Mineralogical composition of sediment determines the preference for smooth particles by caddisfly larvae during case construction

1. The mineralogical/petrological composition of the substratum influences aquatic organisms in several ways. However, the actual mechanisms are often unclear. Some caddisfly larvae actively concentrate smooth quartz particles in their portable cases thus producing a smooth inner surface of the case wall. 2. The particle surface‐roughness preference of Perissoneura paradoxa (Odontoceridae) McLachlan inhabiting granite areas in relation to the mineral composition and surface roughness of sediment particles was examined. 3. Field surveys revealed that quartz was consistently smoother than other minerals but that it became rougher in larger size fractions, and the relative abundance of quartz decreased in larger size fractions. Consequently, smooth particles were less abundant in larger size fractions of the sediment. When larval cases were compared with sediment, quartz was actively concentrated in smaller cases of early instar larvae but was gradually less abundant in larger cases of well‐grown larvae. Because larvae use larger particles as they grow, late instar larvae develop an unselective choice of mineral types. 4. Subsequently, we experimentally forced the larvae to choose from a mixture of equal amounts of two artificial particles that had different textures (rough and smooth). The proportion of smooth particles chosen by larvae gradually decreased as they grew larger. 5. These results indicate that the larvae varied in their degree of preference according to particle availability in the surrounding sediment, which is governed by mineral composition and weatherability. We suggest that case‐bearing caddisfly can adapt to the local sediment environments by varying their standard and/or criteria for material choice. In this study, the possible mechanism for the variation is discussed.     

Effect of desiccation level and storage temperature on green spore viability of Osmunda japonica

In order to effectively preserve green spores, which have relatively higher water content and lose viability more quickly than non-green spores, we studied the effect of desiccation level and storage temperature on Osmunda japonica spores. The water content of fresh spores was 11.20%. After 12 h desiccation by silica gel, the water content decreased to 6% but spore viability did not change significantly. As the desiccation continued, the decrease in water content slowed, but spore viability dropped. For almost all storage periods, the effects of storage temperature, desiccation level, and temperature × desiccation level were significantly different. After seven days of storage, spores at any desiccation level stored at 4 °C obtained high germination rates. After more than seven days storage, liquid nitrogen (LN) storage obtained the best results. Storage at −18 °C led to the lowest germination rates. Spores stored at room temperature and −18 °C all died within three months. For storage at 4 °C and in LN, spores desiccated 12 and 36 h obtained better results. Spores without desiccation had the highest germination rates after being stored at room temperature, but suffered the greatest loss after storage at −18 °C. These results suggest that LN storage is the best method of long-term storage of O. japonica spores. The critical water content of O. japonica spores is about 6% and reduction of the water content to this level improves outcome after LN storage greatly. The reason for various responses of O. japonica spores to desiccation and storage temperatures are discussed.     

Changes in the localization and levels of starch and lipids in cambium and phloem during cambial reactivation by artificial heating of main stems of Cryptomeria japonica trees

Background and Aims

Cambial reactivation in trees occurs from late winter to early spring when photosynthesis is minimal or almost non-existent. Reserve materials might be important for wood formation in trees. The localization and approximate levels of starch and lipids (as droplets) and number of starch granules in cambium and phloem were examined from cambial dormancy to the start of xylem differentiation in locally heated stems of Cryptomeria japonica trees in winter.

Methods

Electric heating tape was wrapped on one side of the stem of Cryptomeria japonica trees at breast height in winter. The localization and approximate levels of starch and lipids (as droplets) and number of starch granules were determined by image analysis of optical digital images obtained by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Key Results

Localized heating induced earlier cambial reactivation and xylem differentiation in stems of Cryptomeria japonica, as compared with non-heated stems. There were clear changes in the respective localizations and levels of starch and lipids (as droplets) determined in terms of relative areas on images, from cambial dormancy to the start of xylem differentiation in heated stems. In heated stems, the levels and number of starch granules fell from cambial reactivation to the start of xylem differentiation. There was a significant decrease in the relative area occupied by lipid droplets in the cambium from cambial reactivation to the start of xylem differentiation in heated stems.

Conclusions

The results showed clearly that the levels and number of storage starch granules in cambium and phloem cells and levels of lipids (as droplets) in the cambium decreased from cambial reactivation to the start of xylem differentiation in heated stems during the winter. The observations suggest that starch and lipid droplets might be needed as sources of energy for the initiation of cambial cell division and the differentiation of xylem in Cryptomeria japonica.     

In vitro excystation of Echinostoma paraensei (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) metacercariae assessed by light microscopy,morphometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy

Trypsin and bile salts have been identified as important triggers for excystation of Echinostoma metacercariae. Although excystation in trematodes is a well-known phenomenon, some morphological developmental changes remain to be elucidated. In order to gain further insight into the in vitro development of metacercariae, we assayed different cultivating conditions: 0.5% trypsin and 0.5% bile salts; 1% trypsin and 1% bile salts; 1% trypsin and 0.5% bile salts; 0.5% bile salts; or 0.5% trypsin. By means of light microscopy and confocal microscopy, we characterized each encysted, activated, breached and excysted stage based on the morphological features. However, breached and excysted stages were not revealed in both bile salts and trypsin-free medium. Excretory concretions (25 ± 3.9) were visualized within excretory tubules, close to the ventral sucker and genital anlage. The oral sucker armed with spines and digestive system was similar to those of adult worms. The reproductive system is composed of a genital anlage and the cirrus sac primordium. In short, trypsin and bile salts associated were fundamental for the in vitro metacercariae excystation of Echinostoma paraensei. This article presents the first detailed information of all stages of metacercariae excystation obtained through light and confocal microscopy.     

IpaD is localized at the tip of the Shigella flexneri type III secretion apparatus

Type III secretion (T3S) systems are used by numerous Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria to inject virulence proteins into animal and plant host cells. The core of the T3S apparatus, known as the needle complex, is composed of a basal body transversing both bacterial membranes and a needle protruding above the bacterial surface. In Shigella flexneri, IpaD is required to inhibit the activity of the T3S apparatus prior to contact of bacteria with host and has been proposed to assist translocation of bacterial proteins into host cells. We investigated the localization of IpaD by electron microscopy analysis of cross-linked bacteria and mildly purified needle complexes. This analysis revealed the presence of a distinct density at the needle tip. A combination of single particle analysis, immuno-labeling and biochemical analysis, demonstrated that IpaD forms part of the structure at the needle tip. Anti-IpaD antibodies were shown to block entry of bacteria into epithelial cells.     

不同基质对北草蜥和中国石龙子运动表现的影响

动物在野外生境中的活动能力通常会受到许多方面(例如,运动基质表面粗糙程度、遭遇障碍物的大小与形状)的影响。在特定体温(30 ℃)条件下,测量主要分布区重叠的两蜥蜴种类(北草蜥和中国石龙子)在四种不同基质表面(塑料草坪;表面粗糙不透底的塑料地毯;光滑具透底网格的塑料地毯和表面光滑的塑料地毯)的运动表现,以及两者的攀附能力和最大游泳耐力。基质类型显著影响两种蜥蜴的运动表现。两种蜥蜴在粗糙表面运动时的疾跑速明显大于光滑表面(例如,塑料草坪上北草蜥为15.7 SVL/s,中国石龙子为8.1 SVL/s;光滑塑料地毯上则分别为11.4 SVL/s和3.5 SVL/s)。中国石龙子在光滑塑料地毯上具有最大的持续运动距离(10.6 SVL)和最少的停顿次数(1.9次)。北草蜥在光滑塑料地毯上具有最多的停顿次数(4.6次)。两种蜥蜴运动能力的种间差异显著。北草蜥具有较大的相对疾跑速度(北草蜥和中国石龙子:13.5 SVL/s vs 5.8 SVL/s)和攀附能力(143.8 ° vs 101.2 °),但较小的游泳耐力(83.5 s vs 238.5 s)。运动速度与耐力之间存在种间权衡关系而与攀爬能力无进化冲突的结论。     

The effects of p-hydroxycinnamaldehyde from Alpinia galanga extracts on human chondrocytes

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects millions of people worldwide. Patients have traditionally been treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but these are associated with significant side effects. Purification of the acetone extract of Alpinia galanga afforded p-hydroxycinnamaldehyde, as identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry analyses. By exploiting the cartilage explant culture, p-hydroxycinnamaldehyde suppressed loss of uronic acid, resulting in release of hyaluronan (HA), sulfated glycosaminoglycans (s-GAGs) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). p-Hydroxycinnamaldehyde and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), when incubated in primary human chondrocytes, also reduced release of HA, s-GAG and MMP-2. The results demonstrated: (a) that expression levels of the catabolic genes MMP-3 and MMP-13 were suppressed and (b) mRNA expression levels of anabolic genes of collagen II, SOX9 and aggrecan were increased. This study shows that p-hydroxycinnaldehyde from A. galanga Linn. is a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of OA.     

城市地表硬化对银杏生境及生理生态特征的影响

城市大规模的地表硬化改变了城市环境,影响了城市中植物的正常生长。利用土壤水分温度仪ECH2O测定了不同硬化地表下土壤含水率(WCS)和土壤温度(Ts),利用LI-6400光合仪,并配备荧光叶室,测定了银杏生长的环境因子和银杏生理生态参数。研究结果表明,城市地表硬化对银杏生长环境的影响主要表现为空气温度(Ta)和土壤温度(Ts)升高,空气相对湿度(RH)和土壤含水率(WCS)下降,银杏对地表硬化的生理生态响应表现为净光合速率(Pn)、蒸腾速率(Tr)、气孔导度(Gs)降低,叶面饱和水汽压亏缺(VPDL)增大,叶片含水率(LWC)下降;最大光化学效率(Fv/Fm)和PSⅡ实际光合电子传递量子效率(ΦPSⅡ)下降,硬化程度越高,银杏受到的胁迫越重;受城市地表硬化的影响,银杏吸收的光能用于光化学反应的比例减少,而用于热耗散和荧光耗散的比例增加,城市硬化地表上银杏的水分利用效率(WUE)、光能利用效率(LUE)和CO2利用效率(CUE)明显下降。     

The effects of immune rhesus monkey serum on schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni during cultivation in vitro

Clegg J. A. and Smithers S. R., 1972. The effect of immune rhesus monkey serum on schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni during cultivation in vitro. International journal for Parasitology2: 79–98. The sera of rhesus monkeys hyperimmunized by 2–4 exposures to S. mansoni cercariae contain an antibody lethal to schistosomula cultivated in vitro. The antibody (IgG) is dependent on labile factors in fresh monkey serum. It can be absorbed by adult worms cultivated in vitro and it is not the antibody responsible for CHR or COP reactions. A titre of lethal antibody sufficient to kill all schistosomula in vitro is maintained for 2–3 months following challenge: it then falls to a moderate level which may be retained for several years. After inactivation, hyperimmune serum inhibits the growth of cultured schistosomula but does not kill them. Following a small primary infection rhesus serum develops a marked growth-inhibiting property and a low titre of lethal antibody at about 4 months, i.e. the time when resistance to reinfection can first be reliably demonstrated.     

Activation of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis arginase at low temperature by binuclear Mn center formation of the immobilized enzyme on a Ni resin

In Leishmania, arginase is responsible for the production of ornithine, a precursor of polyamines required for proliferation of the parasite. In this work, the activation kinetics of immobilized arginase enzyme from L. (L.) amazonensis were studied by varying the concentration of Mn²⁺ applied to the nickel column at 23 °C. The intensity of the binding of the enzyme to the Ni²⁺ resin was directly proportional to the concentration of Mn²⁺. Conformational changes of the enzyme may occur when the enzyme interacts with immobilized Ni²⁺, allowing the following to occur: (1) entrance of Mn²⁺ and formation of the metal bridge; (2) stabilization and activation of the enzyme at 23 °C; and (3) an increase in the affinity of the enzyme to Ni²⁺ after the Mn²⁺ activation step. The conformational alterations can be summarized as follows: the interaction with the Ni²⁺ simulates thermal heating in the artificial activation by opening a channel for Mn²⁺ to enter.     

The expression of peptidoglycan recognition protein-S1 gene in the scallop Chlamys farreri was enhanced after a second challenge by Listonellaanguillarum

A more rapid and powerful response against repeated exposure of same pathogen in vertebrates is usually considered as the reflection of immunological memory, but it is not well understood in invertebrates. In the present study, the temporal expression profiles of Chlamys farreri peptidoglycan recognition protein-S1 (CfPGRP-S1) gene after two challenges of Listonella anguillarum were examined to evaluate priming response in scallops. The up-regulation of CfPGRP-S1 mRNA occurred 3 h earlier, and the expression level was significant higher (P < 0.05), after the second challenge than that after the first challenge. The preliminary results provided new insights into invertebrate immunological memory, and they also would be helpful to develop strategies for disease control.     

Ontogenetic- and condition-related effects of starvation on responsiveness in herring larvae (Clupea harengus L.) during repeated attacks by a model predator

The escape behaviour of fed and food-deprived herring larvae (20-30 mm SL) was studied during repeated attacks with a glass probe in order to investigate the causal mechanisms of starvation-induced changes in reaction to predators. Two experiments were set up: one where the fed and starved larvae were of the same age but of different sizes and one with groups of similar size but different ages. Biochemical and morphological condition measures described the condition of individual larvae. Starved larvae showed a lower responsiveness than fed larger larvae of the same age, and the responsiveness in this experiment decreased with decreasing nutritional status of the larvae. However, starved larvae that were of the same size but older than fed larvae showed a higher responsiveness, which could be explained by differences in development of sensory systems. A combination of condition and developmental factors thus explained the differences between starved and fed larvae. Both starved and fed larvae showed decreasing responsiveness over time with repeated attacks with no difference between starved and fed larvae in the relative change over time. The results emphasise the importance of taking into account individual age and/or development when the nutritional condition of wild-caught larvae is incorporated in survival models.     

内生真菌角担子菌B6对连作西瓜土壤尖孢镰刀菌的影响

建立了快速定量检测土壤中角担子菌(Ceratobasidum stevensii)B6的实时定量PCR方法,同时跟踪了土壤中尖孢镰刀菌数量的动态变化,以及不同的发酵组分对开花期西瓜土壤微生物区系的影响。PCR扩增分析表明引物Cf1/Cr1有很好的特异性,能对角担子菌B6特异性扩增得到371bp的条带,对其它10株真菌不能有效扩增。使用荧光定量PCR对施加角担子菌B6的土壤总DNA扩增,结果表明将活菌B6固体发酵物施加到土壤1周后,B6的数量有一定的增殖,达到7.4 log(pg DNA/g干土),随着时间推移,数量逐渐减少,在第5周的时候低于检测限;而液体发酵液处理从一开始施加到土壤后,B6的数量就开始逐渐减少,在第4周的时候就低于检测限。施加活的B6菌4周内能够有效地控制尖孢镰刀菌的数量(尖孢镰刀菌数量维持在5×103 CFU/g干土左右),之后随着B6数量的减少尖孢镰刀菌数量大量增加。活菌B6在土壤中能够存活1个月左右,不会过度影响土著微生物区系,是一株环境友好型菌株,对土壤微环境的干扰较小。     

The Drosophila gap gene giant regulates ecdysone production through specification of the PTTH-producing neurons

In Drosophila melanogaster, hypomorphic mutations in the gap gene giant (gt) have long been known to affect ecdysone titers resulting in developmental delay and the production of large (giant) larvae, pupae and adults. However, the mechanism by which gt regulates ecdysone production has remained elusive. Here we show that hypomorphic gt mutations lead to ecdysone deficiency and developmental delay by affecting the specification of the PG neurons that produce prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH). The gt¹ hypomorphic mutation leads to random loss of PTTH production in one or more of the 4 PG neurons in the larval brain. In cases where PTTH production is lost in all four PG neurons, delayed development and giant larvae are produced. Since immunostaining shows no evidence for Gt expression in the PG neurons once PTTH production is detectable, it is unlikely that Gt directly regulates PTTH expression. Instead, we find that innervation of the prothoracic gland by the PG neurons is absent in gt hypomorphic larvae that do not express PTTH. In addition, PG neuron axon fasciculation is abnormal in many gt hypomorphic larvae. Since several other anteriorly expressed gap genes such as tailless and orthodenticle have previously been found to affect the fate of the cerebral labrum, a region of the brain that gives rise to the neuroendocrine cells that innervate the ring gland, we conclude that gt likely controls ecdysone production indirectly by contributing the peptidergic phenotype of the PTTH-producing neurons in the embryo.