Dioecism of the genusCallicarpa (Verbenaceae) in the Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands

The morphology and function of the flowers of three species of the genusCallicarpa, C. glabra, C. nisnimurae andC. subpubescens, endemic to the Bonin Islands, revealed that all three species were dioecious. Male plants had short-styled flowers with sterile ovaries, while female plants had long-styled flowers with non-germinating inaperturate pollen grains. Such dioecism has never been reported from the family Verbenaceae. This curious sexual system with non-germinating pollen grains may have been maintained as a reward to insect pollinators.     

(AGCTG) (AGCTG) (AGCTG) (GGGTG) as the primordial sequence of intergenic spacers: the role in immunoglobulin class switch

The means employed for immunoglobulin heavy chain class switch appears to be no different from that by which meiotic intergenic crossing-overs at accomplished. As with other intergenic spacers, the 5' noncoding sequence of each Ig CH (immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region) gene apparently undergoes unconstrained sequence changes due to randomly sustained base substitutions, deletions, and duplications. Yet, there remains sufficient regional sequence homology between the Ig Cmu 5' noncoding sequence and those of its somatic recombination partners, e.g., Ig C gamma 1, Ig C gamma 2b, Ig C alpha, because each of these 5' noncoding sequences is made of multiple copies in various stages of degeneracy of one primordial 20 base pair-long sequence: (AGCTG) (AGCTG) (AGCTG) (GGGTG).     

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) modulate the metabolism of deoxynivalenol (DON) in the pig

Pigs might be exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and deoxynivalenol (DON) at the same time, and both toxins are thought to interactively affect the intestinal barrier, the innate immune system, and the xenobiotics metabolism. Hence, we aimed at examining the single and combined effects of both toxins on nutrient digestibility and DON metabolism. For this purpose, barrows (26?±?4 kg) were fed restrictedly either a control diet (CON) or a diet contaminated with 3.1 mg DON/kg (DON) for 37 days. At day 37 of the experiment, pigs were infused intravenously for 60 min either with 100 μg DON/kg body weight (BW) (CON-DON), 7.5 μg LPS/kg BW (CON-LPS, DON-LPS) or a combination of both substances (CON-DON?+?LPS), or physiological saline (CON-CON, DON-CON). Blood samples were collected frequently until 3.25 h before the pigs were sacrificed for bile, liver, and kidney collection. The apparent digestibility of N-free extractives was significantly increased by 1 % when the DON-contaminated diet was fed. The total DON content in blood was significantly higher in endotoxemic pigs (34.8 ng/mL; CON-DON?+?LPS) when compared to the pigs infused with DON alone (18.8 ng/mL; CON-DON) while bile concentrations were not influenced by LPS. DON residue levels in liver and kidney closely reflected the treatment effects as described for blood. In contrast to DON infusion, the LPS challenge resulted in a significantly lower total DON concentration (13.2 vs. 7.5 ng/mL in groups DON-CON and DON-LPS, respectively) when the pigs were exposed to DON through the diet. The conjugation degree for DON in blood and bile was not influenced by treatments. In conclusion, endotoxemic pigs are characterized by higher DON residue levels in blood, liver, and kidney, probably by a compromised elimination.     

Distribution of sulfhydryloxidase (SOx) immunoreactivity in the testis of the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) (amphibia, urodela)

Immunohistochemical localization of sulfhydryloxidase (SOx) has been examined in the testis of the Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). The urodelan testis contains germ cells in various phases of differentiation from primordial germ cells to mature spermatozoa. SOx immunoreactivity is present in mitochondria of primordial germ cells and primary spermatogonia and declines within the population of secondary spermatogonia, suggesting, that the antibody used to localize SOx may serve to estimate the developmental stage of spermatogonia towards meiosis, since more undifferentiated cells react positively. Intensity of immunostaining increases again in spermatocytes and becomes most intense in early round spermatids correlating on ultrastructural level with an accumulation of numerous mitochondria in that part of the cytoplasm, where the acrosome vesicle is formed. Mature sperm are immunonegative. Additionally, Leydig cells within the glandular tissue are stained by the antibody. Thus the distribution pattern of SOx immunoreactivity principally resembles that in the mammalian testis found during ontogenesis or in the adult seminiferous epithelium. The possible functional significance of mitochondrial SOx in germ cells and Leydig cells is discussed. These results suggest, that the amphibian testis is a model for experimental problems dealing with the investigation of germ cells in various developmental phases including very undifferentiated premeiotic germ cells. The cystic testis may be of value in studying influences of various experimental conditions on varied homogeneous populations of germ cells.     

The role of the CPNKEKEC sequence in the beta(2) subunit I domain in regulation of integrin alpha(L)beta(2) (LFA-1)

The alpha(L) I (inserted or interactive) domain of integrin alpha(L)beta(2) undergoes conformational changes upon activation. Recent studies show that the isolated, activated alpha(L) I domain is sufficient for strong ligand binding, suggesting the beta(2) subunit to be only indirectly involved. It has been unclear whether the activity of the alpha(L) I domain is regulated by the beta(2) subunit. In this study, we demonstrate that swapping the disulfide-linked CPNKEKEC sequence (residues 169-176) in the beta(2) I domain with a corresponding beta(3) sequence, or mutating Lys(174) to Thr, constitutively activates alpha(L)beta(2) binding to ICAM-1. These mutants do not require Mn(2+) for ICAM-1 binding and are insensitive to the inhibitory effect of Ca(2+). We have also localized a component of the mAb 24 epitope (a reporter of beta(2) integrin activation) in the CPNKEKEC sequence. Glu(173) and Glu(175) of the beta(2) I domain are identified as critical for mAb 24 binding. Because the epitope is highly expressed upon beta(2) integrin activation, it is likely that the CPNKEKEC sequence is exposed or undergoes conformational changes upon activation. Deletion of the alpha(L) I domain did not eliminate the mAb 24 epitope. This confirms that the alpha(L) I domain is not critical for mAb 24 binding, and indicates that mAb 24 detects a change expressed in part in the beta(2) subunit I domain. These results suggest that the CPNKEKEC sequence of the beta(2) I domain is involved in regulating the alpha(L) I domain.     

Revision of Ixora (Rubiaceae) in the Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia)

During the preparation of the Vascular Flora of the Marquesas Islands and Flore de la Polynésie française , four new species of Ixora L. (Rubiaceae) have come to light and are described and illustrated herein: Ixora jourdanii Mouly & J.Florence, Ixora tahuataensis Mouly & J.Florence, Ixora uahukaensis Lorence & W.L.Wagner, and Ixora uapouensis Lorence & W.L.Wagner. In addition to these new taxa, the following three species of Ixora previously described from the Marquesas are recognized: Ixora marquesensis F.Br., Ixora ooumuensis J.Florence, and Ixora spathoidea F.Br. As the Marquesan environment is under serious threat from human impact, feral animals and weeds, the conservation status was estimated for each Ixora species. It is concluded that all Marquesan taxa are in need of inclusion in the IUCN Red List, their status ranging from endangered to critically endangered.  © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2007, 155 , 581–597.     

青海藏族HLA II类基因多态性的研究

用PCR-RFLP的技术进一步研究了青海藏族HLA-DPB1的多态性。在19个HLA-DPB1 的等位基因中,共检出18个等位基因。其中,*0501的频率最高（AF=38.0%）;其次为*0201（AF=20.0%）;未检出*1601。在HLA-DPB1各等位基因的分布上,藏族与中国南方汉族、中国北方汉族等无明显差异,而与高加索人及尼格罗人的差异则较为显著。综合隶属于三大人种11个群体中的HLA-DQA1、-DQB1和-DPB1基因座各等位基因的分布频率,用UPGMA方法构建了分子系统树, 实验结果进一步证实汉藏同源说。     

青海藏族HLA II类基因多态性的研究

用PCR-RFLP的技术进一步研究了青海藏族HLA-DPB1的多态性。在19个HLA-DPB1 的等位基因中,共检出18个等位基因。其中,*0501的频率最高（AF=38.0%）;其次为*0201（AF=20.0%）;未检出*1601。在HLA-DPB1各等位基因的分布上,藏族与中国南方汉族、中国北方汉族等无明显差异,而与高加索人及尼格罗人的差异则较为显著。综合隶属于三大人种11个群体中的HLA-DQA1、-DQB1和-DPB1基因座各等位基因的分布频率,用UPGMA方法构建了分子系统树, 实验结果进一步证实汉藏同源说。 Abstract:Following the study of the polymorphism of the HLA-DQA1and -DQB1in Tibetans of Qinghai Province, the polymorphism of the HLA-DPB1was investigated by the same technique―PCR-RFLP. Among the 19 detectable alleles of HLA-DPB1gene, 18 alleles were detected. The allele *0501 was the most frequent one (AF=38.0%); the allele *0201 (AF=20.0%）was the second one; and *1601 was not found by this technique. Compared with that of Southern Han and Northern Han nationality in China, the distribution of the alleles showed little difference; while compared with that of the Caucasoid and Negroid, it showed significant difference. The result of this report confirmed once more that the Tibetan and Han nationalities came from the same ancestors. Based on the allele frequencies of the three loci within HLAclass II region-HLA-DQA1、-DQB1and -DPB1from 11 groups among three main races in the world, a molecular phylogenetic tree was constructed with the method UPGMA.     

Taxonomy of the Cidariini (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in Korea (I)

ABSTRACT Among forty species of the Korean Cidariini, a tribe of Larentiinae (Lepidoptera, Geometridae), nineteen species of ten genera are revised: Ecliptopera Warren, Lampropteryx Stephens, Eustroma Hübner, Eveeliptopera Inoue, Lobogonodes Bastelberger, Hysterura Warren, Sibatania Inoue, Eulithis Hiibner, Gandaritis Moore, and Electrophaes Prout. The diagnostic characters and monophyly of each genus are provided. Figures of adults including male and female genitalia, and distribution maps in Korea are also provided.     

Role of benzimidazole (Bid) in the delta-opioid agonist pseudopeptide H-Dmt-Tic-NH-CH(2)-Bid (UFP-502)

H-Dmt-Tic-NH-CH(2)-Bid (UFP-502) was the first delta-opioid agonist prepared from the Dmt-Tic pharmacophore. It showed interesting pharmacological properties, such as stimulation of mRNA BDNF expression and antidepression. To evaluate the importance of 1H-benzimidazol-2-yl (Bid) in the induction of delta-agonism, it was substituted by similar heterocycles: The substitution of NH(1) by O or S transforms the reference delta-agonist into delta-antagonists. Phenyl ring of benzimidazole is not important for delta-agonism; in fact 1H-imidazole-2-yl retains delta-agonist activity.     

Geographic distribution of the Anostracans (Crustacea) in Argentina (South America)

Using materials of collection from nearly all the Argentinian provinces, a map of the distribution of the anostracans in Argentina has been elaborated. From the eight families recognized on a world scale, four are represented in the country; being the best represented considering the number of the species is the Branchinectidae one. New localities are mentioned for Branchinecta rocaen‐sis, Dendrocephalus cervicornis, D. brasiliensis, Phallocryptus salinicola and Anemia salina.     

Trophodynamics of Protomyctophum (Myctophidae) in the Scotia Sea (Southern Ocean)

This study investigated spatial and temporal patterns in distribution, population structure and diet of Bolin's lanternfish Protomyctophum bolini, Tenison's lanternfish Protomyctophum tenisoni and gaptooth lanternfish Protomyctophum choriodon in the Scotia Sea using data collected by midwater trawl during spring, summer and autumn. Protomyctophum bolini was the most abundant species of the genus encountered throughout the Scotia Sea with the greatest concentrations occurring around the Antarctic Polar Front (APF). This species had a life cycle of 2+ years, but spatial differences in population structure were apparent as the I‐group was absent from all regions south of the APF, suggesting that the species does not recruit in the Scotia Sea. Protomyctophum tenisoni occurred mostly in waters characteristic of the APF and was absent from the southern Scotia Sea. It had a limited size range, but there was clear size‐related sexual dimorphism with males significantly larger than females. The species had a life cycle of c. 2 years, but the I‐group (c. 1 year old, 1 November to 31 October the next year) occurred only in regions close to the APF suggesting that recruitment is restricted to these waters. A seasonal southward migration for P. choriodon is likely as the species occurred mostly to the south‐west of South Georgia in summer, but extended to the sea‐ice sectors in autumn. Protomyctophum choriodon had a life cycle of 4+ years in the Scotia Sea and the population was dominated by age classes >3 years old. Larval stages were absent during the surveys for all species. Diurnal variations in vertical distribution were apparent for all three species. Interspecific variations in diet were evident, but all species were primarily copepod feeders, with Metridia spp., Rhincalanus gigas and Calanus simillimus generally dominating their diet. Small euphausiids, principally Thysanoessa spp., were also an important component of their diets, particularly for P. choriodon which had the largest body size. The spatial and temporal variations in diet for both P. bolini and P. tenisoni were broadly consistent with underlying abundance patterns within the mesozooplankton community.     

Development of drinking mechanisms in the chicken (Gallus gallus) (Aves)

Summary Development of the drinking mechanism from the day of hatching to the 4 week old chick was studied in relation to the growth of the oropharynx and drinking performance. Results indicate that due to scaling effects in the growing oropharynx, physical factors require the development of extra mechanisms. The swallowing mechanism to transport water from the pharynx into the esophagus during the tip up phase is already present in hatchlings, and does not change during ontogeny. The mechanism for water intake during the immersion phase changes considerably. Hatchlings display pecking behavior towards water. Week old chicks protrude the tongue far out, and the total volume ingested is sucked up by capillary action between the tongue, the floor, and the roof of the oropharynx. In 2 and 3 week old chicks the relative distance over which water is sucked up by capillarity decreases, whereas the volume of water pushed caudad by the tongue and bills increases. Laryngeal suction also develops in this period. At the age of 4 weeks chickens use the adult mechanism to drink. Most oropharyngeal elements increase two to three times in length and width during post hatching ontogeny. Due to these increases, water transport by capillarity alone does not suffice in the older age groups; therefore additional mechanisms such as pressure development by closing the bills and laryngeal suction must develop. Relative to the oropharyngeal length most elements grow isometrically. The width of the lingual alae and the larynx width, however, increase with positive allometry, which improves both capillary action as well as the transport of water during the tip up phase when the chicks grow older. The need to develop extra water transport mechanisms during growth due to scaling effects is shown to condition the radiation capacity of avian drinking mechanisms. Nidicolous birds are, however, not constrained by the need to have a properly operating drinking mechanism during the early ontogeny and may therefore have a better chance of developing alternativ drinking mechanisms then nidifugous birds.     

Double rotation of the opening (closing) elytra in beetles (Coleoptera)

Transient movements of the elytra (opening and closing) were filmed in beetles tethered from below. A total of 39 specimens of 18 species representing 11 families were examined. Bright markers glued to the elytra were traced frame by frame. Body-fixed 3D traces of apical and shoulder markers were reconstructed. Shapes of traces reflected different steps of elytral movement and different types of flight. Flat circular arcs were fitted to scattered traces using the least square method. The rotation axis of the apical marker was always directed at the contralateral side. The trace of the shoulder marker was, as a rule, non-parallel to the apical trace. Usually, the shoulder marker on the costal edge of the elytron uniformly supinated in the course of adduction of the apical marker. Traces of opening and closing coincided, hence the double rotation of the elytron had one degree of freedom. The elytron to body articulation in beetles is, presumably, a spherical mechanism with two separate but linked drives for a broad swing during opening (closing).     

Taxonomy of the Cidariini (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) in Korea (II)

Eight genera and 16 species of the Korean Cidariini, a tribe of Larentiinae (Lepidoptera, Geometridae), were revised: Dysstroma Hübner, Paradysstroma Choi, Callabraxas Butler, Thera Stephens, Heterothera Inoue, Pennithera Viidalepp, Polythrena Guenée and Xenortholitha Inoue. Pennithera comis (Butler) was newly added to the Korean fauna. Diagnostic and phylogenetic characters supporting the monophyly of the genera and a key to the genera were provided. For the species, diagnoses with figures of male and female genitalia and distributional data with maps in Korea, and taxonomic remarks were provided.     

Evidence of carpinus (betulaceae) in the late tertiary (pliocene) of alabama

Carpinus is a common and widespread element of the modern North American forest vegetation, but its scant fossil record on the continent is perplexing, especially considering the abundant and relatively continuous record of the genus in the Tertiary of Europe and Asia. Despite earlier claims of Tertiary Carpinus remains, recent reviews have indicated that a definitive post-Eocene Tertiary record of the genus in North America is lacking. Therefore, it remains uncertain if Carpinus was present but left no clear fossil record or if the genus became extinct in North America and migrated back to the continent more recently. A reinvestigation of the Citronelle Formation paleoflora has yielded conclusive evidence for the presence of Carpinus in the Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama during the Pliocene based upon the discovery of a nutlet bract. Carpinus bracts are distinctive and consist of a central bract fused basally with two lateral bractlets. This specimen provides proof of the existence of Carpinus on this continent by the Pliocene Epoch, and any future research on the biogeography of the genus must consider this as the earliest, post-Eocene record of the genus in North America based on unequivocal reproductive structures.