Effects of Methanol on Wettability of the Non-Smooth Surface on Butterfly Wing

The contact angles of distilled water and methanol solution on the wings of butterflies were determined by a visual contact angle measuring system. The scale structures of the wings were observed using scanning electron microscopy, The influence of the scale micro- and ultra-structure on the wettability was investigated. Results show that the contact angle of distilled water on the wing surfaces varies from 134.0° to 159.2°. High hydrophobicity is found in six species with contact angles greater than 150°. The wing surfaces of some species are not only hydrophobic but also resist the wetting by methanol solution with 55% concentration. Only two species in Parnassius can not resist the wetting because the micro-structure （spindle-like shape） and ultra-structure （pinnule-like shape） of the wing scales are remarkably different from that of other species. The concentration of methanol solution for the occurrence of spreading/wetting on the wing surfaces of different species varies from 70% to 95%. After wetting by methanol solution for 10 min, the distilled water contact angle on the wing surface increases by 0.8°-2.1°, showing the promotion of capacity against wetting by distilled water.     

Osteoblast Behavior on Hierarchical Micro-/Nano-Structured Titanium Surface

In the present work, osteoblast behavior on a hierarchical micro-/nano-structured titanium surface was investigated. A hierarchical hybrid micro-/nano-structured titanium surface topography was produced via Electrolytic Etching (EE). MG-63 cells were cultured on disks for 2 h to 7 days. The osteoblast response to the hierarchical hybrid micro-/nano-structured titanium surface was evaluated through the osteoblast cell morphology, attachment and proliferation. For comparison, MG-63 cells were also cultured on Sandblasted and Acid-etched (SLA) as well as Machined (M) surfaces respectively. The results show significant differences in the adhesion rates and proliferation levels of MG-63 cells on EE, SLA, and M surfaces. Both adhesion rate and proliferation level on EE surface are higher than those on SLA and M surfaces. Therefore, we may expect that, comparing with SLA and M surfaces, bone growth on EE surface could be accelerated and bone formation could be promoted at an early stage, which could be applied in the clinical practices for immediate and early-stage loadings.     

The Wettability and Mechanism of Geometric Non-Smooth Structure of Dragonfly Wing Surface

Scanning electron microscope and optical contact angle measuring instruments were used to investigate the microstructure and wettability of geometric non-smooth structure of dragonfly wing surface. Results show that the geometric non-smooth structure of dragonfly wing surface is one part of epicuticle, some organic solvents can effectively dissolve the main ingredient of non-smooth structure. The hydrophobicity of dragonfly wing surface is induced by the co-coupling of the non-smooth structure and the waxy layer covering.     

Wetting Characteristics of Insect Wing Surfaces

Biological tiny structures have been observed on many kinds of surfaces such as lotus leaves,which have an effect on thecoloration of Morpho butterflies and enhance the hydrophobicity of natural surfaces.We investigated the micro-scale andnano-scale structures on the wing surfaces of insects and found that the hierarchical multiple roughness structures help in enhancingthe hydrophobicity.After examining 10 orders and 24 species of flying Pterygotan insects,we found that micro-scaleand nano-scale structures typically exist on both the upper and lower wing surfaces of flying insects.The tiny structures such asdenticle or setae on the insect wings enhance the hydrophobicity,thereby enabling the wings to be cleaned more easily.And thehydrophobic insect wings undergo a transition from Cassie to Wenzel states at pitch/size ratio of about 20.In order to examinethe wetting characteristics on a rough surface,a biomimetic surface with micro-scale pillars is fabricated on a silicon wafer,which exhibits the same behavior as the insect wing,with the Cassie-Wenzel transition occurring consistently around apitch/width value of 20.     

Light Trapping Effect in Wing Scales of Butterfly Papilio peranthus and Its Simulations

Broadband light trapping effect and arrays of sub-wavelength textured structures based on the butterfly wing scales are applicable to solar cells and stealth technologies. In this paper, the fine optical structures in wing scales of butterfly Papilio peranthus, exhibiting efficient light trapping effect, were carefully examined. First, the reflectivity was measured by reflectance spectrum. Field Emission Scanning Electronic Microscope (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) were used to observe the coupling morphologies and structures of the scales. Then, the optimized 3D model of the coupling structure was created combining Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and TEM data. Afterwards, the mechanism of the light trapping effect of these structures was analyzed by simulation and theoretical calculations. A multilayer nano-structure of chitin and air was found. These structures are effective in increasing optical path, resulting in that most of the incident light can be trapped and adsorbed within the structure at last. Furthermore, the simulated optical results are consistent with the experimental and calculated ones. This result reliably confirms that these structures induce an efficient light trapping effect. This work can be used as a reference for in-depth study on the fabrication of highly efficient bionic optical devices, such as solar cells, photo detectors, high-contrast, antiglare, and so forth.     

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Bionic Non-Smooth Stainless Steel Surface by Laser Multiple Processing

Laser multiple processing, i.e. laser surface texturing and then Laser Shock Processing (LSP), is a new surface processingtechnology for the preparation of bionic non-smooth surfaces. Based on engineering bionics, samples of bionic non-smoothsurfaces of stainless steel 0Crl 8Ni9 were manufactured in the form of reseau structure by laser multiple processing. The mechanicalproperties (including microhardness, residual stress, surface roughness) and microstructure of the samples treated bylaser multiple processing were compared with those of the samples without LSP The results show that the mechanical propertiesof these samples by laser multiple processing were clearly improved in comparison with those of the samples without LSP Themechanisms underlying the improved surface microhardness and surface residual stress were analyzed, and the relations betweenhardness, comnressive residual stress and roughness were also presented.     

Molecular Organization of the Nanoscale Surface Structures of the Dragonfly Hemianax papuensis Wing Epicuticle

The molecular organization of the epicuticle (the outermost layer) of insect wings is vital in the formation of the nanoscale surface patterns that are responsible for bestowing remarkable functional properties. Using a combination of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, including Synchrotron-sourced Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profiling and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), we have identified the chemical components that constitute the nanoscale structures on the surface of the wings of the dragonfly, Hemianax papuensis. The major components were identified to be fatty acids, predominantly hexadecanoic acid and octadecanoic acid, and n-alkanes with even numbered carbon chains ranging from C₁₄ to C₃₀. The data obtained from XPS depth profiling, in conjunction with that obtained from GCMS analyses, enabled the location of particular classes of compounds to different regions within the epicuticle. Hexadecanoic acid was found to be a major component of the outer region of the epicuticle, which forms the surface nanostructures, and was also detected in deeper layers along with octadecanoic acid. Aliphatic compounds were detected throughout the epicuticle, and these appeared to form a third discrete layer that was separate from both the inner and outer epicuticles, which has never previously been reported.     

Production of [14C]-Labeled 3-Hydroxy-L-Kynurenine in a Butterfly,Heliconius charitonia L. (Heliconidae), and Precursor Studies in Butterfly Wing Ommatins

A method was developed to produce radiolabeled 3-hydroxy-L-kynurenine by injection of [¹⁴C]-L-tryptophan into pupae of the heliconid butterfly, Heliconius charitonia, which was converted into [¹⁴C]-3-hydroxy-L-kynurenine and deposited as a wing pigment. Extractions of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-OHK) with 60% methanol from wings yielded in 14.4 μg per mg dry weight. In extracts from yellow wing areas, 3-OHK represented 100% of detectable amino acids. Resulting specific radioactivity of [¹⁴C]-3-OHK was between 0.05 and 0.07 mCi/mmol when 0.5 μCi [¹⁴C]-tryptophan was injected into pupae 1 or 2 days before emergence of the butterfly. Incorporation of [¹⁴C]-3-OHK into wing ommochromes was studied in nymphalid butterflies, Araschnia levana and Precis coenia. After injection into pupae [^I4C]-3-OHK as well as [¹⁴C]-tryptophan were specifically incorporated into red and red-brown wing scales as shown by autoradiography. The same incorporation occurred in isolated wings after incubation in Grace's medium containing [¹⁴C]-3-OHK. In Araschnia levana, [¹⁴C]-3-OHK offered to left wing pairs was incorporated into dihydroxanthommatin six times more effectively than [¹⁴C]-tryptophan offered to right wing pairs from the same specimen. Therefore, 3-OHK seems to be the ultimate precursor of wing ommatins.     

Effect of Chord Flexure on Aerodynamic Performance of a Flapping Wing

Inspired by the fact that a high flexible wing in nature generates high aerodynamic performance, we investigated the aerodynamic performance of the flapping wing with different chord flexures. The unsteady, incompressible, and viscous flow over airfoil NACA0012 in a plunge motion was analyzed by using Navier-Stokes equation. Grid deformation, in which finite element and interpolation ideas are mixed, was introduced for computing large grid deformation caused by the chord flexures. We explored the optimal phase angle for thrust force and propulsive efficiency by varying the chord flexure from 0.05 to 0.7 when reduced frequency and plunge amplitude were fixed. Throughout parametric study on the phase angle and chord flexure amplitude, the maximum thrust force is achieved near at 0° in all given conditions, meanwhile, it is found that the optimal phase angle has dependency of chord flexure amplitude, which achieves higher aerodynamic performance compared to previous studies. These findings will provide a useful guideline for determining wing flexibility in design of a bio-mimetic air vehicle.     

Assessing the Role of Wing Spots in Intraspecific Communication in the Cabbage White Butterfly (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pieris rapae</Emphasis> L.) Using a Simple Device to Increase Butterfly Responses

Butterflies are regularly used as model systems for understanding the role of coloration in communication because of their highly variable and conspicuous phenotypes. Most research showing a role for color in communication has focused on aspects of brightness or hue of entire wings or large color patches. However, evidence is accumulating that butterflies sometimes use smaller wing pattern elements in communication. Here we provide evidence that both male and female cabbage white butterflies (Pieris rapae L.) discriminate among conspecifics on the basis of the number of small but conspicuous black wing spots of the dorsal forewing. Male butterflies were more interactive with model butterflies with two spots, which resemble female butterflies, than with model butterflies with only one spot, which resemble male butterflies. Female butterflies showed the opposite response, being more interactive with male-like (one-spot) models than with female-like (two-spot) models. Some of our experiments were conducted with an electronic device designed to create a realistic and controlled fluttering behavior of the models. We describe the design and function of this device and provide evidence that it increased butterfly responses compared to a non-fluttering model. This device could prove useful for others addressing questions of communication in butterflies or other flying insects.     

Overexpression of Transglutaminase in the Drosophila Wing Imaginal Disc Induced an Extra Wing Crossvein Phenotype

To determine the roles of Drosophila transglutaminase-A (dTG-A), we examined a phenotype induced through ectopic expression of dTG-A. Overexpression of dTG-A in the wing imaginal disc induced an extra wing crossvein phenotype. This phenotype was suppressed by crossing with epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) signaling pathway mutant flies. These results indicate that this phenotype, induced by dTG-A, is related to enhancement of the Egfr signaling pathway.     

A Preliminary Study of the Surface Properties of Earthworms and Their Relations to Non-Stain Behaviour

The surface properties of earthworms were studied using nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm and dynamic contact angle measurement with the aim to understand their non-stain behaviour. The results obtained by applying dynamic contact angle technique using water, glycerol, cooking oil and dimethylsilicone show that the surface properties of earthworms are a function of time. The critical surface energy, calculated using advancing angle, is as low as 11 × 10~(-3) J·m~(-2). However this hydrophobic behaviour at the initial contact moment changes progressively into hydrophilic as time goes by. This behaviour together with the creeping movement of corrugated surface is believed to be responsible for the non-stain behaviour of earthworms. The nitrogen adsorption isotherm of dried skin of earthworms at 77.3 K exhibits more or less Type V isotherm with surface area of 13 m~2·g~(-1) calculated using the α_s plot. The Type V isotherm is the indication of weak interaction between nitrogen and the worm surface.     

Plasmodium falciparum BAEBL Binds to Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans on the Human Erythrocyte Surface

Erythrocyte invasion is critical to the pathogenesis and survival of the malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. This process is partly mediated by proteins that belong to the Duffy binding-like family, which are expressed on the merozoite surface. One of these proteins, BAEBL (also known as EBA-140), is thought to bind to glycophorin C in a sialic acid-dependent manner. In this report, by the binding assay between recombinant BAEBL protein and enzyme-treated erythrocytes, we show that the binding of BAEBL to erythrocytes is mediated primarily by sialic acid and partially through heparan sulfate (HS). Because BAEBL binds to several kinds of HS proteoglycans or purified HS, the BAEBL-HS binding was found to be independent of the HS proteoglycan peptide backbone and the presence of sialic acid moieties. Furthermore, both the sialic acid- and HS-dependent binding were disrupted by the addition of soluble heparin. This inhibition may be the result of binding between BAEBL and heparin. Invasion assays demonstrated that HS-dependent binding was related to the efficiency of merozoite invasion. These results suggest that HS functions as a factor that promotes the binding of BAEBL and merozoite invasion. Moreover, these findings may explain the invasion inhibition mechanisms observed following the addition of heparin and other sulfated glycoconjugates.     

Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopical Studies on the Coloured Patches on the Wing of a Butterfly,Graphium sarpedon (Lepidoptera: Papillionidae) With Reference to Their Photobiological and Electrical Properties

The surface ultra-structural features of the coloured patches on the wing of a butterfly Graphium sarpedon have been studied with the help of scanning electron microscopy. Comparisons have been made between the dark brown area and the light green patches of the wing. A diffraction grating pattern with 15 lines per μm² with a uniform spacing of about 1 μm is present in the light green patches. A slightly coarser grating is present on the dark brown area, which constitutes the major portion of the wing. Sensilla chaetica was found on both the light green and dark brown area. A special type of sensilla trichodea with a big socket and some elongated projections were localized only on the light green patches. This region of the wing also contains some spherical structures with a diameter of 0.5 to 0.6 μm. The infra-red spectroscopy has revealed some differences in the nature and position of the peaks in the low-energy region in the dark brown area and the light green patches. The atomic absorption spectroscopy also shows qualitative as well as quantitative differences in the inorganic set up of the two regions. The electron spin resonance spectroscopy reveals the presence of a peak in the dark brown region only, indicating the presence of free radical in it. The differences observed in the ultra-structural and spectroscopical features, and also in the inorganic components of the two regions, are discussed in relation to their physical and physiological properties.     

Improvement of Artificial Foldable Wing Models by Mimicking the Unfolding/Folding Mechanism of a Beetle Hind Wing

<正> In an attempt to realize a flapping wing micro-air vehicle with morphing wings, we report on improvements to our previousfoldable artificial hind wing.Multiple hinges, which were implemented to mimic the bending zone of a beetle hind wing, weremade of small composite hinge plates and tiny aluminum rivets.The buck-tails of rivets were flared after the hinge plates wereassembled with the rivets so that the folding/unfolding motions could be completed in less time, and the straight shape of theartificial hind wing could be maintained after fabrication.Folding and unfolding actions were triggered by electrically-activatedShape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires.For wing folding, the actuation characteristics of the SMA wire actuator were modifiedthrough heat treatment.Through a series of flapping tests, we confirmed that the artificial wings did not fold back and arbitrarilyfluctuate during the flapping motion.     

Apical Surface Expression of Aspartic Protease Plasmepsin 4, a Potential Transmission-blocking Target of the Plasmodium Ookinete

To invade its definitive host, the mosquito, the malaria parasite must cross the midgut peritrophic matrix that is composed of chitin cross-linked by chitin-binding proteins and then develop into an oocyst on the midgut basal lamina. Previous evidence indicates that Plasmodium ookinete-secreted chitinase is important in midgut invasion. The mechanistic role of other ookinete-secreted enzymes in midgut invasion has not been previously examined. De novo mass spectrometry sequencing of a protein obtained by benzamidine affinity column of Plasmodium gallinaceum ookinete axenic culture supernatant demonstrated the presence of an ookinete-secreted plasmepsin, an aspartic protease previously only known to be present in the digestive vacuole of asexual stage malaria parasites. This plasmepsin, the ortholog of Plasmodium falciparum plasmepsin 4, was designated PgPM4. PgPM4 and PgCHT2 (the P. gallinaceum ortholog of P. falciparum chitinase PfCHT1) are both localized on the ookinete apical surface, and both are present in micronemes. Aspartic protease inhibitors (peptidomimetic and natural product), calpain inhibitors, and anti-PgPM4 monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced parasite infectivity for mosquitoes. These results suggest that plasmepsin 4, previously known only to function in the digestive vacuole of asexual blood stage Plasmodium, plays a role in how the ookinete interacts with the mosquito midgut interactions as it becomes an oocyst. These data are the first to delineate a role for an aspartic protease in mediating Plasmodium invasion of the mosquito and demonstrate the potential for plasmepsin 4 as a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine target.     

Description of Chytridiopsis Trichopterae N. Sp. (Microspora, Chytridiopsidae), A Microsporidian Parasite of the Caddis Fly Polycentropus Flavomaculatus (Trichoptera, Polycentropodidae), With Comments On Relationships Between the Families Chytridiopsidae and Metchnikovellidae

ABSTRACT. The microsporidium Chytridiopsis trichopterae n. sp., a parasite of the midgut epithelium of larvae of the caddis fly Polycentropus flavomaculatus found in southern Sweden, is described based on light microscopic and ultrastructural characteristics. All life cycle stages have isolated nuclei. Merogonial reproduction was not observed. the sporogony comprises two sequences: one with free spores in parasitophorous vacuoles, the other in spherical, 5.6-6.8 μm wide, sporophorous vesicles which lie in the cytoplasm. the free sporogony yields more than 20 spores per sporont. the vesicle-bound sporogony produces 8, 12 or 16 spores. the envelope of the sporophorous vesicle is about 82 nm thick and layered. the internal layer is the plasma membrane of the sporont; the surface layer is electron dense with regularly arranged translucent components. Both spore types are spherical. They have an ～ 35-nm thick spore wall, with a plasma membrane, an electron-lucent endospore, and an ～ 14-nm thick electron-dense exospore. the polar sac is cup-like and lacks a layered anchoring disc. the polar filament is arranged in two to three isofilar coils in the half of the spore opposite the nucleus. the coupling between the polar sac and the polar filament is characteristic. the surface of the polar filament is covered with regularly arranged membraneous chambers resembling a honeycomb. There is no polaroplast of traditional type. the cytoplasm lacks polyribosomes. the nucleus has a prominent, wide nucleolus. the two spore types have identical construction, but differ in dimensions and electron density. Free living spores are about 3.2 μm wide, the diameter of the polar filament proper is 102-187 nm, the chambers of the honeycomb are 70-85 nm high, and the polar sac is up to 425 nm wide. Living spores in the vesicle-bound sporogony are about 2.1 μm wide, the polar filament measures 69-102 nm, the chambers of the honeycomb are about 45 nm high, and these spores are more electron dense. Comparisons of cytology (especially the construction of the spore wall and the polar filament and associated structures) and life cycles reveal prominent differences among the Chytridiopsis-like microsporidia, and close relationships between the families Chytridiopsidae and Metchnikovellidae.