzyme activity and the intensity of selection across an environmental gradient are investigated usingEscherichia coli growing on mixed resources. Experimental results demonstrate that the direction and intensity of natural selection can be predicted solely from a knowledge of the underlying biochemistry, physiology and ecology of the organism. Ecological theory, based on the logistic equation, is unable to use this information to predict the outcome of competition — the best it can do is to fit constants to data points. Our results also suggest that partitioning of the phenotypic variance using quantitative genetics need not correspond to the underlying molecular structure generating phenotypes.     

Similarities between species of the Ostertagiinae (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) in relation to host-specificity and climatic environment

Multivariate analyses of similarities between species of the Ostertagiinae were performed on the data from 585 publications. The environmental factors were 12 climates and host-specificity in ruminants (40 species) for 16 species of ostertagiines. This approach can be a useful tool for distinguishing morphs from species. The following pairs (species and its possible morph) of ostertagiines are proposed: Ostertagia ostertagi — O. lyrata, O. leptospicularis — O. kolchida, O. gruehneri — O. arctica, Teladorsagia circumcincta — T. trifurcata, Marshallagia marshalli — M. occidentalis, Spiculopteragia boehmi — S. mathevossiani, and S. asymmetrica — S. quadrispiculata.